Countdown to Extinction | By : CrimsonTide Category: Dragon Ball Z > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2148 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own DragonballZ, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Title: Countdown to Extinction
Pairings: ????x Goku
Warnings - None for this chapter
A/N - Before anyone asks, this story takes place shortly after the Frieza saga. Before Mirai Trunks makes an appearance. I altered the time-line a wee bit to suit this story. Thank you to those who have reviewed so far. ^.^
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Chapter 2
Despite his efforts to leach more information from Brox, Goku was met with silence---if you didn’t count the annoyed growls the scarred Saiyajin directed at him when his questions became too frequent and pressing. Apparently the older man had met his daily word quota and was adamant that he not exceed his limit.
He reminded him very much of Vegeta with his surliness.
Goku sighed through his nose as he settled into the corner furthest from Brolli. He propped his chin on his hand and braced his elbow on his bent knee as his eyes drifted toward the larger Saiyajin. The erratically violent man had calmed himself and for the past hour he’d been nursing the burns inflicted upon him by the guard’s electrical weapons. Goku blinked as he watched Brolli drag his tongue over the wounds meticulously, much like an animal would to alleviate both pain and risk of infection. Would that work for a Saiyajin too, or was the man just insane? It seemed more like the latter based on what he’d seen so far. It didn’t really matter, just as long as he kept all his appendages to himself.
Goku shifted his gaze to the spot just outside of Brolli’s cage. The guard he’d killed had been collected by others of his kind and carried away about thirty minutes before. It was surprising there had been no further punishment for Brolli. It almost seemed as if this was a common occurrence; expected. Troubling.
With little more activity than the occasional guard wandering past, Goku quickly found himself frustrated and restless. Brox refused to talk to him and appeared to have fallen asleep standing up, Brolli was busy licking himself, and he refused to make any attempts at conversation with the Saiyajin he could see from his prison. Most ignored him anyway, or worse, threw some rather rude or suggestive gestures his way.
A rumbling growl of frustration rippled in Goku’s throat as he thunked his head back against the bars he leaned against. His eyes remained fixed on the featureless and rather skuzzy looking cement ceiling for several minutes until a shadow crept across the floor and crawled up his body. Black eyes lowered and turned toward the source, and Goku immediately sprang to his feet and crouched into a defensive stance.
Crimson eyes regarded him with malevolent intent. An Ice-jin, tall and solid, stood silently on the other side of the steel bars that imprisoned him. His skin was off-white, interrupted only by red natural armored patches on his head, shoulders, stomach, and shins. His mouth was set in a straight line and his tail slowly snaked back and forth behind his intimidating form. Goku met his gaze evenly, matching his level of abhorrence with unwavering determination.
Brolli snarled beside him, and Goku tensed further and shifted just slightly in order to bring the other Saiyajin into his peripheral vision in case he tried anything crazy, though it seemed that the larger man’s hostility was not directed at him this time.
The Ice-jin’s snake-like eyes turned on Brolli, and his thin lips curled into a mocking smirk. “Oh, do shut-up, monkey. Your chance to shed blood will come soon.” That cold gaze turned back to Goku. “Very soon.”
The Earth-raised Saiyajin felt the gooseflesh rise along his arms in response to the implied threat, and he bristled in anger. “What do you plan to do with all these people?”
White brow ridges rose in mock confusion and the Ice-jin turned his eyes from side to side as if searching for something before returning his attention Goku. “People? I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about. All I see are a bunch of monkeys.”
Goku growled and dropped his defensive stance, straightening and lowering his unfisted hands to his sides. If the Ice-jin planned on attacking him, he would have done it by now. There was no need to satisfy the creature’s addiction to intimidation. His act of passive defiance only served to amuse the man, however. A light chuckle escaped a pair of white lips.
“Interesting. I was a skeptic at first. You looked so…soft compared to the others. But you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing, aren’t you? A killer. You feel the same bloodlust as the rest of these animals, don’t you? A Super Saiyajin. In fact, you’re the one who killed Frieza, are you not?”
A hush fell over the room after that, and Goku’s eyes drifted along the shocked faces of his fellow Saiyajin. He even had Brox’s full attention in the form of a disbelieving scrutinizing glare. Barely audible whispers began to creep from the furthest corners of the compound, gradually working their way inward until Goku’s ears were filled with the indistinguishable buzz of dozens of chattering voices. He cringed and cursed under his breath. The last thing he wanted was to be the center of attention amongst a group of blood-lusting Saiyajin.
Black eyes snapped back to red ones, and it was that moment Goku knew the Ice-jin had purposely made him a target here. The malicious smile that graced his face was all the evidence he needed.
“I wonder how long you’ll last now.”
Goku fixed a contemptuous gaze on the alien as he turned and strode away as silently as he’d arrived. When he left his line of sight his eyes immediately met Brolli’s, and he startled when he found the larger man staring right back. Goku usually had a knack for reading people, but this particular Saiyajin was an enigma. He felt nothing from him, and that was unnerving.
“Looks like you just became a key contender.”
Goku turned, surprised by Brox’s sudden statement. His eyes flickered back to Brolli an instant later, but the larger man had already turned away from him and had resumed licking his wounds. The orange-clad Saiyajin turned his attention back to Brox.
“Contender for what?”
“The Simian Games.”
Goku cocked a brow, and Brox immediately answered his silent question. Apparently learning that he’d killed Frieza had made him worthy of the scarred fighter’s attentions again.
“If it’s one thing the Ice-jins enjoy more than power and money, it’s entertainment. To them, Saiyajin are nothing more than untrained pets they use for their amusement.”
Goku frowned, confused. “How so?”
“They fight us. Saiyajin fighting has become one of the most profitable businesses in the galaxy.” Brox paused and smirked. “Unless, of course, you’re a Saiyajin. We’re only the pawns. The Ice-jins run a gambling ring. Many races bet on a Saiyajin to win, and then we’re sent into an arena to kill each other. Last one standing is the winner. His prize---he gets to live another day in this deluxe suite.” The scarred Saiyajin gestured to the space around him with a humorless grin.
Goku remained silent as he absorbed the information, and he felt a fury mounting inside him that he hadn’t felt since he fought Frieza. “Why?!” He threw out his hand toward the caged men around him. “Why do they even fight then? Why give the Ice-jins what they want?”
Brox shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unconcerned. “We’re Saiyajin. We live to fight. Many of us claim we won’t when it’s our turn to enter the arena, but when you have another man at your throat, your first instinct is to protect yourself. Others believe they’ll be freed if they’re the last standing. Some have families across the galaxy that were threatened if they refused to fight.” Brox raised an eyebrow as he met Goku’s gaze. “What will your motivation be?”
The younger man sneered. “I won’t fight. Not for the entertainment of a bunch of murderers.”
Brox regarded the other Saiyajin with an inquiring gaze. “Oh? Tell me. What was the last thing you remember before you woke up here?”
Goku’s brow furrowed, not quite understanding why it mattered. “I was at home with my wife.”
“Ah. So they know you have a family. Any children?”
The Earth-raised Saiyajin’s blood ran cold, his voice barely a breathy whisper. “Gohan…”
Brox nodded. “And you’ll fight for them. Even if they were not taken captive with you, the Ice-jins know where to find them and if you cause trouble for them, their lives will be taken.”
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Goku no longer felt like talking after receiving the troubling dose of reality. The effects of the sleeping gas that had rendered him unconscious, information he attained from Brox as well, had finally released its grip on his mind. The haze was evaporating and the full impact of his current situation was finally crashing down on his shoulders.
He had no idea if his family was still safe on Earth, or if they too had been abducted. Did they know what happened, or were they wondering where he’d gone? Were they looking for him?
Goku had made several attempts to contact King Kai telepathically, but he’d been unsuccessful. The chip that had been implanted under his skin dampened not only his ki, but his extra sensory mental capabilities as well. He was completely alone. But that made him wonder. Was Vegeta here? Did these Ice-jins know of the prince’s presence on Earth and taken him as well?
The impulse to shout out Vegeta’s name was strong, but he bit his lip at the last moment. If they hadn’t known about the prince and he began calling his name, it wouldn’t be long before his captors made the connection and went after the older Saiyajin. He’d find out about Vegeta’s fate in time.
“Alright, you mangy animals! Everyone on your feet!”
Goku’s eyes moved from the spot on the floor between his feet to another reptilian guard as he moved down the narrow aisle between the rows of cages. Several other men were at his back and moved two by two as they marched in step with each other. Each brandished their own taser, which they clasped tightly in their hands.
“Get up.”
Goku flickered his gaze to Brox before complying with the whispered demand, and the moment he was on his feet, glowing bands of crackling ki encircled his neck and wrists. The sharp buzzing they emitted startled him, and he reflexively extended his entrapped wrists away from his body.
“It’s the chip.” Brox mumbled. He too sported the same glowing rings. “Just don’t do anything stupid and you’ll be fine.”
The Earth-raised Saiyajin relaxed a bit when he observed the older man’s unconcerned demeanor, and he lowered his wrists again. Even resting against his body, the shackles were painless. All they seemed to be doing was holding his hands together the same way ordinary metal cuffs would.
Goku winced when a high-pitched siren shrieked somewhere above his head. There was a heavy ‘clack’, and a moment later the door to his cell swung open. The Saiyajin’s brow furrowed as he watched several others do the same down the row. His eyes widened and he turned to Brolli in alarm. The larger man’s door was also opened, but he seemed calm and relaxed. His face was passive in the glowing light cast from the restraints around his neck and wrists, but Goku remained on edge.
“Step out!”
He was hesitant to do so with Brolli so close behind him, but when all the other Saiyajin complied and stepped out into the hall, Goku automatically followed suit. The last thing he wanted to do was draw more attention to himself. Still, once he’d fallen in line with the others and turned to his right, the hairs at the nape of his neck stood on end. The Saiyajin who had attempted to kill him was now out of his sight at his rear, and he could feel those dark eyes boring into his back. He was sure shackled hands would wrap around his neck at any second.
“Now move! And no funny business!”
There were several grumbles as the line of Saiyajin trekked forward, and as they progressed through the compound, Goku couldn’t help but gasp as the sheer number of captive men became apparent. There were literally hundreds of Saiyajin packed into cages. The men still enclosed in their prisons watched them with dull eyes as they marched past. Some looked ready for blood, while others almost seemed to feel sorry for them. That, more than the aggressive gestures, sent a chill up Goku’s spine.
It seemed like a lifetime had passed by the time they left the rows of cages behind and entered a new building. Goku’s eyes immediately darted up to the vaulted domed ceiling so far above his head. The place was huge! Compared to the cramped quarters he’d just come from, this place seemed like its own planet. His attention turned from the ceiling to his feet, and he observed that the floor was loose dirt. Internal alarm bells went off and Goku’s head swiveled from side to side. Sure enough, the outer walls of the room were filled with gawking spectators.
He was in an arena.
Goku’s heart leapt into his throat when the line came to a stop and the doors they’d just entered through were closed with a resounding echo of finality. Was this it? Were they going to be thrown into a battle to the death right here and now? Black eyes darted to the left, then the right. He was guessing there were twenty-five other Saiyajin here, and most were older and larger than him. Without his ki, his chances of surviving a brawl in this enclosed arena were slim.
“Welcome!”
Goku swallowed and turned his attention to the tall Ice-jin who had just strode into the arena and was now standing in front of the line of Saiyajin. His back was to them as he addressed the audience. It was a challenge to hear everything he said over the pounding of his own heart, but he recognized that voice almost immediately.
This was the same man who had confronted him earlier.
Goku’s eyes narrowed on the Ice-jin as a wave of anger coursed through him. His body tensed as if to lunge forward, but beside him Brox cleared his throat, a clear message to stay put. That was when Goku remembered his restraints, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment as he forced himself to relax. Meanwhile, his would-be target went on.
“Behind me are some of the best fighters I have to offer you! You’ll recognize several as proven winners, while some faces are new. In one month the best of the best will be released on a nearby planet; a planet my people personally purged and rigged up with the most complex and advanced monitoring equipment available today. There, they will battle for survival. Only one will be brought back alive!”
Goku felt his stomach turn as the audience cheered and clapped. Saiyajin lives obviously meant nothing to them. Brox wasn’t exaggerating.
“Of course, now is the time to pick your favorite to win and place your bets! Those of you interested will be given a full write-up of your chosen contender’s stats and odds in the arena. For now, let me introduce our players.”
Goku’s eyes glazed over as the Ice-jin moved out of his line of sight. Players? They were not players! They were prisoners on death row! His hands clenched and unclenched as the injustice of what was being done to these Saiyajin hit him in full force. No one deserved to be treated this way. It was barbaric and cruel, inhumane! Why couldn’t any of them see it? Why couldn’t they understand Saiyajin weren’t animals? They had feelings, families and homes they’d been torn away from. It just wasn’t fair!
“Brolli!”
Goku was jolted back into reality as the large Saiyajin at his side was introduced to the crowd. Based on the jeers and hisses he received, he was well known.
“Twenty-four years old, 6’2, 224 pounds of pure muscle. Third class. Brolli is thus far undefeated and has accumulated 32 deaths in the two years he’s been under our ownership.”
Goku’s eyes widened as he stared at the man beside him. Did that death count include guards, or just other Saiyajin?
He had no time to speculate before a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Taunting red eyes met black a second before he was pulled forward out of line and shoved in front of the Ice-jin. Goku bristled in anger and threw a threatening glare over his shoulder, but clawed hands only tightened and twisted him around to face the crowd again.
“Let’s all give a warm welcome to our newest addition, shall we? Retrieved recently from planet Earth, this Saiyajin’s records label him as Kakarotto, third class. Twenty-four years old, born in fact, on the same day as Brolli. He stands a meager five feet seven inches and weighs in at 137 pounds, but don’t let that fool you.”
Goku growled as the Ice-jin’s breath ghosted over the back of his neck.
“This Saiyajin standing before you is the beast responsible for Lord Frieza’s death.”
The crowd fell absolutely silent, and then they all went wild. The resulting roar shook Goku to his very core and had he been able, he would have covered his ears to block it all out. Still, despite the noise, he couldn’t miss the words that were hissed into his ear.
“You’re dead.”
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TBC
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