Kakarot strode down the hall, jaw clenched in irritation as Kaede trailed timidly behind him. She kept glancing at him and opening her mouth as if to speak, but then hesitating.
Kakarot exhaled in irritation. "I don't have time to waste on weaklings," he grumbled under his breath.
Finally, she gathered her courage. "Um, K-Kakarot?" she stammered softly. "I...I wanted to say thank you again for helping me with Tomoo. It was so brave of you to stand up to him."
Kakarot remained silent, not even looking at the shy girl as she followed him.
Kaede blushed and stared at her feet. "You're j-just so strong and...," she mumbled almost inaudibly. "I feel safer when you're around."
Still, Kakarot ignored her, quickening his pace. But the shy girl continued trailing behind, unwilling to abandon him completely.
"C-Could you maybe show me how to fight sometime?" Kaede asked hopefully, her voice barely above a whisper. "Only if you want..."
Kakarot let out an exasperated huff. "I don't have time for that," he replied bluntly, not breaking stride.
Kaede's shoulder slumped dejectedly. "O-Oh, right...I understand," she murmured, though she still trailed at a distance.
Why did she have to cling to him so persistently? Kakarot wrestled with himself, wanting to snap at her to leave him alone. Yet he couldn't bring himself to do so right now. So he settled for cold silence, hoping she'd take the hint.
As he walked, Kakarot's thoughts turned inward. What did he really think about this girl and her admiration for him?
Goku slowly drifted back to consciousness, his mind foggy and confused. He had been having such a strange dream about a girl from his past - who was she? She seemed so familiar somehow...
As awareness returned, the first thing Goku noticed was an intense bright light piercing through his eyelids. He squinted against the glare as his eyes fluttered open.
Where was he? How did he get here? He tried to lift his pounding head but a wave of dizziness washed over him. His entire body throbbed with pain, his limbs feeling like heavy lead.
He struggled to shift into a sitting position, only to find he couldn't move. As his vision came into focus, Goku realized he was in some sort of brightly lit room, though the details were hazy. He seemed to be chained upright against a wall, his arms by tight metal shackles.
Goku tugged weakly at the restraints but only succeeded in making the metal cuffs dig painfully into his already sore wrists. His energy felt dangerously depleted, his usual immense strength sapped.
Suddenly, Goku started to pick up approaching footsteps echoing from somewhere outside the room. He tensed, adrenaline coursing through his battered body. Where was he? Who had taken him captive?
The footsteps drew steadily nearer until they stopped just outside the room's door. Goku's muscles tensed instinctively. The door began to swing open, and Goku prepared himself to face his supposed captor.
As the door swung open, Goku stilled, ceasing his weak tugs against the shackles binding him. Though confused and disoriented, he remained calm, staring curiously as a man strode into the bright room.
The man had dark hair and wore a black suit and glasses. Goku didn't know his name, but something about him seemed familiar. After a moment, he realized this was one of the strange people who had tried to capture him a while back for unknown reasons.
Goku blinked sluggishly as the man approached. He didn't sense any immediate danger or hostility from him.
"Hey, I know you..." Goku started casually. "What's going on? Why am I chained up here?"
The man raised a hand to silence him. "I will be the one asking questions here," he stated firmly. "You are in this facility's custody for the time being so I suggest you get comfortable. My name is Kurama, though that is irrelevant to you."
"Not many here have the privilege of brand new clothes so please be cooperative when answering my questions"
"Now then, Kakarot-" Kurama began.
"Huh? Kakarot?" Goku interrupted, baffled. "Who's that?"
Kurama's eyes narrowed slightly. "Do not play ignorant. I know you prefer the name 'Goku' now, but Kakarot is how the queen always referred to you."
Goku's head was spinning now. "The queen? What are you talking about?"
"Hmm, it seems you haven't realized you've been in contact with one," Kurama mused. He straightened. "Tell me, Kakarot, have you ever heard of the Diclonius?"
Goku shook his head, completely lost. "No, can't say I have. Look, I think there's been some kind of mistake..."
"I see. Well, allow me to explain," Kurama said coolly. "The Diclonius are a humanoid species with psychokinetic abilities, including invisible telekinetic 'arms' they use as weapons. They possess a drive to exterminate humanity. They are also most identifiable by the two horns on their heads."
Goku's eyes widened slightly at that explanation.
Kurama pulled out a photo and held it up. "This girl is one of them. Have you encountered her before?"
Goku stared at the picture in shock. It was the same girl from his dream! The shy, gentle one who had admired him.
Based on Kurama's description, these Diclonius sounded incredibly dangerous, like monsters even. Goku looked back down at the photo, studying the girl's face. Behind her sad eyes, Goku only sensed a deep pain and loneliness.
"I...I'm not sure," Goku said slowly. "I think I saw her in a dream once." He looked back up at Kurama. "What does any of this have to do with me?"
Could that dream have been real? A forgotten memory surfacing? The girl had seemed so familiar.
Kurama's expression was unreadable. "Don't play dumb, you've been in contact with one, the queen. Which means you are a person of interest."
Goku still looked confused. "Is that why I am here?"
Kurama then shook his head. "Though while your connection to the queen is curious, it is not the primary reason you are in my custody, Kakarot. No, the real reason is that you are clearly not human yourself."
Goku blinked in surprise. "Huh? Of course, I'm human! What else would I be?"
"Please, do not insult my intelligence," Kurama said coldly. "For starters, you possess a tail, an anomaly not found in normal humans. You also have physical abilities far exceeding the limits of what any human could attain."
Goku just gave a careless shrug which rattled his chains. "I got strong through training is all. As for the tail, hey, maybe I'm just special." He said this like it was no big deal.
Kurama's eyebrow twitched. "You cannot be serious. The increased strength and speed, the tail - you are clearly not like other humans. Do not play dumb with me. You must know what you are."
Kurama pinched the bridge of his nose, patience wearing thin. "Let us move past the pretense. You are not human. So just tell me - what is your connection to the Diclonius queen?"
Goku furrowed his brow. "Look, I already told ya, I got no clue what you mean by queens or diclo...disclo..."
"Diclonius," Kurama finished sharply.
"Oh," Goku said.
Kurama's eye twitched. "Do not play me for a fool. I am aware you and the queen lived together in an orphanage as children. So just tell me the full story."
"An orphanage? Together? That's news to me!" Goku stared at Kurama intensely. "Are you sure you got the right guy? I don't remember any of that."
Kurama studied Goku closely. Either the kid was an expert liar, or he was genuinely ignorant. But how could he not know his past and connection to Lucy?
"Let's go back further then," Kurama said slowly. "Do you remember approximately 5 years ago, when you were found at the police scene in an orphanage?"
At this, Goku showed signs of recognition. "Well, I do remember waking up with a bunch of police around me one day. I had no idea what happened though."
Kurama's eyes gleamed. Finally, progress. "And do you recall anything before that incident?" he pressed. "About your life before the orphanage massacre?"
Goku screwed up his face in concentration. Then he shook his head. "Nope, afraid not. My memories only go back to that day, nothing before." He shrugged helplessly.
"Interesting..." Kurama muttered to himself.
Kurama decided to change tactics. "Let's discuss the present then. What happened to leave you so badly injured before we found you?"
Again Goku looked mystified. "Injured? What are you talking about?"
With a hint of impatience, Kurama gestured to the bandages covering Goku's body. "You were found unconscious and gravely wounded. We captured you while you were in a weakened state. Now, who or what did this to you?"
Goku glanced down, just now noticing the bandages. No wonder his body felt so sore. He wracked his brain trying to remember how he got hurt. Flashes of memory suddenly surfaced.
"Yuka!" Goku burst out loudly, making Kurama jump. "That monster...it killed Yuka!" Grief flooded his voice. "It stole her Dragon Ball too. That thing is what injured me so badly."
Goku's hands clenched into fists, rage flowing through him. "It had to be one of you guys! When I stopped you from taking Yuka's ball before, you just sent a monster to do your dirty work!"
He strained against the chains, glaring accusingly at Kurama. "Admit it! You're responsible for Yuka's death!"
Taken aback by this sudden shift in demeanor, Kurama held up his hands. "Calm yourself. I assure you, I know nothing of this monster you speak of." His mind raced to make sense of these accusations.
Goku wasn't placated. "Don't play dumb! You people wanted Yuka's orange ball and would do anything to get it. Now she's dead because of you!"
At the mention of an orange ball, Kurama immediately realizes he must be talking about the dragon balls. This also means Yuka was the deceased girl found at the scene and was the one who owned the ball.
"Rest assured, I had no knowledge of this Yuka or the Dragon Ball in her possession," Kurama said evenly. "Nor did I send any creature to take it."
Kurama only knew someone who owned the ball and had been at the restaurant before but he didn't know who.
Goku still glowered distrustfully. "Doesn't matter! You jerks came after us and then she ended up dead. Her ball was hers, not yours to take!"
Kurama held up a pacifying hand. "Regardless of ownership, I give you my word I was uninvolved in the girl's demise." His analytical mind was more preoccupied with pondering the monster Goku described.
A creature capable of battling the boy and claiming a Dragon Ball...very interesting. Though the boy could still be lying.
As Kurama denied involvement with the monster, Goku's rage simmered down slightly, though his eyes still flashed with anger.
"If what you're saying is true, then why am I chained up here?" he demanded, rattling his restraints. "Let me out so I can find that monster and make it pay for what it did to Yuka!"
Kurama shook his head. "I'm afraid I cannot release you yet. There are still far too many unanswered questions surrounding you, Kakarot. Your origins, your abilities. You are still an unknown potential threat."
Goku strained furiously against the chains, but in his injured state, they refused to give. "I'm no threat to you!" he yelled in frustration. "The real threat is that monster, and it's still out there thanks to you!"
Seeing Goku's anger fading to exhaustion, Kurama adopted a placating tone.
"In time, all the mysteries surrounding you, this "monster", and the Dragon Balls will be uncovered," he said calmly. "For now, it would be best if you simply cooperated and remained on your best behavior here."
Goku just glowered silently, still seething but lacking the strength to keep fighting his bonds. Exhausted, he slumped back, chest heaving as he glared resentfully at his captor.
"I believe that will be all for our first discussion. You've given me much to think about."
He headed towards the door. "We will pick up where we left off next time. I suggest you use this time to consider your situation and whether defiance is truly worthwhile."
With that, Kurama exited the room, leaving a fuming but helpless Goku still chained behind him.
Kurama gazed down through the observation window at Goku, still chained below. The boy sat slumped, energy spent after his outburst.
Kurama knew now that he was in the facility, he would be subjected to experimentation. Did he even deserve such a thing? He hadn't done anything wrong...at least not yet...
His inner thoughts were interrupted as a female researcher approached. "Sir, we have the first test results back on the subject's DNA samples," she reported briskly.
Kurama turned to her attentively. "And what did you uncover? Any links to the Diclonius species?" That had been his initial theory after all.
"No sir," the researcher replied. "His DNA shows no relation to Diclonius strains, or human ones for that matter. It doesn't match any genotype we have on record."
Kurama stroked his chin thoughtfully. Just as he suspected. Kakarot was something entirely new, a being unlike anything documented before.
"So if he has no biological ties to the Diclonius, what explains his connection to their queen?" Kurama mused aloud.
Perhaps their two species had some kind of symbiotic relationship instead. Much more study would be needed to find out the truth.
He turned back to the researcher. "Well done. This is an excellent start, but his genetic code undoubtedly holds far more secrets left to uncover. Keep examining his DNA."
She nodded and hurried off to relay the orders. Kurama watched the researcher depart, then turned back to the boy intently. There were still so many unanswered questions swirling through his mind.
He thought back to how insistently he had claimed to recall nothing of this Diclonius queen or their shared past at the orphanage. Highly suspicious...or was there more to it?
Kurama's eyes narrowed as he recalled the old case files detailing the aftermath of the orphanage massacre where Goku was found. Reports had noted the boy exhibited signs of amnesia when discovered at the scene with a serious head injury.
Could that traumatic brain damage have resulted in permanent memory loss? Was it possible that after all these years, Goku truly retained no memories prior to that attack?
Kurama tapped his chin in consideration. Perhaps the boy's innocence was genuine, and not an act to lower their guard. But how to be certain?
He pulled out an old photo of Goku from his orphanage days. The boy in the image had cold, harsh eyes and a dark expression. Kurama studied it intently, then looked back through the glass at Goku's face.
Kurama could see no traces of that same darkness on the captured boy below. Had the personality of the boy in the photo been erased entirely?
"What is your true nature, Kakarot?"
The minutes crawled by at an agonizing pace as Goku remained upright against the stark white wall. Goku had no idea how long he'd been trapped here, chained up like some wild animal.
At first, he had yelled and struggled wildly against the unyielding restraints. After his initial furious struggling yielded nothing but more soreness, he'd finally resigned himself to conserve his energy.
Normally these metal bindings would be child's play for him to snap. But his body still ached and felt drained from the beating that the monster had given him. Just thinking about that creature and what it did to Yuka made rage simmer within him.
He kept replaying images of Yuka's horrified face before that monster cruelly cut her life short. Hot rage flowed through Goku's veins at the memory. Rage towards that monster and even the people keeping him here.
He needed to break out of this place, track down that monster, and make it pay. But chained and injured as he was now, that would have to wait.
At least his captors had provided some meager rations at intervals. Goku could feel his strength gradually returning as he rested his wounded body. Soon he'd have enough power stored up to shatter these chains and escape.
But for now, he had to bide his time and try to figure out just what these people wanted with him. That man, Kurama, seemed utterly convinced Goku wasn't human.
But that was ridiculous...wasn't it? Try as he might, Goku could not seem to conjure up solid memories of where he came from, and who his people were. Nothing before waking up in that strange site years ago.
Goku shook his head, hair swaying. It didn't matter right now. However strong these chains were, he'd break free soon enough. Then he could get back to what mattered. Hunting down that winged beast and making it pay for Yuka's senseless murder.
Kurama gazed down at Goku pensively when he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw it was Kakuzawa approaching.
"Kakuzawa," Kurama greeted respectfully.
Professor Kakuzawa joined Kurama in observing their captive subject below. "So we've finally captured this boy. I'm sure you've already talked to him so do you have any new insights?"
Kurama nodded, adjusting his glasses. "I questioned him extensively. He claims not to remember his connection to Lucy or the orphanage massacre. He insists he is human, though his DNA appears unrelated to any known terrestrial species, even dicloni."
"That would also explain why we haven't seen any signs of vectors," Kakuzawa replied, stroking his chin. "What about any other special abilities? Have you witnessed this 'Kakarot' display any other traits?"
"None so far," Kurama reported. "His capacities seem limited to enhanced strength, speed, and agility, well beyond human norms. But no other paranormal powers."
"Let's start by bombarding him with the automatic cannons. Increase the speed and impact incrementally."
He glanced at Kurama. "Similar to how we test the Diclonius children's vector defenses, though this Kakarot lacks those abilities. Still, it will probe the limits of his physical defenses."
Kakuzawa then smiled coldly. "We must start testing at once to draw out his full potential."
Kurama hesitated briefly, then nodded. "I agree. Let's begin preparations immediately."
Kakuzawa's eyes glinted. "I want to see what he's truly capable of."
Both men gazed at Goku with intense fascination, eager to probe the unfathomed limits of this extraordinary new specimen under their control.
Still chained upright against the wall, Goku was trying to keep his mind occupied as the minutes dragged by at a crawl. He was starting to get bored.
Just a little longer and he will have the energy to break out of these cuffs. Or maybe he'll just have to make a run for it next time they try to give him food.
His thoughts were interrupted when suddenly a metal ball came rocketing at his head out of nowhere.
"Whoa!" he yelped in surprise, jerking his head to the side just in time as the projectile whizzed past, clanging against the wall behind him.
Up in the observation room, Kurama leaned forward with interest. "Impressive. He narrowly avoided impact."
Beside him, Kakuzawa smirked. "Let's see if he can keep it up. Increase kinetic energy and quicken the frequency!" he ordered the operations staff.
Down below, Goku had no time to ponder as three more metal spheres fired in rapid succession from ports in the walls. With his reflexes taxed, two grazed his shoulders while he barely ducked the third.
"Hey, cut that out!" Goku shouted angrily, straining against the chains. But more projectiles were already launching.
Goku gritted his teeth as more metal spheres pelted towards him. In his weakened state, he wouldn't be able to dodge them for long.
Frustration welled up inside him. He needed to conserve his energy to escape this place, yet now he was forced to expend it on dodging. Why were they doing this? He hadn't done anything to deserve such treatment!
A ball rocketed straight for his stomach. With no room to maneuver, it slammed full force into his gut. Goku's eyes widened and he coughed up specks of blood, the wind knocked out of him.
He had no time to recover before another sphere bashed directly into his forehead. Goku's head whipped back violently, spikes of pain exploding through his skull. Darkness crept into the edges of his vision as his head fell forward.
As he sagged in the chains, barely conscious, resentment and rage simmered within Goku. He hadn't asked for any of this! Chained, beaten, and treated like some lab experiment. If this went on much longer, something deep inside him felt ready to snap.
Panting, Goku raised his battered head as the barrage finally ceased. His vision was tinged with red, a look of pure rage on his face. He would make the people responsible for this suffer, he thought viciously.
No, what was he thinking? He shook his head, wincing. Going down that path would make him as bad as his tormentors. That ball must have hit him hard because his head was feeling fuzzy.
He had to stay focused on escaping and getting justice for Yuka. But even that seemed hopeless right now. That winged monster had defeated Goku utterly in their last battle. It possessed powers far beyond anything Goku had faced before.
But he couldn't give up hope yet. He would find a way out of this, recover his strength, and win against the monster.
He thought back to the monster's final attack. Some sort of energy beam fired from its mouth. Could Goku even hope to stand such abilities?
What if he could learn to do it himself?
In the observation room, Kurama and Kakuzawa watched with fascination as Goku desperately dodged the relentless cannon barrage. When at last a sphere struck Goku's head, leaving him hanging limply, Kurama quickly halted the experiment.
"Incredible reflexes and stamina!" Kakuzawa remarked. "Just imagine what else he is capable of."
To their surprise, Goku slowly lifted his battered head once more, defiance flashing in his eyes.
Kurama's eyes widened slightly. "Most Dicloni we've tested haven't been able to use their vectors to deflect those balls at these velocities."
He turned to Kakuzawa. "This boy just took two head-on and is still conscious."
Kakuzawa grinned. "That means we can take things further."
The cannons whirred back to life, aiming at the weakened captive below.
Sensing the cannons whirring to life once more, Goku tensed. Another direct hit would surely knock him out this time. He had to act now!
As the metal sphere rocketed toward him, Goku instinctively opened his mouth. To his surprise, a pulsing orange beam of energy erupted forth, enveloping the projectile. The ball instantly melted from the intense heat as the beam blasted on, striking the giant metal door and blowing it clean off in a fiery explosion.
The detonation rocked the entire observation room. Kurama and Kakuzawa were thrown off balance, utterly dumbfounded.
"What the hell was that!?" Kakuzawa yelled, scrambling back to his feet. "What the hell did he just do!?"
Kurama's eyes were wide behind his glasses. He rushed to slam his fist onto an intercom button. "Deploy armed containment units immediately!"
Goku breathed heavily as the smoke cleared from his explosive energy blast. He couldn't believe he had pulled that off successfully!
But he wasn't free yet. The mangled metal restraints still bound his limbs tightly. This was his chance though. It was now or never. Hopefully, that attack didn't take up too much saved energy.
Gritting his teeth, Goku strained with all his might against the chains. He had to break free before any guards arrived.
Muscles bulging, he pulled with every ounce of strength in his weakened body. The metal creaked under the immense pressure.
With a final effort, the shackles reached their limit and snapped apart simultaneously. Goku collapsed to his hands and knees, gasping but free at last.
Adrenaline pumped through his veins. He still had to get out of this place, and fast. Alarms were blaring and he could hear running footsteps approaching.
Goku's eyes quickly scanned the room until they landed on the gaping hole his energy beam had blown through the heavy door. It was risky, but it seemed his only way out.
Goku sprinted for the opening. He didn't know what awaited him beyond, but anything was better than more torture here. It was time to make his escape.
Bursting through the mangled door, Goku sprinted wildly down the maze of sterile white corridors. Alarms wailed as he took random turns, unsure which way led out.
Skidding around random corners, he hoped blind luck might lead him to an exit. Instead, a squad of armed guards appeared, blocking his path, weapons trained on him. "Stop right there! Down on the ground, now!" they ordered.
A dozen guards fanned out, laser sights dancing across Goku's chest, ready to gun him down at the first sudden move.
"Last chance!" their leader barked, aiming with his rifle. "Down on the ground, hands behind your head or we will shoot!"
Goku weighed his options for a split second before coiling his legs and leaping high, sailing cleanly over the surprised guards' heads to land behind them.
Gunfire erupted instantly. Goku weaved and dodged desperately as a frenzied hail of bullets peppered the walls and floor around him. He managed to evade the worst of it, though several rounds grazed his limbs, tearing his tattered clothes and drawing blood.
Ignoring the stinging pain, Goku raced on. More squads converged to join the chase, the thunder of automatic gunfire echoing relentlessly at his back. Goku's lungs seared and his wounded body begged to stop, but he dared not slow down.
The bursts of gunfire were unrelenting. Goku cried out as hot metal burrowed into the meat of his shoulder, then his thigh. Sheer adrenaline kept him moving through the agony. He had to get out! He couldn't fail after coming so far!
Goku ran desperately through the hallways, limbs burning, his bullet-riddled body screaming for rest. But he couldn't stop yet.
Just when Goku thought he was putting up distance, a hissing sound reached his ears. White smoke suddenly started pouring around him. In seconds he was enveloped in the swirling gas.
Coughing violently, Goku tried waving the fumes away, but it was useless. His lungs seized up, each breath more labored than the last. Overwhelming drowsiness washed over him as the powerful sedatives entered his system.
"No...have to...get away..." he rasped, swaying on his feet. But it was a losing battle. His legs buckled and he collapsed face-first to the floor. Against his will, darkness overtook him.
Goku was now asleep.
The smoke eventually cleared to reveal the boy sprawled motionless, finally subdued. A tactical team emerged, gas masks on, weapons ready.
"Target is neutralized! Move in!" the squad captain barked. Moving cautiously, they surrounded the unconscious captive.
One guard approached, carefully reaching down to secure Goku's limp arms. But suddenly, quicker than a striking cobra, Goku's hand lashed up and seized the man's wrist in an iron grip.
"He's awake!" the soldier screamed. "Let me go!" He beat at Goku's arm fruitlessly with his free hand.
Goku rose slowly to his feet, head bowed, face obscured. The squad tensed, aiming with rifles ready to fire. The guard yelled for Goku to release him. But his pleas went unheeded.
Instead, Goku tightened his grip. The guard cried out, bones crunching audibly under the force.
Finally, Goku raised his head, eyes cold and merciless.
"Light him up!" the captain yelled. A dozen fingers squeezed triggers. Gunfire immediately erupted.
Kurama swiftly navigated the facility's corridors, an armor-piercing rifle gripped tightly in his hands. After witnessing the captive's explosive power firsthand, he knew confronting the boy again was risky, especially alone. But he had to try and contain the situation.
That energy beam had caught them all off guard. If Kurama had blinked, he would've missed it entirely. So this "Goku" could produce attacks like that at will? It was a frightening ability, definitely different from vectors.
The shockwaves from that single blast had rocked the entire facility. How could they hope to contain something so devastating? The boy had likely suppressed his true power, waiting for the right moment. A chilling thought.
Kurama tried to look for any other guards or personnel. It was dangerous to be alone in this place, especially with that boy running around.
Up ahead, Kurama froze. Speak of the devil - at the end of the passage stood Goku, slowly turning to face him. Kurama's heart seized in his chest. His grip tightened on the rifle.
They watched each other silently for a tense moment, both unsure of the other's intentions. The escaped subject's expression was unnervingly blank, eyes cold and devoid of any readable emotion.
Kurama's blood ran cold at the sight of Goku drenched in blood. Some seemed to be from his injuries, but not nearly enough to account for the sheer amount coating him. It could only mean one thing.
Kurama swiftly trained his rifle on the boy. Goku seemed darkly amused by this but remained silent. Kurama knew he had to take control of this situation, fast.
"This has armor-piercing ammo," he informed Goku coldly. "Not even Diclonius vectors can stop a round. Turn yourself in now, and we can end this without further violence."
Goku continued his slow advance, giving no indication he even heard Kurama's words. Apprehension mounting, Kurama steadied his aim. "I said stand down! This is your last warning before I shoot!"
Still, the bloody subject approached. With no other options left, Kurama fired. The deafening shot echoed through the hallway. Goku's eyes widened in surprise before he dropped to a knee, clutching his stomach where the round had struck.
Kurama allowed himself a flicker of relief. But it was premature. Dread gripped Kurama's heart as Goku slowly lifted his head, staring with a dark grin rather than pain. He opened his palm, revealing the bullet resting in his grip.
"Caught it."
Before Kurama could react, Goku flicked the bullet back with blinding speed. It pierced Kurama's thigh in a splash of crimson, dropping him with a scream of agony.
Gritting his teeth against the searing pain, Kurama desperately grabbed for his fallen rifle. But Goku was already looming over him.
With a savage kick, he smashed Kurama's arm sideways. The snap of breaking bones echoed in the corridor as the rifle skittered away.
Now defenseless, Kurama could only look up helplessly at the monster bearing down on him. He stared through the boy's eyes, seeing the same dark malevolence from the old photo of him.
So this was the boy's true nature, lurking beneath the surface all along. A chill ran through Kurama.
Goku's mouth twisted in a mocking grin. "Not so confident now, are you?" he sneered, his voice sending dread through Kurama.
"It was all just an act, wasn't it Kakarot?" Kurama spat angrily up at Goku. "Pretending to be innocent and clueless, to lower our guard!"
Kakarot smirked. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied mockingly. He honestly didn't. Had he met this dude before?
Also, he knew his name somehow. Interesting, if unimportant.
"Don't play stupid with me!" Kurama shot back. "The blood covering you proves you've slaughtered those guards!"
Kakarot shrugged, uncaring. "They attacked me first. I was merely defending myself. Is that so wrong?"
Kakarot had easily torn through those soldiers even in a weakened state. How did he even get to such a state? If it was those pathetic humans how the hell did he allow something like that?
"Doesn't matter...More forces are on the way," Kurama threatened weakly. "A monster like you can never be allowed free in the outside world."
Kakarot snorted. "Let them come. I'll reduce them to pulp just the same. And I am leaving this place. In fact, you're going to tell me the way out. I'm tired of wandering these halls."
Kurama was starting to get desperate. Suddenly he remembered the boy's weakness - his tail! That must be how those kids at the orphanage were able to beat him. Kurama snatched for it with his one working arm.
Kurama held his grip tight on the boy's tail, only for Kakarot to angrily kick his one working arm backward. He screamed in pain as now both his arms were rendered useless.
Kakarot's face darkened. "Pathetic," he growled. "Did you really think I'd let that happen to me again?" His grip on Kurama's throat tightened.
Kakarot immediately thought of the embarrassment he faced when that boy grabbed his tail leaving him completely helpless like a weakling. Anger boiled within him.
How has he let these disgusting humans injure him so much? He has tolerated them long enough. He would never show mercy to one of these pathetic weaklings again.
"I should kill you right now for even trying. But tell me how to escape, and perhaps I'll make it quick."
Kurama set his jaw, refusing to show fear. "I won't...betray my duties. Not to...a monster...like you. You'll find no escape," he rasped.
Goku snorted. "You don't get to decide that. These walls can't hold me anymore." His fist tightened, eliciting a choking gasp from Kurama.
Kakarot's patience was wearing thin. Kurama's defiance was admirable yet foolish. He would just have to eliminate this weakling and find another guide out of this maze.
As Kakarot prepared to end the man's pitiful struggle, a photograph slipped from Kurama's suit pocket. Curious, he picked it up and then froze.
It was an image of Kaede. He studied it silently, memories stirring. How long had it been since that day at the orphanage? The time has since felt like a blur of vague images and sensations disconnected from reality.
How did he even get here? Who were these people and why was he here? Kakarot's head swam. He glanced sharply at Kurama.
"Where did you get this?" he demanded. Kurama hesitated, thinking fast. He couldn't let Kakarot know Lucy was captive here too or else he might break her out.
Kurama decided to just stay silent instead. He couldn't risk the boy knowing anything else.
Kakarot narrowed his eyes at the silence. He pocketed the photo and turned back to Kurama.
Kakarot focused his energy on his palm, forming a crackling sphere of blue energy. Success, he was hoping that would work.
"You should be honored a pathetic weakling like you gets to die by a Saiyan's hands."
The crackling energy sphere hovered above Kurama's limp form as Kakarot prepared to strike. Seeing the killing blow coming, Kurama knew it was the end. He lost all hope and simply passed out.
The end never came for him. Kakarot stood frozen, the sphere dissipating from his palm. The boy's eyes were glazed, distant.
After a long moment, awareness seemed to return to him. Goku blinked around in confusion at the corridor and Kurama's crumpled body.
Goku instantly recognized him as Kurama. He didn't remember beating the scientist, yet here the man lay severely injured. Strange.
Goku shook his head, refocusing. However it happened, Kurama probably needed a doctor. But first, Goku had to get out of this nightmarish facility.
With an apologetic glance at Kurama's unconscious form, he turned and raced away down the hall.
Goku raced down the stark white corridors, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He had no idea how long he'd been navigating this place, but he couldn't stop yet. At least he hadn't encountered more guards, though the continued alarms meant they were still searching for him.
Strangely, Goku noticed he was drenched in far more blood than just his injuries could account for. Had he been hurt worse than he recalled?
The gaps in his memory after the gas knocked him out were troubling. Luckily the effects of the gas had left his system and he wasn't recaptured.
Rounding a corner, he skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with a petite young woman in a lab coat emerging from a side room. She let out a startled yelp, the metal cart stacked with medical supplies rattling as she jumped back.
Her eyes went wide at the sight of Goku. Disheveled clothes soaked in blood, grime smeared across his face. Between his appearance and the continued wailing sirens, it was not hard to assume the worst. Especially in a place like this.
"Oh god, please don't kill me!" she sobbed, shrinking back against the wall and covering her face. "I don't want to die!"
Goku blinked in surprise. "I just need directions out of here."
The woman slowly lowered her hands, tears glistening in her eyes. She seemed ready to bolt at any second.
The woman shakily gave Goku the directions to escape the facility. As soon as she finished, he gave her a quick "Thank you!" and sprinted off down the hall.
The woman nearly collapsed in relief. But before she could even catch her breath, Goku suddenly skidded to a halt and turned back toward her.
She couldn't stop the scream that tore from her throat as the bloodied boy charged back in her direction.
"Sorry, I already forgot the directions again," Goku explained sheepishly as he reached her. "Could you please repeat them?"
Heart pounding, the woman stammered the directions out again, now in very specific detail. She pressed herself against the wall, ready to run if he made any threatening moves.
"Got it, thank you so much!" Goku said brightly after making her repeat it twice more to be sure he memorized it. He then dashed away again at full speed.
Goku shook his head as he ran, confused by the woman's screams and obvious terror. All he did was ask for help finding his way out. Some people were just strange he guessed.
The woman slid to the floor, dizzy with relief as Goku disappeared from view once more.
Goku raced through the halls, freedom seeming within reach.
He soon heard two people talking. Goku slowed down and peered around the corner. There stood the two men in black suits. He immediately recognized them as the agents who tried to take Yuka's orange ball last time.
They must know something about whatever killed Yuka and stole her ball. Pressing himself against the wall, Goku strained to listen as they talked.
"Did one of the horned girls break out?" one asked.
"Nah, it's that damn monkey kid again, the one who took that dragon ball from us," the other replied.
"Already? Didn't they just capture him? That kid is making us look like fools."
"This damn dragon radar isn't detecting the ball anymore," the other agent growled, smacking the device in his palm. "Nothing but interference here."
"Must be the EM fields messing with the sensors," his partner replied, casually leaning against the wall. "Prototype tech still needs work.
"It'll be hard to detect, especially if it's already here. So we've probably retrieved the ball already anyway."
Realization dawned on Goku. They had used this radar to track down Yuka's ball before. If he could get it, he could find the monster who stole it.
Steeling himself, Goku leaped out from hiding, sprinting straight toward the surprised agents. He snatched the device from one's hand before they could react.
"Thanks!" Goku said with a wide grin.
"It's him!" one shouted, both drawing their pistols. But Goku was already fleeing down the hall as shots ricocheted behind him.
Gripping the mysterious radar tightly, Goku now had a way to find that monster.
Goku studied the dragon radar as he ran, but the screen didn't show anything. He recalled the agents mentioning interference from the facility's EM fields. He had to get outside if he wanted to use the device properly.
After many twists and turns through stark white corridors, Goku finally located an exit. Bursting through the heavy doors, he soon found himself on a rocky cliff, surrounded by crashing ocean waves below. The facility was on a remote island.
Goku's heart sank as armed soldiers emerged from concealed positions, cutting off any escape. Kakuzawa's amplified voice echoed from behind them on the megaphone.
"Give up! There is no escape this time. Surrender, or die."
Goku glanced at the radar as it flickered. He was getting a signal! But he needed time.
Making his decision, Goku turned and leaped from the cliffside without hesitation. Gunfire erupted around him as he plunged toward the churning sea below.
"Sir, the target escaped into the sea. What are your orders?" one soldier asked, turning to Kakuzawa.
Kakuzawa scowled down at the waves churning below. "That boy is far too stubborn to die so easily. Ready the helicopters immediately!" he barked.
After a few heart-stopping seconds of freefall, Goku hit the water hard and instantly submerged.
Struggling against the disorientation, he kicked until his head broke the surface. Now floating, he checked the radar in his hand. It was still functioning!
The display showed a single blinking dot - the location of the ball. Goku quickly got his bearings and oriented himself in the proper direction. He had to hurry before they got him.
Taking a deep breath, Goku began spinning his arms in sweeping circular motions, building speed rapidly like a propeller. He shot forward faster than a speed boat, slicing through the waves toward his target.
Kurama slowly regained consciousness, his mind foggy and body aching. As his vision came into focus, he realized he was lying in a bed in the facility's medical wing. Various monitors and IVs surrounded him.
How was he still alive? His last memory was of the feral boy about to strike him down with a crackling blue energy attack. By all accounts, he should be dead.
The door slid open and Professor Kakuzawa entered. "Kurama, good to see you're still alive."
Kurama tried to respond but only managed a strained cough. Kurama took a small sip of water to wet his parched throat before speaking again.
"What...happened to the boy?" Kurama rasped out slowly.
Kakuzawa's frown deepened. "I'm afraid he managed to escape. He leaped from the seacliff before we could stop him. The helicopters surveyed the waters but found no trace. The boy is most likely alive."
Kurama closed his eyes, feeling the weight of failure bearing down. There would surely be consequences.
After a few moments, Kurama spoke again, his voice strained. "How...how am I still alive? That boy should have killed me."
Kakuzawa nodded grimly. "Indeed, by all accounts, you should be dead. Me and a few other guards came across your unconscious, bloodied body. I assume that boy did it to you, right?"
Kurama's brow furrowed in confusion. The feral child had him completely at his mercy. Why had he refrained from delivering the finishing blow?
"I do not understand..." Kurama whispered. "He could have easily killed me. Why did he stop?"
"Perhaps some flicker of humanity stirred in him briefly. Or maybe he wished for you to suffer rather than receive a quick death."
Kurama sank back, pondering the inexplicable turn of events. By all rights, he should have joined the facility's many other victims. Yet here he was, still drawing breath.
Kakuzawa reached into his coat and pulled out a small green bean. "I'm sure you want this."
Kurama eyed it warily, but his injuries left him unable to even lift a hand.
Seeing his hesitation, Kakuzawa continued, "Do not worry, it is no poison. We tested it on that wounded girl we accidentally shot while capturing Lucy. You saw the results yourself."
Too exhausted to argue, Kurama simply opened his mouth as his arms were useless. Kakuzawa placed the bean above before dropping it in. The effect was instantaneous. Warmth flooded Kurama's body, pain vanishing entirely. He sat upright in shock.
"Incredible..." Kurama flexed his previously broken limbs in wonder. All injuries were completely healed.
"Yes, a miraculous medicine indeed." Kakuzawa nodded. "But do not think this makes you invincible. These beans are exceptionally rare."
Kurama met his stern gaze. "I cannot make promises as this isn't my first time facing death. But I am no fool seeking to throw my life away recklessly."
Kurama let his feet touch the ground and his arms hung over his legs. He was facing Kakuzawa with a stern look. "That damn boy played us like fools."
Goku had held his true colors and powers from them ready to strike. Kurama remembers seeing the blood-drenched boy and his sadistic look.
Before, he wondered if Goku deserved to be here even though he wasn't a Diclonius. But this has confirmed the boy should never see the light of day. No matter what, they had to capture him.
Kurama's mind was still reeling from what he had witnessed Goku do. The sheer power the boy wielded...he had never seen anything like it.
He recalled the glowing orange beam that erupted from Goku's mouth. And that orb of crackling blue energy he held in his palm. Kurama shuddered to imagine its destructive potential.
"Just what kind of power did that boy showcase?" Kurama muttered. "It seems...insane."
Kakuzawa leaned back pensively. "I may have some idea. My father, the director, often spoke of the existence of 'Ki'."
Kurama looked at him sharply. "Ki?" He thinks he may have heard something like that.
"Yes, an innate spiritual energy that flows through all living beings."
Kakuzawa leaned forward in his chair, a dangerous glint in his eye. "My father told me this 'Ki' energy can be harnessed and turned into a destructive force that even normal humans can wield with proper training."
Kurama's eyes widened. "Is that so? Then this boy's existence seems to prove your father's claims."
"Indeed," Kakuzawa replied.
It raised an important question. Does this mean the boy's entire species has the innate ability to utilize Ki in this way?
Kurama felt a chill at the thought. If there is a whole race of beings with such power it would be catastrophic. Still, he clung to a faint hope that perhaps the boy was the only one of his kind.
"This makes the successful capture and study of the boy as crucial as our research on the Diclonius."
"You believe insights from him could allow humans to weaponize this 'Ki' as well?"
"Yes, exactly," Kakuzawa confirmed with an eager glint in his eye.
Kakuzawa continued steadily. "Fortunately, even without the boy in custody, we can still unlock the genetic secrets of his abilities from the DNA samples we have."
Kurama silently resigned himself to facilitating the research for now. But he vowed to himself to find a way to capture that boy and any others of his kind. No matter the cost.
After swimming for miles, Goku finally reached land. A remote coastline leading to densely forested mountains. Checking the dragon radar in his hand, he saw the ball was still far inland.
The blood previously drenching Goku's clothes had been washed away by the salt water.
"Just...a little...further," Goku panted aloud, willing himself onward.
The trees gradually thinned as craggy mountain peaks came into view ahead. Goku scaled treacherous cliffs and narrow paths, determination driving him forward.
Just as the sun began dipping low again, Goku came across an enormous pole. He started to look around for any signs of the creature or the ball.
"Strange the radar showed the ball was here."
Squinting against the setting sun, Goku realized it was an impossibly tall tower extending skyward. Of course! The dragon ball must be at the summit.
Craning his neck, all Goku could see were clouds surrounding the upper reaches of the large structure. It would be a long, tough climb.
Goku took a deep breath, shaking out his exhausted limbs. "I'm going to get that ball back, no matter how high I have to go."
Rolling his shoulders, he approached the tower's base and with a leap, he latched onto the side and began to climb.
I'm finally done with this chapter. It took longer than it should have because I kept procrastinating. Now everyone had to wait a week again for another chapter. But this chapter is pretty long. In fact, I think it's the longest one yet. I was originally gonna split it but I wanted to get it over with. So this is basically two chapters. Hopefully that makes up for lost time.
It seems Kakarot has finally shown up again and he was not happy. Those gases put only Goku to sleep. After all the stress he was put under, it was bound to happen. Lucky Goku awoke again once the effects left his body. Maybe Kakarot would show up in the future again. Who knows?
Goku has been taking a hard beating the whole time. This Zenkai Boost gonna be crazy.
Goku has escaped though, and he has started the search for the Dragon Ball. He might even find out their true purpose.
Well, now it seems the chapter ends off with Goku ready to climb a certain tower. What will happen when Goku reaches the top? Find out the next chapter.
