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[10] Watchtower - Burter Jr - 11-26-2005
Quote:16. Bra
22. Vegeta
10. Android 18
13. Raditzu
19. Bardock
23. Reijin
9. Cell
6. Android 17
Nobody spoke. No one wanted to relay what their dreams had told them. Some were scared, some embarassed, by what they had seen. Zarbon still hadn't awoke, but a few of them knew he died by checking his pulse. Some didn't need to check, and some would just rather not know at all.
The soft clicking of angelic boots was heard after a long uncomfortable silence. The doors of the watchtower opened after long last. Outside, it was nighttime. They had slept for hours. Gabriel stepped in, his wings now outstretched, making it obvious he was in fact an angel.
"I suppose I have some explaining to do," Gabriel told them.
"I'll say," Raditzu spoke in an unusually serious tone.
Gabriel nodded, stepping further into the watchtower. "The Watchman, you could say, is a God." He chuckled at the skeptical looks. "He's not a Kai, he holds no real power or authority. He, however, is a being beyond human, saiyan, android, or anybody here. He is all powerful. He is the only one of his race, and will always be."
"I don't see what this has to do with the matter at hand," This was from Vegeta. He had Bra on his lap. It was interesting, as the father would never do this before his encounter with the dream-world.
"The Watchman was the one that sent you into your dream states. All of you faces your biggest fears. As you can see, some faced them better then others," His eyes went from the newly transformed Cell, to the fallen Zarbon. "I was the one that scared Kao away."
"What was the plan he was talking about?" Asked Seventeen.
"Friend or Foe is ruined. The project is done. Brim is gone." Several gasps were heard. Brim? Dead? Just like that? "However, more pressing matters then Kao are at hand. Satan's minions roam the asteroid. They fear to come here, knowing they will lose."
"So why don't we just find them, and end it?" The young Bra spoke this time.
"I don't want to put the angels at any unnessecary risk. You must find them." He stopped for a moment. "You can split up if you wish, or all go in a group. Regardless, Kao is the least of our worries, I assure you. Fine the demons."
Nobody spoke as he walked off. Akira and Katel had entered the room from the staircase, the dead Doctor Flagg behind them.
"I will explain my story when you return," the old Flagg spoke, "I think there are more pressing matters at hand now."
(Okay, do what you want. You can go off on your own, split into groups, or just stay at the watchtower. Anything, really.)
[10] Watchtower - Android 17 - 11-27-2005
Seventeen rejoiced in gaining freedom from the hellish confines of his mind and passing the watchman?s test. He had banished his demons and through all the trials and tribulations, emerged more relieved then he had felt in weeks. Hopefully, this would be the last time evil would gain a monopoly inside him. The cybernetic warrior glanced around the room to see the rest of the participants slumbering as well. Were they battling their own demons just as the android had? Taking a seat in the corner of the tower?s lobby area, he watched as each of the other Friend or Foe competitors woke. From the expressions on most of their faces, Android Seventeen could tell they had undergone the same torment that he had. The sun had run its daily route while each of the warriors confronted their personal demons. Soon everyone save one was awake?only Zarbon remained comatose. Upon further investigation, the android realized that the teal transformer no longer had a pulse. Apparently, the warrior had succumbed to his nightmare.
The clicking of heavy boots permeated the silent chamber, and seconds later, Gabriel entered the watchtower?s lobby. Flexing his snow-white wings, the seraph went on to explain the truth behind the old man who guarded the watchtower. The revelation, oddly enough, didn?t shock the android all that much. Over the past few weeks he had discovered some very unbelievable things to be true. Next to personal angels, legions of demons, and mutating androids, an old man in a tower being some type of omnipotent being did not seem that odd to him. Still, the machine-hybrid was more interested in what had become of Brim?s heir, Kao. What had happened to the enraged adolescent who had nearly slain them all earlier? What the android received as an answer was that Brim was dead, and it was the group?s new duty to hunt down the minions of Satan that still roamed the wilds of Kala.
Gabriel?s words repeated in the machine-hybrid? mind, but they were actually the least of his concerns at the moment. Glancing around, Seventeen knew that all the other competitors could just as easily deal with the unholy invaders without him. There was something far more personal still disturbing the android. The visor he had put back on after awaking was displaying the power of the other surviving competitor?s, and all of them were leagues ahead of the cybernetic warrior. However, one signature, a few miles away from the tower, was very familiar. Android Seventeen picked up the blade of the avatar and made his leave of the watchtower. Outside, even in the black of night, the cadre of seraphs was still keeping vigil.
Seventeen took to the cool night air, his eyes concentrated on the red mark on his visor. If he put Vapor out of commission now, then there would be no threat of Byrk escaping his hellish prison. That way, the android could at last have some peace when he returned home; however, if he failed on Kala that would mean that escaping the war-torn asteroid would only put him back on Earth. There he would have to deal with the bio-androids once again. To the machine-hybrid, peace and tranquility seemed a lifetime away, but he was willing to do his job if it meant that eventually he wouldn?t have to worry about demons, zombies, or super-charged bio-androids attempting to destroy everyone and everything.
With the watchtower now a few miles behind him, the android noticed a giant depression on the surface of the asteroid. A wide fissure, dense fog concealing how far down it went, was lying almost hidden on the dark, night surface of the asteroid. On the green screen of the battle visor, a line of code informed the android that the signature he believed to be Vapor?s was immobile in this chasm. Seventeen hovered above the churning unknown for a few moments, long enough for him to muster the courage to investigate what lie below him. Android Seventeen shut his eyes for a few moments, allowing his eyes to switch over to night-vision, and then with the press of a button, he turned his visor to uncloaking mode. After taking the two protective measures, the android dropped into the crack in the asteroid?s surface. In only a few seconds, the cybernetic warrior realized that maybe he shouldn?t have investigated Vapor.
It may have been wiser to stick around with the others back at the watchtower. At least there he would not have to worry that much about being ambushed, and at least in safety of a group he wouldn?t have to explore this bizarre fissure himself. The entire ravine didn?t just feel like a grave?it look like one too! The lower he descended the more corpses Seventeen saw. Partially decomposing, ravaged bodies had been nailed against the walls of earth with shards of metal and piping. The permanent expressions of fear and agony that each corpse bore was equally as eerie. The floor of the crevice was littered with broken, bleached bones and biological shrapnel. Torn, decomposing organs and strips of skin and sinew were displayed everywhere like some type of twisted holiday decorations.
At the other side of the pit, a sole, human figure was levitating in the air. Android Seventeen cracked his knuckles and threw his hands forward, releasing an impromptu blast of ki. The fog was scattered by the immense light and speed of the wave, permitting the android to see that the figure was indeed the bio-android he was hunting. Yet, even in the small window he had before the blast struck, he noticed that something was different with the bio-android. Vapor didn?t even bother to defend himself against the wave of energy.
Leaping into the sky, the android shot off like a rocket. He wanted to be out of that foggy grave before his gaseous adversary could gain the upper hand. Below him, he heard a high-pitched scream that triggered the entire fissure below him to explode in a blinding, green flash. Large chunks of stone and earth were scattered everywhere by mighty explosion. The machine-hybrid, barely escaping the blast radius, looked back down to see a giant mass of upturned stone, earth, and remains where the ravine had been moments earlier.
?I thought I warned you not to interfere with my plans, android!? Vapor?s voice, strangely deep and labored, almost caused Seventeen to soil his pants. Spinning around, his cheekbone became the victim of a potent punch. Spiraling downward, it only took a few seconds for the cybernetic warrior to stop himself before the impact with the ground liquefied him. Reverting to his normal sight, the android looked up and noticed that Vapor was fuming. The short bio-android was huffing and puffing, sucking in deep breaths of air as his eyes burned holes straight through Android Seventeen.
?What?s the matter with you?? the machine-hybrid asked with a usual overdose of sarcasm. Vapor, seeming a little green, struggled to smile. His veins were swelled to the point where they were all clearly visible, and a thin layer of sweat covered the panting bio-android?s entire body.
?Power?something you would know nothing about, android. All the evil vanquished on this asteroid?it?s like one giant buffet,? Vapor smirked for a few moments before adding the kicker, ?and there was one recently vanquished evil that made a very interesting addition to my already massive repertoire!? Android Seventeen only had to think for a second before the possible realization set in?Brim. What the hell did Vapor mean by repertoire? Before the cybernetic warrior could ask, the bio-android was suddenly engulfed in a blue aura. Darting down at his prey with an animalistic shriek, Byrk?s lieutenant threw only a single punch, but one strike was all he needed to drive the air straight from the lungs of his cybernetic prey.
The machine-hybrid?s plate of armor splintered outward from the point of impact. Reeling back Seventeen tried to avoid the kick that followed, but his opponent had always been quicker then he was. Now it seemed that Vapor?s abilities had increased exponentially. The android?s chest plate exploded into a million shards that glistened in the moonlight. With one final outburst, Vapor drove his elbow into Seventeen?s neck, sending the android to the ground below like a bomb.
When the machine-hybrid hit the pile of rock and earth, he was fortunate enough that he was buried under several feet of shifting debris. If the android remembered correctly, the bio-android could not sense ki signatures?but with this new power surge, had Vapor gained that ability? If the triclops had indeed learned to sense ki then the android was as good as dead. Slightly opening his eyes, Seventeen almost gasped at what was resting in the earth right next to him. A bodiless skull, a single eye and a few layers of burnt tissue were all the signs of life that remained. Even with the overpowering stench and sight of death right beside him, the machine-hybrid knew he had to retain his composure. He could hear rushed footsteps making their way around his hiding place.
?I know you are not dead, android!? Vapor growled, ?Just remember that every evil you vanquish?you open up my chance to replicate their power! You can go ahead and try to save these people by killing those demons, but I will just be all the stronger when I free Lord Byrk!? Right next to the android?s feet, the uneven ground was scattered as Vapor exploded into the night sky. Waiting a few minutes, Seventeen quickly pulled himself out of the makeshift hiding spot. Maybe it would be wise for the cybernetic warrior to avoid confronting the super-powered bio-android until he was back on Earth. At least there he knew he would have some backup?hopefully.
Taking to the air, Android Seventeen turned on the battle visor and prepared to go demon hunting. Even if killing them empowered Vapor in some way, he knew that the people of this asteroid didn?t deserve to live in fear for the rest of their lives.
[10] Watchtower - Bra - 11-27-2005
Waking up was a challenge in it?s own right. Suspended in the realm between slumber and consciousness, Bra lacked the motivation to push herself over the edge and actually get up. She opened wide, a silent yawn conveying her exhaustion from all that had happened thus far. Her nightmare had faded away, but it, too, took it?s toll on the little girl. But despite all the fighting, running, and traveling she had done, what sleep she had gotten, terrible or no, had Bra feeling somewhat refreshed.
?I suppose I have some explaining to do.? came a soft, harmonious voice from out of nowhere. The intrusion of speech startled the half-asleep princess, who snapped just off the floor, before resting her head back on the tiles.
?I?ll say.? the voice was unmistakably Raditzu?s. Bra opened her eyes, tilting her head to see the long haired saiyan who had already made it to his feet. He spoke with the angel, who the watchman called Gabriel. The moniker unearthed memories of her time spent with the general of the same name once again, but she shook them off, trying to focus on the here and now through the thick haze of sleep which befuddled her thoughts. The halfling forced her way to her feet and groggily shuffled toward her father, who had taken a seat in a painfully spartan wooden chair.
?The Watchman, you could say, is a god.? the seraph replied, pausing to chuckle at the looks of confusion and skepticism that shone from the others around him. The cyan haired youth made no reaction; she was still trying to wake up, and could hardly process the information as it was given, let alone react to it, ?He?s not a Kai; he holds no real power or authority. He, however, is a being beyond human, saiyan, android, or anybody here. He is all-powerful. He is the only one of his race, and will always be.?
?No way...? Bra murmured to nobody but herself. She realized that she must have been one of the last ones to wake up, and could only spot Zarbon?s body on the floor, while the others had either taken to their feet, or to chairs scattered in the tower. Vegeta took his child, seating her on his lap, and allowed her to rest her weary head against his chest as the prince entered the conversation.
?I don?t see what this has to do with the matter at hand.? he stated, though Bra hardly heard it. She was distracted by a curious notion; although her father had never shown this kind of affection for her before, it seemed... somehow familiar.
?The Watchman was the one that sent you into your dream states. All of you faced your biggest fears.? the angel paused to let his words sink in, ?As you can see, some faced them better than others.? he glanced from Cell, who had taken on yet another outlandish appearance, to Zarbon, who remained unmoving. A cold chill ran down Bra?s spine. Zarbon was dead. But... how? Gabriel continued, derailing this new tangent, ?I was the one that scared Kao away.?
?What was the plan he was talking about?? it was the Hell Fighter look-alike. Either he was a twin, or perhaps an impostor of some kind.
?Friend or Foe is ruined. The project is done. Brim is gone.? Gabriel said, with a far colder tone than his almost melodious voice seemed to be capable of. The young Bra gasped in surprise. Brim was dead? Without so much as a victory fanfare? The man who plagued her very dreams was dead, without so much as a second thought? ?However, more pressing matters than Kao are at hand. Satan?s minions roam the asteroid. They fear to come here, knowing they will lose.?
?So why don?t we just find them, and end it?? the cyan haired princess inquired. The question was meant to have only been asked to her father, but she realized from the attentive gazes that everyone must have been within earshot.
?I don?t want to put the angels at any unnecessary risk. You must find them.? he stopped for a moment, ?You can split up if you wish, or all go in a group. Regardless, Kao is the least of our worries, I assure you. Find the demons.?
Gabriel turned and walked out without another word. He passed by the two elemental sisters and Doctor Flagg on his way, neglecting to acknowledge any of them. He was noticeably preoccupied, and so nobody chose to address him for the rude display.
?I will explain my story when you return.? the undead scientist spoke, ?I think there are more pressing matters at hand now.?
Bra was fantastically dumbstruck. She had absolutely no way to respond to the wealth of information handed over to them in the minute Gabriel had spent explaining things to them. The most frightening aspect was that the half-blood almost wished that Brim hadn?t yet died. She had been coping with the tournament almost purely thanks to the idea of extracting her revenge upon the man, and feared how she might continue in the new, much more dire campaign without that kind of insatiable drive. But then, huddled in her father?s arms, she felt invulnerable. No, they would fight. They had to, it was in their blood. Genetics dictated as such, and she couldn?t escape it if she wanted to. Bra would fight for her father, and hoped that he would do the same for her.
?I?m heading to the hospital. It?s the place I?m most familiar with, and there?s something I missed on my last visit that I want to investigate further.? the person who spoke was unfamiliar, but the coloration of his skin and the bizarre mesh of ki signatures that spilled from him were unmistakable trademarks of the genetically-engineered Cell. His body wasn?t the only thing that had changed; his voice had grown deeper, more masculine, having lost the odd, unhuman tone still present in his last state. This altered Cell appeared much more human-like. He retained the wild oddities that made him unique, but lacked the monstrous qualities he formerly possessed, ?Of course, anyone is welcome to join me...?
?Cell?? Bra hazarded. She knew it was him, but something told her that she needed to hear it from him. The android turned to her with a wide smirk of satisfaction.
?Yes.? he replied, not with a question, but a statement.
?...Can I come?? the question was honest. Innocent. Not at all like the attitude the princess tried to convey. It was becoming more and more difficult to hide her thoughts and feelings. Why did she want to anyway?
?It makes no difference to me.? an expected reply. Bra smiled softly, wrapping her arms tightly around her father for a moment.
?Daddy,? the word simply slipped out. The child cursed herself for not catching it in time, ?You can come too, you know?? she stopped suddenly, ?But, I mean... If you have other things you need to do... that?s cool too...?
The cyan haired hybrid stood up, leaving Vegeta alone on the chair as she padded over to the transfigured creature who had moved to the doors, awaiting any others who would take him up on his offer.
?Nonsense.? the executive replied, driving a knife through Cell?s temple and out the other side. A sickening spasm racked the black speckled warrior?s body just before the chains suspending him were released, allowing the dead creature to hit the ground with a dull smack. Blood oozed from his head while his lifeless eyes stared straight ahead, right at Bra. The haunting eyes seemed to beg for help, and yet Bra was able to do little more than bang on the windows in desperation.
The snippet recalled from her dream caused the princess to snap her head back in surprise, as though she were dodging a punch. But the Cell wasn?t dead! No, he stood here, somehow changed by the events of his own dream, obviously alive.
?How does it feel, Bra? To be so completely helpless, hm? A bit empty, I suppose. That?s okay, these next two fools should hit closer to home, I?d imagine.? Brim smiled widely, removing another plastic bag while Raditzu pulled off the last one. Two more spotlights shone on, illuminating both Kami and Trunks.
The princess shivered, shaking the recollection from her mind. Scrambling for a focus to escape her memories, she looked over the genetic amalgamation before her, and how staggeringly different he appeared from his original, insect-like form. The girl began to wonder if he had any forms before that vicious insect-like creature he once was.
?Hey, Cell?? Bra started, ?My dad might be coming with us. Don?t worry, he?ll catch up if he wants to... but he might be busy, so... I dunno...? the half-blood trailed off before changing the subject, ?So... uh... what?s the deal with the transformations? Do they make you stronger? What made them happen??
?Enough with the questions!? Cell retorted.
?Well?? she pressed. Bra was nothing if not persistent, much to the dismay of her taller companion. The creature sighed, weighing the merits of answering her questions against simply ignoring the girl, who waited for a response.
[10] Watchtower - Android-18 - 11-27-2005
Shaky hands pressed against tear streaked cheeks. The world was but a blur through these eyes, ones that did not dare take in the light. They became enveloped in darkness, the safety of her palms. Nothing could explain the things that had developed, not a word could be uttered from her parched lips. An eternity had been spent within the confines of her mind. What had only be a minuet, had felt like years. Her cold finger tips pressed against her face, leaving red impressions. Why torment her so? Through cracked fingers she could see them, the others, had they felt such pain? A dream, perhaps, but it had felt so real to her. She had seen the Old Man as a kind person, yet she had been tossed into an inevitable mind fuck by him. She curled up upon the floor, hearing distant voices, and distant things. Should she have failed? She knew what the outcome would have been, a world of havoc within her cranium. Frankly, she was confused, disorientated. Already unstable, now being prodded by another disaster, of course she was hurt.
People were leaving; she did not feel compelled to join them. She took a look from behind her defenses, the angel had left. What the hell was going on? She had not thought, or imagined that this would happen. Demons, angels, and a God? Eighteen felt like she was in some book. She relaxed a little, letting herself take in a deep breath. What was she going to do?
?Babe,? and there he was. He crouched in front of her huddled position. She looked away. He reached to touch her arm, and she winched without meaning to. Raditzu held his hand back, ?What?s wrong?? He had no idea what she had seen, and her mind was still all mixed up. She shook her head slowly and then looked toward his face. He seemed concerned, but was he? She gave him a shy smile; it was all she could muster. Inside?deep inside, she felt afraid of him, but that was for her to know. She moved forward and let her arms wrap around his torso is a hug. It had just been a dream, it had been nothing, and there was no need to dwell on it.
?I?m fine, I?m just fine.? She broke away from him and then got to her feet. ?I have no idea where we should go, though; all I heard was that there are demons now.? She was facing the door to the outside, wondering if these creatures would be as unfeeling as their zombie opponents. ?Are you going to join them??? Her voice trailed off, her question was obvious. She had heard the young female and Cell discussing the hospital, would he tag along too? She did not feel like going back there. Well, she did not have to join him?if he didn?t want her to. She mentally slapped herself. Again, she felt that she really was useless to him, that he had really said those hurtful things. No, this man next to her would not say that, he would not hurt her. She turned on him quickly, a new smile on her face, bright as a bulb. ?What do you think? I heard there is a town, and also a forest. I for one wouldn?t mind exploring while kicking some demon ass. Do you think the hospital has more to offer?? She tilted her head with a curious look.
If he did decide to go with the others, would she follow? A little bit of her felt the need to go elsewhere, while another part of her did not want to separate. It was then that she wondered what he had seen in his fears. She often thought that someone as strong as he would fear nothing, but that could not be so. She looked into his face, tried to read it, see what he was thinking. That was impossible, she could not read a persons thoughts, she wouldn?t want to. She slipped her hand into his palm and entwined her fingers with his. The probability of leaving his side was low, she knew that, but if he wanted to go in different directions then she would do just that.
[10] Watchtower - Raditzu - 11-27-2005
It?s one thing to fuck with someone?s head? Raditzu looked around the top floor of the watchtower as his senses slowly returned to the real world. As soon as he had left that freakish nightmare, he knew it had just been in his head. He couldn?t remember the last time he had seen Lunch, and Kamikorro Daimaou was long dead. There was no way any of that could have been real.
?? but that was just cruel.? The saiyan finished his thought with a whisper.
People were already moving and talking. Most of it was nervous chatting, people ready to put behind them the fears they had seen. The long-haired warrior would have sworn he caught the odd glare from a couple of people present, but didn?t pay it any mind. What they had seen was their business, and if it involved him? well? at least they had pretty XTREME fears. Rad?s thoughts were interrupted as the angel ? ?Gabriel,? someone had called it ? spoke up.
"I suppose I have some explaining to do," the winged being began.
"Tch?I'll say.? Rad was less than thrilled about having been tossed into that disconcerting nightmare without warning. Gabriel nodded at the long-haired warrior?s comment.
"The Watchman, you could say, is a God. He's not a Kai, he holds no real power or authority. He, however, is a being beyond human, saiyan, android, or anybody here. He is all powerful. He is the only one of his race, and will always be."
"I don't see what this has to do with the matter at hand," Vegeta spoke up.
"The Watchman was the one that sent you into your dream states. All of you faces your biggest fears. As you can see, some faced them better then others. I was the one that scared Kao away."
Things were just getting better every second. Instead of being under the care of nice old man, they were being strung along by some all-powerful prick with a penchant for screwing with people?s heads. That was much better. Though, the sight of Bra all snuggled up to Vegeta was more than enough to make Rad snicker. Someone asked a question while Rad was musing.
"Friend or Foe is ruined. The project is done. Brim is gone. However, more pressing matters then Kao are at hand. Satan's minions roam the asteroid. They fear to come here, knowing they will lose."
"So why don't we just find them, and end it?" A valid question from the short-tempered princess.
"I don't want to put the angels at any unnessecary risk. You must find them."
The angel kept talking, but it was beyond Raditzu. Did he just hear this ?Gabriel? correctly? This was even more ludicrous than Stumpy?s little game show. A couple of women walked into the room, but Rad didn?t care. This big-shot with wings was not only keeping his little ?angels? safe in this watchtower, but he was telling everyone else to go do his dirty work. It hadn?t even been a request. He had flat out told them what they were going to do. Were it not for the sight of 18, huddled on the ground, Rad would have given the ?angels? a piece of his mind. But, right now, she came first.
?? babe?? Rad crouched next to the android. She responded by looking away from the saiyan. Not a good sign. He reached out to her, hoping to reassure the distraught android, but she recoiled. ?What?s wrong??
Seemingly without warning, Eighteen leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. ?I?m fine? I?m just fine.? After a moment she got to her feet. ?I have no idea where we should go, though; all I heard was that there are demons now.?
Raditzu was taken slightly aback. He hadn?t even really considered hunting the demons. More likely than not, Eighteen was just trying to change the subject? divert Rad?s attention. If that?s what she wanted, then he would happily oblige. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like pounding on some zombies would be a good stress reliever.
?Are you going to join them???
Her eyes darted towards Bra and Cell, but Rad wasn?t sure what she was talking about. He turned his head to the duo and listened in on their conversation. Sounded like they were headed towards the hospital. Rad had no desire to follow them, or go check out that creepy place. He turned his head back to Eighteen and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.
?What do you think? I heard there is a town, and also a forest. I for one wouldn?t mind exploring while kicking some demon ass. Do you think the hospital has more to offer??
Her face was lit up with a bright smile, but the change in demeanor was nothing short of outstanding. Rad searched her eyes as she spoke, trying to see something, figure out what was bothering her, but she would have none of that. Whatever she was thinking, she was making a point of hiding it. That was fine with him, so long as she didn?t dwell on it. He wanted her to be truly happy, but right now it seemed like he could just roll with the punches.
?Well? I doubt it.? Raditzu answered her question. ?Just between you and me, I?ve never been a big fan of hospitals. I hate getting shots.?
Eighteen giggled lightly, though Rad was unsure if it was just for show. He brushed it aside and pulled out his map as he continued to speak.
?If there?s a town somewhere -- ah, here it is -- that sounds like a pretty good spot to go demon hunting.?
?Fine with me.?
The two of them walked onto the outer deck of the watchtower, hand-in-hand and surveyed the scene. From their height, it was difficult to make out anything below them. Rad studied the map, then looked down to the terrain, then studied the map once more. Having gotten his bearings, the saiya-jin slipped his hand out of the androidess? and folded the map back up. The two warrior?s leapt from the watchtower and took off in the direction of the town. Rad floated along at a fairly steady pace, not wanting to leave Eighteen behind. After what seemed like forever, Rad cleared his throat and looked over to his compainion.
?Look? Eighteen,? he began, ?I don?t know what you saw back there, in your? uh? dream, I guess you could call it, but I?m here for you. If you ever need me, I?ll be there. Just? uh? remember that, ok?? The saiyan?s face had reddened slightly as he spoke, but it didn?t matter. It was the truth and he wanted her to know it. ?Anyway, why don?t we pick up the pace a bit, eh??
OOC: 18 and Rad headed to the town.
[10] Watchtower - Bardock - 11-28-2005
As time slowed to a standstill, the figure of the pseudo-Bardock held fast. All the saiyan was able to do was blink, and in that moment, the robed one before him turned into the figure of an old man. The real Bardock gasped; a sound that was drawn out. He twisted his body in an attempt to change course, spinning away to the side like a misdirected corkscrew. He landed hard on his shoulder, time speeding up once more. The saiyan grunted as he jammed his arm into its socket. The force of motion was not yet spent, and he bounced a few more times before coming to a sprawled stillness.
?Ugh?? he groaned, stumbling to his feet.
?Have you learned yet, Bardock?? the old man asked in a raspy voice. ?What is it you fear??
The proud saiyan drew himself up to his full height, face full of contempt, back to the tower?s watchman. ?I fear nothing.?
?That is not correct,? amended the other, a faint hint of warning in his voice.
A rush of feeling seized him, and his breathing started to quicken. His hands trembled as Bardock turned to face his adversary.
?I fear?my emotions.?
A smile crept upon the watchman?s face as the words echoed in the emptiness, their power shattering the spell. It was over.
In a single instant, Bardock?s eyes snapped open. He was lying by the wall where Kao had thrust him into, figure slumped on the ground. It was all just a dream, an invasion of mind. The fighter stood with ease, his body feeling oddly rested, though his brain was as anxious as ever. Others were getting up as well, except one did not. A man with green locks and pale blue skin still slumbered. Bardock knew better. He was dead. He could tell by the look that was frozen on the man?s face. He had been unable to overcome his fears. That?s what had happened to them all?facing their fears on the landscapes of their minds. It was sick beyond words. Bardock was displeased that someone had the audacity to trespass on the corridors of his consciousness. Silence filled the room, until the sound of boot scraping on stone could be heard. The great hall doors pushed open, and an angel walked through them. His massive wings were spread, a gesture that commanded attention to his great presence.
?I suppose I have some explaining to do,? the angel spoke.
?I?ll say,? Raditzu interjected seriously, his tone as hard as stone.
The angel nodded, continuing. ?The watchman, you could say, is a god.? He paused again, chortling at the looks this statement brought. ?He?s not a kai; he holds no real power or authority. He, however, is beyond human, saiyan, android, or anybody here. He is all powerful. He is the only one of his race, and will always be.?
?I don?t see what this has to do with the matter at hand,? the rough voice of Prince Vegeta argued pointedly.
?The watchman was the one who sent you to into your dream states. All of you faced your biggest fears. As you can see, some faced them better than others,? he answered as he cast his eyes upon Cell whose form had resumed the one Bardock remembered him for, and the green-haired man still lying on the floor. ?I was the one that scared Kao away.?
Bardock resisted the tempting impulse to start throwing his weight around, but seeing as how he had little to no power to do so, he declined.
?What was the plan he was talking about?? asked a familiar voice.
Android Seventeen.
Bardock made a mental note of his presence, quickly deciding to stay passive at the moment. There was more than enough time to settle an old score.
?Friend or Foe is ruined. The project is done. Brim is gone.?
Once more, the angelic warrior was interrupted by gasps. The remaining participants of the game could not swallow the notion that the great and terrible Brim had taken permanent leave. The speaker resumed hold of the audience. ?However, more pressing matters than Kao are at hand. Satan?s minions roam the asteroid. They fear to come here, knowing they will lose.?
?So why don?t we just find them, and end it?? Bra inserted.
?I don?t want to put the angels at any unnecessary risk. You must find them.?
Coward.
?You can split up if you wish, or all go in a group. Regardless, Kao is the least of our worries, I assure you. Find the demons.?
The bit about Kao almost seemed directed at Bardock. Like he would really listen to someone who didn?t have the balls to venture out and do his own dirty work. The angel walked away, leaving his will out in the open. It was clear that it was not a request, but a demand. The ice princess Akira and her elegant sister Katel descended the staircase to rejoin the group. Upon seeing her, the saiyan decided that now was as good a time as ever to speak with the elemental once more. He nodded to Akira, at the very least acknowledging her presence before turning to the ivy mistress.
?I see you got what you came for,? he began.
?And I see you haven?t,? she answered, an obvious observation.
?I?ll get the little bastard sooner or later,? Bardock promised with a hard smile. ?Too bad about your friends.?
?Yes, it is. They were dear comrades.?
?Are you going to stay here??
?Perhaps, for the moment,? she answered thoughtfully. Brim was gone, and thus she would not get opportunity for revenge, nor would Akira.
He was running out of small talk.
?I?m going after Kao,? Bar said finally.
?I expected you would,? Katel smiled knowingly. This made him grin.
?Don?t get into any trouble while I?m gone,? he joked, the first one not of a caustic brand in quite some time. His smile faded, replaced by something else, a look of acceptance. He leaned forward, a gesture which made her flinch in uncertainty. Bardock put his lips against her ear and whispered, ?I know you never needed me, but it was nice being around.?
He withdrew, holding her gaze for a moment before finally turning around to leave. He glanced around, Raditzu and Android Eighteen noticeably absent. Tch. He didn?t want to be a third wheel anyway. Bardock raced out of the watchtower, the scent of Katel?s perfume still lingering in his nostrils. He had been able to feel her warmth. Summoning the energy of crimson around his body, the saiyan rocketed into the sky, a blazing beacon of light against the darkness that had settled across the atmosphere. The closest thing to him was the ruins of the production building, and that was where he would start. Maybe some of the equipment was still intact, and he could use it for his own benefit. The zombie army had completely withdrawn from the area, and the black-haired brawler doubted they would venture so close to the watchtower again. It was not long before he arrived, his boots landing amongst the rubble. An Oozaru was ridiculously efficient. Two, well, that was a story on a completely different level. The whole place was in shambles.
?Well shit,? Bardock remarked, looking the place over. Not a soul resided in this desolate destruction.
He started to sort through the ruins, looking for a passageway to a subterranean floor.
OOC: Gone to the FoF Production Ruins. One. Just getting started.
[10] Watchtower - Reijin - 11-30-2005
Images flashed through his ruined skull like something from a cult horror flick. Searing deeply into his cortex, he saw the image of Videl lying in the snow, no longer breathing. No longer laughing. He felt himself suddenly thrust from this world, as if all the centric force from the planet?s rotation had suddenly slammed into him, evacuating him from a world that was not his. He felt suddenly as if he were invading something that he shouldn?t.
He saw a human Videl looking at him, smiling, while she held a stack of schoolbooks in her hand. No? That?s not my Videl. He saw Trunks smirking, slapping him on his back. NO! That?s not the way things are at all! He saw Raditzu riding on a skateboard in a school yard, girls surrounding him. Ok, that?s not unusual? He saw the grey eyed girl, her eyes penetrating him with an icy stare. Who is she? He heard a voice. "You have learned. You have passed the test."
He awoke lying on the ground, feeling hard metal underneath his still cold skin. He shuddered subconsciously as he pushed himself up from the ground, wiping a strand of drool from his open mouth. He stared incredulously down at the metallic surface and the moisture that was there before looking around. He hadn?t remembered lying down to sleep, and he rarely slept with his mouth open.
Images of Kao attacking them invaded his memory, and he saw the green man as he swept like a cleansing scythe through his friends, ending their lives with the ease that only he himself could have perfected. The enraged creature was screaming at them in anger, and suddenly Bra?s Super Saiyan state flared up. Reijin saw a flash of gold from her, and when it faded, so had Kao.
He remembered having told the old watchman that it wasn?t humanity that he feared, that it was of losing his love. He shook his head as he continued to stare at the cold floor. ?No,? he whispered. It wasn?t anything like that. He had found himself saying it out of a continued Saiyan pride of refusing to tell the truth. He had said the first weak thing he could blurt out. In reality, he couldn?t stand being human. The vile taint had still not been cleansed from his soul ever since his awakening and the sheer underwhelming sense of weakness would take years to recover from. He felt as if he had become pathetic, something not of his true descent.
His eyes hardened. ?This is not the end for me.? He turned and allowed his gaze to drift across the room. There were only eight others in the room with him, and from the looks of one of them, he would not be awakening. Even now, his shallow breaths faded and then ceased all action.
Reijin heard the sound of cold steel upon steel, and the door suddenly swung open. Through everyone?s daze, not a one of them knew quite what to do. He saw a few heads idly turn towards the door, while others seemed as if they still had to recover. Finally his eyes adjusted and he saw a gauntleted foot stride with a purpose into the room. Long flowing locks of hair fell over a strong armored shoulder plate. Golden eyes penetrated each of them to their souls, and ivory wings suddenly emerged from their restraints on his back, filling out into the room with a purpose. Reijin saw nothing more than distant stars and night from behind him.
He touched his forehead for a moment, feeling a pool of cold sweat gathering at his brow. ?It?s night already?? he mumbled. He was slightly angry at having missed so much time. He turned, adjusting his black cloak along his own black suit of armor and looked at the angel levelly. The angel, however, seemed to not be concerned with him.
Without emotion, he addressed them all. "I suppose I have some explaining to do.?
In nearly the same tone of voice, Raditzu responded. "I'll say.? The words left him rather dryly, not at all in their normal humorous tone of voice. Reijin could tell that their experience with whatever it was that they had dealt with had left them all a bit different. Reijin could still relish the overall grandeur of the angelic symphony that he had witnessed. He knew that his spirit was somehow strengthened from that event.
"The Watchman, you could say, is a God,? Gabriel boomed, gliding into the room with a royal flourish. Around him he received looks of uncertainty, to which he smirked in response. "He's not a Kai, he holds no real power or authority. He, however, is a being beyond human, Saiyan, android, or anybody here. He is all powerful. He is the only one of his race, and will always be." He was certain in his words. Reijin was not.
"I don't see what this has to do with the matter at hand," the Saiyan Prince spoke bluntly. Reijin could tell from his tone that he was not eating this bullshit up any more than he himself was.
Gabriel?s eyes hardened, and then he gave a sharp nod. "The Watchman was the one that sent you into your dream states. All of you faced your biggest fears. As you can see, some faced them better then others," he trailed off, giving a slight gesture in the direction of one of the warriors. Reijin vaguely remembered the green warrior from before, but now he had seemed to increased greatly in power, transformed by the experiences he had faced inside of his own dream. Gabriel then swept his arm completely around the room, falling on the corpse of another warrior lying close by. "I was the one that scared Kao away,? he said simply.
A question immediately implanted itself into Reijin?s mind. Before Kao had left, he had been screaming about something. The words were no longer directly in his memory, but if he could recall?
"What was the plan he was talking about?"
Reijin?s focus snapped back to the situation at hand as the words suddenly linked up with the memory of exactly what the green man had screamed upon his exit.
The glowing warrior answered rather quickly, with complete certainty in his regal voice. "Friend or Foe is ruined. The project is done. Brim is gone." Three truths brought about a few surprised breaths of air from everyone within the room. Reijin noticed though that Gabriel had said nothing about Brim actually having been killed. He made note to keep that little observation in mind. "However, more pressing matters then Kao are at hand. Satan's minions roam the asteroid. They fear to come here, knowing they will lose."
Bra, sitting on Vejita?s lap rather peculiarly, spoke up with passionate anger in her voice. "So why don't we just find them, and end it?"
The angel smiled disarmingly as his voice spat blood. "I don't want to put the angels at any unnecessary risk. You must find them,? he commanded. Reijin felt his jaw tighten and the angel?s gaze fell on him for a moment. Reijin found that even he could not hold his eyes to the angel, and he found himself looking away to the others. Just like that, the angel smiled and passed over to the others. "You can split up if you wish, or all go in a group. Regardless, Kao is the least of our worries, I assure you.? His tone suddenly grew cold and commanding. ?Find the demons."
The Saiyan youth was perturbed as the angel turned, walking once more out through the watchtower door, slamming it with force behind him. If anyone had anything to say, none of them dared to speak the words. Angrily, Reijin turned around and saw Akira and Katel Dezmon standing atop the stairway watching the situation. Directly behind them stood the walking corpse of the man they had called Doctor Flagg. "I will explain my story when you return. I think there are more pressing matters at hand now."
The green warrior straightened his stance and moved straight for the watchtower door. He turned to them and gave a smirk. ?I?m heading to the hospital. It?s the place I?m most familiar with, and there?s something I missed on my last visit that I want to investigate further. Of course, anyone is welcome to join me?? He seemed so sure of himself that Reijin had to at least acknowledge that whatever he had faced inside of his own dream, he had faced it well.
He heard Bra speak up cautiously. ?Cell?? she questioned hesitantly. He nodded and answered simply. Reijin now had a name for the warrior. Her eyes seemed to glimmer for a moment, and then she refocused on the winged fighter. ?...Can I come??
He nodded to her indifferently. ?It makes no difference to me.?
She smiled childishly and snuggled against her father for a moment, exchanging a few words with her. Reijin watched as the two of them show sentiment to each other, and he found himself thinking about his dream. He was sure that they all were, by now. Finally, he heard Vejita sigh as Bra looked up at Cell beaming. ?Hey, Cell? My dad might be coming with us. Don?t worry, he?ll catch up if he wants to... but he might be busy, so... I dunno...? she let trail off into the air. ?So... uh... what?s the deal with the transformations? Do they make you stronger? What made them happen??
The creature gave an indignant snort as he angrily snapped at her, but undaunted, she pressed him. Reijin turned from them, and came to connecting glances with Akira. He had some training to do, and he damn well knew it. He saw Bardock standing nearby, conversing with the younger of the sisters as if he were very familiar with Katel. Reijin began to make his way over to them, noticing Bardock?s withdrawal and he watched him leave. Bardock seemed to have something planned, and Reijin could tell that the man was definitely a man of action. He found himself proud of the man.
Akira greeted him warmly as he approached. ?I?ve been waiting on you,? she smiled.
Reijin shrugged at her. ?You know how it goes? You walk out to kick someone?s ass and you wake up in a pile of your own drool on the ground.? He had such a way with the ladies.
Her younger sister wrinkled her nose at him. ?That?s gross,? she laughed. She looked at her sister. ?Have fun. I?m going to go find something else to do at the moment.? Akira nodded and Katel walked off.
Reijin watched her leave. ?Does she not like me or something?? he inquired.
Akira shook her head. ?No, it?s not that. She?s just somewhat distrusting after what happened to me with Brim, but otherwise? No, she just does her own things sometimes,? she shrugged.
He nodded. ?So about the flame ability??
?Ah, yeah, Pyrokinesis. You slept for hours, you know that? Its pretty dark outside by now,? she continued.
The Saiyan nodded at her. ?Yeah, I know. I really need to train though.?
She shook her head. ?No, you need to loosen up a bit. Stop being so hardcore and uptight,? she blurted out. She realized she had ruffled his tail feathers a bit when he stiffened, and she turned a shade of red. ?You know what I mean. Actually, how about this. We?ll talk about it, ok??
He waited for her to continue, but she said nothing. ?Um, ok?? He finally just nodded at her in annoyance. She smiled at him. ?Good, then let?s go for a walk.?
Reijin?s eyes widened. ?A walk?? She nodded teasingly. ?Do you realize its dark as hell out there? Speaking of hell, there are demons and hordes of zombies walking around out there.?
She stepped towards him and playfully put her finger on his nose, then smiled up at him, leaning in a bit. ?If you can?t handle it, I won?t hold it against you,? she said lyrically. Then Reijin watched as she spun around and walked out of the front of the watchtower door.
She never ceased to amaze him. No matter how he acted around women, they always seemed to have this way of catching him off guard. He sighed in frustration and followed her out the doorway.
[10] Watchtower - Reijin - 12-01-2005
They walked for a few minutes until they were a bit away from the watchtower itself. Reijin found himself constantly looking over his shoulder towards the angel that was once more perched at the top of the tower. He wasn?t sure where the other angels had vanished too. He looked at Akira as they walked, and realized that she seemed to be quietly speculating something. He cleared his throat a moment before speaking. ?So where are we going??
?Nowhere in particular,? she replied. ?I just wanted to get out for a bit. My sister has been a bit protective of me since I came back, and as much as I am glad to see her, I need some air.
Reijin nodded. ?So tell me more about this fire ability. Pyrokinesis, I believe you called it.? He looked at her from a side glance. ?You don?t seem like you are the type that Brim would be after.?
She responded with a level look ensuring that she had his attention. ?You haven?t seen me fight.? She turned back to her path and gingerly stepped along the dirt. ?I am very good at what I do.?
?And what is it that you do??
She sighed for a moment. Her face seemed as if she was nearly at a loss for words, and then she hardened. ?Whatever I need. I can?t really give details. Suffice it to say that I am very strong with my abilities.?
The Saiyan found himself nodding. ?Fair enough. If there is a fire manipulation ability, is it safe to assume that there is an opposite? Ice?? He saw her nod even through the darkness, and he smiled. ?I take it that Katel uses that then??
?No,? she answered. ?I control both elements myself.? She made a flourishing gesture at her icy clothing and flashed him a cool smile. ?She has her own style to follow.?
Reijin stopped for a moment. She noticed and stopped alongside him, but then he shook his head clear of strange thoughts and stepped forward once more. ?Why did Brim take control of you and not your sister?? he continued as if nothing had happened.
She shrugged. ?I don?t know. Are you planning on giving me an inquisition while we are out here?? Her voice began to betray an obvious irritation.
He drew in a breath of air, and allowed it to recede. ?No. I was simply making conversation.? He snapped his fingers for a moment, channeling a spark of Ki into them. He managed to attract the attention of Akira, but that was all. He snorted in agitation. ?So why fire?? he finally asked, returning to the questions that drove him.
She gave an annoyed sigh. ?Fire is the element of emotion. It thrives on passion, on the desire for action.? She shot him a hard look. ?I?m starting to believe that you are more suited for ice.?
His lip curled at the side in an almost laughing manner as he gave her another side-glance. ?Why is that??
?In fire there is the spark of chaos and destruction, the seed of life. In ice there is perfect tranquility, perfect order, and the silence of death,? she whispered. Her eyes glazed slightly, and then she smiled. ?That is what I was taught upon my training.?
The raven haired youth pulled his cloak a bit tighter around himself as he felt a chill of air blow through the forest. ?I guess I see why you feel I?m more suited to ice. Trust me; it?s through sheer training alone. Saiyan instincts are hard to overcome.? He noticed as the air drifted by that she pulled her arms around herself in an attempt to huddle herself for heat.
Reijin sighed, remembering something that Videl had tried to get into his head, and he reached up, removing the clasps of his heavy cloak, allowing it to drop into his hands. He then wrapped the cloak around her, achieving an almost surprised gasp from her as he did so, and then he found her wrapping it tightly around her scantily clad body. ?Thank you,? she mumbled.
He simply nodded. ?So why did you not use your fire to warm yourself?? His armor was enough to keep him warm, although he still felt the need to pull his cloak around him through sheer habit. Perhaps the lack of weight would do much for him.
?I felt no reason to.? Simple words were spoken, granting the warrior another opportunity to nod. It was an acceptable reason, he assumed. He suddenly stopped walking as they entered a small clearing in the woods.
?Show me your fire,? he spoke, strengthened by his resolve.
She looked at him, taken aback, as she stopped her stride nearby. Then she laughed and shook her head in fervent denial. ?No, you?ve seen my fire enough. Show me yours.?
Reijin?s brow furrowed and he looked caught off guard. Suddenly a sly smirk crossed his lips. ?How about this? You show me yours and I?ll show you mine.? It was a fairly common human saying that he?d heard while on Earth with Videl, though he was sure that it was usually meant in ways that he was unfamiliar with.
She giggled a bit and sat down against a log. ?I believe that you are trying to move along quite fast, Saiyan.? She saw his puzzled expression and realized that he was not aware of how she had interpreted his comment. Her face went a bit expressionless as she blushed, and she chose her next words wisely. ?Take a seat. I want to see what you are able to handle for now.?
He nodded and sat down next to her. She motioned to him in a way that he could only assume to be to enter meditation as he was used to. He sighed, calming himself, forcing out all emotion from himself as he glided through the steps for meditation easily. His training helped him through, knowing to not try to even relax the faintest of muscles, knowing that every minute twitch would betray the total state of relaxation he was to enter, even if those twitches were the result of an attempt to quell any muscular action.
After a few moments he felt himself sitting in a pile of leaves, his aura slowly creeping up around him. He felt it interweaving naturally around him, almost defensively, as his spirit twined its way throughout his entirety, making sure to leave no portion of his surroundings untouched. He could feel everything nearby in the most accurate of detail. He felt Akira sitting nearby, taking care to not contact her aura in anyway. She seemed to be thinking, as if curious about the Saiyan, but in ways that he could not quite interpret.
His breath seemed to escape his lungs softly, without betraying his silence through sound, and collecting before him in an eerie cloud of mist. The boy barely took notice of this as his thoughts began to shape themselves around the manipulation of his Ki. Like a living serpent, it began to slide throughout every portion of his body. Reijin could feel a warm presence begin to take shape deep inside of his core as a soothing massage of power radiated from his chest, spreading and working its way through every vein along his body. Reijin knew personally that those were not veins that his Ki was traveling along, but leylines. His training from Kasumi was always accounted for, and despite her lack of assistance in his goals, he nearly felt sympathy for having killed her.
Banishing his thoughts from a darkened veil, he continued to feel his aura desecrating everything around him. Each leaf that fell felt as his to command, to the point that through sheer Ki control alone he could cease its fall in ways similar to his using of Telekinesis. There were always multiple ways to go about solving any situation. It was his job to simply find and be the quickest, most efficient method of doing so. It was a trait the entire Saiyan race seemed to be known for, and the introduction of the human desecration to their species was something that brought along an eradication of this tactical efficiency.
Finally, knowing why he was here, he attempted once more to channel fire. He allowed the wisps of energy to course through the leylines of his body, exiting through pores unknown to physical flesh and to surround around his arms. He thinned his Ki once more in an attempt to somehow force the atoms of the sky around him against each other quickly enough to cause some form of friction, as if to strike a match. He had been thinking very deeply about this from the moment that he had seen her use it, and this seemed the proper course of action. He found his efforts useless however, as he did nothing more than attempt to push water within a rushing river.
Finally, began to allow himself to slowly drift his eyes open. Almost intercepting his final acceptance at failure, Akira?s presence suddenly engulfed him. Before his eyes actually opened, he found himself overwhelmed by the feeling of her all around him. He tried to open his eyes, and yet he could see her pushing him forcefully to the ground, pressing her finger to his lips. He opened his mouth to make a sound, to forcefully ask her about whatever was happening, but he could not do so.
She never made a sound as her lips connected to his, cool lips touching his and sending vibrations of ecstasy throughout his deepest entity. He shuddered, not having felt a touch like this in a long time, and her lips engorged themselves upon his, taking him in deeply as he found himself kissing her with a passion that he?d not seen? His mind, at a loss for words, simply trailed off at that moment, not allowing him to complete his thought. He found himself being pushed to his back, the air around them growing noticeably warmer. Her soft hair fell around him, raining down his cheeks in flowing waves of torment, each touch sending a sensation reverberating throughout his spine.
A soft gasp exited his lips for a moment, and he realized that he was losing control of himself. He finally simply banished his meditative state, no longer caring. He cared nothing for his silence and tranquility at that moment. A roaring furnace had ignited within him, and he simply needed release. His fingers clutched tightly around her arms as he kissed her madly, feeling her hands digging into his back. Reijin nearly cried out as she pressed her body up against his, moving slightly and sending a rocket of energy through him, causing him to shudder once more. Her tongue found its way into his mouth and he gladly took it in, responding in kind. He felt her hands slide up to his cheeks and begin to run alongside them, holding him tightly within her grasp.
Passion coursed through every vein, banishing his Ki down until it suddenly exploded around him without his control able to contain it. It burned brightly around him, and yet the Saiyan seemed not to notice. The only thing he cared about was the woman in his grasp. He slid his hand up her back, sliding his nails into her skin as he heard her emit a muffled scream, her voice dampened by their interconnected mouths. He began to slowly pull the shirt along her body up, revealing flesh upon more flesh. He felt her hands work alongside his, beginning to do the same as they seemed to find nearly hidden clasps on his arm and releasing them, opening the armor at the sides before quickly touching similar clasps along his shoulders.
He realized that they were lying on his cloak, spread widely around them and he wondered how it had ended up beneath them. The back of her upper clothing had split down the center, hanging loosely from her shoulders while still covering her front as she pulled back away from him. Reijin?s eyes met hers in a moment of fiery passion and she giggled suddenly. He took a deep breath, fighting desperately to calm himself, and suddenly realized that she was looking all over him. He allowed his gaze to follow hers until he realized that he had a strong burning flame surrounding his body.
Quizzically, he held up his hands before him. This was no aura in an inflammatory appearance as he was used to? This was something different, something new altogether. It was? ?Fire,? he gasped. He suddenly looked at her, seeing her biting her lip impishly and he regained control of himself quickly. The strange feelings suddenly receded around him and he jumped up quickly, noticing the flame vanish around him as soon as he gained control of himself. He began to quickly clasp his armor back together as she idly watched him move around almost dancingly before he finally spoke, having to clear his throat to make room for the words. ?I have to have water,? he finally expelled.
She sighed, nodding as she curled her arms around her knees, her back still exposed as her upper clothing hung between her shoulders and enclosed legs. ?There?s a small stream nearby.? She motioned with her head and Reijin realized that he could actually hear the water running. He nodded his appreciation and immediately ran as quickly as he could in the direction of the water.
[10] Watchtower - Reijin - 12-01-2005
His feet stumbled carelessly through the leaves, nearly tripping several times as he tried to follow the sound of the running water. What had she done to him? He had completely lost control. It was simply unimaginable. Reijin swallowed dryly. He never lost control. It was not in his nature, it was not within the confines of his training. A freezing feeling passed over him. What would Videl feel of this? He himself felt little in the ways of human love. He did not believe in the limitations of ?one man for one woman?, but he knew that humans were very strong about this. If she heard of it, she would probably interpret it as him having forfeited how he cared about her. Which simply wasn?t true. He could care for another and still care for her just as much.
He let out a growl of frustration, his foot finding a root in the ground almost mercilessly, thrusting him to the ground. He struck the ground hard, and angrily pushed his way back up to his feet. ?Why do humans have to always beckon to me with their foolish notions for weakened ideals?? he nearly yelled. He took a few more steps and somehow fell again, this time landing against the ground as his arm came to rest inside of a pool of water. The water was very cold. He snatched his arm back and shook it quickly, rolling back onto his rear as he leaned against a tree near the water.
He opened and closed his gloved hand repeatedly, attempting to knock off the immediate numbness. Something inside of him whispered to him? Use the flame. Abiding, he attempted to once more call out the flame, but he found that he could not find it anywhere within him. No matter how hard he tried, nor how much he controlled his Ki, he could not find the flame anywhere. His anger had nearly peaked by now as he watched the water rush by. This was stupid! This entire ordeal was mocking him. He kicked his leg out from his seated position, striking a rock into the water with a great splash.
He heard a rustle from behind him and he quickly rolled to a ready position on the ground when he saw Akira step forward, her clothing repositioned to cover her body. She had a slightly disappointed look upon her face, although she carried a smile. She motioned her head to the water and gave him an odd look. ?Aren?t you going to drink??
He shook his head. ?I did not know that it was possible for ice to take a liquid state,? he grumbled.
Laughing, she leaned down to the water, her hands igniting with small flame for a moment. After a few seconds, the water seemed to lose the cool mist over it and she finally extinguished her flame, dipping her hands into the water and cupping them so as to bring out a bit for drinking. She held her hands out to him offering, and when he did not move to accept, she leaned forward and splashed the water on his face. He jerked angrily to the side before realizing that the water was warmer now than the air around them, despite still being someone cool. He found himself sputtering to her. ?How? how did you?? It dawned on him that she was able to control the flame a lot more than he was. ?Your control over the flame is very strong,? he finally found himself saying.
She shook her head. ?You just don?t get it at all. A moment ago? When I was? with you,? she whispered, biting her lip. She seemed a bit nervous, but continued on. ?I was trying to help you realize that you were trying too hard. The fire is a thing of chaos, a thing of passion. You were trying to use cold trained control to affect it, and it doesn?t work that way. That?s why I said earlier that you seemed more likely to be on an ice path than fire, but fire is what I gave you.?
He shot her an almost fiery look himself. ?What are you talking about??
She sighed. ?You have to let go of yourself and not try so hard to control it,? she spoke. She motioned at the water, slowly beginning to collect a mist over it again. ?Cup the water and take a drink.?
He eyed her suspiciously before leaning over, his fingers dipping into the once more cold water, although he found it nowhere near the icy state it was at before, and he pulled out a perfect bubble of contained liquid, taking a cool drink to quench his thirst. After a moment, he looked to her. ?I don?t understand.?
She motioned at the water again. ?Cup the water again, but this time I want you to take both hands and intertwine them. Try to grab the water, holding it as tightly as you can.? She reached over to his heads almost lovingly and placed them in the water, positioning his fingers as she explained to him. He found himself doing as she asked, and noticed that the water sprayed out suddenly from every tiny orifice of his hands when he suddenly clasped them together. ?The harder you try, the more you?ll lose. The more you lose, the stronger you?ll be.?
Reijin?s eyes gazed upon her inquiringly. ?So the harder I try, the stronger I?ll be?? He could not believe that he was essentially hearing her speak his training regime to his face. She shook her head, though, giving him sad eyes.
?No, no, no! One day, you are going to have to realize that sometimes, you?ll just have to let go. Let go of yourself, of your control, of your sanity, of your love, of everything. Just let go. Your spirit will know what to do,? she finally explained. Suddenly a noise was heard to the side of them and she clamped her hand over his mouth. He couldn?t sense anything around them, but she seemed to see shapes. After a moment of allowing his focus to drift off, he saw the leaves parting in the distance as well. He stopped struggling as she handed him his cloak once more. ?Put it on. We have company,? she whispered. She rose to her feet and tightly clenched her fists for a moment.
Reijin rose up beside her, reconnecting the cloak to its place upon his back as he began to see shambling forms in the distance. ?So what?s the plan?? he whispered back to her cockily. After the stress that he?d been enduring, he was happy to finally have a little fun. Other than the fun she seemed to have been wanting. Not that he hadn?t found himself wanting it too. He winced at this, and quickly banished the thought from his head.
?Fire works best against the undead. Fire consumes them. Just watch out for the woods around here. They may catch fire, although it seems to be fairly moist in the leaves from the water?? she trailed off. She stretched a bit, and then her hands suddenly seared up from her fingertips, a blue flame rising along outstretched fingers to surround her entire hand. ?Shall we dance the dance of death?? Her giggle was all the warning he had before she suddenly cart wheeled into the foray, meeting one of the zombies face to face.
Reijin heard a grumble from behind him and he spun around, slamming his fist into the face of his attacker. It opened its mouth almost not noticing, spitting a vile liquid from it at him. He snatched his hand back quickly, turning to the side as the liquid hit the ground with no effect. He gave a disgusted snarl and brought his fist around once more, connecting with the creature?s throat until his fingers found themselves embedded into deep flesh to connect around a long dead windpipe. Clasping it, he suddenly pulled it out from the creature?s throat.
The creature, not noticing, continued to slash its claws outward at Reijin even has his hand emerged holding its severed windpipe. Reijin calmly batted the claws to the side and ducked down, rising behind him and wrapping its windpipe around its ripped throat. The creature thrashed wildly, finding only its movement hampered, as Reijin felt another creature bite down on his shoulder. He curse as he released the first rotting appendage to allow the other zombie to stumble forward a moment. He slammed his elbow back, connecting with the soft underbelly of yet another zombie, forcefully dislodging its teeth from his shoulder pads.
He spun quickly and grabbed the zombie, channeling a quick burst of Ki and thrusting it off into the distance where it skidded to a stop moments before climbing back to its feet. He turned to see Akira dancing through a group of five zombies, touching each one of them in key locations with her flaming hands until he noticed the zombies all stumble into each other as the spun wildly attempting to grab her. She giggled playfully as they all found themselves suddenly surround by living flame. She kicked off of a tree, flipping backwards over another pursuer until she landed behind him, slamming her fiery palms against his back igniting him as well.
Reijin scoffed for a moment. ?Well, she seems to be having fun,? he mumbled. He turned around, and finally decided to just go with it. He?d make a game of it. Almost reading his thoughts, she suddenly called out a number. He sputtered for a moment before his jaw tightened. She was keeping track of how many she had killed. Again. Two could play at that game. Why, he only had?
Reijin realized that the two creatures that had attacked him were both still moving. He spun around and grabbed one of them by their arm and ripped it from its body suddenly, slamming the hardened bone against the skull of another passing zombie. The creature crumbled beneath the blow, but the arm itself shattered mockingly. Annoyed, the Saiyan turned and fired a quick beam of energy at the other zombie as it wandered in for another attack. He hard her cry out the number twelve and he angrily counted two. He then smiled and began to dart through the trees, looking for yet another kill. He quickly found two more standing nearby, and he flipped over them, touching his palms to each of their heads before blasting them directly down the center of their spines before he landed. ?Four,? he counted triumphantly. This was rather fun after all.
His hands burst into flame on their own accord, and Reijin smiled menacingly. Now the real fun would begin. He looked over to see, to his surprise, a large pile of blue burning bodies was being formed nearby. She suddenly swung into view from the top of a tree, dropping down by her legs as she grabbed another zombie by the shoulders, lighting him up perfectly. She flipped down to her feet and saw Reijin with his own flame around him. ?Twenty-six,? she said matter-of-factly. Reijin?s eyes betrayed it all as she laughed at his small count. He turned from her, refusing to lose, and found himself competing in her little game.
He quickly fired a blast of energy into the distance dropping three alone by the sound of it, and then he spun around slamming a flaming fist through the skull of another. He found it interesting that the flames sometimes distinguished around his palm whenever he channeled his Ki through them, and then rekindled the moment his channeling ceased. The dark haired youth grabbed another zombie, igniting him and then he thrust him into another horde, lighting seven more zombies in one short. He quickly dropped to his knee as they all flailed about wildly and he took aim, firing a quick, explosive cannon of energy at the group until they all flew through the air in separate random directions.
Without preamble, Akira suddenly found herself backing into Reijin from behind. He jumped, startled a moment, and then he relaxed as he felt their flames interweave themselves and surround he two of them. ?How many?? she asked, breathlessly.
?Thirteen,? he grumbled.
She giggled. ?Don?t worry about it. You always have next time. I think they are gone now.? Suddenly she turned to him, her face furrowed up in disappointment. ?Or we killed them all. Wouldn?t that suck??
The hardened Saiyan warrior found himself laughing, his own flame glowing brightly around his body as he did so. He held his hand up in front of him and smiled even more. ?It seems I figured out the trigger.?
Taking his arm, she began to lead him back in the direction of the watchtower. ?It seems you have.? She grew quiet for a moment as she listened to the wind in the distance. Reijin found himself trailing off in thought as his fire extinguished around him, and she spoke once more, interrupting his thoughts. ?I wonder what the end of the world is going to be like??
He turned to her questioningly. ?Excuse me?? Realization dawned on him the moment she began to explain. ?Wait, nevermind. You mean this Satan destroying the world from hell thing, right?? He waited for her nod before continuing. ?Yeah, I guess I am kinda wondering about that as well. I really don?t think it?ll be the end though. That?s just something humans come up with in order to justify their own existence. Something has to justify their existence,? he mumbled. ?Now that I think about it, they do seem to cause a lot of trouble.?
She laughed. ?You seem to have quite a bit of trouble with them.?
He slowly found a smirk crossing his lips. ?Akira, you have no idea of the kind of trouble I can get into with a human.? He found himself thinking of Videl at nearly the same moment that Akira?s words interrupted his thoughts.
?Back there, I didn?t mean to upset you.?
He snapped back to reality with a quick look, unsure of what to say. She simply continued. ?I was trying to get you to relax. I mean, it was fun, and I wasn?t bothered by it, but if you think that I was trying to put you into a situation you didn?t want to be in, you can trust that I would not do that to you.? She turned to him with an impish grin. ?Unless you wanted me to,? she laughed. ?I got you to relax though, and finally got that damn fire out of you. You have to admit that was a fun route of training. I didn?t expect to have so much fun with it myself.?
He chuckled and said nothing, idly watching the stars as they emerged from the woods once more, standing at the doorstep of the watchtower.
[10] Watchtower - Burter Jr - 12-02-2005
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