Chapter VII: Defeat, Forfeit, and Suffering

            The announcer took center stage atop the stadium ring.  He held his voice and his microphone up high, "Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you've enjoyed the wait.  The Junior Competition wet your appetites, and now I am pleased to announce the beginning of the first round!" The crowd cheered and held signs up for those stars that had made it past the preliminaries.  The announcer held his had back to towards the waiting room, "Let's get things started.  Jugger and Krillin, to the ring!"

            Krillin nearly strutted out of the entrance.  He may have been partaking in the first match, but at least he was facing an opponent he could beat.  Gohan was just paranoid, he should have more trust in his old friend.  As Krillin took his place on the ring, he checked out his opponent.

            Jugger sure had the looks and the build of a warrior, but Krillin's senses told him the bare chest giant before him had the power level of a farmer.  Easy money.

            The announcer cleared the ring and stood on the sidelines, "All right everyone.  It's Krillin and Jugger, let's begin!" The gong sounded, marking the start of the World Martial Arts Tournament.

            Jugger smiled, "You should have listened to your friend.  I truly hadn't expected to run in to him here, but now that I have I am all the more eager to fight him again."

            Krillin blinked, "You've . . . met Gohan?  Just when was this?"

            "In space, some three years past.  Oh, the young boy's power far surpassed my own at the time, but that's changed.  I've changed.  He cares for you much as a friend.  I'll enjoy making you suffer, just to boil the Saiyan's blood."

            Waving his hand as though it would dismiss the other, Krillin gave a long winded sigh, "Yeah well, maybe if you knew a thing or two about sensing energy you would-" Jugger vanished in mid sentence.  He reappeared behind Krillin and planted a sharp kick into the small man's kidney.  Jugger followed up with two swift punches to the face, and another sweeping kick that sent Krillin flying.

            The announcer stood in shock, "That is incredible!  Krillin is a former competitor in the World Tournaments, having placed in the top three on several occasions.  To see him being knocked around really is a testament to Jugger's ability."

            Krillin struggled to his feet, wiping blood that poured from his mouth and nose, "What . . . happened?  I . . . didn't . . . sense anything." His vision doubled on him.  Krillin staggered about the edge of the ring, coughing up blood.

            Goku and the others could hardly stand to watch it, "What is going on?  Jugger's power isn't anywhere near as high as I'm seeing."

            "Damnit, that's what I was trying to tell you!" Gohan yelled, "He's either going to get incapacitated or killed out there!  Jugger doesn't care, he's as cold hearted as Freiza!"

            Eighteen stood by the entrance.  Her eyes swelled with tears, "Krillin . . ."

            Jugger started to march across the ring, taking his sweet time.  Krillin put himself in a defensive stance, but was not sure what good it would do.  How can I fight him?  I can't see him; or rather I can't see them.  My eyes hurt . . .

            Jugger laughed at the human's attempt to brace himself, "You can't win.  Maybe you should forfeit before I truly have some fun with you.  I'm tempted into seeing how much pain the human body can take."

            Krillin hacked out another hoarse cough, "Oh yeah?  Well try this!" Krillin hunched over and held his hands to his side, "Ka . . . me . . . ha . . . me . . . HA!" Krillin unleashed a kamehameha wave at the advancing enemy.

            Jugger held out his left palm and caught the blast.  Krillin tried to maintain the attack, but faltered as his energy gave out.  Jugger clenched his fist, and held out the power Krillin had just used, "Impressive.  I didn't think you would have this much left in you after those first hits.  Want to see if you can survive your own attack?"

            Krillin gasped, "Oh no . . ."

            Jugger pulled his arm back and threw the mass of energy back at Krillin.  The weakened warrior screamed in agony as it impacted.  Krillin flew backwards, and crashed into the bleacher wall.  He slumped to the ground, alive, but unconscious.

            The announcer spoke, "Krillin has landed outside the ring.  Jugger is declared the victor.  Medics to ringside please!"

            Eighteen had already run to her husband's side; hold his head to her breast.  She cried as her touch caused him to whimper in pain.

            Goku didn't know what to think.  Gohan had been right; Jugger was far more powerful than he had let on.  The warrior used Goku's own rule, never let on what you are capable of until you need to.  Goku cursed himself for not listening to his son.

            Gohan had other thoughts in mind as Jugger entered the waiting room.  He grabbed the red man by the shoulder and pushed him into the wall, making it buckle and crack.  Jugger only grinned, "Careful, this could be considered a violation of the rules.  I wouldn't want you disqualified before our chance to fight."

            The Saiyan released Jugger, but held a stern gaze on him.  Gohan hadn't felt such hostility since the Cell Games, "Is this what you want, to torture my friends for my defeating you before?  That's very petty, even for someone like you."

            Jugger shrugged, "It's working as far as I'm concerned.  You tore my pride to shreds that day.  Only fair I repay you in kind." He left Gohan alone, walking over to Spokovitch.

            Goku nodded as he thought of what he must do, "All right.  Gohan, I'm going to Korrin's to get some Sensu beans.  That should take care of Krillin." Goku placed two fingers on his forehead, and vanished with effect of Instant Transmission.

            The medics and Eighteen entered with Krillin on a stretcher.  Gohan pulled the panicking wife aside, "Don't worry.  My dad left to get some Sensu beans.  That should take care of Krillin."

            "Goku is doing that?" Eighteen wiped the tears from her face, "I guess he is all that Krillin said he was."

            Jugger's interest in Gohan's group grew at that last exchange.  So, his name is Gohan.  And Goku?  Gohan claimed his father had killed Freiza, and that his name was Goku.  This tournament is becoming more enticing by the moment.  I don't care about my master's wishes.  I will settle the score here and now.

*                                  *                                  *

            The announcer, though worried for his old friend, knew that the crowd would not tolerate any delays.  It was time to move on, "Let's all hope Krillin makes a quick recovery.  Now, let the tournament continue!  Shin versus Piccolo!"

            The two fighters made their way to the ring, but Piccolo didn't appear up to it.  He kept throwing unsure looks at the calm and serene figure of Shin.  As they assumed their positions on the ring, the announcer declared the beginning of the second match.

            Neither one moved.  Piccolo didn't know why he felt so . . . uneasy.  It wasn't entirely fear, but he suspected something.  Shin probably withheld much just like Jugger, only for some reason Piccolo could tell that Shin was more than he appeared.

            The same theory that had haunted his mind when he first laid eyes on this man came back.  Piccolo knew it to be absurd.  Why would he be here?  It made no sense, but what other explanation could it be?  If it were any other being in the universe, Piccolo would not hesitate to engage in battle.  It just had to be him.

            The announcer brought his microphone back up, "You may start any time now."

            Piccolo bowed his head.  He couldn't do it.  He would regret his decision if he turned out incorrect, but Piccolo refused to proceed.  He turned in placed and walked right off the side of the ring, "I forfeit the match."

            The announcer didn't know what to say, "Huh?  Well . . . ladies and gentlemen, it seems that Piccolo has decided to throw in the towel.  He, like Krillin, is a very accomplished fighter.  What does this foretell about the newcomers participating this day!?"

            Vegeta couldn't let his thoughts remain private as Piccolo reentered the training room, "I know you green man!  I may not like you, but you stay your ground no matter what opposition you face.  Why the hell did you just give up?"

            "Piccolo?" Gohan shared Vegeta's mood towards the action.

            Piccolo didn't acknowledge either one.  He continued walking past them, taking up a small corner of a distant wall.  Shin had just entered, and made his way over to the Namekian.  He smiled, "I have the feeling you wanted to ask me something out there.  Would you care to now?"

            If it had been anyone else . . . "Yes.  Are . . . are you the Grand Kai?"

            "No, I am not."

            Piccolo felt infuriated with himself.  I was wrong, but that can't be.  There is something about this man.

            Kabito made his presence know, appearing from the other side of Piccolo.  He stared down on him, "I will tell you who he is.  He is the Supreme Kai."

            Piccolo's gaze darted back to Shin.  Astonishment, surprise, reverence, and a host of other emotions played across it.  It was true.  I know of the four Kais that watch over the universe, and the Grand Kai who watches over them.  I suspected there was one above and beyond them all, but I never knew for sure.

            Shin walked past Piccolo, "I would ask that you keep that knowledge to yourself for the time being.  There is no need for the others to know as of yet, but they will soon enough."

*                                  *                                  *

            "It's been a very strange day thus far.  An underdog shows some incredible strength in the opening match, and we had a forfeit in the second.  I understand everyone out there is ready for some real action, and I think you're going to get it!  It's round three; Videl and Spokovitch!  Let's bring them out here with a round of applause."

            Jugger grabbed onto Spokovitch before he could leave, "I know you want to do this, but let me reinforce you anyway.  Gohan cares deeply for this one, I can sense that much.  Make her suffer, but end it quick.  I want the fourth match to start soon, understood?" Spokovitch didn't understand Jugger's interest in the black clad fighter, but nodded his consent.

            Gohan didn't like the idea of Videl going out there.  Spokovitch had the same ornate 'M' on his forehead as Jugger.  He could prove to have the same powers.  Gohan pulled Videl aside, "I have a really bad feeling about this Videl.  Don't bother holding back, I want you to throw everything you have against him and finish the match."

            "Don't worry.  After all that you taught me I'm pretty sure I can handle this guy."

            "Videl, please listen!  I tried to warn Krillin about Jugger, and look what happened when he ignored me.  Please, if it becomes too much, I want you to forfeit."

            She couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Forfeit?  Gohan, I can beat this guy.  Just have a little faith in me.  Besides, if worst comes to worst, I have our secret weapon." She winked.

            "Videl and Spokovitch, please report to the ring."

            "Gotta go." Videl left Gohan before he could say another word.  She and Spokovitch crossed the grounds to the ring as Videl's fans and supporters cheered.  There was no way she would lose to him.  Gohan just worried too much.

            "Spokovitch participated in the last tournament, and Videl is rumored to have outdone her father in strength.  Let's just see what these two fighters will pull out today.  Match number three, begin!"

            Videl hunched down and leaped forward.  She threw her weight into her first punch, striking Spokovitch in the face.  Using the momentum, Videl swung her left leg around and slammed it into his gut.  Spokovitch hit the ground with a bang.

            "Incredible!  With a one two combo, Videl has floored her opponent.  What skill.  What focus.  What . . . he's up!  Spokovitch has regained himself."

            It looked like more than that to Videl.  Spokovitch didn't look hurt in the least.  Well then, guess I'll just have to up the ante.  She closed the distance once again and threw a flurry of punches and kicks at the massive warrior.  Spokovitch did nothing to block them, and continued to lose ground with each connecting blow.

            Videl did a roundhouse to Spokovitch's chest, forcing the air from his lungs.  Videl then jumped up, and threw the hardest kick she could into his forehead.  Her opponent fell to the ground a second time.  Then he rose for the second time.  She hadn't held back any of her strength with that assault, and he still took it.  Spokovitch's clothing lay torn in sections, but his body didn't have one scratch on it.

            Shit, Gohan was right.  I should end this now.  Videl charged up and flew over Spokovitch's head.  The lumbering fighter turned to track her, and was greeted by another powerful kick.  Only this time he caught it.  Spokovitch laughed as he whipped Videl around in an arc and slammed her into the ground.

            Gohan knew that was it, "Videl!  You have to give up now.  You can't beat him!"

            She didn't share his opinion.  Videl was hurt that Gohan didn't have that much faith in her.  All the more reason to keep going, "No!!" Videl repelled herself from the cracked floor and rammed her elbow into Spokovitch's throat.  He grasped his neck, stumbling backwards from the pain.  Videl took advantage of his posture and tripped him with a sweeping kick.  Videl then brought her fist around to crush him, but Spokovitch had rebounded, landing several yards away.

            His next move came so fast that Videl couldn't see it.  Spokovitch landed a solid hit on Videl using his head.  He then grabbed her hair, and held her up.  The grin on his face said it all.  While holding her, Spokovitch proceeded to punch away at Videl.  Her stomach, her chest, or her head, his attacks were random, varying on what he thought could use more punishment.

            Gohan couldn't stand it, "Videl, if you don't give up now I'm going to step in!"

            Videl grunted as Spokovitch dropped her back onto the tiles.  He had paused to consider what to do to her next.  Videl managed to turn her head in Gohan's direction, "No . . . you would be . . . dis-disqualified."

            "You think I care!?  Just forfeit!  It's either that, or I'm stepping in!" Spokovitch's actions were barbaric.  He had clearly allowed the fight to continue just to torture her.  Gohan was fairly certain Jugger had told him to do so.

            Spokovitch swung his leg and kicked Videl across the ring.  She managed to stand again, but it hurt to do so.  Spokovitch began to walk towards her.  Slowly.  That only angered the teenager, He's enjoying this.  He wants me to just throw in the towel.  To hell with that.

            Goku suddenly reappeared next to his son.  He held up a small bag, "Korrin had three beans left.  I'll be sure to give one to . . ." Goku's eyes saw Videl, bleeding and exhausted on the ring.  She looked miserable, "What the hell happened!?"

            "I warned her that Spokovitch would be too strong.  She didn't listen to me either.  She's refusing to forfeit." Gohan's fists began to tremble.

            Goku could feel what was coming on, "Oh no you don't!  Gohan, you are not going in there."

            "Do you expect me to just watch her be tortured by that thing!?"

            Everyone's attention turned back ringside as they all felt a drastic increase in power.  Videl's power.  She still stood, but held both her hands together out in front, directed at Spokovitch.  Goku only needed a second to know what she was doing, "No way!!  You taught Videl the . . ."

            "Ka . . ."

            That was not a good sign to Gohan, "She must be desperate."

            "Me . . ."

            "Damnit, if she knows she can't win then why won't she just give up?"

            "Ha . . ."

            Vegeta scowled at Gohan, "You're something.  I would have to say that puny girl has more courage than you.  What happened to the boy who faced Freiza and Cell when he had no chance of winning?"

            "Me . . ." A blue aura enveloped Videl.  She gritted her teeth as she tried to focus her mind.  This was it, her last card.  The secret weapon she agreed to only use if there were no other options.  Gohan had warned her that she only had enough power to do it once.

            This was it, "HA!!" The energy attacked poured forth and struck Spokovitch dead on.  Videl continued the beam as long as she could, and collapsed.  The smoke cleared to show Spokovitch with his arms crossed in front of him.

            Gohan, despite whatever hopes he had, knew it wouldn't work, "She's lost.  That attack drained her of everything she had left.  It's over."

            Spokovitch didn't think so.  He began to close in on the unconscious teen. "Stop it!" Everyone turned to see Jugger on the field.  He glared down on Spokovitch, "Attack her now and it will be a violation of the rules.  We still have work to do."

            Spokovitch didn't seem to like the other's order, but obeyed.  He turned his icy stare on the announcer, who was quick to say, "The winner by knockout is Spokovitch."

            Boos and hissing were all that came from the audience.  Never had they seen such an act of cruelty and malice.  Gohan wanted to cave Spokovitch's skull in, but there were more important things to do.  He held a hand out to his father, "Give me the beans."

            Goku removed one of the three he had and handed over the pouch containing the other two.  As Gohan took off for the ring, Goku decided to get Krillin back on his feet.  Gohan reached Videl and knelt beside her.  She looked in worse condition than he had though.  Gohan ran his hand over her forehead, "Videl, can you hear me?"

            Videl's eyes cracked open, "G-Gohan?  Did I get him?"

            "No.  You hit him, but he withstood the attack." Gohan took one of the beans in the pouch, "Here, I want you to take this.  It's called a Sensu bean.  I can't tell you the number of times these saved me and my friends' lives."

            Videl eyed the bean.  She was still angry with him.  He should have supported her.  He should have had more faith in her.  He should have . . . "Fine." Videl opened her mouth and took the bean.  After she swallowed Videl could feel her body change.  Then she was healed.  Videl couldn't describe it, but all her injuries and wounds vanished.

            She sat up, "What . . . was that thing?"

            "A Sensu bean.  They help a person recover from injury and energy loss like that." He snapped his fingers.

            "Well . . . thanks." Videl stood up and marched off.  Gohan also stood up, but didn't bother to follow her when he saw Kabito moving towards the ring.  It was time for his match.  With one last look at Videl, Gohan took his place on the ring.

            The announcer scanned the crowd of shocked and confused spectators.  He would have to diffuse that, "Well now, ladies and gentlemen, before we get a start to the fourth match, let's give Videl a hand.  She's one tough fighter, walking away from such brutal assaults."

            Videl had just entered the waiting room when her father ran up and grabbed her, "Videl!  Are you all right?" Hercule had to blink several times when he saw no visible injuries on her.  Blood stains for sure, but no wounds.

            "I'm fine, dad."

            Hercule knew his daughter.  She was hurting from something.  He felt sure he knew what it was, "Don't worry.  I don't know how Spokovitch could have . . . done that, but I'll be sure to get him for you.  You have that promise Videl."

            She didn't care about her father's empty promises.  Videl turned back around and leaned against the inside frame of the entry, wanting to watch her friend's match.  Everyone else gathered around excitedly.  They would finally get a glimpse at what Gohan was capable of.

            Goku clapped his hands together as he, Krillin, and Eighteen reentered the waiting room, "All right.  It's going to be great to see Gohan fight again." He glanced around to see what the others thought.  Goku noticed Jugger and Spokovitch were not present.  That didn't sit well with him.

            "It is time."

            Shin stepped forward, a look a grim determination on his face.  He addressed Goku and his friends, "No matter what happens from this point forward, you must not assist Gohan."

            That brought outbursts from all the gathered fighters, especially Goku, "What are you talking about?  What's going to happen?"

            "Gohan will soon undergo his Super Saiyan transformation.  I am certain that once he does Jugger and Spokovitch will attack him." Shin closed his eyes, preparing himself for the task he must do, "You must all not do anything to assist him.  They do not want his life, only his energy."

            Krillin felt like laughing, "I'm sorry, but Gohan can take care of himself.  He doesn't need our help."

            That fact was what pained Shin, "I know."

            "Pah!" Vegeta couldn't stand this, "I don't need to be told what to do by some purple midget!"

            "Vegeta!  Show some respect.  You are talking to the Supreme Kai!" Piccolo exclaimed.

            Shock and awe spread through the Z fighters.  Only those who had never had dealings with Other World were left guessing at what had been said.  Videl felt her panic grow from what Shin had said.  She didn't understand everything that had been said.  Kai, Super Saiyan, telling everyone not to help Gohan.  That brought a cold fear out in her.  What was going to happen?

*                                  *                                  *

            Jugger felt his hands quiver all the more as the time approached.  Spokovitch hefted the vessel that would drain the fighter of his power once it was shown.  Jugger hadn't taken his eyes off of the boy since they met after the preliminaries.  Spokovitch was certain this would be the one.

            "What is the energy reading?" He asked the red man.

            "It doesn't matter.  I know what this one is capable of." Jugger couldn't help himself.  He felt thrilled at the chance for revenge.  It would come the moment before the Saiyan transformed.  Jugger could still remember that moment from his past.  Watching the boy transform into his golden counterpart, Jugger had felt dread overcome him.  That would not happen this time.  Jugger had all the power he would need.

            "When are we going to move?"

            "You will do nothing," Jugger reached down his pant leg and pulled out a small rod.  It flashed and extended into a full sized sword.  Jugger glared up at his ally, "We can gather energy from others, but this one I shall kill."

            Spokovitch shook his head vigorously, "But Master Babadi said . . ." Jugger's hand came out of nowhere and struck the base of Spokovitch's neck.  That would keep him unconscious, and out of the way for a short while.

*                                  *                                  *

            "You are absolutely out of your mind!  I'm not going to transform out in public!"

            Kabito held his position, "Please, Gohan.  It will help more than you think.  You must transform.  Show me your Super Saiyan power."

            Gohan didn't know how his opponent knew about that ability.  What the hell am I supposed to do?  I mean, if I had to transform to beat him then I would, but he just wants to see it.  Does he think he would even have a chance if I powered up to my maximum in that form?

            "Gohan!"

            Gohan turned his head to see Piccolo standing next to Videl.  He was nodding his head, which settled it.  Gohan really didn't want to go through with this especially with Videl there, "Damnit.  Well, I hope you're ready for this.  It's not like you would stand much of a chance once I've powered up."

            Kabito scanned the area, looking for two individuals.  This had to be done, "Show me."

            Gohan hunched down, gathering himself for the transformation, "You want to see a Super Saiyan?  Fine, but that's all you're going to see." Gohan gathered his power.  He knew how to transform in a way that his full strength would immediately be brought out.  At least for whichever level he changed to.

            The energy buildup began to move the air in the stadium.  Gohan gritted his teeth as he readied himself.  His reached down.  He brought out the transformation.

            Videl watched in awe as Gohan did something she had never expected.  His hoarse scream echoed throughout the stadium.  His hair flashed, tiles from the ring floor flew into the air, and a bright aura of golden energy erupted from him.  Gohan's black visor flew away as his hair stuck out.  Videl blinked to make sure wasn't seeing things, "You're kidding!  Is this for real?  Gohan is the gold fighter?"

            Everyone else present shared looks of surprise and shock.  Only the Z fighters did so for an entirely separate reason.  Goku swallowed a lump in his throat, "Oh man, Gohan wasn't joking when he said he'd train.  That has to be at least two thirds of his energy when he fought Cell," he whispered, "and Gohan's not even a Super Saiyan two!"

            There was one fighter amongst the tournament participants that also was not present.  Hercule hid behind a thin wall, feeling his fame and fortune slipping away; "Oh no!  It's them; they're the guys from the Cell Games!  Oh no, what am I going to do?  I can't beat them!"

            Gohan grinned at the look of horror written on Kabito's face, "A bit more than you expected?"

            Kabito hid whatever emotion had come out.  I can not believe his strength.  How does a mere mortal possess such incredible power?  This will be more than enough bait for those two to come out.

            Gohan grew tired of waiting, "Just what the hell are you doing?  I transformed, did exactly as you asked.  I'm probably going to be kicked out of school for this, so the least you could do is make some attempt at attacking me-" Gohan felt his entire body constrict.  His arms and legs were locked together by some invisible force.  Then he felt the oncoming energy.  Gohan knew who it belonged to, "Jugger!"

            Goku grabbed the Supreme Kai in disgust, "What are you doing!?"

            It felt as though time itself had slowed down.  Since Jugger's initial charge, all would happen within a half a second.  It felt like torture to Gohan.  He could see Jugger coming for him, weapon in hand.  Gohan had seen that look in the eyes of others before.  Jugger intended to kill him.  Gohan struggled against the invisible bonds, but lacked the power needed.

            He would have smirked had he the time.  If Gohan couldn't break free now, then he would just have to give himself a boost.  Time snapped back into focus with Jugger almost to the point of plunging the weapon into the half Saiyan.

            With an unearthly cry, Gohan released his strength for a second time, ascending to the level of Super Saiyan two.  Tiles that had been floating from his initial power up now scattered and flew everywhere as his godly powers rushed out.  Shin felt himself become enveloped in a brief embrace of pain as Gohan snapped his restraints with little effort.

            Gohan tried to dodge to the right as Jugger finally reached him.  It hadn't been fast enough.  Gohan let out another cry, only this one was born of pain.  Jugger ran his blade through Gohan's left shoulder, cutting away at flesh and bone.  The weapon snapped at the hilt as Gohan's momentum continued to carry him to the side.

            Jugger landed right in front of Kabito.  He ignored the larger fighter and set his sights back upon Gohan.  What lay before him could not have pleased Jugger any more.

            Gohan could feel his life flowing out of him.  Through all the pain, he looked down to see seven inches of metal sticking through him, coated in Saiyan blood.