A/N: Hehe, see if you can pick up on the names of the people Vegeta encounters in this chapter... I'll give you only two hints. One they're not in English (except for their boss) but are all in one language. And two, they're not modified from the original. (So if you really want to know you can translate them directly to their original language, but I'm not saying what it is.) XD
Note, this part has nothing to do with the actual story so if you're that anxious to get to it, I guess you can skip this. First, I'd like to suggest you go visit the site Daizex.com as it's a great DB fan-site. And, so long as you can follow the simple rules, join their MB (and my off-topic Daizex MB found in my Daizex sig.) Secondly, I'd like to advertise my new Blog found at www.xyex.blogspot.com as well. That is all, now on to the story!
Chapter Ten - The Challenge Begins
Korin watched the two warriors continue to train before him. He felt that Yamcha could get passed him now but he wanted to deal with Vegeta first. Before he did that he needed to figure out what he wanted to say to the teen. "Vegeta!" he called out at last drawing his attention. The wild haired teen stopped in mid kick and turned to face him as he lowered his leg. With his typical frown on his face he walked over to where the cat stood.
"I take it you're finally going to let me try again?"
Korin shook his head. It had been two weeks since he and Yamcha had remained behind while the others had gone on to the Lookout. Everyday for the first week Vegeta had demanded to be given another try. Since the seventh day, when Korin had had enough and sent him flying off the tower again, he'd calmed down a bit and hadn't said a word to the cat. Or Yamcha for that matter. "No. But I have something more worth your time I believe. It's known only as The Challenge."
"And what exactly is this Challenge?"
"Unexplainable."
Vegeta snorted. "Figures."
Korin smirked slightly. "Is that a no?"
"Of course not! Anything's better than rotting away up here with that weakling!"
/That did it. Thought it would. Alright then Vegeta, let's see if you can do this. If not, well, your death wont be that big of a loss I don't think./ Of course, Korin said none of this out loud. What he did say was, "Very will... Sai-jin Prince, follow me." Korin noted, with a widening smirk, the reaction on Vegeta's face to his statement. The shock and disbelief that Korin knew who he was. As he led the young man to the stairs and into the lower portions of the tower, parts not yet seen be either of the training fighters, he resumed talking. "What? Didn't think I'd know who you are Vegeta? I do work for Kami after all. I know all about you... and your ancestors."
He gave Vegeta another glance after that statement. The teen didn't show any kind of reaction and Korin frowned. /Maybe he dosen't know? I wouldn't doubt his ancestors would have tried to wipe the event from memory to preserve their 'honor'. Well, no matter, if he dosen't know now he will soon enough. Even if it dosen't come to light during The Challenge it will during the coming war./
At last they came to a stop near the center of the bottom room beside an intricate door built into the floor. "I also know that there is another Sai-jin who came with you." Korin said looking at Vegeta.
"You're kidding? One of the others has a Sai-jin spirit?" he asked cocking an eyebrow in interest.
"Indeed. The one called Brolly possesses the Sai-jin spirit as well. At the moment, he's the one I'm banking on here." Vegeta frowned at the cat but Korin just continued. "You're to cocky and arrogant. You may have a Sai-jin spirit and you may be descended of the Sai-jin King, but that King died twenty-five thousand years ago and your spirit is just that, only a spirit. Unless it awakens you are only a Human. No more, no less. Other than that hiding spirit nothing sets you apart from any other Human out there. Remember that."
Korin slipped his wooden staff into a small hole in the door and it faded away. Vegeta peered down inside and saw nothing but blackness. "So what is this?"
"The inside of the tower. This leads all the way down into... well... Hell."
"You've got to be kidding."
"I'm not. This tower is not just the path to the upper realms but the lower as well."
"So what do I do when I get there?"
Korin smirked again. "That's up to you. The Challenge is never the same twice. Everyone experiences something different. If you live through it a portal will appear above your head that will allow you to fly back out. If you don't... you'll be trapped within Hell for eternity."
"Like that'll happen." Vegeta said walking up to the opening. "How long do I have to do this?"
"As long as it takes." Vegeta moved to drop down the opening but Korin blocked him with his staff. "One last thing." he said holding out his paw. Vegeta held his hand out and the cat dropped three beans into it. "These are Senzu Beans, they will fully heal you of any injuries and fill you up for ten days. Use them only when absolutely needed."
Closing his hand Vegeta smiled and jumped down the hole letting gravity pull him down instead of wasting his energy to do it himself. As the teen's hair finally vanished within the hole Korin shook his head. "Part of me wants you to make it out, part of me hopes you die down there." he said turning from the opening and returning to the top to find Yamcha still training.
"Yamcha!" he called out.
The teen turned to face him. "Yeah?"
"It's time." Korin said simply. Yamcha smirked and slipped into a fighting stance. He waited a few moments before running forward and smashing his fist into Korin's face. The cat slipped back a couple inches and smirked up at him. "You have passed. You may proceed."
"Alright! At last!" Yamcha cried running to the edge of the room. "Thanks for everything Master Korin!" he called back as he flew up toward the Lookout.
-----------------------------------------
Vegeta slowed his descent as he saw the proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel' below him. He'd noticed the trip down had been much longer than the trip up, the distance was at least three times that of the tower itself. He wasn't sure how that would be possible, it should reach almost to the core of the planet, if not further. He still wasn't convinced he was descending into Hell, that seemed fairly impossible to him. /Of course, I am a member of an ancient race that's now nothing but legends, and I was just talking with a Cat. I'm not sure what is impossible anymore./
At last he emerged into the light and dropped the final few feet, the black hole above him shrinking away into nothing. The world around him was a wasteland. Barren and desolate landscape everywhere. Nothing but rocks, no grass or trees or anything. There was a low rumble in the distance and he turned to see a flash of lightning just before it vanished. The sky was filled with thick red clouds and as a new rumble of thunder reached him the putrid smell of sulfur burned into his nose.
"Well now, this is unusual." Vegeta said as took one last look around. He stopped as another flash of lightning lit up the distant horizon and silhouetted a large structure sitting atop a small hill. "Now what do we have here?" he smirked floating into the air. "Only thing around so it's worth a shot." Deciding speed would be a good thing he pocketed the beans Korin had given him and focused his power. A moment later a purple aura flickered about him as he pushed more energy out of his body. In a flash he sped off toward the building.
As he drew closer to the structure he began to realize several things about where he was. One, the distances were greater than they appeared. Two, everything looked the same. Three, there didn't seem to be anyone else around. And four, which was probably connected to the first one, this place wasn't round. That meant only one thing, he wasn't on any kind of planetary surface, there was no curve to the horizon no matter how high he moved, though he avoid touching the clouds, he didn't like the way they looked.
/So does this place go on like this forever?/ he wondered. Just then another flash of lightning came from behind him and lit up the sky. Now he could see several forms moving about around the structure which appeared to be a large palace. /Sentries perhaps? So, do I just go barging in or see what's up first?/ Vegeta smirked as he poured on more speed.
A few seconds later he noticed two of the figures lift into the air and float toward him a bit, finally noting his presence. It only took a few more moments to reach them. One was a tall man, over seven foot tall, with massive muscles, red skin, a green Mohawk, and blue eyes. The form beside him was much different. She was only about five foot with a slim body, had long flowing orange hair, soft blue skin, and silver eyes. "So you're the welcoming committee then?" Vegeta asked noting the Halo's floating above their heads.
"Not exactly." the large man said in a very deep voice while grinning. "You are trespassing on Lord Garlic's domain. Leave at once or I'll..."
"Easy big guy." the girl suddenly said with a smirk, her voice soft and smooth. She'd raised a hand as she spoke but now lowered it slowly. "Leave him alone Ha-bu, this one's cute."
Vegeta couldn't help but smirk. "Sorry, I think you're a little beyond my time." he said with a glance at her halo. He now did believe he was in Hell, and he was curious about this 'Lord Garlic'. However, he didn't get the chance to ask any questions before the girl floated over to him and wrapper her arms over his shoulders, putting her face only inches from his.
"Oh, come now." she said seductively. "Once you go dead, you never go back." She leaned in and planted her lips on his, quite to Vegeta's surprise. It took a moment but his mind recovered and activated his reflexes to having someone so close. His knee shot up and smashed into her stomach knocking the wind out of her. She floated back from him pouting.
"Personal space issues." Vegeta said grinning. "I'm sure you understand."
The large Ha-bu laughed deeply, truly amused. "Seems like there's someone who can resist your charms after all Shio! I never thought I'd see the day that someone didn't simply turn to putty at the sight of you!"
Shio smirked. "That is odd, isn't it?" she said lightly. "Even Lord Garlic can't resist me..."
"So just who is this Garlic?" Vegeta asked at last, quite entertained by the duo before him. "I am rather new around here."
Shio nodded. "Yes, we don't get many live ones down here. Lord Garlic rules the Wastelands of Hell. His word is law around here, no one is greater than him in all the Wastelands."
"And beyond?" Vegeta asked with an amused smirk.
Ha-bu shrugged. "There's always someone stronger somewhere." he said. "But no-one around here has ever gone beyond the Wastelands, and no-one ever comes here. All we get are whispers of rumors that are millennia old."
Shio nodded again. "Yes, the distance will do that. The Wastelands span more than five hundred million miles. We've sent troops out before but none have returned yet... though it's only been a couple hundred years."
"So how'd you get here?"
"Same as you." Ha-bu replied. "This was our point of arrival. Lord Garlic noted our skills and let us join his personal army."
"Among other things." Shio said with a sly grin that caused Vegeta to grin in understanding. "Anyway, how did you end up down here while still alive? Yemma getting senile?"
"I don't know anyone named Yemma. I'm here on some kind of Challenge that's supposed to make me stronger so I can kill more Demons."
Ha-bu snarled suddenly Vegeta looked toward him. Shio's hand reached up and rested on the large man's arm. "What's with him?" the teen asked her.
"He's part Demon, not that he much likes that fact, considering how it happened..." she replied before returning to comfort her friend. Vegeta didn't need her to spell it out for him, and it churned his stomach at the thought.
"If you're here for that reason, then you'll have my help on this Challenge of yours!" Ha-bu declared.
"I doubt I'll need it, but I do need a guide while I'm here."
Ha-bu turned to the short woman beside him. "Go find Koshou, she'll want to know about this." Shio nodded and dropped toward the palace. "So, you know our names now. What's yours?"
"Vegeta." he replied calmly but he noticed the raised eyebrow on the large Ha-bu. "What about it?" Vegeta asked suddenly miffed thinking the large man thought his name was strange.
"It's just... I've heard it before." he said thinking for a moment. "Aw, no matter. I'm sure it'll come to me eventually."
Note, this part has nothing to do with the actual story so if you're that anxious to get to it, I guess you can skip this. First, I'd like to suggest you go visit the site Daizex.com as it's a great DB fan-site. And, so long as you can follow the simple rules, join their MB (and my off-topic Daizex MB found in my Daizex sig.) Secondly, I'd like to advertise my new Blog found at www.xyex.blogspot.com as well. That is all, now on to the story!
Chapter Ten - The Challenge Begins
Korin watched the two warriors continue to train before him. He felt that Yamcha could get passed him now but he wanted to deal with Vegeta first. Before he did that he needed to figure out what he wanted to say to the teen. "Vegeta!" he called out at last drawing his attention. The wild haired teen stopped in mid kick and turned to face him as he lowered his leg. With his typical frown on his face he walked over to where the cat stood.
"I take it you're finally going to let me try again?"
Korin shook his head. It had been two weeks since he and Yamcha had remained behind while the others had gone on to the Lookout. Everyday for the first week Vegeta had demanded to be given another try. Since the seventh day, when Korin had had enough and sent him flying off the tower again, he'd calmed down a bit and hadn't said a word to the cat. Or Yamcha for that matter. "No. But I have something more worth your time I believe. It's known only as The Challenge."
"And what exactly is this Challenge?"
"Unexplainable."
Vegeta snorted. "Figures."
Korin smirked slightly. "Is that a no?"
"Of course not! Anything's better than rotting away up here with that weakling!"
/That did it. Thought it would. Alright then Vegeta, let's see if you can do this. If not, well, your death wont be that big of a loss I don't think./ Of course, Korin said none of this out loud. What he did say was, "Very will... Sai-jin Prince, follow me." Korin noted, with a widening smirk, the reaction on Vegeta's face to his statement. The shock and disbelief that Korin knew who he was. As he led the young man to the stairs and into the lower portions of the tower, parts not yet seen be either of the training fighters, he resumed talking. "What? Didn't think I'd know who you are Vegeta? I do work for Kami after all. I know all about you... and your ancestors."
He gave Vegeta another glance after that statement. The teen didn't show any kind of reaction and Korin frowned. /Maybe he dosen't know? I wouldn't doubt his ancestors would have tried to wipe the event from memory to preserve their 'honor'. Well, no matter, if he dosen't know now he will soon enough. Even if it dosen't come to light during The Challenge it will during the coming war./
At last they came to a stop near the center of the bottom room beside an intricate door built into the floor. "I also know that there is another Sai-jin who came with you." Korin said looking at Vegeta.
"You're kidding? One of the others has a Sai-jin spirit?" he asked cocking an eyebrow in interest.
"Indeed. The one called Brolly possesses the Sai-jin spirit as well. At the moment, he's the one I'm banking on here." Vegeta frowned at the cat but Korin just continued. "You're to cocky and arrogant. You may have a Sai-jin spirit and you may be descended of the Sai-jin King, but that King died twenty-five thousand years ago and your spirit is just that, only a spirit. Unless it awakens you are only a Human. No more, no less. Other than that hiding spirit nothing sets you apart from any other Human out there. Remember that."
Korin slipped his wooden staff into a small hole in the door and it faded away. Vegeta peered down inside and saw nothing but blackness. "So what is this?"
"The inside of the tower. This leads all the way down into... well... Hell."
"You've got to be kidding."
"I'm not. This tower is not just the path to the upper realms but the lower as well."
"So what do I do when I get there?"
Korin smirked again. "That's up to you. The Challenge is never the same twice. Everyone experiences something different. If you live through it a portal will appear above your head that will allow you to fly back out. If you don't... you'll be trapped within Hell for eternity."
"Like that'll happen." Vegeta said walking up to the opening. "How long do I have to do this?"
"As long as it takes." Vegeta moved to drop down the opening but Korin blocked him with his staff. "One last thing." he said holding out his paw. Vegeta held his hand out and the cat dropped three beans into it. "These are Senzu Beans, they will fully heal you of any injuries and fill you up for ten days. Use them only when absolutely needed."
Closing his hand Vegeta smiled and jumped down the hole letting gravity pull him down instead of wasting his energy to do it himself. As the teen's hair finally vanished within the hole Korin shook his head. "Part of me wants you to make it out, part of me hopes you die down there." he said turning from the opening and returning to the top to find Yamcha still training.
"Yamcha!" he called out.
The teen turned to face him. "Yeah?"
"It's time." Korin said simply. Yamcha smirked and slipped into a fighting stance. He waited a few moments before running forward and smashing his fist into Korin's face. The cat slipped back a couple inches and smirked up at him. "You have passed. You may proceed."
"Alright! At last!" Yamcha cried running to the edge of the room. "Thanks for everything Master Korin!" he called back as he flew up toward the Lookout.
-----------------------------------------
Vegeta slowed his descent as he saw the proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel' below him. He'd noticed the trip down had been much longer than the trip up, the distance was at least three times that of the tower itself. He wasn't sure how that would be possible, it should reach almost to the core of the planet, if not further. He still wasn't convinced he was descending into Hell, that seemed fairly impossible to him. /Of course, I am a member of an ancient race that's now nothing but legends, and I was just talking with a Cat. I'm not sure what is impossible anymore./
At last he emerged into the light and dropped the final few feet, the black hole above him shrinking away into nothing. The world around him was a wasteland. Barren and desolate landscape everywhere. Nothing but rocks, no grass or trees or anything. There was a low rumble in the distance and he turned to see a flash of lightning just before it vanished. The sky was filled with thick red clouds and as a new rumble of thunder reached him the putrid smell of sulfur burned into his nose.
"Well now, this is unusual." Vegeta said as took one last look around. He stopped as another flash of lightning lit up the distant horizon and silhouetted a large structure sitting atop a small hill. "Now what do we have here?" he smirked floating into the air. "Only thing around so it's worth a shot." Deciding speed would be a good thing he pocketed the beans Korin had given him and focused his power. A moment later a purple aura flickered about him as he pushed more energy out of his body. In a flash he sped off toward the building.
As he drew closer to the structure he began to realize several things about where he was. One, the distances were greater than they appeared. Two, everything looked the same. Three, there didn't seem to be anyone else around. And four, which was probably connected to the first one, this place wasn't round. That meant only one thing, he wasn't on any kind of planetary surface, there was no curve to the horizon no matter how high he moved, though he avoid touching the clouds, he didn't like the way they looked.
/So does this place go on like this forever?/ he wondered. Just then another flash of lightning came from behind him and lit up the sky. Now he could see several forms moving about around the structure which appeared to be a large palace. /Sentries perhaps? So, do I just go barging in or see what's up first?/ Vegeta smirked as he poured on more speed.
A few seconds later he noticed two of the figures lift into the air and float toward him a bit, finally noting his presence. It only took a few more moments to reach them. One was a tall man, over seven foot tall, with massive muscles, red skin, a green Mohawk, and blue eyes. The form beside him was much different. She was only about five foot with a slim body, had long flowing orange hair, soft blue skin, and silver eyes. "So you're the welcoming committee then?" Vegeta asked noting the Halo's floating above their heads.
"Not exactly." the large man said in a very deep voice while grinning. "You are trespassing on Lord Garlic's domain. Leave at once or I'll..."
"Easy big guy." the girl suddenly said with a smirk, her voice soft and smooth. She'd raised a hand as she spoke but now lowered it slowly. "Leave him alone Ha-bu, this one's cute."
Vegeta couldn't help but smirk. "Sorry, I think you're a little beyond my time." he said with a glance at her halo. He now did believe he was in Hell, and he was curious about this 'Lord Garlic'. However, he didn't get the chance to ask any questions before the girl floated over to him and wrapper her arms over his shoulders, putting her face only inches from his.
"Oh, come now." she said seductively. "Once you go dead, you never go back." She leaned in and planted her lips on his, quite to Vegeta's surprise. It took a moment but his mind recovered and activated his reflexes to having someone so close. His knee shot up and smashed into her stomach knocking the wind out of her. She floated back from him pouting.
"Personal space issues." Vegeta said grinning. "I'm sure you understand."
The large Ha-bu laughed deeply, truly amused. "Seems like there's someone who can resist your charms after all Shio! I never thought I'd see the day that someone didn't simply turn to putty at the sight of you!"
Shio smirked. "That is odd, isn't it?" she said lightly. "Even Lord Garlic can't resist me..."
"So just who is this Garlic?" Vegeta asked at last, quite entertained by the duo before him. "I am rather new around here."
Shio nodded. "Yes, we don't get many live ones down here. Lord Garlic rules the Wastelands of Hell. His word is law around here, no one is greater than him in all the Wastelands."
"And beyond?" Vegeta asked with an amused smirk.
Ha-bu shrugged. "There's always someone stronger somewhere." he said. "But no-one around here has ever gone beyond the Wastelands, and no-one ever comes here. All we get are whispers of rumors that are millennia old."
Shio nodded again. "Yes, the distance will do that. The Wastelands span more than five hundred million miles. We've sent troops out before but none have returned yet... though it's only been a couple hundred years."
"So how'd you get here?"
"Same as you." Ha-bu replied. "This was our point of arrival. Lord Garlic noted our skills and let us join his personal army."
"Among other things." Shio said with a sly grin that caused Vegeta to grin in understanding. "Anyway, how did you end up down here while still alive? Yemma getting senile?"
"I don't know anyone named Yemma. I'm here on some kind of Challenge that's supposed to make me stronger so I can kill more Demons."
Ha-bu snarled suddenly Vegeta looked toward him. Shio's hand reached up and rested on the large man's arm. "What's with him?" the teen asked her.
"He's part Demon, not that he much likes that fact, considering how it happened..." she replied before returning to comfort her friend. Vegeta didn't need her to spell it out for him, and it churned his stomach at the thought.
"If you're here for that reason, then you'll have my help on this Challenge of yours!" Ha-bu declared.
"I doubt I'll need it, but I do need a guide while I'm here."
Ha-bu turned to the short woman beside him. "Go find Koshou, she'll want to know about this." Shio nodded and dropped toward the palace. "So, you know our names now. What's yours?"
"Vegeta." he replied calmly but he noticed the raised eyebrow on the large Ha-bu. "What about it?" Vegeta asked suddenly miffed thinking the large man thought his name was strange.
"It's just... I've heard it before." he said thinking for a moment. "Aw, no matter. I'm sure it'll come to me eventually."