Author's Note: Enjoy
Weeks Earlier:
"Grandpa!"
Son Goku aged 12 rushed at an old man with outstretched arms, a few tears in his eyes, and a wild smile on his face. The old man wore a bright white mustache and kind eyes as his face held a smile of his own. A black hat with a white puff on top rested just below a golden halo which followed the old man as he opened his arms up to accept the hug from his adopted son.
"That's right, it's me my boy."
Only for Goku to leap into the air and embrace the old man by the face. The gesture while unexpected was filled with love and after the grandpa stumped for a second found his feet and returned the hug. Eventually Goku released the elder and looked up at him with sad eyes.
"Grandpa where have you been? I-I thought you were-"
The young Son Goku could not finish the thought as the few tears he had grew in number. Now crying he buried his face in the old man's robe staining the nice garment with snot and water.
"There, there now. Stop your crying," The old man said patting the small saiyan on the back.
"B-but I looked everywhere for you and I couldn't find you!"
"What are you talking about?" The old martial artist said with a soft laugh. "I'm here now aren't I?"
Goku looked up with a tear-stained face and to see the warm smile of Grandpa Gohan.
"You found me."
The loving words only brought out more tears as Goku's hug tightened.
"That's Grandpa Gohan?" Gohan asked Krillin turning toward the monk.
"Yep that's him," Krillin answered looking at the scene he had replicated.
The two were spending the evening on the namekian ship going through more of Krillin's memories. They were about half-way to Namek when Gohan asked for another story. Discovering that he could use image training as a makeshift storybook Krillin had obliged the young half-saiyan often. Showing him sights and people he had never met was amazing for the boy and Krillin was very fond of helping Gohan smile. Today Krillin thought it would be a good idea to show the boy when he and his friends visited Fortune Teller Babba's palace. It had taken Krillin more than a few tries to remember exactly how everything looked but eventually he succeeded. Opting to just recreate the fighting ring and the water beneath instead of the entire palace helped and before long he and Gohan were watching the fight between a young Goku and his adoptive parent.
"That's the man you were named after Gohan," Krillin pointed out.
"Wow," Was the only thing the half-saiyan could say.
"Does your dad talk about him at all?"
"A little," Gohan nodded. "I asked him about his dad, and he said he didn't have a dad but a grandpa. I didn't know they fought like this though."
"Well, your father fights pretty much everyone he meets sooner or later," Krillin laughed.
There was a pause between the two as the memory of Goku crying into the old man continued.
It's strange seeing this again. Krillin thought to himself. Goku told me that he stepped on his grandpa when he was in his great ape form, but you'd never know that based on the old man's reaction.
The monk silently watched as Grandpa Gohan rubbed the young saiyan's head with care.
I guess everyone shows their strength differently.
"I wish I was like that," Gohan said bringing Krillin out of his head.
"Hm? Like what?"
"Like dad is with his grandpa. They both like fighting so they get along."
"What are you talking about Gohan?" Krillin asked a little concerned.
Gohan paused before speaking. "I showed dad a math problem once and he didn't get it. He said it made his head hurt so he went out and trained instead…I wanted him to help me."
Ah, I think I understand. Krillin sighed and put a hand over his face. I know it's not completely his fault. His grandfather only raised him until he was eleven and it seems saiyans aren't very family-oriented. Still, you can't be this oblivious Goku.
Krillin peeked through his hand to see the boy was pretty down. I should help.
"How about this Gohan," The monk said placing a hand on the boy's head. "Goku might not like math that much but I know he loves going out on adventures. So, when we get back how about the three of us go on a little trip? It'll be like before with the others. We can go fishing, tell stories by the campfire and you can show your dad how good you are at hunting. You're even better than me!"
"Really?!" Gohan said his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course I do. I know things are bad now and you haven't had a lot of time to spend with your dad but that'll be over soon. Once we get to Namek we'll get everyone back and we'll go home. Who knows maybe Tien will forgive me one day too," Krillin said turning and softly placing his hands on Gohan's shoulders. "It'll be alright Gohan. Everything will be alright."
"…are you sure Mr. Krillin?"
"Yeah," Krillin said with a nod and a smile. "I'm sure."
Present:
"You vile insects!" Frieza spat as watched the three giant Piccolos rush him. "I WILL DESTROY ALL OF YOU!"
Undeterred by the threat one Piccolo threw a colossal punch straight at the enraged tyrant.
In response Frieza raised one leg above his large head and brought it down hard on the fist's enormous knuckles. The impact from the heel redirected the attack's trajectory causing the huge namekian to stumble. Merely finding his footing had the ground shaking from the weight of Piccolo's steps. The emperor charged forward at Piccolo's head. A dense sphere of energy covering him as he aimed to break through the gigantic skull. His charge was stopped as an energy blast threw him off course. The tyrant turned only to see Nail his expression alive with hatred as he fired again. The attack held little danger and was batted away but Frieza paused as he looked at the namekian with clear confusion.
I thought I killed that one.
The thought delayed Frieza's reactions long enough for a mammoth hand to grab him out of the sky. Rearing the grasped tyrant above his head before whipping his arm toward the ground Piccolo tossed Frieza with enough force to carve a dent in Namek's crust. Frieza could only stare at the green sky for a moment before his vision was blocked by three immense identical namekians who opened their mouths wide. Gathering their ki quickly the three Piccolo's vomited a torrent of energy onto the downed emperor. The oncoming blast vaporized the entire island Frieza had landed on creating a hole in its stead. For a moment, the fighting stopped with the only sound being the heavy pants of three giants. Only for a gash running from a Piccolo's shoulder to his hip cut across his body. Blood exploded out of the wound as the giant fell backward crashing into the green water and coloring it purple. Frieza wasted no more time as he burst through the ki created hole and severed one of the giant's head with a swipe of his hand. The giant head splashed into Namek's sea forming a large wave of water. Nail appeared again to rush the tyrant but his attacks held little effect. The large form of Frieza descended on the champion ripping off both of his arms and burying a wild kick into his torso flinging him into a stretch of land below. With the path clear the remaining Piccolo shouted another blast of energy. Only for the tyrant to point a single finger at the beam and fired a thin beam of his own. Frieza's ki sliced through and burst into Piccolo's mouth before exploding out the other end. Looking for his next target Frieza noticed that the first giant he had cut had vanished the purple floating in the water was all that remained.
That must have been the real one. These worthless bugs are like a disease.
Before more internal insults could be thought a buzzing sound caught Frieza's attention. Looking to his side he saw Krillin closing the gap holding a destructo disc above his head.
"Have you learned nothing human?!" Frieza snarled. "That no longer works on me!"
Ignoring the comment Krillin threw the disc at the tyrant who held his hand up to catch it in mid-air. Only for the disc to swerve at the last second avoiding the emperor entirely.
"Ha! Your fear must be affecting your aim!"
With nothing in his way Frieza pointed a firm finger at the monk ready to end his life. Only to realize that his ability to gather energy had been frozen, as well as his ability to move. Fighting the energy keeping him in place Frieza locked his eyes with Chiaotzu arms outstretched and his entire aura flaring crimson.
"You again!" Frieza roared as Chiaotzu struggled to keep the tyrant still.
Meanwhile the thrown disc of ki turned in mid-air and shot forward at Frieza's rear. The circles of energy were aimed directly at Frieza's unguarded neck. Seeing red as Frieza felt Chiaotzu try to grab his heart a second time Frieza let loose a powerful howl as he used the full power of his third form. Breaking out of Chiaotzu's hold and breaking apart the disc before he dove at Krillin left Frieza unaware of what was going on above him.
"Tri-beam!"
A wall of ki smashed against the tyrant's body throwing him downward. Scraping the energy burst off of him like a scab left the emperor with a new view of his enemies as Yamcha, Yajirobi, and Tien joined Krillin and Chiaotzu. All of them looking down on him, all of them human.
How are they doing this? Not only are their wounds somehow healing it seems as if they are gaining strength!
If Frieza could sense energy the tyrant would be able to tell that the humans only had enough time for a patch job to recover from their wounds. Their increased power was due to their unlocked potential steadily honing them. Yet the speed at which they gained that strength was slow. Frieza knew none of this and as the human's stare fell on him his anger grew larger. Along with a sliver, of helplessness.
I am Lord Frieza! I will not be looked down upon!
Both of the emperor's hands tightened into fists as he seethed his power building to greater heights.
Not by monkeys or by insects!
Nice timing. Krillin thought to the others as they joined him by his side. Are the Grand Elder and Tsuno alright?
Yeah. Yamcha answered. We left Bulma there with them and Tien 'helped' Vegeta. Pretty gruesome stuff if you ask me but I guess that's just how saiyans operate.
They're born to fight after all. Krillin continued. Piccolo and Nail are hurt but I can sense that they're recovering. Out of all of us they are probably the best prepared to take a beating. Gohan is with Goku who is charging a spirit bomb. With his added strength it should be even more potent than the one he made on Earth.
Then it's another gamble. Tien chimed in. Chiaotzu are you alright?
I'm good Tien. I stopped him for a second, but he is getting wise to what I can do. At this rate I won't be able to do anything if he keeps catching me.
Maybe you should hang back and concentrate on healing. Tien suggested.
No Tien. I can do this.
Chi-
The mute conversation stopped as Namek's wind suddenly picked up. A frightened howl seemed to emanate from the planet itself as Frieza began to scream. A purple glow shone out from the tyrant's body with multiple cracks appearing across him as if he were made of glass. The updraft nearly blew the humans away as the cracks and light in Frieza's body grew more severe.
What is he doing? Yajirobi asked his hand already on his sword.
He's…he's transforming now! Krillin thought his mind shaking. I thought we'd have more time! Everyone gather your energy! The monk silently screamed to his allies. We still have a minute before he-
But they didn't.
All thought died as the cracks merged and shattered the purple light exploding into the eyes of all who looked at the emperor. The transformation took seconds but the change in Frieza's form was drastic. Frieza's head had shrunk back into itself shedding its horns and shrinking until it had changed into a smooth surface. The process had also reformed the tyrant's nose taking its place under the emperor's pointed eyes. The tyrant's shoulders had also regressed into its master's body shrinking under they were no longer than the rest of his body. The injuries the emperor had carried faded completely as even the damage to his tail had been restored. The extra appendage swished in the wind in distaste. Frieza's body had grown smaller and slimmer than before his other transformations had increased his size while this one did the opposite. Yet, out of all his transformations this one was the most dangerous.
That's…what…what is that? Yamcha asked his thoughts scattered.
His fourth form. Krillin answered quivering. This is his full power.
What…what do we do now?
The monk was not even sure who asked the question so far gone were his thoughts. Before he could even answer the tyrant slowly rose into the sky to meet them. His arms were crossed, and his eyes were narrowed.
"You may have wanted to catch me with my guard down again but that is an opportunity I will not give again," Frieza said with a snarl. "So instead let me offer you my congratulations. You are the first other than my father to see me in this form. No doubt you insects cannot even recognize this as the honor it is, but you only have yourselves to blame. For all of your struggles the only thing you have accomplished is this."
Frieza unfurled his arms and let loose a chilling pulse of energy. The clouds of Namek vanished, the water calmed, and all sound on the planet seemed to die save for the few words spoken by the monster.
"You have taken the fun out of killing you."
Chiaotzu was the first to move. With enough power at his side to move mountains and split oceans he moved to freeze the tyrant in place using his psychic abilities. His strength further enhanced by the kaio-ken the smallest warrior sent out a wave of invisible energy looking to ensnare the worst. Frieza answered with a wave of his hand.
"Chiaotzu!"
Tien's scream shifted the group's focus as they watched their friend start to fall out of the sky blood seeping out of his mouth due to vast power attacking his mind.
Yajirobi was next. Pulling his katana out of his sheath and coating it with what ki he had he charged. As he did the rotund samurai filled the air with afterimages of himself each coming at the tyrant from a different angle. Moving with speed unnatural to a man of his weight the army of Yajoribis set to cleave the emperor in two. Frieza answered with a swish of his healed tail.
"Yajirobi!"
Krillin's cry went unheard as the plump human dropped. His afterimages fading from sight as Frieza's tail cracked against the real Yajirobi.
Yamcha was the last. With two dense spheres of ki fired from his hands a red aura blazing strong the wolf went at his prey with everything he had. Conducting the balls of energy to dance in the air gaining speed and strength the Taitan's star player closed the distance between him and the monster in an instant. Bringing the energy attacks down on top of his enemy's head and detonating them Yamcha followed up with claws of ki ready to gouge.
"WOLF FANG WA-"
Frieza answered with a punch.
Tsuno's healing was undone as the scarred warrior's ribs were shattered. The contact propelled him through the air landing him deep into a mountain an island away.
"Hmm as I thought," Frieza said shaking his hand in the wind as if to wipe away the sensation of merely touching a lower lifeform. "In this form fights tend to become so very dull."
Only Krillin and Tien remained their fear holding them in place. Tien's third eye scanned the ground below looking for his friends. Unable to locate Yamcha the three-eyed human did find Chiaotzu and Yajirobi both having crashed onto the ground.
They're alive. Their energy is weak, but I. I think its stable. Tien said sending his thoughts to Krillin. We need to do something.
The spirit bomb. Krillin answered slowly. It's…it's the only thing we have left.
I don't see it anywhere. Is Goku still charging it?
He must be.
If it's ready, then he needs to throw it or help us here. You need to find him.
I can't leave you!
We don't have a choice. We're both weaker than the others and Frieza just put them down without breaking a sweat. You are the only one beside Goku that has experience handling the spirit bomb. Maybe there is something you can do.
"You've both grown awfully quiet," Frieza said. "What are you scheming now?"
The question was laced with an overwhelming power that had the two humans shaking.
"You know what? I just thought of a fun little game I could play," Frieza said with a smile as he looked directly at Krillin. "I'll kill you last."
Before the monk could object the tyrant fired a sliver of deadly energy at Tien's heart. Had it made contact it would have sliced through the human's vital organ as if it were paper. Had it.
"Duck you imbecile!"
A swift kick smashed against the side of Tien's head tossing him to the side as the death beam passed by harmlessly. Tien's savior floated in the air for a moment as he took in the situation. Once he had the man grinned wide before letting loose a stern laugh.
"How kind of you humans to stall Frieza long enough for my arrival. Now the real battle can begin."
"Vegeta!" Krillin cried looking at the fully healed prince.
"Back again Vegeta?" The tyrant sighed. "How droll."
"Heh, you say that now Frieza but you'll be eating those words soon enough."
"Oh? You seem quite confident," Frieza said in amusement. "Does my true form not phase you at all?"
"Hardly," Vegeta cackled. "There is no longer any reason to fear you. Now that the legend has been realized."
"What?"
"That's right Frieza. I have become the one thing that can defeat you, a super saiyan!"
As the monk listened to the prince's words he couldn't stop his shock from showing. The monk looked over the prince in uncertainty. Vegeta's armor had been restored and his energy output was greater then it had ever been, but nothing else had changed.
Is that true? Vegeta's power has grown a huge amount thanks to his recovery but is he really a super saiyan? Does he believe that or is he just trying to bait Frieza? Regardless.
Krillin's eyes tracked the tyrant's and saw a moment of hesitation. With Vegeta's declaration redirecting the emperor's focus the monk knew that this was a golden opportunity. Sending a nod to Tien who returned the favor. Silently Krillin backed away before starting his search for his friend.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The monk's escape attempt hadn't gone unnoticed by the tyrant who pointed a long finger at the human's head. The gesture did not escape Vegeta's gaze who charged at the monster already shouting.
"You're fighting me Frieza!"
The surprise attack threw off Frieza's aim and he found himself dodging a particularly heavy punch. As the prince continued his barrage of strikes this gave Krillin the time he needed to vanish.
"Mr. Krillin!" Gohan shouted as he noticed the monk dropping down on the island he and his father had fled to. Noting that the young half-saiyan was still unharmed Krillin then looked over to Goku whose eyes were closed tight while he held both of his arms up in the air.
"Krillin what happened?" Goku asked his eyes remaining closed.
"Frieza transformed into his last form. He didn't give us a chance to stop him he did it in an instant. How is the spirit bomb?"
"Not ready."
"Is it close? Where is it?"
"Above," Goku answered quickly still maintaining his concentration.
Krillin looked up and was greeted with a massive orb of pure ki. The size and scale of the energy pulsing out of the ball made the monk's knees grow weak.
It's massive! I can't believe I didn't even notice it before! Krillin thought to himself before looking back at his friend. He must be holding it that high so Frieza wouldn't see it before it was done. He's still a genius when it comes to fighting.
"The others," Goku said slowly. "Their energy is dropping fast."
"Even with King Kai's training and their potential unlocked they can't keep up with Frieza. Vegeta is fighting with Tien right now but they need you Goku."
"The spirit bomb's not finished yet."
"Is there anything I can do?" Krillin growing desperate. "Like how I helped you on Earth?"
Goku paused before opening his eyes. "Yes, but not alone."
Stepping to the side while still holding his arms up Goku motioned for Krillin to stand next to him. The monk did so without question and held his arms up in the same manner as the saiyan. As he did an intense weight seemed to fill his hands despite nothing physical being there.
"This is-"
"The spirit bomb. Usually it gathers energy from the planet but Namek is so weak that I had to use ki from nearby worlds. However, you don't know how to do that, so you'll have to use your own power. Just inject your energy into it like you would a Kamehameha while maintaining its shape."
"All right," Krillin said with a nod and bracing himself. "It's so much bigger than it was on Earth."
"Yeah, and I don't think you'll be able to hold it up by yourself," Goku said before turning to his son. "Gohan, you'll have to help him."
"Me?" The boy asked in surprise.
"Yep you got this Gohan," Goku said with a grin. "Just follow Krillin's lead and give it all you've got!"
"A-alright!" Gohan nodded already beaming from his father's words.
The monk was quiet as the boy took his father's place and mimicked Krillin's stance. As Goku lowered his arms the full force of the spirit bomb landed on the two. Gohan and Krillin had to brace themselves neither expecting how heavy the ball of ki would be.
"You'll feel when it's ready. When you do, you'll have to toss it keep in mind it'll probably take a few seconds before it hits the ground so make sure you aim it."
"Right," Krillin wheezed out still trying to get a proper hold on the massive sphere.
"Good luck dad!" Gohan shouted which got a big smile out of his father.
With nothing more to say Goku blasted off toward the battle in the sky.
"Finished already?"
Frieza's question went unanswered as Vegeta gasped for breath. The fight was a one-sided affair with the prince of all saiyans struggling to keep up with the tyrant. While his boost in power had allowed him to track Frieza it wasn't enough to land a blow on the monster.
"I must admit I'm a little disappointed. It turns out this super saiyan legend you keep spouting is just an excuse to bore me."
Vegeta grunted his fists shaking in anger.
"If this is truly all the saiyan race had to offer then perhaps I shouldn't have bothered killing them. Perhaps they would have served as proper servants for a few more years. Just as you did."
"Bastard!" The prince roared gathering all of his energy into his hands. "I am a super saiyan! I AM!"
Aiming directly at the emperor Vegeta turned all of his power into a wave of energy that he shot out determined to disintegrate the monster that had enslaved him. In response Frieza sighed before punting the blast of ki upward. The overwhelming strength in the kick redirected the attack shooting it off into the green sky and breaking out of the planet's pull.
"Now are you finished? Or would you like to delude yourself further?"
The prince's mouth hung low as he began to shake in disbelief. He had put everything he had into that last attack only for it to be waved aside as if it were nothing. For the first time in his life Vegeta's confidence wavered and the smallest hint of tears appeared on his face.
"You aren't going to cry are you?"
The question broke Vegeta out of his head and wiped away even the thought of sadness.
"Quiet human," The prince seethed as Tien floated next to him.
"Can't have the legendary super saiyan openly weeping, can we?"
"I said quiet."
"Fine," The human said his eyes still focused on Frieza. "Now that you're angry again. What are we going to do?"
Vegeta had no answer and Frieza sighed again the time for conversation had ended.
"I was hoping to kill the both of you in front of my former soldier but seeing as how he's run away I suppose I'll settle for piling your corpses on-"
"Heads up!"
For the second time Goku fell feet first into Frieza's unguarded side. The impact had an immediate effect as the tyrant was rocketed into Namek's ocean bringing up a geyser of water.
"Kakarot!" Vegeta snapped. "I told you this is m-"
"Enough Vegeta," Tien said before looking at his friend. "Goku what happened to the spirit bomb?"
Silently the saiyan from Earth raised a finger skyward pointed at the massive energy orb above them. The view stole the voices of both Tien and Vegeta allowing Goku to continue.
"It's not finished yet, so we have to stop Frieza from noticing it. Krillin and Gohan are still charging it."
"Are they capable of doing that?" Tien quickly asked.
"I'm pretty sure."
Before either Tien or Vegeta could voice their concerns, their senses blared a warning of danger. The sea below seemed to shatter apart as the emperor slowly emerged. Silently rising to meet the remaining warriors Frieza's calm demeanor seemed once again shaken.
"There are so many of you insects buzzing around I'm losing count. I can't even play the game properly," The tyrant said through clenched teeth before looking towards Goku. "Ah my mistake it was the other monkey. Are you here to declare yourself a 'super saiyan' as well?"
"I'm here to fight!" Goku grinned which do not amuse Frieza.
"Just more posturing. Very well if I cannot control the order in which I erase you then I will have to come up with a new game," The emperor said slowly before smiling. "How about this? Just for you three I won't use my hands. Think of it as a little bonus for getting this far."
"Sounds good to us," Goku said speaking before the others could answer. "Don't feel bad when you lose because of it."
"A monkey with a sense of human," Frieza laughed. "How amusing."
Dashing at a speed that the three warriors couldn't track the tyrant buried a leg deep into Goku's gut. The strike launched the saiyan backward but had Vegeta and Tien moving to intercept. The two caught the saiyan from Earth quickly but not before the monster found them. The three warriors threw themselves forward Goku's aura shifting to red as they assaulted the twisted beast with all the power they had left. However, despite the handicap Frieza had given himself his final form held unmatched speed and strength. Weaving through the torrent of attacks the emperor placed two devastating kicks against Vegeta's skull and Tien's shoulder. Tien was simply not strong or fast enough to keep up with the tyrant's pace. Toying with the human provided Frieza with a little amusement before a strong punt jetted Tien across Namek and out of sight. Vegeta while far more powerful then he had ever been was still painfully predictable. Having spent years watching the prince's progress as he served in his army Frieza had a good understanding of how the saiyan would attack. Various blasts of ki with a solid combination of punches and kicks were easily dodged or batted away. Carving out an opening in the prince's guard the tyrant jammed his knee into the monkey's stomach and brought his heel down cracking into the hard head of Vegeta. The prince fell back into Namek's ground a cloud of dust obscuring him from view. Frieza grinned to himself before turning to face the last monkey confident fear had gotten the better of his opponent.
"Only one monkey lef-"
Goku took advantage of Frieza's speech and landed a hard punch his attack enhanced by the kaio-ken. It was the first hit anyone had landed on Frieza in this form and it left the emperor momentarily stunned.
"You're stronger compared to the others," Frieza carefully dodging another punch and a wild kick that followed. "Let's see how you handle this."
Whipping his tail at Goku's neck the extra appendage wrapped itself against the saiyan's windpipe and began to squeeze. Suddenly chocking Goku clawed at the tail trying to free himself only for the tyrant to tighten his hold.
"Don't die on me now!" Frieza cackled. "I'm having fun again!
With no options left Goku opened his mouth wide and bit down hard on the tail. The pain was unexpected and immediate forcing the tyrant to uncoil his tail now carrying a visible mark.
"Damn monkey!" Frieza shouted forgetting his own rules and landing a vicious punch on the saiyan.
Goku stumbled back shaking his head before smiling. "Is the game over?"
Screeching the tyrant lunged and bombarded his enemy's body with a flurry of energy blasts and punches. Even with the kaio-ken Goku was completely unprepared for Frieza's assault. Within moments the strongest fighter on Earth was left a bloody mess. From head to toe Goku was covered in damage that left him barely able to stay afloat. Another dangerous kick smashed into his stomach causing a lungful of important fluid to erupt out of his mouth. A swift followup punch tossed the saiyan from Earth out of the sky and onto Namek's hard ground.
Wow, …he is strong. Goku silently chuckled as he skidded to a stop. Still feels a bit like cheating but I guess Krillin's right.
Moving as quickly as he could with the damage done. Goku fished into his pocket and removed the last senzu bean he had.
Plus, I am a little hungry.
I should just destroy this planet.
The thought filled Frieza's mind as he touched down onto the same island Goku had fallen on. The saiyan seemed to be squirming with something but the tyrant had little reason to care and paid him no mind still questioning his next move.
These maggots deserve to suffer yet at what point does that become more trouble than its worth? They seem intent on finishing this now does that mean they think they are capable of that or are they still protecting the dragonballs? They summoned the dragon but did they truly wish for more saiyans? Have I lost my chance?
"Regardless," the emperor said pointing a finger at Goku's back. "At the very least I'll have one less monkey to deal with."
A thin dense line of energy expelled itself out of Frieza's finger ready to end the life of whatever it fired at. Only for it to hit the ground and nothing else.
Wha-
Frieza's question ended as a fist exploded against the side of his face dragging the strongest creature into the dirt. Instantly back on his feet unsure how to even express the anger he was feeling Frieza found Goku fully healed and gathering his energy.
"KAIO-KEN!"
The shout carried a wave of power that shook Frieza as a clock of pure scarlet caped the strongest on Earth. Shooting forward Frieza's eyes were not able to track the saiyan's speed and another heavy punch landed square into the tyrant's core. As if he was shot out of cannon Frieza was thrown an island away crashing into a mountain unable to believe what was happening
"KA."
The first word of his master's attack echoed throughout Namek as Goku chased down the emperor his burning aura lighting up the sky. Frieza let loose a scream of his own as he ejected himself out of the mountain his power reducing it to rubble.
"ME."
The second word was spoken as the two met in mid-air once again. Their clash created a shockwave that was felt by every lifeform left on the planet.
"HA."
The third was shouted as Goku carried his knee into Frieza's jaw. The monster's teeth snapped together with a loud crack as his neck shot skyward.
"ME."
The fourth was roared as a saiyan foot cracked into the tyrant's temple. The impact threw Frieza airborne giving Goku enough time to cup his energy at by his side.
"HA!"
A geyser of pure ki exploded out of the saiyan's hands enhanced and carried by years of training. Enraged that he was being pushed back at all Frieza faced the wave of energy with a firm palm ready to stop the blast. When energy met the hand of the emperor the crack that sounded out reverberated planet-wide. Unfortunately, the tyrant had misjudged the intensity of the beam and was quickly overcome by the torrent of deadly energy. Frieza's body was burned from the inside out the sheer power of Goku's strength only adding to the thought that these weak creatures if given the chance, could kill him. The wave eventually died leaving Goku panting as his aura faded. Frieza on the other hand carried far more damage. His skin displaying numerous burn marks that sizzled out into the air.
"That hurt."
Goku couldn't answer as he struggled to breathe.
"IT HURT!"
Pain gorged into the saiyan's ribs as Frieza shot a kick that landed dead center. With the boost of power, he had received from the senzu bean Goku had appeared to even the playing field but only for an instant. Fully forced to put actual effort into the fight Frieza pushed forward using a portion of his full power which was more the enough to reduce the strongest warrior from Earth into a heaving mess of blood and bone. The saiyan was smashed into the ground bouncing once before landing hard on his front. His struggle to get back was stopped as Frieza planted his foot against Goku's face and brought it back into the dirt.
"I have had enough of you repugnant, insignificant, abhorrent, stupid creatures!" Frieza screamed as he raised a finger into the sky and formed a dark ball of energy. The orb was as black as night, crackled with purple electricity, and held enough power to utterly destroy Namek.
"So, I'm killing you all RIGHT NOW!"
Goku again tried to rise to meet the danger head-on only for his head to be shoved deeper into the ground.
"GAME OVER MONKEY!"
"Excuse me, Lord Frieza?"
The sound of his proper title shook the tyrant out of his brazen rage and he turned to see a namekian. The oldest, fattest, namekian he had ever seen.
"Forgive me for interrupting but allow me to introduce myself. I am the Grand Elder of Namek."
"What do you want slug?" Frieza spat. "Here to watch the end of your world?"
"No. I am here to try and prevent it."
The emperor watched as The Grand Elder of Namek bowed his head in apparent despair.
"We surrender."
That amount of energy Frieza has will destroy Namek!
The private thought plagued Krillin as he continued to hold up the spirit bomb while adding his energy.
Dammit! Even with Goku there we can't stop him! What are we supposed to do?!
Before he could ask himself any more questions Krillin could feel a shift in the spirit bomb. Looking up the monk could see that the sphere had grown bigger but was holding steady in the sky.
It's done. But how am I supposed to throw it now with Goku in the way? I can't have this be a repeat of Earth.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to think of another option. Without warning the weight of the spirit bomb tripled nearly forcing the monk's knees to buckle. His heels cracked into the ground and his arms almost snapped in half.
What? What is happening?
Looking up Krillin could see that the spirit bomb had vastly grown in size. His entire body shaking from the immense pressure weighing down on him the monk looked for the reason why this was happening. Only to find Gohan to his side with his eyes firmly closed and calmly adding his energy to the bomb in the sky. So deep was his concentration the young half-saiyan had not noticed how much heavier the ball of ki had gotten. Silently using as much strength as he could Gohan added more and more power. He was doing his best as he followed his father's instructions.
"Gohan stop!"
Snapping his eyes open Gohan looked at Krillin before he felt the full weight of his father's technique fall on him. Now aware of the force he was trying to hold but unable to brace himself in time the boy fell to his knees. This immediately added to Krillin's burden who cried out in pain.
"I-I'm sorry Mr. Krillin!"
"It's okay Gohan!" The monk said sweat pouring down as he held up the giant mass of energy alone. "Just help me!"
The half-saiyan nodded, got back on his feet, and applied his strength. This eased the pressure but only made the small monk realize the new problem that stood in their way.
I…I can't throw it.
Krillin clenched his teeth in quiet anger.
"M-Mr. Krillin! It's too heavy!" The young half-saiyan cried only adding to the monk's worries.
Gohan added too much energy. Even with his help we don't have the strength to throw it. It's taking everything we have just to hold it up.
With his goal in sight yet unable to do anything about it Krillin could feel the sting of shame as he chastised himself for his weakness. However, that stopped as he recognized a ki signature dangerously close to Frieza.
The Grand Elder? The monk thought to himself as he looked in the direction where he sensed the namekian's energy.
Wait, what is he doing?
"Surrender? How interesting." Frieza said coldly. "Does that mean you are ready to give me what I desire?"
"I am," The Grand Elder said. "You seek the wish of the dragon."
"Are you capable of delivering that to me? Or shall I turn your putrid planet to dust?"
The Grand Elder said nothing but reached out with his mind toward Tsuno with a single message.
It is time Tsuno.
The old namekian could feel the hesitation stemming from his portage even with the distance between them.
Do not falter my child. This is my fate.
A moment passed. Then night fell.
"This is?" Frieza asked looking around as the sky above blackened.
In the distance a great pillar of light exploded upward dancing in the dark. The tyrant watched in awe as the light coiled before disappearing in a great flare of power. In its wake, was Porunga.
"The dragon," Frieza said grinning. Slowly the emperor lowered his finger as the ball of death faded out. Yet his foot remained in place against Goku's head. "At last!"
"In exchange," The Grand Elder said slowly. "I hope this will persuade you to leave our planet in peace."
"We shall see," Frieza said not even looking in the Grand Elder's direction laughing. "Once I am granted my wish perhaps I'll be in a more giving mood."
The Grand Elder did not respond but joined Frieza in gazing at the mighty dragon.
"Hear me dragon!" The tyrant screamed his hour of victory finally at hand. "Grant me a never-ending rule! Give me life eternal! Make me IMMORTAL!"
Porunga made no move in acknowledgment of Frieza's orders. Though a wish had been spoken it was not in the language of Namek. So the dragon ignored the cries of the monster. Instead its focus remained on its creator the Grand Elder who spoke softly in namekian.
Help him.
The red eyes of the dragon sparked with power as Porunga started to rise upward into the dark sky. Thinking this was in response to his wish Frieza began to laugh in celebration reaching out with his arms ready to accept his gift. However, as the emperor followed Porunga he also got a full view of the spirit bomb that had been gone unseen until now.
"What? What is that?!"
The question went unanswered as Porunga's mighty arms reached out and grabbed hold of the massive sphere of ki.
"That! That is not what I wished for!" Frieza screeched sensing danger.
Before he could move two large namekian hands grabbed him and pulled him off of Goku. The Grand Elder held Frieza against his large form as he looked at the saiyan from Earth.
"Fly Son Goku."
Despite being unsure of exactly what was happening Goku nodded and took to the sky. Leaving Frieza and the Grand Elder alone in the blast zone.
"You filthy namekian! Release me!"
"I'd rather not," The Grand Elder said calmly. "This is the part I must play, and I shall play it well. The rest will be left to him."
Frieza did not hear what the Grand Elder had said so great was his rage. Placing a hand on the rotund stomach he was being pressed against Frieza shot a great blast of energy instantly piercing through the Grand Elder. Vomiting purple, the old namekian's hold weakened and Frieza burst out of the grasp. Looking to escape Frieza tried to fly away from the doomed island only to feel a strong tug on his ankle. Turning the tyrant saw the Grand Elder heaving heavily his body carrying a sizable hole in his torso. The blue grass of Namek had been sprayed with its leader's blood and every moment more spread. Yet the dwindling strength of the Grand Elder held the emperor still.
"Have you lost your mind?! You will die as well!"
"In a sense I was dead long before you arrived," The Grand Elder wheezed. "Perhaps this way I shall have you as company. I imagine what lies beyond life can get quite lonely."
The Grand Elder smiled.
"Won't you join me?"
Frieza shrieked and fired a thin blast of energy into the Grand Elder's head. The beam cut through the namekian's skull killing him instantly and ending his hold on the monster's leg. Frieza smiled to himself but that faded quickly as he turned back to see that he was out of time.
Rising the spirit bomb above his head Porunga had his gaze fixed on Frieza. Red burning from his eyes the dragon's stare had the tyrant shrinking into himself. Only for that to turn into a quiver as Porunga spoke his sound shaking all of Namek.
Your wish.
Throwing his arms downward had the massive sphere diving toward the ground. Falling like an avalanche the spirit bomb covered every escape route possible and quickly engulfed Frieza's view. The emperor screamed a curse as he lunged at the orb hoping to stop it in its tracks. Only for the pressure to quickly overwhelm him. Feeling himself being pushed back to the ground the last thing the tyrant heard before he was swallowed whole was the deep voice of the dragon.
Has been granted.
Krillin awoke underwater.
Twitching awake the monk realized that he was in danger of drowning and started swimming to the surface. Breaking through the sea Krillin took a deep breath of air and started coughing up what water he had swallowed. Scrambling for stability Krillin found a small rock he grabbed hold of hoping to get a better sense of his surroundings. Only to realize that the island he had been on with Gohan had been disintegrated. Any nearby islands had been destroyed in the wake of the blast. As far as the monk could see no land remained only the ocean and the vast hole where the spirit bomb had fallen. Krillin had felt Porunga take control of the ball of energy. He realized what was going to happen and tried to shield Gohan from the coming explosion.
However, it was far more then he could have imagined.
The discharge could have been seen from space as the blast changed the entire planet's landscape. The water that the monk was still half-submerged in was being pulled toward the hole where land once lay. The detonation had also formed a hurricane with winds powerful enough to rip the monk away from Gohan's side as it destroyed everything within reach.
"GOHAN!" Krillin screamed hoping to get a sign that the young boy was okay.
He did not.
Coughing again due to the water in his lungs Krillin looked skyward to see that the night sky remained. It wasn't long before he caught sight of a bright light hovering above. Recognizing the namekian dragonballs he watched the seven orbs coated in the light rise deep into the dark before shooting off into seven different directions. The night suddenly vanished bringing back the green.
That was Porunga's third wish. The Grand Elder said that using that might exhaust the rest of Namek's life. I…I can't tell if that happened. Is Namek alive or dead?
The question brought a twinge of sadness as regardless of the answer one thing was for certain.
The Grand Elder…he.
Before he could continue Krillin shook his head regaining his focus. He had to find the others. Reaching out with his senses the monk tried to locate his friends only to fail as his exhaustion got the better of him.
Can anyone hear me? Is everyone alright?
His thoughts gained no response which had the monk's nerves on edge. Willing enough energy to slowly rise out of the water Krillin was barely able to hold himself in the air.
Holding up the spirit bomb has completely drained me. There's no telling where everyone else is but I have to find them quickly…they're alright. I'm sure of it. They have to be.
Nearly falling back into the water the monk slowly started his search.
Is…is that?
He had been looking for nearly an hour before Krillin caught sight of orange on a small patch of rocks below him. Carefully dropping down the monk made his way to find his oldest friend covered in dirt and unmoving.
"Goku!"
Racing as fast as he could to the saiyan's side Krillin dusted him off as best he could. Goku still held the wounds he received from Frieza his appearance only adding to the monk's fears.
"Goku! Wake up! Can you hear me?!"
Krillin did not get a response which brought quick panic and had him placing his ear over his friend's heart.
Thump
It's beating. It's beating. He's still alive.
Lifting his head Krillin could see that the saiyan from Earth was softly breathing. Giving him the conclusion that he was unconscious.
Alright, as long as Chiaotzu or Tsuno can get here he should be okay. I can't carry him in this state, so I'll have to wait for someone to find me.
Sitting down the monk allowed himself to breathe. Exhaling with significant force Krillin looked back at the great hole that was still in sight.
Did…did we win?
The private question got no answer and eventually the monk refocused on the friend by his side.
"…I'm sorry Goku. I haven't been the nicest to you since you got here."
The saiyan gave no response.
"It's been hard without you. I'm hoping when we get back things will get better. I…I don't think they'll be the same but I'm sure we can find something similar."
The saiyan gave no response.
"You should also pay more attention to your son as well. He is an amazing kid, but he does need a father. I'm hoping I can help you with that."
The saiyan gave no response but the monk smiled none the less.
"I'm glad you're here."
"Krillin!"
His name had him turning to see Bulma carried by Tien waving happily as they flew together.
"Bulma! Tien!"
The duo landed and the genius rushed over and gave the monk a big hug. "You're okay!"
Krillin returned the gesture and locked eyes with Tien who gave him a warm grin before noticing Goku. "Is he-"
"I think he's fine," Krillin said as Bulma let go. "His heartbeat is steady and he's breathing. I'm hoping he'll be back on his feet when he's healed. Why are you two together?"
"The wind tossed me," Tien said. "It was pure chance I saw Bulma in that storm and caught her."
"If he was any later, I probably would have died."
"Have you seen any of the others?" Krillin asked. "I'm too tired to find them."
"We haven't seen anyone, but I can sense them," Bulma said with confidence. "Yamcha, Yajirobi, Chiaotzu, Tsuno, Piccolo, Gohan, Nail, and even Vegeta. They are scattered but with time they should be able to find us."
"That's…that's such a relief," Krillin said some of his tension melting off. "But we did lose someone."
"The Grand Elder," Tien said looking downcast. "I don't understand why he would take such a risk. Why summon Porunga to throw the spirit bomb? Weren't you and Gohan going to do that?"
"We couldn't," Krillin said. "We were adding our own energy to it which was going well but Gohan added way too much. It took all of our strength just to hold it up. Throwing it was impossible. The Grand Elder must have known that somehow."
"He foresaw it," Bulma said slowly.
"What?" The monk said confused. "What do you mean?"
"Before he left to confront Frieza he told me and Tsuno that he had foreseen his death. He knew how he was going to die," Bulma said before turning toward Krillin. "He also left me with a message for you."
"For me? What is it?"
"What happens next is not your fault Krillin of Earth," Bulma said softly. "It is mine."
"I, I don't understand. What did he mean by that?"
"He could be talking about Gohan," Tien said firmly. "Don't you remember Krillin? He told us to beware of Gohan's saiyan heritage after he unlocked his potential."
"Maybe," Krillin said slowly. "Gohan doesn't know his own strength so that could be it."
"The kid is that strong?" Bulma asked in surprise.
"Apparently," Tien answered. "You remember when the Grand Elder unlocked his potential? Krillin and I went back to talk more after you left and he told us that Gohan's stronger then we can imagine."
"Woah. I guess that makes sense but if he knew that was going to happen why didn't he just tell us?" Bulma asked. "Could he see into the future?"
"I don't think so," The monk said quickly. "Mr. Popo once told me Kami was aware of how he was going to die but he didn't tell me then either."
"Maybe it's something namekians can do," Tien guessed before looking over the great hole. "Regardless, it looks like that worked."
"Yeah, but…I think we may have lost more than just the Grand Elder" Krillin said his voice heavy with grief.
"What's wrong?" Bulma asked her concern easy to see.
"I…" The monk said with hesitation. "I have a lot I need to tell you all but one of the things I talked with the Grand Elder about was how the dragonballs are connected with Namek."
"Connected?" Tien said with clear confusion.
"The Grand Elder said the dragonballs are powered by the life of a planet and the person who makes them. Its why he made Tsuno the Grand Elder because he was too weak to summon Porunga. However, every wish made by the dragon takes a lot of energy and it can drain the power of the planet leaving it lifeless."
"So, that last wish the Grand Elder made exhausted some of Namek's power?" Bulma asked trying to wrap her head around the explanation.
"Yes, he said that it may use up the rest of the planet's energy which would kill Namek."
"That's awful," Tien said. "I didn't realize that the wishes carried such a danger."
"That's because it never really affected us," Krillin said sternly. "I was also told that the dragonballs back on Earth also use Namek's energy."
"What? But they were-"
"Made by Kami who is from Namek," Krillin said interrupting Bulma. "Some of our conversation was about how Kami used his connection with Namek to make Shenron."
"What, what happens when a planet dies?" Bulma asked afraid of the answer.
"…the Grand Elder said that all life stops. Nothing can start on a planet that has ended.
"Does…does that mean we've lost the dragonballs back on Earth!" Tien shouted realizing what his friend was getting at.
The question got a pained expression out of Krillin as he bowed his head. Tien recoiled as if he had just lost everything nearly falling to his knees.
"Now hold on just a second."
Both men looked at Bulma who had crossed her arms in annoyance. "Don't just go jumping to conclusions like that," The blue-haired genius said as she focused on the monk. "Think Krillin, did the Grand Elder really say that the last wish may use up all of Namek's energy?"
"I, I think so."
"Well in this case a may is better than a will. It's not definite. Next, did he say anything about the dragonballs, and what would happen to them?"
Did he? Krillin asked himself while he searched his memories trying to remember.
"Oh!" The monk exclaimed jumping to his feet. "He did! He said they would turn to stone!"
"Then there you go," Bulma said with a wide grin. "I don't know about you but Tien and I got a good view of the dragonballs separating as they do on Earth. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't do that if they were stone."
"You're right!" Tien shouted the good news filling him with energy.
"Of course I'm right, I'm me after all," Bulma said laughing her grin turning into a smile. "Now we just need to gather up the others and-"
Krillin watched her fall.
A thin beam of energy hit the woman dead center in her chest and ran straight through. The impact threw her to the ground the wide gap in her torso already pumping blood. Horror grabbed Krillin and Tien as they watched Bulma squirm on the ground trying to cover her wound. Both moved toward her but stopped cold as they felt powerful ki emerge behind them.
The two humans turned to see the emperor standing on a cliff looking down on them both. His body was littered with damage as his blue-colored blood coated his body. His tail had once again been reduced to a mere stump. His left eye looked as if it had been clawed out with multiple trails of blue soaking his cheek. His hand shook silently as his finger remained pointed where Bulma once stood. Yet, Frieza still lived.
Tien screamed and lunged as two extra arms sprouted out of his back.
"TRI-BEAM!"
A wall of ki engulfed the tyrant as the three-eyed human used every ounce of power he still held.
"TRI-BEAM!"
Again, an explosion of energy emanated from all four arms in unison. Bathing the emperor in ki meant to kill.
"TRI-BEAM!"
Krillin watched. He didn't take any action as Tien went after Frieza with everything he had. It wasn't until he heard a soft voice did the monk move at all.
"Kri-"
Realizing that was his name Krillin moved back to Bulma whose eyes were wide and lathered in tears. The young woman mouthed something inaudible and reached out with a blood-soaked hand. The monk grabbed it and watched his friend whimper in fear her breathing growing more rapid and panicked, until it faded all the together. The light in Bulma's eyes vanished and her voice went silent. The hand Krillin held slipped from his grip dropping to Bulma's side with a quiet splash as it landed in a pool of vital fluid. She was gone.
The monk made no sound as he stared at the body in front of him. He stared until he realized that he could no longer hear Tien's cries. Turning away from Bulma the monk tried to find his friend.
Krillin watched him die.
Tien's body slid down a small hill of rocks displaying that he had been hollowed out. His face frozen in agony as his blood started to coat the rocks he lay on. He was gone.
Frieza walked past the body strolling up to the monk who remained on his knees.
"There's the look," The tyrant spoke raising a finger at Krillin's head. "That look you had on your face back on the ship. The look of a broken creature."
Krillin said nothing. Words had left him.
"Take this as a lesson human," Frieza spat as he gathered energy into his extended finger. "No matter how many plans you dream up, how many people you have on your side, or how hard you try. The only thing that truly matters, is power."
Krillin's mind was blank. His gaze fixated on his hands that still wore Bulma's blood. He had no strength left, no plan left, nothing remained.
"Mr. Krillin?"
Gohan's voice caused fear to run through him like a knife. Hovering in the sky was the young half-saiyan unable to understand what he was seeing.
"Mr. Tien? Mrs. Bulma?" Gohan said his voice cracking. "Daddy?"
"Ah, the child," Frieza grinned redirecting his finger toward Gohan.
"No, please Frieza," Krillin said his voice reduced to a beg. "Not him. Please not him."
The monster smiled.
"GOHAN RUN!" The monk cried. "RUN JUST RUN!"
Gohan did not. Instead tears started to flow down his face the half-saiyan's grief overshadowing his terror. The young boy lowered his head his eyes blurring due to the overflowing liquid. "I…"
"RUN!"
Frieza fired.
The beam of energy cut through the air aimed directly at the boy's heart. In that instant, terror was replaced with a different emotion.
Krillin saw Gohan swing his hand and smash it against Frieza's attack. The collision was instant as the beam was deflected shooting off into the distance harming no one.
Krillin felt a shift of energy erupt from deep within the half-saiyan and overwhelming pressure encase the planet.
Krillin heard a heavy roar explode out of his best friend's son as he gripped his hands tightly turning them into fists.
Krillin remembered the Grand Elder's final message as the boy's aura flared out nearly blowing him away.
What happens next is not your fault Krillin of Earth. It is mine.
Gohan's continued cry carried unimaginable power with it as the half-sayian's fists tightened even more cutting into his palms. The force blew Krillin back against a small pile of rock making him hold his hands up to protect himself. Frieza lowered his finger in confusion which quickly turned into shock as the power emanating from the child shook him as well. The monk's mouth hung low as the boy's strength climbed higher and higher to a level beyond belief. Gohan raised his head his eyes still wet with tears staring directly at the monster in front of him. Eyes that were once dark now glowed green as he screamed.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Krillin could do nothing but watch as the color of Gohan's jet-black hair, changed to gold.