The Pendulum Room: Gaza

Pendulum Room

Hard Quest

Requirement: Must have completed Guardian's Trial.

Reward: 1,500 zeni and +1,400 bonus XP.

After completing his trial, Kami takes you to the Pendulum Room. It takes you back in time to face a an ancient villain, more powerful than yourself. You must survive this encounter to reap the rewards of Kami's special training.

That was it, Gaza and Vegeta passed the Guardian's Trial. It had been expected to be such a great task, Gaza thought it would have taken much longer. Perhaps it was a mere test of ferocity. Whatever it was, it didn't matter now; all that mattered is that Gaza was allowed access to the Pendulum Room. For that, he was more than excited. He needed a real challenge, the way he was progressing, there was not much that stood in his way. This would be a nice surprise, something different for a change. The only question Gaza had presently, is what was he going to face in the Pendulum Room? But he'd rather not know until he got there.

"Come right this way, young warrior." Popo requested, smiling like he always does. Surely he was going to lead him to the Pendulum Room now, so he can train. Gaza watched the stride of Popo, it was one of excitement. Perhaps Popo was mislead to believe after Gaza 'freed the slaves of a prison planet' he'd come back to earth to protect it. Nothing could be farther from the truth, especially the slave freeing stuff, it was a lie to begin with, but it was nice to see Popo had believed him.

"I've been looking forward to this for awhile, Popo." Gaza said, as they remained walking across the grounds of the lookout. The wind blew Gaza's hair, making it look like a dancing flame, which seemed like a symbol of the great rage inside of him, ready to burst on whatever challenger or challengers that lied ahead.

"I can imagine why. Many seek to better themselves inside the Pendulum Room, and that includes many of Earth's great warriors." Popo responded. By Earth's great warriors, Gaza knew he meant people like Tien, Yamcha, Krillin. But Gaza knew of Earth's greatest warrior, for now, Kakarot. Or as the Earthlings knew him, Goku. Vegeta had revealed to Gaza the true name of the Saiyan that came to Earth and suffered an injury that altered his path. It was for that man that Vegeta apparently came to Earth, to take him back, or to kill him. They hadn't yet found him, but this was the thing they came for, they would both enter separately, and come out stronger than ever! They would need this boost if they were to fight Kakarot, him being a powerful opponent, one of the most powerful on Earth, if not the most powerful.

"Yeah, it should be a real treat." Gaza retorted, laughing slightly. Gaza tried not to make Popo feel awkward, or lead him to believe something is up. That would really rain on their parade, or more so put out their fire. It wasn't a celebration, it was a growing flame. Gaza wanted to become more powerful, and so did Vegeta. He couldn't imagine Vegeta's reaction if he ruined their opportunity. Though, Vegeta was likely questioning Kami, seeing as they had earned his trust. It was a matter of him saying the right things to the Guardian.

"I'm sure if you enjoy a good challenge, you will enjoy your time inside the Pendulum Room for sure." Popo said, also with a bit of a chuckle. Then Gaza would love what the Pendulum Room offered, that was good news, or really a good reassurance. It was not news that the room would be a challenge, but more so that it was just an assumption that Popo had confirmed. The suspicion seemed to be wiped clean that Gaza and Vegeta wanted anything more than to become stronger for the slave liberation, but things could change. Gaza was still on his toes.

"Then I'm positive that I'll have quite a blast inside." Gaza said with a fake smile, but somewhat real enthusiasm. He was unsure of why he smiled, trailing behind Popo, but perhaps it was in case he turned around suddenly. They seemed to be walking for ages, but it was likely because Gaza had been thinking about their plan, and anticipating the Pendulum Room so much that they had really not been traveling so long, but his impatience had made it appear like an eternity. But he knew they grew closer, that subsided some of the excitement, but only for a short while. Gaza could see it now, or what he assumed was the entrance.

"We are nearly there, young Saiyan." Popo said, assuring him. The lookout was pretty huge when you are walking like a normal person, not wasting energy on flight. "You may rest once inside, you will feel the effects as though you rested all night, but in truth, you will have merely activated a time simulation. I had once suggested that Kami allow me to use this to age my wine collection, but he said it was abusing the power we'd been granted." Popo laughed. It was a big hearty laugh this time, not some small awkward forced laugh. Gaza returned a slight smile, but not the laugh. Popo wouldn't of heard it anyway over the bellow of his own immense chuckle. Gaza ignored it for the most part, as much as it annoyed him and he wanted to pus Popo's face down into is neck to muffle the sounds of his laughter.

It helped that he was now at the entrance to the Pendulum Room. Gaza stood at the door as it opened, and oh did it look mystical. He imagined it being quite like the abyss he and Vegeta were in during the Guardians trial, but this one was different, more ominous. Gaza was more excited now than he was before, actually seeing the room itself. He could not have pictured the inside, and he could not have expected the next thing. The doors closed behind him, leaving him in complete darkness. At first he thought this was some sort of mistake, until the room began working it's magic. Gaza was now in a medium sized room, about ten feet by ten feet. It was almost entirely wooden, and the bed before him looked soft as a cloud. Laying down into it, he found he was wrong, it was softer than a cloud. He almost instantly drifted off to sleep. Then almost in an instant, he woke up.

"Popo! What happened? Im sorry, I kinda just fell asleep." Gaza shouted, hopefully where Popo could hear him.

"It's quite all right Saiyan, you were only asleep for a few seconds." Popo said. Gaza could picture his smile behind the voice. Popo was always smiling, but sometimes it felt like they meant different things. Not that it mattered now, he was where he wanted to be, the Pendulum Room. Now is where the real fun begins.

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The warm, wooden room began to disappear before him. Gaza took this as a sign that it was time for the training to begin. He was still in the dark as to who his opponent would be, or what his opponent would be for that matter. He hadn't asked, and was doubtful the answer would be straight forward if he did. Popo was a mystic of sorts, and would probably of led Gaza blindly into the room with a riddle to solve, so he'd rather avoid the topic. Whatever he faced, he knew he'd conquer it, he had no choice. With his recent growth, and his new found weapon the Power Pole, he was a force to be reckoned with. After laying waste to the likes of Bardock, Gaza was sure as hell ready to take on this simulation.

The area was now set, a field in a remote valley. The area was unfamiliar to him, but it was a pleasant sight. The sun felt warm, and so real he thought he was back outside, like he woke up under his tree, and nothing had happened in the last few days. That was upsetting, the thought of all this wasted effort, but he was sure he was still inside, he wasn't asleep when it changed from room to field. He had never woken up to himself standing in the middle of a field, so this had to be the simulation again. Nothing had ever felt so real though, perhaps that was the problem. This was too real.

Whether or not it was real or fake, Gaza didn't care. He would face some sort of opponent here, and he would be rewarded greatly. This would surely be a challenge and, if it didn't kill him, it'd make it stronger. This had proven to be true, and was more so because he was a Saiyan, but also it had to do with natural talent. Gaza had impressed Vegeta, now it was time for him to impress Popo, or whoever else was watching. Whether his past opponents watched from Otherworld, or King Yemma himself is scolding down on him. If Bardock, or Viktor, two men he had killed in the lines of battle, were watching, they too would be impressed at his growth. When he faced Viktor, he was just starting out. Bardock was more recent, and so, his growth wasn't as substantial. Thoguh, from his battle alone, Gaza felt as if he had become a good bit stronger, even though he was unscathed. That fool tried to wear Gaza out, then try to fight back. But he was too late, Bardock couldn't wear Gaza down enough before ultimately dying. A smile drew across his face as he reflected upon the time he killed Bardock. It was a most enjoyable account, that's spoils were not limited to the death of the cowardly Saiyan, but also to a portion of the man's riches.

If he were to fight another Bardock, perhaps that would be both enjoyable and challenging. If the man fought back this time, that is. It wouldn't be much fun, or a challenge for that matter, otherwise. Anything short of standing there and taking attacks would be more challenging. Gaza still pondered the man's tactics, as if he thought it'd actually work against someone stronger than him. What a fool, Gaza thought.

Still waiting for his opponent, Gaza stood in the middle of a simulated field, one that was soon to be used for battle. He could only question what would be his challenge, some say they faced their biggest fear. Gaza scoffed at the idea. The only thing he feared was himself, he'd been growing so excessively he couldn't help it. He was now, he believed, stronger than any person he'd ever met this far. With a few exceptions perhaps. He was unsure of their progress, but he knows he was stronger than them, when he faced them, that was for certain.

In just a short time, Gaza had grown from a small time, run of the mill warrior, to an outstanding fighter. So much so that he'd caught the eye of an alliance, one of which was home to the most powerful warriors in the Galaxy. Though he had not met him, Gaza was told that the leader, Broly, was the strongest, and something others would find it hard to hold a candle to. So that was his goal, become second only to Broly, a goal he felt was not too far out of sight, and definitely not out of reach. He was reassured by the way Vegeta had treated him, he was on his toes around him, and questioned Gaza's loyalty because of it. Gaza could not blame the Prince for being wary, it was a logical feeling of distrust, but Gaza eventually did prove himself.

Confident in himself, and having no fear of anything he could possible face in his mind, he was prepared for whatever the Pendulum Room threw at him, or so he thought. It was less than reassuring whenever a shadow man began walking towards him, Gaza knew what this was. This simulator had recognized his fear, and made it a reality, this was his greatest fear, though not a substantial fear, the greatest by default. Now that it had happened, it was something he wanted to do. If this shadow figure indeed was him, and reacted like him, and grew in battle like him, then this would be extremely interesting. This excitement was one he hadn't felt since he had achieved the right to carry the Power Pole through a trial with Grandpa Gohan, and it was likely going to be as difficult for him now, as that was for him then.

The shade grew closer, and Gaza began being able to pick more out about it that he was sure was himself. He carried a Bo Staff like Gaza's Power Pole, his hair outline appeared to be the same as his. Who else could this be? There was no question, this was in fact a reflection of himself, or more so a silhouette. With a crack of his knuckles and a roll of his neck, Gaza felt himself to be ready for this encounter. The only obstacle he'd have to do, is make moves that he'd be unable to react to, if this was truly like him. He'd just have to wait and see. The shadowy figure grew closer, and Gaza grew more excited, but as well, more ready. It was sure to be a hell of a battle, one on one against himself. He couldn't think of any more fitting test.

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The shadowy figure now stood just a dozen feet away. The air was calm, and the world seemed silent. He wasn't sure if talking to himself would be crazy or not, but he'd rather not appear that way. Instead, he'd much rather take action against himself, though it was surely going to be an interesting battle.

Gaza stepped forward, testing the shadow's reaction time. Quite instantly, he readied himself for a strike. Very good, Gaza thought, it'd be a shame if it was inaccurate. A smirk grew across Gaza's face as the thought arose. Without warning, Gaza rushed at the shade, and it rushed back, likewise. Throwing a swift punch at the figure's head, it ducked, and threw one back aiming for Gaza's ribs. Attempting to sidestep, Gaza was still grazed by the punch. It was strange, this shadow seemed to be quicker than himself. That would prove to be a problem if he wished to stay in melee range.

Gaza pushed at the shadow and flipped backwards, attempting to get out of range for the shades agility to play a major role. Though at a range, the shade could dodge, it wouldn't affect a counter attack. Gaza cocked back his hands, gathering energy. The shadow jumped at him, forcing him to fire the beam early. It impacted the shade as it made an attempt to strike at his face, but it managed to cover itself for the most part. While the beam didn't appear to do much damage, it may have taken something out of it. It may have been enough to tip the scales, but for now that was not foreseeable. The shade appeared to recover quite quickly, and launched it's own attack. The shadow drew back one hand and began gathering Ki, Gaza took notice and drew back both of his. The shade was going to perform his flaming torrent technique, he could tell. He planned to negate it. Gaza's hands began to glow with the purple of the Ki, signaling it was ready, as he brought both hands forward, the shade brought a single hand forward, while pulling its other back. Gaza unleashed a Double Galick Gun, a technique that would do much more damage than a Flaming Torrent, that was for sure. The fiery red blast was quickly muffled under the rippling energy and pure power behind the dual beam Gaza fired. The shade was engulfed in the energy, it was overpowered.

The smoke of the impact exploded in the earth, filling the air around the shadow. It seemed at first that the shade had been completely overtaken, and perhaps killed. This was not the case, however. When the smoke cleared, the shadow stood, only a bit hunched over. It was truly stronger than him, perhaps in every sense. One thing that it could not simulate, was Gaza's ability to adapt. Pulling his Power Pole from it's holding place on his back, Gaza began to run towards the shade. The figure was pushed back by the blast, a good thirty or forty yards. In response to Gaza's actions, the shade pulled out its Power Pole as well, and ran towards him.

Gaza made the first move, he swung high, and the shade parried, then went for Gaza's legs. Gaza blocked with the pole, sweeping the shaded pole outward, trying to make an opening. Gaza thrust his pole quickly at the chest of the shade. Blocked! The shadow figure managed to block with the shaft of it's pole. A maneuver that would have required a great amount of dexterity. An impressive feat in the eyes of Gaza. Impressive, but how could he not be, he was after all, a more advanced version of himself. Gaza smirked, seeing the progress he was soon to make. It was an exciting feeling, that by the time he left the Pendulum Room, he may be as inept as the shade. Who wouldn't find that exciting?

Gaza raised a kick into the ribs of the shade, surprised to make contact. He followed up with a Power Pole swipe at the head, but the shade ducked again. Shame, really, he hoped it would knock him down for a second. It was a dream that was quickly shattered. The shade swung it's pole into Gaza's ribs, it was a quick shot and it was unexpected. Gaza exhaled, releasing a storm of red Ki blades. They extended far enough to surround them both in the field. A dark liquid ooze into the earth from the shade, Gaza assumed it was the figure's blood. It was a good start, a spill of blood, but this match was only beginning. This was far from over, that was clear. By the time this was over, Gaza had a feeling he'd be facing a stronger opponent than he'd ever seen.

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Thought the shade was now bleeding, it neither gasped, nor breathed heavily. Perhaps it was unable to speak, but silence or not, Gaza wasn't backing down now. This shadow figure was going to get a real taste of Gaza's abilities, starting with his ability to adapt. Knowing now that this shade had his same techniques, and was a bit stronger than him, he knew it was going react the same way he would in the situation however. So he'd have to lure it into an attack, but what could he do? There was the possibility of him forcing a barrier, where he could use the cloud of smoke caused from him blocking with it to shroud another Double Galick Gun, but would the shadow expect this? Or was it just crazy enough to work? It was a better shot than anything else he could think of. He didn't have all day to think of his next move, so he'd have to go with it. It was better than fighting off an onslaught of blows for an hour, waiting for another opening to expose itself.

Gaza rushed the shade, engaging the more speedy shade in melee combat. He threw a few punches, and swung his Power Pole a bit. It wasn't a full on attempt, it was a setup for a further combo. After he felt that the shadowy figure was ready, Gaza jumped backwards, kicking at the shades face as he sprung backwards with a flip. He readied his left palm, filling the air with the smell of burning oxygen. As he thrust his left palm forward, his right palm came back. The left palm released a burst of violent Ki that danced like fire. The shade had indeed used it's barrier, Gaza could see the solid wall of red energy through the breaks in his flaming torrent. He alternated palms, thrusting one forward, then drawing back the other. He repeated this action until there was a substantial amount of smoke filling the area.

Then it was time! He could initiate his attack he planned to use to surprise the shade. Gaza cocked back both palms again, the space around his hands filled with purple Ki. Just as the smoke was about clear, and he caught a glimpse of the shade, he released his attack upon it. The purple beams screamed through the air, smashing into the unsuspecting guard of the shade. It look as if his plan had worked, the shade fought hard but was overcome with the raw energy of the blast. The shade toppled in the beam as Gaza released. Gaza was more than happy, he was overjoyed with the results. He didn't actually expect this deceitful plan to work in the slightest.

The shade laid in a smoking pile in the dirt. The earth beneath him, scorched. The shade made a coughing motion, but it made no noise, just expelled more of the ooze. Gaza was sure this was it, he was sure the shade was finished, and he made this known. Gaza cockily strode over to the side of the figure, looking down at it with a smirk. He was well deserving of the right to be cocky after that combo worked.

"I should have expected this, but I guess I surprise even myself!" Gaza said with a laugh, looking down at the shade "You know, this was a real hard thing for me to know, like an internal fight between me and myself." Gaza added, what a bad pun. But as he saw himself the victor, he found it his pleasure and felt he had the freedom to do so. If not, was the shade going to stop him? Shut him up, perhaps? He thought not, unlikely after sustaining that blast.

It was very unexpected when the shade raised a hand, as if to beg for mercy. Gaza was disgusted, mercy!? Not it the saiyan vocabulary. Gaza wouldn't have it. "Please, save yourself the humility." Gaza said, almost wanting to spit down, but he was caught with a single handed Galick Gun to the face. The beam burst from the shade's palm, tossing Gaza into the air. He was stunned, shocked, but also, proud. Proud that he hadn't given up, proud that he began deceiving, even on the brink of death. That's not something Gaza thought he would done. He didn't attempt to deceive Vegeta when he had been defeated, but that was because Vegeta was leagues above him. Gaza likely would have if he was stronger and Vegeta had just gotten the upper hand. What Gaza did know however, he'd be damned if he lost now! He was far too ahead to take this and lose. His plan had worked, he still had the upper hand.

Gaza hit the dirt hard, but he wasn't that concerned with it. He knew it was going to happen, and hell, might have been able to stop it if he had thought about it. However, the short bit of pain would give him motivation to get up and rip this shade into pieces! Gaza quickly rolled to his stomach, then pushed himself up to his feet. It was not time for him to kick the bucket, but time for him to kick this shade's ass. The shade struggled up to it's feet as well. Gaza pulled his Power Pole out in front of himself. He was ready to strike again.

As they got closer, Gaza swung low, and was blocked by the shade's pole. Of course he expected this, it would be foolish not too. He swung high and the strike was ducked, the shade then swinging for Gaza's ribs, but he caught the strike with the Power Pole, stopping the blow. He then brought his knee up, across his body, only to thrust it downward into the shade's chest. It fell backwards, dropping it's pole. Gaza picked it up, now holding both poles. This was going to be a deadly combo. Gaza dropped his grip to just above the bottom of each pole, and shortened them to about three and a half feet in length. They were wielded like two long swords. The shade was sure to be in a world of trouble now, but what would Gaza do with these two poles? He wasn't sure yet, but it was going to be clobbering time for now, the shade being the one getting clobbered of course.

Rushing at the shade, Gaza swung wildly at the shade, contacting it with almost every strike. This was unexpected, he thought the shade to be more agile, but it was understandable, the injuries that it had accrued had likely slowed him down. Gaza quickly grew tired of the idea of dual wielding, and would rather eliminate the shade's pole from the battle altogether. He smacked the shade across the face with his pole, then turned in place, making a full 360 degree turn before launching it into the air. The pole went far beyond the range of mountains far in the distance of the battlefield.

Gaza smirked as the shade turned around, having watched where the pole went. The shade acted more than displeased with what he did, for it began swinging wildly, which Gaza parried with his Power Pole. It was a way to add insult to injury, but what was the shade going to do? It couldn't leave the battle to retrieve the pole without Gaza stopping him. Thus left his only choice to stay and fight without it. Gaza could likely match up to him and overcome him at melee range.

The shadow figure remain resilient, as Gaza would in the situation. It kept attempting to swing at him, but Gaza quickly swatted away the blows, and returned a few of his own. The shade swung a kick at Gaza's feet, he jumped the blow, and swung the Power Pole down on top of the figure, knocking it onto it's back. Gaza swung at it again, the shade raised it's forearm to block it. It writhed in pain and rolled over, attempting to stand to it's feet.

"Oh no, I don't think so." Gaza said, swatting at the shadow figure's ribs, collapsing it into a pile. It was weak and didn't appear to be able to fight back much longer. However, Gaza wanted to milk this fight for what it was worth. He rolled the shade over onto its back, Gaza kneeling beside it. Grabbing the silhouetted collar, Gaza punched at the figure's face, over and over. The shade sprayed it's black, blood-like ooze onto the dirt with each strike. He continued to punch it until he felt that it was over. The shade lay in the dirt, and Gaza stood the victor. He was thought he was relatively unhurt, but he was running on adrenaline. As he winded down from the battle, he began feeling the stings of the blows he received, even his face burned from the single handed Galick Gun he'd taken without warning.

All this remained as a simple reminder of what he had accomplished. Nothing scarred him, so he held no trophies from the encounter, but he did feel accomplished. He had beaten his greatest enemy, himself. Though perhaps a bit cliche in retrospect, it wasn't like an internal conflict where his 'emotions' weren't agreeing on something. This was a literal battle with himself, and exact copy, with the only difference being that the copy was a silhouette of himself. He meditated on what he had done, what he accomplished. He had managed to defeat himself, at some state in the future where he was a bit stronger than now. When it was that he was that much stronger? He was unaware, and he didn't much care. He was only going to reach that level to later surpass it! What difference did one step on the ladder make if it only meant that he could reach the top without it?

Kami promised that this session would be an incredible boost to his abilities, but perhaps it meant something different. Gaza didn't much like the mystic types. They always said one thing and meant another. What Kami meant was that upon completing this trial, he would be willing to train Gaza, in turn, making Gaza even stronger and more talented. It wasn't that he hated the idea, but that he hated that Kami wasn't straight forward. It felt like Kami had something to hide, so he didn't come out and say what he meant. However, Gaza could not be too upset, he had just pulled off a great deception. Maybe Vegeta was right and Gaza could be a diploma, but only time could tell. Gaza was no psychic, nor did he have a time machine to visit the future with.

He showed promise, but what was his true destiny? He was told by some that he was to become a great hero, later down the line. But were they simply seeing what they wanted to become of him? Or were they right? Perhaps there was something down the line that was unforeseeable that would change the line that was going to alter his path entirely?

Whatever was happening in the distant future, Gaza saw great things in his near future, and he didn't need to use a crystal ball or a time machine to tell that. Fact of the matter was, he was destined for greatness, and for excellence. He would surely continue to impress allies, and conquer oppositions as he continued his journey as a great warrior. He would continue on and hold high regards in this lifetime, and in the afterlife. He wanted his name to be carried down throughout history, so that he was talked about, long after he was gone.

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TWC 5000 (So weird, i didn't plan on this.)