Chapter 2 - Nothing to Lose, Only Gain
Debris exploded everywhere. Screams were heard from all around the area, and as soon as they were, they ended abruptly. The mall had been severed in half, all sorts of rubble strewn about the area. Pipes, bricks, beams, pillars, anything involved within the construction of a building were visible. Although a few other things that were not could be as well. Merchandise, food, and to be in particular, severed appendages. Blood misted the air, coating it along with the dust. The bustling mall had been totally annihilated.
Rain trickled down the debris, soaking into the earth below creating mud everywhere. Lightning flashed, illuminating the area for a second before it faded back to blackness. The city's power flickered on and off, the generators having trouble stabilizing during the storm. Slowly, the rain began to stop and the clouds began to clear.
" Hah, that was pretty funny. Look at how many I killed. How many points is that ?", a figure on top of a building said, smirking. He was about six foot seven inches, he had a golden mullet and freckly skin. He also had some horns protruding from his head. And if that wasn't enough, he also had demon wings extending from his back.
" I don't know Chona, but I think you missed a couple… " His partner raised his clawed hand to his face. Clicking an instrument, it beeped and whirred. " Yeah, I'm definitely reading something down there. " His partner was almost as hideous. He had no horns, but his skin was a dark brown hue, contrasting greatly with his red irises and green dreadlocks. The only significant difference between the two was the fact he had four arms in place of the horns and wings his partner wielded.
" What say you that we check it out then? And finish it? " Chona asked, his partner just nodded. They hopped off the building sailing to the floor below.
Maize groaned, lifting his head up. He pushed a dented pipe off of himself, which fell to the floor with a cling. He also lifted a huge boulder off of his self as he raised to a sitting position. He rubbed his temple as he gasped. Damn, that had hurt, and what the hell had happened ? He glanced around, nope, sure enough there were no guards at all around him. At least he thought there was none. He let out a gasp as he found a severed and bloody arm at his feet, clothed with white linen stained with blood.
Maize instinctively kicked it away from himself as he shuffled back, taken agape. Realization finally dawned on him as it occurred to him, Barry could very well be dead. His eyes snapped right and left, searching for his friend. His sight somehow settled on a foot, which wore the same brand of shoe as his friend. He scrambled over there in a flash and lifted the large piece of boulder that covered the leg.
Barry lay there, nicks and bruises covering his body. He groaned softly as he looked at Maize. Pipes lay to both sides, barely missing his body. However, the pipes had held the boulder up and kept it from crushing Barry completely. He was lucky. Maize glanced him over, worriedly and asked, " Hey man, you alright? "
Barry sat up, muttering some curses as he rose to his feet. He dusted himself off and popped his neck and shoulders. He looked to maize, " Yeah, I'm straight. What the hell happen- " He was cut off shortly as they heard some rubble falling. They both peered over to the rocks shifting. Barry took the lead, and Maize followed. They dug with their hands, flinging off chunks of rocks all about them.
A bruised old lady lay beneath the scrap, her breathing labored and shallow. Maize grimaced, he knew she was in bad shape. He looked away, unable to view the scene. Barry reached out to touch her. She glanced up, wheezing as she breathed in and whistling when she exhaled. Barry tried to smile at her, his dirty face only showing white teeth. He was trying to reassure her. She looked at him questioningly, Barry spoke, " Don't worry, everything is going to be all- " And right before he could even say that, another thunderous explosion went off.
Both Maize and Barry glanced to it, shock apparent on their faces. The ground above them cracked and crumbled, as dust rose out of it. It appeared as if something had slammed into the ground. Just when their thoughts figured this out, sure enough something rose out of it. Barry looked up at the raising objects, then realized they were humanoid. Maize gasped to the side of his friend as he realized this.
A street lamp flickered, outlining their features to the friends. Barry mouthed an 'oh shit' whilst Maize simply stared. They were hideous. One looking like a backwoods redneck with his mullet and all, that had mutated with horns and wings. The other was just as hideous looking, Four arms and an ugly face. The brownish skin and green hair didn't help either. Their clothes were odd as well. They appeared to wear a type of spandex armor, which formed to their bodies, their under armor stretched to fit their skin as well.
" What the hell…?! Aliens?! " Maize muttered. Barry looked just shocked. They were too stunned to move. The one glanced to the other, a smirk apparent on their face. The four armed one glanced to the hick looking one. It appeared that they were talking, muttering about something.
" Damn, I guess you're right Cato, I did miss a few, three it looks like…", he paused. A nasty smirk raised on his freckled face as he rose an arm lazily. Wind gushed from his palm blowing his mullet back. A bright light formed in his hand as the area began to light once more. Barry and Maize's eyes widened as they viewed the spectacle before them. " But let me take care of that!" He finished as he shot the light forward.
Maize or Barry didn't know what the hell it was, but instincts told them to get the hell out of it's way. Maize dove to the side and Barry ducked. The light projectile zoomed right over them as they moved and slammed into the crater behind them. The old lady let out a split second scream before the thunderous boom drowned her out. Barry and Maize rose up and glanced back at the two. The one who had shot it, laughed maniacally at the two. Barry eyes hardened realizing the situation at hand.
He gritted his teeth as he stepped forward towards the hovering pair of demons. " You bastards! How could you?! " He clenched his fists as he prepared to fight the two, it would probably come down to it anyway. Maize stared at Barry as if he were insane, and right when he did, his friend looked at him. " Maize, get out of here. I can handle them. " He turned back to them as he glared determined to put up his best fight against the two alien life forms.
The mullet turned to his accomplice, and laughed, who in respond followed suit. They found this absolutely hilarious. Maize still wore his shocked face, however Barry's hardened with more determination. The mullet lifted is hand once more, as light began to swell in his palm once more. He was about to fire it, when his partner grabbed it and shook his head. He smirked as he looked onto Barry. " No, let's just see what we got in front of us Chona. " Chona looked at him a bit confused at first, but smiled and nodded.
The four armed figure flew into the sky and landed in front of Barry, the ground rumbling as he landed. Barry didn't flinch at all as the monstrosity landed in front of him. He towered over Barry, and possessed a lot more reach than the boxer. He smiled, sizing up his opponent. " Lets see just what you got… " He glanced over his shoulder looking to his hovering partner. " Hey, Chona, let's get a reading on this twerp! " Barry's eyes held the same determination and drive, however, his teeth formed into a snarl. Chona nodded, and raised his arm to his head as he clicked the device on his eye. The object beeped and whirled, humming as it scanned the area.
Chona let out a guffaw at the reading he got back. But then he smiled as he looked down to his partner. " Hey, Cato! It's a 127! Better watch out, he's a lot stronger than our intelligence reports detected! He must work out, eh?!" He laughed out towards his friend. Cato laughed as well, his green dreadlocks jiggling. Barry clamed down, but appeared to be the least bit amused.
As if seeing his foe's lack of patience, Cato smirked, becoming slightly serious. " So little man, lets see what you can show me! " He slid into his fighting stance, which was indescribable. His arms flared out in a mysterious pattern, seemingly keeping him completely defended. Barry shook his head free of worry and charged the alien. Maize just stared on horrified, but completely helpless.
Barry's feet scuttled forward in a frenzy as he dashed towards his foe. Bringing his fists to the rear, he jabbed forward. Cato dodged easily as the fist fled past his face. He side stepped as a hook came with the other arm. Barry didn't let up at all, despite his missed punches. His fists were moving a lot faster than Cato had anticipated. A flurry of punches came forward, Cato dodged them all, with the grace of a swan. Barry's eyes hardened as he kept swinging, giving his all.
Cato backed up as the human went on the offensive, raising an army every now and then to block a punch he couldn't dodge. Chona laughed at the sight below, this human was a lot better than they had thought. Maize didn't look amused at all, Barry was using his hurricane fist move, and it was failing miserably. He gulped, still too afraid to move.
Barry winced as some sweat trickled down his eye, he was starting to sweat and his breathing was slightly affected. He knew he had to act fast. Cato smirked as he saw his opponent was wearing himself out, it would make killing him so much more fun. Just as Barry could see the discipline fall in his opponent, his foot shot up, making contact with his chin. He didn't let up the slightest bit as he swung a haymaker wildly in his face. The sound of a cracking jaw echoed into the soggy and ruined area about them. A few more hard punches followed suit, before Barry shot back, raising his arm.
" GIGAS FIST!!! " He roared, as he shot his arm forward with such speed and power it distorted the are around them. Cato shot back, off of his feet completely and sailing into a street lamp. The light bent, slowly falling forward before shattering completely. Barry panted as he had used his best move on his opponent, and it had seemed to work. Maize looked shocked, had Barry planned that in secret all along. Chona's face looked just the same, a blank expression outlining his visage. He blinked, as he couldn't believe what had just happened.
" He… actually hit Cato…" He muttered, before glancing at the last power reading from Barry as it clicked on the screen. The Gigas Fist had registered as 739, a lot more powerful than Chona had expected anyone on earth to be. However, it wasn't too much of a problem. In fact, it was kind of funny. Cato was going to be pissed, Chonas knew this too, which made the situation in light.
Barry kept on gasping for air at the power he had released. That move had taken nearly all of his energy to use. He felt spent, that was the least to say. Just as he glanced at the giant laying beneath the broken street light, he smiled a little, proud he had actually landed a solid blow on Cato. However, he quickly halted that act of triumph as he saw the beast stir. His eyes grew wide in shock, he could have sworn he had knocked him out.
Just as Barry had feared, the alien rose slowly to his feet. He even heard a slight laugh as he did. His eyes widened further in shock as he gazed upon his unhinged jaw. Cato rose a clawed hand to his face, grabbing his energy and snapped it back into place. Maize gulped, Chona laughed, Barry continued his shocked stare. Cato's face had a huge laceration in it, and blood was oozing out rapid. His eyes narrowed as he stared down Barry. "Looks like I underestimated you a little, but I think you overestimate yourself runt! " He shouted. Within a second, he was rushing at Barry, his feet moving so fast the boxer could not see.
Barry raised an arm at a fist he saw coming at the last second. The fist connected with his forearm, snapping it in a fracture. Barry grunted in pain and tried to counter. One of Cato's arms came to catch his fist, while another slammed into his gut. His other free hand shot up into Barry's jaw, sending him spiraling into the air. Cato leapt up with him and grabbed him by the arms with all four of his. Sailing down, he pile drove him into the floor. Maize could not believe the speed the alien was moving, his friend was surely doomed. He froze in his spot, fight nor flight taking affect.
Cato hopped back as he brought in his arms at his sides. Letting a laugh out, he began to shoot forward each arm rapidly, only the extending the finger as some kind of light rushed out of his hands into Barry. Like little firecrackers, they popped on Barry's skin, searing him as he let out a painful scream. Cato halted, laughing and Barry slumped down to his knees. Barry tried to scramble to his feet.
The four-armed alien turned to his friend and raised his arms. Barry was down for the count, flinching in agony, it had quickly changed paces in battle. He brought down his arms as he faced Maize now. " Hey Chona, " He shouted out as he sized up Maize. " I'll let you finish them off, but I get to have my fun first… Let's see what this one's got. " Maize's eyes widened in shock, he couldn't believe this was happening. The green hair monstrosity was heading his way, walking slowly. Maize slid into a fighting stance gulping… He had never fought, or so he thought. He began to have a flashback, at the most random time…
He had never felt this scared, not since he was a little kid. It was one of the earliest memories he had… He was about four years old, and he didn't even know how to write yet. He remembered his father, but barely. Maize often had dreams about his father, telling him he needed to pursue his destiny, which always confused Maize. His father was the same height as him, and looked almost like him, aside the fact he had slicked back black hair. He remembered…
Yes, he remembered. It was that one time, he felt fear. In addition, laziness. His father had brought him to his personal gym, he felt as if his dad was a very rich man now, because who had his own personal gym anyway? He started remembering it clearly in fact at this moment, as it had just happened just the other day…
" Maize, you must learn to fight, you may need to protect the ones you love someday! You can't act like a little kid all the time, trust me, you have the power. I know you can do it! It's our legacy son. " His father said to him as he slid to his fighting stance. His father's form looked so professional, and Maize often wondered why his father was so good at it.
" Daddy! I can't! I'm only four! " He shouted in defense with words, the only defense he knew of at such an age. His father was trying to teach him, but he didn't believe him. His father shook his head, and his eyes narrowed. Maize remembered his had nearly pissed himself at seeing his father look like that.
His father rushed at him, running the quickest Maize had ever seen. His words to describe it then would have been known as zoom back then. His father zoomed at him and launched a slow punch. Maize's eyes lit up in fright and he leapt out of the way, the fist nearly colliding with him. His father's arm split the beams below, cracking them and shooting right through them. Maize bound into the air as his father launched a sweeping kick. Landing on his feet, he rushed over to his father and did the only thing he knew to do.
He hugged him tightly. His father's eyes turned to shock, as he hesitated. " No, Daddy! I can't!! " He wailed, breaking into sobs. However, his father instantly reverted back to his determined self and shoved Maize off him with his free arm. Maize rolled back, stumbling to his feet. Maize's Father rose to his feet as he pulled his hand free of the board. Maize stumbled back, tears streaming down his face.
His father launched himself forward once more, and slammed a punch into Maize's face, Maize wailed as he flew backwards, the stinging sensation on his cheek overwhelming him as he sobbed. He shakily got onto his feet before he felt a knee implant itself right into his gut. He exhaled sharply as he stumbled to his knees. He began to feel angry, only with himself for feeling so weak. Nevertheless, he knew he was a kid and had not a chance of winning this fight.
His father began to get angry at Maize, his voice booming, so much it haunted him in his dreams for the past years. " Damn it Maize! Fight back! " He backed up a couple of feet from Maize, raising his fists into his fighting stance. Maize shakily got back on his feet, still gasping from air. " I know you're angry, so make me feel your pain! " Maize sobbed, and looked at his Dad, not moving.
He shook his head at his son, " Fine, then, be like that! " He rushed back at Maize and propelled his foot into Maize's side. The toddler streamed into the air and his father slammed his fist into his face, causing a gash to form down his left side of his face. That scar had remained down his face for the years, even to the day he lived as of now. Maize shot back, and screamed as he fell to the floor. He felt too hurt, and couldn't get up. He just lay there sobbing.
His father just stood straight up and frowned. Maize remembered that face, his father's utmost disappointment abbreviated on his face, he remembered it so clearly. " Stay like that then, " He turned away, but cast a glare over his shoulder. " You're so worthless Maize, I can't believe you're My Son. " The senior Sol turned and left, and that's the last Maize could remember…
' Father… I wish I would've learned… " Maize silently recollected as he stared at the looming beast coming towards him.
' I wish I would've learned… you were right… ' A silent tear rolled down his cheek. Cato found the spectacle very hilarious, the human before him was crying, like a little baby. Maize kept thinking to himself on the other hand.
' Damn it! Father.. Why did you have to die?! Why?! ' He gritted his teeth as he felt
angry, blaming his father for his lack of skills. His eyes snapped back to Cato as his eyes narrowed and his fist clenched.
' No! No excuses this time, it's all or nothing. I've nothing to lose but my life! " He stared at Cato hatefully before he ran, letting out a scream. " I WILL FIGHT THIS TIME! " He howled as he rushed forward. Cato smiled at this and rushed forward to meet his opponent in mortal combat. Their eyes met as Maize brought his fist back, intent to kill.
Chona stared on in shock, as the whirling device in front of his eyes kept shooting up. It reached about 5,000 and kept going, to him It was amazing. He couldn't believe it, was this actually the power of this human in front of them? Almost as if on cue, his answer was provided. The showdown was about to begin, and the victor would be decided.
The two were speeding along, about to clash. They were mere feet apart of each other, they could almost smell each other. However, a sudden light flashed in front of them, and split exploding into Cato. Debris flew everywhere, as did Maize. He soared back and did a flip, landing on his knee as he skidded back into the dirt. He stared at where Cato had been, was that another one of his attacks?
Cato slowly rose out of the air snarling, his attention diverted from Maize momentarily. He looked confused and hurt. Cuts outlined his form as orange blood dripped slowly from each one. He scanned the dark sky above, and hesitantly Maize did so as well, curious. His eyes landed on a bright form above him, shocking the young man.
A robed figure illuminated the sky, his robe was white and along it a purple cape. A staff was held in his hand, an ancient wooden one. The wood would petrified Maize noted. However odd his attire, Maize in particular noted what this newcomer looked like. He was green all over, some wrinkles outlining his figure. He had antennas protruding from his head, almost a foot long. His ears looked like elves, and he had no eyebrows. As a matter of fact, he was bald. He looked old, but wise. Maize and Cato looked at him in shock, however Chona looked uninterested.
His device blipped, sending out the true reading of what he had thought was Maize. In fact it wasn't the young man. It had been this new life form. And he wasn't a pushover like the humans. " Cato, be careful, he's not like the other two… He's a lot stronger. " He glanced at the number before spitting it out. " Twenty One Thousand, Seven Hundred and One. " He shouted. Chona seemed a little shaky, however Cato seemed uninterested.
Maize stared on in shock as he looked at the figure. Cato spoke, as he glared at the figure above. " Just who the hell do you think you are anyway ?! Can't you see we're busy here? " If Maize could've seen right, he could have sworn he saw the figure above smirking.
" Who am I? I am Earth's Guardian. Did you really think you would've been unchallenged? " He figure flung his cane towards the dirt and it stuck there, strumming as it landed there. He then flung off his cape as he glew brighter still. Maize and Chona looked baffled, Cato growled and brought his arms down.
A sickly orange light blazed around him, and Maize could've sworn he looked like he was on fire. He grunted as he let out a scream. His fire blazed, matching the white light that glowed from the Earth's Guardian. " Well, Defend it then!!! " He screamed, as he sailed forward in a burst of energy, Maize shielded his eyes via his arm as he watched the scene.
Cato slammed a fist at the guardian, however, he blocked it instinctively and slammed a roundhouse kick into his face. Cato reeled backwards as he was hit, before he could recover, a fist slammed into his face. He sailed backwards grunting. As he attempted to regain himself, he was met face to face with the figure. A hand shot back from an impossible distance and slammed into his face once more. As it extended and connected it let out a flash of energy afterwards. The light blasted into Cato sending him slamming into the rubble of the mall. Sirens in the city began to scream once again, howling.
Cato rose up to his feet, pissed and that was for sure. Maize glanced over at him in shock, surprised at what these two could do. The guardian shot down, clearly on the offensive. Cato let out a howl as his orange fire around him shone brightly. He shot forward and slammed a punch to the guardian, who grunted in return. Maize winced as the two exchanged blows, each one thundering in the area as they connected. Cato slammed four solid punches into the face, and kicked him into the air.
The four armed alien brought his arms back and orange fire flared around him. " Quadra Blast!!! " He screamed, a huge rush of energy blasted out of each arm, sailing into the guardian. The guardian fell from the sky, but regained his balance and landed. He raised an arm into the air and plunged it in the ground. Cato landed and looked at him bewildered, figuring it was some lame technique. He rushed forward as he brought an arm back, drawing in flames from Maize could gander. A hand shot out of the ground and wrapped around Cato, choking him back.
The Guardian of Earth sent forward his arm and screamed, " Masenko!!! " A large blast shot out of his open palm and slammed into the face of Cato. He winced but grunted as his armor cracked and completely fell off. His arms gripped the arm protruding from the earth and tugged. The Guardian gasped as he slammed into the ground. Cato let out a grunt pulled, yanking as hard as he possibly could.
The appendage flew free, emitting purple blood as it ripped off. The guardian screamed in agony as he flew back, recoiling the remainder of his arm. Purple ooze seeped out, and Maize gripped his fists preparing to fight, he figured it was other. However, he was quite shocked when the robed figure rose to his feet clutching his arm. Cato smirked as he grabbed his arm and clutched it.
He felt that this fight was pretty much over, especially with the opponent beaten to a pulp and now his right missing. He smirked, but much to his surprise the one armed foe did as well, before he spoke to Cato. " I'd ask you if you need a hand, but I see you've got four… " Cato stared in disbelief as the opponent laughed at this. Jokes cracked during a fight? This was certainly unusual. He glanced at the arm, and smirked. However, he let out a scream as suddenly the arm sprang to life and clawed into his face.
The guardian smirked as he grabbed his arm and let out a yell, shooting out a new arm. Maize stared in disbelief. The guardian then brought his whole palm to his forehead and began to emit a strange white aura. The missing arm continued to terrorize Cato as it dug into his eyes, nearly ripping one out as it gouged them. He scrambled around in dismay trying to free himself. The guardian began to crackle with energy as he readied to attack.
Chona stared in disbelief at the spectacle before him. He had to help his partner, there was no way he could win against the opponent like this. He shot forward in a rush to stop the Guardian of Earth. The guardian began to glow brightly, so brightly not a soul could look at him. Maize covered his eyes as he glanced at him, curiously.
Chona nearly reached the foe, before The Guardian brought back his arm. Letting out a yell, he shot his hand forward. " GOD WAVE CALIBER!!!! " He yelled fiercely. A shining spiraling beam whirled out at a quick pace. Chona screamed as it rushed forward, and right through his shoulder as he twisted. He was flung to the side from the attack hitting him and slammed into the dirt, about ten feet from Barry.
Cato finally freed the hand terrorizing him, ripping it off. He was missing an eye now, but his free one caught sight of the beam coming towards him. He let out a yell before it slammed into him. It pierced into his ribs, swirling. In a bright flash, it exploded, taking off half of his right side, which consequentially due to his nature, cost him an arm. He slumped down, as did the guardian, clearly exhausted from the attack. Maize stared on in shock, hardly believing what he saw before him.
Chona lay there, gathering his wound as he sat up, worriedly looking at his partner. Cato on the other hand, rose to his feet seemingly unaffected as orange blood spilt from him. He brought up all four arms as he let out a yell. A shockwave rushed out, knocking Maize and the Guardian off their feet. He raised all three arms as he yet out another yell. " QUATRA FLARE!" A swarm of fire rushed out, scorching the guardian and the office building behind them, and exploding. Maize rushed over to Barry, shielding him from the debris. He winced as rubble from the blast pelted his back.
He rose up, shakily and glanced towards the Guardian. He was worse for wear, he was missing an arm, and a foot. Maize turned to Cato, who looked at him, smirking. His eyebrow curved downwards as he frowned. He clenched his fists, as he looked Cato dead in the eyes. Cato slowly walked towards him, like it was time for him to finish playing with his last toy.
" You ready to finally die now?" Maize glanced once more to the guardian for help, however to no avail, he was unconscious. Maize shook his head and glared at his heavily wounded opponent. Letting out a yell, he rushed forward bringing his fists back. Cato found this hilarious as he rushed forward, blood sprinkling behind him as he sprinted. " Well, I see you are!! "
Maize dodged his fist as he sent one of his own. It connected with Cato's jaw, shocking him with the power as it completely shattered the bone. Pure fury and desperation flooded Maize's being as he brought another fist forward slamming into the alien's gut. Letting out a fierce yell, he brought a kick right into the demon's injured side. A sickening crunch was heard as it impaled itself into the alien.
Cato screamed, his eyes rolling into the back of his head from the pain. Maize's fury filled visage turned solemn as he continued with force, causing Cato to topple over on his left side. Maize continued to put pressure down, as he grabbed the alien's only right arm and tugged. Pulling and stomping, he yet out a rage filled yell as he pulled his upper torso right in half. He flung the body to the side as orange blood spilt along his body.
Maize panting, turned to where he had last seen Chona. His eyes flickered pure rage, as the orange fluid seeped off of his Piper's Pizza uniform. His dark hair wafted in the air gently, despite the lack of wind. Lightning crackled in the background, his form engulfed in shadows. His eyes hardened once again with rage as he set sights on Chona. He slowly took a step towards his direction, clenching his fists as he paced towards him.
Chona looked horrified. He brought his arm off his injury and hurriedly clicked the device on his right eye. It beeped and whirred, and he gasped in astonishment. He backed up, shuffling his way backwards. He glanced back shocked as he reached a wall. The device continued it's functions as he steadily grew more afraid. " No… NO!!!!" He screamed as he looked into it. He tried to raise himself, but screamed as the device exploded into pieces. Shrapnel sailed into his right eye, blinding him halfway.
He shakily rose to his feet, closing his right eye in pain and grasping his left shoulder. Maize sent an arm forward and Chona barely dodged, falling on his ass. Maize snarled and grabbed him my his horns, abruptly sending a left knee into his face. Continuing to raise him by his horns, he jumped back and sent his right foot into his face next. Chona slumped down, gasping as purple blood gushed from his face.
The former pizza employee looked down at his opponent coldly, showing no mercy. His arm extended, grasping a loose pipe. Chona screamed as Maize brought it above his head and plunged it towards his. The screams ended sharply, a splatter heard as his fluids popped out of his head. The pipe remained their, protruding from the alien's forehead and he died, simply put. Maize backed away, his rage soothing itself out of his system.
His next thought was of his friends, glancing around he began his search for them. He spotted the guardian and then Barry, whom was actually raising to sit up at the time. Maize ran over to him, his feet splotching in the mud. Lightning crackled and rain began to pour freely, soaking the area. The ground hissed as it cooled, previously heated from the explosions that had torn it apart. Maize slid beside his friend as he put a hand on his shoulder.
" Hey man, you alright?! " He asked Barry, concern apparent on his face. Barry nodded and tried to stand up. Maize grabbed him by his good arm and searched the area. He found the salvation of shelter in a building not too far from them, it had a bedroom just laying there with a hole in the wall from their bout. Maize helped him over there in due time as the rain poured on them. He sat Barry down on a chair in the room and turned to the storm outside. " I'll be right back. " He assured Barry.
Barry just stared on as his friend helped him, and then departed. What exactly had happened? Had Maize somehow beat up the opponents? He had many questions, but his body was too badly injured to contemplate further. Slowly and surely his head bobbed up and down as he slumped into sleep. Maize returned, to find his friend passed out. He laid the scorched guardian on the bed. He was actually starting to look better, his charred skin was already healing.
He walked over to the gaping hole in the wall and sat down, staring at the storm outside. What exactly had happened tonight he wasn't sure of, but he was definite this was the worst day of his life. He felt exhausted and slowly, he like Barry began to nod off to the gentle sounds of the storm outside.
Maize groaned as he opened his eyes, the lids forming slits as light poured into them. He lifted his head off his arm and glanced around. The guardian stood above him, in perfect health, and his clothing didn't even appear the slightest bit torn. He even had his staff back, much to the amazement of Maize. Maize blinked a couple of times before he raised to his own feet, looking at The Guardian.
" Just who are you ? " Maize dared to ask, curiosity overwhelming him. He needed to know just who this alien, green… thing was. The being smiled slightly, outlining some wrinkles on his fact.
His eyes met Maize's and the young man didn't feel the least bit threatened. " I am the Guardian of Earth, Dende. I don't believe we've met Maize. " Maize just stared on in bewilderment. He was totally befuddled, that was the most basic summary of the situation.
" Alright… You're the Guardian of Earth… just what the hell happened last night? " Maize dared to ask. Dende shook his head, as if he didn't even know the answer.
" I was hoping you could tell me, you're the one that came out unscathed after all was over. " Dende answered, looking at Maize with a smirk. He turned back to the gaping hole in the room, staring out of it. " I know the answer regardless however… " Maize's brow arched in confusion. Dende just laughed out loud and spoke, " You killed them Maize, somehow you've an incredible energy that I haven't seen for centuries… " He turned to face Maize, looking at him serious now. " But all that power comes at a cost. You must learn to use it Maize, the time is approaching. "
Maize backed up a few paces as he quickly retorted. " You know how much of a looney you sound like? What do you mean I need to use it anyway? " Dende shook his head as he looked out to the rubble of half the mall across from them. Maize kept his eyes locked on Dende, demanding an answer.
" I'll tell you everything. But not here, let's go someplace else… You want to bring your friend along? He's quite powerful, not as much as you however… He could be of some help. " Maize glanced over at Barry, whom had fallen asleep in the chair the previous night. His wounds were completely healed and his arm looked as if it had mended itself back together. Maize glanced back at Dende hesitantly, before finally and reluctantly nodding his head in a silent agreement.
" Trust me then, and don't squirm too much. " He stated clearly, Maize just stared him as he walked up to Barry and grabbed his shirt collar. He lifted him up in the air, like he was a bag of groceries. Maize stared on in shock, and Dende just returned an equally curious glare. " What? You act like he's heavy? " The human couldn't even respond to Dende, so just walked up to him, waiting to leave.
" Lets go then. " Dende stated abruptly. His arm latched onto Maize's arm. Maize felt himself zoom out of the building and into the air. The wind battered his face as they sped through the skyline. Maize's stomach began to turn sour, as he prepared for the worst flight of his life…
About ten minutes later, they reached their destination. Maize may have been astonished if he had not been so sick from flying. Where they had flown to was a circular shaped platform seemingly hovering in the sky. Trees outlined the area in two single column rows, and in the very center of the island lay a large structure. It was dwarfed by the size of the platform. Maize couldn't wait until they landed, and awaited in anticipation.
They landed softly, Maize leapt off of Dende and hurled right on the spot. Dende lay Barry softly on the ground and Maize continued to vomit, the pizza consumed earlier piling up. Maize gasped and coughed as he recovered himself. He stood up straight, and glanced to the guardian. He wiped his mouth as the green being turned to him.
" Just where are we exactly? " He asked, now curious as his stomach had finally been relieved.
Dende looked at him and smiled, as he lifted an arm to show the area. " This is my lookout, Dende's lookout. From here, I can see the whole world and watch over. " He glanced to the building behind him and returned to Maize. " Let us go into that building for our discussion. "
" What discussion? " Barry suddenly interrupted, rubbing his eyes as he awoke from his sleep. Maize smiled as he stared at his friend. " What happened… ? "
" We won Barry, somehow we won. Thanks to him. " Maize pointed to Dende. Barry nodded, though he really didn't understand. Dende smiled and began to walk away, as smoke shot out suddenly and he regained his staff and cloak. Maize began to follow him towards the palace like structure ahead, and Barry followed suit absently.
A small walk and they finally reached the structure. Maize was surprised at how big it actually was, and how large this plateau was. Barry couldn't believe how high they were, but he could tell, as the air was lighter. Dende continued in, and they followed, before they reached a table with four chairs.
" Take a seat gentlemen. " He said, as he gestured, and took a seat, still holding his staff. Maize sat down, Barry hesitated, but sat down regardless. Dende glanced to Barry, then Maize. " Well Barry, if you didn't know, I am the guardian of Earth, Dende. " He explained, looking back at Barry. Barry nodded, still lost in the sauce however. Dende continued, " Those two beings we fought were aliens from another planet. Which, I'm not sure. However, I do know there are more still on our planet. They arrived just and hour before you fought them. Luckily, you two managed to stall them long enough for me to arrive… though Maize, you could have easily handled them yourself. " Dende smiled towards the young Maize.
Maize looked lost, he stared at Dende questioningly. He didn't even ask, because he knew what Dende had meant. Dende returned to speaking once more, " You have incredible power Maize, as do you Barry, though how you have it, I'm not quite sure. Though centuries ago, on Earth there were many great fighters, with powers that could destroy the galaxy, perhaps even the universe… " Both Maize and Barry looked shocked at the mention of this.
Barry thought for a moment, before seemingly figuring it out. " You mean Hercule Satan and his daughter, Son Videl? They were that powerful? " Barry asked. Dende smirked at this, finding it humorous.
" They both were unusually powerful, yes. But they weren't the strongest. Though you are close. Videl's husband's family and their friends are the ones I speak of. " Barry looked disappointed, his idol having been destroyed. Maize on the other hand looked indifferent at the information. His face returned to curiosity however, as he awaited and explanation. " Son Goku was a young boy when he first started fighting, I don't know much about his past, but I know he was incredibly strong. He eventually had a son, who came to the planet Namek one day. His son's name was Gohan, I met him when I was very young. " Maize and Barry looked intrigued, wondering who these Goku and Gohan characters were. Dende followed through. " Gohan came with Bulma and his father's friend Krillin. They arrived on my home planet, the planet Namek in search of the dragon balls…The dragon balls are the most powerful item in the universe… they can grant almost any wish the user wants. But because of that, they drew in many threats. One threat was named Freiza, Gohan and his friends tried to stop him. Eventually Gohan's father, Goku defeated Freiza. " He explained. Maize and Barry remained silent, however Dende spoke once more. " It didn't end there however. "
" The Earth continued to draw in more threats, each more powerful than the previous. I eventually came to help, and became The Guardian of Earth many years ago. I watched as Gohan, Goku and their friends became the most powerful beings in the universe… and I watched as they faded away into the sands of time… I know they live on however, in the otherworld. " He glanced to them then, seemingly sizing them up for something. " Many years of watching, I began to understand their powers… They create energy themselves, by becoming more stronger. It's usually a fluke that anyone learns to use energy or what I call ki. What I have noticed however, is each fighter had different ki signatures. What I mean by this is… They had a tendency to act like the user's personality. Then, there were some that simply just were. "
Maize and Barry looked simply lost, all this energy thing, they couldn't gather what he meant. Dende smiled at their confusion and explained, " You see, energy is what those aliens and I used. I'm not much of a fighter, but just experimenting with it, I gained some power. After all, it is now my responsibility to defend Earth. " Barry nodded, Maize just continued listening. " Anyway, Goku, the protect seemed to draw energy that resembled that of Earth, his Spirit Bomb represented the bond he had with nature and the people of Earth. Gohan was light, procrastinating to fight and a loving soul. Vegeta was light as well, his intent was pure hearted, however his emotions were a little sporadic for his attribute. " Dende started to list the names off absently… He snapped back into focus. " You Barry, seem to be like Goku and I can see it, you're ki reflects Earth… and Maize, your's is like Gohan's, light. I can help you unlock your powers, though you wont know exactly how to use them, you will have instinct, and I can promise you flight… "
Maize and Barry looked shocked, Dende could teach them to fly? And attack like Chona and Cato? Barry nodded, understanding and spoke, " Yes, I want to do anything I can. " Maize glanced at Barry and then to Dende, and nodded. Dende smiled at the two's willingness, though he could tell Maize was reluctant. Dende stood from the table and walked to the other side.
" This will not take long, both of you stand, and let me unlock your power. " Barry nodded and stood. Maize glanced at his friend and Dende. With hesitance, he stood and glanced to Dende. " It wont hurt, and trust me, this knowledge will be crucial to the Earth's survival. For there are more aliens around.. Though I can't sense their location as of now… " Barry nodded and stepped towards Dende, Maize just stared at the two. Dende extended a hand onto Barry and let out a grunt, as gusts of wind began to rip from the two beings, gushing out. Maize covered his eyes as the winds increased. Dende began to glow as he placed his arm onto Barry. A bright flash was emitted, and the area settled down.
" It's done. " Dende smiled ashe looked to Barry. Barry looked no different at all, the only difference was that he was now floating in the air. Maize was shocked, his friend now knew how to actually fly. Barry gave a whoop as he flew around, much like a professional that had been doing it for many years. Maize stared on in shock as his friend now did the impossible, soaring all around the area. It wasn't until he averted his stare when he felt a palm onto his chest. He lowered his eyes onto Dende, who smirked.. " Your turn. " Dende said as he began to concentrate.
Maize waited, as nothing happened. Dende closed his eyes concentrating, though Maize wasn't sure why he was having so much trouble. Dende's body began to glow, and the wind picked up and began to blast out of the area, much more than it did from Barry. The trees and grass bent over from the gale force blasts. Maize stared on as he began to feel odd. His muscles bulged out and strained, before staying that way. He began to glow himself, much to his own amazement. The next thing he saw was a bright white flash and the sound of thunder.
When his eyes focused, he glanced around the area, seeing the trees bent. Dende and Barry were nowhere to be seen. His mind seemed to tell him where Dende was, and his eyes followed the spot. Sure enough, there was Dende on top of a tree. Barry was right above him, Maize guessed and looked up. He was correct.
Dende stood and rose to his feet. " Well, I can see you had a lot of power hidden… " He stated, laughing as he dusted his robe off. He picked up his staff and glanced to Maize, and then Barry. " You both now have some of my knowledge, how to fly, how to sense powers, and somewhat how to harness your energy. Sorry to say, but I can't teach you how to do that in such a short time. Each person is different… " He glanced to Maize. Maize focused and began to fly in the air, slowly. He glanced to Barry and then to Dende.
Barry laughed, clearly amused. " It's great huh Maize? " Maize laughed softly and just nodded. Dende smirked as well, happy to see he could help the two. However, his smile faded as he glanced over his shoulder. Barry looked in the same direction as Dende as his eyes narrowed. Maize just glanced over, curious as to what he was sensing… He felt it was bad, but he wasn't the slightest bit afraid.
Dende's eyes turned hard as he dropped his staff. He removed his robes and tossed them to the ground as well. " It's them. " Barry and Maize looked at him in question. Dende continued. " It's the other two aliens that arrived on this planet… and they're a lot stronger than the last ones. They must have sense your powers being unlocked… And they're straight on their way here. " Dende slid into a crouch and rose into the air. " Follow me you two, we will charge straight into the battle and surprise them… " He paused before he began to power up. A light aura formed around him. " They are much powerful than the last.. " He shot forward and blasted off. Barry charged up unknowingly and followed Dende.
Maize stared on as his friend shot forward. His fists clenched as he prepared himself. ' No more lives will be lost. I might not be the best fighter… but I'm not worthless! ' He nodded as he thought to himself and sailed forward, following his allies in the battle for Earth's sake.