Dragon Ball Yugure Z
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume I -- The Nagareboshi Saga
Episode 14 -- Violent Battle of the Super Powers!! I'll Never Forgive You!!
"A bold move, Bishamon. The gates to ultimate power have been opened for this one. But what will you do if he walks down that hall?"
"One thing at a timie, Mikaboshi-san." Bishamon paused to make sure everything was in order, then with the confident swagger of a soldier, he returned to his seat. "I admit, the other one was a mistake. I thought he was ready, but he's too obsessed to take the necessary steps." Bishamon eased his katana out of his waist band and knelt on a simple cushion, his worn but sturdy armor clinking slightly.
Seated nearby, Benzaiten quietly strummed her shamisen. Looking up at Bishamon's remark, "You can't blame yourself for Vegeta's folly, Bishamon-sama. It's not you're fault he is irresponsible with his power."
The man regarded her with a smile, amused at her remark. "Perhaps you are right. Either way, this one is different. I am certain he can be trusted."
As the two conversed, Mikaboshi discreetly slide a small pawn forward with one bejeweled finger. He moved it forward only an inch or so, not enough to alert the others, then gingerly reached out to another insignificant piece, turning it in place a bit to the left. Satisfied for the moment, he took a sip from his dish of sake and cleared his throat. "I do believe it's your move, Susanoh."
The as of yet quiet man raised an eyebrow. He had been aware of Mikaboshi's sly cheating for some time, but opted to say nothing. Susanoh jumped to his feet and ambled over to the playing field. He assumed a thoughtful pose and, chin in hand, stared at his rook, as if pondering his next move. He reached out and plucked the piece up with a deliberate slowness. Hand wavering, the man seemed uneasy, then his chin set determinedly and he placed the piece down.
Flashing his patented 'I appear quite mad, don't I?' grin, Susanoh walked backwards to his stool and flopped down on his butt. "Done," he said simply.
Across the room, Amaterasu frowned at her brother. She was seated at the head of the playing field and regarded her peers with a lofty, snobbish air. Long, lustrous hair flowed down her back and across the floor and she wore many layers of ornate robes that followed suit. All this was a stark contrast to Benzaiten who, by no means unattractive, was nevertheless dressed in a more casual kimono with a short, playful hair style. "Disgraceful," she murmured into her tea. Susanoh just grinned wider.
Bishamon laughed aloud, amused by his elders' exchange. "You two really must learn to get a long. Though, then I might be bereaved of this entertaining relationship you share."
"Really, Bishamon-san. How imprudent of you to speak so," Amaterasu countered acidly.
"I concur," Susanoh piped in. "This is far to much fun! Would you deprive me of my only amusement?"
"Never, my friend, never," Bishamon chuckled. Well, I suppose it's my turn then." Again the samurai rose from his seat and approached the game field.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Goku stood amidst the wind and lightning like some long forgotten god, an aura of brilliant golden fire surrounding him. Nagareboshi staggered back, intimidated by this unexpected change.
The Saiyajin who now stood before It seemed far different than before. Larger now, Goku's muscles had expanded to outrageous proportions, rippling like liquid steel with even the slightest movement. His face was more rigid and angular, the sharp slant of his heavy brow belaying a feral anger. But the most drastic alteration was his hair, which now reached down well past his waist in a mane of blond spikes. All together, the Saiyajin was a striking figure, like an angelic warrior. An angel of death.
The Saiyajin let out a low sigh. His body was screaming at him. This was too much, too fast, it cried. Keep this up and you won't survive to see victory! But Goku's mind was focused on a singular purpose. With that, he began to walk, his slow and stately pace drawing him closer to his confused foe. Each footfall was preceded by searing heat, melting the ground so that his foot met a now crystal smooth surface. The man lifted a hand, balling a fist. His muscles jumped to life and he felt the power come easily, perhaps too much so. Goku knew the time to destroy Nagareboshi was now, utterly and completely. But not just kill It. Goku would make It regret ever coming to Chikyuu. Make it understand what true power was. Make it experience humiliation. Feel pain. And know fear.
Nagareboshi slowly retreated, stepping back twice for Goku's every one. It's mind raced, trying to sort out this new situation. It grimaced, angry at Its hesitation. Why should this be any different? It could still easily win!
With a growl, the beast dashed forward and wound up a punch. Lunging out with the stolen strength of a Super Saiyajin, Nagareboshi struck. Moving faster, Goku caught the blow, but the force sent him sliding back. However, the warrior's legs held steady and he dug deep trenches in the ground over twenty meters long before the momentum stopped.
Nagareboshi looked wide-eyed as Goku released Its fist and calmly stood up out of the trenches. Towering over the creature, the Saiyajin stared down at It, his piercing emerald eyes meeting the creatures tiny red pupils. Bringing his head down, Goku head butted Nagareboshi and It rocked back, dazed. The warrior quickly brought up his fists and pounded them into the sides of Its head, then lifted a leg and kicked out with enough power to knock over a sky-scrapper, connecting square with Nagareboshi's chest. It flew backwards uncontrollably and then hit the ground, tumbling over and over before finally coming to a dusty stop.
Nagareboshi clambered unsteadily to Its feet, coughing on dirt and blood. Forcing itself to Its feet, the shape-shifter looked up to see Goku charging It full tilt. It quickly raised a fist and struck at Goku's face when he was in range, but it seemed to bother the Saiyajin no more than a mosquito bite as he continued forward and barreled into the beast like a freight train. Picking Nagareboshi up, Goku carried it along and pinned It to the flat side of a cliff. However, he wasn't content to just stop there, and he plowed through the rock, drilling Nagareboshi deeper into the earth.
At this new stage of power, Goku didn't have the agility of Nagareboshi's smaller body, but his sheer physical power far outweighed the shape-shifter's. This is something Nagareboshi was learning first hand as it struggled desperately against the Saiyajin's considerable strength. Finally getting a hold, It planted Its hands and feet on the rock around them and halted their progress. Goku's head snapped up in surprise as the beast began gathering Its ki. Energy welling up in Its chest, pulsed up Its neck and the creature opened Its mouth, a purple glow shining forth. Releasing the ki in Goku's face, Nagareboshi blasted away the rock ahead of It and Goku was forced back the way they had come.
Finally feeling It had gained the advantage, Nagareboshi flew at the Saiyajin, who stood still. His head was down as he collected himself, mildly surprised at the odd tactic, but not really hurt. Laughing, Nagareboshi lunged out with another punch aimed at the head, but Goku--without even looking--leaned back to match the creature's horizontal position and kneed It in the gut. Following up with a straight kick, he sent the beast sailing up into the air. Goku reached back and caught himself with one hand, then flipped to his feet. Just as he touched down, the warrior leaped and at the apex of his jump, flared his ki to rocket upwards.
With Its enemy rapidly approaching, Nagareboshi hastily righted itself in the air and fired a ki bolt down. However, Goku easily dodged the clumsy shot with a barrel roll. Coming up to meet his foe, Goku's fist lanced out with an uppercut that snapped Nagareboshi's head back and It spun end over end. An open palm strike caught the creature in the small of the back and It yet again reeled back.
Goku shot forward towards the stunned Nagareboshi, who quickly tried to face the nearing Saiyajin. The shape-shifter just barely deflected one punch and blocked two more with Its arms, each blow rattling It to the bones. Leaning back, Goku's knee aimed for Nagareboshi's gut and It reached down with both hands to hold back the strike, but another head butt bashed in Its nose.
Pretending to be stunned for longer than It was, Nagareboshi waited until Goku was in range and spun, Its heel coming around in a roundhouse aimed at Goku's head. Which he caught. Goku snorted derisively and clamped down on the beast's leg with his other hand and flew down. Swinging the creature around, he slammed It into the ground, smashing a crater and nearly breaking Its leg.
Nagareboshi kicked up into Goku's ribs and he loosened his grip just long enough for the creature to slip through. Putting all Its weight on Its hands, Nagareboshi spun and brought Its leg around for a sweep kick to the knees. Goku flipped onto his back, but as he fell, turned enough to plant his foot firmly across the creature's face. As the warrior landed roughly on his side, his enemy tumbled back and stopped on Its chest.
Nagareboshi strained against pain to climb to Its feet, but Goku was too quick. Rolling over his back, Goku swung his leg down in an axe kick to the shoulder blades and It collapsed again. Slowly rising to one foot, the Saiyajin made sure to keep pressure on the middle of Nagareboshi's back so It stayed pinned to the ground. Leaning on his knee, Goku drove his heel deeper into the beast's spine and was rewarded with a howl of anguish.
"Now do you see!" Goku yelled. "Now do you know what real pain is!? I'm stronger than you, and you can't do a thing about it!!" Each word was accented with a grind of the heel and Nagareboshi's mind spun with agony. "Feel helpless!! Feel like I did when you killed my son!!!" The beast's breath caused a flurry of dust and It hissed, as if trying to speak. "What was that again?" Goku drawled dispassionately. "I didn't quite hear you."
""Ccchhhsssss......ssshhss....y-yousha....m-mer..cy......""
For a moment, Goku was shocked that this horrible monster could dare ask for such a thing. "Mercy!? You want mercy!?!? Did you spare any MERCY FOR GOHAN!!!!!?????"
Fuming, the Saiyajin kicked out and Nagareboshi slide across the rugged, dusty rocks. Again It tried to rise, making it as far as on Its hands and knees as Goku stormed up. Bringing his foot up in a vicious kick to the face, the beast's head snapped to the side with a spray of blood and Goku followed through with the movement, falling to one knee so that he was level with Nagareboshi. His fist arcing back, Goku backhanded the shape-shifter and It was thrown back.
Rolling to Its feet, Nagareboshi rose to attack but Goku was there, a wide clothesline flattening the creature again. The warrior knelt and his fist rammed into the ground where Its head was moments before as It pushed away, rolling on Its hands. The beast spun for a moment, then stopped and flipped to Its feet, rising in time with Its Saiyajin foe.
Nagareboshi laughed, acting more confident than It looked: bruised, bleeding and unsteady. ""Interesting. You're not quite as compassionate as your brat's memories remember you to be,"" It taunted, tapping one finger to a temple.
"I have no compassion for you, bakemono," Goku countered, his voice thick with anger.
""Well, you'll be the one to beg for mercy in the end,"" It said matter-of-factly.
Chuckling, "How do ya figure that? Last I checked, you were losing."
Nagareboshi waved a finger. ""You've had the advantage so far, but now I know how you fight. Fast, crippling blows and lightning quick on the counter attack. It's only a matter of time before I overcome your tactics.""
"Ha! Overcome this!" Using the Shunkan Idou, Goku disappeared and reappeared inches away from Nagareboshi, arm swinging around for a punch. But It quickly ducked and avoided the blow, countering with a punch to the gut. Goku 'oomf'ed in surprise and the creature aimed for Goku's chest, but the Saiyajin brought his clasped hands down and they pounded into Nagareboshi's back, pushing It under and past the warrior.
Goku rolled in the air and landed on his feet just as the beast recovered Its balance as well. They both spun and punched, Goku's right meeting Nagareboshi's left in a resounding crunch. The shape-shifter's arm buckling under the pressure, Goku pressed the attack and caught It in the face with a left hook, finishing with a blow to the face that rocked It back, breaking Its nose further.
Running up, Goku reached out to throttle Nagareboshi, but It raised Its hands just in time and they locked together. The creature strained to hold off the Saiyajin, barely able to match Its enemy's superior strength. Goku continued to advance and Nagareboshi's feet scrapped across the ground. Snarling, the beast lunged forward for a head butt and stopped, realizing It's shorter arms kept It from reaching quite that far. Goku took advantage of his foes bad position and he brought his arms together, squeezing the smaller being and nearly breaking Its arms across Its back.
In Its struggling, Nagareboshi kneed Goku in the crotch, surprising the warrior immensely. Goku howled with pain and released his bear hug on the shape-shifter, but he still gripped on of Nagareboshi's hands and as Goku flung his arms open, he hurled the beast away and into a well placed rock. The Saiyajin fell to his knees, one hand tightly gripping a fistful of his pants.
Nagareboshi quickly got up and rushed Goku, tackling him to the ground. One of his hands caught between them, Goku pushed at the creature and pried It off him, then grabbed Its neck before slamming the beast onto Its back. The Saiyajin stood and leaned on Nagareboshi's neck, winding up for a punch when the shape-shifter wrapped Its legs around his arm and tugged, flipping Goku on his back. Goku rolled to his feet and stood as Nagareboshi jumped up and tackled the warrior. The Saiyajin countered by wrapping his arms around the smaller monster and picked up him. With a little jump, Goku swung Nagareboshi back down into and through the rocky terrain.
Hovering above Nagareboshi's crater, Goku gathered his ki between his hands and aimed down, firing a wave of energy into the ground. The force of the explosion tore up the ground, slabs of rock popping up from like stone seesaws. As the dust cleared, Goku realized at the last second that his target had moved. Spinning just in time to avoid a blow to the head, Goku caught a punch and attempted to block another, but was hit in the collarbone. Stunned, Nagareboshi took the opportunity to fly around his enemy and grabbed a handful of the Saiyajin's golden mane, flinging him away and into the ground.
Placing one hand into the other, Nagareboshi brought them to Its forehead as It gathered ki. Just as Goku pulled himself out of the rubble, It finished charging up, "CHOU MASENKOU!!!" Aiming at the Saiyajin, a beam of bronze-colored energy lanced out and screamed through the air at break-neck speed.
Goku looked up at the approaching beam, eyes narrowing at the sight of his son's technique. Peals of silver lightning rose off his body, his ragged gi billowing in some unseen wind as his hair rose up, glowing a soft golden hue. The warrior raised a single hand and flared his ki, a look of pure determination on his face. A moment later, the beam struck its target.
*BBBOOOOOOOMMMMMBBBB!!!!!!!*
Washing over Goku's body, it seemed he would be completely engulfed by the ki. However, as the initial flash of impact passed, it was apparent that Nagareboshi's victory would not come that easily. Goku was standing his ground and as the area around him melted into a sea of lava, he stood cool and confident. Using his ki as a shield, Goku has easily protected himself. Rushing up into the air, Goku pushed easily through the current of white-hot energy.
Nagareboshi didn't realize how ineffective the attack really was until Goku emerged from the beam just inches from It and grabbed the shape-shifter by the wrists. Twisting them fiercely, Nagareboshi was defenseless as Goku pummeled It repeatedly with his free hand. In the chest! Face! Again and again, the Saiyajin beat his opponent bloody. All the while, Nagareboshi fought desperately and finally kicked free, pushing away from Goku, who made no move to follow.
""Damn it! Damn you!!"" Nagareboshi raged. ""This isn't happening!!!!!!"
"'Fraid so," replied Goku, calmly floating up after It.
Nagareboshi wracked Its brain, trying to figure out some new strategy, some new tactic that Its enemy had not seen and could not defend against. Reaching far back into Its memory, the creature recalled every being it had ever absorbed, every technique It learned doing so. Panic clouded Its thoughts as Goku grew nearer, his calm, icy glare drilling into Nagareboshi's mind. After what seemed like an agonizingly long search, It finally came up with one last fool-proof plan.
""That's as far as you go!"" It laughed, mad with hysteria. ""It's time for me to show you oblivion!"" Nagareboshi sprawled out in the air, roaring as Its aura flared.
Goku stopped as the sky suddenly grew calm, clouds now still with no breeze to push them. Despite the heat of the midday sun, the stagnant air quickly grew cold and Goku shivered involuntarily. A strange buzz filled the warrior's ears and then, the sky shattered. Like glass, the beautiful blue sky broke and disappeared, giving way to a vortex of red and yellow that stretched from horizon to horizon. Goku was suddenly hit with a feeling of intense gravity, being drawn to the center of the vortex, a tear of blackness in the sky gaping open like the maw of a menacing demon.
"Nani!? The Dead Zone!?"
""Aha! So you _do_ know what this is!"" Nagareboshi exclaimed. ""Yet again, you impress me!"" The creature had to shout to be heard over the sound of wind as it rushed into the spatial rift, sucked into the wound in the sky like as if it were a black hole. Laughing like a madman, ""Then surely you know what happens once you're sucked inside!"
Goku frantically looked around, watching as the ground below him was torn apart and drawn into the blackness. Amidst the rising rubble, Goku saw his allies slowly being pulled into the rift, each unconscious and unable to defend themselves. He would never be able to reach them all in time to save them, so he came to a quick decision. Flaring his aura, Goku sped up to the unwitting Nagareboshiand rammed into the shape-shifter with all his might, sending It reeling into the gate to the Dead Zone.
""NNNOOOOOO--"" But It's cry of defeat was cut off as it passed into the blackness, swallowed whole by it. Ever so slowly, the pull of gravity coming from the rift lessened and the landscape fell back into place, the gateway losing power as it shrunk and faded.
Goku breathed heavy, almost not believing it was over. "Y-yatta...I.....I did it....." The Saiyajin relaxed, tilting back his head to let the returning sun's rays bath his face with refreshing warmth. "It's over..."
Suddenly, a steel-gray hand shot out of the slowly closing black hole, stretched out on an impossibly long arm. The small hand clamping down around Goku's neck, he choked on his own surprise more than anything else he was pulled towards the rift.
And into it.
Finally, the rift sealed itself and the sky gradually returned to its natural hue. The three remaining Z Soldiers were still unconscious, blissfully ignorant of the whole fiasco.
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume I -- The Nagareboshi Saga
Episode 14 -- Violent Battle of the Super Powers!! I'll Never Forgive You!!
"A bold move, Bishamon. The gates to ultimate power have been opened for this one. But what will you do if he walks down that hall?"
"One thing at a timie, Mikaboshi-san." Bishamon paused to make sure everything was in order, then with the confident swagger of a soldier, he returned to his seat. "I admit, the other one was a mistake. I thought he was ready, but he's too obsessed to take the necessary steps." Bishamon eased his katana out of his waist band and knelt on a simple cushion, his worn but sturdy armor clinking slightly.
Seated nearby, Benzaiten quietly strummed her shamisen. Looking up at Bishamon's remark, "You can't blame yourself for Vegeta's folly, Bishamon-sama. It's not you're fault he is irresponsible with his power."
The man regarded her with a smile, amused at her remark. "Perhaps you are right. Either way, this one is different. I am certain he can be trusted."
As the two conversed, Mikaboshi discreetly slide a small pawn forward with one bejeweled finger. He moved it forward only an inch or so, not enough to alert the others, then gingerly reached out to another insignificant piece, turning it in place a bit to the left. Satisfied for the moment, he took a sip from his dish of sake and cleared his throat. "I do believe it's your move, Susanoh."
The as of yet quiet man raised an eyebrow. He had been aware of Mikaboshi's sly cheating for some time, but opted to say nothing. Susanoh jumped to his feet and ambled over to the playing field. He assumed a thoughtful pose and, chin in hand, stared at his rook, as if pondering his next move. He reached out and plucked the piece up with a deliberate slowness. Hand wavering, the man seemed uneasy, then his chin set determinedly and he placed the piece down.
Flashing his patented 'I appear quite mad, don't I?' grin, Susanoh walked backwards to his stool and flopped down on his butt. "Done," he said simply.
Across the room, Amaterasu frowned at her brother. She was seated at the head of the playing field and regarded her peers with a lofty, snobbish air. Long, lustrous hair flowed down her back and across the floor and she wore many layers of ornate robes that followed suit. All this was a stark contrast to Benzaiten who, by no means unattractive, was nevertheless dressed in a more casual kimono with a short, playful hair style. "Disgraceful," she murmured into her tea. Susanoh just grinned wider.
Bishamon laughed aloud, amused by his elders' exchange. "You two really must learn to get a long. Though, then I might be bereaved of this entertaining relationship you share."
"Really, Bishamon-san. How imprudent of you to speak so," Amaterasu countered acidly.
"I concur," Susanoh piped in. "This is far to much fun! Would you deprive me of my only amusement?"
"Never, my friend, never," Bishamon chuckled. Well, I suppose it's my turn then." Again the samurai rose from his seat and approached the game field.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Goku stood amidst the wind and lightning like some long forgotten god, an aura of brilliant golden fire surrounding him. Nagareboshi staggered back, intimidated by this unexpected change.
The Saiyajin who now stood before It seemed far different than before. Larger now, Goku's muscles had expanded to outrageous proportions, rippling like liquid steel with even the slightest movement. His face was more rigid and angular, the sharp slant of his heavy brow belaying a feral anger. But the most drastic alteration was his hair, which now reached down well past his waist in a mane of blond spikes. All together, the Saiyajin was a striking figure, like an angelic warrior. An angel of death.
The Saiyajin let out a low sigh. His body was screaming at him. This was too much, too fast, it cried. Keep this up and you won't survive to see victory! But Goku's mind was focused on a singular purpose. With that, he began to walk, his slow and stately pace drawing him closer to his confused foe. Each footfall was preceded by searing heat, melting the ground so that his foot met a now crystal smooth surface. The man lifted a hand, balling a fist. His muscles jumped to life and he felt the power come easily, perhaps too much so. Goku knew the time to destroy Nagareboshi was now, utterly and completely. But not just kill It. Goku would make It regret ever coming to Chikyuu. Make it understand what true power was. Make it experience humiliation. Feel pain. And know fear.
Nagareboshi slowly retreated, stepping back twice for Goku's every one. It's mind raced, trying to sort out this new situation. It grimaced, angry at Its hesitation. Why should this be any different? It could still easily win!
With a growl, the beast dashed forward and wound up a punch. Lunging out with the stolen strength of a Super Saiyajin, Nagareboshi struck. Moving faster, Goku caught the blow, but the force sent him sliding back. However, the warrior's legs held steady and he dug deep trenches in the ground over twenty meters long before the momentum stopped.
Nagareboshi looked wide-eyed as Goku released Its fist and calmly stood up out of the trenches. Towering over the creature, the Saiyajin stared down at It, his piercing emerald eyes meeting the creatures tiny red pupils. Bringing his head down, Goku head butted Nagareboshi and It rocked back, dazed. The warrior quickly brought up his fists and pounded them into the sides of Its head, then lifted a leg and kicked out with enough power to knock over a sky-scrapper, connecting square with Nagareboshi's chest. It flew backwards uncontrollably and then hit the ground, tumbling over and over before finally coming to a dusty stop.
Nagareboshi clambered unsteadily to Its feet, coughing on dirt and blood. Forcing itself to Its feet, the shape-shifter looked up to see Goku charging It full tilt. It quickly raised a fist and struck at Goku's face when he was in range, but it seemed to bother the Saiyajin no more than a mosquito bite as he continued forward and barreled into the beast like a freight train. Picking Nagareboshi up, Goku carried it along and pinned It to the flat side of a cliff. However, he wasn't content to just stop there, and he plowed through the rock, drilling Nagareboshi deeper into the earth.
At this new stage of power, Goku didn't have the agility of Nagareboshi's smaller body, but his sheer physical power far outweighed the shape-shifter's. This is something Nagareboshi was learning first hand as it struggled desperately against the Saiyajin's considerable strength. Finally getting a hold, It planted Its hands and feet on the rock around them and halted their progress. Goku's head snapped up in surprise as the beast began gathering Its ki. Energy welling up in Its chest, pulsed up Its neck and the creature opened Its mouth, a purple glow shining forth. Releasing the ki in Goku's face, Nagareboshi blasted away the rock ahead of It and Goku was forced back the way they had come.
Finally feeling It had gained the advantage, Nagareboshi flew at the Saiyajin, who stood still. His head was down as he collected himself, mildly surprised at the odd tactic, but not really hurt. Laughing, Nagareboshi lunged out with another punch aimed at the head, but Goku--without even looking--leaned back to match the creature's horizontal position and kneed It in the gut. Following up with a straight kick, he sent the beast sailing up into the air. Goku reached back and caught himself with one hand, then flipped to his feet. Just as he touched down, the warrior leaped and at the apex of his jump, flared his ki to rocket upwards.
With Its enemy rapidly approaching, Nagareboshi hastily righted itself in the air and fired a ki bolt down. However, Goku easily dodged the clumsy shot with a barrel roll. Coming up to meet his foe, Goku's fist lanced out with an uppercut that snapped Nagareboshi's head back and It spun end over end. An open palm strike caught the creature in the small of the back and It yet again reeled back.
Goku shot forward towards the stunned Nagareboshi, who quickly tried to face the nearing Saiyajin. The shape-shifter just barely deflected one punch and blocked two more with Its arms, each blow rattling It to the bones. Leaning back, Goku's knee aimed for Nagareboshi's gut and It reached down with both hands to hold back the strike, but another head butt bashed in Its nose.
Pretending to be stunned for longer than It was, Nagareboshi waited until Goku was in range and spun, Its heel coming around in a roundhouse aimed at Goku's head. Which he caught. Goku snorted derisively and clamped down on the beast's leg with his other hand and flew down. Swinging the creature around, he slammed It into the ground, smashing a crater and nearly breaking Its leg.
Nagareboshi kicked up into Goku's ribs and he loosened his grip just long enough for the creature to slip through. Putting all Its weight on Its hands, Nagareboshi spun and brought Its leg around for a sweep kick to the knees. Goku flipped onto his back, but as he fell, turned enough to plant his foot firmly across the creature's face. As the warrior landed roughly on his side, his enemy tumbled back and stopped on Its chest.
Nagareboshi strained against pain to climb to Its feet, but Goku was too quick. Rolling over his back, Goku swung his leg down in an axe kick to the shoulder blades and It collapsed again. Slowly rising to one foot, the Saiyajin made sure to keep pressure on the middle of Nagareboshi's back so It stayed pinned to the ground. Leaning on his knee, Goku drove his heel deeper into the beast's spine and was rewarded with a howl of anguish.
"Now do you see!" Goku yelled. "Now do you know what real pain is!? I'm stronger than you, and you can't do a thing about it!!" Each word was accented with a grind of the heel and Nagareboshi's mind spun with agony. "Feel helpless!! Feel like I did when you killed my son!!!" The beast's breath caused a flurry of dust and It hissed, as if trying to speak. "What was that again?" Goku drawled dispassionately. "I didn't quite hear you."
""Ccchhhsssss......ssshhss....y-yousha....m-mer..cy......""
For a moment, Goku was shocked that this horrible monster could dare ask for such a thing. "Mercy!? You want mercy!?!? Did you spare any MERCY FOR GOHAN!!!!!?????"
Fuming, the Saiyajin kicked out and Nagareboshi slide across the rugged, dusty rocks. Again It tried to rise, making it as far as on Its hands and knees as Goku stormed up. Bringing his foot up in a vicious kick to the face, the beast's head snapped to the side with a spray of blood and Goku followed through with the movement, falling to one knee so that he was level with Nagareboshi. His fist arcing back, Goku backhanded the shape-shifter and It was thrown back.
Rolling to Its feet, Nagareboshi rose to attack but Goku was there, a wide clothesline flattening the creature again. The warrior knelt and his fist rammed into the ground where Its head was moments before as It pushed away, rolling on Its hands. The beast spun for a moment, then stopped and flipped to Its feet, rising in time with Its Saiyajin foe.
Nagareboshi laughed, acting more confident than It looked: bruised, bleeding and unsteady. ""Interesting. You're not quite as compassionate as your brat's memories remember you to be,"" It taunted, tapping one finger to a temple.
"I have no compassion for you, bakemono," Goku countered, his voice thick with anger.
""Well, you'll be the one to beg for mercy in the end,"" It said matter-of-factly.
Chuckling, "How do ya figure that? Last I checked, you were losing."
Nagareboshi waved a finger. ""You've had the advantage so far, but now I know how you fight. Fast, crippling blows and lightning quick on the counter attack. It's only a matter of time before I overcome your tactics.""
"Ha! Overcome this!" Using the Shunkan Idou, Goku disappeared and reappeared inches away from Nagareboshi, arm swinging around for a punch. But It quickly ducked and avoided the blow, countering with a punch to the gut. Goku 'oomf'ed in surprise and the creature aimed for Goku's chest, but the Saiyajin brought his clasped hands down and they pounded into Nagareboshi's back, pushing It under and past the warrior.
Goku rolled in the air and landed on his feet just as the beast recovered Its balance as well. They both spun and punched, Goku's right meeting Nagareboshi's left in a resounding crunch. The shape-shifter's arm buckling under the pressure, Goku pressed the attack and caught It in the face with a left hook, finishing with a blow to the face that rocked It back, breaking Its nose further.
Running up, Goku reached out to throttle Nagareboshi, but It raised Its hands just in time and they locked together. The creature strained to hold off the Saiyajin, barely able to match Its enemy's superior strength. Goku continued to advance and Nagareboshi's feet scrapped across the ground. Snarling, the beast lunged forward for a head butt and stopped, realizing It's shorter arms kept It from reaching quite that far. Goku took advantage of his foes bad position and he brought his arms together, squeezing the smaller being and nearly breaking Its arms across Its back.
In Its struggling, Nagareboshi kneed Goku in the crotch, surprising the warrior immensely. Goku howled with pain and released his bear hug on the shape-shifter, but he still gripped on of Nagareboshi's hands and as Goku flung his arms open, he hurled the beast away and into a well placed rock. The Saiyajin fell to his knees, one hand tightly gripping a fistful of his pants.
Nagareboshi quickly got up and rushed Goku, tackling him to the ground. One of his hands caught between them, Goku pushed at the creature and pried It off him, then grabbed Its neck before slamming the beast onto Its back. The Saiyajin stood and leaned on Nagareboshi's neck, winding up for a punch when the shape-shifter wrapped Its legs around his arm and tugged, flipping Goku on his back. Goku rolled to his feet and stood as Nagareboshi jumped up and tackled the warrior. The Saiyajin countered by wrapping his arms around the smaller monster and picked up him. With a little jump, Goku swung Nagareboshi back down into and through the rocky terrain.
Hovering above Nagareboshi's crater, Goku gathered his ki between his hands and aimed down, firing a wave of energy into the ground. The force of the explosion tore up the ground, slabs of rock popping up from like stone seesaws. As the dust cleared, Goku realized at the last second that his target had moved. Spinning just in time to avoid a blow to the head, Goku caught a punch and attempted to block another, but was hit in the collarbone. Stunned, Nagareboshi took the opportunity to fly around his enemy and grabbed a handful of the Saiyajin's golden mane, flinging him away and into the ground.
Placing one hand into the other, Nagareboshi brought them to Its forehead as It gathered ki. Just as Goku pulled himself out of the rubble, It finished charging up, "CHOU MASENKOU!!!" Aiming at the Saiyajin, a beam of bronze-colored energy lanced out and screamed through the air at break-neck speed.
Goku looked up at the approaching beam, eyes narrowing at the sight of his son's technique. Peals of silver lightning rose off his body, his ragged gi billowing in some unseen wind as his hair rose up, glowing a soft golden hue. The warrior raised a single hand and flared his ki, a look of pure determination on his face. A moment later, the beam struck its target.
*BBBOOOOOOOMMMMMBBBB!!!!!!!*
Washing over Goku's body, it seemed he would be completely engulfed by the ki. However, as the initial flash of impact passed, it was apparent that Nagareboshi's victory would not come that easily. Goku was standing his ground and as the area around him melted into a sea of lava, he stood cool and confident. Using his ki as a shield, Goku has easily protected himself. Rushing up into the air, Goku pushed easily through the current of white-hot energy.
Nagareboshi didn't realize how ineffective the attack really was until Goku emerged from the beam just inches from It and grabbed the shape-shifter by the wrists. Twisting them fiercely, Nagareboshi was defenseless as Goku pummeled It repeatedly with his free hand. In the chest! Face! Again and again, the Saiyajin beat his opponent bloody. All the while, Nagareboshi fought desperately and finally kicked free, pushing away from Goku, who made no move to follow.
""Damn it! Damn you!!"" Nagareboshi raged. ""This isn't happening!!!!!!"
"'Fraid so," replied Goku, calmly floating up after It.
Nagareboshi wracked Its brain, trying to figure out some new strategy, some new tactic that Its enemy had not seen and could not defend against. Reaching far back into Its memory, the creature recalled every being it had ever absorbed, every technique It learned doing so. Panic clouded Its thoughts as Goku grew nearer, his calm, icy glare drilling into Nagareboshi's mind. After what seemed like an agonizingly long search, It finally came up with one last fool-proof plan.
""That's as far as you go!"" It laughed, mad with hysteria. ""It's time for me to show you oblivion!"" Nagareboshi sprawled out in the air, roaring as Its aura flared.
Goku stopped as the sky suddenly grew calm, clouds now still with no breeze to push them. Despite the heat of the midday sun, the stagnant air quickly grew cold and Goku shivered involuntarily. A strange buzz filled the warrior's ears and then, the sky shattered. Like glass, the beautiful blue sky broke and disappeared, giving way to a vortex of red and yellow that stretched from horizon to horizon. Goku was suddenly hit with a feeling of intense gravity, being drawn to the center of the vortex, a tear of blackness in the sky gaping open like the maw of a menacing demon.
"Nani!? The Dead Zone!?"
""Aha! So you _do_ know what this is!"" Nagareboshi exclaimed. ""Yet again, you impress me!"" The creature had to shout to be heard over the sound of wind as it rushed into the spatial rift, sucked into the wound in the sky like as if it were a black hole. Laughing like a madman, ""Then surely you know what happens once you're sucked inside!"
Goku frantically looked around, watching as the ground below him was torn apart and drawn into the blackness. Amidst the rising rubble, Goku saw his allies slowly being pulled into the rift, each unconscious and unable to defend themselves. He would never be able to reach them all in time to save them, so he came to a quick decision. Flaring his aura, Goku sped up to the unwitting Nagareboshiand rammed into the shape-shifter with all his might, sending It reeling into the gate to the Dead Zone.
""NNNOOOOOO--"" But It's cry of defeat was cut off as it passed into the blackness, swallowed whole by it. Ever so slowly, the pull of gravity coming from the rift lessened and the landscape fell back into place, the gateway losing power as it shrunk and faded.
Goku breathed heavy, almost not believing it was over. "Y-yatta...I.....I did it....." The Saiyajin relaxed, tilting back his head to let the returning sun's rays bath his face with refreshing warmth. "It's over..."
Suddenly, a steel-gray hand shot out of the slowly closing black hole, stretched out on an impossibly long arm. The small hand clamping down around Goku's neck, he choked on his own surprise more than anything else he was pulled towards the rift.
And into it.
Finally, the rift sealed itself and the sky gradually returned to its natural hue. The three remaining Z Soldiers were still unconscious, blissfully ignorant of the whole fiasco.