Survivor of the 66

Chapter 21

Ring Em' Out! PT 3

Only six remained inside the ring; Beast Boy, Goku, Piccolo, Superman, Aquaman, and Renet. They looked over one another. Some excited, others uncertain. Just who would be the last one standing at the end of round two's close?

"There are barely any fighters left. Lucky for us we still have two people left," said Leo of Tribe Silver.

"So does team pink," Conan pointed out. "It's anyone's game at this point."

Leo nodded. "I guess you're right."

Back in the ring Goku twiddled his fingers, accounting for every opponent that stood before him. "So are we goanna to fight or stare at each other all day?"

This prompted Aquaman to look his way. "Well if you're so anxious, why don't you honor us all by making the first move?"

"Alright!" Goku was in full acceptance of this. "Ready or not here I-"

"Too slow!" interrupted Beast Boy who turned into a water buffalo before charging toward Aquaman.

"I think not," declared Aquaman who aimed his trident in the direction of his opponent before firing off an electrical attack.

Transforming into a seagull Beast Boy flew out of the attacks path. "Phew.. that my friend is what you call a close call."

Piccolo looked to Superman. "Let's split, we'll regroup when the time comes."

"When the time comes? Sounds like you have some kind of plan," Superman noted.

"I'll engage Goku, I'll leave everyone else to you."

"You two have some kind of rivalry?"

"Not entirely, we'll call it a warriors familiar."

"Then he's all yours."

Now with a plan of action agreed upon Piccolo flew toward his next opponent as he shouted his name. "Goku!"

Goku who stood in his fighting stance turned in time to spot Piccolo who was soaring his way. "Oh hey Piccolo, what's up?" The only response to come was a fired energy blast that was sent straight toward him. "Uh oh."

Goku flipped out of the way as the blast exploded in the spot he once stood. "Wwhew! That was close!" Goku turned to Piccolo who at last dropped to the ground. "So you wanna fight me? Gotta say Piccolo, this is a surprise."

Piccolo who began stretching his arms responded. "Goku, I have a favor to ask."

"Huh? What kind of favor?"

Finishing with the stretch of his left arm a smirk appeared across Piccolo's lips. "I want you to tell me just how surprised you are after I knock you out of this ring."

"Hey! Are you implying you're going to eliminate me?"

"A guarantee would be more accurate," declared Piccolo who prepped himself for battle.

Goku was humored. "A guarantee huh? Well we'll just have to see about that one Piccolo." Like the opposition the saiyan warrior positioned his body, ready for battle.

"Alright, here GOES!" Piccolo raised two fingers to his forehead before beginning to gather energy for an attack. "Special Beam Cannon!"

A short distance away the circumstances had yet to improve for Beast Boy. "No matter what I turn into.. whether it be a cheetah, hawk, or giraffe I can't seem to close the distance between me and him." Beast Boy who was currently transformed as a kangaroo hopped out of the way of another blast Aquaman had shot his way. "It's like he knows what move I'm going to make before I even make it!"

"Haven't you realized it? Your efforts are futile Beast Boy," Aquaman confidently stated.

"Yah, we'll see about that!" Beast Boy was not going to back down.

"I figured you'd say that much. Now, how about this?!" Holding the trident up to his side like a baseball player would do with a bat, Aquaman took a strong swing which released a strong wind which sent Beast Boy flying backward. The king of Atlantis couldn't be any more pleased. "That should keep him at bay for a while."

A moment later Aquaman turned at the sound of someone approaching from his blind side. "Superman.. have you come to seek defeat?"

"If you think I'm going down as easily as Beast Boy, you've got another thing coming."

"I wouldn't expect anything of the sort against you," Aquaman responded. "Whether it takes me two minutes or five, I will surely see to your exit out of this match."

"We'll see about that." His eyes became lit, the rising heat around his eyes growing as he charged his attack to come.

Seeing this Aquaman held his staff out in front of him. "I think not!"

As Superman released a wave of heat vision Aquaman launched a blast of his own from the trident, their separate energy attack's colliding with an exploding shine of light.

Beast Boy who had been sent packing several feet away had reverted back to his normal form. Stepping up from where he had landed face first he looked to the right to find that he was only a couple feet away from landing out of bounds.

"Wow! That was close! If Aquadude had sent me any further I would have been a goner for sure." Beast Boy went on to look back into the direction of where all the action was happening. "From here on out I'll have to be more on point."

Unexpected Beast Boy would be joined by someone.

"Well given you're the only one without a dance partner I guess you'll have to do."

Beast Boy turned to face the one who by his account had invaded his space. "Ummm… who are you again?"

Closing her eyes she responded proudly. "I am Renet, Dimension Awesome's very own Timestress."

"That's right, you're that chick from the same world as Michelangelo." Beast Boy had since placed a hand over his chin. "Hmmm?"

"Is something the matter?"

"Sorry, but could you fill me in again?" Beast Boy asked. "I totally forgot what a Timestress is."

Renet was more than happy to share this information. "Well where I am from those who have the ability to control or affect the time stream are known as either a Time Lord or Time Master," Renet explained. "Women with the said abilities are specifically known as a Timestress."

"That's right." Beast Boy gulped. "You can control time."

"Pretty cool huh!"

Beast Boy's eyes rolled to the scepter she held in hand. For him to win he would need to end this bout in a timely fashion. Charging her head on? Would he be able to generate enough speed to land the determining hit before she could react? He concluded it would be too risky. "I need to distract her somehow, if I could get in just close enough to.. hold on, that could work."

An idea popped into mind. The only question, would it work? At the very least there was no harm in giving it a shot. "Alright, here goes nothing. This has worked for me in the past in rare instances; let's hope this is one of those."

Renet stood silently as he did. "I wonder what he is thinking?"

Not a moment later Beast Boy finally made a move, placing his hands on his waist he smiled. "You're right, the ability to control time is pretty freaking cool!" Beast Boy admitted. "That ability alone makes you a worthy adversary and probably a threat to everyone here competing. Beautiful and dangerous, a lethal combination if I should say so myself."

Beast Boy's words caused Renet to blush. "Great, the first part to my plan worked. She's dropped her guard, even if just a little." It was now time to act on the second part of his plan. "Your specialty is manipulating time. What do you think of my specialty?" Beast Boy followed up his words by turning into a small rabbit.

Renet's eyes lit up. "So cute!" She raced forward, opening her arms to Beast Boy who leaped into them. "I love bunnies!"

Michelangelo who watched from afar scratched the top of his head. He was clearly confused by Beast Boy's plan of approach. "I don't get it, how is he supposed to eliminate her by turning into.. well, one of the most non-lethal animals I can think of off the top of my head. A rhino, or hippo would be a way better choice."

"Let us not question Beast Boy's antics Michelangelo, perhaps within it all lies a plan," said Fugitoid who stood beside him.

Michelangelo was far from convinced. "And what plan could that be?"

"I predict we will soon see for ourselves."

Now in her grasp Renet held him out in front of herself. "What else can you turn into?" She would have never predicted she would be so intrigued by his ability.

Beast Boy's reacted by transforming into a cat. Upon doing so Beast Boy lunged onto her left shoulder. Renet shrieked in surprise, tickled by the weight of his tongue sliding against her cheek. "Stop that," Renet chuckled.

Wonder Woman watched with intent from the sidelines. "What's he going to do, lick her to death?"

"That would require a lot of licking," Red Robin jokingly remarked.

"Renet needs to hurry and ring out Beast Boy while the other fighters still in the ring aren't focused on her," Wonder Woman noted. "That could prove crucial in the long run."

"You're right." Sailor Jupiter agreed. "That would also leave the option open for a surprise attack on the others who remain."

"Precisely."

Still clutched in her arms Beast Boy's eyes fell astray to the Time Scepter that resided in Renet's left hand. "The window of opportunity has arrived! For the Pink Elites!" Beast Boy changed forms once more, this time transforming into a giant snake.

Immediate instinct kicked in. "Ouuaaaahhhhh!" As Renet tossed the green colored snake away Beast Boy made a move to wrap around her prized item, plowing it out of her possession as he faded away. "No, the Time Scepter!"

As he was to hit the ground Beast Boy reverted back to his normal form. "Tada! Just what the doctor ordered!" Not wasting even a second Beast Boy stepped into a spinning throw which sent the scepter flying in the direction of the red bench area.

Raising her right arm Wonder Woman caught it. "Wonderful."

Renet was understandably unpleased by what had just conspired. "That was so cheap of you! You played me!"

"Like a violin," a smirking Beast Boy responded. "Friendly word of advice, never tell an opponent the source of your strength or weaknesses."

"You'll regret this!"

"Just doing what I can to assure the Pink Elites reign supreme," Beast Boy declared. "Now comes the part where I send you to a cold seat in the spectator's booth."

Renet's heart seemingly skipped a beat after watching Beast Boy evolve into a tyrannosaurs rex. "Ok, this is the part where I run for my life!" Renet would only manage a half step before being forced into the air by a whopping tail whip.

"And that's it folks, Renet is eliminated!" Bat-Mite shouted.

"Way to go Beast Boy!" Yukiko was thrilled.

Lex was surprised on the other hand. "Beast Boy has lasted far longer than I would have ever dared to bet money on. No matter, his continued success bolds well for this tribe and my placement in this game overall."

Shifting back into his normal form Beast Boy looked to the opposite side of the arena. "So who is going to be the lucky guy I knock off next?" Beast Boy spotted Aquaman and Superman who were locked in a battle a distance away. "That fight's still going on? I thought fosho Superman would have worked Aquaman's groceries by now. Guess I gotta give the guy credit for hanging in."

A wave of what appeared to be fireworks began igniting above. Beast Boy raised his head. "Must be Goku taking on that green dude, he seemed confident he could handle himself when we talked earlier. I'll leave it to him." Beast Boy had made his decision. "Time to crash this ground party."

The battle above intensified with every moment that passed. Goku landed a punch, Piccolo landed a kick, their fists would then collide. Gohan who now stood on the sideline beside his teammates watched on, anticipating every move that would be made.

"It's hard for me to keep up with their movements," admitted Yusaku who was focused on the air battle as well. "Gohan-kun, can you tell who is winning?"

"As it stands now they're completely even. Neither of them has taken the advantage for long," Gohan replied.

They weren't the only two keyed in on that battle. Beerus observed with just as much focus. There was still one thing to question, something he had yet to figure out. "Why did Piccolo choose to engage Goku alone? I foresee no way that he can possibly win. What could his thought process for such an action be?"

"Here, how's this!" Goku charged upward with a damaging uppercut. After regaining himself Piccolo looked down before countering with an explosion of energy he launched from his mouth. Goku instinctively dodged the attack. "Woooh! That definetly could have done some damage."

Piccolo levitated downward to where the two hovered at approximately the same level. "You're holding back just as much as Gohan, possibly even more so."

"Heheh," Goku laughed. "I aint the only one holdin' back."

"Guilty as charged," admitted Piccolo who smiled. "But even if I weren't we both know I still wouldn't be able to defeat you."

"Huh? Then why did you attack me?" Goku was now puzzled. "I thought for sure you had a plan in mind for how you would try and ring me out."

"I do," Piccolo responded. "It's called holding you at bay."

His words revealed the truth. "Now I see what Piccolo is planning. How didn't I realize it before?" Beerus thought to himself. "His plan from the beginning was containing Goku long enough for Superman to deal with the others, and if that were to happen that would make it two against one in our favor. Question of concern is, can Superman match the power Goku holds within?"

Goku was still clueless as to what was meant by his words. "Sorry Piccolo, but I really don't know what ya mean."

"All the better for me." Piccolo readied himself for the next round of their fight. "Since Goku has been so generous in holding back as much as he is, maybe.. just maybe I can catch him by surprise and take him out."

Piccolo glanced over his shoulder to find Superman still battling Aquaman. "Whatever I do it will have to be quick, swift, and unpredictable."

By this time Goku had gotten back into his fighting stance. "You ready Piccolo?!"

"Of course!" yelled Piccolo who fired a booming energy blast. Piccolo watched as Goku dodged off to the right as he had predicted. "Right where I want him."

Without warning Piccolo stretched his arms across the way, tightly clamping a grip upon Goku's shoulder's which caused Goku to yelp out in pain. "This is it!" Piccolo launched forward all while pulling Goku toward him. He slammed the top of his head into Goku's face which sent him soaring. "I'm not done yet!"

Following after him Piccolo clutched his left fist before drilling it into Goku's abdomen which sent him spinning out of bounds. Piccolo could see it, Goku would certainly recover before landing out of the ring. There was but one final thing left that he could do to assure Goku's elimination. "This is the only way, I have to do this."

From there Piccolo flew after Goku who was still descending. In a moment's time Goku caught himself in midair, he looked over his shoulder to find he was fifteen feet away from being ringed out. "Man! Now that's what ya call cutting it close!"

Looking back to the sky Goku spotted Piccolo who was torpedoing down. "Whatever you're planning Piccolo, it won't work."

"Well, we'll just have to see about that!" shouted Piccolo who placed his hand just over his face. The final act of his plan was now on. "Solar Flare!"

Everyone who watched from the outside watched as a shining light appeared, following it… the sound of something crashing out of bounds. There was no longer anyone to find in the air where Goku and Piccolo once battled. This brought gasps from all benches.

"What the shell just happened?!" Raphael questioned.

Vegeta too looked on in disbelief. "It can't be.."

With the blinding light from before fading away a cloud of smoke was noticed in its place, one that came from outside of the ring. There was no mistaking it, someone had landed outside of the arena stage.

"I don't understand," Superboy said. "What happened?"

"You and me both kid," Usopp said. "I have not a clue."

"It appears Piccolo used the solar flare technique to catch Goku by surprise and in doing so eliminated Goku and himself," Whis conveyed to the pair.

Sailor Mercury looked toward Whis after hearing him speak. "That light we just saw, was that the solar flare you are referring to?"

Whis gave confirmation by nodding. "That is correct."

"So it was that green guy who created that light," Cyborg realized. "What a useful move for battle."

"That green guy's name is Piccolo," said Nightwing quick to remind.

"I knew that," argued Cyborg.

"Yah, suuure you did," Nightwing sarcastically replied.

"Guys, look!" Zatanna pointed. "The dust is clearing."

Most eyes fell on the fuming dust ball that had been created by impact. Was it so, had Piccolo truly taken Goku out with himself? The thought of it loomed large. As the seconds past the smoke cleared out even more.

"Check it out guys," Nami pointed out to her teammates. "Someone is lying on the ground."

"Yes, I can see them," Bulma replied. "But who is it?"

With the dust clearing completely the awaited reveal finally came. There on his back laid Piccolo, hovering no more than a couple inches above him was Goku who was still airborne. And with that Bat-Mite made the expected announcement. "Piccolo is eliminated! Goku is safe!"

The cheers that came from the pink bench were immediate.

"There we go!" Michelangelo cheered. "Keep putting on for the Pink Elites."

"Excellent job Goku!" Trunks added.

Goku now looked down at Piccolo who lied before him. "Gotta hand it to you Piccolo, thought ya had me."

Piccolo's eyes prowled open, a genuine look of surprise on his face. "Unbelievable. After using the Solar Flare I got the opening I was looking for." Piccolo sat up, smiling as he did. "My plan was to drill you into the ground, but you powered up at the last moment possible and reversed my momentum against me. I wasn't expecting that."

"Don't know why I'm surprised. I should have known you wouldn't go down without a fight."

Piccolo pushed himself back to his feet before nodding his head to show an acknowledgement. "You won this round Goku," Piccolo said. "Let it be known, I don't plan on losing the next."

His words were unexpected, but excited Goku none the less. "I look forward to it Piccolo!"

"I don't plan on going easy on you next time either," Piccolo declared.

"I'm going to hold you to that."

"Well… I believe any further words of challenge will have to be saved for later, after all you still have a match to compete in."

"Oh yah, you're right," Goku laughed.

Piccolo turned as he made a move to walk away. "I'd wish you luck, but that wouldn't be in my best interest given that we're on separate tribes, so I'll refrain from doing so."

Goku fully understood this. "Until next time Piccolo." His focus reverted back to the ring, all that remained were two opponents.

Things were intensifying inside the ring. Aquaman took a sharp swing of his trident only to have Superman dodge it, he followed this up with a second strike which Superman countered by grabbing hold of the end of the trident.

"Come on Arthur we've been through this rodeo before, you don't stand a chance against me," Superman stated. "I don't want to have to hurt you."

"And what is it you're hoping for?" questioned Aquaman. "For me to concede? Ha! We both know that won't happen."

Superman tightened his fists. "Then I'll have to ring you out by force."

Aquaman held out his trident as if to accept the challenge. "Give it your best shot boy scout."

Just as the two were to engage in battle once more the sound of something dropping down from above diverted their focus.

"Ding DONG!"

"It's a green elephant!" Aquaman shouted.

The two jumped out of the way as Beast Boy slammed down in the spot they once stood. "What's crackin' dudes?"

"I truly believed I put you out of commission with that last attack of mine," Aquaman stated.

Beast Boy who returned to his normal form proudly puffed his chest. "It takes more than a tickle to take out the great and mighty Beast Boy."

"Ya! Tell em Beast Boy!" Michelangelo yelled.

"That one is certainly a confident one," Kogoro noted.

Beast Boy looked over the two, giving the best battle ready face he could come up with. "So, who is it going to be? I honestly don't care who goes first."

"Excuse me?" questioned Superman.

"Don't interfere Beast Boy," Aquaman stated. "Whomever still stands at this bouts conclusion will be your opponent."

Superman looked over at Aquaman once again. "You're adamant about facing me alone aren't you?"

"My honor demands it," replied Aquaman.

Seeing Superman now with his back to him Beast Boy charged forward, turning into a gorilla as he did. "You're wide open!"

Casually swinging his arm back Superman sent Beast Boy flying back. "There are no more distractions," Superman said upon erasing Beast Boy from the equation.

"As I can see."

"Well if you don't mind," began Superman whose arms rose. "Why don't we finish this?"

Aquaman was just as enthusiastic. "Lets!"

Flash found himself becoming growingly excited. "Oh yah, this is going to be good."

Superman dashed forward, his fist colliding with Aquaman's who punched with just as much force. "Is that it? Don't tell me you've become soft," Aquaman pressed.

This prompted Superman to throw a second punch, one that knocked Aquaman off of his feet. Landing on his back a distance away the king of Atlantis sat up, a big grin present on his face. "That's more like it."

"Just remember you asked for this," said Superman who began walking toward him as his eyes lit up.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Aquaman replied. Now back on his feet he aimed the trident at the challenger that approached. "This is it Superman, I'll end it with this!"

"No Aquaman! It will be your fight that will end here!" Superman declared. The charged beam of heat was ready. Aligning his eyes with his target Superman fired off the wave of heat.

"Now feel the power of your defeat!" Like Superman, Aquaman fired off a blast of his own.

The energy beams collided, falling dead even with one another

"I can't believe it," Nightwing said. "He's actually hanging in there against Superman."

"Question is.. for how long?" Zatanna commented.

"My thoughts exact," Nightwing admitted.

"Come on guys, have some faith," Cyborg stated. "Bat-Mite drafted Aquaman here for a reason. He's one of the best from our worlds Earth. The least we can do is have his back, even in doubt. I know he would for the rest of us."

Zatanna nodded. "You're right, he would."

Back in the ring neither had yet to gain the advantage. "I have to admit Aquaman, you're holding out a lot better than I would have predicted."

"Holding out?" Aquaman laughed. "Try holding back! Now feel the full force of my power! This will mark the end!"

Aquaman increased his power output, gaining him the advantage in the beam clash. Superman tightened his fists, ready for one final push. "If there is one thing you're right about Arthur, it ends here!" Releasing a stronger charge of power himself, the blaze of his heat vision plowed through Aquaman's own blast.

"No, impossible!"

The power of Superman's heat vision completely engulfed Aquaman's attack before forcing him out past the ring.

"And that will do it! Aquaman is eliminated!" Bat-Mite yelled.

Only three fighters remained. Beast Boy who had been knocked away regained consciousness. "It feels like I got decked by a freight train that sent me all the way across the world into a pile of mold cheese filled English Muffins."

Lifting his head up from where he had landed Beast Boy looked forward to spot a pair of shoes. He gazed up to find who stood over him. "Goku."

Goku noticed him a moment later. "Hmmmm.. Beast Boy? What are you doin' down there?"

"I umm.." Beast Boy quickly jumped to his feet. "Strategizing! Yah, I was coming up with a strategy for how we should attack."

Goku wasn't completely convinced of this. "Ooh kay, if you say so."

Beast Boy then looked into the direction he had been knocked from to spot the only remaining challenger to his team. "Whelp.." Beast Boy gulped. "Is anyone really surprised it came down to this?"

"Alright!" voiced Goku who bumped his fists as he began walking forward. "Finally, I get to see what Superman can do first hand!"

"Hold on, you just hold on there playa," protested Beast Boy who stepped in front of him.

A confused Goku looked down at him. "What's wrong?"

"The plan remember?" Beast Boy said. "I have a strategy, I have yet to share it with you."

"Ok.. so what's the strategy?"

"Let's see here." Beast Boy started off by rolling up his left sleeve, wrapped around his wrist was a small device.

"What's that?" Goku questioned.

"A timer," Beast Boy answered. "According to this a little over five minutes has passed since this match began."

"What does the passing time have to do with building a strategy?"

"Rehash of the rules alert! Bat-Mite said there was a thirty minute time limit for each match," Beast Boy reminded.

"What of it Beast Boy? I still don't see how any of that plays into a strategy unless.." That moment Goku finally realized the outline of his plan. "Now I get it, you want us to try and out last Superman until the time limit is reached?"

"Damn straight," confirmed Beast Boy. "That is the best plan of action to assure our victory. With us having the two to one ratio as far as members left, Bat-Mite would have no choice but to declare us the victors. All we need to do is spam and camp for the remaining time."

"Spam and camp?" Goku had not a clue for what any of that meant. "Care to tell me what any of that means?"

"In short we're going to play keep away from him while you shoot those fireworks from your hands like the other guys from your world did," Beast Boy proudly conveyed as he lifted a finger. "And bam! Once time runs out, the Pink Elites will hold the 'W' in this round of competition."

"I don't know Beast Boy," Goku said as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm kinda opposed to the whole running away thing. If this guy is as strong as you say he is, then I wanna face him head on."

Beast Boy looked up at him. "You must have fallen and hit your head when you were a baby."

Goku laughed. "That actually happened. How'd ya know?"

"Ok, that would explain."

"Come on Beast Boy, trust me on this one," Goku said. "This is a fight we won't lose."

Beast Boy's eyes narrowed. "On one hand I know how terribly outmatched I am against the dude of steel, but on the other hand.. I don't know what Goku is truly capable of." Gritting his teeth Beast Boy swallowed. "Alright, let's do it. We'll give this thing a shot."

"You mean we'll face him head on?!"

"That's the idea," Beast Boy confirmed. He reluctantly turned to face Superman who patiently waited. "I'm so going to regret this."

Seeing this Superman uncrossed his arms. "I assume the both of you are ready to continue?"

"Bout as ready as we'll ever be," Beast Boy replied.

"Alright the moment has finally arrived!" Goku happily said as he got into his fighting stance. "Yo Beast Boy, anything I should know about this guy pertaining his fighting style?"

Beast Boy took a moment to look up at him. "He's fast and hits hard. That's pretty much it and a tank of sea shells and salt water"

"You wanna take charge or should I?" Goku asked.

"Well given this is your genius idea there's no way I'd deny you the chance of taking the lead role."

"Alrighty, then let's-" Goku looked forward to find that Superman was no longer in sight. "Where did he go?" Upon questioning this there was someone to be sensed from behind.

"How about I take charge?" a smiling Superman greeted.

Attempting to raise his hands Goku would be quickly swatted away by a back hand. "Goku!" yelled Beast Boy as he watched his tribe mate soar several feet away. Before Beast Boy had time to react himself he would be met by a push to the back that sent him flying across the way. "I didn't sign up for this!"

Seeing that he would soon reach out of bounds Beast Boy turned into a sparrow, flapping his wings in the opposite direction of where he traveled to reverse his momentum. "That was close," Beast Boy said after successfully bringing himself to a stop.

Now on his back Goku flipped back to his feet. "His strength is as advertised," said a pleased Goku. "Now, let's see how he handles me going on the offense."

From there he charged forward. Superman spotted him flying in from the side of his eye, making a quick move Superman caught Goku's left fist in the palm of his hand. "I'm surprised you managed to find your footing so soon after being knocked down," Superman admitted.

"You surprised me too," replied Goku who pulled his arm away before acting with a spinning kick.

"Nice try," Superman said after grabbing hold of his ankle and slamming him into the ground face first. After doing so he tossed him across the stage for a second time. "Let's see you get back up after that on-" Superman stopped in mid speech after catching eye of a large green rhino galloping toward him. Once in his range Superman grabbed hold of the rhino's horn before lifting it off of its feet. "Charging me head on Beast Boy? I thought you'd be smarter than that."

"Well, it was worth a shot," Beast Boy responded. "You know as they say, you win some you lose some."

"No truer words." Superman then went on to hold out his right hand, flicking Beast Boy away with a single finger.

"Beast Boy is now eliminated!" Bat-Mite announced as Beast Boy landed at the feet of his teammates.

Still grounded Beast Boy slammed his fists to the pavement. "How embarrassing!"

"Beast Boy, are you ok?" asked Brook who was the first to come to his aide.

"Geez, our guys are getting pounded like kung pao beef sticks!" Michelangelo exclaimed.

"Kung pao beef sticks? You sure there is such a thing?" Fugitoid questioned.

"Superman sure is making it a thing," to which Michelangelo replied.

Yukiko looked on worriedly. "Goku is our only hope left."

After finding way to the pavement for a second time Goku leaped back to his feet. "I'm not done yet!"

Superman was admittedly surprised. "You really are persistent."

"Yauukkhh!" Goku yelled as his punch connected with Superman's forearm. "It aint over until only one of us is left standin'."

Goku threw another punch that didn't connect. He blinked an eye, Superman was gone. "..Eh? Where did he go?"

"Looking for me?"

Goku raised his head to spot Superman who hovered a distance above the arena. "Man.. he's really fast too! He hasn't disappointed yet." A smiling Goku then widened the gap in his stance as he placed his hands together across his body.

Superman was puzzled by this move. "What is he doing?"

Superman wasn't the only one who was clueless for what Goku was planning to do next. "Any guesses for what that guy in the ninja outfit is planning?" Casey Jones questioned.

"I have no idea," Chopper said.

Heiji rolled his eyes. "Idiot. It's called a gi, not a ninja outfit."

"Say something?" Casey questioned.

"Not a thing," Heiji replied.

Goku was now locked on his target. "Here goes! Kaaaaaameeeeeeeee…." The empty void in between his hands began to emit a surge of energy.

"Guys look!" Leo pointed. "That guy in the orange is using the same attack we saw that other guy use earlier."

"That technique has a name, it's called the Kamehameha," Piccolo informed. "It is one of Goku's most widely known attacks he chooses to use."

Leo found himself interested. "Just how powerful is the Kameha?"

"That is dependent on how much a user chooses to put into the attack, which is one's own inner energy," explained Piccolo.

The blast was now almost complete. "HaaaaaaaaMeeeeeeeee…..HHAAAAAA!" aiming his arms upward Goku fired the blast.

"This is it," said Kogoro who braced himself for what was to come.

Superman flew into the direction of the blast, choosing to challenge it directly.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Raphael said. "Is he really going to fly into that attack?!"

"The guy's crazier than he looks!" Buggy stated.

Tightening his fists Superman held his arms out in front as he dived into the blast. Goku's eyes widened as he witnessed Superman split through the attack. "You've got to be kidding!" In an instant Goku felt the impact of Superman's fists drilling into his chest, the force of contact enough to knock Goku off of his feet and send him flying.

"There we go Superman!" Wataru happily cheered.

Aquaman shook his head. "Show off."

Goku crash landed on his back a number of feet away, the smile from before still prevalent on his face. "Man! That Superman really is something."

The confidence of those from Tribe Pink was now gradually beginning to diminish.

"Superman guy look strong! Buu wanna fight him!" Buu dispened.

"I don't know.. things are not looking to promising for our guy," Fugitoid said.

This was a shared sentiment. "You can say that again," Brook said.

Everyone seemed to be in the negative except for one. Sailor Neptune looked over at Trunks, there was almost an optimism to be seen in his eyes. "You're not worried?"

Trunks gave eye, but only momentarily. "That would be accurate, yes."

"Tell me," began Neptune who looked back to the ring. "Do you believe your friend can win?"

"I do." There was not a shred of doubt to be heard within his voice.

Neptune curiosity had been tickled. "Goku appears to be at a disadvantage at almost every turn. So if I must ask, what is keeping your confidence in him?"

"Watch," Trunks replied. "You'll see for yourself soon."

She inquired no further, drawing her focus back to the arena. Goku had since returned to his feet, now staring into the eyes of Superman who stood at center ring. Uncertain of his position Goku glanced over his shoulder. Only a couple feet stood between him and out of bounds. "Whatever happens next I'll have to be sure not to fall back any further than I already am."

"How about we finish this?"

Goku looked back after hearing him speak. "I was thinking something similar."

Superman stepped forward. "There's still one match left. There's no reason for us to drag this one out any further. No matter which one of us is left standing, we'll end it with our next clash."

The thought of this excited Goku who returned to his fighting stance. "Alright, you're on!" Goku happily accepted.

Superman managed a smile. "I'd be hard pressed to say I've met someone who is more enthusiastic for a fight than this guy, it's.. different." Superman lifted his hands once more. "Unless you have anything else you would like to say, shall we commence?"

Goku who was now completely focused in responded. "I'm ready now."

"Here goes nothing!"

It would all happen so fast. Unlike before it was Superman who leaped forward with a heap of speed. Goku's reaction was immediate, catching hold of Superman's fist with his right hand. It wasn't enough. Goku's eyes widened, the force of the punch along with Superman's forward momentum carried Goku backwards as his feet slid across the arena floor.

Four feet.. one inch closer to being forced out of the ring. Three feet.. one inch closer. Two feet… He had been overpowered. Goku closed his eyes in that instant, knowing there was but one thing he could do, the only thing that could possibly turn the tide of fate. He reached deep within himself, unleashing the power that lied within his very essence.

One inch away… Goku stood up to the force that threatened to push him off of edges tip as the power that lay dormant ascended to the surface. Superman gazed on in astonishment, watching as the opposition's hair rose before setting ablaze into a golden spectacle. Goku's lids popped wide, his once dark eyes now a brightening blue.

"What the actual shell! His hair changed color!" Leonardo stated.

"That is way too COOL!" Luffy shouted in excitement.

Sailor Venus was just as fascinated from her position beside the silver bench. "Is it some kind of transformation?!"

Tightening his grip around Superman's fist Goku pulled him in. "Now it's my turn!" upon Goku reeling in Superman he connected with a power punch using his opposite hand, an impact that sent a wave of fast flowing air throughout the entire stadium.

The strike was enough to send Superman soaring off course, bringing an end to their fight.

"Superman is now eliminated!" Bat-Mite shouted from far above.

Many gasped while others fell speechless.

A shrill of undeniable thrill soared through Lex's spine. "Someone here powerful enough to take on Superman from another world?! Count me intrigued."

"He.. he actually did it! Just what kind of animal is he!" This was not the ending results Beast Boy was expecting.

"Way to go Goku!" Michelangelo excitedly yelled.

"You can say that again!" backed Yukiko who was just as pleased.

"Wuuooh! That guy totally kicked Superman's ass," exclaimed Harley Quinn who was still in disbelief.

"No wonder the bloke was so confident, he was holdin' back a secret power the whole time," Constantine internally figured.

Wonder Woman was at a loss for words. "I can't believe it. I would have never predicted that man to be that strong."

"You can say that again," spoke Red Robin who was just as stunned.

Goku who stood as the lone fighter in the ring began walking. The blazing energy of gold still blazed wildly around him.

Hearts formed in Sailor Moon's eyes as she watched him proceed forward. "He's so cute! He's all pretty and sparkly now!"

"Usagi-chan, you already have Tuxedo Kamen," Sailor Mercury reminded.

Ignoring her friend Sailor Moon chose to keep fawning over the sight to behold.

Batman's eyes narrowed. "Something isn't right."

"What's that," questioned Flash who stood only feet away from him.

"Why hasn't Bat-Mite called the match?"

"You're right," Flash realized. "The guy from tribe pink is the only one remaining."

Goku reached the other end of the ring; he stopped at edges side to spot a smiling Superman who was lying on the ground below. Sighting Goku as well Superman stood to his feet. "I have to admit, you're a lot stronger than I had believed." Superman could see the look in his eyes, a look he was not expecting. It was not one of satisfaction or accomplishment like one would expect, but rather a look of disappointment. "What's wrong?"

Goku powered down, his hair and eyes returning to their normal state. "Every punch, every kick.. every blow we exchanged." Goku paused. "The combined power between all of our attacks still didn't amount to the single punch you were able to block from Beerus our first night on this planet."

Realization set in for Superman. "Now I see. You're upset because I was holding back."

"Why?" asked Goku who leaped out of the ring to join him on the ground. "I have to know why."

"I have my reasons," replied Superman. "One of those reasons being insurance."

Goku was absolutely clueless to what was meant by this. "What insurance?"

Goku would soon find out, all which would be sparked by Bat-Mite's next made announcement. "Goku is eliminated!"

This brought the majority of everyone to shock.

"What the hell?!" That was Nami's intial reaction.

"What do you mean Goku is eliminated!" Michelangelo questioned as he pointed to the seemingly empty ring. "He was the last one standing!"

"No," replied Bat-Mite. "Son Goku became disqualified the moment he stepped out of the arena, given that there was still the part of someone else clinging on to the side of the ring."

"Part of someone else? What is he talking about?" Trunks said looking over the ring himself. "As far as I can tell there is no one else in the rin.. wait, I see it!"

"Huh? See what?" questioned Kogoro.

"There!" Trunks pointed. "There's someone's hand grasping the side of the ring."

"A hand… it can only be one person," said Brook who stepped up.

"That's right, the last one remaining in the ring and winner of this match is, Captain Buggy of Tribe Silver!" Bat-Mite conveyed.

"WHAT?!" That was the resounding sound that echoed throughout the stadium grounds.

Beerus was the first to pump his fist in celebration.

"Who'd a thunk it? The Superman versus Goku match ending with Captain freaking Buggy winnin'," Raphael noted.

Buggy couldn't contain his laughter. "I had it planned from the start! When I launched my hand at Goku at the start of the match I grabbed hold of the edge of the ring with it and then allowed myself to be knocked off!" Buggy shouted happily. "In reality none of that was planned, it was pure luck to be honest. But them not knowing that only makes me look better at the end of the day."

Luffy found humor in the situation himself. "Leave it to Big Red Nose to win a match like that."

Goku was completely bummed. "Gee, you gotta be kidding me.. to lose a match like this?" he then turned to face Superman once more. "You knew all along didn't you?"

"I'd be lying if I said that were true. The fact of the matter is that the moment I flew above the stage I noticed Buggy's hand hanging from the side of the ring, I also recalled Bat-Mite not announcing Buggy's elimination when he appeared to be knocked out earlier," Superman ran down. "Accounting for all of that and the fact no one else seemed to be aware of Buggy's hand, I knew even if I was knocked off my team would still have a chance for those five extra points that came with outlasting everyone else."

"How'd ya spot the hand anyway? It would have been hard to see especially from all the way up there."

"Enhanced sight," replied Superman who pointed to his eyes.

"I see, so you were banking on me stepping out of the ring after I knocked you out?"

Superman nodded in confirmation. "That was the plan. Even with that said your power can't be denied, you admittedly caught me by surprise," Superman said. "Your power went from zero to a thousand in a moment's time! What was that transformation of yours anyway?"

Before Goku had a chance to respond Bat-Mite flew in between the pair. "Hate to barge in, but there's still one match that still needs to be held fellas," Bat-Mite reminded. "If you two would kindly return to your respective tribes that would be most appreciated by your very patient host."

Bat-Mite took to the air once more. "Well looks like that's the end of that. We'll have to get a rain check on any further discussions." Superman went on to turn for his tribe only to be stopped after hearing him speak.

"Yo Superman."

He looked back at him for a final time. "What is it?"

"Next time we fight I want you to go all out," Goku replied.

Superman took a hard long look at him. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

Goku nodded. "There's nothing more I could ask for but to test my strength against your own at full power."

Silence came between them. How was he to respond? "Tell me," Superman began. "What is your name again?"

Goku proudly pointed to himself. "I'm Son Goku!"

"Son Goku.. I'll remember the name," Superman said as he turned for his tribe for a second time. "When the time of our next battle arrives I'll grant your wish, just remember you asked for it.. Son Goku."

Goku was overly satisfied to hear this as he too turned for his tribe. "You're on," Goku responded.

The two parted, both smiling as they made way back to their respective tribes. Only one match remained. The question on everyone's mind, who would win; and ultimately which tribe would be declared victories at the challenges end?

To Be Continued