Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ, if I did I wouldn't be writing fan-fiction now would I? (It would be the storyline.)
AN = (...)
Speaking = "..."
Thoughts = '...'
Bond = :: ::
Instincts = -...-
Gohan's Rage
Chapter 5: Beauty vs the Beast
Warning: The following chapter contains graphic violence, I know you love it.
Morning of the First Day of the Tenkaichi Budokai
Videl looked around with a puzzled expression, with her tail wrapped around Gohan's waist and his around hers. As they followed Tien, Krillin, 18, Vegeta and Goku into the waiting area for the preliminaries Videl's puzzled frown deepened. 'I just can't understand it. These guys walk like sharks amongst a school of fish. So completely at ease, as if they have nothing to fear and everyone else should be scared of them. Well they should be given Vegeta's attitude.' Videl noticed that whilst this was the case none of the other competitors seemed to pay their group the slightest bit of attention. Well they did but not for that reason, not for the reason a deer stares at a wolf, but because of the fact she, Videl Satan, was walking hand in hand with a boy. Nearly all were surprised at this as everyone knew that her dad, Mr Satan the man who saved the world, had said no one could date his daughter unless they could beat him in a one on one match. Most of the female contestants quietly chuckled at the boys stupidity even if he was the Great Saiyaman. Many of the men scowled at what they considered to be taking their girl as they intended to beat Hercule, claim the title of World Champion of Martial Arts and marry Videl for the wealth and fame it would bring.
One young contender by the name of Jewel was scandalised and decided to make his feelings known. Walking up to Videl and Gohan "Boy if you don't know that's Videl Satan, daughter of Mr Satan and you should take your hands of her as she's my future bride. When I win the tournament Mr Satan will leap at the chance to marry his daughter to the newest strongest man in the world." Jewel flicked his long blond hair over one shoulder. "So keep your hands off.." he didn't get to finish as a furry brown tail belonging had slapped him across the face forcing him to spin 1800 on the spot.
Snorting with amusement Videl pulled an irate Gohan away after his father and friends before Jewel had any more misfortune for messing with the mate of a saiyan.
::Funny::
Gohan couldn't keep from smiling as he felt Videl's mirth at the incident flowing across their bond. Wrapping his tail securely around Videl's waist again would have earned some popeyed expressions if both his and Videl's tails weren't well hidden by Gohan's red cape.
Catching up with his father and their group of friends at the front of the crowd they waited for the Announcer to come out and explain the rules to the crowd before the start of the preliminary matches.
Walking out of one of the temples many chambers into the large hall where in previous years the preliminary matches had been held the announcer shook his head. He was despairing at the decision the tournament organisers had made for this year's tournament. The idea had been proposed by Hercule, who had the idea big is best when it came to fighting. Forget technique or speed all The Champ, the announcer spat, cared about was brute strength. 'Hah, when are we going to get a real champ and good tournament again? Not like the last three, ever since Goku and his friends stopped competing it just hasn't had any flare anymore.' The Announcer sighed before turning to explain the new rules for this year just as he drew breath to start he caught sight of a strikingly familiar head of black spikes.
Forgetting his duties for the moment the Announcer scurried over to the Z warriors.
"Goku is it really you?" he inquired not daring to believe his own eyes.
"Yep, it's me all right."Goku replied smiling sheepishly and scratching the back of his head.
"Tien, Krillin." The Announcer continued looking round at the group of his old favourite contestants.
"P-p-p-piccolo!" he stammered in a strangled squeak.
"Don't worry I'm just here to fight this time." replied the namek to the fearful face of the blond haired man before him.
"Well I must say that's a relief." He replied tugging his collar with the hand not holding the inactive mike. "Videl it's great to see you back again, and who's this, your boyfriend?" The Announcer felt no fear for the boy's safety due to the threats Hercule had made concerning his daughter. 'After all if he's hanging out with Goku and his friends he must certainly be able to fight better than puffed up fraud.' He thought to himself. Not once had the announcer believed Hercule had beaten Cell, not if Goku couldn't do it. He was adamant that the delivery boy was Goku's son and that he had been the one to beat Cell.
"He's not my boyfriend he's my mate." Videl replied leaning her head on Gohan's shoulder who smirked at all the knuckle cracking Videl's action caused.
"Ooookkkk." The Announcer said not getting the saiyan meaning of the word and being thoroughly confused by Videl's actions towards someone who he thought she'd just referred to as a friend.
"Hey moron, don't you have something to tell us?" Vegeta barked angrily at the Announcer for the delay.
"Oh, sorry." The Announcer squeaked seeing the Angry look on Vegeta's face and the association he had with Goku.
Clearing his throat the Announcer spun 369 on the spot so light from the window reflecting of his black shades before bellowing into his mike "Alright honoured contestants. Welcome to the 27th Tenkaichi Budokai!"Many of the fighters cheered at this, especially those competing in the youth division. "Could all those competing in the youth division please follow the two monks over on the left of the hall two the waiting area for their tournament to begin. Due to the low number of entrants there will be no qualification for the youth tournament and it will instead proceed straight to the tournament." He waited while all the youth fighters left the hall after the two monks before continuing. "Unfortunately this year ladies and gentlemen there will be no preliminary rounds."
There was quite uproar at this statement from most of the competitors and a lot of confusion amongst Tien, Krillin, Piccolo and Goku.
"I thought they always have preliminaries to see who makes it to the eight tournament spots." Krillin queered.
"They did last time I checked." Tien answered.
"Hmmph, we'll just have to see what that hair brain Hercule has come up with." Piccolo grunted.
"Well I just hope its fun. Hey do you think they have anything to eat around here?" Goku added. This caused the others to fall over legs in the air. Excluding 18as she was too stubborn, Vegeta as his mind was running down similar lines and Videl and Gohan who were two preoccupied playing with each other's tails and the delicious sensations this caused.
Once quite had been restored the Announcer resumed "Instead this year we will be expanding the tournament up to 16 places. Now as the defending Champion Mr Satan automatically get's one of these places, leaving the remaining 15 to be decided by the strength of their punch. This will be calculated by the punching machines we have here for your use in qualifying." 'Yeah right like that's any real test of a fighters skill, I remember Chichi when she entered this tournament. Not much muscle but boy did she have incredible technique.' "And now to give you all the bench mark and show what youll be up against we give you the Champ himself Mr Satan!!"
At the sound of his name Hercule ran in and did a forwards flip, nearly losing his balance as he landed and wobbling comically for a few seconds before striking his favourite double victory pose.
"OHH Yeah, who do you love! Me, the man who saved the world!" He was disappointed no cameras were allowed inside the temple. 'This would have been a great for my publicity. All well.'
He was distracted by a group at the front who appeared most of whom appeared to be trying not to laugh and one, a short guy with spiky black hair sweeping up into a point at the back was, blatantly laughing. That's when Hercule noticed Vide standing side by side, hand in hand with some strangely dressed young punk.
'Why that skinny little punk, I'll break his face for daring to touch my daughter! I'll deal with him after, got to look good for my fans.'
Stepping forward he pulled back a fist a slammed it into the first of the two waiting punching machines as hard as he could. The read out said 137.
"I'll be mighty impressed if any of you weaklings can get over 100, maybe then I'll be able to have a good match. BWAHAHAHAHA." Hercule said giving the victory sign to the watching crowd.
Marching back to the door he had come through Hercule tried to grab his daughter and pull her after him. It felt like he was trying to pull a mountain. Glancing back at his daughter he watched her sigh and tug the hand of the boy standing next to her before they both followed him out the door into a small antechamber.
"Where do you suppose there going?" Goku asked, innocent as ever.
"I guess Hercule's not to happy about Gohan" Krillin said scratching his bald head. (Yes he's bald, I thought he looked stupid with hair and since this is my fic he's losing the hair.)
"Boy is he going to be in for a surprise if he tries to challenge Gohan." Tien commented with a slight chuckle thinking over the many press releases Hercule had made on the subject of dating his daughter rand how they had to beat him in a one on one to have a chance.
This caused Vegeta to burst out laughing again at the thought of the fool challenging a saiyan over his chosen mate.
Over in the antechamber.
"Yes Dad?" Videl demanded breaking away from Gohan so she could place both hands on her hips.
"What are you doing with this punk?!" Hercule shot back just as fiercely. "You know you're not allowed to date any boy unless he's had my approval."
"I'm 18 Dad, I can date whoever I want."
"Well what about the Sharpner guy? He's always seemed to like you. Big and strong just like your dad and he's got fashion sense."
"Oh like you know fashion." came the retort as Videl indicated Hercule's brown gi. "Besides Sharpner's an ass. He only wants to date me because I'm your daughter."
"This is the height of fashion! What about Mat or Markthen? There both promising students in my dojo's."
"You don't get it Dad, I don't want to date some moron who thinks bulk is all you need to be a good martial artist. I want some with a brain and some actual skill!"
"But sweetie strength is all you really need. I need to know my daughter's man is strong enough to protect her, not some scrawny little weakling that I could beat with one finger!" Hercule yelled back.
Gohan had been watching the verbal tennis with a small smile on his face but that didn't extend to his eyes hidden behind his large black aviators. He was silently battling with his instincts which were clamouring for him to pound the one trying to take his mate away into pulp. He put up with it though, keeping them subdued because Videl was sticking up for him which rubbed his saiyan pride just the right way. She though shed chosen a smart mate who was strong but not bulky and slow. A mate who had technique. He didn't even really mind the insult to his dress sense, Videl liked it and that was good enough for him. But when Hercule called him weak ling, that rubbed said pride completely in the wrong direction.
"Mr Satan." Gohan stepped forward as he began to speak. "I really like your daughter and I believe she really likes me. She's probably a lot stronger than you and would hardly need any protection from anybody she's likely to meet. And don't ever insult my strength again or you may not live to regret it."
Regaining control Gohan almost whimpered at what he had said. Whilst not afraid of Hercule he didn't want to hurt Videl's relationship with her father anymore than he already had. It was also perfectly rue what he had said. Videl was now a lot stronger than all humans, excluding the human Z warriors. Whilst not strong enough yet to simply shrug off bullets jet as if they were simply a more solid rain, she was fast enough to be able to hit the guy before he even got a shot off.
"What's that you say?! you scrawny little punk!!" Hercule bellowed. Something about this kid was really getting to him, he seemed familiar somehow. Wait he was that funny looking fella who helped Videl out occasionally with her work with the police. "Wait your that green saymine or seaman or whatever you call youyrself, aren't ya boy?!"
"It's the Great Saiyaman dad." Videl replied starting to feel exasperated as Gohan's eyes flashed aqua, concealed behind his shades. "Come on Go... I mean Saiyaman, we are leaving."
Grabbing Gohan's hand she towed him back out the door before they missed they missed their turn at punching the stupid punch machines.
Hercule fumed at his daughter's disobedience. Scratching the stubble on his chin Mr Satan still wondered 'I know I've seen that kid somewhere before. WAIT! He'd be about the right age, but nah he couldn't be. Not him, nah. But they did have similarly terrible fashion sense. Stop that. There's no way he's that little punk, it was all tricks anyway. Yeah all tricks...'
Back in the main Hall
Videl and Gohan returned to find one of the two punching machines out of commission. Apparently Vegeta hadn't held back when it was his turn and had turned the machine into a large hole in the temple wall. On the bright side they didn't have long to wait since most people had already gone after the time they had spent arguing with Mr Satan.
"Wow Gohan look, your dad, Krillin, Tien, Piccolo, 18 and Vegeta all made it through. And just look at their scores! There insane."
"Well they did hold back, well, except Vegeta it seems." Seeing Videl's startled look he bent down he leaned down, which was difficult as they now had their tails back around each other's waist and whispered "They're a lot stronger than normal people and so are we. Just hold back on your punch ok? I know you may not consider yourself that strong but you're comparing yourself to people like me and Goten who aren't exactly what you'd call normal."
By this time they had reached the front of the line and where the last people to have their turn.
"Want to go first?" Gohan asked.
Videl shook her head, her newly cut short hair swaying out a little as she did so. Videl wanted to see if what Gohan said was really true and if it was how much she had to hold back.
Gohan nodded and stepping forward lightly tapped the machine with two fingers. The read out read 243.
The monks gulped. Another one of the insanely strong ones they though adding him to the contenders list.
Seeing this Videl was wide eyed with surprised she knew Gohan was strong but that strong? When not even super?!
Walking forward Videl suddenly smirked as she remembered her dads comment about her mate, Gohan, being weak. Gohan had only used two fingers to tap the machine and he'd smashed her father's score.
Stepping forward Videl slammed her fist into the device. The leather pad burst and the machinery behind bulked and shattered under the force of the blow.
The monks groaned. 'Not again!' Simply adding her name to the list they waved her on. If she was anything like the last guy who broke the other one there would be no need for a re-test.
Surprised but smirking slightly at her own strength Videl grabbed Gohan's hand as their tails resumed their accustomed spots as they headed out the door to find the rest of the gang and watch the youth division tournament, which from the sounds of it was already underway.
10 minutes later
The Z warriors watched in bored silence as the competitors in the youth division battled it out. The only excitement so far had been when some stupid fat lady had tried to attack Bulma and Chichi for Trunks and Goten knocking both her boys out cold. She'd learned the hard why not even saiyan's messed with Chichi as with a loud CLANG the lady had met the infamous frying-pan-of-doom.
"Finally, time for some real action!" Goku said clapping his hands together excitedly.
Not even Videl could blame him and she'd won this tournament last time. It'd gone way downhill from what she remembered. 'Or maybe.' she slowly thought. 'I've improved that much. I mean I am part saiyan now.' She flashed a grin as a strange sense of pride rushed through her.
It was time for the final match and as all the Z fighters had expected trunks and Goten had both made it to the finals without breaking a sweat.
"I just hope they remember the deal." Gohan said a look of mild apprehension on the visible part of his face.
"Deal?" Videl asked.
"Um, Yeah. Me, Dad, Vegeta, Trunks and Goten agreed to not go super saiyan so we wouldn't wreck the arena when we thought.
"Oh." Videl pouted. She'd been looking forward to seeing to super saiyans dukeing it out.
"Wow guys that's great!" Krillin exclaimed "Because I mean trying to fight a super saiyan is like..." he trailed off under his wife's death glare.
Thankfully for Krillin he didn't get the chance to continue digging his own grave as the Speakers blared with the Announcer's voice as he stood in the middle of the arena and cried "Ladies and gentlemen, you've watched the your children battle it out and with all that upcoming talent I must say I'm impressed. But even though there all great kids there can only be one junior champion. The winner of which will get 3 million zeni and the chance to fight are present champion Mr Satan."
AS the crowd screamed he began to announce the two contestants. "Now you've all seen these two fabulous boys in action as they made their way through the tournament. First up we have Trunks!" As Trunks entered the arena it was to a his mum screaming "You can do it sweetie!"
"Oh Mum." Trunks whispered ducking his head as he walked up the steps and onto the arena.
"This little 8 year has displayed some phenomenal skill in his earlier matches, beating last year's runner up, Tyson, with one hit. As well as this he's none other than the son of Ms Bulma Briefs Co-owner with her father of Capsule Corp."
"Our other lucky contestant is none other than 7 year old Goten."
This caused Chichi to scream "Mommy loves you but if you don't win there be no breakfast for a week!"
Both Goten and Trunks paled at the thought of no breakfast for a whole week.
"Now Goten" the Announcer continued. "Is the youngest son of the legendary Son Goku. Now for those of you who don't remember Son Goku won the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai against the evil King Piccolo in the final match. He was also a finalist in the previous two tournaments, won by Jakie Chun and Tien Shinhan. Goten's mother is also none other than the first female finalist ever, the Ox Princess Chichi!"
Chichi just looked miffed at all the stares she was receiving as they pieced together who she and the large man with the horned hat sitting behind her were. "I don't know what every one's stareing at." she said.
"Now that the introductions are over, let's start the match!" the Announcer finished jumping of the raised platform of the arena.
"You ready Goten?" Trunks asked whilst stretching his legs.
"I guess so." Goten replied smiling innocently whilst spinning an arm around.
With that the two chibi launched themselves at each other. Meeting in a blur of fists and kicks the two desperately struggled for an opening as they exchanged blows.
The crowd watched speechless as the two young saiyans battled it out. Well, all except Chichi and Bulma who continued to scream support for their respective son in between glaring daggers at each other.
Slowly Goten and trunks began circling each to her as they continued to exchange blow for and block for block, neither managing to land a solid hit yet. Their blows growing in intensity and strength they began to slow rise into the air as they continued to spin around the distance between them.
Each boy had dissolved from focus from all but the watching Z warriors who could easily see the raging battle. To everyone else they only appeared as a smear of colour depending on the colour of their gi. Trunks a pale teal blur and Goten an orange with dark blue edges.
Videl was amazed. Whilst she'd sparred with Gohan in around 10 to 20 times earth's gravity in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber she still found the speed and skill of the two young demi-saiyans incredible.
Ducking beneath a punch Trunks threw at his head Goten ducked and succeeded in landing the first blow of the match, an uppercut to trunks jaw.
Rocked back by the blow trunks managed to turn it into a backwards flip, slamming his foot into Goten's jaw as he did so.
Shrugging the blows off as if they were nothing despite the fact they would have shattered concrete they continued their aerial dual.
This time it was trunks turn to get lucky as he managed to kick Goten in the side of the leg flipping him round and exposing his back. Pressing his advantage Trunks hammered Goten in the back with his fists locked together sending him hurtling towards the ring.
This elicited a gasp from Chichi "Oh No!"
Dashing after Goten, Trunks plummeted after him towards the arena floor. Just before Goten impacted with the stone tiles he placed out both hands landing in a hand stand whilst locking his leg straight up. Pushing back up Goten's foot connected with a very surprised looking face belonging to Trunks.
As the kick sent Trunks flying across the arena it was Goten's turn to chase down his opponent. As they neared the edge of the arena Trunks grabbed at the arena floor crushing some of the tiles as he did so. Flipping himself flat onto the arena floor as Goten shot just over him the two young saiyans exchanged a grin before both trunks feet collided with Goten's stomached sending him rocketing into the air.
Bursting up from the ground Trunks was able to get behind Goten and grabbed him in a master lock. (If you don't know what that is, it's pretty much the hold Trunks got Goten in the anime.)
"Give up Goten." Trunks growled to his friend as Goten struggled, trying to free himself.
"My mum said never to give." Goten replied through clenched teeth.
Continuing to struggle like this for a few more moments there was suddenly a gold flash as Goten went into super saiyan to break the hold before dropping back out.
Landing on opposite sides of the arena Trunks scowled calling out "You cheated, we said no going super."
"Oops, I guess I forgot." Goten replied with a sheepish grin.
"Your brat cheated Kakarot." Vegeta spat at Goku.
"Hey, it's not my fault." Goku replied shaking his hands before himself defensively. Trying to shake the heat of Vegeta's stare of him he said "Hey what about those two? They seem like a good couple."
Vegeta glowered. Whilst it may be true Vegeta did approve of Gohan's choice of mate since she exemplified all that was good in a saiyan and was even now part saiyan by some miracle he wasn't going to admit. "Hmmph." was all Vegeta said before turning back to watch the match.
'Phew.' Goku thought wiping his brow before also returning to watch the match.
"You ready?"Trunks asked, a smirk that would have done his father proud upon his face.
"Ah huh." Goten replied, puzzled by his friends smirk.
Placing both hands out parallel with his shoulder Trunks began charging a ki ball in each hand. Brining them together with a cry of "Final Flash!" Trunks unleashed a deadly wave of energy straight at Goten. Goten promptly dived out the way.
The crowd screamed at the approaching harbinger of destruction before Trunks managed to haul the energy blast up sending it off harmlessly into space.
"That was a close one." Tien commented.
"Yeah to close. I just hope Goten doesn't try..." Gohan began but was cut off by Goten's voice.
Placing both hands clasped together behind himself Goten began chanting, cutting off his brother, "Ka. Me. Ha. Me. HAAAAA!" The blue energy wave blasting forward as Goten brought his back in front of himself and opening his cupped hands. It was Trunks turn to dive for cover as beam soared towards him.
Trying to hall the beam up like trunks did Goten clipped the roof of the temple and created a rather large hole in the temple roof.
"Oops." Goten replied cringing slightly.
"Alright no more energy blasts." Trunks called.
"Ok."
The two charged at each other again and resumed their flurry of blows neither giving an inch.
Moving much more around the arena now the two move too fast for the crowd to watch, the boys appearing to fade in and out of sight.
Recovering himself finally the Announcer cried into his mike "My Kami this is certainly turning out to be a spectacular fight just look at those boys go.!" He continued on in this vain as the two boys continued to try and knock the other out of the ring or just plain knock them out.
Suddenly Trunks flashed Gold and reappeared behind Goten before delivering a vicious kick which sent Goten hurtling toward the stands. Trying to stop himself in time Goten flipped up right and slowed right down. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and his feet just touched the concrete of the surrounding grand stands.
Trunks dropping back out of super saiyan landed back in the arena as an indignant Gohan followed him.
"You cheated Trunks." Goten pouted.
"Yeah sorry about, that I guess I just carried away. But I guess where even now right we both went super once." seeing the hurt look still on his friend's face he added "And I'll let you have three of my toys, you chose which ones."
"Really? You mean it?"Goten said facing brightening up at once.
Trunks nodded.
"Oh boy I know just which ones." Goten said skipping for joy.
"Well would you look at that, these two may have just given us the best match I've seen in years but they can still be friends at the end of it."
"All well I guess second place is pretty good I guess." Chichi sighed "Turning to the back to face the Z fighters Chichi screamed "One of you two better win the actual tournament!"
Sweat ran down the back of Goku and Gohan's heads.
"And now it's time for the..." the Announcer began but was tapped on the shoulder by a monk.
The two had a hurried whispered conversation before the Announcer continued. "We apologise Ladies and Gentlemen unfortunately the exhibition fight with Mr Satan will not be taking place as the champ is feeling a little off colour and needs to get better before his first match, we deeply apologise." This got some disquieted mutterings from the crowd but they didn't really mind so long as their champ was ready to reclaim his title who cared if he fought against some kid who he could probably beat with one arm anyway? In reality however Mr Satan was trembling in his boots back in his private quarters after seeing the youth division final.
"Er, you don't mind, do you?" The announcer asked Trunks who shrugged before heading off with Goten to find something to eat.
"And there you have it Ladies and Gentlemen, what a sport. I just hope they have enough food to feed young Goten because if he eats anything like his father Goku the cooks are going to be in for a real surprise."
"That reminds me, I'm starving." Goku said scratching the back of his head as his stomached gurgled loudly. This elicited a similar response from the other three saiyan stomachs present. Sweat ran down the back of the other Z warriors heads before they followed the four hungry saiyans to the competitors buffet. They just hoped they would have enough food to feed six hungry saiyans.
30 Minutes Later, Tournament waiting Area
"Oh man I'm stuffed. You just can't get good food like this on Grand Kai's planet." Goku commented patting his stomach. "Just please whoever I fight in the first fight don't hit me in the stomach."
"Kakarot, if I get to fight you the first thing I'm going to do is punch you in the stomach."
"Oh man, come on Vegeta."
This caused the other Z warriors to laugh as they waited with the other competitors to find out the positions for the first round.
"Alright thank you all for waiting patiently."The announcer said now sans mike and accompanied by a pair of monks holding a large wooden box.
The order of the matches will be determined by each competitor drawing their name out of the box here. Mr Satan who's still not feeling too well has asked for us to draw for him, so whatever number is left in the box at the end will be his number." Looking around at the competitors he got no response, they all just stared fairly blankly at him. 'What's up with these guys? Why they all look either awed or bored? Except those two, they seem a little too happy.' He though glancing at Gohan and Videl who were busy using the distraction the Announcer was providing to get a few quick kisses in. "Anyway could the 18 please come forward and draw your number."
18 glanced at her husband before sauntering forward and pulling out a small table tennis ball upon which had been written 2. She then held it up for inspection by the two monks who carefully wrote her name underneath number 2 on the tournament schedule. That meant she was in fight number two.
"Ahh excuse me miss, but is your real name?" the Announcer enquired.
"My father was very unimaginative." 18 replied before rejoining Krillin.
The announcer shrugged "Alright next up is Shin."
A strange purple man with a white mohawk stepped forward and pulled out number 7.
"I guess that puts me in match 3." Shin said. Piccolo frowned; there was something about this Shin. He had a strange ki signature. Whilst the others had noticed this Piccolo was the only one who was suspicious about it.
The monks dutifully noted down Shin's number.
"Next we have... Kibito?"
A large red man with a square jaw steeped forward from conversing with shin to pull out...
"9." Kibito stated before walking back to resume his conversation with Shin in low tones. Piccolo watched them. They seemed to be looking reputedly at another pair of fighters, two grey skinned muscle bound men, each of whom had a large M tattooed on his forehead and also at Gohan.
"Um, could we please have Mr Mighty Mask." The announcer said rattled a bit by Kibito's manner.
"Come on, come on, you can do it, yeah, yeah, I can do it, I can do it." A guy in a white toga like costume, yellow boots and gloves and a grey executioner's hood with a grey cape walked forward to draw out number 4.
"And next we..."
15minutes later
"Ok so the final positions are on the board." The Announcer said before walking outside to announce the first match to the audience which would be starting in 5 minutes.
Videl pulled Gohan over to check the board with her as neither had been paying much attention.
"Ok so it's..." Videl said looking at the board.
Jewel – 18
Killa – Mighty Mask
Piccolo – Shin
Videl – Spopovitch
The Great Saiyaman – Kibito
Goku – Vegeta
Tien – Yamu
Mr Satan – Krillin
"Guess I won't get to prove I'm stronger than your dad huh?" Gohan said turning to Videl,placing a hand on her hip as he did so.
"Guess not." Videl replied wrapping her tail around his wrist and pulling his other hand onto her other hip.
Gohan smiled and leaned down to kiss her only to find Krillin's hand in the way.
"Now now you too, there's a time and place for that." Krillin said grinning.
Krillin wilted under the combined stare of the two young saiyans before being dragged off by his ear by 18.
Sighing Gohan and Videl joined the others up by the front to watch as 18 and Jewel walked out for the first match.
"Tell you what beautiful, if you throw this match I'll go on a date with you." Jewel said flicking his long blond hair back over shoulder.
"Shut up and fight." 18 replied as they reached the arena.
"WHAT?! No one refuses a date from Jewel!" Jewel cried in outrage throwing a punch at 18. Moving faster that anyone except the Z warriors could see 18 slapped the guy hard enough to send him flying out of the arena and imbed in the brick wall that encompassed the arena and surrounding grass verge.
The crowd sat their stunned except master Roshi who commented "He should have seen it coming. That women's real mean when she's cranky."
Outside The Temple On Other Side To The Arena
"Alright Goten, come on, I think I just found are way to compete in the adult competition." Trunks whispered as he and Goten snuck round the back of the temple.
"Are you sure this is a good idea trunks?" Goten whispered sounding doubtful.
"Of course I'm sure."
"But wont are mums get mad at us?"
"No way, not if we win that prize money, just think of all the neat toys you could buy with that much zeni." Trunks said aiming for his friend's weak spot.
"Oh cool toys, let's do it!" Goten said as the thought of that many toys caused stars to appear in his eyes.
"Come on, you can do it, yeah I can do it, yeah, yeah, yeah." Mighty Mask whispered said speaking to himself in his pre-match self pep-talk.
"Um excuse me, but are you Mr Mighty Mask?" Trunks said coming out from behind the bushes.
"Yeah, Kid. I kinda busy right now so buzz off."
"Thanks Mr." Trunks replied before the world turned black for Mighty Mask as he went out like a light.
"Quick Goten let's get into this thing before the next match, I think this guys up soon."
"Hey Trunks why do I have to be on the bottom, I can't see where I'm going."
"Because I won that's why and just poke some eye holes out or something."
"Hey Mighty Mask you're up." the Announcer said popping his head out the door to look for the awol contestant.
"Coming." Trunks said in a false deep voice.
'Hmm, he seems different, less coordinated for one, nerves I guess.' the Announcer thought as he followed the swaying Mighty mask out into the arena to join his opponent Killa.
"Ready to lose again caped crusader?" Killa said in his strange drawl.
"Uhh..."
"Begin!" the Announcer shouted into the mike as he finished his intro for each fighter.
"HIII YAAAA!!" Killa said as he swung an open palmed chop at Trunk's neck inside the suit. Swaying on top of Goten's shoulders Trunks dodged the blow and Punched Killa in the chest.
The announcer stared speechless at the Killa shaped hole in the temple wall.
"I guess Mighty Mask has been doing some weights since last time." the Announcer mumbled into the mike, it certainly didn't look like it, the guy had arms and legs the size of children's but that was the only explanation he could come up with.
Recovering himself the Announcer then cried "And next up we have Shin vs Piccolo!"
"Now as you many of you may recall Demon King Piccolo, the father of the present Piccolo I'm given to understand terrorised the earth a few years back, his son Piccolo Junior came to the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai where he tried to kill Goku in the final. Fortunately Goku survived and went on to win the match. Now having renounced his evil ways Piccolo is back to prove his metal once again!"
The crowd didn't scream and cheer as they had for the previous contenders for fear of in sighting the wrath of perceived green skinned Demon standing before them.
"Hmmph." was all Piccolo said before turning to scowl at his opponent.
"The over contestant is Shin, very little is known about this fighter except he signed up with fellow finalist Kibito and the two seem to be friendly. Now let the match begin!"
Piccolo continued to stand and scowl at the Purple skinned man before him, the strange ki making Piccolo uneasy. A small smile found its way onto Shin's lips as he and Piccolo stared each other down.
Suddenly Piccolo eye's snapped wide open from his slight squint, a look of almost fear replacing his scowl.
"Are, are you the grand Kai?" Piccolo asked
"No." Shin answered much to Piccolo's confusion which now matched the audience's state of mind. Why were they just staring at each other and not fighting?
"I am the Supreme Kai." Shin said his smile widening at the sudden look of shock mingled with fear on Piccolo's face.
Piccolo straightened up and walked off the arena.
"Um, where are you going?" the Announcer asked.
"I'm sorry, but I can't fight him." Piccolo replied over his shoulder continuing to walk away, back towards the temple now followed by Shin.
"Wow Piccolo just who is this guy?" Goku asked as Piccolo walked back in.
Turning to face the other Z warriors Piccolo stated "He is the Supreme Kai."
"What?" came the mingled shout of everyone except Videl who didn't know what was special and 18 who didn't care.
"The." Goku said.
"Supreme." Krillin continued.
"Kai." Tien finished whilst everyone else remained mute most from shock, one from being unimpressed and one from puzzlement.
"Yes that's right." Shin replied stepping out from behind the tall namek.
"Now please follow me and Listen closely I have something very Important to warn you about." Shin said.
"Gohan what's a Supreme Kai?" Videl whispered to her mate.
"I'll explain in a minute." Gohan whispered back.
Leading the Z warriors away from the remaining fighters and especially the two Majin's he and Kibito had noted earlier Shin explained to them about Majin Buu and the threat he posed and how the wizard Babbidi, son of the wizard Bibbidi the one who created Majin Buu, was trying to revive his father's dark creation.
Just as he finished his explanation about Babbidi and Buu but before he could mention the two Majin warriors and their purpose here the next match was called.
"Could Miss Videl and Mr Spopovitch please report to the ring, your match will start momentarily." the Announcer called stepping into the waiting and warm up area for the competitors.
"Good luck." Gohan said kissing Videl chastely as she stepped away realising his hand finally as she stepped out into the arena followed by the hulking Grey skinned Spopovitch.
'I hope she's alright.' Gohan thought as Videl and Spopovitch were introduced with much cheering for Videl as Satan cities police force heroine. Spopovitch received a number of jeers having been beaten by Hercule in the first round of the previous tournament however he'd apparently bulked up a lot since then the Announcer claimed.
"And Begin!" the Announcer yelled once more into his mike.
Videl launched herself at Spopovitch and began a powerful series of punches and kicks. It was going just as Videl had expected, Spopovitch was two slow with all that muscle to block most of her attacks. Videl smiled with battle lust as each one of her blows found its mark culminating with a swift uppercut that decked her opponent. Barley breaking a sweat from her furious attack which had lasted maybe just over 2 minutes Videl was astounded to see Spopovitch spit out a tooth and limb back to his feet.
Sighing at his stubbornness and apparent stupidity when he was clearly outmatched Videl launched another series of attacks Gohan had shown her that attacked certain pressure points on the body to cause immense pain and incapacitate your opponent. As she finished the manoeuvre Vide laws surprised to say the least that the final blow which should have felled Spopovitch had not only failed to achieve its result but that Spopovitch was smiling instead of grimacing in agony. Either he was to stupid or to muscle bound to feel the pain either way it began to look worse for Videl as she felt Spopovitch's ki jump up quite a bit.
"Gggraaaaahhhhh!" Videl growled as she launched once more at Spopovitch. Punch to the stomach, kick to leg, right hook to the face snapping his head to the side kick to left arm, head but into the chest, elbow snapping his head back the other way, spin round and slam a foot into the back of the neck. The final kick sent Spopovitch sprawling across the arena. It was with growing worry that Videl watched as Spopovitch climbed to his feet once more.
Wiping the blood away that had leaked out of his mouth and flowed down his chin Spopovitch snarled at Videl before trying to attack her with a left hook. Videl dodged the blow, spinning beneath it and hammering her elbow into his abdomen before continuing her assault.
The fight carried on like this for half an hour. Videl pummelling Spopovitch but failing to knock him out of the ring or make him stay down for the count time Videl would knock him down and he would rise again. Videl finally realised what his strategy was. Every assault was slowly wearing her down. Her blows didn't seem to be able to hurt or inflict any real damage to the grey skinned brute. Videl spat in disgust as she realised he wasn't even trying to block just where her down till she was unable to dodge any more then he would be able to use his superior strength despite her superior speed and skill.
Trying to finally end the fight before she became too tired to continue Videl started a full-aside of kicks, Videl would be the last person to say a woman's legs weren't her stronger weapons (excluding frying-pans) due to reduced upper body size compared to men. Especially men like Spopovitch whose upper body bulged like inflatable balloons.
Kick to the chest, spin kick to the side of the head, slam his legs first right the left. Bring a foot up to connect with chin before slamming the heel back down into his chest. Duck his punch and spin round to slam a foot into his back. Smash his shoulder causing him to spin 180 before delivering a flying round house to his head...
Videl misjudged the blow in her anger and tiredness. Instead of hitting the base of his head her foot connected with his check. The audience winced at the resounding CRACK as Spopovitch's neck brok, his head doing a complete 180 to end up facing the opposite direction to which it should.
With a strangled gurgle Spopovitch keeled over backwards to land chest up but face down on the arena floor.
"Oh my Kami." The Announcer said softly into the mike. "It appears miss Videl has won the match but I'm afraid she will be disqualified for use of excessive..." he stopped at the sight that meet his, Videl's, the Z warriors and the audiences eyes. People gasped at what they saw many being visibly sick at the sight.
Videl watched in rising horror as Spopovitch climbed back to his feat, head facing the wrong way.
'How can this be, I broke his neck. He's dead, HE'S DEAD, it's not possible.' Videl mentally gibbered as her supposedly dead opponent rose to fight again. Her fears were done no good as he grabbed his head with both hands and with a resounding CRACK, twisted it back round the right way.
'Just what is he?' Videl wanted to scram but the sound caught in her throat.
Charging forward she began a fresh full-aside of kicks and punches. Right, left, right, left, kick, knee, jab, twist, duck, kick, left, hook, knee, right, kick, kick, kick, kick. The blows just seem to bounce off Spopovitch now. Videl was tired and she knew it, her blows no longer had the stopping power they had at the start of the match but she fought on determined to bring this monster down. 'I won't lose, I won't not after all the training I did, not after I promised Gohan I'd meet him in the finals. I'll never give up' "You hear me NEVER!!" Videl screamed as she delivered another kick aiming to break Spopovitch's neck again.
Grinning, Spopovitch caught the blow before driving his fist straight into Videl's stomach, the force of it bending her slight form around the blow.
Videl coughed up blood as she was then thrown towards the edge of the arena. "I won't Lose!" she snarled through crimson teeth. As she flew over the edge of the arena and the Announcer was declaring a ring out Videl stopped herself in mid air above the grass of the arena's edge.
The crowd gasped in amazement as Videl levitated herself back into the ring. Looking back at Spopovitch Videl was surprised and then worried at the horrible grin gracing his twisted visage, making the M branded on his forehead all the more prominent.
Videl charged again but was stopped as a giant fist smashed into her face, crushing her nose in a spray of blood. Landing next to the side of the arena where Videl had landed the announcer asked "Miss Videl, don't you think now would be a good time to give up?"
"I'll never give up. Never." Videl replied rising unsteadily to her feet once more.
"Well there you have it ladies and Gentlemen Videl is still as determined as ever though her chances are looking slimier by the minute, she's really going to have to pull out all the stops to win this one." The announcer screamed into his mike as Videl charged again at the hulking monstrosity standing before her.
Spopovitch laughed, a cold merciless laugh as he let Videl's punch bounce of his chest before spinning and delivering a round house kick to the side of her head.
Reaching down with one hand Videl was able to turn her flight into a backwards flip, landing on two feet before racing back at her opponent. Grinning with obscene pleasure Spopovitch grabbed the fist aimed at his face and used his free arm and legs to rain blow after blow into Videl, causing her to cough up more blood as well as opening numerous gashes over Videl's body as the blows split the skin.
::Pain so much pain, it hurts, It Hurts!::
Gohan could only watch his body paralysed with the pain and fear he could feel flowing from Videl's mind into his own. 'No Videl, please stop, just give up.'
"Stop it that's enough!" Gohan called from the sidelines to the hulking beast that was destroying the one he cared more about than anything in the world.
Turning Spopovitch smirked at the man addressing him from behind the large tinted sun-glasses before throwing Videl towards the sides of the arena and out of the ring.
::No more pain, I 'm sorry Gohan, I tried:: Videl's relief and sorrow washed over Gohan as she flew towards the arena edge. Gohan was equally relieved thinking it was over.
Just before she flew out of bounds though a massive grey skinned hand grabbed Videl's ankle and tossed her back into the ring.
::NO!!:: Videl could feel the turmoil of fear that flowed from Gohan into her as she landed back on the arena floor.
"No one interrupt's my fun!" Spopovitch growled at the man whose eyes seemed to be boring into him from the sidelines with a ferocity bordering on hate, before turning back to his plaything.
'I can't do this. Need time. To recover' Videl mentally panted as she sawed up into the air above the stadium.
'That's it Videl just stay away from him and you'll be alright.' Gohan mentally encouraged her as she hovered above the arena.
At first Videl didn't realise what she was seeing but then her eyes widen, first in shock then in horror as Spopovitch also took to the air speeding straight for her. Videl tried to dodge but she was too tired to avoid the oncoming blow.
But it never came.
Instead Spopovitch shot past climbing above her."What is he doing why didn't he hit me when he flew at me or as he moved past me?' Videl wondered spinning in mid air to face the way Spopovitch had flown. Just as she faced him Videl was hit by a purple beam of ki. The blast drove Videl back towards the ground, smashing her into the arena floor, leaving her in the middle of a small crater.
Just as Videl began to raise her head she tried to scream but instead threw up a stream up blood as a massive boot crashed down on her prone form buckling her ribcage. Videl could feel her rib's cracking, snapping and splintering under the force of the blow.
Videl began to cry as the monster picked her up by the hair before ramming his fist again and again into her petite body, pulverising it as he chuckled.
Many of the crowd turned away or hid their faces as their beloved hero Videl, champion of the Satan city police force and daughter of Mr Satan, The Man Who Defeated Cell, was being beaten into a bloody rag. All except one had horror or fear etched into their face, that one was Chichi as she struggled in the grip of both Yamcha, Master Roshi and her father the Ox King as they tried to restrain her from entering the ring. "Leave my daughter-to-be alone, how will I have any grand children if you kill my daughter-in-law before she's even MARRIED!"
"Please Chichi, calm down, it's okay. You know Gohan would never let her die out there." Bulma said in a worried voice fearing it may already be too late to act.
Gohan stared with rising horror as the fight continued out in the arena, Videl, getting beaten by that, that thing. Gohan knew he was losing control, he could feel his anger slipping just as it had against Cell 7 years ago.
::Make it stop, please make it stop, it hurts so much::
Videl's plea was almost too much for Gohan to bare, the only thing stooping him charging out after Videl to save her from that thing was his father's hand gripping his shoulder willing him to stay where he was.
"Gohan." Goku's voice was steady and commanding as he squeezed his sons shoulder trying to convince him to that everything would be all right, that killing was against the rules.
Ceasing his rain of blows Videl hung like a limp bloodied rag by her hair in Spopovitch's hand. Chuckling he then threw Videl into the arena floor smashing the tiles with her ruined body, breaking more of her bones, splitting her smooth, pale skin, rupturing her few remaining intact internal organs.
"Stay down Videl, make it easy for your-self, just stay down."Gohan whispered. 'Please no more, just no more, let it end.' he silently begged a certain green god as tears began to roll down his face at the waves of agony he could feel flowing from Videl.
Goku, his sensitive saiyan hearing picking up his sons whispers, turned to look at him. All the Z-warriors could sense Gohan's rising ki. "Gohan take it easy, just calm down." He told his son as Gohan's ki spiked ominously.
The Announcer hurried over "Are you sure you don't want to give up Miss Videl?" concern evident in his voice.
Videl tried to respond but ended up heaving up more blood as she bled to death on the arena floor.
Erasa whimpered in the crowd and hid her face in Sharpner's chest who reached round and held her tight to prevent himself from shaking at the horror unfolding in the arena.
Spopovitch turned to the Announcer (does he actually have a name?) and waved him away before kicking Videl over onto her stomach causing a bubbling sound to escape Videl as she tried to scream through the blood clogging her throat as he licked her already ruined ribs. Raising his boot Spopovitch brought it crashing down onto Videl's back doing more damage to her already punished body. Again and again he stomped on her back oblivious that the one they had been looking for was revealing himself at last, nor to the growing danger it was inadvertently placing himself in.
"This can't go on. This has to be stopped!" Gohan spoke quietly but instead of fear and pain on his voice, it now dripped with malice. -You must protect her. You must save her.- Gohan's tail swished back and forth beneath his cloak ominously.
With the venom of his rising anger and new found hate coursing through his veins Gohan was losing control.
-Stop him. Save her. Destroy all who harm her.-
Hair beginning to gleam and wave beneath his turban, eyes flashing dangerously between onyx and turquoise, waves of golden light radiating from his body. Gohan felt helpless as he watched. 'I must help her, I must protect her. But destroy? I can't bring myself to yet, not to kill again.' Gohan thought while staring at Videl's tail now matted with her own blood as she tried to protect the sensitive appendage from the blows raining down on her back.
"Gohan get a hold of yourself she'll be just fine." Goku warned his son. He could see Gohan was barely holding himself in check.
-Destroy him; he would take her from you.-
"Yeah Gohan just stay calm, listen to your dad." Krillin said, echoing Goku with his concern for Gohan
Cape billowing in an ominous wind, turban beginning to rustle as Gohan's hair began to rise.
Stomp, CRACK! Videl's spine shattered.
-Destroy him, Destroy!.-
Gohan could feel the rage boiling in his veins 'I can't stand this. Just make it stop.' Gohan stood there shaking uncontrollably, the fur on his tail standing on end, listening to Videl's screams of agony. His ki spiking alarmingly to all who could feel it as it sawed up and up.
-Destroy him before he kills her and takes from you she who is yours is lost forever.- Gohan could feel the rage boiling in his veins 'I can't stand this. Just make it stop.' Gohan stood there shaking uncontrollably, the fur on his tail standing on end, listening to Videl's bubbling screams.
Stomp.
"Ladies and Gentle, I don't think I've seen anything quite as horrible as this, not even when Goku versed King Piccolo in the final of the 23nd world Martial Arts Tournament." The Announcer spoke into his mike horror evident in his voice.
Piccolo also rested a hand on Gohan's other shoulder as the demi-saiyan trembled and shock from the force of the hate eating at him like a deadly disease. Eroding the barriers around all the thoughts feelings ,and instincts he had hidden deep within himself. Sealed away in the dark of his heart.
Stomp.
Spopovitch stopped stamping on Videl's now shattered back, the spine visible in places through both shirt and skin and instead placed his foot down on her head, pressing her skull down into the rubble Videl lay in.
"I'm going to kill you."Spopovitch whispered as the bloodlust took hold of him. Again he whispered it as he pressed down, not even loud enough for the saiyans to hear, only Videl caught his words, and through her Gohan herd them also.
-He tries to take her from us. Destroy. Destroy! Destroy!!-
Tears trickling from blackened eyes, down her bruised and cut checks. Videl said one word, barely loud enough for even the Saiyan's and their acute hearing to hear "Gohan..."
::Gohan. Help me...::
Gohan felt her slide from consciousness as she slipped nearer to the void.
-NOW! DESTROOOYY!!- Gohan felt something in him roar at his own consciousness as the now thin walls around the caged demons of his mind burst asunder and his mind was flooded with darkness
"Goh..." Goku began
He was cut off as a primal scream was wrenched Gohan's throat as the hair on his head and tail turned shining gold.
His red cape torn from the green shoulder pads of his Saiyaman costume. Turban similarly blown away as bolts of Ki began to spark like electricity mingling with pulsing golden aura. Gohan glanced at Videl, caught one more glimpse of the tears upon her ruined face and pushed beyond.
Major Session hear once again, who else would you expect? This chapter I think I did quite well at capturing the severity of Videl's beating. What do you think?
A question for all my reviewers. Which one of the Z Warriors, excluding Videl, Goku, Shin and Vegeta would you most like to see killed by a rampaging Gohan. It won't happen in the next chapter but the one after. I'll post up a tally of votes with the next chapter.
I hope enjoyed this latest chapter and please review(and don't hate me too much for no Dark SSJ yet, it's coming next time and it will be epic).
So once again thank you to all my reviewers for the last chapter who were:
Aaron Leach
Shiva the Sarcastic
youngd2506
Genma Sennin
SSJ4 Sakura Cullen
thedarkpokemaster
Thank you it's with your support that this story continues to grow and my writing improve.
Final note: If you're wondering what happened to the chapter Pilot it's been removed and re-posted as a one-shot as an ad for this story.