The Dragon Balls Are Gone

by Windrises

Frieza's planning on stealing Vegeta, Goku, and Piccolo's dragon balls, so the three former rivals try to team up. However, Vegeta and Goku have their differences, which puts their mission in danger.

Note: Dragon Ball is an anime that's based on a franchise created by Akira Toriyama.

Frieza, one of the evil aliens in the galaxy, was planning on getting all of the world's most valuable dragon balls, so he could take over the planet. In order to keep Frieza's goal from happening, Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo went to a conference room. The three of them had plenty of dragon balls and were all considered to be some of the world's strongest people. Vegeta and Piccolo often let their egos get in the way, of them making progress, while Goku often let his clueless nature get the better of them.

The conference room was fancy, silver, and neatly cleaned, but Goku and Vegeta weren't very respectful towards it. They littered the room, with dozens of messes. Piccolo had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "I believe you should let me guard the dragon balls. After all, you can't even keep a room clean."

Vegeta looked ticked-off. He had defeated hundreds of opponents, which further fueled his dangerously high ego. He said, "Give me a break. I should every dragon ball, in all of existence. If Freiza and his men come by, I'll demolish every single one of them."

Goku shook his hands around, while saying, "Come down, Vegeta. Everything's cool."

Vegeta gave Goku a disapproving look, while asking, "Are you kidding me?! Frieza's planning on stealing all of the dragon balls and you think that's cool? Are you a Frieza fanboy or something?"

Goku replied, "Frieza is pretty cool, but I don't support villainy, so I'm not a true fan."

Vegeta frowned and responded, "You don't seem to be a fan, of a lot of useful things, including intelligence, wit, and being useful."

Goku replied, "Hey, I'm pretty strong."

A sly smile came upon Vegeta's face, while asking, "Do you really think, that you can defeat the great Vegeta?"

Goku smiled and replied, "I know I can."

Vegeta responded, "Then bring it on."

Piccolo could hardly believe, that Vegeta and Goku were about to have fight, considering they were supposed to be teaming up, so they could fight the true villain. He said, "Come on, you two fight lovers. This isn't a good time, for a fight."

Vegeta looked at him and replied, "Be cool, Piccolo. I need to show Goku, that nobody can defeat Vegeta."

Goku responded, "I'm a lot stronger, than you give me credit for."

Vegeta started beating up Goku. He grabbed him and threw him into a bunch of bookcases and shelves, which got broken apart. He started punching Goku in the face, while playing. Although Piccolo thought they were wasting time, he did enjoy seeing Vegeta beat Goku up. He started taking pictures, while chuckling.

Bulma came into the conference room. Although she had her doubts, she was hoping, that the guys were having a deep, meaningful discussion. Sadly, that wasn't happening. She saw Vegeta, who was giving Goku a good beating. Goku was laying on the ground and had lost a few teeth, but he claimed he was okay. Bulma folded her arms, while asking, "What's going on?"

Vegeta grinned and answered, "I beat Goku up. He thought he could challenge, but I showed him who's boss."

Bulma angrily replied, "You should be ashamed of yourself, Vegeta. You and the others are supposed to be talking about, how you can save the world. Instead of doing that, you're beating up one of your teammates."

Vegeta responded, "I mean no disrespect, but this conference is a joke. You can't stop a life-threatening menace, by talking things out. We need action, the most intense, but awesome way, for people to solve their problems."

Bulma replied, "Vegeta, what Frieza's done is no joke. If you want to stop him, you'll have to get along with Goku and start acting like a real hero. Don't you remember, what Frieza did to your planet?"

Vegeta paused and thought about the time, when Frieza destroyed the planet he came from. Seeking justice, for the planet he came from, was more important, than bragging about his awesome fighting skills. He said, "Bulma, you're right. I need to be looking at this situation, through a more serious viewpoint."

Vegeta helped Goku get up and asked, "Are you okay?"

Goku casually answered, "More or less. My dentist is going to have a panic attack, but it's all cool."

Vegeta looked at Goku and Piccolo, while saying, "Frieza did unspeakable things, to the planet I came from. We must not waste our impressive fighters, by being a trio of petty braggers. Instead, we must unite our gifts and protect all of the dragon balls. We're going to do more, than just protect the dragon balls. We're going to stop Frieza, from endangering any other planets." Vegeta high-fived Goku and Piccolo.

Meanwhile, Frieza was in his fortress. The villainous fiend had a lot of vile plans up his sleeves, despite not wearing sleeves. He said, "I've already conquered and destroyed so many planets. My father never thought I'd amount to anything, but I've amounted, to pure destruction." He did an evil laugh.

Frieza's helper, Zarbon, walked by and bowed to him. He said, "Master, is there anything I should be doing for you?"

Frieza replied, "You better believe I have something I want you to do. I don't have you around, so you can stand around and look pretty."

Zarbon fiddled with his hair, while saying, "If I may so be arrogant, I'm rather pretty."

Frieza frowned and replied, "Skip the self-compliments, pretty boy. I have a mission, of the highest importance."

Zarbon responded, "Oh, I couldn't be more glad to hear that. Serving you, to the best of your abilities, is what my life is all about." He kissed Frieza's hand.

Frieza asked, "What was that about?"

Zarbon answered, "It's a sign of respect, Master Frieza."

Frieza said, "Anyways, I have something, for your cornball brain, to start focusing on. Earth has more dragon balls, than any other planet. Because of that, obtaining that planet's dragon balls will be one of the greatest moments, of my delightful career. There are several different locations, that have dragon balls. However, there's one specific locations, that has the most useful and powerful dragon balls."

Zarbon got excited, while saying, "That sounds excellent, your majesty. Where are they located?"

Frieza answered, "Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo currently posses those dragon balls. A reliable source has told me, that they're hanging out in the same location, so they can come up with a plan, to stop me. Ironically, that'll make it easier, for me to get their dragon balls." He handed Zarbon the address, of the heroes' current location, and said, "Go there and get all of their dragon balls. You've been a very useful and dependable ally, so I'm trusting you, to make this mission happen. If you succeed, you might become the first servant, that I treat with respect. However, if you fail me, your punishment will be more painful, than crashing into the sun."

Zarbon gave Frieza another bow, while saying, "I understand, your highness. I know I'm not going to let you down. I'll get everything single dragon ball, that they have."

The next day, Vegeta, Goku, and Piccolo had another meeting, so they could figure out a way, to guard the dragon balls. Vegeta said, "I have a plan, that will protect all of the dragon balls."

Piccolo asked, "What is it?"

Vegeta answered, "I think we should put our dragon balls, into a variety of locations. That way, it'll be much harder, for Frieza to get his clutches on the dragon balls. We could keep some of the dragon balls here, put some at Roshi's place, throw some into Bulma's house, and find a dozen other locations, to hide the dragon balls."

Goku looked excited, while saying, "That's a great plan. Vegeta's super smart."

Vegeta proudly replied, "You better believe it."

Piccolo responded, "Hold on there, Vegeta. That plan wouldn't work. If we put the dragon balls into that many locations, we'll probably lose track of them and end up losing several of them."

Vegeta sighed and replied, "I suppose that's true. I've never been the type of person, who has crystal-clear memory and organization." He paused and looked back at Piccolo, while saying, "Since you demolished my plan, do you have your own plan?"

Piccolo answered, "Indeed I do. I think we should keep all of the dragon balls, at this location. We're probably never going to settle the argument, of which of us, is the strongest. However, the three of us are all mighty warriors and if we combine our forces, we can defeat any threat."

Vegeta put his hand on his chin, while thinking about it. He said, "Piccolo, that's a good idea." He and Piccolo shook hands.

Goku wanted to do something important, so he suggested, "I can find a place, to hide the dragon balls."

Vegeta would usually be very reluctant, to trust any of Goku's suggestions. However, he felt bad, for knocking some of Goku's teeth out, so he said, "I suppose you can do that, but you have to be more serious, than usual. You can't hide the dragon balls, in a really obvious and dumb place. You must find a well-hidden, subtle hiding spot. Are you up to the task?"

Goku answered, "I sure am."

Piccolo replied, "Okay then."

Vegeta and Piccolo handed their dragon balls, to Goku. Goku put their dragon balls in some boxes, along with his own dragon balls. He went outside and started looking for a place, to hide the dragon balls. He put the boxes on the lawn and put dozens of twigs on them, to hide them.

Goku went back inside and said, "I found a great place, to hide the dragon balls."

Vegeta replied, "I want to believe, but you're not the most trustworthy, of fellas. I think we should go outside and look at the place, where you decided to hide the dragon balls."

Piccolo responded, "Hold on there, Vegeta. If we don't give Goku the benefit of the doubt, Bulma's going to complain at you, for not trusting Goku."

Vegeta replied, "Very well then. Maybe it's time, for me to respect Goku."

Several minutes later, Zarbon flew to the lawn. He looked around and saw a couple of boxes, which were covered in twigs. He opened the boxes and saw that they had dragon balls in him. He could hardly believe, that the dragon balls were left there. He said, "It seems like they knew how dangerous I would be, so they left their dragon balls here, so I can give them to Frieza. I admire them, for surrendering."

Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo went outside and saw that Zarbon was holding the dragon balls. Vegeta asked, "How did you find the dragon balls?"

Zarbon answered, "You left them on the lawn, with only a pile of twigs covering them up. How immodest, which is a perfect word, to describe your reputation. Master Frieza will be receiving all of of your dragon balls." Zarbon flew away, with the boxes.

Vegeta angrily stared at Goku, while asking, "You thought you could hide the dragon balls, by using a couple of twigs?"

Goku answered, "Yeah, I thought that'd be a subtle disguise, like how Superman uses a pair of glasses, as a subtle disguise."

Vegeta replied, "I thought I should start being nicer, when it comes to how I act to you. However, it seems like you're a hopeless case, you clueless goofball."

Vegeta was about to fight Goku, but Piccolo put his hand on Vegeta's shoulder and said, "This isn't the time, for fighting one of our allies. We need to be focusing, on saving the dragon balls."

Vegeta paused and replied, "You're right, Piccolo." He looked at Goku, while saying, "I was acting like a jerk, when I beat you up, which I regret. I'm betting you regret your own actions, when you did such a poor job, at hiding the dragon balls."

Goku had a guilty look on his face, while responding, "I thought I had found a great hiding spot, but I sure was wrong. I didn't mean, to get the planet in danger."

Vegeta replied, "Instead of feeling bad, about past mistakes, let's start focusing, on making a future, that we can be proud of. We're all strong guys, so even if we don't have our dragon balls, we can still challenge Frieza. I'm going to Frieza's fortress, to stop him. I'm hoping you come along." Piccolo and Goku nodded and shook Vegeta's hand. The three friends started flying, so they could get to Frieza's fortress.

Meanwhile, Zarbon safely put away the dragon balls and faced Frieza, who was sitting on his throne. He bowed to Frieza, while saying, "I got all of the dragon balls, your majesty."

Frieza replied, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm incredibly proud of you, Zarbon."

Zarbon's eyes lit up, while asking, "Do you really mean that?"

Frieza answered, "Yes, you have been more successful, than of my other servants."

Zarbon started prancing around, while saying, "This is one of the greatest honors, of my life."

Frieza got off his throne and started walking to the dragon balls. He had an evil smile on his face, while saying, "Thanks to the dragon balls I've obtained, I'll be able, to conquer this galaxy. I'll make the humans suffer, slowly, so I can treasure every single moment." He did an evil laugh.

A few minutes, Vegeta, Goku, and Piccolo got to Frieza's fortress. They didn't do much planning ahead, so they burst into the fortress, which got Zarbon's attention. He started running towards them, while saying, "It seems like you have some bravery, after all. However, it's not an admirable or worthwhile thing to have, in this situation, because it going to cost you your lives."

Vegeta had a proud smile on his face, while saying, "You're incredibly wrong that, you cowardly yes-man. You're going to face the wrath, of the three strongest warriors, if you don't surrender."

Zarbon replied, "You must of taken a bath, in the river of stupidity, if you think you can defeat my charming wrath. What type of skills, do you three amateurs have, that could challenge me?"

Piccolo said, "We have the loyalty, that scoundrels, such as yourself, have never had."

Zarbon shook his head and replied, "You're incredibly wrong about that, you clueless simpleton. I have a devoted loyalty, to Master Frieza. If I had to lose my life for him, it'd be a life well spent. Now, prepare for a type of wrath, that you could never stop." Zarbon started kicking Goku and Piccolo, while blasting Vegeta.

Zarbon had a lot of power and could of won, but Vegeta and the others used their teamwork and respect, to start attacking Zarbon. Vegeta, Goku, and Piccolo combined their blasts and made Zarbon suffer the wrath, of the ultimate blast. Zarbon got blasted across the fortress, while feeling a load of pain.

Frieza faced the heroes, while saying, "You appear to have an impressive amount of strength, which is going to make your defeats more noteworthy." He did an evil laugh, while blasting the heroes.

Goku fell to the ground. Vegeta and Piccolo ran to him, while Goku sighed and said, "You should fight Frieza, without me joining in. I'm not a hero. I'm a clueless goofball, who always messes things up."

Vegeta shook his head and replied, "That's not the case, Goku. You have more strength and courage, than I was expecting. Thanks to you and Piccolo, I was able to defeat Zarbon. With your help, I'll stop Frieza and pay tribute to my original planet." Goku nodded and got his confidence back.

Piccolo faced Frieza, while saying, "We're going to stop you."

Frieza had an amused look on his face, while saying, "Your confidence is nothing short of pathetic, you losers. Losing your dragon balls was bad enough, but you're also going to lose your lives." He did an evil laugh, while blasting the heroes. Thanks to Vegeta's trust in Goku and Goku's new confidence, the two of them, along with Piccolo, started attacking Frieza.

Frieza could hardly believe what was happening: He was starting to get hurt. He had a confused look on his face, while asking, "How is this possible?"

Vegeta answered, "Because you may have people who help you, but you don't respect or value anybody, aside from your ego. I used to be the same way, which led to my greatest defeats."

Piccolo said, "I'm also guilty of that. By following the path of good and trusting my allies, my strength is better than ever."

The heroes blasted Frieza to the ground, who passed out. Vegeta put handcuffs on Frieza, while saying, "You're going to be taken, to the best prison, that the galaxy has to offer." He walked to Piccolo and Goku, while saying, "I'm really proud of you, for teaming up with me and helping me stop Frieza."

Piccolo replied, "Vegeta, you've become quite the hero."

Goku looked at Vegeta and said, "Terrific job." The three of them smiled. They used to be rivals, but thanks to their newly-formed friendship, they were stronger than ever.