Chapter 078 - Shin and Spopovich
The crowds were muttering amongst themselves, conversations so diluted it all came out as one low tone. To the side of the stage, a few officials had rushed out with a stretcher to remove Punta from the arena grounds and rush him to the on-site recovery room. He'd taken a much-deserved though very short beating from Krillin, the small warrior practically defeating his opponent with his eyes closed and one hand in his pocket! It had been a great opening match and one which hinted at things to come.
"Moving onto match number two - Shin vs. Ma Jr." The announcer called down the microphone once the casualty had been removed.
Piccolo and Shin wandered out into the open, taking their places on the ring. There were a few sceptical people amongst the crowds which felt perhaps they recognised the Namekian warrior from somewhere, unable to pinpoint where from.
"Is this Shin guy really that interesting?" Krillin asked unconvinced with everyone's concerns for the short, pale fighter.
"Kinda," Goku nodded feeling a little eager to see how the match would go.
Corset wandered forwards from her place against the wall and jumped up to lean on the board in the centre of the entrance. This way she'd get a much better view of the match and she was concerned about Piccolo's uneasiness about his opponent.
The start of the match was called with the striking of the gong yet strangely neither fighter budged an inch. Corset kept her eyes peeled for any sudden movements but none came. What was going on? Why was Piccolo so bothered by this guy? Sure she felt a strange chill run down her spine whenever she saw him but she'd put that down to sensing the power he had.
"What's Piccolo doing?" Gohan asked unsure.
Corset heard Shin mumble something but couldn't make it out. Piccolo seemed shocked by this and within a moment he'd turned and left the arena, foot touching the ground and landing him at least in a ring-out.
"Forfeit?" Gohan repeated in surprise.
"What?" Corset gasped looking at her friend before turning to Piccolo shocked. She never would have suspected Piccolo would have forfeited. This was so uncharacteristic of him; something bad had to be going on...
"Ma Jr. has forfeited the match leaving Shin as the winner!"
Piccolo walked past the others without a word. Not even his facial expression gave anything away.
"Was it that bad, Piccolo?" Goku asked.
"Yes... He is far stronger than you could ever imagine," Piccolo muttered.
"D-Don't say that; I've gotta fight him next!" Krillin spluttered starting to feel on edge.
"Moving right along, here's match number three – Videl vs. Spopovich!" The announcer called eager to get the disappointed crowds riled up. Naturally at the mention of the current world champion's daughter, the crowds went wild and began to loudly chant Videl's name.
"Wow, they must really like you!" Gohan chuckled stunned.
"Good luck, Videl," Corset smiled. She hadn't seen Videl fight before even though she was aware of her abilities being far greater than any regular human, though of course she had a long way to go if she were going to challenge the likes of their Earthling comrades like Yamcha or Krillin.
"Thanks," Videl nodded. "Oh by the way Gohan, I wanna see you in the second round, ok?"
"Sure," Gohan nodded, a small blush on his face.
As Videl and her bulky opponent left the room (the latter hissing through his teeth), Corset smugly looked at Gohan. "... Any reason why there's a blush on your face?" She mused teasingly.
"W-What, there's not!" Gohan protested. "To be honest I'm not looking forward to my first match, much less the second!"
"Yeah, I can't blame you there... Piccolo forfeited against Shin so I wonder if his partner's just as strong," Corset mused taking a quick glance back, Shin passing her by at that moment, making his way back into the waiting area. She watched as he walked over to the taller, dark-pink skinned man; she couldn't work out just how strong either of them were as both were suppressing their ki.
"Let the match begin!"
Videl and Spopovich's match started and Corset's attention turned away from the mysterious men and to the ring. Videl was fast and strong; each blow she connected bowled over Spopovich and sent him crashing onto his back. The gigantic brute didn't look too big on brains but he was persistent and apparently his endurance was nothing to sneeze at. Once again Videl charged with a flying kick straight to the face. She spun and elbowed him down into the tiles below, landing on her feet and springing forwards, throwing dozens of fists into his stomach before kneeing him in the jaw. Once again Spopovich was floored.
"Good, she's done it!" Gohan cheered.
"That's ended it," Corset agreed. She had to admit she was impressed with Videl's skill considering the level of teaching and training the girl had been brought up with! There was no doubt about it; Videl was stronger than her father. Corset contemplated the thought of Videl defeating her father in the finals and the uproar it would cause if such a thing were to ever happen. Her smile faded when Spopovich rose to his feet. His stature was rather strange considering the beating he'd taken. It didn't make any sense; from the strength of his ki he shouldn't have been able to rise from that...His ki seemed to be fluctuating but it didn't feel normal. Corset raised an eyebrow in confusion. She couldn't describe the feeling but something told her Videl was about to have a far longer match than intended.
"How is this happening?" Gohan asked baffled.
"There's something weird about him," Goku mumbled serious. "Videl might be better off forfeiting."
"Forfeiting? Why?" Gohan demanded a little surprised and offended his father had suggested a thing. He quickly dismissed his father's concerns, "Videl's doing fine; she'll beat him."
Spopovich slapped Videl across the face, Videl shooting across the ring and over the edge.
"She'll ring-out!" Corset gasped.
Videl suddenly stopped herself in mid-air, floating back upright before landing back in the centre of the ring.
"Yeah! I taught her that," Gohan grinned proudly.
"I think it might have been better if she had fallen," Goku muttered grimly. "There's something strange about Spopovich. He's way too unfazed for all the damage he's taken and I don't feel any ki from him at all... or at least it feels almost unnatural."
"So what could that mean?" Gohan asked.
"I don't know," Goku answered.
Corset turned back to watch the fight; Videl leapt forwards and swung her leg out, striking Spopovich clean in the neck. The half-Saiyan gasped; she didn't need to hear the horrifyingly bone-crunching sound to tell what had just happened.
The crowds reacted in horror.
"S-Spopovich's head has completely spun around!" The announcer shrieked.
Corset almost flinched away at the sight; Spopovich's head had been turned around, his neck broken from Videl's strike. Nearby and catching her breath back, Videl seemed just as stunned by her own strength as everyone else, watching wide-eyed as Spopovich's corpse fell to the ground. The look on her face was haunting as the realisation she'd just killed a man dawned on her. There was nothing that could be done about it now.
It was all over.
"W-Well..." The announcer's voice was sombre with a hint of disappointment and regret for the actions he'd have to enforce, "Videl has clearly beaten her opponent but will be disqualified for excessive use and for killing..." He suddenly stopped and gasped loudly down the microphone.
Corset watched in shock and bewilderment as Spopovich slowly rose to his feet. Both hands grabbed his head and began to turn it back to its original place! One large crack and a couple of neck movements and Spopovich was back to normal!
"... How... How? How is that even possible?" She protested flabbergasted. "Videl broke his damn neck! Is he immortal or something?"
"He put it back!" The announcer cried. "What's going on?"
Spopovich drew an arm back and caught Videl off-guard, punching her straight between the eyes. The sudden attack and lack of defence sent Videl reeling across the tiled floor, crashing onto her back half-way across the stage. Videl slowly sat back up before she rose to her feet, holding her now bleeding nose. Opposite her Spopovich appeared just as he had done right at the beginning of the match, unfazed by any of Videl's attacks.
His unnatural abilities were starting to occur to the group of warriors watching inside the waiting room.
"...Goku's right," Krillin mumbled. "Videl should give up."
"She should but she won't," Corset replied anxiously. "Videl won't give up that easily."
Spopovich charged and swung out a thick-fisted punch, Videl evaded as she leapt high up into the air, hovering above the arena. She was starting to appear physically tired, blood still dripping from her nose.
"She flew again!" The announcer gasped in amazement.
"That's it, escape to the sky and catch your breath back!" Gohan called.
Videl looked exhausted from what Corset could see; her nose had taken a brutal hit from Spopovich's punch earlier and was probably broken. At least she had an advantage over him and could control her ki now.
The subtle distortion caught her attention; Corset's jaw dropped in shock as Spopovich suddenly flew up towards Videl and above her!
"He flew?" Gohan cried with despair.
Spopovich held one hand fully stretched and spread his fingers, palm facing Videl, who no doubt was just as baffled as the rest of them were! Again a small distortion in Spopovich's unusual ki was detected.
"VIDEL - MOVE!" Corset bellowed urgently.
Spopovich released a ki blast, striking the stunned Videl and knocking her down towards the ground. She rolled and landed on all fours heavily on the tiles, clothes tattered and body slightly singed from the heat. Spopovich landed metres away from her with a heavy thump looking pretty pleased with himself.
"That was an energy attack without much power!" Krillin gawked.
"No, he weakened it on purpose," Vegeta muttered, "He knows he'll lose if he kills her."
"... How can he do all this?" Gohan asked baffled.
"Spopovich has powers beyond his natural abilities," Goku spoke, eyes fully fixated on the bulky, pale brute, "... but why?"
Videl was repeatedly slapped around the ring, it was quickly becoming clear she'd lost whatever advantage she'd once held. Each time she was knocked down, she rose back up again to continue the now one-sided fight. Corset admired her courage and her resolve to keep going but felt perhaps now Videl's pride and stubbornness was working against her. She couldn't win, not anymore. She was totally outclassed by Spopovich – yet why was Spopovich toying with her? It angered Corset; he should just knock her out of the ring instead of continuing to brutally beat her down unnecessarily!
"That's enough, Videl, give up!" Gohan cried frantically. "Spopovich knows he can win, he's just toying with you!"
Spopovich grabbed Videl by her hair and repeatedly punched her in the stomach, Videl's scream of pain too stifled to be heard. One swing sent her rolling across the arena, head rolling off the edge of the ring, mouth gaped open with blood stains pouring down her chin.
Corset leaned up over the board and sat on it, freeing her hands though she kept them gripped firmly to the board needing to vent in some way. Just watching this one-sided brutal fight was provoking her anger. It wasn't a fight anymore. "Videl, you can't beat him! He's way too advanced for you; his power is unnaturally strong! You won't be able to beat him, Videl!"
Videl slowly sat up, approached from the grassy surroundings of the stage by the announcer. "Listen Videl, perhaps it's time we called it a day?" He asked.
"No... I'll never give... give up..." Videl huffed heavily as she rose to her feet again.
"Why's she being so stubborn?" Gohan cried in frustration. "She'll get herself killed! That guy doesn't care if she's a girl!"
"That's beside the point!" Corset barked. "If he's a professional fighter and knows what the rules are, why isn't he knocking her from the ring? He knows he can beat her, the masochistic freak! Just knock her from the ring!"
Spopovich continued to strike Videl despite the obvious difference in strength. He grabbed her once again by the hair and despite her shrieking, kneed her heavily in the face. Videl's battered face was almost unrecognisable now. Spopovich tossed her to the tiled ground and began to crush her head, Videl's screams too agonising for many of the crowd who were now calling for the match to be stopped.
Corset's temper was seething as she reluctantly watched. Next to her Gohan was growing increasingly riled up, his ki rising.
"Calm down Gohan, she's not gonna die." Goku spoke. "Remember he's not allowed to kill her."
Corset was sure Spopovich was not concerned with that. The force he was putting down on her, the way he'd let the match carry on. He was sickening to watch, he turned her stomach. Just seeing what he'd done to her friend repulsed every part of her. He wasn't a fighter or even a martial artist; he was a cruel masochistic monster who clearly showed no regard for honour or even compassion for others. She would love to jump in the ring and beat him down the way he'd beaten down Videl...
With a roar Gohan's power skyrocketed as he transformed into a Super Saiyan, "That's it, he's gone too far!" He roared.
Corset's attention stayed on Videl, noticing the tears rolling down her eyes. "... The bastard!" She snarled through gritted teeth, almost as willing as Gohan to just disregard the rules and join the match. She no longer cared whether she'd get herself disqualified, it was only her teaching to not interfere in battles which held her back and even that part of her was fighting a losing battle. Her friend was dying!
"Whoa, calm down, Gohan!" Krillin ushered.
"No! I'm going out there! I don't care if this is a match!" Gohan bellowed.
"We'll both go!" Corset agreed jumping down from the board she'd been perched on, eager to enter the fight. "That guy needs to learn just how it feels to be outclassed!"
"H-Hey!" Krillin gasped. "You'll be disqualified!"
"I don't care!" Gohan snapped. "Don't try to stop me!"
"ENOUGH FOOLING AROUND!"
The deep voice caught everyone off-guard. Just outside of the waiting room, Spopovich's partner Yamu was standing on one of the walls separating the ring from the outside area. He jumped down and landed inches from the ring as Spopovich stared at him, looking like a kid who'd just been caught misbehaving.
"This isn't what we set out to do." Yamu instructed. "Just get the win over with..."
Spopovich removed his foot and kicked Videl off the edge of the ring.
"...O-Out-of-bounds!" The announcer shakily called, "Spopovich wins."
With little thought, Corset pushed off the ground and dashed forwards, running beside Gohan across to where Videl had fallen. She'd seen little movement from the fighter and feared the extent of her injuries.
"Videl?" Gohan called as he knelt down beside her, Corset standing looking horrified at the damage she'd taken. Blood still ran down her face which was now covered in bruises, body shaking slightly from shock.
"We'll call for a stretcher," the announcer rushed over to the fallen fighter concerned for her wellbeing.
Gohan shifted his arms underneath her and rose to his full height, "No, I'll carry her."
Corset's eyes shifted to the side as Spopovich walked down the stairs. She bared her teeth and glared at him in disgust. She wanted to spit words of venom at him but he'd probably enjoy it.
"Spopovich!" Gohan snarled. "It'll be you and me in the second round – and I'll win!"
Spopovich smirked and continued to follow Yamu to the side of the waiting room behind the wall.
"We'd better get her into the medical room," Corset warned. "You should probably hand her over to me; you're in the next match."
"No, I'm not fighting until I know she's ok," Gohan shook his head.
"... Then you'd better hurry." Corset nodded. "I'll see if I can buy you some time." She wandered over to the announcer as Gohan rushed Videl to the infirmary. "Hey! 'Scuse me, would it be alright if we postpone the next fight? My friend's gone to take Videl into the sickbay."
"Huh? ...Well usually we can't wait for very long but if it's for Videl then I'm sure the fans will understand." The announcer mumbled. "We can wait a couple of minutes more."
"Ok, thank you!" Corset smiled rushing back to her friends. As she wandered in she noticed they were down another fighter. "... Where's Goku?" She asked.
"He went to go get some senzu from Korin," Krillin answered.
Corset smiled and wiped her brow, "That's a relief. Gohan should be able to fight as soon as she's healed... I dunno if he'd be able to give it his all if he was worried about her."
Krillin smirked, "He'd be too preoccupied with his girlfriend, right?"
Corset raised an eyebrow, "They're not going out... or at least he hasn't told me anything..." She wasn't in the mood to poke fun at Gohan, not while Videl was so badly injured.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the next match will be slightly delayed until we have further updates on Videl's well-being." The announcer declared.
The wait was agonisingly long. Gohan had returned about a minute or so ago but Goku still hadn't come back with the senzu beans promised. Corset was sat against the wall watching as Gohan anxiously paced the floor. She couldn't blame him for being so concerned, what was Goku doing taking so long?
"There's an update on Videl's condition. Her injuries aren't as serious as first thought." The announcer reported. "That's great news for all you Videl fans! Now let's move onto the next match."
"What? No!" Gohan hurriedly sprinted out of the waiting room and stopped the announcer mid-sentence. After a few moments he rushed back in. "... Just a couple more minutes... Come on, Dad!"
Corset frowned; it felt like it had been ages since Goku'd left.
As if on cue, Goku suddenly appeared before them holding a small bag in his hand. He was quickly approached by his worried son, "Did Korin have any senzu?" Gohan asked frantically.
"Yeah; he hadn't grown any in a while but he gave me three," Goku nodded handing one bean to Gohan. "Go give Videl one of these so you can begin your match."
The sudden dark shadow leaning over her caught her eye as Kibito stepped forward looking as grim as always.
"Hold on a minute, I've just gotta give this to someone, then we can start our match!" Gohan called as he rushed out of the exit and to the hospital bay.
Corset looked at Kibito briefly before her eyes wandered around the room. She noticed her opponent – that strange deformed man – wasn't in here. She wondered where he was...
It was another couple of minutes before Gohan returned, giving his father a quick glance as he rushed out to join his opponent.
Corset wandered back over and watched through the entrance as Gohan and Kibito both walked onto the ring. She had completely forgotten Gohan was supposed to be the Great Saiyaman and had ripped off his bandana during his earlier outburst.
"Ok, let's get started: Kibito vs. the Great Saiyaman!" The announcer called to the eager crowds.
'Time to see if your training with Goten's helped you grow stronger,' Corset kept her eyes on Gohan uncertain of what to expect. It had been years since the two of them had sparred and she'd have loved to have gone up against him in the tournament. 'Fat chance – I've got Goku and Dad to compete with!'
"Gohan! Good luck!"
The sound of a familiar voice broke through the many cheers of the crowds but it was a voice Corset could not ignore. Her eyes had widened once she realised she'd recognised it; she rushed out and peered across the crowds. She was sure she heard Eresa's voice!
"Hey, your match isn't until a while later!" Krillin called unsure what Corset was up to.
"It's not that…" Corset gasped. "Gohan's been recognised - AAAAGH NO!" she suddenly realised why, hands clasping to her bandana! "Saiyaman - your disguise!"
Gohan apparently knew as he removed his sunglasses and tossed them aside, waving nervously to their friends. It wasn't so bad since none of the cameras worked; no one could take a picture. Yet their friends were apparently here. Corset now felt nervous about her own disguise, was it enough to fool them all?
"Let the match begin!" The announcer cheered as the gong rang.
Gohan put up his guard ready for the battle; Kibito towering over him. Strangely enough the tall warrior did not alter his stance.
"I wonder how he'll handle this now..." Corset mumbled as she walked back inside the waiting room.
"Who knows," Krillin replied.
"Turn Super Saiyan. I want to see if you'll really be able to help us out when we need you to."
Corset's breath hitched. She stared at Kibito in surprise and worry. How did he know Gohan was part-Saiyan and that he could become a Super Saiyan?
"What are they talking about?" Krillin asked.
"He just asked Gohan to become a Super Saiyan," Goku replied.
"How do you know about Super Saiyans?" Gohan was heard asking, "and what do you mean by 'help you'?"
"You'll find out. First I want to see what you can do," Kibito replied.
"... You're kidding right? I can't turn into a Super Saiyan in front of all these people!" Gohan cried anxiously.
"What the hell is this guy up to?" Corset raised a baffled eyebrow.
"Gohan!"
Piccolo's loud voice startled Corset and she looked briefly at him, confused when he nodded towards his former pupil.
"... Do you know something?" Goku asked.
"Not exactly..." Piccolo muttered.
Corset's eyes turned to the small figure emerging behind Piccolo; that Shin guy who her former mentor forfeited the match to. Of course; it was his friend fighting Gohan.
"I'm sorry... but we must make use of Gohan," Shin spoke calmly, "... and I'll need you all to stay here, no matter what happens."
"What?" Krillin asked confused.
"What are you talking about?" Goku asked.
"I don't even know who you are and you're telling us what to do?" Vegeta muttered, "Who are you?"
"This is Kaioshin," Piccolo spat back, "he's the Lord of Lords; the God to the Gods! The Supreme ruler!"
Corset's eyes widened, mouth slightly agape upon learning the news that the man before them was who he was. Was he really that special? It explained the strange feel of his ki but she found it difficult to believe someone that important was standing before her! She didn't totally understand just how the hierarchy of the otherworld worked. She knew that Kaio was one of the four kaio that ruled over one part of the universe. She found it stranger that there was someone higher up than he was!
Something didn't seem right about his appearance at the tournament today. Why today of all days? What was the bigger picture?
None of the warriors would be able to prepare themselves for the events that were about to unfold.