I do not own DBZ
A/N Hello all! I am back from hiatus! The only explanation I have for this error is little internet/computer time during the summer. That aside, I finally overcame writer's block and put together a fairly nice chapter. Sorry to all the fans of this story(if you still exist!)
A Father's Fate
The Story of Bardock
Space seemed so close now. The blanket of endlessness seemed to enwrap the Harbinger and its journey. Bleak came to mind when observing the remaining Saiyans. The struggle now felt endless, confronted with such extremes of power and control. Yet, hope remained for the proud race. Several beacons of light in the darkness of Frieza's and his family's universe.
"Hm, you are Saiyans?" an extremely well defined man asked. His height was near enough to the ceiling that he had ducked down slightly in the ever confining interior.
"Yes," Bardock said, leaning back in his chair.
"And you are the ones that assaulted Frieza?" Arga asked, his blue eyes focusing on Bardock's head.
"The very same,"
"How do you feel so calmly about an extreme situation? On my honor I swore to protect Lord Cooler and his wishes,"
"On your honor? What do you know about failing honor? Our race was just broken by Frieza! Our honor shattered! If you presume to be offended by what we did, I will kill you here and now!" Bardock boomed. Standing from his chair, he looked up, staring the large man in the face.
"No, that won't be necessary, Saiyan. I hold no ill intent towards you,"
"Who are you to presume any intent? There's a specific reason you're with us. That's to get by your planet's defenses. Now that it's finished, we have no need for you, Judicator," Bardock spat vehemently.
"Calm yourself, Bardock," Jorbei said, laying a hand on Bardock's shoulder.
"Yes, as I have said, I am in the enlistment of Lord Cooler, but I need your help. I have only joined with Cooler out of nes-"
"What nonsense is this? Why would we agree to help you?"
"Necessity. You'd help me because I will be helping you out. Let me finish," Bardock simply looked out the window and crossed his arms. "I joined with Cooler because he was enslaving my race. Those that resisted were killed, on the spot. Many of my family members, blood brothers or not, were still slaughtered. I joined so that I may live to fight again," Arda finished, looking intently at Bardock.
"What do you want our help with?" Bardock said, turning back towards the giant. If he's as strong as he looks, another person fit for the fight.
"I want to fight. Alongside you Saiyans,"
"Well, Arda, you could just be a spy, or heck, you might be weak and probably useless," Toma said.
"Spy? You're right, I could be."
"Lord Brior, the vessel has exited attack range. It seems that Adam is aboard the vessel," a plain looking man said, turning from his monitor.
"Hm, he might have been captured. Or more likely he left on his own accord, making him a criminal," Brior said, walking down to the monitor.
"Why jump to that conclusion?" the henchman asked.
"Are you joking? With his size and strength, I doubt he'd be overwhelmed, even if they could shatter a shield dome. Let him leave, now as an enemy I hope to meet him again,"
"Well, I searched him. Nothing. No wires, no signals being sent out," Chuu said.
"Well, there's still a possibility of talking to somebody person to person," Toma said.
"Who cares? There's nothing for them to learn, except where we are and where we are headed to. Eventually they'll catch up to us anyway. All that I care about is if he can help us or not," Bardock said, holding up his hand, palm facing Arda. The big man nodded and lowered himself to a fighting stance and punched Bardock's waiting open hand.
The Saiyan felt the intensity of the fist, and shifted his balance to keep from falling down. The force of the attack was more than Bardock expected, but not enough to worry him. Bardock gripped the other man's hand and pushed him backwards, hard enough to topple him. As Arda fell, he planted his other hand behind him and righted himself.
"You're adequately strong. Strong enough to help us I would guess. How well do you stack up against your comrades?"
"Ha, well, I am stronger than anyone I've ever encountered besides you and Cooler and his elite squad. I've heard there's numerous squads throughout the universe,"
"Tell me, where is there a large contingent of people that hate this Cooler?" Bardock asked.
"Hello Bardock," a voice called from just outside the room. Bardock looked up and saw Fasha walk in, bandage around her midsection, wrapped several times for safety's sake.
"Fasha! You're all right?"
"Yes, I'm healing fast. The goo that Roerce put on really did the trick," the female said, smiling. She walked through the room and sat next to Bardock who lightened up considerably.
"So, Arda, do you know what Ki is? Can you control you're energy?" Toma asked.
"Ki? Strange word, but yes. I have a degree of control most of the time. I can form attac-"
"Now wait a second, most of the time? What do you mean most of the time?" Fasha asked, turning towards Arda.
"Well, in extreme moments my power has a tendency to leave me all at once. Or even more debilitating flows uncontrollably into a tactical situation," Adam replied, looking embarrassed.
"What a package we get. What kind of situations are we talking about?" Toma asked, looking tentative.
"These are private matters I don't wish to speak of. More than enough said about that would be that the times for both occasions are never practical," Arda said, looking sullen.
"Perhaps more trust is needed for that conversation. But more pressing is where to go next," Bardock said.
"There's several planets in this quadrant that hate more than anything Cooler and his tyranny. A likely spot is near here. The powers that be seem to want it cleansed and soon. They are sending several military battalions in the next week or so,"
"They will need assistance, I'm assuming," Borgos said, leaping forward in the conversation.
"They will be crushed if not,"
"What good are they if they can't fight off this threat on their own?" Bardock asked cruelly, yet purposefully.
"They are the start to the revolution. They key that forces this trivial fight to a war," Arda said.
"And if we stymy Cooler here, we show up on the map as a threat. He moves to crush us and we fail before we really start," Toma argued.
"We need something to delay Cooler's forces until we can move our growing army," Fasha agreed, crossing her arms.
"What are you going on about? These people have yet to join us, let alone know we exist," Bardock stated.
"We should change that, now. We only have a little bit of time,"
"Alright, go to the bridge and give directions to Chloe. Everyone else, let the matter sit for a while. I'm going for food."
"Chloe? Bardock told me to give you directions to Xel Kur. We need to go fast," Arda said, walking into the bridge and addressing a person he didn't know.
"Well, since you're here, I'm going to assume he did send you. Ok, here's a map from collected data, pinpoint the planet and we'll be underway," Chloe said, not looking up.
After a few minutes of tinkering with the map, Chloe checked the spot and smiled. Only a few hours away. She signaled she understood and went back to her controls.
"Okay, let us know before hand so we have time to prepare ourselves. Hostile environment so prepare yourself too,"
"What do you mean by hostile?"
"Low oxygen and storms plague the planet all year round. And the locals don't take kindly to anyone,"
"Bardock, we're en route. The entire planet hate's Cooler, but only slightly more than they hate everything not them," Arda said, entering the kitchen.
"Great, sounds like this will be a quick journey. Tell me, why would they fight for us, and second why can't they defend themselves?"
"They'll fight for us when we fight for them. So, we take out a small army to gain a large one. And they need us because they are unorganized and unruly,"
"That doesn't help. If they are unorganized, how can we organize them? And what about their leaders?"
"Their leaders are more like stewards, holding the rule until a strong warrior shows up to claim it,"
"I don't want to lead anybody! I know what you're thinking, I don't want to lead them or find them a leader. I want people to fight for me then to be done with it," Bardock said hysterically.
"How bad can it be? You lead us. You can lead them too, Bardock. With an army following you, the people would have a reason to join, and it would inspire more people," Fasha said, shifting ever closer towards Bardock.
For the end that I want, I could take the mantle of leader. But how do I know when I am done? There's so many temptations that go with leader.
"Fasha, Arda, I really don't want this chance. Anyway, you're talking about me ruling a race I have never even seen before,"
"Bardock! How can you turn this down? It is a means for the end. There is no other way! This ensures you have an active fighting force as well as a place to return to," Arda argued, slightly louder than the rest of the conversation.
"He's right, Bardock. This is an extremely nice way to kick off this war," Toma said, smirking. "King Bardock,"
"No, damn it! Let's just wait to talk to these people. I agree we have to defend them, but after that, we will know what to do,"
The next few hours past without incident, as the crew ate and strapped on their armor and gear. As they landed, red swirling dust was all that they could see. As Bardock stepped out into the open air, he immediately stopped and attempted to breathe. After a second, he stepped back inside and closed the door.
"What's the matter?" Fasha asked.
"There's no air out there!" Bardock exclaimed.
"There is, it's just thin. Take oxygen with you." Arda said, handing Bardock a tank and a breather. As Bardock put it on, he took a few breathes and adjusted the tank to his liking everyone else leaving followed suit.
Bardock attempted an exit again, this time successfully doing so. Checking his scouter, the Saiyan started off in the direction of the strongest powers. After a few hours of a steady pace, they came across a crude camp. Several lean-to's and tents stood in a basin in the red rocks.
"Stop right there!" a shout came from behind. Bardock turned and saw a tall dark man standing, holding a wooden length of a weapon.
"Who's the leader here?" Bardock asked, walking towards the man.
"Stop! Or you will be killed," the young warrior said, lowering his weapon and smiling. Bardock looked around him quickly and realized he was surrounded.
"Who's your leader?"
"Father!" the warrior shouted. After a few moments, an older man walked through the people surrounding the Saiyans. The man walked up to what was determined to be his son and stared Bardock in the face.
"What do you want?"
"We want to help you. There's an eminent threat from Cooler," Bardock quickly summed up.
"Cooler? Oh yes, I know this fool. Breaks spirits and bones, yet we do not fear him,"
"Fear doesn't matter. You will be wiped out and we are here to help. We ask that you return the favor and leave here, and fight Cooler with us," Bardock paraphrased.
"Ha! Why would we leave here?"
"The fights will be non stop!" Toma yelled.
"Then we will fight, non stop. We do not want anything but what we have,"
"You will lose what you have, and then some! We want you to join us to protect what you own," Fasha pleaded, rushing up to Bardock's side where he stopped her.
"This threat you speak of, why should we believe you that it exists?"
"You have caught Cooler's attention as a threat and he will crush you before you become a true one," explained Arda.
"If this is true, then why do we need your help? We can defend ourselves." the older man said defiantly.
"You could, if you could get everyone on this planet to cooperate, but you can't we need you all to join us!" Fasha said, stepping forward. "You dumb mules are just to stupid to realize your own death is coming!"
Just like the Saiyans. I refuse to let that happen twice.
"Then I wish to take command of your people as leader," Bardock said, stepping forward, just in front of the man's face.
"Ha, challenge me? Alright, tomorrow, we fight for my people," More than you know. Bardock thought.
"Agreed."
"Lord, the assault is nearly ready to go. Three days would be my estimate,"
"Very good, Sauza," a deep voice said in the dark half of a blue room. The dark blue steel was half in the shade, covering the face of the speaker, creating an ominous effect.
"Lord, may I ask, what is the source of your worries?"
"Worries? No dear Sauza. I only ensure that my future remains hassle free. These native fools will perish so I may always sleep without a thought of inconvenience."
As the hours ticked by, the native people went on with their business as though nothing was wrong. Some people seemed happy even. Most of the camp had seen the Saiyans at least once, for curiosities sake.
The Saiyans and Arda sat around a fire, weathering the red storm until they were tired enough to sleep. Bardock took guard duty for the night, allowing his friends time to sleep whilst he contemplated his actions.
As a former victim of this tyranny, I know what's going to happen. Theirs is only one option, I must lead these cows from the slaughter. Save them from themselves and lead them out of the darkness. The light, where freedom resides is in my sight and I will not lose it. My choice is clear.
These obstacle, that's all they are, won't stop me. Every stubborn leader of these people must be shown the light. There's a wall and I have the power to break through it. I won't hesitate, I'll do it with no regrets!
The stewards as they are, are truly hurting their people by ignoring what we have to say. Interfering with prosperity makes them my enemy and that's all there is to it. Two sides to this world. Those stopping freedom and those that are for it.
Bardock stared off into the distance as his revere ended. With a jump, he looked at his beeping scouter. The native he'd seen before was approaching, walking a normal pace, but staring at Bardock.
One hundred power level? Well, at least more than the average soldier in Frieza's army, at least those that rely on weapons. Bardock thought as the young man approached.
"Bardock, that's what you are called, correct?" the Saiyan nodded, "I am Bora. I know you are here to help us, but you will be disturbing our peaceful lives. I came to ask you to leave now,"
"Bora, I chose to come here for several reasons. One is to get you people to join us, and the other is far more important. I am here to stop Cooler and his men from killing you all, because they will do it," Bardock countered.
"We could defend ourselves,"
"You couldn't. I am going to unite every being on this planet and with that we will be the point that cuts through Frieza and Cooler. We will stop this tyranny forever. Our lives will be turmoil, but your sons and my sons will live in a safe world. If we leave now, you will never even have a son,"
"Bardock..."
"No, I won't be talked down from this! It must happen. Nothing can stop me," Bardock ended.
"Saiyan, you are righteous. Perhaps you can lead us onward, boldly into the future. I have one request, in the fight tomorrow, do not kill my father," Bora said soundly.
"If I can help it, I will not. Remember, I am here to stop deaths," Bardock said, grinning.
A few hours before dawn, Fasha walked over to Bardock and sat next to him. Smiling he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.
"Bardock? What you said was really... well great. Brave, even romantic. That's the reason I look up to you. You are truly a righteous man. I would follow you anywhere. I never want to leave your side,"
"Fasha, these battles will be defining for us. The danger will be more than just our lives. If we fail, then only three Saiyans are left to do what we couldn't. I could not let my son handle that burden if I can stop it,"
"Bardock, you are the greatest man alive,"
"Ha, no. A better man would find a way to do it with no killing. I just do what I feel is right,"
"Oh. Never leave me Bardock," Fasha said suddenly.
"I couldn't go on without my queen," he said smiling. The two Saiyans sat in the darkness, arms holding each other. The picturesque scene lasted until dawn when the others began stirring.
Bardock stood and pulled off his mask to kiss Fasha before waking up the rest of the Saiyans and ate a small breakfast at the fire that had dwindled to mere glowing embers.
"Alright everyone, it's time. After I do this, we have to bring the steward to the next camp. After we have him, we should be able to convince everyone easily enough."
While the Saiyans walked to the camp, Arda stood slowly and stretched. While he stood, the Saiyans walked away, leaving him behind. After a few seconds he caught up to them, looking annoyed.
"What kept you?" Borgos inquired.
"My power left me for a second. Leaves me in the mornings mostly,"
"So you're only useful at night?" Toma teased.
"Ha ha. Happy?" Arda growled. The crew arrived at the camp after a few minutes of walking. Bardock took a few steps ahead of his crew and stood waiting for the steward to come out.
"Ok, Saiyan. I will grant you your wish of death!" the middle aged man said, stepping out from behind a rock with a huge spear in hand. It seemed to be made completely out of metal, quite odd for near cave men.
"A weapon?" Fasha asked.
"Your champion didn't bring one? Ha, this will be fast!" Bardock stood there, waiting patiently. The native stopped smirking after a second and lowered himself. "Now die!"
Bardock leaned to the side, dodging the spear and it sped by. Bardock ducked, letting it pass by over head. The Saiyan continued to avoid the object for several more seconds. Smirking, the local jumped a bit closer, slicing through the air at a frantic pace. Speeding up even more, the local used both ends of the spear and began kicking, a motion that looked silly but proved too much to dodge.
Bardock grabbed the spear and pulled it out of the man's hands. He turned quickly and threw the spear into a rock face nearby. The metal object split the rock in half and toppled the boulder. Bardock punched the astonished man in the face, knocking him backwards on his back.
"Saiyan! You will pay for that!" the man flipped unto his feet and stomped the ground. Bardock watch in awe as the ground split in front of him, and a large rock glaive speared bardock in the chest and propelled him backwards. As he flew through the air, Bardock pieced together what happened. When he hit the ground, he rolled, righting himself and using the momentum to spin himself back towards the fight.
With no warning, Bardock pulled his fingers through the ground, propelling him forward into the fight. As he came close, the native put his hands up to block. Bardock pushed his hands aside with his leading arm and slammed a punch into the other man's face. The native's face showed shock, but the only sound that came out of his mouth was a groan as he soared backwards.
Bora caught the falling man and set him down on the ground. He bowed towards Bardock and looked at his father again. Bardock walked up to the man and bowed his head. The fallen man looked up and frowned.
"I give up,"
"Then what happens now?" Bardock asked.
"You decide that," the native said, standing up shakily.
"Let's head to the other camps around here, we need to recruit them too."
"As you wish,"
"Lord, the army is prepared to leave within the next day, far ahead of schedule,"
"Very good Sauza! Let's wipe these people out. That will put this Frieza business behind me. Commence operations when the men are ready."
A/N Bora is a character from Dragon Ball, the original series.