All-Out Brawl
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this fic, they are owned by their respective owners and studios. This is just a fun little story. I can't no profit from this, it's purely for fun.
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Chapter 5
The group gradually progressed through the various different landscapes, each within a short distance between each other. It was baffling how the environment around them would always change so drastically. One minute, they were crossing a scorching desert with multiple suns beating an unbearable heat down upon them. Soon enough, they were traversing through a frozen wasteland, filled with ice and snowstorms. Whilst Goku and Superman were able to effortlessly fly through the hailstorms and hurricanes, Willow kept a protective magical barrier around Neo, Bruce and herself. Meanwhile, Kratos marched through the ever-changing weather in his own pace and without anyone's help.
Flying high in the sky, Superman couldn't help but look up towards the stars. He listened closely, but all he got was silence. It was like they were trapped in some kind of barren dimension. He felt alone for a moment, wondering if he would ever see his friends and family again.
''Hey, you okay over there?'' Goku's voice brought the Man of Steel out from his thoughts.
Superman turned to see the gleeful Saiyan staring at him curiously. ''I'm fine. I'm just wondering how we got involved in this mess, and wondering how we're going to get out of it.''
''I hear you. But you have nothing to worry about. We have a lot of strong people with us, so I'm sure we can handle anything that comes our way.''
''Maybe,'' Superman responded, but he still didn't appear convinced. He agreed with Goku that they could handle anyone when it comes to power and strength. However, he still seemed worried. ''I'm more afraid of what would happen if we faced something that can't be resolved with fists. If we have any chance of making it back to our respective homes, we need to find answers. Hopefully, this place we're heading too will have those answers.''
Goku nodded and turned his attention back towards their destination out in front. ''I hope so too. The energy reading I sensed is getting stronger, so we should be almost there.''
Down on the ground below, Neo caught sight of Goku and Superman increasing their speed. The two had previously been flying at a reasonable pace to give the others a chance to keep up whilst Willow's magic protecting them from the harsh environments. ''We must be getting closer,'' Neo said.
''I hope so,'' Bruce breathed heavily. ''Because I'm starting to remember why I don't like long walks.''
Neo turned to face him and arched an eyebrow. ''You could always turn into the other guy.''
''If I did that, then that long walk would consist of people being stepped on.''
A sense of curiousness overwhelmed Willow hearing Bruce's sarcastic banter. ''So, is the Hulk you, or someone else?''
''Probably both,'' He answered as honestly as he could. A moment's hesitation gave Neo and Willow the impression that Bruce didn't like talking about this subject, however, the scraggy scientist eventually continued. ''It's a part of me, and I can remember it as if it were me. Like waking up from a bad dream. But at the same time, it's like another entity of its own, a darkness inside me that manifests in physical form. My anger essentially becomes something for the whole world to see and fear…and hate.''
Willow's eyes shifted to the ground as they continued to walk. Dark memories of her own clouded her thoughts and her heart felt suddenly heavy with guilt. ''Yeah, I know what that's like.''
Despite knowing this was a tough subject for Bruce, who clearly looked uncomfortable talking about this, Neo pressed on. ''But you sometimes use this transformation to help people?''
''Depends on if it's the right place and right time. Doesn't mean I can control it.''
''Have you tried?''
''It's not that easy,'' Bruce sighed.
Willow sharply turned to face Neo. ''I don't think antagonising him like this is going to help. Unless you want the Hulk's personal signature smashed in your face.''
''I'm just trying to make a point.''
''What point is that?'' Bruce asked.
''A lot of what I'm hearing from you is that your mind is the catalyst to your power.''
Bruce nodded. ''Of course, chemicals and stimuli in the brain when reacting to…''
''I don't mean the reaction to cause your change,'' Neo interrupted. ''I'm talking about freeing your mind. Understanding the disconnection between yourself and the Hulk so that you can create a connection.''
''Create a connection?'' Bruce lets a small, sarcastic laugh escape him. ''Have you become my gothic psychiatric?''
Even though it seemed Bruce wasn't willing to listen or taking this conversation seriously, Neo didn't let this go. ''Strength and anger isn't a person greatest ability. It's the mind, and learning to fully tap into it and remove our limits. If you learn to control yourself, you can control anything around you.''
Suddenly, a loud voice rose over theirs. ''He is not wrong,'' The three turned and stared in bewilderment to see Kratos pacing himself close to them, still not within the magical barrier, but close enough so that he could be apart of the conversation. ''The monster is inside of you, and part of you. You control it. Once you do that, you can use it and become unstoppable. Even from your own sins deep inside.''
Letting the shock sink in that not only was Kratos involved, but also offering his own piece of helpful advice, the group remained silent for a moment. Bruce's eyes shifted between each individual as he absorbed every word. He stared at Neo finally, unable to read the Chosen One's expression behind his dark sunglasses, before grinning. ''I'll keep that in mind next time. Thanks.''
There were no other words needed from Neo, who nodded in response. A big smile grew across Willow's face. ''You know, it's so much better when we're all getting along inside of fighting each other.''
Before long, Goku and Superman soared further into the distance at incredible speed, giving the others indication that they had finally arrived at their destination. They hurried along in an attempt to catch up with the two heroic aliens.
Further along, Goku and Superman landed back onto the ground. The area around them was a desolate, rocky wasteland. The tips of the mountains around them touched the cloudy, dark sky. The earth beneath their feet, if they could even call it earth, was cracked and fragile, threatening to break apart and swallow them whole. Thankfully, the harsh winds had quietened down, with only small gushes of sand blowing along the ground, no higher than their knees. ''This is what I was sensing?'' Goku questioned in confusion and the two of them stared at what had drawn them across such a long distance.
Towering over them was stone statues, showcasing a hooded figure. The face couldn't be seen; they couldn't even tell if the face had even been sculpted underneath. Superman could shake away the uneasy feeling he had that something was wrong. ''Are you sure this is it?'' He asked Goku.
Goku rubbed the back of his head and turned to Superman. ''I'm sure. I can definitely feel something strange coming from this statue.'' His gaze swung back towards the tall statue as the curious warrior marched around it as if looking for something on it. ''Who do you think built this?''
''I don't know,'' Superman answered. ''I'm more interested in knowing what it's doing out here in the middle of nowhere!''
Soon enough, the others had finally caught up and were just as perplexed by the looming stone statue. ''This is not what was expected,'' Willow mumbled.
Confused looks were passed around between each of them, as if expecting or hoping that someone would have the answers they needed, but no one had a clue about what to do next. The statue didn't remind anyone of anything and didn't give any indication as to where they should go next. It was the equivalent of finding a blank map. However, Kratos of all people seemed to feel the most apprehensive of the whole group. His intense eyes never left the statue. A chill shot up his spine, not one caused by fear, but a sense of familiarity.
The silence was eventually broken by Goku, who had strolled around the statue in the hopes of finding something, only to come up short. ''So what do we do now?''
''I don't know,'' Willow was the first to respond. ''This is the only place close-by where I'm getting a hint of magic.''
''Then this statue can't be just for show,'' Superman concurred. ''There has to be more to it that we're not seeing.''
Kratos unsheathed one of his chained blades and took a step closer to the statue. ''I suggest we destroy it right now.''
Neo glared at him. ''And lose our only lead?''
Ignoring the sarcastic remark, Kratos kept hi gaze focused on the statue, growing more agitated with every passing second. ''I feel uneasy in this sculpture's presence. For some reason, it makes me sick just looking at it.''
''Hmm?'' Goku eyed the statue, taking in all its features. ''It doesn't look that scary.''
''I don't feel fearful of it,'' Kratos growled at the oblivious Saiyan. ''But it does feel…familiar for some reason.''
''Maybe we should ask it for directions,'' Bruce half-joked.
''Greetings, travellers,'' Suddenly, a booming, yet calm voice echoed from the statue, startling everyone in the group.
''Okay, I didn't think that would actually work.'' Bruce gulped.
Things had become tense and anxious for the group now that they knew the statue was sentient. They each stood their ground, prepared for whatever attack might come their way. No one was sure of what was to come next. The statue remained motionless, even when the voice returned. ''You have done well to make it this far.''
''What do you mean by making it this far?'' Superman questioned. ''Who are you?''
''Who I am is of no concern to you! All you must know for now is that I am here to congratulate you. We knew that you six individuals were amongst the strongest of each of your respective worlds. Now that I have seen your abilities and skills in combat, I can say that I am most definitely impressed.''
''So you're just here to give us a pat on the back?'' Willow inquired.
''And to inform you of where to go next…''
Now the group's interest was grabbed, and their rising impatience stalled for now. Feeling hopeful about their chances of escaping this wasteland, Superman stepped forward for the group. ''Okay, so where do we go now?''
''It's not that simple.''
Neo scoffed under his breath. ''It never is.''
Without warning, the statue began to slowly move. Its arms, which up until now had been harmless folded, extended out in front and the palms of its stony hands opened. The group expected to see something being offered to them, however, the statue's hands were as empty as the land around them. Curious glances were shared between each other before the statue's voice spoke up, louder than before. ''You must first entertain me.''
''Eh? Entertain you?'' Goku inquired and tilted his head in confusion.
A shiver crawled up along Willow's body, and she felt goosebumps rise on her arms and legs. ''Oh no, if this is like a talent-show deal, then I'm going to have to pass.''
As the seconds passed, everyone steadied themselves fearing that the statue was plotting or stalling for something to happen. Before long, the statue spoke again. ''Two of you will fight each other! A contest between the two strongest warriors of your group! If you entertain me, I shall take you to where you need to go.''
Letting the proposal sink in, there was now a greater sense of uneasiness and worry than ever before…all except for one person in the group. Goku rushed forward before anyone else had a chance to get a word in. ''Hold on, so if two of us have a quick sparring match, you'll tell us where to go?''
The group were put off by Goku's tone. It was sinister by any means, quite the opposite, in fact, he sounded excited by the prospect.
Superman stepped forward, placing his hand on Goku's shoulder and getting his comrade's attention. ''Now wait a moment, even if we do agree to this, how do we know we can trust him?''
''You can't.'' The statue responded coldly. ''If you prefer, you can wander this world aimlessly, until your starve to death. Without my guidance, you'll never return to your homes.''
''It doesn't sound like you're giving us much of a choice.'' Superman retorted strongly.
''You don't have a choice.''
Even though Superman's apprehension was open for all to see, with the others in the group understanding why he was this way, Goku grinned widely. ''Oh come on, if a quick fight between two of us is all that it takes, why not go with it?''
''This could be a trap. Why do two of us have to fight to have the way shown to us?''
''The fight doesn't have to be serious. We just have to give the statue a good show. It shouldn't be that hard considering how strong we all are. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try.''
Willow cleared her throat, earning everyone's attention. ''Two things I want to point out. One, actually it would hurt to give it a try considering it's a fight, and two, we don't have many other options. Zilch options actually. There are other leads to follow.''
''I don't know about this,'' Superman's voice trailed off. So many thoughts and fears ran through his head. He quickly considered all their other possibilities, but unfortunately, just as Willow pointed out, there was hardly anything else to go on. This vast, endless prison world had become much smaller for the Man of Steel as everything seemed to weight on his decision. Although, as he contemplated, he could see that the others were shifting to side with Goku. This might be their only way to go back home.
It was Neo who cut off the silence next. ''We're still forgetting the most important thing. Who are our two fighters?''
Not missing a beat, Goku jumped up and pumped his fist against his strong chest. ''It has to be me, please! This is too good to pass up!''
Bruce leant close to whisper in Willow's ear. ''He's like a kid at Christmas.''
Before Willow could respond, Goku shocked Bruce as he pointed a finger towards the scientist. ''Hey Bruce, can you turn into the Hulk again? I'd love a rematch, but this time going all-out!''
If it was anyone else pleading with him to fight the Hulk, Bruce would have assumed it was a joke, however, he knew that Goku was very serious about this. ''I'm going to let the big guy sit this one out. Otherwise, a friendly spar could turn into a death battle.''
Goku huffed in disappointment. ''Oh man,'' His cherry attitude returned instantly once he fixed his attention towards Kratos. ''How about it? You seem like you want to fight.''
At first, Kratos's expression was filled with interest, like he was considering taking up Goku on his offer. However, he glanced upwards at the statue, which caused his fist to clench and he stormed away from the group. ''I will not stop you, but I will not abide by that thing's demand.''
''What's his deal?'' Goku wondered.
He felt someone step closer towards him, and a moving shadow caught his attention. Goku turned to be greeted by a very sombre Kryptonian. This time, Goku's excitement was contained and he didn't crack a smile as he faced Superman fully. ''I know you don't agree to this…''
''I don't,'' Superman coincided. ''However, if it has to be done, then let's get it over with.''
''Huh? You're going to fight me?''
''If that's what it takes to get us home, then yes! Son Goku, it's an honour to be your opponent.''
A beaming smile returned to Goku's face, and he was practically hopping like a rabbit, unable to control his exhilaration. ''Yeah, this is going to be so awesome.'
Whilst Goku continued to cheer and jump about, Superman turned to face the statue, staring up into the darkness that covered its face. It wasn't only unusual that the hood shadowed the face despite the sun high above not being in the correct position to do so, but even his vision couldn't see past the shrouded darkness. ''Alright, you have your two fighters. Now what?''
''Places your hands upon my own, then you shall begin.''
Superman and Goku shared a quick glance and nod once the Saiyan had calmed down. They approached the statue and pressed their hands into the stone palm, expecting something to happen. ''You may begin now!'' The statue spoke.
It appeared it truly was all-or-nothing at this point. They pulled their hands away and walked in opposite directions. Superman turned towards the others. ''You all might want to stand back. We don't want any of you getting caught in the crossfire.''
''You don't need to tell us twice,'' Willow shouted back as the group did as instructed.
They hurried away, although Kratos followed his pace was slower. For some reason, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the statue. The presence it was giving off caused a chill to erupt throughout his body. Once all this had been settled, he wondered if they would find out more about their mysterious helper. For the time being, they were spectators that what could be potentially the greatest sparring matches the universe has ever seen.
While Superman took a moment to mentally prepare himself, Goku was already happily stretching and beaming brightly. ''I know that we're not fighting with the intention of seriously hurting each other, but that doesn't mean I want you to hold back, okay? Come at me with everything you've got!''
''Fine, however, I expect the same from you,'' Superman called back. ''To play it safe, I'll let you turn into your Super Saiyan form so that you won't get hurt.''
Goku confidently chuckled. ''I appreciate that. I know you're incredibly strong; you definitely earn the name Superman. Because of that, I'm going to go a step further and show you my ultimate form.'' He clenched his fists tightly and closed his eyes. With slow exhales, he drew all of his ki inwards, until it wrapped around his very soul, lighting a tremendous fire inside. A bellowing scream erupted from his lungs and his whole body was soon enveloped in a magnificent blue aura.
The outburst in power was so great that everyone had to steady themselves so not to get blown away into the distance. Superman watched on, in awe at Goku's display of power. Then he felt something change around the Saiyan. Because of his Kryptonian powers, Superman could always see a person's aura, much like how Goku seemed to be able to sense a person's aura. However, Goku's seemed to be disappearing altogether. It was like he was becoming a different person. Before long, the blue flames around Goku extinguished and he revealed himself to the group. His hair was spiked up much like his previous transformation, but now it glowed with a brilliant blue.
From the other side of the area, Bruce couldn't stop a confused snort. ''Does this guy come with a whole set of hair colours?''
Willow gulped. ''Whatever he did, I know can't sense his aura anymore.''
Now that Goku had finished transforming, the Saiyan grinned at Superman. ''This is the power of a Super Saiyan God.''
''Super Saiyan God?'' The Man of Steel whispered. He didn't know what to expect. Because of Goku's change in ki, he couldn't read his opponent. He was going into this fight completely blind and would have to rely on instinct and reaction. ''Alright, let's get this over with.''
Goku nodded, even if a part of him didn't want this fight to end too soon. He wanted to enjoy every moment of this, especially since he'd just figured out that Superman hasn't even come close to using his full power yet out of concern for the safety of others.
As his face darkened, Goku took one step forward before leaping so quickly, he closed the gap between the two aliens within an instant. He threw a hard punch at Superman, wanting to test his speed, and the Kryptonian didn't disappoint, blocking efficiently. The force of the punch caused Superman's feet to sink into the ground, forming cracks and causing rubble to break off and scatter in the air. The others needed a moment to realise what had just happened. In a blink, the two fighters went from staring down each other to trying to outmuscle one another.
Superman tried to force Goku back. Sparks of energy burst from their arms as they pushed harder and harder. It was too close to call, and neither was making any ground on the other. Wanting to land the first blow, Goku threw back his other fist and aimed for Superman's head. The Man of Steel shifted himself to the side, just managing to avoid the strike. Using his other hand, he grabbed Goku's gi and tossed the warrior behind him and into the ground.
Goku skidded along the surface a few times before crashing beneath and causing a long crater to form. He rolled along before getting his balance and digging his foot into the ground to stop his momentum. He tried to get up quickly, only to find Superman had already flown close enough to land the first punch. BAM! Goku took the full force of the punch to the cheek and stumbled backwards briefly. However, he wasn't going to be beaten that easy.
Goku charged at Superman and unleashed a rapid-fire assault of punches and kicks. Superman used his speed to block and dodge as many of the strikes as he could and hoped he could find an opening to counter. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't find that opening with how quickly Goku was moving. He knew it would only be a matter of time before he was caught, so he quickly soared high into the air, hoping to make some space between them. This only gave Goku another opportunity.
He raised two fingers to his forehead before suddenly disappearing. Superman tried to search for him, and then he heard a sound coming from behind. BAM! He didn't even get the chance to turn around before Goku kicked him in the back and sent him crashing into the ground, the earth exploding upon impact.
Not wanting to waste a moment, Goku dived down and into the smoke caused by the collision. He felt something move around him and then heard the sonic boom. Protecting himself just in the nick of time, he crossed his arms over his chest just as Superman rocketed towards him and speared him over the horizon. Superman wrapped his arms around Goku's body, holding him at the front. Goku tried to break from, but his struggles were futile. He couldn't break free in time as Superman hurtled into the side of a mountain, pinning the Saiyan at the front so that he could take the hit of the collision.
That still didn't stop them, slicing through the girth of the mountain with no trouble and emerging from the other side. Needing to break free desperately, Goku lifted his knee to hit Superman in the chest and force him to let go. BAM! Free at last, Goku spun-kicked Superman in the face and sent him flying once more.
In the palm of his hand, a ball of yellow energy took form and grew. Goku threw it at Superman. The Kryptonian shot downwards, dodging the blast. However, Goku soon fired a barrage of ki blast attacks, following him and trying to land a hit. Superman was able to stay ahead of the blasts, soaring through the explosions that ignited closeby.
He knew that he needed to be on the offence if he wanted to win this fight. So, Superman soared upwards, right past Goku. The Saiyan God turned, watching as Superman inhaled a large quantity of air before exhaling with an enormous force. The temperature around Goku dropped to such a degree, ice began to form on his body. His arms and legs started to freeze, and he felt his blood run cold. Goku unleashed a wave of energy from his body, stopping the cold and throwing Superman off balance.
BAM! Goku followed up with an uppercut. He grabbed Superman's boot and started to spin him around. A small tornado took shape beneath them until finally, he let go, and Superman was tossed into another mountain close by. The mass of land split in half.
Again, not wasting a second, Goku took off to follow Superman. He didn't get far, however, as Superman had flown back, grabbing Goku by the face and hoisting him upwards. His fist started to crush Goku's face and the Saiyan let out a wail of pain. He quickly fired another blast of energy at Superman. The Man of Steel was one step ahead. He lifted himself up, flipping over Goku and dodging the attack. Powerless to do anything, Goku felt Superman pull him along before being throw across the horizon.
Flying faster than ever before, Superman caught up with him easily. BAM! He punched Goku, causing him to gain a bit of speed, but Superman was on his toes once more. BAM! Another punch followed with the same effect.
He thought he had Goku pinned, until the Saiyan rolled his body into a ball-shape, spun in the air before kicking outwards. BAM! He forced Superman back and stabilised. Now, the two remained floating in mid-air, panting heavily as sweat poured down their faces. A cocky grin returned to the Saiyan. It wasn't hard to tell that he was having the time of his life right now. Everything else was a distant or forgotten memory to him. All he cared about now was this epic fight with someone he could call more than his equal.
After a moment of silence, Superman sneered and folded his arms over his chest. ''This is meant to be the power of a Super Saiyan God? I've fought Gods before, you? You're not even in the same league as them.''
Below, the others shared a quick glance. ''That didn't sound very Superman-like,'' Bruce commented.
''Hmm,'' Goku scoffed smugly. ''If I'm going to have any shot of beating you, I'll just have to use my trump card. It might end up killing me, but it'll be worth it.''
At that statement, the others looked on in shock. Superman, surprisingly and scarily, appeared unfazed by Goku's sinister remark.
Willow shouted at the top of her lungs. ''Wait a minute, you guys, no one needs to end up killing themselves. This is meant to be just a sparring match!''
A smirk grew across Goku's face, full of confidence, but unlike before there was something ominous about it. It was like something else was in the driving seat. ''Not anymore. This is the fight I've been waiting my whole life for!''
Willow shook her head in disbelief. ''What are you talking about?''
''Something is very wrong,'' Neo said. ''They've become too invested in this fight.''
''But why?'' The witch questioned worriedly.
As the three of them looked at each other hoping that one of them would have an answer, Kratos continued to stare at the statue. He hadn't moved an inch ever since the fight started, if all of this was for entertainment to what was supposedly a sentient being, then why did he appear uninterested in the fight itself?
Above, Goku's energy spiked for a split second, surprising everyone. ''Kaioken…'' He gritted. Suddenly, an explosion of red fire gushed all over him. The blue and red flames mixed together and caused the entire atmosphere around him to bubble and boil. His muscles slowly tightened and grew, the veins looked as if they might burst. A contorted look of pain flashed across his face, and he roared with a booming echo.
Despite his opponent's new technique, Superman remained composed as ever, although an uncharacteristic dark look took form in his expression. Goku appeared to be in a great deal of pain just from using this added power, yet the Man of Steel was undeterred by it all. He was a shadow of the concerned figure before this fight started.
After a few agonising seconds, Goku appeared to have the Kaioken under control. He laughed quietly with a shaky breath. ''Have to admit, I was worried there for a second. I'm still learning how to mix Kaioken with the power of Super Saiyan God.''
''If this is your idea of impressing me,'' Superman derided. ''You're going to have to do a lot better than…''
''Kaioken times three!'' Goku yelled.
BAM! Superman was caught completely off guard as Goku punched him in the stomach, causing him to cough up blood.
Goku smirked. ''My strength…my speed…and all of my techniques have been taken to the next level. You don't stand a chance!''
Unwilling to throw in the towel, Superman threw a punch of his own.
BAM! In the blink of an eye, not only did Goku dodge Superman's strike, but he also was able to move behind and elbow the Kryptonian in the back, causing him to plummet towards the ground.
The shockwaves caused by the impact were tremendous. So much so, that a wave of debris and rubble came hurtling towards the remaining members of the group. Thinking quickly, Willow summoned a protective barrier around them. Giant boulders crashed on the outside of the barrier, but she held on strongly. The others watched on in fright and awe. It was like witnessing the epicentre of a massive explosion. The display of power on show had them bewildered.
Once the shockwaves had died down, Willow set down her barrier and they waited in anticipation to see what had become of Superman. To their amazement, Superman climbed out from the debris. His silhouette in the smoke stood tall and proudly. A single trail of blood dripped from the corner of his lip. He rubbed it away with the back of his hand and stared up at Goku with an amused expression. ''Well, well, well, I actually felt that one.''
''There's plenty more where that came from.'' Goku taunted.
Superman lowered his posture, ready to take off into the sky once more before Willow and Neo darted out in front of him. He glared at the two. ''Get out of my way.''
''What has gotten into you?'' Willow gasped.
''We're fighting. What does it look like?''
''This wasn't how things were supposed to go,'' Neo said firmly. ''If you don't tone this down, one of you will end up killing the other.''
Superman narrowed his gaze. ''That's the idea.''
He didn't even give them a chance to register his dark comment, let alone find a way to respond to it before he flew above them and back towards Goku. The Saiyan charged with just as much speed and the two collided in mid-air, unleashing a furious flurry of attacks. Even whilst in the air, the force of their brawl was enough to shake the ground.
Willow watched on helplessly. ''I don't understand…''
From behind, Bruce appeared conflicted about what to do. He knew that there had to be a way to stop them before they tore each other apart, however, there was nothing any of them could do. They didn't have the strength to pull apart two fighters with that magnitude of power…actually, Bruce knew that there was someone. He clutched his hand to his chest, digging his fingers along the skin and causing scratch marks, feeling his heart rate increase frantically. He could practically hear the voice inside calling out to him, begging to be released.
He wanted to fend it off and think of another way to resolve this situation. But, they were out of options. Conceding defeat, he turned towards the closest person to him that turned out to be Kratos, who was still looking over at the unmoving statue. ''Hey, you might want to find some cover. With what I'm about to do…this area is going to turn into a war zone…''
Something inside Kratos's mind seemed to click at that very moment. ''War?''
Bruce closed his eyes and prepared himself for what was to come. A stoic voice pulled him out of his thoughts. ''Don't even think about it.''
He opened his eyes and saw Willow and Neo standing in front of him, afraid to get too close, knowing what he was trying to do. Bruce groaned loudly. ''What other choice do we have?''
Willow pointed up towards the alien fighters, their conflict causing the sky to explode with lightning and fire in all directions. ''We already have two of our people not thinking clearly, we don't need a third!''
''I'm the only one who has any hope of stopping them…''
''Or,'' Neo interjected. ''You could end up just like them, and we'll be facing a bigger problem.''
''Then what should we do?''
They were caught off guard by the sound of metal unsheathing. Turning their heads, they saw Kratos had drawn his blades. ''Attack him!'' He gestured towards the statue before charging at it before the others had anything to say.
Once he was close enough, he leapt into the air and brought his blade down on top of the statue…until it abruptly moved its hands and caught the blade. Cracks appeared on the hands, growing more and more until it swept over the marble-stoned figure. Kratos pushed his blade against the statue, his superior strength breaking the stone until it shattered like glass, revealing a figure hiding beneath.
''What the what?'' Willow gasped, echoing everyone's thoughts as Kratos had forced the statue to reveal his true identity.
''I should have known you were playing a part in this…'' Kratos growled. ''Ares!''
The Greek God of War grinned wildly. ''It's been far too long, Kratos. I was beginning to wonder if you would realise it was I. Your rage is limitless.''
BAM! Kratos kicked outwards, hitting Ares in the chest and sending the God flying and crashing along the ground. He reached his hand out, clawing his fingers into the surface to stop himself. Despite the hard hit he took, he couldn't stop a maniacal belt of laughter from escaping. His laugh echoed throughout the landscape.
Willow, Bruce and Neo hurried towards Kratos's side. ''He is the cause of all this,'' The Spartan spat. ''He is the reason why the two warriors are being forced to fight to the death.''
''I never forced them to do anything,'' Ares cackled. ''I just merely brought out their inner desire for battle. The more they fight, the hungrier they get for blood.''
''That does sound like forcing them if you ask me,'' Willow said.
''It's too late to do anything to help them now. At this point, they won't stop until one stands over the other's beaten, broken body!''
A powerful shockwave forced them to look up. Goku and Superman were zipping around the air faster than what a normal human eye could see. Their eyes fuelled with rage, and their clothing beginning to rip off as they charged at each other once more. Goku's body pulsed harder and faster with every passing second, threatening to explode, and Superman's eyes glowed crimson before a blast shot out from his pupils. Reacting quickly, Goku fired an energy blast from his hand. The two blasts collided in the middle before exploding massively.
To Be Continued…