CHAPTER 23 - The First Day
Krillin flew high above waterfalls and mountains as fast as he could. He had just gotten his lunch ready when he had felt this slight pang in his cnsciousness. Evil auras were coming nearer, they were headed their way. Could this be the androids the future kid had warned them about? He was not sure but he could already tell that whomever had come here was as vicious as the devil himself. A cold chill ran down his spine as the distance between him and the newcomers became smaller and therefore, their presences grew more and more evil and to his dismay alsor stronger. But Krillin chose not to think about the possible abnormalties, what monsters or ghost-like creatures were capable of, let alone about their quite impressive power levels.
He had had a few rough months. Only training, barealy sleeping and eating had not only made him stronger, but also tired of being scared. So what there were a few bad guys coming their way? If they were called androids, Saiyans, Frieza or trees- at this point it did not matter anymore. Together, he and his friends had overcome the odds more than once and Krillin chose t o be determined that they would come through once again. Numerous fights made him learn his lesson to never underestimate an enemy, so he would not be foolish either. The former monk believed in the abilities of his friends and of those of his own. After all, he was in his best shape ever and he was going to give those evil guys a run for their money. Or at leas he would help Goku and the others as much as he was able to.
He couldn't lie to himself like Yamcha could: Krillin knew he was not the strongest in their group. But he would be brave and give it his best shot and go down this road with his friends and allies- to whatever end. ( Though secretly, he wished that they'd win, of course.)
As he got nearer to the source of the evil aura, the former monk could see familiar figures a few miles ahead of him so he spead up to catch up on Goku, Gohan and Picollo. All three of them shared a rather odd look of surpressed anxiety and anticipation as realization started to dawn on them that these newcomers were not to be underestimated. Well, the serious expressions were only odd on the Sons' faces, Krillin corrected himself silently as he nodded towards them, but even so the whole situation was disturbing.
He and the others had trained so hard for this one moment, for this one given chance to defend their home planet. The bald martial artist recognized Tien and Chaozu's kis in the distance as he hoped that their efforts would pay off at the end of the day. And that, perhaps his nightmares about the future kid and Vegeta turning everything to ashes alongside the Androids would not come true. For now though, the Earthlings were on their own for as long as it would take for them to arrive.
While Krillin had issues with his trust towards some allies, Gohan and Goku were more excited than probably the rest of the group to meet this new threat. They had trained hard, especialy Gohan who had been taken under the wing of Picollo as well as his father. But his dady had told hm that he was ready and even Picollo said that he had made the best advancements he could have made in the time they had been given to prepare. If they said he could help them a great deal, the he knew he could. As he analyzed the situation properly though, it became oh so clear that he had actually never in his life fought anybody- and won for that matter. Of course he had been sparring with others. But those had been peope he loved. He would never try to hurt them just for the heck of it. Now though, he had to do exactly this. Hurt other people he did not even know, to save his own. For a brief moment, Gohan wondered if this was actually the right thing to do. Maybe these guys had family, too. But thenn again if they did they would know better than to try to harm sombody else's. Goku's son was getting more and more anxious as they came nearer but he was confident that he would be able to at least help Picollo and his father.
Each and everyone of them was held captive by their own thoughts and conclusions about their situation and the unknown enemies. It seemed they had come to their destination just at the beginnings of a very old forrest. As a small group of four individuals came into view, the group was certain that they were the newcomers and that there was no time left to think things through. It was time for action. Did Trunks not say it was two androids, a boy and a girl? This must be wrong, then. Picollo mused as his nerves almost got the best of him at the sight of those hideous creatures who looked nothing like Earthlings. Far away, he could make out a ship of some sort. Snorting, it dawned on the Namekian that maybe, these guys were not the Earthing-made Androids Trunks had warned them with utter fear and dread in his eyes. I wish I had not gotten up today. Krillin thought as fear began to overtake his senses. He was the smallest still (Gohan was about the same height though he was a child so he didn't count as much) and each of the grotesque looking creatures was as strong, or stronger than he was.
Goku frowned as he looked at every face of the campers with a frown. They probably don't know how to surpress their power. He concluded. At least that was giving them an advantage. Also, all of them seemed to wear scouters and armour similar to the ones Radditz, Vegeta and Nappa had worn when they had first come to Earth. All these soldiers, or whatever they were, had a grin on their faces as the six protectors of Earth stared at the four intruders before them. Silence fell upon the area when the animals were fleeing from the unfriendly gathering and even the wind seemed to understand the magnitude of the moments to follow and stopped his restless whistling.
Silently, the Z gang landed only a few meters away from the alien group. As the fronts lookes the other, trying to intimidate with stares and frowns, the silence that had settled around them was almost threatening itself.
As if the world had stopped spinning for the few seconds no one dared to speak up first.
After a long moment Picollo stepped forward.
''Who are you and why are you here?'' He demanded in his usual gruff and snappy way. He did not want to appear weak before these creatures when there was nothing he knew about them except their power levels. On Namek he had learned and heard that this knowledge only was almost no use for it seemed some species had special abilities that did not need much ki. Stopping time for example. It was something Picollo did not wish to experience himself.
Though it was simple to figure out that they most likely all came from different planets except the two little ones that could have been twins. Or at least they appeared to be. They were almost as small as the bald monk with tiny ears, nose and eyes. How they were even able to see the sunlight through their puffed up faces was a mistery to Picollo. The other two seemed rather tall, even for his standarts. One had red skin and dark blue, long hair that was held in place by a pony tail that was almost put to shame by the ridiclously huge mustache the guy had braided. It hung loose on each side of his lips and one could only imagine why this guys didn't cut them off. The other one had yellow- ish skin with short green hair and pink, lidless eyes that seemed to make almost 40% of his face. Both or them had huge muscles that could easily lead to the conclusion that both were as dumb as a tree trunk. But all the Earth's protectors knew better than to judge a book by it's cover. One of them, the red one looked quite angry back at the green man before him.
''You have no idea who you are talkin' to so I demand a little respect, you little green shit!''
The twins began to nod like little schoolboys who had been asked if they wanted an extra large piece of cake. ''Yeah.'' Tried one of the pathetically fat twins. ''Our Master T-''
''Enough already.'' Said a voice from behind. Footsteps could be heard and soon afterward even human eyes were able to make out the two alien figures that approached them with an unforgiving calmness in their steps. None of those two seemed to be in a hurry to come over.
As the two figures came fully into view, none of the fighters could make a sound. And only Picollo was actually in control of his facial muscles. This was not good.
What kind of fucking joke is this?!
Oh gosh he.. he...
''Daddy?'' Little Gohan asked as not one of the Z- fighters dared to speak to the one in question.
''Why is the mean man looking like you?''
''My, my isn't this the cutest little thing?'' The tall Saiyan said mockingly as he approached the fighters. The other aliens snickered. ''Is this your son, Kakkerot? The simillarities are quite.. unique, I must say.''
Like a spell had been lifted of Goku, he focused on the Saiyan now staying next to the other intruders. He obviously was their leader. A frown appeared on Gokus face as he demanded just as Picollo earlier.
''Who are you and what do you want?''
The aliens all started to laugh, as if the Earth-raised Saiyan had made the best joke they had heared so far. But the tall Saiyan, who did look an awful lot like Goku only smirked arrogantly. The Saiyan wore similar armour to the one Nappa had worn when he and Vegeta had come firts to Earth, only his was totally black. He would have guessed to be one of Frieza's men if it hadn't been for the fact that Frieza was dead for some time now. His tan skin and ruthless, cold eyes were the only things that made it clear that he was not Goku.
''Oh straight to the point- I see. Oh well, I guess it would be unfair to keep you in the dark. Kakkerot I am not here for your or your pathetic excuse for a Saiyan child but a totally different reason. It just so happened that your planet provides the best conditions for my key to ruling the universe. After Frieza and his clan had miraculously disappeared, the universe was left to lick it's wounds and restore it's old order. But you see, I cannot let this happen so I came here to fullfil my duty to the fallen empire of the Cold clan.''
''You will not use my home to whatever you need to set your evil plans into motion!'' He ansered, already angry at this might-hungry … who was he actually?
''Who are you anyway?!''
''Haha.. I am your uncle Turles dear Kakkerot. Brother of your father. But you must've figured that by now we are obviously related. Or are you that dense?'' Again, his fellows snickered at that comment but remained otherwise silent as the two Saiyans talked.
''But that doesn't matter. As I said I am not here for you but if you want to try to stop me- lett me tell you, there is nothing left you can undo what has already happened. You might as well kiss your friends and planet goodbye.''
Just as the Z warriors exchanged confused glances, it happened. All at once they felt a huge, magical power from within the Earth. A rumbling made their heads quirk in every direction as they tried to locate where it was coming from. As the earth around them began to shake it was obvious. Whatever this Turles had done, was already showing the first effects. All of them could feel the ground's energy fade, or rather, concentrate not far behind the group of aliens. It was then that they saw it. Huge roots began to appear from within the ground, as if they were assaulting it. Bulky and green they sprung to life and grew bigger and longer, breaking every tree and flower that dared to be in their way. Snake like, they crawled around and diving into the ground into every direction from their core just as if they had a mind of their own.
All the Earth's defenders were speachless as they could only stare at the extremely high speed the roots were spreading.
Sick laughter errupted from the other side of the clearing as Turles spoke up again. ''It is already too late! Soon the Tree of Might will blossom and there will be nothing left to defens, nephew.''
Goku? Goku can you hear me?! This is King Kai. I am speaking to all of you right now. Listen! You have to hurry. The seed Turles planted is indeed called The Tree of Might. It's fruit was intended only for the Eternal Dragon. The tree has also been known as the Tree of Death for it goes far beneath the surface of a planet to find the nutrients it need to bare it's fruit. If it is allowed to grow, it will feed on the soil, stucking out everything it would nee to survive. And the fruit will be ripped beyond imagination. You guys must stop it from bearing this fruit because it takes so many nurtrients and so much energy to produce this fruit that everything the tree touches is destroyed. If it is not stopped immediatly the tree will suck all that it needs from the Earth. And the only thing that will be left of your panet will be a wasteland, inhabitale desert.
As Picoolo, Krillin and the others hear kIng Kai speaking with such dread in his voice, they understood that ihs would not just be a fight to defend the people of Earth, but also to defend the planet itself from this tree that had already started to grow within it. It they would have to stop it soon if they wanted to save their home. Now more determined than ever, they git into a fighting stance and launched themselves at the intruders.
Over five thousand miles away, a ship landed on a plateau near the island where the Androids had made their first appearance so many years ago. This is it I guess. Thankfully King Kai has contacted me or otherwise I would have been too late.The lavander haired teenager looked around, in search for any kis. Due to his lack of training though, he was not able to sense very far and therefore he was not able to feel the others on the other side of the planet, nor could he feel the six other evil auras. And so, Trunks Vegeta Briefs capsulated his ship and sat down on a rock, waiting for the Z fighters to arrive. Accoording to his watch, they had little less than two hours left.
He waited and waited, but nobody came. As the mintues grew into an hour, Trunks was getting more and more impatient. The others knew, so why were they not here?! Had they forgotten that the fate of their entire planet was in danger?! What was wrong with them? He threw his fist into the ground, almost breacking the whole rock he was currently and as out of thin air Vegeta appeared.
With wide eyes, Trunks stared at the hardened figure before him. ''Fa.. Vegeta! Where are the others? None of them came? Did something happen? I am waiting for them since on hour or so. Are they so full of themselves that they do not deem this threat important enough? Have I not tolde them-''
Vegeta slapped the teenager across the face, just hard enough to make his stop blabbing. He had enough of him demanding this and that like a two month old boy who could only tell that he was not satisfied by wsailingen selessly.
''First of all: I know that I am your sire, so stop this charade of yours. Do you not deem me smart enough as to recognize my own flesh when I see it? You look just like me- putting your ridiculous colouring aside. Now concerning the others. There are a few very high power levels on the other side of the planet, unfamiliar ones. The bafoon, his offspring and a few other weaklings seem to have gathered there. Has nobody taught you how to extend your ki sensing, boy? This needs iimprovement, but not know. We shall go the them immediatly. ''
''But what about the Androids, father?'' Trunks felt anger rise once more to the surface of his concsiousness. So there was more danger waiting for them, but what could possibly be more dangerous than the creatures he had wanred them about?
''Weather the Androids are showing up or not- we will not be able to sense their ki, am I correct?''
Trunks noddedd like the imbecile he felt he was.
''So there is no need to wait for them if pressing matters are at hand as it seems. If for noting else, we will note their presences when we feel several human life energies being squashed out of existance. Come on now, put your hand on my shoulder.''
Again, teenage Trunks just stared at the proud and powerful man before him and did as he said. Vegeta sure had a cruel and careless attitude when it came down to the citizens of Earth but he was probably right, he figured. As he was being joilted to the other side of the world, he felt like he would vomit on his father's boots.
So why are the Androids not here, yet? Find out in the next chappie and leave a review