(Continuing From The Previous Chapter: Where Goku and Vegeta were. . .)
"Hraaaaaaaaaaaaagh!"
Vegeta let out a roar, a golden energy wave exuding and firing from his hand to incinerate the enemies that dared challenge him. One by one, explosions littered the sky like firecrackers that left no ash left to fall to the ground. The universe 7 Prince let out a small breath, a bead of sweat trickling down the side of his cheek. He had to admit, preoccupying himself with these monstrosities as training dummies were slowly beginning to prove to be a workout even for him. He had exuded a lot of energy after constantly trying to one-up his rival and at the moment, he was beginning to believe that they were reaching the end of their little contest. However, just as soon as the smoke cleared, more seemed to have already approached him though not as much as before. He smirks, relishing the challenge itself as he catches his breath before noticing the Hero of Earth himself just speeding through the battlefield. He was like a blur, so much that it only emphasized how smoothly he was moving. . .almost too smoothly.
He knew that the two of them were doing their little competitive gag as per usual and were using this as practice in terms of training since Kuzuku took the big boss for himself. Vegeta didn't feel the need to point it out since all of them were of the same species, but he was sure they all felt the same. When a Saiyan calls dibs on their prey, then no one is to interfere unless the situation calls for it. That aside, he returned his attention to Goku himself. Compared to him who was blasting away anything in his path, the Saiyan raised on Earth seemingly only taking them down with nothing but his fists on purpose. In fact, he had just jumped into a hoard, clearly on purpose while evading several thrusts of their spear-like weapons with a face displaying ecstasy. His body seemed to bend and move around their attacks while also striking with counterattacks from every reaction of his movements. Yes. . ., he could see it clearly. His experienced eyes which were geared towards breaking down things into detail could see it. As he spun around with his hips dangerously close yet not enough to even so much leave a scratch upon his clothes, he delivered a quick elbow to one of the creature's stomachs while simultaneously grabbing the wrist of another who aimed to bisect him with a vertical slash. Then, as he still held his smile, he simply flicked his wrist forward which caused the creature to have its body spun several times on its side before getting back-fisted so hard in the stomach that the impact reverberated into rippling shockwaves while dodging a narrow thrust aimed at his face. Soon enough, the shockwaves escalated, causing them to spread and blow away the hoard in multiple directions and sending them crashing to the ground. Much to his relief, Goku too had let out a breath, indicating that he wasn't fairing much better than he was.
The hero of Earth touched his cheek with his fingers as he noticed a scratch that grazed his cheek enough to draw blood. He frowned a bit, "Man, I was off a bit. This is way harder than I thought. . ." Vegeta let out a huff, his ears picking up on the self-made comment before flying over towards him.
"I knew it," Vegeta said, earning his rival's attention, "Those movements. You were trying to reclaim Ultra Instinct by using the feeling from your previous uses."
"Yeah, but it's way, way, WAY harder than I thought. Hmmm, maybe it's because I'm excited, but I can't help it, hehe!" Goku chuckled.
Vegeta narrowed his eyes, his mind replaying each movement in his head. To him, even though they held a massive power advantage despite their numbers, even he had to admit it. Goku had handled them albeit casually. . .too casually. At first glance, it looked normal, considering that this very same Saiyan would almost have a permanent smile on his face whenever they see each other. However, even in the heat of battle where death surrounded them from all angles if they slipped up, Goku still seemed relaxed, his mind not focusing on such a thing that would be ordinarily alarming. It really did beg the question that perhaps another big contributor to him being able to utilize the divine technique was because he was far too simple-minded in contrast to him. Though that said, one thing did stand out to the universe 7 Prince, "Even though he's simply imitating it, his movements are starting to recall how he used to move during the Tournament of Power. Perhaps him being called a prodigy martial artist wasn't just for show. No. . .he had to have been training specifically on top of that." As he dwells on that for a moment, Goku turns his attention back toward the dark hole in the sky.
"Hey, Vegeta?" Goku muttered loud enough to snap the Saiyan prince out of his thoughts before pointing at something, "I don't know if my eyes are playing tricks on me, but do you see someone near that hole already?"
The Saiyan prince blinked a few times before darting his eyes towards what he was talking about. He squinted, trying to pick out the figure through the hoard that blocked their path already only to get a faint glimpse of who it was. Green. That was all he could make out yet it was enough to indicate that it was certainly someone. Wasting no time, he flared his ki and rushed forward with so much energy that he blew apart the hoard as if they were a minor inconvenience. Soon enough, Goku followed suit, somewhat in awe of how much brute force Vegeta had in reserve though he didn't mind. Curiosity was getting the better of them right now. The two closed the distance between them and the figure, his features being quite recognizable the closer they got to where Vegeta even became surprised, "Wait. . .is that?" The two Saiyans of Universe 7 stopped just behind the figure who looked to be more confused than shocked at the abnormal construct.
"Hey, you're that Namekian that fought Piccolo in the tournament!" Goku pointed out, his voice easily spooking the Namekian out of his concentration due to his sensitive hearing. He turned around only to have his eyes meet the two Saiyans that he had clearly recognized as well.
"Wait, you two are the Saiyans from Universe 7. What are you doing here?" Troc asked with a surprised look on his face.
As Goku gave him a stupidly wide grin, Vegeta decided to be the one to answer, "We were called to help with the situation, Namekian."
"For Shenron's sake. . .The name is Troc!" The Namekian was exasperated though Vegeta seemed to pay his response no mind.
Mainly because now that he was closing up, he could easily understand why Whis and Vados had wanted to seal the planet off before this portal of some sort could spread its effects. He could feel his body beginning to be pressured and pushed away by some force that he'd honestly rivaled that of his wife's gravity chamber technology. If it weren't for the fact that he'd been gravity training for more than a decade, then he'd sure the previous him would have been sent crashing back to the planet's crust. Not only that. . ."It feels like it's threatening to corrupt and devour everything. . .almost like pure malice," That said, Vegeta turned to Troc.
"So, have you tried doing anything to this thing?" The universe 7 Prince inquired.
Troc shook his head and turned his body towards the structure as well, "Yeah, considering its size, I tried using a special portal manipulating technique in an attempt to close it but it wouldn't budge and it would somehow slow down how many of those monsters can pass through. Furthermore, Ki blasts and physical attacks showed no signs of affecting it either. I can't put my finger on it but it's almost like this thing is composed of something that can't be interacted with normally. . ." Vegeta clenched his teeth at the new info. Physical attacks are one thing but even energy-based ones as well? He wasn't one to use petty magic or special techniques so he could care less about some Namekian parlor trick not even working as well, however, with this, he had no clue on what to do to which. . .he didn't have a lot of time to anyways.
"Uh, guys," Goku said, the two turning to see what he was going to say now. Vegeta was about to remark only for him to realize that they were now surrounded which only made him groan.
However, before he could go in and take care of them, Troc suggested, "Oi, we may not be able to completely nullify it but we can still stall for time. I wasn't able to focus on it before since I had to fend for myself but if you two are here then I won't have to worry."
"So, you just need us to cover your six?" Vegeta summarized.
The Namekian nodded, turning his full focus on the construct with only a single response, "Basically, yeah. . ." Vegeta then smirked, taking a stance alongside his rival who was already holding his excited expression at the number of enemies that drew near.
"Fine then, you have the Saiyan prince and his jester as a backup then!" Vegeta roared, the two Saiyans charging toward the army without an ounce of hesitation. All that could be heard was the sound of their fists crashing against their flesh. . .
(Returning To The Universe 6 Saiyans Battlefield On Sadala. . .)
Pitch black. That was the only thought that came into Caulifla's mind from what she was currently seeing. For the first time, she had faced something completely beyond her comprehension and that was what made the hair on the back of her neck stand up out of anxiety. She knew for a fact that her breathing was normal, which was a good thing at first but even so, the strange part was something else entirely, "I can't hear myself breathe. . .and I can't feel the air brushing against my body either. But worse of all, I can't sense the bastard at all." Nevertheless, she stayed still and focused despite the oddity of the technique that was unleashed upon her. Moments passed, almost to the point that she was beginning to think she had already been killed and sent to some unknown purgatory. However, that was quickly proven to be the contrary.
Her senses that delve into the realm of just animalistic instincts kicked into high gear and with quick reflexes, she dodge towards the left. There was no feeling felt but when she could swear something had aimed to slice her in two and unbeknownst to her, her left arm had received a cut yet she couldn't feel it. Caulifla's eyes narrowed as she could have sworn something in the darkness flew past her without even making a sound. Just as she began to try and take a step, she unknowingly felt disoriented, her left leg getting unknowingly cut near her ankle while another slash made a gash just over her shoulder. Having had enough of the mysterious phantom, she flared her Ki in hopes to generate some form of light, though all it did was illuminate herself within the darkness for her to finally take notice of the wounds on her body. Blood dripped from the tip of her fingers as she stood perplexed after finally taking notice, "What the–" She paused her sentence as another feeling resurfaced.
Quickly, she ducked under what looked to be a gust of wind that aimed to take her head off. Her teeth clenched for only just a moment when she noticed the eyes that she had directed her rage towards staring down at her before disappearing into the darkness once more. Thinking quickly, she outstretched her arms, her aura flaring and expanding before wrapping around her like a bubble that shielded her from harm. As soon as it appeared, multiple slashes struck the barrier, the strike only leaving small shards to scatter after each hit but still haven't broken it. Then, the attacks ceased for a moment, as if the assailant in the dark had to take a moment to think before proceeding. This gave Caulifla time to do something that she hadn't done before; think.
"Let's run things back a bit. . .," Caulifla told herself, "My feeling of touch and even pain is gone. I can't hear any approach of any attack but I can tell I'm not alone. Not only that, it's so dark that I can't see at all, and generating light doesn't seem to help to perceive him. But worst of all, I can't even sense his Ki. . ."
Caulifla's eyes looked around for a moment. She knew it was pointless in trying to talk since she can't hear but if everything falls into order, whatever technique she was in was aiming to remove her natural senses along with her ability to sense Ki. The only thing that kept her alive was just sheer intuition. Something that she had to thank Kuzuku for sharpening throughout their couple of months of training. Nevertheless, she let out a small exerted breath as the barrier began to grow brighter and emit small particles of her Ki all around her.
"I see you're not entirely narrow-minded as a fighter," A familiar voice echoed in the darkness. Her eyes widened a bit before the voice added, "Yes, you are allowed to speak if you had noticed that you can hear now."
"Tch, so I was right after all," Caulilfa remarked.
For some reason, she could tell that she earned a condescending nod in response, "I suppose so and if you couldn't tell the obvious for some stupid reason, we're sealed off in a separate space that can control your senses on my whim. You could compare it to fighting something that isn't even there. As if I am the void itself."
"So? You can hide in the dark? Want a cookie, you coward!" Caulifla snarled.
Okara let his presence be known, the sound of snapping echoing within the dark to create a sense of eeriness, "Still blinded by your anger, Cauli. . .?" The feisty female gave him a snarl at the mention of her childhood nickname. But, the traitor prince still continued.
"Ah, my fault, I forgot. You don't like that nickname. Strange really, because I remember you didn't mind being called that. Especially since–," Okara recalled before getting cut off.
"Okara, I'm warning you again to shut the hell up now," Caulifla growled under her breath, knowing full well he was listening.
But he didn't even care, only smirking, "Your mother was the one who gave you that nickname back when we were all sparring each other when we were kids. The day when your potential was so apparent and you became a prodigy child. They had such high hopes for you and look at you now. A leader of one of the most infamous gangs on Sadala with a life of stagnation. Makes me wonder what would they think when they see what you've become. Perhaps, you already know that answer, don't you. . .?" That question alone was all that was needed to make her bite her tongue, her eyes widening at the notation. She would deny it but she wasn't a complete idiot. She had hesitated and that hesitation was all that he needed. Throughout the years since the death of her parents, Renzo had been a prime example of what it would be like if they were still around to see her life progress onward. Whenever they met, he would always try to put on some "strong" elder brother front but she could easily see past it all.
"He clearly gave me that look. . ."
She clenched her teeth, her fist tightening as she knew the exact look she was thinking about. The one that made her feel self-conscious and guilty. That her choices were a direct result of his failures as an elder brother. . .even though he had done nothing wrong. It was all because of her after all. She was the reason why her parents died. All because of naivety that came from. . ."No. . ." She had to mentally punch herself from admitting it. But what was even the point? Her actions, attitude, and feigned character were all at the expense of keeping the people around her just out of reach which worked successfully for everyone except for Kale who she deemed as her prodigy. The one who was meant to become the better her. The one who wouldn't make the same mistakes she had. That was her drive to push Kale so hard because. . .that way she would feel she had accomplished something. But now, for the first time, she felt like she truly was floating in an ocean without a map.
"Judging from your silence, I guess you've finally begun to turn the rusty gears in your head," Okara commented, his snarky remark barely registering in Caulifla's ears, "For someone who has not only caused so much disorder in the past, you've even gone as far to disgrace the name of your own parents that you indirectly killed. For that. . .your only redemption would be death at my hands."
Death? Her eyes narrowed at the proposition. How many times has she nearly been killed since then and how many times did she survive? She had lost count after the countless fights she had been in. Some bloody and some even worse than that. That's how she was so strong in the first place and had gained supporters for her gang. All from being a mindless brute who wandered the streets. But not a single one of those was enough to satisfy her guilt to prevent it from eating away at her. She had endured it but now, she was at her breaking point. Her hands began to drop, the barrier surrounding her growing weaker as Okara inwardly patted himself on the back.
"She's starting to lose focus. . .now's my chance," Okara thought, his hand clenching in the darkness to unveil a sinister black and red cloud wrapping around it. Thunder could be heard but not to the ears of Caulifla he had her head down in thought as he had reactivated the effects of his space. Without wasting time, he lunged forward, the cloud around his hand forming a blade that matched the length of a long sword, and fortunate for him, Caulifla didn't even react. In fact, it was more like she didn't even bother paying him any attention as the barrier had completely vanished around her. Good, no resistance was always the best way of making things easy for him. His psychological attacks and belittlement were one of his strong suits. Sometimes, when dealing with an enemy who is a threat, the battle can be won with a contest of mental fortitude. For him, he simply had nothing else to lose by succumbing to such things as guilt or compassion. He believed that was what made him strong. The quality that should be held at its highest degree for becoming King. Emotions were unnecessary and power was the only thing that needed to be gained. That's why. . .he had to do this. With his resolve set, he thrust forward towards the future that he saw within this dark path he took. . .
*CLANG*
His eyes widened at the unexpected sound of his Ki blade colliding with an unpredicted barrier. He stared in confusion, searching for any signs of deceit on Caulifla's face, but, he found nothing. In fact, all he saw was equal confusion plastered over her face as another figure had shown up just behind her. Before he could so much as make a comment, the barrier exerted a force that sent him flying back into the darkness, his bones reverberating as he didn't brace himself for such a counter-attack. Soon enough, he stopped himself, his frustration hidden and concealed by masking his body with the space itself. Caulifla slowly turned with wide eyes, her lips somewhat quivering as she took in their features. Toned muscles that currently resembled her own, her stature being but a foot over her while her unique Super Saiyan-colored hair flowed gently in the wind. Matching green eyes akin to her hair color stared back at Caulifla, the scene being all too familiar yet she had been too distracted to pin-point it as she murmured their name, "Kale. . .how did you. . .?"
Her prodigy, the one that she held and boasted about like she was a trophy. A major source of her Saiyan pride as Vegeta would call it; was currently giving her a disapproving glare. One that Caulifla had never seen her use once in their entire time together. In fact, she never thought Kale was capable of producing that sort of face and she wanted to compliment her on it but she missed her chance to speak. Kale had already beaten her by answering the previous question flatly, " taught me a trick. . ." No further context was given, the once timid Saiyan continuing sternly.
"Why did you not try to dodge that?" Kale asked.
Caulifla's eyes widened for a brief moment before turning her head away to avoid her direct gaze. Great, now she's the one being timid. She thought back to everything that has been said and she knew Kale was close by enough to hear them as she spoke, "Kale. . .you. . .heard everything that was said. You know my history now so you must understand. You always do. . .," She had great faith in her prodigy but for once. . .she placed too many hopes in her. The painful expression on her face was evident.
"Understand? You were about to let yourself get stabbed?" Kale whispered in disbelief. She watched Caulifla closely for any signs of a lie but all she got was a guilty look, "Why–?"
Caulifla cut her off with a deflated laugh that caught her off-guard, "Think about what was just said, Kale. My parents gave me so much and had such high hopes for me. I loved them for that and all I ever thought about back then was trying to live up to their expectations. I never once resented it or felt the pressure. In fact, I relished it because that's how much I cared for them back. But, in the end, I betrayed their trust and wound up getting them killed as a result. . ." Her eyes began to grow distant as though she were looking back into the distant past. The sky night that was supposed to be just another Saiyan outing at some steak house turned into a blood bath. Her father fought in fits of rage and hostility as her mother lay motionless on the ground in front of her. Renzo's horrid face at the news and the burial that took place not even weeks later. It all came back in just flashes so quickly yet so vividly.
"Now look at me. They wanted me to rise to the ranks within Sadala's army. I drop out of that dream and pursued a life of streetfighting. They wanted me to become the king's guard. I became the leader of the gang. They wanted me to accomplish what would have been deemed impossible. . .I haven't done a single thing. I did everything in opposition to them and my relationship with my brother is so strained at this point that I can't even hold a conversation with him without getting that damn look of his. I'm. . .so damn worthless and I feel like complete shit," Caulifla lamented, her fist tightening, "After all that, wouldn't it be better if I—"
*CRACK*
A resounding slap echoed within the barrier. Caulifla stood stunned at what had happened and rubbed her cheek to check if this was just some dream. But, the stinging feeling on her cheek was all too real. Kale, her timid prodigy with unbound potential, had slapped her. She. . .really. . .slapped her. She was stunned, dazed, shocked, baffled, and just downright impressed all mixed into one. All she could do was turn her head to face her which was a mistake for her heart. Kale, despite the scowl on her face, had teary eyes. She knew Kale was sensitive but that look felt like Caulifla was about to have hurt her more than any other person that had made Kale cry in the past.
"Don't. . ." Kale hissed, her hand falling back to the side of her shaking body. She was trying to catch her breath before speaking, the fierce glow and sheer strength in them enough to keep even Caulifla from daring to speak, "Don't you ever think about such thoughts! Don't ever! EVER!"
As she put emphasis on her words, Caulifla was about to retort, "But–."
"I said DON'T!" Kale all but shouted, before continuing, "You haven't accomplished a thing? You, worthless? Do you know how much charm you have? Everyone in the gang didn't follow you because you were strong. We followed you because of your character! You were always so confident and sure of yourself which was always cool! When we were ever in trouble, you were the first to come to the scene and help. Those who got to know you were the ones that you treated with respect! You even went out of your way to save someone as weak as me!"
"Kale. . .," Caulifla whispered but continued to listen.
She felt she wasn't really given a choice to speak, her prodigy continuing on with her rant, "That's why I felt like it was impossible to compare myself to you. You were the ideal person that I wanted to become. When you and insisted to treat you as a rival, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up with you. Look at you now, you already achieved Super Saiyan 3 first and left me behind! Something that no other Saiyan on Sadala has ever achieved. So don't say you never accomplished anything because those accomplishments are because you lived your life following your own path! That was what made you so. . .so admirable. It's why. . ." Kale sucked in a breath, her expression showing all of her mixed emotions in one. One that caught Caulifla by surprise as she felt Kale's head rest on the crook of her neck and tears pouring down and seeping into her clothes.
"I was so happy that you offered to become my Big Sis. . .Caulifla," Kale confessed, "So please, don't ever think of yourself that way. Otherwise, I won't have anyone to look towards."
Caulifla stood motionless, her expression difficult for anyone to read. It wasn't directly admitted to anyone about her views on Kale and how much she cared. Compared to all of her subordinates, Kale always was more on top of the pyramid. She was her prodigy, best friend. . .her rival- "Damn. ." She thought to herself. Thinking about it all, she couldn't help but feel her heart beginning to warm up. Kale, the girl who couldn't even speak up properly let alone make her own decisions, had come to her aid, slap her back into her senses, and gave her a lecture without being told to do so. For the first time, Kale was becoming something of her own before she could realize it yet. This made her smirk and despite the predicament, she was in, she was beginning to feel something begin to well up in her. Everything that has happened to her replayed itself in her head like a film.
Her family leading her to long-term friends. Her happiness that'd lead to eventual betrayal. Her love which had turned into despair and loss. All of it leads to this moment, her body standing in what may as well be the abyss. Except, she had expected to be alone. A simple fact enough to break whatever bound her to those demons. Now, she had nothing holding her back, her Ki beginning to shine gently and halting Okara from even moving within the darkness. He was a bit stunned but he recollected himself when he noticed that Caulifla wasn't really paying attention but. . .he could have sworn that she had sensed him somehow. He took a nervous gulp before regaining his composure. He had the psychological advantage after all, right? She had to be still shaken.
"Do you really think a barrier is going to protect you both for long?" Okara asked as he still allowed their sense of hearing to return, "I'll destroy it soon enough and kill you both."
Caulifla remained silent before calmly remarking, "I won't need to. . ." Both Kale and Okara were taken aback, the latter looking a bit confused if they were able to see him.
"What?" Okara muttered.
Kale slowly began to release her Big Sis to get a bigger look on Caulifla's face. Her expression was difficult to read with the only thing noticeable was her smirk, her eyes hidden by the flowing bangs that danced with the gentle energy around her. Soon enough, the Ki began to expand as she spoke, the power remaining as steading as it had begun, "You're right, I was angry because it reminded me of my own regrets. I truly believed that there was no way I could forgive myself and me still do. . .but. . .," The Ki continued to expand further within the darkness and little by little, cracks began to form. Okara started to become alert.
"—You need to exert it enough that you'll be able to stop the raging waves around. . ."
Kuzuku's words echoed, her Ki continuing at the same output.
"It almost felt like I was getting nowhere as time went on but eventually, you'll visualize a small light. Once you see it, speed towards it with everything you've got until you see nothing but white."
She had already achieved the form due to her rage, but, even now she could still see the small light. All she had to do was take one step, and all she could see was white. But even so. . .one final snippet was added as the numerous cracks continued to form within the space.
"Never lose yourself in it. . ."
Caulifla smirked, tears flowing down her face. Okara couldn't help but become intrigued, noting, "Tears. . .? Has the feeling of remorse finally overtook you?" He tried to regain some psychological control he had on her, however, it was proven fruitless.
"I guess you could say that. . .," Caulifla stated bluntly. As more cracks began to form around the space, her teeth clenched, the memories of her regrets in the past resurfacing as a reminder. Though this time, instead of serving as her demons, it only made her remember all of the good memories they had and what her parents would have always wanted, "But, remorse for letting myself nearly give up to an ass like you."
Okara raised an eyebrow as Caulifla continued, "You were right. How I lived and walked this path was something that my parents would have disapproved of if they were alive. It was my fault that they died and I can't erase that fact. But knowing them, the end result would have made them prouder as well." Okara's eyes narrowed a bit, his eyes glaring at her back. He couldn't help but feel directly targeted.
"So what. . .? Are you saying that your parents would be proud of someone who is about to lose. Such fool—!" Okara argued before getting cut off.
"Dumbass," Caulifla interjected, her tone firm, "I'm still standing am I not? I'm still breathing as well and I still have my will to fight. In front of my rival like this, when I lose it when I totally lose myself. That's why I absolutely refuse to lose. So let me spell it out for you so you can understand. . ."
Caulifla's Ki began to pick up speed, her light shining and beginning to spin around her while Okara watched in shock while Kale stood in awe. She clenched her fist, her hair flowing behind her, "Until I, myself, accept that I've lost. . . " Then finally, her body turned toward the direction of the traitor prince, the sharp, fierce glare that she gave despite not being able to sense him was enough to send chills down his spine.
"Then I haven't lost, damn it!" Caulifla exclaimed. With one final rise in power, the space shattered like glass, the now glowing, white shards of whatever had entrapped them were falling to the ground as the clear blue sky showed above from where they floated. She didn't know how long she had been trapped but she didn't care. Her eyes darted down to Queen Chaya, Cabba, and Lottus, noting how stable Lottus's condition had become, giving her an unusual wave of relief before turning back to Okara, who stood in shock.
He flinched, his instincts causing him to take both a physical and mental step back. Her words, her every demeanor, those eyes. . .they all spoke volumes. As if she were implying the one thing that could have irked him to ask the question with venom, "Are you saying you hold no regrets for what you've become through the events of your past?" Caulifla didn't answer the question and only made a proclamation
"There's no point in talking to someone who'd let their cherished to be forsaken. It's like you're wandering that path you took without even properly knowing how to walk. So I'll try again in their stead and. . .," Caulifla raised her hand slowly, her eyes shut closed as she took in a breath. Renzo, Gherk, Galalang, King Sadala, Chaya, and even Lottus. All their faces flashed through her mind as she felt the pressure of two hands pressing against her back all too familiarly. She felt the need to smirk, the feeling bringing back the faces of her parents as clear as the day before reopening her eyes as she closed her palm into a firm fist. Renewed vigor and determination filled her eyes as her Ki dispersed into a gentle breeze, "Beat some sense back into you!"
Okara's gaze bore into hers with unknown hatred. Beat some sense into him? What sense? He was completely in his right mind a matter-of-fact. It was logical to kill off the previous king for him to take the throne. His father wasn't doing a good job anyways and his brother was just a political obstacle that he knew would become unreasonable once he found out. The only price he paid was his mother's heartache but he thought he'd be able to quell it with time. If not, lock her somewhere comfortable where she'd be safe for the rest of her days. Nevertheless, he hadn't lost his way. Everything he did was for the sake of their future. They just didn't know it yet. Once he makes Sadala the strongest force in the universe, even stronger than the gods, then, "They'll see. . ." He let out a growl, his ki beginning to rise.
"I haven't lost myself. . .," Okara mumbled, the remark directed towards Caulifla in particular. She was the only obstacle left in his way. So what if their other allies were nearby? They had no personal business in the affairs of Sadala itself. He'd be sure to sway them away when it comes to it if they were to defeat Krugel. The only one was this insufferable woman. The one that he loathed since childhood and if all else would have dealt with her when given the chance if it hadn't been for his father and Renzo. But more so than everything else, she stood as some sort of anti-thesis. He couldn't shake that thought that was becoming more and more of a reality. As she had regrets, she didn't let them diverge her away from herself. She kept her distance yet didn't throw the things she cherished away. She despaired but didn't allow it to consume her. No. . .she simply kept on living and finding herself. In comparison to what he's done so far—NO! He clenched his teeth, this time bellowing, "I haven't lost myself. . .!"
His eyes narrowed in on the woman before him. She has to die. In fact, there was no other option for him, not because it was necessary. He desperately wanted her dead. He wanted her to stop looking at him as if the way she carried herself onward was what he should have done. By not doing exactly that, he was weak. His hand twitched in indignation, eyes growing cold while his face darken as he looked around him, finally processing what he had done. Caulifla's friend or "Big Sis" looked onward with awe and worry. Cabba, the captain that he had come to respect, looked as if he was rooting for the Bandit Queen, and...Chaya, his own mother, held the pain-struck expression that he had finally come to acknowledge. His mouth quivered, wavering a bit. If he gave up now, then—
"I refuse!" Okara shouted not to any particular but himself. His hand raised into the air, the black, mist-like energy forming around above him and garnered the attention of all those around him. Soon enough, the energy began to take shape into an enormous black ball with a reddish outline that flowed around like clouds. But what was frightening was that the ball of dark energy began drawing in rubble towards it as if it were some mini-black hole, the rubble disintegrating and causing the ball to grow larger in size, "I'll erase you here. . .!"
The dark-energy ball grew more violent from his declaration of malice. So much so that Kale began to grow a bit pale along with Cabba. However, Caulifla seemed unfazed and only turned her head to give Kale a reassuring smile, "Kale. . .just this once, rely on me again." The once timid Saiyan stared at her in disbelief before nodding. No words were needed to be said between them, as Caulifla turned to face the darkness that threatened to consume her. Without wasting any more time, Okara was quick to strike first before she could prepare, his hand hurling the large energy mass towards her. Cabba and Chaya gasped from below as Caulifla stood, seemingly doing nothing. Had she given up? No. . .
Just as the ball came dangerously close, she raised her hand, the energy mass coming to a complete stop much to everyone's surprise. Standing between her and the ball was a large, circular red shield that repelled the dark energy, the electricity emitting striking the ground like thunderbolts. Caulifla took a breath and looked down at her glowing fist before looking back at Okara's baffled expression. Her eyes narrowed, the exact fist reeling back, "I told you. . ." She muttered, the glow erupting into a bright, crimson flame. Her eyes glowed and the amount of fierce animosity projected by them made Okara freeze. A reaction that would prove to be his downfall.
"I'll beat some sense into you!" Caulifla roared, her fist punching the circular shield she created, the action resulting in an immense shockwave bursting out from the other side, "Crush Empyrean!"
Okara didn't even have time to process it. The shockwave of energy caused by Caulifla impacting the shield was too fast. A white and red stream rocketed itself towards him, the darkness he created suddenly dispersing in all directions into a spiral before it finally reached him. All he could see now was white, his body feeling pressured and threatening to break apart from the mere contact alone. However, through all this, he could feel it. All of the feelings she had put behind her fist were packed into this attack. As if to show him what he had forsaken on his quest to obtain the crown. The people she had on the forefront of her mind were all those he had tossed away and turned his back on. Each one, admittedly enough, is a big part of his success. His eyes widened in realization. That the ones he wanted to protect were currently suffering or dead. . .He couldn't help but think back to what his father had said before.
"You lack something that would have made you a perfect king. . .?"
He couldn't help but grimace. It was so simple that it went right over his head. The nihilistic character that he withheld proudly was why he couldn't see it. That the missing requirement that his brother had and not him was a single word that reflected an act of sympathy: compassion. He clenched his teeth, his body trying to resist the attack but it was to no avail. Soon enough, his figure would find itself disappearing with the light itself as his mind went completely blank.
A/N: Phew, done with this chapter~! Sorry for the long wait, work is exhausting lol. Anyways, I guess you could say this chapter was very Caulifla-centered. I wanted to give her the spotlight similar to Kale back in the Broly arc. Though unlike her, I guess Caulifla did one up her and actually finished her opponent off. That aside, I did think about continuing this chapter further but I felt that portion needed a chapter completely dedicated to what's about to happen. Trust me, it's a turning point if I must say ;). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until we meet again!
