I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 66: Round 2
That the alarms were disabled didn't matter once the science lab had been blown apart. Emergency lighting barely told the story of the wrecked lab, and if anything, it hid what had occurred. Leira had managed to get out of the main blast, though she still coughed a bit due to the fire and smoke as she shoved a shelf off of her. The cages had been shattered however, and the Rotians quickly took advantage of the broken glass. The two closest soldiers responded quickly by rushing in, but were unprepared for the wild half-Saiyans as they barreled through them like they were shot out of a cannon. Moderate surprised shouting ensued before they were knocked to the ground and pushed aside. The initial smoke cleared enough for Leira to see the two beaten soldiers were calling for help over their scouters. Out of the thickest fire and smoke, Verto stepped out, his eyes a brighter red than most stars. He glanced at Leira momentarily before his attention was drawn elsewhere. His eyes faded a bit back to a crimson shade, but Leira sensed no change in his energy and certainly not in hostility.
"Emergency! The Saiyan boy is escaping! Alert Lord Frost and ….ahhh!" The alien soldier was silenced when Verto's reddened fist literally took his head clean off, leaving only a flaming, smoldering, neck that leaked black smoke. The second elite had a better mind to run, but he didn't get far. Verto fired a potent blast that erased him completely, along with the half-open lab door. Leira got up and stepped towards him, intent on putting a stop to Verto's rage before it got any worse.
"Stay where you are," Verto said without turning his head, "Otherwise I'll kill you."
"Stop this Verto, you've done enough here!" Leira pleaded.
"I haven't even started yet. If you know what's good for you, you'll stay the hell out of my way!" he declared.
"You're not in control of yourself, stop and think for a minute! You can't expect to beat someone like Frost if you allow this rage to consume you," Leira offered.
"Not in control? If that's the case, you have only yourself to blame! You started me down this path, and you knew what would happen. I don't care what your reasons are, but you've been a pain in my ass for long enough. I'm going to go out there and kill that Changeling bastard and anyone else that thinks they can push me around. And if you dare to think you can stop me now or at a later time, I want you to watch what happens. That stupid Renegade wanted a show, and he's going to get one," Verto said with an eerie growl in his voice.
"No Verto, I can't let you do this. You've already shown that you can defeat Frost, you have nothing left to prove out here. Come with me and I'll take you back to Earth. I'll take full responsibility for this incident, you won't be in trouble for this," Leira offered. Verto's red aura poured out, pushing Leira backwards as she tried to block against it.
"I'll go back to Earth when I'm done with these worthless piles of shit. I'll show these bastards what a real Saiyan is like when he's pissed off!" he proclaimed as he stormed out. Leira trembled in place before falling to her knees. Her leather jumpsuit was smoking from the raw energy of Verto's power, and she felt very faint as she held her head in dismay. No, this can't be happening, not again! He's going to kill them all, and I can't stop it this time either! This is the worst thing that could have happened. The only way that I can accomplish the mission is if something very unexpected happens. With Chal feeding Verto and Frost these negative feelings, it won't be over until one of them kills the other. I can't let either of them die, but I can't do anything to stop them right now either. Damn, what am I going to do?
Lenz remained in her stance as she waited for Bojack's first move. The lime-skinned alien didn't look to be in any hurry, which brought little real comfort to Lenz. While she knew that it would help in buying time for Verto, she couldn't shake a horrible feeling in her gut. The timing of Fuzai's apparent betrayal, Leira's appearance and then Fuzai's change of heart just seemed too quick. Added to that was Chal, who was literally going to escape whenever he wanted to – and of course what might happen when Verto woke up. It all made Lenz very nervous. Flashbacks of Verto's own personal trip to insanity during the battle over North City came to her mind. She pushed it out quickly though, as at the moment it didn't matter. She was currently staring down the barrel at Bojack and Frost, the two responsible for her people's near extinction. Bojack held his palm up and a shining green ki blast shot out. Lenz narrowly dodged it and he fired again, this time at her feet. Lenz jumped out of the way, right into the path of another quick blast.
"You were a stripper right? Well, do a dance for me then! If you don't, I'll be happy to force the issue and remove your clothing myself!" Bojack laughed. Lenz gritted her teeth as Bojack began to fire more rapidly, though just slow enough for Lenz to dodge. She leapt into the air and brought her arms back, causing Bojack to stop.
"Take this! Galic Gun!" Lenz shouted. The purple beam rushed out on command, but Bojack didn't even budge. He held out his hands and caught the beam easily before knocking it upwards into space. Lenz stopped channeling the beam in surprise while Bojack continued to laugh.
"That was fun. Care to try again?" Bojack offered. Lenz paled slightly, That's not good. My beam wasn't any stronger than before.
Bojack motioned for her to fire again, "Come on girl, I'm ready anytime you are." Lenz cringed, Maybe I have to use both sources of energy at once. I think that's what little brother does. He did say something about mixed energy blasts, but what did he call it? Bah, doesn't matter. Lenz pulled her arms back again as her power surged around her, creating small energy sparks. At first her attack shifted from red to purple, and then to blue.
Bojack put his hands on his hips, "What are you doing? Trying to decide which color is the prettiest?" Lenz ignored him as she concentrated, I'm sure Verto said something about balancing the energy and to use equal amounts of it. Lenz struggled for the moment, while Bojack and Frost continued to be amused. Then something seemed to change and her attack changed to a green hue as it swelled in size. Lenz grinned slightly as the wind force increased around her, causing Bojack to take on a concerned expression.
"I got it. Try catching it this time! Super… Galic… Gun!" Lenz fired perfectly despite the way her arms were shaking. Bojack panicked and dodged out of the way as the beam shot towards Frost instead. Frost caught the beam and was pushed back a few feet before he kicked it into the sky. Lenz grimaced at the impossible situation as she caught her breath.
"Not bad, you actually made my arm tingle for a moment there. But I'm afraid that's as far as you will go. I won't allow this game to continue, so I advise you to roll over and die quickly. Otherwise you will suffer," Frost suggested. Lenz panted in dismay, unsure of what to do. I've never used a blast that strong before, and he swatted it like it was a bug! What the hell do I do here? Those piss ants I beat before don't even compare to him! Lenz stood up as she stared down Frost and slid back into her stance.
Frost laughed, "At least you'll die facing forward. I'm truly touched by your bravery despite the fact that you're about to get killed by me again!" Lenz flew at him, blast charging in her trailing hand.
Frost grinned, "Well, brave and foolish!"
Lenz pulled back just before she reached him and then flung her arm forward, "Final Shine!" Frost didn't even try to defend himself as the green blast smashed into him from close range. He could be seen chuckling as the light literally bounced off him harmlessly.
"I really wouldn't bother if I were you. That energy could be better used for…" Frost paused when the dust cleared. Lenz was gone, surprising him to say the least. He quickly sensed her back at the entrance, and leaving quickly.
"…Escape? There is no escape!" Frost roared. Lenz tore through the corridor, blowing past any soldiers that were in the way. She wasn't sure where she was going to go, but she didn't care as long as it was away from Frost. She sensed him behind her, giving chase as everyone nearby struggled to get out of the way. She glanced back once to see his dull gray head coming closer. When she turned forward again, his foot met her face. Lenz tumbled and crashed into two elites and carried them into the wall with her. The elites didn't get up afterwards, but Lenz managed it. Just as she did, a pink blast flew at her, catching her shoulder. This was followed by several more, each hitting a different spot. Frost laughed again as he fired rapid small blasts, intent on wearing her down. This ripped up her clothing as much as it did her body, leaving her in shambles. Lenz dropped to her knees when Frost finally let up, allowing her to gasp for breath and groan in agony.
"You shouldn't have ran, but don't worry. I'll finish this now!" Frost declared. He held out his finger and started charging his Death Beam, aiming right for her heart.
"Stop!"
Frost turned to see Fuzai running up behind him, "Here to witness this are you?"
"No Lord Frost! You said you'd let her live!" Fuzai claimed.
Frost smirked, "I lied." Frost turned back and resumed charging his attack just as Lenz opened her eyes enough to notice it.
"Your lucky streak ends today my sweet. Say hello to my father in hell!" Frost said as he fired.
Lenz's eyes widened as the Death Beam instantly hit, "Fuzai, no!" Fuzai stood between them, shaking as the hole in his chest smoked a bit. His face was not full of pain, but it was reading pure shock as his legs gave out and he fell. A fountain of blood came out of his throat as Lenz screamed and ran to him. Her arms trembled as she held his head up.
"No brother, why did you do that?" she asked.
"B-Because I h-had to!" he managed to say meekly.
"Hmph, another subordinate gone. Pity," Frost muttered.
"But why would you die for me? Why?" Lenz cried.
"That's w-what brothers are s-s-supposed to do," Fuzai stammered. He paused before lifting up just enough to gather whatever he had left. It wasn't enough to get him to a sitting position, and he fell backwards.
"Ugh, damn it. Listen Lenz, I've never been good to you, my own sister. Even when I saw you again on Earth, I didn't think well of you. I'm a terrible jackass of a brother for doing that," Fuzai said.
Lenz salty tears kept flowing, "Then what changed?"
"I have been a selfish bastard Lenz. I'm the one who sold out our people, the one who told Frost where to find them all. I'm the one who found out about these gems, but I never revealed it to anyone else that could have used the information. Why would I care what happened to our people, they were all turning into monsters. But when I saw how happy you were, how well you were doing with that kid, I couldn't take it. I actually felt jealous that you favored him over me. Before I knew it, I was doing what I could to ensure that you lived and he didn't. But he was…is so brave. He's the kind of person I should be, the kind that doesn't bow down to anyone and is strong enough to stand up for himself and others. Then he takes on Frost for your sake, and could have beaten him," Fuzai continued.
Frost chuckled slightly, "Well, that's up for debate now isn't it?"
Fuzai ignored him, "He needs you Lenz, almost as much as you need him. I don't care if the galaxy is destroyed now or not. I want you and him to be happy together. If he loses you, I cannot fathom the monster he could become. You have to live, I don't!"
Lenz grabbed his shoulders, "But I need you to!"
"Me? The brother that neglected you as a child and even kidnapped you from the good life you were having? I'm the last thing you n-need. He's the brother I s-should have been, he's far b-better than me. Goodbye my sisssss…" Fuzai's words cut out as he finally passed from the living. Lenz's crying intensified as Fuzai's final breath eased out of him.
"About time, I was about to fall asleep," Frost said. Lenz crying ceased almost at once as swirls of blue energy surrounded her. She shuddered as she stood up, clearly enraged past her emotional limit. She reached for the pendent around her neck and tugged it off.
"I'd rather become a monster than die at your feet!" she shouted.
Frost laughed, "Go ahead then you silly little bitch. Show me what this great power of yours can do!" Lenz was about to toss her necklace aside, but stopped short when she sensed something else.
Frost took notice of this sudden change of heart, "Having seconds thoughts are we?"
Lenz snorted angrily, "No. I want to remember what happens. I want to remember what he does to you!" The corridor behind Frost suddenly exploded from the sidewall. Frost turned in surprise as his soldiers all rushed to investigate as well. Small batches of fire spread out from the ripped wall, and Verto was standing amongst the flames.
Frost grinned, "Look who's up already. Ready to die now, boy?" Verto slowly turned his head towards Frost, his eyes filled with red malice. His remaining jumpsuit was drenched in random shades of blood that clearly wasn't his. Both hands and forearms had dripping remainders as well, but he wasn't injured in the least. Even Frost expressed slight concern over this particular appearance, as did the other elite soldiers.
The secret side of me
I never let you see
I keep it caged
But I can't control it
So stay away from me
The beast is ugly
I feel the rage
And I just can't hold it
"I hope you're happy now Frost, you've got what you wanted," Verto said in an eerily calm voice.
"Hardly, I didn't want this mess. But seeing you die will have to do. Are you losing control of yourself now just like these pathetic Rotians?" Frost asked.
"You got this mess because you wanted the killer in me to come out. Wish granted. My only condolence is that there won't anyone trying to save you this time!" Verto declared as his red aura flashed on.
Frost crossed his arms, "So far I'm not impressed brat. I can sense this power of yours, and it's lower than it was in your silver haired state. That means you can't win."
"I don't care, I'm still gonna wipe you out!" Verto shouted. Three of the nearest elites dared to come within a dozen feet, weapons aimed.
"I suggest you give up boy. Just like before, you have no chance!" Frost retorted. Verto didn't answer as his red power suddenly expanded outwards. The elites didn't have time to react before their bodies literally evaporated into the swirling Psi. A small red cyclone wrapped around Verto as it slowly spread outwards. Lenz watched in awe as the heat washed over her and Frost, though it was mostly directed at the super-villain. Verto launched towards him and attacked head-on, surprising the Changeling. His first punch glanced off Frost's shoulder before he spun around and kicked his knee. Frost staggered from the force behind the blows, despite being in his fifth form. Lenz could sense that Frost was weaker than before, but the difference between the two was much too great for it to mean anything. Yet in barely two blows, Verto appeared to have an edge already. How, how can little brother do this? Verto's aura flashed brightly as he got behind Frost, hammering his back fist into Frost's head. Frost tipped sideways but recovered enough to launch a blast at point blank range. The blast exploded between them, blinding Lenz to what happened. When it cleared, only Frost stood there with his arm extended. Lenz didn't initially sense Verto, but neither her nor Frost believed he was gone. The ripped wall told another story, and Frost could see that Verto had been sent flying through it and several more. He lay embedded in a distant wall, as several onlookers came to observe.
It's scratching on the walls
In the closet, in the halls
It comes awake
And I can't control it
Hiding under the bed
In my body, in my head
Why won't somebody come and save me from this?
Make it end!
"Hmph, your brutal attacks were effective boy, but you're not fighting smart like you were before. You're fighting like a beast, and that won't work against me. It doesn't matter how much of that Psi energy you focus into your attacks, you can never beat me, never!" Frost claimed. Verto's eyes snapped open as the nearby soldiers froze in surprise. One was brave enough to stick his weapon in Verto's face. A fist wrapped in red skewered this elite's torso and he managed a short, startled scream before his body caught fire and burned up.
"Kill him!" Frost ordered. Lenz peered around the corner despite Frost's close proximity, wanting to witness what was taking place. All of the soldiers opened fire with either their hands or blasters. The blasts bounced off a thin red shield and Verto looked at them all in pure annoyance. He held out his hand and his energy sword formed, matching the blood color the room had assumed. Lenz seemed hopeful, He's in control at least. Which means he can defeat Frost. Lenz's thoughts were put on hold when Verto sliced a charging soldier at the waistline, earning another fiery kill. Another came in from behind, but Verto didn't even turn this time. He held out his other arm and created another blade of bright red as he slashed upwards behind him, severing the head clean. The swarm of soldiers stormed in, all of them rushing into melee range. Another blaze of red erupted, highlighted by a thick swirl and two randomly dancing bright blades. Body parts flew out at odd angles, most of them either on fire or already burnt up. The bloodbath barely lasted a few seconds, but when it was over only two elites were still moving, never mind alive. Both of them had missing limbs and were struggling to move in the heat of the energy Verto was emitting. The rest of the bodies featured headless corpses or gaping chest cavities, along with burnt flesh everywhere. Frost had observed all of this, as had Lenz. Verto's violent display had confirmed that he was very much in control of his actual motions, but he was no longer hesitating in any way. Yet this very thought produced different reactions. Lenz backed away in sheer horror; she didn't want to see what was happening anymore. Frost remained determined however and hunched down as his body began to expand.
I feel it deep within,
It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I
Feel like a monster
I hate what I've become
The nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I
Feel like a monster
"This is your end boy, I'm not going to let you pull the rug out from under me this time!" Frost claimed. His size swelled rapidly as his natural armor changed shape again, releasing a massive load of power that blew Lenz down. He stood up as he completed his final transformation, and the back of his oddly shaped head ripped into the ceiling. The walls between Frost and Verto completely shook apart, allowing Lenz to see what was going on despite the distance she had been able to reach. Verto had barely acknowledged the threat as he stomped down on the head of one of the crippled soldiers, squashing its brain. The other one managed to get to his feet and ran, holding his severed elbow. Verto was about to fire a finishing blast before a difference light drew his glare. Frost was charging a very powerful energy attack in his palm, a stronger and larger version of his Death Beam. Verto bent his arm over his opposite shoulder, two fingers held up as he powered a counterblast.
Frost grinned as he saw this, "Ha, typical Saiyan takes the bait. I can wear him down and then finish him once he's out of power." He purposefully held back and waited for Verto's red beam to finish. It was flashing with incredibly vivid and focused Psi, which brought Lenz's full attention. She sensed the equal amount of ki coming from Frost's attack and had a very good idea what was coming. Lenz flew in the other direction as fast as possible, leaving the scene to only Verto and Frost.
Frost snorted as he watched her go, "Run all you want girl, I'll get you in just a few minutes. Hurry and fire that pathetic attack boy, I want to settle this once and for all!" Verto didn't need to wait any longer and shot the smaller beam. Frost noticed that Verto's aim wasn't as accurate as he expected it to be, it was off by several feet. In this case, Verto was aiming for Frost's attack instead.
My secret side I keep
Hid under lock and key
I keep it caged
But I can't control it
Cause if I let him out
He'll tear me up
And break me down
Why won't somebody come and save me from this?
Make it end!
"Hahaha! Have you lost control of this power of yours that you can't even aim it right? Or do you really want to struggle for your last few moments just to live longer? Fine with me kid, I'll show you why you'll fail!" Frost laughed. Frost redirected his beam to meet Verto's just as it arrived. He definitely wasn't prepared for the explosion that followed. The view from space showed that a gigantic ball of purple energy suddenly detonated from the right side of the base, leveling well over half of the whole. The sound alone damaged the rest of it, taking a long tower down and making the weaker corridors crumble. When the Shock Cannon explosion cleared, the devastated base featured one large crater to its north side, and a massive one that dwarfed it in the middle and eastern ends. Back in the area, Lenz shoved a chunk of debris off of her as she stood up. The base around the blast was completely destroyed as one might expect, only small amounts of debris even remained.
Lenz managed a grin, That's little brother for ya. Making the bad guy survive the worst to beat him. He was far enough away to escape that one, but there's no way Frost lived. More towards the epicenter of the blast, Lenz spotted movement and flew closer. To her great dismay, it was Frost struggling to get to his feet. He was battered and bruised, not to mention he was missing one of his arms and the hand that went with it. He spotted her and cast his arm out. Lenz felt his power suddenly surround her and clamp down on her own, making her unable to move willingly.
Frost yanked her to him with this telekinetic grip, "Girl, you will tell me what that was right now! Otherwise I will crush you!"
"He calls it his Shock Cannon or something. It's supposed to be the best counter move he has," Lenz quickly explained.
"No, it's more than that! I sensed the power behind that attack and it was much more than he or I can currently produce!" Frost claimed.
"He used your own energy to make it, so don't ask me," Lenz said.
Frost released his grip and Lenz fell to the ground, "So that's his blasted secret, and Gohan's as well I imagine. He can combine the two energies where others cannot. That's what makes those two so much stronger than these Renegades or even a Super Saiyan. I should have known, it does produce endless possibilities, especially in battle!" Lenz tried to silently crawl again, until Frost's tail wrapped around her ankle and held tight.
"Let me go!" Lenz cried out.
"I think not. You're my insurance," Frost replied, "Come on out boy! Face me now!" The ground ahead of Frost erupted as a thick red aura heaved generous amounts of dirt and rock into the air around it. Verto rose from the ground and didn't look like the blast had even affected him.
"Ah, there you are! Stand still so I can finish this!" Frost ordered. He promptly started powering up a massive Death Ball above him. Verto was already preparing his Shock Beam, until Frost dragged Lenz up and held her upside down in the air.
"Go ahead and use that little trick again, I don't mind!" Frost dared. Lenz sweated nervously as Verto kept charging, knowing how difficult it would be for this threat to actually work. This was the uncaring Verto, and the only feeling he had right now was pure anger. At the same time, she inwardly hoped that he wouldn't do it, if only for her sake. As the Death Ball swelled to absurd size, Lenz realized something else. Frost had used this technique before, his modified version called Supernova. It had literally blown up in Verto's face before. Despite his injury, Lenz felt that Frost could take another blast like that one had been, but not another Shock Cannon explosion.
It's hiding in the dark
It's teeth are razor sharp
There's no escape for me
It wants my soul,
It wants my heart
No one can hear me scream
Maybe it's just a dream
Or maybe it's inside of me
Stop this monster!
She mentally crossed her fingers, "Just do it little brother! You can always wish me back again!" Verto didn't answer, but he did stand up and ease the effort he was putting forth.
Frost laughed as Lenz's face fell, "Just as I thought! Even if you think you've become an unstoppable killing machine, you're still too soft! With one meaningless sacrifice you might have won. I thought you had become my equal, but obviously not. Take that lesson, along with this, straight to hell! Super Nova!"
"No!" Lenz shouted in terror. In the target zone, Verto barely even budged from his spot as Frost launched his massive attack and backed off, intent not to be caught in the blast this time. His tail released Lenz once they were at a safe distance above, and she free floated away from him.
"Watch this girl, watch his end!" Frost declared. Lenz could only see the bright orange light, but she could still sense Verto's presence. The super charged Death Ball slowed and stopped right on top of where he was.
"Ha, he's going to take it head on!" Frost said with excitement. Lenz looked on hopelessly as she felt Verto's power flare up. She could barely see the dense red behind the ball of doom, but there was no real indication of what was going on. Then the orange Death Ball started to get smaller and condense.
Frost frowned, "What's he trying to do?" Great rushes of wind poured out from the area, but no explosion occurred as Frost's Supernova shrank away quickly.
"What's he doing? Answer me girl!" Frost demanded.
I feel it deep within,
It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I
Feel like a monster
I hate what I've become
The nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I
Feel like a monster
I feel like a monster!
Lenz clasped her hands together with a renewed sense of hope, "Yes!" Verto's feral cry could be heard over the wind as the orange and red light faded. Verto was still standing, shaking a bit as random spurts of lightning sparked around him.
"What the hell happened?" Frost shouted again. Verto's eyes shot open as Frost felt a cold shiver run down his back in realization. Both Lenz and Frost were blinded when Verto suddenly released a powerful surge of bright white energy. The power output made the planet tremble even more than it already had been, and the resulting quakes put serious stress on the remains of the base. At the center of it all, Verto stood as a thick white aura replaced the violent red one. His hair had spiked back up and become nearly all white this time. His eyes had returned to their shining blue state and he was actually grinning a little.
"He absorbed it?" Frost asked in shock.
Verto scowled as he turned towards him, "Yeah, thanks for the wakeup call. I hope you're ready for the worst."
"Monster" by Skillet
Power levels:
Lenz: 180,000,000; Super Galic Gun: 360,000,000
Bojack: 340,000,000
Frost (5th form): 700,000,000; Ultimate form: 825,000,000
Verto (Berserker): 550,000,000; Enhanced Super Mystic: TBD
A/Ns:
WDG: Ooooooh… What does the scouter say about his power level? It's over nine hundred million! I guess Frost was right with one thing; someone's definitely going to say hi to his father in hell.
VB: I can picture it too; "It was horrible Lord Frieza. Your son has horns!"