Earth's Hell
April 2, A763
"I've heard of the Makyans. Wizards and servants to demons. It is said they are unworthy warriors my ancestors warred with," King Vegeta said.
Guru nodded, "From what I have learned from my ancestors, the Saiyans saved the Galaxy from them. The Makyans and the Namekians were once brother races. Though we did not share a world, when we explored the stars, we did so together. They were tempted by evil, however, and we were forced to fight our brothers. We cast them out, and their homeworld, the Makyan Star, went into hiding, continuing to terrorize the cosmos for millenia. Then, when they came to your homeworld, the Saiyans warred with the Makyans, and drove them to the brink of extinction. Now, what has become of them, I cannot say."
"I can't say I've heard of the Makyans. But if they're behind this, we'll need to find out. King Vegeta, can you lay an ambush for this fellow? Tell him you're finally interested in what he has to say, and then we'll interrogate him," Roshi said.
"A simple matter. He should be coming by soon," King Vegeta said, "I'll force him to tell us what we want to know."
Gohan shook his head, "No, you should ask him everything you can, and then accept his offer. We'll follow you, and we might be able to learn more."
"I am a Saiyan warrior! I will not stand for this sneaking about!" King Vegeta huffed, "I will confront my enemies head on!"
"I won't stop you from making that call, King Vegeta. But the more we know, the more we'll be able to do to protect your sons," Roshi said. King Vegeta pointed to a building.
"I'll have him meet me there. Whether or not I choose to follow your advice, you'll know whether or not from the screams," King Vegeta said, leaving them.
"Well, that's the best we're going to get," Guru said.
"We should set up watches around the town, and see what direction he comes from. Even if he doesn't lead us back, we'll be able to get a direction, at least," Gohan said, "Roshi, you should watch King Vegeta. Mez, you take that way, Goz, you take the area towards the staircase. I'll be opposite Mez, and Guru, you take that direction."
"Good thinking, Gohan," Roshi said, "Let's do it."
Roshi found a hiding spot by some trash in the alleyway next to the building King Vegeta had pointed out. It was embarrassing and stinky, and he fussed while getting into position, trying not to gag, but there was no better spot.
Sure enough, he heard King Vegeta down the street of the village talking to someone.
"I've considered what you've been saying, and I appreciate the prospect of a new challenge. Hell bores me; truly, boredom is the greatest torment here."
"I'm glad to hear that, Vegeta-"
"King Vegeta! So long as there are Saiyans for me to rule over, I am still King!" he insisted.
"King Vegeta," the voice corrected, "Why don't you follow me?"
"I have yet to truly make up my mind. Follow me, I have questions," King Vegeta said, leading the other figure to the house. Once they were inside, Roshi managed to peek in through the window. The comparison to haired Namekians was only partially true; Roshi was expecting more of a round head and more green than blue, but the skin texture seemed true enough, and in the proportions.
"So what is it you wished to know, King Vegeta?" the stranger asked. King Vegeta hesitated, looking out the window Roshi was peeking through; Roshi ducked to avoid drawing attention to himself.
"The last time I worked for a tyrant, he destroyed my world and my kingdom. I refuse to work with a stranger, either. A battle worth fighting is one thing, but I'll be in on the whole scheme," King Vegeta said, "No damned secrets."
"Very well. You see, in life, I served my immortal master, Garlic Junior. He attempted to claim the world of Earth, as per his birthright, but the world's warriors banished him to the Dead Zone, from whence there is no escape-normally, of course. But fortune has smiled upon him, and he has returned," the being explained.
Roshi fought a retch-Piccolo had told him about Garlic Junior and his bid for world conquest. If a being like that was behind this, then the Earth was in great danger.
"We're alone, right?" the being asked.
"Of course we are. Why should I serve this Garlic Junior? Just because he's immortal doesn't mean he's strong, especially if the measly warriors of Earth bested him," King Vegeta said.
"Ah, but last time, he didn't have our true source of power: Our homeworld, the Makyo Star, is approaching the Earth, and he has escaped, and is more powerful than ever. But he won't make the same mistakes twice: He's struck a deal, and any Saiyan warrior willing to join him will be brought back to life once the Earth is his. You'll still be dead, but you'll have a body and access to the mortal world. The fighters of Earth have only grown more powerful, so the challenge will be more than interesting for the likes of you, King Vegeta," the being said.
"So I help him conquer Earth, and we come back to life? What's the catch? I won't serve your master if we're forever bound to his will," King Vegeta said, "I do not serve, I rule."
"Of course not! Your reward for your service is life. Once the Earth's warriors are defeated, you will be permitted to choose to either serve in Garlic's kingdom or as long as you wish, or return the stars, and conquer as you please. Or, of course, you can always try your hand at defeating an Immortal King, and claim his realm for yourself," the being chuckled at the prospect.
"We'll see, when the time comes. What kind of power does Garlic Junior have that allows him access to the souls of Hell?"
"Enough questions, that's for Garlic Junior to deal with. All you have to do is destroy his enemies, and you'll be restored to life. Do we have a deal?" the being reached out to shake King Vegeta's hand. The Saiyan monarch hesitated, and shook the being's hand.
"I'll take your master's deal, Nicky. How many more Saiyans do you need before he's ready?"
Nicky smiled, "Just one."
With a flash of red light, King Vegeta and Nicky disappeared.
"WHAT?" Roshi jumped through the window, "Where'd they go?"
The house was empty, aside from some ash on the ground where they'd been standing. Roshi closed his eyes, and concentrated.
"King Kai, were you watching?" Roshi asked.
"I was. This is bad news, very bad! Makyans are extremely dangerous, the Earth is in incredible danger!"
"Piccolo told me about Garlic Junior. If he's immortal, then there's nothing we can do to stop him, except imprison him!" Roshi said.
"There is one other option, but it's not one we want to consider. I'm going to warn the Earth - they have to know!" King Kai said.
Gohan spoke up, "Roshi, go back to King Yemma's, and get ready to return to Earth. Guru, Mez, Goz, and I will stop Nicky or any of Garlic Junior's goons if they decide they want more Saiyans after all."
"Thank all of you. Guru, Gohan, I'm so happy to have trained with you two, and seen you again," Roshi said.
"You'll see us again, when you're ready," Guru said, "Now go, my brother. Save your world, as you had saved mine!"
Roshi ran out of the house, turned, and began to run. With a shout of "Kaioken!" he bolted straight to the staircase up to King Yemma's.
XXX
Briefs Manor
April 2, A763
Brussa glowered from the picnic table at Krillin and Maron. She chewed on a bone, eventually cracking it in her jaw.
"You're certainly in a weird mood," Raditz said, sitting next to his sister. Blue Launch sat next to Raditz, wrapping her arms around his bicep.
They were having a party to celebrate the Namekians going home, which meant food and festivities. Everyone still on Earth that they knew was here. Even Piccolo had come, though that was mostly because Cargo insisted on seeing off the Namekians and watching Porunga one more time.
Krillin had brought his new girlfriend, Maron, along, and was essentially showing her off to everyone. So far, Maron had grabbed Gine's tail, called Chi Chi an old maid, told Bulma she was out of fashion, and asked the Namekians why they made crop circles. Krillin had spent most of the party alternating between trying to stop Maron from causing trouble, and apologizing for said trouble. Juggling the two tasks had proven impossible.
"I have a weird feeling, and I don't know what it is," Brussa said, crunching the bone again.
"Well, explain it to me," Raditz said, "Maybe I can help."
"Well, it's Krillin's mate, Maron. I want to fight Krillin. He's never done anything mean to me, but I want to fight him. When I look at Maron, I want to put her somewhere nobody can take her. Looking at her gives me this...I don't know...Rush? I don't know how to explain it. It's like craving a certain food, but can't remember what it is, only I want to fight instead. Everything in my body is telling me to do something. It makes me angry, but all I want to do is look at her," Brussa said.
"Like you want to fight, but you can't remember who you want to fight...Yes, I think I know this feeling," Raditz said. Launch giggled.
"Brussa, you have a crush," Launch said. Brussa broke the steak bone in her mouth again.
"Crush what though? How do I get rid of this feeling?" Brussa demanded, "Or have more of it? I don't even know what I want!"
"It means you're attracted to someone. It's perfectly normal," Launch rubbed her head against Raditz's neck, "I feel that way when I look at your brother."
"That's the feeling! Yes, of course!" Raditz said, his eyes lighting up, "Like you could conquer all the stars, just for her!"
"You're lucky that all I want is you," Launch said. The two kissed, chuckling to each other. Brussa sucked the marrow out of the bone, and tossed it onto her plate.
"So, what, I should defeat Krillin and take his mate as my own?" Brussa asked, "Will that make this feeling go away?"
"It's a good feeling, Brussa. There's no reason to be angry about it. But I know what it's like to want someone you can't have," Launch said, "Maron is with Krillin, and she makes him happy. Just be happy for him, and focus on something else."
Brussa let out a grunt, "I'm going to focus on getting more food."
"Hey everybody!" Bulma called out, "I just got a call from Tights! Their mission was a success! They're on their way back to Earth, they should be back around June."
"June? Why are they getting back in June, when Goku won't be back for over a year?" Chi Chi growled, "I've got a baby on the way and Vegeta's going to meet it before its father?"
Maron let out a squeak, "Oh my gosh you're pregnant? I just thought you were fat!"
Krillin let out a groan while Chi Chi shot daggers at her. As Brussa piled steaks onto her plate, trying to keep her mind on food rather than the blunt, gorgeous, energetic Maron, Nappa leaned down to her.
"Did you know Chi Chi was pregnant? I thought she'd just gained weight, too," Nappa admitted. Brussa glared at her father.
"Yes, father, I knew she was pregnant. That's why she keeps finding boxes of Gohan's old things and complaining about how there's no room in the house," Brussa said. Nappa chewed on his own steak, thinking.
"Does that mean we're going to have to move out of Kakarot's house?"
"Probably?"
"Hmm. I wasn't around when Gine was pregnant with you, so I'm not sure what to do."
Brussa sat next to her father, now thinking, "Well it's getting cramped in Kakarot's house now that there's so many of us, and with another baby, it's going to need room to fly around and get in fights, right?"
"Right. So we're going to have to find a new place to live," Nappa said. Gine came over, and flopped on the ground in front of Nappa, looking tired and rubbing her tail after Maron had pulled it.
"What are we talking about?" Gine asked.
"Strategy," Nappa said.
"Are we talking about a battle?" Raditz asked, overhearing.
"I think so," Gine said.
"We're talking about what Chi Chi needs for the baby," Nappa said.
"Yeah, we're talking about battle," Gine told Raditz, who came over. Launch released her boyfriend, not wanting to get in the middle of family battle strategy time.
"So, Brussa made the point that there's way too many of us living in Kakarot's house, so we're going to need somewhere new to live," Nappa said, drawing a map of the property with sauce on his place.
"Hold up, that just means there's not enough room in Kakarot's house," Gine said, "Not that we can't still live there. Instead of moving somewhere else we should just build a second house."
"Maybe two?" Raditz asked, blushing a bit. Gine grinned at him, but said nothing.
"And Chi Chi's going to need things for the baby, right? Like uh...Baby things," Brussa said, "Like food and, um...Oh, a punching bag. So we should do some hunting, and get meat."
"No, babies don't eat meat until they're about a year old," Gine said, "Though you were a little early on that."
"Right, they're pathetic and weak, and need their mothers until they're not so puny anymore," Brussa said.
"What does that say about you?" Raditz chuckled, messing up her hair. She punched him in the ribs, eliciting a yelp.
"Clothes, diapers, toys, books, safety equipment, blankets, a child containment unit," Nappa said, "Babies require a lot more resources than a soldier."
"I think they call child containment units 'cribs' on Earth," Raditz said.
"Well, why don't we get started tomorrow," Gine said, "Nappa and I will work with Chi Chi on getting the property set up for a second house. Nappa, you make a list of things the baby will need. Raditz and Brussa, you'll go to Chazke with Nappa's list, and get all the things Chi Chi will need for the baby."
"Logistics! First step towards any real victory!" Nappa declared, "We're gonna kick this baby's butt!"
Gine put her hand forward. Everyone put their hands on top, and they chanted, "Break!"
"What are you Saiyan up to?" Chi Chi asked with an exhausted sigh. Brussa hopped up on the picnic table.
"We're going to war!" Brussa declared.
"With who?" Chi Chi groaned.
"The baby!" Brussa said, pointing to Chi Chi's belly.
"What?"
Gine rest her hand on Chi Chi's shoulder, "You and Gohan have been more than generous and kind. It's time we gave back, and made room for ourselves, Chi Chi. If you'll have us, we'd like to build a second house on the homestead."
"Brussa and I will handle the shopping. By the time my niece or nephew are born, you'll have everything you'll need already. You just focus on being a good mother," Raditz said.
"Are we going shopping?" Maron asked, interjecting, "Oh I love shopping, can we go, too? Pleeeease, Krilly-Billy?"
"I mean we're just going to the open market for baby-" Raditz began.
"Yes, yes you can," Brussa said, turning red.
Elder Tsuno tapped a champagne glass with a spoon, "Everyone! Thank you so much for having this wonderful party for us. These past three months on Earth have been wondrous. We've learned so much, and are so happy to have gotten to appreciate Earth's beauty. I want to thank all of you for your role in saving our people, and our planet. We will miss you all, and we promise to visit your beautiful world, and, heh, lively people. Please, gather round, and we will summon Porunga for the wishes."
"Wishes?" Maron said, "Is there a genie?"
"Maron, the Dragon Balls? I told you about them?" Krillin said. Maron gasped.
"There's gonna be a DRAGON?"
Brussa chewed on a steak bone, and cracked it.
The Namekian Dragon Balls were rolled into a circle, and Elder Tsuno stood before them, "Takkaraput pop Porunga pupiritt paro!"
The sky turned black, and lightning struck all around. The Dragon Balls glowed gold, and Porunga exploded out from where the Dragon Balls had been.
"I am the Eternal Dragon, Porunga! Make your wishes, so that you may share in Namek's wisdom!" Porunga announced.
"Great Porunga! Our first wish is for the Human warrior known as Roshi to be brought back to life!" Elder Tsuno said.
"Of course. His resurrection is an honor," Porunga said.
"Our second wish is for the environmental damage caused to Namek by the battle with Freeza and his forces to be undone!" Tsuno said.
"I am happy to restore our world to its beauty and glory. Though this is a more complicated matter, it is done," Porunga said. Tsuno turned to the Earthlings, and waved goodbye.
"Thank you all for everything you've done! Porunga! Deliver all the Namekians, except for those who have chosen to remain on Earth or explore the stars, back to Namek!"
"It is done. Your wishes have been granted, and now I return to my slumber. Until Namek needs me again," Porunga said. He flashed golden again, but instead of falling to the ground, the Namekian Dragon Balls took off into the sky. All of the Namekians, except for Piccolo, Kami, Cargo, and Dende, vanished from where they were standing.
