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 87: Dark Tourney 10: Despair and Revelation
Verto continued his blood-curdling scream as the entire land shook from his deep power spilling out. The ground became ablaze with fire, which quickly spread to the trees.
Ranot stood his ground with a confident smirk, "You're losing your focus kid, and that's the only thing that makes you even remotely dangerous. You don't have a prayer of beating me, no matter how much energy you are able to wield. Especially in your weakened state." Verto growled an answer and charged in, aiming a punch to Ranot's head. Ranot dodged easily and backhanded Verto, swatting him away like a bug. Verto bounced off the ground and came rushing back. He attacked with a flurry of reddened fists and kicks, all of which were dodged with little noticeable effort. Verto backed off momentarily before attempting to take his head off with a flying knee. Ranot blocked the blow and then caught both of Verto's next punches before spinning him around and locking in a tight bear hug maneuver. Verto scrambled to get out, but was held firm by Ranot's superior strength.
"I like your speed, but you're obviously too exhausted to even touch me now. Now settle down, I wouldn't want you to miss the show!" Ranot said.
Verto's eyes continued to flash with red intensity, "Let me go!"
Ranot laughed, "Make me!" Another bright burst of energy poured out of Verto as he tried to overpower the hold. Ranot struggled to hold on momentarily before he intentionally let go. Verto spun in the air as his red Psi sword came to life in his hands and he swung down at Ranot. The sword stopped short when Ranot literally blocked it with just his forearm. Verto's eyes widened in shock as he saw his sword clashing with a bright but thin layer of energy that covered Ranot's body all around.
"I'm sure you've cut through many foes with that sword technique of yours, but it isn't strong enough to work on me," Ranot pointed out.
Verto jumped back and stared in surprise; breathing heavily as he tried to figure out what to do. You've got to be kidding me, this guy is on a whole different level and he's clearly not even trying yet. I know I'm worn out, but this is ridiculous!
Ranot crossed his arms and chuckled, "While you're trying to figure your way out of this, I'm going to finish the Namek!"
Verto phased into his path to Piccolo with his arms out wide, "You aren't going to touch him!" A loud, sudden crack signaled the arrival of Ranot's knee into Verto's already damaged torso, and he dropped to his knees in pain.
"I'll do whatever I want, little boy. It shall remain that way until someone is strong enough to challenge me, and you are no threat as you are now," Ranot stated. He kicked Verto aside and strode towards the unmoving Piccolo. He prepared a purple finishing blast in his hand and held it high above his head.
"No!" Verto shouted. Ranot dropped his arm, only to see his blast dart off in a different direction and wipe out another section of woods. Ranot frowned slightly as he glanced behind him, where three new arrivals stood ready. One of them had his newly restored hands up, which had deflected the deadly blast away from the fallen Piccolo. Frit and Dorit stood together as Laysh cautiously checked on Verto, who was struggling to get to his feet.
"You alright kid?" she asked with real concern.
"Not really, I'll let you know after this is over," Verto admitted.
"Captain, please stand down," Dorit said first.
Ranot grinned smugly, "No, I don't think I will. What do you plan to do about it?"
Dorit swallowed the taste in his mouth, "He can help us sir. You and him together can eliminate Frost!"
Ranot phased out and instantly had Dorit by the throat, "And what makes you think I can't do that myself?"
Verto's eyes were wide open in shock, "Holy crap!"
Laysh glanced down, "What?"
"I couldn't see him move," Verto answered.
"Well Dorit?" Ranot asked with impatience.
"B-Because he overwhelmed you…sir!" Dorit gasped as he struggled to breathe.
Ranot tossed him aside, "Is that how you saw it? He merely surprised me with a technique I didn't expect him to have. The next time, Frost won't be so lucky." Verto staggered to his feet as he tried to catch his painful, short breath.
Ranot glanced behind his shoulder with his smug look intact, "Just a minute kid, I need to deal with insubordination."
Laysh's blue eyes shot open in terror, "No captain!" Ranot had already blasted off towards Frit, who panicked and held out his hands to try and stop his motion with telekinesis. Ranot barely even slowed down before he punched a hole right through his fellow Saiyan.
"Brother!" Dorit shouted. Ranot pulled his blood covered hand out of Frit's chest and fired a point-blank blast. Frit's body completely disintegrated in the explosion that followed, leaving behind only a fair amount of smoke.
Verto's face became a determined but heated glare, This guy kills his own men for no reason. It's just like they said, he has to be stopped. I've only got enough power left for one blast at maximum level. I've got to wipe him out while I still can. He's not going to give me any choice at this rate, and it will be my only chance before he kills the others too.
"You, get back," Verto ordered Laysh.
"Huh?" Laysh asked. Verto's power erupted as he spread his arms out wide, sending powerful energy waves through the air around him and putting any anger Dorit had on hold. Laysh glided backwards and landed next to her partner in awe of the energy Verto was putting out. His aura expanded, igniting the land again and further scorching the forests. His feral cry shook the island and any animals that were still around quickly vacated. Ranot's eyes narrowed as Verto brought his hands together in the Final Flash pose, but it wasn't what he intended to do.
"If you really want a challenge, then I dare you to stay right where you are!" Verto declared. Ranot dropped his arms and stood ready for what was about to come his way. Verto's bright red blast formed quickly, taking on a slightly orange hue and a fiery outline as lightning danced around it.
"What's he doing? There's no way he can sustain that much power!" Laysh claimed.
"Get down!" Dorit answered as he dragged her arm down.
Verto didn't wait any long and released his attack, "Soul Blazer!" Dorit and Laysh covered their eyes as the vividly red and orange beam shout out at Ranot with frightening speed. The beam struck and detonated, blowing down all of the burning trees around and anyone who was still standing, including Verto himself. He sat up quickly when he saw the blast beginning to clear much faster than he expected. Then he saw why once the blast energy faded, and his hopes fell when Ranot emerged. His clothing was charred and flaking away, but there were no more than a few minor blemishes on his tough body. He looked slightly irritated, as if the blast had been strong enough to be considered annoying. Verto dropped to his knees as his fatigue and injuries began to catch up with his lack of energy.
"Look out!" Laysh cried out. Verto barely had a chance to look up before Ranot's knee slammed into his head. Verto fell back and his head bounced off the ground, causing his vision to get blurry. He felt the black of unconsciousness coming fast as he saw Ranot standing over him in triumph.
"I'll admit kid, that one hurt a little. But that's nothing compared to the pain I am going to make you and these two go through. I hope you are all ready for your own personal hell. Which one of you is next?" Ranot asked as Verto's eyes finally shut and he slumped.
Verto groaned slightly in his sleep as he suddenly felt icy hands touching his face. They seemed to sooth all of his pain, and for a moment, he felt as if he were about to die. Verto woke and sat up quickly, startling a young girl with icy blue hair and red eyes. She was wearing a blue kimono and was emitting a small amount of demon energy. Verto blinked sharply at her before his ribs began to protest his movement in the most painful way.
"Ugh, what happened? Who are you?" Verto asked.
"Stay still, my powers will heal you. They found you in the forest and brought you here," she said.
"They?"
"Kazuma and Kurama, they sensed an enormous battle and investigated. You were in such bad shape that I was asked to help you right away. My name is Yukina," she explained. Verto felt more relaxed as the girl spoke, as she had a very soft voice.
Verto also recognized the name, "Yukina, so that would make you Kuwabara's girlfriend?"
"That's right punk! So don't you even think about getting fresh with her!" a loud, rough voice shouted from across the room. Verto stared at Kuwabara, whose face was brave and stern, but still failing to make up for the amount of shaking his legs were doing.
"Whatever, where am I anyway?" Verto asked.
Kurama stepped up from the far end, "Our hotel room. You were in such terrible shape and barely hanging on due to numerous internal injuries. I managed to stabilize you with a healing plant, which will hold your ribcage together until Yukina can finish." Verto's eyes widened as he glanced down at all of the bandages covering his upper body, trying to locate any strange green roots.
"Don't worry, the plant will dissolve in your bloodstream once your bones are healed," Kurama said.
Verto shook his head slightly, "Not very reassuring, but I guess I can't complain if it works. Where are the others?" Silence covered the room, giving Verto his answer as everyone looked down to the ground.
Verto's fists cinched up, drawing blood from his own fingernails, "God damn it!"
"Truthfully, we didn't see any others out there, including your green friend. But the battle was still going on and we dared not get any closer to whoever was emitting such a horrible power," Kurama continued.
Verto didn't sense anything around them that warranted danger, "How long ago was that?"
"Three hours." Verto sat back up and groaned heavily as his insides felt like there were being ripped apart.
Yukina attempted to force him back down, "No, you mustn't move yet!"
"I agree, there's nothing you can do right now," Kurama added.
"I have to be sure, and then I'm going to tear that son of a bitch apart," Verto growled.
"You're in no condition to go anywhere," Kurama argued.
"It's a matter of honor to me! I can rest later once I know who survived and who didn't! It doesn't matter how injured I am, you don't want to get in my way!" Verto snapped back. Kurama still looked intent to protest, only to see Kuwabara offer his hand out to Verto.
"C'mon kid, I'll help you out. If it's a matter of honor, then I have to help, it's my code," Kuwabara claimed. Verto got out of the bed with Kuwabara's assistance, though his body burned with intense pain. Kurama had a look of disbelief plastered on his face at the fact that Verto was even able to stand.
Kuwabara dropped down to his knees and turned around, "Here, you can piggy back on my shoulders!"
Verto scowled, "No thanks. I'm able to walk just fine." Verto located half of a bloodied green shirt and grabbed it off a chair before limping towards the door.
"Wow, and I thought I was stubborn," Kuwabara said in slight amazement.
Verto turned briefly and snorted back, "You have no idea what stubborn is, let's go."
The trio slowly approached the decimated portion of the forests, which was now a smoking wasteland of ash and dirt.
"Holy crap, what happened here?" Kuwabara asked first.
"It got a little out of hand and I got a little pissed off. Sometimes I go overboard," Verto replied.
"You mean you lose control of your powers?" Kurama asked.
"More or less, it's more a matter of losing emotional control and turning into an uncaring killing machine if it goes far enough," Verto explained.
"So that day when you nearly slaughtered that Frieza guy for messing around with Keiko and my sister, you were like that then right? I remember you having really creepy red eyes and so much spirit energy that I felt like my head was going to explode," Kuwabara pointed out.
"That is one example. Had I known he was going to jump into the round before, I would have killed him off then. I despise him so much," Verto said.
Kuwabara backed up a step, "Uh yeah, well just please remember that he's not here!"
Verto became aware that he was giving off an elevated energy and calmed himself, "Sorry, you can relax. Where did you find me anyway? I blacked out in the middle of it all so I don't remember where I was."
Kurama pointed to his left, "We actually found you far into the forest in that direction, hidden under some brush."
"Well I definitely didn't hide anywhere while I was getting my face beat in, so someone must have intervened when Ranot wasn't looking," Verto guessed.
"Ranot? Our substitute is the one who did this to you?" Kurama asked in shock.
Verto nodded grimly, "Yeah, show me exactly where you found me, I want to check the area just in case." Kurama led them away from the battle zone and into a deep and thick brushy area where there was very little light. Verto smelled faint traces of blood in the air before he spotted red droplets on the various plants around them.
Kurama pulled up a pile of branches that had been stacked for cover, "You were lying under this brush. Whoever did that must be nearby somewhere." Verto eyed the smashed and stained grass where he had been lying, but then noticed something laying next to it. It was hard to see since it was also green, but it was thicker than the grass and pointed at one end. It was also partially covered with dried purple fluid on one side.
"Whoa, what is that?" Kuwabara asked as Verto picked it up.
Verto realized what it was quickly, "It's an ear."
"So then, it likely belonged to your green friend. Obviously Ranot got to him shortly after he hid you and that's all that's left of him, I'm sorry," Kurama said as he planted his hand on Verto's shoulder.
Verto's eyes narrowed as he noticed a slight contusion around the ear's lobe, "No, I don't think it was a message from the guy who attacked us. I think he's still alive somewhere, he ripped off his own ear to tell me this."
Kuwabara looked ill, "Uh, that's kinda sick."
"Why would he do that?" Kurama asked.
Verto tossed the clue aside, "Piccolo can regenerate his body as long as he isn't too damaged, it's his species' specialty. My only question is where did he go?"
"Piccolo, so that's his name?" Kurama asked.
Verto nodded, "And my real name is Verto and I…" Verto stopped when he sensed a faint power signal nearby and stormed off in that direction. Kurama and Kuwabara followed, slightly confused, as he led them back to the scorched earth area. Among many craters in the deserted area, Verto spotted Dorit, or rather, what was left of him. One of his arms had been totally ripped off, which contributed to the pool of blood it was swimming in. His chest and back were covered in gaping slashes like an animal had done him in.
Kuwabara's face filled with fear as soon as he walked up, "Oh man, is he even alive?"
Kurama answered before Verto could, "No, his body has been dead for at least an hour or two. Any residual energy around here is from the battle itself and not an accurate life sign." Verto bit his lip slightly and turned away in disdain. When he did, he spotted another body lying along the tree line. Verto recognized the female form of Laysh before he got to her, but wasn't quite prepared for the damage he was about to detect. She wasn't bleeding all that much, but Verto could see that one of her ankles was bent completely around. Her left elbow was in a similar condition, and judging by the way her breath was short, she likely had broken ribs as well. Her armor had been torn off and her jumpsuit ripped open in several places, which left her exposed.
"Kuwabara, your jacket please," Verto requested.
"Huh, why? Oh…" Kuwabara handed it over when he saw the problem. Despite the obviously inappropriate staring, Verto briefly glanced over Laysh's features, which didn't look quite as nice due to severe bruising around her upper body as he covered her with Kuwabara's blue jacket. When he did, she whimpered ever so slightly, signaling that she was still responsive at the very least.
"What happened to her?" Kuwabara asked.
"She was beaten, and then I'd guess it went a little further than that," Verto surmised.
"Yes, this looks to be evidence of sexual assault," Kurama added.
"Really? Alright, where is that punk? I've got a few fist sandwiches for him!" Kuwabara declared.
"Yeah, keep dreaming," Verto muttered. Laysh's eyes snapped open and she suddenly lashed out at Verto with a wide sweep of her right hand. Verto caught the blow and locked eyes with her as she quickly calmed herself.
"So, you're still alive, lucky me," Laysh grumbled as she brushed her messy up blue hair out of her face.
"We were both lucky," Verto said sternly.
"Well that depends on your point of view doesn't it?" Laysh asked bitterly. She groaned painfully as she turned her left elbow back around and popped it back into place, causing Kuwabara to feel even more nauseous. It didn't help matters when she did the same with her foot.
"Do you think you can stand?" Verto asked.
Laysh scowled back at him, "I'll manage." She ignored his helping hand and staggered to her feet, though favoring her left leg. She buttoned the borrowed jacket and began to hobble way.
"Hold on a sec," Verto called out.
She turned back angrily, "What do you want?"
Verto didn't answer until he caught up to her, "I want to help you."
"Hmph, no thanks. As you can see, you've helped enough already!" Laysh yelled back.
"B-But, you were assaulted!" Kuwabara argued as he came closer.
"It isn't the first time, though I was hoping it would be the last, silly me. I'm really not sure what is worse, being humiliated in battle by a child or being molested," Laysh claimed.
"That's a tough choice? I would think it would be kinda obvious," Kuwabara pointed out. Laysh's hair flew into a frenzy as she gave him a death glare he wished he hadn't seen.
"Not when it's a matter of pride. Back off, I'll handle this," Verto advised. Kuwabara did so, though he looked very concerned over it as he walked away with Kurama.
"Thank you for explaining to the simpleton, maybe if the captain lets us both live, you can be the crew's personal counselor. Ugh, I can't believe Chal put so much faith in someone so utterly worthless!" Laysh exclaimed.
Verto was a bit taken aback by her statement, "Well sorry that I haven't lived up to whatever expectations he put on me. I don't know if you noticed, but I was just as surprised as you. And how was I supposed to know that your leader was not only here, but masquerading as someone else? I certainly wasn't ready for his strength while I was all worn out. I'm sorry about what has happened and I'll do what I can to rectify it."
Laysh huffed slightly as she turned on her heel, "Oh please! What can you do?"
"I took down every member of your elite team by myself for one, so don't underestimate me anymore than you already have. We all get caught by surprise," Verto admitted.
Laysh bared her teeth at him, "Argh, don't remind me you little turd!"
Verto grimaced and decided to take a different tone, "If you want to be a mopey little bitch about it, that's fine. I'll take on your stupid leader by myself."
"Hmph, you're the stupid one, runt. There's a reason he's the captain of the guard and it's not just his power level. He is more ruthless and bloodthirsty than anyone I've ever seen or heard about. And he absolutely loves seeing his victims in total despair long before he finishes them off. You won't be fighting some power tripping Changeling, you'll be facing the worst that the Saiyan race has to offer," Laysh warned.
"I already gathered that he's a monster. But ask yourself this, if he lives for seeing others in pain and despair, why are you appeasing him right now?" Verto countered. Laysh paused for a moment and stared at the ground.
"I've met his kind before, and I've allowed myself to get down in the dumps about it more than once. And if there's one thing I've realized by now, it's that it doesn't do any good. Now if you want to give in and make him feel better about himself, go right ahead. Like I said, I'll fight him by myself if I have to," Verto proclaimed.
Laysh clapped slightly, "That's very brave, and very stupid. He'll destroy you in under a minute with that kind of attitude. You'd be better off running away like I expected you to."
"Then I guess I better destroy him in thirty seconds, because I'm not going to run. If I do, all these people, innocent or not, are dead. I'm not going to let that happen without at least trying," Verto replied with a stern gaze.
Laysh allowed a small gasp to slip as she felt Verto's raw determination pouring out of him. I've never met anyone like him before. Chal was right, he very well could be the savior we've been waiting for all this time, the one who will lead us out of the dark shadow that's followed all of us since birth and beyond. He's still pretty wet behind the ears though, I really don't think he's ready for any of this, and the captain is sure to toy with him long enough that he might actually surprise him. I don't really see how, but I guess I'll see this through, it's better than just tucking tail and waiting to die.
"So, what's it going to be? Chal said for you to stick with me right? I don't care how you handle that order as long as you don't stab me in the back…what?" Verto asked when Laysh put up her finger to stop his speech.
"One condition, shut up before I strangle you. God you're long winded!" Laysh complained.
Verto smiled lightly, "Well that's a start. If you want I can find someone to heal your wounds, unless you actually want to risk going to your ship."
Laysh beamed at him, "Yeah, well unlike you I don't have a death wish, so lead on." Verto nodded and turned around towards the crater that Dorit's body resided in. Kuwabara and Kurama were standing next to it, the former looking the most confused about what Verto and Laysh had been discussing, even if he hadn't heard it.
"So what's the plan?" Kuwabara asked.
Verto briefly glanced up at him, "The plan is to fight, I'll figure out the rest when I get there." Verto then removed his ruined green shirt and tore a long piece out of it before climbing down into the crater. He bent down and used the torn cloth to soak up some of Dorit's blood.
"Uh, what are you doing?" Kuwabara asked.
"What does it look like?" Verto growled back. Verto then rung out the wet crimson cloth before tying it around his head.
"It's a way of honoring fallen comrades and vowing to avenge them," Kurama explained.
"I see you're well versed in Saiyan traditions," Laysh pointed out.
Verto shook his head a bit, "No actually. Whether it's by instinct or not, it's my way of reminding myself that this enemy has to go down in any way possible. He put us through hell and now he's going to get it back." Verto climbed out of the crater and held out his palm as he charged a minor blast into it and fired. The crater exploded, sending shrapnel flying in various directions before clearing and revealing nothing left behind.
"Funeral's over, now I'll deal with the injuries," Verto remarked as he walked off.
It took the better part of a whole day for Yukina to finish healing both Verto and Laysh, though that was mostly due to Laysh's irrational behavior and refusal to sit still. Verto awoke the next afternoon feeling more refreshed than he had in awhile, probably because he hadn't slept well with Frieza around. Due to the ruined state his clothes were now in, he opted for whatever Bulma had packed him in the capsule case. He expected another set of his green outfit, but also found two modified Saiyan armor kits and an assortment of jumpsuits inside.
There was also a note, "Just in case you need them." Well at least she planned ahead, glad someone did. Wonder why she packed two? I guess that'll help now that there's someone else in need of clothing. Verto elected to done his regular green outfit with the dark blue undershirt, but saved one of the armor suits for later. He also laid another one out for Laysh while she slept so she had something to change into. He considered going and confronting both Ranot and Toguro, but he knew he was still too drained to do that. Verto also wanted to find out what had happened to both Yusuke and his teacher Genkai. Judging by how Kurama and Kuwabara were the previous day, he had a fairly good idea, but wasn't completely sure. Verto scanned the island for human power signals and picked up a strong one around where Genkai had been before Verto's interference had been countered. Verto headed that way, leaving Laysh asleep at the hotel room. He found Yusuke sitting alone outside of a small cave, staring into it as if someone was going to come out.
"What do you want?" Yusuke asked without turning around.
Verto noted the tone in Yusuke's voice and stepped forward cautiously, "I guess I won't bother asking if. Is this where it happened?"
"No, try looking for a big crater over there," Yusuke said as he pointed to his right.
"Sorry I couldn't intervene like I had planned to. I made it in time to save her until I was picked off. I'd go slaughter that big bastard right now, except I think you have first dibs. I've got my own target in mind," Verto claimed.
"Can I ask you something? If you were here to prevent some big disaster, why fight on Toguro's team? I mean I understand why you did, but you don't seem all that bad to me. And who sent you here anyway?" Yusuke asked.
"Yes, I've been wondering that myself," a voice from behind said. Verto turned to see Koenma walking closer, but Verto could tell by his words that he was dealing with the present day version, not the one who had recruited him.
"It was your idea, not mine. Personally I thought joining your team from the start was a better idea, but we would have ended up facing the ones I was here for in the final match instead of Toguro. So blame yourself for that one, or should I say, your future self," Verto replied.
Koenma's eyes open wide at the statement before he sighed, "Well at least I know that I'll eventually learn how to use time travel. Did my future self say how he pulled that off?"
Verto looked at him a bit puzzled, "Do you really think he would have told me? And no by the way."
"Well shoot. How exactly are we going to handle this situation? Ranot is our designated substitute and you're on Toguro's team. Surely a team swap is in order, but I have no idea if that would even be legal with that corrupt committee running the show," Koenma claimed.
"I don't think you'll have to worry about any sort of ruling in favor or not," Verto muttered.
Yusuke stood up, "Who cares if it's legal? Fight for us, and tear that guy apart. They can score it however they want to!"
Verto nodded, "I'm kind of responsible for Toguro even getting to the final round. I basically did all of the fighting for their whole team."
"That goes both ways since you stepped in for us against Team Masho and managed to come across as Genkai the whole time. The Toguro Brothers are defending champions, it was expected for them to make the finals anyway," Koenma pointed out.
"Yeah, I guess we could be facing a worse situation," Verto admitted as he gazed at the trees. He spotted movement before a familiar figure appeared, motioning him in that direction.
"Who's that?" Yusuke asked.
Verto grimaced as he turned, "Someone with some answers hopefully. I'll talk with you later." Verto then flew into the trees, stopping when Leira stepped out from the brush, well out of earshot to anyone else.
She seemed relieved, "Well, you're no worse for wear."
Verto scowled, "Now isn't the time. Do you happen to know where Piccolo is?"
"Safe. I took him back to your world for now," Leira replied.
Verto looked stunned, "And you brought no one else back here?"
Leira shook her head, "Not you, you deserved another chance, this time at full strength."
Verto glanced at his hands, "So you're taking these stupid power binders off then, right?"
Leira shook her head again, "No, this is still part of your training to fully control your power. You're doing well."
Verto was flabbergasted, "You've got to be kidding me! No matter how well anyone thinks I'm doing, I'm not going to take this guy down without my Super Mystic form. My Soul Blazer wave didn't even touch him."
"I know all that, but you had also exhausted most of your energy at the time. As you know, Psi energy does not recover nearly as fast as Ki, so that Senzu bean you ate did nothing to help you in that regard. Now, do you remember your fight with their eldest team member? The one who overloaded?" Leira asked.
"Yeah, I remember that red transformation he had for a moment. He was emitting unstable Chi waves despite his energy balance being so far off, I thought I was seeing another demon coming out party," Verto explained.
"Yes, just like the girl's inner demon. He just didn't quite make it," Leira said with a beaming glance.
"Yeah…wait are you saying I should actually consider trying to push it that far?" Verto asked in shock.
Leira put up her hands, "No, don't go there. He was emitting purely demon-like Chi energy, but he had no idea how to focus and control it to a point where he didn't blow himself up. Now how do you suppose he was even able to reach that point despite this?"
Verto shrugged, "If he had no idea what he was doing at that point, then his energy must have been so strong that it automatically converted like Kaon's did."
Leira smiled, "Correct."
Verto blinked sharply at his own words, "Are you saying that can seriously happen?"
Leira nodded, "To anyone with enough of either source of energy, and of course any ability to focus and control it. It doesn't take quite as much Psi energy as it does Ki, but it still takes a substantial amount. Remember what Koenma told you, both energies are on different frequencies, thus why both are confused and labeled as spirit energy at times, despite being so similar and yet different at the same time. It also depends on the person's genetic makeup, so humans, Saiyans, demons and whatever else are all different in that regard."
Verto rubbed his chin in thought, "But I have yet to meet any Saiyan that can do that on their own, including Goku, Vegeta and Broly. Not counting Gohan since he does it the way I do."
"It's because none of them are quite there yet, however Ranot is very near that limit," Leira answered.
"Hold that thought, I'll get to him in a minute. Are you saying that the others are all capable of channeling Chi waves, not just me, Gohan and Lenz?" Verto asked.
Leira frowned slightly, "Yes, given enough time and training. However, before you go spouting that off, know that the 'Super Saiyans of Legend' often met their end if and when they reached that plateau. They were much too primitive to control such power and paid the ultimate price for it."
Verto still looked perplexed, "Does that limit apply to fusions as well? Because I know that Vegito and Gogeta were both stronger than this guy possibly is. I didn't see all of his power, but I know Frost's, and if he's around that level, then Goku and Vegeta are clearly stronger when fused."
Leira sighed, "It figures you'd think this out once I started explaining it. Bear in mind that it still takes concentration and a lot of focus to achieve the changeover even when there's enough power present. But if Goku and Vegeta were to fuse and try hard enough, it is very possible that they would break through. However…"
Verto grimaced when she paused, "Let me guess the next part."
"It's worth the warning that if a Gogeta were to attempt that and fail, given their combined level of energy, it would destroy the planet they're on, instantly," Leira warned.
"I had a feeling you would say something like that," Verto muttered.
"This is why the method you and Gohan use is better. It's more efficient, stable and quite frankly, safer. But I felt you should know that it's possible, just ill-advised," Leira said.
"Yeah, well thanks. Except that I won't have enough energy to try that without using the Berserker power," Verto argued.
Leira shook her head slightly, "You're denser than usual today, and yet you know exactly how to amplify your energy enough for it. You already have a few times."
Verto mimicked her head motion, "Kaio-ken is very temporary. I can't hold it for long here once I use a double. And I didn't feel any different using it either."
"No, you won't break through with a double. Try a triple next time and focus it instead of attacking. I won't guarantee success, nor how long it may last, but it should be enough to stand up to Ranot. You must kill him anyway you can," Leira suggested.
"He's the one you wanted me and Frost to fight against isn't he?" Verto asked.
Leira nodded grimly, "He and I also have some history together, but that doesn't have much to do with this. He's the greatest opponent currently that you could ever face, and I do not use that term loosely considering the ones you've encountered in just the past year."
Verto sighed heavily, "That's reassuring. I won't ask you about your history with him, but what can you tell me about him? Specifically any special abilities that I need to watch out for?"
"Nothing that you can't handle as far as I know. He's a very straight-forward type of fighter. If he has anything that could be considered abnormal for a Saiyan, I'm unaware of it. Among the upper tier of Renegades, he's sort of unique in that way," Leira said.
"Is that why I sensed almost no Psi energy at all?" Verto asked.
Leira shifted slightly, "Not all of them have much in the way of Psi energy. He has such a strong ki that he doesn't need hardly any Psi as it is. He might actually have some sort of ace-in-the-hole technique, but I've never seen it. What I can tell you is that his overall fighting experience is a fair amount more than any of your friends. He doesn't look it, but he is one of the oldest among the cursed Saiyans. Old enough to have been on Planet Vegita and remember the days when the Tuffles controlled the planet."
Verto snorted, "Hmph, maybe you should just go back in time far enough to kill him in his baby crib."
Leira smiled and shut her eyes, "Yeah, if it were only that simple."
"Why wouldn't it be? I seem to recall your presence in a number of places when I was investigating with the Pendulum Room," Verto pointed out.
Leira glared back, "Those were calculated incursions, ones that didn't actually have much in the way of immediate future impact but were necessary. Time traveling is a very tricky business, your friend Trunks knows that well."
"I assume that impacts dimensional tears too," Verto remarked, drawing Leira's gaze.
"What?"
"Oh come on, Koenma brought us here through that rift, I know that you know I saw that. And I'm very aware of the one that connected the other two universes together as well, which allowed Babidi, Dabura and the Zerg to come through and so on. That rift looked very unstable, and the Renegades said specifically that it wasn't there until they tried to come here. Not to mention that there is a time discrepancy to their arrival and ours, so that tells me that they shouldn't have been able to jump here, but they did. Technology or not, it happened much like the Future Trunks and Bulma have pulled off, am I wrong?" Verto asked with a stern tone.
Leira stared at the ground, "No, you're not wrong."
"Guess I won't bother stating the obvious about coming to this place as far as timelines go, nor anywhere else. I'm not stupid you know, I do notice these things, whether I choose to speak on them or not. These guys claimed that they were sent here to find some sort of artifact. Now that I've pieced some of that together, I'm guessing it isn't for any good reason, and I'm guessing that you might know why that is. But since this is usually the part of the conversation where you run off, and while it may not be any of my business, can I ask one last question?"
Leira took a moment to answer, "Go ahead."
"If this goes south, what do I do?" Verto asked.
Leira did not look at ease, "Hope for the best." She vanished before Verto could even say another word. That's not very reassuring, typical.
A/n: Twist and turn, twist and turn. Kinda like a knife in your back…
Next time on DBV: I'll just keep this one simple so not to spoil, the final round begins.