Chapter 27, The Original Path

Calvin stood in complete disbelief, shocked over what he's currently witnessing. Absolutely baffled by this turn of events. He was just about to finish off Kobyashi, who not just a moment ago had been clinging to an inch of his own life. And now suddenly he seems to be at full strength.

"How—?!"

Kobyashi would not answer. At least not yet. With a twist of Calvin's hand, Kobyashi would continue to stare at him with a glare. This crimson aura swirling around the teen, the intensity of this strange power even making a Super Saiyan 4 feel nauseated.

It was now Calvin who felt inferior, taken aback with this feeling that Kobyashi had just turned the tables on him. Gaining strength that rivaled Calvin's own…potentially exceeding even.

In the midst of attempting to process this, Calvin would find himself being met with a swift yet powerful jab to the gut. Catching him off guard. He wanted to pull back, but alas, he could not.

Though Kobyashi had no problem in providing assistance, delivering a flexible kick to the other's chin. Managing to uppercut him by doing this. This was when Kobyashi had let go of the man's wrist, allowing him to back away.

"How did this happen— you weren't supposed to move let alone overpower me!"

Calvin shouts, demanding to know.

" …. "

Gritting his teeth, Calvin's tone grew louder.

"I ASKED YOU A QUESTION..!"

Finally, Kobyashi spoke. Deciding to elaborate.

"This is Darashi's power…i don't believe you know who he is..but let's just say you should be thankful you're not witnessing his presence.."

Which was true, given the last time Calvin came into conflict with Kobyashi & his friends, the mention of the demon residing within the new student had not been made. Calvin not aware of who he was..until now anyway.

"After our meeting…during my fight with Janemba, I managed to gain enough control of Darashi's power— to the point i'm able to use some of his power. In other words…this is bad news for you.."

Kobyashi says in a low and intimidating tone. One that meant he was all about business. A notable difference compared to when he is cocky. This time— he intended to finish off Calvin.

Calvin would scoff over this, not fazed in the slightest.

"You think all this demon nonsense scares me? I could've handled someone like Janemba all on my own..you are no threat to me. By the end of this fight, i'm going to punish you to the point you won't ever want to make even a FIST ever again. And that's a promise!"

Calvin declared, brows furrowing as his scarlet aura begun to flare. More than ready to prove this was more than just mere words.

Unlike the times before, it was Kobyashi who took the initiative. Dashing forward, throwing a punch to other. Despite his jump in speed, Calvin was able to keep up. Fist meeting fist, both coming to a mighty clash. Enough to cause their respective auras to intensify greatly.

It was at this moment…something lingered within Calvin's mind. A thought.

From a much different point in his life.

A different time.

Flashback

Z-Star Academy.

Entering the school, the green haired Saiyan would look around. Not at all familiar with his surroundings, given by the slight curious expression on his face. He would wander around aimlessly, attempting to figure out where Elder Kai was.

This was his very first day in the Academy and he had no clue of what to do. It would've been nice to receive detailed instructions on what to do & where to go, but of course the Kai was so bad at those sorts of things..

With another turn of a corner, he would find someone standing before him. One who sported spiky maroon hair. This person would give a small raise of his hand, offering a bit of a wave. A friendly smile on the young teen's face.

"Hey there. You must be Calvin, right..? Elder Kai told me a little about you. You're the new student. Well, my name's Tenshi. And i'm here to show you around."

His smile grew upon saying this, to which Calvin responded with a smile of his own.

End of Flashback

Realizing they seemed to be at even strength, Calvin growled to himself. Hating to be considered on par with someone like Kobyashi. He was more than willing to attempt at overpowering this clash, this being out of sheer stubbornness, but Kobyashi knew when to back off.

So he did just that. But one thing was different about the hero. His glare had lessened. He didn't appear to be as aggressive when compared to just moments ago..

Moving forward before Calvin could say another word, Kobyashi went for a few more jabs. A couple connecting successfully until Calvin hit him back with an elbow to the face, halting our hero's momentum.

Next, Calvin would go for a kick in an effort to trip Kobyashi. Who saw this coming, hopping up & ascending into the air. Calvin making a scoff before pursuing him.

Two flickers of red in the sky, the audience below doing their best to see what was developing. Not even the drones could keep up with the two since they've transcended their previous speeds. Kobyashi & Calvin matching each other blow for blow.

Flashback

Nearly finished with his tour, a younger Calvin would walk behind Tenshi as he explained most of the areas within the school. Calvin seeming pretty amazed with most of the rooms he's been shown.

"And this is the cafeteria. Most of the food is pretty good, though i'd watch out for the burgers. Eat too much of that & you'll get overweight in no time. Dunno what they put in that stuff."

Tenshi jokes, giving a small laugh.

"Be careful with Elder Kai though. He doesn't like people barging into his office too much unless it's really important. & I mean REALLY important."

Another laugh, to which Calvin gave a chuckle.

"Yeah though, you'll get used to the academy in no time. Plenty of good people here. They're just like you, so no worries."

Tenshi assures to him, to which Calvin nods with a smile. Glad to hear this.

Two Months Later

By a stream, Calvin & Tenshi were seen sparring in a prairie field. The former attempting a few light kicks onto the other, Tenshi easily blocking them off.

Calvin losing a bit of balance after Tenshi catches a leg and holds onto it, the slightly younger teen nearly falling in the process.

"Don't be so forceful on yourself…you seem to have a habit of charging in without thinking. Especially with how you fight, if you do this against an enemy, you'll surely pay the price.."

Tenshi warned, doing his best to help his friend.

A conversation they've had many times now..

But Tenshi was sure he'll get through to Calvin eventually.

"I think my abilities are enough to keep that from happening.." Calvin retorts.

"I mean you saw what happened last mission, yeah?"

This causes Tenshi to immediately interrupt.

"You also poisoned Future in the process.."

Hearing this, Calvin knew he couldn't exactly argue. He knew Tenshi was right. Frowning, he would glance down. Seeing this, Tenshi knew he was feeling guilt.

"It wasn't your fault, you didn't mean to do that..but you need to gain some kind of control over that ability…I can help you as best I can, but the only way I can do that is if you listen to me…all this recklessness..it's not safe for you or those around you.."

Tenshi said to him, powering down and placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"If you want to do good & help everyone as much as you can, you're gonna have to think instead of acting. What you're doing isn't for just yourself, but for those you want to protect. Remember that." Tenshi states to him, to which Calvin would nod. Returning to his fighting stance.

"Right. Okay— let's try again!"

Calvin would respond, now feeling more motivated than ever.

End of Flashback

Their fight accelerating in speed, Kobyashi & Calvin didn't seem to be tiring out. One with the intent on destroying his foe & destroying his ideals. The other with the intent of avenging his friends who's suffered at the hands of his opponent.

Fist connecting with fist, kick matching kick. Both were clearly evenly matched. But both fighters were well aware the first who would feel exhaustion would lose this battle. And yet they did not feel discouraged. Not even in the slightest. This was a battle of wills.

Both represented different sides of the moral spectrum, but at the end of the day they still had an immense amount of pride & determination.

It soon came to the point when one had the upper hand, the other would counter with a teleport to avoid being struck. Both fighters unable to land a proper hit on the other.

However, Kobyashi would trick Calvin by attempting another punch only for him to switch it up at the last second & cause his ki to flare up. Enough to blind Calvin momentarily and perform a number of jabs into his chest. Bruising him in the process. Calvin being hit with a boot to the face, sending him meters away.

Where Kobyashi would teleport behind him and hit him with a meteor combination. The villainous Saiyan taking a good amount of damage from this. But he wasn't planning on going down!

Flashback

A few more weeks had passed since that day. Calvin's resolve had not faltered. In fact, it had only gotten stronger. Thanks to Tenshi's influence, he felt the need to become even stronger. Purely for the desire to protect his friends & his little brother; Jaelen.

Routinely, they would meet up at that same exact spot. The prairie field right beside the stream. Where Tenshi would give him lessons on patience & perseverance. And Calvin would show signs of improvement. He was becoming less reckless, even during missions he would prove himself and use the lessons he learned from his best friend to become an even better fighter & comrade.

Even his classmates who would accompany him on missions would begin to trust him.

On this particular day, Calvin & Tenshi were in the middle of hanging out with a few of their friends during lunch. Their group of course consisting of a younger Muffin Button, Future & a light yellow Majin by the name of Pastry.

They were all sitting all around a circular table, just conversing like they usually did. Discussing everyday topics when suddenly a messenger appeared to them.

"What's up?"

Asked Muffin Button, everyone else looking over at the earthling.

"Elder Kai has given me instructions to call upon you all, as you're needed to report to his office."

The servant explained, to which they all looked at each other.

Once all five entered the office, Elder Kai was seen standing by his desk. Hands resting behind his back.

"you're probably wondering why I called you all here…I'm sure most of you know about that annual Tournament that happens every couple of years."

Elder Kai begins, to which Muffin Button immediately flexes his bicep, obviously pumped up over what he knows is going to be said next.

"Oh hell yes! You mean THAT awesomely epic tournament?! I'm in!"

He exclaims, to which Future immediately covers his mouth to get him to shut up.

"Apologies, Elder Kai! Please do continue!"

She says, apologizing with a nervous smile.

"Now I know some of you have long been preparing for this tournament— but thanks to your efforts & spectacular development over the last few months, I feel you are very much worthy of representing our academy this time around."

Tenshi would smile over this, while Muffin Button couldn't stop hopping around in joy.

But Calvin…well he was pretty confused over this.

"I'm sorry…a tournament..? What do you mean tournament..?"

He asks, to which Elder Kai would walk over. Now standing in front of the Saiyan.

"Every few years, a certain number of our best students are selected to represent the academy & face off against those who represent other schools. It's a tournament to decide the best— and this particular student who wins the tournament will be respected by all & win prize money that will benefit the school in which they hail from."

He explained to which Calvin would tilt his head, blinking in confusion.

"But why me..? I'm new and—"

He would then be interrupted by the elder.

"You are new to the school, yes that is a fact..& quite frankly, your technique could still use a little more work…you have much to learn..but Tenshi recommended you. And if he has faith in you, that alone tells me a lot."

This reveal causes a wide eyed Calvin to look over at his best friend, Tenshi, who simply smiled with a nod.

"Thus all five of you will be representing our academy. I hope you all will bring us to victory this time around."

Elder Kai responds with a smile.

"The Tournament will begin in three months. Good luck on your training & improving your skills."

End of Flashback

A wicked grin on the face of Calvin would slowly appear, a sinister cackle coming from the ruthless Saiyan.

"Okay, Kobyashi, I'll admit! You've proven yourself to be much stronger that I've anticipated! You're much stronger than your little friends! But that DOESN'T mean I'll lose to the likes of YOU..!"

Calvin would say as he wiped a bit of blood from his mouth.

" …. "

Kobyashi not bothering to respond to this, finding no point in talking to him.

"Even so, I have to ask— how can someone strong like yourself bother to associate with a bunch of them…all of them. Weak little ANTS. You could just CRUSH them all, in fact you SHOULD! They'll only hold you back..! Your MORALS— that will HOLD YOU BACK!"

Calvin shouted to him, as if trying to influence him.

"It's either YOU kill them…or eventually someone else WILL..! As a matter of fact, I MIGHT BE THE ONE TO DO IT ONCE THIS IS ALL OVER.."

That was enough to cause a change in expression on the face of Kobyashi. If there's one thing you shouldn't do, it's threaten those he cares about. This is exactly what Calvin did.

Making use of his afterimage technique, Kobyashi would advance in rapid fashion. Catching his opponent off guard, making the most out of this opportunity by landing a fist directly to his features. This savage strike enough to knock him back, sure to leave his cheek bruised from the impact.

Sending him flying, Kobyashi would zip around. With enough speed to keep the momentum going, knocking Calvin back into different directions with each hit delivered. Using him as something of a pinball at this point.

Calvin too stunned to do anything, certainly feeling the damage brought on by Kobyashi's current strength. But this wouldn't last, as Calvin begun to explode in anger.

Throwing his hands into the air, Calvin would let out a mighty roar. Unleashing a powerful surge of sinister energy, this ki serving as an attack to quickly dispel his opponent. Kobyashi being overtaken by this large blast, sending him crashing on top of a nearby tower.

The drones would of course follow in order to check on the youth. Making sure he was okay & not disqualified. Fortunately, he's safe. But was he in good condition?

As for Calvin, he's panting about. The amount of damage he received had taken quite a toll on him. Gripping his chest, he would curse under his breath. Pissed off over the fact that Kobyashi had gained the upper hand on him, but mostly anger toward *himself* for allowing himself to be attacked.

Flashback

Three months had passed. It was the morning of the tournament.

Standing outside of his house, Calvin would take in the fresh morning air before smiling to his little brother. Jaelen, who sported a huge grin on his face as he looked up to his older brother.

"You can do it, Calvin! Both you and Tenshi are unstoppable & I just know you can show those schools what you're made of!"

Jaelen says in support of him, to which Calvin chuckled. Reaching to his younger sibling & ruffling his spiky green hair.

"Thanks, Jaelen. Maybe you're right."

He smiled, looking over to the rising sun.

Upon arriving at the academy, he met with his friends & participants of the Tournament.

Tenshi, Muffin Button, Future & Pastry. All in their fighting attire.

"This is gonna be so cool! I'm going to smash every single one I end up fighting!"

Muffin says in excitement, punching at the air.

Pastry would let out a jolly laugh, slinging an arm around Tenshi & Future each.

"And with our two best strategic members of the school, we'll send the other schools packing!" He declared, speaking in a slow and heavy voice.

Tenshi giving a chuckle.

"Maybe. But there's no reason we should let ourselves get cocky. You guys have to remember, we're doing this for the school. Not for ourselves. Gotta leave our egos at the door. Because if we don't, if we end up fighting just for ourselves, it wouldn't make us a winner even if we *do* defeat our opponent." Tenshi said to his friends, making sure they would fight with the purest of intentions.

Calvin would nod in agreement.

"Right! Let's give it our all— for Z-Star Academy!"

He said with a determined smile, genuinely fighting for the entire school.

End of Flashback

A slow transition from the flashback of a younger Calvin smiling, to the present Calvin. Who had an angry expression on his face.

"Why do you even BOTHER to hold them all so high? They are not WORTHY of respect! They are not WORTHY of protection! This entire school is nothing but a lie, preaching all sorts of goodness & morals that DON'T EVEN MATTER! You're nothing but a SHEEP!"

Calvin would shout to his opponent, who would come to a stand. Revealing himself to be conscious. Actually barely even hurt. Only his clothing had taken damage, it riddled with cuts & scratches.

"You know…it's funny you should say that…"

Kobyashi would respond, doing so in a calm tone. No hate or anger found.

This only irking Calvin. Who raised a brow as he wondered what he intended on saying.

"You speak of this kind of nonsense & call me sheep…telling me my friends don't matter & that this school is full of lies…How protecting the innocent isn't worth it…"

He muttered, crimson irises staring his opponent down despite him being far across the sky. Despite the amount of distance, he could see his opponent clearly. In fact, the only thing that wasn't clear was not Calvin himself…but rather, his words.

"All of this…& yet you once fought for what I believe in…the very same thing you're now against…am I wrong here..?"

This causing Calvin's eyes to widen.

To Be Continued . . .