Super Dragon Ball: Redux Kaizen

Arc 1: Epiolgue

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

Like flowing fireflies caught in the wind, a calm breeze after the raging storm, red motes of Ki rose to the parting sky above. . .the sun slowly descending to allow the moon to take its place. One by one, they faded away, and as if they were an indicator of time, the orange sky became darker as each one passed into the aether. The clouds were no longer in sight, and standing at the very center of the scene was a lone Saiyan. His sizzling fist was outstretched in front of him, and blood was spewing out of his overstrained muscles. His breathing was calm but weak, the sweat from his face pouring down his cheek as he tried to catch his breath. His was blurry, and his mind weak to the point that he couldn't really discern his surroundings, "Did I win. . .?" That was the only thought that managed to come through.

His red, powered eyes faded back to pure black, and his spiky golden hair reverted to his normal color as well. However, it became messy to where his bangs covered his eyes. Though, despite his current state, he managed to take notice of one thing. The sky. . .he looked up at the night sky above. A crescent moon was present, but surrounding it. . .were the twinkling stars above. A calmness that he has felt before since he was a kid.

"What a beautiful sky."

At that moment, the sky seemed so vast and endless to the Saiyan. But that moment wasn't something he could enjoy fully. His feet wobbled, and he felt himself fall forward, but instead of feeling the rough and cold ground, he was caught by a strong hand, and he heard a familiar voice speak.

"You did good, kid."

Shikuro turned his head weakly though he squinted, his vision still incredibly blurry, "Tien. . .?" However, he heard a short laugh.

"No, Piccolo," The Namekian corrected.

"Mhm. . ." Shikuro didn't have much to say to that, the fatigue overtaking him. But he needed some confirmation before he was allowed to pass out, "Did I. . .win. . .?"

"Yeah. . you won, Shikuro." Piccolo confirmed and added, "Cell's Ki is completely gone. There is no trace of it."

Hearing this, the young Saiyan nodded weakly and continued asking, "How. . .about everyone else. . .they good. . .?"

"We're good, Shikuro."

He blinked and raised his head while still being held up by Piccolo's forearm. He could barely make out their faces, but from just how many there were, it was everyone. Krillin. . .Yamcha. . .Tien. . .and 21. . They were all roughed up but were alive. He didn't lose anyone. . .Not a single person died. Seeing that, even if not clearly, made him smile just a bit, and his body relaxed. The adrenaline washed off, his arms going limp at his side, "That's good. . .that's good. . ."

With his consciousness fading fast, Piccolo asked in concern, "Hey, you okay?" Shikuro didn't answer. All they could hear was soft but weak breathing coming from his mouth, his head hanging as his body hunched over Piccolo's forearm. This was to be expected.

The Namekian sighed, "I guess he passed out." That said, Krillin approached and examined him carefully.

"Well, it's not like he had much left in him after that last one. Must say, this kid is really amazing," Krillin remarked before noting, "Still, we better get him to Dende at least. We're out of Senzu beans until they grow back."

"Right. But where did that come from?" Tien asked and then mentioned, "Sure, he had a lot of power before, but it was nothing like that."

In contrast, Yamcha stretched his arms and hummed, "Who cares? Another threat bites the dust in my book. I'd say a job well done no matter how it gets done."