Namek
December 19, A762
Vegeta landed in the village, looking around at all the green men. He was a little disappointed he hadn't had the chance to fight the Namekian on Earth who had killed Raditz. Considering how much more powerful the Earthlings had become, he may have been actually entertaining as a fight.
These fools, however, did not seem to be worth much of his time.
"What is that?"
"It's an alien!"
"I wish to speak to your Elder. I believe you have a Dragon Ball that I'll be taking off your hands," Vegeta called out.
"I am the Elder," a plump Namekian said, "But I must ask what you intend to do with it."
Vegeta crossed his arms, "I'm going to assume that you cannot sense my power. So I'll let that slide, but I assure you, it's more than enough for your village. Now where is your Dragon Ball?"
The elder scowled, "I can, in fact, sense your power. And the evil within you. I will not hand over our Dragon Ball to someone like you."
"Then you'll be handing it over to someone even more powerful, and even more evil than I am," Vegeta said, "If you must know, I need your Dragon Balls to achieve a great power. Surely if you can sense me, you've noticed the other villages being wiped out? That's Freeza, and he's here to do much worse to you. So you have a choice: Either give me your Dragon Ball, and I'll keep it out of his hands, or I'll take it from you, and leave your village a wreck after I search for it."
"You're a monster."
"Oh come now. I, at least, have honor. I punish my enemies, but I reward my friends. Once I achieve this power, I will destroy Freeza. If you help me, I'll make sure Namek gets whatever it wants or needs: Riches, power, you name it. But Freeza will destroy you if you cooperate or don't. The truth is, I've already done you a favor telling you Freeza is after the Dragon Balls. If you all run after I've taken what I'm after, some of you might survive. Like I said, I reward my friends. Don't you want to be my friend, Namekian?" Vegeta proposed. The Elder hesitated, before letting out a grunt of frustration.
"If we're going to be friends, may I have your name, then?"
"Only if I can have yours."
"I am Tsuno, Elder and Guardian of the Four Star Ball."
"I am Vegeta, Saiyan warrior and…" Vegeta hesitated before calling himself the 'Prince', "...And an enemy of Freeza."
"Very well. I will give you the ball...Friend Vegeta," Tsuno said.
"But Elder! Surely-" a Namekian warned.
"Begin the evacuation immediately. Our 'friend' has spoken the truth. As much as I hate choosing one evil over another, we have no choice. There is a great darkness upon Namek. Come, Vegeta," Tsuno gestured for him to follow. In Tsuno's quarters, the four-star ball was sitting on a pedestal.
"What, is that it? I could have just strolled in and taken it? Hah! How Freeza has been having trouble with this, I'll never know!" Vegeta remarked.
"Before you take it, tell me of this power," Tsuno said, "This power you believe can defeat Freeza?"
"What do you care?"
"You said you were a Saiyan. I recall the destruction of your homeworld," Tsuno said. Vegeta froze, and turned to him.
"What did you say?"
"I wasn't there, of course. But I was restless, and sought to learn more about the Galaxy in my youth. I retained many contacts and friends throughout my travels. Many of them spoke with great relief when they found out the Saiyans were gone. What is this power you seek? What is this secret of the Saiyans?" Tsuno asked.
"You ask a lot of questions for someone who is about to be slaughtered by the Galactic Tyrant," Vegeta said.
"Please, indulge your new friend," Tsuno insisted. Vegeta grunted.
"It is said that every thousand years, a great golden warrior will appear when he is in his Oozaru form. Their power is great, and their skill unmatchable. The last time it occurred, they were consumed by the power."
"And what makes you think you can handle that power, Vegeta?" Tsuno asked, "Is it worth destroying yourself and Namek to defeat Freeza?"
Vegeta hesitated, but took the Dragon Ball, "So long as it destroys Freeza, I will finally be worthy, and that's all that matters to me."
"So nothing matters, so long as you achieve greatness? Nothing else?"
Vegeta glared at Tsuno, "What's the point of this interrogation?"
"Concern for my 'friend,' is all. There's conflict within you, Vegeta. Before you find the Super Saiyan within you, ask yourself: Who, or what, are you seeking to be worthy of?"
"You sound like the wench," Vegeta snarled.
"Sounds like a wise wench," Tsuno chuckled, and he left the room.
Vegeta remained behind for a moment, considering. Was that what Gine had been trying to tell him all these years? What was it that she knew? She must be in on Bardock's plans.
"I'll bet Nappa's brat isn't even his," Vegeta chuckled, trying to imagine Nappa's face when finding out Brussa wasn't his daughter, but Bardock's. The only image that ran through his head was memories of Gine's kindness, her delicious meals. Her advice, telling him to consider the team.
Vegeta looked to the door; most Freeza soldiers would have destroyed the village without thinking. He'd just talked them into giving him what he wanted. He'd gone out of his way to let the prisoners on Planet 79 go, even though he had the power to destroy the base with ease. Sure he'd killed Cui and Dodoria, but they were monsters in their own right.
"Damn you woman, you've made me soft!" Vegeta considered destroying the village there and then. But Tsuno's words rang in his mind:
What are you seeking to be worthy of?
He didn't have time for these questions. He had Dragon Balls to find. Cursing himself, Vegeta flew out of the building, out of the village, and then out of the bay where Tsuno's village was starting to evacuate.
Vegeta flew back to the area where he killed Dodoria, and dropped the Dragon Ball into a lake. He looked around, feeling sources of energy. It definitely wasn't Freeza or his men; they were not alone on Namek.
"Let's have a peek at who is snooping around," Vegeta muttered, and flew off into the sky.
XXX
"Down!" Tien shouted, flying down to an island, quickly suppressing his energy; the others joined him on the nearest islands, not wanting to clump up in one area, and risk being seen.
"Who is it?" Moori whispered to Krillin.
"It's Vegeta. He's one of the Saiyans who came to Earth. He killed one of our friends, and would have wiped us all out if we hadn't been able to stop him," Krillin asked.
"So, another evildoer on our world," Moori cursed.
"Afraid so," Krillin said, "We might be able to take him between all of us, but it wouldn't be easy. Unfortunately, he seems even more powerful than when we first fought him…"
"I'm not keen on getting blasted by Vegeta again, that's for sure," Roshi said.
They remained hidden while Vegeta looked around, trying to find them. Tien kept his fingers in the Tri-beam formation, aimed straight at Vegeta. He didn't dare spike his energy, but if he needed to, he would be prepared for it.
"Tien! You're still weak!" Roshi hissed to him, "You'd kill yourself!"
"He'd kill us if I don't!" Tien replied. Vegeta's gaze snapped right over to their hiding places; the warriors barely managed to duck behind cover. To their relief, Vegeta turned, and flew into a different direction. When he was gone, they all let out a sigh of relief.
"Damn you, boy!" Roshi said to Tien, "Don't even think of being that reckless! You already got yourself nearly killed with the stunt earlier! And we're all exhausted as it is!"
"Good point. The time here feels funny, like it should be dark already," Krillin said, floating into the air.
"Why would it be dark?" Moori asked as they continued their journey.
"Because of night time? The sun goes down, and you all go to sleep?" Krillin said.
"Which sun?" Moori asked, "We have three. There is always light in the sky."
"So there's no night time?" Roshi sighed, "We'll have to time ourselves so we can get some rest in. We must already be exerting ourselves."
"What are you talking about?" Moori asked.
"We need to rest for part of the day," Tien said, "Or our minds and bodies begin to fray. With no night, when our sky is dark for part of the day, we've gone beyond the time we normally take for that rest. We'll take some time when we get to the Grand Elder's, I think."
"Of course. I'm sorry you've over-extended yourselves," Moori said.
"Nonsense, you couldn't have known. It was our fault for not paying attention," Roshi said.
"Is that it up ahead?" Krillin pointed. There was a house built on top of a thin plateau that was raised high above the islands and waters below.
"Yes, that's it," Moori nodded.
"Jeez, that's pretty in the open. Not much defensibility there…" Krillin noted, and they landed before the Namekian house.
"Elder Moori?" a Namekian called out; there was a group of three standing in front of the house.
"My brothers!" Moori cheered, his arms extended; they embraced.
"We were going to attack the invaders, but then some other alien came in and destroyed most of the invaders! We saw you taking the boys away, are Cargo and Dende all right?" the Namekian asked.
"Yes. These are the aliens who helped us. They're humans, from Earth. I've brought them here to speak with the Grand Elder."
"I'm grateful you've saved my brothers," the Namekian said, "I am Kotai. This is Molsc and Whist. I wish we knew the fate of the Dragon Ball, but when it was clear the village was abandoned, we came straight here."
Krillin pressed on his sunglasses, looking in the direction of their village.
"According to our radar, it's still there. When we're done here, we'll go and get it, and keep it out of Freeza or Vegeta's hands," Tien said.
"Moori," another Namekian called out, stepping out of the house, "Who are these strangers?"
"Nail!" Moori grinned. He walked up to the Namekian, and began to explain the situation.
"Woah! He's a spitting image of Piccolo! I don't believe it!" Tien gasped.
"Spitting image of 'Open'? What?" Molsc asked.
"Long story," Krillin said.
"Very well, Earthlings. You may see the Grand Elder," Nail gestured for them to enter, and led them up.
"Oh, wow! You're the Grand Elder of the Namekians, huh?" Krillin said, a little offput by his massive size.
"I am. It is always good to have friendly visitors, though I sense that not all of Namek's guests are as well-behaved as you," said the Grand Elder, "I am given to believe you are responsible for saving Moori's village. You have my thanks."
Tien bowed to the Grand Elder, "The pleasure is ours, Grand Elder. I am Tienshinhan. This is Master Roshi, and Krillin. We are from Earth. I wish our meeting was under better circumstances."
"I am Guru. If it has not been said already, welcome to Namek, such as it is these days," Guru said, "What brings you to our world, if I may ask?"
"Well, you see, our world was attacked by Saiyans…" Tien said, and he proceeded to explain the situation to the Grand Elder.
"You say Saiyans. Were they Super Saiyans by any change?" Guru asked when Tien was finished, having listened to the story in its entirety.
"I'm...Not sure what that is. What is a Super Saiyan, Grand Elder?" Tien asked.
"Sounds like trouble to me," Krillin remarked.
"Hundreds of years ago, before the Drought, back when I was still a child, the Saiyans had a hero: The Super Saiyan. He traveled the galaxy, destroying the wicked Saiyans across the Galaxy. His power was tremendous, but ultimately, his power consumed him. Had his power been used for evil, however, the Universe itself would be in danger," Guru said.
"The whole universe? The Saiyans are capable of that? Wow, I'd hate to face that kind of power…" Krillin said.
"It is good, then, that you have not encountered one. I sense one Saiyan on our world, and there is darkness and tribulation in his heart. Even the power that is destroying my people would pale in comparison to an evil with the power of the Super Saiyan," Guru said.
"Hmm. We have a lot of work ahead of us, one way or another, then," Roshi said, "If we take one Dragon Ball, we can stop the others from using it."
"True. They will find this place one way or another, and I am on my last days. You must make your wish quickly, Earthling," Guru said, reaching up and taking the Dragon Ball at the crown of his throne. He handed it to Krillin.
"Thank you, Grand Elder. I wish Kami were here to meet you. He would have been honored," Tien said.
"It would be my honor to meet the child of Katas. Before you leave, I sense great potential in all of you. Please, indulge an old man, and allow me to pull forth your potential; with this, you may tap into power you have had hidden, unknown and dormant," Guru offered.
"Would that shorten your own life, Grand Elder?" Guru asked.
"No. The power is your own; I am only releasing the floodgates, as it were. Allow me to place my hand upon you," Guru reached out, and rest his hand on Tien's head.
"I sense there is still darkness within you, as well, human. It is slight, but take care to remain wary of it, Tienshinhan. I believe your word and cause to be true, but you still have more about yourself you must discover," Guru's voice said in Tien's head.
"Darkness? What kind of darkness do I still hold? I have worked so hard to better myself, what is it that I am still holding onto?" Tien asked.
"Anger, and pain. It is not close to the surface, but remains one of your core drives, to hold yourself above it. But once you confront it, and let go, you will finally be true to yourself, and free," Guru told him. A well of power bubbled to the surface, and Tien suddenly felt energized and alive.
"Oh, wow! Unreal!" Tien panted.
"Tien?" Krillin said.
"My gosh, this is amazing!" Roshi couldn't help but step back from the power emanating from Tien.
"I feel incredible!" Tien laughed.
"Yes. You can win in the battles to come, but no matter how great you feel, your enemies can, too. Be mindful of your opponents," Guru warned.
"Of course, Grand Elder."
"Now, you, Krillin," Guru gestured to him. Krillin, unaware of the conversation Tien had with Guru, did not have a similar exchange.
"Is this what you're feeling, Tien? I almost can't believe it! Haha!" Krillin jumped in place.
"Do, uh, do I get a turn?" Roshi asked. Guru gestured him over.
"Oh, my. You have been sitting on a great amount of power for a very long time. What holds you back, my brother?" Roshi heard in his head.
"I don't know what you mean."
"There is no need for deceptions here, brother. You have long been a defender of your world, of your ways. Yet, when the world needed you the most, you hesitated. You are holding yourself back. Why do you fear your own power?"
Roshi hesitated, "I saw what power did to Shen. I knew from the beginning of our rivalry that I could have surpassed him at any time. I didn't want that power to consume me, and yet...When it was clear that not even my greatest student could defeat the Saiyans on his own, I stepped up for the first time since King Piccolo's return. I should have let my fear go back then, I should have let it go with Raditz, and then with Vegeta, then we might not be in this mess!"
Roshi clenched his fist in the real world without realizing.
"Guru, will you help me?"
"There are temptations you allow yourself to fall prey to. A twist on your real desires, your real fear. Before you can truly achieve your full potential, you must let them go. But, your fear of power, that, I can help with. Though you are not pure, your heart is true, brother. Go, release that power, and use it for both our worlds!" Guru declared.
With a flash of light, Roshi felt his own apprehensions, the image of Shen and Tao, of Tien and Chiaotzu's dark journey, the failures of King Piccolo...Even Roshi's fear of Goku turning away from the man he had become...It all just left.
"M-Master Roshi?" Krillin took a step back from him.
"Thank you, brother," Roshi said.
"And to you, as well, brother," Guru said.
"Boys, take the Namekians back to the cave, and find the Dragon Balls. Keep them away from Freeza's men," Roshi instructed, picking at the tape that kept his staff in one piece.
"What...What are you going to do?" Tien asked.
"I've got to go help an enemy," Roshi said. He dropped down to the first floor, and stepped out of the house. Roshi took a deep breath, and leaped over the horizon.
XXX
"I've been a fool," Vegeta coughed, with Zarbon holding him.
"Yes," the monstrous Zarbon chuckled, "You have. Now, it's gotten you killed."
Zarbon lifted Vegeta up, and tensed, about to throw Vegeta to the ground, when something impacted him, slamming him and Vegeta to the ground. Roshi hopped off Zarbon, landing next to them.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Having a bit of a scuffle, boys?" Roshi leaned on his staff.
"I don't know who you are," Zarbon hissed, "But you've made a lethal mistake!"
Vegeta groaned, and started crawling away.
"Did your mother teach you not to play with your food, boy?" Roshi asked, "You've got Vegeta beaten. There's no reason to keep hurting him."
"I'll do as I please, so long as it gets Lord Freeza what he wants!" Zarbon said, "But killing you, that pleasure will be all mine!"
Roshi grinned, "You're welcome to try."
Zarbon opened with a blast from his mouth, which Roshi sidestepped. Zarbon fired again and again, missing each time as Roshi sidestepped, ducked, and weaved through the barrage, until he reached Zarbon himself.
"You should see a doctor about your skin, it looks nasty," Roshi said, "And about that bruise."
"Bruise, what?"
Roshi clocked Zarbon across the face, sending him onto his back.
"I've seen a lot of talented fighters in my day, you know. The best my world has had to offer," Roshi said, approaching Zarbon, "And some that other worlds have had to offer. But I'll admit, you're something else."
Zarbon charged Roshi, but the old man grabbed Zarbon's arm, twisting it over and up, and pinning him to the ground with his sandaled foot.
"Wh-what is this?" Vegeta growled, "I nearly killed you on Earth! First Nappa, now this old man?"
"With age comes wisdom, boy," Roshi said, pulling his foot back and kicking Zarbon in the back and into the drink. Roshi looked to Vegeta.
"And I am, if nothing else, old."
"You're a fool if you think this changes anything, Earthling!" Vegeta managed to stand.
"On the contrary," Roshi looked up at Zarbon, who had floated out of the water, "I think we're at the beginning of change on Namek."
"Whoever you are," Zarbon seethed, "You've only begun to see the wrath of the Freeza Force!"
"I wouldn't think your boss is the forgiving type," Roshi said, "What are you going to tell him? That you got your butt kicked by an old man? I wouldn't believe you, that's for sure!"
Zarbon just let out angry grunts.
"See, that's what I thought. There's more where that came from, but you go ahead and tell your boss that Namek is under the protection of Roshi, the Turtle Master. If you dare hurt anyone else on this planet, you'll find out why the Turtle School is the greatest martial art on Earth, hear me?" Roshi called out to Zarbon. With a grunt, Zarbon turned back to his humanoid form.
"Oh, he'll hear of it," Zarbon snarled, and he flew off. Roshi spun around, and faced Vegeta, who flinched.
"Are you okay, boy?"
"Get away from me, Earthling!" Vegeta hissed.
"I'll take that as a 'Yes'. Listen, if you're done getting your butt handed to you, we could use your help dealing with this Freeza guy," Roshi said, "I'm pretty sure I can handle any of his minions at this point, but the big buy himself will be one tough cookie. We're going to need your help getting the better of him. What do you say?"
Roshi held out his hand to Vegeta, who recoiled. Roshi smirked.
"We've got plenty of food. I'll bet after the day you've had, you're famished."
"How did you get that powerful so quickly? It's only been a month!" Vegeta demanded.
"Ah, well, you know. Sit ups, pull ups, juice. Come with me, and I'll see where you're at, boy. There's always room for one more at the Turtle School," Roshi said. Vegeta hesitated, but stood.
"Fine. Lead the way."
