Author's Note: Hello everyone! So, at this point in the story the action is pretty much over. All that is left are wrapping up loose ends and leaving some hints at what is going to come next. This entry has a few elements we will not get to see until the next entry in the series, but I am excited to share and read your reactions. I know the tone has been very bleak, but it is important that we go this low so the moments we do succeed can really hit.
But enough out of me. I hope you are all safe, healthy, and happy. And please, enjoy.
Decades Earlier:
The egg sat in the center of the house still as stone. The Grand Elder remained in his chair panting softly as he wiped the remains of the egg's exit from his mouth. It had taken a good portion of his strength to create the newest member of his family, his mind swimming, and his breath short due to the strain. Thankfully, his efforts were rewarded with a resounding crack that shattered a large portion of the egg's shell. The Grand Elder watched with pride as more and more bits of the egg fell away revealing a clear view of a small namekian inside. The child stirred for a moment before waking up all on its own.
"Good morning little one," The Grand Elder said beaming. "Welcome home."
The tiny alien blinked a response and began to wiggle feverishly trying to escape its egg.
"It seems you have quite a bit of energy to spare," The Grand Elder laughed. "It took your siblings sometime to find their strength, but you seem eager to begin."
The elder's words only spurred the little namekian more as the egg started to rock back and forth. Before long, the struggles paid off and the egg rolled onto its side furthering the cracks and giving the tiny namekian a means of escape. Crawling away from the broken egg and finding its feet the newest member of Namek stood before the Grand Elder.
"Well done," The Grand Elder said with a grand smile. "It seems fate has given you the spirit of a fighter."
The praise brought the new sensation of joy to the small namekian as he mimicked the Grand Elder's expression and gave a smile of his own.
"Come here, I wish to show you something," The Grand Elder said offering the little namekian a place on his large seat.
Determined not to disappoint the only parent he had known the little one approached the large namekian. The Grand Elder reached down and lifted the smallest member of the family up toward his shoulder. The sudden change in height scared the newborn and the new sensation of fear caused him to close his eyes.
"Do not be afraid little one," The Grand Elder said with a tone coated in comfort.
As soft as the words were, they were not enough to convince the newborn as its eyes remained closed.
"Come now," The Grand Elder said with a laugh. "Aren't you curious?"
He was, and after another moment the tiny namekian opened its eyes to see a window with a wide view of the planet he was born on.
"That, my child, is your home."
To the newborn the sight was breathtaking. A clear green sky shone through the window and large blue mountains stood towering in the distance. A healthy green sea stretched out as far as he could see, and the lands were littered with beautiful trees of blue.
"Its name is Namek and you are its newest addition," The Grand Elder said. "Amongst its land are your siblings who are excited to meet you. However, before that as your parent, there is a gift I must give."
Despite never hearing the word gift before the little one felt its importance. Locking eyes with the Grand Elder the newborn was given another smile.
"A name for you to carry," The large namekian said before losing himself in thought. "…Nail. How does that sound?"
A feeling of completeness overtook the tiny namekian as he nodded.
"Then it is done," The Grand Elder's said with overwhelming pride. "From now to however long you wish you shall be known as Nail, Namek's little champion."
Present:
"Why is that planet still intact?"
Cold's question cut through the flagship's silence like a knife shoving fear into every member of the force. The king had been watching the assault on Namek through the screen on his flagship but as the minutes ticked by Cold had only grown more irritated. Picking out one trooper to glare at Cold continued.
"My orders were to erase that miserable pile of rock and yet it remains whole. Why?"
"Ah, our readings indicate that the planet's core has been destabilized thanks to the attack," The brave trooper responded. "It's really just a matter of time un-"
"Every second that planet stands is another second that the scum who murdered my son could escape. Is there an update on the individuals?"
"Uh, n-no."
"Useless," Cold spat eyeing everyone. He continued to speak as he swished his cape and turned to leave the bridge of the ship. "I shall do it myself."
The crew was left frozen until Cold exited the room. Once he did the bridge scrambled to get the information out to the ships and scouts. The King was going to destroy Namek and it was happening now.
Cold walked through the halls of his flagship ignoring the chaos as his soldiers rushed around the ship trying desperately to warn those still planetside. Several troopers who saw him stopped to salute but the king did not pay them any mind. His thoughts focused only on the fate of his child.
How? How can this be? Cold rounded a corner and almost ran over a smaller trooper who barely got out of the way in time. The king's presence and power emanating from him in waves nearly crushing all in his path. My son, reduced to a body on a slab. Cut down by animals on a wasteland! This cannot go unpunished. Every single one of them will be found and slain just as they did my Frieza.
Walking into a nearby room located directly at the center of the spaceship the king prepared to rise out of the entrance above into cold space.
"Ah! Your majesty!" A trooper in the room said snapping to attention. "I apologize, I needed to get something out of here I'll be leaving right now."
Cold ignored the soldier's words walked over to a nearby console and started preparing to open the airlock above him.
"W-wait your majesty, I don't have the gear necessary for spac-"
Entering the commands needed King Cold watched as the entrance above him began to open the air inside the flagship spilling into the void.
"MY KING PLEA-"
The soldier's plea was cut short as he was sucked out of the airlock his body freezing over immediately as it hit the darkness of space. Cold rose out of his ship completely unharmed by the effects of the infinity now surrounding him. Breathing normally and ignoring the frozen corpse of one of his men as it drifted off into oblivion Cold stared at Namek with a burning hatred. Numerous ships in the fleet drifted away from the flagship to make room for the royalty. Several more tried to escape Namek's orbit hoping they could get away from the destruction about to come.
This planet took my son. The king thought to himself as stretched out with a single hand and gathered far more energy than needed to wipe away the orb. It must burn.
Ordinarily, destroying a planet was something to be savored and enjoyed. It was something he had gained a fondness for over the years and a trait he had tried to pass onto his offspring. Now, there was nothing to appreciate, nothing to relish. Only the need for true retribution.
The energy flew out of Cold's hand fueled with fury and purpose. It cut across the cosmos clipping a ship as it was too slow to escape the blast zone. The beam ate through the spacecraft killing most of the crew and dooming the rest. Unhindered by the massacre Cold's blast descended upon Namek. Bursting through its orbit, striking the planet, and digging into its surface. The dense beam devoured Namek's crust and burrowed its way toward the planet's core. As soon as the energy struck the green orb's center Namek's slow fall became immediate.
The impact of Cold's blast caused a planet-wide eruption as the ground split open to make room for geysers of lava. The molten rock caked the land and air incinerating the grey grass and the brown trees. Namek's dim sky lit up with a red hue as the air itself began to burn. The islands split in two and the sea levels sank as the water flowed through the many chasms across the planet. The disaster affected every part of the once green world as the energy in its center churned before exploding outward shattering Namek from the inside out. The explosion lit up the darkness of space and even consumed a few fleeing ships. Cold looked at the fireworks completely silent a scowl on his face as the light eventually faded. Soon all that was left were a few patches of land tumbling through the infinite. The only remains of the planet once known as Namek.
Turning away from the scene in disgust Cold made his way back into his flagship and returned to its halls. The walk back to the bridge was muted as the king remained absorbed by thoughts of his son. As soon as he entered the room the many members of the force grew quiet as Cold returned to his throne and sat down.
"Report," The king said once staring at the screen which showed only dust and space.
Cold's demand was answered with silence as terror had taken complete control of the bridge.
"I said, report," Cold repeated looking in the direction of a single soldier.
"Ah…y-yes my king…apologizes. The planet has been c-completely destroyed."
"I can see that," The king snapped. "Anything to add?"
The trooper eyed the body of the soldier that had delivered the news of Lord Frieza's fate. The corpse had yet to be removed and remained in the center of the bridge his neck crushed by King Cold's tail. In truth, the sensors had picked up somethings leaving the planet mere moments before its destruction but to admit that, would mean death.
"N-no, nothing to add your majesty!" The soldier said with a shaky salute.
The king scoffed and frowned the news doing nothing to elevate his mood.
"Y-your majesty!" A trooper said entering the room and approaching him with a salute. "Congratulations on your victory over another inferior world!"
Cold only glared his eyes dangerous.
"Y-yes," The trooper said lowering his voice. "The ship carrying Lord Frieza has landed. The doctors are alrea-"
Cold was moving before the soldier could finish his wide steps carrying him faster than usual.
Yes, the doctors will surely be able to do something. My Frieza must be returned to me.
Entering the medical room and immediately silencing a lively discussion between several doctors Cold walked toward the center of the space. There on the same slab he saw earlier, lay his son. It seemed that someone was able to remove Yajirobi's sword from the tyrant's chest, but this only served to showcase how severe the cut in his chest was. His son's blood had dried by this point and the utter disgrace of losing part of his tail and arm could not be addressed. The expression Frieza wore had yet to soften bringing the reality of the situation even harder to overcome. With a trembling hand, the king stroked his son's head in silent agony.
"My king."
Cold did not turn but recognized the voice belonging to his chief medical officer. "I want you to begin immediately," Cold said refusing to take his eyes off Frieza.
"Begin? My king?" The medical officer asked.
"The cybernetics program," Cold snapped annoyed he had to be specific. "I was told it could enhance any of our soldiers into war machines. I want you to start the surgery on my son. Once he has been repaired, we will find the planet of those responsible and deliver it the same fate as Namek."
"Ah," The chief of medicine said in understanding. "…I'm afraid your majesty. That is not possible."
Cold descended onto the smaller alien in an instant grabbing the loyal soldier by the throat and lifting him off his feet. The chief gagged and the king's hand twitched his anger getting the better of him.
"Care to explain why?" The king asked once his eyes alive with fury.
"The p-program requires the patient to be a…alive my king," The officer coughed struggling to breathe. "Even if L-lord Frieza was severely weakened…i-it would be feasible, but with him in this state…"
As the alien in his grasp trailed off an unfamiliar feeling of defeat washed over Cold. Anger gave way to helplessness something no king should ever have to experience. Dropping the officer and returning to his son's side it occurred to Cold that he would have to accept the impossible. His son was dead, and he was not coming back. A roar erupted out of the king shattering the windows separating the medical room from the cold space outside. As both medical equipment and personnel started to get sucked out into infinity the king remained in place studying every feature of Frieza. Eventually, automatic shutters snapped in place covering the broken glass and the wind died down. The workers that remained silently began to clean up as the chief medical officer again approached while massaging his throat somewhat used to this treatment.
"I have orders," Cold said his voice heavy.
"Your will shall be done, my king."
"One of the soldiers must have scanned the individuals during their clash. Their information should be among our databases. It does not matter how long it takes but locating their home planet is now the force's highest priority. Find their world and we shall destroy everything they cherish."
"At once your majesty," The chief turned to leave but was stopped as the king continued.
"One more thing," Cold said slowly as he stared at Frieza's remains. "Contact Cooler. This is now a family matter."
"Eat."
Krillin raised his head slowly in time to see a granola bar tossed toward him. The snack landed by his side, but the monk made no moves to pick it up.
"I'm assuming that's food," Piccolo said looking over the sorry state of his leader.
It had been hours since the capsule corp ship escaped Namek and witnessed its end. It did not take long to discover that the spacecraft had plenty of room for all the survivors. Dr. Briefs had designed the ship on the assumption that the group would succeed in their mission to bring everyone back. With enough space for nine people, everyone found a place to be alone with their thoughts. Soon, a deafening quiet overtook the ship as the survivors withdrew into themselves. Krillin had taken Gohan down below where he found several beds. Only after he tucked the young half-saiyan into one of them did the monk sit letting himself lean against the ship's walls. Still holding the hat of the friend he had lost. Until Piccolo joined not a single word had been spoken during the trip.
"I'm not hungry," Krillin answered.
"It doesn't matter what you are," The namekian snapped. "Unlike me, you need that to survive."
Krillin said nothing but looked at the bar again. When was the last time I ate?
Quietly the monk unwrapped the food and took a bite.
"About an hour ago one of the screens turned on," Piccolo said watching the monk eat. "A man calling him Dr. Briefs appeared said he was tracking the ship and saw it left Namek. He was not expecting to see me."
"…Bulma's father," Krillin said in between bites. "He designed this ship."
"I gathered as much," The namekian said before continuing. "I filled him in on everything that happened. He said he would inform everyone else back on Earth."
"You told him about Bulma?"
"I had little choice."
Krillin nodded as he finished his meal.
"Tsuno is with Tien and Bulma in another room," said Piccolo. "He wants to make sure they stay preserved for the trip."
"Vegeta?" Krillin asked slowly.
"Upstairs, doing nothing."
"Okay, thanks."
"Save your thanks," The namekian said with force. "I want an explanation."
Krillin knew this was coming. He did not doubt that Piccolo had questions for him, but he was not sure he had the answers.
"Is this about what Tsuno said?"
"To start with," Piccolo spat. "You have a dragon?"
"It's complicated," Krillin warned.
Piccolo said nothing and crossed his arms refusing to leave.
"The Grand Elder gave it to me before the fight," Krillin said with a sigh. "He called it a gift."
"Why would he do that?"
"…because I might become the next Guardian of Earth."
Piccolo went silent and Krillin took as a sign to continue.
"Originally, I was only going to do it in case we couldn't bring Kami back but now it may be something I have to do anyway."
"We could have used another dragon against Frieza."
"It's not that simple," The monk said placing a hand over his heart and feeling the two beats. "He gave me the means, but I need to form it myself."
"How?" Piccolo asked firmly.
"He said I needed to use Earth's power, but he called it sound. If I can utilize that I'll be able to create dragonballs and a dragon…it's complicated."
"For what purpose? Kami's returned."
"…the thing is," Krillin continued. "Kami was able to make Shenron because he was using Namek's power…uh, sound. Now that Namek is gone."
"The dragonballs may be as well," Piccolo growled. "Leaving you as the only means for Earth to have a dragon of its own. So that's why you were so determined to save the planet."
"That's not the only reason," Krillin said sternly. "I also made a promise to the Grand Elder that I would help."
"You mentioned that. Has it occurred to you that these vows you kept making are the thing that's going to kill you?"
"I have to try."
"By yourself?" Piccolo asked with a scowl. "You preach caution and careful planning but as soon as the boy is in danger you run in like a saiyan."
Krillin said nothing as he had no response.
"If what you're telling me is true then I hope the results of your actions came with a lesson. Unlike your past battles, you can no longer treat your life as expendable. Not if you are the only one capable of summoning a dragon."
"I'm not sure if I deserve it," Krillin said slowly.
Piccolo looked at the monk in confusion who hesitated before speaking again.
"There was a moment when Frieza had Gohan cornered. I…I told him that if he let Gohan go free I would make dragonballs and give it to him."
"…Was that a lie?" Piccolo asked carefully.
"…no."
"Then live with that," The namekian spat. "Understand that when it came down to the safety of the universe or one child you ran off by yourself and chose the child."
"I wasn't going to let him die," Krillin fired back.
"He didn't," Piccolo said. "Only because the others refused to let you go."
"I know," The monk said defeated and holding onto Chiaotzu's hat.
Piccolo noticed the gesture and sighed. "Grieve if you must but let me make this clear. This fight is not over. Our enemies are still out there, and if they are half as capable as Frieza then you do not have the luxury of giving up. Deserving or not if you still want to restore everything that has been destroyed and protect your planet then you need to keep going."
"…I know."
The namekian looked at the monk still sitting on the ground remaining by Gohan's side and still clutching his friend's hat. Without another word, Piccolo left and closed the door behind him leaving Krillin alone, with the weight of his actions and the voices of the dead.
Making his way back to the first floor Piccolo walked past Vegeta leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. It was only when the namekian passed by did the prince say anything.
"Why do you follow him?" The saiyan said opening his eyes and looking in the namekian's direction. "You're stronger than him, why lower yourself like that?"
"Not that it's any business of yours but he has his moments," Piccolo snapped after a brief pause. "But if he can't drag himself out of this then that will end."
"That should be sufficient," Tsuno said removing his hands from Gohan's head and chest letting the light of the healing process fade.
"How is he?" Krillin asked filled with concern.
A full day had passed since Namek and with Gohan still bed-ridden and showing no signs of waking the monk had gone to Tsuno in the hopes the elder could do something.
"He needs rest more than anything," Tsuno said with confidence. "The battle thoroughly exhausted him. His body could not keep up with the power he was generating. Healing him like this will give him the nourishment he needs to awaken but it still could be sometime before that happens."
"Alright, thank you Tsuno."
"Of course," The namekian said with a small bow before turning to leave.
"Wait," The monk said stopping the green elder in his tracks. "I…how…how do I create a dragon?"
"Truthfully," Tsuno said with a sigh as he walked over to a nearby chair and sat down. "It would have been better if you had finished your talk with the Grand Elder. Yet with the circumstances that we are in, I shall speak for him."
"Thank you," Krillin said joining the namekian in a chair right across from him. "There's still so much I don't understand."
"I shall do my best, but I imagine Kami will also be able to provide more answers should I fail to."
"You know about Kami?" The monk asked in surprise.
"I do. When the Grand Elder passed his title onto me your conversations and what he intended to tell you joined as well. While I will do my best, a firsthand knowledge would aid you better than I could. As you know he and Kami are the only two to ever form a dragon of their own."
"What? Doesn't every member of the dragon clan have a dragon?"
"No," Tsuno shook his head. "We have the ability to make them but with Porunga in place, there was never a need. We namekians did not want for much and a dragon's power was not something we wished to abuse."
"That makes sense."
"It was a limit we placed on ourselves to never feel the need to overindulge on the power the dragons could give us. Yet that decision was the correct one for more reasons than just avoiding the lure of wishes. You see it was not until you told the Grand Elder about Shenron did he realize that Kami's connection with his home did more than just enable Earth to have its own dragon. It also weakened Porunga."
"What?" Krillin said in surprise. "How?"
"As both dragons used Namek as part of its formation the planet's power was cut between them. It is one of the reasons the two dragons are so different. Why Shenron can revive multiple people but Porunga can only restore one."
"Wait, so if a dragon's power isn't split then they won't have any limits?"
"I suppose that remains to be seen."
"Could it be possible to bring back someone who has died twice? Or restore a whole planet?"
"I do not know."
Krillin grew quiet for a moment letting Tsuno continue. "Before the Grand Elder passed, he granted me Porunga so there was no need to form what is my heart. Yet without the gift and admittance into the dragon clan, Porunga would not have appeared when summoned. An elder or in your case a guardian is needed for the dragon to appear. As you know without my own power when the Grand Elder's strength ended the dragonballs would have become nothing more than stones."
"I think I understand," Krillin said slowly. "Would Kami be able to pass Shenron onto me like the Grand Elder gave you Porunga?"
"I do not believe so," The elder said slowly. "With Namek gone, it will rest on you to create your own dragon. It's shape, size, demeanor, and abilities will rest on your actions."
"My actions?"
"Yes, though it may not seem so, you are being observed by the creature in your heart even now. How you carry yourself, how you fight, and even how you live will shape your dragon."
Krillin paused and placed a hand over his chest his mind spinning with what that could mean.
"Why didn't the Grand Elder tell me all of this?"
"There was much he wanted to yet, there wasn't any time left," Tsuno said sadly. "Try to remember what he did say I'm sure they will serve to guide you in some way."
"He did say that I would be able to talk with the Earth just like he did with Namek. That the sound of the planet would help me create the dragonballs but I don't know how to do that."
"Neither do I," Tsuno said firmly. "Earth is and always will be a mystery to me. Though if the elements are similar to Namek perhaps the answer will be as well."
Tsuno placed a finger in the air and with his ki drew three separate namekian symbols in a triangle that hovered in place.
"These are the three components needed to create dragonballs at least on Namek. First a member of the clan," Tsuno said pointing to the symbol on the top of the triangle. "Then the planet," Tsuno continued pointing to the symbol on the bottom left. "Then the dragon," The namekian finished pointing to the symbol on the bottom right.
"To ensure the formation of the seven spheres these three pieces must all be present and in communication. Without one then the process becomes impossible. Each party must listen to the other's sound if anything is to be created."
"Wait, even the member of the dragon clan has a sound?"
"Yes, try to remember, sound isn't reserved to planets or even just dragons. You have one just as I do. It is the member's duty to take charge of these elements, combine the other two sources of sound, and synch them up with their own," As Tsuno spoke he placed a finger in the center of the triangle and the symbol of a dragonball appeared. "Once that is done communication opens up among the three and a dragonball may be made."
"A dragonball? Only one?" Krillin asked.
"Perhaps it was unclear but the dragonballs are made individually. From one to seven each dragonball must be crafted on its own. Once the set has been made the dragon may be called from within."
"…the Grand Elder said the process could take years."
"It very well could," Tsuno said grimly. "I cannot speak for Kami, but the Grand Elder needed a great deal of time before he was able to create the seven spheres. How long the process takes will be entirely in your hands."
The monk hung his head in defeat as Tsuno's words hit him.
"I know it seems like an impossible task," The elder said slowly. "Yet I have confidence you will succeed."
"Why?" Krillin asked refusing to look at the namekian. "I…I just…" Trailing off the monk went silent no longer sure what he could say.
"I have confidence because I know you care," Tsuno said slowly. "As easy as it may be to shut yourself off from the suffering of others, I know that is not who you are. I know you will succeed because as long as you are standing then you are trying to do the right thing. I have seen it."
With no response from Krillin Tsuno continued. "And as selfish as it may be," The namekian said with a heavy tone. "Right now, I need to believe in you."
Three days later Gohan woke up.
Krillin had been so lost in his own thoughts he had not noticed it at first. The young-half saiyan did not make a sound as he sat up in bed. It was only when the monk glanced over to make certain the boy was still breathing did he see Gohan upright.
"Gohan!" Krillin cried as he sat up in surprise.
The boy was quiet even as the human approached instead opting to stare at the wall ahead deep in his own thoughts.
"Gohan?"
Again, the half-saiyan did not respond, and as the moments passed Krillin thought it would be best to treat the situation as if he had.
"We're on the capsule corp ship heading home," The monk said hoping Gohan could hear him.
"In about two days we'll be back on Earth and there's no danger here so you can relax…how are you feeling?"
Gohan opened his mouth to say something but as he turned to look at Krillin he lost his nerve and voice.
"It's alright Gohan you can talk to me."
"…where's my dad?"
The question hit hard and as the monk struggled to think of an answer the boy took his silence as one.
"…did he die?"
"I…" Krillin said hesitating. "He stayed on Namek so we could escape."
"Escape?" The five-year-old asked with a weak voice.
"We…beat Frieza, but we were attacked by the rest of his army. We had to leave." The monk said unsure how to phrase the event any easier. The boy did not respond.
"…what do you remember Gohan?"
"I…I was angry," The young half-saiyan said softly. "Frieza was…in front of me and I…"
Gohan's eyes went wide as his mind went back to the fight.
"Gohan? What is it?"
"…I hurt you," The voice was small, and it came with tears.
Realizing the danger the conversation suddenly had Krillin spoke quickly. "I'm okay Gohan it's alright now. It wasn't your fault."
"I…hurt you…and Frieza….he… he was. Mrs. Bulma and Mr. Tien," Gohan said meekly unable to hear the monk's voice.
Unsure what to do Krillin reached out with his hand hoping to reassure the boy. Yet as soon as the half-saiyan saw the hand coming toward him he flinched and scooted away in fear.
"No!" Gohan shouted avoiding Krillin's hand and looking at him in terror. "I…I don't want to hurt you again."
"Gohan you didn't I'm-"
The monk's voice fell on deaf ears as Gohan shook his head his tears growing larger. Before long, the silence between the two that had been there for days reemerged. Lowering his hand and watching the boy suffer yet unsure of what he could do Krillin spoke as softly as he could. "I'll…give you some space. If you need me Gohan I'll be right outside."
He received no response but the need to leave carried him to the door and through it. Now outside Krillin held a hand to his face.
I'm running away. The monk thought as he leaned against the door he had just closed. He needs me and I'm running away.
The weight of the thought consumed him, yet it was not enough to make him go back.
…I should find Tsuno…tell him that Gohan's awake. He…might be able to help.
Forcing himself to move Krillin began to walk through the spacecraft looking for the last elder of Namek. Approaching the door Tsuno had taken as his own Krillin knocked twice and waited for an answer. When he did not get one the monk pushed the door open feeling the importance of Gohan's condition outweighed the namekian's privacy. Entering the room quickly showed Krillin that Tsuno was not here.
Must be upstairs. The monk thought to himself already exhausted.
Looking around Krillin saw the remaining beds on the ship occupied by the two people he had yet to visit since the start of the journey home. With white sheets covering their still forms Krillin was compelled to drag himself in front of the bodies of Tien and Bulma. Chiaotzu's hat rested next to Tien as Krillin had given it to Namek's last elder when it became too heavy to hold. With the remains of his friends right in front of him, the small human hung his head low and let out an uneasy breath.
"I'm sorry."
Still, no tears came.
Closing his eyes and suffocating from the weight of everything the monk silently asked himself. …Can I not even cry? The question with no answer was enough to stop all other thoughts running through him.
…Krillin
The sound of his name ripped the human out of his head frightening him to the point of panting.
Krillin can you hear me?
"That voice," The monk said to himself. "King Kai?"
Finally! I have been calling you for days! Could you not hear me?
"I've…I've had a lot on my mind."
Yes…forgive me I'm certain you have. Listen I have been in contact with Yajirobi and Yamcha. They are looking for the others and should find them soon enough.
"That's good but," Krillin said. "I don't know if we'll be able to bring them back."
They are aware of that. King Kai said slowly. Regardless you should speak with Kami when you return.
"I was going to. Are they also looking for Goku, Nail, and the Grand Elder?"
The Other World has some rules that I will have to explain. King Kai said. The Grand Elder is not among the souls of the dead.
"What? Why not?"
To put it simply every planet in the universe has a heaven and a hell. After death, the soul is judged on their actions by their world's morals. However, if the planet no longer exists the soul is placed in limbo with no way out.
"Wha…what kind of system is that?!" Krillin shouted his emotions getting the better of him. "So, the Grand Elder is just gone? That's insane!"
It is the way things are. King Kai said. If you are to become Guardian, there are many things you will have to be taught and understand.
"Is the same true for Nail? And what about Goku? He's not from Namek but he's not from Earth either so what happens to him?"
That rule does not apply for Nail or for Goku. King Kai said with a soft tone. That is due to the fact that neither of them are dead.
"N-not dead?" The monk said slowly praying he had not misheard. "They're alive?! How?"
They were able to locate some of the Ginyu Force's ships before Namek's destruction. They are both alive, yet their destination is unknown to me.
"They're not going to Earth? I don't…I don't understand…" The news had shaken Krillin to his core enough to make him lean on a nearby wall just for balance. He was filled with questions but none of that mattered beyond the relief coursing through him.
"They're alive," The monk muttered weakly sinking to the floor.
I know things have been hard and they will likely continue to be. King Kai went on his voice echoing through the small human. But not all is lost.
Days Earlier, Before the End:
Grand Elder what would you say to me now if you were here?
The thought consumed Nail as he lay collapsed onto the gray grass of his planet. Fresh wounds littering his body as blood oozed out and added a shade of purple to the silent world.
Namek is dead. Despite everything I tried, it was not enough. You once told me that I should look beyond my own trials but how do I do that? Without you to guide me I am lost.
Nether the slaughtered soldiers or the wreckage from fallen ships surrounding him answered the champion's question. Nail coughed and pain stabbed him from every angle.
"How could we lose someone that big?"
A nearby voice caught Nail's attention and the namekian slinked into the wreckage around hoping he was hidden enough. Feeling secure in his hiding spot Nail peeked out to see two soldiers flying overhead,
"Wouldn't be surprised if it just killed everything we sent after it," The second soldier said "Crazy thing was fighting like hell. Did you see it grab ship number 5 out of the air?"
"Yeah I did," The first soldier said while spitting. "One of those guys owed me a week's worth of rations too. Talk about a waste."
"Better them then us," The second soldier said checking his scouter but looking in the wrong direction. "Not that it matters much, sensors say this planet's about to go critical. We'd better get off this rock before its dust."
"The sooner the better I say. Everyone's saying Cold's on a warpath."
"King Cold, but yeah. Can't really blame him though. Seeing Lord Frieza taken out by a bunch of savages like that would make anyone go nuts."
"I just want to know how they did it. Lord Frieza is supposed to be the strongest in the universe, right? So how did he get killed on a backward planet like this?"
"You know these scouters record everything right?" The second soldier said to the first. "You should be more careful about what you say."
"Damn, I forgot," The soldier cursed before he eyed several nearby browning Ajisa trees. "Guess I should start pulling my weight."
The soldier fired an energy blast at one of the trees reducing it to ash.
"Your idea of pulling your weight is blowing up trees?"
"Look, our orders were to kill all the lifeforms on this planet. I am just doing my part. Plus, they're really ugly."
"Whatever, just hurry up so we don't get caught in the explosion."
"Won't take long,"
The soldier fired two more shots cutting down the mass of brown trees effortlessly. Before long only a single Ajisa tree remained standing, yet it was already in the trooper's crosshairs.
"This is for Lord Frieza!" The soldier joked as he charged his cannon grinning all the while.
That grin faded as a green hand grabbed his weapon and stopped him from firing.
"What the-"
Before the soldier could finish Nail crushed the cannon with one hand and grabbed the trooper by the throat with his other. The invader gagged as Nail's hold held fast threatening to end the soldier's life right there.
"L-let him go!" The other soldier shouted aiming his own weapon at the champion.
Nail did not acknowledge the treat and instead spoke to the invader in his grasp.
"My people spent their lives planting those trees," Nail seethed his voice as deadly as his grip. "They did so to improve our planet and to honor those we had lost. And before you and your army arrived, they were beautiful."
The soldier in his grasp could only muster a gurgle in response as he tried to fight the champion's firm grip, to no avail.
"I said let him go!" The second trooper yelled before opening fire at the namekian with a series of shots.
Nail simply placed the soldier's body in the energy blasts path blocking the attack. The impact caused dust to explode out covering both Nail and the soldier and obscuring the other trooper's line of sight.
"Damn b-bastard," The soldier said his hand still on his weapon trying to still it from shaking.
Keeping his eyes pinned to the cloud of dust waiting for it to clear the invader was ready to fire on the next thing he saw, be it friend or foe. Tracking some movement, the soldier saw something drop out of the bottom of the cloud. Firing immediately his shots connected with the object destroying it completely. For a moment, the trooper thought he was successful only to take a closer look and realize he had blasted the body of his ally. The distraction was effective enough for a long green arm to explode out of the dust cloud and grab him by the leg. Nail dived down toward the ground still holding onto the soldier ripping him out of the sky. Whipping his arm downward Nail smashed the trooper into a mountain. The invader's body cleaved into the hard stone killing him instantly. Nail touched down onto the surface struggling to catch his breath his sweat mixing with his purple blood.
That was pointless. The champion thought to himself sadly. All I have done is exhaust myself further. I should be saving my strength.
A sudden explosion in the distance snapped Nail out of his head. Looking in the direction of the blast Nail watched the capsule corp ship rise into the sky. The ship flew at an intense enough speed that only a moment later it was out of sight hurtling through space, back to Earth.
…they made it.
Left with nothing else Nail looked at the single Ajisa tree still standing. Its bark peeling off in the wind and its brown leaves dropping to the ground. The sight hurt and the namekian chocked on nothing as his emotions bested him.
No…there should be peace here. I have done everything I could. I should meet my end with a head held high.
The thought was stopped as a blast collided with the champion's back bringing Nail to his knees and weakening him even further.
"You freak!" A single soldier shouted flying overhead. "How dare you fight against the Frieza Force!"
Nail grunted not even holding enough strength to stand. He sent a glare at the soldier but beyond that, he could do nothing as the soldier readied his next shot.
Grand Elder, will I see you soon? Nail thought to himself silently accepting what he could.
"For Lord Fri-"
The soldier went silent as a boot smashed into the side of his head tossing him downward into Namek's surface.
"Whew, that was a close one," Goku said dropping onto the island and walking over to Nail. "You okay?"
"Wha, what are you doing here?!" Nail said still on his knees. "You should be on the ship!"
"A bunch of those guys followed us," Goku said pointing to the unconscious trooper. "They almost blew up the ship, so I got off to stop them."
"Then we are both doomed," Nail said through gritted teeth.
"I'm sure we can think of something," The saiyan said offering his hand to the namekian.
Nail looked at the offer and shook his head. "Leave me. My place is here."
"Huh?" Goku said with clear confusion. "You want to stay?"
"This is…was, my home and I was tasked to defend it. Having failed that there is nothing left for me. I should fall with my planet."
"…Why?" Goku asked plainly. "What does that do?"
"Why?" Nail repeated. "That is my duty as champion…I should-"
"You should come back to Earth with me," Goku said interrupting. "I mean you should if we can figure a way out of here in time." The saiyan laughed and offered his hand again.
"What don't you understand saiyan!" Nail snapped. "Just leave me!"
"Sorry, can't do that," Goku said firmly. "Krillin said we have to work together right?"
"He did," The namekian admitted. "But that was only when we shared a common goal."
"Nah, that doesn't sound like Krillin. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you again. He's a good guy, a little different nowadays, but still good."
"…you hold a lot of faith in him." Nail said after a pause.
"Of course, he's my friend," Goku said. "Besides, he said he would find a way to help your planet, right? I'm sure he'll think of something. Don't you want to see that?"
Nail looked at the saiyan with wide eyes as his mind reached back and found the Grand Elder's voice in his memories.
Aren't you curious?
Hesitating slightly Nail grabbed the saiyan's hand before being yanked to his feet.
"Can you fly?" Goku asked.
"…I'll manage," Nail answered.
"Okay, we'd better hurry though!" The saiyan said taking to the sky.
As Goku flew Namek's champion took a moment to look at his home. The grass still a sickly grey, the last Ajisa tree browned and barely standing, the green in the sky now devoid of its light. The sight was so different from the one he was given years ago. Yet despite everything, even through the silence, Nail could not stop a small bud of hope from forming that one day. He would see that view again.
Grand Elder if I survive this. What will the future hold for me? Nail thought to himself as he followed the saiyan's lead.