Dark Army: Chapter Thirteen
Hatred of the Saiyans! Phantom Warriors of the Past!
Flying through the air, both Scarlet and Nionn followed after Hatchiyack. Down below, the various citizens of Tokitoki City were evacuating to safety. Already the area was in shambles, buildings reduced to ruins and the streets cratered. Not since Demigra's attack had the city looked this way and Scarlet promised herself that Towa and Mira were going to pay for this.
"How the hell did that witch manage to get the jump on us like this," Scarlet wondered.
"I can't believe Frost teamed us up," Nionn spoke up, not hearing Scarlet. "He is aware we're not exactly on good terms with each other, right?"
"Look, I don't like this anymore than you do," Scarlet replied. "But regardless, we're stuck with each other for the time being. Once this all over, you can go back to the Galactic Patrol and we'll never see each other again."
"Fine with me," Nionn said. For a moment she was silent, then she said, "Hey, tell me something. Do you ever regret leaving the Galactic Patrol, Scarlet?"
Scarlet was tempted to tell her to mind her own business, but refrained. "Sometimes. I do miss some of the other patrollers there. And the Commander."
"You know, he sometimes mentions you," Nionn said. "He won't admit it out loud, but I'm sure he wishes you would come back."
"I'd be tempted," Scarlet admitted. "I owe a lot to the Commander. But as much as I'd like to, my place is here with the Time Patrol now. Shenron brought me here for a purpose and I intend to follow through with it. Besides, I don't want to put up with that bastard Taygen and all of his crap. And Kora's here now."
"You haven't told your friends yet, have you," Nionn asked.
"Told them what," Scarlet said.
"Just how close you and Kora really are," Nionn replied.
"H-How did...," Scarlet stammered.
"Some of the other patrollers at Galactic HQ told me about one of the charges Taygen tried to use to get you kicked out of the academy," Nionn said. "They said you two were more than just friends."
"And what if we are," Scarlet snapped. "It's none of your god-damn business!"
"Frankly I don't care how close you two are," Nionn yelled back. "And I'm well aware it's none of my business! My question was if you had told your friends!"
"Not yet," Scarlet said. "But I will! I just...haven't figured out how exactly."
"What? Are you afraid," Nionn smirked. "And here I thought only spiders terrified you."
"Hey, screw you," Scarlet said. "It's not easy being honest about your feelings! And at least I have someone special in my life! When's the last time a guy showed you any interest?"
Nionn halted in midair and faced Scarlet. "That was low, Scarlet! I'll have you know I could have any guy I want! I just haven't found someone worthy of my time!"
"Just the excuse I was expecting," Scarlet said. "What guy's going to be interested in someone with a crappy attitude like yours?"
"Look who's talking about attitudes," Nionn shot back.
While the two Saiyans were arguing, they failed to notice the incoming orb of energy. The orb struck them and there was a big explosion. Scarlet and Nionn fell out of the sky and crashed to the ground. Scarlet looked up from the ground and saw the imposing figure of Hatchiyack standing several feet away. The attack had come from him. He had taken advantage of the argument between the two Saiyans and ambushed them.
"Stupid," Scarlet berated herself. "Way to let your guard down."
She climbed to her feet and faced the large machine warrior. Beside her, Nionn now stood, also ready to battle.
"So, Hatchiyack, right," Scarlet said, addressing their opponent. "So what did Towa promise you to get your help?"
Hatchiyack stared at Scarlet, his yellow eyes narrowing. "Saiyan." He turned his attention to Nionn, giving her the same intense scrutiny. "Both of you are Saiyans."
"Yeah, so what if we are," Nionn asked.
"All Saiyans must be eliminated," Hatchiyack said. "Revenge for the Tuffles."
"Tuffles," Nionn said. "But they were wiped out."
"Yeah, by us," Scarlet replied. "Seems this guy was created to avenge the Tuffle race. Damn it! That's all we need, another person with a vendetta against our people. Why is it this crap always comes back to bite us in the ass?"
Hatchiyack raised his hands and then conjured up two purple/black orbs. The orbs suddenly spouted dark purple smoke and when it cleared up, there stood two familiar faces: Frieza and Cell!
"What? No way," Scarlet exclaimed.
"Is that...Frieza," Nionn asked. "He's supposed to be dead, right?"
"Both of those two are supposed to be dead," Scarlet said. "How the hell are they here?"
"Well, if it isn't the Saiyan I met on Namek," Frieza spoke up, sporting his usual arrogant smile. "And you have a friend with you."
"Frieza," Scarlet said. "You're dead! There's no way you can be here! That's impossible!"
"Oh, but it is possible," Cell said. "We were brought back by our sheer hatred of you Saiyans and your friends."
"And once we're done with you two," Frieza said. "We're going to deal with Goku and the other remaining fools who dared to challenge us."
"Great," Nionn growled. "As if we don't have enough problems, now we have these two to deal with. Hey, Scarlet, I'm aware of how powerful Frieza is, but how strong is that green guy?"
"Cell," Scarlet replied. "He's pretty powerful. He's a bio-android made up of cells from strong fighters like Goku, Piccolo, Frieza and several others."
"Well, that's just perfect," Nionn bit out.
"Exactly," Cell said, smiling. "I am Perfect."
"I don't know how exactly you two came back," Scarlet said. Suddenly she transformed into her Super Saiyan form. "But I'm going to send you back to Hell where you belong!"
She charged, heading straight towards Frieza. Nionn, meanwhile, assumed her own Super Saiyan form and turned her attention towards Cell. The bio-android beckoned her over.
"Lets just see how perfect you really are," she said.
Nionn flew at Cell and attacked. Cell matched her attacks, exchanging punches with her. Nionn spun, landing a vicious kick on Cell,sending him flying. Cell recovered quickly, launching a volley of energy blasts towards her. Nionn dodged the incoming projectiles, charging at Cell. Charging up, Nionn sent a beam of energy towards him. Cell swiped his arm, batting the beam away from him.
"Is that the best you can do," Cell taunted. "Here. Try this." He took up a familiar stance and brought his hands together. "Ka...me...ha...me...HAAAAA!"
Nionn stared in shock as a massive Kamehameha beam shot towards her. Powering up, she unleashed a power beam of her own, attempting to halt the attack. The beams collided, and for a brief second, they struggled against each other. Then Cell's beam overpowered Nionn's attack, cutting through it. Nionn broke off the attack and managed to dodge just in time, the beam narrowly missing her.
"That was too close," she muttered.
She looked up to see Cell standing over her. Faster than the eye could follow, Cell back handed Nionn, sending her crashing into a nearby building. The building collapsed, burying her under debris.
"If that's the best you can offer, then I'm sorely disappointed," Cell called out.
Suddenly the debris blew apart as a bright golden light erupted from within. Nionn stood among the rubble, her clothing slightly torn. Her aura was brighter and electricity crackled around her, signifying she had gone Super Saiyan 2.
"I'm just getting warmed up," she said.
She moved fast, catching Cell off guard, landing several fierce punches on him. Cell staggered back, a cruel smile on his face.
"Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about," he laughed. He then flew at Nionn, both combatants giving everything they had.
While Nionn fought Cell, Scarlet was locked in battle with Frieza. During the battle, Scarlet had powered up to Super Saiyan 2, noting that Frieza was way stronger since she had last battled him. And even now, Super Saiyan 2 was just barely cutting it. How had Frieza gotten so much stronger? And for that matter, just how had he and Cell been brought here? Her gaze shifted just for a second towards Hatchiyack. The machine warrior stood off to the side, watching the battle. He had something to do with this, of that she was sure. It had been those strange orbs he had conjured up. Frieza and Cell had appeared from them. She returned her attention back to Frieza, just narrowly avoiding a hit from the Emperor of the Galaxy.
"Pay attention, Scarlet," he admonished. "One misstep could lead to your death."
"Screw you, Frieza," Scarlet said, lashing out with a punch. "You may be stronger than when we fought on Namek, but I've gotten a lot stronger since then as well!"
Frieza lept backwards and fired off a barrage of Death Beams. Scarlet batted them aside and closed the distance between them. Channeling all of her power, she punched straight through Frieza. Frieza stood there, a stunned look on his face, before disappearing in a puff of purple smoke.
With that threat taken care of, Scarlet turned to check on Nionn. She was just in time to witness her fellow Saiyan obliterate Cell with a powerful beam attack. Like Frieza, Cell also vanished in a puff of purple smoke.
"So much for them," Scarlet said.
"Oh, we're not finished yet, Saiyan."
Scarlet gasped as the two streams of smoke converged and reformed into both Frieza and Cell.
"No way," Scarlet exclaimed.
"I thought that killed them," Nionn said joining her.
"Wishful thinking, girl," Cell sneered. "You can't destroy us that easily. We're going to have our revenge. And we're not the only ones."
Scarlet felt a chill. Something about the way Cell had said that suddenly made her feel uneasy. Behind the two villains, Hatchiyack conjured up three more orbs. The orbs released more purple smoke and three new figures emerged: Kid Buu, Super Android #17, and Omega Shenron.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Scarlet yelled. "Them too?"
"Who the hell are those guys," Nionn asked.
"Three of the most powerful fighters ever," Scarlet said. "Kid Buu there is the true form of Majin Buu. He only cares about destruction. That's Super Android #17, a fusion of two different Android #17s. And then there's Omega Shenron, of the Shadow Dragons. It took Goku and Vegeta turning Super Saiyan 4 just to stop him. Including Frieza and Cell, we're dealing with some of the strongest beings ever to exist."
"Crap. We really are in trouble here, aren't we," Nionn said.
"Maybe not," Scarlet said. "As it is I've learned how to turn Super Saiyan 4. Though this will be the first time I've ever used it. I don't suppose you know how to turn into a SSJ4, do you?"
"Unfortunately, no," Nionn replied. "Though I did learn how to go SSJ3."
"It'll have to do," Scarlet said. "Lets do this!"
Both Saiyans powered up, Nionn transforming into Super Saiyan 3. Beside her, Scarlet stood, transformed into Super Saiyan 4. Her red hair was even longer, almost like a mane now, while red fur covered her upper body. Nionn could feel the immense power of this new form.
"So that's SSJ4," she commented. "I'm going to have to learn that one."
"If we make it out of this, then I'll show you how it's done," Scarlet replied. "Now lets send these bastards back where they belong!"
Together they charged at their opponents.
"Man, could this get any worse," Jaco asked, staring into the crystal ball. "Frieza! Of all people, it had to be him!"
"Just how exactly did Frieza get here," Elder Kai wondered. "And not just him. Cell, Buu, Super Android #17 and Omega Shenron? This can't be possible. They're dead. Did Towa bring them from an alternate Time Line as well?"
"Actually it looked like they appeared from those orbs that big guy conjured up," Korin commented.
"What do you mean orbs, Korin," Jaco asked.
"That big guy, Hatchiyack," Korin said. "He created some weird looking orbs and then Frieza and Cell appeared from them."
"That's Hatchiyack's special ability," The Supreme Kai spoke up.
"You mean he can resurrect dead people," Elder Kai asked.
"Not exactly," The Supreme Kai said. "They're more like phantoms. They're solid enough and just as dangerous as if they were alive, but ultimately, they're just ghosts. But there's more to it than that. Hatchiyack was designed to utilize concentrated hatred, which gives form to these specters. It all stems from the destruction of the Tuffle race at the hands of the Saiyans."
"Hmm. Much like that Baby character," Elder Kai said. "It seems the Tuffles really know how to hold a grudge even from beyond the grave."
"Their technology was extremely advanced," The Supreme Kai said. "And now we have to deal with the fallout of their revenge."
"Well, lets just hope Scarlet and Nionn can handle this," Elder Kai said. "This will be Scarlet's first time using SSJ4. I wonder if it and SSJ3 will be enough."
"Don't forget, they have reinforcements on the way," Korin reminded him. "Kora should be joining them soon."
"And with a little luck, Frost, Sorbet and Goku should be along to help out as well," The Supreme Kai said.
Back at the battle, Scarlet was busy contending with Omega Shenron and Super Android #17. At the moment, SSJ4 was proving efficient enough, but both were still proving to be a tough fight. Likewise, Nionn found herself against the triple threat of Frieza, Cell and Kid Buu. Both Saiyans were being hard pressed by their opponents. Scarlet ducked a punch from #17 and countered Omega Shenron's strike, knocking the Shadow Dragon back with a quick and powerful punch. Turning to #17, she surprised him with a blast of ki straight to his torso. #17 vanished in a swirl of smoke only to reform a few seconds later.
"Damn it," she swore.
She turned just in time to intercept Omega Shenron as he attempted a sneak attack. However that left her wide open to attack from #17. Both Android and Shadow Dragon took advantage and double teamed her, hitting her with a double barrage of energy, sending her flying into a nearby pile of debris. The two phantom warriors approached the debris, intent on finishing their target off. Both staggered back as a massive explosion of power erupted from the debris. Before either one could react, Scarlet came flying from the dust and attacked, slamming her fist hard into Omega Shenron and landing a savage kick to Super Android #17.
"You know, you guys are really starting to piss me off," Scarlet yelled.
Raising both hands, Scarlet fired off two beams of red ki energy, blasting both opponents and vaporizing them.
Nionn grabbed both Cell and Frieza and slammed them both together, stunning them. She then hurled them through the air, sending a volley of ki blasts after them. With them temporarily dealt with, she turned her attention to Kid Buu. The maniacal pink creature hurled himself at the Saiyan warrior, screeching incoherently as he attacked her. Nionn backed away, dodging his attacks.
"Not much of a talker, are you," she said.
She intercepted a punch and used Buu's momentum against him and slammed him hard to the ground. Hauling Buu up, she hit him squared in the face and then blasted him at point blank range disintegrating him into smoke. However, like before, the smoke reformed and Buu was back for another round. To make matters worse, Cell and Frieza were back as well. Scarlet landed next to her and the two Saiyans stood back to back, their enemies surrounding them.
"God, this is ridiculous," Nionn said. "No matter what we do they just keep coming back for more!"
"I don't mind telling you, I don't like these odds," Scarlet said. "That bastard Hatchiyack could easily summon more enemies if he wants to. We need some reinforcements."
"Yeah, well, unfortunately everyone's occupied with their own battles right now," Nionn pointed out. "We're on our own."
Just as she finished saying this, someone flew in and landed next to both Saiyans.
"Kora," Scarlet exclaimed.
"Sorry I'm late," Kora said. "That battle took a bit longer than I thought." She gazed Scarlet, noting her new form. "Nyan. What's with the new look, Scarlet?"
"It's Super Saiyan 4," Scarlet explained. "Something I picked up a little while back."
"I have to say, I like the looks of this form," Kora purred. "It's so primal."
"Um...thanks," Scarlet said, blushing.
"Ugh! Could you two please focus," Nionn said. "I thought you were protecting the gate to the Time Vault, Kora."
"The Time Vault's been secured," Kora assured her. "As it is, we have reinforcements. The Supreme Kai called in Goku and Vegeta to help."
"Goku's here," Scarlet asked. "Alright!"
"And Prince Vegeta is here, too," Nionn said. "Finally, I'll get the chance to meet him."
"And that's not all," Kora said. "A friend of Trunks is here, too. Someone named Tapion. He's helping out as well."
"We might just get through this after all," Scarlet said. "First things first, we need to deal with these guys."
Kora scanned the area, noting the gathered enemies. She recognized Frieza due to images she had seen of him at the Galactic Patrol. The others were unfamiliar."
"How adorable," Frieza spoke up, eyeing Kora. "We have a little kitty-cat to play with now."
Kora growled, flexing her claws. "Leave him to me. I'm going to claw that smug smile off his face."
"Just a quick heads-up," Scarlet said. "These guys aren't what they seem. Every time we defeat them, they just reform. The real problem here is Hatchiyack over there. He's the one who keeps bringing them back."
"But just how long can he keep it up," Nionn wondered. "These apparitions have to have a limit."
"Then lets find that limit," Scarlet said.
Scarlet flew towards Omega Shenron and Super Android #17 while Nionn turned her attention to Cell and Kid Buu, leaving Kora to face off against Frieza.
"So I get to deal with you," Frieza smirked. "You know, I've always wondered if there really is more than one way to skin a cat."
Before he could react, Kora attacked. Frieza saw a blur and then felt claws rake his face. He staggered back, screeching loudly and clutching his face.
"You worthless feline," Frieza howled in rage. "I will make you suffer for that!"
He charged at Kora, lashing out angrily. Kora ducked and dodged, moving lithely on her feet as she avoided Frieza's assault. Moving past his attacks, Kora got in closer and landed several swift jabs on her opponent. She then spun and kicked Frieza, sending him flying backwards. Frieza quickly regained his footing just as Kora flew in to resume attacking. Both fighters lashed out furiously.
"I refuse to be beaten by some lowly house cat," Frieza raged. "You will die here, along with those Saiyan monkeys!"
Kora glared and then struck Frieza in the face, rocking his head backwards. Stunned, Frieza found himself being mercilessly pummeled by his opponent. Kora then charged up and blasted Frieza with a massive silver beam of energy. Frieza vanished from sight, leaving just a few wisps of smoke behind.
"Never insult Scarlet in front of me," Kora said.
Nionn, meanwhile, found two opponents easier to handle than three. She concentrated on Cell first, destroying the bio-android with a strong energy blast. Turning to Kid Buu, she surprised the Majin with a technique she had developed a few years back. Conjuring up a golden orb of energy, she moved in and pushed the orb into Kid Buu. The orb erupted into a burst of golden beams, slicing through Kid Buu, reducing him to a mass of pink goo. Nionn then finished him off with one final blast of energy.
Scarlet maneuvered Super Android #17 until he was right in front of Omega Shenron. She kicked hard, sending the Android crashing into the Shadow Dragon. Powering up, she unleashed a powerful Kamehameha attack, obliterating both her opponents at once. With all five enemies finally defeated, Scarlet and her two allies now focused their attention on Hatchiyack.
"No more hiding behind your ghost buddies, Hatchiyack," Scarlet said. "Face us!"
"Very well," Hatchiyack said. "I will destroy you myself, Saiyan."
The machine warrior charged at the three women and the battle began. Scarlet struck first, knocking Hatchiyack back a few steps. Nionn then moved in, striking fast, followed by Kora blasting Hatchiyack at point blank range. However, Hatchiyack merely shrugged off their attacks and retaliated, swinging his massive arms and knocking Nionn and Kora away. He then attacked Scarlet, landing several hard strikes on her. Scarlet staggered from the sheer strength behind his attacks. Fortunately she was able to weather them and fought back. Both Saiyan and machine clashed with each other, the incredible strength of SSJ4 proving to be a match for Hatchiyack.
By now Nionn and Kora had recovered and rejoined the battle, lending their strength to Scarlet. After taking some damage, Hatchiyack broke off from the attack and brought his arms across his chest. Then all of the green orbs on the machine fighter's body began glowing.
"I don't like the looks of this," Scarlet said.
Just as she finished saying this, Hatchiyack fired off a massive beam of green energy. The beam struck all three, sending them careening backwards. The three women crashed to the ground, severely injured.
"Owww...man, that hurt," Scarlet moaned.
"What...was that," Nionn asked.
"I don't know," Scarlet said. "But lets not get hit by it again."
"Nyan. He's a lot stronger than I first thought," Kora said.
"He was strong to begin with," Scarlet said. "Given Towa's influence, it stands to reason he's going to be pretty tough. We need a plan here."
"How about we help out?"
All three looked up to see Frost, Sorbet and Goku had arrived.
"Man, am I glad to see you guys," Scarlet said, as they landed next to them. "If you're here, I'm guessing King Cold is gone."
"We took care of him alright," Frost said. "I see you're trying out SSJ4, Scarlet."
"Super Saiyan 4," Goku spoke up. "Wow. Where'd you learn that, Scarlet?"
Scarlet was about to say from him, but then remembered that she had seen Goku from an alternate time line use SSJ4. This Goku wouldn't know about it.
"Oh, you know, just pushed myself past my limits and obtained it," Scarlet said.
Goku nodded and then glanced over at Hatchiyack. "So, Hatchiyack. Long time no see."
"Saiyan," Hatchiyack replied. "This time I will eliminate you."
"Sorry to disappoint you," Goku said. "But I'm way stronger now than I was when we last fought each other. And I have five strong allies right here as well." Goku transformed into Super Saiyan Blue, surprising Scarlet and Nionn.
"Whoa! What is that," Scarlet said.
"Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan," Goku replied.
"Oh, wow! I have got to learn that," Scarlet said.
"Me, too," Nionn agreed.
"I'll give you the details later," Goku said. "Listen, Hatchiyack's pretty durable, but he does have a weakness. When he charges up his ultimate attack, he's vulnerable. When that happens, we all strike at once with everything we've got."
"Sounds good to me," Scarlet said, cracking her knuckles.
All six fighters prepared themselves and faced off against Hatchiyack.
"Saiyans...DIE," Hatchiyack shouted. Suddenly he was surrounded by a dark aura and his eyes flared red.
"Uh-oh," Sorbet said. "I recognize that."
"Hey, Frost," Goku said. "I know you're still not quite used to it, but maybe you'd better try out your new form."
Frost nodded and then transformed into his newly acquired Golden Form.
"Whoa! When did you learn that, Frost," Scarlet asked.
"Just recently, actually," Frost said. "Lets hope I can maintain it better this time."
"Watch out! Here he comes," Nionn called out.
Everyone turned just as Hatchiyack charged at them.
End of Chapter Thirteen...