Day Five: Evening

[Burter]

Day Five
6:00 PM - Midnight

"We're going to be locking the island down on the next update, so keep things moving as we move into the finale! Only one death in the last six hours but I'm proud of you all for the extra effort!

#37 Cargo

That's it! Good luck, all!

This is Karl, over and out!"


Notes:

-Roleplaying ends in 24 hours. You can still move and try to kill each other, but you don't have to. The finale will most likely be up immediately after midnight, so plan to stay up late.

-If you survive this OOC day, you are in the finale. You are free to keep moving to better your chances and kill someone off...if you wanna risk it

[Bra]

Bra exhaled with a long sigh as they wandered along over the ever-more-navigable terrain. Folding her good arm over her chest, she let her hand rest on her broken limb. The girl had to admit, Reijin knew his strategy. She would have just given her all in every fight possible, destroying herself along the way.

Chances are, she begrudgingly allowed, the raven haired combatant was probably responsible for keeping her alive for most of her time on the cramped maze of death and danger zones that was Dante?s Abyss.

?You know what...? the cyan haired hybrid broke the silence, taking a seat on a fallen tree. ?This thigh-high boot look is so... not cool.? she decided, pulling off the long, red leather boots. She was careful to stand them up side-by-side so they stood at exactly the same height.

?So you?d prefer to walk over harsh terrain barefoot? We can?t fly right now, Bra.? Reijin frowned. Somehow, he knew she had something up her sleeve, but he couldn?t quite tell what, so playing ?instructor? just felt right.

The petite empress formed a kienzan dagger, and with an expertly-placed swipe of the blade, she slashed the two boots in half. The top halves fell to the dirt, and Bra allowed her blade to fizzle out of existence.

?What are you...?? the Gaean trained saiyan muttered, but quickly fell silent once again. The heiress pulled on her shortened boots, which were now rather tasteful-looking ?modified? designer knee-highs.

?Hey,? she smiled at her handiwork. The result showed a lot more leg than usual, but it seemed like a refreshing fashion update. ?I like this. What do you think, Rei??

?Uh...? he blushed, running a hand through his hair. ?I still don?t understand the glasses or the lab coat. You don?t need glasses, and the coat doesn?t do anything against the elements.?

?Man, you don?t get girls,? Bra giggled. ?I didn?t like how the ki vest looked on me, so I put this coat over it. And I thought I?d look more like a scientist with the glasses. It?s a look, y?know?? the ?look?, however, was more or less ridiculous, but still, she liked it.

?...I suppose,? Reijin finally conceded. ?Anyhow, I gather you?re ready to continue.?

?Yeah,? the demi saiyan stood up, throwing her shotgun over her shoulder. ?Hey, Reijin... I know you were a bit embarrassed about me watching over you, but... I think... even if you didn?t mean to... I think you did a lot more watching over me. And... I don?t usually like... when people treat me like a kid, but... I think I get it. With you, at least. And, uh...? she just shook her head, flustered. She didn?t even know why she was saying these things.

?...I see.? responded the pure-blood, unsure how to reply to such a confusing series of fragmented sentences and disjointed points. He knew enough, however, to properly defuse the situation. ?You?re... welcome.? the statement was almost phrased as a question, but the girl seemed happy with the response.

The two continued down the path, side-by-side, walking in silence for a long moment. It was a strange pairing. Reijin, a calculating career-combatant, and Bra, who, while also having fought nearly all her life, was a brash, headstrong fighter with no regard to strategy. At least, it was until Exosus started controlling her whenever a fight broke out.

In the fight with the changelings, it was like she wasn?t actually doing anything. She watched through her own eyes as Exosus utilized a handful of tactics she?d never before used, and dispatched King Cold with the greatest of ease.

?Fuck, she?s good.? Bra said aloud, without even realizing it. It was painful to admit that her alter-ego was a better warrior than she was. Reijin simply rolled his head over to look at the girl as they walked.

?Who?? he inquired.

?Huh? ?Who? what?? the girl replied, staring blankly at the raven haired warrior. Reijin merely sighed, putting a hand to his head.

?You?ve been really spacey lately. Is everything okay, Bra?? he inquired. He knew he had to walk on eggshells when asking such questions. He learned that much in his time with Videl. Getting yelled at wasn?t high on his list of things to do.

?I... don?t know. Really, I guess I just have a lot on my mind. I?m... never mind, Rei. I?m sorry. I?m sorry.? the human-saiyan hybrid stared down at the ground as they walked, but the raven haired one pressed on.

?You?re what?? he insisted. The princess was beginning to lose her cool, and she glared daggers at him for a moment, as if furious he had broken some unspoken taboo.

?I?m scared of-? she caught herself just in time. ?Of... what?s gonna happen to me.?

?It?s just a game, Bra. There?s nothing to lose; death means nothing on this island. You know that.? Reijin placed a hand on the girl?s delicate shoulder, as if to emphasize the point. He had completely misinterpreted what she was talking about, but he was doing his best.

?Yeah...? the cyan haired halfling responded. But it wasn?t the game she was worried about. She was nervous, since she so desperately wanted to win, but it was Exosus that scared her, not the outcome of Dante?s Abyss. She just wished she knew he would understand if she explained it.

?It doesn?t matter. We?ll fight until the end, you and me.? Reijin promised.

[Kami]

Kami heard the lastest announcement. It sounded like things were finally winding down for once. His newly twisted form shuffled about on the island. His movement was lacking thus far, and now there was no need to be running around. He took a seat on a large rock. The wind kicked up again, bringing in some fresh sea air across his sweat wridden brow. He was tired of moving around. He wanted a fight, and he wanted it soon.

With the lockdown approaching, the Namek did his best to calm his mind. His desire to prove his worth was ever present in his thoughts, but everything else was unimportant. Time was running down, and he'd be able to show the other fighters, the viewers, bet placers and everyone watching. He'd show them what he could really do, broken back or not, they'd be in for one hell of a ride.

[Orion]

"We're going to be locking the island down on the next update, so keep things moving as we move into the finale! Only one death in the last six hours but I'm proud of you all for the extra effort!"

The finale... Koola thought to himself.

"Dad... you were so close."

The two unlikely allies decided that camping out was their best option. Although the changeling's bandaged leg was feeling better, both he and Yamu recognised that rest was the best course of action for it. Besides, there was no use wasting energy in an attempt to find their targets if they were all going to be brought together for the finale. It seemed safe for them to stay still now; Koola wielding both a shock rifle and a machine gun, and his bald headed companion a shotgun.

"Did you say something?" Yamu queried.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with, human," Koola replied harshly. "We are brought together, united in hatred... and I'd prefer to leave it that way."

"All right," the human responded. He didn't want to strain the delicate tenure they had achieved.

"It's just..." Koola continued, forgetting himself. "This tournament, I saw an unknown side of my father. Things were going so well, and then... the saiyans..."

Yamu's eye twitched upon hearing the name of the species. "They taken from us an important part of ourselves before we were ready."

Unbelievably, despite noticing that he was bonding with the human, Koola allowed it. "What we have lost must be paid back in blood."

Yamu kept his shotgun close to his chest. "I have a feeling you've had a grudge against saiyans even before... well, you know."

Koola spat. "They're scum. I've had many run-ins with the blood thirsty beasts in the past..." when it looked like Yamu was about to inquire further, he added, "... none which I'd like to recall." His eyes fell upon the bandages the human offered to his broken leg. Incredibly, his meager medical skills had somewhat eased the suffering. "I must commend you on the work you've done with my damaged limb."

Yamu nodded. "You're my ally. It only makes sense that you should be as limber as possible."

Koola acknowledged his response. Truly, his mind was not focused on their fruitless small talk. The changeling was already envisioning the satisfaction of tearing into the saiyans who ended his father. What joy it would bring to experience it. Plus, his human 'friend' would be ending any other saiyans left.

It was almost more than he could bear.

[Yamu]

The pair now sat in their makeshift campsite enjoying the rest of the cans of food Yamu had scavenged from the Farm. No sense in letting them go to waste, and they would need all of their strength for the Finals. They were both in an odd calm, preparing themselves for the Hell that would soon ensue. As Yamu sat reflecting he was amazed at how much one man had changed the way he viewed not only Dante, but life itself.

In the one moment where the Arlian Guardian had thought he had lost everything, his Totem was smashed, his companions were all dead, and his final goal ripped away from him. Koola had marched in and with an ironical carelessness filled him poured purpose into him once again.

Where Kari had been broken, Yamu now had a shiny new Ki Shotgun, a weapon that was a perfect fit. The Shotgun slipped between his hands like gloves, the rugged weapon seemed destined for him. He had used he own unique shotgun attack so often, having the recreation of his signature move filled every cell with pleasure and confidence.

When crippling loneliness had nearly overcome Yamu in the Abyss, Koola himself had stepped into the void. While their conversations were usually short, they were growing more frequent as nerves built up to the Finals reared closer and closer. In truth, the Arlian Guardian enjoyed the arrogant banter from the amethyst prince. The mirror into his own rage that the changeling acted as helped center him, see how his own actions and personality were affected by his emotions. It gave him purpose.

Purpose. That had been the third and most important thing Koola had bestowed upon Yamu without even knowing it. When Burter?s name had rung out across the island the veiny titan and thought everything was lost. He had entered into the black tempest that was the Abyss as a penance to Arlia. Like a crazed dog he had focused all of his attention on paying that price he owed with Burter?s blood. There was no greater sacrifice he could offer to his Totem of Atonement then the life blood of the man who he sometimes saw as a father, sometimes a brother, and always a friend. Yamu had thought he was lost, but Koola?s presence had given him a new path of repentance?winning Dante?s Abyss.

When the final victim?s blood was sprinkled over Kari, the weight from his bare shoulder would be lifted. It was not his plan starting off, but as he sat in the Elite Eight, with the taste of winning watering his mouth it sure seemed possible. The title would go to Arlia. The title of Champion of Dante?s Abyss was by far huge enough in the Quadrant to thrust the planet to greatness.

Yet, it was not only the game Koola had changed for Yamu. All the things that had been lost had been restored by one man. Life could not be planned, and plans could not be wept for. There was always another way, there were always other roads. This path was no longer as strait or wide, but it would give Yamu what he longed for.

A peace of mind.

Koola had saved Yamu in the game?the least the Arlian guardian could do in return was to kill him honorably when they reached the Final Two. Before that last stand?Yamu trusted the amethyst prince with his life. Different in so many ways, and probably enemies if they had met at any other time, in this moment they were both in this game for vengeance. They could both rely on the other.

The Leopard and the Lion. The Two Hands of Death. As long as there were Saiya-Jins out there, Koola and Yamu were a dangerous pair. A dangerous pair with a lot of firepower.

[Raditzu]

"Tch... about time."

The saiyan looked up into the sky at the giant floating head of Karl Jak. The head rolled from side to side as it made the announcement, as though the whole thing was some incredible joke. Rad didn't get it.

When the announcement ended, the head turned back into the familiar image of Raditzu wearing tights, a cape, and flying in small circles all over the sky. In the meantime, the trees that spread across the island hurled small squirrels at the flying figure above them. Though Super Rad wouldn't normally give projectile squirrels a second thought, these were obviously very special critters. As they neared their target, they exploded. It was like watching a bizarre fireworks display.

As Rad stopped to watch himself dodging squirrels high above, he found himself thinking back to the last time he had been in this position. As his mind drifted back, people and places popped into existence right before his eyes. While it was a bit more convinient than having to actually remember the scenes themselves, Rad shuddered to think what might happen should his mind wander.

"I can't believe its really been a whole year," Rad thought aloud. "At least this time I can talk..."

One year ago, almost to the day, Rad had been in almost the same position he was in now. He could see himself slumped against a tree, holding the wound on his neck, and looking up at the mountain upon which the finale had taken place. It was almost embarrasing to remeber this sight. The emotions, the feelings, and the steadfast resolve he had had at the time all came rushing back to him. He could even remember his thoughts from then.

I wanted to be there for people. I wanted to guide them and help them. I wanted to lead them.

And what had he accomplished? Where had he gotten? Just what had he been doing for the past year? Those were all easy questions to answer. Nothing. He hadn't done a single thing other than sit around and watch replays of interviews with himself. That wasn't the attitude that pushed him to win last year. Those weren't the actions of someone who really wanted to be there for the people he cared about. He had been more absorded in going to see a statue of himself than he had been about the ones that had always stayed by his side. Without them even knowing it, he had failed them. He had failed himself.

More than anyone, though, Raditzu knew he had failed Eighteen. How could she even stand to be around him? Let alone have any kinds of feelings for him. His blatant neglect was disgusting even himself. There was no doubt in his mind about his feelings for her, but he could only imagine what she had begun to think. How even he could have grown to be so completely self-absorbed and arrogant was astonishing. He looked up to see himself and Eighteen enacting a scene from Romeo and Juliet. All he could do was frown when he realized he wasn't playing Romeo.

"So what do I do now?" Rad asked no one in partincular.

"You don't do anything," the Romeo-18 said. "Stop being an asshole."

"An asshole!? I'm not an asshole." Rad stood up, as though that action would prove his point.

"Dude," the Juliet-Rad started, "who d'you think you're kidding?"

"You think I'm an asshole, too?"

"Oh c'mon. I'm you. I know we're assholes." From atop his balcony, Juliet just shrugged. "Doesn't bother me, though. People like you 'n me have earned it."

"Tch..." was all Raditzu could say.

'Earned it'? He hadn't earned anything. He didn't deserve anything. While this whole tournament may have been one big mind-fuck, Rad had needed it. There were things that he had long since lost perspective on and, one way or another, there were things he was going to make right. He had disgraced himself and his title as "champion" over the last year, but that wasn't going to happen again. He had something to make up to the people who were watching right now, to the people who had cheered him on, to everyone who had asked him for an autograph. This game had turned him into something he never thought he could be.

Come hell or highwater, Raditzu was going to set things straight. He wasn't a tool to be used to sell posters and stuffed animals. He wasn't some weakling who would let himself be distorted by this ridiculous game. This was just the beginning for something bigger, and he was going to meet it the same way he met all challenges: head-on and holding nothing back.

Even if it took every last breath in his body, Raditzu was going to claw his way out of the Abyss. Not for anyone else. Not for himself as he was. Not for himself as he had been over the past year. For the person he knew he could be. For the person he knew he had to be.

[Android 17]

(OOC: First part. Split this post so it wasn't one long read. Once I finalize it, a shorter follow-up will, ere, follow)

Lost in the darkness,
Silence surrounds you.
Once there was morning,
Now endless night.

Moaning like a skewered farm animal, the cyborg repeated the stanza in his head as he stumbled forward and collapsed to his knees?his hands shooting up to the twilight sky in search of salvation. A cry escaped his bloodied maw as he stared into the black abyss stretched out over his head. One by one, stars were blinking on as the day reached its terminus, and with each new light that surged into existence, the machine-hybrid drew closer to his conclusion.

?I can?t stop,? the cyborg cried, clutching both sides of his head as he knelt in the middle of the dirt walkway. Words and thoughts were racing through his mind as he struggled with his decaying grip on reality. All around him, the colors were slowly beginning to lose their sheen. Within moments, the lush green forest that surrounded the cybernetic warrior was nothing more than a grayscale prison for his decomposing sentience. A bolt of pain surged through the warrior?s body?causing him to writhe in pain.

?I won?t let you down, Paige,? the android whimpered as he began to crawl across the harsh terrain, once again pulling his unreceptive legs as he had done days prior. Despite the similarities, this was not the same man. No?not by a long shot. What wriggled across the island?s forest floor was nothing more than a glorified corpse?a fatality waiting to happen.

The raven-haired fighter knew that his absolution was on its way, and with that thought in mind, he pressed on harder than ever. With a groan, the cyborg collapsed near the rim of a small puddle in the crude path. Staring wearily at his reflection, the cybernetic warrior began to weep as the mirrored image started to snicker at him.

?You?re not taking me,? the cyborg spat, rolling away from the hole and drawing the ki sword he had taken from Super Buu. With a swift motion, the youthful warrior activated the elegant weapon and prepared to end his life with one fell swoop. Before the machine-hybrid had the chance to save his mind and soul from their encroaching doom, a pale hand shot out and locked around his wrist like a vice.

?All that you are is the end of a nightmare,? the cyborg spat, flailing his hand in a defiant effort to escape the grip of the beast looming over him. ?After tonight, I shall end this demon dream!? The frail man squeaked as he was quickly overpowered and disarmed by his malignant replication. Turning off the weapon, an all too familiar attacker?a malicious personification of the heartless machine operating within the man?s failing body?discarded it and placed the side of his boot upon his victim?s throat.

?This is not a dream, poor Junanagou,? he uttered?his voice an emotionless tone akin to something one would expect from a crude TTS converter. Upon hearing the seemingly foreign name, the raven-haired fighter suddenly felt a strange connectedness to it. Noting the expression on the youth?s visage, the machine?s lips curled up in a faint smile.

?Junanagou?? The dying man gasped, his breaths coming only after compounding effort. ?Why is that so familiar? Tell me!?

?That is your name, my poor, carbon-based component. The name you went by before our union?the name you parents gave you before they gave you up. You didn?t think you were named after a number, did you?? The machine continued, flashing another wily smile at the fallen warrior.

Unable to give himself into the monster perched over him, the man?Junanagou, as it seemed?reached down to his belt with his trembling hand and yanked his ki pistol from its holster. In the end, all he had left was his humanity, but he would embrace it until his final hour. Android Seventeen, the moniker of his cybernetic component incarnate, merely sneered at the pathetic reaction.

?If I die, you?ll die too!? He whimpered as his trembling fingers wrapped around the trigger of the advanced piece of weaponry. There was no way that he had come so far and suffered so much just to fall in battle to part of his own existence. Especially after being taunted with knowledge he had yearned for years to know. As Android Seventeen watched on, his organic component placed the barrel of the gun into his mouth.

?You?ll die in me,? the living nightmare of steel and machinery hissed, smiling as he stood over the frail little man. As he continued to converse, the machine?s ability to speak evolved as it tried to replicate the voice of the dying warrior. ?I?ll be you,? the beast?Android Seventeen?snickered.

?Leave me be,? Junanagou wailed, threatening to pull the trigger and blow his brains out through the back of his skull.

?Can?t you see? You are me,? the machine whispered, pushing his boot down into the man?s throat?crushing his Adam?s apple beneath the pressure.

?Take all your evil deeds and rot in hell!? The panicky warrior croaked as he clenched his eyes shut?unable to stare the beast in the face any longer. A gunshot suddenly echoed through the gray forest, and with a yelp, Junanagou opened his eyes and gasped as he pulled the gun out of his mouth. Struggling to breath, his gaze fell upon the hole that had been blown through his heart. As his world began to fade to black, the raven-haired fighter looked up to see the machine he had tried so desperately to avoid holding an outstretched pistol. He wore a sinister smile across his face?his victory was at hand.

?I?ll see you there,? Android Seventeen uttered as the man lying at his feet drew his last feeble breaths and uttered one final, desperate word before falling silent.

?Paige?? Junanagou whispered as darkness swallowed his world and death numbed his senses. At long last, the man was no more, and the way for a new era had been paved. No matter what moniker you called him, whether it be Junanagou??Seventeen??machine-hybrid, his fate was the same

One era had come to close and in its place, another would rise from its ashes. Such is the way of life.

[Bra]

The duo trekked across the humid, jungle terrain, wandering further into the unknown. Bra blinked several times, and then looked over at Reijin. A look of shock struck her, but thankfully, her comrade hadn?t noticed.

She was sweating and finding it difficult to breathe, and the pure-blood was carrying on as if nothing could possibly affect him. The cyan haired girl squeezed her eyes shut, and finally she gasped.

?I... can?t... breathe!!? she exclaimed, falling to one knee. Taking desperate, wheezing breaths, she fell to all fours as Reijin hurriedly rushed over to her. He was in an uncharacteristic panic. Without his healing ability, he had no way to diagnose or treat the illness.

?Bra-!!? he shouted, eyes wide. ?What?s going on?!? While he knew the basics of CPR, he searched for an alternative, knowing once the girl recovered, she?d likely slap him before she figured out what was going on.

Finally, tears ran down the halfling?s face as ragged coughs tore through her throat and out her mouth. She collapsed, and took in a deep breath, suddenly able to breathe once again. Bra stared with sapphire eyes full of fear, but managed to pull herself off the dirt, and sat on her knees.

?Reijin, I...? she paused, her eyes nervously darting back and forth, up and down. ?I think all this stress is getting to me, and I...? another pause. ?If I told you... something really strange... you... you wouldn?t think any different of me, would you??

?Huh? I-? the raven haired one began.

?I?m serious, Rei. I need to talk to someone, and you?re the only one here. ...Can I trust you??

Reijin simply stared into space for a while, as if lost in thought. ?...Of course.? he finally offered. He took a seat on the dirt across from Bra, and awaited her announcement.

Bra thrust her arm out to the side, and in an instant, an enormous column of jet black energy thundered down from the sky above. It crashed into the earth and shattered the hardy land, before exploding and consuming the trees all around it.

?You know already that I?m a... I guess a sorcerer.? she explained.

?Sorceress.? Reijin corrected.

?Whatever,? the princess continued. ?The point is, I can control dark magic. And... I think it?s made me more powerful, but... I think it?s trying to control me.?

?What? What are you talking about? It?s merely energy, just like ki. It can?t control you; you?re manipulating it.? the Gaean trainee retorted.

?No! It?s not like ki!? the girl insisted. ?Nothing at all like it! It?s... far more powerful,? she darkly continued. ?It manifested a... a...?

?A consciousness?? Reijin offered.

?Yeah. It... looks like me,? Bra continued, while her partner merely gave her an incredulous look. ?She calls herself ?Exosus?, and she wears these black and purple robes. She?s... very powerful... and she?s fucking psycho. I think she?s trying to take over my mind, Reijin. And I?m scared ?cause I think she?s smarter than me!!? Bra started to cry, but she kept talking. ?And I don?t want to be a prisoner in my own mind, Reijin!! It?s happened before, and- I- just- can?t-!!? she grew incoherent as the sobbing became too forceful.

The older fighter didn?t have the slightest clue what she was talking about, but it was obviously taking it?s toll on her. He moved closer, and Bra grasped him in a firm embrace. Reijin seemed struck off-guard, but tried his best to avoid making the girl feel more uncomfortable.

?Wait... this... ?Exosus?. Is, uh... ?she? why... you were so cold about your father?s...? he didn?t have to finish the sentence. The empress would pick up on it in a heartbeat.

?Yeah,? she finally managed. ?She was in control when I killed the changeling, too. She keeps confronting me when I fall asleep, demanding more control. I try to fight, but... she?s terrifying. And the only person who understands these powers is dead. I... don?t know what to do anymore. I?m... I?m sorry for doing this to you. For making you deal with this... but I... I felt like it was going to kill me if I kept quiet any longer. I don?t know how to beat her, Reijin. I don?t know what to do.?

The raven haired one placed a hand on her head. This revelation had proven to be a very bizarre one, so he just sat there for a moment while Bra kept softly sobbing. ?What can be done to beat her?? he finally inquired.

?I don?t know!! I don?t know, I-!!?

?Sssshh,? Reijin ordered. ?When the time comes... you will know what to do.?

?But what if I don?t?!? the demi saiyan retorted.

?Then... I?ll help you beat her. You have your father?s blood, Bra. You?ve got his strength and his determination. You can beat her.? the calculating warrior stated.

?Y-You think so??

?Yes.?

?Then... then let?s go win this fucking game!!? the girl shouted, leaping to her feet with newfound earnest. ?We still have a shot, right?!?

?Of course,? Reijin confirmed, rising to his feet. ?Let's go win this fucking game.? he repeated with a soft smirk.

[Android 17]

A chipmunk perched on a nearby branched had watched the entire scene unfold. The furry little animal had stared in awkward confusion, acorn still in hand, as the lone traveler had fallen to the earth?writing in pain and prattling on in two different voices (both of which sounding completely indecipherable, even to a woodland animal). By now, the human had since fallen silent?twitching only occasionally as he lie sprawled out on the ground.

Interested in what had happened, the critter descended from the tree and scampered over to the fallen man. Tilting his head as he stood next to body, the chipmunk proceeded to jump when he heard a groan escape the human?s mouth. Eyelids slid open as the woodland creature continued to observe the train wreck lying before him. Feeling sympathetic for the injured primate, the chipmunk laid his acorn in front of his half-closed eyes and scurried away.

***

Plucking the small nut from the ground as he ascended onto his two feet for the first time in what felt like eternity, Android Seventeen took a moment to sniff it before sliding it into his pocket. Cracking his neck, the machine bent over and collected his weapons from the ground. Sliding them onto his belt for easy access, he began to smile as he took in the colorful surroundings?it had been age since he had last burned down a forest.

With the same callow smile he had worn whilst butchering his inferior component, Android Seventeen torched everything around him, wallowing in the epicenter of the destruction as the fire engulfed the environment. Despite the injuries he had inherited from his carbon-based component, the android felt as if he had a new lease on life. A fact that was very much true given the circumstances behind his entrance into this world.

No longer feeling hindered by the frailty of flesh and bone, the liberated monster marched his way through the fires he had spawned upon waking. His lesser component had been taken whole by the Abyss, and now nothing stood in the android?s way. Moments before meeting his untimely doom, Junanagou had listened as the host of the game unveiled the plan for the final confrontation. Now that he was in control, Android Seventeen would fulfill the task his carbon-based component was unable to: Kill Super Buu.

Unfortunately murdering him in the context of the game wouldn?t be enough, the android fully planned to hunt down and butcher the puttalin golem the moment he exited the island and appeared back in the lounge. His vengeance was not going to be denied?by either the Abyss or its surviving denizens. Any obstacles that attempted to stand in the way of the machine?s self-imposed programming would be exterminated in the most brutal fashion available.

Android Seventeen would not stop until he was the last one standing. He had lost everything to come this far: His best friend, his girlfriend, and even a part of himself?there was nothing left that was sacred. Although the mechanical persona couldn?t properly process the sorrow and grief associated with the recent events, he nevertheless would find victory where his deceased half had found only failure no matter the cost. Nothing would stand in the way of the android?s RAGE?

Nothing.

(OOC: It's be great, everyone. Thanks to everyone I got to roleplay with a big thanks to Burter for hosting. Good luck to all the other finalists)

[Orion]

As the oddly peaceful duo camped, their weapons cocked and loaded, Koola felt... unusual. Something was disturbing him, making him uncomfortable. He swung his shock rifle and machine gun in an arc, as if trying to locate the source of his uneasiness and blow it apart. Yamu identified the changeling's tension.

"Is... something the matter?" the shotgun wielding human asked.

Koola's cold countenance remained the same. "Don't you feel it?"

Yamu cocked an eyebrow. "Feel... what?"

"It," Koola replied cryptically. "There's a presence nearby."

The human perked, raising his weapon. He was surprised that he hadn't noticed the approach of an enemy. "Where?" he asked, his voice lowered.

"I don't know, but if we just..." Koola's eyelids fluttered.

"Koola?"

The violet prince blinked his eyes quickly in succession. "Uh, I'm not sure. But I can definitely tell that..."

In the blink of an eye, Koola lost grip on his weapons and fell like a log to the ground, passed out.

---

"Koola! Koola! Koola!"

A consistent voice chanted at the Icer, gaining volume has he came to. Koola pushed himself to his feet, raising a hand to his bald scalp.

"What... happened?" he inquired, rubbing his head.

"You're back."

Koola opened his eyes. He was back in that magnificent paradise he visited when his father was still alive. The river still flowed powerfully and purely as it did before; the single apple tree above the rockface dropped its ample fruit to the ground; a flock of sparrows shot past him, cheerful in song.

And... she was back.

"Mystic?" Koola stated, deciding not to use her actual name, lest he let something on. "What's going on?!"

Kerela, much more modestly dressed this occasion, walked to Koola with the prophetic staff in hand. "Koola. I just knew that you were OK. I knew the devil couldn't really destroy you."

"How did you find me?"

"I have my ways." Her mood instantly changed when she spoke her next words. "I... I know about your father."

Koola felt a weight drop in his soul. "I... yeah. You do? Well..."

"You cared a lot for your father, didn't you?"

"Cared?" he boomed. "No! You're wrong!"

Kerela was taken aback by the changeling's sudden ferocious response. "But I..."

"No," Koola conceded, his anger drained by reality. "You're right. I..." he didn't think it would be so hard to say the words, "I care for him."

Kerela approached, wrapping her arm around the prince's shoulder. "O Mountain God, how I wish I could console you. What can I do for you to help you succeed?"

Koola looked up from the ground. "I need... you."

"What?"

"Ah, that is... I need your support." Koola's eyes locked onto the staff. "By our past experiences, I'm betting that you're travelling on Dante in some sort of etheral, spiritual form?"

Kerela nodded, her green eyes a tell of her complete dedication to their conversation.

"I could... feel your presence, even before I woke up here. I ask... ahem, require this of you. Whatever emotion that I experience from here on out, I want you to instill within me that pure anger of my father's loss. If you feel me slipping, remind me of the torment of losing Cold at the point that I did. If I ever soften..."

"Revitalise your rage," Kerela finished the statement.

"Yeah."

She stepped back from the changeling 'god'. "Your wish shall be done."

Koola fought resistance from his conditional upbringing, but forced himself to say, "thank you."

Kerela gave one last smile to her mountain god, and in a flash of light...

"Koola!"

The prince's eyes shot wide open.

"AH!" he screamed, not ready for the alarmingly close proximity Yamu was to his face. Yamu stumbled backwards in surprise as well.

"Oh, you're all right," Yamu stated, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "You shouldn't scare me like that."

He helped Koola to his feet, who sat upon his rock once more, arming himself with his dual weapons. "We're aren't all right yet. We still must see the saiyans spill their blood."

Yamu nodded in agreement, smirking.

And Kerela stood vigilant, watching over her god.

[Yamu]

Three Arlians sat around a simple circular table in their favorite pub in Arlo. The Finals had been announced for Dante to be staged that night and the whole planet was celebrating their adopted champion Yamu making it that far. With the civil war over, everyone?s favorite liquor were now being shipped onto the planet once again and the excitement of the Abyss had given them the perfect time to celebrate, perhaps a little too much.

?Did any of you guys know, Yamu?? One of the three asked between long swings of a Saiya-Jin brandy three time as strong as anything made on their home planet.

?Yamu? Hell YES I know Yamu! I fought with him at Golgi?s Gate!? Which was a complete lie but the other two were far too drunk to remember they had all be relocated to Hivoc just before the pinnacle battle. ?To Yamu!? He shouted and they clanged their large snifters.

?You know he is over seven feet tall with arms as thick as any two man?s thighs.? The first one stated as if he had first hand knowledge.

?They say he can breathe fire!? the third one chimed in.

?He doesn?t breathe it he was made of it!? The second scolded. ?He can turn himself into a living tornado of fire!?

The first one spoke up again, ?He stands over twelve feet tell with fists the size of a normal man?s chest!?

The others nodded agreement, ?His teeth can cut diamonds!?

?They say he can smell a steak cooked rare from three miles away.?

?He has two penises.?

There a long silence after that one but the lubricant of alcohol quickly broke it up, ?He stands over twenty feet tall and can kill you with a sneeze!? The first put in again.

The second one slammed his mug for extra emphasis, ?He has written every number one song in the past six months and filled them with subliminal messages for people to worship him. And-I-do!?

?He moved Arlia two feet away from the sun this Summer so it wouldn?t be as hot!?

This time the entire bar joined in, ?To Yamu!?




Yamu was going through a checklist of his weapons. His primary going into the Finals would be his brand new Ki Shotgun as a matter of course. He checked the Ki Sand gauntlet that allowed him to keep the use of his left arm, and even ran his fingers over the smooth shaft of Kari. The pointed end of the shattered baseball bat might still come in handy in a pinch.

We made it to the Finals, Kari. We will see my Atonement met. Together.

Finally he checked his most deadly weapon of all, Koola. ?You?re feeling better now, aren?t ya Koola??

?My condition should be none of your concern, human. But?yes?I am actually better then before in fact.?

Normally Yamu would not have let someone get away with that but the fire was back into the changeling?s eyes, the same inferno the Arlian Guardian had seen when they had first met. The amethyst prince truly was ready to bring about hell. The veiny titan smirked, running a hand over his hairless head, ?You do your father a great credit by your actions. He would be proud to see you here and now. Hell, I just met you and I?m cheering for you.?

Koola?s jaw dropped just a fraction of a fraction down. He licked the inside of his mouth to get the moisture back. He had only been thinking of revenge, but the idea of making King Cold truly proud he had not thought of. ?Thank you, Yamu.? The Arlian Guardian smiled like an idiot to his new ally and gave a slight chuckle, ?What? What was funny about that, human!?

The human?s smile was still huge, ?That?s the first time you?ve called me ?Yamu? instead of ?human?.

OOC: Bill Brasky for the win.

[Bardock]

At last. It was here.

The finale.

Bardock could barely contain his excitement when he?d heard the announcement. Presently, he was roasting buck over a makeshift spit constructed from branches. The animal never had a chance. The meat was almost cooked enough to be served. Couldn?t fight on an empty stomach, and Bardock had finally found some food.

The fighter glanced away for a moment to check his GPS. Eight survivors. Eight finalists. All with their own agenda. For the last time, he shut it off and placed it back in his back. It had proved almost vital to his survival this go around, but he wouldn?t be needing it anymore. No hunting tonight, and he was certain everyone else would think the same. The risk was greater than the reward. Whatever livelihood they had left had to be preserved for the impending war.

After he had gorged himself on Cajun-style deer, the saiya-jin doused his fire and sat himself up on a tree. He was waiting for the dawn.

Tomorrow was going to be a bloodbath.

In routine, he checked his weapons again. He had one for every occasion: long range, mid range, and short range. Oh, and his secret weapon.

The saiya-jin had come far. He grazed his fingers along his bandana. He wore the blood of his victims on his brow, save Kakarot, whose blood was that of Bardock?s. Zangya, too weak to even fight back. Eighteen?twice now she had fallen to his fists. Kakarot, blind and beaten. Cargo, one good swing and then downed.

Bardock had one eye, a busted head, and a bad ankle. But he was ready to fight. He stared at one hand, bringing the power of gold to his fingertips, playing with the energy. He was ready to fight, and if it should come to it, he was ready to die. It would be a good, honorable death. Every last breath would be spent smiling, and if bested, he would die with a smile on his face and a laugh in his throat. Heart, soul, body, and mind?all would be brought to their fullest. No matter who or what he was going to face tomorrow, he was ready for anything.

Everyone was in it to win it. No one would back down. Whoever won would be the one who wanted it most. Dante?s champion.

Bardock wanted this. He needed it. He needed to feel alive again. He wouldn?t go back to being a withered soul. He couldn?t. This was everything for him. His whole world.

It wasn?t for the glory. It wasn?t for some vendetta. It wasn?t because he had failed before.

This was it. One last ride. One last thrill. Everything or nothing.

This is it for me?

He clenched his fingers into a fist, and it glowed a brilliant saffron, emanating pure energy. He squeezed until his nails dug into the leather of his gauntlets. In the heat of the moment, his eyes flashed turquoise, and he stared out into the night. A smile crept upon his lips, and no matter how corny it sounded, he couldn?t help but utter?

?Come get some.?