Chapter 19 - Grand Zeno
The fight started with Gohan and Hit, but it was obvious Gohan didn't have his heart in the fight. He seemed as distracted as I felt. Ignoring the worried looks my family was sending me, I focused on removing my anxiety and tried to enter a meditative state.
I entered my Spirit Space easily and it had once again changed.
The two paths of power were still there, one to Saiyan Divinity and the other to Human Divinity. The representations of the pathways now looked like vibrant hallways containing all of the power I could access from each path.
I turned to the massive gyrosphere, somehow even larger than the last time I saw it. Even though I hadn't used my Destruction Ki, it still built up, as if some sort of conceptual idea of Destruction had fueled the growth of the gyrosphere.
The massive size increase could be some side effect of reforming my body using Divine Ki. Something that feels more and more impossible the more I think about it.
But how did I go from wanting to become intangible to breaking my physical form and ascending into a fully Spiritual State?
I have no idea how it happened.
It was then that I felt two presences next to me. I was on the end of the bench for the Universe 7 fighters and I opened my eyes to see two people I wasn't expecting.
Krillin was sitting to my right, looking over at me with worry. To my left was Master Roshi leaning on his staff, which was even more surprising. This was a character that I had always liked back before I lived here but the perversion stuff makes it hard to want to interact with him. Seeing him here now was strange but not off-putting.
"Heya, Chiyo. You doin' alright?" Krillin asked.
I smiled slightly at him, not having the emotion or energy to fuel the full extent of my expression, "I...don't know."
He nodded, "I won't lie to you Chiyo, you had a lot of us worried...for your energy to fully wink out like that...well it was something none of us wants to feel." I could sense him succeeding in leaving the 'again' out of his statement.
Master Roshi made a thinking noise as he watched Gohan and Hit fight, "Hmm, well Chiyo, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly were you trying to do when it happened?"
I sighed, "I was trying to go intangible, to make it so that Hit's attacks sort of phased through me...I didn't expect my body would disperse like that...once it started I sort of just kept going down the path until I got there..."
The two monks stared at the fight while digesting my words, Gohan took a devastating strike but tanked it with a grunt.
"I have a feeling that what you did, is something that I have been trying to figure out for many years," Master Roshi paused but still looked forward.
I kept glancing at him as he stoically stood there next to me. "But...I think you just discovered the first step to a state of spiritual enlightenment and if your brother wasn't here... you weren't coming back. Were you?" Roshi asked.
I looked at my hands and shook my head, "I wasn't ready for it...I was a fool to have attempted it."
"Hmmm, I don't think you're a fool at all Chiyo. You were in an intense fight against a crazy-strong opponent and you did what you could to try and win. It just didn't work out as you had planned is all," Krillin said.
"But if I didn't have Gohan...I would have been lost at sea."
That perked up Master Roshi, "Lost at sea you say..."
I nodded, "Whatever I did...Ascending Whis calls it. It felt like I was a melting ice cube in an infinite ocean...one in which I was becoming a part of as I turned into water."
He nodded, "I think I know the feeling."
I snapped up to look at him, "You have done it?"
"No..." Roshi said while wincing at one of Gohan's punches against Hit. It seems he had slightly turned the tables, "But, I think I know a bit about it. Whenever I meditate for a long enough time, I can feel it...the Spiritual Sea I have been calling it. Forgive me for asking Chiyo, but what was the feeling when you crossed over?"
"I just remember my body and Ki going in every direction as I was floating away. My mind kept growing, everything felt so right and welcome, then...I felt Gohan call me. Strangest part was it felt like more came back after it happened. I don't understand it," I said.
It was then that Whis interjected, "Ahem, I don't mean to intrude, but there is more that you are missing as well."
The three of us looked over, and even Tien, Goku, and Vegeta listened to what Whis had to say.
"What else are we missing?" Krillin asked.
"She didn't just break from her physical form, she reformed her body from Divine Ki and while in the Spiritual Sea no less. It is surprising that you still have your mind intact. I can't describe the impossibility of coming back from the Spiritual Sea two times, by fluke or not it is an incredible feat," Whis sort of explained.
"Wait...two times?" Krillin asked.
"I...I wasn't born..." I said slowly, "I was wished into existence by Goten...I have been in the Spiritual Sea before?"
Krillin knew that but fully addressing it was something else.
Whis nodded, "Indeed, Princess. You also ascended from your mortal form, now fully stepping into Godhood."
My heart dropped in worry at that, but I wasn't sure why. I wanted the power right? To protect what I care about?
It was my dad's turn to speak, "Oh wow! What does that mean, Whis? Is she super strong now?"
Whis laughed and a smile landed on my face. Leave it to Goku to break the tension.
"Well, I don't know if she is any stronger, but I wager using mortal Ki will be...less fulfilling than before. But at the same time, Divine Ki will flow much easier," Whis said.
"Not going to tell her yet Whis?" Beerus asked, not looking at us while watching the fight.
Whis sighed, looking down as well, "I am not sure that it would matter, she is already on her way. It seems like my intervention won't matter at all."
"Mmm..." Beerus said. But it drew all of our attention, "Maybe just give her the outline of it."
"Very well my lord," Whis began. "It seems you have once again taken another step towards becoming a Destroyer. I believe you have achieved a few of the 17 required steps to fully unlock a Destroyer's Form. It is strange how you seem to be sprinting through these steps, but worry not Princess, many of them will require an Angel's Guidance and are not so much about your past insights."
"What does the Spiritual Sea have to do with Destruction?" I asked.
"Where do you think living things go when Destroyed?" Beerus asked derisively.
"Uhhh, the Other World?"
Beerus and Whis both laughed.
"No Chiyo, only fully formed souls that have died go beyond to face judgment. Those who have been Destroyed go back to the essence of spirituality. They do not keep their knowledge or identities, they are gone," Whis explained.
That was a huge blast of knowledge right there so I just put it aside for now, vowing to come back and think on it.
"Either way, I am glad you are alright Chiyo. The world would be a worse place without you," Krillin said trying to keep the divine insights into life, death, and destruction at bay while we still sat here.
"Yeah! Krillin is right! You might not have been born by Chichi, but you are my daughter as much as Gohan is!" Goku said.
"But Goku...Gohan isn't your daughter," Krillin said.
"What?"
Despite my mood, I laughed at that, "I am glad I survived, but I just wish the move worked like I wanted it to. I thought I had a solid chance against Hit." I figured bringing the topic back around to something more at the moment would work.
Tien, who hadn't said anything as he split his attention between our conversation and Gohan's fight, finally spoke up, "You did damn well against Hit. You are right about his Time Skip ability, it is something special."
I looked up at him, curious as to whether or not he figured it out, but nodded anyway, "Thanks."
A surge of pain and frustration broke through my mind as my connection to Gohan ignited. I snapped my vision to the ring and Gohan was kneeling in pain, clutching his neck. I could feel him fighting the pain but he just looked up and sighed.
"Alright, Hit. I will let the next fighter go, as we agreed," Gohan said, apparently making a deal with Hit much like I did.
Hit just nodded once and put his hands in his pockets.
"WHAT!? YOU LITTLE..." Beerus yelled at Gohan but was interrupted by Champa.
"HAHAHAHAAAAA Looks like you're running out of fighters, Beerus! Why don't you just give up now!? I don't want to have to embarrass you!"
"Grrrrrr, HOW DARE YOU QUIT LIKE THAT, GOHAN! I SHOULD DESTROY YOU WHERE YOU STAND!"
Gohan just smiled, "Don't worry Lord Beerus, Tien here has this fight in the bag."
"You better be right!" Beerus said while trying to act unfazed. He was shaking in anger though.
It was so strange to see as I couldn't muster any burning emotions like that. Just...dazed and tired.
I looked over to the stands, Goten and my mom were both looking at Gohan with worry. There was the Galactic King and a few members of the Galactic Patrol, all of our friends and family, mine and Gohan and Videl's bodyguards, and the camera crew.
I realized that Kiara, my Kitsune bodyguard and more, was looking at me with tears in her eyes. I felt guilty, but once again it was muted. I smiled at her and she seemed to slightly relax at that, she wasn't happy though. I sighed.
Gohan sat next to Krillin and looked over at me as Tien flew off to the ring.
"You alright?" I asked him before pushing some healing at him.
"I am fine, save your energy. I will be alright," Gohan said but I could feel his worry through our bond.
"Save it for what? This is what it's for!" I said.
"Just to stay awake? I can feel how tired you are and your Ki keeps fluctuating."
"Yeah, he's right, maybe just take it easy, Chiyo!" Krillin said.
"Alright..." I didn't like not being able to heal my brother, but I knew he was tough enough to deal with it.
Instead, I focused on the next fight, the one that I believed had the best chance at defeating Hit first.
Tien looked across the stone ring at the assassin. His stance had changed no less than 6 times in the fights so far. His technique kept changing constantly, as he focused on different parts of his seemingly endless repertoire, picking and choosing different things to use as potential counters to each different thing an opponent had.
But there was one that he continued to use regardless of who or what he was facing.
His Time Skip.
This is the entire reason that Chiyo had brought Tien instead of Piccolo and he knew it. But semantics didn't matter to him, just learning this technique and how to use it against Hit.
He wasted no time powering up, activating his Four Witches Technique, then fully accessing his Divine Triclops bloodline and he grew. He stopped growing as his form leveled out at 12 feet tall.
Hit didn't react, only followed his rising head level with his eyes.
"Constant Tien Shinhan is next! Let the fight, BEGIIINN!" The announcer said.
Tien set himself in his combat stance and waited.
Hit seemed to accept his request and activated Time Skip.
Tien saw everything.
"What do you think Sis? Hit or Tien?"
"Depends on if my gamble for Tien to copy Hit's Time Skip ability works or not. He has the power though," I said.
Whis caught my words and turned to me, "Oh? Do you know something we don't?"
Beerus also turned lazily, "Go on then, spit it out."
I smiled, "Tien is a master martial artist, no doubt about it. But his true potential comes from his Mimicry ability...And his Divine Ki, of course."
"Mimicry is it?" Beerus asked skeptically.
Whis looked into the orb on his staff and said, "Hmm, it seems that Tien has an interesting ability. Using his Psionic and Ki energies in tandem, he can witness the flow of Ki, the mental state of his opponent, and how people use techniques with Ki. Enabling him to instantly copy them. He would then of course know how to use them indefinitely, even improve on them in practice."
Beerus looked down at Tien with wide eyes, then back to me, he scoffed but I could tell he was excited. The God was so easy to read, "Well done with your squad selection Princess...seems as though you have slightly redeemed yourself for the loss."
"Thank you, Lord Beerus."
I hid my smile and watched the fight.
Hit disappeared in his Time Skip.
Tien was hit in the neck, side, and knee when time caught up with Hit. But he didn't grunt in pain, only stood strong and smiled.
Tien then spoke, "Is that all you got?"
Hit's eyes narrowed, "Just wait."
Hit had been dealing with these damn powerhouses all night. It was worth it though...worth it to expand his domain. Having a Hexahedron would enable him to travel to other universes, bringing his grim business to new horizons.
After the last thousand years, his name had spread far and wide, a reputation for instant death with no hope of survival was well earned.
They called him Never-Miss Hit, and that didn't just mean his accuracy, but rather the millions of targets that had found themselves in his sights. He never missed a target.
That was part of the problem with this tournament...he couldn't kill anyone. Fighting two of those crazy Saiyans that could access some crazy power-up through screaming and light shows had been a drain. But that didn't change his goal.
This time a three-eyed man stood before him. He had only a few more to beat, this one would be next.
His first engagement did some serious damage but didn't drop the man to his knees or anything.
He started with his second engagement, entering the world of displaced time. HIS world. That is where he lived, where he reaped the lives of his targets.
There could be no better place for him.
Imagine his surprise when Tien's fist came slamming into him the moment he activated it.
Hit stumbled back with a grunt, clutching his stomach. Looking up, he saw a stern-faced warrior with four arms and three glowing white eyes standing before him.
The man looked like a brute, but had he really just used Hit's Time Skip, HIS WORLD against him?
"So, the next stage of the fight begins," Hit said as he brushed off the pain.
Tien didn't say anything, only activated his new Time Skip ability.
This was a difficult fight to follow, the combatants literally pulling ahead of us in the stream of time. It was like watching a Saiyan fight when you had no power...essentially just clashes of blasting force that seemed to make the realm shake.
The sound of the activation of Time Skip, or rather the sound of someone using their Ki to push themselves forward into time was unique and it would continue to ring through the energy dome holding our air inside as both fighters constantly activated it.
"I can't even see what's happening, what a bore..." Beerus said, earning a scoff from Whis. I love their dynamic.
I could even hear Vados doing much the same to Champa.
The clashes stopped and I focused down at the arena floor. Hit was kneeling, more beat up than I have ever seen him while breathing heavily. It looked like the blood was rushing to his head as his eyes sort of buzzed to get into focus again.
Tien was in much better shape, though he had a bloody lip and was holding his left side with one of his four arms.
"I am usually the most adaptive and evolving fighter in any place I find myself...but you learned my Time Skip in no time..." Hit didn't look mad.
Instead, he smiled.
Tien returned it, "You know, when the Princess told me I could learn something game-changing by fighting you, I had no idea it involved pushing my Ki forward into time."
When Tien mentioned me, Hit looked up and met my eyes, but I remained neutral while holding his gaze.
"It is a strange ability. I don't have any clue how you learned it, but I do know that without my Mimicry ability, I would never be able to use it," Tien finished.
"Hmph," Hit grunted, then disappeared in a Time Skip.
This one was different though, as Tien came flying out of his own Time Skip, smashing into the floor with a roll.
Hit stood there with a small smirk on his face, "Hah, I did it..."
"What the hell?" Tien said before he realized what had happened, "You pushed it further into the future than before. How the hell?"
Hit slightly chuckled, "I know I don't seem like a light-show powerhouse like those Saiyans, but I have my abilities...I progress through competency."
Tien nodded as he got up, "Honestly, without the Princess, I never would have achieved these levels of power. I thought I was approaching my potential's end. Even as my old rivals and friends surpassed me and stepped into the divine realms of power. But then she told me how wrong I was and that the limit is just something I had mentally accepted that caused me to stop growing."
Hit once again glanced at the stands.
"She was right..." Tien set himself in a power stance and focused his Ki.
He was already in a Divine State, but he hadn't reached into its depths as far as he would liked.
He pulled from deep within and space itself seemed to rend around him, its fabric tearing. A massive aura, like a star in the void, sprang up from Tien as he focused on charging a blast.
His eyes flashed and three beams of white light burst from his eyes, the light and pressure filling the arena. The stone at his feet didn't break, but rather bent and moved in the face of his power.
Tien disappeared as if leaving time altogether. His fist came crashing through Hit, enough force to level a mountain, and Hit went flying.
Before he left the ring, Tien disappeared once again, Time Skip activating.
Tien appeared in the air above Hit, a full Tri-Beam charged as he held his hands in a triangle. He released his breath through his hands which acted as a Ki-focus, and the three-sided beam crashed down into Hit's dazed and flying body. It smashed him down into the ring, the stone shattering and disintegrating.
When he released the beam, the dust cleared and all that remained was a triangular hole in the ring, Hit laying on the surface of the unharmed Dragon Ball.
The announcer ran to the cooling edge of the stone and peered down at Hit. He wasn't unconscious but was on his back with wide eyes, fully touching the Super Dragon Ball.
"Contestant Hit is out! Contestant Tien WINNNNNS!" The announcer yelled.
"WELL DONE TIEN! Hahahaha!" Beerus yelled, standing on his seat.
"NNOOOOOOOOOOO!" Champa yelled.
I knew things were sketchy here, so I kept my eyes on Champa and the ring, knowing our last guest and his two attendants would be showing up any second.
Champa was over there ranting and raging, threatening to destroy all of his fighters.
I just barely made out the last of his words, "...going to destroy, ALL OF YOU!"
He held both of his hands out and destruction Ki orbs built up strength.
My dad was listening after he flew over to the other ring, "You can't!"
"Now Goku, don't go stepping out of line forgetting your place," Beerus said while inspecting his claws.
"Yeah, but Lord Beerus we can't just stand by-" my dad interrupted.
"Look, you all did well enough in your own way, and for that, you have my praise. But the competition is over now, which means your time in the spotlight has come to an end."
Champa spoke next, "That's right! So from here on out, we gods are back in charge and running the show again! You got that!? We make the rules around here! All you stupid puppets just shut up and do as you're told!"
Champa then started an evil laugh, like some kind of villain...it would be funny if he wasn't capable of destroying planets with a sneeze.
Beerus then turned to my dad, "That being said, if you wanted to challenge a Destroyer in hopes of changing the rules, then I am sure we can arrange something."
Beerus's calm smile was more terrifying than I was expecting, a purple destructive aura slightly manifested around him.
But it was already too late for that, the final guest had arrived, silently and I only noticed cause I was watching for it.
I quickly moved around and sat right next to Lord Beerus. He side-eyed me but didn't say anything.
I whispered to him, "Is that the Omni-King?" I asked.
Whis fully knew that I already knew it was, but Beerus's expression was something I would remember forever.
His eyes went wider than his eye sockets as they nearly popped out, "It can't be!" Beerus said, true fear in his voice.
I understood it. There stood the biggest threat to my family's existence. The biggest threat to many universes, not just mine, was just standing there with a blank look on his face.
"GRAND ZENO!?" Beerus and Champa both shouted simultaneously.
The announcer finally noticed them, "Our ring has been invaded! Who could these mysterious purple-clad invaders be?"
One of the Omni-King's Guard looked over at the announcer with a terrifying gaze. The announcer stumbled back a bit.
Vegeta spoke up to my left, Krillin had gone back to the stands where my dad was so Vegeta sat down, "Who is this alien child?"
Tien, who had just landed back on our floating observer island asked, "Is he lost or something? We are in the void, right?"
I turned and shushed them, "Quiet!"
Beerus's fearful and reverent voice spoke out, "Silence mortals! Grand Zeno is no mere child! That is the Omni-King, supreme ruler of all 12 universes!"
That shut everyone up.
"Do you really think it's proper to remain up here my lord?" Whis asked. "Causing us to look down on the Omniking."
"Of course I don't! Come on!" Beerus said and moved with haste to fly down to the ring.
"Hmm," Whis said.
"What is Grand Zeno doing here!?" Champa said.
Both Destroyers were sweating as they bowed, fully 90 degrees, "Welcome Grand Zeno! You grace us with your presence!"
I watched the Supreme Kai's from both 6 and 7 show up, and Vegeta asked me a question, "Is this real? He is the ruler?"
I nodded and quickly looked at him, his eyes didn't leave the ring, "Yeah, he can erase everything."
"...you were having a fight without me and I thought it looked really fun. I was thinking that we could get all of the universes together sometime and have a tournament, wouldn't that be fun?" Grand Zeno asked.
I looked over to my dad, who had been listening to the whole thing, "Oh, hell yeah! That would be totally awesome little dude!"
"What Kakarat! No!" Vegetta said I could feel the horror in the Kais and the Destroyers aura's as my dad said that and walked forward.
I spoke quietly over to Vegeta, "This happens, it must."
He flew down to the stage, and all of Universe 6 and 7 fighters joined him. I did as well.
My dad walked forward, past Beerus, "Can we do it? A tournament?"
Beerus spoke up in horror as Zeno's guards did some weird ground-warping thing to appear in front of Goku, "Stop! What are you doing?"
"Heya, I just wanna talk!" Goku said, the two guards just shook their heads.
My dad pinched his fingers, "Just a liiitttle talk?"
They shook their heads again.
"You are an insignificant mortal! You shouldn't even be laying your eyes on the Omniking let alone speak to him!" Beerus yelled.
"He can talk, it's okay," Zeno said, his voice pleasant.
"Grand Zeno, are you sure?" Beerus asked, but he was ignored.
Zeno walked right up to my dad, each step making some weird sound, "You had some good matches, huh?"
My dad rubbed the back of his head and laughed while actually blushing. I swear, he is such a battle maniac!
He turned to Universe 6, "You hear that? Some good matches!"
"Okey-dokey! We can have a tournament real soon, okay?" Zeno said.
"Sounds like a plan, buddy!" Goku said, holding his hand out to shake.
Zeno tilted his head at my dad's hand, "Come on little buddy! I won't bite!"
He shook his hand and to everyone's horror, he lifted Zeno off the ground with the shake.
The collectively held breath of everyone watching was released when he landed safely.
"It's okay everybody! You're funny, and I like funny. I'm leaving now, bye-bye!"
"Great meeting you! See you soon!" Goku said.
"Mhm!" Zeno said.
The destroyers bowed, "Thank you for coming, sire!"
"Mhm!"
The attendants each grabbed one of Zeno's hands and then saluted us with their other one, "Later Gators!"
They took off at Angel speeds and the Destroyers and Kai's breathed out in relief.
Beerus spoke up, "Listen you fool! If the Omniking ever felt like it, he could annihilate all twelve universes in the blink of an eye!"
"Wow, that's impressive, but why would he ever do that? He seems like a nice guy to me! Plus, if you want to have a tournament you gotta have fighters, right? Heehee."
Beerus just sighed at my dad's relentless happiness, "Ugh, that was so stressful that I am not even excited about winning anymore
"Hah! I don't blame you, brother! If Grand Zeno's holding a tournament then this one is nothing but practice for the real event! So don't try to brag about it! I don't care!" Champa yelled.
"Hah! Care or not, you can't weasle out of our bet!" Beerus said.
"I know that! The Super Dragon balls are yours! Hah! Let's go!" He stormed off. He turned to his fighters, "Let's go losers! If Grand Zeno likes watching you, then I'll just have to bring you to the next one and hope you won't suck!"
A few of them sighed, but then Cabba came over to me and I once again felt bad for changing the timeline. I stole Vegeta's connection to Sadala in Universe 6. We can fix that eventually though.
"My lady, I honestly hope that you can one day make it to Sadala, I would love to show you around!" He bowed at me.
I smiled and said, "Thank you Cabba, I will bring our Saiyans including Prince Vegeta if we do...though it probably won't be until after the Tournament of Power..."
Whis sighed, "Of course, she knows what it's called before Grand Zeno named it..."
My dad tried to get Hit to find him for a fight, but the assassin just sighed and walked off, oddly enough he looked at me once up and down then walked away. I had to hide my blush...those eyes were as sharp as his strikes.
Universe 6's contestants, Vados, and Champa all took off. I could feel that Beerus was getting frustrated but I had one thing I wanted to ask of him before we continued.
"Lord Beerus, I have brought you some extra snacks..." I held out a tray that I pulled from a capsule. It immediately had his attention, eyes suspicious.
"And why would you only offer that now, as we are leaving...a snack for the trip perhaps?"
"I was thinking that there needs to be one more fight, and it should be a good one, to say the least," I said.
"Go on..."
"Before we summon the Super Shenron or whatever, Goku and Vegeta need to fight...full strength, to see who is the strongest!" I declared.
Looking over, my dad loved the idea and smiled wide while Vegeta smirked at him.
"About time! I thought I would never get to fight today!"
"Awww, but I wanted to fight Hit!" My dad said.
"What!?" Vegeta asked angrily.
"Well, guess that could be fun!" Goku said.
Vegeta just growled.
"Fine, I will allow this, but no playing games! If you both fight, then you do so at your highest level!"
"Right!" Goku said.
"If we are going to be at our best, then I need to try something first!" Goku said.
"What now Kakarat?"
"Heh! You just wait and see!" He powered up to blue in an instant, not worrying about Ki-loss with what he was about to do.
"Heeeuaaaaaaaaaahhh-AHHHHHHHHHH!" Goku began condensing his Divine Ki, folding it, and pushing it through the process required to multiply it.
I was watching from the stands and thought he would try to maybe break through into Ultra Instinct, but then I saw a familiar red glow.
The Kaio-ken technique was powerful, something King Kai invented. I remember hearing that the limit that SHOULD be possible is no more than 2x multiplier, but my dad...the battle freak that he is, was able to manipulate the multiplying effect while drastically reducing the strain.
It was always a miracle that he didn't explode or something because of the strain.
"Kaio-ken times 50!" Goku yelled, and his power burst forth in a red and blue flame. It was incredible. The sheer force of his pressure was enough to send many into a bracing defense. The spectator's stands were pushed back from where they floated.
Whis had to redouble his efforts to keep everything secure.
I looked over to see Vegeta's response and he was predictably scowling,
"Tsch, once again..." He muttered. "Fine then! Be prepared Kakarot! I won't hold back!"
"About time!"
"Grrrrr!" Vegeta wasted no more time and got into a power stance.
He roared and his power went divine immediately. Blue hair and eyes followed by the matching aura rose to match Goku.
It didn't make it.
My dad's multiplier put him in another realm of power.
That was when Vegeta opened the floodgates for the Legendary Super Saiyan, combining it with his Divine Ki.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Vegeta screamed, his hair, and entire eyes with no pupils, and his aura turned into a burning teal color. He grew to nearly Tien's height, passing my dad's eye level.
His power kept rising.
The entire void seemed to shake violently while the ring buckled and collapsed under the weight of both Vegeta and Goku's auras. The work Whis did with a wave of his wand was destroyed just as fast.
A red and blue aura was matched with a teal one, the warriors at their current maximum. This easily put them above Piccolo and Tien, but I wasn't sure if it could surpass Gohan just yet. Not that he can always access it, but when he can it is truly devastating.
I still don't think I could punch a planet to destruction, it's pretty much a ball of mostly molten metal and stone. But Gohan did it when he thought I died, truly terrifying.
The announcer was passed out so I had a clone grab him and the match started with Beerus hitting the gong.
Vegeta and Goku met in the middle with a thunderous crash- winds and force waves blasting away from the impact in a spherical pattern. They briefly locked their punches together, Vegeta broke first as his anger seemed to multiply.
They entered a terrifying melee of destruction. I saw both of them use moves that they didn't usually employ, trying different strategies and techniques from different to break through the other's defenses.
Goku had one of Vegeta's arms in a lock and was able to deliver a kick to his head. Vegeta came back to try and grab his leg, but Goku was waiting for it and pulled both of Vegeta's arms together.
"Hah! Got ya!" Goku yelled.
Vegeta growled again, doing a solid Lord Beerus impression. He flexed his Ki and it burst Goku's grip, Vegeta slammed his head forward and smashed it into Goku's nose.
It was enough to drop his aura for a moment. Vegeta took advantage and smashed him downward with a wild hook.
Goku did a backflip from the power of the punch and landed on his feet. The red and blue aura of Goku's 50 times Kai-ken form reignited and the fight continued.
Regardless of what each tried against the other, these two have been fighting against each other for years. It was just too easy for each of them to read the other. It usually came down to who made the first mistake.
That and power levels.
It started with my dad pulling ahead today at 50 times SSB Kaio-Ken, but Vegeta's Legendary Super Saiyan Form had the power to match whatever was thrown at it and Vegeta had been able to access Divine Ki while in the form. Something I struggled with.
But that changed now as Goku focused his mind and cleared his thoughts. He went back to the Kaio-ken and did what Goku does best.
He improved mid-combat.
"KAIO-KEN TIMES 100!" Goku yelled, and his power once again eclipsed Vegeta's, pushing the bright teal energy back easily.
"Damn!" Vegeta growled and he stared at Goku with shock. I could almost feel him thinking about how Goku keeps surpassing him or something along those lines.
Goku caught his breath for a moment and smirked back at Vegeta.
He disappeared and reappeared with his knee deep into Vegeta's stomach.
"Ahhh!" Vegeta grunted, spit flying.
Goku did a double-fisted smash on Vegeta's back.
He was sent down with enough force to push the Super Dragon Ball away from us, even if it was only a few feet.
"Whoa," Tien said.
"Yeah that is no joke..." I just realized that Chiaotzu was over with the families and stuff, the presence of Lord Beerus must have been enough to keep him away.
Whis pulled all the floating platforms together again with a wave of his staff.
Vegeta stood, his rage now taking over. His solid teal eyes flashed and grew so bright that they turned white with just a teal afterthought.
His hair grew longer, though still stayed teal. It was longer than the length it grew to in Super Saiyan 2, but not as long as Goku's was in Super Saiyan 3. It was interesting though.
He flew up with extreme speed, his fist going straight through Goku's After Image.
I could almost feel his rage click over falling for a simple thing. His power burst once again, not as much as the response to being slammed, but it still grew.
"KAKAROOOOOTTT!" Vegeta screamed.
"Kaaaaaaaaameeehhaaaaaa-"
"GRRRR FFINNNAAAALLLLLLLL-" Vegeta didn't wait to start pouring Ki into a Final Flash.
"HAAAAAAHHHHH!""FLAAAASHHHH!" Goku released a beautiful blue and red Kamehameha, enough force behind it to make him double down on his stance while Vegeta's Final Flash was white, with a teal aura. He didn't get to fully charge it, so he would have to make up for that by pouring everything he had into the beam as it began a contest.
The two warriors were screaming as the massive orb grew in size. Whis quickly pulled all of the floating platforms away, sighing as he completed his work.
The clash continued for nearly 20 seconds before anything changed. I heard Vegeta yell at Goku, "Damn you Kakarot! I will not lose!"
Goku didn't reply but pulled all he could and put it into the clash.
It felt like the entire Void was shaking as the clash continued well past half a minute. They were outputting enough energy to destroy galaxies.
"RRAAAHHHHHHH!" Vegeta screamed as he found something from deep within. More power came and pushed the massive sphere of power back. I knew this could pretty much destroy anything it touched, so I was alright with losing clear sight of them due to the distance Whis pulled us all back.
I was surprised that Beerus didn't say anything but he just looked content eating snacks and watching the fight. Seemingly exhausted from his interaction with Zeno.
I marveled at the display, it was surreal. A dual-colored star that was being fueled by two gods exploded into existence.
The seven golden orbs reflected the light from the clash. The background was the strange void of this place, not quite dark and not quite empty. I grabbed my wristwatch and took a picture of it.
What was surprising was that the clash continued...they had so much power that they could just keep pouring it into this fight.
The waves of Ki held their roars as they scoured the Void, both Saiyans pouring it all into this fight. Inwardly I could only smile. I laid the foundation for the Tournament of Power while avoiding the warning that Grand Zeno was originally going to deliver.
He planned on destroying everything if the average power levels of the lower universes out of the twelve didn't increase. I just wonder how much he knows.
Zeno just seems like a being with strange knowledge, seeing things from such a high perspective that he plays marbles with fully formed worlds. His Erasing Ability is reality-altering.
I was shaken from my thoughts again as the clash in the distance came to an end from one point. It seems like my dad ran out of Ki.
He hadn't had a Senzu Bean or anything and had fought a few times before this fight. But I think it was more than that...the Legendary Super Saiyan in the hands of the angriest person I know is a devastating combination.
I still can't feel any regret for giving that power up, I don't like the blind rage and having to constantly fight it for control. When I get too close to the Oozaru I become colder in my thoughts, my actions more linear and focused. My Ascended Human form leaves me feeling comfortable with my power and place, an odd feeling of belonging to the world around me.
"Wow, I can't believe Goku lost!" Krillin said.
"He's unconscious, but could probably use some-" Piccolo began.
I used Instant Transmission and popped over to where my dad's body was floating. When I left the Hexahedron, I pulled my Divine Ki around me, but even with that, the Void was rough. It constantly pulled on me, as if trying to rip my body apart.
I didn't hesitate, but Instant Transmissioned back with my dad's unconscious body. I dropped enough healing into him for him to wake up and we had a Senzu ready.
He thanked me and started talking to everyone, but I Instant Transmissioned back over to Vegeta.
He was floating in the void almost relaxed with his eyes closed. I stared at him for a second and he opened one eye. I raised an eyebrow and held out my hand. I couldn't hear the scoff, but I could feel it. He still begrudgingly took my hand and I took us back to the Hexahedron. .
It was time to summon Super Shenron.
"And you know the words? Exactly how they should be spoken?"
"I do," I said to the skeptical Destroyer.
"Hmph, show me then!" Beerus said like some tsundere.
"Emoc htrof, Enivid nogard, dna tnarg ym hsiw, Peas and Carrots!"
Bulma recoiled, "You just say peas and carrots like that? That can't be right!"
"There is no way to say that in the Divine Tongue!" Beerus said.
"It doesn't have a word that I know...untranslated works," I said.
Then Whis chanted the phrase finishing it with Peas and Carrots. The seven Super Dragon balls went a distance away from us. It was hard to tell except that we could see the entire lineup of them within our vision. So they had to be far away.
Golden lightning went between all of them, they flashed and burst with power that I couldn't sense, though there was a bit of...draconic ki? I am not sure but I got the feeling of a dragon when I sensed it. It was a different level from Shenron.
A cocoon of golden energy, somewhat reminding me of an egg or something, appeared in front of us. There was a weird sort of texture under the golden thing.
A massive red eye opened and I felt the weight of the gaze of this dragon. I took so many pictures.
The many people in the Hexahedron were staring in fear and awe. I was too.
I have seen dragons, but even Shenron and Toronbo didn't compare to this being. The void flashed again and the dragon broke free of its bindings.
A strange disassociation with the normal size scale we dealt with took place. I could see the dragon growing, galaxies, stars, and even small nebulae spawned from its aura. There was nothing in this void until the dragon was summoned. I focused on one galaxy for a second, my Ki sense feeling a whole galaxy worth of life within it as it passed by our Hexahedron.
I shook my head free of the strange scaling, instead focusing on the growing dragon that came no closer or further away, yet still grew beyond comprehension.
This was a true divine being if I have ever seen one. The draconic wing span was galaxies in length as it continued to grow towards the infinite.
The aggressive-looking golden dragon spread its wings and leveled its gaze at us. Its eyes flashed and my eyes closed.
All of a sudden we were in a different space, some kind of echoing dimensional space. Some people freaked out, including my mom, but were all calmed by Whis.
"Worry not earthlings, this is necessary to interact with the dragon. That is all you need to know."
We continued through the strange tunnel that had space, galaxies, golden dragon scales, and more floating around. Size and distance were impossible to discern.
Finally, we met a smaller shape of the dragon after going through some kind of ominous maw.
The dragon leaned down...still bigger than Shenron.
"So are we seeing his actual body now? I don't understand!" Bulma said, but I could sense her mind churning.
"It's hard to explain to a mortal. It's more the nucleus of his being, his core if you like." Beerus said condescendingly.
I rolled my eyes at the comment but wasn't going to say anything until Krillin stage whispered to 18.
"You follow that?"
"Uh uh," She denied.
The dragon spoke up before I could say anything though, in the divine tongue, "You have summoned the Divine Dragon, speak your wish,"
Beerus hummed, "Anything I want, what should I wish for?"
"Are you telling me you haven't even thought of a wish yet?" Bulma asked in outrage.
"SHUT UP HUMAN! I AM THINKING NOW!" Beerus yelled.
The dragon made a loud growling noise. It could just be breathing, but it certainly felt like a growl. I felt an impact on my leg and I looked down at Goten, "Are you okay Chiyo?"
I smiled at him and picked him up, "I am alright buddy, thank you for worrying about me!"
He just put his arms around my neck and I pulled him close. I loved this little ball of destruction, he never failed to put a smile on my face.
Beerus spoke up to Whis, "Alright," He then said in the Divine tongue, "Bring back the Earth in universe 6, along with all of the humans."
"Are you sure that's what you want my lord?" Whis asked.
"It is!"
"Very well," Whis then repeated the wish.
Without hesitation or question the dragon's eyes flashed and I felt...something. It was not Ki but still strange. Usually, I couldn't detect anything when Shenron's wishes were granted. I wasn't sure if it was magic or some other draconic source of power, but I knew his wish was granted.
The dragon said something about him leaving now that this was done, then our surroundings faded to black and we found ourselves in the void again. The strange part was that the dragon balls didn't go in every direction but 4 went one way and 3 went another. I could only assume that they were going to split up between Universe 6 and 7.
Vegeta spoke up, breaking the silence, "Is it over?"
Piccolo replied, "Seems like it."
I couldn't tell if he was mad that I didn't pick him for the fight or not, he just always looked angry except when holding Pan or talking with Gohan.
"Alright, spill it, what did you wish for?" Bulma asked Beerus.
"You do not need to know," Beerus said smugly with his eyes closed.
"Awww, come on, that's not fair. We just fought a whole tournament to get that wish!" Goku said.
"Oh well, if you must know, I asked the dragon to give me a more comfortable bed."
"WHAT!?" Bulma asked, "Are you stupid? You blew the ultimate wish to save a trip to the mattress store?"
"You dare insult a Destroyer?" Beerus asked. "You do remember we Destroy things, right?"
Bulma scoffed then looked at me, and she flinched violently upon seeing my skeptical face looking back at her, "Talking about wasted wishes, huh Bulma?" I devious smirk erupted across my face.
She scoffed again, cheeks red.
"Plus that isn't what he wishes for, turns out Lord Beerus does care about his brother."
"HOW DARE YOU!?" Beerus yelled at me.
Goten yelled back, "Hey! Don't yell at my Chiyo!"
Beerus scoffed at that.
Everyone laughed at that, "Awww, thanks big guy! Protecting your sister already! What a gentleman!" I said.
His cheeks flushed and my mom came over, "Oh, I must be raising him right! Just like his older brother! Protecting those he cares about!"
Goten buried his face in my shoulder and we all laughed at that. I could feel the tension that had been in my chest, in my heart, slowly ease up.
I am alright, I am going to be okay. I hugged my little brother and my mom looked at me as everyone started having their conversations.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" My mom asked. "Since you sort of disappeared and Gohan seemed so worried when he ran into the ring like that..."
I leaned over to her and she embraced me and Goten, "I feel strange, it wasn't supposed to happen like that, but Gohan saved me."
"Oh, my love, it's alright," My mom comforted, her tone the most compassionate I have ever heard. I did my best to hold my tears but a few slipped. I couldn't be sure who saw it, but the cameras were at least off now.
It was an easy trip back to Earth, but we made it in record time thanks to Whis.
Bulma invited everyone to a party the next day since it was already getting late. Almost everyone promised to show up, except for the Galactic King and his staff, including the Galactic Patrol members.
I was pulled aside by my current...girlfriend? It wasn't a relationship like that just yet, and I admit my feelings weren't all there. She was fun, but as far as I could tell neither of us wanted anything more serious. She was concerned about what happened with the Ascension in the fight, Ivan as well.
I gave them the outline of the basics and they calmed a bit, though still looked worried. Ever since the Heeter incident with Elec...well many have been more protective of me, regardless of being one of the strongest beings in the universe...I let my guard down and paid the price.
Today in the ring, I screwed around attempting things I didn't understand with full confidence...and found out what happens when you don't know what you are doing. Without Gohan...my story would have ended right there.
I had an amazing bath, a delicious mom-cooked meal, and a whole 10 hours of sleep. Then I got ready for a party. I loved living with my parents and Goten still, eating as a family, even if Gohan, Videl, and Pan only came by occasionally it was still something I was not ready to be done with.
It was a warm day out, with little to no breeze. I put on a sundress that was super comfy and even had pockets. It was unlike how I usually dressed in casual martial arts gear, but I figured that it would be fine for today. Gathering my hair into a sloppy ponytail, I threw on some sunglasses and went out to find Bulma.
She had her people running around like a hive of bees, setting up stuff on the large patio area in the middle of our housing block. setting up tables, chairs, and even serving booths for food. There was almost as much stuff as we did for her birthday party and I was glad that I didn't have to deal with any of it.
Thinking about it now, in the original timeline, Beerus had to dress up in a costume from that Monaka delivery guy. Satan had it designed and was hoping to turn it into some sort of figurehead for his gym. Of course, he also thought that Monaka was strong...which wasn't true.
Still, Beerus had to dress up in that stupid costume while everyone worked to keep Goku from figuring it out. The whole ruse was topped off with some terrible acting with Vegeta and Piccolo in a successful attempt to hide Beerus's tail when the costume began to fall apart. It almost would have been worth it to watch that happen...almost.
What wasn't as obvious in my memory of the events was the world-shaking power that probably caused terror across the planet. That might be fine in a show, but there would be so many problems if I let that happen. It would be a PR nightmare for the Z Force and would even reflect badly on me as its leader if I just played it off or let it happen.
I know there are things I can't control, but to not stop that would be a failure on my part. Unacceptable.
"Chiyo!" Goten yelled as he flew into me for a huge hug.
Trunks hovered with his arms crossed, unimpressed with the hug.
"Oof! What's up little monsters?" I asked while kissing my adorable little brother on the cheek. He wiped it off.
"Nothin! Trunks and I were just flying around until I saw you!"
"And you and Trunks decided to give your amazing sister a hug!" I said with a devious smile, Trunks' face went red and Goten just laughed.
"Yeah!" Goten said.
"Trunks, you still owe me a hug don't you?"
"W-what? No, I don't! You're crazy Chiyo..." Trunks said while floating a bit away.
It was then that one of my spirit clones appeared behind him and gave him a big old hug.
"CH-CHIYO!" Trunks said as my clone and I laughed deviously.
"You shall never escape me!" My clone said evilly, Goten was laughing and Trunks was trying to escape. I wasn't being mean but I still had no choice but to use my most devastating attack...I tickled him.
After a few minutes of tormenting the little monsters, people began to arrive. I claimed a comfortable deck chair under some shade. I thought it was going to be a casual affair but waiters and things were coming by with delicious fruity drinks and smoothies.
I kept smiling all day, but my heart wasn't in it. Things had distinctly changed for me in this last iteration of my mistakes. I pushed too far and almost died again. I stepped into territory that I had no business dealing with. I have been through a lot of changes in the few years that I have been in this new reality. Experiencing everything from learning what real power felt like, to having a tight-knit group of friends and family.
It has been a great ride and I am not ready to move on. I was so close to losing it.
"Chiyo?" Bulma's voice broke me from my revelry.
I didn't mean to show my feelings on my face, but I am sure she saw the expression that just took over before she said anything. I looked up into her beautiful blue eyes and felt my emotions begin to swell.
"Are you alright?"
I tried to reply, but my emotions surged like a tidal wave and my voice broke, "Yes."
Tears flooded my eyes and Bulma didn't waste a second before pulling me into a hug. I cried, right there on the patio. I cried like the young woman I was. I have divine ki, but I feel like the weight of the world is pushing me down right now, more than I can take.
"Ssshhhh, it's alright, just let it out," Bulma said, rubbing my back.
As my emotions spilled over and I let some held tension go, I felt reassured as to my path and goals. I guess I still had some things that I needed to face in my mind.
In 10 or 15 minutes I had got myself together and had a smile on my face. I can't say that I am fine, but it feels good to let it out once and a while.
Enjoying the rest of the day only steeled my resolve to get ready for the next hurdle. After all, Future-Trunks will be here soon.