Time Patrollers
Chapter 21: Save the Earth! Final Battle with Majin Buu!
Age 774...
Frost and his two companions had been fighting Majin Buu for sometime. The transformation he had undergone had increased his strength far beyond what Frost had thought possible. To make matters worse, the power of Demigra's magic had made the battle much more difficult. The three fighters were finding themselves hard pressed to defeat Buu. The maniacal pink creature came at them with great speed and ferocity, uttering unintelligible snarls and yells.
"He's no bigger than a kid and yet he's insanely powerful," Belias growled.
"We can't give up," Frost replied. "It may seem impossible, but I'm sure we can win!"
"We'd have a better chance if Scarlet and Sorbet were here," Belias said. "Where are they?"
Once more, Frost wondered the same thing. They had heard nothing regarding their two missing companions and that worried him. He could only pray they were alright and would soon join them. Gohan, he saw, was currently fighting with Buu. He prepared to fly in and assist him, when he felt a disturbance. He halted in mid-flight, feeling a cold sweat break out over his brow. For some reason he couldn't fathom, he felt as if something terrible had just occurred. Glancing over at Belias, Frost saw that the Namekian had also halted and had the seem haunted look on his face.
"Did you just feel that," Belias said.
"I did," Frost replied, his voice quivering. "I don't know why, but I suddenly have a bad feeling."
Trunks found himself in a desolate landscape. The rocky terrain was wrecked and the canyon walls were all destroyed. He knew this had to be the right place. No doubt all this destruction had been the result of Scarlet and Sorbet's battle. But he couldn't help but notice it was quiet. Was the battle over? Had Scarlet and Sorbet survived the ordeal?
He took to the air and flew around, searching for them. Soon he heard a sound. It sounded as if someone was...crying? Hurrying along, Trunks soon found the source of the sound. Down on the ground, he saw Scarlet. The Saiyan warrior was on her knees, sobbing, her hands covering her face. Trunks felt a chill go up his spine. He had a pretty good idea just why Scarlet was upset. A quick look around showed him there was no sign of Sorbet. Fearing the worst, Trunks landed next to Scarlet.
"Scarlet," he said, kneeling down. He placed his hand on her shoulder.
Scarlet looked up at his touch, tears coursing down her face. Then she grabbed onto him, sobbing more, burying her face into his chest. Trunks knew with certainty what had happened. Still he had to ask.
"What happened," he asked. "Where's Sorbet?"
"She's gone," Scarlet whispered. "She...sacrificed herself and took Bibbidi along with her."
"Sorbet," Trunks said.
"I failed, Trunks," Scarlet said. "I couldn't save her."
"You did all you could," Trunks assured.
"I wasn't strong enough," Scarlet cried. "I should have done more! I blew it! And now she's gone! It's all my fault!"
Trunks wished there was something he could do to ease Scarlet's sorrow. But in her current state, she was inconsolable.
"C'mon," he said. "Let's get you back to the Time Nest. Supreme Kai? I found Scarlet! You can bring us back!"
In a flash, they were gone, teleported back to the Time Nest.
Age 774...
Despite being locked in battle with Buu, Gohan had noticed that his two allies were not fighting. Catching Buu by surprise, he sent the creature spiraling to the ground and turned to find Frost and Belias a few feet away. Both looked troubled. Curious, he flew over towards them.
"Hey, what's going on," he asked. "You guys look like something's bothering you."
"We sensed something just a moment ago," Frost answered. "I'm not sure what it was, but I feel as if something terrible has happened." He turned to Gohan, a haunted look on his face. "I fear it may have something to do with Scarlet and Sorbet."
Gohan stared in surprise. Had something happened to Scarlet and Sorbet?
"Listen," he said. "If you guys need to go look into this, then go ahead. I can handle Majin Buu."
"Don't be absurd," Belias said. "There's no way we're going to abandon you."
"If your friends are in trouble, then you need to go to them," Gohan insisted. "I'll be fine. Besides, you guys won't be able to focus if you're worried about Scarlet and Sorbet. Now, go!"
Frost and Belias hesitated a moment, then reluctantly, they nodded. Gohan then turned his attention back to Majin Buu and flew at him to resume the battle. Frost and Belias then used the scroll to return to the Time Nest. Frost just hoped Gohan could handle the rest...
The Time Nest...
As soon as they had returned, Frost and Belias immediately made their way to the doors of the Time Vault.
"We need to find the Supreme Kai and Trunks right away," Frost said. "Gohan was right. We can't keep fighting until we know what's going on."
Just as they reached the doors, they opened and the Supreme Kai of Time stepped inside.
"Supreme Kai," Frost said. "Belias and I felt a disturbance and I'm worried something bad has happened. Have you found Scarlet and Sorbet?"
It was then that he noticed the Supreme Kai looked sad. Both Frost and Belias felt a cold feeling settle in the pit of their stomachs.
"We found them," the Supreme Kai said. "Trunks brought Scarlet back. She's outside the temple recovering."
"And...Sorbet," Belias asked, a feeling of dread sweeping over him.
The Supreme Kai remained silent, unable to say anything. Frost and Belias rushed past her out the doors.
Outside, they found Trunks and Scarlet at the bottom of the stone steps. Scarlet sat on the stairs, hunched over. She never even registered Frost and Belias as they approached her. Frost knelt down beside her.
"Scarlet? Are you alright," he asked. "What happened? Please, tell me Sorbet is alright!"
Scarlet remained silent, lost in a daze. Frost stood up and turned to Trunks.
"Trunks," he asked. "Can you tell me?"
Trunks nodded. He then explained to Frost and Belias what had transpired after they had left to fight Buu, leading up to Scarlet's battle with Sorbet, and the female Majin's sacrifice to destroy Bibbidi and his dark magic. Frost felt numb. He sank to the ground onto his knees, unable to comprehend the fact that Sorbet was gone.
"No," he whispered. "Not Sorbet."
"Damn it," Belias said. "We should have stayed and looked for her."
"Majin Buu had to be stopped," the Supreme Kai said, joining them.
"We couldn't stop him," Frost said. "He was too strong. If we had gone with Scarlet and helped her get Sorbet back, then we would have had a better chance."
"Frost," the Supreme Kai said. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry's not going to bring our friend back," Belias said bitterly.
"Look, guys," Trunks spoke up. "I understand you're upset. But you can't blame yourselves. The one at fault is Demigra. He was the one who brought Bibbidi into all of this."
"Trunks is right," the Supreme Kai said. "And, I know this a bad time, but right now, we still have to fix the anomaly and stop Majin Buu."
Frost stood up and nodded. "You're right. We can mourn our friend afterwards. We'll go and stop Majin Buu. And then, I'm going to find Demigra, and I'm going to destroy him."
"And I'll be there to help," Belias said.
"Count me in."
All eyes turned to Scarlet, who had remained silent throughout the entire conversation. She stood up and faced her friends, her emerald eyes blazing with fury.
"I'm going to see that bastard pay for what he's done," she said. "I owe it to Sorbet."
Trunks passed them some energy drinks. "Then you'd better recharge before you head out. And...be careful, you guys. This will be your toughest battle yet."
After they had drunk their fill of the energy drinks, Frost, Scarlet and Belias climbed the steps towards the Time Vault and passed through the doors. With heavy hearts, they used the scroll to take them to their final battle against Majin Buu...
Age 774...
Goku and Vegeta, along with Hercule were on a distant alien world. They had just narrowly escaped the destruction of Earth. Majin Buu had destroyed the planet during his battle with Gohan. Now the two Saiyans and Hercule were all that remained. Fortunately, Goku had set a plan into motion to fix everything. If all went as planned, then the Earth and all it's inhabitants would be restored. At that moment, he sensed three strong power levels. He turned and saw a white light appear. The light faded and there stood Frost, Belias and Scarlet.
"Hey, guys," Goku greeted.
Vegeta and Hercule turned to see who Goku was talking to.
"Well, I'm actually glad you're here," Vegeta said.
"Yeah," Goku replied. "We're gonna need all the help we can get. It won't be long before Buu shows up here." He fell silent as he suddenly realized Frost's team was missing someone. "Hey, where's Sorbet?"
The Patrollers were silent, and Goku saw a look of sorrow pass over their faces.
"Oh, no," he said. "Don't tell me..."
"I'm afraid Sorbet is..."Frost began. "Gone."
"Wait a minute," Hercule spoke up. "That pink girl, right? She's...she's really..."
"I'm afraid so," Belias said.
"I'm sorry," Goku said sincerely. "She was an honorable warrior. I owe her for looking out for Gohan all those other times. I can't believe it."
At that moment, they felt an enormous power level. Then, from out of thin air, Majin Buu appeared. The maniacal creature was surrounded by a dark aura and his eyes were glowing red. He leered and pointed at them, issuing his challenge. Hercule stepped back as the five warriors took up fighting poses, Scarlet turning Super Saiyan and Frost assuming his armor form.
"At least I have something to take my anger out on," Scarlet said.
Powering up, the fighters charged at Buu. He met their charge and struck back. Unlike before, however, Frost and his companions were not pulling their punches. Fueled by grief at the loss of their friend, they fought Buu with unbridled fury. Scarlet in particular was striking the hardest. Images of Sorbet exploding raced through her mind. And she was reminded that Buu had been at Bibbidi's beck and call. That fueled her anger even more, causing her to pummel Buu relentlessly.
"You evil, little bastard," she yelled, not letting up. "Why do you get to live and she had to die? You don't deserve to live!"
Buu fought back, his own anger and rage at the Saiyan's audacity helping him to counter her attacks. They flew through the air, exchanging blows. Then Goku and Vegeta swooped in and blindsided Buu. The creature shrieked with anger at the surprise attack and countered with a powerful burst of ki energy. The three Saiyans were knocked backwards. As they reeled from the attack, Buu found himself set upon by Frost and Belias. Like their Saiyan companion, they struck ferociously, never letting up on their attacks. Frost launched a barrage of Death Beams at Buu while Belias unleashed several red ki orbs. Buu dodged the beams and orbs, though some found their mark.
The attacks slammed into Buu, and for a moment, he was obscured from sight. Then he came charging out of the smoke, yelling with rage. He charged at Frost and hit him hard, knocking him out of the air. Turning, he launched himself at Belias, lashing out with a barrage of punches, putting the large Namekian on the defensive.
Belias dodged backwards, blocking the hits. However, one broke through and he sailed backwards. Buu wasn't about to let him off that easily. He followed the Namekian's trajectory, firing a salvo of ki blasts at him. Belias buckled under the hits and crashed to the ground. He lay there, unable to move for the moment. Looking up, he saw Buu hovering over him. Buu grinned and began charging up a large ki blast when...
"KAMEHAMEHA!"
Buu looked up just in time to see the wave of blue ki energy as it slammed into him. He was knocked into the ground by the force of the blast. After a moment, he stood up...only to find himself being attacked by Scarlet and Vegeta. The two Saiyan warriors attacked from both sides, trapping Buu in a pincer attack, putting him on the defensive.
Goku landed next to Belias and helped him stand up.
"You alright," he asked.
"I'm fine," Belias replied. "Thanks for the save back there."
"No problem," Goku said. "Buu's even stronger than I realized. Even with all of us, we're having a difficult time bringing him down."
"I don't suppose you have a plan," Frost asked, joining them.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Goku said. "By now the Earth should be restored. I'm going to summon up the Spirit Bomb. That should put a stop to Buu."
"Understood," Frost said. "We'll keep Buu occupied to buy you some time."
Together, Frost and Belias took flight and flew after Scarlet and Vegeta to assist them against Buu. After they were gone, Goku flew up into the air and raised his hands high. Concentrating, he began to gather the energy he needed.
The Time Nest...
Trunks sat on the stone steps of the Time Vault, Tokitoki next to him. His thoughts were on recent developments. He still couldn't believe Sorbet was actually gone. It just felt wrong not having her here. The team seemed lost without their Majin companion. Tokitoki trilled mournfully, sharing Trunks' sorrow.
"I know, buddy," he said. "It's just not the same without her. I only hope Frost and the others can handle things."
The Supreme Kai walked up and sat down next to Trunks. She reached out and stroked Tokitoki's feathers.
"We'll figure something out," she said. "We could always wish her back with the Dragonballs."
"But who knows how long it'll take to find all of them," Trunks said. "I can already tell morale is not good with Frost and his team. Sorbet's death hit them hard, especially Scarlet."
"I know," the Supreme Kai replied. "If there was just something we could do."
Suddenly, Tokitoki began trilling loudly and flapping his wings. Trunks and the Supreme Kai looked up in alarm.
"Is it Demigra," Trunks wondered, fearing the Demon God was attempting an attack on the Time Nest.
"No," The Supreme Kai said. "I don't sense him. But I do sense something. A strong power level...and it's approaching us."
Trunks looked around, scanning the area. He could feel it, too. Something was heading their way. Suddenly, something materialized before them. Trunks and the Supreme Kai stared in surprise...
Age 774...
The battle against Majin Buu raged on. Scarlet, Frost, Belias, and Vegeta fought Buu, throwing everything they had at him. Yet the stubborn creature refused to be beaten. Frustrated, Scarlet pulled back.
"Okay, you little creep," she said. "You asked for it!"
Powering up, she transformed into her Super Saiyan 3 form. Then she charged at Buu and resumed her attacks. Above them, Goku watched the battle as he continued gathering energy to complete the Spirit Bomb. He had to admit, he was impressed with Scarlet. She had somehow managed to obtain Super Saiyan 3. He only hoped it would be enough to hold off Buu. So far he had managed to gather a lot of energy, but it still wasn't enough. He knew he would need way more if they wanted to totally destroy Buu.
"What's the hold up, Kakarot," Vegeta yelled. "We can't keep this up forever!"
"It's not enough," Goku said. "The people on Earth aren't contributing enough energy! I tried to tell them this could stop Buu but they won't listen!"
"Typical," Vegeta snarled. "We save them countless times, and when we need their help, suddenly they don't care!"
Buu interrupted their conversation with a powerful burst of energy. The explosion scattered the fighters across the area, allowing him some breathing room. Glancing up, he saw Goku hovering overhead, a large ball of ki energy floating above him. Buu grinned in malicious pleasure and flew straight up at Goku.
"Goku! Watch out," Frost called out.
Goku saw Buu flying right towards him. The evil creature smiled and took aim at Goku, unleashing a blast of ki energy. The attack streaked towards Goku...only to be intercepted by someone else! A figure appeared in front of the Saiyan warrior and deflected the attack away from him.
"Ah! You," Goku gasped.
Down below, all eyes were on Goku and the figure that had appeared. Scarlet couldn't believe her eyes. For a moment, she wondered if she was imagining things.
"It...can't be," she whispered.
"It is," Frost said.
"Sorbet," Belias gasped.
Indeed it was the female Majin! She hovered in the air in front of Goku, facing Majin Buu.
"Hold on," Vegeta spoke up. "I thought you said she was dead."
"I thought she was," Scarlet insisted. "I saw her blow herself up! There was no trace of her!"
Up in the air, Sorbet glanced at Goku. "Keep gathering energy. I'll hold him off."
Goku looked stunned for a second, and then he nodded. "Good to have you back, Sorbet."
Sorbet smiled and then turned back towards Buu. He stared at her for a moment, and then he cackled with glee.
"Don't look so happy to see me," Sorbet said. "I'm here to take you down!"
Powering up, Sorbet charged at Buu with blinding speed. She struck hard, sending Buu flying. She pursued him and attacked once more, hammering him with fierce blows.
Scarlet watched the battle, still unable to grasp the fact that her friend was alive and well.
"I don't know how she did it," Belias said. "But I'm not complaining."
"Even so," Vegeta spoke up. "We need the Spirit Bomb to wipe Buu out. Kakarot, how's it coming up there?"
"Still not enough," Goku replied. "Nobody wants to give me their energy!"
"Grrr! Hey, Earthlings," Vegeta shouted. "Stop screwing around and help us out! Don't you want Majin Buu stopped?"
"Well, they're not going to help us out if you talk to them like that," Frost said.
"We don't have time for niceties," Vegeta snapped. "If we don't stop Majin Buu here and now, then he'll just destroy the Earth all over again! Don't these fools realize that?"
"Please, everyone," Goku pleaded. "We need your help! Otherwise, all is lost!"
Frost could hear the people of Earth responding. They either didn't believe or trust Goku and many of them were pretty curt with their responses. It seemed hopeless, until...
"What's wrong with all of you?"
All eyes turned to Hercule. The martial arts fighter had gotten in on the conversation and was addressing the Earthlings.
"Are you really going to just stand there and not help out," Hercule continued. "I'm here fighting Buu as well! Are you going to refuse to help me, the Great Hercule?"
A moment passed and then suddenly, the Spirit Bomb swelled in size. Frost could hardly believe it! Hercule had done it! He had actually gotten the people of Earth to help!
"Well, I'll be damned," Scarlet laughed. "That big windbag actually came through for us."
"Everyone! Move out of the way," Goku yelled.
Meanwhile, Sorbet and Buu were still fighting, both unaware of the events taking place just a few yards away. Both Majins locked grips and strained against each other. Sorbet stared into Buu's eyes, so full of rage and destruction. And she had been cloned from him. But, clone or not, she was nothing like him.
"It doesn't have to be this way, Buu," she said. "There's more to life than mindless destruction. Put it behind you and start over."
"Nyaaarrrr," Buu responded, breaking the hold and lashing out at her.
Sorbet dodged and avoided the blow. "So that's your decision then? I pity you, Buu. But, if that's what you want then so be it. Farewell."
In a flash she was gone. Buu stared in surprise and looked around. Then his eyes fell upon the Spirit Bomb. It had grown in size and power. Shrieking in anger, Buu charged at Goku.
Goku saw Buu flying towards him. With the Spirit Bomb now complete, it was time to end this battle once and for all. As Buu neared, Goku hurled the Spirit Bomb at his foe. The massive orb hit Buu and forced him towards the ground. For a moment, it looked like the fight was theirs. But, to everyone's dismay, Buu was holding the Spirit Bomb at bay. Even worse, he was actually pushing it back.
"No," Goku yelled. "Damn it!"
Goku strained against Buu, trying to push the Spirit Bomb back, but Buu was still managing to hold it off. Goku could feel his strength waning. He couldn't hold on much longer.
"I just need a bit more," he said.
Then, just when all seemed lost, Goku felt a surge of energy. Turning, he saw Sorbet hovering next to him. The female Majin had her hand extended towards the orb and was channeling her own energy into it. She turned to Goku and nodded.
"Thanks," Goku said. "Let's finish this!"
Summoning up the last bit of energy he could muster, Goku turned Super Saiyan and together, he and Sorbet pushed the Spirit Bomb towards Buu.
Buu suddenly found the Spirit Bomb moving against him. He strained to push it away but to no avail. The massive orb of energy engulfed him. Buu stood transfixed in horror as the energy consumed him until nothing more remained of him. The terror, Majin Buu, had been destroyed.
As the Spirit Bomb dissipated, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. There was no sign of Majin Buu. The battle was won. Goku returned to his normal form and slumped forward wearily.
"Whew! It's over," he said.
"Took you long enough," Vegeta said. Then he smiled, glad it was all over.
Goku and Sorbet floated down to the ground. Goku sat down, utterly exhausted. Sorbet looked up to see her friends approaching. Scarlet rushed forward and grabbed Sorbet in an embrace.
"Sorbet," she exclaimed. "It's you! You're alive!"
Sorbet hugged the Saiyan warrior, teary eyed. "Scarlet. I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you."
"I know," Scarlet said. "You weren't yourself."
"Even though I was under Bibbidi's spell, I could still hear everything you said," Sorbet said. "I could see how hard you fought to save me. And in the end, you did. Thank you."
At that moment, Frost came up and embraced Sorbet as well.
"I thought we'd lost you," he said.
Just as he said this, two large red arms wrapped around all three of them and lifted them off the ground.
"Hey, easy there, Big Red," Scarlet said.
"I'm glad you're back, Sorbet," Belias said. "The team wasn't the same without you."
"It's good to be back," Sorbet said, smiling fondly at her friends.
Belias set everyone down and released them.
"One thing, though," Scarlet said. "How the hell did you survive? I mean, I saw you blow yourself up."
"Well," Sorbet said. "It seems we Majins are a lot more resilient than expected. After I blew up, I blacked out, and when I came to, I thought perhaps I was in Otherworld. But I saw I was back on the planet where Scarlet and I had fought. As I collected my thoughts, I saw bits and pieces of myself scattered around the area. And they were steadily crawling towards me and merging together. Before I knew it, I was reassembled and okay. And, with Bibbidi gone, the spell was broken. Then, I returned to the Time Nest."
"How did you get back to the Time Nest," Belias asked.
"Easy," she replied, grinning. "I teleported."
"Since when can you teleport," Scarlet asked.
"It seems I learned it from Bibbidi," Sorbet explained. "I'm not sure how, but somehow I gained the ability to teleport, kind of like Goku's Instant Transmission."
"Hm. Come to think of it," Frost mused. "Buu learned Goku's Instant Transmission. And Cell, too. So it's possible Sorbet could have picked up that ability from Bibbidi. I imagine Trunks and the Supreme Kai were surprised when you showed up."
"Oh, they were," Sorbet said. "After they got over their initial shock and I explained everything to them, I hightailed it here to help you guys against Buu."
"Good thing, too," Goku said, approaching them. "You really helped us out back there, Sorbet. Thanks."
"Anytime," Sorbet said.
At that moment, Hercule approached the group.
"So, did you really do it," he asked Goku. "Buu's finished?"
"Yep," Goku said. "It's over."
"Alright," Hercule cheered. "People of Earth! Majin Buu has just died!"
Everyone present could hear the people chanting Hercule's name.
"Figures," Belias said. "We do all the work, and he gets all the credit."
"I'd say he earned some of that credit," Frost said. "After all, he rallied the people to help Goku with the Spirit Bomb. And more importantly, we not only stopped Buu, but we regained our friend."
"Well, if that's it," Scarlet said. "We may as well head back to the Time Nest."
They turned and disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Goku, Vegeta and Hercule to enjoy their hard earned victory...
The Time Nest...
"Amazing," Trunks exclaimed as the Patrollers returned. "You guys really defeated Majin Buu!"
"What? You didn't think we could handle it," Scarlet asked.
"It was close," Frost admitted. "But we pulled through. All of us."
"And the good thing is, with Majin Buu defeated, Demigra has no one else to control," Sorbet said.
"True," the Supreme Kai said. "But what's scary is Demigra's ability to control people as strong as Buu."
"Indeed," Frost said. "He's certainly a powerful foe in his own right. His illusions alone are tough. I can't help but wonder how strong the real Demigra is."
"And speaking of that jerk," Scarlet said. "We still owe him for everything he's done!"
"Supreme Kai," Trunks spoke up. "Just who is Demigra?"
"He's an evil sorcerer I fought 75 million years ago," the Supreme Kai replied. "He called himself the Demon God and tried to take away Tokitoki and seize the Time Nest, to create a world where he could rule history."
"So, what did you do," Belias asked.
"I imprisoned him in the Crack of Time," the Supreme Kai answered. "But he was gathering his strength."
"His power," Trunks mused. "For 75 million years?"
"Hey," the Supreme Kai exclaimed indignantly. "You just thought about my age just now, didn't you? That I must be more than 75 million years old!"
"Huh," Trunks replied. "N-No, I didn't..."
"What's it matter how old I am anyway," the Supreme Kai ranted. "I mean, people praise me all the time for looking way younger than I actually am!"
"Uh," Trunks said, glancing at Frost and the others for help.
"Really, Trunks," Scarlet scolded. "A woman's age is a very sensitive subject!"
"And here I thought you were better than that, Trunks," Sorbet huffed.
"W-Why are you two ganging up on me," Trunks asked. "I never said anything!"
Frost and Belias remained silent, determined to stay out of this conversation. Trunks finally shrugged and decided to change the subject.
"So, what should we do," he asked. "Any idea on what our next move should be?"
"He's too dangerous," the Supreme Kai replied. "We can't let him get out. We need to thwart his plans and keep him from escaping from the Crack of Time."
"Personally," Scarlet said. "I wouldn't mind if he did. I'd make him sorry he ever set foot back in this dimension."
"As much as I would like to give Demigra his comeuppance, the Supreme Kai is right," Frost said. "We can't let him escape."
"For now" Belias said. "We'll keep an eye on the Time Stream and deal with events as they progress."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The Crack of Time...
Demigra floated in the vast crystalline cavern that served as his prison. Despite setbacks, he was close to his goal, so very close.
"A little more," he said. "A little more."
He smiled sinisterly, eagerly awaiting his escape. And once he was free...
End of Chapter 21...