Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Gohan: Protector of Earth
Chapter 14:
Goten and Trunks, after finishing their legendary fight, returned to the waiting area to be congratulated by their friends.
"Great match boys, you were amazing out there," said Videl.
"Yea, you two really put on a show out there," said Krillen.
"Did you see my match Gohan? What did you think?" asked Goten.
"I thought you did a great job. You not only showed off how strong you were but you also showed that you have a keen sense for battle. It looks like that meditation helped you after all."
"Yea, I can focus better when I fight now."
"Dad, I am sorry I lost, I promise I will do better next time," said a nervous Trunks.
Vegeta waited a second before responding to his son. "You fought your hardest out there. There is nothing more you can do. All you can do now is train harder and make sure you win the next time you fight."
A smile lit up on Trunk's face. He was glad to not disappoint his father.
"I will train harder than ever for the next tournament dad, I promise."
A slight smile appeared on Vegeta's face but it seemed to disappear just as fast. Vegeta had softened up over the years, mainly due to his family and the peaceful environment that was characteristic of living on Earth. Even though Vegeta spent most of his day training, it was not the same as fighting. Vegeta's strength increased as much as if he fought, but his attitude was not affected in the same way. Living without the constant promise of battle resulted in the loss of his savagery and ruthlessness, without him even realizing it.
"Well now that that is over I guess it is time for our fight. Let's go baldy."
"Sure, I will meet you out there Vegeta." Krillen then turned to his wife and whispered into here ear. "Please tell Maron I love her, in case the worst happens."
"Just get out there Krillen," said an irritated 18.
"Sure thing honey, I love you too."
"And after that last amazing match I do not know how we can follow it but we will try our best. Our next match features newcomer Vegeta and World Martial Arts veteran Krillen. Krillen is a two time semifinalist and one time quarterfinalist and we welcome him back for this year's tournament. And based on his previous experience I would have to say Krillen has to be favored to make it to the finals where he could potentially face our defending champion. But let's see what happens first. Okay now that the ring has been patched up we can get this match underway. Competitors, you may begin!"
"I have got good news for you baldy. I will give you one free shot at me before I kick you out of this ring and on to your formerly bald head."
"Thanks, I think I will take it," said Krillen.
Okay Krillen think. You have one chance to beat Vegeta. What move can you do that will win you the match. I could use my patented destructo disc, but he will just dodge that. No, I need something clever. I need something that he would never expect.
As Krillen started to sweat under the hot sun, an idea suddenly popped into his head. The former monk now stood confidently facing Vegeta.
"Okay Vegeta, ready yourself."
Vegeta continued to stand stolidly in opposition, not taking any heed to Krillen's announcement. Krillen feigned as if he was preparing an attack and quickly moved both hands to the side of his face and closed his eyes. With two fingers extended on each hand, he was now ready to unleash a classic move that he had learned from a good friend.
"Solar Flare!" screamed Krillen.
The blinding rays of the sun hit full force onto Vegeta and everyone in the surrounding area. Vegeta had no choice but to cover his eyes with both hands.
"Now is my chance," thought Krillen who darted at Vegeta with full force punching the saiyan across the face. Vegeta was sent flying across the ring and was about to hit the brick wall before he suddenly stopped two inches from it. He then floated back into the ring and back to the floor. Even though his eyes were closed, Vegeta knew exactly where Krillen was. The former monk looked on nervously, realizing he had blown his one opportunity for victory.
"That was your freebie, now it is my turn," said Vegeta with eyes still closed.
Krillen started to sweat again as he prepared himself for the worst. Vegeta pulled his hand back and unleashed a small energy ball at Krillen's feet. Krillen jumped into the air to avoid the attack where he was met with a kick to the face thanks to Vegeta. He was sent flying into the first row of the stands and out of bounds.
"And Krillen has been sent flying into the first row of the stands and out of bounds making Vegeta the winner!"
"Poor Krillen," commented Yamcha from the stands. "Poor guy never stood a chance, despite what the announcer thought."
"I am glad Vegeta won but I am also relieved that he left Krillen in one piece," said Bulma.
"Personally I would have liked to see Krillen win, it would have shut up Vegeta for once," said Chichi.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" said Bulma.
"Ladies, ladies please. I just bought jell-o from the concession stand so just give me a minute to set up if you are going to go at it."
Both women casually launched their fists back knocking Master Roshi to the floor.
"Oh Master Roshi, you should just learn to keep your mouth shut once in a while," said Puar.
"Is daddy okay? He looks hurt," said a sorrowful looking Marron.
"Don't worry Marron, your daddy is a tough fighter. He will be just fine," said Yamcha.
"Yea, don't worry Marron, your dad has taken worse beatings than that and gotten up from them," said Bulma.
Marron began to smile once again thanks to the condolences from her father's friends.
After winning the match, Vegeta quickly walked back to the waiting area, ignoring the crowd and Krillen, who was slowly getting up from the overpowered attack.
"Wow dad, you were awesome. I could barely see you when you launched that attack," said an enthused Trunks.
"That solar flare from Krillen surprised you Vegeta. If Krillen was a little stronger he would have knocked you out of the ring," said 18.
"Lucky for me your husband has not trained for the better part of a decade. And if he was any stronger I would not have given him a freebie."
Krillen finally made it back to the waiting area, slightly battered and bruised.
"Are you alright Krillen, that was a pretty hard blow," said Gohan.
"Yea I am fine, just a couple of bruises. I will admit it has been a while though, it was kind of refreshing to get my butt kicked just like old times."
Krillen then looked at his wife and gave her a nervous smile.
"I hope you don't mind honey that I lost."
"Whatever, you did try I guess so I can't be mad at you. Looks like I will have to be the one to win the prize money."
"So does that mean you are going to cook dinner tonight?"
"Sure, I guess I will, like usual."
"Great, in that case could you make …"
"Don't push it Krillen," said 18 jokingly.
"Hey Gohan, what are you doing? The next match has not even started yet?" asked Videl. Gohan was standing near the ring silently, away from his friends.
"I am just scouting the competition, that's all."
Everyone in the group looked curiously at Gohan. The two unknown competitors were waiting in the ring but the match was not scheduled to start for another few minutes.
"Well I don't know about the one guy but I can tell you about Jewel. He is a decent enough fighter but he has never been able to beat my dad so he shouldn't worry you at all."
"No, I am not worried about him. It is the other guy that I find kind of strange."
"Is there some reason you feel that way. He is giving off a fairly weak ki signal," said Piccolo.
"I know, call it a hunch I guess. There is just something odd about him, and his friend."
"I think I know what you mean, when I first saw them I had the same impression," said 18.
"Do you think they are in league with that Shin and Kibito?" asked Krillen.
"No, I doubt it. They have not been in contact at all, nor do they look like they would be."
"I don't see what the big deal is, they all seem pretty weak. None of them are strong enough to hurt you Gohan or my dad," said Trunks.
"Yea, Trunks is right. Their power levels are really weak," added Goten. "Me and Trunks could beat them no problem."
"There is more to strength than power levels Goten. You can't be so easily deceived by an opponent's power level. It could prove fatal in a fight."
"You are right Gohan but until we see them fight we won't be able to tell. Even though his opponent is weak, this match should tell us a great deal about him and his friend," said Piccolo.
"Well then, let the evaluations begin," said Vegeta sarcastically.
"Well ladies and Gentlemen, we are more than halfway through the first round and we are going to continue to roll through these matches. Despite the conditions of the ring, we will continue on with this tournament and hope the plaster will stick. In match six, we have accomplished fighter Jewel facing off against newcomer Liev. So far folks all the underdogs seem to be winning their matches, will this trend continue? Fighters, you may begin!"
"Fighting is a beautiful art, and you shall feel the pain of that beauty," said Jewel.
Liev looked straight at Jewel, unwavering and unblinking. He assumed a traditional fighting stance and waited for Jewel to begin the match.
"So, it looks like you are ready to feel the pain. How brave, and yet how foolish."
Jewel brought his right arm back quickly as if he were preparing to attack. Before he could bring his other arm back, his mind went blank. Quicker than the eye could see, Liev had advanced to Jewel's position and was able to strike him clear in the abdomen. Jewel stood still for a few seconds with drool sliding down his mouth and on to his shirt, before Liev slowly removed his fist. Jewel fell to the ground quickly and lay their, barely breathing. Liev walked away from the body and back to the waiting area, completely emotionless from his victory. As he made it to the waiting area, he gave a quick glance over to Gohan and the others before returning to the side of his friend.
The announcer and the crowd stood stunned from what had transpired. Paramedics ran onto the arena to check on Jewel's condition. He was still breathing but barely as they lifted him onto a gurney and carefully transported him to a nearby hospital.
"I am receiving word that Jewel is breathing and should be okay. Since he is alive, we cannot disqualify Liev, despite the brutality he just displayed to us all. But we urge all our competitors to fight within the reasonable means of humanity. This tournament is meant to entertain and nobody should be seriously injured as a result of it."
"How horrible, I feel sorry for that guy," said Bulma.
"He had no idea what he was getting himself into," responded Chichi.
Master Roshi looked out to the arena carefully with a concerned look. Yamcha looked over at Master Roshi and could see the worry on the old Turtle Hermit's face. For Master Roshi to be serious about something was never a good sign. He was only serious in the most troubling of situations.
"Is everything alright Master Roshi, you seem worried?"
"I don't like it. I am not getting a good feeling from some of these fighters; especially that last one."
"I know what you mean. Who do you think he is, or maybe a better question is what?"
"Oh you guys worry for nothing. Wait until the next round when Vegeta destroys that guy. He doesn't stand a chance," said Oolong.
"Well I think that answers our question," said Krillen.
"Gohan was right," said Piccolo. "There is something not right with those fighters. His speed was absolutely incredible. On top of that, I could not feel his ki fluctuate at all during the attack. It stayed at an incredibly low level throughout the duration of the attack."
"Yea, it stayed at the same low level without any fluctuation. I have no idea how he could have done that," said Gohan.
Gohan then looked over at Videl who was still slightly stunned from what she had witnessed in the last match. Gohan put his hands on top of her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Videl, please listen to me. You have to forfeit your next match."
"Gohan, I am not going to forfeit. I have to fight."
"You saw what he did to Jewel, his friend is probably just as strong. I don't want you to get hurt out there. You might not be as lucky as Jewel. Videl, listen to me. You could die out there."
"Gohan, I have never forfeited a match before and I am not going to now. I might lose but I will not forfeit. Please trust me when I say that I will be okay. I won't die, I promise."
Videl put her hands on top of Gohan's and then proceeded to give him a hug. Gohan was surprised by the gesture but soon reciprocated. The two stood their in a hug while everyone else was completely silent, not wanting to ruin the two's moment. Videl broke away from the hug and slowly walked towards the ring. Tasids then walked to the ring following Videl, but stopped momentarily and looked at Gohan, with a large smirk on his face. Gohan returned the look with a blank stare. He could not feel offended by Tasids sign of disrespect as his mind was completely focused on Videl and her well being.
"No, Videl, I promise," whispered Gohan.
Piccolo approached Gohan and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You should not worry yourself Gohan. Videl is a strong woman and she can take care of herself."
"Thanks Piccolo, I hope your right."
"Yea Gohan, don't worry. Videl will kick that guys butt. She was your pupil and you're the greatest fighter ever," said Goten.
Gohan chuckled at the naivety of Goten before focusing his full unbridled attention on the ring and the next match. The others looked at the ring, hoping for the best not only for Videl but also for Gohan. Vegeta knew better than anyone the strength of the bond formed by a saiyan male and their mate.. He knew now was not the time to make light of the situation. Vegeta looked at Gohan with admiration; he had to respect the bond between Gohan and Videl. If he were in a similar situation with Bulma, he would feel the same way.
As Videl reached the ring she was met with a standing ovation from the audience. She was one of the most popular competitors in the tournament, second only to her father. The city loved her, not only for her name, but what she gave back to the city. People loved how despite her wealth, she still risked her life and fought crime for the good of the city. She was kind of like the batman of Satan City. The problem is that Batman is only human, while Videl's opponent did not display those types of characteristics. The man known as Tasids walked to the other side of the ring, and stared at Videl with what can only be describes as a sick and maniacal smile.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for our seventh match of the first round we have another newcomer in Tasids facing off against our very own Videl. If you did not already know, Videl is the daughter of the world champion. Not only that but she is also the resident crime fighter in the city, protecting it from criminals and various wrongdoers. This is her first year in the tournament; let us see if she will be able to make it to the second round like her father did. Competitors, you may begin!"
Right away Videl charged at Tasids and nailed him with a punch to the midsection. She was hoping to catch him off guard and win the match quickly. Tasids keeled over slightly as if in pain, but that did not stop Videl. She followed up her punch with several more to the chest and face before knocking him over with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head.
"Wow, look at her go. She is doing great out there," commented Krillen.
Gohan looked on nervously, not eased by Krillen's comment or Videl's early advantage. It was too early to tell how strong Videl's opponent really was.
Tasids slowly stood up and faced Videl. After cracking his back he looked at Videl once again with a sickening smile. Videl was disgusted by his look and tried to focus away from his face and on the match. She charged at Tasids again but stopped about a foot away from him. She crouched low to the ground and performed a sweeping kick, knocking him to the floor. Once he was on the ground Videl jumped about ten feet in the air and came crashing down on Tasids' ribs. Videl then jumped off of him and waited for the announcer to start the count.
"And Tasids is down thanks to a powerful kick by Videl. It looks like this may be the match."
Before he could begin the count, Tasids slowly rose to his feet once again. Once again he cracked his back and looked at Videl, with an even more devious smile than before.
"Come on Videl, you can do it! Show that guy whose boss!" yelled Chichi fanatically from the stands.
"Ease up Chichi, don't put too much pressure on the poor girl," said Bulma.
Videl charged at Tasids for a third time and put all her energy into another punch aimed at his chest. Unlike the last time however, Tasids was not fazed in the least by the attack. Videl continued to put everything she had into punch after punch, all seemingly ineffective against him. When Videl went for another roundhouse kick, Tasids grabbed her leg with his hand and held her in that position. Videl tried to counter this by performing a roundhouse kick with her free leg but once again her leg was caught in Tasids' hand. He now held both of Videl's ankles and kept her horizontal in the air.
"Oh no, this does not look good. She is at his mercy in that position," said Krillen.
Gohan was visibly sweating, unwavering in his complete focus on the match.
Tasids pulled back his right leg and kicked Videl hard in the back while still keeping her in the air. Videl screamed in pain after the kick collided while Tasids remained smiling at his helpless prey. He continued to kick, one after another, as Videl screamed even more in agony. The crowd was stunned and the announcer looked on nervously, hoping this match would not turn out like the last one. Bored of this type of torture, Tasids threw Videl to the ground and watched her skid towards the edge.
"And Tasids has taken control of the match and has crippled Videl with a series of kicks. Videl is down and I will now initiate the count. One… two…"
Before he could reach a three count, Videl slowly rose to her knees and then to her feet. As she wavered from side to side, she tried to recover her balance and her state of mind. Tasids' approached her slowly, savoring the moment. Videl tried to think of an appropriate strategy to counter her opponent's apparent invincibility but nothing would come to mind. In an attempt to buy time, Videl flew about twenty feet straight up in the air.
"Amazing, Videl is floating above the ring as we speak. Another new technique she must have picked up protecting the city. What can Tasids do now? He has no way to reach her."
Tasids looked up into the air and started to chuckle out loud. He then bent his knees slightly and jumped into the air and floated around Videl's position. Her advantage no longer existed and she now needed to think quickly. Her thoughts were interrupted though by yelling from the waiting area.
"Videl, give up! You have to forfeit the match!" yelled a worried Gohan.
"I am not giving up yet!" yelled back Videl. "I can still win this match!"
Gohan looked down at his feet and away from the match. He knew what was about to happen and it was too painful for him to bear.
Videl decided it was time to use her speed to her advantage. She flew as quickly as she could around Tasids, hoping to disorient him. When she was behind him, Videl charged straight at him, feet first aiming a kick at his head. When her foot was only a couple inches from the back of his head, Tasids quickly moved his hand behind his head and caught her foot. Videl was so shocked by the speed she could not counter in time. Tasids started spinning around in a circle while holding on to Videl's foot. After about twenty rotations, Tasids brought his arm down in one swift motion sending Videl plummeting to the ground. Videl landed hard into the ground, creating a crater around her body and knocking out whatever fight she had left. Tasids slowly floated back to the ground, and smiled happily at his work.
"Our young crime fighter has hit the ground hard, and it looks like she won't be getting up. All we can do is pray that she is okay. The winner of this match is …"
Tasids walked over to the limp body of Videl and picked her up by the head, his giant hand squeezing her cranium.
"What are you doing!? He can't do that to my future daughter-in-law. I have to stop him."
"Chichi, you have to stop. You can't go out there," pleaded Bulma.
"Out of my way, I will fight the guy myself if I have to."
Yamcha and Master Roshi grabbed on to Chichi, trying to keep her from running into the ring.
Gohan looked out towards Tasids with anger. Every scream of Videl's resonated in his ears and every scream increased his hatred for the sadistic monster that was causing Videl to feel that way. Gohan clenched his fist and stared out in frustration. Piccolo looked over at Gohan as he felt the young saiyans power level rise. Gohan's power level was rising exponentially along with his anger. His aura flared up and forced the others to back away from Gohan. Shin and Kibito stared at Gohan in wonderment as his power level continued to rise to amazing levels.
"Can you feel that Kibito? His power level is absolutely incredible."
"I don't know how this is possible. Nobody but the kais should have that kind of power. It just isn't right for a mortal to have that kind of power."
"You might not think it is right, but his power can only benefit us. If he is this strong now, just imagine when he transforms."
Gohan continued to watch as Tasids held Videl up by the head, periodically punching her in the abdomen, causing her to spit up blood. Gohan reached the point where he could watch no longer and started to walk out towards the ring. Before he reached outside he was stopped by the hand of Piccolo.
"You can't go out there Gohan. This is her battle to fight."
Surprisingly Vegeta walked up and knocked away Piccolo's hand.
"There is nothing you can do Namek. There is no reasoning with a saiyan when he sees his mate in trouble. You can't stop him from going out there."
Piccolo looked at Vegeta, surprised by the sincerity of his words, before walking away from Gohan, allowing him to do what he wished.
Gohan was still looking out to the ring and continued to walk. Before he reached the edge of the ring he was broken out of his trance by the shouting of another competitor.
"Finish the match already Tasids! We do not have time for your games!"
Tasids looked back at Liev and nodded. He proceeded to toss Videl out of the ring and onto the grass before walking back to the waiting area. As he passed Gohan, both looked each other dead in the eyes. Tasids looked on in amusement while Gohan stared at him with pure hatred. After breaking the stare, Gohan ran straight to Videl to see how she was. When he got to her, Gohan put his fingers on her neck to check for her pulse. She was breathing, but barely.
/
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