𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕖𝕥𝕙 // 𝕘𝕠𝕜𝕦 𝕩 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕩 𝕘𝕠𝕙𝕒𝕟 (COMPLETED ✓)

// 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕥𝕪-𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕣 //

hiraeth - part ninety-four
THE QUESTION

»»——⍟——««

       Goku yelped as Frieza smashed into his gut, the two having a rough landing in the stands. Frieza huffed, immediately pulling himself away from the Saiyan, saving himself from being trapped in the arms of the woman that rushed towards him with a squeal.

"GOKU!"

Vision still bleary, Goku's eyes snapped to the source of the cry, nearly tackled by the young woman as Y/n leaped into his arms, locking her arms around him in a tight hug. Blinking away the tears that threatened to stain her cheeks, Y/n looked up to Goku, flashing him with a bright grin. "You did it."

Goku chuckled, unintentionally leaning onto Y/n as his knees wobbled, wincing slightly. "Did you ever doubt me?"

Y/n blinked in surprise, before it was replaced with a warm gaze and a soft smile. "Of course not. I knew you would win."

Taking note of his weakened state, Y/n urged Goku to lean on her more, allowing his aching legs some alleviation. As she did so, he turned his attention onto Frieza, who had immediately noticed his gaze, scoffing.

"Don't say thank you. I will be satisfied if you keep your promise to me," Frieza said as he kept his eyes on the wreckage of the arena they had been fighting in not seconds ago. Just below the stands they sat in, in the center of what was left of the arena, stood 17. The only remaining fighter left, and the winner of the tournament. Frieza couldn't deny that he was starting to feel slightly envious, knowing what was to come for the Android.

A voice caught their attention, turning their gaze to the Grand Priest as he spoke. "With the drop out of Jiren..."

The Grand Priest paused, before casting his eyes upon universe eleven. "Universe eleven shall be erased."

Jiren sighed, leaning back into Toppo's hand as he provided support. A blue aura surrounded them, and Jiren could only lie down and accept his death in silence.

"Jiren..." A voice spoke, the man looking up to see his team surrounding him, Toppo looking down at him. "Thank you."

"For what?" Jiren struggled out, his voice failing him. "I treated you all with contempt."

He never expected those words to come out of his mouth. When had he changed?

"Hey, Jiren!" A familiar voice called. The group parted just enough for Jiren to lay eyes on the man that had been his opponent not mere seconds ago. "I know we just finished fighting, but still, I ain't had enough."

Jiren sat up, looking at the man in confusion. Not enough? They were at each other's throats.

"I know you'll probably hate this, but I think we both got stronger together by fightin'." Goku smiled, leaning forward, almost excited. "I wanna see you again!"

Jiren's eyes widened in surprise, Goku's words stupefying him. But at the same time, it was promise. A promise Jiren fully intended on keeping. He relaxed, a smile tugging at his lips, and just as he looked into Goku's eyes, he was gone.

17 kept his eyes to the stars, letting his brain process the shit storm that was the last hour. He had to admit, he hadn't intended on being "dead" for so long, but it had been pretty blissful, and he was also just dead tired. And besides, he wasn't obligated to tell anyone that he had avoided the tail end of the tournament. He was the reason they won, so they should be thankful.

17's eyes snapped to the presence that was suddenly beside him, his eyes meeting the Grand Priest's as he gave 17 a smile. "Contestant 17, you are the winner. What would you like to wish for?"