Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well these days! Hard to believe we are coming up on summer already. So what better way to celebrate than with a new chapter? I'm trying something new for this fight, had some fun writing it and I'm hoping it flows well and no one is confused. Let me know if it works. That's all for now, thank you all for reading and please, enjoy.
What a miserable planet.
Zarbon sneered as he flew trying to keep an eye out for any namekian villages or stray dragonballs.
Nothing but wasteland for miles and the locals are just as hideous as their world. If it were up to me I would have wiped this namekian stain clean away.
Suppressing the urge to spit the handsome alien dipped closer to the ground trying to get a better look of his surroundings.
That oalf Dodoria has been missing for days as well. Lord Frieza will have my head if we cannot locate another dragonball soon.
As Zarbon scanned the area he caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye. Slowing his flight Zarbon turned his head making sure to he wasn't being followed. Seeing nothing the alien narrowed his eyes doubting his senses.
Must be not-
"Tri-beam!"
An explosion of ki from above smashed into Zarbon's back driving the second general of the Frieza Force into Namek's dirt. Bits of ground and handfuls of dust scattered across the small island as Zarbon sunk deep into the man-made hole. Bursting out of the crater Zarbon glared in search of his attacker.
"Who dares?!"
Zarbon's answer came as a disc of energy screaming through the air aimed at the alien's head. Dodging to the left the disc streaked across Zarbon's cheek cutting a thin gash. Placing a hand on the cut Zarbon was unprepared for the vicious strike that connected with his temple. The force of the punch threw the general out of the crater and onto his back.
"WHO DAR-"
Before the question could be asked two figures charged at Zarbon fists raised together. The two blows drove forward synchronized forcing the alien to use both hands to block and forcing Zarbon backward. The taller figure of the two followed up and engaged Zarbon head on his strikes precise and deadly. Vaulting over his companion the shorter figure threw a hard heel kick aimed at the general's head. Again forced to use both hands to block Zarbon was left wide open for a sharp kick to tear into his exposed rib. Despite skidding backward from the strength of the strike even with his heels digging into the ground the alien regained his focus and rushed at his attackers. Landing softly on the palms of his taller ally the shorter stranger squatted down completely focused on Frieza's general.
"Go!"
With a strong shout, the taller figure threw his companion at a greatly accelerated speed. Leading with two outstretched hands the small figure collided with the alien but Zarbon was prepared and caught the fists before they could do any damage. Showing a smirk the small warrior's hands generated and expelled a jolt of electricity that ran up from Zarbon's hands to his shoulder.
"W-what?"
Losing the feeling in his arms the limbs slumped down providing no protection from a vicious punch from the taller figure. The stranger's fist carved into the side of Zarbon's head again hitting the alien's temple. Falling to his side Zarbon's arms began to recover but not before the smaller figure threw another energy disc with a clear intent to kill. Leaping into the sky Zarbon avoided the attack and could feel the numbness in his limbs fade even more. Yet, avoiding the deadly disc had left Zarbon in the air, and exposed.
"Now!"
The shorter stranger shouted as the taller figure stepped forward and grunted before instantly growing two extra arms from his back. The two arms from the figure's back came together to form a triangle while the figure's original arms mimicked the action. An astonishing amount of energy was generated into both sets of hands and the tall stranger's eyes opened wide completely focused on the alien general before screaming,
"Twin tri-beam!"
Two walls of ki erupted out of the figure. Mixing together and completely enveloping Zarbon whose only defense was a loud shout of rage before the energy collided with him. The blast's impact sprayed out a devastating sphere of destruction vaporizing any mountain or rock formation nearby. The resulting explosion shook the ground and clouded Namek's green sky with smoke.
"Did…did that work?" Tien asked panting for breath his extra arms slithering back within him.
"If he's anything like Dodoria, no," Krillin said still in a hard fighting stance. "But, I think that hurt him. It's a good start."
"Yeah…you're right," Tien said still trying to recover.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine," Tien said getting control of his breathing. "I'm just glad that it worked."
"Well, I'm glad you're on my side," Krillin said with a smile Tien returned the compliment with a soft laugh.
The duo watched the dust cloud that encased Zarbon looking for any sign of movement.
"Are you sure he's with Frieza?" Tien asked after a moment.
"…pretty sure."
"Pretty sure? Krillin!"
"What? Cui mentioned Dodoria and someone else with the name Zar something. Plus Gohan said that Dodoria, Frieza, and another person with green hair attacked a namekian village. He's clearly not a namekian and he has green hair so yes I'm pretty sure he's working for Frieza."
"I don't think that's a good enough reas-"
Before Tien could get another word out the alien general smashed onto the ground his once handsome face marked with blood and dirt.
"You two must have a death wish if you dare attack a general under the command of Lord Frieza!"
Krillin looked at his friend with a shrug only for Tien to roll his eyes in response.
"You'll both be dust in mere moments but if you want your tombstones to have names you'll tell me who you are."
"Our names don't matter," Tien said stepping forward.
"Oh? Do you really plan to go to war with the Frieza Force nameless?" Zarbon said with a hard laugh. "By attacking me you've given up your life. My lord commands a militia greater then you can comprehend. What can just the two of you do against an army spanning galaxies?"
"We'll start, by killing you," Krillin said joining Tien.
"Insignificant worm," Zarbon spat. "I'll make you chock on those words for the remaining seconds you are alive."
"You ready?" Krillin whispered to his friend.
"He's coming even if I'm not. Step one was to put him in the water right?"
"The water behind us will do, I can finish him if you don't y-"
"If I see an opening I'll take it." Tien said interrupting, "Don't worry about me; we're in this together."
Krillin nodded but his attention shifted when he saw Zarbon charging at him.
"Solar flare!"
The light erupted from Tien and had an instant effect on the alien who slowed his charge to cover his eyes. Wasting no time Krillin generated another destructo disc and whipped it at Zarbon hunting for a quick end. Raising a hand and using his full power Zarbon shot a beam of energy in front of him. The disc cut into the beam but was overpowered and destroyed forcing Krillin and Tien to scatter. The two humans fired a burst of coordinated ki blasts some finding their mark and hitting hard. The rest were swiped away by the mighty general with a wave of his hand. Focusing on the monk Zarbon shot out at Krillin eager for blood. Preparing himself with a barrier Krillin flew at the alien with a hard shout. The clash rocked Namek as the two traded blows but with weight, height, and strength on his side, Zarbon began to push Krillin back.
"You think you can take on the Frieza force with this pathetic level of strength?"
Finding an opening Zarbon shot a heavy punch at Krillin's exposed rib and smiled as he felt it connect. The alien's fist crunched through the monk's barrier which helped dull the pain but Krillin could still feel his insides twist. Zarbon tried to push his advantage but was suddenly tugged in the opposite direction. Turning around to see Tien gripping his cape Zarbon had no choice but to be pulled and thrown downward toward the water. Barely stopping himself before he fell into the cold sea Zarbon dashed back at at the three-eyed warrior.
"Tri-beam!"
Again Tien shot a powerful blast of ki at Zarbon engulfing the alien and pushing him down into the dark waters below. Crashing into the water Zarbon was completely submerged in the cold ocean giving Krillin the opportunity to rush to the edge of a nearby island while coating his hands with as much electricity as he could produce.
"Hurry!"
Following Tien's command, the monk dove both hands into the water just as the alien came up for air. Locking eyes with the human Zarbon attempted to fire a blast of energy but was stopped as Krillin discharged the collected current. Namek's ocean lit up as the electricity flowed into every part of the general's body. The sea conducted the electricity smoothly allowing it to pass through Zarbon burning the alien and shocking him to his core. Pushing out another jolt Krillin ignored Zarbon's screams and his own pain clenching his teeth as the backlash started. Finally, Krillin could endure no more stopping the technique and removing his hands from the water. Falling onto his butt while slowly catching his breath Krillin noticed his hands were sizzling but thankfully no new scars had been added.
"You okay?" Tien asked landing next to him.
The monk nodded once at his friend's question still trying to compose himself. Tien offered a hand which Krillin took but winced a little his hands still tender from the discharge. The pair looked out at where Zarbon had fallen. The general had sunk low into the water at some point during the electric assault.
"I guess there was no need fo-"
Tien was cut off as a geyser of water shot upward a lone figure taking off into the sky. Their eyes adjusting to the speed Tien and Krillin could see that Zarbon was still alive but their attacks were being to wear him down. Still twitching as some strands of electricity coursed through Zarbon wore an expression of pure rage his armor was heavily damaged and various holes lined his once proud cape.
"YOU ABHORRENT CRETANS!" The alien screamed his fists tightening to point where they shook. "I will bathe in your blood!"
Wordlessly Krillin held up two fingers for Tien to see.
Step two.
The three-eyed warrior nodded understanding the sign and charged at Zarbon full force. Reading himself with another barrier Krillin took a deep breath and joined his friend.
Losing his mind to anger the alien roared diving straight at Tien, this left him open to Krillin who placed both of his hands next to his head before shouting.
"Solar flare!"
Once more the light of the technique flashed against Zarbon's eyes blinding him. With no defense to speak of Tien crashed his knee into the general's face connecting with the blue-skinned nose snapping it in half. Coughing in pain Zarbon was again unprepared for Krillin to follow up with a heavy overhead smash that connected with the top of his skull. The alien was sent flying toward the ground and crashed headfirst into the dirt. Slowly and sluggishly the alien got to his feet his head swimming as the damage done was finally catching up to him. Looking skyward Zarbon saw Krillin and Tien charging toward him ready to continue the fight. The alien reached out with an outstretched hand and gripped his arm with his other hand to help aim.
"Die maggots!"
Zarbon screamed before unleashing a powerful beam of energy pumped with all of his strength. With no time to evade or counter-attack Krillin and Tien extended their barriers around them to form a sphere protecting them from the beam. The energy blast collided with the enhanced barrier shaking and cracking into the ball of ki. The contest of power ended as Zarbon pushed harder and extended his strength enough to puncture through the barrier. However, this gave Krillin and Tien enough time to separate and continue their rush flanking the alien from two different sides.
"Solar flare!"
Both humans shouted covering the alien with twin flashes of light. Immediately Zarbon recoiled, his eyes growing more and more sensitive to the technique every time it was used. Covering his face in pain Krillin and Tien flipped backward in synch to gain some distance.
"Special!" Krillin screamed as he placed two fingers on his forehead charging the technique he had stolen from Piccolo.
"Dodon!" Tien yelled raising one finger above his head gathering his ki into a single point.
The two humans collected as much of their energy as they could while Zarbon staggered around searching for his sight.
His index finger shaking from the weight of the gathered ki Tien pointed directly at the alien. Krillin joined his friend placing his two fingers crackling with energy directly under the three-eyed warrior's hand. The two sources of ki merged into the space between the fingers forming a sphere of energy radiating more strength than either human ever had. Zarbon shook his head hard and regained his focus only to direct it at the two earthlings. Reaching their absolute peak both Krillin and Tien let loose a roar that echoed across Namek.
"CANNON!"
The sphere of energy became a drill that erupted out streaking across the air. The recoil of the burst threw both humans back nearly knocking them over completely. The drill was composed of three threads of thick ki. Two strands swirled around the biggest thread as it flew like an arrow shot. Soaring faster than he could defend Zarbon felt his body crack, bend, and break open as the drill pierced through him and exploded out of his back. The gaping hole left by the attack spurted blue blood forcing the alien to one knee while his hand covered the wound the best he could.
"….you….vermin." Zarbon coughed a thin strand of his blood rolling down his chin.
The humans didn't respond as they were both hunched over gasping for air sweat pouring off of them in waves.
"How…is he still…alive?" Tien asked slowly, "Wasn't that…his heart?"
"Maybe," Krillin answered in measured gasps, "But…maybe…that's not where his heart is placed…he is an alien…after all. Or…he could have…multiple…hearts….I don't.…I'm tired. Should have gone…for the head."
"We…can't keep this pace up, Krillin."
"Just…a little more…he's in…much worse shape. Catch your breath…and we'll…go again."
"Glad we….made plans…for this." Tien said standing up as straight as he could.
"If we didn't…we'd be dead." Krillin said joining his friend.
Slowly breathing in and out the earthlings readied themselves.
"Okay, onto step thr-"
Krillin stopped cold as he sensed a surge of power coming directly above and behind Zarbon.
No, no…not now.
Recognizing the overwhelming source of energy the monk began to shake losing control of his own body.
"Krillin?"
His name helped him gain control grasping his trembling hands and turning them into fists.
"Tien, he's coming."
"What are you-"
The three-eyed warrior's question died as his own senses warned him of the looming threat.
"That power…that's him?!"
"Yes, we don't have much time."
"Can we run?"
"He's too fast we wouldn't get far enough."
"So what do we do?"
The monk paused his mind racing searching desperately for an answer.
"We have one chance, but you'll have to follow my lead exactly okay? No matter what happens just trust me."
"…I do." Tien said with a nod.
Krillin's trembling resumed for a moment but breathing in slowly and softly helped the matter. "Okay, he's here."
The absolute disgrace! Zarbon thought to himself trying to collect himself. To allow these insects to push me this far!
Without any ability to sense energy the blue-skinned alien was oblivious to presence directly behind him as he stood back up into his feet.
Once I disintegrate these repulsive beasts I'll have to use the healing cham-
"General Zarbon."
In an instant, the smooth cold voice that held his name reduced the proud general into a quivering mess.
"I believe I ordered you to bring me a dragonball. Why then, have you chosen to disobey me?"
Slowly turning his head the back of his neck drenched in sweat and blood Zarbon locked eyes with the strongest creature on the planet. Floating in a small pod just a few inches off of the ground sat Lord Frieza, who was greatly displeased.
"L-lord Frieza!" Zarbon spit out taking a knee and bowing his head at the foot of his master's pod. "I didn't expe-"
"You kept me waiting," Frieza said cutting down his general's explanation. "I'm sure you are aware that a lack of patience is one of my few flaws."
"Forgive me, my lord!" The alien said bowing even deeper. "I was in the middle of my search I swear!"
"Then you were doing a poor job." The devilish looking monster said tapping the side of his head as if bored. "I gave you your orders some time ago. Now I find you on death's door rolling around in the filth of this planet like a dog. Your failure to follow simple instructions has not amused me."
"Please believe me Lor-"
"Lord Frieza!"
Again the general was quickly interrupted but this time it was by Krillin who had taken a knee and mimicked Zarbon's bow. Tien hesitated for a moment surprised at his friend's actions but swiftly copied the bow trusting the monk knew what he was doing.
"It is a true honor to finally meet you!" Krillin said deepening his bow.
"Oh? An honor you say?" Frieza said floating past his general to get a better look at the earthlings.
"Lord Frieza! They are the reason I have not returned with a dragonball! They attacked me without warning!" Zarbon said hastily still on one knee.
"Really?" The emperor said with a laugh, "They are the reason you've been delayed? Laughable Zarbon truly laughable," Raising a finger already charging with enough energy to kill either human twice over Frieza smirked as he aimed at Krillin's head. "If that is true then I shall deal with them myself."
Krillin could feel the heat coming off of the concentrated energy even with his head looking at the ground.
"Lord Frieza! Please wait! We did attack this man but we had a good reason."
"Really? Go on then I'd love to hear it." The emperor said his voice growing sharp.
"We came to this planet in search of riches and believed your man to be the competition. We attacked and he did state that he was a general in your army but we didn't believe him."
"And why not?" Frieza said growing a bit bored.
"We have heard stories of your strength and power and those you lead in the Frieza Force, many have," Krillin calmly stated trying his best to keep his voice even and clear. "In our travels, we have found some who brag of being in your ranks even when they clearly are not."
"I am painfully aware of that," Frieza said rolling his eyes. "What does that have to do with Zarbon?"
Good glad that worked. If he really does have a big an army as Dodoria and Zarbon says then it's a safe bet there are some pretenders. Now, one more lie. Krillin thought to himself taking a deep breath. "The liars all have one thing in common my lord." Slowly raising his head to look directly at the finger that could effortlessly kill him, "Like your general, they are laughably weak."
For a long painful moment, Namek was silent. Waiting for his fate to be decided Krillin kept his eyes firmly focused on Frieza. Refusing to let the emperor's overwhelming power get the better of him, after what felt like an eternity the energy that had been concentrated on Frieza's fingertip faded.
"Did you hear that Zarbon? They called you weak!"
A cold laugh echoed throughout the battlefield as Frieza's boredom was temporarily put on hold.
"T-they are filth Lord Frieza!" Zarbon said tripping over his words. "It would be better to dispose of them now!"
"Really? Do you really believe that?"
Floating back to his general the emperor looked down on the alien with a sneer.
"I-I do, my Lord you should ki-"
"And since when have I taken orders from you?"
Catching his tongue with his teeth Zarbon began to tremble before his master as he continued to bleed on himself and Namek's ground.
"Look at yourself, a mighty general of the Frieza Force reduced to this. You call these strangers filth but it is clear they were winning before I arrived. So what does that make you?"
Leaning in closer to his general and using a cold tone of voice that carried death in its whispers Frieza said slowly. "You are losing my favor Zarbon."
Without the words to save himself the alien general's shaking grew worse.
"Regardless," Frieza said with a wave of his hand and turning back around to Krillin and Tien. "I cannot tolerate an attack against my men, misguided as it was. So, in the end, you two must die here."
"Please wait my Lord!" The monk said growing desperate. "I overheard you mentioning something called a dragonball?"
"That…is correct," Frieza said narrowing his eyes already wary of the monk's knowledge.
"I believe we have found what you are looking for." Turning toward Tien Krillin nodded once. "Bring Lord Frieza the orb we found in the village."
The three-eyed warrior blinked in surprise unsure what his friend could be thinking.
"Are yo-"
"Yes! The orb! The one with four stars on it, bring it quickly!" Krillin snapped with enough force to make Tien move toward the hidden dragonballs.
"An orb?" Frieza said with some surprise.
"Yes my lord, a nearby village was protecting this treasure with their lives. We believed it to be of some value so we took it for ourselves. If this is the 'dragonball' you have been searching for then please accept it as our gift."
"And where was this village?"
Krillin swallowed a large amount of saliva in his mouth and pointed in the direction of Tsuno's village. "Over there my lord, but you'll find no survivors, we killed them all."
"…Zarbon."
"Yes, Lord Frieza?"
"Have we sent any scouts in that direction?"
"No. I don't believe so my lord."
"Very well. Your story holds some water, ah! And your companion seems to have arrived just in time."
Dripping wet from swimming in river Tien stood tall with the four-star dragonball.
"At last!" Frieza exclaimed curling a finger in Tien's direction. The ball floated out of the tall human's hands and made its way to the emperor's side while Tien returned to his bow. "And with this, I have six!"
"I am glad we could be of service my lord," Krillin said praying he didn't just doom the universe.
"Indeed, it seems the two of you have succeeded where my own trusted general failed! This is quite the stain on your record Zarbon."
"Y-yes my lord." Zarbon answered shaking with fury.
"Is this the only dragonball you have acquired?" Frieza said his full attention focused on the small monk.
"I'm afraid so my lord," Krillin said trying his hardest to not picture the one-star ball still at the bottom of the river. "There was only the one dragonball at the village."
"A pity. Though I suppose it is only a matter of time before I have all seven. Then I can finally wish this putrid rock a fond farewell." Frieza said with a cold sneer. "But before that, I suppose I must properly reward you two for your efforts."
"Thank you, Lord Frieza!"
"My lord I must object!" Zarbon shouted his bleeding finally slowing down. "I believe they are lying to you!"
"Really Zarbon? Are you certain you are not just ashamed? You have been out-performed by simple bandits! Be grateful you still have a head to bark from."
"Please my lord! Their story is too convenient and we know nothing about them. They could betray you!"
"My, my, Zarbon look how far you have fallen. These two must have gotten under your skin for you to be this desperate….Very well; I have come to my decision."
Turning back to Krillin and Tien Frieza's cold sneer grew into a wicked smile.
"Your reward will be a chance. Kill Zarbon and I shall name you both as the newest members of the Frieza Force. Fail, and you won't be alive long enough to regret it."
"What?!" The monk said breaking character.
"Are you not pleased with my offer?" Frieza said with a curious look.
"N-no my lord, of course not," Dammit! Krillin thought as his head started to swim his nerves finally getting the better of him.
"We accept your terms, my lord," Tien said standing up. "Thank you for this opportunity."
The monk looked at his friend for a moment before realizing that this was the only option they had if they were going to make it out alive.
"Ah he speaks!" said Frieza, "I was wondering if you let your shorter companion do all the talking."
"With respect, he is better at it then I am."
"So it seems," Frieza said before turning back to his general floating away.
"Was this part of your plan?" Tien whispered to Krillin his eyes still tracking the mighty emperor.
"No. I was hoping our reward would be allowing us to leave with our lives. Then we could have come back for the other dragonball later."
"Couldn't this be a good thing?" Tien asked sliding into a fighting stance.
"How? Frieza could kill us on a whim at any moment." Krillin said following his friend's lead.
"Maybe, but if we win we'll be closer to the other five dragonballs right?"
Krillin's eyes grew wide as he realized that Tien was onto something. "It'll dangerous Tien, one slip and we're dead."
"That isn't anything new Krillin. This whole planet is dangerous,"
"…you're right."
"Of course I am, but first let's focus on winning. Ready?"
"Yeah, we have to make this one count."
Tien nodded and the pair of humans slid deeper into their fighting stances ready for the coming battle.
"This is also a chance for you Zarbon, your last chance," Frieza said his tone seething with cold anger.
The blue-skinned alien's shaking grew worse as his master's words cut deep.
"You seem nervous Zarbon. Win this fight and return to my side. Lose and your bones will be food for the rodents. Am I understood?"
"Yes! Yes my lord!"
"Good. Now it seems you still have a card you have yet to play. Frieza said his tone cold and dark. "I suggest you use it."
Zarbon nodded somberly as he got back up on his feet. Bracing himself and glaring at the earthlings with hatred burning in his eyes a coy grin peeled across the alien's face.
"I hope you've enjoyed this little dance of ours," The once attractive general said as his energy level started to rise. "It's been far too long since I've allowed myself to indulge in the more base pleasures of combat."
Wait…something's different. Krillin thought a small tear of sweat rolling down his head.
"But if there is anyone who deserves this fate it is you two!" Zarbon yelled straining to keep his own power under control.
With an inhuman scream, Zarbon's muscles spasmed and bulged growing in girth and power. The handsome face of the Frieza's Force general flattened and widened growing more frog-like in nature. Krillin reeled as he sensed the alien's energy skyrocket as the transformation morphed the slim body into a built tank of brawn. "I…will…break you!"
"Run!"
It was the only word the monk could get out before Zarbon descended upon the pair like a boot onto the ground. Without any time to prepare a barrier, Tien felt his spine bend as a full force kick hit him square in the stomach. Krillin was caught in a heavy clothesline that cut into his throat robbing him of air and strength. The punt sent the three-eyed warrior skidding across the battlefield while the monk slammed straight into the ground pain exploding throughout his entire body. Sneering gleefully Zarbon grabbed Krillin by the sides of his head before driving his own skull into the monk's. A loud crack rang out followed by a scream of agony before the alien general reared his head back and jammed it back into the monk's forehead. Again and again, Krillin felt his skull start to split as a splotch of blood grew in size with each head butt.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
Zarbon paused in his assault as Tien lunged at him. Despite the human's speed Tien was stopped cold as a quick backhand smashed against his face. Still holding Krillin's head with one giant hand Zarbon rammed the two earthling's heads together. With the three-eyed warrior momentarily stunned the alien beast grabbed him with his free hand. With both humans in his grasp Zarbon smashed them into the dirt breaking apart the very ground underneath them.
"Oh how delightful Zarbon!" Frieza cackled, "See what you can do when you apply yourself!"
Spurred on by the words of encouragement by his master the grotesque creature lifted the two men above his head. Still gripping their faces Zarbon smiled before smashing their heads together cracking them like eggs. Krillin yelled again as his head throbbed from the clash while Tien remained focused and fired a blast of ki point blank into the alien's head. The energy washed over Zarbon but the alien general remained unaffected.
"You'll have to do better than that." Zarbon said through a toothy grin his voice transformed into a deep gravely tone.
Thinking quickly Krillin grabbed both of Zarbon's thick arms and sent two jolts of electricity coursing through the limbs. Grunting as he lost his grip Zarbon could only watch as both Krillin and Tien leaped back up into the air hoping to gain some distance.
He's so much more powerful than before! What is this! Can all aliens transform like this? Dodoria didn't and he had plenty of chances. Maybe it's just him, regardless this is bad…this is really bad. Krillin thought as a thin trail of blood slid down his head. No…get a hold of yourself this isn't the time to panic.
Looking at his friend the monk could see that Tien was just as shaken as he was. Locking eyes with the other human Krillin held up three fingers.
Step three.
"Let's go over it one last time" Krillin had said to his friend as they hid behind a large rock waiting for Zarbon to get closer.
"Got it," Tien said with a firm nod.
"We'll engage him as best we can using the element of surprise. If we can put him down fast before anyone nearby notices then we'll be in a good position."
"It would be ideal but we shouldn't bet on it." Tien said slowly, "Most likely he'll be just as tough as Dodoria, maybe tougher. We should be expecting a hard fight. So there's something I'd like to try as well. It could be enough to end this early."
"A new move? It's not like the evil containment wave is it?" Krillin asked.
"No, but it'll probably use a lot of energy."
"Okay, that'll be a good opener. We can't afford to hold back here but if that doesn't work we'll move onto step one."
"Put him in the water."
"Yeah, if we can get him wet then master roshi's technique will be able to do some real damage, but it might not be enough to kill him."
"Then, step two." Tien had said quickly checking on Zarbon's location, "Combining our ki should be enough to pierce through his armor. If we can hit his heart or something else vital that'll do it right?"
"…Maybe."
"What's wrong?"
Well… I think by that point we'll be low on energy. If he's still alive I'm worried we'll be out of options by then."
"Actually I think we have one more." Reaching into his pocket Tien pulled out a small capsule. "Korin gave this to me after I drank the Ultra Divine Water. It was supposed to be used against Vegeta but I didn't get the chance."
"What is it?" Krillin had asked.
"A memento, and our last option."
Tien nodded at Krillin's signal before refocusing on the charging Zarbon who was already screaming more death threats.
He'll need an opening. The monk thought wiping away the blood from his eyes.
Krillin generated a large amount of electricity into his palms feeling his energy crackle and snap around his hands. Thrusting out both hands Krillin discharged a blast of ki that collided with Zarbon and ensnared him in a cage of electricity. Thousands of volts bit and snapped at the general killing his charge.
"You think this will stop me?!"
Flexing his power the cage burst open freeing the alien and forcing Krillin to cut the power.
"You will suffer!"
Refusing to let Zarbon get any closer to his friend the monk charged forward, using the rest of his ki on a barrier. Engaging the massive fiend in the air Krillin shot a hard punch cleanly connecting against Zarbon's head. However, the strike despite the power behind it was completely ineffective. Pushing through the fist as if it weren't there the beast heaved a devastating blow colliding with the bottom of the monk's chin. The view of Namek blurred as Krillin felt every bone in his body shake. With the monk stunned Zarbon slipped behind him and grappled the human in a firm bear hug. A wicked grin spreading across his face the general fell backward diving toward the ground the monk still in his clutches. Krillin struggled to free himself but no longer had the strength. Picking up speed and laughing all the way down Zarbon released his grip and separated himself from the monk. With no way to slow down, Krillin smashed into the hard ground breaking it apart and digging a deep crater. Lying in the center of the man-made hole with his gi in tatters Krillin slowly got back on his feet. Only to collapse onto his knees, the many blows to his head reducing the control over his body to near nothing.
That…hurt.
A scream overhead brought the monk back to the present as an energy blast fell toward him blocking out the green sky of the planet. With no escape above or below Krillin jumped deeper into the dirt next to him digging into the ground with a ki blast of his own. The energy detonated right behind the monk burying him under the rubble.
With one nuisance out of the way, Zarbon searched the sky for Tien, only to find that the three-eyed warrior had disappeared.
"Damn pests!"
"Zarbon."
The alien general's blood ran cold as he turned toward his master a firm frown lying the emperor's face.
"We need this planet intact you fool. Destroy this rock before we locate the last dragonball and I will have your head. Understood?"
"O-of course Lor-"
Zarbon's response was interrupted by a wave of dizziness his blood loss finally catching up to him. Slowly dropping down back onto the ground the alien general held his head trying to compose himself. Seeing an opening Tien rushed out from his hiding place a nearby boulder his hand gripping the capsule that held the last option. His thumb on top of the capsule's head the three-eyed warrior lunged at the general ready to strike. Only for Zarbon to recover his focus and grab the human by the throat stopping his charge.
"Foul!"
Raising Tien above his head and grabbing a leg with his other hand. Zarbon brought Tien down right on top on his knee. The bone snapped into Tien's spine instantly breaking it in half and effectively crippling the human in one move. The pain was instant and explosive resulting in a horrific scream that echoed throughout the battlefield. Yet Tien's grip on the capsule remained.
"Putrid!"
Whipping the three-eyed warrior into the ground and relishing in the clear agony that the earthling was feeling. Zarbon lay into Tien with a series of heavy punches all directed at his head. Yet his grip on the capsule remained.
"Disgusting!"
With every strike, Tien sank lower into the ground his nose bent at an odd angle and spurting blood. Yet his grip on the capsule remained.
"Vile!"
Anger dominated Zarbon. Every strike he threw at Tien contained more power but less focus preventing him from seeing the fire that still burned in the earthling's eyes.
"FILTH!"
Driving one last punch with all of his weight and strength behind it Zarbon leaned in close to Tien ready to deliver the killing blow. Only for Tien to push the top of the capsule and thrust his hand forward. A small puff of smoke clouded the object as it appeared before it caught the alien general in the throat. Zarbon's eyes went wide as he felt something cut into his neck stopping his fist inches from Tien's head.
The three-eyed warrior wheezed his hand shaking trying to grip the handle of a small sword. Yajirobi's katana.
The blade had pierced through the alien's windpipe and Zarbon could feel a throatful of blood shoot up and out of his mouth. Staggering backward with the sword still lodged in him Zarbon trembled consumed by the excruciating pain.
"f-fil…" Zarbon coughed out his hand shaking as he aimed it at the disabled human already collecting power. "Fil-"
The alien attempted to fire a blast of energy but his power would not gather and as more and more blood pumped out of his gullet the body just shut down. Falling onto his back the alien general was dead before he hit the ground.
…what happened?
Krillin shook his head knocking off bits and pieces of rubble trying to a sense of his situation.
I…I can't sense Zarbon's energy anymore. Did he do it?
Crawling out of the crater Krillin looked around the battlefield only to see a fallen Tien with the corpse of Zarbon not far from him.
"Tien!" The monk yelled running over to his friend's side.
Tien gasped for air having difficulty breathing. Krillin noticed that his back was twisted and bent in odd angles.
His spine is broken. He can't even answer me.
"….Did you do it?" Krillin asked softly making sure that his friend understood the question.
The three-eyed warrior nodded and looked toward the boulder he hid behind.
"Good, stay there for now we'll-"
"Ah, so you survived as well. It seems Zarbon's failure is complete then, how utterly disappointing." Frieza said with a sigh. Smoothly cutting Krillin off as he floated toward the pair. "Though I suppose some form of congratulations are in order. Gruesome and unrefined as it was, this victory is yours."
Something tells me he didn't expect or want us to win that fight.
"Thank you, my lord!" Krillin said kneeling down trying his best to play the part of a submissive servant. "It was an ho-"
"Yes, yes, of course, it was an honor," Frieza said waving away the compliment. "I would have your name stranger."
"M-my name?"
"You do have one, don't you?"
"Yes my lord…it's, Krillin" The monk admitted hoping this one truth would help mask the previous lies.
"Hmm, what an interesting name," Frieza said slowly, "I don't think I've heard anything like it before."
The monk held his tongue hoping the emperor didn't pry any deeper into his history.
"Very well Krillin. You are now the newest member of the Frieza Force. I ask only one thing from you."
"Anything Lord Frieza."
As the words left his mouth the dread Krillin had been feeling increased a hundred-fold. An all-encompassing pressure pushed down hard on the small monk digging into every sense he had. His breath stalled and he began to chock on nothing a small tremble running up and down his spine as he locked eyes with the endless void of death that was Frieza's gaze.
"Follow my orders. It is the same advice I gave Zarbon and if you fail as he did, you shall share his fate."
The emperor's pressure wrapped itself around Krillin's throat preventing him from speaking. It was clear that if he did not answer now his life would be forfeit. Numbness grabbed the monk's mind slowing his thoughts to the crawl. While the small tremble that wracked his body evolved into a hard shake.
All or nothing. Krillin's mind spoke softly. Believe the lie or die.
Letting the numbness consume him the monk could feel a familiar sensation wash over him. The cold numbness that encased him when he thought back on the six people he erased became his every feeling.
"Of course, my lord, your will is mine." The monk said with a smile.
"Then let us see you prove it," Frieza said pointing to Tien. "It seems your companion is having difficulty standing."
"Yes my lord, his back is broken."
"Hmm, what a pity," Frieza said through narrow eyes. "Regardless, the Frieza Force cannot accommodate cripples. Kill him."
The order was absolute and refusal was not possible. The full weight of the emperor's power pushed down on the monk as he looked into his friend's eyes. There was no hesitation. They couldn't afford any. With a single movement, Krillin sent a burst of ki through his Tien's heart ending his life.
"Marvelous," Frieza said with a thin smile. "For a moment I wondered if you would refuse."
"N-never my lord," Krillin said barely keeping his composure the pit of stomach burning with disgust, "I…I live to serve."
"So it seems, you have proven your loyalty and have earned your place. We shall return to the ship where you will be healed and outfitted with proper armor, no more of those horrid garments. Once we have finished, your task will be to locate the last dragonball and Dodoria."
Krillin stiffened but kept his voice calm and cool. "Dodoria my lord?"
"My other general, he has been gone far too long. His orders were clear as well. If he has failed then he is to be punished as well."
He doesn't know that Dodoria is dead. Krillin thought quickly. I can use this.
"Forgive me my lord but what does Dodoria look like?"
"Oh…a pinkish…beast… You'd know him if you saw him, why?"
"I believe I saw someone matching that description fighting against a smaller man with spiky hair a few days ago,"
Frieza's eyes narrowed sharply. "Vegeta."
"Yes my lord, that man killed Dodoria. I saw it with my own eyes."
"The prince of the monkeys finally shows his head," Frieza snapped. "He must have been the one spying on us yesterday. Damn him. Dodoria followed that monkey to his death. Did he have a dragonball with him?"
"I-I believe so my lord," Krillin said his head spinning from the number of lies. "Forgive me I did not know how important the orb was and did not pursue him I don't know where he is now."
"That miserable insect could be anywhere on this planet."
"I will hunt him down my lord. I swear."
"Aren't you an eager one?" Frieza said with a sly smile. "Regardless with Dodoria dead, we'll need reinforcements to locate him. I suppose I will have to contact the Ginyu Force."
"The Ginyu Force my lord?"
"A collection of imbeciles, though I cannot deny their strength and talents. You will meet them shortly. Come. Let us get you squared away on the ship, you look horrid."
Frieza turned away with no intention to continue the conversation and flew off.
I…I think I pulled it off. Not sure if he really believes what I'm saying but giving him the dragonball at least got me on his good side. Now just one more thing to do.
Taking this opportunity Krillin shoved a hand into his pocket and grabbed its contents before tossing them behind him. Once that was done he watched the boulder Tien had looked at in his final moments and nodded. Without another word, he took to the sky following his new master.
"I don't like it." Krillin had said to Tien still finalizing their plans for the attack against Zarbon. "It's too risky."
"We don't really have a choice Krillin." Tien had said still holding the capsule that contained Yajirobi's sword. "We'll have to assume we won't have enough energy to take him out if step two doesn't work and this sword cut through Vegeta's tail when he was a great ape. I'm sure it could do some damage." Tien said
"I don't like that you'll have to get so close to him. By then we'll be low on energy and he's stronger than us, we need to keep our distance."
"It's our last option."
Krillin sighed. "Yes, yes you're right, but. I need you to do something if we get to that point, just as a precaution."
"What?"
"If we get to step three I'll give you an opening. Long enough for you to hide and use the multi-form technique."
"Why? I don't understand."
"It's something I used against Dodoria. It'll give you an out if things go wrong. If that copy dies it will hurt but at least you won't lose your life."
"That sounds doable, but won't that split my power in half?"
"Yes, but you don't need that much power to swing a sword."
"I don't know Krillin."
"Look," The monk said his tone grower firm. "We can't plan for everything but we can make sure that all of our bases are covered. We're only humans on a planet filled with super strong aliens. We're outclassed here. We need to use every option we have to survive, alright?"
Looks like he was right.
The battlefield now dead silent with nothing but the remains of Zarbon laying on its side with Yajirobi's sword still lodged in his throat, Tien believed it was safe to come out of hiding.
That was close. The three-eyed warrior thought to himself as he walked around the boulder. Can't believe it worked.
Wiping the small amount of blood from his mouth he had coughed up when his copy had died Tien made his way to Zarbon. The alien had died on his back his eyes still open in horror looking up at the green sky. Tien flinched but refused to look away.
There was no honor in this. It was dirty, cowardly, and shameful. Tien pulled out the small katana and swung off the blue blood with one fluid motion. But it was necessary. Maybe Bulma will have some more capsules she can store this in back at the ship.
Taking a moment to sit down and catch his breath Tien looked toward the direction the monk had flown off in. Sensing his energy flying next to the overwhelming power of Frieza's the earthling frowned.
This Ginyu Force or whatever Frieza was talking about sounds like trouble. We finally got rid of Dodoria and Zarbon only for a new kind of enemy to show up, but you'll be fine, right Krillin? You are our leader after all.
Pushing himself back onto his feet ready to leave Tien caught sight of a lone capsule lying on the ground.
Wait…this is.
Picking it up he pushed the top button and a cloud of smoke covered his hand. As the smoke dissipated Tien recoiled as if he had been shot.
Why would Krillin leave this here?
Narrowing his eyes Tien thought hard.
Frieza's power is greater than I could have ever imagined and with new reinforcements coming we may be outnumbered as well. Krillin knows that…
As the realization dawned on him three-eyed warrior's eyes grew wide. Slowly he began to put the pieces together.
He knew I would see this. If he wanted to keep it away from Frieza he could have just dropped it into the ocean as they were flying or something…No he wants me to have it…Is he gambling on this to help take down Frieza? That's crazy...but.
"You did say we have to use every option we have," Tien said to himself. "I guess that even includes the bad ones."
Tien took to the sky and started making the trip toward Gohan and Bulma to tell them what had transpired, still holding Yajirobi's katana in one hand. While in the other he held a rice cooker with a seal carefully placed against the opening. Sealed deep inside the kitchen appliance fuming in rage sat Vegeta, the prince of all saiyans.