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Chapter 14:
ALTERED
Note: Dear readers, reviewers and followers, thank you for your great support and interest :). I know you've been waiting for this chapter for quite a while. Well, the wait is over :D! I really hope you'll enjoy this one.
Last time on Consumed by the past:
Endou and Kyuuri visit the Earth, interrupting Gohan's and Vegeta's training. Endou offers Gohan the Dragon Balls if he comes to their dimension. Piccolo manages to arrive just in time, hoping to stop any foolish decisions. The half-Saiyan accepts Endou's offer, even though Piccolo forbids him to leave. Once they enter the portal, they disappear in to the "Demon" realm where Kyuuri mocks Gohan until he snaps and fights her. Once he transforms into a Super Saiyan 2, Endou takes advantage of her essence in him and possesses his mind, making the half-breed her new recruit... but for how long?
All three entered Koshi's laboratory, Gohan being the last one to set foot in it. Although he was now under Endou's control, he retained some of his personality and wasn't a complete mind-controlled zombie.
"We're here, Koshi, and we need to make haste." greeted Endou.
As soon as he saw Gohan, he replied: "You've done it, Endou-sama. He's yours to command."
"Indeed." replied Endou and continued: "Have you established a portal to Wanasa Prime?"
"It will be in a few moments. I'm working as fast as I can." was Koshi's answer.
"Work faster! We don't have much time." Kyuuri rushed him.
The master alchemist started chanting a spell which closed the portal to Earth and established a new one to Wanasa Prime.
"The exit should be hidden in the nearby mountains. You'll exit not far from the complex where they're keeping the meteorite under watch."
Gohan smirked: "Tsch. You should just teleport me into the complex so I can blow it up, along with everyone else."
"Silence, boy. You're not to speak until spoken to." reacted Kyuuri with anger.
"Yes, master. My apologies." replied Gohan with an obeying voice.
Koshi was surprised how the boy obeyed, even Kyuuri: "Gohan answers to you too?"
Endou answered before Kyuuri could: "Not directly, but to some extent."
Then she turned to Gohan: "You can speak whenever you want to as long as you obey me and, when necessary, even Kyuuri and Koshi. But you'll only address me as master."
"I understand, master." he replied and turned to Kyuuri: "Too bad for you."
After hearing Gohan speak to Kyuuri, Endou smiled: "I guess I left too much of his personality intact."
Kyuuri frowned: "I must admit, I don't like his attitude."
"I don't want a mindless slave, Kyuuri. His personality makes him who he is, that's why I didn't completely suppress it. Or are you disappointed because he's not calling you master?"
Kyuuri indeed was annoyed by that, but she only said: "I suggest we move quickly, master. We haven't got much time."
"Agreed." said Endou and turned to Koshi: "Your associate will show us where they are keeping the meteorite?"
"Yes, but only after it's safe to move in to the complex."
"Fine. As long as he keeps his word."
"What about me?" Kyuuri wanted to know.
"You can come along if you wish and observe. Gohan will do everything. I WANT Gohan to do everything so he'll see and remember it."
"Just like on Earth?" asked Kyuuri.
"Just like on Earth." smiled Endou with a sinister voice.
Endou exited the laboratory; Gohan and Kyuuri followed. They made their way back to the narrow bridge where the new portal to Wanasa Prime had been made. All silent, they entered and vanished but reappeared on the other side, somewhere in the mountains, hidden from the Wanasans and their super soldiers.
"You know what to do, Gohan. Just don't blow up the facility and the meteorite. Just deal with the opposition. Kyuuri and me will be watching you from afar."
"Why afar, master?" Gohan reacted.
"We want to see everything." smiled Endou.
The boy nodded, jumped into the air and concentrated on Wanasans energy signature. Once he was locked on, he flew in the direction where the complex with the meteorite was. Kyuuri and Endou followed him.
"Will you be able to hold on until it's over, Endou-sama?" Kyuuri asked.
"Don't worry about me, Kyuuri. This will be over in a flash and we'll have obtained the fragments we desperately need."
A couple of moments later, Gohan landed in front of the high security complex. Just as protocol demanded, the Wanasans deployed their army as a precaution.
"This is a restricted facility, outlander. Leave immediately or we'll be forced to fire upon you. This is your only and last warning." an official said over the speakers.
"How nice. A welcoming party." smiled Gohan. "Just give me the meteorite. I don't have time for kid's games." he shouted and took a step forward.
"FIRE!" ordered the official.
A barrage of projectiles, energy weapons and everything in between converged on Gohan's location, who just stood still. Upon impact, massive explosions could be heard, shockwaves could be felt and a huge cloud of debris and smoke could be seen.
"Cease fire!" the official ordered, stopping the fierce attacks.
As the smoke subsided, the boy was seen standing with his arms crossed; looking a little scratched and burnt.
"I have to say that was impressive. I totally underestimated your weapons. You managed to cause me some scratches." he smiled, looking at the facility's main gate.
The army was baffled and so was the official, but Gohan was not the first one with that kind of power to try and take over the facility. It was time for their secret weapon(s).
"Deploy the super soldiers. This is a level 10 priority."
Out of nowhere, three light-armored muscular Wanasans attacked Gohan... but he had already felt their Ki from afar and managed to dodge their initial assault but the 4th soldier took him by surprise and slammed the boy into a near mountain. As he crawled out of the hole he made, the super soldiers were already on top of him.
"What the... they can fly?" said the half-Saiyan before being pummeled into the ground.
One tried to stomp him, but the boy evaded and was soon tackled by the other and slammed into the ground again. They were attacking him mercilessly, hitting him all over his body; causing his mouth and nose to bleed, as well as some other nasty scratches. All 4 were holding him down, pinned to the ground so he couldn't do anything.
"Surrender! You're outmatched." announced the official.
"What the hell is the boy doing?" said Kyuuri.
"Be patient. It's the Saiyan nature to test the power of their enemy." replied Endou.
"Why don't you just make him power up and get this over with?"
"I don't like you tone, Kyuuri. Just let the boy do what he does best."
The super soldiers were tightening their grip on Gohan... but the boy had enough. A burst of energy knocked back the super soldiers. As they regained their vision of Gohan, he was already a Super Saiyan.
"This is as far as you'll go." he smirked.
Of course all 4 engaged him in combat, but this time the young Super Saiyan was ready. He managed to block and dodge the initial attacks, giving him the opportunity to strike back. The first enemy received a kick to his head and a punch to the stomach, sending him flying to the facility's sturdy wall. The second one got blasted with a Ki blast and slammed into the ground. Just as Gohan wanted to continue the attacks, the other 2 had already fired their version of a Ki blast at him. He managed to dodge them, but his left cheek got burnt in the process. Enraged by that, he counter attacked with swift punches and kicks, causing the two soldiers crashing into the ground.
The official had noticed that Gohan was stronger and had the upper hand.
He picked up a communication device: "Deploy the rest and I'm issuing a direct order to use the serum. All super soldiers, you're cleared for the serum."
A scientist contacted the official: "Sir, if they use it... we might lose them.
"If they don't, we're all dead."
Another fours super soldiers arrived, helping the others get up and into formation.
"More of you, huh? Let's get this over quickly." said Gohan, preparing for a final attack.
Just as he was about to make his move, the super soldiers took something that resembled an injection from their armor and injected it into their bodies. As the serum started taking effect their power skyrocketed.
"Woah, that's some power." the boy said to himself.
"Now you see why we need the boy? The Wanasan's super soldiers are a force to be reckoned with. No wonder no one has ever broken into the facility or attacked the planet for that matter." explained Endou.
"Let's just hope he's up to the challenge." answered Kyuuri back.
The super soldiers attacked Gohan but he powered up to his max and attacked them too. It was 8 versus 1, but the boy somehow managed to be on an equal ground. The soldiers were relentless and kept attacking one after another while Gohan tried dodging and defending but also counter attacking at the same time. It wasn't long until the whole area was full of impact craters and Ki blast holes. The fierce battle went on when the super soldiers started getting the upper hand.
A moment of carelessness from Gohan caused him to get hit in the back and punched in the face while the 3rd soldier flew from behind head-butted him right in the face. As he tried to recover, another one managed to get a tight grip around his arms. The more he moved, the tighter the grip got. The boy couldn't believe how strong these soldiers had become. 2 more positioned themselves in front of him and started punching his stomach. Punch after punch... Gohan was spitting out bits of blood, while the grip got tighter and tighter.
He clenched his fists and his expression changed. His mouth was wide open and a loud scream could be heard. The purple aura around him flared and changed in appearance, as did his hair. His transformation was relatively swift, compared to the ones before his training with Vegeta. He slammed his elbow into the gut of the super soldier who had a grip on him, causing him to let go. Another kick in the ribs sent him flying away. Gohan's power now surpassed the super soldiers' strength but surrender still was not an option for them.
They re-grouped and attacked simultaneously from all sides. Gohan waited until they were really close... and then... he went on an attacking frenzy; knocking every super soldier out with a few powerful punches. Just as he was making his way towards the facility, Endou's voice echoed in his head.
You're not done yet, my boy. Finish them off!
The half-Saiyan looked back at the injured super soldiers who were lying on the ground unconscious. He hesitated, but eventually extended his arm, and started gathering energy in a form of a blue Ki ball.
"Might as well use my new technique." Gohan said quietly to himself.
A powerful blue ball of energy was shot from his palm that obliterated the super soldiers into dust and causing a massive explosion.
It is done, master. he answered back in his mind.
The situation went from bad to worse than worse. The army started firing every weapon they could muster... they even deployed their most powerful shields, but to no avail. Gohan started firing Ki blasts at crucial locations all over the compound. The opposition was decimated in an instant and the resistance was no more. All that was left were giant craters and some damaged and burning buildings.
Endou and Kyuuri made their way to Gohan, who had already transformed to normal and was waiting at the main entrance; what was left of it.
"Marvelous, my boy. The Wanasans stood no chance; not even with their technology and super soldiers. Come, let us find the meteorite." Endou said with joy.
Of course Kyuuri couldn't help herself: "You should have defeated them in seconds."
"I did the job, didn't I? Back off." replied the boy angrily.
"This is not the time for your little fights. Shut up and follow me." interrupted Endou.
When they were about to enter one of the buildings, a strange figure appeared from behind a near wall. It was covered with a brown breathing mask and a complete black suit; it was Koshi's associate, whoever or whatever it was.
"It's an honor, Endou-sama. But this building is incorrect. Follow me." he stated.
"Lead the way, my friend." answered Endou.
They went around the first building and made their way to the next one. It was damaged from Gohan's energy blasts, but the associate reassured them the meteorite is a few levels underground and therefore probably intact. Luckily, the security system was offline and only a few lights were working; just enough for them to see where they are going. Most of the personnel had already evacuated, so they didn't expect much of a "resistance." A couple of levels later and a few killed guards and soldiers, they have finally arrived at the meteorite. Gohan blasted through the reinforced doors with ease, giving them access to the inner chambers.
They've made it to a junction where the left hallway leads to storage facilities and the right one to liquid storage. Just as they turned left a small squad of soldiers fired upon them with energy weapons. The associate took cover while Gohan just deflected them with his hand.
"I'll take care of this, master. You continue your way. I'll meet you there." said Gohan.
"Very well. I suppose you can have some... fun. Just make haste." ordered Endou.
The half-breed rushed through the right corridor and ended up in a room full of storage tanks. The soldiers have taken their last stand there; there was no way out so Gohan confronted them.
"Oh, it's you... the one who was in charge at the gate." he noticed.
The official was indeed among them, carrying some sort of energy rifle.
"Why are you doing this? What have we done to you?" he asked.
"You should have just given us the meteorite."
"And what if we had? You'd probably have killed us anyway."
Gohan just smiled and suddenly appeared behind everyone. One, two, three, four soldiers were unconscious in an instant; just the official remained who started shooting Gohan, but the energy rifle was ineffective. The boy grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against a nearby storage tank.
"You should have escaped while you had the chance. You've brought this on yourselves."
"You'll never get any secrets from me." replied the official and pressed a button on his uniform. The room suddenly exploded, knocking Gohan on the ground, while the ceiling and walls collapsed on him. The storage tanks ruptured and the whole room was almost completely filled with a substance like water, only of a more blue color. Gohan pushed the debris from himself and blasted a hole in a near wall, causing the liquid to drain.
"The old man sure had guts." he said to himself, trying to dry off whatever that liquid was.
He soon met up with Endou and others who were waiting for him at another reinforced door; even thicker and larger than the previous ones.
"You sure took your time. Now hurry up and blast the doors." ordered Endou.
Just as she had asked, the doors were blown apart and meteorite was now at their sight. The associate quickly pulled out some tools and started mining the precious crystals.
"Be careful not to damage any." Kyuuri warned him.
A couple of minutes later, the crystals were in their possession.
"Finally we have what we need. Koshi will reward you accordingly." said Endou.
"Thank you, Endou-sama. Until we meet again." associate replied and made a swift exit.
"Kyuuri, if you please." Endou turned to her.
She waved her hand and transferred the portal from the mountains to here. Gohan was carrying the crystals and they all vanished through the portal.
Like the first time, they emerged on a wide pillar that was connected to the rest of the fortress via narrow bridge. The mission was a success and Koshi was very happy to see the crystals they had obtained.
"Wonderful. Now the Staff can be replenished." he smiled.
Gohan handed him the crystals and Koshi immediately started preparing the Ritual of Rejuvenation to replenish the Staff.
"You've done well, Gohan. Get some... ugh...".
Before Endou could finish, she almost fell on her knees, but Gohan caught her.
"What's wrong, Endou-sama?" he asked.
"Nothing. Just... tired. Koshi, hurry up!" she commanded.
"I'm going as fast as I can. I can't make any mistakes, otherwise the Staff might get damaged." responded Koshi while preparing the ritual.
Kyuuri stepped between Gohan and Endou, just in case. As Koshi was hurrying like never before, Endou started breathing deeply. Her control over Gohan was becoming too much; she was exhausted without the Staff. The young half-Saiyan wanted to help her up but Kyuuri grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Let go unless you want to make me angry." reacted Gohan.
"Get your hands away from Endou-sama. I'm her bodyguard, not you!" Kyuuri yelled at him.
Gohan despised Kyuuri; now even more. Ever since he arrived here, she's been a nuisance; constantly mocking him. His Saiyan nature has become even more dominant now that he's under Endou's control which made Gohan more aggressive. Kyuuri felt similar - seeing Gohan as an inferior being and fighter who has, to her disliking, become the main part of Endou's plan. It should have been Kyuuri - her loyal bodyguard since the beginning, but her energy signature is incompatible with what Koshi has prepared for Gohan. The fact that a mere boy was chosen to be the main card against the Guardians made Kyuuri despise and hate Gohan even more.
The boy's purple eyes were focused on Kyuuri now.
"I'm not going to repeat myself." he said.
"Enough, Gohan. I command you to stop." intervened Endou.
"Why should I? Kyuuri has been asking for it since I arrived here."
"How dare you defy your master!" was Kyuuri reaction.
Gohan couldn't take it anymore, so he punched Kyuuri right in the face, making her fly through a wall while Gohan transformed into a Super Saiyan and followed her with a high-speed flight.
I can't control him anymore... I'm at my limit. were Endou's thoughts.
"Koshi! You better pray Kyuuri will give you a few extra minutes." she shouted.
"That's all I need. Once it's done, you can regain control over him." Koshi replied.
Meanwhile Gohan and Kyuuri were already exchanging blows in mid air. The young half-breed has had enough of Kyuuri's mocking and back talk. He was so determined to kick her ass, he didn't notice Endou's control over him was weakening. His eyes turned from purple to green and his aura back to golden-yellow. Kyuuri had noticed that so she powered up to keep him occupied for as long as possible. Gohan, of course, did the same and went Super Saiyan 2 to match his opponent's strength.
Endou was watching through the hole in the wall when Koshi interrupted her.
"It's ready, Endou-sama."
"Finally. What are you waiting for? Start the ritual!" demanded Endou.
He placed the Staff on an altar-like table and the special crystal next to it. Then he grabbed a book, opened it and started reading the Rejuvenation spell. The crystal began glowing and it's energy could be seen flowing into the Staff. Just as the ritual was well underway a huge explosion outside knocked Koshi off his feet, thus interrupting the process. The cause for that was Gohan's Kamehameha exploding near the fortress. It seems his battle with Kyuuri was intensifying; putting the fortress and the ritual in danger.
"W-What's going on?" was shocked Koshi, lying on the floor.
"It's Kyuuri and Gohan. They're fighting at full strength. Get up and finish the ritual!" shouted Endou.
The master alchemist managed to get back on his feet and continue performing the ritual, when suddenly Gohan came crashing through the wall and falling on the floor. Kyuuri followed him and landed next to Endou, who was furious.
"You idiot. Why the hell did you knock him here?!"
Kyuuri was indeed nervous: "I-I'm sorry, Endou-sama. It wasn't my intention to..."
Her answer remained unfinished because Gohan had interrupted.
"I'm... me again." he said with surprise while getting back on his feet and smiled: "You can't control me anymore, can you? I'll finish you off now!
He charged at Endou with full speed, leaving Kyuuri no other choice but to intercept him and continue fighting. She knew if they continue their battle here, everything would be destroyed, including the precious crystals. Luckily, she had a telepathic connection with Endou, just like Piccolo and Gohan have one. Endou used it to contact her.
Listen up, Kyuuri. I'll use the last of my strength to draw Gohan's attention. Then do whatever it takes to either stop him or knock him out.
Just like she said, Gohan suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head, confusing him for a moment and giving Kyuuri the chance to rush in and grab his hands from behind while pressing her knee against his back.
"You're done for you little worm." Kyuuri smiled while pulling Gohan's arms even further back.
He tried breaking free but Kyuuri's grip was surprisingly strong. The more he struggled the more pain he was in as Kyuuri kept slamming her knee in his back. The situation was extremely tense and so was Endou, who could only watch and wait for Koshi to finish replenishing the Staff. But the half-Saiyan wasn't intending on giving up. He flexed his muscles and started powering up. He grinded his teeth while doing that as he was extremely angry for being used as a weapon in their evil plan.
Kyuuri started having trouble keeping Gohan in her grip as the boy pushed his strength to his limit. Even though they were both about equal in strength, Gohan's half-breed nature did give him a bit of an advantage. But at the same time, Kyuuri was extremely adept at fighting since she's probably faced countless opponents in her life, unlike Gohan who was still very young.
"It's useless, boy. You can't win." Kyuuri mocked him and pulled his arms even further back, causing him more pain.
"I-I'm not done... yet." he said and swung his feet above his head, hitting Kyuuri direct in the face, causing her to let go.
Then he elbowed her in the gut and kicked her into the wall. He quickly made some distance between them and put his palms beside his hip.
"Ka... me..." the boy started chanting.
Both Endou and Kyuuri were shocked; they both were fully aware of what that attack could do to the whole fortress and not just to the laboratory. They've seen its power during the fight with Cell.
Amidst all the confusion a voice penetrated the silence.
"Endou-sama! Endou-sama! It's done!" Koshi yelled.
Endou's face turned from a concerned and shocked expression to a sinister smile.
"Finally. Now it's all over."
She extended her arm and the Staff came flying from the altar right into her palm. For the second time her eyes started glowing bright purple, as did the tip of the Staff. Gohan had no chance; Endou's psychic power was overwhelming. All he could do was grab his head when he felt a sharp pain piercing it. The Kamehameha energy dissipated from his palms and soon he came crashing down on the ground, struggling to keep Endou out of his mind and thoughts and changing back to his base form.
"You almost destroyed the whole fortress and ruined my plans for lord Shingo's resurrection. You're almost more trouble than you're worth. I hate to admit it but I still need you, little Gohan. Koshi, prepare your experiment." Endou completed her monologue.
"Yes, Endou-sama. Just make him step on that red octagon. I will do the rest. It's going to hurt, a lot, but there's no other way."
"Perfect. It will be his punishment for almost blowing up my fortress."
Gohan's pupils had already turned back to purple, proving he was again under Endou's control. And just like Koshi had said, he stepped on a red octagon and waited while Koshi prepared for his experiment. The powerful master alchemist took the last crystal fragment and placed it on the altar where the Staff was previously placed. Right next to it he placed a vial full of dark purple liquid and a red octagon. After a couple of minutes of preparations, he opened his book of dark magic and began.
The vial exploded and the purple liquid turned into gas which started imbuing the red octagon. It soon turned purple and started floating in the air while the energy from the red crystal also flowed into it. The octagon again changed color into red but a few seconds later shattered, causing a weird purple-red substance to emerge from it. Koshi continued chanting and Endou joined him. Her staff started glowing; she was further empowering the weird substance, making it dark purple yet again.
"Is it ready?" she asked Koshi.
"Yes. Once it fully absorbs into the boy, it will begin." he replied.
Endou pointed her staff at Gohan and the substance followed, entering Gohan's mouth, nose, ears and wounds until it was completely gone. The half-breed started screaming as the substance fused with his body, causing immense pain to him. He wanted to step out of the red octagon but a magical barrier prevented him from going anywhere. The pain didn't stop; it went on and on. Gohan transformed into a Super Saiyan and shouted even more, trying to ease the pain in his body. His golden-yellow hair started losing its vibrant color; slowly changing into purple.
Koshi noticed the transformation: "It will soon be over. His hair is changing."
"Finally we'll have a chance at freeing our master." smiled back Endou.
But something happened; his hair stopped changing and reverted back to its original color. Koshi was baffled by this since his hair was supposed to become purple because that would mean the end of the procedure, giving Gohan a huge power up of dark energy. Clearly something went wrong, so the boy fell on his left knee, trying to endure the pain of the process. This lasted for a few seconds until he managed to get back on his feet, then clenched his fists and transformed into a Super Saiyan 2; continuing to power up so the whole fortress was shaking. More and more power emanated from him until the energy barrier cracked and shattered.
"This can't be happening! Something is wrong!" shouted Koshi, hardly standing.
Suddenly, everything stopped and went quiet. Gohan was seen standing motionless and breathing deeply while still in his Super Saiyan 2 form. Sweat was dripping down his cheeks and chin; but there was something else clearly different about him. Not the hair, not the eyes... but his golden tail.
Endou couldn't keep quiet: "Koshi! What's going on? What happened?"
"I-I don't know, Endou-sama. His power has been augmented just like we had hoped it would be... but the tail... I have no explanation."
Endou took a few steps closer, examining the "new" Gohan.
"How do you feel, my boy? How does it feel to have such unimaginable power?"
"I feel I can do anything. When can I test it?"
"Soon, very soon. But now I think some rest would be in order. Let Koshi tend to your wounds and after that I order you to rest for the time being." replied Endou.
He stepped from the red octagon on the floor and transformed to normal while following Koshi to the next chamber for some healing. Right before he stepped through the door, he stopped and looked at Kyuuri with a smirk on his face, but didn't say anything. When they were both gone, Kyuuri couldn't help herself but to wonder.
"What has Koshi done? I don't trust the boy. I KNOW he wants to test his new powers on me."
"Now, now, Kyuuri, don't overreact. Gohan is now completely under my control; no need to worry as long as I have the Staff by my side. Remember he is only a pawn in this game and we are the game masters. Once he'll complete his part, I'll strip him of his new powers, so you don't have to worry about that. And regarding Koshi, I do not know, but it seems the boy is quite fond of his new "addition". Let Koshi examine him, maybe he'll be able to find out what happened."
Note: You've made it to the end ^^. I hope you liked the chapter :). Tell me your thoughts by leaving a review :). For all you DBZ lovers I have intentionally left out a more accurate description of Gohan's new technique. Can you guess how it's called? ;)