Taken By Force
Chapter Six: The Tree of Might
Goku and Piccolo rushed at Amond simutanelously, attacking from two different sides, but Amond dodged each attack. He countered and struck the two with mighty energy blasts. Goku and Piccolo crashed against the walls of the Tree.
The two now exhausted, had no way of winning.
"Any last words before I kill you two?" Amond said. He grinned maliciously and relished in his victory.
Goku carefully stood up, and panted heavily. "Who are you guys and why are you doing this?!" Goku shouted. "And what is this tree of might?!"
Amond chuckled evilly. "I suppose...since you are going to die after all, I can tell you.." Amond replied.
"Good, that should buy some time." Goku thought.
"We are the Crusher Corps, a group of space pirates who find planets that are good candidates for the Tree of Might." Amond explained. "Any Planet yielding good resources, or even better, great resources, will have the Tree of Might planted inside. The Tree of Might will drain the planet's resources til dry, and produce incredible fruit, but! Not only does it absorb the life of the planet. It drains those who live on it as well."
"T-Then that means!" Goku gasped with realizaiton. "Chi-Chi, Master Roshi, Bulma and the others! They could be dead!"
Amond chuckled. "That's right." He replied. Goku growled and clenched his fists.
"You monsters! How dare you!" Goku yelled.
"Call us whatever you want, we could care less." Amond replied. "You see, there's another name for this tree actually. It's real name is The Tree of Death, and our Commander Turles, had somehow managed to find this powerful Tree's seed."
"You keep talking about a Commander, but we never seen him." Piccolo said. "Who is he?"
"Commander Turles? Well He is basically a Saiyan like this man over here." Amond said, pointing to Goku. "In fact, when I had seen you, I almost thought you were our Commander. The resemblance is uncanny, I almost wonder if you two are related."
"Another Saiyan?" Goku said. "There are more out there? I thought there was only my brother, and the two other he spoke of left."
"Strange that, whoever your brother is, would've forgotten." Amond replied. "There is one more Saiyan out there yes. If you are a Saiyan, then that would make a total of five left. Those five being, Raditz, Vegeta, Nappa, Commander Turles and you."
Amond eyed Goku, and observed him. "You resemble Raditz...would I be wrong to guess that he is your brother?" Amond asked.
"He's only my brother by blood, I don't think him as a brother and never will!" Goku answered.
Amond laughed. "Whatever you say." Amond said. "Anyways, I think I'll get on with the killing now. Starting with you first."
Amond pointed his hand at Goku and created an purple energy blast. Goku braced himself for the shot, however, a familiar shout could be heard.
"Destructo Disk!" Krillin yelled. Amond turned around and saw a sharp blast coming after him, he scarcely evaded the attack, but still giving a cut to Amond's face.
"Alright Krillin!" Goku smiled.
"What?! How did you get past Cacao or Rasin and Lakasei!" Amond gasped.
Behind Krillin, Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu floated down.
"As I've said before." Tien replied. "You guys may have strength, but your technique is poor."
"What the hell?! That copying sun of a!" Piccolo thought.
"It wasn't easy though, but we managed to get through." Krillin added.
"Fine, It doesn't matter anyways. I'll just kill all of you as well!" Amond smirked. He rushed to the four, but Tien created a bright white light.
"SOLAR FLARE!" Tien shouted.
"Aaagh MY EYES! NOT AGAIN!" Amond shouted. "Damn Dirty Tricks!"
"Quickly, Get Goku and Piccolo a senzu bean!" Yamcha said. Krillin nodded.
Krillin flew over to Goku and handed him a senzu bean.
"Thanks Krillin." Goku said. He put the bean in his mouth and ate it quickly. His injuries healed, and his energy recovered back to full. Goku jumped up in joy. "Alright! I can never get tired of that!"
Krillin then flew over to Piccolo with the last senzu in his hand begrudgingly. "As much as don't want to." Krillin said. He put his hand out. "Here take it."
Piccolo pushed Krillin's hand away. "I don't need it, I got a better idea." Piccolo smirked. Krillin shot Piccolo a confused look.
"What're you talking about?" Krillin asked.
"It's none of your concern, besides you'll find out in two seconds here." Piccolo answered.
Krillin sighed. "Well then whatever is, you should hurry, his vision could come back any second."
Piccolo floated to the top of the tree and searched it. There hanged tons of ripe fruit for the picking, but one in particular caught Piccolo's eye, It seemed bigger and jucier than the rest.
"Hmm. This seems suitable." Piccolo said.
"Wait a second, What're you doing Piccolo!" Goku shouted.
"Evening the playing field!" Piccolo replied. Without further stalling, he took a massive bite out of the fruit. His chest, and other upper muscles puffed out, his power dramatically increased, crushing the fruit as this went on. Piccolo's aura raged and roared, causing tons of wind to run rampant.
Then his body settled, and his body returned to a normal size. Piccolo felt stronger, refreshed, hardened, and reborn. The incredible power surge made him feel practically invincible.
"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Piccolo shouted.
Amond's vision quickly returned, and he aimed his fist at Tien, the one who had blinded him in the first place.
"I'll get you for that!" Amond shouted. He neared in to Tien, but then Piccolo had kicked Amond in his back, knocking him out of the way. Amond was sent out of the tree, and crashed into the ground.
Tien, Yamcha, Krillin and Chiaotzu gaped with shock.
"W-What the! Where'd all that power come from!" Tien said.
"Y-Yeah, how did you get so strong!" Yamcha gasped.
"It was the fruit from this tree." Piccolo smirked. "You should try it."
"No, don't." Goku said. The others except for Piccolo who rushed after Amond, turned to him.
"Why not Goku?" Krillin asked. "Didn't you see the incredible power Piccolo was given just now!"
"Because the only way they were able to produce that fruit in the first place, was to take the lives of millions of people." Goku answered. The four broadened their eyes. "And along with it, the Earth's resources."
"M-Millions of P-People?!" Krillin stuttered. Goku nodded.
"Yeah this Tree has been draining the Earth." Goku replied. "I don't know how much longer we have. We need to hurry and finish it."
"Then shouldn't that be all the more reason to take the fruit?" Tien pointed out. "I know it seems wrong, but if we take the fruit, and use it for good. We can stop these guys, and the tree. Any damage done can be brought back with the Dragon Balls."
"Yeah Tien's right." Yamcha agreed. "We should consume as many as we can, that way we can stop them."
"I don't know guys...It just feels...wrong." Goku replied. "I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable with eating something that has that many innocent people's energy inside."
"Well, It's either that or let them die in vain." Tien said. "So I think this is a good choice."
Goku sighed. "Alright it..."
The five turned around to grab the fruit, and stopped when Turles appeared.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Turles replied.
"H-He looks just like Goku!" Yamcha pointed out.
"Y-Yeah! That other guy wasn't kidding!" Krillin added.
"Well..It does make sense, after all, Kakarotto and I are cousins." Turles answered. The others dropped their jaws in shock.
"C-Cousins?" Chiaotzu stuttered.
"Y-You mean more of Goku's family members survived?!" Krillin gasped.
"Yes, while technically speaking, most low-class Saiyans look alike." Turles said. "That's partially because, most low class Saiyans are likely related somehow. Not all, but there's definitely a good portion of the low-class. I'm Kakarotto's first cousin, so we are very well related."
Turles floated up to the others's levels. "I'm surprised Raditz didn't say anything about me, but that's okay I guess." He smirked. "Anyways, like I said, taking that many fruits is bad."
"How so?" Tien asked.
"The fruit is powerful, that much is true. It has incredible benefits...but..." Turles answered. He paused..
"But what?" Krillin said.
"You think you're tough enough to beat us regardless, is that it?" Yamcha added.
Turles laughed. "No, let me put it to you this way. If you consume one fruit now, the benefits are immense however, if you consume two fruits, within the same time span. It'll have more diminishing returns then it will benefits." Turles explained. "At least without, excersizing out that extra energy first anyways."
"Diminishing returns? What do you mean by that?" Krillin asked.
"Yeah and how do we know you're not saying that to just keep us from stopping you guys?" Yamcha added.
"Because if it were true, I'd be crazy powerful right now." Turles answered. "I mean, I am crazy powerful, but I'd be ten times, no...one hundred times, stronger than I am right now. If you want to, by all means, go ahead and take multiple. I'd like to see you try."
"I guess you're not lying then." Goku sighed.
"That is correct, I'd have nothing to gain from it anyways, Cousin." Turles replied. "It's a shame that you consider yourself an Earthling. I would've like to have had you on my team. Hell, I'd even have you four join me. I am looking for a new crew apparently."
"Even if I didn't, I'd still never join you!" Goku said.
"Are you sure?" Turles replied.
"Yes I'm sure. You guys are nothing but untrustworthy murderers!" Goku answered.
"Untrustworthy? I'm not untrustworthy, and to prove it, you're free to have a taste of the fruit." Turles said.
"You mean, you won't try to stop us, if we take one?" Yamcha asked. Turles shook his head.
"That seems really suspicious." Krillin added.
"I mean, if you'd rather fight me the way you are now..." Turles said. "But then again, you all seem exhausted, and on top of it, I know I can take all of you at once. I'm sure a taste of that powerful fruit, would be so refreshing right now."
Tien, Yamcha, Krillin, and Chiaotzu hesistantly grabbed the fruit, still keeping an eye on Turles.
"Come on, don't be shy." Turles said. He looked at Goku. "Even you too Kakarotto. I prefer a fairer fight. So by all means, go for it."
Goku floated up to the fruit cautiously, and like the rest grabbed the fruit. All fighters of Earth took a bite out of the fruit, and just like Amond and Piccolo, they went through the same process. Their bodies bulged, and their powers surged, invigorating them.
Their energy was completely restored, and their injuries were healed. There mind as well was rejuvenated. It was so much different from the Senzu Bean, not only were they immensely stronger, but the healing effects felt much more soothing. It was almost as if they woke up from the best sleep one could get.
"Don't lie to me, but it felt good didn't it? The power coursing through your veins?" Turles asked. No response was given.
"I don't get it. Why are you doing this knowing we could defeat you right here, right now?" Goku answered.
"The truth is. There's a bigger enemy than you and I." Turles replied. "And, even with, Raditz, Nappa, Vegeta, and my power, we couldn't stop him. Even if we were ten times stronger than our current power."
Turles tone dropped. "And now that you've dismantled my crew, I worked so hard to get." Turles explained. "I'd like some help for that."
"A bigger enemy?" Tien said. "What kind of enemy?"
Turles's eyes darted around, checking the perimiter. He took his scouter off his face and disabled it.
"Lord Frieza." He said. "He is someone, nobody can trifle with. Frieza's power is one that could allow him to destroy galaxies at his fingertips. Even if I were one hundred times as powerful as now, I fear that may not be enough."
"T-There's somebody that strong?!" Krillin gasped.
"T-That's impossible! Nobody can be that strong!" Yamcha said. "C-Can They?"
Turles nodded. "Yes, Join us, and maybe we can defeat him together."
"No." Goku said.
"I'm sorry what?" Turles asked.
"No! You come to our planet, and attack us, bring our planet to the brink of destruction..." Goku answered. "And expect us to join you?!"
"I agree, I'd rather die!" Tien added.
"It seems you don't understand the severity of the situation." Turles replied. He took a second to think. "You're looking for your boy aren't you Kakarotto?"
Goku broadened his eyes. "Where is my son!" Goku shouted.
"What was his name..." Turles said, mockingly. "Go...something Gothan? Gohen?... I can't quite remember."
"His name was Gohan!" Goku replied.
"Ah yes that was it." Turles said. "Wouldn't you want him back?"
"Give me my son back!" Goku demanded.
"Wish I could, but I can't do that unless you join me." Turles said. "I do not know where he is exactly, but three months from now, I'll be heading to a meeting. Your son will most likely be there."
Goku growled in frustration. "No I won't join you." Goku replied. "I'll find another way to find him."
"You're really making this hard aren't you, Kakarotto?" Turles said. "Let's say you beat me, and Amond. Then what? You're gonna destroy this tree?"
"I was planning on it." Goku said.
"Ha! I couldn't even destroy this tree if I wanted to!" Turles replied. "Not even Lord Frieza could! Once this tree begins draining the planet's resources, it can't be stopped. I should know, I've tried."
The five gasped in shock.
"So you're saying...The Earth is doomed no matter what?!" Krillin said.
"Liar!" Yamcha shouted.
"I already told you, what would I gain from lying." Turles replied. He shook his head in disappointment. "Listen, I'm giving you an option to save your asses. Here's what you got. Either come with me, and help me defeat the greater threat, or stay here, die with your planet, and forget about ever seeing your son again."
Turles smirked at the distress faces of the five. "And...well I'd hurry up and decide. There isn't much time."
Goku sighed frustratedly. "Fine, but we're setting some ground rules." Goku said.
"As you wish, but how about we set those later, there isn't much time left." Turles replied.
"W-What?! Goku you can't be serious!" Krillin gasped.
Goku turned to his friends. "Sorry guys, I just can't risk it!" He said. "At least this way we can make sure nobody dies in vain."
"Then we should tell Piccolo, get Kami, get Master Roshi, and whoever else is still alive." Tien said. He understood quickly, why Goku made his decision and accepted it.
Yamcha sighed. "Maybe there'll be another way to bring back Earth..." He said.
Turles put back on his scouter and enabled it. "Amond, cease fire! We're leaving."
In the distance where Piccolo and Amond had been battling. Amond expressed confusion on his face.
"Hold on a second!" Amond shouted. He put his hand out in front of Piccolo, confusing the Demon King's son. "What're you talking about sir?"
"W-What?! You can't just pause in the middle of a fight!" Piccolo yelled. "We're fighting a death-battle here!"
Amond ignored Piccolo and continued talking to Turles. This infuriated Piccolo with rage. Piccolo grunted furiously, and charged after Amond.
"The commander wants to see you." Amond said. Piccolo stopped, and lowered his fists.
"So he finally wants to show his face?" Piccolo replied. "Fine, I'll stop for that."
The two headed to the center of the Tree, both were shocked to learn the deal made between other the two parties.
"B-But Sir! They killed Cacao, Daiz, Rasin and Lakasei!" Amond shouted.
"Actually Daiz is still alive, it seems he was just unconscious." Turles said. He nudged his head pointing to the unconscious pukinpa.
"Still!" Amond protested.
"Yeah, what's the meaning of this Goku!" Piccolo yelled.
Goku explained to Piccolo everything, and even though Piccolo didn't like it. He still accepted the deal.
"Fine, but we're not your slaves or anything, got it!" Piccolo yelled. "And If you betray us, I'll be sure to make that day to last a painful eternity!"
Turles shrugged. "Yeah yeah whatever. Let's hurry now. Go get your friends, I'll prepare my ship, and collect the fruit." He said.
Goku, Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, and Chiaotzu left immediately, but Piccolo stayed to assure there was no treason behind it.
Goku soared as quickly as he could to his house, looking for Chi-Chi and the Ox-King, but there was no sign of them.
"Come on Come on!" Goku shouted. He searched Ox-King's favorite fishing spots, but nothing. He searched nearby towns, but most were in ruins, and like ghost towns. Goku lowered himself to Chi-Chi's favorite book store, and ran around it. It was mostly intact, but there was no sign of anyone.
"Damn it!" Goku rammed his fist into the wall out of anger. He clenched his fist and sighed. "I'm too late."
Goku released his energy and hurried back to the others.
_
Yamcha hurried to west city, and found Bulma at the Capsule Corporation buliding.
"Bulma!" Yamcha shouted. "Where are you!"
"Over here!" Bulma waved. Yamcha ran quickly to Bulma with relief. "What's going on! Why is the Earth falling apart, where's Goku and the others! How come I've been getting calls from Chi-Chi, freaking out about where's Gohan, Where's Goku!"
"No time to explain." Yamcha replied. "Just come with me."
"What where are we going?" Bulma asked.
"I'll explain on the way. Where's your parents?" Yamcha answered.
"They went to the massive mall across the street, why?" Bulma asked.
Yamcha quickly rushed to the mall, and dashed around, going up and down several floors, with no signs of lifeforce anywhere. After a short few seconds, he realized there was no one there, and he returned to Bulma.
"They weren't there." Yamcha said.
"What? Well that's where they were ten minutes ago!" Bulma yelled.
"Well...We'll have to worry about it later. Let's go!" Yamcha said. He picked Bulma up, and flew off instantly. He didn't tell Bulma right away what happened to her parents, cause he wasn't sure how to break the news.
Krillin arrived at Kame House shortly, with his new found speed, it was an incredible feeling.
"Woohoo!" Krillin shouted as he soared the winds. He landed quickly on the sandy island. "Master Roshi!"
Master Roshi opened the door.
"Hey Krillin!" Master Roshi said with a smile. "What's up!"
"Can't explain right now, where's Oolong, and Turtle?" Krillin asked.
"I don't know they left awhile ago and never came back." Master Roshi answered. Noticing Krillin's distressed face filled him with questions. "What's going on?"
"I'll explain once we get there but basically, the Earth is about to go, and we can't stop it." Krillin said.
"W-What!?" Master Roshi gasped.
Tien arrived at the lookout, around the same time the others arrived at the other places.
"Kami!" Tien shouted. Kami came out from the temple of the Lookout.
"Hello Tien, I know why you're here, don't bother explaining." Kami said.
"Good then let's go." Tien replied.
"Hold on." Kami said. "Mr Popo, It's time to go!"
"Right!" Mr Popo shouted. He summoned a flying carpet beneath his feet. "Hop on, my Carpet is faster."
Tien shot Mr Popo a confused look but then brushed it off, seeing as there is no time. He and Kami stood on the strange dark being's carpet, and in instant they were back with Piccolo and the others.
"Good, You got my other half." Piccolo said.
"Would have not matter either way, I had been watching the events from above the lookout." Kami replied. "I understand the severity of the situation, and while I'd rather go with the planet, I know that is not wise."
"Yeah yeah blah blah some wisdom mumbo jumbo." Piccolo replied. "Let's just go already!"
Shortly after, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, and Krillin arrived with Master Roshi, and Bulma.
"You guys gonna explain what's goin on here yet?" Bulma asked.
"Later! We promise." Yamcha answered.
Bulma huffed in response.
The group followed Turles into his massive ship. Bulma still filled with questions, looked at it with awe.
"This ship...It's so technologically advanced!" Bulma shouted.
"Yes of course, we're far past your pathetic age of technology." Turles replied. Bulma looked at him with shock.
"Y-You look j-just like G-Goku!" Bulma stuttered.
"I am his cousin, so of course I do." Turles replied. "Though, I wonder where he is right now."
"I'm here..." Goku said. He panted heavily as he stepped inside the ship. "Sorry I'm late..."
"Did you find them Goku?" Krillin asked. Goku frowned and shook his head.
"No they're gone..." Goku answered.
"Who's gone?" Bulma replied. "COULD SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!"
"Alright alright!" Yamcha said.
The situation was quickly explained as Turles launched the ship smoothly out of the atmosphere.
"So, there's no way to stop it?" Master Roshi asked.
"Negatory Old Timer." Daiz answered.
"The planet will probably explode in just a few seconds here, if you want, you can gaze out the window and watch the last few seconds of your precious planet." Turles said.
Bulma fainted from the shock, and almost fell to the floor but Yamcha had caught her before she did.
Then they all except for Bulma watched as Earth grew massive red cracks, then split apart and exploded, while also saying goodbye. Turles, Daiz, and Amond rolled their eyes.
"Okay, the ship is on autopilot." Turles said. "Now to our deal negotiating."
Turles pressed a button, and appeared a huge table with several chairs.
"Sit down, so we can talk about our deal." Turles said.
The deal was, that Goku, and Co would help out Turles in order to stop Frieza, but on some conditions.
The first condition being, Goku gets to be reunited with his son. The second condition being, that they are not Turles's slaves or any thing of the sort to be disposed of. The third condition was that in return for all of this, Turles had to help find a way of bringing back Earth after this is all over.
The final condition, was that Turles and the entirety of the Crusher Corps was to leave Planet Earth alone.
"Okay, in that case, my one and only condition." Turles said. "Is that you are to as well, leave my and my business alone afterwards."
"F..Fine.." Goku sighed.
"Also, I cannot gurantee everyone's survival. Frieza and his army are no joke." Turles announced. "This will take everything you got, and more! Got that?"
The others nodded in response.
"What about my Son though?" Goku asked.
"We are to meet him, and the other Saiyans on Freeza Planet 983, in three months." Turles answered. "The only problem is, it can take about two months just get there, and an additional month, because I have stops to make."
"What kind of stops?" Tien said.
"Well, If you really want to beat Frieza, and go home. We'll have to utilize the fruit at it's proper extent." Turles explained. "For every fruit that we consume, you have to spend weeks just training out its full potential. When we take it in, it takes time for the power to fully develop inside. And well, I'm sure you realize we can't do that inside my ship."
"So where exactly would we go?" Yamcha asked.
"There are dozens of planets, wide and empty enough to train on. Most of which have no life on it whatsoever." Turles answered. "We'll make multiple stops to stretch our limbs. Some of these have increased gravity, so for your friends who cannot withstand the powerful gravity, will have to stay inside the ship."
"I don't know about this Goku." Krillin whispered.
"I know Krillin, it's not right...but what choice do we have?" Goku replied.
"Yeah, let's agree to it for now. Play it by ear." Tien said.
"Alright we agree..." Goku said.
"Good. Then be ready, cause this will be a very long flight." Turles replied.
"Hold on. I'm not technically apart of their group. I want to be clear, that your all my enemy." Piccolo declared. "And this will be only temporary. If I choose to come after you Turles, I'm coming on my own accord."
Turles shrugged. "Works for me, the conditions they had asked for after all, didn't mention you in it." He said. Turles smirked. "And I'd like to have some competition."
"Good. Now that we got that settled. Where's our first stop?" Piccolo asked.
"Well, I actually have to pick up some supplies. So we'll be stopping at one of the biggest trade organizations." Turles answered. "You all have to stay inside the ship, if word gets out that I'm hiding you guys around, my head will be on every bounty board in the known universe!"
"After that, we'll get some time in the flight." Turles said. "We cannot be late..."
"Gohan!" Split yelled. No response, Gohan stood emotionless for a moment, almost as if he was frozen. "Gohan! Get moving! We gotta go before this place blows!"
Once again, nothing. "GOHAN!" Split screamed ot the top of his lungs. Gohan snapped back into reality and shook his head. He rushed to his pod with the others.
"S-Sorry!" He shouted.
To be continued...
Powerlevels:
Turles: 15,000
Amond: 10,000 | Post Fruit: 15,000
Daiz: 7,000
Goku: 6,700 | Near Death: 340 | Post-Senzu: 8,000 | Post Fruit: 16,000
Piccolo: 6,400 | Post Fruit: 15,000
Tienshinhan: 5,750 | Post Fruit: 9,000
Yamcha: 5,325 | Post Fruit: 8,750
Krillin: 4,750 | Post Fruit: 7,000
Chiaotzu: 2,450 | Post Fruit: 5,500