Chapter XVII: Hell on Earth - Part II
Shin felt even paler now than when Vegeta had been at Buu's mercy only minutes ago. Though the two Saiyans worked with extraordinary unison, Buu's speed and power did indeed prove to be their better. It would only be a matter of time before the creature went on the offensive.
"You said, honorable elder, that you had a tool to aid them in battle. What is it?" The Elder Kai pointed to his ear. Shin blinked, "I do not understand."
"The earrings. A Kai's earrings are an ancient for of magic. They are the most powerful form of fusion to exist. Two individuals snap one earring onto the opposing ears and their bodies are instantly and permanently fused, and far more powerful than one could imagine." The Kai sighed, "I wish to this day it weren't so easy to use them."
Kabito frowned, being intrigued by the tale, "Why do you say that, Elder?"
"Many millennia ago an old witch snuck up behind me and grabbed an earring, claiming it would look better on a pretty woman such as herself. She snapped it onto her left ear, while my other was on the right, and we became fused together.
"Kais are immortal. You didn't truly think I look this way because of age, do you?"
* * *
Buu backhanded Vegeta across the face. Goku spun upwards horizontally and made to plant a firm kick into the unstoppable villain's head. Buu caught it, ignoring the pain induced by the Saiyan's lightning trails, and threw him into Vegeta.
The Saiyan prince shoved Goku off of him and growled, "This is insane. How can we beat him when he can hardly be touched?"
Goku rolled over and rested himself on one knee, "I'm . . . not sure. I don't understand how he changed so much in such a short amount of time."
As his comrade spoke, Vegeta took notice to Goku's heavy breathing. Even the two of them weren't winded after their fight at the tournament, which had been brutal in some regards. It didn't make sense, "Kakarott, what is wrong with you?"
"It's this form. The Super Saiyan Three burns through energy very quickly. I'm trying to control it, but with Buu connecting with so many attacks I'm having a hard time doing so."
"Kakarott, are you telling me that if this keeps up you will end up becoming completely useless in this battle?" Goku gave a solemn nod. Vegeta gritted his teeth, "There has to be a way."
Buu laughed off in the distance, "Discussing strategy? I don't have all day. You're too weak to defeat me, so I'll just end this. Here and now." He began to walk towards them.
Damn it all! I . . . I don't suppose it truly matters anymore. Vegeta leaned closer to Goku and whispered, "Kakarott, if I distract him long enough, can you gather one of your Spirit Bombs?"
"What?" Goku shook his head, "Vegeta, one of those failed to finish Freiza. What good will it do here?"
"Take everything you can from everyone and everything in this system. Then, at the very end, you and I shall release every last bit of our own energy into it. That should prove more than enough to kill Buu."
"Vegeta, that much power could destroy the Earth as well. This is . . ."
"He has taken everyone we hold dear, Kakarott. I understand your loyalties to the people of the Earth, but we can't do this. It's all or nothing, and if I'm doomed to die then I want to take Buu with me; rather than let him prey upon the rest of existence."
Vegeta's words struck him. Goku had no wish to harm any living thing on the world he has come to love and cherish, but it was true. They would all be dead soon. The two of them couldn't stop Buu. He stood up, and powered up again.
"I'll see you on the other side, my friend." Goku shot upwards, and held his hands up high. He couldn't take as much as he would like from the people as they would have to be willing to divulge that much power, but he could still acquire plenty.
Buu smiled as he continued his stroll, "What is that fool doing?"
If he is drawing on the Namekian's memory, then it won't take him long to figure out what that is. Vegeta launched himself at full speed, "Your fight is with me!" Buu dodged the initial lunge, but Vegeta surprised him with drawing his right leg up and kicking him in the face. He then swung his left arm around, burying it in the creature's gut.
Buu sneered, "I am growing tired of this!" His hands came together and he swung them down on the Saiyan. Vegeta withdrew and avoided the devastating attack, but found Buu pursuing with a flurry of punches. Try as he might, Vegeta couldn't block them all. Buu connected with a powerful right hook, and Vegeta flew into a pillar.
* * *
The Elder Kai squinted as he observed Goku through the crystal ball, "I say, just what is he doing?" A large orb of blue energy had begun to form above the warrior's hands.
Shin pondered, "I have seen this before, or rather I have heard of it. I believe it is a signature attack of the North Kai. I do not remember what is does."
"Well, then why don't you ask him?" The Elder Kai pouted.
With a heavy sigh, Shin closed his eyes and sought out the mind of the lesser Kai. He found him with ease. North Kai, I am the Supreme Kai. You already know of my involvement with the events transpiring on Earth. Have you kept up with the situation?
Yes, I have, King Kai's comical voice responded. I fear for what may yet happen.
Goku has removed himself from the battle. He is using a technique which I believe is taught by you I believe. Can you tell me what it does?
A small squeal of glee came from the other Kai, Of course. That is the Spirit Bomb. It is an attack that draws energy from all life, and gathers it into one devastating volley. Though, I don't know if it will work. Buu is so strong that I doubt even if Goku were to completely drain the planet he could defeat him.
Thank you, North Kai. That is all. Shin opened his eyes, "He says that it is called-"
"I overheard." The Elder Kai snorted, "I doubt those two would give in to despair. There is purpose behind their latest action, but I can not determine what it is."
* * *
Buu's elbow came down in full force on Vegeta's head. The Saiyan plowed into the stone, and became still. Buu raised his hand, ready to finish it once and for all, when he remembered that Goku had not been present for the brief, but violent duel. He dismissed Vegeta as he searched out the other's location.
Goku exhaled as he finally gathered all that was needed from the Earth. The Spirit Bomb he held aloft measured at least several hundred times stronger than when he had used it against Freiza. Combined with his and Vegeta's power, it would be enough. Enough to kill him . . . but also enough to destroy the Earth in the process.
"W-what is that thing? Someone tell me what that is!!" Buu felt overcome with fear. Fear of Goku, fear of the mass of energy he held, and fear of death. Buu did not want to die. Buu refused to die, "You will not kill me! I am eternal!"
Rocketing forth, Buu screamed in rage as he made to kill the Saiyan once and for all. Goku glanced from Vegeta to Buu. Vegeta won't be able to give up his power. I only hope mine is enough, "Here it comes Buu! Retribution for all the evil you have committed upon life itself!" Goku threw his hands forward, and sent the Spirit Bomb on its way.
Buu knew he was the most powerful being to ever exist. He was power incarnate, and one man would not take that away from him. His hands shot out, and caught the mass of light as it finally reached him. At first it wasn't all too difficult to hold back, but steadily the pressure grew, and Buu found himself sinking. He exerted more force, more power, and fought to keep the attack at bay.
Goku brought his left hand over to grip the wrist of his right. He winced in the sheer effort of it, "No Buu, you won't get out of it so easily." I have to save my contribution to the very last moment, and then he'll be gone.
The two continued their struggle over the course of the Spirit Bomb. Though the superior in strength and power, Buu found himself gradually losing ground to Goku's sheer will. The Earth raised Saiyan refused to give in. It angered Buu all the more. He felt his feet touch down on the Lookout's edge, on the opposing side to the main building.
He could not hold it.
Goku smiled, "Well, I suppose this is it, Buu. Goodbye!!" The Spirit Bomb's power increased dramatically, causing a shockwave to blow outwards. Goku tried to shield his eyes as he gave one final push to the final attack.
It wouldn't move.
Goku lowered his hand. He stared, mouth open, as the Spirit Bomb remained fixed in place, unmoving despite his commands. A low chuckle tickled his ears, and it grew into a laugh. Every creature and villain Goku had faced in his life all shared that laugh at one point or another. A laugh of the utter joy of victory.
The Spirit Bomb began to rise, and as it came to Goku's level, he could see a very satisfied Buu holding it up.
* * *
She stepped back from Gohan, giving him the space he required. He nodded his thanks, and closed his eyes. Gohan looked within, finding the deepest parts of his power. His mind flashed, then it flashed again, and he winced in the growing light that was his true strength.
Videl covered her ears as Gohan cried out, yelling in a hoarse voice that had grown worse as his training here had continued. He body shimmered, and his muscles bulged slightly. His eyebrows vanished, and the golden aura intensified as his upright hair began to grow. The entire expanse of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber quaked as his power began to reach its peak.
In a way, Videl loved this form of his. It had a violent, yet calm streak to it. His eyes were one of the most stunning features about him. To her, Gohan represented the pinnacle of strength and confidence whenever she gazed into them. As he calmed down she walked towards him again, staying far back enough so the frequently energy lighting couldn't latch onto her. A lesson learned the hard way.
"This is it?"
Gohan nodded, "Videl, remember."
"I know." She gave a wry smile, "Don't get in the way."
His focus returned to the door. He walked forward, his power affecting everything around him. He reached out, and grasped the handle. The door opened . . .
* * *
Goku fell forward as he roughly touched back down on the Lookout. Weary, on all fours, he looked up to see Buu's insidious grin. Goku hated this creature. Buu delighted in the reversed situation, "And here I was thinking I'd have to expend effort in destroying this worthless planet. Your plan was a sneaky one, but I'm afraid that last burst wasn't enough to overpower me. Maybe if Vegeta had . . . ah, but that was a part of it as well, no?
"You hadn't thought on him being out cold. And now look at you. He lies dying, you are broken and weak, and I hold the very power of this world in my hands." Buu licked his lips, "Farewell, Saiyan." Buu hunched over in a snap movement, and sent the energy ball down on its creator.
An overwhelming presence filled Goku's mind. It was as though for one brief instant he had gone blind. He watched the oncoming attack, saw the white light of its detonation, but felt no pain. The wind howled and debris raked across his aching body. As the light subsided, Goku beared witness to the a nearly completely destroyed Lookout. Only a small section with some of the building remained.
Then Goku realized he was witnessing this from a fair distance away, in the air. He then felt the tight grip around him, and forced him head to turn around. There he saw his son, floating aloft with Videl held against him in his other arm. She was cringing as the power from Gohan lanced up and down her body. Goku let himself look lower, and saw Vegeta, now partially conscious, in her arms.
The sight made his well up in tears, "Gohan . . . my son; you're alive!"
"Can you fly?"
Goku searched for his ki through the pain, and began to levitate. Gohan released him, and turned to Vegeta, "How about . . . you?" Vegeta had caught a glimpse of Goku under his own power, and had quickly removed himself from the young woman's arms. Videl in turn moved away from Gohan as quickly as she could, sighing in relief.
Goku glanced at each of the others, "How? Gohan, how did you . . . and Videl?"
"I don't know. The moment we stepped out he got this look on his face and said; 'Grab Vegeta,' and the next thing I know is Gohan's holding me and we're hovering right above him."
He didn't know if he could believe it. They had been inside the Time Chamber all along. Gohan had been training, and from what Goku could sense he outclassed both he and Vegeta combined. It was almost too much to take in.
Gohan seemed just as confused, "Buu was no where near this powerful when I entered. It's only been one day. What happened?"
Goku didn't have a chance to answer before they heard Buu's bemused laughter. He spoke aloud, indirectly to them, "Piccolo was right. The Lookout could contain great amounts of power. Pity it couldn't survive it." His black eyes circled around to Gohan,
"I'd been waiting for you. I was afraid Vegeta might have proven too much a match for me, in that I was mistaken. Fear overtook me with your father's attack, which failed. You, Gohan, are all that is left. When you are defeated again, like all the others, I shall have finally proven myself the superior being."
"I doubt that." Gohan muttered. He began to move forward, "Dad, keep Videl safe. And Vegeta . . . just stay out of the way. I'll take it from here."
"Insolent brat." But Vegeta said or did nothing more.
Buu waited patiently as Gohan approached in the air. As he suspected from Piccolo's memory, Gohan was carefully concealing his power from his senses. He knew there was much more than the boy was showing, but he knew it couldn't be too much more. None were his equal.
Gohan smiled, "Don't grin too much. You'll just end up disappointing yourself."
"And what makes you think that?"
"This." Gohan charged forward. His speed far greater than Buu had anticipated and he barely had time to dodge. Gohan changed direction sharply, making a perfect right angle, and brought his left elbow down on Buu's neck.
Buu would have cried out in pain if it weren't for his throat being stretched beyond reason. Gohan lifted up, and swung his leg upwards. He planted a solid hit on Buu's stomach, and then let loose with kicks and punches that no one could track.
The trio of warriors to the side watched in awe. Goku couldn't stop blinking, lest his eyes be deceiving him, "I can't believe this. Vegeta and I threw everything we had at Buu, and he overpowered us. I can't believe how strong Gohan is."
Vegeta sneered at the pride leaking through the fellow Saiyan's face, "Your family is curse. You only let me think I've finally surpassed you to make a complete mockery of me."
Videl floated off to the side with her arms crossed and a deep frown on her face, "This sucks."
Goku turned to her after Gohan kicked back to send Buu flying into the remains of the Lookout. "Why do you say that, Videl?"
"We spent a entire year in there worried to death that once we got out Buu would still prove to much to handle in the end. Now Gohan's down there toying with him like it was a sparring session."
"Sparring session?" Goku glanced back and watched Buu lash out with whatever he could at Gohan. The younger Saiyan phased in and out around him, planted kicks and punches in alternating places, "I'll keep that in mind the next time I offer to train with him."
"In case you haven't noticed, broad, that creature has already killed everyone that mattered. With Dende gone, the Dragonballs are cold and useless."
Videl's eyes narrowed into dangerous slits, "I'll ignore that broad comment. But me and Gohan had already thought about that. We're still good once that thing's dead."
"And how do you figure that?"
"Namek. We can still find them and have them revive Dende, and then use the Earth's Dragonballs to revive everyone that's died so far."
Vegeta felt ridged, "Of course. We can still bring them back!" He fought the smile before it had a chance to show itself.
"Holy cow!"
Vegeta and Videl both turned back to the fight, and were blinded as a powerful energy wave shot out and into space. The light dimmed, and they only saw Gohan floating amongst debris and dust. Of Buu, they couldn't find a trace.
* * *
The Elder Kai twitched as he heard the conversation between Vegeta and Videl, "These people can't be serious! Dragonballs are only meant for cultures and civilizations that have transcended the evils that normally plague the universe. Such blatant use destroys the natural order of things, and will wreak havoc on creation."
". . . honorable Elder, you still haven't helped me!!"
The Kai glanced over at the newly formed individual: Kabitokai. Unfortunately for Kabito and Shin, once the Elder Kai had relayed the use of the earring, they had both tried it themselves. They had forgotten his mentioning to both of them that the fusion was irreversible.
"Oh please, I already told you there is nothing I can do. You are stuck that was for the rest of eternity. Such is the price for not listening to your elders."
Kabitokai slapped his hands together and bowed down, "Please forgive me, Elder. I meant no disrespect by my action. However, I am far more powerful now, and I should be allowed to go to Earth and assist them in the fight."
"There's no point." The Elder Kai pointed back to the crystal ball, "I do believe young Gohan has dealt with the situation quite nicely."
* * *
Gohan kept his gaze fixed, and unfocused. He paid no attention to anything beyond what he could sense. Concentration was the key, and he knew he could still feel Buu's power lurking about the area. That blast had shattered and shred his body, but the monster was still very much alive.
Far off to the side, he could hear the others begin to fly towards him, giving praise and congratulations. Well, at least Goku and Videl were. Gohan instinctively turned his head as he felt a sort of quivering of power. His voice came out stern and harsh, "Stay back, all of you."
Videl and Goku halted on Gohan's command, "Gohan? What's wrong. You blasted that bastard into smithereens! He's dead, it's over!"
Gohan could still feel Vegeta moving, "I said stay back. This isn't over yet."
"Boy, I don't care what you think I should do. If that freak is still alive, then I will deal with him. You interrupted our battle."
"Ever in the hurry to die, Saiyan prince?"
Everyone turned their attention some distance to Gohan's right side. There they saw the gathering pink shape of Buu. Tiny, near invisible pieces of his body converged at the points of his arms, torso, legs, and head. They took definition; lines begame more defined and his rubbery skin smoothed out into it's unnatural gleam. The white cape then began to grow out as his face finally finished reforming.
Gohan frowned, "That blast should have disintegrated you."
Buu rocked his head back and forth, stretching, "Luck, which I will admit to. You hit me and a few degrees of an odd angle, and the bulk of my body managed to survive." The smile on Buu's face neer faltered, "I must admit, I can not defeat you in this form. Your power grew far beyond what I had expected, Gohan."
The infliction of Piccolo's voice, his mentor, infuriated Gohan. He turned around, Vegeta off to his side by an arm span, "Don't think that will get to me, Buu. Once I kill you, I'm just going to revive them with the Dragonballs."
Buu laughed, "Perhaps you mean the Namekian Dragonballs, as I've already consumed Dende? Once I take you I'll be sure to wipe them all out." Buu's arms spread out, "Think of it. Mass xenocide the likes of which this universe hasn't seen since I was sealed away those many millennia ago."
The thought sickened Gohan, "You just said it yourself; you can't beat me."
"No, not like this I can't."
Gohan noticed something as Buu tilted his head, "Wait . . . where's your antennae?" He felt his stomach tighten.
Buu licked his lips, "Boo."
Videl and Goku yelped as a giant piece of pink goo shot passed them and enveloped Vegeta. The Saiyan growled and roared his anger as he tried to fight off the muck, but was silenced as it poured into his mouth. With Vegeta completely covered, it moved off quickly, returning to Buu.
Gohan screamed, "Vegeta no!! Buu, die!!" A mass of energy built up in his right hand and he threw it in full force at the creature. It contacted just as Vegeta was swallowed up by Buu, and bounced away harmlessly. A massive shockwave exploded outwards, knocking Gohan, Goku, and Videl back. Buu's body became shrouded in blinding light as he laughed manically.
* * *
Kabitokai stumbled backwards in horror, "What happened?"
"Buu could not defeat Gohan, so he absorbed Vegeta and stole his power." The Elder Kai's eyes betrayed the worry he felt for what would come. He turned to Kabitokai, "None of them now possess the strength to defeat this . . . Super Buu. It is lost. All is lost."
He did not want to believe the elder's words, but as the power of Buu began to reach his mind even here in the Other World, Kabitokai felt the fear come.
* * *
Videl began to open her eyes as the light subsided. She could still hear Buu's evil laughter, and noticed how tight her grip on Goku's arm was. He held the other around her, protecting Videl as though she were one of his children. Gohan was out in front of them, staring straight on into the abyss.
Buu's form shone a brilliant white. Pure light pulsed off of him in an almost rhythmic fashion. As it dimmed and shrank back, they could see the new body of Buu twitch and spasm in the reveling joy of his new power. When it finally left him, they beheld a terrifying sight.
Buu was taller now, slimmer with a more defined muscular form. His baggy white pants remained, but gone was the cape. In its stead he wore a verson of the Saiyan armor, open from the top of the chest to just above the stomch. But the feature that shook the three to their bones was the eyes.
They were Vegeta's eyes.
"It is pointless." The new Buu said, "You, boy, can not even touch me now. Not with the grandeur of Vegeta's Saiyan strength. Kakarott has been surpassed beyond measure, and all the bitch can do is provide comfort for your final moments in life."
Though he knew it was a lie, Gohan wouldn't be put down, "I will defeat you Buu. Even if I have to die to do so, I will kill you!"
Buu shook his head, "No . . . you will die, but you will not defeat me." The very air around Buu warped and wavered as he rose up above them. He stopped, and held his hand up. The grin widened to show fangs, "I have wasted enough time here."
Gohan backed away as Buu began to gather more energy than he could imagine. The sphere of power grew, and grew, and began to fill the sky. He could see the fire in Buu's eyes. The monster breathed in, "And let the last of the Saiyan race die with you!!"
The planet killing attack roared down on Gohan. He powered up, letting every last bit of his strength come out, "I will not let it end this way!" His hands stretched out and caught the outer edge of the attack. Pain flooded through his arms and nearly overcame him. Gohan concentrated, trying to drive the feeling from his body as he fought to push back the devastating energy. Instead, he found himself falling.
"Come on Gohan, you can do it!" Videl cheered him on from below.
"No, he can't!" Goku grabbed onto Videl's arm and pulled her close, "This is futile!" Goku raced upwards and reached around Gohan with his free arm.
"Dad . . . what are you doing!?" Gohan cried out as he felt his grip on the attack slipping.
Gohan stretched his head forward to meet the ends of his two forefingers, "I'm sorry!"
Buu watched as his energy ball sped to the Earth, unhindered, and rammed into the face of the planet. From so high up, he could see the cracks and lines of fire race out from ground zero, and laughed as he imagined the horrifying screams of the masses in pain and anguish.
The ground shook.
The rock split.
The oceans boiled away.
And the Earth vanished in one violent flash of light.
Author's Note:
For anyone who read this hoping for said s30rs, I lied. Sex sells, so I conned you all!! HARRR!
That is the END of the Majin Buu Saga. You'll note on my website that the chapters are divided into the separate sagas (Great Saiyaman, World Tournament, Majin Buu). As I've said before, none of you come close to guessing the plot twists and turns that I'm throwing at you as we near the climactic end of this story. Except for that one guy who said Buu might absorb someone.
The next section will span the Final Battle. I have not yet decided whether or not to write a part detailing the aftermath of Buu.
On another note, this chapter marks the story's breach of 60,000 words! That's novel length everyone, w00t for joy!