Disclaimer: Same as before. I do not own DBZ or SF.

Chap. 14

"So the exile returns."

"I suppose you think what your father did to me was funny. Our father."

Don't be absurd. You gave up that right when you tried to kill me."

"You were the younger one, yet you where the one he chose for his successor."

"I don't suppose the fact that you mother was only a concubine had anything to do with it."

Sherac narrowed his eyes further but kept a steady, but dangerous tone. "I'd choose carefully the words you use Vegeta. Especially when it comes to my mother."

"Is that a fact?" Vegeta looked behind him, "I see that your tail is missing."

"Yes. A parting gift from your father. He had me and my mother exiled and cut of our tails as a show of disgrace. You have no idea what it's like to just drift in space. It was a fortunate coincidence that we landed on this world. Unfortunately, mother didn't survive the trip. I have suffered for a long time alone on this world. All because of you."

"Aw, are you expecting a tear from me? Don't bet on it, loser."

"Actually, all I want is revenge. I will pay back your father for what he did to me."

"So you plan to fight me, is that it? I won't waste my time you."

"Wrong. It is I that won't waste my time with you. You see Vegeta I am far more powerful than you. I could easily kill you right here and now, but then you won't suffer as much as I have. I've been watching your fights here on Earth and I've learned that in order to truly hurt you, I will crush your pride."

"Are you done talking?"

"I will show you my strength when I destroy the two strongest warriors on the planet."

"Sorry, but I doubt you'll have to worry about Kakarott. Especially if you have to face me."

"Still the arrogant prince. Who said I was talking about you?"

"What?"

"While it is true that Kakarott is one of the most powerful, the second warrior I was referring to is Ryu."

Vegeta was taken aback, "Ryu?" How is that possible? He's only a human.

A smile curled on Sherac's lips. "Don't be so stunned. Ryu is a far more powerful fighter than you have seen. Although his full potential hasn't been seen yet, it is safe to say that he's more powerful than you. In fact, he's as strong as Kakarott."

"Really? Well right now, I'm not too far away from Kakarott. So I'd choose your words carefully."

"Hmm. Perhaps. At any rate, they are my targets. But I'll cut you a deal."

Another flash appeared and it faded to reveal Akuma. But he was different. He was now outfitted with cybernetic parts and wings.

"Here's the deal. I'll let you fight against Cyber-Akuma here. If you can defeat him, then you can gain entrance into the dome."

"Sure. I have a score to settle with him anyway."

"Don't get cocky. He's a lot stronger than when you fought him earlier. And if memory serves me correct, he defeated you."

"That was then, this is now."

"We'll see." Sherac then disappeared, leaving Cyber-Akuma with Vegeta. Vegeta just looked at him and powered up to Super-Sayian 2.

"Hmm. Well, let's get started."

The lookout…

"What's that?"

Mirakai, Gotenks and Sean turn to one direction.

"I think it's…Vegeta. He's fighting."

"Yeah. And I can sense a dark force as well."

"It's Akuma. But he's stronger now. Way stronger."

Mirakai began to walk, "Well then, no sense in staying here." Mirakai suddenly jumped off the lookout and blasted at full speed.

"Mirakai, wait!"

Gotenks frowned, "No way is he going to take all the fun." With that, Gotenks blasted off as well.

"Gotenks!" Dende shoulders slumped, "Why do fusions always come out so arrogant?"

Mr. Popo came next to him, "I guess two egos in one body will do that."

The Dome…

Bulma, Chi-Chi and the others were still waiting for the screen cameras to come back.

"Man, what's taking them so long. This is crazy."

Oolong nodded, "Yeah. The suspense is starting to kill me."

Not too far from them…

Rose and Tien were making their way to the stands when two figures dropped before them. One was dressed in blue and black, wearing a mask around his face. But Tien recognized the other figure quite well.

"Freeza?! But…you're…supposed to be dead!"

The masked figure spoke, "He is dead. This here is the new and improved Freeza. And I am Doctrine Dark." Two blades came out of his wrists. "You have been sentenced to die."

Both Tien and Rose stood in fighting positions. Rose looked over to Tien, "We have to take the fight away from these people."

Tien nodded and the two of them ran with D. Dark and Freeza following close behind.

Outside…

Vegeta and C. Akuma fought each other in an extreme display of power. But it seemed the C. Akuma had the advantage as his new powers were keeping the Sayian prince on defense. Vegeta backed away.

"Gou-Hado!"

A energy ball screamed out and Vegeta blocked it. But when he opened his guard, C. Akuma came at him and punched him with blinding speed. The metallic fist connected and Vegeta flew back. However, he rolled and fired a blast of his own. C. Akuma stood there briefly and then warped out of the way. Vegeta turned just in time to block his kick. He then grabbed his leg, swung him around and let him fly. Akuma crashed into a hill and the boulders fell in on him. But the rocks exploded and C. Akuma strode out toward him. Vegeta frowned; I just need to hold out a little longer. C. Akuma leapt into the air and began charging his ki.

"Tenma Gou Zankuu!!!"

C. Akuma's arms flailed out and multiple energy blasts fired out at Vegeta. Vegeta dodged each and every beam.

"Hmph. It seems Vegeta is a lot more skilled than you gave credit, Sherac."

"Maybe. Too bad Akuma's true power couldn't be released."

"I've analyzed it. Using power like that would have only been self-destructive."

"That is the price of the dark arts. Fortunately, your cybernetic upgrades work just as well in increasing his power. Look at him. He has no idea on what to do. He's as good as dead."

"I thought you wanted him alive."

"I do. But sometimes we don't always get what we want. And in any case, it doesn't matter to me. But I do want him to see what I am capable of and that he has no chance of winning."

"Very well. Akuma will just cripple him then. How does that sound?"

"Works for me. Huh? It appears we have intruders"

"It is the Namek and the Yoga master. They must have escaped as well. I'll have to deal with them. Which units are ready?"

"Units #33 and #34 are complete, sir."

"Good. Send them."

Outside, Vegeta was still battling with C. Akuma and losing. His clothes were shredded due to the Metssatsu Gou-Hoda attack Akuma had done earlier. Yet, Vegeta grinned.

"What's wrong? Is that all the power you got! I'm not impressed."

C. Akuma dropped in fighting stance again and Vegeta did the same. Suddenly, Vegeta's head snapped back. What is that? C. Akuma's head lifted up as well. Both of them looked into the sky. What kind of power is that? It's not Kakarott's energy. It feels…familiar. A slight glow formed and began to grow into a ball.

"Who is that?"

A purpled haired man was flying at them at full speed. He landed right in between Vegeta and C. Akuma.

"So who are you?" Vegeta asked, and then took note of the sword on his back. That's Trun…Mirai's sword. How did he get it?

"It's me, Vegeta, but I've fused with Kairi. Call me Mirakai."

Vegeta's eyes widened, "A fusion? But how?"

"It doesn't matter how." He looked back at C. Akuma, "All that matters is that this guy is destroyed."

C. Akuma seemed to regard the young fighter and dropped in battle stance again. Mirakai smirked, "Leave this to me, Vegeta." With that, Mirakai began to summon his energy. Parts of his hair began to stand up and in a blast of energy, his hair turned gold. A bright aura shone around him and electricity sparkled around him He dropped into his own fighting stance and grinned.

"Let's see how you fare against a Super-Sayian 2 fusion."

The dome…

Piccolo and Dhalsim had been wondering around for awhile. They learned the whereabouts of the control center and were almost there. However, two shadows appeared behind them. It was Krillian and Sakura.

"Krillian. How did you manage to…? Wait a minute."

Dhalsim nodded, "Yes, I sense it too. They are not who they seem."

Krillian and Sakura dropped into fighting stance and attacked.

What is going on? Who are these imposters posing as Krillian and Sakura? And how will the now Super-Sayain Mirakai fare against the cybernetic demon Akuma? And what about Rose and Tien? Will they be able to battle D. Dark and Freeza? Stay tuned for the next issue…