I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the right to Starcraft or any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.

Chapter 42: The Feedback Technique

It took me quite a long time to figure out how to get the Feedback Wave out of my body. First I just sat there, frustrated and getting a shock or two every second for it. After I managed to calm down and clear my head, the pain went away just like before. Okay, I have to get it out myself, but how if I can't power up? Hmmm, maybe the answer is in what he was saying earlier. It affects evil and aggressive thoughts, clearing my head of them so far has worked. I wonder if I could power up, but keep a clear focus, like meditation. It's sort of what Piccolo had me doing all the time anyway, so in theory it should work.

I sat cross-legged while trying to place myself into a black void of nothing, which was the simplest way. Upon getting my full bearings, I realized that the lights were still on, and they were a bit distracting. Remembering what Zeratul had done, I clapped twice, causing the room to go dark instantly. Refocusing, I began to pull up ki energy as I fell into a focused state, trying my hardest not to feel any emotion. No change in activity, nor was there pain or shocking sensations. I put a little more effort into it, carefully keeping focused on a dark black void where nothing existed. Again no change, and I barely even remembered that it was still there except the fact that my skin was still a bit tingly. I powered all the way up to my maximum without a problem. The painful shock never came, but I did feel it in there, spinning in place. I accessed my Psi energy next, bringing all of it out and keeping extra clear thoughts in mind as I did. As I did, my tail went numb at the end. I opened one eye and lit a ki ball, looking at it curiously while trying not to panic. The end of it was still green with Zerg cells, and they felt like they were hanging on by threads and burning where they were. I pulled up more Psi and spread it around, mostly around the tail. Nothing much happened, but I ignited it from my hand, directing it at the end of the tail. Extreme pain hit and I groaned slightly, trying to remain focused. It was a smaller version of the Psi storm that I was using, much lower in power. That didn't matter, when the lightning from my hand hit, it was almost unbearable. I recalled then that the tail weakness had been brought out in full by the Overmind, so shocking it with lightning probably wasn't the best idea.

I stopped after a few seconds, seeing the singed Zerg cells burning and falling off. The buzzing around my body let up a bit, but remained. It let up when I got rid of the Zerg cells on my tail, I wonder if I can use that all over to get rid of it in my blood. I didn't dare use the same technique though. Instead I tried spreading my Psi all over and letting it settle calmly on every bone, cell, and blood vessel. At first every part of me started to burn as my blood seemed to have an adverse reaction to this. At the same time I remained focused on what I wanted. I wanted the Zerg in me gone forever. I wanted happiness to return to my life and wanted no part of darkness. Soon I felt my hand cool off, and it felt lighter like a great weight had been lifted. I opened my eyes for a moment to note that I was glowing blue. Then I saw little light bubbles of Psi lifting off of my hands. I scanned each one, feeling a piece of the Zerg genes leaving with them. I kept going, pouring on the Psi energy and watching the taint of the Zerg pour off of me from every area from head to toe to tail. After awhile the burning sensation was replaced by a cool mist of energy, and all of the Zerg genes had gone into the air, evaporating above me. I stopped what I was doing and smiled a bit, noting that the buzzing affect of the Feedback technique was very minimal at best. Now I can safely say that I've split from the Zerg for good, back to what I was trying to do.

It only took an angry thought or two for the Feedback Wave to remind me it was still there. Having the Zerg genes gone was a great relief though, as I was concerned that they were going to grow back. I was almost totally sure they were completely gone, and just kept a cautious eye out for them. I continued my meditation to try to figure out this Feedback technique. It didn't seem to affect me when I was calm, only when angry. Powering up only affected its intensity; I had that figured out quickly. Clear and content thoughts didn't activate it, I wonder about good and happier thoughts. I refocused instead to my family and friends on earth, picturing a relatively good time being had. Vegeta was challenging Goku to any sort of contest, rather it be food, fighting or drinking. Videl was cornering Gohan while Mom and Chichi made fun of him. Trunks was egging on Goten to dump salt and pepper into the punch bowl. Krillin was minding his daughter, who was laughing at a beaten up Master Roshi who got a little too close to Eighteen. I smiled, that sounded like a typical reunion of the gang. I had kept channeling my Psi in a circle around me while thinking about the good times, losing myself into my imagination pretty easily. It wasn't till I opened my eyes again when I saw a white Psi ball around my wrist. It was like it was intangible and had gone through my arm partially. I snapped back to medium-content thoughts and heavy concentration, seeing it absorb itself into my arm again. I had it figured out very quickly though. Whoa, gives new meaning to the term think happy thoughts.

I focused again on good times at home, this time a simple sparing match between myself in Vegeta, one that never ended as neither of us was going all out. Grins placed themselves onto my mouth and onto Vegeta's, we both loved the draw of a good battle followed by a good meal. I kept my eyes open while I focused on this in the darkness. The white Psi ball glowed once again, and this time I moved my arm aside, seeing it float in the air instead. Using my Psi and keeping a general happy mood present, I pushed it away slowly with my energy. I watched until it safely floated towards the wall and bounced off of it a bit, stopping it there. I let the happy thoughts go back to a medium mood of concentration, seeing the Psi ball sit there and do nothing. Test time. I prepared to get severely shocked in case, and focused on my evil half laughing as he killed Fasha while I was forced to watch. Instant rage hit me, getting a slight power increase as a result. I kept it under control and kept it to simple growls and mental insults. The Psi ball simply floated there, doing nothing, and I felt nothing out of the ordinary. I felt its energy starting to drain, and it slowly faded away into the darkness. Well that's half the battle, now how to do it myself.

-

Getting rid of that nasty feedback attack relied on pure emotional thoughts, so I could understand what Zeratul had been saying all along. If used for good, my Psionic energy would only attack evil, and anyone good or innocent would be spared as long as I kept a that pure intent. Keeping that thought in mind, I focused back to Earth, this time on a memory with Gohan, Videl and the boys. It was the night after we had defeated the final Kid form of Majin Buu. For the most part the Earth's residents were very happy and thankful, and Mr. Satan had finally given the "golden fighters" some credit. Once I felt positive all over once again, I shivered a bit, it had been awhile since I was in a good mood. Keeping a smile on my face, I gathered some Psi into my hand, just a small amount. I brought it out, getting a surprising white color instead of blue this time. I released it into the room, keeping a strong hold on its position before I scanned it over a few times. It felt very positive in nature, much like I was when I formed it. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to test it out on something to make sure it worked. I switched back to angry mode by seeing Broly attacking my friends and Aldaris cackling as his soldiers killed Videl. I barely kept a hold of myself by the reminder that it is just an exercise. I growled as I pulled back on the Psi ball, letting it hit me full on while I was focused on trying to kill Aldaris. The shocking pain hit instantly and put me on the ground. I struggled with it for a moment before finally laughing happily, causing it to lift away.

"It works, it actually works!" I said aloud, raising my hands in triumph. I practiced the technique a few more times, but I had it down and it only got easier to do after the first try. Eventually I could keep a determined and neutral mood while using it with a small amount of positive thoughts involved. It worked the same way no matter how positive my emotions got. I also learned how to make it dissipate should I feel the need. First there was any sort of contact with lifeless matter, say a wall or the floor. It would vanish and fall apart once it hit, which made it very easy for me to dispose of. The other way cost me a bit more energy and was a difficult discovery. It fed on any sort of negative energy and generally wasn't affected by a medium-content influence. Therefore adding positive energy canceled out the effect. It was sort of odd that the same thing that created it would also make it vanish, but it did make sense…to an extent. Once the positive forces canceled each other out, I could feel the anti-evil force reform itself into pure energy once again and I could re-absorb it if I was quick enough. This was odd, but I did prove it successful by creating two feedback balls at a time and throwing them together. All it created was a pure ball of blue Psi like it had been originally. While the first way to get rid of it would be easiest, the latter required a little more effort and energy, but it would also not waste it as I could re-absorb it afterwards. I decided that I would only try to get it back if I had the time and needed that small amount of energy. That certainly wasn't going to be a luxury I would have time for in most battles. I walked out of the chamber with a big fat grin on my face, looking for some food, as I had gotten hungry again.

Interlude 42.1 –Overmind-

For the most part, all Zerg enter a long sleep cycle while traveling through space. Especially all of them that travel aboard the Super Hive when it is constructed. The Overmind itself and its Cerebrates usually enter a hibernation mode as well, but keep their senses active while in transit. A strong energy surge then struck the Overmind, one he could not sense from afar, but rather within his mind.

"What is it, Great Father?" Daggoth asked telepathically from his own chamber.

"It seems that young Verto has broken from the Swarm permanently. I have now lost track of him."

Daggoth was instantly confused, "I was to believe that he was already broken from your will because of the incident at Kerrigan's hive?"

"He did, his stronger spirit finally took back his body when he used his energy to overpower the other, the primary reason we left the planet in such a hurry. I did not need him joining forces with the Dark Templar before Broly was ready again, never mind my other creations. While it is true that he had very much reversed his infestation at the time and my link to him was cut, I could still sense some Zerg cells within him. He has now found a way to flush them out, perhaps with the help of the Protoss!" the Overmind sounded slightly displeased.

"No worries. Once we reach Auir and capture that fool Aldaris, you can create the perfect warrior between the races and nothing that Saiyan does will matter!" Daggoth said with confidence. He heard the slow breath as the Overmind sighed in uncertainty.

"Certainly you do not fear this child?" Daggoth asked, trying not to be too pushy.

"In his current state he is nothing to worry about. However if he were to master his powers even as he is now, he would be a greater threat than we perceived he could be. He knows how to surpass his own limitations in the blink of an eye, and I've never seen anything like that before. With any sort of time and training he could indeed be the warrior I feared he could be. Let us hope that all of the Protoss share that pride and code that forbids them to teach their ways to outsiders. The Dark Templar Zeratul knows of ancient techniques and channeling abilities that could vex the swarm terribly. If any of them are taught to young Verto, he could shatter our broods with minimal effort. The faster we capture Aldaris, the better!" the Overmind said, indeed sounding worried.

Daggoth's eye blinked in response, but ended the transmission. It was stressful enough for him to focus on what would indeed be a series of hard battles once they reached Auir. Having the Overmind in a worried and distressed state didn't bode well for any of them. The Overmind was right though, Daggoth had sensed some of the abilities of the Dark Templar when Verto fought them on Char. Even if Verto learned only one of their techniques, they were in trouble. Zeratul and his brethren understood the balance of power and also seemed to know how to properly channel their Psi energy. Mastery of Psi was about the only thing Verto needed to completely transcend himself. The Super Hive continued through space with all kinds of flying Zerg circling around it, all of them silent.

-

"You've mastered the Feedback technique already?" Zeratul exclaimed with wider glowing eyes than usual. I grinned slightly as he and Tassadar stood there, flabbergasted.

"Yeah, you want to see?" I asked.

"Not here young one, I am curious about your control. I can sense that you indeed did remove my own attack from yourself, so you certainly understand it. Executor, send Prince Vegeta to the chamber to meet us for a training exercise. I'm sure he would like to see this as well," Zeratul beamed slightly. Tassadar began to laugh slightly as he walked off.

"What's so funny?" I asked as I followed Zeratul back to the chamber.

The much taller Templar turned back, "Nothing, its just Tassadar isn't too fond of Vegeta's attitude. He has not the true patience it takes to deal with the Saiyan prince, you understand don't you?"

"I live with him, what do you think? It's not that bad if you can see past his language and emotional barrier. He doesn't always mean what he says. The others and myself like to call it Vegetese," I explained briefly.

"Either way, I myself have had enough of him for the few days I have known him. Your other friends are respectful to everyone, but his constant argument and confrontation with the universe is quite agitating," Zeratul said with slight disgust.

"I just tune it out when he gets into a rampage and it doesn't involve me," I said with a chuckle.

"A sound plan," Zeratul laughed. We arrived at the chamber and waited inside for a few minutes in silence. The prince himself arrived about ten minutes later, looking angry.

"I interrupted a fight with Kakarot for this, so you had better hurry up! What is it that you two needed to show me? I'll take you both on!" Vegeta declared, shooting up to Super Saiyan two in a heartbeat. Oh he's pissed off, perfect!

Zeratul raised his hand in peace, "No only fight the boy, I am only here to make sure nothing goes wrong!"

Vegeta grinned evilly as he started my way, "No fancy tricks boy! If I can't have my fight with Kakarot, then you're the next best thing. Bring it on!" He dropped into a fighting stance as I gathered some Psi into one hand and focused my mind into the clear and slightly positive. That wasn't hard, I was in a great mood as it was, and the look on Vegeta's face was about to be a Kodak moment.

"Come on boy, power up! Otherwise I'm going to beat your skull in as you are!" Vegeta threatened.

"There is no need for him to use his full power young prince, he can defeat you without it!" Zeratul said in complete confidence, watching me the whole time.

"Ha, we'll see about that!" Vegeta said, charging at me quickly. I quickly completed the attack and fired, jumping out of the way as Vegeta came by. He avoided the blast at first, going straight for me, but had to stop himself to turn around. He would have phased out and went right after me if he thought I was being serious, thankfully he didn't. I managed to stop my Psi ball before it hit the wall, holding it up with a single hand.

"Well boy, are you going to try to hit me with that pathetic excuse for an attack or not?" he said, crossing his arms.

"Happy to oblige, Feedback!" I shouted, flooding it with more energy and sending it surging backwards at him. He didn't move, and only held up one hand to bat it away. It struck and fused into his arm, just like I had hoped. He laughed a bit at first, until his aura shrunk and turned white as it surrounded him. The white energy lightning began, causing him to groan and grunt as the attack did its work. When he tried to power out, it only ripped him up with pain even more.

"Okay, Verto, that is enough!" Zeratul said, signaling me to stop the attack. I flew over to Vegeta and ignited my Psi sword, pulling the attack out of Vegeta's body and absorbing it into the sword and turning it white for a moment. I swung the sword to the side and released the small amount of energy, sending it harmlessly into the wall. Vegeta stopped squirming in pain once he realized that the effect was gone, jumping up to his feet and staring at himself in surprise. I deactivated the sword and stepped back, getting my own amusement out of the prince. He looked at me as if he was going to rip out my heart, but instead he powered back down to normal.

"Now that is the kind of ability I have been expecting out of you. Impressive attack for not being at full power! Something like that is excellent against a stronger foe. Is there any possible way for myself to learn it? I've been itching to show Kakarot something new!" Vegeta said.

"Only a pure being with true Psionic potential could even attempt it. Gohan is pure enough and has enough potential to handle it, however his abilities are best used the way they are now, as a power amplifier. Verto will be the only one to serve the side of Justice with the abilities that I teach him! A Super Saiyan like you however could not handle the extreme concentration and purity to perform such a technique. It would be, too advanced and difficult for one such as yourself!" Zeratul said, a direct slap to Vegeta's face if I had ever heard one. He chuckled at the Dark Templar slightly, not losing his cool by surprise.

"That may be true, but the boy will surpass you very quickly once his training is complete!"

Zeratul only shrugged, "That is the way of things then. That is all I have to teach you today young one, I am very impressed with your progress. I want you to meditate in the same way you must have used to master the Feedback technique. Let your Psionic power flow around you for several hours a day. After about a week of this I want you to constantly keep it flowing, even at rest and mealtime," he explained.

"Gotcha," I nodded.

"Until then boy, you need a real workout! Come outside with me and we will fight as Saiyans do!" Vegeta said with a clinched fist.

"Not necessary or advisable. Verto is to learn his Psionic power effectively and does not need to be engaging in any possibly injuring contests!" Zeratul said as he shook his head.

"Nonsense! The boy and I are nearly equal when at maximum power, it is the best way for him to master his powers, and it will make him stronger as well!" Vegeta argued.

"Perhaps his complete power will be mastered, but for the best effect, both energies should be mastered before he undergoes that kind of training. What is the point in trying to master the combination of two forces without mastering both by themselves? Trust in my knowledge young prince, it will prove itself better in the coming battles against the Zerg!" Zeratul explained.

Vegeta grunted with a slight nod of disappointment, "We will see about that old man. The Zerg are not that hard to defeat once engaged a few times!"

"Depends on the type of battle you are having. I don't anticipate a typical battle between Zerg and Protoss once we get to Auir," he said slowly, heading for the exit.

"What do you expect then?" I asked.

"It's true that the Zerg minions themselves are no match against you Saiyans now that you are used to fighting them. You and young Gohan will annihilate most of them very easily. I'm expecting something you two are more accustomed to, a battle involving you Saiyans, on both sides!" he said, opening the door.

"You mean fighting that Broly clone?" I asked again.

Zeratul stopped, "Broly, and perhaps more!" Vegeta and I stood there with slight shock as the door hissed shut.

Next time on DBV: Raynor arrives with his ship fixed up and everyone prepares to leave Char. Verto visits Kerrigan one last time and receives a warning about what the future may hold when facing the Overmind.