The gauntlet has been thrown as Kakarot challenged Prince Vegeta to a fight. The prize the Four Star Dragonball. Can the two boys set their differences aside and learn to work together? Or will they destroy each other in the end? And what of Master Roshi and Gohan? Has Earth truly lost two of it's strongest fighters?
Still working on my writing so it might suck a little bit.
Chapter Nine: Kakarot's Saiyan Pride
Planet Earth
"What did you just say low level," demanded Vegeta with narrowed eyes set on Kakarot who stood a few feet away from him. The four-star dragonball gripped in the younger saiyan's hand. The rays from the mid-afternoon sun glistening off its smooth surface.
"You heard me," replied Kakarot. The tone in his voice matching his older comrade. Making it clear he wasn't backing down.
The gauntlet has been thrown as the challenge was made. Kakarot, the lone wolf low level, against the Prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta. Since their first encounter on Frieza's ship what felt like an eternity ago the two boys always sensed a sort of powerful tension between them. A feeling that was hard to explain into words. They couldn't see eye to eye and never agreed on anything. Their conversations always ending up in an argument as they both sought out dominance over the other. Prince Vegeta always using his title of Prince to his advantage along with his age. This annoyed Kakarot greatly up to the boiling point.
Kakarot was fully aware of Vegeta's rank as Royal class of their fallen race. Son of the former King of Planet Vegeta. But he wasn't at all fully convinced into following his fallen race's ranking traditions. Power level high or low at birth shouldn't determine what class one should fall into for the rest of their living existence. For, with the proper training and determination, anyone could reach the elite class that served under King Vegeta himself. Maybe even surpass that. Power shouldn't be limited. They are a warrior race after all. Attaining power and reaching higher levels by defeating opponents much stronger than themselves is what they thirst. He was always looking for the next challenge to further increase his power for he intended to break Saiyan tradition of ranks and surpass those who always considered him a weakling. Nappa, his older brother Raditz, and of course the royal stuck up prince himself, Vegeta. He may have been born with a low power level and ranked Third class, but he intended to show them all that even a low-class warrior could surpass an elite if he trained hard enough. And now was his chance to prove just that by defeating Vegeta here and now.
"Are you seriously in that much of a hurry to die Kakarot," inquired Vegeta. His arms now crossed over his chest. Standing tall to assert his dominance over the younger saiyan.
"I don't intend to die by your hand Prince, because I have no intentions of losing to the likes of you." Kakarot shifted his stance as he gripped his right hand into a fist, because the left hand held the mysterious object he had acquired from the old man and bent them both at the elbows up to his waist level.
"Is that so."
"I'm tired of your constant insults. Belittling me just because I was born a low-class warrior. The level I was born at doesn't determine the warrior I am and who I will become in the future. I'm a lot stronger than you know. Regardless of age Vegeta I know I have the necessary power required to stand against a fighter like you." Kakarot paused for a moment as he took fighter stance then continued. "You want me to respect you just because you're a Prince. Think again. You want my respect you're going to have to earn it."
Vegeta said nothing as he listened to the boy's speech of defiance with an expressionless look on his face. He could sense the tone in the younger saiyan's voice that carried a hint of hatred and resentment. So, this was more than just about the challenge for the dragonball, but also to prove just how strong he has become since birth. He was challenging him solely to prove how strong he has become since then. He had to admit, but never say into words, he was curious to see just how strong the kid really was. He may have called him low level from the start, but from what he heard around Frieza's ship when he was there for a briefing. Kakarot's training was always getting more intense every time. The kid pushing himself to his limits and beyond until he collapsed from exhaustion. Ending him up in the rejuvenation tanks to heal. After that he was back at it again. The kid was determined to get stronger no matter what it takes. Even if it pushed him to the brink of death.
"Fight me Prince," pushed on Kakarot. "If you want this, whatever it is, back." He lifted his left arm up to shoulder level then extended it out towards Vegeta.
Prince Vegeta remained silent. His eyes never breaking eye contact with the younger warrior.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the two chibi saiyans, Bulma and Krillin had managed to sneak in undetected. They took refuge behind a group of bushes situated in between two large trees. They were at a far enough distance from the two warriors, but still within hearing range. They both listened intently at the two saiyans exchange of words.
"That's strange," started Bulma. Her voice a low whisper only audible to the boy kneeling at her right. "I thought they were on the same side. And now they're challenging each other to a fight."
"I know. I don't get it either," replied Krillin. "I've witnessed myself first hand just how powerful those two are when they battled my masters. They probably weren't even using half their strength in that fight. Just imagine how much damage they can cause battling each other. They can destroy the entire forest if they go all out. And if that's the case, then we're in real trouble."
"Oh no. They'll wipeout all life here."
Krillin then noticed someone lying on the ground next to the saiyan who had done battle against his masters. Lying completely still and covered in debris lied two figures. Their clothes burnt and torn with blood staining their faces and flowing out of opened wounds. Krillin narrowed his eyes to try and better identify the two figures when he was suddenly overwhelmed with shock. His heart beginning to race against his chest that he could hear the pounding in his ears. The blood draining completely from his face as he went pale. His whole world shattering all around him. There were only two other people here went he left.
"N-no," he forced the word out. "I-it can't be."
Bulma shifted her gaze to the young martial artist. "Hey are you ok?"
Krillin remained silent for a few seconds then responded. "My masters."
Vegeta and Kakarot continued to stare each other down. Onyx black eyes locked as both saiyans remained completely still. There was no turning back now. The two remained this way for a few more seconds until Kakarot's patience was growing thin and he decided to break the silence.
"So, what's it going to be Prince," he demanded. A hint of annoyance in his voice. "Are we doing this or what?"
"If you're really in that much of a hurry to die low level then fine. You get your wish. I accept your challenge. But know this once this is over and I defeat you, which I will, you will learn your place. You are nothing more but a low level soldier and obeying orders is your only purpose. You've been warned low level."
"Your warnings don't scare me Vegeta. Now let's do this."
"Not here," replied Vegeta. Returning the dragon radar, he had acquired from the earth woman he encountered some time ago back into his armor for safe keeping. Prince Vegeta remembered a canyon not too far from their location. It was wide and cleared with enough space for them to move around more freely. Not that he cared what would happen to the forest around them, but the trees would make it a little harder to maneuver around. This was an all out fight and his chance to test out just how strong the lone wolf saiyan really was. It kind of excited him. Fighting is what saiyans did best.
"Then where?," asked Kakarot as he mimicked the Prince's previous stance as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Prince Vegeta turned around then looked over his left shoulder at Kakarot. "Follow me." With that said he slowly took flight then shot out into the distance.
Kakarot remained motionless for a brief moment then within seconds he too did the same as he took flight then followed after the older saiyan.
"Hey where'd they go?," asked Bulma as she stood up from her kneeled positioned.
Krillin did the same right after. "I don't know, but now's our chance. Come on." With that said Krillin jumped over the group of bushes they had been hiding behind and sprinted towards Master Roshi and Gohan.
"Hey kid wait up!," shouted Bulma after him as she followed. Trying her hardest to keep up.
Krillin neared his two masters then kneeled in between the both of them. He set a hand on Master Roshi's shoulder and began to shake the man lightly. "Master Roshi," he called out. "Master Roshi!" He continued to shake the man. "Please you can't leave me now! You got to wake up!"
"Hey kid! You could've slowed down and wait for me." Bulma set both of her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. "I'm not as fast as you, you know." Once she regained control of her heavy breathing Bulma then noticed the two men the kid, who's name she had yet to learn, had been worried so much about. His masters as he referred to them as.
Bulma's heart then sank as she recognized one of the old men. The man who saved her life when all this started and sent her away before the saiyan child could arrive. "G-Gohan," she stuttered. "No, it can't be." She kneeled next to Gohan as her blue eyes scanned over the man's injured body. They were both beaten pretty badly. Blood stained their torn clothes and exposed skin. Cuts and burn marks everywhere. If there were any broken bones it was hard to tell. How could anyone do this much damage to an old man up to the brink of death?
"Master Roshi," pleaded Krillin as he continued to shake the man. "Please you've got to get up. You… you can't be gone."
Bulma looked over to the boy with sympathy in her eyes. Tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes as pain ached in her heart. Those two boys were nothing but heartless and soulless monsters who did nothing more but inflict pain on others just for their own amusement. Now they were here and judging by the damage they caused to Gohan and the other man the kid referred to as Master Roshi. Who knows what kind of destruction those two saiyans had planned for the rest of the planet. Without anyone left to stop them she doubted even the police or military stood a chance. Judging by their tails no doubt those two boys weren't human. And the way the kid spoke about them and what kind of power they possessed they could bring the world to its knees.
Just then something caught Bulma's eye. Gohan's right hand suddenly twitched. A few seconds passed then it twitched again.
"Gohan," said Bulma in shock. She brought her face down and rest her ear on the older man's chest to hear for a heartbeat. It was light, but he was alive nonetheless. Relief washed over her as the tears she had swelled within her eyes before were now tears of happiness. Gohan was alive. She then shifted her gaze towards the other man who was now doing the same. They needed to get them to the doctor and fast. She'd take them back to her home in Capsule Corp. They had the best doctors there that could tend to their injuries.
Elsewhere
Vegeta continued to fly through the sky with Kakarot bringing up the rear. His onyx black eyes scanning over the vast landscapes below him as he searched for their destination. Was this such a good idea he wondered. Accepting the challenge of the low level just to acquire the dragonball the kid had at his disposal. He could've just taken it from him by force if he wanted to, but in the end the outcome would've been the same. Ending in a bout between them. He couldn't explain it but for some reason something about this seemed off.
"How much farther," called out Kakarot.
"It's not much further. Have some patience runt," shot back Vegeta. This is ridiculous. What started as a team mission for them to conquer this planet has resulted in a fight against each other.
The two continued their flight for a bit longer until Vegeta finally spotted their destination.
"There," he said as he began his descend. Kakarot following close behind.
The two boys arrived at an immense canyon. A deep gorge filled with many high mountains, steep cliffs and a long stream running through it which seemed to run for miles on end. This place reminded Kakarot of a few places he had discovered when off purging planets. A dry, desolate place deprived of all lifeforms. He remembered being at peace in those places. Able to drop his guard for even a couple of minutes to let his mind wander. He welcomed the quietness and solitude it brought. That is before the destruction and slaughter that followed right after it.
Prince Vegeta was the first to touch down onto the ground. A few feet away Kakarot then did the same. The two chibi saiyans stood in an epic stare down. Silence surrounded them as only the sound of the gusting winds could be heard. Tension filling the air.
Neither child uttered a word for a few seconds. Their onyx black eyes locked onto each other.
For as long as he could remember Kakarot was always considered a low level. Being reminded everyday of just that by those around him. Either on Frieza's ship or just recently Prince Vegeta himself. He was always told he wouldn't amount to anything. Simply following orders as Frieza's lapdog. Doing what he was told or die. But all that was about to end here and now. For he had no intentions of losing to the Prince of all Saiyans. True Vegeta was born into the Royal family and a high-power level, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was the strongest of them all. Sometimes power had to be acquired by hard training and the perseverance to never give up. He would prove his prowess today and show Vegeta what the true power a low level soldier was capable of.
"You still want to go through with this low level?," spoke up Vegeta. Snapping Kakarot out of his train of thoughts.
"No doubt," replied Kakarot as he took fighter stance. The four star dragonball still gripped in his left hand and in visible sight of Vegeta to see.
"Remember our deal. I win you hand the dragonball over no questions asked. Understand."
Kakarot took a glance down towards the mysterious object he had taken from the old man. Vegeta called it a dragonball. The orange sphere like ball was a little over the size of his hand with four red stars inside. What was so important about this that the Prince wanted to get his hands on it so badly. What purpose could it possible serve? The only way he would find out would be by defeating Vegeta and he would get his answers.
Kakarot returned his gaze back towards the Prince. "Fine." With that said he stuffed the dragonball into his left pant pocket for safe keeping. "Now let's do this."
Vegeta smirked then took his own fighter stance. "Very well then Kakarot if that's the way you want to play it."
"Wow you actually used my name."
"Don't get too use to it. For once this is over you will learn your place amongst our kind. Third class ranked soldiers like yourself belong on the ground like the low levels you are. You will learn to respect me for I am the Prince of all Saiyans."
Kakarot smirked. "Then try and make me kneel before you," he shot back.
The two pushed off the ground into flight then charged towards each other at high speeds. Both of their hands clenched into fists as they pulled them back to prepare to strike. Once neared the two pushed their arms forward and the back of their forearms collided. A power struggle began as the two pushed against the other as they fought for dominance. Narrowed eyes locked as they both clenched their teeth. Neither one backing down as they continued to push.
Vegeta could tell they were evenly matched at the moment, but he wasn't using his full power just yet. He wanted to see just how far he could push the low level until he reached his peak of power. The kid was strong, but did he have what it takes to help him defeat Frieza.
The two remained this way for a few more seconds then Prince Vegeta broke the power struggle and began to attack Kakarot with a combination of punches and kicks. Kakarot trying his hardest to keep up with the older saiyan's speed as he blocked and dodged every strike. Prince Vegeta then found an opening in Kakarot's defenses and struck with a hard punch at the kid's stomach. The attack knocked the air right out of him as the younger saiyan wrapped his arms around his stomach. The Prince then ended his assault with a spin kick at Kakarot's face. Sending him flying back a few feet away.
Kakarot pushed the pain away as he regained his balance and slid back the rest of the way on one knee. His right arm still wrapped around his injured abdomen while the left touched down on the ground. He shifted his gaze towards the Prince. As always Vegeta stood in a dominant stance with his arms crossed over his chest.
The two remained silent as they stared each other down once again. Vegeta waiting for his younger opponent to stand.
Damn that hurt, thought Kakarot to himself. I can't remember the last time someone has actually ever landed a solid hit like that and make me feel pain. He's fast no doubt about that. I need to be more aware and watch his moves more closely. Anymore hits like that he'll overpower me for sure.
"Don't tell you're finished already," spoke up Vegeta. "I was expecting more from you low level. If that's all you've got then you disappoint me."
Kakarot pushed himself up into a standing position. "I'm just getting started Prince."
"Is that so." Within seconds Prince Vegeta disappeared.
Kakarot prepared for the oncoming attack. Using his scouter, he searched for Vegeta's energy signal. Quickly it got a lock as the symbols and numbers stopped and an arrowed indicated behind him. This time he was ready. Dropping down on all fours Kakarot dodged the kick aimed for the back of his head. Prince Vegeta's kick missed, but he wasn't finished there. He fists his left hand then twisted his body around and slammed his fist down aimed towards the younger saiyan's back.
Kakarot anticipated the attack and rolled out of the way. Vegeta's fist colliding with the ground. Creating a medium sized dent on the ground. Kakarot stood up then took the small opening he had. Charging towards Vegeta he struck with his right shoulder hitting the boy on his chest. The force strong sending Prince Vegeta flying back. Taking advantage of the kid's dropped defenses yet again Kakarot flew after him until he was close enough and struck with a combination of punches and kicks. The attacks landing for a few seconds until Vegeta regained control. Crisscrossing his arms, he managed to grab a hold of both of Kakarot's fists. Halting the assault.
"Lucky shot," said Vegeta through clenched teeth.
"Luck had nothing to do with it. Like I stated countless times before Prince. I'm a lot stronger than you think."
"Don't make me laugh low level. We're just getting started. I haven't even begun to use half of my power yet."
"That makes two of us then."
Vegeta smirked. "Then show me what you've got."
The two boys, hands still locked, began to power up. Light blue and white energy beginning to surround their small bodies. Electricity sparking around them from the power emitting from their bodies. The struggle increased as their power increased. Once they reached their required point they broke the power struggle. Vegeta taking the offensive and struck at Kakarot once again with a barrage of punches. The younger, like before, went on the defensive and began to dodge and block the attacks. The two slowly beginning to rise into the sky never once breaking their attacks. Once they reached a high enough point the two struck with a powerful right punch. Their fists colliding against each other. The force of the attack sending a strong shockwave throughout the canyon.
The two pushed away as they backflipped a couple of times until they reached the ground. Their boots barely scathing the dirt as they charged towards each other once again.
Kakarot used the afterimage technique as he swerved out of the way leaving behind a faded image of himself. He knew Vegeta was too clever to fall for this technique, but it was also the perfect opportunity to drop his guard for he knew Vegeta expected him to attack from behind.
And as expected Vegeta let the fake image pass through him as he shifted his gaze over his right shoulder. "What do you take me for Kakarot. Some kind of amateur."
His defenses in the front were down. Kakarot reappeared in front of Vegeta and struck with a powerful right elbow to the kid's stomach. Catching Vegeta completely off guard. Prince Vegeta felt the force behind the kid's attack knocking the air right out of him. Kakarot then continued his assault with a barrage of punches. He then finished with a powerful right punch that sent the Prince flying up until he crashed into one of the cliffs. Embedding into it.
Kakarot disappeared then reappeared in front of Prince Vegeta.
Vegeta couldn't believe what had just happened. The kid somehow managed to outsmart him and caused him to drop his guard long enough to strike. Pain coursed throughout his entire body from the brat's last attack that sent him flying back. He was stuck. He couldn't move as his body was embedded into the rock wall. He could feel warm blood flowing down the right side of his mouth and down his chin. Damn the kid drew first blood.
Shifting his eyes towards the young saiyan Vegeta could see the stone cold look displayed on the kid's face. He'd never seen this look before.
"Do I appear like a weakling to you now Vegeta," demanded Kakarot. A dark tone in his voice.
He sounded different. "That was a cheap shot Kakarot. Though I must admit I am impressed."
"I haven't even begun to unleash my true power on you yet Vegeta."
"Well then. What are you waiting for then? Try and kill me low level. Give me everything you've got. For no matter what I will be the victor in this fight."
"Don't get too overconfident Prince." Kakarot slowly lifted his right arm up until it was at shoulder level. His hand, open palmed, set a few inches away from Vegeta. Light blue energy began to gather until it surrounded his entire hand.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Kakarot, Vegeta was trying to break his right arm free. Wiggling and pulling to try and loosen the tight grip. His eyes never broke Kakarot's stare as he tried to keep the low level distracted from what he was doing. The blast was getting bigger as it engulfed Kakarot's entire hand and part of his forearm.
"Let's see you try and withstand this," said Kakarot as he prepared to unleash the attack.
Vegeta felt his arm loosen then break free. Now was his chance. With less than a second to spare Prince Vegeta brought his free arm forward and swatted the energy blast away. Sending it flying somewhere towards his right. The energy blast crashing into one of the cliffs creating a large hole within.
"No way!," said Kakarot in shock.
His guard was down. Vegeta took advantage of the small opening and grabbed Kakarot's wrist and pulled him towards him. He struck with a headbutt at Kakarot's head.
Kakarot fly a few feet back to put some distance between them. His hands on his aching head.
At this time Vegeta managed to finally free himself completely as he used the rock wall to push himself forward towards his opponent. Kakarot's guard was down which, like before, he took complete advantage. He fists his left hand then pulled his arm up as he flies towards him at high speeds. Once close enough he struck as his fist connected with the right side of Kakarot's face. He then continued his assault with a combination of punches and kicks. Each strike hitting its target. He followed with a hard right knee to the kid's abdomen, then with his knee still pressed against the kid's stomach, he struck with a right elbow to the back of the boy's head. To finish his assault, he then struck with an elbow to Kakarot's back sending him flying to the ground.
Kakarot slammed onto the ground on his hands and knees. Creating a medium sized crater from the force. "Shit," he cursed himself under his breath.
Just then his scouter goes off. Numbers and symbols flashed on the small green screen then stopped as it detected the source of the signal. An arrow indicated above him. Shifting his gaze upward Kakarot spotted Prince Vegeta overhead gathering light purple energy into the palms of both of his hands.
"Let me show you the true power of a saiyan elite!," called out Prince Vegeta.
The numbers were high on his scouter. He assumed it was one of Vegeta's powerful attacks. Judging by the level the attack could do some major damage. They were no longer holding back. It was an out all fight now.
Kakarot pushed himself up until he was standing. His breathing heavy as sweat poured down from either sides of his face. His upper body ached from the pummeling he endured from the Prince. His arms and legs as well when he used them to keep his body from slamming into the ground. This briefly reminded Kakarot of the same exact position he was in when he battled the old man just the other way around. This time he was on the receiving end of the blast. No, he wouldn't lose. He made it perfectly clear to Vegeta that he had no intentions of losing to the saiyan prince.
He's had enough of all their mockery, insults, and abuse. Making him feel like an outsider solely for being born a lower class warrior. They considered him nothing. Almost invisible like he didn't exist. Nothing more than Frieza's puppet, his lapdog who's only purpose is to serve and obey every order commanded of him. He was expendable in their eyes. Sending him on missions that they thought he would never return alive, but he proved them all wrong every time. He'd show them. He wasn't useless. He wasn't a weakling. He was a strong saiyan warrior and intended to prove that to all of them. Mainly… to his older brother, Raditz for the teen was the only family he had left.
Kakarot dropped his right hand down to his side and held it a few inches away from him. Blue energy beginning to gather in the palm of his hand. He wasn't going to lose. He'd make sure of it.
Outerspace Enroute to Planet Earth
Raditz wandered through one of the many narrow, white hallways throughout Cui's ship. After the briefing in the bridge the saiyan teen decided to step away and asked permission to scout the ship for anymore damage it might've endured when King Vegeta and his father took over. When really it was just a pretext, so he could have some time alone to gather his thoughts and comprehend everything that has happened up to this point.
How could it be remotely possible that both King Vegeta and his father survived the destruction of Planet Vegeta seven years ago? He was told both were present on the planet when the asteroid collided and destroyed it. Only Prince Vegeta, Nappa, Kakarot and himself were the only saiyans off planet when the incident happened. Sparing them from the terrible fate that wiped out their entire race. So how can it be that here they were alive and well after all this time. If they survived the fall of Planet Vegeta why didn't they ever come back for them? Why wait this long?
Raditz turned right down another narrow hallway. This one had a few dents and cracks on the wall. Some showing some exposed wires as it was easy to tell where most of the harsher beatings took place. Dead elite corpses laid sprawled on the ground as purple colored blood gushed out of their mouths or opened wounds. The same colored blood stained along the no longer white walls. Clearly this was his father's handiwork no doubt. The man was known to be ruthless. He stepped over the dead bodies then continued on his way down the halls.
It was the same scene over and over again every time he entered a different part of the ship. A pathway that lead from the place where the prisoners were held. The same destruction as those parts were damaged as well. He then decided to look elsewhere. Going backwards he entered the second floor where all of the training took place. This one not as bad as it appeared to barely even be scathed. Only a partial area where he assumed his father just blew pass with ease as he made his way to the bridge. He passed one door that hissed opened as he made his way pass. He stopped as he looked inside. It was one of the medical rooms. Four rejuvenation tanks aligned along the walls along with multiple computer screens and flashing keyboards that connected to them. He couldn't help but pause to look as a faint memory flashed in his mind.
Flashback…
Frieza's ship
Five year old Kakarot is knocked back from a powerful hit from Dodoria. His back slamming harshly against the wall that sent searing pain shooting throughout his small body. He fell to the ground on his hands and knees. His face winced in pain as he fought back to try and get up again, but to no avail. His body was too weak and couldn't endure anymore pain. After a few seconds of trying to push himself back up he finally collapsed.
"Was that it Kakarot," taunted Dodoria as he made his way towards the fallen saiyan until he towered over the child. "Pathetic. I hadn't even begun to start trying and you've already reached your max. You're weak." He brought his left boot down on the saiyan's back. Pushing a bit of pressure causing the child to cry out in pain. "You're weak Kakarot. You belong on the ground like the low level soldier you are. You will amount to nothing. Just a pathetic saiyan monkey who's only purpose is to serve at our feet. At this rate you won't live for very long." He pushed one last time receiving another painful cry from the younger saiyan then lifted his foot, turned and began to walk towards the door. Four elites following behind him.
Raditz, who had witnessed the end of the training session, stood at the entrance as he watched Dodoria walk pass him. Never once making eye contact with Frieza's henchmen. Dodoria merely bumped Raditz's shoulder as he walked by with a smirk on his face.
Raditz kept his onyx black eyes focused on Kakarot. The kid wasn't moving. Clearly, he had fallen into unconsciousness from the fatigue and obvious injuries. Why was he fighting Dodoria anyway? Obviously, the bastard was merely toying with him as he beat him around like a ragdoll. Unless it was some kind of training session set up by Frieza himself. Raditz remained where he stood as, for some strange reason, he was debating against himself to whether or not leave or go check up on his younger brother. He was supposed to meet up with Prince Vegeta and Nappa up on the bridge to be briefed on their next mission. They would be departing soon after. But for some odd reason his body refused to turn and move. Instead he kept his eyes focused on Kakarot. The kid hadn't moved since Dodoria left. Still laying unconscious on the ground. What was this feeling he felt swelling within? Never once has he ever bothered with the runt so why now? Why did it matter? Why couldn't he just turn around and walk away?
Letting out a frustrated sigh. He began to make his way towards his younger brother. Kneeling by his side as he set a hand on the kid's back. Shaking him lightly awake. "Hey Kakarot," he started. "Time to get up. The fights over. Dodoria's gone. You can quit faking unconsciousness now." He got no response. Which started to concern him a bit. "Kakarot." He shook a bit harder. "Hey get up already. Nap times over." Still silence was the reply and he had yet to move.
He turned the kid over until Kakarot was lying on his back. Raditz set his ear down on the kid's chest as he listened for a heartbeat. It was faint. "Kakarot!," he said.
Medical Room
"So how bad is it?," asked Raditz as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest in front of one of the rejuvenation tanks that his younger brother currently occupied.
"Well let's see," started one of the medics as he looked over to the screen that was connected to the tank where Kakarot was. He pushed in a few keys on the keyboard to bring up the results of the boy's condition. "According to his medical chart the kid is lucky to still be alive after a beating like that. Which is no surprise considering this isn't the first time Kakarot has been brought here with life threatening injuries."
Raditz shot his gaze in the doctor's direction. "Not the first time? You mean this has happened another time before." It really wasn't much of a question more like an order.
The doctor shifted his gaze away from the screen and looked over towards the teen saiyan and nodded. "Kakarot is one of our frequent patients. This is the third time this week that someone has brought him to us in such weak conditions. The boy pushes himself to his limits and beyond and always ends up injuring himself in the process." The doctor then shifts his gaze over to the rejuvenation tank where Kakarot was slowly healing. "Poor kid. I don't know what he's trying to do. I don't understand how he could keep pushing himself to exhaustion until his body can't take anymore, and even keep going after he's fully healed."
"He's a saiyan," replied Raditz bluntly as he returned his gaze to the younger saiyan as well. "We're built that way." So, this isn't the first time Kakarot was in the medical room with life threatening injuries. He keeps pushing himself passed his limits until he collapses from either fatigue or injuries that his body sustains. What was he trying to prove? Was he trying to get himself killed?
Just then he remembered another certain saiyan warrior who always ended up in the same situation after a mission. His father, Bardock, was always pushing himself to his limits and beyond. Taking on dangerous missions that not even Frieza's elites would dare touch. Almost always coming back injured and hanging by a mere thread. But that never stopped him from going back at it again once his body had fully healed. And now Kakarot was doing the same. True the kid wasn't aloud to go on missions yet, but it at this rate it wouldn't be long until Frieza considered he was old enough and sent him out. That's if he lived long enough that is.
Raditz turned on his heels and began to make his way towards the door. He stopped, he didn't understand why, as he hesitated to leave. What was happening to him? Why did he care what happened to the kid? This was his choice. He was the one who decided to end up in this situation. So why should he care what happens afterwards? Or at all. There were emotions there that he thought he banished years ago after the destruction of Planet Vegeta. He was a warrior. He wasn't supposed to feel anything anymore. So why did he suddenly feel the need to protect his younger brother from all those who wished him harm?
Shaking his head to push away all the thoughts that were scrambling on in his head. Raditz decided instead to focus on where he should've been focused on the entire time. He was late for the briefing so not doubt he would never hear the end of it from Prince Vegeta.
Looking over his right shoulder he made eye contact with the doctor who was tending with his brother. "If Kakarot asked who was the one who brought him here. Tell him one of Frieza's elites found him unconscious in the training room and brought him here to heal. Don't even mention my name."
The doctor looked at Raditz with a puzzled look on his face. "Alright though I don't understand why you refuse to let the child know it was his big brother who was the one who found him then brought him here."
"I'd just rather you not."
The doctor remained silent for a few seconds as he looked the boy over then finally accepted the teen's strange request. "Very well then Raditz. Kakarot will never know it was you. But it wouldn't hurt to let the kid know that there is someone here who accepts him and cares for his wellbeing. Kakarot feels alone in this world Raditz. You are the only family he has left, and I know deep down. Regardless of how hard you try and hide it, you care for your little brother and you don't want to lose him. He's the last link to your father you have left."
Flashback over…
The memory faded as the doctor's words echoed in his mind. That was the first time he had learned just how far Kakarot would go to increase his strength and power. He wouldn't accept his limit as he would push beyond it. Nearly killing himself in the process every time. He never viewed the kid the same again after that. Though he would call him weakling in the presence of Prince Vegeta and Nappa. Never showing just how impressed he was with the kid's prowess. Maybe one day, in the future, they could do battle and see just how far Kakarot has come since then. That's if they manage to live through the war that was about to erupt between the surviving saiyans and the Cold Empire.
"There you are," he heard Nappa's voice snap him out of his train of thoughts.
Looking over his shoulder he saw as the older man approached him from down the hall. "What is it Nappa?," he asked.
"King Vegeta has ordered for everyone to meet at the bridge right away."
Raditz nodded his reply then took one last look inside the medical room then took off with Nappa in the direction of the bridge.
Bridge
Raditz and Nappa both entered the bridge. King Vegeta stood at the controls. Typing away on the keyboard as he kept his eyes focused on the screen. He never once broke contact on the screen to look at them instead raising his left arm up and signaling them to come over.
Nappa stepped forward first as he took lead. Raditz took the rear as he began to search the bridge for his father. The man was nowhere in sight. "Where's my father?," asked the teen.
Both he and Nappa reaching King Vegeta as they stood on either side behind the man.
"Probably off training somewhere, but I've already informed him what's going on so no need to wait," replied King Vegeta. He typed in a few more keys then stopped. The light on the screen beginning to beep as their destination was near. "We're finally here. Our destination."
Raditz began to make his way towards the large window. Looking outside his sights fell upon the large blue planet known as Earth. So, this was the planet his little brother along with Prince Vegeta were ordered to purge.
"Earth," spoke up King Vegeta. "I've already got a lock on the boys' location. I know where they are."
Planet Earth- Canyon
The light purple energy continued to gather in Vegeta's hands as he continued to increase its power. "This battle is over Kakarot! Let me show you the true power of a saiyan elite!," he shouted.
On the ground Kakarot continued to do the same as he gathered energy in his own attack. His eyes set on the one overhead as he watched Vegeta. "This fight is far from over Prince! I won't lose to the likes of you!"
The two energy blasts reached their necessary power that was required. Then the two boys unleashed their attacks. The energy blasts colliding.
A dangerous battle has commenced between Kakarot and Vegeta. A battle that could result in death. Meanwhile King Vegeta, Bardock, Nappa, and Raditz have finally reached Earth. Can the saiyans reach the boys in time before it's too late? Or will Kakarot and Vegeta destroy each other before then.
That's the end of this chapter. I know Kakarot seemed out of character but he was raised to serve Frieza so his entire attitude is different. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. R&R and tell me what you think. And like always no flames.