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 103: Shadow Games
Verto flew out of control into the pillar of one of the lookout's towers, causing everything above the impact to tumble down to the ground and become rubble. Vang stood up straight from his outstretched punch position, grinning slightly as the dust and stone appeared to settle over the buried young Saiyan. Both Lenz and Laysh stared wide-eyed at this predicament, as Verto didn't show any signs of coming out.
"That can't be all you've got kid, get up!" Laysh shouted.
Vang snorted slightly, "Did my little revelation actually hit you that close to home boy? If you don't have the heart for this fight, you might as well give up now!" Lenz's lip quivered a bit but she remained quiet as she winced a bit while wrapping her wounded hands. Buried under the rubble, Verto slowly stirred, as the punch had knocked a tooth or two loose.
He got me with my guard down before the punch was ever thrown. I don't understand what the purpose of all this crap is, but I don't have time for it. I don't know how much of what he said was true or not, but I can't discount any of what he said either. It could all be lies, or it could all be truth, I'll have to figure that out later if I can get through this. His eyes shifted to his side when he heard Lenz calling out to him.
"Little brother! It doesn't matter what you are or what you're supposed to be, you told me that! Put all that aside and you can beat him!" she suggested. The pile of rubble then blew apart quickly as Verto stood up and popped his neck slightly as he set his sights back on Vang, who was chuckling.
"I must have flustered you quite badly for you to need her advice," Vang claimed.
Lenz scowled as Verto merely shrugged, "Hard to tell, I had a neck cramp that needed attention first."
"Already have your wits back, eh? Good. I wouldn't want this to be too easy," Vang remarked as he dropped into his stance. Verto's eyes darted around the area, specifically towards the central palace as he tried to sense both Popo and the other imprisoned Goku.
"Popo, what's your status?" Verto called out telepathically.
"Popo nearly there, had to leave Goku behind, too weak for this journey. Try not to destroy lookout," Popo answered.
"Yeah, no promises there."
Verto's silver aura came back on in full to match the intensity of Vang's borrowed golden one.
Vang pulled back slightly and cupped his hands behind him as he charged a large amount of ki into them, "How about we start this off with a bang?"
Verto scowled as he tried to decide on how he was going to combat the first finishing move, "Bring it on!"
Vang smiled wickedly, "Ka…me…ha…me…" Verto had yet to expose any sort of counter to the large beam forming before him, as he wasn't sure what he was seeing was going to be the actual attack. The power involved was certainly genuine, but the delay was off. Just as he sensed the beam finish charging, Vang's borrowed body darkened from head to toe. Verto then sensed the energy displace to a spot much closer to him for a split second before he phased out quickly.
"HA!" Vang shouted as he reappeared and fired into Verto's afterimage. The beam busted through the rubble there and boar down on where Verto had reappeared. Verto's eyes widened as he phased out again, getting out of the beam's path as it tore into the distant sky. He reappeared well out of the way and was immediately punched hard in the face again by Vang, grounding him. Verto was barely down for a half second before he jumped towards Vang, who phased out just in time to avoid Verto's flying kick. Verto dropped to the ground and used his hands to help skid to a stop as he turned around, looking up just in time to see the boot coming from his left. Vang's kick made contact and sent Verto sailing towards another tower. Verto recovered midway and used the tower to reverse direction, coming back towards Vang at full flying speed. Vang crossed his arms and smirked as his body darkened again and vanished instantly just as Verto arrived. Verto dropped to the ground and dug his feet in to stop, pausing in realization when a large blue light erupted behind him. A bright blue explosion eclipsed anything else on the lookout for a brief moment before smoke replaced it.
Vang grinned evilly as he stood up from the Kamehameha pose, "You're making this too simple boy!" The smoke around the epicenter faded, showing a small but deep crater in the stone tile. At its center on top of a slight mound, Verto dropped his blocking arms.
He's using his ability to teleport through shadows at every step, and I could barely sense it. Not only that, he's reading me completely. I won't be able to easily counter his teleportation since he's using his Shadow Chi for it while he uses Goku's Super Saiyan power to fight. I'll have to watch for that momentary darkening when he does it and then move unpredictably. It would be best if I can force this fight into the air and away from any shadows, but how will I do that? Verto's eyes shifted briefly to his right and left before he blasted off and hovered above the lookout.
"Lenz, Laysh, Popo! Get off the lookout, I'm gonna blow it up!" Verto announced as he began charging his Galic Gun. The women didn't need to be told twice and bolted up into the sky in two different directions.
Vang didn't budge, "Come on kid, I know you're bluffing. You wouldn't dare risk destroying the lookout, not with the other Goku held here."
Verto forced a bit more energy into his blast but held back considerably, "I'd bet that you won't be able to stop me unless you use that special ability to redirect our energy beams. But since you're using most of your power to control that body, you won't be able to do much about it. Besides, it won't take much to blow this place out of the sky, Goku would survive the attack," Verto claimed.
"That's an awfully strong guess boy, are you certain about that?" Vang asked.
"Unless you want me to fire and test the theory by wiping out your useful throne, come and stop me!" Verto boasted. Vang gritted his teeth and rose into the air towards him.
Verto adjusted his aim and fired the green blast, "Galic Gun!" Vang scowled and deflected the weak blast downwards, which sent it barreling into the side of the lookout. Verto grimaced as it exploded, sending shrapnel flying out in almost every direction. The smoke cleared quickly from the weak blast, leaving a wedge cut out that measured a few dozen feet on both ends.
Vang's eyes narrowed, "Lucky guess kid, it really doesn't take much to destroy this place. I suppose I should have remedied that beforehand."
Verto smirked as he lined up with Vang nearly a hundred feet above the lookout, "Thanks for proving my theory correct at least. If you can't redirect my energy attacks, you won't be able to guard against them as well as you could before."
Vang grinned back, "That may be true, but it's not like you'll be able to hit me as easily either."
Verto glided backwards to lure Vang out into the wide-open air space next to the lookout, "I don't have to hit you, I could just wait long enough for you to come to me. After all, you're the one that wants a new suit to wear!"
Vang frowned and flew out towards Verto, seemingly eager to engage. Verto held his ground and waited for Vang to close the distance before he launched towards him. Shockwaves lit up the skies briefly before they both caught each other with strong punches to the face. Verto fell backwards from an apparent stronger blow, and Vang jumped towards him. Verto used the momentum to flip backwards and catch Vang in the jaw with both feet. He recovered fast and swung both arms from overhead, aimed at Verto's head just before he phased out. Verto kicked Vang hard in the back before grabbing onto his arm and pulling hard as he began to turn. Vang was helpless as Verto spun quickly, building as much speed as he could before letting go. When he did, Vang flew into the horizon at a ridiculous and out of control speed, which was followed by a bright burst of green energy as Verto quickly fired his Final Shine blast to give chase. A large explosion brightened that area of the Earth enough to be seen from space, clearing out many clouds and volcanic ash remnants in the air below it. Verto scanned the area before turning around and flying quickly back to the lookout. Laysh and Lenz both landed there to greet him, with the latter cheering a bit.
"Great shot little brother!" she stated.
Verto grimaced, "Don't celebrate yet, he's not done, not even close. I'm going after him, I want you two to find Goku and help him out of here. Go to Korin's place below and ask for Senzu Beans to heal yourselves. Hopefully I can hold him off long enough for the others to get here."
Lenz paused in confusion, "The others, they all hate you here. And they all have that black Chemical Z stuff in them!"
Verto smirked a bit, "That problem will be remedied soon. I just need to keep Vang away long enough to finish the job. I'm sure that once they're cured, they'll all come to help."
"How do you know that? I mean, without that weird water bucket that woman gave me before, there isn't a cure. Or is there?" Lenz asked.
"There is another one of those here, but I needed to distract Vang so Popo could deliver it safely. Now hurry up, he isn't going to stay down that long," Verto ordered.
"I don't completely get what's going on, but at least you seem to have a plan this time kid," Laysh said as she headed towards the palace, "Come on girl, I'm not going to baby-sit you all day, show me where this Goku person is." Lenz motioned to follow but looked back at Verto with deep concern.
Verto nodded towards her, "Go on, I'll be alright." Lenz turned and followed Laysh into the darkened hall, leaving Verto alone on the platform for the moment. He flew back to the general area he had just fought off Vang from and waited. It wasn't but a few seconds after that when he sensed Vang, or rather Alt-Goku's, strong Super Saiyan ki coming back towards him quickly, lighting up the skies with gold.
Verto crossed his arms and waited, That probably got his attention, so I expect he'll be resorting to some of his weird tactics again now. I seriously doubt he'll want to go toe to toe with me in the air again without ascending further or using one of his Shadow tricks. Whether he can use Super Saiyan Three or not is a good question though. I'm sure it's very possible, but he may not do it so he can maintain control of Goku. Vang arrived and stopped a few dozen feet away, his maroon and gold uniform showing the wear and tear that Verto's attack had left on him. He wasn't breathing all that hard yet, but he did have several bruises and burn marks on him.
"That one hurt a little, you pest," Vang said in a surprisingly calm tone.
"It gets worse, I'm sure you remember the last time we met," Verto reminded.
"Yes, poor Kara. I really did enjoy using her body to explore all aspects of your pathetic human race. What you lack in power and intelligence, you make up for in entertainment, and pleasure," Vang said with an evil grin.
Verto shook his head in dismay, "You know, that's really sick. Only a parasite like you could think that way."
"Oh there are much worse types of demons out there than me. While I am one of the types that may require a host body from time to time, there are others who can't even conquer a target planet without first using its own denizens to nearly destroy it for them first. Imagine having to stay for possibly hundreds of years until the natural forces of said planet are dealt with, like the magnetic fields and the protective air layers of your atmosphere. It would be maddening for me personally," Vang admitted.
Verto's eyes narrowed, He's stalling with discussion again, why? No matter what he says, I can't let him distract me with words. Maybe he's trying to think up a strategy, though I doubt he's even close to being out of options yet. At the very least, I can use this to my advantage too, every second gained means help gets here faster.
"Why would they need to do something like that? Seems like a waste of time," Verto replied carefully.
Vang closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly, "It is, but those demons are much like Saiyans, in that they're weak and sent out to conquer the target world within an allotted timeframe. That may take a few hundred years however, mostly because every being has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, if the clean air is good for you earthlings, it may be toxic to a different type of alien. Parasite demon types like that rarely finish their missions swiftly, if at all."
"Kind of like you," Verto said.
Vang snorted as his eyes opened again, "Ha, don't compare me to those imps, I surpassed them ages ago. With or without my original body, I can still lay waste to a mud pit like this world easily. Even against strong warriors such as yourself and your Super Saiyan comrades, we shadow types are extremely difficult to kill, that's what makes us so effective."
"I've noticed, so what other types of demons are there? I'm pretty sure I know what kind Lenz has inside her, fire right?" Verto asked, trying to extend the conversation.
Vang grinned, "Aren't you the curious one, I suppose you have a right to know a little history. After all, you'll be meeting them soon for the first time."
"Yeah, we'll see about that. I'll be damned if I'm going to let you use my body to get your way," Verto claimed.
Vang chuckled, "Whether you do or not, the facts won't change. After I take your power and use it to wipe out everything here, I will go back to the demon's realm. Then you will see our brethren first hand, even if it isn't until your next life. So whether you embrace it yourself, get killed in action or fall to me, the result is the same."
"Are you saying you'd let me go after you got back to wherever you're going, sounds like a dumb idea to me. Giving me another chance to kill you," Verto retorted.
"On the contrary, it is a very good idea. You see, eventually there will be another war with the Guardians, and my people are actively recruiting. You would be a valuable soldier, even if your power is a little lacking on its own," Vang said with a slight snicker.
"A little lacking, yet you seem to want it pretty badly," Verto fired back.
Vang took it in stride, "Lacking on your own boy. Combined with another's like my own or say, one of your friends, it would prove quite devastating."
Verto let that thought train through his head for a moment, "Well, it's not like I can fuse with anyone right now, don't know what you're so afraid of."
"Fool, it's not about fear, or that fusion dance technique. You've experienced for yourself what your power can become when it is boosted by another source. Anytime you absorb additional energy or combine powers with someone else, you come dangerously closer to what your ancestor used to possess. That is what I am talking about, even if you can't do it on your own, it is still quite fearsome. And as far as your eventual status as a soldier, you wouldn't have much of a choice in the matter, as your memory would be wiped and you would be retrained into one of us. Ironically, even if you somehow defeat me here and now, you'll find that you're being groomed for a similar position. Leira has been assigned to you by the Guardians for that very purpose, unless of course she continues with her original plan. It's always hard to tell which side she's on since she pretends to work for both groups," Vang explained.
"Yeah right, even if all that is true, neither one of you are going to make me do shit! I don't care about your stupid war that probably won't happen for another million years," Verto declared.
"Ha, no matter how or when the curtain rises, you won't have a choice boy. Eventually every planet in every realm will become part of it, it's just a matter of time," Vang stated.
"You bring your war and see what happens then," Verto dared.
Vang grinned wickedly again, "Fool, you shouldn't underestimate either side of this conflict. Though you and the other Saiyans rely on your great energy levels to fight, even you should know that pure power does not decide every battle. To draw a comparison, even the lowest level of grunt-type soldier could potentially kill the strongest Saiyan despite an obvious strength difference, much like the Zerg creatures can if given the opportunity. It isn't always just about strength and power, surely you've been taught better than that."
Verto's glare became intense, "I get what you're saying, but don't think that's going to sway me in either direction. I don't give two craps about you or your war with these other people. The only thing I want is for you people to stop bringing so much chaos into our lives."
Vang's grin didn't falter, "If I recall, it was you that freed me and then couldn't come to terms enough to finish me off when you had the chance. Whether by accident or not, it's your own fault. But be careful what you wish for boy, it may cost you more than you think." He then started to drop out of the air and descended towards the distant ground below.
Verto's eyes narrowed as Vang quickly vanished into the clouds, Where is he going? Verto followed quickly, breaking the lower ash cloud layer to find Vang waiting for him a few hundred feet above the ground. Vang then turned and flew to the south and east, to which Verto followed.
He's leading me somewhere, but I can't sense anything ahead. Verto slowed his chasing speed a bit to allow Vang a large lead. He stopped after a few minutes and hovered in place, allowing Verto to catch up quickly. When he arrived, he saw the end of the dead land below, giving way to the ocean of blackened water beyond it. Verto could already feel the Overmind's presence trying to tug at the back of his mind with telepathic whispers.
Damn it, shouldn't have followed. He plans on using this as a distraction. Well, I guess I'll have to see just how effective the sacred water is with my own eyes. Gotta stay out of the black crap. Vang smiled and held out his arms, which flashed with dark purple Chi. Verto sensed the entire ground area suddenly light up with the same energy. In the air around Vang, black clouds began to form diagonally from four directions. Once formed fully, numerous pink and purple bolts of lightning struck at them from the ground directly below, turning the clouds into rifts of unstable energy. Vang then pulled back into the Kamehameha pose again, and the energy from the four clouds ignited into dark lightning bolts that streamed into his palms and formed a large and dark purple blast. Verto eyed the up flow of energy that was being directed into Vang's blast, holding out his hand to form his green Chi sword in response.
"Shadow Kamehameha!" Vang announced as he fired. Verto held his sword with both hands and swung into the blast, causing it to be deflected towards the skies. It cleared out a large block of clouds on the way, allowing sunshine to peak through at an angle.
Verto scowled, He's using the huge shadow cast by the clouds to his advantage. If it's like the last time we fought, he'll be able to use any of his techniques fairly easily. There wasn't enough power behind that one to do a lot to me, but if I give him too much time to channel it, that might change. Vang was undeterred by the fact that Verto had deflected his blast, but he did straighten up as his dark clouds continued to spark with energy lightning. Verto kept his sword in a guard position as he watched for any sort of movement. Vang's body darkened and Verto reacted by quickly dodging to the side just as Vang phased in to strike. Vang instantly phased out again, just missing Verto again at the next spot. Verto phased out and quickly began moving randomly around the area, only reappearing long enough for Vang to spot him and act. As soon as Verto got closer to the black ocean though, he felt a strong telepathic pulse hit him from below.
"Come to me!" Verto winced at the Overmind's mental presence, causing him to stop long enough for Vang to catch up easily. Vang's first punch went to his jaw, stunning Verto. Vang jumped at the chance and rapidly attacked with fierce punches and kicks to nearly every part of Verto's body. He finished the quick barrage with a strong overhand smash that sent Verto barreling towards the water. Verto only managed to open one eye, spotting where he was falling to.
Oh shit, have to stop my fall! Verto managed to turnover and attempt to concentrate enough to put on the brakes, but it wasn't enough. Just before he would hit though, a dim and solid glass-like purple surface appeared out of thin air and caught him just inches from the water. Verto glanced down in confusion before he glanced over at Vang, who was wagging his finger back and forth.
"Tsk tsk, we can't have you falling in there," Vang proclaimed. Verto felt his Shadow Chi extend towards him and the glass-like surface began to spread upwards around him. Verto didn't wait for it to completely surround him and flew straight up, breaking through the forming bubble easily. He got well out of range of the Overmind's influence and kept on going until he was into the cloud layer.
Vang frowned and waited intently once he sensed Verto stop, Now what is that boy up to? He can't stay in there all day.
His answer came when he first sensed and then saw a massive burst of green and silver energy erupt. A hole in the clouds formed as Verto violently thrust his energy outwards with a mighty shout, causing the earth to tremble in protest. Even the blackened water below rippled outwards and caused waves to splash far inland despite how high Verto was in the air. Sunlight expanded from the break in the clouds, which with the added push of Verto's energy, cleared out in a wide expanse for miles. When he finished, the only clouds in the sky were on the distant horizon. Vang grimaced slightly as his unstable clouds of Shadow Chi diminished rapidly before vanishing in a puff of smoke while the sun's rays shined on every bit of the area. Verto sighed heavily as the warmth from the nearest star eased the bitter environment's grip, and he flew back towards Vang's position, stopping at a fair distance once again.
Vang shook his head in slight anger, "Smart move kid, I'll give you that. Without the aid of the cloud layer, I won't be able to generate much of my regular power to use on you. You certainly are quick on the uptake." Verto didn't answer as he sunk back into his stance and waited for the first move. Vang matched the stance as his aura became an intense golden flow again. Small bursts of energy clashed between them, detonating into occasionally lightning bursts that struck and cracked the ground. Where the ground cracked along the beach head, more black water seeped into view. Verto bared his teeth slightly at this, much to Vang's amusement.
"You really don't like that creature eh?" he asked.
Verto gave him a heated glare, "What was the hint?"
Vang grinned smugly, "I suppose I can't blame you, it's only natural. Both Saiyans and Humans are the independent type, though one clearly more than the other in that regard."
Verto snorted heavily, "And I suppose demons don't mind having their whole existence enslaved? You certainly don't mind doing that to others."
"The strong are destined to rule the weak, you should have learned that long ago. It may not be to anyone's personal liking, but once the cards are dealt, there is little one can do about it," Vang decreed.
"Yeah, well you'll pardon me if I don't follow that bullshit belief. True or not, that doesn't mean that we can't resist it," Verto countered.
"You can try," Vang said as he launched forward. He brought his hands up towards his face, turning his palms outwards while lining them up, causing Verto to pause in caution.
What is that pose? It looks like the Solar Flare technique, but his hands aren't in the right position. It must be something else.
Vang's hands took on a brief purple hue before he released the small amount of energy, "Shadow Flare!"
Verto guarded his face from the attack attempt, but instead of bright light, only dark energy erupted into his sight. The darkness hit Verto quickly and completely enveloped his field of vision, effectively blinding him. He was able to keep his eyes open and pain free, but all he saw was black. Vang smirked as he floated towards Verto from the left, watching as the younger Saiyan attempted to wave off the attack. Around his head, a sphere of dark purple had formed. Anyone else could still see Verto's face easily, just in a dim light. For Verto though, he could only see black, as if he were looking into a two sided mirror with the lights off. Verto also had no trouble breathing, which came short and quick due to a slight panic that washed over him as he tried to see.
"Effective technique isn't it? Unlike your friend's little light trick, this blinds only you," Vang said as he charged in. Verto, unable to see the attack coming, was blindsided by Vang's kick to his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him. Verto fell backwards a bit, but was quickly caught and bent hard over Vang's knee as he pulled Verto down by the head and legs. Verto gasped in surprised pain as his spit flew out of his mouth.
Vang pulled Verto up and locked in a rear-naked choke hold maneuver, "Time to go to sleep you brat!" Verto struggled to get out of the hold, still blinded by the Shadow Flare technique. His airway was completely cut and he found he couldn't even breathe. He quickly started throwing hard backward elbow strikes from both arms, hitting Vang's body on each attempt, loosening the hold. Once Verto was loose enough to get at least one breath in, he put all his energy into the next strike, surprising Vang with the powerful blow and knocking him backwards.
Still blinded, Verto turned and honed in on Vang's energy as he charged up his fist and flew in for the attack, "Super Galic Fist!" Upon contact, he felt his fist slide off Vang's body just before the energy detonated. Vang went flying to the ground hundreds of feet away, kicking up a pile of dirt around his head and neck. Verto blinked his eyes sharply as the bright sun shined in, showing that the effects of the Shadow Flare had worn off and giving him slightly blinding light again instead. Once his vision adjusted, he turned towards Vang, who was recovering on the ground. The side of his uniform had a noticeable piece missing, where the skin below had become reddened and heavily bruised.
Verto frowned in dismay, Just clipped him. If I hadn't been blinded I could have aimed it correctly.
Vang slowly picked himself up and gave Verto a noticeably hard glare as he lifted off the ground again, "You sure are a troublesome little boy."
Verto matched the glare, "Gee, I haven't heard that one before." Vang's golden aura flowed back into view as he flew closer and stopped. Verto held out his hand and reformed his Chi sword before holding it defensively for the next attack. Vang held his ground and continued the stare-down, apparently not in a hurry to continue nor finish the fight. Behind Vang, the air suddenly began to swirl and turn in an unnatural way. A bright light then appeared and drew a circle before its area darkened and revealed a bald, shadowy figure within.
"Hurry it up Vang, your time is limited," a voice said. Verto's ears perked slightly as he thought he recognized the voice but couldn't be certain.
Vang angrily glanced over his shoulder, "Mind your business Lord Razil, this is not the type of battle that I can win quickly in this form."
Verto's eyebrow raised slightly at the statement, Lord Razil? That's what Ranot called the person he was talking to when me and Laysh spied on him on Yusuke's world. This creep must be the same guy, too bad I can't quite see his face to identify it.
"You fool, you're so intent on getting the boy's body that you have no clue as to what is going on around you. You got careless, and now you're about to be overwhelmed!" Razil said in a scolding tone.
Vang didn't take his eye off Razil's form inside the circle, "What are you talking about?"
"The other warriors on that planet are going to be heading your way soon, most likely joining forces with that kid. You won't be able to hold them all off by yourself," Razil claimed.
Vang scoffed, "Is that what you're concerned about? If they were going to do that, they would have been here awhile ago. They're still under the influence of the Overmind, and thus, they'll be compliant with my wishes. If any of them come here, they'll just be compelled to kill the boy."
Razil growled notably, "Not for long. That fat assistant you spared is negating that advantage as we speak by using the holy cleansing water. Just look towards that ocean if you don't believe me." Both Verto and Vang glanced towards the watery horizon, which along with the sky reflection, was beginning to fill in with blue. Below, the blackened water had formed a large pool in one of the wider craters that had been created by the battle, to which Verto noticed more of it filling in from a small stream nearby before running itself out. Normal water flowed from that stream to the ocean, indicating that the fluid was isolated from it.
Verto grinned slightly, Great job Popo!
Vang snarled at this and his energy flared, "Damn that tub of lard! I'll wring his little neck for this!"
Razil chuckled slightly from the portal he resided in, "How easily your confidence is shaken. I suggest you finish this battle quickly Vang, as I don't plan to assist in your escape if you do fail. It would only expose me to try and help a demon that botches his mission once again!" The portal and Razil's shadowy head vanished, after which Vang's rage became much clearer. His aura brightened as his power rapidly increased, making Verto block against the wind force it created. The ground cracked even more below as fissures opened and closed randomly while Vang's power increased by a large amount.
Verto's expression became a bit grim, There it is, Super Saiyan three. This is gonna be rough.
The hair on Vang's borrowed body extended back towards his waist while the eyebrows disappeared, matching the exact features of the third level of Super Saiyan. Verto felt Vang's new power level soar above his own easily, making it feel nearly as dense and heavy as Frost's had been in his fifth form at full power.
Fuck me, this world's Goku is that much stronger? Might as well just go fight Gohan again. Hell I shouldn't be surprised, it has been a longer period of time, and it's all been a war. With Vang's power added in I guess this should be expected. I won't be able to use Kaio-ken effectively due to already using it earlier. Vang's energy erupted in a wide circular burst that shot outwards quickly, forcing Verto away once it reached him. Vang growled and blasted off towards Verto quickly. Verto barely had time to get his guard up before Vang punched through it, smashing Verto's face in. Vang wasted no time and grabbed Verto by the head, ramming his knee into it. Blood and chipped teeth flew from the strong attack as Verto's head snapped backwards. Vang grabbed Verto by the arm and threw him into the ground below, very near the edge of the pooled black fluid. It was close enough that Verto's hand had landed inches above the black surface, which began to reach up towards him. Upon feeling the evil touch, Verto recoiled painfully and scrambled away. He glared up towards Vang who had his arms crossed as he hovered in place. He looked a lot more eager now to finish the fight, and Verto felt that he had to do whatever he could to win.
Verto's aura came on strong as he pulled his arms back and began charging his energy, "Come and get me!" Vang mimicked the pose and formed a bright blue Kamehameha wave to answer Verto's challenge. Verto hovered slightly off the ground as is cracked and broke apart again under the energy they were both putting out.
He set his arm directly on Vang and pushed his blast forward, "Super Galic Gun!" The immense green blast shot into the sky, being met by an even larger blue counterpart highway to its target. Verto channeled the majority of his power into the beam, knowing that this would either be the deciding contest, or a huge waste of energy. Vang's beam pushed down on Verto's as he increased its power, forcing the spot of collision back down towards Verto, who was pushed into the ground. Verto strained as he did all he could to keep it an even stalemate, but it was all for naught. Vang's beam closed in quickly and Verto knew what he had to do next. Damn, he's forcing me to use all remaining my power quickly, and I don't have a choice.
"Kai…O…Ken!" Verto's power exploded with renewed intensity and shoved Vang's Kamehameha back at him like it was nothing. Vang's eyes widened for a moment before the green light washed over his position completely. Instead of an explosion, the massive Galic Gun shot into space without incident. Verto breathed heavily as he held his knees and felt his power dropping quickly. As he looked down, the ground directly below him fluctuated a bit just before a golden fist appeared and connected with his jaw. Vang burst out Verto's own shadow with a mighty uppercut, knocking Verto straight up into the air. That attack was followed by another clubbing blow delivered with both hands. Verto fell fast into the ground like a rocket had been shot from Vang's hands, creating another crater about half the size of the one containing the black lake. Verto's body lay prone as his hair had faded back to black and his energy had subsided. Vang smirked slightly as he began to fly slowly towards Verto, who showed no real signs of recovery just yet. On the edge of the new crater, the black fluid began seeping in and moved with a fair pace towards Verto. Vang stopped for a moment to observe as the small stream moved with a mind of its own towards its prey.
"Come on kid, you can't tell me you'd rather be swallowed by that thing again! Fight me like you mean it, use your demon energy!" Vang shouted down. Verto's eyes opened slightly, though he hadn't quite heard what Vang had said. He did however notice the black water coming towards him, which became a distinct flow that only increased its inflow into the crater. It quickly surrounded Verto, leaving him lying on a slowly fading island.
"Finally…you are mine!" Verto's eyes snapped open as he scrambled to his feet. The black water rose off the ground and formed a bubble around and above Verto before dropping on top of him. Verto felt a renewed sense of horror and fear as the fluid touched him.
No, not again! Never again!
Vang stared with deep concern as he raced towards Verto's position. Just as he got close enough to act, the bubble exploded and forced the black fluid away. Red energy surged from Verto as his teeth cinched and his hair stood on end and his eyes shifted colors again. The black blood of the Overmind retreated almost out of fear, leaving only Vang near enough for Verto to target. He snarled and shot towards Vang, only to be hammered back down to the ground.
Vang grinned evilly, "Now that's more like it boy. Let the rage consume you!" Below, a large red blast formed in Verto's right hand just before he fired it. Vang phased out well before it hit and reappeared at Verto side, kicking him hard. Verto rebounded off the ground and landed on his feet, slouching down just slightly as he bared his teeth again while his red aura only increased in potency.
Vang's smirk maintained, Good, just a little more before he completely loses himself in anger. Verto's sword appeared in his right hand as he shot towards Vang, who waited patiently. Verto swung wildly towards Vang's head, missing when Vang ducked out of the way. Verto slashed towards him several more times, all of which Vang dodged by a hair's length. Verto growled and attempted to stab Vang directly through the chest. Vang side-stepped just in time and smashed Verto's arm with his knee and elbow at the same time. The pain from the blow made Verto wince and lose any concentration on his sword, giving Vang another opening. He grabbed Verto by the back of the head and shoved repeated knees into his body, causing more blood to spill out of Verto's mouth from each hit. On the last one Vang threw Verto high into the air and followed quickly. He didn't quite get there before Verto spun and came at him with a howl of rage.
"Not quite finished yet eh? Very well," Vang remarked just as they were about to hit each other. Verto completely missed his punch attempt when Vang phased out and moved high into the air as he gathered another massive Kamehameha Wave. Verto spun around and gathered a large amount of energy into the tips of his two fingers as he pointed them straight at Vang, who had just finished his own beam. Verto fired the smaller attack without a word and Vang fired his larger beam without realizing yet what he had just done. He quickly sensed the concentrated energy of Verto's counter-attack and flew quickly away, but it wasn't fast enough. A large purple explosion crackled through the air as a loud bang accompanied it in the form of a Shock Cannon detonation. The energy created displaced quickly, but it was still enough to send Vang spiraling into the distance and crashing into a large hill.
He slowly recovered from the attack and shoved the rubble off him as he rose back into the air, Damn it, I should have seen that attack coming. That was the one problem with this approach while he's using his immature demon energy. Couldn't be helped I suppose, that should have taken a lot more out of the brat than it did me. Time to collect my prize. Vang flew quickly back to near where the explosion had occurred, finding Verto huffing and puffing on the ground as he tried to stay up. Vang swiftly landed and drove his fist into Verto's ruined face again. Upon hitting the ground, Vang's hand glowed with purple as he pulled Verto up by the neck and floated upwards into the air. Verto clawed at his arm as he struggled to get loose, but was unable to do much more than make a few light scratches.
"All too easy boy. You fought well, but this is where it ends," Vang declared as his whole body shimmered with a mixture of purple and golden. The energy began to flow into Verto's body and he gasped painfully. He began to convulse violently as if he were having a seizure, and Vang's smile only widened. The shaking continued for several seconds before it slowly faded as Verto slumped and quickly fell unconscious.
"This shouldn't take long kid. Well, it may be a long time for you," Vang remarked as his dark, purple aura bent and twisted until it was literally starting to flow down Verto's throat. Vang's laughter filled the lands as he began the apparent transfer. A slight ping went off in his mind as he sensed something drawing near from the distance. He turned with an annoyed expression as several bright auras came into view. The first one to stop belonged to Alt-Gohan, who was quickly joined by battered Vegeta and Bardock. Not long after them, two matching figures with lavender hair stopped next to them, belonging to both the younger and older versions of Trunks. Tienshinhan approached rapidly from behind to complete the group. From the other direction, Vang sensed three other energy signals coming closer, though one of them was decidedly weakened. Laysh brushed her blue hair out of her face as she flew in just ahead of ahead of Lenz, who was bracing Goku's shoulder with her own while she followed.
Vang frowned slightly, "So, you've all come to see his demise."
I am the shadow, and the smoke in your eyes
I am the ghost, that hides in the night…
PL
Super Mystic Verto: 620,000,000; Weakened Kaio-ken burst: 840,000,000
Verto (Berserker): 550,000,000 (drops quickly as he takes more damage)
Vangku (SS2): 560,000,000; Shadow Kamehameha: 420,000,000 SS3: 730,000,000
A/n: I only posted the number for the Shadow-Kamehameha for reference to what Vang's extra power source was producing at the time, obviously it made little impact on the actual battle.
WDG: I am the darkness that flaps through the night.
VB: Boom!