Unexpected Fate-Version 2.0
Chapter 01-Godly Intervention
Nearly twenty-five years passed since the destruction of Vegeta-sei. The fate of the last remaining Saiya-jin alive was growing fainter with each passing day. Out of the thousands that once lived, only a handful managed to escape and survive. Prince Vegeta unwillingly had to work for Frieza much to his distaste. Nappa and Radditz also served for Frieza and protected the last Prince of Vegeta-sei. If there were any others besides those three that were under Frieza's rule, then the tyrant would know nothing of their fate and assume that they did not exist; especially the one that was named Kakarrot.
The only Saiya-jin that no one ever believed to be alive was Bardock. His nude body remained frozen and hidden from view from all of the other Saiya-jin that knew nothing of his presence to date. They did not even think that there were more Saiya-jins alive besides Kakarrot. If they knew, how would they take the news?
"What? Why did those monkeys disobey my order," Frieza hissed angrily. "If they come back empty-handed, I swear they will die by my hand."
"Sir, it appears that Earth is a plentiful planet that has technology and resources excellent for the market," one of the soldiers replied.
"If that's the case, I hope those monkeys don't fail to get it for me," Frieza scoffed. "A planet with that many resources might prove to be useful for another stepping stone to making my empire more plentiful."
In the hallways below the bridge, a stealth figure snuck around on the ship. Whoever it was, he moved quickly and did not spend a moment idle. It seemed that this mysterious stranger was on an unspoken mission and he was after something or someone valuable. Soldiers stood guard in front of the labs. A sound was heard and before either soldier could figure out what it was, they were knocked out by the cloaked male before the doors opened with a hiss.
Within the lab, the male walked over towards the tank that held Bardock's body in it for nearly a quarter of a decade. Punching the glass, the emergency release hatch gave way and alarms went off. Grabbing Bardock, the mysterious stranger ran down the hallway towards the ship. Hurried footsteps were heard running down the hall and the he knew of all of the dangers ahead of him.
"Stop him!" A soldier yelled.
Guns fired off at the figure. He smoothly dodged the blasts and only the cloak itself got slightly damaged from the cross fire that produced holes or rips. Bardock himself wasn't injured by either sheer luck or pure skill. To protect them both however, the cloaked male quickly thrusts his free hand forward. Most of the guards were blown backwards and hit the wall before rendered unconscious. Those that stood their ground were thrown aside seconds later by a fierce roundhouse kick before the male reached the escape ship with Bardock in tow.
The door hissed shut and the figure hit several keys on a keyboard to set the ship's coordinates. There was pounding on the door of the escape ship before the vessel could fully detach from the ship. Bardock's eyes slowly opened and he weakly saw the figure standing at the helm of the escape ship. Almost though he sensed Bardock regaining consciousness, the figure turned and looked at him. Bardock could not see what the male looked like underneath; not yet at least.
"Rest for the time being," the male voice spoke. "No harm will come to you."
Conscious fled Bardock's body and he once more closed his eyes. At the moment, nothing could prepare him for what was to come. He only figured that he was tied to an unexpected fate that he himself could not control anymore or could try to figure out.
Back on the warship, Frieza was not pleased at the very idea that Bardock was taken from him. Rage blinded him and he lashed out at the guards for their failure for keeping the formerly imprisoned Saiya-jin from being abducted under his nose. Never had the overlord of the universe lost a single prisoner and he was not pleased that this figure had taken the highly prized Saiya-jin that could see into the future.
"Those of you, who value your lives, either go after the monkey's abductor or line up to die by my hands!" Frieza seethed in bitter hatred towards the lackeys that had served him well. The ones who took their own lives preferred it over Frieza's methods due to the rumors that he tortured them for long agonizing hours before finishing them off. The others that did not wish to die began to attempt to locate the escape pod and find the stranger and Bardock before they were out of range.
Warmth was a foreign concept to Bardock when he woke up. His eyes slowly opened to the murky green-blue skies above him. For a brief moment, he thought he was given the peace and tranquil heaven he had long sought since he had such tormenting visions of Planet Vegeta's explosion. However, a moment later, a shadow fell over him and he realized that this wasn't the case and his security and peace were shattered. Sitting up, Bardock nearly did a double take and thought he was having yet another vision. Expecting Frieza to be under the cloaked figure's hood, he growled warningly at the male; half-expecting that the tyrant brought him here just to torment him further.
"I am not the one that had captured you," the male's voice replied. It was the same voice Bardock heard briefly before passing out; granted he was only conscious for a few moments. It was unlike the voice of the one that promised Bardock would deliver the end of the Saiya-jin race.
"What in the gods name am I doing here?" Bardock was somewhat frightened that the figure would give up and kill him for it. Moments pass after he finished asking his questions and when he found he was still alive, he mentally cursed his luck.
"You have many questions and I will answer them all if you let me," the male started. "First off, please refrain from thinking the gods had a choice where you'll end up."
"It's not like they've helped before," Bardock stubbornly pointed out. He noticed his state of dress was different. He was clothed in light gray cloth-like clothing with a black belt holding his pants up. More questions that he would have towards this stranger later once he covered the main ones.
"We did, but that was around the time of Bal'kai Mitorma…"
"'We?' You dare call yourself a god?" Bardock asked a new question. He almost expected that he wouldn't answer it since he was being offensive.
"I am one."
"Yeah right. Next thing you know, you'll be saying that one of my sons are going to become a Super Saiya-jin."
"It's true."
"What?" Bardock's eyes widened in disbelief.
"One of your sons will become a Super Saiya-jin."
"Lies! You have to be lying! If that was the case, why is Frieza still alive?"
"Because he has not met Frieza as of yet and battled him."
"What do you mean? Radditz…"
"You have forgotten your other son Kakarrot?"
"That brat? Of course not! Why bring him up?" Bardock was angered. He was told of the boy's power level being only 2 when he was born. He found that his youngest was a disgrace to his blood and did not wish to have anymore to do with him.
"Because despite what you're saying about him, he will be the one to lead the downfall of the one that plans to use you against the universe." The male spoke.
"I would still rather die than help him."
"Even so, you would be condemned to Hell for all of your crimes. In order to atone, you must help your son."
"How? I couldn't stop Frieza yesterday…" Bardock began, assuming that not much time had passed.
"Twenty-four years ago." The male corrected the mortal Saiya-jin.
"Twenty-four years ago? It was that long ago?"
"Frieza had put you in a time-suspension chamber and…"
"Great. No wonder I feel like I'm out of time." Bardock rubbed his head in an irritated way. He felt like he was the one out of place due to the amount of time that passed.
"You will adjust once you learn more about the current events."
"How am I supposed to know what's going on?"
"It'll come to you."
"What am I supposed to call you anyway?"
"Just call me Scrix." The male spoke. Bardock recognized that name being that of one of the Saiya-jin gods. Sadly, he did not wish to believe him since most of the Saiya-jin had refused to turn to the gods for assistance after King Vegeta made an alliance with Frieza. No matter how often they prayed, the alliance had caused a huge strain on the Saiya-jin to the point that wars often broke out between the kingdom and other parts of the planet. Very few in time even dare prayed since they believed that the gods had long since abandoned them.
"Right," Bardock stretched a bit. He realized that his muscles were stiff due to not using them for a long period of time. "Are you allowed to show your face or are you forced to wear that all the time?"
"I can take it off if you desire." Scrix answered and removed the hood slowly. Bardock's eyes widened when he noticed that his hair was a pure golden color. The brows were completely gone and when he went further to remove what was left of the cloak, Bardock almost thought that this man was his son.
"Radditz…" Bardock mumbled softly.
"Your eldest is dead," Scrix informed.
"What? How? When did this happen?" Bardock was wondering if this was true. His eldest son wasn't very strong; however, he was much stronger than Kakarrot and could easily hold his own.
"Not long ago, your eldest son went to a planet known as Earth," Scrix began. "It was there that he ran into Kakarrot and kidnapped his son…"
"Kakarrot's got a child?" Bardock interrupted.
"Yes. Radditz kidnapped the boy to force Kakarrot to kill one hundred humans if his son were to live; however, he refused and gained assistance in taking down Radditz. In the end, he sacrificed himself just to do his own brother in."
"No…" Bardock muttered before a growl emitted from his throat. The truth had not officially sunk into the warrior. He continued to deny, yelling, "I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! YOU'RE LYING! HE COULDN'T BE DEAD!"
"If I was lying, then would I dare speak this news to you?" Scrix challenged. Bardock was taken back by what he assumed was a bluff. "Because of this, Vegeta and Nappa are on their way to Earth to finish what your youngest couldn't do and your eldest son had attempted to start on that planet: exterminate all life."
"Why didn't Kakarrot do it?" Bardock sneered at Scrix. His fingers dug into the barren earth while the anger mounted. Did his son hold apathy towards these humans or did they manage to brainwash him with their ways and customs?
"He lost his memories of the mission after reaching Earth due to an accident that nearly claimed his life. Had he died, then the other Saiya-jin that were to do the next mission would perish just like your team did."
"How do I know if you're telling the truth?" Bardock warily eyed the man. He did not know who to trust anymore since he's been told nothing but lies all of his life thus far.
"You can choose to believe or continue to live the lies you've been told. Otherwise, I have brought you here in order to choose one of two paths." Scrix notified Bardock who seemed less likely to follow either unless he's told what they were.
"What 'two paths' do you speak of?"
"The first that you were on: destroying things under Frieza's rule without question. Meaning he'll use your acquired ability thanks to the ones who gave you that mixed blessing in the first place."
"Fuck that bastard! I'm not going to dare assist him!" Bardock growled.
"Do you care for the other path then?" Scrix asked.
"Go ahead," Bardock hissed.
"The other path will require you to repent. This would require you to participate in the training that I will provide you until your abilities approve. During this, you learn more about what had come and passed in nearly a quarter century. If you wish, you can also gain knowledge of your youngest son's fate on Earth and how he'll play a role later."
"I care less how my son ended up not finishing his damn mission."
"Like I said, he did not carry it out and whether you can accept that for an answer or not, do not condemn him for what he did not manage to get done."
"What if I choose to follow neither path?" Bardock questioned.
"Then the journey here ends and in half a year's time, you will be exterminated by either Frieza's troops or Frieza would with his own hands after he gains what knowledge of Vegeta's rebellion he can from you. Choose wisely for once you pick one of the two paths offered, you cannot return to this time and place and choose again."
"If I choose the path most favored, would I be able to fight Frieza again?"
"You will be able to once you receive the training needed."
"Then I choose redemption; even though I don't deserve it." Bardock hissed.
"You choose wisely." Scrix smirked; offering a hand to Bardock. "Welcome to Namek."
"So, when does training start?" Bardock took the hand offered and was pulled upon his feet.
"When you are ready, we shall begin." Scrix answered.
"Is there any food on this planet?"
"There is none; however, if you desire, I can offer you an elixir that will stave off hunger for half a year."
"There's no such thing." Bardock challenged during the time Scrix pulled out an elixir.
"How do you know if you never tried it?" Scrix countered.
"Only those fictional godly stories speak of such things like the Elixir of Devotion or some apocalypse thing like Bal'kai Mitorma thing you mentioned." Bardock's tail twitched in agitation while eyeing the vial in disgust.
"So you think that they're all raw fiction and not truth? The Tribal Saiya-jin held onto their ways until the bitter end when the planet was destroyed; believing that in the future, they would find life again. If you wish not to believe the truth, then don't drink." Scrix put it down on the ground before Bardock. "I will be on the other side of the island when you are ready."
Bardock looked down at the proclaimed 'Elixir of Devotion' that this 'Scrix' character had left behind. He was already irritated by the other Saiya-jin's proclamation that this was true. The Kingdom of Vegeta-sei had long since left the roots of the Tribal Saiya-jin and not many held firm beliefs of the Saiya-jin gods besides scholars and those who built sanctuaries in their name. Most of the Saiya-jin who were sent on off-world missions never studied this religion that they long since let it go.
Sitting down, Bardock picked up the bottle before uncorking it. Taking a whiff, his nose wrinkled at the unnatural smell. The scent was that of an aged wine. The color itself was a deep crimson color; almost that of blood itself. If this was truly the Elixir of Devotion, then why did the Saiya-jin willingly given it to him in order to endure half a year of trials?
From what little that Bardock remembered from the story he had read, the Elixir of Devotion was given to a woman pregnant with a child that an evil king sired by a very sincere god. It was said that she were to give birth to a child that would one day become a good king. After the last six months passed, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy before bandits abducted the child from her. The child endured harsh torment from his captors and in time rose up to take down the evil king that ruled with an iron fist. It was through his actions that a temple was built in that god's name.
'If I die in less than a month, then it'll be better than waiting half a year,' Bardock thought angrily to himself before downing the elixir. The coppery taste was almost like blood; however, it was mixed with something else; something unnatural.
Moments after downing the elixir, Bardock thought he had done this out of vain for he did not feel a change in how his stomach pleaded for food. Deciding to ignore this, he sought out Scrix in order to start his training. Perhaps the training itself would take his mind off of the gut-wrenching hunger for a little while. Crossing the island, Bardock found the other Saiya-jin just like he said he would; however, his attention was towards what he held in his right hand. Either he was wrapped up in what he was looking at or did not detect Bardock's presence as of yet.
"What are you holding?" Bardock questioned towards the mysterious trinket in Scrix's hand.
"If I told you what it was, you wouldn't believe it," Scrix eyed Bardock warily. Upon closer examination, Bardock noticed that most of its face had broken away; leaving a jagged-like crater in the once smooth surface. "To you, it could be a piece of junk I just happen to carry with me. To me though, it means so much more than you could ever dare imagine."
"Can we just get on with my training?" Bardock grumbled; no longer interested in what the other Saiya-jin had in his hand.
"If that's what you wish, then so be it." Scrix pocketed the strange item before standing. "Before we begin, have you taken the elixir?"
"Yes," Bardock rolled his eyes.
"Good. Follow me." Scrix lifted off the ground and flew off. Bardock followed suit until they reached a large tower-like island. Floating down to the base, Bardock looked at Scrix in confusion while he closed his eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"Preparing you for your first task which happens to be a climb up this wall…" Scrix started to say.
"Piece of ca-oof!" Bardock fell to the ground before one hand could even dare reach this wall. Struggling with all of his might to stand, he found his body was heavier and something was attached to his back.
"…while carrying this one ton rock on your back."
"Are you serious?" Bardock yelled at Scrix; wondering if he heard him right. "I can't possibly do that in a day!"
"If you truly want the training, you must first strengthen your muscles after being asleep for a quarter century."
"You…" Bardock growled before forcing himself to stand; his balance greatly off due to the weight upon his shoulders. Digging his hand into the side of the wall, he began to focus his mind on the task at hand. 'If I knew training was going to be like this, I would have chosen death over redemption.'
To Be Continued…