Chapter Fifteen – Ominous Approach
Universe : Present ?
At the edges of each galaxy, darkness steadily engulfs one planet after another, claiming everything in its path. The universe is thought to comprise of an oval shape and divided in to four quadrants the North, South, East and West Galaxies. King Kai and each of his counter parts oversee seven Galaxies, while the Grand Kai rules over them. Above the twenty-eight Galaxies and their rulers exists the Supreme Kais who oversees the universe and the Spiritual Realm. Higher still, are the two Great Supreme Kais; it's difficult to conceive anything greater in existence.
News of the danger grew within the Spiritual Realm causing panic to all those who reside there. For miles and miles there were people rallying outside of the Grand Kai's domain. The four Kais had already been gathered there for an emergency meeting.
"Sir if we don't do something soon, they'll tear the gates down!" "Don't you think he knows that," King Kai directed to his rival West Kai. The Grand Kai had been quiet for a long time while King Kai described in great detail the danger that they were facing. I mean what can be said when you find out that the Spiritual Realm, like the Physical Realm, was being erased from existence. There was a long silence until the Grand Kai finally spoke, "It seems that this one gal might be our only hope. Don't know if they'll be anything left ya'll, but I don't know what else ta do." The Grand Kai stood up, "Guess I betta tell those cats outside that all we can do is wait." With that, the Grand Kai left the group. The four Kais looked at each other and also stood and followed suit.
Standing on his balcony, the Grand Kai addresses the audience, "Hey ya'll guys and gals! Now I know that there's sumpthin destroyin' everythan, but ya'lls gotta remain calm! I have someone who'll fix everythan, but if ya'll are afraid, ya'll be more than welcome to stay here as long as ya calm." This was the only action that he or the other Kais could do until someone could save everything.
Planet of the Kais : Present 1:02pm — Day 2
It had already been nineteen hours since the Elder Kai had started his ceremony. The second phase of the ritual had just begun giving the Elder a chance to take a break. He was enjoying the view that was before him, he had never performed his ritual on a female before. He might have been completely distracted by her if it wasn't for the growing mental powers he was sensing. He was curious to know how a human could have such great mental capabilities. Gazing at her face he could see that her eyebrows were drawn together.
"Try to remain calm, we only have five more hours left." "I'm trying to sir, but it's hard when so many people are dieing and there's so much chaos." How is it that she can sense something from so far away? I mean, sure it's getting closer, but she's sensing more then the average being could.
Ugh…I don't know if I can control this. I can't stop myself from shaking. Around the small group the ground was cracking. Small pieces of soil levitated from the ground, Whoa, I don't think she can control her powers. She needs to calm down somehow or this ceremony will be all for nothing. The planet began to quake some. The Elder Kai was growing alarmed, She's going to tear this planet apart! The Elder's eyes landed on Mirai Trunks who was standing a short distance away, "Hey youngster! Try to calm her down." Mirai Trunks couldn't believe that Lita could be capable of such power, but snapped to it when the Elder called to him. He ran over to the Elder Kai, "Umm, what do you want me to do?" "I don't know, try rubbing her back or talking to her or something. I'd love to do it myself, but I have to concentrate." Mirai Trunks raised an eyebrow and glared at the last statement, but shrugged it off as he walked calmly towards Lita.
Mirai Trunks kneeled down in front of her, "Hey Lita," he started calmly, "You have to calm down." "I can't I…don't know how to." Mirai Trunks stood and circled behind her kneeling again. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and spoke in her ear, "I know everything's being swallowed up, but the only way to stop it is for you to finish training." His warm breath against her ear and neck caused her to tremble slightly. Lita inhaled deeply, the tremors were fading and she could feel herself relaxing in his embrace. She had to talk to someone regarding her troubled mind, "But I'm afraid that all this will be for nothing…" "I know…I would be scared to have to face Terra too." "No, I mean…even though I maybe able to beat her, she still won't die." Mirai Trunks frowned, "What do you mean?" Lita inhaled deeply and chewed on her lip trying to decide if she should tell him. Should I…? "What do you mean," Mirai Trunks pressed. Lita looked down at the ground, "Remember that guy I accidentally killed with my mind? Well, I took on his thoughts, memories and personality for a while. I didn't know what it was at first, but I had urges and nightmares about his life and the murders he had to commit. It lasted for maybe eight months until I was myself again." Mirai Trunks had loosened his grip and was silent for a moment, "So you're saying that you take on the personality of the person you kill?" "Yes," she answered quietly. "And your friends want me to try to assimilate Terra's powers as well as kill her. If I do that, then I'll have her personality and memories as well as her abilities. It might not only last for eight months, it might be permanent. I'm not sure I'll be me again." By now Lita was crying softly, "What if I can't control her powers? What if I become Terra and have the urge to continue what she started?"
Mirai Trunks turned his head away to take in what Lita was telling him. She accepted this mission knowing what might happen? Piccolo's theory was that if she gains Terra's abilities, then maybe she could reverse what's happening. But now, she may sacrifice her very being just to save everyone. Lita's quiet sniffling interrupted Mirai Trunks' thoughts, "Why didn't you tell us?" "Because…I wanted to gain everyone's approval. I mean everyone's already afraid of me and doesn't trust me, so I accepted. If it means one person is to be sacrificed so that an entire universe can survive, then I'm prepared to do it. I'm just…scared that I'll become the enemy and destroy everything and you guys would have to stop me."
No wonder she's upset, she doesn't really have a say in the matter. But what can I do? I can't knowingly just stand by and allow this. Mirai Trunks turned back to her, "Lita, I'm going to tell the Elder Kai to stop the ceremony." "No, I have to try. If I don't, then you and all of your friends will have fought for nothing." "But…" "There's an entire universe being destroyed and I'm the only one that has a chance to stop it. What would Goten say if I decided not to continue? What if I'm able to reverse everything and bring his mom back to life? Mirai Trunks, I have to do this." Mirai Trunks was at a loss for words, She's doing this for a noble cause but, I want to stop her. Mirai Trunks grew sick to his stomach, "I wish there were something I could do to help." Lita was drying her eyes now with a new vigor growing, "Mirai Trunks, I'm going to keep fighting against all odds." This earned a small smile from the warrior, "I'm going help in anyway I can Li'." Lita smiled at that new nickname, "I'm glad I met you Mirai Trunks." "Same to you," Mirai Trunks replied as he slid his arms around her shoulders again.
The Elder Kai was looking on at the two seemingly focused, So, there's more then she was telling. Wish I could help somehow… The Elder Kai shook his head, Déjà vu…now what about this seems familiar? After a failed attempt at his memory, the Elder Kai refocused his powers. He was relieved that the unforeseen, and troublesome conversation between the two could cause the quaking to subside. There will be time to think about what's to come later.
Elsewhere on the planet, the large group of people were all standing regaining their footing from the lessening tremors. "What was that?" Videl asked warily. I hope Terra hasn't found us yet. "I don't know." "Yeah Yamcha, I only felt a small Ki and then the ground started shaking violently," Krillin further explained. "Could it be Terra?" Piccolo step forward, "No Krillin, that was Lita." "Wha'?" Yamcha asked incredulously. "She was causing quakes with her psychic abilities." "But no one has ever had that much mental capacities," it was also hard for Krillin to believe. Goku was also impressed, "Well lets just hope that she will be able to control it when the time comes."
"Goku, maybe we should keep tabs on Terra just in case." Goku nodded at Piccolo's statement, "You're right. I'm going to pay King Kai a quick visit to see if he knows where she could be. Be back in a few guys," within seconds Goku vanished.
"Guys, the Earth has just been swallowed by darkness," Kibitoshin informed. Everyone within the immediate vicinity looked downwards towards the ground, a feeling of shame and sorrow etched among the group.
Otherworld : Present ?
Goku appeared behind King Kai. He took in his surroundings noting that he was at the Grand Kai's place. Goku placed a hand on King Kai's shoulder, "Ahhh!" King Kai swung around, "Goku, stop doing that! Don't you know everyone's on edge!" "Oh, sorry King Kai." "What a relief! I thought that maybe that woman had found us." "Well actually King Kai, that's exactly why I'm here. I was wondering if you know where Terra might be?" "Terra huh? Well Goku, I was trying to find her for a long time now. It's as if she just disappeared." Goku frowned, "But she couldn't have just vanished, unless…" King Kai raised his brow above his sunglasses, "Unless what Goku?" "Unless maybe she's a victim of this surge too." "I highly doubt it Goku…she seems much to experienced to make a mistake like that. I fear Goku that she's in a place where no one can reach her." "Perhaps she's hiding between time and space like we were when we went back in time to try and save Chi-Chi?" "I don't know Goku, this Terra is too unfathomable. No one even knows where she came from." "Well, if she isn't in the Physical and Spiritual Realms, then where can she be?" "I really don't know Goku. Perhaps there is a safe haven between time and space. But one things for certain, if she doesn't appear soon, we're all doomed."
Goku had a gnawing feeling that King Kai's fretting might actually come true. Terra was unlike any other enemy that they've had to face. "Do you think that maybe the Old Kai has an evil sister or something? Cause Terra reminds me of the Supreme Kai somewhat." "She may very well be Goku, you have to ask him." "Wait…I remember the Old Kai saying something about someone trapping him in the Z-sword. Do you think it might be the same person?" "Could be Goku." "Well, see ya King Kai." "Goku?" King Kai tried to stop him but he vanished too quickly. "I hope that wasn't our last encounter."
Planet of the Kais : Present 2:20pm — Day 2
Piccolo waited as Goku returned from his trip with hopefully good news. "Hey guys," Goku greeted everyone in a low tone. "Any luck Goku?" "No, King Kai can't seem to find her either," Goku said gravely. "Piccolo, Gohan, Kibitoshin, follow me to where the Old Kai is." "Sure dad," Gohan acknowledged. "Well guys, we'll be back as soon as we come up with something," Goku explained as they departed.
"What is it Goku?" Kibitoshin was hoping that maybe there was something Goku knew of how to beat Terra but couldn't mention it in front of his friends. "Well, me and King Kai noticed how Terra is very powerful and can use magic. So I was wondering if the Old Kai has an evil sister or maybe it's that witch that sealed him in his sword coming to take her revenge on everyone." Kibitoshin was quiet trying to weigh the possibilities of his statement. "It could most certainly be possible." "Well I want to question the Old Kai and see if we can find out where Terra could be hiding."
Mirai Trunks could see from Lita's straining, that she was having a tough time keeping her emotions in check. "So Lita…" he ventured not sure what exactly to say, "…were you really writing to us when you died?" Lita took a moment to calm her nerves, "Yeah, I was trying to get your attention before ya'll left." "But how? I mean, no one else can leave Otherworld if they're dead." "I don't know…I guess when I died, I was stuck in a pitch black void. There was no one there." "When you die, you usually check in with King Yemma and he determines whether you go to Hell or not. Wait, do you think that you were in space in that surge?" "No I wasn't, cause when I escaped that void by following your voice, I came from out of King Yemma's desk. But I seemed invisible to everyone…I tried to go through the doors to the Otherworld, but after a few steps I was in so much pain. I collapsed and was fading away. It took all of my strength to get back through the doors." "You were fading away…? But why?" "I don't know Mirai Trunks." "You're about as enigmatic as Terra."
Lita frowned at Mirai Trunks' statement. That's what I'm afraid of. What if me and Terra are one in the same? "Well I mean," Mirai Trunks tried to clarify, "You're nothing like Terra being evil and all, but there's some things that you both are able to do that isn't normal." Lita wanted to voice the statement that was haunting her, but was afraid that she'd lose whatever trust she gained. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Mirai Trunks didn't dwell on the thought for long being that Goku, Piccolo, Gohan and Kibitoshin were approaching the Elder Kai. Wonder what's going on?
"Elder," Kibitoshin began, "We have a few questions to ask you." "Can't it wait, as you can see I'm very busy right now." "Well sir," Gohan tried to ease, "I'm sure a few questions won't break 'your' concentration. You have irrefutable mental capacities." "Well…you are right, I'm sure a few questions won't be such a bother. Well what's your question?" "Well, do you have any evil siblings or friends or something?" Goku began. "What? Kai's don't have any siblings. As far as evil friends, I don't have any." "But what about that evil witch that trapped you in the Z-sword?" "Hmm, she can use magic, but I don't think she's capable of something like this." "But sir, do you even know what happened to her after you were trapped?" Gohan wondered. The Elder mulled over the possibility, "I don't really know what happened to her, but she was just lucky she got the jump on me." "Well, there has to be some place where Terra could be hiding. Does Terra even look familiar to you?" "Well…I haven't actually seen this Terra person you're referring to. But I am having a Déjà vu. There's something familiar…" the Elder trailed off, his mind began to churn. "Well, not even the Dragonballs will be able to help us." "Yeah Piccolo…but maybe we can ask the Dragon to bring Terra here?" "Well Goku, I'd imagine that we'd have to know her name to…" "I got it!" the Elder interrupted Piccolo in mid-sentence.
The Elder stood up abruptly, "That's what's familiar!" "Umm, what's familiar Elder sir?" "A way to beat Terra. Why didn't I remember it before." Goku and the others looked around very confused as to what the Elder was going on about. A little anxious about the possibility of Terra being beatable, Goku asked the Elder to clarify what he meant, "What! There's a way to beat Terra?" "Indeed there is m'boy," the Elder proclaimed.
A short distance away Lita and Mirai Trunks also stood wondering what the commotion was about. About this time, Vegeta who had been surveying the training from afar, had also joined the group's discussion.
"Uh sir, is the training complete?" "Uhh…" the Elder looked at Lita realizing the mistake he made. "Ahhh! You broke my concentration!" Kibitoshin stepped back with his hands in the front of him defensively, "I'm so sorry sir!" The Elder Kai grumbled a bit, "Great, now I have to start all over." Everyone except for Piccolo and Vegeta fell over, Lita just stood there with her mouth open. Mirai Trunks wanted to know the reason for the interruption, "How did you lose concentration?" "Oh," Goku piped in, "He said something about there being a way to beat Terra." This peaked Mirai Trunks and Lita's attention.
"Well…I remember a very long time ago when life was at its infancy stage, there was a mysterious visitor that came to this planet. She was unlike any creature I've ever seen, very beautiful and graceful…sigh, I wish she stayed so we could become more acquainted." "Ahem," Kibitoshin tried to get the Elder back on track and out of his perverted dreams. "Oh right, well she gave me two things. One was a gift to a trusted race of beings to aid them in the troubles that lie ahead. This gift you guys are more familiar with is the Dragonballs." "Huh!" came from the group, Vegeta responded by unfolding his arms. "So you're saying that the Namekians didn't create the Dragonballs?" "Oh no no Gohan, they did create the Dragonballs. What I gave them was the energy it took to make the Dragonballs. Well of course I didn't personally give it to them, but you get the idea."
"So," Goku tried, "The visitor gave you a power to give to the Nameks which they decided to create the Dragonballs?" "Precisely." "Interesting, so what was the other thing you were given?" "Well Gohan, she told me to hide this object so that it would be safe from danger. She also said that, "'When the end is near, I must use this…'" as to show what he was talking about, the Elder brought his hands together and concentrated as a tablet and ball appeared in his hands. "No one would ever think to look at the center of this planet for it."
"What's that?" Gohan asked pointing at the objects. "This Gohan is our last hope." "What is it?" "Well Goku, I really don't know." Everyone fell again as Piccolo and Vegeta shook their heads. "How do we use it?" Mirai Trunks asked hopeful. "Well she said that only one being can use it, but I don't know who or what she was referring to." "Being?" Kibitoshin inquired. "Yes being," the Elder confirmed. Everyone by now was eyeing the objects curiously. "So in other words old man, she didn't tell you how to use it?" The Elder glared at Vegeta, "Such manners. She said that this tablet should explain how to use it. She also told me to remember a phrase, but…I can't remember it right now." "Elder! Our very existence depends on you remembering that phrase!" "Don't you think I know that. Honestly youngster, you get worried way too easily," Kibitoshin hung his head.
"Well what does the tablet say?" Lita was somewhat hopeful that she may not have to confront Terra. "It says,
The guardians of life unite.
Redeemers twofold, fasten seven prospects.
a Sole essence gives rise to Hope
Surrounded by darkness, the day shall spring forward…
call,…
I think I'm supposed to add that phrase she told me at the end or something."
Gohan added to the Elder's statement, "You mean a phrase that you can't seem to remember right now." "Yes unfortunately." "So, what does that tablet mean?" "How am I supposed to know. I wanted to know more about it all but she vanished without a trace. It's a wonder she knew about me and this planet." "Hold on," Goku had a thought, "Could that woman that visited you long ago be Terra? Is there any way for you to read my mind and see how Terra looks?" "Hmm, I suppose I can." The Elder Kai placed the objects on the ground and moved towards Goku. He closed his eyes in concentration and began scanning Goku's memories. After a few moments, he found what he was searching for and opened his eyes again.
The Elder mused frowning in the process, "It seems that this Terra person and the woman who visited me long ago look a lot alike." The small group didn't like the information that was received. "So, you're saying that there's a possibility that these two could be the same person?" "Well, Piccolo is it? The two look the same but I don't think they're the same person."
Gohan, Mirai Trunks and Lita were looking over the two objects with curiosity. Gohan picked up the tablet and scanned the message inscribed, "Somehow we have to decipher this message." He handed the tablet to Mirai Trunks for inspection and picked up the ball and held it out as it was immediately reacting. "Whoa," Gohan didn't know what to make of it, the white swirling mist had changed to a dull yellow glow. The mist could still be seen amongst the glowing. This new reaction gained everyone's attention, "What did you do?" "I don't know dad, I just picked it up." "Hmm, it never did that before," the Elder observed. Gohan placed the ball back on the ground noting that the color faded and the white swirling mist returned.
"Curious, the ball reacted to Gohan touching it." Kibitoshin wanted to know if he too would get a reaction from the ball, so he picked it up but the ball remained the same. "Hey guys, maybe mom can help us decipher this message." "That's a good idea Mirai Trunks, I'll go get her. Be back in a flash."
Goku returned with a rather annoyed Bulma, "Goku what's the meaning of this? You can't just pop in, grab someone and pop out." "Sorry Bulma, but we need your brain to help us decipher this message." Goku picked up the stone tablet allowing her to skim its contents. Kibitoshin realized that she may need a bit more incite on the topic, "As you can see this ball has to do with that message. It's supposed to be our last hope at surviving this surge. If we can figure out this message, then we will be able to use this ball." "Well, the message is kinda cryptic…" Bulma inspected the ball closely, "Oh and when Gohan touched it, it reacted. Go on, show her Gohan." Gohan did as Kibitoshin asked and picked up the ball. Bulma blinked a few times, "It changed color, but why?" "We were hoping you could tell us Bulma." "Well Goku, I'm not sure what to make of it myself." "Well you have to try and figure it out, we have less then two days left." Bulma glared in response, Thank you pessimistic Kai for your obvious statement.
Bulma glanced at the tablet and retrieved the ball from Gohan noting that it turned to its original state, "Well guys, this is going to take some time to figure out. And," she added before Kibitoshin could interject, "I will try to work as quickly as possible. I work better when I don't have people breathing down my neck, so I'm going to go a short distance away. Gohan, since the ball has a reaction with you, I'm going to need your help with this. Lita and Mirai Trunks, it would be nice if I could use your help with this as well." Lita and Mirai Trunks just nodded in agreement.
"Oh, wait a second. Elder Kai, what should we do about my training?" "Well…" the Elder began, "We would have to start all over. I did manage to awaken your powers, but I'm afraid that they're no where near its full potential. So, I'm sure you all felt that her powers are indeed awake, but without the rest of the ceremony, you will have very little control over them. I'm sure some intense training could help you control your powers, but the main concern is getting that ball to work. So don't worry about it right now, we'll continue when the time is right. Just try not to use your powers as much."
Lita nodded in response, Let's just hope that my powers won't be needed and that we aren't making a huge mistake.
"Piccolo, while Bulma, Mirai Trunks, Gohan and Lita figure that tablet out, we should try tracking down Terra. Kibitoshin, we could really use your help too." "Of course Goku, lead the way." Goku followed by Piccolo and Kibitoshin walked away to begin looking for Terra as well as devising a plan of attack.
"Well guys, I hope ya'll feel up to solving riddles?" Gohan smiled slightly, "We'll do what we can Bulma." "Great. Lita can you give me a hand and carry this ball?" "Um, sure thing." Lita received the ball and everyone began walking to an area with more stable ground. Lita stopped and noticed that the ball was reacting to her touch. She saw as the white swirling mist began loosing its color and began to turn black. It turned a black that was synonymous to the void she resided in at the time of her death. Lita gasped, and dropped the ball to the ground staring at it as it rolled a few feet away. Bulma and the others turned back to see what had happened noting that the ball was in its original state.
"What's wrong?" "I'm sorry, I tripped over one of the cracks in the ground," she lied. She forced an embarrassed smile and scratched the back of her head for reassurance. Mirai Trunks walked back towards her and picked up the ball on the way. He stopped as the ball reacted and turned a red color. "Umm, is this a good thing?" Bulma followed by Gohan approached Mirai Trunks, "So, it isn't just Gohan it reacts to…I wonder why?" Bulma was now intrigued and her mind started churning with hypotheses. Lita looked on holding her arm not sure what to make of the balls reaction to her.
Unknowing to Lita, Vegeta and the Elder Kai witnessed everything that transpired a few moments ago. Vegeta was growing more and more suspicious about Lita. "What the Hell was that? I'm sure you saw it too old man?" "Hmph, yes I did see it and there's a secret that she's keeping from everyone. You have every reason to be suspicious." "What secrets?" Vegeta turned to the Elder Kai, "Well she told Mirai Trunks there something and with every occurrence, it just makes me more suspicious of her." "Gah, what's with Kais being so cryptic!" "I'll explain everything to you in a moment." The Elder Kai walked towards Goku's group going over the possibility of Terra being in the vicinity.