Author's Note: Hi everyone! I hope you are all well and healthy these days. It is a surreal experience for me writing these last few chapters after months of buildup. As some of you may know I didn't plan on continuing this series after the first story. So, towards the end when I realized I wanted to write more I sort of had to scramble to put together a new ending. For this story, I put a lot more effort into the planning of the final pages and I believe it's something special. When we get there, I hope you all agree. For now, please, enjoy.
Days Earlier:
"Grand Elder, I still don't understand. Why are we doing nothing to stop these invaders?"
The champion's pled echoed throughout the Grand Elder's home as it stood tall on the mountain it had been built upon. Frieza and his army had arrived on Namek and immediately started killing Namek's scattered villages in his mad search for the dragonballs. Nail's voice was filled with obvious confusion at the inaction of his parent. Yet the aged namekian that sat in a chair bigger than them both simply said.
"There is nothing we can do."
"I disagree," Nail shot back. "We can fight! Let me go and I'll destroy them all!"
"I will not, the only thing that would accomplish is your quick death. We shall remain hidden for as possible as we are able."
"We should be focusing on Namek's fate!"
"I believe we are Nail. You should try looking past your own trials."
"Grand Elder! Our home is under attack we cannot afford to waste any more time!"
The Grand Elder faded into himself. His voice losing its light touch.
"Nail, stop denying what you already know."
"What?"
"Have you not sensed it my champion? Namek is dying."
Nail grew quiet both fists tightening.
"The moment Frieza started his slaughter our planet's life became unable to sustain itself. Not even Porunga's power would be able to heal us. We are too weak to save ourselves."
"You suggest we do nothing?!"
"There is nothing we can do," The Grand Elder said slowly. "Namek is its people and if we use that in a battle we cannot win or simply for the sake of power then we have utterly lost. If these are our final days, then we must do all we can to ensure they matter. We must see beyond the scope of our problems. These moments are of great importance and we are giving it to those that need it most."
"W-who?"
"The universe. For every moment Frieza spends chasing the dragonballs on a fruitless endeavor his rage will remain focused on Namek. Try my champion, try to imagine that every moment we lose that somewhere else a moment of happiness is gained. A laugh shared, a love formed, a child born. It is Namek's final gift and it is its greatest."
"Why? Why do we have to give up so much?"
"It is all we can do my child. There is no one capable of defeating Frieza here not without losing ourselves in the process. Namek is its people. We should not rush our deaths but instead only give and trust that the universe will spend these moments well."
"How can we? When all we have gotten in return is a monster and his army?"
"You are as distrustful as even my child," The Grand Elder said sadly. "It would set my heart at ease if you ever found someone you could believe in."
"…besides yourself?"
The Grand Elder softly smiled.
Present:
"Get a hold of yourself human, we aren't dead yet."
Nail's voice shook Krillin out of his panic.
"You have a plan, correct?" asked Nail.
The monk looked at the namekian beside him. Despite the firmness in his voice, Krillin could tell that the endless confidence the Grand Elder's champion always wore had been shaken.
The monk breathed in slowly and tried to clear his mind. The plan had failed yes, but there was more they could do. He just needed a moment to think. Something that Frieza would vehemently deny.
Bursting forward with speed far beyond anything his second form could achieve Frieza smashed his way into the center of the group. The first in his way was Piccolo who reacted faster than the others stepping in front of Krillin as if to shield him. The tyrant grinned before opening up the namekian's shoulder with a focused blast from his finger. Purple liquid gushed out of the wound weakening him for a second allowing the tyrant to elbow Kami's other half square in the chest. The power behind the strike was strong enough to blow Piccolo away crushing him into a mountain of stone an island away.
"Mr. Piccolo!" Gohan shouted out loud.
As Frieza turned to face the child Krillin stepped in between them his mind still racing to try to form a plan. As Frieza's grin only grew Yamcha and Yajirobi charged at the emperor's back. Yamcha howled and Yajirobi's sword burned red as both halos above their heads gleamed in the light of battle. Whirling around Frieza used what remained of his tail and whipped it against Yajirobi's side. The speed and weight of the appendage stole the wide warrior's thrust and sent him flying away. Yamcha threw out several shots of ki before diving in headfirst with his hands already glowing with energy.
"WOLF FAN-"
The attack was pushed aside as if it wasn't there revealing easy access to the scarred warrior's rips. Frieza gleefully sent a vicious punch into the opening cracking bone and causing Yamcha to heave blood. Gripping one hand into the other Frieza brought down an overhead smash that connected with the human's skull and broke the dirt beneath them. Now smiling wide, the tyrant gathered some energy into a single finger and pointed it at the fallen warrior. In defiance, Tien rushed at the enemy only for Frieza to turn and face them expecting the assault. The dense beam of ki burst forth from the tyrant's raised finger cutting through Tien's stomach. The three-eyed human doubled over the hole in his torso completely unprepared for Frieza's knee that shattered against his face. Tien felt his nose bend and break blood already trickling down his chin. Despite the pain, Tien forced himself into action bringing his hands together in a sharp triangle and bringing his ki output to its highest.
"TRI-BEAM!"
The point-blank blast smashed against Frieza forming a dense cloud of dust across the tyrant's body. Undeterred Frieza's arm reached out of the smoke and grasped Tien by the head his hand already generating an absurd amount of energy.
"Pointless."
Before he could kill the man Frieza sensed something and placed his other hand to his chest, confused. Feeling an attack of some sort the tyrant looked behind him to see Chiaotzu clocked in a red aura both hands reaching out at the monster. The smallest warrior had made another attempt at the tyrant's heart gripping with it all the energy he had at his disposal.
"Another psychic? Interesting," Frieza said dropping Tien and turning toward the tiny hero.
Eyes gleaming with malice Frieza followed the invisible hands stemming from Chiaotzu's mind and shattered them. Crying out from a pain he had never experienced the smallest warrior gripped his head in agony losing his unseeable grasp. The monster began to laugh as Chiaotzu fell to his side his mind starting to fracture under the emperor's mental assault.
"Frieza!"
The roar interrupted the fun as Nail stepped forward accompanied by Goku and Vegeta. The three aliens screamed out as their auras flared preparing for the fight. The emperor's grin only grew as he matched their ferocity. His aura smothering them all with its presence alone.
Nail screamed as he charged with the saiyans backing him up. Frieza pointed at the mass of fighters with his two fingers and began shooting at them with a countless number of energy blasts. Goku and Vegeta weaved through the torrent the best they could. Various blasts connecting with their shoulder and knees and they powered through. Nail was unable to keep up with the speed and in an instant, the attack riddled his body with holes, purple dying Namek's blue ground. Goku and Vegeta emerged on the other end of the attack and dived at the tyrant fists raised. The coordinated assault had some effect as despite neither saiyan holding a plan in their heads they had still separated Frieza between the two of them. Goku tackled the tyrant on the left side while Vegeta took the right.
"Feel like working together now Vegeta?"
"Shut up Kakarot! This changes nothing!"
Frieza grunted his anger rising. "Damn monkeys!"
An explosion of power burst from the emperor's body tossing both saiyans far away. The force of the push whipping the prince and the low-class warrior around like ragdolls.
Frieza smirked and finally reset his sights on Krillin who was still shielding Gohan. With the others tossed aside the tyrant finally had a clear path toward the one he most desired to kill.
"Oh? You seem to be overly attached to the boy." Frieza said his voice growing dark. "I wonder how you would respond if I plucked his eyes out?"
Krillin said nothing but took a firm stance and forced his breathing to steady. The monster stepped toward the pair only for a blast of ki to collide with his side. The interruption annoying him more than anything Frieza looked at the attack's direction to see Nail still standing his blood flowing freely.
"I," The namekian coughed. "I won't let you take my world."
Rolling his eyes Frieza reached out with telekinesis and lifted the alien off the ground. A simmering sphere of energy encased the elder's champion before Frieza tossed the warrior away. With the trash out of sight, Frieza detonated the ball of energy surrounding Nail the explosion disintegrating a nearby island. Confident he had killed the green-skinned fighter Frieza looked back at Krillin only to see a disc of ki flying at his head. With no need to dodge the disc shattered against the tyrant's neck leaving no mark at all. As the ki faded to nothing Frieza held a firm smile as he watched despair creep into Krillin.
"A fair attempt," The tyrant said trying to regain his composure as he stepped ever closer, "Now then, where were we?"
This is bad. This is really bad.
The thought repeated itself over and over through the mind of Bulma Briefs as she did her best to concentrate on the battle.
Everyone's energy is dropping and Frieza's has skyrocketed! I thought they had him, I even hit him with my last shot but he just shrugged it off and came back stronger! This is really bad.
Reaching into her ear Bulma pressed down on her communicator.
"Tien, come in! What is going on? Give me an update!"
Static was the only response the young woman got.
"Dammit!" Bulma cried smashing her hand against the console in front of her.
A moment passed with the young woman breathing in and out at a frightening pace. The unknown fate of her friends covering her in a deep panic.
We were so close! Is it really going to end like this?!
Bulma's panting grew worse as she covered her head in her hands her powerlessness raking her with guilt. However, even now Bulma's mind was hard at work. Slowly, ever so slowly a plan was silently formed. Rising her head up the blue-haired genius looked around the ship she had worked so hard to restore.
As bad as things are, this idea is worse. But it could work. I owe it to everyone to try.
Looking over the console in front of her Bulma began pressing various buttons bringing the rail gun behind her sputtering to life. Nodding to herself Bulma continued her work the console doing its best to keep up. After several seconds, the open window that the rail gun had position itself in front of closed tightly.
Good, looks like that works too.
A moment later the ship itself rocked slightly but did little more than that. Much to Bulma's disappointment.
"Come on you useless pile of junk! You aren't space-worthy but the least you can do is fly right?!"
One of the repairs Bulma had been spending her days on was patching up the two holes that were blasted open when she, Gohan, Tien, and Krillin had first arrived. Initially, she believed she didn't have the tools for the job but with her potential unlocked her mind was constantly finding new ways to accomplish things she didn't think were possible. The process had been tedious and originally really done so Bulma would not fall through them as she set about her work. Once it was done the genius went the extra mile and worked hard to sure the ship could freely move around the planet. Just in case she needed to get to a new location quickly. With Goku's ship here there was no need to make the old ship capable of space travel again. With that in mind, she had fixed the namekian ship as best she could for short hops instead of true flight. Yet the plan she had in mind required the old namekian ship completely airborne.
"Come on, come on!" More and more time passed but Bulma's patience was rewarded as the ship tilted before rising off the ground as if it was shaking itself awake.
Yes! Bulma thought to herself quickly strapping herself in her chair while using her senses to locate the others.
Not too far away. If I'm going to do this, then I have to do it now.
With her controls finally having an effect the namekian spaceship started to rise upward slowly at first but quickly gaining speed. Punching in more commands on the console the rail gun behind Bulma started humming softly as it began to gather all the remaining power it held.
No reason to be scared right? When you run out of something you need, you adapt and change to fit the situation. Its simple science.
Breaking through the clouds above the namekian ship rose higher and higher into the green sky. However, the lack of the spikes the ship once wore made keeping the ship straight difficult. The harsh winds rattled against the ancient spacecraft forcing Bulma to compensate accordingly so she didn't spin out of the sky. The loud sound of the ship rocking was only matched by the rail gun as the hum of energy it gathered grew more and more intense.
I don't have any more projectiles to fire, so I have to become a projectile, right? Its simple science…right? The others should see me coming so they'll get out of the way…right?
Feeling the shaking of the ship worsen as she scratched the surface of Namek's atmosphere Bulma took a deep swallow of the saliva that had built up in her mouth.
No reason to be scared. I'll actually have a use for the ejector seat I put in. Don't have a helmet but I'm pretty sure I should be fine... As long as I hit it before I land…but I will. So. No reason to be scared.
Despite the brave thoughts Bulma's hands started to shake as her breathing sped up.
And…if things go wrong. Piccolo's back so that means the dragonballs are working again. I'll be brought back before I know it, everyone else makes dying look easy. It'll be like a badge of honor or something.
Bulma's gritted her teeth as her shaking became a full-body tremble. Her heartbeat echoing out loud as she struggled to get her breathing under control.
No reason to be scared. No reason to be scared. No reason to be scared. No reason to be-
A hard beep resounded out of the console causing the blue-haired genius to freeze.
…there's the limit.
Entering more orders into the console the namekian spaceship finally stopped its ascent. Leaning back in her seat Bulma took a second to look out of the window in front of her. The ship drifted on the cusp of Namek's pull. The stars of the universe hanging just above her. Taking the time to properly line up her shot did not help Bulma's nerves, but it had to be done. Breathing in deeply and exhaling loudly Bulma's thoughts slowed even though her shaking continued.
Like it or not I'm in this fight. I have to do my part. Krillin and the others have been risking their lives all this time and if they can do it so can I. After all-
"I'm human too."
Smashing her fist over the accelerate button had the spacecraft launch itself at Namek's surface. Breaking through the multiple levels of the atmosphere the outside of the ship started burn upon reentry. Wind and fire whipped itself against the bulk of the craft the shaking growing even more insane than before. Inside the ship, Bulma's breathing had spiraled fully out of her control as multiple warnings and sirens she had installed blared in the background. Sweat started to pour out of her as the intense heat had broken through the ship's skin boiling the innards of the technology. With only her adrenaline guiding her Bulma's iron-set focus flickered in and out as black spots started dancing in her sight. The clouds split open as the young woman's warpath blazed on. Simply breathing became a full problem as Bulma's throat tightened from the lack of breathable oxygen as Namek's surface suddenly came into view. Pressing a command into the console to start her ejection Bulma's strength started to fade and she suddenly was unable to even lift her hand. Slumping forward Bulma closed her eyes and grew deaf to her situation as her consciousness left completely.
"Now then, where were we?"
Krillin's fear held him in place as Frieza spoke slowly but his determination kept him standing in front of Gohan. Still trying to form a possible plan all thought left the monk as a sudden light took over the green sky above. What appeared to be a meteor screaming at Frieza's back left the monk speechless. It was not until his senses told him who and what was happening did Krillin gain his voice in time to scream.
"Gohan move!"
The boy had also seen the familiar ship in the sky and moved as soon as the order was given. Frieza had expected this and had fully prepared himself to shoot down the young half-saiyan if he had attempted to flee. Yet the sound of something falling toward him caught his curiosity.
"What is-"
"Solar Flare!"
The light radiating from the human caught Frieza unaware his eyes unprepared for the ridiculous technique. With Gohan out of the sight and Frieza momentarily disabled, Krillin shot toward the falling starcraft. Moving quickly the monk blasted through the window of the namekian spaceship a barrier protecting him from the glass and the heat.
"Bulma!"
The cry was given no response as the young woman had fully passed out her seatbelt still holding her in place. Wasting no time Krillin ripped the chair out of the ship and sent a ki blast toward the back of the ship. The energy burst out creating a hole that Krillin slipped through carrying Bulma with him. The two took flight as Frieza regained his sight turning toward the mysterious sound as grew louder. The tyrant only had a second to realize the danger he was in before the namekian ship landed on top of him. The impact crunched the monster against Namek's soil exploding out with a boom that blew apart a large chunk of the ground leaving a gigantic crater. The collision also engaged the rail gun inside to discharge the stored power it held creating a chain reaction that formed a dome of deadly energy spiraling out of control. The power erupted out of the bits and pieces of ship covering Frieza in pure destruction. Just as Bulma had planned. The gust the crash created tossed Krillin and Bulma out of the air the small monk doing his best to hold onto his friend. Landing hard on a nearby island Krillin tore Bulma out of her secured seat and laid her down to get a better look at the young woman.
"Bulma! Bulma can you hear me?"
Slowly the genius started to come round her eyes fluttering open.
"Oh…hey Krillin."
"What was that?! You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"Look who's talking," The genius coughed trying and failing to find her feet.
"Krillin, Bulma!"
The two looked toward the voice to see Chiaotzu speeding toward them. However, he was not alone. Draped over him was Nail the experienced warrior looking like death itself.
"Chiaotzu, you're alright," Krillin said as his friend landed. "Nail, is he?"
"He's still alive," Chiaotzu said placing the namekian down and starting to heal him. "But only barely. Bulma are you alright? I can heal you if you need it."
"I'm okay," The woman responded. "He needs your help more. It's good to see you."
"You too," Chiaotzu said with a friendly smile.
"Chiaotzu have you seen the others?"
"Not yet, we're all scattered but I can still sense them so everyone's still alive."
"Good, Bulma you bought us some time, so we need to use it."
"You're welcome by the way," Bulma said with a groan.
Everyone regroup if you can hear me. Krillin said in his mind his thoughts running toward the others. If you are to injured move toward Tsuno. Frieza is down but there is no telling when he'll be back.
"Krillin there's one more thing," said Chiaotzu. "It was only for a moment, but I was able to grab hold of Frieza's heart."
"What? You were?"
"Yeah, but he felt it and shut me down. He has abilities like mine but a lot more powerful. If he senses me trying that again he'll kill me before I can do anything."
Krillin flinched. And for a moment he felt as if he could not breathe.
Kill
Chiaotzu's words hit the monk hard and he could not help but look over the small huddle of companions before him. Bulma's injuries, Chiaotzu's halo, and Nail's condition had him panting hard as a small sliver of terror bit into his mind. His friends were hurt and if he could not do this they were going to die. A shiver tackled the little human and the familiar feeling of doubt consumed him.
"Krillin, are you alright?"
Bulma's question brought him back and the monk nodded sharply. "I'm fine." Bury it. Bury it.
"Hey!"
The group turned and found more the team flying toward them. Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan touched down joining the others on the island.
"Are you guys o…Bulma!" Goku's question stopped as he rushed over to his oldest friend's side.
"Hey stranger, I was wondering when I'd get to see you." The young woman smiled. "Help me up you lug."
"Are you alright Mrs. Bulma?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah, kid I'm good."
The full-blooded saiyan from Earth helped the blue-haired genius back to her feet and gave her a shoulder to lean on.
"That was a crazy move Bulma," Goku said excitedly.
"Well someone had to do something you guys were getting your butts kicked," Bulma said proudly before smirking at Vegeta. "Not so useless now, huh prince?"
Vegeta said nothing while crossing his arms.
"Enough," Piccolo said stepping forward. "While your stunt was effective it hasn't ended the fight. Frieza's energy is still strong and the others are far more injured then us. They've gone to Tsuno for healing, but we are running out of time."
"Ugh."
The conversation was interrupted by a groan from Nail who was regaining consciousness thanks to Chiaotzu's healing.
"How do you feel?" The smallest warrior asked ready to help more if needed.
"Better, you have my thanks," Nail said as he stood up. "What has happened?"
"The plan failed. We have some time, but we need to come up with a new one," Krillin answered quickly.
"Do you have any ideas?" asked Chiaotzu.
"…I'm not sure. Frieza still has one more transformation left but we couldn't finish him off when he was weaker. As things stand, we don't have anything powerful enough to kill him even if he gives us the chance."
A harsh silence covered the ground only to be broken by the stern voice of Nail.
"…I have a suggestion," The namekian said gaining everyone's attention. "There is a taboo unique to my people. A way for a warrior to gain enormous power at the cost of a heavy price, it is called fusion."
"Fusion?" Piccolo asked. "I haven't heard of this."
"Unsurprising," Nail continued. "It is rarely spoken of even on Namek."
"What is it?" Goku asked shifting his weight to better support Bulma.
"In truth, it is more of an assimilation than fusion. One namekian absorbs the energy, strength, memories, and intelligence or thought pattern of another. Both participants must willingly consent to fuse in this manner and usually, the pair agrees to the stronger of the two to serve their body as the host."
"Host? What happens to the weaker namekian?" Krillin asked already worried.
"They cease to be," Nail said sharply before looking at Piccolo. "It is no secret that you are my superior in strength child of Katas. I am prepared to give you everything I am for the sake of this fight."
"But, you'll die," said Gohan despair coating his voice.
"Then that is how it shall be," Namek's champion said. "What say you, Piccolo?"
Kami's other half paused for a moment before saying slowly. "It isn't up to me."
"What?" Nail recoiled.
"Krillin," said Piccolo turning toward the monk. "What do you think?"
"Me?" Krillin replied in shock. "You're asking me?"
"I am," The demon replied firmly. "Decide quickly."
"What are you doing?" Nail stammered. "He's only-"
"He's the leader," Piccolo said coldly. "It's his decision."
Nail's eyes were wide as they looked between the other namekian and the human before him. Struggling to understand the level of trust between them. Krillin had shaken off his surprise and closed his eyes while his mind rushed for an answer. After a moment he looked to the two namekians and said.
"No. Don't do it."
"There you have it," Piccolo said with a sweep of his cape.
"Are…are you insane?!" Nail shouted unable to comprehend the situation. "We need to win this fight no matter the cost!"
"…that cost is too high," Krillin said calmly.
"You are the one who said we needed to do whatever it takes!" Nail pressed on. "I am offering you a means to do that! I am offering you power!"
"I don't want power," Krillin said firmly. "I want to save your world."
Nail flinched as the monk continued.
"If we win by sacrificing the people we're trying to save. Then we haven't won at all."
Nail stood still his mind reaching back into his memories and finding the Grand Elder's deep voice.
Namek is its people.
"I made a promise to the Grand Elder that I would find a way to give Namek a future and I will but your planet will need you as well," Krillin said before smiling. "I'll find a way; I promise I will."
Nail looked at the small human and for a moment the permanent glare he wore softened.
"You lot are going in circles," Vegeta said stepping in. "If we need more power than the answer is obvious, we get more," Vegeta said glaring at Nail. "Isn't that what you said once namekian?"
"It's not that simple Vegeta," Bulma said still hanging off Goku.
"It is if you're a saiyan," Vegeta shot back. "You still have those beans right Kakarot?"
"Yeah right here," Goku said pulling out the senzu beans from his pocket. "There are two left."
"Good, we'll need them to recover after one of you brings us to the brink of death."
"Huh? Why would they do that?"
"To grow stronger, you idiot! Or do you know nothing of saiyan biology?"
"Biology?"
"To put it in terms anyone can understand," Vegeta said rolling his eyes. "If a saiyan recovers from injuries that would normally kill them their body adapts and grows stronger."
"Oh!" Goku said tossing one to the prince. "That's why I feel so much better after a senzu!"
"I, I'm surprised Vegeta," said Krillin. "I didn't think you would be the one to suggest that."
"Keep your surprise human," The prince hissed. "I will be the one who kills Frieza. You, weaklings, are just helping me achieve that."
"I can't believe you still got that stick up your butt even now," Bulma said flatly.
"Silence wo-"
The prince's response was cut off as a torrent of pure energy erupted out of the deep crater throwing off the debris that was once the namekian spaceship. The explosion unleashed a blast of wind that swallowed up the group despite the distance. A scream enhanced by unfathomable power echoed out of the hole informing everyone, they had run out of time.
"He really is still alive," Bulma said with growing fear. "I made a bomb and ran it into him from space, what's it going to take?"
Wait…bomb? Of course! Snapping upright as if he was asleep Krillin turned to Goku.
"Goku! We need a spirit bomb! If we can hit him with that while he's transforming that could do it!" Krillin yelled over the small hurricane Frieza had created.
"A-alright, so I should start after the saiyan healing thing?"
"You need to start now or else there won't be enough power behind it! Find a spot away from the fight and start gathering the energy! Chiaotzu, Piccolo, and Nail you're with me! We need to hold him off while we wait for everyone else! Vegeta! Get Bulma out of here and fall back toward Tsuno and the others!"
"What!" Both the prince and the genius screamed together.
"Just do it!"
"Mr. Krillin what should I do?!" Gohan asked holding himself upright despite the wind.
The monk turned to the small boy and the doubt returned. "Go with your dad! He'll keep you safe!"
"I can fight Mr. Krillin!" Gohan screamed. "I can do it!"
Krillin turned to the half-saiyan and grabbed him by the shoulders.
"You shouldn't have to!"
Gohan's eyes grew wide as the desperation racked the monk's face. "You should be home with your mom, going to school, and making friends your age. We are almost there Gohan and I'm not going to risk your life when we're so close. Your dad is here now so you need to stay with him okay? This isn't a fight you should be a part of." Krillin said his voice close enough he didn't need to yell.
"You said we both needed to do our best on Namek Mr. Krillin, but I can't if you don't let me."
"I know Gohan, I know but this isn't for you. I know you don't like fighting so I'm trying to keep you safe from that. For now, just go with your dad and keep your head down. It'll be alright Gohan. Everything will be alright."
"…are you sure Mr. Krillin?"
The question blew the wind away as the doubt grew in strength and fully appeared on Krillin's face. Panic ran through as the monk as he started to breathe heavily while his strength and conviction faltered.
….no…I'm not.
But there was no time for that.
Frieza had crawled back onto the surface and was rushing at the group his scream and power growing every second.
"Go!" Krillin said pushing Gohan away while burying every emotion that was not needed for the fight.
Goku handed Bulma over to Vegeta who lent his back as the saiyan father grabbed his son. The three warriors who held saiyan blood took off with Gohan giving one last look at the monk he was leaving behind.
"Chiaotzu, Nail, are you ready?"
The two nodded given Krillin a reason to look over at the warrior beside him.
"I don't suppose you learned anything new from King Kai?" Krillin asked Piccolo while sliding into a stance.
"The fool's training was idiotic," Piccolo said taking off his turban and his cape and tossing them aside. The weight of the two garments cracked open Namek's ground as they landed. "But effective."
"You couldn't have done that sooner?" asked Krillin. "It may have helped."
"Discarding those increases my strength and speed, not my energy output. It would not have mattered before."
"If you say so. Though you didn't answer my question."
"I have something that will distract him but won't be able to put him down. We'll be relying on the spirit bomb again like on Earth."
Krillin sighed and watched Frieza close the gap between them. Nail and Chiaotzu took their stances and the four warriors prepared themselves as best they could.
Do you really think of me as a leader? Krillin asked Piccolo in his mind.
…I believe the tall human mentioned it when we first arrived. Kami's other half replied. The kai informed us of your fights while you were here. You kept everyone alive despite the odds. That was impressive.
Piccolo grunted as his ki started to rise. Focusing his strength, the namekian split his power into two more copies. A total of three Piccolo's stepped forward and took a firm fighting stance.
Though your tactics are rough and require a large amount of blood on both sides. If we survive, you will have to improve.
Frieza's rush brought the tyrant closer into view as the warriors could see the full extent of the damage done. Bulma's attack had shirred off patches of skin and replaced most of it with burns. The stub that used to be the emperor's tail looked frail as it was dragged along with its master. Frieza himself was coated in his blood that seemed to run blue across his face and body. Several splotches dotted the monster's torso and legs indicating that despite everything, Frieza was hurt. Yet the enormous power he carried was only increasing.
In response, the Piccolos start to grow. The three copies began to increase their size rising above the rest of the warriors. One had to step off the island as it became too crowded his foot smashing into the bottom of the ocean and spraying the rest of the group with the green water. As Krillin looked in awe of the three giants that had appeared before him only for that to stop as Piccolo's voice continued in his mind.
Do I think of you as a leader? There are moments.
The three namekian mountains charged with an echoing war cry descending on Frieza with overwhelming malice.
Show me you are worthy of that.
As conflicted as the small monk was the namekian's words helped.
You've gotten stronger. Krillin thought unable to stop a grin. But you changed a little too.
Nail and Chiaotzu followed Piccolo's lead already firing blasts of ki at the emperor. Bringing his power up with a fighting shout and clocking himself in a wide net of electricity Krillin took to the sky joining his companions.
You didn't even realize it did you, Piccolo? Before, you called me by my name.
"There."
Bulma noticed the group first pointing it out to the saiyan prince who started his descent onto the island.
Yajirobi, Tien, were standing by the Grand Elder who was still seated by the seven dragonballs. Yajirobi and Tien watched Tsuno carefully as was hovering over Yamcha. The new elder of Namek's hands were covered in ki as he administered a healing wave. As Vegeta landed and walked over Tien looked up to the two.
"Bulma!"
"You guys!" The young woman waved from the prince's back. "Is everyone alright?"
"We're fine, Yajirobi dragged us here when he had the chance. Tsuno said Yamcha will be up in a second but what about you? Tien went on ignoring his rotund ally. "Did you fly the ship into Frieza?"
"Pretty great right? Felt good hitting that psychopath from orbit," Bulma grinned before looking at the samurai. "Yajirobi! I haven't seen you in a while. How are you?"
"Still dead."
"If you are finished chatting then get off," Vegeta said cutting in. "I can't fight with you weighing me down."
"Are you calling me fat?" Bulma asked completely offended.
"I'm calling you heavy, now get off!"
The blue-haired genius was quick with a response but stopped as she noticed Tsuno had finished his treatment. Yamcha slowly sat up while shaking his head trying to regain his focus and locked eyes with an old flame.
"Bulma?"
"Yamcha."
Bulma released Vegeta and tried to walk toward the former bandit only for her legs to give out. She began to fall but was quickly caught by her ex.
"Whoa there," Yamcha said. "You look more beat up than me."
The scarred man didn't get a response as Bulma wrapped her arms around him for a tight hug.
"…I missed you," The young woman said her voice muffled by the martial artist's gi.
"Missed you too," Yamcha said softly returning the gesture.
Vegeta watched the interaction unsure what to think. The loudmouth had become quiet and the weakling seemed to exude a quiet strength. I don't understand these humans.
"Yo princy."
The prince looked in the direction of his name to see Yajirobi walking toward him.
"Looks like you survived too, nice work on the sword by the way."
"Shut it, fat man. Your leader has a new plan. Kakarot will be creating something called a spirit bomb. I assume that's what you hit me with back on Earth. Correct?"
"That's right," Tien replied.
"Then we have a chance. The rest of you need to stall Frieza in the meantime."
"What will you be doing?" Tien asked sternly.
"Kakarot gave me one of your healing beans," Vegeta said while holding out the senzu. "One of you weaklings will have to bring me close to death and then I'll use this to heal and gain strength."
"Alright," Tien said blasting out a large hole in the saiyan's torso. The shock instantly making the prince pass out as his body hit the ground with a dull thud.
"Whoa Tien!" Yajirobi cried. "A warning would be nice!"
"This is the plan, isn't it? He talked about it when we fought so I get the gist of it. But we can't waste time and he'll be fine. Why do you even care? He killed you."
"Well yeah, but-"
"We have to move," Tien said interrupting smoothly. "Tsuno are you good to take care of him?"
"Yes," the namekian said breathing out heavily as he gathered his strength. "I've done this before. I'll be sure to restore his armor as well. It's filled with holes at this point."
"Alright, then we need to go."
"Right," Yamcha said picking up Bulma bridal style and placing her next to the Grand Elder. "You going to be okay?"
"Oh please," Bulma said waving her ex's concern away. "I'm sturdier than all of you guys put together. Now go on and finish this."
Yamcha nodded and turned to the others before the three humans took off into the sky.
"I can heal you if you wish," Tsuno said to Bulma. "We'll need to wait for a few minutes before we can heal the saiyan after all. The closer to death he is the stronger he shall become."
"I guess that's a good thing," Bulma said with a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I could use a quick fix if you don't mind."
Tsuno smiled and set to work coating the young woman in a thin cover of energy.
"That was a very brave thing you did Bulma Briefs," The Grand Elder said looking down on the blue-haired genius.
"Oh, that? No big deal. Got to do my part after all!" Bulma laughed.
The Grand Elder's gaze lingered on the woman before asking softly. "Are you alright?"
"Me? Yeah, never better."
A moment passed before the old namekian spoke again.
"Forgive me, young lady. With age, I have long learned how to see through simple lies. I ask again, are you alright?"
Bulma flinched. "…I."
She tried to laugh the question off, but her smile vanished as her hands began to shake. Gripping her wrists did nothing to stop it. Biting her bottom lip hard as she tried to tame her emotions only brought a giant namekian hand to be placed on her head.
"It's alright," The Grand Elder said the small gesture bringing a wave of comfort.
"I…" Bulma said with a quiet sniffle. "I was really scared."
"Which makes your act all the braver," The Grand Elder said with genuine care. "Such is human nature."
Bulma nodded trying her best to calm herself. This brought a smile to the Grand Elder who removed his hand and placed it on the rock behind him. "Now then."
Shifting his weight onto the hand and with great effort, the Grand Elder of Namek began the slow and painful process of standing up.
"G-Grand Elder!" Tsuno cried unable to believe what he was seeing. "What are you doing?!"
"My time has come Tsuno," The old namekian said his knees shaking as they struggled to support his weight. Using the mountain, he rested on as aid the Grand Elder started to find his feet. Coughing hard with blood on his breath sweat began to roll down his face and his legs almost buckled completely, but they did not.
"Before the end," The Grand Elder said as he rose himself up to his full height and looked out over Namek, the planet he called home. "I still have my own part to play."