Elimination Exit

[Raditzu]

Kajin Rala was an odd sight to see. Posters, flashing signs, and autograph cards with pictures of Bardock on them seemed to be everywhere. Karl had moved into merchanidisng mode in record time, it seemed. It wouldn't have surprised Raditzu if merchandise had been made for every competitor that entered, so that they'd be able to get things set up as quickly as possible. There was also a large assortment of Yamu paraphernalia and several Raditzu "series 2" things for sale. Small knick-knacks could be found for everyone who was still alive on the final day, it seemed.

The whole ordeal brought a quiet grin to Rad's face. If he had seen this scene twelve hours ago, he probably would have been furious that someone other than him was on a poster, but right now he couldn't care less. In a way, he actually felt a sense of freedom. He could still see the glare of the spotlight, but now Bardock's shadow was helping to shield him from it. It made him feel very content.

"Mr. Raditzu!" cried out a small child.

"Hmmm...?" the saiyan didn't think he would have to deal with people yelling his name immediately. "'Sup, kiddo?"

"Mr. Raditzu!" the child repeated. He couldn't have been more than seven or eight years old. In his outstretched hands were a beat up picture that said 'the long-haired wonder' and a felt-tip pen.

"Hahaha... ya want my autograph?" The child nodded vigorously. "Ya know I didn't win this one, right?" This time the kid shook his head and glared at the towering saiyan in front of him.

"You're the real champion."

Raditzu gave a genuine, hearty laugh at the child as he grabbed the picture and pen from him. The saiyan scribbled his name underneath "the long-haired wonder" and handed the two items back to the small boy. Then, with a smile, Rad dropped down onto his haunches and motioned for the kid to lean in.

"You wanna know a secret kid?" The child'd eyes grew wide and he nodded wildly. "I ain't no champion." The saiyan sprang up to his feet and flashed a grin that would go down in the history books. "I'm just me."