Hello everyone. I thought I would write one of my rare author's notes before we get started with this chapter. Anyone who doesn't like these kinds of notes can skip to the beginning of the chapter if you are impatient.
As you might have noticed, my writing style had deviated from the original story. When I wrote the original tale, I was a teenager who was technically fangirling over every fighting scene of the series. I remember fondly as I watched the shows while they were on Toonami. I recall watching it in my parent's room since they were watching their own shows on television in the living room. Just thinking back on watching it on a small television screen made it seem special back then since it was before YouTube came out and we were just starting to utilize dial-up Internet on the one desktop computer we did own at the time.
Getting back to the topic at hand, for those of you that were not expecting Bardock's level three transformation and death, I had that planned ever since I wrote it as one of his visions in Chapter 28. In fact, I began writing how his death would play out while I was finalizing that chapter and knew it would have to be a powerful reason why he would have to resort to such a sudden decision. Also, I kind of agree that Shin shouldn't have at least done something other than let Goku down like that, but he's already worried about Majin Buu and the fate of the universe.
Anyway, this author's note went a little longer than planned. Since I am on a two week break from work and college, there will be a few additional updates to this story and any other stories I have been working on. So I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and Happy Holidays.
Unexpected Fate: Version 2.0
Chapter 37- A Glimpse of the Darkness
Bardock was kneeling on the ground before Infr. Moments ago, the cursed warrior was prepared to accept the punishment for all of his previous crimes until he heard the words that had made him question the Lord of God's words.
"Your death, like Kakarrot's, is not final."
"W-what?" Bardock was perplexed. He was sure he heard him wrong, but something wasn't adding up in the slightest. "Infr, I… I killed…"
"That I am aware of," Infr confirmed. "Why does your heart carry doubt?"
"I… I don't deserve to be resurrected," Bardock confessed. He felt the weight of guilt clearly on his back pinning him down. "I shunned Kakarrot, nearly broke my promise and… I… I can't make up for what I did in the past…"
"That might be true, but there are those whose lives you have touched that would not wish for you to be judged."
"Who are you talking about?" Bardock questioned. He lifted his eyes to see the Lord of Gods' saddened face.
For an odd reason, Bardock was surprised by this expression and almost expected the exact opposite: the deity grinning coldly while planning to send him to whatever purgatory existed within their realm. Even then, he couldn't imagine such a cold look on Infr's face for an odd reason. Perhaps it was due to Frieza's tyranny that made Bardock doubt others motives and it had been over quarter of a century since he turned his back on the despot. It was that along with his experiences that made him question his own self-worth.
"Kakarrot would be one of those who would not wish for you to be judged…" Infr spoke with a tone that almost seemed comforting to the cursed warrior.
"I… I don't think…" Bardock lowered his head back to the ground. He dismissed those words that the Lord of God just said and was in utter denial of what Infr had claimed—a part of the cursed warrior knew it would not matter. What Bardock had done in his lifetime could not be taken back. All of the blood of the alien races and creatures he killed was on his hands and he had to pay for it somehow. Infr was aware of what the cursed warrior had done in his lifetime, and to be excused like it as nothing would not help him in this case. "He wouldn't…"
"Taristo!" Goku's voice suddenly was heard behind Bardock and he heard the footfalls against the stone floor approaching him. He remained transfixed where he was and silently cursed to himself how his son found him in such a pitiful state. "Taristo! What are you doing here? Do you know how worried I was about you when you…"
"Kakarrot…" Bardock spoke in a defeated voice. He couldn't bring himself to look at his son; especially with the pain evident in his voice. It seemed that Infr was right—that his son would not wish for him to be judged. Yet, didn't the same man who killed millions had a right to be sentenced for his crimes? If so, why prolong the inevitable? "Why are you even here?"
"What do you mean? I was looking for you ever since you died…" Goku moved over to his father's side. Infr stepped back and observed while the father and son talked.
"You should be with the others and stop whatever is going to happen to Earth," Bardock refused to raise his head. He knew his resolve would break if he did and kept his eyes downcast. "I… I died…"
"We can always wish you back with the Dragon Balls," Goku reasoned. Bardock's eyes widened with realization and his gaze shifted towards his son. For the first time since he died, Bardock saw the pain evident on the younger man's face and mentally cursed to himself. The resolve he had about facing his punishment seemed to lessen the guilt he had, but only just enough that the burden did not seem as overwhelming.
'Was this what Infr was suggesting? That I am brought back to life utilizing the Dragon Balls?'
"Taristo? Are you alright?" Goku noticed his father was shaking.
"Kakarrot, why do you get my hopes up?" Bardock questioned. "I… I'm not worth resurrecting…"
"Yes you are!" Goku put his hands on his father's shoulders. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you are worth it taristo! I just don't know why you sacrificed your life for mine…"
"You were about to disappear from existence," Bardock stated. "I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if you were gone forever…"
"Taristo…" Goku smiled sadly and leaned his forehead against his father's. It was at that moment that Bardock's head started to ache again. Hissing, he pulled away and tried to dispel the sudden pain that managed to bother him. "Are you…?"
The rest of his son's words were drowned out when Bardock's vision suddenly went blank.
"…where's dad?" Gohan questioned.
'Am I hearing things?'
"I'm not sure where your father went, but he probably went to see what happened to the man who died trying to save him."
'What's going on? Who's talking?'
"In either case, Kakarrot should stay dead if he's not going to do anything to help us take down this stupid wizard…"
'My prince? What's going on?'
A flash of images suddenly crossed Bardock's mind.
He saw his grandson fighting some strange demon.
He saw Vegeta with a strange character on his forehead.
He saw Kakarrot writhing in pain on the ground clutching his hair like a lifeline.
He saw Gohan lying in a meadow-like place; his clothes torn and lying there with a lifeless expression on his face.
He saw Vegeta bleeding and hugging Trunks while the boy looked up at him in utter confusion and embarrassment on his face.
He saw Vegeta crying out silently with a golden aura gathered around his form.
He saw his son looking at him with hatred in his eyes.
"Taristo?"
Almost though the spell was broken, Bardock suddenly realized that he was holding his head against the palms of his hands. Had he seen a glimpse of the future in a few short fragmented images? His son was still kneeling at his level across from him at arm's length and had a genuine look of concern on his face. It was unlike the previous image of the younger Saiya-jin and he wondered what spurred these sporadic images in the first place.
"…what just happened?" For an odd reason, the cursed warrior was attempting to process what he had seen so far. He had no idea of if he had heard and seen what was happening or if he was imagining it.
"Taristo, you were spacing out for the last ten minutes," Goku stated.
"I… I saw something, but I don't understand… why were they just still images and not playing out like they normally would?" Bardock muttered and shook his head. "Kakarrot, maybe you should go catch up to your friends."
"Can't you come with me?" Goku questioned.
"Seeing I'm dead, it's kind of impossible," Bardock reminded.
"O-oh yeah…" Goku looked crestfallen. "I guess you have a point…"
"Just get going," Bardock stated. Goku vanished moments later and the cursed warrior sat there taking in everything that just transpired. "Infr, did I just see in the future again?"
"For a momentary lapse of time, you have," Infr confirmed Bardock's suspicions.
"Why has my ability been hampered?" Bardock questioned. "Usually, I wouldn't be upset about it, but now, I'm starting to wonder if this curse is really over with or just happens at random times…"
"In time, you will learn to control when the visions will happen. For now, you must prepare for the journey ahead of you."
"Journey?" Bardock repeated the word. 'What kind of journey is he talking about?'
"You have asked for me Infr?" a familiar voice questioned. Bardock turned and noticed the goddess he had only seen once before; one he had only interacted with shortly seven years prior.
"Saria?" Bardock was puzzled. "Why is she here?"
"She will be preparing you for the next challenges ahead," Infr confirmed. Bardock was confused by this and only accepted the words the Lord of Gods stated.
"Mind if I get some rest?" Bardock felt tired. Physically and mentally, he was exhausted and it seemed strange since he was dead.
"You may," Infr dismissed the cursed warrior. For once, Bardock was relieved that he had nothing to worry about.
"Follow me," Saria gestured. The cursed warrior followed her down the hallway until they reached the Halls of Unity. They stopped in front of the large double doors that he recognized as one of the sleeping chambers. "Feel free to rest in here for the time being."
Bardock muttered an encouraging thank you and walked inside the room. He noticed that it was a rather basic room similar to the one he had been in a couple of times during his brief visit within this realm. Walking over to the bed, he lies down and felt his consciousness drifting. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
The fire crackles and Bardock found himself sitting in front of it; staring at the fire. Across from him, he noticed Wingdof sitting there almost though he had expected the cursed warrior for some time now. Yet, Bardock had no idea why he had suddenly crossed over between universes let alone appeared once more in front of the masked man.
"What's going on?" Bardock questioned. It was strange and he wondered if he was merely dreaming or having a vision.
"Ravaged spirit from the stars," Wingdof addressed him. "You came here under your own will this time around."
"How did I do that? I don't remember doing anything but falling asleep…" Bardock was confused. "Besides, I'm dead…"
"The dead have a stronger will to break the barrier between universes," Wingdof confirmed. "You came because of the visions you saw of your son…"
"Y-yes…" Bardock realized that Wingdof already knew what was going to happen.
"Ravaged spirit from the stars, your son's displacement on Earth was not an accident or the amnesia he suffers from," Wingdof stated.
"Amnesia?" Bardock repeated the word.
"The amnesia has made his instincts muted compared to yours and he knows far little about himself as it is." Wingdof picked up a stick with multiple branches that rested near the fire. "Imagine this as a representation of the normal Saiya-jin…"
"I can't really see it…" Bardock tilted his head.
"You will in a minute. Now…" Wingdof broke a few of the smaller branches. "If you were to look at this, you would notice that he is lacking something…"
"A few extra pieces of himself?" Bardock guessed.
"Exactly," Wingdof confirmed. "These pieces of himself are crucial and he will continue to struggle with himself unless he confronts them."
"So what you're saying is that I need to find out what Kakarrot's missing so he can keep himself from becoming like the one causing hell in your universe…" Bardock summarized.
"That is the gist of it," Wingdof stated.
"Hell, I'm starting to wonder if I can prevent it from happening…"
"You can, but it will be difficult ravaged spirit from the stars. Even now, he is getting closer to the path where he might slip and lose himself to the taint that has been plaguing his nightmares for seven years."
"S-seven years? But I thought he couldn't see into the future…"
"He could not see the future, but that did not mean he was immune to seeing visions of his alternate self…"
"Visions of his alternate self?" Bardock repeated the words slowly. "How do you know this?"
"Having foresight is something one learns to control if given the chance."
"Control?" Infr had mentioned this possibility to him earlier while he was speaking to Bardock. If Wingdof knew how to control them, then it might help later on.
"You are capable of this ravaged spirit from the stars," Wingdof confirmed. "The thing you must remember is that you need to concentrate on what you seek and the answers will come to you."
"Answers…" Bardock felt his tail twitch behind him. He paid no heed to it for the time being since he was more concerned about controlling his visions. "Can… can you teach me?"
"It is too soon," Wingdof shook his head dismissively.
"Why?"
"Something bad is about to happen," Wingdof warned the cursed warrior. "For now, you must head back."
"Wait a minute, why do I need to go back?" Bardock thought that this was a cruel joke, but something about Wingdof seemed off. His tail twitched almost nervously behind him and he seemed… agitated for some reason.
"You are required to stop what is about to transpire. The very universe you came from is at risk."
"But I still don't know how I ended up…" Bardock noticed his form starting to break up into fragments similar to the last time he visited while he was in the dreamscape.
"Ravaged spirit from the stars, when you return, immediately head to where the Lord of Gods is at and…" the rest of Wingdof's words were lost as Bardock felt his consciousness shift.
The feeling of malice hung heavily in the air. Bardock rolled out of bed and ran immediately out of the Halls of Unity. Upon reaching the Halls of Tranquility, the cursed warrior saw that the Lord of Gods was nowhere in sight. Instead, he saw Goku standing there with his eyes hidden beneath his bangs.
"Kakarrot, what are you doing back here?" Bardock seemed confused. A dark chuckle escaped the Earth-raised Saiya-jin's throat and it was then the cursed warrior felt the malice was coming from his son. He tensed as the younger man slowly began to walk towards him.
"What do you think taristo?" Goku spoke coldly. "I'm here to make you vanish for eternity."
Bardock's eyes widened when he heard how his son spoke without any remorse. "Kakarrot, this isn't like you!"
"Tell me what I should be like then taristo…" Goku looked up at his father. Sparks of gold flickered in his aura and the cursed warrior noted a tattoo on his forehead that would have made his blood run frigid if he were still alive.
"You're… you're being controlled by someone…" Bardock realized. "That's why you don't care…"
"Of course I care… I care enough to spare you of anymore pain you will ever have to suffer!" Goku roared as he transformed before Bardock's eyes.
The volatile energy spilled across the Halls of Tranquility's floor, made the water in the nearby pools ripple and the leaves on the trees rustle in anticipation. Seconds later, Bardock was forced to defend himself against his son's onslaught; his own energy rising as he stared at the distant eyes of his son.
Marble floor beneath the elder warrior cracked and crumbled beneath their raw strength when he felt the younger Saiya-jin's fist collide into his right forearm to block the blow. The cursed warrior felt pain and numbness run up the length of the appendage while Goku flew backwards and stared at him with a look of insanity on his normally calm face.
"Kakarrot, fight it!" Bardock growled as he remained on the defense. The last thing he wanted was to go against his son. His blood screamed to fight against the Earth-raised Saiya-jin and protect the very sanctum of the gods, but he knew right then and there that it would be a hopeless cause since their power could easily damage it without much effort.
"Why should I?" Goku barked. "You were always telling me I should act more like a Saiya-jin and not hold back!"
"I did, but this isn't what I meant!" Bardock yelled at his son. The Earth-raised Saiya-jin kicked at the cursed warrior's gut and he barely managed to catch the younger man's foot; throwing him off-balance for a fleeting moment. "You would destroy me in order to do what another asks of you when deep inside, you are fighting against yourself!"
"Fighting against myself? I'm not fighting against anything. I am willingly letting Baba-di have his way with me…" Goku grinned and delivered a fist into his father's face. He was forced to release the younger man's foot and skidded across the floor.
"Shit…" Bardock cursed. "Then the taint's affecting you as well…"
"Indeed taristo," Goku laughed ruefully. "By the time I'm finished with you, the only thing anyone will remember would be a distant memory."
"No!" Turnipa's voice screamed. Bardock saw his mate throw herself between the two fighters. "Kakarrot! This has to stop!"
"Mirasta…" Goku's eyes softened for a moment. Bardock thought he would have stopped, but the next words he heard were merciless. "Are you saying you want to vanish as well?"
"Think about what you're saying!" Turnipa looked up at her youngest son with grief on her face.
"Turnipa, you need to get out of here," Bardock pleaded to his mate. He knew that if she stayed, she would not stand a chance against her son since her power level was immensely dwarfed by the legendary power they wielded with ease.
"Pinelve maisen, Kakarrot's suffering," Turnipa looked over her shoulder at her mate. "I've known this for years and watched without knowing what I could do to save him. If I need to sacrifice myself in order to help him, then so be it."
"No, I… I can't ask that of you…" Bardock shook his head in denial. He felt his son's energy rising and knew if the younger Saiya-jin destroyed her, he wouldn't be able to undo it.
"Fitting I destroy you both together…" Goku summoned a sphere of energy that seemed so powerful that it almost seemed suffocating. Bardock threw his mate behind him.
"Find Scrix or Karis!" Bardock barked at his mate.
"I don't know where they went!" Turnipa answered him. "I was searching for them before I came here and couldn't find them!"
"Fuck, this is a great time for the gods not to be here…" Bardock stared at death in the face. He knew he wasn't strong enough to repel whatever it was.
"Goodbye taristo!" Goku smiled coldly and launched the ball of power straight at him.
Right when Bardock thought it was going to hit him, he felt peace fill his soul and reached out calmly to intercept the blast that intended on wiping both him and his mate out. The energy lashed out against his body, but it did no damage to him whatsoever. It petered out and he walked towards his son who stared at him in shock. Something had protected him and it felt completely alien.
"H-how are you still alive?" Panic seemed to set in and he prepared another blast; however, Bardock felt the ill-intent and rushed to where his son was and grabbed his hand.
"This is not you Kakarrot," Bardock heard himself say. "You allow another to control your actions and amplify the corruption that you were fighting against for several years…"
'I… I can't control myself…' the cursed warrior was beside himself. He had no idea what was happening at the moment and was shocked that he was able to handle this threat without powering up in the slightest.
'It is alright Bardock…' a voice whispered in his mind. 'I am merely borrowing your form to help your son…'
'I-Infr?' Bardock was shocked to hear the Lord of God speaking through him.
'Indeed… I apologize for using you like this, but your son cannot interact with me any other way right now…'
'Do what you must then…' Bardock willingly surrendered himself to a higher authority; praying it would be enough to snap his son out of what brainwashing he was going through.
"You… you're not taristo…" Goku denied. "He wouldn't act like this…"
"You are correct Kakarrot, I am not your father so to speak," Infr spoke through Bardock. "It was the only way I could speak to you since your heart still denies me."
"Deny? I deny you exist…" Goku spat coldly. Bardock felt saddened by the words and felt his hand brush against his son's cheek.
'Why though?' the possessed Saiya-jin thought to himself in regards to the foreign emotion while the crazed look in his son's eyes faltered. It seemed like he was doing the impossible right now and watching from afar, yet, he was experiencing everything going on at the same time.
"Sleep…" Infr commanded. Bardock saw his son's unconscious form suddenly fall towards the ground. At the last minute, he regained control and caught his corrupted son's form. He noticed the younger Saiya-jin's tail had regenerated mysteriously, but was more concerned about his mentality at the moment.
"Kakarrot!" Turnipa tried to wake him to no avail. Infr appeared moments later and Bardock realized that the sensations he had felt had vanished.
"Let him rest," Infr instructed. "In due time, he will be himself again."
Bardock stared at the peaceful form of his son and sighed heavily. Now that the younger Saiya-jin was unconscious, he noticed the mark had started to fade slightly. Whatever was bothering the young man was beginning to wear off and he hoped when his son awakened, Bardock hoped that would not have any repercussions.
Feeling a familiar energy, Bardock turned and saw Raisan standing there with Vegeta who now sported his own halo. Surprisingly, the prince shrugged off the Goddess of Rebirth and Time moments later and walked towards him and Kakarrot.
"My prince, what happened to you?" Bardock questioned.
"What do you think seer? I died if you hadn't noticed," Vegeta grumbled to himself. "I have no idea why I was brought here either, but I am surprised the clown's here when he's not even dead."
"There is a reason you were brought here," Infr stated. Bardock noted the prince did not bow to the Lord of Gods and only stared at him in annoyance.
"Really? Tell me why was I brought here?" Vegeta questioned.
"Your death is not final." Bardock was surprised that the Lord of Gods excused the prince as well and wondered if this threat was so bad that he was forgiving their sins to ensure the fate of the universe was not thrown off balance. "Now that everyone is gathered, it is time to resurrect the fallen." A strange object materialized moments later and Bardock saw a small cylinder-like object with ancient writing carving etched in its surface. It began to glow in a white light and a tranquil energy flowed from the object.
Bardock felt warmth surrounding his form and noticed that his body began to rise from the ground. His lungs began to ache and he gasped for air suddenly. Another sensation followed and he felt a slight bit of discomfort in his back. Wincing, he felt his tail suddenly regenerate and it curled around in the air almost though allowing blood to flow into the appendage after a long slumber.
Wrapping the appendage around his waist, Bardock soon noted that he was now standing on the ground and saw that Vegeta's own tail had been restored. Both formerly dead Saiya-jins were once more alive and oddly enough, they were unaware of why they had been resurrected. Bardock realized though that Turnipa remained dead and frowned at the thought that he was once again separated from her by mortality.
"Now that you are alive once more, you two will be accompanying Kakarrot during the Trials of the Saiya-jin," Infr stated.
"Trials of the Saiya-jin?" Vegeta looked at the Lord of Gods almost though he was telling a horrid joke. "Our planet's been destroyed and you're saying we need to help the clown go through some ridiculous trial?"
"Where you are heading, it still exists," Saria stated with affirmation on her face. "In fact, the three of you will head there with Kakarrot."
"Right, so why do we need to go with Kakarrot?" Bardock questioned.
"It is imperative that you go in order to help your son fight the corruption that threatens him," Infr confirmed.
"The trials are more of a coming of age kind of thing," Saria implied. "Long before most of our people abandoned this practice, adolescent Saiya-jins were sent on these trials in order for him or her to learn the survival skills necessary for themselves. In a sense, the young Saiya-jins return with a better understanding of the power they possess."
"Figures we're heading to a planet just to learn some useless bullshit…" Bardock rolled his eyes. He did not like the idea and was somewhat against such a needless journey.
"In a way, it will help strengthen Kakarrot's acceptance of himself," Infr noted. "Furthermore, the taint from that universe is the main reason he lashed out against you. If this is not taken care of, then it will only worsen."
"Mmm… if we need to stop it, then I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea…" Bardock glanced down at his son while agreeing with the Lord of Gods. In a way, perhaps it would do his son good to learn more about his heritage and accept himself.
"If you are so adamant about us going, then I suppose we could make this field trip. When do we head out?" Vegeta questioned.
"Once Kakarrot awakens, you will be able to head to Vegeta-sei," Infr confirmed.
"Sounds fair, I'm going to go train in the meantime," Vegeta shot a look at Bardock. "As for you, let me know when he wakes up."
"Fine my prince, I'll let you know when he awakens," Bardock knelt down next to his son and looked at his sleeping form. The odd mark that was once upon the younger man's forehead was nearly gone by this point. He noticed Turnipa was looking at their son with concern.
"I… even now, I couldn't…" Turnipa never admitted how helpless she felt at that moment.
"Turn, I'll admit that even I was afraid when Kakarrot was about to destroy us…" Bardock closed his eyes. The fact that not long ago, they were staring death in the face left him wondering what would have happened if Infr had not have intervened.
"Pinelve maisen, you were so calm when he threw it."
"No, that was Infr controlling my body," Bardock confessed. "If I hadn't been possessed, we would have…"
Turnipa silenced him with a single finger on his lips. "Don't think so negatively. It's no wonder why your heart carries so much doubt."
"I lived with doubts ever since I joined Frieza's ranks." Bardock muttered. He lifted his son off the ground. "I'm taking him back to the Halls of Unity until he wakes up. Is that alright?"
"Do as you wish," Infr nodded. The cursed warrior left and Turnipa lingered there. For an odd reason, she had a look on her face that seemed to hold a great deal of anguish and it appeared something was bothering her greatly.
37.5-Unease Before Departure
Flames danced across the ruins of dilapidated buildings and the smell of death hung strongly in the air. Within the destruction, a man sat poised on one of the walls with a sadistic grin on his ashen-skinned face. He chuckled morbidly and rose to his feet when he realized that some humanoid-like people arrived. They were terrified, yet willing to fight against him for the world that he was destroying with very little effort.
"My, my," the man spoke cockily. "I see that despite all of the destruction, I let a few of you pitiful weaklings live." Stretching, he threw out his arms almost though welcoming the challenge. If anything, it was all just a one-sided game to him and he knew he could easily win without much effort exerted. "By all means, let me rectify this mistake by sending you on a one-way ticket to hell. The cost of such a trip is your pathetic lives."
"Monster!" a deep voiced man roared. He wore the garments of a soldier that resembled a knight in medieval times. "You destroyed our homes, killed our families and for what? You should have a shred of mercy for your sins! Such actions shall one day returned to you tenfold!"
The words did not hinder the one who was the cause of the destruction all around him. He held up a palm and summoned energy that was filled with taint and threw it at the man without any remorse for his actions while he began his charge towards him with an axe-like weapon swung overhead.
The man who had started running at him stopped and gasped almost like a fish out of water when it collided into his chest. Dropping his weapon, the energy attack itself pierced the man's armor and killed him instantly. He fell to the ground in a lifeless heap and the aliens who watched this manslaughter backed away with dread. Only those who were daring enough to stop this demon-possessed man took a step forward in order to protect those that they were devoted to and vowed to protect them to their last breath.
"Who else wishes to throw their lives away?" the man spoke with arrogance and eyed the pitiful competition that posed no threat to him in the slightest. "You talk the talk, but can't walk the walk… shame… I really thought I had a challenge, but instead, I see cowards."
"I will protect those I cherish you fiend!" another one of the men yelled angrily at the intruder who was the catalyst of their suffering.
"Such dogs should know their place!" Roaring, he summoned a larger blast in the palm of his hand that kicked up dust and sent a chill down all those who stood between the world and the conquest this Saiya-jin planned to bring upon the world. "DARK NEBULA!"
Launching the energy attack at the people, he laughed coldly as their bodies were absorbed by the blackened orb. Their very screams only amused him further and felt the urge to pursue the others in order to do the same to them…
"NO!" Goku sat up in alarm; awakening in a cold sweat. He trembled over the fact that the nightmare was so graphic that it shook him to the core.
"About time you woke up Kakarrot," Bardock eyed his son. For the past few hours, he had been trying unsuccessfully to try to see the future at will, but hadn't had much luck with it. He knew Wingdof's cryptic words would bother him until he saw the shaman himself and demanded that he taught him what he needed to know. Without knowing the extensive knowledge of the ability, he knew he was at a disadvantage.
"Taristo? What are you…?" Goku started to say before noticing that his father was in some Saiya-jin armor. "When did you change into that?"
"A while ago," Bardock shrugged. Upon entering the room, he noticed some armor resting on the bed and put it on. The cursed warrior wore deep gray spandex and black armor with the golden shoulder pads and white trim. He slipped on a pair of crimson wrist guards that were made of a sturdy material, figuring he might need them in the trials ahead. "You should put some on too." Bardock gestured to the armor that laid out for him if he chose to wear it.
"I… I think I'll pass…" Goku muttered.
"Suit yourself." For a few tense moments, a pregnant silence filled the air. He noticed his youngest son staring at him in awe. "What is it now?"
"How are you alive taristo? I thought you died," Goku remembered with a frown when he finally noticed the elder warrior no longer had a halo over his head.
"I was, but I was brought back by an artifact," Bardock stated.
"Oh…" Goku was confused, but decided to let the matter drop.
"We should report to the Halls of Tranquility."
"Why there?" The younger Saiya-jin looked at his father quizzically.
"Apparently, we have to go on some sort of journey called the Trials of the Saiya-jin," Bardock mused.
"Trials of the Saiya-jin?" Goku repeated it in confusion.
"How should I put it…?" Bardock thought out loud. "I guess I could say that it was Infr's idea."
"Infr?" Goku repeated the name. A frown appeared on the younger man's face which surprised the elder Saiya-jin. "I… I see…"
"What's wrong?" Bardock noted the look on his son's face and was concerned.
"It's nothing…" Goku dismissed and put on what the elder knew was a fake smile.
"Kakarrot, it's not a good idea to lie to me," Bardock growled. "Tell me what's wrong."
The frown returned on Goku's face. The cursed warrior noted that the younger Saiya-jin's tail twitched silently behind him. "Taristo, I had some visions of this; some of which were not pleasant…"
"I know Kakarrot," Bardock confirmed. "But weren't you the one who wanted to know more about their roots?"
"I did, but…" Goku seemed uneasy.
"Kakarrot, this trial's for your benefit. You'll learn more about yourself plus some." Bardock reasoned.
"I'm still not convinced…"
"Didn't you say that you wanted to go on them years ago?" Bardock reminded his son.
"I did?" Goku tilted his head in confusion. He tried to think back, but it seemed so long ago.
"It was that night when Scrix and Karis came over and they told us that story," Bardock thought back to that night and chuckled. He had no idea how he remembered such a thing, but for an odd reason, he did not question it.
"Maybe I wanted to back then, but now…" Goku trailed off. The cursed warrior had no idea what was his son was thinking, but apparently, the unease remained on his face.
"Hey now, I'm not going to force you into this decision, but I think it would be good if you learned your roots so to speak." Bardock attempted to convince the younger Saiya-jin.
"Taristo, what about Buu?"
"I doubt that these trials will last long," Bardock reasoned. "I want to say that the time equivalent between universes differ, but hopefully, we'll come back from it in time to slay that bastard."
"Alright, fine, I'll go with you," Goku agreed, but it seemed almost though he was choosing to go despite how he truly felt about the situation. Bardock stood up from the chair and headed towards the door. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to get our prince," Bardock stated. "I'll meet you in the Halls of Tranquility."
Left alone, Goku walked to where everyone was supposed to meet. Upon entering the Halls of Tranquility, the very ground was once again flawless, but the younger Saiya-jin had no idea that he caused any destruction since he had been controlled against his wishes. Instead, he noticed the water and decided to peer into its reflective surface. For a fleeting moment, he saw the image distort to that of his counterpart. Splashing the surface, it distorted and he noted that he was growling at the image; fearful of becoming the man who haunted his nightmares.
"No, I need to quit thinking so negatively…" Goku argued to himself. "Taristo knows what he's doing and I need to trust him…"
Unbeknownst to the young Saiya-jin, Infr watched the mortal with a calm expression on his face. Since the latter could not see nor interact with the Lord of Gods, Goku sat there wondering when they were planning to leave.
"So he's awake," Vegeta wiped the sweat off his brow. "About damn time."
"Kakarrot seemed hesitant, but I encouraged him to go on the trials," Bardock confided with the royal Saiya-jin.
"Good, we should prepare to leave at once," Vegeta curled his tail around his waist in a protective manner. He had spent the past few hours training with it again in order to re-orient himself to having the appendage. He also managed to find some armor to wear and decided to forgo anything too restricting.
"One moment my prince," Bardock knelt down and crossed his arm against his chest. "I have a request: when we head to the planet, we should head right to Catsar."
"Why?" Vegeta questioned.
"I have a feeling that we should see our king," Bardock spoke honestly.
"Hm… well noted. We will head there the minute we reach the planet then," Vegeta seemed bemused by the idea and accepted the cursed warrior's decision. Bardock stood up from his bowing position and they walked back to the Halls of Tranquility. The cursed warrior noticed the younger Saiya-jin was looking at the ancient murals on the walls silently; his tail swishing as he attempted to interpret its meaning. In a way, the pictures depicted a story of some sort, but he knew he had little to no time to figure out which one.
"Are you ready to go Kakarrot?" Bardock questioned. These words jarred the younger Saiya-jin out of his own personal thoughts.
"I guess so," Goku shrugged. He didn't seem too excited about the journey and the elder Saiya-jin thought he would rebuke the idea.
"Where is Saria?" Bardock asked the deity in the room. Goku realized that his father was directing the question to someone he still could not see.
"She will be here shortly," Infr mentioned.
"Taristo, can I ask you something?"
"What is it Kakarrot?" Bardock looked over to his son.
"Um… do you think I will be able to see Infr after these trials?"
"Honestly Kakarrot, I'm not sure. I guess it all depends…"
"Depends on what?"
"Depends on if you are able to overcome your doubts."
"Oh yeah…" Goku looked down.
"You honestly can't see the Lord of Gods Kakarrot?" Vegeta smirked at the idea. It seemed rather comical that the Earth-raised Saiya-jin was the only one among their group who could not see Infr and chuckled.
"It's not funny Vegeta…" Goku sounded hurt.
"My prince, you shouldn't take it too far," Bardock scolded the royal. He knew his son had issues that had yet to be resolved, but he felt his prince's comment might have driven yet another wedge into the younger Saiya-jin's psyche.
"Kakarrot let me ask you one thing, if you think going on these trials is going to change whether or not you can see Infr, you are delusional." Vegeta chuckled. Bardock saw the pained look on his son's face and the insecurity that comment brought.
"Are you three ready to go?" Saria questioned from the doorway and began her stride towards the others.
"Just send us already," Vegeta demanded. The Goddess of Trials summoned her staff and waved it. A moment later, a portal appeared before the men and Vegeta ran right in.
"Let's go Kakarrot," Bardock told his son and followed his prince. Goku looked at the portal and hesitated.
"Kakarrot…" Goku turned and saw his mother leaning against the doorjamb. "What are you so afraid of?"
"Mirasta… I… I'm afraid I might hurt everyone…" Goku confessed. "And I'm worried that…"
Turnipa walked over to her son and gently pulled him against her form. Goku realized for the first time that he felt insignificant compared to everyone else. He might have accepted some truths of being a Saiya-jin. Yet deep inside, he was denying a part of himself that he could not accept, and that part was the reason for his doubts. Somehow, he feared he might never get over these doubts he carried.
"It will be alright my son," Turnipa smiled; leaning her forehead against his. Goku felt a soft touch on his tail and immediately jerked away from his mother's grasp. A frown crossed her face, but she knew her son's insecurities were much deeper than he could ever voice out loud.
"I…" Goku felt afraid and knew his mother did not mean him any harm. 'She's my mirasta, she wouldn't hurt me, but then why do I feel her touching my tail to be a threat?'
"Kakarrot," Turnipa looked up at her son, "you're not used to that kind of affection…"
"Mirasta… I didn't mean to…" Turnipa shook her head and smiled calmly.
"You shouldn't keep your taristo waiting," Turnipa reminded her son.
"R-right…" Goku turned towards the portal.
"Oh and Kakarrot," Goku looked back at his mother who was looking at him with a sense of sincerity on her face. Even though she was dead, he still knew that she cared about him dearly and almost wished that she was alive. "Come back to me all in one piece, alright?"
"I will mirasta…" With those words, Goku stepped into the portal. Immediately, he felt himself falling and tried to summon his energy; however, he couldn't access it.
'Whoa! What's happening?' Goku panicked. Darkness surrounded him and for a moment, he saw nothing in front of him. Stars suddenly began to shine and he noticed that Vegeta and Bardock were waiting there for him. They were all floating within a void of stars that surrounded them as the stars flew by almost like snow in the darkness of night.
"Is this physically possible?" Goku questioned while looking around. Surprisingly, they were able to breathe normally despite the void of nothingness surrounding their forms.
"In a sense," Bardock noted and took in the surroundings. "Then again, I believe we're just in between universes at the moment…"
"Universes?" Goku repeated the word in confusion.
"You'll understand when we get there," Bardock confirmed.
A moment later, they felt the gravity pull them down on a small white platform. In a few heartbeats, a portal solidified and Vegeta stepped forward through it.
"Taristo..." Goku called out to his father who paused at the portal.
"What Kakarrot?" Bardock glanced back at his son.
"You can see into the future again right?"
"Not entirely, no…" Bardock confirmed.
"Oh…" Goku looked down.
"Were you expecting me to tell you something?"
"I… I guess I was expecting too much…" Goku looked back at the stars behind him.
"Clown! Seer! Get your asses over here now!" Vegeta yelled from the other side of the portal. Bardock did not need to be told twice. He was preparing to cross over when he saw his son was not following.
"Kakarrot, let's go," Bardock grabbed his arm and pulled him through the gateway.
To Be Continued…