Chapter 21
"Where am I?" Tarden thought his eyes where closed and he was unable to see anything. "I… I can't move." Tarden attempted to move around but he couldn't feel his body move. "What happened…. I can't remember." Tarden couldn't recall why he was in this situation then suddenly he felt something touch and grip his hand. Still unable to move his mind quickly ignored the strange sensation. "Oh that's right…. I was fighting… what was his name? I can't remember." Tarden felt a sudden warmth and for a brief moment his mind wandered off. But the feeling in his left hand was keeping him stuck in this mental prison. "I'm so tired, my body feels heavy. I wish it would let me go."
"…." A sound was made that caught Tarden's attention.
"What was that… who's out there."
"…" Again noise was being made but the young saiyan couldn't comprehend the sound.
"Who are you…. Leave me alone…"
"…den"
"Who are you calling."
"Tarden…"
"Who is that? Wait there calling me?"
"Tarden wake up." A clearly feminine voice said. One that sounded familiar but Tarden couldn't wake.
"My dear boy… please wake up." The female voice was crying and Tarden could feel moisture on the hand that was being gripped by the unseen force, it was only then that Tarden realized that this woman was holding onto his hand… but who is she?"
Just then another presence appeared but this one was clear, it was hard to explain, for Tarden's eyes where still closed but the boy knew where the presence stood. The presence was masculine and also familiar but once again Tarden couldn't make out who it was… Frustrated Tarden begged for them to leave him alone. He was tired, his body was heavy and he hasn't felt such comfortable warmth in such a long time.
"My son, what happened to you." The voice spoke clearly more real than the woman who's tears still echoed in his thoughts.
"It's seems the boy's spirit is stuck between the living world and ours, there must be something anchoring his soul to his body, some type of will or desire." A New voice said, one Tarden knew he never heard before.
"What can we do?" Man number one said.
"it seems your people back home healed the boy as he was dying, his body should be fine but now it's the spirit that's caught. This has happened before but not in recent times. The boy must make a decision to either awaken in his physical body or completely let go and join us in other world."
"Are you sure south Kai." Man number 1 said.
"Well of course I am," Man 2 said, "the problem is when a soul is in such a purgatory state they can't recall their memories…Or at least that's why the boy's soul isn't inline at King Yemma's place, it's still attached in the living world."
"My son, did you hear that, you need to remember who you are. Tarden."
Tarden was confused at who the man was talking, unsure if he was somehow eavesdropping or if the man as referring to him. "I'm not Tarden… I'm… who am I?"
"Remember who you are, your family your dreams." Man 1 said.
"What family…, what dreams…"
"You once told me… that restoring your people's honor and empire, even if you were the last of your kind."
"my people… the last of my kind." Something about that struck a spark in the boy's memory, but that's all it was a spark."
"It seems he isn't remembering anything you mentioned Gwynn." The voice of the south kai said.
"You need to wake up Tarden, you can't give in… what about your Pride."
"Pride…. My pride…" Suddenly flashes of memories, came back, the death of Gwynn and Wax, the family he grew up with. The training. Then one played in front of Tarden's mind louder and clearer than the others.
The night was young as a young Tarden sat above the tree tops, the half-moon high in the night. The hologram that he was holding showing the pictures of his biological parents, Yami stood next to her lover Vegeta with a smirk while the prince looked away from the camera an annoyed expression on his face.
"So those are you real parent's?" Tarden immediately shut off the hologram and turned to face the voice ready for a fight only to see the little llab girl, what was her name again.
"Oh it's you gingy" Tarden said lying back down as the daughter of his new caretaker appeared.
"It's Ginny, were family now. You're going to have to say my name right!" The normally shy girl said with frustration.
"I'm a saiyan an elite warrior race, we are not family, we are nothing alike." Tarden said with his arms behind his head closing his eyes, trying to shut out the girl's presence.
Ginny pouted and sat right down next to her new step brother. "we are family we take care of you and feed you, besides we have a lot alike. We both can speak, eat, sleep, dream and fight."
"Ha you call those worthless attempts at swinging your arms, fighting. Don't compare you and your weak species to me."
"If I remember correctly father said he beat you in combat." Tarden cringed at the memory of what happened a year ago. "And he said you cried." Tarden quickly sat up and turned to shout, "I was barely 4! Give me a few more years and I'll surpass him!" Only to recoil when the younger girls face was so close to his. "Wha- what are you doing!" Asked Tarden trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Why do you care so much?" Ginny said noticing how Tarden's expression changed from his normally reserved anger into, to her surprise, one of embarrassment for a moment the Alien boy reminded her of some of the other kids back at the temple.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand. It's a Saiyan thing."
"What is?"
"Pride! My Father left a message to me saying never Forget your Saiyan pride. That I must be the strongest warrior I can be, I should never lose to an inferior lifeform."
"Strength, is that all your pride means?" Ginny said confused as Tarden briefly showed a small sense of frustration as he scratched the back of his head. "Well that's all dad talks about, strength and pride… my mother says more, stuff like how it's my duty to fight and defend my family, allies and the saiyan race."
"I like that." Ginny said giggling confusing Tarden. "since where family now, I guess that means we are a part of your Saiyan pride."
Struggling to find his words Tarden finally found his tongue as he spoke flustered. "It's Saiyan Pride, meaning my family are the Saiyans, not you!"
"But we are your family now," Ginny said as Tarden tried to cut her off before she got in his face finger on his chest. "We feed you, give you clothes and a place to sleep, but most importantly…" Ginny went to hug the boy causing Tarden to freeze in shock, eyes widening from the sudden embrace. "We love you. Your stuck with us now." Ginny smiled as she felt Tarden relax in her arms and after a few seconds Tarden pushed Ginny off him and held her at arm's length shocking the girl before she saw the embarrassed look on his beat red face. "fine I get it…. Just don't surprise me like that, again." Ginny could only watch as she realized how cute the boy in front of her looked, before smiling softly. "You better, I'm part of your pride too…" then Ginny lied down to star gaze next to her adopted brother as Tarden looked at the hologram in his hand before pocketing the device and lying down next to the girl.
'Family is my pride… my Saiyan pride.' Tarden thought to himself as the memories faded, as the only thing he recalled now was the family picture he got from his birthday a year ago, and then the voice of his father Vegeta. "A Saiyan is nothing without his Pride!" Then Tarden awoke.
Inside the bunker
Gull was crying as she held her baby boy's hand, Ginny hugged her mother from behind when suddenly she saw movement, looking up tears of relief filled her eyes. Tarden eye's where open and he slowly sat up, the action drawing everyone's attention as the crowed started to huddle around the family. Gull embraced her son as Ginny stood with a hand covering her mouth as the tears flowed. Gear managed his way through the crowed to look at his younger brother relief radiating off his body. Tarden looked around noticing how his mom embraced him, his brother relieved, Ginny crying and even the crowed watching with renewed hope and relief.
"You had us worried, the docs didn't know if you would pull through." Gear said aloud.
"I'm sorry, But I just remembered something…" Tarden said as he gently peeled his crying mom off him. Getting up he walked to Ginny and hugged her, the younger girl squeaked in surprise and embarrassment knowing everyone was watching.
"wh-wh-what are you…" Ginny's words got lost as she saw the look in Tarden's eyes. Shining with renewed vigor. "My Blood is boiling, demanding I defend my pride, my family," Tarden let go of Ginny making eye contact with Gear who nodded when Tarden said family, "and my People." Tarden said looking around the bunker until he saw one of the drones he knew was transmitting to the world. "Lord Slug think's he owns this world, its people. But as long as I still draw breath Lord Slug will never rule over this planet. For I am Prince Tarden, and this is my home. My people. My Pride!" Tarden announced. Most of the crowed started to cheer but a few shouted out "You are not our prince!" And the few were about to accuse Tarden but Tarden simply cut them off, "I may not be your prince, but you are my people." With that said Tarden looked at Gear and the brothers both nodded before powering up and flying out of the bunker. Focusing on ending this fight.
With Yami and Turles
Pain, that's what was overwhelming Yami's body at this moment, picking herself of the ground for the umpteenth time, quickly looking to her side to see Turles in worse condition finally unconscious in the snow, oh that's right it started snowing the moment she got here, looking back in front of her she could see Lord Slug his armor completely broken scratches and bruises all over his body some dried purple blood at his lip but most unnerving of all was the smile he had. It sung his victory. she must have been to focused on the fight.
"I commend you, I couldn't have asked for a better test run for my new found strength, now I can grow even stronger from this and once you're dead and my machine finally freezes over this planet I will start my Galactic conquest with this world as my vessel." Slug said
"How are you freezing the planet? I never saw you activate a terraformer."
"I had my troops release it before we broke atmosphere, but due to the size of the planet it took quite some time for the snow to final appear. I was hoping to find some new recruits before things start to die from the cold, but it seems I have been delayed." Yami then ran towards her opponent intent to kill him but her movements where slowed and her fists lacked the necessary bite to hurt slug, the Namekian no longer trying to block as he easily dodged her attacks before landing a punch to her gut that took out all of her breath.
"You fought well but it was all in vain. You should have joined me, dying for this pathetic planet and its inhabitants was a poor decision. Lord slug said into Yami's Ears before he tossed her aside. Slug raised a hand charged up a Ki blast planning to kill the female Saiyan. But when he let the blast go, but Slug was once again surprised by the female Saiyan's tenacity. Yami mustered the last bit of strength she had and caught the blast, before tossing the energy into the air. Then She got into the Gallick gun stance, but no energy was building up. Slug watched amused as she tried to attack but her vision was heavy and her body was numb. "It seems you are finally out of energy. Shame." Slug was going to keep taunting the woman until suddenly a green blur came to slug attention, turning but reacting to slow slug received the full weight of the punch sent towards his face. Slug was launched into the air blood gushing out of his nose as he broke his nose back into place. Infuriated Slug looked down to see the third fighter he forgotten about.
"Turles… said you had a plan…. Next time…. You take so long… I'll kill you…" Yami said falling forward unconscious as Xiox caught her and set her down. Xiox's appearance was different from his usually spirit armor glow, not only was his aura green but now his Hair and Fur was too. Where he stood the snow melted and grass shined. "Sadly I don't think there will be a next time. This form… can only be used once." Xiox said but Yami was already unconscious, placing her down Xiox quickly reappeared in front of Slug, the Namekian noticing his new appearance.
"What are you, there is no way you should be this strong you couldn't even hurt me before."
"This form, is a forbidden art. It was created by one of the Grand elders before me who tried to evolve the spirit armor technique. It's called Spiritual Limit break…. Sadly, it can only hold for a few minutes… But there is a price to pay. I will be unable to manipulate Ki again…and I will be unable to make use of my limbs again."
"This is it; this was your trump card. This desperate attempt?" Slug said laughing. Before he was found on the receiving end of a devastating elbow to the gut, robbing Slug of his oxygen.
"I'm afraid I don't have much time, so if you could forgive my manners I will appreciate it." Slug gritted his teeth and through a punch at Xiox only for the Llab to catch the punch and squeeze forcing Lord Slug to shout in pain. Slug tried to free himself but couldn't so he quickly transformed into his super Namekian form finally breaking free before building a massive amount of Ki in his mouth to the release it at Xiox.
Xiox stood his ground as he watched the largest and most powerful attack Slug has used before head his way, calmly Xiox waited as his arms went through the motion he has practiced for years, getting ready to reflect the attack back but Xiox performed one small variation which allowed him to slowly compress the massive Ki blast into a large ball. Then with both arms he compressed it further to fit the size of his hand, not a single ounce of effort present on his face. Lord slug watched on and for the first time in a long time he sensed a hint of fear.
"Another technique a former Grand Elder created, compression." With a burst of speed Xiox appeared in front of Slug's torso, the Namekian reacting to slow as Xiox gently pushed the ball into his torso. Xiox then appeared to a safe distance as he watched Slug get consumed in a giant ball of energy.
'I realized I lacked the raw power of the Saiyans a year ago. That's why when I was training all this time I spent countless hours and days with no sleep learning and reading from the ancient texts that a hidden in the Grand Elder's chambers. Learning from those who come before, several techniques deemed too dangerous of incomplete I spent time learning them, perfecting them. Finishing the efforts of those who came before. While I have only been able to actually put a few in practice the ground work is laid out for the next Grand Elder….
Lord Slug stood in the center of the crater still alive and breathing but a huge whole in his torso. Slug's eyes where wide in feral anger, the Namekian tilted his head back and bellowed out in tremendous fury. Xiox's body began to flicker a clear sign showing his form was about to end. Slowly smiling Xiox opened his arms as he slowly turned them gathering all of the energy he has borrowed from the planet, and of all life nearby. Yes, with his last attack the energy he quietly gathered from every living thing including some of slug's now formed in his hands. "The time has come for you to answer for your Sins." Xiox announced as Slug simply raised his power to the highest he could making Xiox Raise a brow in amassment. 'What an incredibly powerful individual. If he took us seriously and used this energy from the beginning we would have lost, but now that I hold this power… I can defeat him.' Xiox watched as Slug's hole slowly regenerated.
"That's it I destroy you all!" Slug said gathering all of his strength.
"It's too late, Slug…Divine…' Slug finally started to charge an attack. "…Judgment…" Xiox said slowly putting his hands together. Then Opening his palms towards Slug Xiox released his final attack. "...call!" The energy flew out of Xiox and towards Slug, immediately the green aura and color leaving his body as Slug released his own attack to collide but his attack was only slowing down the blast. That was until Slug howled out in pain as he dug for more energy, and soon he made the attack stand still. The shock wave uprooting nearby trees and causing the snow to storm like a blizzard.
'No, he is too strong…." Xiox thought to himself as he felt his energy leave him. While their energy was similar Slug was more consistent. After a few more moments of struggle Slug started to push back Xiox's attack. Xiox no longer able to control the energy realized that he failed.
'I- I failed…" Xiox watched as the energy came closer and closer to him, Xiox's arms finally gave out and fell silently to his sides. 'I guess this was as far as I could go…. I'm sorry everyone.' Closing his eyes Xiox let a single tear leave his eyes as he embraced his death. 'Was I worthy of being Grand elder…Wax…Gwynn…' The Ki blast quickly took the space where Xiox was and kept on its path into the atmosphere the attack visible from space. When the attack faded Slug fell to his knees and shrunk. Out of breath, limbs feeling numb and his senses dulled. But he was alive. "Slug managed to let out a chuckle which slowly turned into hysterical laughter."
"What's so funny, Slug." Slug's eyes widened in shock before turning to see a young 12-year-old saiyan, but what caught his eye was the Young Llab carrying the body of an old and crippled Xiox. Slug watched as Xiox's chest cavity slowly rise and fall, signifying he is alive.
"Sorry brother, seems like I got this fight to myself, please take Xiox back, he is in the most critical condition." Gear smirked and said, "Then you better win this by the time I come back." With that said Gear flew off as Tarden face Slug.
"Boy, you're in over your head. I am The Great and all powerful Lord Slug, even in my current state I could still defeat you."
"Well Lord Slug, first things first, let me introduce myself… I am Prince Tarden. Son of Prince Vegeta, rightful heir to the Saiyan throne. And you just made the biggest mistake of your Life." Then Tarden powered up, and soon his strength surpassed Turles and rivaled Yami's, before it rose even higher. Then Slug's eyes widened in fear as he realized, that the boy in front of him… was stronger than those he fought before. While not as strong as the super spirit form, Slug noticed the boys tail and knew the child could still become even stronger.
"Such power, while so young…It should be impossible. What are you."
"A boy who will become a King, but first I need to punish an overly ambitious Lord who attacked my people."