Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Price Of Power ❯ Chapter: 7b ( Chapter 8 )

The Price Of Power

" rrrr " Speech

< rrrr > Thoughts

<< rrrr >> Inward voice

<> rrrr <> Telepathy

A/N: Here's 7b :). To Thorn, Kakarotto in my story is only the same as Goku, in terms of fighting and power, not personality. How this got to be will be explained, just stay tuned :)) And a big thank you to everyone that has read my story and a bigger thank you to everyone who's reviewed. :)) Enjoy people!!

Chapter: 7b - Death of a hero ... Birth of a Savior, part 1

<><><><><><><><>

The battle between the Eternian heroes and their dreaded enemies raged on with no side seeming to gain ground over the other. The main reason being that most of the Master's were either fighting two people, or every time they got an enemy down, another one would break away from his fight and interject for a fallen comrade. But not all the battle's were like this. Closer to the gates of Grayskull two battles were taking place that unknown to it's participant's would effect the fate of the planet.

With every clash of their swords, missed impalement , or attempted beheading, the mortal enemies became more determined to finally settle their long lasting score, and make this their final battle.

" Die!! " Skeletor screamed as he lounged forward trying to impale He-Man into a tree.

He-Man blocked, then parried the strike, causing Skeletor to lose his balance and slam the back of his head against a small rock knocking him half unconscious.

" It's over! Now pay for all your crimes! " Hovering over his fallen enemy, He-Man raised his sword, ready to deliver the killing blow.

" Die!! " With all his might, He-Man swung down, ready to inflict the punishment Skeletor deserved for years of plaguing Eternia with his evil.

< What am I doing? ... I ...I can't do this ...>

Stopping his sword a couple of inches away from Skeletor's head, all He-Man could do was stare for what seemed like an Eternity at his hated enemy.

Slowly lowering his sword, He-Man reached down and grabbed Skeletor around the neck. Raising him easily off the ground, he brought his face towards his so that they were only a few inches away from each other.

" Death is to good for you! You will pay for everything you've ever committed. You will rot in the palace dungeon, and will never see daylight again ...-- "

He-Man was interrupted by Skeletor's sudden laughter. Looking confused, he started to question his enemy about what was so funny about his current situation.

" Fool! You should of finished me off while you had the chance, instead of making stupid speeches. " Stated Skeletor.

He-Man still had a confused look, until he saw that Skeletor's staff had suddenly materialized into his hands. Before he could react, the hero of Eternia was flying straight at the gates of Grayskull. He let out a cry of pain as the back of his head hit the gate with a resounding thud. He-Man slowly slid down the gate and was about to fall into the chasm below until he grabbed onto a rock at the base of the gate. Using it to flip himself up, so that his feet were pressed firmly against the gate. He then propelled himself back at Skeletor.

"Fool! You will never defeat me. " Stated Skeletor as he erected a shield to block He-Man's incoming sword attack.

The force of the swing caused the shield to flicker a bit, but it held up under the attack. He-man seeing his attack didn't break the shield then tried to back away, but found his sword was now partially stuck in the magical shield. As he faced his enemy, a sinister smile crossed Skeletor's disfigured lips. With the shield still up, Skeletor pointed his staff once again at His enemies midsection.

" Goodbye fool!! " He said as he fired another blast.

He-man's eye's grew wide with fear as he saw the shot headed for him. Quickly regaining his courage, he applied more strength and pulled his sword free, just in time to slice the incoming attack in two.

<><><><>

Teela watched He-Man's fight with Skeletor like a hawk, even though she was engaged in her own battle with Evil-Lyn. Ever since he came near death, she vowed whenever possible to do whatever she could to help him. But at the moment she was finding it very hard to do so because Evil-Lyn was proving to be a much tougher opponent then in previous battle's.

" You've gotten better. " Stated Teela as she blocked an attempt to bash her head in with her staff.

" Thank you my dear ... but you haven't seen anything yet! "

For the next few minutes both women became entangled in a brutal battle of nerve and skill. Teela was absolutely amazed that Evil-Lyn was capable of beating her to the punch on many of her attacks. So amazed, she was forced to stop thinking about her love, and had to solely

concentrate on her battle, in order to stop from being pummeled.

" What's wrong little girl, not having such an easy time with me like before ..? " Stated Evil-Lyn, as she blocked an attempted leg sweep.

" Honestly … no ... How did you improve so much in such a short time? "She said before jumping away from another strike at her head.

Evil-Lyn smiled and considered if she should tell her rival the secret to her improved skill.

< Why not, it's not like knowing will help her any. >

" My newest ally, has helped me greatly ... I believe you are already acquainted with him. " She said with a smirk.

Teela gave her perplexed look until the incident in the forest suddenly crossed her mind. Too say she was shocked would be an understatement. Kakarotto was someone she barely knew, but from what little she did know, he didn't seem like the type of person that would hang around someone of Evil-Lyn's reputation. But the increase in Evil-Lyn's skill was unmistakable, and Teela knew in her heart that Kakarotto was the reason for it. All she had to do was remember how Adam tried unsuccessfully to fight him, and her own failed attempt after being taken from her room. In both cases she noted how he made them both look like complete amateurs when it came to combat.

Evil-Lyn's smirk grew even wider as she saw Teela's shocked expression. Aligning with Kakarotto was starting to pay off in way's she hadn't even imagined. For example, how her skill level at hand to hand and weapon's fighting had increased so greatly in only five day's, after he offered to train her in the basic's of his style of fighting. There were other things also, but she tried not to think of those as she found those a bit frightening, as they conflicted with her evil nature.

" You see my dear, we have come to a mutual agreement that unfortunately for you all will mean the end of Eternia's present ruler ship. "

Teela was still shocked by Evil-Lyn's revelation, but quickly realized that now wasn't the time to let herself be distracted. The fate of the planet was in hers and the rest of the Master's hands, and she wasn't about to have her home ravaged and it's people enslaved. So without a word to her opponent she launched herself, and started another serious of attacks.

<><><><>

Inside Castle Grayskull, the Sorceress watched the fight's as they took place. But there were two in particular that caught her eye. The one with her champion, He-Man, and the one involving her daughter, Teela. She noticed there were odd things about both fight's. He-Man had tried to kill Skeletor instead of capturing him, and Teela was barely keeping up with Evil-Lyn.

Both incident's shocked her, but after realizing the reason behind them both, it made complete sense as to why both were taking place.

< Kakarotto ... >

The mysterious stranger to the land of Eternia, and apparently the source of her visions, had effected Eternia in ways she hadn't imagined.

< What or who is he? ...>

When she had told Man-At-Arms about her vision, there were things she purposely left out, as they disturbed her greatly. Plus she didn't want to alarm the Master's more then had to be done.

In her full vision, it consisted of a being fighting many battles. Each battle was more ferocious and brutal then the last. Frankly it terrified her. Not only the brutality of the battles, but the look of pleasure on the combatant's faces, were the most disturbing thing to her. Then there was the power they were giving off. Power she noted was greater then all that is within Grayskull.

" Such power … Is he some sort of god? ... Or could he possibly be a mortal? "

When she saw Kakarotto for the first time in the forest, through her mystic mirror. She knew instantly he was the person that was in her visions. She noted his hair style was different, but the face was unmistakable. Then there was that fear that gripped her heart. The same fear as she felt with the vision.

" But how could a mortal posses such power? ... " She said still looking at the battle's taking place outside Grayskull, through her Mystic mirror.

" Maybe he is a ... -- "

Without warning a hand covered her mouth and pinned her to the wall. She tried to break free but found the grip like iron, all she could do was stare in shock at the person holding her.

" Calm down and stop struggling witch, and I will let you go. " Kakarotto stated in a low but firm voice.

The Sorceress did as she was told, and Kakarotto good to his word let her go unharmed. Seizing the moment, the Sorceress quickly jumped a few feet away, and tried to make a break for the chamber entrance, but was cut off as Kakarotto appeared directly in front of her.

" Sorry my dear ... but you can't leave just yet ... "

" How d-did you get in here?! " She asked, trembly slightly.

Kakarotto didn't answer her question but only smiled and started to walk slowly towards her. The Sorceress began to back away slowly, not knowing what he had in mind.

" Keep your distance!! I'm warning you!! Stay back!! " The Sorceress pointed her staff at the cloaked warrior, to show she meant business.

Kakarotto started laughing, but didn't back down. He knew she probably thought he was going to rape or even do worse to her, but even though, neither were true, he became curious as to what she would do if he pushed her.

" Do your worse … " He said as his eye's started to glow a light blue, and his smile turned feral.

" It will just make this more fun. You will make a tasty treat ... " He said slowly looking her up and down.

The Sorceresses heart nearly stopped as she saw the look Kakarotto gave her. Flashbacks of the visions started to replay itself in her mind. His menacing glare, looked exactly like the one he had in the battles she saw him fight. She reasoned he didn't want to fight her. So she figured there was only one thing he wanted with that look.

" Stay away from me!! " She screamed in fear.

Summoning enough power that was safe to use inside Grayskull. The Sorceresses entire body became enveloped in a dazzling white flame like light. Too a normal person the light would have been blinding but Kakarotto saw everything she was doing just fine. He witnesses as she raised her hands to the ceiling and from her glowing body rose a giant bird made up out of the power she summoned. He then watched with mild interest as she commanded the fiery bird to attack him.

< This isn't much fun. She's far too weak to pose any sort of challenge to me. I should end this now and just do what I came here to do. >

Extending his hand forward, he grabbed the bird by the throat as it tried to charge him. The scene shocked the Sorceress as her creation was at least three times bigger then Kakarotto but in his hands it looked and flapped around like a small sparrow. She then watched as her creation was destroyed as Kakarotto used his free hand to disintegrate it.

" Surely you can do better then that last pathetic attack? I was hoping you would be as entertaining as your daughter, but I see I was mistaken ... "

" What?!! What did you do to Teela?!! " She screamed as her eyes burned like flames.

" Hmm, you will soon find out ... " He said starting to walk back towards her.

Kakarotto stopped, as she started to summon even more power then she had before. He looked on with disappointment as he gauged her full potential.

< This is pathetic. Time to end my little game. >

" Don't you think that's too much power to be using in this confined place. You wouldn't want to destroy something important now would you? " He said still looking at her, like she was a piece of meat.

Kakarotto watched as recognition about what she was about to do dawned on her. Then he watched as she jumped into the air, and formed her collected energy into a shield, incasing her completely.

" This is quite amusing, do you think that can save you from me? … "

Before she even had a chance to answer. Kakarotto formed a ball of energy and blasted the shield, shattering it into pieces. The result of which left the Sorceress completely unconscious.

Walking over to where she landed after the impact. He gently picked up her limp form and started to float out of the room.

" Sorry to be so ruff with you, but for the sake of your world this must be done. "

<><><><>

Teela, looked on in horror as her love laid motionless on the ground. She wanted to go to him, but was unable to do so because of the strange tentacles that bound her. She tried to call out to him, but he didn't acknowledge her presence.

Her counterpart though, had a look of pure glee. Evil-Lyn was ecstatic at the scene unfolding before her. He-Man was completely unconscious and it seemed like one more blow would mean the end of him.

" Kill him Kakarotto! Kill him! "

Kakarotto looked at his fallen foe and considered Evil-Lyn's words. He-Man had proven not to be as worthy an opponent as he expected. Bending down, he picked He-man up by his chest plate. Then lightly slapping him across the face, he tried to see if he would wake up.

" No!! what are you doing? Kill him now! " Screamed an enraged Evil-Lyn.

" No … Remember the rules of our contest. If I beat him, then he has to be my servant for three years. And if he won, then I will leave this land never to return. "

" But why? ... If you leave him alive, he may be a nuisance to us in the future. "

" What I have said, I will honor. I will not break my word, just like with us, I will honor our agreement. "

" But …-- "

" No buts! my word is final! "

Evil-Lyn was taken aback by his tone, but didn't respond once she saw the stern look on his face.

" I will never ... be your slave … " Stated a half conscious He-Man.

Kakarotto looked back down at him and just shook his head at his stubborn determination.

" Resilient to the end I see. I'm glad you decided to wake up. " Kakarotto started to laugh and threw He-Man back on the ground.

Teela still couldn't believe this was happening. One moment she was having a life and death battle with Evil-Lyn, and the next she's being bound from head to toe by the strange tentacles Kakarotto produced. She tried desperately to free herself, but just like when he had her bound before in her room, it was useless.

" I thought you were here to help us?! ... " She said near tears.

Kakarotto didn't respond, he needed to break He-Man's will even more if his plan was to succeed, and frankly, he knew even if he told her. Teela would be to emotional to grasp the full implication of what he was doing.

He looked around at the Masters as they struggled to break free from the Ki tentacles he had made. But all their efforts were proven pointless. He then looked over at the minions of Skeletor and Skeletor himself as they were also bound and unable to break free. Then he turned his attention to the Sorceress, whose still unconscious form was hanging on a near by tree.

" Do you see them He-Man? Your love and her mother? "

He-Man tried to roll over to see them, but found this task to be quite difficult , given his current injuries. Both his legs and one of his arm's were broken, along with most of his ribs. A result of his fight with Kakarotto. But he needed to see her, even if this was the last time he ever would. Using all the power he had left, he slowly rolled himself over to face Teela's direction.

" I …I ... Love yo... you Teela ... -- "

He was stopped as Kakarotto kicked him in one of his broken ribs, causing him to cry out in excruciating pain.

" So … are you saying goodbye? Is that a goodbye I love you? What happened to your pride warrior? "

He-Man wanted to kill him. But he knew that in his current state that would be impossible and even if he were healed, he knew there was a vast difference between their strength and skill. For the first time, he came across someone who was stronger then himself and it scared him to death. Never did he think it was possible, but his injuries were proof to that fact.

< But he is right, where is my warriors pride. A true warrior would keep fighting until the very end. I must not give up, everyone has a weakness. I only hope I last long enough to find his. >

" Weakness? Maybe a normal warrior has one, but not I. "

He-Man eye's opened wide as saucers, as he realized his thoughts were just read.

" Don't look so shocked. Didn't your woman tell you I could do that? "

" She is not my woman … "

" But you wish she were though don't you? … You would be surprised at how strongly she feels for you, and also how she feels for another. "

He-Man knew instantly that the other person Kakarotto was referring to was his true form as Prince Adam. He took a glance over at her and saw the pain in her tear stained eyes. It appeared she had heard most of what Kakarotto had to say, as there was a deep longing along with the pain.

" Do you want to hurt her more then you already have? Didn't you promise to protect her … Prince … " He said the last part in a whisper so that only He-Man could hear him.

" Well, don't you have anything to say? Will you just lie down and die like a dog? "

He-Man closed his eyes and said nothing. He showed no acknowledgment of hearing Kakarotto's statement. In his mind he began to replay how he got into his present predicament, and kicked himself mentally for being so rash.

< Did I learn nothing from what happened in Teela's room? … Nothing? ... >

In his fight with Skeletor, everything went like it normally did. Skeletor would give him trouble for a while, but in the end he would always prevail. This time was no different. Until that is, they appeared. Strange blue tentacles, probably thirty in number, that looked like they were made up out of energy burst out of the ground. He watched in shock, as they went and wrapped themselves around both the Master's and Skeletor's minions. Even the Master of Evil himself was caught, and like everyone else was unable to do anything to break free from their grasps.

He tried to run over and free his friends but to no avail. Every time he touched one of them, the strange tentacle shocked both himself and it's captive. But he found it strange, only himself and Evil-Lyn weren't pursued. She was just as shocked as him, but her shocked quickly changed into a look of joy as she saw Kakarotto suddenly appear next to her, with the Sorceress draped over his shoulder.

And that was the prelude to his fight with Kakarotto. Seeing the Sorceress, Teela, and the rest of the Masters bound and helpless, plus what happened to him some days earlier in Teela's room. He readily excepted a one on one battle offer. With his rage, and ego in control, he never figured that if Kakarotto was able to subdue the Sorceress inside Grayskull, plus easily capture the Masters and Skeletor plus his minions. That he would be an opponent the likes he had never faced before.

And so now, he was paying for his rash actions, a bloody broken mess on the cold dirt. He truly wanted to die, die for failing to protect Teela and his home. Die for his poor decision making . Die because right now it would relieve him of all the pain.

" You are truly pathetic! What type of hero starts feeling sorry for himself, and then wants to die?! You are no hero, you lay there while your friends and love are in danger. But yet all you care about is your own pain. I've fought being's that make that disfigured fool you fight look like an ant. But yet, I've fought them in spite of the danger to myself, to save those I loved. " Kakarotto said with a hint of disgust in his voice.

" Now get up and show me, and more importantly yourself you deserve the title of hero. Show me why I shouldn't just kill you now. Because if you don't, then prepare to die. "

Teela heard every word Kakarotto said and her heart nearly stopped.

" Please don't kill him! ... He can't move anymore! …

Keeping his eyes closed, He-Man considered everything Kakarotto said.

< He is right, I am indulging in self pity. But how can I move, my body is basically useless to me now. >

<> You... must rise Adam … <>

< Sorcerous?! ... >

Looking over at the tree where she was hanging from. He-Man saw she was awake, but barely.

<> You must rise … not because you can defeat him, but because you are our champion. Rise and show your pride as a warrior like he commanded. <>

< But ... I can't ...I have no strength left ...>

<> You have more power then you think. Call upon the power of your soul. Call upon your pride, call on your love for my daughter ... and rise! ... <>

< But ... -- >

He-Man was broken from his conversation by a sharp pain in his chest. He cried out in agony as he felt like his chest was going to cave in.

" Stop your babbling with the bird witch and show me why they call you a hero. " Kakarotto stated as he removed his foot from on top of He-Man's chest.

" Hmm, perhaps you just need a bit more motivation ... "

Using his Ki, Kakarotto levitated He-Man a few inches of the ground, then sent him flying straight up into the sky. The Masters looked horrified as they saw He-Man grow into a small speck as he ascended into the clouds. Raising his index finger towards the sky, Kakarotto formed another Death Ball.

" No!!!, please no!!! " Teela screamed frantically.

Teela and all the Masters knew what was about to happen. And they pleaded with Kakarotto to spare him. But their pleas fell on death ears as Kakarotto sent the ball flying straight up to destroy Eternia's hero.

He-Mans eyes snapped open as he felt a familiar heat on his back. The clouds and sky were suddenly illuminated with a bright blue light. His heart nearly stopped as he slowly turned his head to face the ground and saw the sphere coming towards him.

" ... "

He could say nothing as he was too gripped with fear. Flashback's of what happened in the forest started to play in his mind as the sphere came closer and closer.

< I'm dead ... perhaps this is for the best. I've failed everyone ...>

His ascent into the clouds suddenly stopped as he thought that statement. With nothing causing him to fly up, he began to drop back down to earth and into the arms of the blue death.

<> No! ... You mustn't give up! You have the strength to survive. You must try, if not for yourself then for my daughter. Listen, and think about what will happen to her if you die ... <>

Adam then heard all that Teela was saying to Kakarotto, how she begged for him to spare his life and how she cried out as she saw the sphere heading towards him. How she even offered herself in exchange for his life.

" No ... No!!! ... " Adam screamed in rage.

Like the opening of flood gates, new strength surged into Adams body. Strength the Sorceress had spoken of. Looking on at the incoming sphere he pulled back his right fist, ready to put everything he had in what he thought might be his last punch ever.

< It's like a mini sun ...But I mustn't give into fear. For Teela, I must live for her ...>

With all his heart and soul, his love and passion. He-Man connected with his punch to the gigantic sphere. The sphere stopped upon impact, but failed to go back to its maker like the Eternian hero had wanted. He-Man cried out in pain as his fist started to smoke. But he couldn't withdraw it because he knew it would mean certain death if he did. Even though it had slowed it's ascent moving. He could still feel it pushing against him.

< This hurts more then before ... But I must not give up!! ...>

Forcing himself to ignore the pain. He pushed his fist forward, slowly causing the ball to move back. Then with the only working limb he had left besides his right arm. He-Man head butted the monstrous sphere sending it screeching back towards it's maker.

Kakarotto looked up and saw both his sphere and He-Man falling in his direction rapidly. He smiled and lifted up his right hand, causing the sphere to slow its descent and land softly into his outstretched hand and dissipate into nothing.

Evil-Lyn looked on in obvious shock, but also in quiet fear. She remembered Skeletor mentioning a ball of energy while torturing her but she had not paid what he was saying any mind until now.

< What type of being have I aligned myself with? …What power … >

She was now having second thoughts about their agreement. Not that she wanted to betray him, but more that he might get rid of her. His power was beyond hers, Skeletor's, and even that of He-Man's.

< Eternia is his now ... He will throw me away like trash. Like the powerful normally do to the weak. He has no reason to keep me, unless as a slave …>

But then his words came back to her, when she asked him back at Snake Mountain, why he was still willing to be partners after saying he was only a pawn in her plan for power.

< No!! ... Don't do this to yourself Evelyn. He will treat you in the end like all those who are strong. No matter how nice he treats you n ...-- >

Evil-Lyn lost her train of thought as she saw He-Man hit the ground with a sickening thud. All became quiet as He-Man laid motionless in the small crater his fall created. Except for Kakarotto's laughter which seemed to echo throughout the entire area.

" You did well. You have drawn on the power hidden within and not that of Grayskull's. Very good indeed. But please, spare me your melodramatic acting, I know your not dead. "

He-Man continued to lay motionless on the ground. The Masters were hoping Kakarotto's words were true but their hopes diminished as their friend remained still and appeared dead.

" Oh … so you won't move will you? How bout I see if your little girlfriend can resist my sphere ... " He said as a twisted smile crossed his lips.

" No ... " He-Man said barely above a whisper.

Kakarotto walked over to him, and picked him up by his chest plate.

" Now that I have your attention … do you yield to me and agree to be my servant! Or is death more too your liking? "

With what little strength he had left. Adam spit in Kakarotto's face. His blood mixed saliva slowly dripped down the man he had come to hate, smiling face.

" That's the spirit boy … never yield to your enemy. "

Kakarotto smirked and sent another punch to his exposed ribs. He-Man quickly dropped and started to vomit up large amounts of blood. Then without warning, Kakarotto kicked him in the face, sending him flying towards the tree where the Sorceress was being held. With a quick flip of his thumb, he sent a senzu bean into his open mouth. Instinctively swallowing the bean, all of He-Man's injuries were instantly healed.

" Your wounds should be healed like before. "

He-Man stood up and examined his body. He was amazed that little bean had the power to heal his wounds and restore his power so completely. But now wasn't the time to be amazed as he faced a serious dilemma.

< What am I going to do? I lost fairly and I did give my word as a warrior. But I can't leave Eternia and Teela unguarded for three years ... >

" Unfortunately, I can't take no for an answer. "

Extending his glowing right hand. A blue tentacle came from it and wrapped itself around the stunned hero before he could even make a move. He-Man struggled to break free, but the grip kept getting tighter the more he struggled.

" Don't worry about your friends, they will be fine. You may not believe this. But one day you will thank me for what happened today."

" Thank? ... I'll nev ...-- " He-Man cried out in pain as the tentacle tightened around him.

" Trust me, you will ... Now come, lets get going. "

" No! ... " He-Man again tried to break free. He tried using all the strength inside him but found it useless.

Kakarotto started to float away with He-Man in tow. His captive complained and protested as they got higher off the ground, but to no avail. Kakarotto had won, and like it or not He-Man was now his slave.

" Stop your lip boy! You complain almost as bad as your woman down there. This is for your own good ...-- "

Kakarotto suddenly stopped and looked to be in a bit of shock. He began to look around the area as if looking for something. He finally stopped as he spotted a yellowish ball of energy speeding towards him.

< This isn't good, not good at all ...>

" Looks like you've caught a bit of a brake for now boy. There's something more important I have to attend too at the moment. But be assured ... I will be back for you. " He stated as he flung He-Man back to the ground.

" Now take your friends and get out of here before you get swept up in what is about to happen ... -- "

At that moment the ball of energy struck Kakarotto. The resulting impact caused a massive shock wave, which shook the entire area. Both the Masters and Skeletor's minions screamed in terror as the winds caused by the impact sent them flying hundreds of yards away.

Evil-Lyn tried to stand her ground by forming a shield, but the winds shredded it like paper. As she flew back to join the rest, she looked up and saw the outline of a person floating in the sky. She tried to focus more but the winds and flying straight through a tree hindered her. As she was about to black out she thought she heard someone yelling something. It sounded to her like a chant, but she couldn't tell as she completely passed out.

<><><><><><><><>

A/N: Well that's 7b, yes there will be a 7c. A bit of forewarning, after 7c the story will make a scenery change for a couple chapters. Where the change will be you will have to read and find out. :)) hope you enjoyed the chapter. And remember to review or drop a good word. Oh, one more thing. Kakarotto did not I repeat did not rape the Sorceress or Teela.