The Saiyan of Namek
Chapter 35: The World Martial Arts Tournament Part 3: Battle Royale
Raijin sat in the medical station; grimacing about the hollow victory he'd been handed, a doctor had cleaned away all the blood that had been staining his face; fixed his broken nose and disinfected his burst lips and examining four cracked ribs.
The roars of the crowd had died down as The Announcer had been asked by Goku for some time as he'd gone to procure from Senzu Beans for Raijin's injuries; an act which Raijin was very grateful for.
Raijin sat alone in the medical station as Gohan and Piccolo came into the room; both giving Raijin nods of greeting as Gohan pulled out a stool and took a seat while Piccolo merely crossed his arms and stood in a corner.
"The crowd is growing restless; we'll have to start the fourth match soon" Gohan told Raijin; giving a look of worry as it seemed Goku would not be returning in time.
"Don't ever lose hope in Goku; he's never let us down" Piccolo muttered just loud enough for Raijin and Gohan to hear.
Raijin and Gohan both smiled; Piccolo was right, Goku was responsible for saving so many lives; and so many of them did not know of their exploits or battles against evil.
"Gohan; go and fight your match" Raijin spoke; letting out a sigh as he slowly rose to his feet, flinching from the pain in his ribs.
"Are you sure? We can wait a little longer" Gohan asked; almost hesitant to do as Raijin had asked.
"No, you must face Kibito now" Piccolo spoke; his voice stern and resolute.
Gohan gave a nod; straightening his sunglasses and bandana; walking out of the medical office with his red cape billowing behind him as he walked, Raijin turned to Piccolo; a knowing look in both their eyes.
"Ok Piccolo, tell me what happened with Shin?" Raijin demanded; knowing that Piccolo would not send Gohan into a battle unless he was sure Gohan would win.
Piccolo's brow furrowed as he began to speak; "I cannot reveal Shin's true identity yet; but he is not our enemy".
Raijin frowned; it wasn't like Piccolo to withhold information, whatever his reasons were; they were important.
At that moment Goku returned by suddenly appearing as if out of thin air; a small bag in his right hand, "I hope I made it in time! Korin had just two beans to spare" Goku told them in his cheery voice; handing a small green bean to Raijin.
Raijin thankfully took and ate the bean; his ribs mending as well as his wounds sealing up in an instant.
"Good; now we can go and see Gohan's match, I am eager to see what will transpire" Piccolo spoke; holding the door open for Goku and Raijin.
The three walked at a fast pace; hearing the cheers of the crowd as The Announcer had called the names of Kibito and The Great Saiyaman, the spectators roaring louder as the two combatants entered The Ring.
Videl leant over the kanji sign that guarded the main building's entranceway to The Ring; watching Gohan as he'd entered The Ring, turning and smiled as Goku and Raijin arrived; Videl running over and making a stop in front of Raijin.
"I just wanted to ask if you were alright after your battle; you looked so badly injured… but how did you heal so quickly?" Videl tilted her head; curious that Raijin seemed healthier than he was before the fight with Spopovich.
"It's a secret; you'll learn about it someday" Raijin smiled; impressed by Videl's kindness and concern for Gohan's friends.
"Seems the fight is starting" Krillin commented; everyone's attention being drawn to Gohan and Kibito standing in the centre of The Ring.
"Gohan; I wish to witness the power of the Super Saiyan, show it to me now" Kibito demanded; stunning Gohan as well as Goku and Raijin.
Gohan hesitated for only a few moments as he thought over Kibito's request; nodding to himself as he braced himself, "Ok, fine; do you just want to see a Super Saiyan or shall I take it up to the next level?"
Kibito's eyes widened as Gohan spoke, "What? There is a level above that of a Super Saiyan?"
Gohan nodded; the crackled marble tiles shook under his feet as Gohan's energy began to rise; the dozens of cracked, damaged or intact tiles lifted up into the air, the spectator's cheers and roars died down to a still silence; unsure how to react.
Gohan let out a deafening shout as his hands curled into fists; a golden flash lit up under his white bandana, the bandana burning away into nothing as Gohan's powers reawakened for the first time since The Cell Games; the sunglasses shattering on Gohan's face as his greenish-blue eyes stared directly at Kibito.
With a second deafening roar Gohan erupting with a blazing golden radiance; blinding anyone who looked directly at the spot where Gohan stood.
Moments later Gohan stood amongst the floating tiles; a blue electrical current flickering around his body; his golden hair glowing brighter and sharper than it would in a normal Super Saiyan Form.
"Wow; Gohan is The Great Saiyaman and The Gold Fighter!" Videl stuttered in her amazement; her blue eyes glittering as she gazed at Gohan's golden form.
Goku smiled as he watched; full of pride for his son.
"Well then; are you impressed; because I'd like to get this fight underway" Gohan smirked as he fought to supress the sudden urge's to viciously attack Kibito where he stood.
Gohan bent his knees and raised his fists; ready to begin their battle when a sudden force gripped his arms and legs, grunting as his body became immobile.
Spopovich and Yamu suddenly jumping into The Ring with no warning; a white orb with a spike protrusion grasped in the latter's hands, Spopovich grabbing a hold of Gohan while Yamu stabbed Gohan in the stomach with the spiked orb.
Raijin and Goku stood shocked by this sudden attack; both their aura's flaring up as moment before they took off from the building to Gohan's aid; Piccolo's voice shouted to them, "Don't go into The Ring; let this attack play out!"
"Why should I?" Goku yelled at Piccolo; something Raijin had never seen Goku to do anybody except for an enemy.
"Because I have asked Piccolo to stop you from committing any foolish actions" spoke a voice from around the corner; a robed figure stepping out revealing himself as Shin.
"And why should we listen to you? Our friend is being attacked!" Raijin in turn raised his voice; even Vegeta stood by Raijin's side to back him up.
"Mind what you say… Shin is none other than The Supreme Kai" Piccolo spoke; gritting his teeth as he clearly was struggling to not jump into The Ring to save Gohan.
Goku's mouth and eyes widened with shock; unable to grasp the very idea that he was in the presence of such a high-ranking God.
"Kakarot; do you know what The Namekian is talking about?" Vegeta demanded; finally speaking up for the first time since the Punching Machine Trial.
"Yeah, King Kai mentioned it once; there are The Four Kai's of the Universe, and there is The Grand Kai above them; but there has always been rumours of another Kai that stands even higher… guess it's all true" Goku explained; pointing up to the ceiling but was really pointing towards the skies and heavens above.
Raijin barely understood any of what Goku was talking about; though he knew about The Four Kai's due to the education he'd received from Guru, watching as Spopovich and Yamu drained away Gohan's energy; Gohan's Ascended Super Saiyan Form slowly vanishing.
"Worry not; Gohan will not be harmed; our purpose here is only with the two attackers" Supreme Kai spoke softly; somehow his voice calmed Goku's anger and Raijin's rising temper; Goku and Raijin both nodding to each other; ceasing their foolishness as per Piccolo's request.
Videl looked on in horror as Gohan finally collapsed to the ground; motionless.
Spopovich and Yamu both laughed as the pair became cloaked in a violent purple aura and flew off into the western skies; leaving The Arena shocked into a deathly silence.
"GOHAN!" Videl shouted as she raced into The Ring; the Spectators eerily quiet as Videl, Goku, Krillin, Raijin and Piccolo suddenly came running to help their fallen friend.
"Stand back; I shall heal him and replenish his energy, though this will take time" Kibito spoke; his voice gruff as he knelt down, his hand placed flat on Gohan's back as a golden light escaped from between Kibito's fingers.
Supreme Kai began to float into the air; staring in the direction that Spopovich and Yamu escaped in, "Quickly; we must follow them while we still can, we must discover the reasons for why they stole Gohan's powerful energy".
The Z Fighters all looked to each other; Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo and Krillin all floated into the air; Goku looking back and spotting Raijin still standing on the ground.
"Raijin; why are you standing there? Aren't you coming too?" Goku asked; a hint of disbelief in his voice, witnessing Raijin apparently refuse to fly off with them.
Raijin looked down at Gohan and Videl; figuring that they as well as Kibito would join them as soon as possible, "No, I'm staying here; I believe that all of you are capable of defeating those two and anyone else without me".
Vegeta angrily huffed and scoffed at Raijin; turning his back and flying after Supreme Kai.
"Ok, we'll see you later then" Goku replied; frowning slightly towards Raijin as they all flew off.
The Spectators watched in awe as many of the Tournament Participants just flew off and left; abandoning the Tournament and began shouting and jeering, demanding refunds of their tickets.
Bulma, Yamcha and Master Roshi were the one one's in the audience that were not shouting their protests; though Chichi was attempting to storm through the stands to aid her eldest son.
The Announcer and The Monk's all fled from The Ring and into the main building; trying to figure something out to close the Tournament since half the participants had flown off.
Raijin retreated back into the main building to get away from the shouting and jeers; finding that Killa and Jewel were still engaged in their talks; Mighty Mask still stood idly by but staring out at Gohan as he was being healed, and 18 calmly walked over to speak with Raijin.
"Why didn't you go with the others?" 18 asked calmly; her steely blue eyes staring daggers into Raijin.
"I believe that Goku and Vegeta are strong enough to easily defeat Spopovich and Yamu, after all they both stronger than I am" Raijin struggled to admit the truth; he'd sensed Goku's powers when they'd reunited, and Vegeta spent every second of everyday training and improving.
"It takes a lot of strength to just admit that; you're stronger than you think you are" 18 gave Raijin a warm smile and patted his shoulder, quickly turned her gaze and turning Raijin around just as Kibito, Gohan and Videl flew off; following after the others.
"Well, that was expected" Raijin muttered; giving 18 a pat on her back too.
18 just gave a smile to Raijin; "I wonder what will be happening now".
"Now that I think about it; why did you enter the Tournament?" Raijin asked; crossing his arms as he and 18 calmly talked.
"Prize Money; its rather dull living on a small island, nowhere to buy new clothes for myself or Marron" 18 admitted without a second of hesitation.
Raijin just gave a laugh in response to her answer while The Announcer and The Monks went back out into The Ring to apologise for what had taken place; Raijin took note that Hercule Satan had appeared in the room; he usually hid in his dressing room or a VIP Lounge until his match but he was walking out into The Ring.
"Hey! Quit your complaining; all those people just used their magic tricks and illusions to run away from Yours Truly, as for all the remaining fighters; I will fight and defeat all of them at once!" Mr Satan shouted into a microphone; pointing in the direction Goku and the others had flown off in.
"What an idiot" Raijin muttered to 18; 18 nodding in agreement, Killa and Jewel both stood nearby; listening to The Champion's proposition.
An enormous roar of approval came from the audience; even Bulma, Chichi and Yamcha were cheering for a Battle Royale Match.
"Alright there you have it folks; The Champ: Mr Satan will face off again all remaining competitors in a Battle Royale!" The Announcer shouted with a huge smile on his face; waving his hand towards the pathway connecting The Ring to the main building, "please welcome the opponents; The Vicious Killa, The Glamorous Jewel, The Enigmatic Fighter known as Mighty Mask, The Beautiful 18, and last but certainly not least; Raijin!"
Each remaining fight walked out into the ring when their name was called; Raijin felt a little left out since The Announcer had not given him a title, standing besides 18 but noticing that Mighty Mask was glaring at him.
The bells rang and the Battle Royale began.
Killa and Jewel both rush towards Mighty Mask and 18 respectively; both martial artists crouching low to attack their targets, Mighty Mask threw an effortless backhand fist into Killa's face and sent the boxer flying and crashing into the barricade wall; while 18 executed a swift slap to Jewel's face; sending him to the exact same fate of crashing into the barricade.
Raijin stood still; staring directly at Hercule Satan, The Champion's eyes widened as he saw two competitors defeated with each ease and with no less than a single blow.
Raijin suddenly crouched down as Mighty Mask leapt over his head; having attempted to punch Raijin in the back of the head to eliminate him, Raijin while crouched; punching upwards with an uppercut, Mighty Mask soaring upwards into the air to dodge the uppercut.
Raijin heard the two whispering voices coming from Mighty Mask; smiling as he gained an idea of who was under that mask; but the moment didn't last as Raijin was met by 18 striking him with a clothesline arm strike.
Raijin falling to the ground and kicking back up to his feet; flying upwards into the air and throwing a left hook to Mighty Mask, 18 following Raijin into the air; following up Raijin's punch with a left legged roundhouse kick to Mighty Mask, Mighty Mask backflipping to dodge the punch/kick combo coming from Raijin and 18.
"Did they forget about me?" Hercule Satan muttered to himself as he witnessed the mid-air battle between Mighty Mask; 18 and Raijin.
Mighty Mask along with Raijin and 18 flew up close to each other; exchanging punches and kicks in a three-way battle, strangely Mighty Mask's arms and feet swung as it independent from his body; almost like there were two people inside the costume.
Raijin and 18 broke off from the conflict; witnessing as Mighty Mask flared up with a large golden aura, Raijin and 18 smiled to each other; exchanging nods as they quickly understood who was inside the costume by spotting two sets of eyes leering through the costume.
"Time to end this charade… Trunks and Goten" Raijin shouted; grinning at Mighty Mask.
"Oh No Trunks! They figured us out" spoke the unmistakable soft voice of Goten.
"It doesn't matter; all we have to do is win!" spoke the attitude-driven voice of Trunks.
Goten and Trunks in their Super Saiyan Form while inside the costume of Mighty Mask charged towards Raijin and 18 with both fists and both legs ready to attack again.
Raijin and 18 both turned to the left and right of Mighty Mask; Raijin grabbing a hold of Goten's Legs, while 18 grabbed a hold of Trunks' Arms; violently pulling the two boys apart and tearing the costume to shreds; exposing Goten and Trunks' identities to all.
Many screams came from the audience as Mighty Mask's costume was torn in two; some spectators fainting as they believed that Raijin and 18 had torn a man in half.
The Announcer stood shocked as Mighty Mask appeared to have been torn in two; adjusting his sunglasses as he spotted Goten and Trunks, "Mighty Mask has just been revealed to be The Junior Division Finalist's Goten and Trunks; due to this reveal we have no choice but to disqualify them both from The Match!"
Bulma and Chichi both stood on their seats; both demanding that their sons come to their side right this moment, angry veins popping in their temples as they shouted.
"We've been found out Trunks; what do we do?" Goten asked his best friend; worrying about how much trouble they were going to be in.
"There's no choice; we escape" Trunks spoke, dropping the gaudy mask and cloak of Mighty Mask; while Goten dropped the white tunic, the pair of boys rushed off after Goku's and Gohan's groups into the western skies; leaving only golden trails in the cloudless blue sky.
Raijin and 18 both watched as Goten and Trunks' fled the arena; both shaking their heads as the two opponents dropped back into The Ring.
"I got an offer for you 18; we fight for the crown, if you win… you take the ten million zeni prize; but if I win… I'll split it between you and Chichi" Raijin suggested; his fists raised as he prepared to fight 18.
"Sounds good; I'll accept that offer" 18 smiled back; she always wanted to have an all-out fight with the Saiyan's again; and The World Stage was a fitting site for such a battle.
"How dare you discuss winning this match; THE WINNER WILL BE ME, HERCULE SATAN!" Hercule Satan shouted for all to hear; charging at Raijin and 18 with a mighty shout, his right fist raised for his Megaton Punch.
"Would you shut up!" Raijin and 18 spoke together; both had grown tired of Mr Satan's constant acts and lies to cover up the truth about The Cell Games, Raijin and 18 both punching Hercule Satan into the ground; the tiles cracking and breaking into a perfect mould of Mr Satan's body.
The spectators suddenly turned silent as The Champion was so easily knocked out cold by the strange new fighters they'd never seen before; murmurings spread throughout the crowds until they turned to cheers; fans chanting the names of Raijin and 18.
Raijin and 18 merely smiled to one another; both kicking off the ground, Raijin throwing a left hook while 18 threw a right hook; their fists meeting in the middle of The Ring with a resonating clash, breaking their initial contact; Raijin and 18 repeatedly kicked at each other; the other blocking with their knee or shin and countering with a spin kick; a roundhouse kick; or a scissor kick.
Raijin and 18 locked hands; their fingers laced around each other's; their aura's flaring and Raijin's black hair spiking upwards as their battle became serious, Raijin and 18 separated and began punching at each other's fists so hard the impact created sonic booms in the air; the echoes of the punches drew the attention of The Announcer and forced him to cease his ten count on Mr Satan at nine, The Champ still laying in the wrecked tiles.
Raijin and 18 never stopped smiled towards each other; both loving the match they fought, the sonic booms ceasing as the two dropped out of the skies and stood in the corners of The Ring; both panting after throwing so many heavy punches at each other.
"We're too evenly matched when holding back" Raijin spoke through his smile; he was struggling to restrain his true abilities and transform into a Super Saiyan against such a worthy foe.
"Yes; we are, but I can see how badly to want to fight at your best; come at me… I will still beat you" 18 spoke through her own smile; she too was enjoying the battle, planning on forcing Raijin out of The Ring with tactics rather than strength.
Raijin grinned a little wider; accepting the challenge, kicking off the ground and charging 18 and swinging wildly with his right arm at the Android; 18 easily sidestepping the wild attack and countering with a swift knee to Raijin's ribs.
Raijin coughed as his newly-repaired ribs thanks to the Senzu felt as if they'd been cracked again; grunting as he fell to the ground, Raijin's open hands quickly hitting the ground, performing a flip back not his feet; turning on his heels as Raijin's normal white aura flared up as he charged back towards 18 for a revenge attack.
18 sidestepped Raijin's charge again; bringing her leg back to kick Raijin's ribs again, Raijin grinning to himself as he suddenly twisted in mid-charge, spinning on the ground and landing a sweep kick to 18's own legs; knocking her down onto her back.
"How was that; you won't get me with that tactic twice" Raijin scoffed; giving 18 a triumphant smile as she got back up to her feet.
18 let out a huff; brushing her flowing blonde hair out from her steely blue eyes, wordlessly curling her hands into fists once again.
Hercule Satan slowly crawled out from the imprint he'd been left in; listening to the cheers and chants for Raijin and 18, feeling like his adoring public was abandoning him; Mr Satan devised to wait until only one was left to try and attack again.
Raijin and 18 barely even registered the chants and shouts of the spectators anymore; the two were purely focused on each other, Raijin and 18 vanished from the space in which they stood; familiar sonic booms echoed in the blue sky above The Ring produced by the impact of Raijin and 18 repeatedly punching and blocking each other.
"DO NOT BELIEVE IN THESE TRICKS!" Hercule Satan shouted; trying to regain the attention of his fans; pointing at the multitude of cracks and missing tiles in The Ring, "I SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU, HIDING THERE!".
Raijin suddenly reappeared in the exact spot where Mr Satan had pointed towards; eager to take down and dethrone Hercule Satan, with a broad smile he rushed in close; a fiery desire for Hercule's shameful defeat burning in his eyes.
Raijin felt a sudden pair of knee's driving themselves in his chest cavity; exhaling as his body was sent hurtling into a wall, crashing into the wall with such impact the wall itself cracked and crumbled around him.
"AND RAIJIN IS OUT OF THE MATCH!" The Announcer shouted into his microphone.
Raijin's aura blasted away any rubble that was covering him as he stood back up; both his feet were planted on the green grass that surrounded The Ring; 18 smiling a victorious smile from the edge of The Ring.
"You let yourself get distracted" 18 spoke smugly; having gotten another victory over a Saiyan.
Raijin felt a pang on irritation; 18 was right… he'd let his desire to dethrone Hercule Satan to cloud his mind and ignore 18's more threatening capability in a fight, bowing his head to 18 and then smiling; "Yeah; you win 18".
With an all-too-brief nod of each other's head; Raijin left The Ring as 18 got Hercule Satan into a headlock, allowing himself a brief smile as he swore he had heard 18 trying to extort money from The Champion.
Raijin took in a deep breath as he watched the remainder of The Battle Royale Match; observing as 18 extorted a total of fifteen million zeni in exchange for throwing the Final Match, Raijin couldn't help but chuckle for if it was him; he would have just punched Hercule Satan so hard he'd have flown for miles.
"MEGATON PUNCH!" Hercule Satan roared as he slammed his right fist into 18's face; only a few seconds passed before 18 flew backwards and landing on the soft green grass outside The Ring.
A stunned silence fell over the crowd of spectators until they all unanimously broke into rampant cheers of support for their Champion.
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT! OUR CHAMPION; MR SATAN HAS WON; HE DEFIED ALL ODDS TO WIN IN THIS HISTORIC BATTLE ROYALE FINAL!" The Announcer shouted with an exuberant voice; tears running down his cheeks in happiness for such an eventful Tournament to have come to an end.
Raijin noticed that Chichi, Bulma, Yamcha, Master Roshi and only now noticing her; Marron, sat calmly in their seats, talking amongst themselves about the day's events.
As 18 passed by Raijin; he gave her a pat on the back, "Good fight 18; next time we go all out?" Raijin asked; waiting until she was out of sight before dropping to his knees, taking in several deep breaths as 18 had made holding back his full power extremely difficult.
18 gave a returned smile; "Sure; I'd like to fight a Super Saiyan again" 18 kept walking into the rest area, suddenly panting heavily as sweat dripped from her forehead; she was extremely worn out from fighting with Raijin.
An hour had passed since the match ended; Hercule Satan stood in the middle of the ruined Ring, holding his Championship Belt aloft as he seemingly absorbed the cheers and support of his fans.
Raijin and 18 both having recovered from their heated battle; watched from a viewing room inside the main building, "What do you think happened to Goku and the others?" 18 suddenly asked; giving Raijin a curious look.
Raijin turned to face 18; taking a moment to think, "I'm not sure; but whatever The Supreme Kai needed them for… it has to have been resolved by now".
Raijin allowed himself a smile as he mentally pictured Goku, Vegeta and Gohan standing over the defeated Spopovich and Yamu; the white orb that had drained Gohan's energy lay shattered at the feet of The Supreme Kai.
A sudden collective gasp filled the arena; the cheers died to a deathly silence as several figures shimmered into The Ring; materializing into everyone's field of view stood Goku, Gohan and Supreme Kai.
But Vegeta stood facing against them; a brilliant golden aura flaring up so that the energy burnt the air around Vegeta's body with a violent radiance, golden lightning sparking around Vegeta's body as he stood with a sick gleeful smile.
Raijin could not believe what he was seeing; taking a moment to rub his eyes to make sure he was seeing the exact same letter M tattoo on Vegeta's forehead.