Bringer of Death

Chapter 106: A Kaioshin's Grand Gamble

Chapter 106: A Kaioshin's Grand Gamble

World Championships Saga, Part 6: A Kaioshin's Grand Gamble

"Greetings, little god," intoned Apollo with a mocking bow.

"I have no time for your tricks, demon," snapped the Kaioshin. "You may have been able to fool these mortals, but disguising yourself as an angel of light does not deceive the gods. I can tell you are of your father Dabura. Who are you, really, and what are you doing here?!"

Apollo laughed and stepped closer. "Have you become weaker since we last met? Or is my newfound strength so great that you are even more puny in comparison?"

Shin's confidence wasn't so easily shaken, he'd defeated every demon that had ever dared to step out of line and this would be no different.

"Hey, one sec," the announcer suddenly yelled up at them. "I couldn't understand what y'all were saying just now. Were we all clear? The fight is started, you can begin right away."

Apollo smiled and nodded. Babidi's magic was functioning just as planned.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer said, tapping the ball of his microphone, "we seem to be having some audio issues, but I remain committed to bringing you the very best of play by play commentary. So with that out of the way, let's get this fight started!"

"They're just talking. And Shin looks angry," observed Gohan. "I can't make out what they're saying."

Piccolo nodded, his Namekian ears straining, yet strangely failing him. "It's all muffled, even to me. It's as if they're speaking through water." Worry colored the Namek's face. "Something else is at work here. Everything up to now seems to say it is Apollo, not this Shin, that we should trust, but damn it all..."

"Shin's predictions so far have been anything but reliable," Gohan agreed. "But I'm uneasy about both of them."

"They have no business being on Earth. This cloak and dagger is getting infuriating," the Namek grit his teeth in frustration. "I think I need to get away from here, Gohan, clear my head and think through everything. I won't let us fall into some trap because I wasn't diligent."

"Understood. Contact me right away if you find anything out," the half-Saiyan pupil answered.

"Do not presume to taunt me," snapped Shin. "Who are you? Bithzzelkkohr? Azkoreite? Bealrahm? I adjure you in the name of the elder gods and by the power of Kaioshinkai, reveal yourself!"

Apollo smiled broadly and held out his arms. "You want to know who I am? Hah, very well, I suppose there's no point in concealing myself from you — since you'll soon be eliminated! SO TASTE AND SEE!"

Fire erupted around Apollo's feet, and a dark red aura filled the ring. To the spectator audience, a hazy veil of dark grey seemed to shroud the arena floor, although for some strange reason none of them felt the urge to learn the cause of such a phenomenon.

Goku took a step back. "His energy all of a sudden, it's different."

"Yeah," Krillin agreed. "It's... odd... deeper somehow."

"But neither good nor evil. It's completely hidden," Goku added.

"What... do you think that means?" Yamcha gulped, knowing full well it couldn't be good.

Videl felt herself shudder involuntarily. Something was wrong here, very wrong. She could also sense Apollo's energy, and within it a familiar color — blood red, a near match with her father's Ki outbursts in recent months. She pulled herself more tightly against Gohan's side. How could her father have anything to do with this...alien?