The Kakarrotto Saga
Chapter 9: The Final Battle begins! Kakarrotto is free!
By claudius
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I do not own the copyright to DRAGON BALL, THE NEW MUTANTS, or TENCHI MUYO.
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Dani (Mirage), Sam (Cannonball), Roberto (Sunspot), Rahne (Wolfsbane), Shan (Karma), Illyana (Magik), Amara (Magma), Doug (Cypher), Tenchi (Light-Ken), Betsy (Psylocke)
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The sight of Kakarrotto was something to behold from Sam and Amara. His presence cast a resemblance in their memories. The past encounter with the Beyonder was not forgotten, especially that battle's grim aftermath. The Saiya-jin's freedom, and the powerful impression he emitted, did not bring doubt to the similarities. But the two mutants presented no fear of repeating death, although their inner selves were drowned with intimidation. Kakarrotto gave them little reason to run and hide. He had a hostage. The intruder who attacked them and freed the prisoner was now a victim himself, hanging helplessly by the neck due to Kakarrotto's strong grip. The fact that this person was responsible for bringing danger made no difference to Sam. He could not let the guy die, a sentiment shared by the sentient 'sling' that quivered and spoke over his bad arm.
Talking slings did not interest Amara at the moment. Her every attention was set on Kakarrotto, as well as her emotions. For one of the most aggressive combatants of the New Mutants, Amara's violent projection for this opponent was surprisingly half-hearted. This man was their enemy…but he dazzled her with his form, his strength, and the essence of nobility and divinity that surrounded him. Kakarrotto was not a god, but he could be mistaken for one. He caused weakness to inflict the girl's strong resolve. It prompted some quick commitment. Standing like a wide-eyed dolt was not for the daughter of the first senator of Nova Roma. Kakarrotto was the threat. Magma had to close her heart for that truth. She certainly gave effort, as her body became even more intense with white heat.
Sam squirmed, and it was not just in reaction to the pungent scent his teammate was releasing. The 'sling' around his sprained arm continued shaking, giving him some quick moments of sharp pain. Such reflexes also did no good to his pride. Now he was embarrassing himself in front of Amara. It was a good thing nobody else was here watching.
Not that aid was unnecessary. If the Saiya-jin's expression gave any idea, Sam knew that there was going to be trouble. Kakarrotto's face defined rage. Every part of his expression tried restraint, but it was a failure thanks to his emotional state. He stood as still as a statue, but the animal sounds he made implied that it was a strain for the Saiya-jin not to explode. Sam could see that the victim in his grasp was in a very bad way.
It was unfortunate that the hostage lacked the two Mutants' experience in this matter. "Goku, what're you doing!" Yamucha choked his words, his neck tightly immobilized by the strong grip.
"My name is Kakarrotto," hushed the Saiya-jin.
Yamucha paused his struggling, his mind understanding what Goku had now called himself. That was the name he called Goku, that girlfriend-fucking Saiya-jin. His Saiya-jin name. Yamucha's face grew troubled and fearful. The meaning of why Goku was renaming himself was too monumental for acceptance. The comparisons were impossible. Goku could not be like Vejita!
"Not…true!" Yamucha gurgled, his breaths getting slower thanks to the tight grip around his neck. He tried throwing his legs backwards, hoping to kick something. This only made Kakarrotto extend his arm, making the bandit dangle more like a doll much to his greater discomfort.
Such torture made Sam impatient in remaining passive any longer. But a workable plan was missing in his mind. Blasting at Carrot Guy would get him swatted aside. Magma might prove problematic as well. The circle of flame from her steps was beginning to grow. It was evident that a battle would be unleashed that would not only destroy this house, but every sleeping body in it (even though, save for Magneto, Piccolo, and Luna, everyone else was dragged into Gohan's room). With that outcome in his thoughts, symbolized by the face of Luna, Sam had to do something. So he retreated. At that moment, Kakarrotto coldly released the bandit. The release was not soft, nor the direction downward. Yamucha was flung to the left wall. A web of cracks surrounding him.
"Lord Yamucha!" screamed Pu'al. Such devotion led to an attempt at rescue, much to Sam's pain. The sling that the cat had morphed into was now gone from his bad arm, bringing quite a reaction for the poor teenager. He hoped no one took notice. Magma, her view completely on the threat, could feel the vibrations of her teammate's backward steps. She kept her grim face, refusing to believe anything ill of her comrade's hesitance.
Pu'al resumed her cat form to best act for her beloved friend, who had now slid to the floor. She clutched his arm, shaking it in hopes of getting a positive reaction. The bandit had Pu'al's attention, as he always did. Not for the boy and girl from behind. Nor for the former friend who was frowning over them.
Kakarrotto was not smiling over his emancipation. For the moment, happiness was a past memory. Fresh in his memories was that old man who wielded metal. His pride had received a great wound engineered by that mutant, or whatever that Mack-neto called himself. How dare that old man restrain his superior! The Saiya-jin's experience of defeat was as humiliating as it was scary. He felt helplessness. That old man was going to pay for giving him that.
His anger was terrible, and much was done to cause it. But the Saiya-jin could only remember the experiences of the physical world. His conscious mind was unable to recall the events that occurred within his own psychic realm. However, the wounds he received from both worlds were present. The injury that Dani Moonstar had inflicted upon his beliefs was deep enough to feel, if not to acknowledge.
His rage needed a victim. He heard a baby's annoying cry, but the child did not attract his revenge. His target had to be older. He grabbed his Nyoi-Bo, hovering it over Yamucha. The man was his first real opponent. Unfortunately, this earthling's strength had reached its limits long ago, while his own had been reached recently. The bandit would prove to be a fitting release for his rage.
Suddenly, Kakarrotto heard a loud noise coming in the background. Through a window he saw the departure of a boy rocketing away. Despite the distance, Kakarrotto's keen eyes could note what the boy was departing with.
"You will have to wait!" Kakarrotto spoke to Yamucha. He raised his hand to his head.
"Not so!" cried Magma. She threw her arms forward, her hands releasing a burst of plasma at the warrior.
Kakarrotto vanished from the molten onslaught. Pu'al became a fire blanket to snuff out the damage.
A relief entered Magma's heart, but she knew it was temporary. She would face Kakarrotto again. At least the pause gave her time to reflect. She saw the Dragon Balls were now missing. This helped her realize Sam's true intentions, and her own mistakes. The battle could not be here while her friends, teacher, and hostess were present, prone to the deadly consequences. At least she was sure of that.
Sprawled to the floor, Yamucha's fight to be awake was sounded with groans. At least his stable condition brought a smile to his feline friend.
"You two stay here," was Magma's words to them as she left the room. The disoriented Yamucha did not hear the young woman's orders, devoting his attention to recovery. However, he was sensitive to the great vibrations in the room. "What's…happening?" he made his first decipherable words. Ceiling plaster was falling. Furniture began tipping over, with a cradle being the next victim. Fortunately, Pu'al turned into a balloon that pulled Luna's bed away from the vibrations.
Outside, the rumble was worse, all based on the cranium flexing of one person's mind. Cracks erupted from the ground, growing in width and level. This created a separation, continuing until no connection remained between the ground that surrounded the house and the ground of the island. A new island was now formed, one that began to depart from its homeland.
Its creator saw it leave. The molten rock beneath her began to move, taking her to the destination she had to meet.
==
Cannonball's motives and actions were not a coward's. The bowl of Dragon Balls he held, and the lack of stealth in his getaway, proves that intention. His direction to the mountain instead of the sea showed no point of escape. His act would be a sacrifice to help Amara and the others.
Suddenly, the space before him became a solid figure. Kakarrotto quickly grabbed Cannonball by the bad arm. The surprise ended his flight, exposing Sam to the pain again. Biting his lip, Sam pressed his legs on the warrior's stomach. Their explosion was akin to a rocket lifting from the platform. The Saiya-jin 'platform' was pushed back like a rag doll.
But the imbalance unnerved the bowl in Cannonball's arms. One or two of the balls rolled free from the container. Shock and relief came together in the rocketeer's thoughts as he saw those orbs reach the bottom. Relief ended when he saw Kakarrotto teleport from below, capturing the fallen items in quick fashion. Shock increased when Cannonball saw Kakarrotto looking up at him.
Great interruptions of both sound and fury now surrounded the rocketeer. It was like the hunts he and his father performed, only Cannonball was the prey now. The hunter was smugly playing a game he was sure of winning. Cannonball was beginning to wonder if the Saiya-jin was right. All those blasts were coming really close.
Cannonball witnessed one blast explode at his face. He was ready for that. What he wasn't guarded for was the Saiya-jin appearance from above. He felt a great force ram his back. It did nothing to the boy's spine, but the full surprise shattered his concentration. The ignition that engulfed his legs vanished instantly. His altitude wavered, dropping drastically. The bowl was now emptied of its possessions, but Sam lost interest in that. He was trying hard to keep himself up, fighting his fears for the sake of survival.
But rescue came, even though it came from Kakarrotto. Sam felt one strong arm pin his own arms to his torso, while another strong limb secured his knees. These restraining arms flexed for greater security. It pressured Sam's bad arm to reach new levels of pain. Sam squeezed his face in attempted restraint. He lashed out by igniting his powers. His legs freed themselves in a rush of smoke. But he moved nowhere. Kakarrotto enforced Sam's captivity by bear-hugging the lad with both of his arms. The Saiya-jin's feet dug into the ground, keeping the youth and himself immobile by his own strength. Cannonball struggled against his captivity. He lunged his head like a ping-pong ball. "Leggo o' me!" he shouted. "Why ya doin' this?"
"To defeat you," Kakarrotto spoke in force, doing everything to refuse the boy's escape.
Dizziness made Sam's words become more disconnected. "But…don'tcha see…Y're…hurtin' everybody?"
Kakarrotto gave a cold reply. "I don't care." He increased the pressure. Sam's agony increased, depleting his concentration. The air departed from him, he fell unconscious. Once the boy's spindly legs dropped to the ground, Kakarrotto now saw that his captive was no longer a problem. He also noticed that death had not come to him. If this was sympathy, the Saiya-jin refused to admit it. The boy's clothing gave him irritation. It had become a symbol of challenge. For three occasions (or was that four, the Saiya-jin wondered), those who wore these yellow and black costumes had tried to best him with their interesting powers. Their leader, that Mack-neto, said he was a mutant. Did that same term apply for these kids as well? In that case, what was a mutant? An alien or an earthling? Could he learn their powers?
Enough with this futile thinking! The Saiya-jin reinforced himself to the greater priority. These mutants were intolerable. Even though they had failed to best him, their constant persistence bothered him nevertheless. Such animosity motivated Kakarrotto to glare upon his quarry. The boy was in his embrace, easy enough to crush with one flex from his muscles. But those glaring eyes also noted that this was no man he was holding. Despite the whiskers on his cheeks, this was clearly a boy.
Breathing a growl of resentment, the Saiya-jin laid the unconscious boy to the ground. Kakarrotto aimed a finger right near the boy. A crater was formed. Then another and another, none of which touched the target. After that, he beat his fists together, roaring with displeasure. His frustrations were complex and confused, dealing with his wounded pride and his inability to heal it. Why was he being so hesitant? He must kill this boy. That is what Saiya-jins did. Should not he, the most powerful of the race, prove those ideals one better?
But Kakarrotto could find no answer to his hesitance. As usual, he chose delaying the inevitable. The killing would only come when he received immortality from the Dragon Balls. Only then could he deal with them all. But that quest was easier said than done. The radar had been destroyed in his previous battle. Oh well, at least he had most of the Dragon Balls, tucked inside his chest plate.
Contemplating his next move, Kakarrotto could not help looking at the band around his left wrist. A bubble bulged out from within this band. Despite his caution, the need for these Senzu seeds had become less. His opponents needed these more than he did.
Suddenly, Kakarrotto's senses switched from sight to touch. He felt hot all of a sudden, the temperature rubbing upon his skin, his hair being lined with sweat. The ground his feet stood upon felt new vibrations. The heat grew more immense, forcing stones and rocks to change their shape. The Saiya-jin made a psychic flex, locating the large Ki that was approaching him. He turned to the direction. There was a large tower of lava rising from the ground. On it was that fire girl.
No softness could be seen on Magma's bright face. The glare of her pupil-less eyes and the cruel shape of her mouth showed that she was in a terrible mood. The earth around her suffered for this pique. It amplified when those blank irises spotted her comrade in a lifeless position.
The proud stance of Magma was already unsteady, and the sight of Sam made her struggle for balance. She would never love Sam in the way he desired, but he was still a trusted friend. That was more than enough to justify her shock and rage. She pressured her connection with the ground, directing its links upon the area where Sam lay. Magma felt vibrations, vibrations coming from her fallen teammate's heart.
The fiery maiden's lips formed a relieved smile. If only the rest of this battle gave such contentment. Kakarrotto's eyes were upon her. The warrior looked so calm, expecting anything but defeat. Magma began to wonder if she could win this battle. That part also doubted if she wanted to win. The final conclusion that could only come with her victory caused steam to pour from her eyes. She closed them as strongly as she clenched her fists. She will stop Kakarrotto.
Magma's rage did not make accidents. The cool rock under Sam was immediately surrounded by hot lava. Suddenly, the magma raised this patch of rock higher, cooling to become a tower with Sam lying on top. As lava flowed and heat soared to greater temperatures, Sam's tower was the only spot that did not fall victim to Magma's tempestuous nature.
"Fool!" Magma gave her warning to Kakarrotto. "Prepare yourself!"
But before all this volcanic might, Kakarrotto remained cool. "Quite a girl you are," he commented. "Worthy of a Saiya-jin." His race was not the only example of comparison in his mind. The fiery girl also reminded him of…
Instantly, Kakarrotto reversed that lapse of stupidity. He would not think of that bitch.
Meanwhile, his flattery made effects on Magma. Her reaction, combined with her misgivings, led to an eruption of lava to rise from under Kakarrotto. The swiftness of his avoidance did not spare him from a few drops of hot liquid. Overall, the damage was cosmetic.
He quickly vanished before another eruption was made. But his return to the ground was all Magma needed to know his location. In a moment that took hard decision, Magma created a new eruption that fully engulfed the Saiya-jin. She did so without the consent of her sight. She finally looked upon the new pillar of plasma, feeling the burden of her decision. There was no choice.
Committing this regretful act, Magma tightened her stomach to face the consequence of her actions. She marched toward the pillar of lava and flame. "Proud one! Smug no longer?" her declaration was more of a scream. Her stoic behavior was broken by guilt. It made little difference to her surroundings, which hardly resembled their original state. Magma did her best to hide her remorse, shouting proud words at the pillar that was probably destroying Kakarrotto. "You cannot win against me. I am a daughter of Rome! Rome! My people conquered the world!"
A long, unscathed arm came out of the pillar, silencing Magma by the throat.
A face surfaced from the flames. "A small feat for Rome. My people conquered the Universe!" To Magma's dazzled eyes, Kakarrotto looked even more majestic. His head shined golden like the sun. Apollo himself would feel envy.
The arm rose, lifting Magma with it, alienating her from the earth. Groaning at her reversal of fortune, Magma's body burned brighter. Normal hands that touched her would have become cinders. But this act not only failed to affect her assailant, it spent what was left of her powers.
Angry, confused, fearful, Amara prayed for the gods to help her fight for life or aid in her acceptance of death. But then came a troubling thought. What if Jove decided to let this happen? For this young woman, already feeling her life's end, it appeared a worse fate was now set for her.
===
Inside a prison of the mind, Dani Moonstar was lost in her own mind. All she did now was to recount the plan that brought her and friends here. It seemed like a good idea at the time. She had gathered enough evidence to believe that Carrot Guy was some sort of split personality. One side was the nasty Saiya-jin warrior with an obsession with perfection, the other being a good guy named Goku. Mental anguish seemed the key for change. If Carrot Guy was confronted with the fact that his life was a lie, that he was a merciful person despite his warrior code and that he loved his son despite his allegiance to racial purity, the psychological shock might cause a personality change.
But there seemed to have been omens that proved this plan was faulty, and Dani ignored every one of them. Having her own astral self, as well as Rahne, Shan, Roberto, Betsy and Gohan dragged into Carrot Guy's brain would have been a very good sign that the plan had some goofs in it. However, it was not until the aftermath of her second face off with Carrot Guy that Dani saw the failure of her plan. She did not realize the degree of Carrot Guy's denial. Magneto made this fact clear to her in explanation (though Dani felt it the equivalent of thumb screws). Sometimes a person would go to great lengths to prove he is right. Not even the doubt in his beliefs could affect that role. The truth would not stop Carrot Guy. In fact, the wound to his beliefs might cause him to strengthen his support for them. He would try to overcompensate until it was too late. To Dani, that too late could mean one thing: Carrot Guy might kill somebody. Now that he was free, it appeared Sam and Amara would be his first victims.
Magneto wasn't the only one throwing salt into the wound. Piccolo swung a few himself. In his words, gaining the Dragon Balls and the fulfillment of his wish may force Kakarrotto to a level where he would no longer care in the morality of his actions. Gods do not obey the laws of mortal's, the Namekian attested with experience.
Failure and guilt created a barrier inside Dani's mind. Any chance of a plan B coming from her mind was now gone. Her guilt brought her thoughts into shambles. It was all her fault. She was too proud to accept her flaws, hiding them as she lead the team into greater danger. Now everyone she cared about was going to pay big time for her failure. She could not suppress the cost of her limitations anymore. It was all too overwhelming.
And Roberto, Gohan, and Shan could do nothing to break her depression. "Chief, we need your help!" cried the Brazilian. But Dani just lowered her head further, burying her face.
This behavior gave the younger members of the party a good reason to worry. And Gohan was the main victim. If his father was now free, the boy realized, then he was going to do a lot of terrible things. Gohan thought about his mother, Kuririn, Tenchi, and Magneto's granddaughter. They were going to be harmed by his father. Gohan had thought he had seen enough evidence of Kakarrotto's actions. But each new experience brought a new feeling of shock. Discipline had proved impossible for him to accept the truth without trouble. When was he going to accept that his father was evil? Would it be until someone got killed?
Shan saw that Dani was no longer in a state for help. Since Betsy was presently out of it, she had to get it from someone else. The fact that Roberto would rather die than perform such a method left Shan the responsibility to do the job instead. She walked over to Magneto. "Les Profuesseur, how shall we escape?"
Magneto had answers, if not good ones. "Escaping this prison might not be our only problem. Now that Psylocke is unconscious, the reunion with your physical bodies may be more difficult. We need Wolfsbane, since her mindlink to her body is stronger."
"That's until we are free of this prison," frowned Roberto.
Magneto sighed, but gave little despair. "And we will be. This prison is formidable, but with Kakarrotto's full support, it would be impossible to break out. However, his attention is elsewhere. If we act now, we can escape."
'With what?" asked Shan.
Magneto failed to answer. He had a hard task to commit as well. He turned to the green warrior. "Piccolo," he asked with a tone of reluctance. The Namekian's body stood unmoved, but his eyes peered to Magneto, showing that he was not in total ignorance to his call. "I understand your willingness in cooperation with me is next to impossible," the headmaster continued. "Your thoughts of me are probably no less flattering than my thoughts of you. However…" he slowed in speech, showing everyone his difficulty in performing such an idea. "I wish…I need…your help in this matter."
"And what is that?" Piccolo was on guard to the kind of assistance.
"At present, you and I possess the strongest minds here. Though your telepathic abilities are less honed, they are no less potent as force. A combination of our talents may be able to break this prison for us to escape."
Piccolo looked away. He did not think of Gohan to decide his answer. "Very well."
===
Outside the prison, but in the same psychic landscape, Wolfsbane searched for her friends. Concern for their safety took front place in her heart, but the wolf-girl's mind was interested in another thing. Her experiences within the nexus of Kakarrotto's brain gave fruit to some theories. Probably bad ones, since she was not the intellectual equal of any of her teammates. But these were ideas that intrigued her if no one else.
The chief foundation of this theory was the possibility that Carrot Guy's mind was linked with Goku's mind, not separate as Dani believed. An imaginative storyteller, Wolfsbane found it easy to understand the situation. Consider that Carrot Guy's personality had never been in control of his body for many years, a fact that both Gohan and Kuririn support. But when Carrot Guy took control, he needed information about Goku's abilities and powers that he had never witnessed himself. How would Carrot Guy fill those gaps? Probably by linking his mind with Goku's, much in the same way Wolfsbane shared her own thoughts with Dani. Thus Carrot Guy was able to experience and know what Goku experienced and knew. However, suppose the result of this link went beyond mere information? Could emotions have also been shared between the two personalities? Feelings like love and compassion, emotions that went against the Saiya-jin's beliefs? If Goku possessed these feelings, then it was possible that Carrot Guy had them as well, no matter how much he wished to deny it. Accepting compassion and love would mean his life as a merciless and cold warrior was a lie. Thus appeared the key; if Carrot Guy accepted compassion, he would be defeated.
But how to make those emotions resurface, that part was a blank for Wolfsbane's theory. Dani would have to think of something. If only she could find her. Unfortunately, the wolf-girl saw that this world lacked the distinctive scents of her friends. The animal moved swiftly, only pausing to sniff the ground upon her, checking if the scent meant something or nothing. It was always the latter. The only thing her abilities did locate was the complete lack of danger. There was no threat to halt her search. For reasons, Wolfsbane considered two: either Carrot Guy did not know of her presence, or he did, keeping an eye upon her like some god. The idea made her fur rise.
===
Warlock was now a sailboat with rockets, speeding Tenchi, Illyana, Kuririn, and Doug through the sea. The voyage had been a silent one, voices quieted by fears, remorse, and worry brought on by the past. Not helping things was their destination, and what truth they might discover there. It was known that they were returning for the island that the Son house was now presently situated. But would they be reunited with everyone? That televised image of Magneto fighting Kakarrotto had cast a burden to this party. To alleviate this worry, the gang managed to ignore the problem by searching for the Dragon Balls, all the while being detained by incidents that could not be ignored. But now their collection of the magical orbs was complete. The end of their goal meant concentration on the future. They had to face the possibility of what kind of aftermath that confrontation entailed. Of course, it was not based so much on any affection to Magneto, even if they cared about him. The possibility of how this fight might mean to Sam and Amara, who were with Magneto, measured more inside the minds of this group of New Mutants. They did their best to hope for a reunion.
At any rate, some measures had to be taken. This party knew that their collection of Dragon Balls had to be hidden. This was resolved through Warlock. The techno-organic alien allowed a small compartment from him/itself to house the orbs, masking their electronic frequency from any outside detection.
It wasn't a moment too soon, for Kuririn made another one of what Doug named 'party-pooping speeches.' With an uneasy face, the monk mentioned the detection of Goku's Ki.
"So Mister Radar," said Illyana. "Where is he?"
The monk turned in a half-circle, locating the direction where the Ki was most intense. Sure enough, the direction he came toward revealed a small red spot in the black area before them. The gang lined up at the best place for perspective.
"What's happening?" asked Tenchi.
"I don't know," Doug tried to get a clearer view. "But it looks like a…" he slowed his words, knowing the meaning, "a volcano."
The four New Mutant faces (Warlock's head sprouted from the ship) intersected each other in understanding.
"Magma's on the warpath!" Illyana presumed.
"And we know who it is with!" Doug grew tense all of a sudden. "More rockets, Locke!"
"No, we got to move silently!" Kuririn urged his caution.
"Forget it, shorty," Doug showed his opposition to this advice. "Betsy…I mean our friends could be in danger!" His behavior showed his intention of having no refusal. It definitely ended Kuririn's tolerance for these kids' attitude. "Listen, you li'l…"
"We can take both your advice," Tenchi got between the two. "Warlock, can we move faster without so much noise?"
At that the rockets shrunk into the warlockian ship. A long mast grew like a tree upon the middle of the bow, expanding into a group of sails. This gave the compromise Tenchi needed. But the increased push caused Illyana to back into him. They made a connection, but Tenchi's subsequent shrug made it temporary. Illyana allowed the wind to blow her hair upon her face, better to hide her expressions.
Now a little farther, Warlock's own detective abilities located something. "SENSORS- indicate- INDEPENDENT- landmass."
Between the glow that signified Magma's whereabouts, and the small lights from the Warlockian vessel, there was a barrier of darkness. But soon a small light appeared in that darkness.
"SENSORS- indicates- RESIDENCE," said Warlock. "HOUSE- recognized- AS- gohanfriend's."
"In the middle of the ocean?" asked Kuririn with a degree of disbelief. He concentrated upon the anomaly. Surprise broke his suspicious face. "Yamucha?!"
"Who?" asked Tenchi.
Doug interrupted any chance for explanation. "Someone's gotta check on Betsy…and Mrs. Son."
"But what about Magma?" said Illyana.
"Okay, okay," Doug hastily made a compromise of his own. He pointed to Kuririn. "You and Tenchi head for the island. Illyana and me will stop here."
"Good plan," Illyana slurred her sarcasm. At least Kuririn agreed. "But we'll still need Warlock to get us closer without Goku's knowledge."
"Fine!" Doug agreed to any terms as long as it meant he could see Betsy. "Locke," he spoke to the mast, which carried his friend's features. "After you drop off Illyana and me, you send Tenchi to the shore and come back."
"COMPLIED," said the mast face.
Quickly, the Warlockian ship began a crossed link with the small isle. As Illyana was about to get on, Tenchi opened his mouth, but he paused. This hesitance did not escape the eyes of Kuririn or Doug. The latter couldn't help but feel sorry for Illyana. Tenchi was acting like a real prick, even if he had a good reason for it. Letting that problem fly, Doug and Illyana stepped aboard the ground of the small isle. Opening the house door revealed the house was in worse shape than when they left it. That gave some wariness to the arrivals. "Warn me when Gohan's mom comes," Doug asked Illyana, who made an equally selfish reply. "Sorry. I'll be gone before that." This trivial issue was cast aside once they spotted Magneto and Piccolo sitting in the background. A sigh of relief was made. The fears of that televised battle were finally put to rest.
However, Magneto's trance-like state gave them new questions. Questions that had to wait due to voices coming behind a closed door. "Betsy?" Doug spoke for a possible recognition, quickly opening the door to the other room. He and Illyana saw a stranger dressed like Kuririn, though he was taller (and yummier, thought Illyana). He also appeared to have trouble standing, using Gohan's bed as a support. Coming in front of the two Mutants' view was a flying cat holding Luna, fretting much about the child's welfare. The tired man confronted the two with his scar-lined face. "There's more of you?"
"Who the hell are you?" asked Illyana. Doug would have spoken also, but his glance was caught at the other inhabitants of this room, all lying around as if it was a siesta or worse. He felt himself turn to ice when he spotted Betsy. The boy ran to the woman's unmoving form, supporting her with his arms. "Betsy, wake up!"
"Cool it Romeo," Illyana grabbed the boy's two shoulders, almost pinching them to get his attention. "Don'tcha remember your trip in Legion?"
Doug's recollection caused thought to dominate his emotions. "You…you're right," his words showed a descent to calmness. "They lost their brains."
"Scuse me," the man demanded. "Can any of you kids tell me what happened to Gohan? He won't wake up?"
"First tell us why you're here!" Illyana demanded answers as well, throwing her eyes at the target, at full power.
"My name's Yamucha an' that's P'aul." He pointed to the cat. "We came here t' rescue our friend Goku, who was bein' held prisoner."
Doug and Illyana were amused by the attachment of Goku and prisoner. Guess the gang managed to do something to hold Carrot Guy, or else Kuririn was making too much of a big deal about his friend's powers. Either way worked for them. "An' I take it you freed him?" Illyana demanded an answer. Yamucha did not like the way the girl was looking at him, demanding a correct answer or else. He nodded.
Boy and girl groaned. "Thanks, dickless," answered Illyana.
"I'm what?" Yamucha reacted to that insult. He knew a lot of women who thought differently. But his enraged reaction was calmed when he saw something stretching through a window. The kids didn't seem to mind. "That was fast," said Doug.
"TENCHIFRIEND- and- KURIRINFRIEND- decided- WATER- floatation- ADVANCEMENT- to- LANDMASS." Warlock explained while making studies on the man and cat, his/its eyes stretching like telescopes. The subjects were filled with astonishment. "You know this robot?" cried Yamucha.
"Of course, dickless!" cried Illyana.
"And Locke ain't a robot!" snapped Doug with perfection. "But that's not important right now. Here's the cliff notes version for what's happening, Yamucha. You know Goku? Well he's a bad guy now." Yamucha and Pu'al were affected by the boy's words, enhanced by pantomime and transformations from the creature. Its representation of Goku included red eyes and fangs.
"We, the New Mutants," continued Doug, while he and Illyana received the attention of arrows by Warlock (including one at him/itself), "are trying to stop him from getting the Dragon Balls."
"Got it, dickless?" Illyana continued her gaze on Yamucha, which was really bothering him.
"I think," he replied in remorse. Boy, did he make a mistake!
"Good," said Doug. "Now if you don't mind, we're gonna help our friends take him out. You stay here and hold the fort."
"No way," Yamucha made a great stance. "I'm gonna help!"
Once again fell victim to Illyana's disapproving eyes. "You stay," the girl made her command clear. Her gaze to Yamucha reached an unsettling degree. It was the fiendish stares of Piccolo, Vejita, Nappa, Chichi, and Buruma all put together, sapping the beholder of courage. Yamucha decided to obey the girl's wishes.
===
Discretion forced Kuririn and Tenchi to swim to the shore, than run up the hill. Kuririn thought flight would require an intense use of Ki, exposing them to Goku. It was best to travel by hand and foot. Still, the monk wished his Gi had insulation like Tenchi's uniform.
By now the red spot that up the mountain was flickering, as was Kuririn's contact with Kakarrotto. The monk kept himself silent on its meaning. Right after they left Doug and Illyana, the monk felt a large Ki from Goku. A Super Saiya-jin level Ki. But that was impossible, Kuririn enforced the idea as a mistake. He had to get his mind off it.
"So Tenchi," he asked the boy running at his side. "Doug likes Betsy, right?"
"Eh, yes." Tenchi replied with some anxiety.
"But isn't he a little too young for her?"
"Well…" Tenchi couldn't continue. He was comparing Doug's situation with a similar one. One that concerned a certain 700 year-old demon.
"Oops! Sorry about that," Kuririn realized the nerve he attacked. "I know about your troubles. Still, you should try to talk things through with Illyana."
This time Tenchi didn't reply at all.
"I know what you might be thinking. I feel the same way, but she appears to be sorry about it."
Tenchi only groaned. Whether it was because of fatigue in running or about Kuririn's advice was unknown to the monk.
"Mebbe I could be wrong about it, but I hope..."
"I know," Tenchi made his words by interruption, but in a calculating manner. "You think if Illyana can be alright, then Goku might be."
"Yes," admitted Kuririn.
"Carrot…I mean, Goku, must've been a great friend to you once. At least you're still one to him now."
Kuririn smiled, before he realized the boy had changed the subject. But a reverse was too late, for the two now crossed a heated part of the mountain. Kuririn noted the areas of dark ash and heated stone. It was a good thing he didn't have a nose. "Looks like Goku's been around."
Tenchi felt differently. "I'd say it was more like Amara."
Kuririn took a second look at the carnage with this new information. These mutant girls had real power. He then thought of Buruma or Chichi possessing such abilities. Sweat came down his temple. Suddenly, the threat of Goku, the future of the Androids, and Illyana failed to match the horror of that single thought.
Moving their sights to every direction, the two spotted a nearby rock tower. From their low position, they saw a hand sticking out from the top. "So much for discretion," decided Kuririn. He leapt to the top of the pillar. Tenchi watched with agitation to the identity of the New Mutant. When Kuririn returned, revelation gave no relief. It was Sam. The boy sat and embraced the unconscious deputy leader, grabbing his wrist for pulse readings. They appeared.
Kuririn didn't need any physical contact to know Sam's condition. "I can feel his Ki. He's alright."
Tenchi lifted his first male New Mutant friend over his shoulder. He didn't want to think of Sam in a worse condition. The boy was responsible for getting him into the team. "Quickly, we've got to find Amara."
Kuririn made another Ki detection with his mind. The girl was easy to spot since no other signature was present (or revealed). "She's over there!"
With Sam, Tenchi followed Kuririn's direction. Walking farther up the hill, the two discovered Amara. She too was in sad condition, but not critical, according to Kuririn.
"I would think so," explained Tenchi. "Her powers come from the earth."
As Tenchi became pleased to see survivors, Kuririn was nagged with suspicion. Sam and Amara's survival did not seem right. Leaving these kids alive was something a Saiya-jin would not do. It definitely wouldn't be Vejita's choice. At any rate, it was his turn to help the New Mutant, which he did by sitting her up. Suddenly, Amara's eyes flipped open. Her body became enraged with flame. This caused a hasty retreat from Kuririn, whose clothes almost ignited by the intimacy.
But the appearance died out with her. As she collapsed again, Kuririn was reluctant to play her rescuer again, despite Tenchi's complaints. Fortunately, she awoke by herself, in a less reflexive state.
Tenchi bowed at one knee. "Are you all right, Amara?"
Amara couldn't answer, even though it was within her ability. She saw Sam on Tenchi. "Is he…?"
"He's okay," Tenchi gave relief to her troubled questions.
"Where's Goku?" asked Kuririn.
"Goku?" Amara's drained face couldn't recognize the name at first. Once she did, her face grew emptier. She touched her throat. "I…don't know," she whispered in fear.
Kuririn suppressed his sorrow over Goku's handiwork, choosing hospitality instead. "Let's get the two of two to safety."
"I am fit for battle," Amara showed hypocrisy emotionally and physically.
Then a flash came from behind. A wall of fire came from the foreground.
"Amara, is this yours?" asked Tenchi.
Kuririn knew otherwise. His firm expression showed his knowledge of the real culprit. "All of you, get outta here now!"
Tenchi felt obligated to remain, but he thought of others. "I'll come back. Stay in one piece." Carrying Sam and pulling Amara by the hand, the two charged down the hill.
"Good luck," Kuririn made his farewell. Now was the confrontation he never dreamed of facing. Returning to the fire, the monk gave it a stance. As predictions were proven correct, a tall silhouette appeared. The monk didn't need any clue for this person. Making a sigh, he spoke "Hello, Goku."
"I told you before," the Saiya-jin appeared in full appearance. "My name is Kakarrotto."
"I wish it wasn't," Kuririn postured his body for the best defense. "I know your plan. But you haven't got all the Dragon Balls yet."
Kakarrotto knew it too. "But you might know their whereabouts," The Saiya-jin moved with great steps. "Where are they?" his face promised wrathful punishment unless wishes were fulfilled. Unease grew on Kuririn. It was heartbreaking to see his best friend like this. All fibers reinforced, all reluctance suppressed, the monk got ready to fight. At least he wasn't fighting a Super Saiya-jin.
Kakarrotto smiled again. He felt enjoyment in what he was about to do. None of this happiness bordered on sadism though.
===
Giving up on discretion, Warlock flew Illyana and Doug in a rocket sled. With evidence from Wolfsbane's furry form, this trio knew that the rest of the gang had been dispossessed of their astral bodies. And it didn't take much to know where those spirits went. To help their bodily-dispossessed friends meant contact with Carrot Guy, and Illyana was the only person with telepathic abilities to do that. As usual Warlock was their chief transportation. Although Brightwind was freed of his chains, the horse remained in a decision to not leave his mistress.
The trio spotted Tenchi and Amara coming to the shore. They noticed Sam wrapped on Tenchi's shoulder. Amara appeared fine.
"Where's Kuririn?" said Doug as he got off the sled with Illyana. The two then went to the friends they worried about. The sled reformed back into Warlock.
"Fighting Carrot Guy," Tenchi released Sam for Doug to lift him down. "I'm going back."
"Count the Team Supreme in," Doug and Warlock offered their services, their eyes affixed to Sam.
"I will protect Sam," said Amara, her passiveness a great surprise to the gang.
Illyana spoke to Warlock. "Give me the balls. We can't let Carrot Guy get them." Warlock complied to her wish.
By the ring on his hand, Tenchi transformed his uniform into a Juraian battle-suit, complete with headband and war paint on his cheeks. Warlock enshrouded Doug in armor.
The three were about to make their departing steps. But Illyana interrupted. "Tenchi!"
Light-Ken hesitated, but his back remained to Illyana's perspective.
"Now wait a minute!" the girl argued. "Don't get cold when I talk to you! I'm not gonna stab you in the back or anything." She then made a sigh, her hard-boiled words becoming soft. "Just be careful."
Again, Tenchi felt a need to say something to this girl whose love he accepted, then doubted. Again did those doubts keep his tongue still. He stood close to Warlock, who made an embrace, a security necessary as the techno-being launched him/itself to the sky.
Amara did not bother to notice the sudden change in Illyana and Tenchi's relationship. "Let us depart," was her only word.
"You take Sam," Illyana presented her own plans. "I have to stay here and rescue our friends in Carrot Guy's mind." At that she ran off.
Amara nodded. She dragged Sam to a nearby cave.
Illyana also went to a specific spot. It was under a cliff that she sat alone. Only the two lifeless Dragon Balls gave her company, a company she must be rid of. One hit from her sword would ruin Carrot Guy's plans. They could find another way to get back to Limbo. But the unholy blade failed to solidify in her hand. The sword almost harmed Tenchi. Illyana felt no right to use it anymore. There must be another way, and that included getting her teammates out of Carrot Guy's noggin. If they could stop him once, they could do it again.
So the sorceress positioned herself for meditation. A circle of silver flame surrounded Magik, forming a pentagram from within it. Her thoughts began to give way, escaping from her physical form.
===
Flying to the scene, Warlock's two passengers shared some words. "Um, Doug?" Light-Ken asked the large head. "About what you experienced months ago..."
"Ancient history," Cypher wished his reply to be the last word on the subject. Tenchi decided to honor that request.
It was now Cypher's turn. "So, Tenchi. Enjoy being a New Mutant so far?"
"I'm getting there," Light-Ken attempted some sarcasm. "Let me give you a better answer after we fight Carrot Guy."
"If we survive," Cypher's reply was part joke, part truth.
"Don't say that," said Light-Ken. "I bet we're going to be old men in the end." At that, Light-Ken located the spot where he left Kuririn. Landing to that area, they saw Kuririn. The man was practically stumbling to them. His bright clothes darkened and lined with dirt and rips. "Run!" he gasped.
"Kuririn, what happened?" Light-Ken separated from Cypher and Warlock, his reunion was cut short.
"ALARM!" sparked the techno-organism armor. Cypher captured the prediction excellently. "Looks like we're gonna find out!"
Light-Ken turned on his sword.
A shadow came from the light of the area. On a rock was Kakarrotto. The Saiya-jin studied the newcomers. One was dressed in weird-looking armor, even though it did not increase his weak Ki. He remembered the wimp with the ponytail. The sword he was brandishing had been useful. In afterthought, Kakarrotto knew he would have killed that fire girl if he had not sensed strong energy from afar. It was not a Ki, but it was powerful. It suggested to him that someone was approaching, probably with the remaining Dragon Balls. The presumption made sense. Everyone he met had an orb, why not they? In order for the collection to be completed, a sacrifice in pride was needed. Kakarrotto lowered his Ki and waited.
"Thanks for the energy, boy!" he greeted Light-Ken. The swordsman reacted to that answer with grim understanding. In all the precautions, excitement and tragedy, he had forgotten about the gems on his Tenchi-ken! The two red jewels were the only things whose energy could not be suppressed. But Kuririn did not seem to notice them. Carrot Guy must have had greater senses.
"If you give me your Dragon Balls," Kakarrotto made a deal, "I'll let you go."
The Warlockian armored Cypher gave his choice. "Uuuhhhh…no!"
"I agree," Light-Ken tilted his blade for an aggressive stance. "We're here to stop you, Kakarrotto. You've harmed our friends, and you're going to pay for it." The Saiya-jin's brow grew with inspection to that posture. For a moment, he thought he saw some fire from this weakling.
Cypher criticized his friend's announcement to himself. Couldn't Light-Ken think of something better than those cliches? At any rate, it would take more than words to win. From the way Carrot Guy's body moved, the linguist knew the language he was presenting to them: bodily harm.
Light-Ken decided on the best strategy. Since Sam and Dani were not around, he was free to decide. Carrot Guy should take the first step. However, Cypher lacked such foresight. He and Warlock charged straight for the Saiya-jin, who greeted them with a smile. He leapt over the advancing duo, planting a stabbing kick to their back. While his foot remained upon that spot, Kakarrotto pulled himself to that direction, avoiding a downward swing from Light-Ken's sword. The latter received Kakarrotto's free leg, its connection to Light-Ken's chest returned the boy to the ground where he stood.
The three were able to get up, but not without some aching feeling. Despite his partner's protection, Doug's back smarted; he would feel black and blue for months. Tenchi was equally ailing, as symbolized by the footprint on his chest. His Juraian battle-suit had proved as protective as Warlock was to Doug.
Kuririn forced himself to help, but his words were all he could bring at the moment. "You kids gotta get outta here!"
"No way," the Warlockian head that encased Cypher's head buzzed his voice like a radio. "I've still got a few cards from my sleeve."
Light-Ken heard that, a troubled sensation coming with it. Doug wasn't thinking what he thought the linguist was thinking. He didn't know if Doug could survive this fight, even with Warlock. Light-Ken realized that he had similar feelings about himself, but he could not prove it without a fight. Unfortunately, the same could be said for Doug as well. He was in one stubborn group. He prayed they all survived it so he could admire that trait.
"Is that your best?" Kakarrotto goaded them. He then teleported before Light-Ken, who swung his sword with skill.
"Good with a weapon eh?" Kakarrotto replied, all the while avoiding the blade's endless swings and chops. "Two can play at this game." He whipped out the Nyoi-Bo from his chest plate. In quick fashion, he poked one end into Light-Ken's stomach. "Extend!" cried the Saiya-jin, at which the staff elongated, thrusting the boy away. The feeling of getting his stomach poked knocked the wind from the New Mutant.
Sure in battle, Kakarrotto decided to end this individual fight. Avoiding a pounce from the armored one, the Saiya-jin himself leapt before Light-Ken, maneuvering his Bo for a surprise hit that would bring complete defeat to the swordsman. Unfortunately, Light-Ken made a surprise and parried the attack. The Saiya-jin was astonished, which amplified once he noted the boy's stare. The eyes no longer showed gentility, but strength instead. So this wimp believed in his bravery, Kakarrotto perceived with doubt. Then he would have to break that courage into fear. He began to wave his Bo to produce that shattering effect.
But Light-Ken made another surprise. He quickly lunged his sword in such a way that prediction was impossible. The blade's sharp point drilled into the Bo. The after affect was quick; the mark hit all the nerve points in the staff, creating a series of cracks. Kakarrotto could do nothing as the weapon snapped into two pieces. The Saiya-jin's face also broke apart, revealing an expression that Light-ken would have thought impossible if he had never heard from Gohan or Kuririn. Kakarrotto now looked ready to cry, mournfully embracing one piece of this destroyed weapon. It was once his Grandpa's.
No, the Saiya-jin's mournful contemplation disappeared. This staff belonged to a stupid old man who tried to weaken him. It was a joke to believe he once valued it over his Saiya-jin tail. A warrior like him shouldn't be so sympathetic about miniscule items, and he would not be. In fact he didn't care about it anymore. That wimp's weapon was a better substitute.
Light-Ken now witnessed Kakarrotto pouncing upon him like a giant ape. With an animal growl to stimulate his animal-like charge, Kakarrotto stabbed the remaining piece of his Bo into the wrist of Light-ken's left arm. During a snappingsound that was as loud as it was damaging, Light-Ken's limp hand released the now bladeless Tenchi-ken. Smarting from this limb pain, but refusing to give in to it, Light-Ken tried to retrieve the hilt with his remaining good hand.
"I'll take that!" the Saiya-jin's own hand outpaced his voice, grabbing the weapon instantly.
"Don't!" Light-Ken shouted concern. But the Saiya-jin ignored this warning, believing it to be resentment. The hilt glowed in his hand. A channel of electrical currents surrounded Kakarrotto's grip, all grouping into an extreme power surge. Soon the Saiya-jin's entire body was engulfed by the shock, every part singing with pain. But he would not let go. The Saiya-jin's grip remained tight on the weapon, but such devotion only increased the surge. Kakarrotto was now having a desperate battle of wills against a mere object, but he would overcome it! A Saiya-jin would surrender to nothing!
The original owner witnessed the struggle with surprise. The warrior was holding onto the Tenchi-ken longer than Ryoko and Kagato. It was impressive, despite the implications.
But the outcome, as unpredictable it seemed, was not different. With an agonizing scream, Kakarrotto began his failure to hold such a weapon. In a bright flash, the Tenchi-ken was unleashed from his hand. Light-Ken wasted no time in getting the family weapon back into his possession. Looking back, he watched how the Saiya-jin coped with his failure. One hand grasped the damaged other, its palm blackened by the lengthened exposure he was unable to overcome. Light-Ken saw that he was not happy, a perception that proved more truthful once he saw those cold black eyes staring at him. "Why can't I hold that sword when a weakling like you can?" Kakarrotto's voice was quiet but harsh. It reached a growling tone. "If I can't hold it, you won't either!"
Effected by the sentence, Light-Ken pointed his weapon for defense. He saw the giant Warlock power-suit rise from behind the Saiya-jin, ready for a surprise attack. But Kakarrotto's glare remained affixed; his leg gave a backward thrust that knocked the Team Supreme back.
The Saiya-jin was ready for another pounce, but a glowing disc rolled between him and target. The departing Kai-En-Zan forced the Saiya-jin's attention to the wielder, his head turning far left in a robotic manner. The one who threw the disc was in a sorry state. His upraised arm was about to falter, an action his bent knees already made. But as weakened his body looked, Kuririn still kept a warrior's expression.
"Let…these kids be," Kuririn coughed. "I'm…the real fighter here."
"Once," Kakarrotto smiled, his eyes showing smug superiority.
"You were…also Goku," Kuririn's eyes were the only strong part of his present position. His voice was making an effort to do the same thing. "Also…my best friend…But I'll stop you if I have to!"
Kakarrotto came out with a fuller smile. He felt a comforting feeling toward the midget's intentions. Not hilarity over a ridiculous confrontation. Just comfort. "We'll see. But first…" Kakarrotto threw a hand at the charging Light-Ken. A wave of invisible force flung the boy over a great distance. An energy blast also followed him. In an area invisible to their views, the traveling blast and Light-Ken met. There was an explosion.
Kuririn bowed his head, upset by his friend's deeds. "I can't believe you would do that!"
"He's not dead." Kakarrotto expressed a bit of resentment to that action. "But he won't be a problem for the two of us right now."
===
The explosion almost had cries escape the mouths of both participants of the armored New Mutant. Fortunately, a telescope visor revealed to both that the scene of destruction bore no loss. Tenchi was lying face up in a crater, his body spread out but alive. Returning their sights to the battle, the Team Supreme could see Kuririn fighting Carrot Guy, and not being very successful in it. Doug could tell by their body movements that the enemy was truly winning this battle, with their ally knowing it. As unsettling the fight was in Doug's eyes, it made the linguist see a different person in Kuririn. The earlier view of the monk as a naïve pansy had dissolved, revealing a strong experienced person. And right now the guy was getting his butt handed to him, so why the heck was the Team Supreme standing here doing nothing?
"Locke, any ideas?"
"SELF- studied- KAKARROTTOFOE'S- movements," Warlock's voice pulsed in Doug's ears. "SELF'S- response- COULD- execute- MOVEMENTS- in- EQUAL- synchronization. MATCHING- kakarrottofoe's- ATTACKS- during- COMBAT."
That was a good idea from the armor, but the wearer resented it. He wanted to fight Carrot Guy too. He and Warlock were a team after all. "An' I can use my language abilities to predict his movements."
"PROBLEM: selfsoulfrienddoug- HUMAN- form- LACKS- speed…" Quickly did Warlock's voice pause, showing realization of his/its friend's intentions. "SELF- predicts- SELFSOULFRIENDDOUG'S- tactic- TOWARD- battle. COMPLY- desire."
Doug smiled. "So you're not gonna give me any warnings this time?"
"SELF- repeats- SELF- warnings- TO- selfsoulfrienddoug," Warlock explained, initiating the tactic. "EFFECTIVENESS- minimal."
"I wouldn't say that," said Doug, his body now feeling something strange but familiar. "I know the warnings. I just…JUST- don't- FOLLOW- them."
===
Kuririn lay on the ground, bruised and bloodied, failing at every effort to stand back up. He was also fast escaping the ability of consciousness. He was facing an incredible threat and failing at it. Nevertheless, his mind made an inane observation. He had not fought Goku for the last twelve years. In their last encounter, the monk was able to hold his own for a remarkable period of time. Now, it took a minute to be knocked down. Strangely, he couldn't help thinking about the obvious truth that Goku did improve a lot.
His opponent stood before him, dirtied but hardly bruised. While trying hard not to choke over dirt and blood, Kuririn attempted to speak. "Why…are you doing this?"
His answer was partly received by a foot upon his head, then by a smug voice. "Because I have to."
"But…you're good," Kuririn cried. "That's why…you…Super-Saiya-jin."
"Wrong," Kakarrotto's foot pressed harder on Kuririn's hairless skull. "I became a Super-Saiya-jin because I was strong, not because I was good."
"No…" cried Kuririn. "Won't believe it." His eyes then caught a shining light. He didn't want to look at this possible truth. He felt the foot release. In its place was a strong hand, which pulled his head upwards. He saw Kakarrotto glowing with gold hair, his eyes now emerald.
The sight was overwhelming to the being of Kuririn. He was like a believer destroyed by doubt. "It…it can't be! You're…pure heart." His despairing voice showed a loss of courage, optimism, and faith, which hastened the faint feeling. "It's over…" was his last words of consciousness.
The victor found no pride in this defeat. His opponent's breakdown somehow withered the glory. The image affixed itself to his thoughts, allied with memories of his assault on the shit. Both memories brought an ill sensation within Kakarrotto. The warrior fought against the pain, unwilling to bend to the weakness it thrived upon. He had to get away from here, get the Dragon Balls, and receive their power. Once he got his wish, everything would be fine. Reverting to normal, the Saiya-jin flew into the air.
But surprise was not done with Kakarrotto. The words, "NOT- so- FAST, Carrot- GUY!" were heard.
"Carrot Guy?" Kakarrotto pondered the word, repeating it in confusion. "Who said that?"
Out popped this child, colored in black and covered completely in glowing yellow lines.
===
Okay Tenchi, the boy advised himself, time to form the Light Hawk Wings!
Unfortunately, all Tenchi felt was the pain in his body and the stone floor that he lay upon. So much for this Jurian armor, Tenchi noted its value in recognition of his present condition. He could still move his limbs, but he could not exert enough pressure to get the rest of him up. Too bad such ailments did not acquire the power the Light-Hawk sword. Why didn't it appear when he wanted it? If he was in an inescapably deadly position, the power came, no sweat! But if he feels nothing more than a major injury, forget it. Where was Tsunami when he needed her? How about Ryoko for that matter? She could probably take out Kakarrotto. Mihoshi too. All that police officer had to do was trip and the Saiya-jin would be done for.
That was enough with jokes. Tenchi returned to the serious problem ahead. His head, another workable body part, arose to watch the condition of the battle. He spotted Warlock, with no evidence of Doug being inside him/it. The implications of that brought Tenchi's priority into concern. What was Doug thinking?! Why did Warlock keep letting the kid have his way?! Having them merge together brought the danger of becoming permanently together, something neither person really wanted. And in order to avoid being permanently one being, Warlock and Doug had to defeat Kakarrotto in seconds. And that did not appear to be soon.
"Doug! Warlock!" Tenchi attempted to cry out his warnings. "Get out of each other now!"
Nothing was heard to show his words were being received. He had to stop them. Tenchi again threw pressure to his body. The strain of lifting his torso was tremendous. But he sat up again. Now he moved in a combination of walking, dragging, and stumbling.
===
Kakarrotto landed before the creature, attempting to recognize him/it. The Saiya-jin's memory called forth a number of resemblances to place this figure. Was this the weird creature that was with these mutants? The armored warrior he kicked back moments before? Both were good guesses, but this figure before him was a new one. It was slender but in a human shape. In fact, despite the color and webs, this opponent looked like a boy. It also did not emit any Ki signatures. This figure might not be living, let alone human. Such observations eased a hesitance in Kakarrotto. He felt like cutting loose.
"WATCH- out, CARROT- guy!" the creature spoke with a voice that had a different sound and tone for each word. "THE- team- SUPREME'S- here- TO- open- A- can- OF- whupass- ON- ya!"
Once again did the creature speak that nickname to Kakarrotto. He did not like it. He ignored the peculiar meaning of 'team supreme,' when it was only one person before him. Oh well, the Saiya-jin resolved with some knuckle cracks, as long as it meant a fight. He secretly made an attack with an energy orb. But the target avoided it in a weird fashion: while his/its/their legs and head remained in their spots, the target's torso stretched far left, letting the blast pass it by.
An eyebrow arched upon the left brow of the Saiya-jin. This would be interesting.
"WHAT'S- a- MATTER?" the gestalt spoke in different sounds. "EVER- see- AN- alien- LIKE- me- BEFORE?"
Kakarrotto kept to his steps. "You're an alien?" he asked.
"Affirmative," another voice came from the alien. It sounded human, but with a mechanical vocabulary.
A grin curved on the Saiya-jin's mouth. "Well, at least you're not one of these earthlings."
"I- resent- THAT- remark, CARROT- guy!"
"Nice choice of words," frowned Kakarrotto. "Let's see what you can really do."
"HOW- about- THIS?" At that the creature changed its shape and appearance within a blink of an eye. It was now a tall rabbit with gloves, and one hand held a small figurine- a doll of Kakarrotto himself! The rabbit proceeded to put the figurine at its teeth, nibbling on the head. "EH, what's- UP- doc!"
Kakarrotto showed his understanding with growling sounds spitting through his gritted teeth. "Big mistake!" He charged upon the creature, only to see it open up. His/its/their body became a hoop that the Saiya-jin flew through. Suppressing his surprise in favor of frustration, the warrior landed on his hands, propelling himself to return for a kick. The hoop collapsed before any contact was made. Standing at his original spot, Kakarrotto threw a multitude of fists at the alien, only to see all his punches dodged. The alien now had the advantage. The Saiya-jin's body language gave all his attacks away. Even a turn of muscle predicted Kakarrotto's method of tactic and its target, so the creature could avoid every one of them.
The human part of the gestalt enjoyed every moment. This bully had harmed Kuririn and his friends. Now the shoe was on the other foot. If there was an irony to this attack, being portrayed by one who once showed mercy to an equally hateful bully, the part that was Doug did not think it during his fun. Too bad the other side had some wariness in his/its separate program. The gestalt was exceeding the limits of temporary safety, going longer than the previous merging phases.
Kakarrotto put his hands together and unleashed great energy at the gestalt, which stood ready for the destructive wave. Once flash and degree of smoke later, the gestalt was now cowering on the ground. He/it/they wiggled and screamed over the gaping hole upon his/its/their chest. The Saiya-jin smiled at the damage he inflicted. The creature was injured, no longer in a smug position.
Then the gestalt instantly abandoned all character, beaming a very long smile that was impossible for a normal humanoid being. He/it/they stood back up, acting unharmed. As the Saiya-jin looked on with awestruck eyes, the hole on the gestalt's chest knitted itself back together.
"Fooled- YA!" The gestalt boomed his/its/their voice like a stereo, a metaphor that became literal as two large speakers stretched from both his/its/their shoulders! "NOW- for- MY- next- TRICK!"
The speakers became lamp bulbs, showering their energy upon the Saiya-jin, blinding his eyes. As soon as sight was restored to him, Kakarrotto saw that his opponent was no longer present. He levitated into the sky for a better look. Still nothing. The creature's lack of Ki made it impossible to locate, a factor the warrior thought frustrating. This creature was making a fool out of him. Wait until he got his hands on him…
"YOO-hoo!" said a voice from behind. Kakarrotto swiftly turned to face it. He confronted nothing. Again did the call occur, with the warrior turning and finding nothing. This added fuel to the Saiya-jin's frustrations, which he dealt in screams. "Where are you?!"
"Self present beneath," said the second voice. Kakarrotto bowed his head, falling victim to shock. The creature was on his chest plate! No, the creature was now his chest plate! No longer taking jokes, the Saiya-jin grabbed his armor, ripping it apart. His hands felt the solid pieces flow from his hands like water. Floating in the air, the two pieces returned to one form.
"GOTCHA!" The newly reformed gestalt cried his/its/their first voice with a tone of laughter. With the words, "AND- now!" He/it/they transformed into a ship with a disk in front. "FIRE- photon- TORPEDOS!"
Kakarrotto avoided the blast, though his ego fared less. If he had reached his limit of anger, this creature showed that he could surpass it.
It got worse when the creature made another transformation, becoming a muscled strong man with pointy hair. The Saiya-jin saw himself!
"Problem?" said the second voice. "Facing superior alien?"
That line did it for Kakarrotto. Every spark within him combined into a giant explosion. "Never!" his voice sounded less human, more like a beast. "Never!"
He transformed into the Super Saiya-jin for the fourth time. A bubble of force surrounded him, expanding outward. The winds were now on his side, repelling everything near him by force. Being in that area, the ever-changing gestalt could not help his/its/their new direction. "Change in hair signifies increase in power!" the human voice spoke coldly. "Conclusion: Carrot Guy achieved form entitled Super Saiya-jin." His/its/their arms shot like harpoons, hitting the ground to keep him/it from moving farther. Both understood the short time they still had before this temporary alliance took on an indefinite union. In order for such an eventuality to never become real, a final decision was decided.
A tentacle erupted from the gestalt's chest. It stretched, finally latching onto the Saiya-jin's right arm. His free arm instantly grabbed onto the tentacle. Bad move, thought the human part of the gestalt, initiating the virus that would transform the warrior.
Nothing happened. No interlocking of the transmode virus occurred. The warrior then rotated like a top, taking the gestalt with him. The spin brought the techno-organic part of the gestalt the experience of dizziness for the first time. Only when Kakarrotto released his hold did the gestalt stop his/its/their rotation. He/it/they flew uncontrollably away from the island, falling into the waters.
Deep in water, the gestalt considered the plan's failure. Kakarrottofoe possessed immunity to transmode virus, at least in default form designated as Super Saiya-jin. Self must restore sense of balance. The theory received no sharing of thought this time. Was that supposed to happen? This sense of acceptance alarmed the gestalt. Assimilation to permanent form was reaching eventuality. Separation had to occur!
But the waters that surrounded him/it/them posed problems. The oxygen-free environment was hostile for the human part. The surface had to be the gestalt's next destination. The bottom part of the gestalt formed into a propeller, forcing the slowly solidifying alliance of technarchy and humanity to the atmosphere above.
Once the atmospheric surface was reached, the gestalt flung its arms out as if it was the natural way to keep afloat. Separation had to be commenced. Such priority did not allow the notice of Kakarrotto above them.
===
At his position of attack, the Super Saiya-jin hid his bruised ego under a mask of victory. "Superior to me?" he cruelly groaned. "Forget it!"
A ball of energy expanded between his upraised hands. The future of this creature's existence was now in his hands. He studied the victim, who arose from the waters in a wild panic. It was a rather pathetic action, thought Kakarrotto. It was almost human.
Mercy was pondered. But his pride would not suffer anymore harm. There would be no more weakness. He was a Saiya-jin.
===
For all his stamina, Tenchi could only get himself to a small ledge. Reaching the end of his strength, the boy sat himself down, watching the battle but unable to intercede. So much for being the hero, he despaired. He wasn't being much help to any of his friends right now. The only thing he could do was watch Doug and Warlock face the Saiya-jin by themselves. A mixture of emotions warred within the boy as the battle continued. Concern, fear, relief, and dread all cast their effects.
Then he saw his friends (or was it now friend?) fall into the waters. His anxiety was picked by horrible questions such as Warlock's survival underwater. The gestalt's resurface from the waters was not a good sign, not with Kakarrotto standing above them with a great ball of energy.
Tenchi screamed his warning, forgetting his distance. Having no way to counteract physically, the boy latched to a desperate hope. This warrior had once been the hero Kuririn and Gohan believed in, just like the mischievous but good-natured Monkey King from his childhood stories. Deep down Kakarrotto must be a good man, like Magneto. Like Ryoko.
Like Illyana?
Kakarrotto unleashed his power. Tenchi witnessed the ball dive into the waters, continued watching despite the blinding flash of the explosion. Only when he saw the large hole in the sea did Tenchi stop looking. All hope was dead.
Tenchi just stared like a statue, feeling all strength seep from him. "No." Loss of resolve was now reached. He shrugged from the scene, repeating the word No again and again, as if it could bring truth to what must be an awful lie. But as cruel reality sunk into his mind, the tone of his vocal denial reached a level of louder growls. "NO!" he screamed his final mention of the word. He exposed his face to the sky, showing his torment to the heavens. His mind fluttered through endless images of memories. Of the day he first met Warlock and Doug…
When Warlock saved his life…
Of the morning he washed dishes with the duo…
Of the evening he, Doug and Warlock were ready for the play they never saw…
"Stop it." Tenchi cursed these thoughts to end. These memories were now corrupted, giving agony where once they gave endearment. Adding in the torture were sentences he could hear in his mind: SELF- has- A- new- SELFFRIEND!…Thanks, Tenchi. You're a pal…
"Stop," Tenchi squealed to his mind. "Please…"
…SELF- will- NOT- permit- HARM- to- SELFFRIEND!…I hope to get to know you better, Tenchi. Your life is so cool!
"Stop it!" Tenchi screamed an order that went unheeded. He did not want to think of the cost of this tragedy. Didn't want to think of Doug Ramsey or Warlock. Didn't want to think of them dying in pain, the worth of their lives being wasted. Not their good natures, their courage, and their heroism. He wanted to forget the duo's devotion to each other, and their kindness to include him in that friendship.
But he remembered them. Hardest of all, he remembered their loss, all thanks to that monster. The one whom Gohan called father and Kuririn called friend. That butcher was still alive. He probably enjoyed the murder, considering the lives he destroyed as trivial and obscure.
Tenchi would teach him otherwise. Doug and Locke would be missed. They would be avenged. The boy ceased his tears, ending his present behavior. Only one strong emotion would suffice now. He opened his wet eyelids, revealing their pupils' scarlet glare. His battle headband vanished, a green triangle burning upon his forehead.
===
Kakarrotto floated over the giant water hole that was filling up. He kept a silent vigil in his victory. He could not forget the last moments of that creature. Thinking back, that alien acted like a human being.
Oh well. The Super Saiya-jin calmed himself in what was probably the end of the battle. Despite the spirit of these kids, the Saiya-jin had experienced little that led to exhaustion. Those Senzu seeds would go to waste. Oh well. It was a good thing he hid those Dragon Balls to another place…
A twitch flexed inside Kakarrotto's brain, his senses going wild. There was a Ki, and it was growing. Its limits were…were…
No! Kakarrotto's eyes solidified in a stare of unbelief. His body froze at this unbelievable news. "It can't be!" The Super Saiya-jin shouted at the audacity. He looked for this source with frantic intent. There was not going to be an eclipse to his legacy! He was the most powerful being of the universe, the one who achieved the mantle of the Super-Saiya-jin. There would be no successor.
Kakarrotto's keen eyes discovered the anomaly. It was the wimp. The sight almost produced laughter from the beholder. Was this the pretender? But then the Super Saiya-jin's emerald pupils studied the wimp's red glare. They displayed hate. They displayed power. Suddenly, all feelings of mirth left the warrior. The Super Saiya-jin now had a rival.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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ANNOTATIONS
-Sam's bad arm will be explained in future chapters to MUTANTS IN GUNSMOKE.
-Rahne's storytelling abilities were shown in NM#22.
-Doug had a similar out-of-body experience in NM#26-28.
-The 'dickless' remark is from the film GHOSTBUSTERS (1984).
-This fanfic implies that Warlock does not possess a Ki. The alien is a technological and organic gestalt, similar to the Androids in the Cell Saga, who also did not possess Ki signatures.
-As a sorceress, Illyana is able to practice astral projection, as evident in NM#15.
-The Nyoi-Bo was a possession Goku treasured as a gift from grandpa Gohan. After his first Oozaru transformation, Goku was more concerned about the loss of that possession then he did the loss of his tail (DRAGONBALL VOL. 2).
-The Tenchi-ken can only be held by those of Juraian royal blood.
-The bully Doug was merciful to was Empath in NM#43. In that issue, the New Mutants wanted to teach the sociopath mutant a lesson, putting him through a lot. However, Doug stopped the shenanigans, feeling it made the team no better than Empath. Nothing in canon was written about Empath taking revenge on the New Mutants, but my previous fanfic TENCHI THE NEW MUTANTportrays his vengeance behind-the-scenes.
-Yes, the final moments of this chapter parallels the you-know-what moment in the Freeza Saga. I intended it that way. Please consider the device as a tribute (to Claremont and Toriyama's use of it), a plot point (of Tenchi's relationship with Doug and Warlock, how low Goku has gone, etc.), but not as a ripoff.
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It's Kakarrotto VS. Tenchi, as the power of the Super Saiya-jin clashes with the power of the Light Hawk Wings! The Kakarrotto Saga comes to its exciting conclusion, and some of the cast will not come out of it unscathed!