Post by Krillin on Oct 12, 2010 2:06:40 GMT -5
Once more, the insanity of the universe that Krillin thought surely had bounds proved to have none whatsoever. Here he was, standing beside an oversized red demon, behind a while line on a dirt road. But not just any white line. No, not any one indeed. This one happened to be a starting line. And a starting line for what? Well, for the race, of course. The race to which Mez had challenged him.
Again, Krillin got that uneasy feeling of being the sanest person around.
Still, unnerved or not, he lowered himself to a crouch at Mez's side, perfectly ready and willing to just get this whole nutty event over with.
Where the demons had concocted them from, Krillin did not know, but stands were set up on either side of the road, and were filled with wisps. A sold-out crowd, cheering as much as they could with squeaky voices that could truly not make a cheering sound. Some even wore baseball caps of various colors, though mostly red. Others carried about little triangular flags, some with the words "Go Mez!" printed on them. For just a moment, Krillin was reminded of a Tenkaichi Budoukai crowd. They were certainly at least as insane as that.
"You ready, runt?" Krillin looked up as Mez glared down at him condescendingly. It was a look that Krillin had long-since gotten himself used to but still did not like nonetheless. The look told him that he was worthless, that he should just run home and never ever try to mess with the big boys. He used to let that look get to him, but it pretty much just rolled of him now. Nobody whose opinion he valued ever looked at him that way.
In return, Krillin gave him a smug smirk. He would show this guy a thing or two. "Any time you are pal. Let's get this show on the road."
"Runners prepare yourselves!" Goz raised a starting pistol into the air. "On your mark . . . Get set . . . Go!"
The pistol went off and so did Mez, like the shot itself. But Krillin merely stood at the starting line for a moment. He was a little stunned at the speed of the demon – that it was so slow. Unable to stifle it, Krillin let a chuckle escape from his lips.
"What are you doing, son?" Gohan Senior shouted at him. "Get moving or we're going to lose this thing!"
"Huh?" Krillin looked up. Oh, right. The race. Cheerfully, he cave his companion a salute. "No problem. Everything is under control."
And with that, he was off, quicker than a shot, tearing down the road after his competitor. After only a few seconds, he caught sight of Mez, hurrying along at what was a slow pace to Krillin. With a sort of half wicked smile, Krillin pulled up next to him and waved happily.
"Ack!" Mez exclaimed, looking over for a second. "How did you get up here? I left you in the dust!"
Krillin's only answer was a chuckle, and Mez began to pump his legs faster, putting extra distance between them. Casually, Krillin increased his own velocity. He normally didn't get such a kick out of freaking people out, but the fact that he actually could for a change was empowering and almost intoxicating.
Mez screamed again as he once more pulled astride him. "How do you keep doing this?"
"Oh, it's nothing really," Krillin said smugly. "Just a casual little pace, is all."
This elicited a growl from the demon. "Well . . . Well . . . I'm still going to win this, shrimpy! You haven't outrun me yet!" Though the words were bold, they were spoken in a nervous, trembling voice.
The course was circuitous, and who knew how long, but after a few moments Krillin could see the starting line rearing up in front of them. Just to mess with the demon's mind, Krillin had stayed astride him for the entire race. He could have easily blown past him and had it won long ago, but he was honestly enjoying this. It was not often that he could do something like this to an opponent anymore. Really was quite the confidence booster, if not very sporting.
"Well, it's been fun, Mez, but I've gotta run!" Krillin called out, and poured a bit more speed into his legs. In a mere two strides, he was well past his competitor, and zoomed over the finish line, executing a masterful stop.
With a satisfied smirk at the look of astonishment on both Goz's and Gohan Senior's faces, Krillin waited patently for Mez to cross the finish line. It must have taken a whole forty five seconds, and even Krillin was surprised at this; he hadn't thought that he had gone that far ahead of him. Panting, and very nearly dragging himself the rest of the way, Mez crossed the line.
"Hey . . ." the red demon said between hoarse breaths. "That's not fair. How did you do that?"
"What do you mean its not fair? I didn't do anything illegal," Krillin returned.
"Well . . . It . . . I . . ." At last, Mez gave up. "Augh! Okay, fine, you win!" He pointed a finger almost accusingly at Krillin. "But this isn't over yet! The old man still has to beat Goz!"
With that, Mez stormed off in a huff, and a still astonished Goz followed him, motioning for Krillin and Gohan Senior to do the same.
But before they did so, Gohan Senior approached Krillin. "That was most impressive, son. Where did you get that kind of speed?"
Krillin just shrugged. "Oh, you know. Just the usual training." He let his cheery smile remain on his face for another moment longer before he turned serious again. "But now that my part is over, it's up to you. Are you sure you can handle this?"
"We'll see, son," was Gohan Senior's answer. "I think it's been quite some time since I've done anything of this nature. If I remember what I'm doing, I should be fine. Not sure though."
Strangely, the old man did not seem put off by his own words. In fact, he looked happy, almost excited, and this immediately reminded Krillin of Goku. Being as happy as can be while stating that he was not sure he could win a battle which would determine their fate. It was not a very inspiring thing, to make an obvious point.
"Oh, goody."
- -
While the former monk and the old martial arts master contemplated their chances of succeeding in their deal, a much different figure wandered far off.
Much different indeed, for it was easily the size of three houses, whereas the aforementioned could still walk into a children's playhouse with out having to duck their heads. The landscape shook under this figure, and well it should. Many things in Otherworld feared Kyojin, so why not the ground? He grinned happily as wisps scattered out of his path, squealing in fright. Even some of the demons who ran things down here in Hell trembled and ran at the sight of him. He enjoyed this for a while before his mind was finally able to comprehend the fact that this was probably not a good thing. After all, the demons might be able to tell him where his two tiny targets were.
So Kyojin stopped for a moment, picking up one of the fleeing demons by the back of his shirt and bringing him up to face level. "Tell me."
The little demon struggled in his grasp, sweat pouring down its face. He had enough sense to cease his struggles though, and looked up fearfully. "Tell you what?"
Kyojin reached up and scratched his head with his free hand. Didn't everyone know what he was up to? What a shoddily run place this was if they didn't. Why make his work so hard?
"I mean," Kyojin began again, "where are the two that escaped? The tiny bald one and the tiny hairy one?"
"I . . . I haven't seen anyone, I swear!" called out the little demon.
"You swear?"
The demon nodded. "Yes, yes, I swear! Now let me go!"
Casually, Kyojin let the demon drop to the ground and walked off, catching the unfortunate tiny creature under his foot and crushing him. Kyojin lifted his foot and peeled the demon off the sole, dropping him once more. He was not bothered by what he had done. After all, the demon was useless, and it was its own fault for not getting out of the way in time.
What he had to trouble himself over was finding his two targets. He did not like having to wait. The sooner he got to them, the sooner he might be able to smash them to little bits. King Yemma had better grant him permission.
Nursing thoughts of right and justice in his mind, Kyojin continued on his way, in search of his prey.
- -
This area was much more private than the last. No stands set up, no cheering spectators. None at all. The place was almost lonely, but for the fact that here were four people here. But in all truth, Gohan did not mind the seclusion of the place. He rather preferred to be on his own. It was a very comforting feeling, and somehow felt familiar to him. Had he often been alone in life?
"All right, old man, here's the deal," began the huge blue demon whose name was Goz. "You see this circle I've drawn?" The demon pointed at the circle of white chalk that had been hastily scrawled onto the ground. "The first one to step outside of this line loses. Got it?"
Gohan nodded. "Sounds simple enough."
He took stock of the area surrounding him, just to get his bearings. In the distance there was a little white building that he knew instinctively was of no consequence. Around him was merely a plain of grass, where Krillin and Mez stood a respectable distance away from the ring. In fact, the only distinguishing feature about the area was the tall fruit tree that sat just on the edge of the circle. Gohan made a mental note to position himself in front of that tree if it looked as though he might go out of bounds. The tree could probably keep him in this should he falter.
Once more, he glanced back at Krillin. The poor lad looked a little worried. Perhaps Gohan's earlier words had not inspired a lot of confidence. Still, the boy didn't have to look so distraught. He shot him a smile and a thumbs-up before turning back to his opponent. "Very well, then. Shall we begin?"
"Not so fast, old man," Goz huffed. "I've gotta stretch first. Though I don't know I should bother. What's the risk that I'm gonna pull somethin' fighting an old guy like you?"
As Goz bent and stretched, Gohan felt a frown tug at his lips. The type of tone that he was using, Gohan was not sure that he had ever heard before. At least not directed at him. That tone just radiated smugness and disrespect. A total lack of regard for the opponent. It was offensive, and intentionally so. This demon needed to learn some manners.
As Goz finished his stretches, Gohan lowered himself into a fighting stance. His knees were bent, storing energy, and his fists were raised halfway up his body. The position was not consciously taken; it was merely a product of his body, remembering things that his mind had long-since forgotten. The body of a warrior did not easily forget its roots.
"Okay, old man, I'm ready!" Goz sprung up into his own fighting stance. And it was a rather poor one. The demon looked more like a lumbering gorilla than a fighter, with his legs spread wide apart and his arms hanging loosely down in front of him.
Gohan nodded briefly. "As am I."
"Then on your mark . . . Get set . . . And go!"
Gohan barely dodged to the side in time; his opponent attacked with a speed that had surprised him. But he managed to escape damage and threw a punch of his own. Goz hopped out of the way before making another charge. This one, Gohan stopped by jumping calmly out of the way, and driving his foot into Goz's side.
The blue demon stumbled backward, nearly to the chalk line that indicated the boundaries. From behind him, Gohan heard a little cheer come forth from Krillin. At this, Gohan smiled. Well. Good to see that the boy could have a little faith in him after all.
But the time to end this was now, before things could drag out for too long. Gohan did not know how much of his fighting memory he had retained, so it was best to be done with this match as soon as possible. He rushed forth, fist raised, before Goz got his bearings unexpectedly, and bashed him with a backhand fist.
"Ungh!" Gohan cried out in pain, and he went sailing back, far back, toward the other edge of the ring . . .
And luckily smashed right into the tree that he had intended to use in case there was trouble. But still, he landed hard, and a few pieces of fruit dropped from the tree, felled by the impact. Rubbing at his head from where one of the fruits had fallen on him, Gohan regained his feet, fists up and prepared to fight again.
"Hey, you!" Goz shouted. What little hair he had on his head was virtually standing on end. Gohan had seen this demon angry earlier, but before now, he had never actually looked frightening. "Stay away from that tree! That contains King Yemma's special stamina fruit!"
"Goz, you idiot!" Mez called from outside the ring. "Don't tell him that!"
Stamina increasing fruit? Interesting . . . But something that he would have to ponder later. Goz came at him once more, this time with a greater ferocity that he had previously displayed. Gohan dropped to his knees, then swung out one leg to take Goz's out from under him.
The sweep worked, and Gohan hurriedly rolled out of the way to keep the massive demon from falling on him.
Though the move had fooled Goz, he did not stay down for long. He was on his feet again almost in an instant and charging forward yet again. Gohan could not help but admire the demon's persistence. Not such a bad quality to have.
But the demon was clearly getting desperate, and desperation in battle spelled defeat.
And on this charge, Gohan braced his feet wide apart, opening his palms as he did so. He steadied his nerves, waiting as Goz quickly drew closer . . .
And an instant before Goz could hit him, Gohan pushed his hands forward onto his chest and took all of his weight upon him. Using this for momentum, he leaned backwards, falling onto his back and shoving Goz off him.
Goz sailed through the air, wailing comically until he hit the ground with a quite resounding thud. Gohan turned over and sat on his knees, discreetly putting his palm out to the side before pulling it back. He chuckled as Goz dazedly tried to push himself to his feet, but only managed to fall over twice on the same attempt. Well, that should teach that disrespectful creature never to underestimate his opponents.
Word Count: 2608
JUst out of curiosity is anyone actually reading this?
Again, Krillin got that uneasy feeling of being the sanest person around.
Still, unnerved or not, he lowered himself to a crouch at Mez's side, perfectly ready and willing to just get this whole nutty event over with.
Where the demons had concocted them from, Krillin did not know, but stands were set up on either side of the road, and were filled with wisps. A sold-out crowd, cheering as much as they could with squeaky voices that could truly not make a cheering sound. Some even wore baseball caps of various colors, though mostly red. Others carried about little triangular flags, some with the words "Go Mez!" printed on them. For just a moment, Krillin was reminded of a Tenkaichi Budoukai crowd. They were certainly at least as insane as that.
"You ready, runt?" Krillin looked up as Mez glared down at him condescendingly. It was a look that Krillin had long-since gotten himself used to but still did not like nonetheless. The look told him that he was worthless, that he should just run home and never ever try to mess with the big boys. He used to let that look get to him, but it pretty much just rolled of him now. Nobody whose opinion he valued ever looked at him that way.
In return, Krillin gave him a smug smirk. He would show this guy a thing or two. "Any time you are pal. Let's get this show on the road."
"Runners prepare yourselves!" Goz raised a starting pistol into the air. "On your mark . . . Get set . . . Go!"
The pistol went off and so did Mez, like the shot itself. But Krillin merely stood at the starting line for a moment. He was a little stunned at the speed of the demon – that it was so slow. Unable to stifle it, Krillin let a chuckle escape from his lips.
"What are you doing, son?" Gohan Senior shouted at him. "Get moving or we're going to lose this thing!"
"Huh?" Krillin looked up. Oh, right. The race. Cheerfully, he cave his companion a salute. "No problem. Everything is under control."
And with that, he was off, quicker than a shot, tearing down the road after his competitor. After only a few seconds, he caught sight of Mez, hurrying along at what was a slow pace to Krillin. With a sort of half wicked smile, Krillin pulled up next to him and waved happily.
"Ack!" Mez exclaimed, looking over for a second. "How did you get up here? I left you in the dust!"
Krillin's only answer was a chuckle, and Mez began to pump his legs faster, putting extra distance between them. Casually, Krillin increased his own velocity. He normally didn't get such a kick out of freaking people out, but the fact that he actually could for a change was empowering and almost intoxicating.
Mez screamed again as he once more pulled astride him. "How do you keep doing this?"
"Oh, it's nothing really," Krillin said smugly. "Just a casual little pace, is all."
This elicited a growl from the demon. "Well . . . Well . . . I'm still going to win this, shrimpy! You haven't outrun me yet!" Though the words were bold, they were spoken in a nervous, trembling voice.
The course was circuitous, and who knew how long, but after a few moments Krillin could see the starting line rearing up in front of them. Just to mess with the demon's mind, Krillin had stayed astride him for the entire race. He could have easily blown past him and had it won long ago, but he was honestly enjoying this. It was not often that he could do something like this to an opponent anymore. Really was quite the confidence booster, if not very sporting.
"Well, it's been fun, Mez, but I've gotta run!" Krillin called out, and poured a bit more speed into his legs. In a mere two strides, he was well past his competitor, and zoomed over the finish line, executing a masterful stop.
With a satisfied smirk at the look of astonishment on both Goz's and Gohan Senior's faces, Krillin waited patently for Mez to cross the finish line. It must have taken a whole forty five seconds, and even Krillin was surprised at this; he hadn't thought that he had gone that far ahead of him. Panting, and very nearly dragging himself the rest of the way, Mez crossed the line.
"Hey . . ." the red demon said between hoarse breaths. "That's not fair. How did you do that?"
"What do you mean its not fair? I didn't do anything illegal," Krillin returned.
"Well . . . It . . . I . . ." At last, Mez gave up. "Augh! Okay, fine, you win!" He pointed a finger almost accusingly at Krillin. "But this isn't over yet! The old man still has to beat Goz!"
With that, Mez stormed off in a huff, and a still astonished Goz followed him, motioning for Krillin and Gohan Senior to do the same.
But before they did so, Gohan Senior approached Krillin. "That was most impressive, son. Where did you get that kind of speed?"
Krillin just shrugged. "Oh, you know. Just the usual training." He let his cheery smile remain on his face for another moment longer before he turned serious again. "But now that my part is over, it's up to you. Are you sure you can handle this?"
"We'll see, son," was Gohan Senior's answer. "I think it's been quite some time since I've done anything of this nature. If I remember what I'm doing, I should be fine. Not sure though."
Strangely, the old man did not seem put off by his own words. In fact, he looked happy, almost excited, and this immediately reminded Krillin of Goku. Being as happy as can be while stating that he was not sure he could win a battle which would determine their fate. It was not a very inspiring thing, to make an obvious point.
"Oh, goody."
- -
While the former monk and the old martial arts master contemplated their chances of succeeding in their deal, a much different figure wandered far off.
Much different indeed, for it was easily the size of three houses, whereas the aforementioned could still walk into a children's playhouse with out having to duck their heads. The landscape shook under this figure, and well it should. Many things in Otherworld feared Kyojin, so why not the ground? He grinned happily as wisps scattered out of his path, squealing in fright. Even some of the demons who ran things down here in Hell trembled and ran at the sight of him. He enjoyed this for a while before his mind was finally able to comprehend the fact that this was probably not a good thing. After all, the demons might be able to tell him where his two tiny targets were.
So Kyojin stopped for a moment, picking up one of the fleeing demons by the back of his shirt and bringing him up to face level. "Tell me."
The little demon struggled in his grasp, sweat pouring down its face. He had enough sense to cease his struggles though, and looked up fearfully. "Tell you what?"
Kyojin reached up and scratched his head with his free hand. Didn't everyone know what he was up to? What a shoddily run place this was if they didn't. Why make his work so hard?
"I mean," Kyojin began again, "where are the two that escaped? The tiny bald one and the tiny hairy one?"
"I . . . I haven't seen anyone, I swear!" called out the little demon.
"You swear?"
The demon nodded. "Yes, yes, I swear! Now let me go!"
Casually, Kyojin let the demon drop to the ground and walked off, catching the unfortunate tiny creature under his foot and crushing him. Kyojin lifted his foot and peeled the demon off the sole, dropping him once more. He was not bothered by what he had done. After all, the demon was useless, and it was its own fault for not getting out of the way in time.
What he had to trouble himself over was finding his two targets. He did not like having to wait. The sooner he got to them, the sooner he might be able to smash them to little bits. King Yemma had better grant him permission.
Nursing thoughts of right and justice in his mind, Kyojin continued on his way, in search of his prey.
- -
This area was much more private than the last. No stands set up, no cheering spectators. None at all. The place was almost lonely, but for the fact that here were four people here. But in all truth, Gohan did not mind the seclusion of the place. He rather preferred to be on his own. It was a very comforting feeling, and somehow felt familiar to him. Had he often been alone in life?
"All right, old man, here's the deal," began the huge blue demon whose name was Goz. "You see this circle I've drawn?" The demon pointed at the circle of white chalk that had been hastily scrawled onto the ground. "The first one to step outside of this line loses. Got it?"
Gohan nodded. "Sounds simple enough."
He took stock of the area surrounding him, just to get his bearings. In the distance there was a little white building that he knew instinctively was of no consequence. Around him was merely a plain of grass, where Krillin and Mez stood a respectable distance away from the ring. In fact, the only distinguishing feature about the area was the tall fruit tree that sat just on the edge of the circle. Gohan made a mental note to position himself in front of that tree if it looked as though he might go out of bounds. The tree could probably keep him in this should he falter.
Once more, he glanced back at Krillin. The poor lad looked a little worried. Perhaps Gohan's earlier words had not inspired a lot of confidence. Still, the boy didn't have to look so distraught. He shot him a smile and a thumbs-up before turning back to his opponent. "Very well, then. Shall we begin?"
"Not so fast, old man," Goz huffed. "I've gotta stretch first. Though I don't know I should bother. What's the risk that I'm gonna pull somethin' fighting an old guy like you?"
As Goz bent and stretched, Gohan felt a frown tug at his lips. The type of tone that he was using, Gohan was not sure that he had ever heard before. At least not directed at him. That tone just radiated smugness and disrespect. A total lack of regard for the opponent. It was offensive, and intentionally so. This demon needed to learn some manners.
As Goz finished his stretches, Gohan lowered himself into a fighting stance. His knees were bent, storing energy, and his fists were raised halfway up his body. The position was not consciously taken; it was merely a product of his body, remembering things that his mind had long-since forgotten. The body of a warrior did not easily forget its roots.
"Okay, old man, I'm ready!" Goz sprung up into his own fighting stance. And it was a rather poor one. The demon looked more like a lumbering gorilla than a fighter, with his legs spread wide apart and his arms hanging loosely down in front of him.
Gohan nodded briefly. "As am I."
"Then on your mark . . . Get set . . . And go!"
Gohan barely dodged to the side in time; his opponent attacked with a speed that had surprised him. But he managed to escape damage and threw a punch of his own. Goz hopped out of the way before making another charge. This one, Gohan stopped by jumping calmly out of the way, and driving his foot into Goz's side.
The blue demon stumbled backward, nearly to the chalk line that indicated the boundaries. From behind him, Gohan heard a little cheer come forth from Krillin. At this, Gohan smiled. Well. Good to see that the boy could have a little faith in him after all.
But the time to end this was now, before things could drag out for too long. Gohan did not know how much of his fighting memory he had retained, so it was best to be done with this match as soon as possible. He rushed forth, fist raised, before Goz got his bearings unexpectedly, and bashed him with a backhand fist.
"Ungh!" Gohan cried out in pain, and he went sailing back, far back, toward the other edge of the ring . . .
And luckily smashed right into the tree that he had intended to use in case there was trouble. But still, he landed hard, and a few pieces of fruit dropped from the tree, felled by the impact. Rubbing at his head from where one of the fruits had fallen on him, Gohan regained his feet, fists up and prepared to fight again.
"Hey, you!" Goz shouted. What little hair he had on his head was virtually standing on end. Gohan had seen this demon angry earlier, but before now, he had never actually looked frightening. "Stay away from that tree! That contains King Yemma's special stamina fruit!"
"Goz, you idiot!" Mez called from outside the ring. "Don't tell him that!"
Stamina increasing fruit? Interesting . . . But something that he would have to ponder later. Goz came at him once more, this time with a greater ferocity that he had previously displayed. Gohan dropped to his knees, then swung out one leg to take Goz's out from under him.
The sweep worked, and Gohan hurriedly rolled out of the way to keep the massive demon from falling on him.
Though the move had fooled Goz, he did not stay down for long. He was on his feet again almost in an instant and charging forward yet again. Gohan could not help but admire the demon's persistence. Not such a bad quality to have.
But the demon was clearly getting desperate, and desperation in battle spelled defeat.
And on this charge, Gohan braced his feet wide apart, opening his palms as he did so. He steadied his nerves, waiting as Goz quickly drew closer . . .
And an instant before Goz could hit him, Gohan pushed his hands forward onto his chest and took all of his weight upon him. Using this for momentum, he leaned backwards, falling onto his back and shoving Goz off him.
Goz sailed through the air, wailing comically until he hit the ground with a quite resounding thud. Gohan turned over and sat on his knees, discreetly putting his palm out to the side before pulling it back. He chuckled as Goz dazedly tried to push himself to his feet, but only managed to fall over twice on the same attempt. Well, that should teach that disrespectful creature never to underestimate his opponents.
Word Count: 2608
JUst out of curiosity is anyone actually reading this?