47.0

Real World -- Tokyo

Shallot hopped up from the table, his dark eyes glazed a little after eating pretty much every pizza known to man. His stomach hurt it was so full. Totally worth it, though. He caught the eye of the cute waiter with glasses and tits, who was gaping in shock, and winked.

Like that Shallot bust out of the roof and hovered above the city, stopping just below the clouds, and peered around.

"It's been quiet for a few hours now. And the cops are swarming this place, trying to find me. Ha. Little do they know..." he crossed his arms, "...if not for me coming here, the real world would be dead meat."

He checked his wrist watch, the one Trunks had given, and saw that it was almost time to head back to the Game World and update Trunks on everything. But first he wanted to sweep the area one for time for Matsuri's Ki. It was likely she was dead, but he had to be sure before assuming things.

Shallot flew across the city of Tokyo, by passing an airplane and waving to the awe struck passengers peering from the window, and stopped. "...The energy. It's Trunks."

Mr. Perfect had come? But wasn't Shallot supposed to go there?

The reborn saiyan on earth had a few questions....

Trunks came into view and hovered before his face, looking rather distraught. "Shallot!" His raspy voice called.

"What's the rush? Something happen?"

"I-I can't waste any time. Hurry, give me your save game!"

Shallot looked down at his wrist, seeing the watch, and frowned. "...Why? That's pretty sudden, no offense."

Trunks grit his teeth together and snapped, "Now, you idiot!"

Ookay. Someone forgot to take their chill pill.

"...Nice try." Shallot smirked, "But you haven't mastered the way he talks. Besides, he put ME in charge, and I'm not that big of an idiot. Most of the time. Okay, half of the time. You know what? Fine, I am an idiot, but I know that's not Mr. Perfect. For one...I have the only time realm machine."

Trunks hovered back and smirked, as though impressed. "So you figured it out. Too bad, brother."

Gone was the Trunks facade. In a swirling mist of purple and red, out stepped Giblet. He threw the hood from his head, smirking. "We could have been great together."

Shallot wrinkled his nose. "Seriously? I don't swing that way. Tits and ass for life, man. But I'll fight you if that's what you want."

"Huurahh!" Shallot became a SS2, and his yellow glow crackled as blue lightning whizzed up and around his body. He lifted his hand, smirking, "..There's no stamina bar here. How unfortunate for you, but I'll see you in Hell!"

"That works both ways..." Giblet dodged the first blast, which flew past him and crashed into a building down below. "I've been holding back."

"Tch. Of course you have." Shallot rolled his eyes.

Giblet chuckled and spread his arms and hands. His head snapped up, and with a yell he burst into a SSG. Red energy flared around his body. One, two neck cracks he did before smirking. "You could just give me the save state watch and I'll be on my way. Or you can die today."

"I've already died once, thanks very much, and I'm not scared of death. The one I fight for...I'd die for her." Shallot rose his Ki higher, trying to reach a new level but fell short. Oh well. At least he could spam special attacks. "I haven't used my favorite move in awhile. Why not do it today."

"Hn."

They faced off, tails swinging in anticipation, and the glow of power radiating from them. Brother against brother.

Giblet made the first contact, appearing in front of Shallot, who reared away from his punch, and countered with a high kick. Giblet blocked it with his arm and swung his other fist into Shallots stomach. Shallot grit his teeth a little, but refused to budge, instead clapping his hands together over his head and yelled, "Masenko!"

Giblet swatted it away. The Masenko burst like a bowling ball down the street, creating a flush line of smoke and ruin in its path.

"That was your favorite attack?" Giblet teased.

"Nah. I'm just trying to figure out your weakness first." Shallot replied.

"My weakness...is those like you. Inferior." Giblets mouth pulled back in disgust. "Even now, after all we've been through together, you still try to find some good. What will that get you, brother? Nothing! Our kind...we don't belong anywhere, anymore."

"I'm sensing you have some hidden childhood emo trying to come out." Shallot waved his hand, "but I'm not here for whatever plothole you fit into. I'm the real deal---and you're going down."

"Bold words for a simple human trapped in the body of a saiyan."

"Heh. You're looking at someone who spent their entire game time trying to be the best." Shallot smirked. "You think I'm gonna let you walk away? Hell no. Come and....GET SOME!" Shallot flew at Giblet, punching and kicking with precision. Giblet was pressed away, but he burst his Ki and Shallot was blow from his body. His face had a scratch, and Shallot swiped the blood from his face and licked it. "Heh. Not bad. I can see you've been fighting lots, too. Makes it more fun for me. I'll enjoy beating your ass."

"So vulgar. Didn't your mother teach you not to talk like that?"

"My mother was a bitch---and you're the bigger bitch! Ka--me--ha--"

Giblet vanished. Shallot caught his Ki too late; Giblet elbowed his neck with a smirk, and Shallot crashed into the ground. *Boooom*

"You were saying?" Giblet taunted.

It only took three seconds and a half for Shallot to burst from the dust and punch Giblet. It was blocked, and the two began a ferocious barrage of attacks. Fists, knees and elbow collided time and time again, and despite their altitude from the ground of Tokyo below, their energy began to pummel the earth. A circular crater grew and grew.

Shallot, seeing it was going no where fast, jumped back and shouted, "Emperor's Death Beam!"

"Too slow."

*Thwack*

Again Shallot fell to the ground below. He coughed, feeling a broken rib or two, and rolled to avoid the kick that would have broken his spine like a twig. He hopped up, charged his Ki and eyed Giblet.

"Tell me something," Shallot said.

Giblet paused in the air.

"What happened to noodles? Something must have, or you wouldn't be so desperate to get my save watch."

Giblet tapped down to the ground. His head tilted back cruelly. "...I had fun with her body. She screamed ever so much. Quite useless, but it wasn't bad to see that face. I left her for the birds."

Shallot froze. "...You...BASTARD!" He appeared to Giblet and swiped at his face angrily, teeth gleaming.

"We're both bastards. The only difference is that you cling to some hope of salvation. Putting your faith in that young man."

"If you're talking about Trunks, then shut the hell up! I cling to my OWN salvation, because I'M gonna be the one to beat all of you!"

Giblet hopped two steps away, dodging a would be chest kick. "A pipe dream. What Fu is planning, none of us can stop. You could call it..fate. Destiny."

"Or I could call it SHUT THE HELL UP!" Shallot vanished, kicking Giblets head forward, but at the last second Giblet performed a reversal, flipping his entire body once and landed a sharp blow to Shallots neck.

"Guh-!"

Shallot fell down, fading back to base. He lay there un-moving, spine aching and throbbing.

"That girl was beautiful. I tore her clothing away. Being under mind control, she didn't protest, but submitted to my will. She had a taste of me, and I filled her little mouth with my seeds until she fainted." Giblet chuckled, "...Afterwards...well, I got bored. So I invented new ways to make her scream."

Shallots heart stopped beating for a moment. His blood ran backward, then his eyes filled with tears. He slowly stood back up, a new and dangerous anger flowing through his veins. He imagined what Giblet had done to the only girl worth saving, and his back tingled. His tail tingled. His mind went blank, as if unable to comprehend what had happened to Chisato.

Then..

His head tilted to the sky as he let out a scream of anger.

Giblet would pay. Pay in blood.

Shallots body glowed a brilliant hue of yellow, like the sun itself. It blinded Giblet for a time, and when he could see once more, Shallot had a new and powerful Ki. Long platinum hair and brooding brows, and a crackling energy that shook the ground and burst apart around his sneakers.

"A new level. Never saw it before, but it won't help you here." Giblet said. He leaned forward into a lunge and vanished.

Shallot lifted his hand, blocking the attack easily, and crunched his knee into Giblets chest. Blood flew from Giblets mouth and his eyes popped wide. "Huk--"

Not done yet, Shallot followed it up by rearing his forearm back and hit his opponent so sharply that his jaw cracked. A golden dragon appeared behind his attack, pummeling blow after blow.

Giblet couldn't handle the seemingly endless brutality. When it was over, he fell forward on his hands and knees. "What...ha...attack...was that.."

Shallot growled. "Dragon Fist. Hope you liked it."

"Tch!"

Before Giblet could recover Shallot had made it to him. His hand poised flatly, and without any hesitation he drove that hand through Giblets spine and out his chest.

"...That's for Chisato. You sick, sick fuck." Shallot removed his hand.

Giblet collapsed in a pool of his own blood. As he lay there dying, his hand reached out. "B-Brother..."

Shallot stopped walking away. He looked over his shoulder, sensing that Giblet was done for. "Tch. Don't call me brother."

"...Thank you for...freeing my mind.." Giblet hacked out.

"Freeing?"

"I was...under *cough* mind control....I knew that...telling you about her....would cause your power to--to raise.." Giblet shakily leaned forward and spat blood.

"You were just lying to me, then?"

"No...the one who...hurt the girl...was Richard...an NPC..."

"Richard? That's an american name! Don't tell me...he's somehow related to Matsuri!" Shallot shouted.

"Yes....brought from this place...she lives...the girl...but-- *cough* he was given...orders."

"Yeah? What were those?"

"Break...those two apart...but don't...take her chastity.." Giblet slowly sunk forward. He lay there, gasping for air.

Shallot shook his head. "Tch! So all this time, you made that up just so that I'd kill you! Is that it?"

"Y-Yes..thank you...Shallot."

"....It's Shiroui."

"...Shiro--ui...I...am in your debt.." Giblets' eyes closed. His Ki vanished.

Shallots chest squeezed. He'd killed someone, but didn't feel any better for it at all.

But it was time. Time to go back to Xenoverse 3.

*

*

*

Conton - Time Nest

Trunks was pacing back and forth at the Time Nest. He'd gotten all the anger out that he could, but there was still more bubbling to the service. SKOT and Elder Kai could only guess what had happened, but they were both worried due to the fact that Trunks wouldn't tell them anything.

"I just need to talk with Shallot." Trunks said.

"...You said that, Trunks. But what's the reason? Is there something wrong?" SKOT asked.

"I--I can't talk about it. I'm sorry, SKOT."

Finally Shallot appeared. His Realm Time Machine popped into existence, and Trunks rushed over. "Shallot!"

Shallot popped the clear dome lid and jumped out. He looked a little bloodied, as though from a fight, and his clothing needed replaced. The first thing he did, instead of greeting anyone, was say, "Where's noodles!"

"She's...at Gohans house right now." Trunks told him.

"Is she hurt?"

"She was. But Gohan healed her, giving her some of his Life Energy." Told Trunks.

There was tense sadness behind his laced words, but Shallot had more pressing issues. "I'll be back. Going to see her for myself."

"W-Wait. I'll go with you. We can update each other on the way."

Shallot grit his teeth, and together he and Trunks flew from the Time Nest. They went to the transporter, selected the timeline both needed, and popped into Present Day - Earth.

*

*

*

Gohan had dropped Rhuda off at his Dads home, since Goku had returned from Beerus' world. Despite the girl not wanting her father to know about what had happened, Gohan brought him alone and explained everything, to which made Goku mad enough he left to find Richard on his own.

"I'd love to stay but I have to get to work." Gohan told her.

"O-Of course."

They gazed at one another, both reluctant to part. Goten was at school and Chichi had left for town to run errands, and as such the two were alone in the kitchen. Gohan closed the gap between them and mushed her head into his chest. "...It'll be okay, Chisato."

"Y-Yes. I'll--I'll see you later."

"That's right. You're picking Pan up." He relaxed, as if worried about being away.

"Mhm."

Gohan looked into her dispirited face. He didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone, and would prefer it if his mom could sit her down and have a proper chat. However his time was short, and he'd already called in late. Thus he sighed a little and let her go. "...Later, then."

"Y-Yes. Goodbye, Gohan..."

"Hey, don't cry! I'll see you later!"

"I-I know. It's just...I don't want to be alone. Forgive me. I've been so...selfish."

He didn't think so. She hadn't asked him to do anything, other than comfort her, and that was normal. Gohan shook his head. "You're not selfish. But..."

"Hm?"

"...Think on what we talked about. If...it's really what you want."

"I will."

He raised his hand, waving, and shut the door behind him. As he gazed up at the blue sky, his teeth grit together, not understanding why that he hated to leave her, even for one moment. It was as though there were some connection between them, invisible, telling Gohan to stay close.

"...I'm the one who's selfish." Gohan mumbled before flying off.

*

*

*

Rhuda cleaned the kitchen. She needed the busy work to keep her hands active, her mind from churning. She began by de-cluttering the fridge, full of leftovers and half eaten things, and scrubbed it top to bottom. Then she shined the wood floors, wiped the windows, dusted the shelves and organized the spice rack.

She sat down at the table with gloom.

Two energies brought her mind sharp. They were familiar. Shallot and Trunks. She rose, checked herself for dust and dirt, and smoothed down her hair, which was loose.

*knock*

"Come in!"

Shallot flung the door open. He wore his usual blue armor, and as he caught sight of Rhuda he ran over and squished her to his armored chest. "Noodles...are you okay?"

From behind Trunks came in. He looked around, taking note of the cleanly kitchen, and shut the door behind him.

"I'm...I'm okay." She said, but her green eyes betrayed her, and Shallot could see the depression and sorrow within them. He touched his forehead to hers, sighing in aggravation. "No you're not. Don't lie."

"Yes....well....I have to be okay. I can't...stop now."

Trunks, whom was seeing their connection yet again, shut his eyes tightly. It wouldn't help to be angry and would only hinder their already teetering relationship. It had to be enough that she loved Trunks and not Shallot.

Rhuda leaned into his familiar chest. She relaxed, no longer alone with thoughts of darkness. From the corner of her eyes, however, she saw Trunks looking pale and withdrawn. His shoulders were tense. The girl wanted to greet him properly, but after being left alone so abruptly, didn't feel welcome to do so. Thus she stared at him longingly.

"I know what went down. Don't worry, I killed Giblet for good. He was under mind control." Shallot said.

"...Ano...thank you, Shiroui. W-Why don't the two of you sit down? I can..make something to eat?"

"No thanks." Trunks said.

Rhuda took that to mean that he wasn't staying, and her eyes filled with tears. She left Shallots side and hesitantly walked over, bowed, and said, "...Are you...well now?"

"No. Not at all. In fact I--" he glared at both her and Shallot, before turning around, "--I shouldn't have came."

The girl began trembling. She lifted her head, trying to understand why he was so angry. "I--I see. Maybe, maybe later then?"

Shallot brushed past her and grabbed Trunks' arm. "Oi! Quit being a douche, Trunks! Can't you see she's upset?"

"...She's not the only one." Came Trunks reply.

"What's your deal!" Shallot shouted.

Trunks turned back around and grabbed Shallot by the collar. Energy began rising from his body. "My 'deal' is that my mate was covered in Gohans smell this morning. That was after doing god knows what with him. She might not remember it, but--" he dropped Shallots collar and fixated on Rhuda, who was hiding behind Shallot and added, "--the game creator can manipulate memories. For all I know, it was Gohan who--who did that to her! And I can't prove a thing!"

Shallot swallowed. He hadn't thought of that. "...I get it. Really. But...she's not to blame."

"Maybe if she weren't here, then none of this would have happened!" Trunks snapped. "It was my mistake to bring her back to this game. It...it was a mistake."

Having heard too much, Rhuda fled the room and disappeared down the hallway beyond the living room.

Shallot glared. "You're pissing me off, Trunks. If we hadn't brought her back then she'd die as a human. Fu or some other bastard would have killed her."

"I--I know! Which is why I...why I did what I could to protect her. But...I..I couldn't keep her safe."

"So that's what it is. Tch. You fucked up one time and now want to give up?" Shallot asked.

"I don't give up."

"Then what? What do you think is running through her head right now, hearing you say bullshit like that?"

"..." Trunks blue eyes fell to the wood floor, shining now from a fresh mopping, and let out a shaky breath. "I'm thinking she's better off without me. Even if I were to load the game, she'd still remember it. And...I have a lot I need to do. I can't afford to take any time to fix this, too."

"You...coward. You just don't want to be with her now, that she might give birth to someone elses kid." Shallot accused.

"That's not it at all." Trunks caught Shallots angered gaze and said, "This whole game is relying on what I can do. And I--I might not be smart enough to beat Fu or the creator."

"So? You think breaking her heart will make any of that better! Don't be a dumbass!"

"You weren't there, Shallot. You don't know what I know."

"Tch! Excuses!"

Trunks clenched his gloved fist tightly. Rhuda, whom couldn't help but overhear the loud voices, came back with tears running down her face. She drew nearer to him and grabbed his brown vest. "Don't leave me...please...! I'll do anything..."

"I-It's not that easy." Trunks had to bit his jaw.

"You're breaking up with me?"

"I don't want to. But..until Fu is gone, it might be for the best. That's what he wanted...and if he doesn't get what he desired, he might try something even worse next time. I know him a lot better than the two of you. He doesn't care what he does to people, treating them like lab rats."

Rhuda backed away from him and covered her face with her hands. "I--I won't forgive you. If you l-leave me now, then--then don't come back to my life!"

"C-Chisato..." Trunks couldn't help the frustrated tears that began to blur his vision. His heart, aching along with hers, was tearing apart by his own words. "...I love you. I will...always....do what's best. To protect you."

Shallot growled. "You're only doing what's best to help save the game."

"What should I do then, Shallot!" Trunks punched the wall closest to him, rattling the entire house. "Fu will kill her if I don't find a way to stop him! I have to find a way to protect the game, so that she can survive! If you'd lived the life I have, you'd understand--I can't base decisions off of what I feel!"

Shallot and Rhuda fell silent.

Trunks opened the door and looked up at the blue sky, taunting him with its cheeriness. "That's what sets me apart from you. I have to think about everyone, not just..what I want. I'm sorry, Chisato. For now...this is the best."

Just like that, Trunks Briefs flew away.

"N-No--" Rhuda made to give chase and Shallot pulled her back into the kitchen.

"Don't you dare follow him!" He roared.

"T-Trunks! TRUNKS!"

Her tear filled scream went up to the sky above, unanswered.

[author]Not my favorite chapter at all. </3 [/author]