Hello there! *waves friendly* Oh how I have missed you guys!Thank you: dragonballZ9, Boerseun, Rose, Pix, mks 12 98, RKF22, 9thZfighter, unwanted half Saiyan demon, Sirius Potter2, Vienne, Rawr, Noooo and Vegetaslave87 for reviewing! There is a special place in my heart for all of you! *tears up* O,h and thank you for all the peepz who favourited and subscribed to my story. You guys hve a special place in my heart too! :D dragonballZ9: *blushes* Thank you soooooo much! I will definitely finish it! So glad that you like it so much! (You, sir have excellent taste! XD) Boerseun: Hahaha! So bly om nog 'n Afrikaner fan te sien! AWESOMENESS! *patriotiese vuis* VIVA SUID- AFRIKA! :D Vegetaslave87: Thank you for your longest review yet! (Congrats by the way! So glad you achieved it while reviewing my story! :D YAY) Rawr: Noooooo! Don't eat me, I'm too chewy! *gets in fighting stance* Bring it! Haha! I am soooo proud of you for remembering one small detail I mentioned just once about 10 chaps ago! *applauds you* Don't worry, I didn't forget about it… It shall be in the next chapter! So keep ya eyes peeled for it! Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ… Enjoy* *****************
CHAPTER 20: Date of Death…
The strange tremors of pain suddenly vanished and the shudders stopped abruptly. I was just laying on the cold, yet soothing, ground now, staring up at the beautiful blue sky; my heartbeat started to turn normal again and my breathing became more systemized. I relished in the feeling of no pain as I lay panting on the ground, exhausted from the exertion the agony had caused.
My head was racing to find a logical explanation for that strange occurrence, but none came to mind. But as I thought back to the aggress; reliving it, just without the pain, I could have sworn I felt Raphael's presence inside my skull.
My eyes widened as I put two and two together. I must be his strong warrior; his secret weapon… He alone, even with his great power, couldn't have reached the inner mechanisms of my well protected mind, but he has Babidi with him…
I started to have an internal panic attack; from the outside it probably looked as if I felt relaxed, but my insides were freaking out, knowing that not even I, would be able to withstand Babidi's powerful spells.
I immediately sent more ki to my mind-shield; four thick layers were guarding my thoughts and current state of mind now, rather than the usual one dense layer. I felt immediately more at ease with the extra security.
My mother was the first person at my side. Her eyes were filled with concern as she kneeled down next to me; her eyes madly travelling from the top to the bottom of my body, searching me thoroughly, and making sure nothing was out of place. She let out a relieved breath as she saw that nothing was amiss.
For the final part of her examination, she placed her hand gently on my forehead.
She jerked her hand away as soon as it came in contact with my skin and blew on it frantically. "You are burning up." She stated and started waving me cool with her apron, desperately trying to lower my high temperature.
I closed my eyes in pleasure as the cool systematic wind caressed my face.
"Thanks Mommy…" I breathed as she continued cooling me down.
She smiled lovingly down at me. "Anything for my little boy..." She cooed and pinched my cheeks. Strangely enough, I wasn't taken aback by the gesture that I always used to hate when I was still alive. I got up into a sitting position, ready to get up, but I froze as Dad started yelling.
"Out of my way!" I heard Dad yell so loudly that I instinctively covered my ears.
Out of nowhere a ton of water collided with my face and I fell down to the ground on my back, startled by the icy-cold water.
"Goku?" Mom directed to Dad, her voice held a fragment of anger.
"I am just trying to help! I saw on the doctor Oz show a few weeks ago, that you should cool people down, who is having a seizure or panic-attack." He stated intelligently.
Gomih scoffed. "I think you are thinking about the episode about dealing with someone who suffered severe burns Dad…"
Dad pointed to me. "But it helped!" He exclaimed proudly.
"If you would have stayed around, you would have seen that he recovered from whatever that was." She scolded her husband.
"The icy water was a tad much Dad," I said as I stood up; water was dripping off my body like a waterfall, "but I appreciate the gesture, I have wanted to go for a swim the entire day!" I defended him.
He smiled happily at me and I returned the gesture with my toothiest smile.
"So what happened there, bro?" Krillen asked concerned. "It looked like you had a seizure."
I met his gaze and shrugged; he was probably the only person here who was my height. "I honestly have no idea Krillen." I admitted, not wanting to concern them with my Raphael theory.
"And what is up with Frieza?" Trunks followed.
Vegeta growled in annoyance. "All of you, just stop with your stupid questions; it is clear that the brat doesn't know what is going on."
I smiled warily. "Yup, I have no clue!"
"So I guess we wait again?" Piccolo asked out of the blue.
I nodded in confirmation. "We don't have any options other than that."
Vegeta grunted. "I am tired of doing nothing. I honestly just wish this destroyer ass arrives soon, so we can get this over with."
I hate to say this, but I actually agree with Vegeta. This waiting is making me crazy! I hate not having the upper hand. If only we had the element of surprise on our side! We have come for you... There are thousands of us and we want to take over your fridge and devour all your pudding!
A frown formed on my brow. Pudding?
Before I could mentally retaliate, a sudden weight on my shoulders made me flinch. I instinctively jumped a short distance forward, creating a gap between my friends and the attacker. I shifted my weight forward abruptly, making the person fall off my upper body. I could see dust settle around yet another invisible enemy. This is getting old…
I placed my foot on what I presumed was the person's back, making sure that it couldn't escape, and increased the pressure, letting it know that I mean business. I heard a sudden deep gasp as I knocked the person's wind out.
"Reveal yourself!" I demanded loudly but the person did not respond.
"Now…" My stern voice trailed off menacingly as I increased the pressure under my foot.
"Fine… sheesh! Live a little." A familiar girly voice cracked out. Her petite, yet muscular body became visible under my foot. I recognised the cluster of blond hair and caramel skin instantly. I sighed angrily and stepped off of her.
"Luna, what the hell?" I asked agitatedly to one of my comrades on the magisterial guard.
She rubbed her neck with her hand and smiled. "I like it rough." She stated flirtatiously and winked at me.
I wasn't flattered by her charm. So she was the one who mind-crushed me earlier, and all that trouble for a prank. "You sounded exactly like Raphael!" I accused. "I thought for a second that he was trying to take over my mind; me being the secret warrior he hadn't obtained yet." I confessed and wiped a few stray drops of sweat off my forehead.
She scoffed. "That was the idea dummy and if there is anyone old Ralphy would recruit, it would be me." She pointed arrogantly to herself.
I rolled my eyes at her. "Modest as ever Luna… You know Raphael can strike at any moment now?" I reminded her with severity in my voice.
She shrugged indifferently. "Loosen up bad boy." She punched me playfully on the arm. "We are ready; we can take him!" She motivated passionately, followed by a little battle cry.
A slight smile tickled my lips. "I am glad you think so…" I wasn't usual a negative-minded person, but I had this pessimistic feeling clinging to my gut; that we weren't out of the woods just yet...
"What is up with your mind by the way?" She asked out of the blue with a frown on her brows.
I tilted my head to the side in confusion, not understanding the question. "What do you mean?"
"It was very cloudy, kind of like poisonous smog filled your mind; it very difficult for me to get through." She declared and I flinched. "So you weren't the one who tried the mind crush on me?"
She shook her head slowly from side to side with a deep frown on her brow. "Someone did the mind crush on you? There aren't many people in the universe that can do that."
I started to feel dizzy as the reality of the situation hit me like a 100 ton concrete brick: It must have been Raphael, who intruded my mind…
She looked around her with interest. "So this is your home planet?" She asked a little shocked with a raised eyebrow, interrupting my speculations. "Gross." She exclaimed in disgust. "Those green tall bushy things are in a hideous contrast with the blue sky."
Ugh, really Luna? "The tall bushy green things are called 'trees', maybe you have heard of them? They are the oxygen givers for most part of the known universe?" I asked sarcastically.
"Not on my planet." She retorted. "Our scientists have created a whole new innovative and graceful way for oxygen to be pumped into our lungs…" She bragged.
I raised my eyebrow in doubt. "And how is that exactly?"
She smiled lovingly. "By altering our DNA, silly." She said as if I should have found it obvious. "When we are born we get a shot of cuzioma, a rare herb, making it possible for our bodies to produce our own oxygen." She giggled. "So if you guys get pawned today and the planet gets destroyed in the process, I will still be able to breathe in space."
"And we will just teleport to safety." I shot back and she rolled her eyes. "Such a cowardly and unimaginative way to survive..."
"Guys I don't want to interrupt your talk; but what did Frieza mean by 'checkmate'?" Dad asked worriedly.
I turned to them with a warm smile. I actually forgot about them for a second; I guess I am not used to them being around. "He probably meant that Raphael and his army are extremely strong and hard to beat. As you probably sensed, Frieza levelled my strength in my third transformation, so we can assume that Babidi has the ability to raise their stats like speed, agility and power too." I explained in a calm voice, not wanting to alarm them.
"But…" Trunks started.
"Don't worry; we will have everything under control." I interrupted him, reading from his mind his negative thoughts; I didn't want him to rally everyone else up too.
Luna frowned as she stared at Dad and the others. "Is that your family?" She whispered curiously into my ears, her voice tickled my lobes.
Before I could answer I noticed that she was already at their sides. I sighed and teleported next to her. "… You guys are all so ugly, why?" She asked dispiritedly.
Everyone ignored her inappropriate manners and turned to me. "Gohan, what transformation was that?!" Krillen exclaimed and waved his hand to my body. I sighed internally, not in the mood to explain my findings of the evolutions of the Super Saiyan to them now.
"You haven't seen anything yet old man, you should see his fourth transformation! Now that is what I call impressive!" Luna boasted on behalf of me.
Vegeta's eyes widened. "There is even a more progressed level of a Super Saiyan than that you displayed now?" Disbelief was engraved in his voice.
I smiled proudly. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
"Do you mind showing it to us?" Piccolo asked curiously.
I smiled. "Sorry Piccolo, but that transformation takes a lot out of me. You will have to see it on the battlefield someday."
He nodded, understanding. "Perhaps today…"
I nodded absentmindedly. "Perhaps…" My voice trailed off to another galaxy as I tried to imagine how today will end up…
"So how did you achieve those levels of the transformation?" Vegeta fished for more information.
I sighed and decided to tell the story, knowing that they will not stop pestering me if I don't. "Transforming into the third level of Super Saiyan was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I had to work and train hard for just over sixteen months to fully master it. The third level is literally a bone crushing power, for the first time I harnessed it, even though it was only for mere seconds, it nearly crushed every bone in my body." Vegeta and the others were listening to my explanation in awe. "It isn't hard to achieve the level; it is basically just located underneath the second transformation's vault, but it is extremely hard to maintain the power in your grasp. It is a very slippery transformation, if I can say it like that, it takes more mental than physical endurance and power to maintain."
"Incredible…" Vegeta breathed.
"So if the third transformation was so hard to master, I must imagine that the fourth must have been almost impossible to keep?" Piccolo speculated.
I smiled. "One would think that, but the thing is, it is much easier to maintain the fourth transformation." I chuckled at their baffled expressions. "You see, while the third transformation is purely mental, the SS4 is achieved by losing oneself, in a frenzy of uncontrollable rage, triggered in response of a great need." I explained.
"It is an explosion of power; but I think SS3 serves as an icebreaker. I think due to the fact that I already mastered it, made it much easier to grasp the fourth transformation. Like if you already know how to drive an ordinary car, it would be much easier to learn how to drive a truck by using your already obtained skills, than learning how to drive a truck from scratch." I smiled at my newly created metaphor.
A few of my friends nodded, acknowledging that they understood my explanation.
"Do you guys have any more questions, or can I shift my attention to the situation at hand?" I asked civilized and they all shook their head.
"Great; Luna?" I looked around but couldn't see or feel the ki of my comrade.
Her body appeared out of nowhere in front of me. She sighed happily. "Finally, you're finished!" She exclaimed relieved. "I was so bored that entire time that I decided to hit my face against a rock. Not wanting to hurt your feelings I did it whilst invisible. Draco joined me too." She declared while pointing to the little dragon behind her leg.
"Sorry bro." He smiled apologetic up at me.
"I didn't know you could harness invisibility." I aired my thoughts, remembering that she did it when she made her dramatic entrance too.
She smiled a brilliant toothy smile. "Don't underestimate a beautiful face Gohan." She scolded. "I am the princess of the sun and the moon, remember?"
I scoffed. "How could I forget?" I asked rhetorically; remembering all her extended tales of her glamorous royal life.
"I can use the energy of suns and moons all over the galaxy to aide me in battle." She revealed while making a patriotic fist in the air. "And earth's moon and especially its sun, shoots vivid amounts of energy out, making it easy for me to use."
"Impressive…" I complemented. "So Luna, why are you here alone? Where are the others?" I directed to my fellow comrade the question I wanted to ask since she arrived, but the others kept interrupting me so I never had the chance to ask.
She examined her nails intently while talking. "Oh, they are still being debriefed by Magisterial. They will be here soon." She stated bored, like we were talking about the entomology of rocks, not a huge threat.
"Don't you want to know what is going on?" I asked and she shrugged indifferently.
"Raphael is involved, that is all I need to know; Levi or Willow will fill me in on all the other minor details when they get here." Her voice turned serious. "So he really has the whole army this time?" Her voice was filled with worry.
I smiled up at her. "Nothing badasses like us need to worry about." I stated positively.
She chuckled. "True, true. We can take them down easily! With me in the army nothing could go wrong."
I chuckled, "Except everything!" I teased and she punched me on the arm.
"You are forgetting that one time last year I saved your ass from that flock of gay fish." She reminded me.
I scoffed. "You are forgetting who started it in the first place!" I corrected.
"Oh I smell a story; something fishy all right!" Draco exclaimed and stared at me expectantly.
"You have already heard it Draco-ula!"
He shrugged. "Doesn't ring a bell…" He pestered while mimicking a southern accent.
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever cowboy!"
"I want to hear it too." Dad exclaimed and I sighed, feeling guilty that they had missed so much of my life. "Well you see…" I started speaking but my voice faded away as I felt about eleven ki's heading for earth at a vigorous pace.
I recognised the ki's of the other members of the army instantly. I smiled as I felt Reynard's ki speeding towards me. Just before he could hit me I took one step to the side, resulting in him jumping into Vegeta's arms instead...
He stared up at the prince of all Saiyans with a quizzical expression on his face. He pulled a few strands of Vegeta's hair. "You sure have gotten ugly bro; no offence, but these last six weeks since I have seen you, has not been good for you..." He exclaimed.
Vegeta's face became bright red as he threw my friend to the ground. Dust settled around Reynard's body as he stood up. He pointed his finger accusingly at Vegeta. "You aren't Gohan!" He yelled.
Vegeta scowled at him. "No shit." He muttered and resumed his position of 'couldn't be bothered.'
Reynard examined the little crowd and stopped in front of Gomih and my dad who were standing next to each other. He came closer to Dad and he flinched at Reynard intruding his personal space, but staring into Dad's eyes with their faces almost touching.
Reynard clasped his head in agitated confusion as he stared back and forth to Dad, Gomih and Vegeta. "Why are there so many Gohan's?"
He turned to my sister. "Ugh, this is just so mind boggling!" He exclaimed and pointed to Gomih. "When did you become a girl dude? Just because you were forced to be clothed in a dress one time, doesn't mean you are female!" He exclaimed and Gomih laughed.
"I think you are looking for my brother…" She chuckled and pointed to me a few yards away from them. I waved friendly to Reynard, and he teleported to me instantly.
"Gohan!" He exclaimed gleefully and embraced me in one of his famous Reynard hugs. Just as he released me, all the other members of the magisterial army surrounded us.
"Hey guys!" I greeted my comrades. They all smiled at me in return and Veronica, Willow and Magnar came to hug me.
"This is my family and friends." I pointed behind me. "Family and friends, this is the other members of the magisterial army." I introduced the two groups.
They nodded at each other and Dad actually came over and gave each and every one of them a decent handshake.
"Is Kibito and Shin still at Magisterial's?" I asked after the introduction was over.
Gailo nodded. "Shin thought that he and Kibito would be a burden to us and weigh us down in battle, so they thought it best that they stay there. It will be easier for them to survey the situations from there, and jump in when needed. "
Trunks snickered."They sure have faith in you guys."
Luna scowled. "Tell me about it, they always think about the worst case scenarios."
Reynard untangled his arm from my shoulder, a determined expression coloured his face as he walked over to Trunks. I was shocked to see my best friend take Trunks' hand gently in his own and kissing it. I frowned in disgust. What is he doing?
"Nice to meet you, Mademoiselle." Rey said flirtatiously. "I know this is a bad time, being that Raphael can show up and kill us all at any moment now, but it is never too late for romance."
Trunks jerked his hand away from him with force and scowled confusedly at Reynard. "I am a man!" He shouted and I burst into laughter as I saw red spread across Reynard's face, starting at his cheeks.
"But your hair is purple!" He reasoned and my laughs grew deeper. I fell on the ground while clutching my stomach as pain from all the laughs built up in my abdomen.
"That doesn't mean I am a girl!" Trunks pointed to Gomih, my mother and Bulma. "Those are girls!"
A frown still coloured Reynard's brow. "But purple is a girl's colour…" He said slowly; heavy confusion was still engraved in Rey's voice. "If you really are a male, prove it." He challenged as he saw Trunks' baffled expression. He crossed his arms over his chest defiantly; pretty sure that he was right.
"I am not pulling my pants down for you, you freak!" Trunks bellowed.
"If you don't want to go out with me, it's fine. I can handle rejection; there is no reason to change your sex." A tad bit of offence clung to Rey's voice.
Trunks let out a deep breath and unbuckled his belt. I clasped a hand over my mouth; I wasn't sure if I should rescue Trunks from his current situation or just watch and see where this goes. My noble human side encouraged the 'save the damsel into stress' thing but my dominant whimsical and diabolic side won, and sided with 'see where this goes and laugh your butt off in the process '!
"I can't believe I am actually doing this…" Trunks muttered under his breath.
Gomih sighed. "For the love of Pete!" She exclaimed irritated and pulled Trunks' shirt over his head and pointed at his chest. "See? No boobs!" She exclaimed and Reynard backed away slowly with his hands in front of him; his face was even brighter than before.
Trunks pulled his shirt back right and gave Gomih a peck on the lips. "Thanks Goouie!" He cooed and I turned away from the nauseating sight, just in time to see Reynard walking with a crouch and his head bowed in shame towards me.
"We shall never speak of this again." He whispered into my ear as he passed by.
"Define we..!" I mocked.
He scowled at me. "It is not my fault your planet is full of cross-dressers!" He exclaimed loud enough for Trunks to hear.
Trunks' mouth fell open in disbelief. "What part of this manly gi..." He waved his hand to his armoured-gi, "reminds you of a girl's attire?!" He asked baffled.
Reynard pouted. "Fine; feminine men!" He corrected nastily and Trunks' mouth fell open again.
Gomih pinched her boyfriend's chipmunk-like cheeks. "Sweetie, you are kinda feminine…" She stated and everyone laughed.
"See?" Reynard exclaimed victoriously, standing with his hands on his hips triumphantly.
"Tell that to my muscles!" Trunks defended his honour arrogantly and bulked his huge muscles.
"Those are rather huge muscles! Bigger than I can remember actually." A strangely familiar voice chirped behind Trunks.
I was not surprised to see one of my biggest previous enemies behind my group of friends. Dad went to stand protectively instantly in front of Mother and Gomih, but Gomih walked past him and resumed a flawless fighting stance next to our father.
I was surprised to see that Gomih's stance held a mixture of Piccolo and Vegeta's stances, and not that of my father; seems like they were her tutors instead of Dad. But I remember that he was never that keen on training her, hesitant because she was a girl and all… I also remember that she used to call him a sexist.
Trunks, Piccolo and Vegeta also resumed their unique signature stances in the lead of the group, shielding all the other less-strong fighters and family members.
Gohan who is that? Gailo asked worriedly in my mind. His power-level is astounding.
I didn't answer him; instead I pouted sourly. His power-level was indeed magnitudes stronger than what it was before, almost double the amount higher and he hasn't even powered up yet!
"Still as tense as ever…" He mocked and laughed at my friend's protective stances.
"Does someone have bug spray?" I asked jokily at nobody specific and Cell smiled.
"Oh there you are Gohan; I couldn't see you through the thick cloud of testosterone emitting from Trunks' muscles." He laughed at his silly joke.
"Haha..." I mocked and floated slowly with my arms across my chest to above my friends. I glowered, with a smile on my lips, at Cell below me. He returned the gesture with an equally intoxicating smile.
I released my hand from its cross and aimed it down at my friends. I opened my palm slowly and used a small fragment of my ki, careful not to hurt them, to push my friends a little backwards, so I could resume the lead position in front of Cell.
I crossed my arms in front of my chest again as I floated down slowly; my eyes never left Cell's, wary off him, since his huge power boost. I could feel all the stares of my fellow comrades and friend's bore into my back.
I smiled up at Cell. "Very foolish of you to arrive; are you really that desperate to receive yet another beating?" I asked rhetorically and dug in his mind for memories of our last encounters. I smiled as I found his memories and played the times I wasted him up, in front of his eyes.
He growled and I was surprised by the velocity of the power he used to push me out of his mind. "Keep your hands to yourself, boy." He spat and I chuckled.
"So what is Raphael planning?" I asked to the point. "He doesn't arrive himself, but instead he sends you guys piece by piece, one by one…" My voice trailed off. "He must be up to something and I want to know what."
Cell smiled deviously. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He taunted.
I sighed. "Am I going to have to beat it out of you?" I made it sound like a punishment for me.
He shrugged. "I would be surprised if you actually manage to lay a finger on me…" He challenged and got into a fighting stance.
I did the same and waited for him to attack. "Ladies first…" I encouraged and he laughed.
"Don't worry boy, I have manners. I am indeed waiting for the female-specimen to go first." He countered and gestured a hand to me.
"Aw just give it a rest." Luna yelled annoyed. She teleported to the sky above us and aimed a hand to Cell. "Solar cannon!" She yelled out and my eyes widened; this was her renowned finishing move. I duck out to the side, just barely missing the impact.
"Luna?!" I yelled to her after the powerful blast had settled. "You could have killed me!"
She frowned agitatedly. "That was my original intension! If you guys spend more time fighting and less time cracking 'Yo mama' jokes, this could be categorized as a battle and not a friggin war!" She fumed.
I stood up and brushed my dusty pants off. "Sheesh who's the one who should chill, now?" I retorted, using her own words against her and she rolled her eyes at me.
I took one step towards the hole; smoke was still sizzling around it and gasped as I saw that the cylinder-formed hole went right through the planet; I could see to the other side of earth!
"Dammit Luna; you completely overdid it!" I scolded. "You probably just killed a bunch of people on the other side of the planet!"
"I am sorry for killing Cell." She retorted sarcastically.
"Guys if you just stop bickering for a moment you would notice that Cell is still alive!" Gailo reprimanded and sped past us up to Cell. He delivered a few demolishing blows to Cell instantly, making him fall to the ground.
But that didn't make Gailo slow down.
I stared in awe at his flawless fighting-techniques. He rushed down towards Cell, getting momentum, but just before he could land his punch, Cell shot his arm out quickly and Gailo tripped over it midair, making a few devastating wheels in the sky before stopping himself.
Taking my attention away from their quarrel; I felt about thirty other ki's pop up at random locations all over earth. A peculiar evil aura surrounded each and every one of them. I recognised most of them as my previous enemies.
All of you, split up! I sense they have infiltrated the planet. He spoke through our minds while still in offence with Cell, not letting Cell get a piece of our strategy. It seems like Raphael's plan is to isolate us from the group and pick us apart one by one. We will not let that happen, do you understand me? As soon as you get the upper hand in the battle, lead them back here. If you get in trouble just signal Veronica or Gohan, they will be on standby here with me, in case Raphael shows up here. Any questions?
None… Reynard spoke on behalf of everybody. Okay guys, Levi, Steve and Willow head to the north; there are three power levels you can easily defeat, and when you are done, head to the west where Felix, Magnar and I will be taking on what I presume is the stronger six of the clan. Reynard assumed sergeant-general position of the guard, filling Gailo's usual place as strategist since he was occupied by Cell. Say what you want about the joker of the group, but he can sure pack up a plan and be serious when needed.
Hey earthlings! I was surprised to hear Reynard gathering the attention of my friends. I shot him a warning look but he smiled seriously, reassuring me that he won't let harm fall upon them. You, you, you and you… He pointed to Dad, Trunks, Vegeta and Gomih. You guys are strong, so do you mind taking over the eastern quadrant that is currently being occupied with num-nuts calling themselves the Ginyu force? He made it sound more like an order than a question.
They didn't answer; instead a dazed expression occupied all their faces. It is okay guys; you can take them. I encouraged and Dad gulped loudly in his mind. He shot Rey a thumbs-up, signalling that they were game.
Great… Kiana, it would be best if you and Luna head with the other earthlings to the south; making sure that no harm falls upon them. He flashed pictures of both girls in their minds. He pointed to Luna first; don't be fazed by her pretty exterior, she is the third-strongest in our little group and this cutie-pie here, he pointed to Kiana, is a healer, so don't hesitate to notify her if you require medical assistance.
Luna rolled her eyes. "Why am I always stuck with the dreads?" Ran through her mind, sulkily.
Love your spirit Luna. Reynard applauded sarcastically and she returned with a fake curtsy.
Oh, and last but not least, Ash, Farrah and Arzath, can I instruct you guys to evacuate the few villages around the battle area? We don't want to take innocents down with the thugs. And don't forget about Gohan's family there.
Where should we take them? Ash asked.
Reynard thought for a few seconds before speaking again. Take the mortals here; an image of a deserted valley located far from every danger zone on the planet flashed in our minds. And you can take Gohan's friends and the earth's kai to the sacred realm of the kais. They already know about the other world, so let's cause some chaos for Shin.
I smiled proudly at my friend. Of a better strategy could I have not thought!
Okay guys… Make like a banana and split! He instructed and I felt every one of their unique ki's teleport to their separate locations.
I floated next to Veronica. "Shouldn't we help him?" I asked worriedly as I saw Gailo starting to get tired while Cell still seemed perfectly energised. She shook her head. "Remember, we are on standby. Gailo can take care of himself." She reminded me and I pulled my sensors for the others, waiting for a SOS.
I slipped into my father's mind, just to make sure that they were alright and saw that they were dominating the battlefield. There were just enough of them for each to get a member of the Ginyu force. I sighed relieved and reverted my attention back to the fight with Gailo and Cell.
Gailo was holding his own pretty well, but Cell still seemed surprisingly to have the upper hand. Going against all my instincts to go ahead and help him, I just stood next to the battlefield, feeling utterly useless.
A calm relaxed feeling washed over my body, taking the anxiousness away with it. Stay focussed. Veronica ordered and I smiled weakly at her.
Sorry. I apologised and averted my attention to all the ki's around us.
A sudden loud bang brought my attention back to Gailo. A blast shot from Cell's mouth and collided at that close proximity with Gailo, who I glimpsed managed to swing to the side just barely.
When the smoke cleared I was surprised to see Gailo crutched to the side, blood gushing from his upper arm. He looked exhausted and a mixture of fatigue and pain was printed on his beaten face.
Not hesitating any longer, Veronica and I sped towards Gailo. She forced Cell's attention and the two's eyes met. I felt that weird ki emit from her body as she used her emotion manipulation technique to confuse Cell but he just shook his head slowly from side to side.
He sighed loudly. "Like a gnat in my brain…" He stated and tried to speed towards my two comrades, but I cut him off, placing my arm to his chest, keeping him away from my fellow team-mates.
"I don't think so." I sneered calmly and he chuckled. He curled his long fingers around my arm and tried to throw my limb from his chest, but to his surprise, he didn't succeed. My arm didn't budge an inch.
I am taking him to Kiana, for a healing. Veronica informed me as she put her arm around her boyfriend and comrade's shoulder, supporting his entire weight. I nodded, without looking back and she teleported away.
"Finally, just you and me…" I said softly with a slight smile on my lips as I pushed some ki into my palm; shooting it right through Cell's stomach. He shot back violently and fell to the ground directly on his face. I was surprised to see Cell's huge gash already starting to regenerate after a few seconds, when I specifically remember it taking him a few minutes to heal when we first fought together in the Cell games.
"Impressed?" He cackled as he noticed my stunned expression.
I regained my composure and smiled arrogantly down at him. "I will not lie… That was relatively noteworthy, but you still have nothing on me." I bragged deviously.
"Oh?" He raised his eyebrow in disbelief. "Just face it boy, you have finally met your match. I am now the strongest one between us." He boasted.
I scoffed. "Whatever floats your boat Cell..." I retorted and fazed above him, getting him into an inescapable headlock. He struggled against my grip viscously, but fell limp when he noticed that it was a lost cause.
He sighed loudly. "You are a very clingy person, you know that?" He said and I chuckled. "So I have been told." I retorted and used his weight against him as I slung him around in a perfect circle at lightning speed. I used momentum to my advantage and threw him into the air. I saw his eyes spinning from the dizzy feeling resulted from the twirls, but he shook it off.
He focussed on my approaching figure and frowned. I saw him aim a shaky punch, and threw it towards me, but missed me greatly. The punch landed a few metres in the empty air, a long shot away from my face.
He was still disoriented from the dizziness, I thought with pleasure and kicked his arm, which was still in the air from his previous "punch", and kicked it upwards, making his face completely exposed and vulnerable for a devastating attack.
I made a backwards summersault in the air to get more force behind my body and shot to Cell with a lighting speed, punching him right through his money-maker.
While he was still tumbling with a fast pace down to earth in continuous circular motions, I teleported to the ground beneath him and powered a quick blast in my right hand, aiming it at his chest.
I fired it and increased the power as it travelled towards my foe.
His eyes widened as his brain registered the magnitude of the force; he tried to fly to the side, trying to dodge it, but that just resulted in him being hit right in the pelvis, making the attack more painful than what it would have been in the first place.
My blast was so forceful that it would have made him travel right through space's end, but I wanted to damage him, not send him to an all expense paid tour through space, so made the blast explode. It made firework-like sounds and images as it exploded. Mini versions of the blast shot across the planet, but I used my ki to direct them back to where Cell was last spotted, creating even more explosions on his body.
I waited for the dusty-brown thick smoke to clear, waiting with suspense to perceive the damage I did to my perpetrator. I smiled sinisterly. It didn't look to good for him.
As the smoke finally cleared after what seemed like an eternity, I noticed a new villain resume a protective stance in front of the oversized grasshopper.
I have never seen him before in my life or afterlife. I frowned at his obese pink exterior; basically a big pink blob. His body's silhouette reminded me of a bowling pin and his physical appearance; squinty eyes and chubbiness, reminded me of that of a sumo-wrestler. He was wearing gi-pants; similar of that that Babidi's goons wore, without a shirt to cover his fat abdomen. I cringed, why does the people who can't wear revealing clothes always insist on wearing them; and the people who actually have the body for such clothes, choose not to?
A weird slap horn also wobbled loosely on his forehead and I detected the italic R, ensuring that he is property of Raphael, printed on his forehead.
"And you are?" I directed hesitantly towards the pink ball.
A colourful laugh echoed across the fields from behind Buu; I recognised it Raphael's laugh instantly. His figure suddenly materialized next to the pink sumo-wrestler. "This is Buu; Buu this is the horrible child I told you about." He introduced us.
My eyes widened in shock. That is Buu? I mentally pictured a ruthless looking muscularly person, not this…
"Cell, go be useless someplace else…" Raphael ordered in an annoyed voice. Cell bowed to him and teleported away.
A frown played on Buu's brows. He growled and smoke came out of some strange holes on his head; it made the sound of a kettle boiling and I flinched as the shrill sound connected with my ears.
"Buu going to kill boy. Boy make Buu very mad." He stated venomously.
He sounded very illiterate, not looking nearly as dangerous as Supreme Kai described. "Okay big guy. Boy will fight you later." I mimicked the unintelligent vocabulary of the blob. "Now…" I turned my attention to the bigger threat: Raphael.
"Are you ready to fight me now?" I mocked the destroyer of worlds.
"Boy have no manners. Buu teach boy a lesson." Buu started and stood in a fighting stance, protectively in front of Raphael.
Raphael sighed annoyed and put his hand of Buu's shoulder, restricting him. "As you can see, my ultimate warrior didn't come out very ultimate… A mistake Babidi paid dearly for." He sneered.
My mouth fell agape. "You killed the wizard?" I proclaimed in stunned surprise.
"Yes; the bug got on my nerves." He said in an annoyed voice.
I couldn't help forming a victorious smile on my lips. "That will be your downfall." I smiled brilliantly; that was basically the only hold he had over us and now that that is gone completely, he is definitely done for!
He laughed wildly. "I am glad you think so!"
I chuckled. "So what are you going to do now?" I taunted.
"Not so fast kid, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve." He stated arrogantly.
I scoffed. "Like what?"
He chuckled. "A magician never reveals all their tricks."
He turned his head to the side as he talked to me. "I feel all your comrades are here too." He said while looking in random directions, where the ki's of my friends and allies battled.
"So your plan was to get me all alone, wasn't it?" I fished.
He smiled. "Kudos for figuring it out..." He applauded and turned his head to the sun started to set. It actually created a marvellous array of colours in the sky. Some of the clouds were painted a bright orange colour and other clouds danced in their purple and pink gloss, by the fading sunlight.
"It kind of feels like a date, don't you think?" He mocked without looking at me; he simply stared into the beauty of the sunset. "Feel the slight warm breeze caressing your skin, see the marvellous setting of your planet's sun in the horizon, and hear the birds chirping in the background…" His voice trailed off softly. "Romantic, isn't it?"
I frowned. "A date of death maybe." I countered.
He spun around and looked at me with a fake angry smile on his lips. "How rude…" He exclaimed, apparently shocked.
He is weird as hell… "So since this is a date and all; would you like to dance?" I mocked and gestured the posture of a dancer.
He smiled deviously as he stared in the direction where I felt the ki's of my family, Luna and Kiana battle the Ginyu force. His eyes lit up; I mentally pictured a light bulb dangling above his head, since it looked like he just got a wonderful idea.
"So what brilliant thing has your mind come up with this time?" I asked curiously.
He smiled at me. "Hold that thought…" He said and disappeared, just to reappear again after a mere second with someone dangling unconsciously over his shoulder. I couldn't see who it was, since the feet were facing my way instead of the head-region.
Before I could ask him out about it a sudden explosion, from Raphael's direction, made me tumble forward and fall right into Buu's awaiting arms. The blob surprisingly embraced me tightly to his body, to a degree that made it difficult for me to breathe. I tried to push my way free from his grip, but my arms were dangling loosely from the sides of Buu's arms. A pin and needles feeling shot through my arms as blood flow stopped in my limbs.
"Turn him around blob; I don't want him to miss this." Raphael instructed his big minion. Buu flipped me over so quickly that I didn't have the chance to escape the grip. He held me tightly and I puffed as the wind left my chest; my vision became blurry from the lack of oxygen and my head started to bob downwards before Raphael reprimanded his goon again. "Don't suffocate him you imbecile; I want him alive for this."
Buu lessened his grip and I gasped as air flowed to my lungs again. Raphael gave me a minute or two to recuperate fully. "What do you want me to see you so badly?" I questioned annoyed.
"Look who I found…" His voice trailed off as he dangled the unconscious body of my sister in front of me.
My eyes widened. No… "Let her go!" I found my voice again through the shock. My voice trembled out of fear, not fear for me, but for my sister. I was completely helpless in Buu's grip.
I elbowed Buu in the stomach; desperate to get away from him and to Gomih's side, but my blow vibrated through his fat and shot back to my elbow; causing a more severe shock pain. I repeated these actions quite a few times before I realised it was useless.
Raphael grabbed Gomih by her hair and held her up only by a few strands. That made her wake up; her eyes fluttered slowly as she woke up but widened in horror as her brain registered the pain. She grunted out in pain and shot me a confused gaze, not able to turn her head in his grip to see who held her. I felt my eyes start to water.
I have to do something quick! I realized and my brain went in overdrive trying to think of a solution.
Help! Please Dad, Reynard; Gailo! He has my sister and I can't get to her! I yelled desperately to my friends in their minds.
I am coming! Dad shot back but I saw through his eyes Captain Ginyu delivering a devastating blow to his cheek, making him tumble down to the ground.
Sorry bro, but I we are a little occupied. Reynard excused and I saw that he alone was fighting off Bojack and his goons, which, with the power-boost thanks to Babidi, must be indestructible. I saw Cell fight Gailo in the background through Reynard's eyes also.
Hope fled my body. What am I going to do now?
"Please." I begged the destroyer of worlds.
Raphael chuckled. "Don't grovel Gohan, it's beneath you." He stated in a monotone and snapped my sister's neck in one swift motion. I cringed at the sound and my mouth fell open as I saw her eyes turn dull as the life escaped her body. Her eyes held an accusing pang as she fell down to earth like a ragdoll.
Everything went by in slow-motion.
A lot of thing went through my brain. It felt, in the inside, like I was falling down there into the never-ending abyss with her. I felt my heart beating harder, like a drum, against my chest and I felt a pain surround my neck; where hers was snapped. My heart got heavy and it felt like I have just been torn in two.
I saw images of all her happy memories fly by in my mind; I saw moments of her life that I had missed; her first day in a public school; happy moments with her friends; bonding moments with Piccolo; fighting lessons with Vegeta; her first love; her first kiss… But the flashing of blurred images suddenly stopped and paused on a memory where the four of us; Mom, Dad, Gomih and I were besides a river together. I saw it through her eyes… I involuntary slipped into her mind in the last seconds of her life.
*In Gomih's mind*
Gohan and I, both seven years old at the time, were playing merrily on the valley, no cares in the world. It was the time Dad had just returned from Namek, missing our seventh birthday by a few days; he wanted to celebrate it properly. We enjoyed a lovely picnic next to the little stream near our house; and to our pleasure, had another birthday cake; it was the third one this week! Mom and Dad had to go to a boring gala-evening held by Bulma that night, but Gohan and I weren't in the mood to accompany them so we stayed at home, after a heated argument with mother, not trusting us to stay home alone just yet, but luckily we had Dad on our side. We played and laughed for hours on the mountains and streams, until it became dark. Gohan was very frightened by the dark; I was too, but I wasn't going to let him know that, he would tease me forever! We stood on top of one of the mountains located about ten miles south from our home; admiring the view. There was no moon that evening, making the night even more dark and ominous. "Gomih, I think we should head home." My little brother suggested as he hugged himself; protecting him from the cold, because he already gave me his jacket. "Don't be a weenie! Nothing can happen to us out here; we are Saiyans idiot! Nothing in these woods is stronger than us!" I lectured him, but he still didn't seem at ease.
I groaned annoyed. "You are such a baby sometimes! Why don't you just grow up?! We are seven now for Pete's sake; practically adults!" I exclaimed. He raised his eyebrows at me. "If you really think that, you are an idiot." He insulted me, and I fumed. I hated it when he challenged my intelligence. It was enough to be reminded each day by mother that Gohan is the child-prodigy, that Gohan is so perfect… Ugh! I just couldn't take it anymore and I lunged at him. "Gomih, what are you…" He started yelling as we started tumbling down the high mountain… Both our little bodies took a horrible beating due to the sharp rocks and bushes sticking out through the giant rock. I remember a pain so sharp, that it paralyzed me, shot through my body each time I bounced down yet another rock. And another… and another… We were still so young, so we haven't learned about ki-control yet, so we couldn't have stopped our fall. We kept on rolling down the massive rock, and after what seemed like an eternity, something jolted me to a sudden stop. I opened my sore swollen eyes slowly, just to see my brother, somehow managed to catch himself between a small growth in the mountain, holding on to me for dear life. "I got you sis…" He encouraged with a voice trembling out of pain. "I will not let you fall, okay? So don't give up on me…" "Gohan it hurts!" I complained and sniffed loudly as tears started to stream down my face.
He managed a small pain-filled smile down to me. "I know…" He gasped out. "But we are Saiyans remember?" He reminded me. "We are stronger than everything out here!" "I think we are going to die…" I wailed, ignoring his encouraging words flatly. "Don't think like that!" He scolded. "You are stronger than you think Mimi; don't give up!" He gasped out.
I nodded, but still felt so overwhelmed by the situation, almost positive that I was going to die here… We stayed like this for hours, but his grip never faltered, not even a little bit. His muscles started to shake due to fatigue after a while but he just smiled encouragingly at me. "Don't worry about me, sis." He said weakly. His determined expression on his bruised face that day, burned into my memory. He even kept on muttering encouraging words and cracking jokes, even though he was far worse off than me. We stayed the entire evening like that, I drifted off to sleep of course, but when I awoke I noticed that his eyes were blood red and puffy. He hadn't slept a wink!
Thank goodness Dad, with the help of Piccolo, tracked us down and carried us to safety the next morning. Not even when they carried us away, did he let go of me; Dad had to pry his hands off me. I found a new admiration for my brother that day. That day I learnt that he would do anything for me; he would go through extreme lengths to protect me... Gohan; I can feel you are here. I just want to say; I forgive you…
*ends*
Tears welled up in my sockets as the words I yearned for were uttered in her mind. Her mind faded to a mere vapour and I felt her life being sucked away from her body. My heart started to hurt so badly that I couldn't breathe.
I was dying with her… I realised; thinking back to what she said, just earlier today about the connection of twins.
Her body fell limp in between a clearing between some trees.
My mind went blank and the only thing I saw was red. Rage seeped through my body like a tsunami as I unleashed my hidden powers. I didn't care who I had to go through; I didn't care who I had to kill. All I knew was that Raphael was going to die under my hands. I was going to enjoy feeling his blood trickling down my arms. I was going to relish in the moment he gasped out his last breath…
My arms shot wide out from my body and I ripped away from Buu's arms; actually tearing them in two as I escaped his 'inescapable' hold.
A bright silver aura; much brighter than the one in my SS3 transformation, formed around my body as I transformed into my SS4 state. My hair spiked upwards and I saw by the visible strand of hair hanging down my forehead how my hair turned brilliant silver.
My muscles bulked bigger than they have ever been to support the massive power now flowing through my veins. I clenched my fist, and lighting played around on my fist; emphasizing the strength and massive power inside me.
"I am going to kill you!" I shrieked out loudly while still in aggravated transition. The words burned in my mouth in lividness. With a final ear-splitting cry I completed my transformation. I saw Raphael standing startled, in my vision.
I sped to his side; so fast that he didn't even see the motion. He exclaimed a shocked cry as my arms curled around his lean waist; starting to crush the life out of him. He gasped as his breath was taken away and I smiled at that sound; it was music to my ears.
I heard and felt some of his ribs crack under my grasp and got goosebumps from the pleasure it caused in my body.
"You like that don't you?" He taunted me with a pained voice. I clenched my teeth at the sound of his voice; I just wanted to rip him to pieces!
"Then you will love my army, captain." He muttered and I felt a strange ki emit from his body. Before I realised what he was doing I was on the other side of the skyline, clutching my head in pain.
He laughed at my agonised expression and drank a healing potion he got out of his pocket. Restoring all the damage I did to him. "You see my dear boy; your power may have increased a load. Much stronger than my whole army combined actually; but what you didn't count on was your mind. The stronger your muscles become, the weaker your mind grows." He chuckled. "You basically have the mental strength of a five year old in this transformation. So thank you for making it easy for me."
My breathing became heavy and later in gasps as I fell to the ground, trembling in pain.
The word 'pain' doesn't describe this excruciating feeling running through my whole body; this agony was in a league of its own, so severe that it requires its own word.
"I have also been in your mind quite a few times these last four years I will have you know." He continued with a snicker. "Have you ever felt dizzy or nauseated for no reason whatsoever, out of the blue?" He asked, waiting for an answer, but I managed all the control I had left and spat in his face.
He sighed angrily as he wiped my spit of his face. "That was me…" He answered, ignoring my disrespectful gesture. "And the fact that you carry so many negative emotions in your mind like guilt and rage made it even easier. I just waited for the moment when you were completely lost in one of those emotions. Like now; so easy to control a little monkey…" He laughed.
"Screw you…" Were the last words I aired to Raphael before the pain completely paralyzed me…
(Reynard's POV)
I froze as the earth started shaking. "What the f…" I breathed in shock as the earth beneath me started tearing apart. A brute punch through the face by Bojack was delivered to my face, due to my carelessness. I retaliated quickly with a head butt which sent the space pirate right in between Gailo and Cell's fight.
"Guys will you take that creep for me; there is something off about Gohan's ki." I noted and Gailo and Veronica nodded. "We feel it too." They said simultaneously.
Magnar just rolled his eyes. "Too much?" He mocked but I ignored him, teleporting immediately to Gohan's location on the other side of the green and blue planet; the gem of the northern quadrant, as they say.
I let out a girlish shriek as a powerful golden wind blew me a few miles south; rolling me like a wave through the sky. I regained my composure after a few more metres. I never thought I would say this, but thank you big bodacious butt! I admired my full behind.
I waited a few more seconds for the strong gust to cease before flying to the location again. He was probably just powering up.
My eyes widened when I saw a still body lay at an unnatural angle between some trees. Curious to see who the fallen warrior was, I floated down between the shrubs. I gasped as I recognised it as Gohan's sister.
I rushed to her and kneeled next to her lull body. I placed two fingers against her neck, searching for a pulse, but couldn't find even the teensiest fragment of one. I noticed that her dull, lifeless eyes were still open. I gently used my fingers to close them. I sighed deeply; so sorry for the loss my friend had to endure…
Guilt seeped through my body. He asked us to come and help him and now she is sleeping with the fishes…
A sudden loud scream jolted my attention back to the battlefield. I was shocked to see Gohan squirming on the ground, clutching his head.
What did I just miss?!
I was stunned; just staring at the scene, mouth agape like a ninny, my body to petrify to move. After a while his squirming stopped and he got up to his feet again, brushing himself off. He shot his head to the left and the right, cracking it, and walked over to Raphael.
Raphael whispered something into his ear, actually leaning over his shoulder to say it. I was surprised to see that Gohan allowed his arch nemeses in such close proximity of him. The words were too low for me to pick up, even when I used the ki-manipulation to hear better; odd...
I flinched as I saw an orange glow in Gohan's eyes as he spun around and stared directly at me with hatred in his eyes.
In the time span of a single blink, Gohan was in front of me; staring at me with those same eyes, characterised by the destroyer of worlds. I gulped as he smiled a smile that made my blood run cold; a smile I never expected to see on one of the kindest and purest persons in the world I know, having…
I gulped as I saw he retract his fist aiming it directly at my face...
************************************************
*chills* Did you just get goosebumps too? Poor Gohan! And seriously, what is wrong with me? Did I really kill off Gomih in this chapter? I really am a BIG Meany! Oh well, you probably still love me… :D *Announcer voice* Has Raphael successfully taken over our young hero's mind? Is Gomih really dead? Is poor Reynard going to get punched through the face by a SS4 Gohan? And is Reynard gay (wth was up with him thinking Trunks is a girl?!)? Find out all these and more, in the next chapter of the most awesome fic on this site! :D Can't wait for next week!
SEE YOU!
XOXO
WAAAAAAIIIT!
I just realised that my story is over 100 000 words long! WOW! And I just broke the 200 reviews barrier… Thank you all for making it possible, because if you didn't have and keep so much interest in this wonderful tale, I would have given it up months ago! :D
Okay, that was all I wanted to say (oh, and did you see the new DBZ abridged episode is out! SOOOO FUNNY! Hahaha XD) Okay now I am done…
Goodbye (for real this time… *sniff, sniff*)