Chapter 31, "Everything they've Got"

The time for reminiscing had come to an end. Now was the time to settle things.

Calvin had been longing to do away with Kobyashi. To finally put him down. Never has he loathed someone as much as Kobyashi. Had there been no rules in place, he would've killed Kobyashi.

But as much as he wanted to, he knew not to. After all, the Dark Star students had made a promise to their superiors.

Kobyashi & Calvin had raced toward the other. Despite being in a weakened state, Kobyashi carried on a strong determination within himself. Having zero intentions on giving up.

But in spite of his powerful heart & courage, he was still no match for Calvin.

Who sought to show him no mercy. Uppercut after uppercut, Calvin delivered blow after blow. Performing a number of ruthless strikes. Landing successfully on Kobyashi's face & body.

Kobyashi tried his damndest to counter, but his limbs would quake with each hit he blocked. He still suffered damage just by blocking. And Calvin was full aware, sporting a joyous grin as he pulverized his opponent!

However, Kobyashi managed to catch Calvin off guard. Ducking an attempted fist & performing a spinning elbow to the Dark Star student's face. Knocking him a few feet away.

"YOU SON OF A—!"

Calvin shouted, but before he could finish, he was met with a number of ki blasts.

Kobyashi unleashing a barrage of energy blasts in order to slow his ferocious opponent down. Once he had finished, Kobyashi can be heard huffing. The amount of energy used taking a toll on him.

As the dust cleared, Calvin can be seen giving a sinister chuckle.

"…you've reached your limit, Kobyashi.."

Kobyashi raising a brow in response. What could he mean..?

Of course he's weakened & tired, but that doesn't mean he would drop dead within moments.

Seeing this puzzled look on his face, Calvin could only laugh even louder.

"You FOOL..! This entire time i've been marking you with my poison! Can't you feel it just sapping away your strength & energy?!"

Calvin revealed, to which Kobyashi's eyes widen in shock.

Even the spectators were both stunned & horrified to hear this revelation!

"All this time, from the moment I made use of this form— with EACH & EVERY strike I've landed on YOU..you've been marked with my poisonous energy..!"

Calvin said with the most sinister grin on his face. Taking in pleasure over this fact that he's revealed.

Kobyashi was stunned. He couldn't even respond appropriately. He's just thinking back to those moments. He's taken so much damage from Calvin. Now it all made sense. It wasn't just the Kamehameha wave he used to stop Calvin's poison ball. It was Calvin's unique abilities. How could he have been so foolish..? So blind?!

"Can't you feel it, Kobyashi..?! Your body slowly ceasing to function?! Your body FAILING on you?! The only thing keeping you up & conscious is your will, BUT EVEN THAT WILL CRUMBLE..!"

Shivers would run down our hero's very spine. He was in a terrible spot. Things weren't looking too good. Of course he had to blame himself for this situation. Even after witnessing Calvin's earlier fights with the likes of Vegeku & Sam, even with the information he has on Calvin's abilities, he still fell victim to his powers.

"And now…it's time to end things! Soon enough, you WILL be out for the count..!"

Calvin yelled out, before dashing forward. Eager to deal more damage to his opponent.

Kobyashi attempted to catch Calvin with a right hook the moment he was just inches away, but his vision begun to blur. Even his body struggled to move as fast as he wanted to. He was losing control of his body. And so, Calvin easily caught Kobyashi with more repeated jabs. Proceeding to deliver several elbows. Enough to cause his Z-Star opponent's face to bleed!

Song Name: Numb by Linkin Park

Kobyashi looking worse for wear. And everyone spectating could see. Most thinking he wouldn't last much longer.

Among the spectators was Virus, who stood watching in silence. A neutral expression on his face, in spite of the endless thoughts that ran through his head.

Gokon looked on in wonder, fists balled up. Feeling concern over his friend.

"Come on, Kobyashi..hang in there, damn it.." he mumbled.

KO didn't say anything, simply watching in silence.

As did Yukine, who is looking on with a stern glare on his face.

As for the rest of Kobyashi's friends who sat with the audience, they were all shocked. As were the rest of Dark Star, who couldn't believe Kobyashi was about to lose this battle.

Receiving blow after blow, Kobyashi was feeling the effects of this powerful poison overtake his body. His body beginning to shut down. His mind racing…but even then he wouldn't give Calvin the satisfaction of his cries. He wouldn't voice his pain. No, he would maintain silence. Not even letting out a grunt.

Kobyashi would simply bite his tongue.

& this infuriated Calvin, who gave a frustrated groan as he increased his strength. Throwing plenty of hard hitting punches. He was not going easy on his opponent.

It came to the point Kobyashi would soon talk.

"What would..Tenshi say..if he..saw you..like this..?"

Despite that brief look of shock on Calvin's face, this would only drive him to increase his earth-shattering combos. Further punishing the Z-Star student.

With each strike given, Calvin spoke. Finally letting his feeling out.

"YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT..! THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM..! HE'S DEAD! GONE! **HE'S NEVER COMING BACK!**"

Calvin's voice grew louder, not stopping at all with his punches.

"HE'S BEEN GONE FOR YEARS! THIS ISN'T ABOUT HIM SO WHAT'S THE USE IN BRINGING HIM UP?! THE PAST IS JUST THAT— THE PAST! IT NO LONGER CONCERNS THE LIKES OF ME..!"

Calvin would finish with a devastating uppercut to Kobyashi, launching his battered body into the air. Shortly landing several meters ahead.

This fight had to be over.

It SHOULD have been over.

But somehow, Kobyashi slowly came to a stand.

Somehow picking himself up, in spite of his shaky knees.

Shocking the likes of Calvin, who grits his teeth in anger. Frustration building once more, bubbling up within him.

"YOU NEVER LEARN WHEN TO QUIT, DO YOU..?!"

Calvin yelled.

Song Name: Surfacing by Trust Company

Kobyashi silent for a moment before giving a glare behind tired, droopy eyes.

"….Nope…I guess I don't…not like you could relate…you no-good quitter.."

He says as he forms a weak smirk.

Calvin's aura FLARING up, he would rush toward his barely-standing opponent. A kick aimed for his chest, launching him to the other side of the ring. But instead of allowing him to lose via ring out, Calvin quickly caught Koby's leg & thrashed him around the stage. Forming numerous craters all around the tournament stage.

Throwing him around like a ragdoll, ruthlessly slamming him against the stage. Calvin didn't bother to mock his enemy. Just beating him senseless. Not stopping until he was unconscious. But as he lifts Kobyashi up, he took a gaze into the eyes of our hero only to see he was still somehow conscious. One eye closed, a weak smile found on Kobyashi's face.

"…YOU..?! YOU PIECE OF SHIT..!"

Calvin shouts with a face filled with anger.

"Now I'm wondering…would you treat Tenshi this way if he were still alive..? Because you know he'd defend Z-Star with his very li—"

& just like that, Calvin immediately silenced his opponent by slamming his body down into the stage. Burying him deep into the ground.

Calvin quickly floating several meters to the sky & dropping multiple purple ki blasts. All landing directly into the large crater below. Ensuring Kobyashi would suffer.

"STOP TALKING LIKE YOU KNOW HIM…YOU MAY HAVE TAKEN A LOOK INTO MY THOUGHTS, HOW I FEEL ABOUT HIM..BUT THAT DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT HIM..IT'S POINTLESS ANYWAY! THERE'S NO USE IN BRINGING UP SOMEONE WHO NO LONGER MATTERS..!"

Calvin shouted. And in spite of this, in spite of how much anger & frustration held behind these words. How much he may have believed in them…he still sprouted tears.

Gazing below once the dust had settled, he was more than prepared to be announced the winner of this fight. But before the result could be made, Kobyashi could be seen coming out of that hole.

Song Name: Sick Of It All by Finger Eleven

Numerous battle scars found on his body. Full of scrapes & cuts. Blood leaking down various parts of his body.

"HOW IS HE…?"

Calvin comments under his breath, bewildered over the fact that this fool still got up.

His vision was blurry, but Kobyashi did not care. His will alone was keeping himself up. A testament to who he was as a person.

"Heh…do you hear yourself…I think the only person you're fooling is yourself…you're only doubting yourself…and truth be told, you've been trying to convince yourself of this bullshit you're spouting for years…"

Kobyashi said to the other.

"All this time…ever since that man was slaughtered…the man that took Tenshi away…you've been in constant denial…you've decided to remove everything you once cherished…all of your values, all of the goodness in your heart…"

Calvin was silent, surprisingly not saying a word. Nothing.

"…you did away with everything…to become a shell of your former self…someone so bitter…& yet, I know for a fact that isn't true…wanna know why…?"

"….."

Calvin rose a brow, eyes hidden.

Kobyashi merely pointed into the crowd. Pointing out one single individual among the spectators.

This being Jaelen. Who looked on in silence as well. Eyes becoming soft. Serving as a surprise to many.

As soon as Calvin took notice of this, something broke within him. Not even he knew what that was.

"That's right…Jaelen…your brother…he's still alive. If you didn't care for anyone but yourself, you would have gotten rid of him too…but the fact that he's still alive & you two were never separated says a lot…"

Kobyashi continued.

Calvin was shocked. His eyes wide. He didn't feel angry in those moments. Not frustrated. Not even bitter. He was at a loss for words here. The mention of Jaelen was the final nail in the coffin. Jaelen being the only one who was a witness to Tenshi's final moments. The only one left who shared a bond with Calvin. The fact that he was still alive, the fact that Calvin went above & beyond to keep his younger brother safe was the only thing that hadn't changed with Calvin.

Jaelen was the final shred of Calvin's light.

This moment was what Kobyashi needed. This halt in Calvin's onslaught allowed Kobyashi to miraculously heal. Most of his battle scars slowly regenerating.

There had been a reason for this..

*Within Kobyashi's subconsciousness*

"I've gotta say..this guy really pisses me off…"

A deep voice says to Kobyashi, this of course belonging to Darashi.

"I'll help you…just this once..I know of your plans…what you aim to do…but so long as you bring him down a peg, I could care less…that poison ability of his sickens me.."

Darashi said, to which Kobyashi didn't respond. Not even giving so much as a nod. He wasn't going to thank him, but deep down he was indeed grateful. Even if it weren't for the right reasons.

Unlike Darashi, Kobyashi didn't want to purely hurt or even humble Calvin. He only wanted him to realize the error in his ways…

*The Battle*

To everyone's surprise, even Calvin's, Kobyashi power started to increase. Rivaling that of his opponent's. That infamous crimson colored ki spiking up. Surrounding the Z-Star representative.

"There's still some good in you whether you'd like to admit it or not…& the fact that you keep denying it is what's starting to *piss* me off…you're delusional. But i'm going to knock some sense into you. That's a promise."

Kobyashi spoke, confidence in his tone.

Calvin stood in shock. Gone were the insults & threats. In that moment, Kobyashi had managed to leave him utterly speechless!

Before Calvin could ponder for very long, Kobyashi wasted no time. Dashing forward with magnificent speed! Calvin barely had anytime to register. As just when Kobyashi appeared within reach, Calvin threw his arm out in an attempt to smash his fist against his rejuvenated opponent's face. But Kobyashi dodged with perfect accuracy, ducking the fist & colliding his own against the chest of the Dark Star student!

The impact of this powerful strike enough to force Calvin to spit up saliva. Kobyashi wasn't finished, however, as he performed numerous rights & lefts to the face of the Poison Warrior. Forcing Calvin to stumble back with each & every hit received.

Kobyashi clearly got a boost of some sorts. Just moments ago he was close to losing consciousness. But now here he was full of energy & power. As if nothing had happened! But somehow, he was healed completely from the effects of Calvin's poison. Gone were Kobyashi's injuries. Gone was the damage that Calvin had inflicted upon him throughout this battle.

Kobyashi had turned the tides of this fight! But Calvin refused to go out! Not like this! He would give it his all!

Calvin REFUSED to lose to the likes of Kobyashi..!

Song Name: Between Angels And Insects by Papa Roach

Halfway through this combo, Calvin managed to counter the next strike. Taking advantage by catching Kobyashi with a stiff elbow. Followed by a harsh punch to the gut of the warrior of justice. Though he felt pain from this, Kobyashi would not back down either. Both fighters giving it their all, throwing as many strikes as they could. They were unrelenting, both more than eager to gain the upper hand on the other!

But it was clear they were at a stalemate!

The spectators knew this. But at the end of the day, one of these two had to succumb. It was just a matter of time.

As the physical battle progressed, their respective ki would spike up. The heat surrounding them growing to boiling temperatures. Neither male slowing down in their pursuit to gain the advantage!

But at some point, Calvin willingly backed away. Genuinely catching Kobyashi off guard!

In doing so, Calvin charged up a quick yet powerful beam of sinister energy.

"POISON MALICE!"

Calvin shouts at the top of his lungs as he released this energy wave, it managing to clash into Kobyashi. Screams of the hybrid Saiyan being heard as he dropped to the floor. The energy wave itself causing a crater once it fades away. Taking a portion of the stage along with it.

But as Calvin approached the fallen fighter, Kobyashi revealed himself to still be conscious. Rolling briefly to suddenly teleport. Vanishing out of Calvin's sight! Surprising the powerful warrior enough to land a sudden savage strike! His energy-infused fist causing Calvin's jaw to slack momentarily before he was sent backwards.

Calvin tumbling several meters across.

Falling to the ground, Kobyashi could be heard huffing.

Calvin having yet to move a muscle. He just laid there, face down.

Both warriors were on their last legs. Having given it their very all..and more.

But this was it.

The climax of the battle has been reached.

Song Name: Chalk Outline by Three Days Grace

The announcer watched on in silence, as did the surrounding audience. Everyone knew this was it. This had to be. The conclusion of this battle was drawing near.

Both warriors who represented light & darkness, who represented inner peace & inner turmoil. Both were ready to end things.

Slowly picking themselves up, they vanished around. Making use of the afterimage technique. Both fighters appearing and vanishing around within nanoseconds. It was tough for most to keep up with as they watched on. Only a few of the audience could see the two warriors.

Loud booms were made, implying the two were landing several punches around the stage.

Eventually, both were on opposite sides of the arena. Floating in the air, preparing their strongest technique with what limited energy they had as of that moment.

A purple shroud of energy surrounding Calvin as he channeled his final flash technique.

Scarlet-colored ki surrounding Kobyashi as he prepared his Kamehameha wave.

Within mere moments, they let loose a might roar as they unleashed their respective ki attacks!

"RAAAAAGHHHH!"

"HAAAAAAAAA!"

The high amount of power within their beams clashed imminently, creating a power-struggle in the process. Both seemingly evenly matched.

Everyone on the edge of their seats as they watch this unfold.

Neither of the two were planning on losing, they had every intention of fighting to the very end! Their respective roars never died down, their ki continuing to flare to the highest level. The two creating an epic sight!

Calvin's magenta colored energy beam clashing with Kobyashi's reddish-bluish kamehameha wave. Despite the stinging sensation upon their palms, they did not give up. They did not surrender!

But it seemed Calvin's final flash had started to push Kobyashi back. His power was skyrocketing! Calvin was pushing himself beyond his limits!

"CALVIN..! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! YOU'LL END UP KILLING YOURSELF!"

His brother, Jaelen, shouts.

To which Calvin groaned in fury.

He didn't care what happens to him! He wanted to defeat Kobyashi & prove his way was the RIGHT way! He refused to be proven wrong! Even if it meant he'd die in the process!

Calvin's determination was starting to tip the scales in his favor. Kobyashi realizing he was being pushed back.

"!?"

Kobyashi's teeth clenched together. Beads of sweat dripping down his face. This was bad!

( Think, Kobyashi…! Think…! )

After moments of pondering, he decided to pull one last ditch effort. He had no choice but to do this! This was risky, but he had to do something!

Some would deem this reckless, but he had no other choice. Abandoning his Kamehameha wave, he instead formed his ki-sword! The blade of ki extending within the blast, stabbing through Calvin's torso!

But this was not without consequence, as Calvin's final flash took Kobyashi out completely. The Z-Star hero last seen being consumed by the immense energy wave!

A monstrous sized cloud of smoke surrounded the entire arena. Temporarily blinding everyone around. Many coughs and noises of panic were made, but this was only temporarily. As the smoke would soon slowly clear out.

"What— I can't believe it.."

Hunter mumbled as he looked on.

Silvie gasping at the sight.

Sam looking on with a concerned expression. While Vegeku looked away in nervous fashion, fearing for his friend.

Jordan the milk boy was laying under a few seats, dizzy from what had occurred.

Virus looking on in silence, fists clenched.

Yukine watching with a mild glare.

"…You've got to be kidding me…"

Elder Kai mumbled.

There the two were…laying flat in the middle of the stage. Laying on top of two large craters.

Seemingly out for the count…

Was this a draw?!

The ring Announcer didn't know what to do here…

Should he consider this a draw..?

Should he consider this a non-win for both men..?

"…I….I shall begin a ten count….if neither men stands up by the ten count, this would be labeled a draw…however, if one man stands up while the other is passed out…he will be declared the winner of this contest…"

A short pause before the man started the count.

"….One…."

Nothing happened. Both men laying face down in base forms.

"….Two…."

No movement made. Both were down & out.

"…Three…Four….Five…."

Still no movement. Everyone was stunned over this.

Many were hoping for Kobyashi to pull through! To stand up!

Those within Dark-Star were hoping Calvin would stand. This was one of their strongest fighters. He always preached strength. He was admired for his power. He had to stand!

"…Six…"

Gokon & KO were silent.

"…Seven…"

As were Virus & Yukine.

"…Eight…"

Kobyashi wasn't moving.

Calvin wasn't moving.

"…Nine…"

A brief pause by the announcer. A bead of sweat rolling down the side of his face. Right beside his sunglasses.

"…Te—"

Before the Announcer could finish the count, one of the men had slowly moved his hands. Forcing himself up, even if slightly. A tired & pained groan coming from him as he forced his body to come to a stand.

…..The fighter in question…?

It was none other than Kobyashi..!

A weak smile found on the face of the hybrid as he panted softly.

"…TEN..! KOBYASHI HAS WON THE BATTLE DUE TO CALVIN BEING UNABLE TO CONTINUE! KOBYASHI ADVANCES TOWARD THE FINALS..!"

The Ring Announcer shouts into the microphone, earning the praise from a large majority of the audience. Pleased with the outcome of the fight.

Many were celebrating Kobyashi's win!

Calvin, meanwhile, was out cold. Unconscious after not only putting so much strain on himself during this battle, but because of the effects regarding his unstable transformation. Not to mention Kobyashi's risky move pulling out the ki sword helped him in the long run. Had it not been for a combination of these things, Calvin probably would have been standing.

Despite being unconscious, Calvin could still make out the loud sounds of celebration. The noises of praises being sung. It took him back to his past…this noise was remarkably similar to when Calvin had won the tournament all those years ago…

Only this time, Kobyashi is being praised.

He is the one being admired & respected.

Kobyashi would slowly aim a thumbs up toward his friends, signaling to them that he made it. His group of friends happy for him, cheering for him. Silvie couldn't help but form tears in her eyes as she applauds him.

A crew of medics would rush over with a stretcher, gently moving Calvin for transportation. As he needed tending to.

Kobyashi gave a long glance to his defeated opponent. Perhaps a silent look of respect on his part as he watched Calvin being taken away.

"…."

He would then shift his gaze from Calvin to his friend…Virus.

The latter showing himself as he started walking to the stage. Of course next was his turn to fight.

The two exchanged brief glances before walking past the other.

"Good luck.."

Says Kobyashi.

"Hmph. I don't need it.."

Remarked Virus.

As Kobyashi made his way to where the winners were, he had to pass up one last person.

Yukine.

Kobyashi stares the man down as he passed him. A glare on the face of the recent winner.

But Yukine? He said nothing. He didn't even bother to look at Kobyashi.

Showing no concern for him.

As he made his way to the stage, the Dark-Star student folds his arms.

"….."

He merely stares his opponent down. Silver optics focused on him.

Virus quiet for a moment before speaking to himself under his breath.

"…I don't need luck to bring him down…"

Yukine vs Virus.

Begins.

To Be Continued . . .