Chapter Twenty – The Aftermath part 2
Origin - Passageway of Time : Unknown
Everyone reappeared in what seemed like space at first. "What's that?" Trunks pointed at something in the distance. "We are now outside of my domain at the outskirts of Origin. My haven is above where as Mara's is below." "It looks like an illuminated hour glass…" "Yes, that it does. The division between the two is the Passageway of Time."
The entire Domain looked like an hour glass. And like an hour glass, it looks to hold sand, however that sand is the Haven in which each Mara and Amalya remained. The rocky surface and atmosphere looked to be confined in the hourglass shape with Amalya's right side up and Mara's upside down. The Passageway itself is defined as a circular white illuminated holograph with seven golden stone roadways. It appears like an hourglass divided by a flat illuminated circular surface with golden stone roads radiating at various degrees in a circle.
Amalya teleported everyone on to the Passageway. "Wow…" "What's with the hovering image plates up there?" "That Bulma, represents time. The road way we are standing on now is the Future one. The plate like images represent various instances in the Future time period. This one is the present one, and as you can see that it is the furthest from the center of Origin. The plates leading towards the center are past events of the Future timeline. Since the present one is the current one, it is the last on this timeline. The future for this timeline is not written, none of them are. When there is another significant event that will occur in this timeline, then another plate will form; or another plate will form after one-hundred years has passed." A light went off in Bulma's head, "Oh I get it…if you start from the center of Origin and walk down this roadway, you'll be able to see everything that occurred in 'this' timeline from past to present. It would also be the same for every timeline here. Of course that would be a very long walk, it took thirty minutes going twice the speed of light speed to get to the center…"
"But, why couldn't we go back in time in the Normal timeline? Why did we end up traveling to the Past one?" "Mere mortals that we create will not be able to go back to a specific point in their timeline. If they were allowed to do that, then the events in the present would be altered. 'He' designed it so that we would be the only ones to manipulate various times. We are not allowed to travel outside of Origin if you'll remember." "So time is definite and you can only observe it." "Can you manipulate future events?" "We can create a plate. By doing that, that would cause something to happen in that timeline's future. We can't create any specific events about the plate. However, Mara can enhance a person or thing to occur. For example, she can make a star go super nova and wipe out an entire galaxy if she chooses." "So you're saying she can destroy everything in every timeline if she chooses!" "Yes Gohan, that's exactly right, as long as she doesn't destroy anything of our Creator's. Just bare in mind, I can create whatever I feel like once it's destroyed." "The whole thing is kinda scary if you think about it," Oolong admitted. "Which is why it would be best that I erase your memories of this place." "Then why tell us any of this?" Gohan was some what confused by her motives. "I guess, I have grown fond of each of you and think you deserve an explanation. I guess now you understand why we have to remain here and no one from the other realms can exist here."
"So we can only travel to the present of any given timeline since the present is the current event in time… Why were we able to arrive before the present events of our own timeline?" "Cause those events had already occurred. You were only able to watch and not interfere until your other selves left for their journey, which is why you were invisible to everyone. But Mara was able to sense and talk to you because we are what we are, arbiters of our creations." "This is so deep…" Videl concluded.
Another female figure appeared before them. She looked similar to Amalya but different. Her eyes were a bit narrower and were a black color. She was the same height and physique as Amalya but had long black hair that came to her lower back; part of it was however styled upwards in a headdress that she wore. Her clothes were similar to Amalya's but the skirt portion was shorter and she wore armor over much of it. She too carried a staff.
"So Amalya, you managed to put an end to my plans. Where's that girl of yours who summoned that creature? I'd like to rip her throat out." "Mara…you should know better then to try something as bold as you did. You should know our Master won't tolerate betrayal." "Always the goody-two-shoes, everything's so insipid with you. Wouldn't you want to be the Ultimate creator? Have such great power then you know what to do with." "My nature is Order, everything has to be organized. Your nature is Chaos, you crave pandemonium. You just wish to not be bound by rules and decrees." "And why is that so bad?" "Chaos, why can't you be content with just being as you are? I usually find most of what you do interesting." "Sorry I can't say the same about you… You were always 'His' favorite." "You're so blind. I'm not His favorite. I only set things up, you're the one that stirs up things. Haven't you figured out the grand scheme of everything? We are just tools to provide Him leisure. I would think even you would become bored to merely observe and not have a hand in bringing about chaos." "You are right perhaps, but I refuse to see you as my equal." "Would you be content to just take my life and control everything?"
Everyone just observed as the two made exchanges towards each other. The group was a little concerned when Amalya offered her life for a peace agreement between the two.
"Psh, don't you get it. You can never attempt to subdue me as you are! I cannot kill you even if I tried!" Amalya averted her attention for a moment, "You almost had your chance…" Mara was silent for a minute. Mirai Trunks couldn't help but wonder, Why did she say that. Mara's going to realize who Lita actually was. "Do not be concerned Mirai Trunks." "I guess you don't feel and therefore don't fear death?" "I am afraid, afraid that she may destroy my creations, or that some harm may befall them. I do know that I will be punished severely for letting my feelings get in the way."
"So I came close huh? Tell me Amalya, who was that girl who destroyed everything of mine?" "You mean the one that restored everything of 'mine'? Rest easy, she was the only one that unfortunately met her demise trying to get them here." "Ah yes, your, creations… Which one is your favorite? You do know by becoming too attached to even one of them is forbidden?" "My, I thought you cared nothing for rules and decrees?" Mara scowled, "So be it!"
Mara began emitting a deep violet almost black aura. She waved her wand creating a bright yet dark glow that surrounded her. When the glowing faded, there remained phantom versions of every member of the z-gang, from Goku to Marron. The obvious difference were the dark eyes. "Uhh, they're us!" "Fear not, Mara does not have the power to create actual versions of you. She is only trying to scare you." "Ha hah haaa, so you say Order!"
Without warning, the phantom Goku transformed into Super Saiyan. "Hmm, nice trick, but can it do this?" Goku let out a suppressed shout as he began to power up. Vegeta, Gohan, Mirai Trunks, Goten and Trunks followed suit and began powering up as well. The rest of the gang backed away as the collaborative group of Saiyans displayed their legendary power. Each began glowing a brilliant golden aura which when combined, grew large and impressive. The boys ended at Super Saiyan, readying themselves for any cheap attacks as the others were continuing. Mirai Trunks finished yelling as the aura and electricity of Super Saiyan two surged around him. Gohan finished to demonstrate the Mystic Saiyan level, his hair remained black and appeared more spiky. Vegeta also finished as he too reached Super Saiyan level two. Goku continued powering up pushing through to the highest attained level. Electricity surged uncontrollably as a demonstration of Goku's power. The golden hair from Super Saiyan level two grew to a very long length. With one final pulse of his aura, Goku finished powering up to Super Saiyan three.
"Hmm, impressive light show…" Mara snapped one of her fingers and all of the phantom Saiyans all screamed in unison for a few seconds. Their auras were a mixture of gold and obsidian. The aura on each one pulsated once as they instantly masked the Saiyan levels of the original. Chi-Chi as well as many others in the group dropped their mouths in astonishment, "They can do the same thing! How do we defeat them?" "Be calm, those phantoms lack heart. They are void of feelings and do not act upon impulse like you. It was love, friendship and a wide range of emotions that moved each of you to reach the levels that you are. Mere 'copies' can not mask that." Mara smiled, "Perhaps they may have the upper hand, but you'll just have to find out how good they really are." Mara held out the hand with the staff and pointed it at the gang. Without hesitation, each of them advanced on Amalya and the gang.
Krillin, Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, Chao-tzu and Buu powered up quickly and advanced along with the Saiyans to stop the approaching enemy. "Each of you remember the plan. Goku will be vulnerable so I will try to protect him as each of you keep the enemy at bay." "And what do me and Eighteen do? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs?" "Do what you can for as long as you can, I'm sorry but my hands are going to be full." "Great!"
Each of the main fighters collided with their counterpart exchanging blows left and right. Blasts were flying in all directions. Mrs. Briefs stared at her counterpart unsure of what to do. "Umm, I don't wanna hurt you. Why don't we…sit and talk?" The phantom Mrs. Briefs walked up to her and slapped her across the face. "Owww!" "I'm not here to talk!" Mrs. Briefs grew angry and smacked the phantom back, it mimicked the action in return.
A phantom version of Marron approached the original Marron. It walked up to her and pushed her down hard. Marron began crying holding her hands to her eyes. Eighteen dashed behind the phantom and struck the girl with such force that it bounced when hitting the ground. The phantom just laid there unmoving with blood coming from its mouth. Eighteen turned her head away from the dead look alike of her daughter, it was a bit much for her. She was grateful that she at least retained her strength. She went over and comforted Marron, she glanced over to see the phantom dissolve into essence. Hmm, so it's best if someone who's strong defeats someone who's weak… "Yes, I will pass that information onto everyone. Thanks Eighteen." Eighteen didn't know how to feel about someone invading her thoughts.
Chi-Chi was dodging her phantom and exchanging blow for blow. Man this thing's fast! Good thing me and Goku did some training on the ship. Chi-Chi tried to find an opening so that she could end this bout quickly. If I'm correct, this thing won't get tired like the rest of us.
Mara approached Amalya and got in a stance, "Prepare yourself!" Amalya readied herself and aimed her staff at Mara shooting a blast towards her. Mara dodged it by teleporting, "You have to do better then that!" Amalya spun and hurled a wave of fire in Mara's direction. Mara had to counter the spell sending a wave of fire back towards Amalya. The two disappeared, all that was seen were clashes of lights and blasts as the battle waged on. A similar battle pursued as the Saiyans clashed in their battle, the difference being that of speed. Tien and Chao-tzu teamed up against their phantoms. Tien however focused on attacking the phantom Chao-tzu managing to best him and kill him. Now the only priority was the phantom Tien. Piccolo, Krillin and Yamcha were trying to focus on defeating one phantom at a time. It became difficult given that each phantom wouldn't let up on attacking. Minor quarrels occurred between Bulma, Oolong, Puar, Master Roshi and everyone else with minimum powers.
Seventeen was having a difficult time taking on both phantoms of Seventeen and Eighteen. He was keeping up as best as he could, but the issue of not being able to fly or shoot fireballs proved challenging. Eighteen had slipped away to destroy as many of the minor phantoms as she could. With the phantom Marron, Mr. and Mrs. Briefs, Korin, Yajirobi, Dende and her favorite Mr. Satan out of the way, she could breathe a little easier knowing Marron will be protected somewhat. Her current task was getting rid of phantom Videl who was putting up great effort. However, the phantom Videl slipped when trying to execute a kick which resulted in her doom. There was a huge explosion in the distance. Eighteen was shocked to see her brother down and about to get badly wounded or even killed. We're human now…and vulnerable without our powers.
As both phantom twins were diving to make a killing blow to Seventeen, in the blink of an eye Eighteen grabbed Seventeen and dashed out of the way. "You Ok?" Eighteen could see that Seventeen's left arm was useless. Seventeen just pulled away from her, stood up and was about to rush towards them. Eighteen grabbed his good arm, "Seventeen we have to be smart. We can't just rush into battle without a plan." "What do you suggest?" Eighteen knew there was no way they would be able to best their clones in a battle where the clones had the advantage. "We have to hold them off for as long as we can." "Tch, what do you think I was doing!" Eighteen stood in front of Seventeen as the two clones began advancing, "You take a break and make sure the others are safe. I'll handle them." Seventeen was pissed but did as he was told. Dende being free to roam without his phantom on his heels, rushed over and began healing Seventeen. After a few short moments Seventeen stood ready to fight again, "Thanks…" Instead of aiding Eighteen, he turned around and quickly approached Puar and Oolong. Within an instant, he killed both of their phantoms and moved on to Master Roshi. Next was Bulma's phantom which fell easily.
Mara took a breather and noticed that the weaker of her creations were defeated. She pointed her staff towards the phantom Chi-Chi to aid her. Mara didn't get to do anything else since Amalya intervened.
Chi-Chi noticed that her phantom had gained tremendous strength and speed. What's going on? Chi-Chi ducked a flurry of punches and dived over a spin kick. She didn't have time to get to her feet, she was struck from behind by a punch. She flew forwards landing on her stomach. Chi-Chi stood up slowly and was gripping her side in pain. She turned around slowly not believing her eyes. She's…she's preparing a blast! Chi-Chi just stood there astonished, How can she shoot a blast! The blast was hurled towards Chi-Chi who could only yelp and cover herself. The rather large blast was intense and would most likely end Chi-Chi's life. Chi-Chi screamed as it came closer, she closed her eyes and blocked as best as she could. She waited for the impact and could feel the intensity of it. She waited and waited and realized that it hadn't reached her. Chi-Chi opened her eyes just in time to see the blast dissipate and her rescuer kneel and wince in pain. "Oh my gosh, Seventeen!" "What the Hell was that! I don't recall you being 'that' strong." Seventeen stood up a little singed and dashed at the phantom at great speeds. His hand lodged through its chest. He pulled it out quickly watching as the phantom died and disappeared. "Thanks," Chi-Chi was a little unnerved about seeing herself die but was relieved he showed up when he did.
Eighteen was giving it her best when she stopped dead in her tracks as she noticed what her phantom was doing. The phantom Seventeen was merely distracting her while the phantom Eighteen powered up a Distructo Disk. No! There's no real way to dodge that if you can't counter it! The disk was launched and heading in her direction. The phantom Seventeen back flipped as the disk past under him. Eighteen was gripped with fear and didn't know what to do. I'm sure this barrier is only keeping us from turning into dust. It won't shield against attacks… Eighteen just stared at the disk as it drew near. I'm sorry Krillin.
Krillin felt a cold chill run up his spine. He immediately scanned the area frantically to locate either Marron or Eighteen. To his lower left in the distance he saw the deadly disk closing in on her. "Eighteen!" Right as the disk was about to slice through, a figure appeared. The figure was engulfed by the disk as it sliced and exploded on contact. Eighteen shielded her face slightly from the explosion. When the smoke disbanded, the figure from before was hunched over. You! "Why did you…?" Amalya stood up, a little unsteady at first from the attack, "I won't allow Chaos to hurt any of you. I'd rather die first. Besides," she turned to Eighteen and smiled, "I can't really die. I can only become weakened. If I become too weak, I'll be teleported to the altar room in my Domain. I won't be able to leave for a long while though." She stood, "So I can't continue to be reckless or I'll place each of you in danger. If she manages to defeat me, then she will most certainly kill you."
Mara landed not far from the two, "What a very interesting idea." Amalya narrowed her eyes and placed a stronger barrier around everyone. Mara smiled; each of her phantoms stopped fighting and turned their attention towards Eighteen and Amalya. Amalya eyed each of them warily. In a moments notice, each of the Saiyans were instantly upon her.
"What the Hell just happened! One minute we're fighting and the next…" "Father! They're all after Amalya!" "Psh, maybe now we can see what she's capable of." "No Vegeta! If she's defeated then our barriers might fade away! We have to stop this!" "Wait Kakkarot. This is the perfect opportunity for you to make your move," he whispered. "You power down and make yourself unnoticeable, while the rest of us create a diversion." "And once it's complete then what? I'm sure she won't just stand still and wait." "I'll use my magic to hold her in one place. I'll try to hide you from sight, you just concentrate your attack." Goku nodded in agreement to Amalya's advice and immediately returned to normal. Goku shot a huge blast at one of the clones whom knocked it away easily. He then teleported to the area in the distance where the blast landed. The smoke from the blast served as cover as he began his task. "I'll make you invisible as well." The rest of the fighters closed in on their phantoms trying to help Amalya.
The fight was intense and frenzied as everyone was concentrated in one area. The phantoms were all aiming their attacks at Amalya who had a hard time keeping up with everything. The phantom Goku and Buu proved most harsh as they were the fastest and strongest. Amalya blocked as best as she could as Buu and Super Saiyan three Goku exchanged blows towards her. Even at the aid of the fighters, Amalya was getting pummeled. All of the redeemers surrounded Amalya trying to protect her from the attacks. The attacks continued for a short while until Buu's phantom managed to blast in the center of everyone and scatter everyone. After his blast phantom Goku grabbed Amalya and teleported her a great distance away.
She was being attacked from every angle. Alone, it was becoming too much for her to handle. When the phantom Goku finished his barrage of attacks, he positioned above her and struck her to the ground with both hands hard. She panted trying to push herself up from the ground. "How are these phantoms…able to mimic the real ones?"The phantom was closing in for the kill intending to blast her from above into oblivion. As the blast reached her there was a huge explosion. The smoke cleared and nothing remained, Amalya teleported away back to the gang's location. She dropped to her hands and knees upon arrival. "I don't think...I can take…anymore…" Goku heeded her warning, Come on…almost…
Mara halted the clones and touched down before Amalya, "Perhaps I can answer your question you asked earlier." Amalya gazed up from her hunched over position, feeling helpless as Mara approached. Mara was enjoying being able to mock her rival, "To answer your question, I have been studying about 'your' creations in the Distant Future. It would seem that these creatures have changed drastically and are far stronger then I remember. But you forget that I have the power to enhance things and therefore just simply made my creations just as strong as the originals. It wouldn't be as fun to make them far stronger then the originals." Vegeta stepped forward, "So this is a game to you woman?" Mara glared at Vegeta, "I recalled you being more ruthless." Vegeta just grunted in response. "I'd like to think that whatever happens, happens." Mara turned her attention back to Amalya, "Tell me Amalya, who was that girl and that apparition she conjured?"
A moment past, "Done! I have it!"
Mara began walking towards Amalya again, "Or should I just force one of your precious creations to tell me." Amalya used all of her strength to stand up. She steadied herself and created a force field around her and everyone there. "Ha hah haaa, come now! You don't think that'll help do you?" Mara was caught off guard as a spell surrounded her and ice began to form, freezing her. "Do it now!"
"What's the meaning of this Amalya!"
Goku didn't hesitate for he knew this moment meant everything. The Spirit Bomb closed in on Mara. Go, go, go! Goku was anxious. The force field prevented the phantom clones from leaving the area to help Mara, they could only watch the attack. Mara broke free just in time to feel the Spirit Bomb engulf her, "NOOO!" The explosion knocked everyone off of their feet and made the time plates' images static. The phantoms all turned white and blew away in an invisible breeze. After the intensity of the collision died down and the smoke cleared, Mara lay there motionless. Everyone approached her slowly. Mara couldn't feel anything, her body was numb. She managed to turn her head towards Amalya, "I can't…believe this…" Amalya stood over Mara and placed the end of her staff on Mara's body. There was a bright aura surrounding Mara which grew in intensity blinding everyone slightly. As it faded, the figure of Mara faded with it. Amalya dropped to her knees and free hand, "It's finished… She will remain in confinement for many eons."
All of the Saiyans powered down almost simultaneously, "So, now what?" Gohan helped Amalya to her feet once more, "You have helped me restore order to Origin. You have my thanks." "I think we should be thanking you that we still have our lives." Amalya smiled, "You are most gracious Chi-Chi. I suppose we're even then." "Are we?" Mirai Trunks countered. "For all our efforts here, we won't even remember what happened." Amalya chuckled, "I suppose knowledge is a great gift. I will allow each of you to keep some of your memories of what happened here. I will have to place a taboo amongst you though." "What do you mean?" "To put it simply Goku, you would be able to talk amongst anyone here about some of the events that have taken place. You won't be able to speak about it to anyone else." "Interesting…" Bulma concluded.
Amalya waved her staff summoning a spell making everyone glow with a white aura. "Thank you all…but you must depart." "Wait," Mirai Trunks protested. Everyone was surrounded by blinding light causing each to shield their eyes. When the light grew faint, the gang was able to see again.
Origin – Amalya's Domain : Unknown
"Master, you have returned! I sense that you were victorious?" "Yes Da and thank you for your part in everything." "Anything for you m'lady." "If you'd excuse me, I'm going to my quarters." Amalya left for her room. Once there, she created a crystal ball that allowed her to see the events of the z-gang. She sat in her chair and lounged there, her mind racing. These thoughts and feelings…I have to find a way to suppress them.