Demon Realm...
The blue ring he had transported in landed in a shadowy corner of the Demon Realm. Hit's black boots touched down silently, as they were designed to do, his weighted waist jacket swayed but there was no flapping sound. His carefully red eyes started looking around immediately picking up on the creeping darkness that moved across every inch of the retched, damned dimension.
Around him the blackish crags and outcroppings of rock flashed in the dark lightning that came overhead. Sparkling stars of ancient minerals flashed around while Hit tried to calculate where he was. The dark red star in the sky flashed down over the dimension coldly despite the evil storms moving around. The assassin was out of his element not that his face would make that apparent.
Hit walked forward cautiously and quietly, the internal clock in his head running. Every sense was pushed to its utmost acuity attempting to focus on the scenario at hand while drawing in the most important information. His right and left hands sat in his pocket as they normally did his cautious eyes scanning for any sort of security from the invading Demon. Fortunately, there seemed to be none whatsoever.
After several more feet of walking the purple skinned alien found himself at the edge of a cliff overlooking a canyon. His red eyes narrowed realizing that Vados had dropped him onto the ridge intentionally.' She knows that I have little time as is, she wanted to give me the most overlooking position imaginable. I can see everything from up here,' he scanned coming to a corridor surrounded by flaming torches lined with stoic figures.
'Those aren't the Demon Gods, but their power...' Hit grimaced trying to keep his breath from escaping. What he saw amid the flames was something sure to cause the warriors of the other Universe trouble.
A cadre of powerful beasts of similar hue and coloration.
A gray hued dragon stood the closest to him. The giant wings that spanned from its back carried the charcoal hue of its skin with a deeper red membrane holding along rigid spins. Fire vented from the edges of the wings as they tensed while its muscular legs set together. An exhale escaped its mouth causing the venting flames to expanded further.
Beside it, a matching dragon in all regards. The charcoal hued honed body with broad wings that fanned out from its back, its flying membrane however were a frozen blue hue. Cold air seemed to crystallize around its being reflecting light out in a prismatic fashion through the ice crystals.
In total there were eight of these Shadow Dragon waiting orders for some reason. The lead of which eclipsing the entire group in terms of staying power. Hit had only felt an equivalent power once before and that was Gogeta during the Tournament of Power. This foe was obviously the leader of this assortment, though subservient to the Demon Realm or so it would seem.
Hit paused his forward momentum, narrowing his gaze onto the towering Shadow Dragon.' Waiting, they're waiting for something. A cue? This is could prove trouble even without the Demon Gods they have forces on the Divine level and beyond,' Hit tensed passing in the darkness with careful footsteps.
Universe Six's ultimate warrior carefully looked around, his eyes attempting to detect anything surrounding him.' I do not have that long, I need to keep going,' Hit carefully sneaked along the edge of the canyon. His crimson eyes were watching carefully while his muffled footsteps were light and airy to prevent attention.
The Universe Six warrior behind enemy lines paused again as a pair eyes seemed to pause on him for a moment. They belonged to a Masked Saiyan that stood beside a blue skinned being with white hair, a Demon that Hit was unfamiliar with.' That Saiyan is too weak to be Son Goku, but the person beside him has a dark aura like the other Demon Gods. So, that means there are at least three Demon Gods on a dangerous level. And that army of Dragons,' Hit carefully noted continuing his movements slowly.
Ten Seconds.
Hit knowing a few seconds had passed increased his own walking speed, careful to keep noise to a minimum. Dark clouds clapped with lightning overhead keeping his movements cloaked in the darkness while giving him a broad stroke of focus. His hands clenched tightly, and his teeth ground together. A crevasse in the canyon wall blocked his path.
Below, dozens, no hundreds, no thousands of the faceless armored Demons that served as the opening salvo for the invasions. They were disposable and they knew that, but if one caught wind of Hit he would be found out. He paused thinking over a strategy to avoid the eyes of the army of soldiers, all of whom were silent and waiting for their chance to be put into action.
With no other choice he left the ground in a levitating hover, shooting over the breakage with surgical precision. His speed surpassed anything those below could recognize and the flash of lightning that accompanied his movements made them even more invisible in the eyes of the guards. His feet touched down on the other side quietly and he continued along.
His careful eyes traced the horizon, for a scale of the army if one existed. Fortunately, there did not appear to be much of an opposition, but his glare was soon greeted by a flash of lightning.
It exposed a superstructure, several dozen meters high in a vaguely humanoid form. It had a glowing green gem situated in the center of its giant forehead with two tendrils hanging to either side bearing smaller red gems. Buzzing around it a woman on a floating platform providing maintenance; from the distance he could not identify here, but he knew she was not a Demon.
He took mental note and kept moving.' A giant robot? That's dangerous, it does look like it needed repairs though. If I can warn someone about it there is a fair chance that we can take it down with little issue whatsoever,' Hit noted keeping his pace and moving along the crater wall.
His speedy footsteps quickly moved him toward a semi-circular portion that had been carved into the cliff. A throne sat alone in the center with a flashing light sphere pulsating in the middle.
Atop the throne and aged man sat whimsically looking at a series of floating spheres that showed images too blurry for Hit to detect. Wrinkled features turned into a smile as the sphere jostled slightly, impact occurring.
"Silence boy, your time will come," Mechikabura laughed loud enough for Hit to hear.
Five Seconds.
His heartbeat raced in his chest at the words from the old man. There was an evil presence that was attached to the words that he was speaking. Whoever was in the chair was a being of utmost evil. A being that, much like the Grand Priest, commanded an aura of power. His red eyes carrying a plan that was soon to reach fruition, despite the position of the assassin.
'From the look of things, he is the one that is orchestrating all of this. And those in the Shadows around him are the Demon Gods, but what for? What is this about?' Hit squatted resting his palm against the ground. His red eyes looked forward carefully a tension rippling through every inch of his being in case there needed to be a stoppage of time to avoid an incoming attack.
From the shadows, a woman approached with stylized white hair that raised into spike-like horns atop her head. She knelt before the thrown with glee on her face and Hit noticed it immediate. She was the next in line and the most dangerous out of the group there despite her power sitting below several of them.
"We have company it would appear, Lord Mechikabura," she muttered in a low tone, despite their distance it proved loud enough for the keen assassin to hear.
"Is that so?" Mechikabura replied turning his eyes directly toward the cliff face where Hit was residing. The darkness that dwelt in the Demon's stare was palpable and the Legendary Assassin let out a shaky breath.
'Two seconds, two seconds more,' Hit noted quietly in his mind keeping track of the energy.
"What Universe are you from fly on the wall? If is bold of you to come alone," Mechikabura commented tapping his staff and standing from atop his throne." I might actually spare you if you rat out the Universe that you are from," the Demon Emperor snickered looking directly at the purple assassin, who was growing further unnerved.
'One second,' Hit noted mentally his breath escaping to remain calm. A smile then crossed his face as a voice rose from the inside of the bubble catching all attention.
"He can read thoughts, so don't think about your Universe near him! Run, take whatever way you came with and get out of here! Forget about me and run!" Gohan shouted to the unseen outsider. The Demon Gods that were in the shadows all stayed on guard awaiting the command from Mechikabura.' Pan, Pan, Pan, Pan, Pan, Videl, Videl, Videl, Videl!' Gohan thought quickly, looking at Mechikabura carefully.
'Son Gohan?' Hit thought with broad eyes.
The old man looked to Gohan and chuckled." Ah, so you know him, but you are not thinking of his name. I find your effort to cloud my mind reading quite admirable, but it is sad that a warrior of your magnitude would dare save someone that creeps along trying to look for an opening," Mechikabura asked raising his hand toward the cliff.
"You are not going to save this one. Begone intruder," the Demon Emperor gestured closing his hand.
'It's over,' Hit smiled as darkness embraced the spot that he was at. The cliff evaporated into a blast of dark energy that flattened the entire structure. The Demon Realm rocked with the release of Mechikabura's power all of the Demon God's remaining stoic in his presence.
"His last words were it's over. He embraced the death that you brought to him Son Gohan," Mechikabura snickered looking to the trapped half-Saiyan." Tell me, how does it feel to have a body pile on your conscience?"
Gohan furrowed his brow." Eh, you're terrible Mechikabura. You're going to pay for everything you've done," he replied somberly keeping his face hidden.
"Avoiding the show of emotions, intelligent as expected. There is no hope for any Universe," Mechikabura snickered The Demon Realm will rise without fail."
Destiny Shattered Gaiden: Hit's Solo Strike?! What Remains!
Demon Realm Saga: Part Twelve
Universe Six...
"Gahha! Damn it Vados! You couldn't bring him back in time! We're so screwed!" Champa shouted his yellow eyes growing large as Vados looked at the head of her staff.
"It appears lord Champa, that Hit was too slow to use his Time Leap after all. The Demon Realm are most certainly a dangerous group," the Angel replied looking to her pupil with a hint of concern.
Champa nodded taking a gulp, his features turning stern. His hands clenched and purple energy brew from his body turning the grass at his feet into dust." If you don't have Hit, we can at least honor his wishes. Vados, get me a link to Frost and Cabba, they need to go to Universe Seven. Right now," Beerus' brother stamped his foot angrily, teeth grinding together angrily.
"As you wish," Vados' staff touched against the ground before being directed in front of the Hakaishin's face.
'Frost, Cabba, head to Universe Seven, they are in need of reinforcements,' Champa shouted mentally to the heads of the flight trip.
"What? Universe Seven, who's going to be left in Universe Six then? That seems reckless Lord Champa," Cabba spoke with concern in his voice. His black eyes staring at the sky in confusion.
"Even if Hit is left here, there is no chance of him being able to stop an entire army of Demons along with a Demon God. He's strong, but even he isn't that strong," Frost added with his hands resting on his hips.
"Hey, Keru, do you know who they're talking to? Cabba just said Champa, but I can't see him anywhere," Caulifla pointed out to her friend while staring confused at the leaders of the group.
"I don't know sis," Keru replied shrugging as Cabba and Frost continued to speak with the Hakaishin.
'Just do it you morons and don't worry about Universe Six, if all of your power is consolidated into one point they'll surely attack there,' Champa angrily barked into their minds, his fists balling and pounding.' That's my hope anyway,' he hid his own thoughts, Hit's demise looming in his mind.
Frost looked at the ground and shook his head." Even if we should go there, how could we Champa? My ships are advanced, but they can't pass between Universes, I doubt any ship could," Frost asked looking at the control panel and then to the sky.
'Grr, don't worry about it, just floor the ship and we'll handle the rest of this,' the furious purple God shouted his foot stomps being audible in the minds of the two warriors.
"Well, whatever you say. I hope you realize that Universe Six is going to be vastly under-prepared," Frost continued with a snicker.
'Go, don't worry about that. They aren't going to attack us, just go to Universe Seven this instant!' Champa barked.
"Okay, will do, I guess we're heading to Earth then, huh? I never got the chance to visit their home planet," Cabba cupped his chin with a smile upon his face.
'Yes, now go,' Champa flustered and barked, his voice growing exhausted.
Universe One...
Longan walked forward, fatigue apparent on his face. His right eye was covered in a rivulet of blood that ran down his cheek in a deep crimson stream that fell onto his tattered shirt. His left arm was held to his chest bearing a tightly bound wire of some unknown make. His torn gi pants flapped as he moved along, craters trenching into the ground with every Divine footstep.
Each building on the city block had dozens of holes present where Demonic goons had been smashed around, beyond that massive dark billows from a battle that had taken place with a fair bit more conflict. Longan's right arm was held tight around the wrist of a lost little girl with light red skin and long white hair, her green eyes dripping with streams of tears. One of the few survivors of the conflict.
The wire that strapped over his left shoulder was what carried the other survivors, an entire encampment placed into a fallen building to tend for the injured. Inside dozens of people were being treated by those that knew how, Longan knew that his mission was to keep forging ahead until they could move from the war-torn city. Where everyone could take a breath of relief.
"Mister, mister Longan, thank you," the little girl muttered to the man holding her hand, cutting into his self-reflection.
The large man looked down cause a few strands of his gravel filled, bloodied blonde hair to sway in front of his eyes." It's nothing. Helping those that can't help themselves that is what a hero does," he boomed powerfully, despite the entire day he had spent without rest and with conflict.
"But that lady that was with you, you carried her while you fought? Is she going to be okay?" the young girl questioned again, voice carrying a concern. His injuries were brought on by protecting the weak rather than being overtaken.
Longan froze with a gulp caught in his throat." Keki? Keki will be fine," he answered hearing how grave her condition was and seeing the amount of blood she lost.' Keki will be fine,' he repeated mentally bearing the words for himself to hear, the rally to continue the dragging of the building, the care for the people, the lack of recklessness.
The little alien girl looked to her fair skinned guardian with a smile." I feel comfortable with you at my side. You beat those Demon guys around with no effort at all! I've never seen someone move so fast before, you're so strong!" she cheered leaning her head against his hand as they walked.
'Strong huh? What's so strong about the three planets that blew up while I was protecting this one? The lives that were lost because I wasn't fast enough?' he held his left hand tight keeping his composed right hand from harming the little girl." You could say that. I'm glad that you're comfortable too, I would never let anything happen to you or these people if I could stop it," he answered strongly looking to her with glee.
"I know, you're the greatest hero ever! You could stop a supernova with a blink of your eye, and you flicked a rogue planet away, if something is impossible you can kick reason to the curb..." her words grew quiet while laying her head against his hand, sleepiness following.
"That's right and when I get you guys away from all of this smoke and I know you're safe, I'm going to get all the help this Universe will ever need," Longan said holding her closer to his leg to keep her upright.
'Gast Carcolh, you're the only hope that I have now. Bellis' hands are apparently tied and there is no chance that anyone else in this Universe can help us,' the warrior thought remembering the Namekian that had fought alongside him at the Tournament of Power.' You know as well as I do, that Universe One is going to suffer from this battle, more so than it already has, but you also know that we can save what's left. We have to save what's left,' Longan thought to himself keeping the building moving while cresting a hill.
'I am going to give my all to this Universe, to its people, Gast I expect you to do the same,' Longan continued to himself bringing the building to a stop at the base of the hill.
He sat the little girl against the roof of the horizontal building, giving her a solid place to lay her head. He reached to his stained shirt and pulled it from his torso. A few swift hand motions later and the bloodied patches were torn free and the shirt split into a makeshift blanket. He placed it over the girl as a blanket to allow her a respite from the walk she had taken alongside him.
'Five hundred miles we walked together little girl, all because I couldn't save your parents. Don't worry though, because I'm going to make sure the Universe, you'll grow up in is going to be far better than it is now,' Longan smiled walking away a smile present on his face.
His eyes turned back to the building, to the dwindling energy of his dearly beloved.' Keki, you're going to be fine. I can't say the same for myself,' he smiled a tear running down his cheek as he vanished with Instant Transmission.
Universe Two...
"Demons, why must is always be Demons," a towering man sighed, his right hand clenching the handle of a giant ax. His mustache swirled in a wind that came through the freshly carved valley as he basked in the morning sunlight. Surrounding him were mountains that had their peaks lopped off like one would take the head of a dandelion with a pair of garden shears.
He pulled the giant ax up from its position in the ground with a single hand, resting it upon his shoulder." They always believe themselves to be the ones that stand above all races and they always find themselves in the same position. I only feel pity for those far beneath me," the auburn haired human sighed keeping the weapon resting on his shoulder while beginning to walk away.
'This does make me wonder about the others though, surely this horde of weaklings are only part of the offensive front. If they were here to distract me there could have been trouble that I was unaware of,' the man thought walking using his left hand to twirl his mustache with a curious glance toward the horizon.
A spear came shooting through the air, blasting a hole through one of the mountains with a warrior following behind it. He had large butterfly-like wings that spanned from his back in an elegant display. A tuxedo-like attire covered the rest of his body and a Pompadour hair style rested off the center of his face while smile greeting the ax bearing giant.
"So, you've made it out okay as well, Harlequin. I should not be surprised," the ax toting Escanor commented continuing to walk along with a smile on his face.
The floating fairy huffed drawing the spear back to himself." I did but you are the one that has me worried. You and I both know that your body isn't going to hold out much longer. No human can use the amount of power you have without consequences," Harlequin replied shaking his head to the side keeping his weapon at tilt with the human.
"I see, the others have told you," Escanor walked along with a smile on his face, bare chest flexing." That's fine, I do not need to last long. My life has always been a cursed one with this power, so I wanted my death. But for now, I can use this power to help as many people as possible. One more showdown with the Demons, that is about as long as I have left," he explained walking along carefully.
"You accept it, huh? Or are you too prideful to admit it scares you?" the brown haired fairy asked flying beside the massive human curiously.
"Never, there is no such thing as too much pride," Escanor replied walking along." There is nothing that can be done, but in these moments, I assure that I will not die before we succeed," he continued, a stream of blood running from the corner of his mouth.
Harlequin sighed folding his arms over his chest." The Captain said you'd be like this."
"The Captain's hands are tied at the moment, someone has to take the lead," came the man's reply as he continued to walk along.
"That's true. Do you have a plan to face what comes next? We did not have the easiest time where we were sent," the fairy explained looking to the man.
"Plan? I need no plan; we will fight until the enemy is no more. That's it. Tell the Captain that I am going to be at shores of Lake Salisbury at noon. There I'll discuss with him my intention," the human warrior said bearing his ax powerfully and looking to the warrior.
Harlequin nodded looking to the man." Very well, you know he is taking care of those three girls now. I heard they were nearly killed in the fray."
"Even more reason for him to converse with me, Harlequin go speak to Meliodas now. I intend to walk there alone."
'It is his last request or so it seems, I should listen to it,' the fairy king sighed floating up further." Will do, just do not do anything rash. Diane and Merlin are still off planet where the Captain told them to be."
Escanor chuckled continuing in silence as his guest shot away.
Universe Three (Planet Meltan) ...
"Nari...zzt..." a machine whirred its side sparkling with streams of electricity as it was brought back online. The armored hull of its frame had been broken through and stripped rapidly, its sole eyes darting around carefully to reconfigure.
"Hey, don't act too quickly, your mechanical parts are still not quite online," a man's voice said from a panel that was hooked to some sort of generator. This man was covered head to toe in a white spandex suit, marked with a series of red blue lines running down to the boots. Across the shoulders, forming a pseudo-cowl a matching navy hue resided. Off to his side sat his helmet which also carried the same color scheme as his attire.
His blue skin seemed sickly and worn whilst his blonde hair was styled upward in a cowlick." We were lucky to find you on that planet at all with all they went down there. You wouldn't believe the damage that came near Doc's place," the man continued to type into the computer, his voice soothing and heroic yet slightly flamboyant.
"Rama...skst..." further concerned whirring from the machine as it pressed up, the joints holding its arms close shaking and chattering.
"I'm Katopesla, I know you're curious. I found you after Mule's machine went offline, luckily it was still good enough for scrap to get you up and running again. I lost a friend on that planet, I hope you realize that," the newly introduced Katopesla explained turning away fully from the console.
"Nigrii...shrrzt...shii..." Narirama muttered sitting up, its patchwork of mechanical repairs buzzing as they settled into place along its body.
"Yeah, I know, we found his body next to yours. He was the one that decided it was a good idea to take on Mule, that didn't really work out for you two. But I know Mule wouldn't have done this to you. It was the doctor that had residence there after Doctor Paparoni," Katopesla explained resting his gloved hands on his hips with a sigh." Luckily, we managed to salvage you, Narirama we need all the help we can get. That attack was just the beginning," the suited alien explained leaning against the console.
"Narirama," the machine pressed up from the worktable, dwarfing Katopesla in size.
It towered at over fifteen feet high and improvement from its previous ten foot high frame. Its damaged right arm was replaced with a new arm, new to the model anyway, that was lime green in color with orange fingers. Its once damaged torso was patched in the center, where a golden abdomen had been, with a circular piece of metal that was quick welded into place. Its damaged ocular array was marked with an orange ring that added focus while its lower left leg was replaced by a matching green piece to the right arm.
Narirama had truly been salvaged together to return to function." You now possess better rotary motors in both shoulder sockets and an upgrade to processing that speeds up your computing power. Your feet have secondary mooring tools to add staying power and your optical port has been upgraded to detect energy and heat. It took hours of work for all of us that were left, but you're functioning now," Katopesla smiled grabbing his helmet.
"Now, let's introduce you to everyone else. There aren't many of us so there's no need to be apprehensive," the warrior replied pulling his helmet on with a satisfying clicking sound.
The walked through a curtain to a modified encampment with dozens of survivors sitting on cots and carts after treatment. What they had experienced a mere day ago was something that stuck with them as they awaited the next attack.
"This planet is the sole refuge in the sol system. The Demon Realm came sweeping through and luckily we managed to save a majority of the people from the less impacted planets," Katopesla remarked patting the machine on the soldier.
"You can look around if you want, I've got to head to the next encampment over. They need supplies delivered asap," his blue streamlined armor highlighted to a red shade as the 'P' emblazoned on his chest turned into an 'S'. In a flash he was gone, his speed blowing the curtains on the way out as he ran by.
Narirama looked over the establishment analytically, realizing that the war had not even begun.
Universe Four...
Universe Four's strongest warrior Nira sat in a modified exercise machine, his right and left hands clenched handles that came down from an imposing mechanical structure." Shiro, you sure you don't need to rest more? The healing chamber is open to all who need it," the crimson haired warrior sighted looking to his ally.
Shiro reached up and scratched the back of his head, his eyes closing with a laugh." I'm okay, no worries. Those Demons that came to fight us were nothing. I only got grazed on the left arm, no biggie," he smiled, his torn shirt revealing his toned abdomen and the small bandage that covered a cut that was there as well.
"The injuries from the fight are not what have me worried," Nira pulled his arms down, the huge structure behind him whirring. The weight output to counter him climbing like a rocket. His muscles though kept pushing despite the restraint maxing the weight out within a fraction of a second." I know that your power has a negative effect on your body when you let loose at one hundred percent," he pushed his arms up, a first repetition.
"My arms are going to be fine, I only had to fire off one punch at one hundred percent. I'm not an egg, Nira," Shiro blushed slightly looking to the ground as the machine whirred with another lateral pull down.
Nira looked at him pushing the machine up again." I know, but you need to realize that those fodder were not the head on assault. They were just a warning to wean the weak from the strong," Nira pulled down, calmly, no effort in the weight he was moving.
Shiro turned stern and nodded his head." Nira, I figured that out too. My arms are just right for whatever comes next, just like we planned for."
The red haired man sighed pushing the machine skyward again." That's all I need to hear. If you think you're ready for an all-out war then I'll trust your judgement," he pulled it down powerfully, veins running along his arm.
"I'm ready, have to protect Kanna and everyone else that's too weak to protect themselves," Shiro took a heroic stance looking at his mentor and fellow warrior.
Nira pushed the machine to a stop and smiled." And impress that vampire girl. She looked at you pretty goo-goo eyed with how strong you were," he sprang from the seat rolling his neck.
"Romari? No, we're just friends...hehe," Shiro laughed nervously.
"For now, you'll be impressed with how quick that changes," Nira said pulling himself to another machine. This one bearing large metallic cuffs that he placed around his ankles, gigantic chains holding it into the machine." You'll want to protect her and hold her close. You never know when someone will try to take her, be it her heart or her life," Nira planted his right hand against the ground and pushed forward.
Again, the reader of the machine climbed astronomically with his push off. Shiro's hair blowing with the wind from the contained charge and power that was being exerted." Did you have someone like that Nira?" Shiro asked the warrior.
"Yeah, back when I was young and stupid. She was the daughter of the president of our country on a planet hundreds of light years from this one, and before I could propose she was taken by another man, who proceeded to throw a coup and take over our entire planet. She changed once she got power and executed everyone that opposed their reigns, that's where the scars on my chest come from," Nira explained strongly working the machine as he ran.
"Is that why you want to keep people safe on this planet? Because of..." Shiro stopped seeing Nira's red eyes narrow, his hair waving crazily while his skin bristled like rock.
"Yes, these Demons are not going to takeover of our Universe, no one is ever going to do that," he kept pushing forward." My body, my spirit, they are unbreakable like diamond. I know you have that same resolve Shiro, that's why I chose to help you," the machine began to ring with the strength exerted by the warrior causing it to shut down.
"Then your concern really is for me."
"It is, you have people you want to protect, people that you love. I do not want you to go through what I did," Nira unclasped the ankle bands, his skin softening to something more natural.
Shiro walked over and placed a hand over the man's shoulder with a smile." Thank you for that, now let's get to planning. We have an invasion to stop."
Nira threw his hand out grabbing the one that was on his shoulder. His arm rippled to a stone-like composition, his aura exploding out to fill the room with overwhelming power. Shiro's energy released in a response, causing every sensor in the room to beep and eventually short with the amount of energy they were releasing.
"You're right we do," their locked hands tensed with Nira's words.
"Let's do it, Nira," Shiro said to the older warrior with a nod.
Universe Five...
Jiga stood overlooking a courtyard where several beings had gathered. Her black hair was tied back with a single hair clip providing a ponytail despite the naturally bobbed appearance her hair typically took on. Her neck bore a flat collar accented with a shade of pink that alternated with black bars all the way around. Along her biceps were two golden bands and at her hands black fingerless gloves that she carried over from her casual attire. Baggy pinkish trousers led into a pair of brown moccasins that tapped against the ground.
"So, you couldn't reach Universe Twelve Junsei?" the Goddess of Destruction asked her attendant, who stood behind her arms crossed.
"Afraid not, our communication with the King has been cut off it appears," the brown haired man pinched the bridge of his nose whilst letting out a sigh. His quipao flapped in the wind while his apprentice looked out over the grounds of her castle.
"Damn, those Demon Gods really thought of everything didn't they?" she clenched her fists in anger, a purple aura bubbling across her body evaporating the ground at her feet.
Junsei shook his head and snickered." Not everything, they seemed to miss the fact that this Universe had a second fighter that was on the level of a God of Destruction," he pointed out the pink haired woman that was leading the assembled group through the motions.
"Thalia really found a way to sneak under their radar, that's a big plus," the Goddess of Destruction smiled framing her face while watching the pink haired former Goddess work.
"Higher, you'll need to kick higher for an opponent that is taller than you," she shouted, pink hair waving while her baggy white dress moved through a flurry of kicks. She dodged his high kick and swept out the back leg." You were far better at the Tournament of Power, Leek," Thalia reminded palming against the ground to float into the air.
"You're not getting away, love," Zeri's voice rose from the other warriors pouncing up after her." If I can't catch you, what chance do I have against the Demon Realm!" he shouted bringing his leg down with a kick.
"That's a good point, but you are still just a little too slow," his leg smashed through an afterimage while a hand pressed into the center of his back. He was flung forward crashing to the ground with a series of tumbles while the former God of Destruction floated back.
"Gah," he growled twisting up and charging back into the fray of flailing limbs and training warriors.
"She's just the best," Jiga's hands rested comfortably on the corner of her face while her dilated pupils watched her partner train with the six other warriors they had managed to gather.
"Erhem, perhaps it would be best if you kept your feelings for your partner in a more reserved place," Junsei cleared his throat looking to his pupil with a faint blush." You are supervising the forces of Universe Five in preparation for a war after all," the man continued snapping her from her gaze.
Jiga shook her head, the heart-shaped glow in her eyes fading away." You're right, it'd be best to save that for closed doors," she nodded slapping her cheeks to regain focus." Keep trying everyone! This is for Universe Five!" the short God of Destruction shouted over the group with a prominent tone, encouraging them to keep going.
"Now, onto the original point. Are you planning on interacting with the other Universes? I doubt that Universe Five was the only target," Junsei inquired folding his arms behind his back patiently.
"I don't know, if we can't reach the King what makes you think that we can go elsewhere?" Jiga asked curiously as the combat below continued.
Junsei smiled." I see you are listening at least. I will have to look into moving between Universes as you are currently in no situation to do that," the attendant noted looking at his God of Destruction.
"They have Ogma under lock and key after all. Can't risk them killing him, because then all of this is for nothing," she sighed slumping her shoulders.
"That is true, but do not think of that now. We need to work on their confidence and willingness to fight."
"Yeah, I know, they're all we've got," Jiga nodded her head.
Universe Nine...
There was nothing left of the battlefield except for silence among the sandy rubble. Shards of buildings lay torn and spread along the ground while the dark clouds overhead rolled and rumbled in a hateful statement of the battle. Winds blew, churning the sands into a rugged mix that passed along as thunder and lightning sounded and flashed in the distance.
Blood had congealed along certain portions of the now desert planet, where some had dragged themselves to fight while oblivion knocked on their door. Their bodies were left to the sands of time and the soon to be desolation of the Universe. Haunting echoes of the storm force winds soon swept up as a building's foundation gave way to fall onto the debris field again.
Footprints from a pair of boots remained in the sand the weight that caused them too much for the wind to overcome. Bergamo's last movements seen for eternity as the footsteps grew smaller and more abundant until reaching a point of disturbed sand where the portal had opened to return him home.
'BABOOM!' the air tore with a deafening rage of thunder.
'Fwish!' it was followed with droplets of rain.
The wet spots appeared gradually at first, sinking into the porous ground before filling it with a torrential downpour. The pitter-patter against the sand was the start of something as the parched ground smoked from the cooling wrought by the droplets. This was the end, the silence that drowned the planet that now decayed in orbit, its rogue occupants being dealt with by one of the Universe's most notorious warriors, Bergamo the Crusher under the influence of the Demon Realm.
The sounds of stillness, the sounds of the rain, suddenly were interrupted. Granules of the wetting sand began to shuffle as something underneath began to move. Ripples continuing as the buried entity pulled itself up.
The bulge caused by the rise sudden shot upward, rivers of wet sand falling from its center as the rain continued to pour from the heavens. Sand filled red fur soon became visible as a snout broke through sniffing the air. A pair of yellow eyes opened before closing immediately after, trickles of blood running from a wound that sat between them.
Black gloves balled as a sand laden red boot pushed out of the hole. White fur flashed from the being's chest as he stumbled to a position on all fours. His breaths escaped heavily and his yellow eyes crept open, casting the rivulets of blood away with the rain that fell.
"Cack, hack, fah, fah, fah," heavy breathing and coughing escaped him next as he grasped the soaking sand with his hands. It fell between his gloved fingers as he attempted to reach his feet again. His toned legs buckled at first causing him to stumble several feet forward drunkenly, before coming to a stop against a piece of debris.
"Hah, haah, haa," he panted trying to garner breath and the surroundings. What was left of them anyway.
This was the legendary Basil the Kicker of the Trio de Dangers." Brother! Brother!" he howled out trying to get attention from someone, the only someone, he believed to be able to survive what they had experience.
There was no response to his hoarse call, leading him to walk away from the debris that halted him." Lavender! Lavender where are you!" the red wolf roared for his sole sibling, teeth gnashing together in his bleeding snout.
His feet crunched against the sand as he walked forth over it." Lavender! I know your scent, you're still alive! Say, say something brother! Please!" Basil howled stepping forward with a grimace. His feet sinking into the wet sand.
Rain fell rapidly around him as he walked forward, gloved hands clenching nervously." B-Basil?!" a shout came from a nearby sand dune. It was crazed and weak simultaneously, a warrior that had been put through the wringer owning it.
Basil stumbled forward onto all fours. He ran over the sand to the source of the voice repeating the shout "Lavender! Lavender!" with each foot fall he took across the rapidly soaking landscape.
When he reached the source of the sound, he found the smaller coyote pulling his body from the sand. Blood was running down from the center of his forehead and his left arm hung limply at his side. A burn mark covered his entire chest while the suspenders over his shoulder were frayed beyond repair. Tears soaked his eyes as he looked at the taller wolf with a smile.
"Brother," he whimpered weakly the blood running along his face falling to the wayside in pain." I-I don't think that I am going to make it out of this sand. I always was the runt of the litter," Lavender's crazed tone came across more weak than crazed, his teeth gnashing as he tried to reach for Basil's face.
"What? No, you can't be serious Lavender, we're the Trio de Dangers! You can't die," Basil grabbed his brother around the hand, pulling it near. His teeth chattered and ground together nervously." Lavender stay with me."
Lavender's breath rolled heavily from his mouth as he looked at his sibling." So-sorry, my body doesn't seem to want to move anymore. I feel like this is the end for me Basil," the tawny brother said calmly embracing the demise that was dealt so swiftly to him by their eldest brother.
Basil tried to pick him up, but his muscles were far too worn to allow that." Gah! Don't say that Lavender! I can get us off this planet, to one where they had medical supplies. You're not dying," the red wolf assured pulling again only to fall to a kneeling position.
"Brother, I'm going to go now. But you can't quit you bastard, this trash heap of a Universe needs someone to protect it," Lavender's strength returned his hand clenching tightly into his brother's palm. Purple smoke seemed to emit from his mouth and palms seeping deeply into Basil's glove and into his nose as he sniffled to hold back tears.
"Lavender," he muttered, allowing the tear droplets to roll down his face.
"Basil, you made a promise to take Bergamo out of his misery for fighting among those Demons. I'll hold you to it, the Trio de Dangers are only shackled to a cause if they truly believe in it, not because someone pulls them on a leash," Lavender smiled losing the glowing purple from his mouth and his hands, leaving it to soak the gloves along Basil's fist.
"Lavender, Lavender," Basil shook the held hand, keeping his brother's attention.
"This is where our brotherhoods ends, in this world. I'll see you again Basil and I hope it is years down the line from now," Lavender assured shivering." It's so warm Basil, so warm. Farewell, Basil," Lavender's head turned aside and his eyes closed. The grimace of pain etched onto his face melted away while the stress from combat left his muscles.
Basil looked down at his sibling in shock, placing his arm peacefully to his brother's chest. Tears rolled down his snout and onto his brother's face as the swishing rains continued to push down over the battlefield.
Then, he stood up his scuffed boots kicking wet sand about." I'll protect it Lavender; I'll protect Universe Nine with my life!" he shouted to the heavens, blazing his red aura out to cast the rain away in a pressure wave.
Earth...
"Sounds easy enough, that works for me," Son Goku smiled hearing the planning session wrap up. A serious stare was on his eyes while an excitement for combat brewed in his heart.
Yato smiled hopping off the table that he had been using as a stage with a grin." Glad to hear it, Son Goku. It's the best we could come up with and I'm sure you'll agree beating the Demon Realm is going to be a big group effort. Especially since I have to go behind enemy lines with Beerus," Yato pointed out patting the cat-like deity on the back.
"Don't remind me," Beerus snickered at his rival with a smile.
"Heheh," Yato smiled jovially while the meditating Jiren's eyes twitched.
Katas' eyes picked up on the motion and this his black eyes turned to the sky. He allowed his power to climb while balling his fist at the same time." It looks like we may have to expand that planning session," the Namekian furrowed his brow as five energies reached the senses of the gathered forces of Universes Seven and Eight.
Vegeta let a scoffing chuckle escape as he turned to the incoming energy sources." Looks like we have to accommodate a few more," the flame haired warrior said.
That was when the Universe Six warriors arrived in the center of the atrium, looking about curiously. Before them the allied front of two Universes and their most powerful warriors along with the presence of Jiren the Gray, who sat meditating in the far side of the atrium.
"Looks like you guys ran into some trouble too, huh," Trunks said resting his hands on his hips looking at the ensemble of Universe Six Saiyans and their Frost Demon accomplice.
Cabba scratched the back of his head and laughed." Well, you could say that. But Champa was actually the one that sent us here, he said that your Universe needed some help," the strongest Saiyan in the Sixth Universe said to the half-ling son of Vegeta.
"But from the look of things you have it under control. Look at how many of you there are," Caulifla snorted looking around the room with brash confidence. Her hands sat at her hips nonchalantly.
Yato hopped in front of the Universe Six Saiyans with a raised brow." Don't go misjudging a God of Destruction's intuition. There is always need for more fighters. We're getting into a war that we have no clue how to fight," the God of Destruction from Universe Eight explained to them with a smile.
"So, you couldn't get a read either? That's not a very satisfying reply," Frost replied with a sigh and nodding his head down.
Vegeta sighed." No, they sent several credible opponents here, but outside of the one that Kakarot fought, none of them seemed to bear any leaning on the forces. They were all low-class distraction to take our group off-guard. They succeeded too."
Caulifla blew them off with a visible chortle." What are you talking about? You guys are all right here," the female Super Saiyan commented looking over the room." You even have another huge power with you," she locked eyes with Broly, who seemed to look perplexed at them from beside Lemo and Cheelai.
Cabba though saw things differently. As powerful as Broly was his presence was not enough to hide something like Raditz or Gohan's natural strength." Uh, they got Raditz? And Gohan?"
Son Goku nodded and sighed." They aren't dead, at least we hope, but the Demon God that came to attack Raditz and me teleported him away before he could fight. And I had to fight a Demon that was insanely powerful, and he nearly killed me," the palm haired hero of Earth answered Cabba's curiosity.
"Wow, you weren't kidding Prince Vegeta, I'm sorry to hear that," the Sadala Defender bowed to the flame haired warrior.
"There was one more casualty, Cabba. But your sympathy is appreciated," Vegeta smiled to the smaller Saiyan with a chuckle.
'Raditz's son, he must have died, they called him a casualty,' Frost shook his head." I see well, if you want, put us to work," the Arcosian said assuredly and strongly.
"We can do that Frost," Goku smiled shaking the Frost Demon's hand jovially,
Cabba smiled reaching his hand out to the God of Destruction." And don't forget about us, we're here to help you," the Saiyan smiled shaking Yato's hand.
"Good, roll the whiteboard back out. We have some explaining to do," Yato cheered taking Cabba's hand with a smile." Just try to keep up, we don't want any screw ups when we get to the battlefield."
"Yes, sir," Cabba saluted the God of Destruction while everyone else looked in.
That night...
"So, this is really the Earth, Vegeta?" Cabba asked looking over at the Saiyan Prince that led him to one of the numerous balconies on the side of Capsule Corps.
Before the foreign Saiyans eyes was a skyline that dripped with sparkling neon and radiant white lights. Red dots beamed from atop radio towers in the distance and spotlights roared for some recent movie premiere. In the foreground, different makes of hovercraft rocketed by on the main street to the center of the Western Capitol. Overhead, special motorcycles that flew in the air known to most of the Earth as Flying Squirrels and S-Cargo motorbikes zoomed by on elevated paths.
"It is part of it Cabba," Vegeta sighed looking to the bright starry sky above while speaking." Unlike Sadala where everyone is clustered in one central capital city the Earth has four directional capitals. In between are lush forests, barren landscapes, and hundreds of thousands of craters brought from our fights over the years," he spoke wistfully folding his arms over his chest.
"Seriously?! The Earth is that diverse Vegeta? That's incredible!" Cabba cheered shouting aloud while looking at the cars that rocketed by on the road below.
"Humph, yeah, there are a lot of strange people here too that you would not believe," Vegeta sighed looking to the younger Saiyan with a smile." Though if you want to hear more about that you can listen to Kakarot's bizarre adventure story. He is a treasure trove of nonsense that actually happened, long before he ever met me," the flame haired warrior chuckled.
Cabba went silent for a moment looking out over the city.
Vegeta paused noticing the Saiyan seemed lost in his thoughts, just taking in West City for all of its luster." Is there something else on your mind Cabba? I can tell your demeanor's changed," the Elite asked with a concerned brow raise.
Cabba looked at him and tried to apologize." Er, what? No, I'm sorry Vegeta," Cabba said shaking his head realizing how foolish he must have looked.
"Speak up, there's no sense holding it in," the Saiyan Prince cleared his throat.
"Okay, you're right," the Sadalan Saiyan agreed shaking his head." I find it strange that you're so calm Vegeta. With everything that's happened to you over the past few days, and having you wife taken away, I figured you would be so much more aggressive and concerned. The Demon Realm are no light opponents, you have to know that. So, why are you guys so laid back?" he stuttered over a few words while staring to the Saiyan that adopted Earth.
Vegeta looked at Cabba sternly, a pressure wave escaping from the Saiyan Prince to show his power." Cabba, I'm not calm nor am I unconcerned. They took my wife and threatened my home. I will not allow that action to go by harmlessly, but I also know that going into a fight out of pure anger, out of sheer pride, is a most definite way to die. That was how I got killed by Frieza my own anger and hubris. I am entering this relaxed with a clear head, but with a heart full of righteous fury," Vegeta admitted to the Saiyan sternly.
The Universe Six Saiyan froze, his eyes shaking." I, I see. Sorry Vegeta, I didn't realize."
"That means I'm doing it right. Don't worry about it Cabba, Kakarot and I both have our minds made up. There is no chance of loss here, we have to win," Vegeta smiled patting the smaller Saiyan on the shoulder." And you, you're part of that too. You have your own pride as a warrior let that be the fuel to get through this untouched. Do it for everyone in Universe Six that could not tag along."
"Right, sure thing Vegeta," Cabba nodded to the Saiyan Prince.
"Good," the flame haired warrior smiled looking to the starry sky.' We have a chance Bulma, we're going to bring you home. And stop this nonsense once and for all!' his hand clenched tightly.
"Hey, Caulifla, Keru, you can bunk in my room if you want. There's plenty of space and we could always use a few more," Bra said pointing to Pan and Cha, both of whom were smiling.
"It's not like we have anywhere else to sleep," Caulifla shrugged looking to the half-Saiyan with a narrow gaze." But that doesn't make us friends. Don't think we've forgotten about our big fight's debacle of an ending on Sadala."
"Oh, we know, if you and Keru ever want a rematch, we're going to be up for it," Pan nodded assuredly.
Caulifla chuckled." That's the spirit, right Keru?" she turned to find her friend but could not." Keru?" she looked around confused until she looked across the atrium.
Broly, Cheelai, and Lemo were gathered around Ba whilst Keru approached cautiously.
"Hello, my name is Keru," she muttered out looking to the towering Saiyan with a raised caution.
"I am Broly," he replied in kind extending a hand.
"You're from the other Universe, right?" Cheelai asked raising a curious brow to the female Saiyan.
"Yes, I'm from Universe Six," she answered hurriedly.
"Well, welcome to Universe Seven, I guess. My name's Cheelai and this is my mentor, Lemo," the green alien smiled warmly.
"Ah, hello, nice to meet you," she said nervously yet respectfully to the group.
Trunks looked over at Goten in that moment as the quartet began to talk." Would you look at that, Universe Six's Broly is talking to the real deal."
"That's weird huh, Trunks. They seem to be getting along well though. That's for sure," Goten laughed leaning his head on his raised arms.
"Hey, Goku, we're going to win this right?" Krillin asked his best friend as he fought his shadow.
The palm haired Saiyan stopped and let out a sigh." Yeah, we're ready this time. They're not going to get the jump on us," Goku smiled punching his palm with authority.
"That's all I needed to hear buddy," the graying human smiled looking at the atrium and the various groups that had formed among the warriors.
Goku smiled reaching up to scratch the back of his head." Sure thing, Krillin."
Hit falls at the hands of Mechikabura in the Demon Realm, what impact will this have on the remnants? Elsewhere, the scraps of the Universes gather and prepare for the coming war. But did they have enough time? And what fate awaits each of them as they prepare to engage into a war with the Demon Realm? Stay tuned...
Reviews:
R: Man, I hope Raditz can break out of his prison and save his mother.
A: We'll have to wait and see.
R: Great chapter! Hit deciding to do a little bit of reconnaissance is interesting, and though it fits his character it does feel a little bit reckless. Him also setting things up for the others of Uni 6 to be moved to Uni 7 is very smart of him though. I do have to admit, I personally hope that we get another glimpse into how the other Universes are doing before the fights truly begin anew. Speaking of which, I'm also a bit surprised no one has tried to contact The King yet, or at least that seems to be the case. Granted, the only person that truly knows of Mechi and his powers are Gohan so far from the heroes side, and of course he is out of commission right now.
A: Reckless as it was, it was something that Hit intended to do. Even though it appears to have cost him his life. Though he did seem more concerned with the others rather than himself through all of it.
This is the last chapter before the action starts, so I hope you curiosity was sated.
Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope that you enjoyed and are prepared for the exciting second part of this arc!
~Herodan
Two days later (Demon Realm) ...
Mechikabura looked down at the trapped Son Gohan, who slumped against the ground staring hollowly at the vast expanse of darkness in front of him. The gathered eyes of the Demon Realm and their lingering darkness.
The blue skinned aged Demon Emperor chortled looking down upon the Saiyan." You have gone quiet Son Gohan, perhaps you are accepting the fate that is about to fall upon all of creation that dares oppose men," Mechikabura spoke standing up from the throne that he had made for himself." You are intelligent for abandoning all hope. You see, my youthful power is soon to be restored and you will see exactly why there is respect for my name," Mechikabura raised his hands, a dark energy forming out of a red arcane circle that appeared on the ground.
"As I enter this pit of my own restoring magic I will send my forces out to pillage what remains to oppose me. Have you any words to be remembered by, Saiyan?" the God stepped forth with wobbling steps, his aged body creaking as he approached the circle.
Gohan remained quiet, mentally and physically. His black eyes looked out over the Demon Realm hollowly, without thought, without emotion. His hands rested at his side and he leaned against the wall of the sphere. The son of Son Goku refused to give attention to the God or to anything whatsoever.
Mechikabura stepped into the center of the circle. The Darkness surrounding him ripped into the air in a pitch black pillar, leaving only his crimson eyes to stare at the Saiyan half-ling." I broke you Son Gohan. That was my goal, I will enjoy crushing you upon the revival of the Demon Realm's reign. There is nothing I enjoy more than the despair of mortals," Mechikabura understood keeping his staff beneath his palm.
"Towa, I trust you will be able to lead the invasion until I am finished?" Mechikabura asked in his withered tone to the kneeling Demon Goddess in the fringes of his resting place.
"As you wish, my lord, we will begin," Towa replied standing up with the other Demon Gods.
"Very good," the Demon God grinned in the darkness his tired eyes closing to embrace the maleficent energy that surged about him.