Chapter 28, What I've Become

"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 question ran through Calvin's mind. Echoing continuously in his thought process.

Fists begun to tighten, borderline shaking in anger. The Super Saiyan 4 visibly trembling in rage.

"….."

For the very first time ever, Calvin was left speechless. He couldn't find any words. Kobyashi's powerful statement left a bigger impact than any physical attack could do to a guy like him.

"At a loss for words? I guess I am right…you're a hypocrite. In spite of all this propaganda you talk of, spitting on the name of Z-Star, you once fought for what we all currently do. you're just a shell of your former self."

Kobyashi continued, a fierce expression on the face of the hero.

This shook Calvin to his very core! How dare this runt speak so lowly of him! He was Calvin of Dark-Star! A man who fought for his own sake & ambitions! Not some pathetic do-gooder who protects the innocent! He crushes the innocent!

"We are NOT the same! We NEVER were! Don't EVER compare myself to the likes of you & your miserable friends..! I spit on the innocent! I spit on you so-called heroes! You are all living in a fairy tale & nothing more!"

Calvin spat out, his tone full of malice.

Flashback

In the middle of the tournament, Tenshi & Calvin watch as Muffin Button engages in battle with his opponent. Calvin observing the fight with an intense look on his face. Not wanting to miss a single detail. While impressed with the participants' various techniques, it was obvious Muffin Button was not going to last.

And sure enough, his Z-Star comrade meets a devastating kick to the face. Sending him spinning in the air before crashing with a loud thud. The earthling found twitching in defeat.

"There goes Muffin.."

Tenshi says with a sigh.

Calvin could only shake his head.

"Well at least he did his best, yeah?"

After a few minutes of intermission, Tenshi was selected to fight next.

"Looks like I'm up— make sure you watch carefully, Calvin. I might just teach you a thing or two."

He says to his best friend with a smile on his face, offering a fist-bump.

To which Calvin happily reciprocates this with a smile of his own.

"Yeah. Good luck out there, Tenshi."

Now on the tournament stage, Tenshi enters his fighting stance. His opponent doing the same. With the sound of a buzzer, both participants dashed toward the other. Clashing before dueling in a lengthy scuffle. Trading a number of evenly matched strikes & kicks.

His opponent being a Saiyan, the man in question charged forward in an attempt to gain dominance. Tenshi flashing a smirk, he seemingly allowed this.

Before ducking, escaping potential damage. But that's not all. Tenshi gracefully evaded every single attempt, catching the Saiyan by surprise.

Tenshi was shown to be much faster, flawlessly avoiding every attack thrown at him. Even dodging multiple blasts of ki.

"Come on— you can do it!" Tenshi challenged the other.

Like a fool, the rival student took the bait. Charging up to full power before speeding toward Tenshi. Anticipating this, he watched as the Saiyan went for a strike. Making use of his afterimage technique, Tenshi seemingly vanished for but a moment. The Saiyan looking in confusion before catching a double-axe handle style strike to the top of his head. Sending him crashing into the tournament stage.

"AND YOUR WINNER…TENSHI..!"

The tournament announcer shouted into the microphone, the victorious fighter gaining a roaring cheer in response. Tenshi looking on with a gentle smile on his face.

Calvin couldn't be happier for his friend, a proud grin found on his own features.

("You did it, Tenshi! You're unstoppable!") he would say in his thoughts. Feeling so happy for his best friend & mentor.

Soon enough, it would be Calvin's turn to engage in battle. His opponent shown to be reminiscent to a demon..perhaps a hybrid of sorts.

Despite how intimidating this student looked, Calvin was hardly shaken. He did not wish to disappoint his friends watching. Especially his mentor. He wanted to prove himself.

"Are you ready to go..?"

The demon asked, smirk on his red face.

Calvin would narrow his eyes. Entering his signature battle stance.

"Right..I won't go easy on you.."

He would glance to the sidelines, eyes finding Tenshi.

(Just watch me, Tenshi..I won't disappoint..)

End of Flashback

Despite Calvin's moment of aggression, Kobyashi countered with words behind calmness. The hero having figured Calvin out.

"Truth is— you know i'm right. That's what's pissing you off. You were just like the rest of us at one time..and just seeing us succeed is what sets you off. It eats away at you, doesn't it..?"

Kobyashi would say to his opponent, this only fueling Calvin's anger. He was absolutely livid.

"You don't…know anything…about m—."

Calvin would say, not able to finish his sentence since he was cut off.

"Oh, but I do..from our earlier clash, I was able to get a good look at who you are. Your thoughts, who you represent.."

Kobyashi would say. To which Calvin would retort.

"Oh yeah?! Then how come I didn't see ANYTHING about YOU..?!"

"..Simple..unlike yourself, my mind is clear. I don't have a problem seeing into your mind through the exchange of our fists while in our most powerful states..but you..deep down in your very soul, you're just a fucking mess.."

Kobyashi would say coldly.

Flashback

In the heat of their battle, Calvin would display good skill in hand to hand combat, managing to land a few blows with his opponent. Though the demon was no slouch, able to sneak a few powerful jabs into the Z-Star student. Being shoved back, the demon would move in for a number of strikes.

But Calvin did good for being on the defensive, blocking each punch. Saving himself from being dealt any damage in this moment.

But he could only keep this up for so long. This creature wasn't weak by any means. Behind each strike left an impact strong enough to strain Calvin's arms. It was only a matter of time before he'd get the upper hand on the young warrior.

"Come on, kid..! At least TRY to make this entertain me..!"

The demon would cackle, sporting a terrifying grin as he shouts this.

Knowing he had to retaliate, Calvin decided to make use of his unique abilities. A purple cloud-like haze enveloping his fists, Calvin would finally go on the offensive.

Catching him by surprise, Calvin only needed to land a single blow to inflict his special power. Delivering the blow with absolute precision.

Seemingly unfazed by this, the demon would let out a lengthy roar of laughter.

"WAS THAT IT?! WAS THIS ALL THE POWER YOU COULD MUSTER..? WHAT A JOKE!"

The demon would laugh some more, using his tail to grab a hold of Calvin & thrash him. Lifting him over his own body & slamming him into the stage on the opposite side.

"IT'S TIME I FINISH YOU OFF! ARE YOU READY TO—"

The demon would state before coming to a stop. Freezing in place, his eyes would widen. Pupils barely seen before letting out an ear-piercing scream.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME..?!"

The demon would shriek, placing a hand on his gut as his knees wobbled. Him slowly losing feeling in his legs…actually, his entire body now. He was going completely numb! The rival participant feeling incredibly ill all of a sudden.

Slowly picking himself up from the ground, Calvin would huff before spitting on the ground. Now speaking to the demon, informing him of what he did.

"I just poisoned you…it's a skill of mine. Only I can perform this sort of ability."

Calvin would explain, shocking his opponent. Who fell to his knees.

"You were too reckless & I played you like a fiddle. Hit you when you left yourself open. I led you to believe I was at my limit.."

The saiyan elaborated, earning a smile from Tenshi. Who watched this fight. Feeling proud of his best friend for taking his advice.

The demon certainly had plenty more to say, but alas, he was succumbing to the poison. Within seconds, he fell forward completely. Down & out for the count.

Still standing, Calvin was declared the victor.

"& WE HAVE OUR WINNER— CALVIN ADVANCES IN THE TOURNAMENT!"

The ring announcer shouted at the top of his lungs.

Calvin looked around in surprise as he found himself being cheered on, being praised by both the civilians and his fellow students. This causing him to smile brightly. He felt supported. Loved. He was now surrounded by those who respect him.

This was his family.

End of Flashback

Calvin couldn't think straight. Filled with determination to shut Kobyashi up, the Dark-Star student charged up. Scarlet ki flaring up, spiking up more than previously seen.

But Kobyashi remained level-headed, simply staring the other down.

"I don't care how mad you get…you know I'm right.."

Kobyashi would bluntly state.

Calvin was just trembling in pure rage, veins appearing throughout the short tempered Saiyan's body.

"…Just what would Tenshi think if he saw you like this..?"

Kobyashi questioned. Just then, a horrifying expression formed on the face of Calvin. A mixture of shock & pure hatred. The mention of his best friend.

"…"

Calvin fell silent. He did not say a single word for the next few moments. Despite a colossal vein popping up on the man's forehead.

Song Name: Falling Apart by Trust Company

Slowly, purple bubbles of ki would appear throughout areas of Calvin's body.

These bubbles would continue to grow, slowly enveloping throughout his body. Refusing to speak, Calvin would remove his shirt. Tossing the top away, revealing his considerably built upper body. This strange power has granted him a larger body mass. Built compatible to that of a human tank.

Sinister eyes glaring down at Kobyashi. Veins seen all over Calvin's chest & lower torso.

Even Kobyashi was left astounded by this change.

The color of his ki now becoming a hazy violet color, Calvin's entire body would have a slight purple tint to him.

"…If you ever mention that name again…I will slaughter you from where you stand.."

This was it. For the very first time ever, Kobyashi & his fellow students were witnessing Calvin's ultimate power.

His dreaded Poison Form.

Shadow would watch in disbelief over this. Glaze himself looking shaken up over such tremendous power.

Yukine watching on the sidelines, even he was paying close attention. Something he rarely did when others were in battle.

"So Calvin's decided to use *that* power, huh…does he really wish to kill Kobyashi..?"

He mumbled to himself. Silver eyes focusing on the battle before him.

In the room in which the victors were to be, Gokon watched the screen with intensity.

Even he had no idea Calvin was THIS powerful. He had yet another form!

"Damn it…this guy is a fucking monster…even I'm unsure if Kobyashi can get the job done.."
Gokon mumbled to himself.

As for KO, he also looked on. Though he was silent.

Everyone in the audience were in awe over this hellacious form. Something out of a nightmare. Lilac sparks appearing around Calvin's body, he slowly ascends. Floating up into the sky, never taking his eyes off Kobyashi.

"This can't be…Calvin, what are you trying to prove at this point…?"

Jaelen would mumble out, watching on as his older brother pushed himself to his limits. The poison sibling trembling in fear over this level of unstable power.

This power resembling that of what lies within Calvin's inner being.

Unstable. Conflict.

This was Calvin.

Pure in essence.

Flashback

The tournament had finally entered the final match.

Only two participants were left.

Calvin & Tenshi.

"Looks like it's our time, Calvin."

Tenshi would smile, placing a firm hand on his best friend's shoulder.

"Listen up. From here on out, no matter what happens, I'm proud of how far you've come. How far **we've** come. Don't ever forget that. Okay?"

Though uncertain of the outcome, Calvin definitely felt like he needed to hear this. A smile slowly appearing on his face, he nods.

"Thanks, brother. I got it. This is a fight between us & our shared resolves! I haven't forgotten what we stand for & I don't plan to!"

Calvin proclaimed, tone full of determination.

The two making their way to the stage to the sound of a roaring applause, both would look on before facing each other.

Smiles seen on their faces as they took their fighting stance.

End of Flashback

Both arms extended in front of him, several rays of scarlet ki would appear from Calvin's chest.

Kobyashi looking on with a puzzled expression.

What followed next was something of a light show. Grey clouds darkening the entire arena as this glowing red would create thunderous noises. A small glowing ball would be in the middle of these flashing rays. Suddenly increasing in size. This soon to be massive ball of red ki only getting bigger & bigger.

The size of this orb almost half the size of the arena itself!

An aura of blood red & dark purple swirling around the stage, winds strong enough to hinder everyone's vision. Kobyashi had to use his arm to cover half his face, his golden locks flowing from this ridiculous amount of strong winds.

Elder Kai's eyes widened, a look of pure panic on the face of the old man.

"CALVIN, ARE YOU CRAZY?! WHAT'RE YOU DOING?!"

The Kai would shout out.

But Calvin did not care. He did not react.

He was pushed far enough.

No matter what happened next, he was going to ENSURE Kobyashi would cease to exist. Even if everyone else would have to DIE along with him.

Kobyashi felt frozen, locked in place. Whether this was in surprise, or fear, or just flat out in wonder if Calvin would truly go so far..

Either way, he wasn't moving. And as for Calvin..

He wasn't stopping.

No.

He was going through with this.

"WE WON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO EVACUATE! IS THIS GUY NUTS?!"

Sam shouted, Vegeku screaming in fear. There was no way they could get everyone from this attack. If that ball of energy his the ground, they will all be DESTROYED!

"I'VE TOLD YOU FOR THE LAST TIME; YOU ARE A FOOL! YOU WILL REGRET PISSING ME OFF! YOU WILL FIND REGRET, BUT ONLY IN HELL!"

Calvin would scream out, voice echoing before letting out a godly like roar, using his palms to stabilize this ball of energy. It decreasing in size yet increasing in power.

"….FULL POWER…."

His eyes would go wide, pupils dilating.

"POISON BALL…!"

Upon shouting this he would launch the monstrous sized ball of blood red energy at Kobyashi along with half of the arena itself.

This ball of poison energy coming down like a meteor, sure to annihilate everyone below.

Song Name: Already Over by Red

Screams of the audience filled the area. The screams only adding to Calvin's personal satisfaction.

Everyone present were in panic. Even Kobyashi. But he would not give his foe what he wants. He will not scream. He will not surrender.

People were now on the line.

He had to respond.

Taking his hands together, Kobyashi would pull them back. Entering a certain signature pose.

"….Ka…."

He would mumble, tone calm in spite of the impending threat.

"….Me…."

His voice would suddenly transition. A colder, deeper tone. This voice sounding identical to that of Darashi.

"….Ha…."

The voice would now echo, blue rays of light appearing along with a ball of energy. It radiating brightly in the palms of Kobyashi.

"….Me…."

As Calvin's poison ball drew closer, the winds would grow even stronger. Half of Kobyashi's body now sporting a blue shine-like tint as his energy grew stronger.

And with a mighty shout, he would let loose this powerful energy.

"….HAAAAAAAAAA!"

This godly roar unleashing a divine Kamehameha, used to counter the colossal ball of negative energy.

This brought on a once-in-a-lifetime clash!

One like no other, a swirl of wind forcing many to squint their eyes. Holding tightly to their seats as they struggle to keep from flying away.

The color of blue & red lights in contrast.

This was the ultimate power struggle, but Kobyashi remained in place. Keeping the hold of his technique, remaining ever so defiant in face of this threat.

With not just himself on the line, but now the many friends & innocent lives as well, the hybrid Saiyan fought to protect them.

This was taxing to his body, certainly pushing him beyond his limits, but Kobyashi was not going to back down. Never! Crimson aura enveloping his body, Kobyashi's body trembled as he roared, palms visibly getting cut from his own wave of energy as he increased it!

This act of desperation actually working in his favor, slowly but surely pushing the poison ball back before suddenly ACCELERATING, forcing it into the atmosphere above. Nearly taking Calvin along with it, had he not moved away in time!

Panting heavily to himself, Kobyashi would squint his eyes as he watched this beam struggle leave the planet, fading away ever so far away. Eyes squinting as he struggled to keep himself standing. Body visibly shaken from pushing himself. Entire hands suffering second degree burns from doing such a thing.

Calvin just stood there, gazing down below with a shocked look on his face. Finding Kobyashi's survival to be unexpected, let alone the fact that he managed to overpower his deadly poison ball.

He was shaken out of this trance to the sounds of an applauding audience, celebrating Kobyashi's victorious act. Eyes twitching in frustration, Calvin would descend to the stage below.

Watching his opponent stand across a number of meters away, Kobyashi would slowly take his fighting stance. Looking as though he isn't quitting anytime soon, despite the injuries he's sustained.

His body is exhausted, but his will refuses to give up.

Calvin scoffs over this, unable to believe how far his opponent & hated foe will go.

"You never cease to amaze me, Kobyashi…but if you want this stage to be your resting place, so be it.."

Calvin states, now assuming his own fighting stance.

"If you think I'm losing here…*huff*..you've got another thing coming.."

Responds Kobyashi, sporting a weak smile. His voice returned to normal. Though still panting as he hasn't recovered from what transpired mere moments ago.

"…I said it before & I'll say it again…*huff*…just because you gave up…*huff* doesn't mean I will…"

Kobyashi reminds.

This reminder causing Calvin to grit his teeth.

Flashback

Both fighters standing with only minimal scratches on their face, Calvin & Tenshi never stopped smiling. This was the final match of the tournament, a serious matchup with a lot on the line, but these two best friends didn't think of it as such.

To them, they already did their part. They guaranteed victory to their academy. They showed their strength. To them, this was simply a fight between good friends.

Charging their power, they would regain their respective fighting stances.

"I think it's time we fight serious, whaddya say, Calvin?"

Tenshi would ask, a light smirk on his face.

"I can't say no to that. Heh, well go on then."

Calvin would do the same, a competitive glint in his eyes.

After a lengthy stare down, they would charge at the same time. Preparing to clash!

End of Flashback

A sudden transition to the present, both Kobyashi & Calvin charged at the other. Both giving it their best attack in the form of fists as they prepared for an imminent clash!

To Be Continued . . .