Author notes;
14/August/2020: Here's another revised chapter. Enjoy!
South galaxy - Planet ? - Navy mountains
Painted streaks of grey, the scarlet sky remained dark and colourless. The chilly winds whistled over the black, jagged land, littered with squirming roots of the Tree of Might.
The members of the Crusher Corps stood without a leader, observing the desolate land from high up within the tree's broad branches. Though they all had their differences, they remained united.
Lakasei and Rasin hovered up to the unconscious Saishi; her face drained and cracked, and her body shackled to the tree. The tree absorbed the necessary energy for it to bear fruit, just like all the other energy offered by this desolated planet. It's a shame. She chose to die than rather to fight along side them, she could have lived longer if she did.
Rasin ran his blotched hands over the girl's bruised and bloodied skin. As his hand left her head, her head hung. In a few short moments, all her nutrients will be sucked up, leaving nothing but ashes.
"Hey, Amond." Daiz said, tapping his scouter as a moderate beep echoed from the device. "It looks like we have a visitor."
"He's for the boss." Amond replied, kneeling on the branch of the tree. "If he knew better, he wouldn't bother trying to fight anyone of us- but; considering their normal Saiyan nature..."
Their boss, Turles, was the strongest of the squad. Even though Turles was a Saiyan, no other alien dared to fight a Saiyan. Their violent nature and thirst for battle was a terrifying combination, something that Turles took great pride in- aside from his exceptional bargaining skills. But, how would a situation turn out if two Saiyans faced each other?
Amond rested his chin on his palms. Interesting. There were more Saiyans out here, considering the boss said their race was wiped out by that tyrant. Maybe after this ordeal, why doesn't the boss add another Saiyan to the group? Nah. Turles wouldn't allow another Saiyan outrank him, especially if it was the so called "Saiyan of Legends", unless-
-"Amond, he's coming here." Cacao alerted as electric impulses raced across his yellow, blinded eyes. The details of the new challenger's power level and build appeared on his lense. "He's a giant, take caution to how you handle this one."
"Leave it to me and Rasin." Lakasei said, pointing a thumb to himself and his twin. "He looks like the brawler type if you ask me."
"Right. Don't do anything stupid." Daiz said, departing into the sky with Cacao and Amond.
With their talent for knowledge, the twins should beat him quickly, even quicker with the support from the Tree of Might. Gaining information about any fighter were the strengths of the twins, with their nimble techniques and on the move strategies, it was easy to despatch any challenger.
His golden boots trudged on the dry earth, crunching past their stone still bodies; their armours cracked and their bodies mangled in a heap of crimson. Bugs. Their rotting corpses must be those weaklings that his father dispatched. Well... they're dead now, it shouldn't matter.
Broly came to a halt. His black eyes gazed up at the sturdy body of the tree. He observed the tree roots buried into the earth and up to the branches blocking out the sky. If anything, the tree should be the first thing to go... but unfortunately, things were not as simple as that.
That energy... Broly thought, closing his dark eyes, hunting for any traces of ki, or scent, of his prey. There's two- his eyes snapped open, gazing down at the spiral roots frozen in the navy earth. No... there's three of them. Wait, His eyes narrowed, focusing on the faint energy. The kid?
A whistle of energy rushed down towards Broly. With a flick of his wrist, Broly destroyed the energy beam, leaving a plume of dust feets away from his right.
Pathetic. Broly thought, his head slanting up at the duo. A slight grin grew across his lips.
"Oh, look Rasin, he is actually a Saiyan." Lakasei said, peering over Rasin's shoulder. "A big one too. Look at those fierce eyes, kinda like Master Turles, isn't it?"
"And that sadistic intention seeping through his blood." Rasin replied, folding his arms over his chest. "Keep your eyes peeled. Saiyans; apparently, are tricky to deal with."
"You better run away now insects!" Broly roared racing up the tree. "That futile attack does nothing!"
The twins nodded at each other before looking down at the speeding giant. They tapped their scouters in synch, before dodging Broly's grab.
Broly whipped his head back, tossing a barrage of ki blasts towards the twins. The twins flew left and right, avoiding his line of attack before flying off into the branches of the tree. Broly pursued.
Hnn... trying to hide from me? Broly thought, flicking his eyes back and forth as he zoomed past the multiple branches of the tree.
However, the branches of the Tree of Might crawled slowly after Broly. Shifting silently, Broly did not detect any movement from the tree.
A whistle screeched across the cold atmosphere. Broly snapped his head at the sound.
"Surprise!"
The duo came dashing down at Broly, sending a ball of ki towards the Saiyan. Broly swerved to his right, dodging the blast.
"Die!" Broly yelled, clenching his fist as a green ball of ki erupted from his palm. "Ngh!".His hand dropped to his sides. His back burned.
He lost all feelings in his muscles.
What was this weird sensation?
"You see, this tree loves to feed off the energy from strong opponents." Rasin said, hovering up to the paralysed Saiyan. Spears of wood burrowed into Broly's back, leaving a bloody scar on the Saiyan's back. "You're in our domain now. For striking the tree, you've alerted the tree of the possible nutrients you may have." He raised his brow at the Saiyan. "Funnily enough, it seems to be very interested in you. But your power doesn't seem to be anything special." Rasin tutted, shaking his head as a form of pity.
You don't know how terrible I can be... Broly thought, raising his head up at the duo, grinning as his dark eyes fell on them. You fools have no idea what's about to happen next.
"Any last words before the tree takes you apart?" Lakasei said, gesturing his blotched hands at the Saiyan. "The challenger before you was so pathetically weak." He shook his head side to side.
Weak? Broly thought as one of his brows arched. That signature before-
"Well, it's a shame that Master Turles won't be getting his fight anytime soon." Rasin waved his hands, like as if gave a command to the tree branches. "Nice knowing yo-"
Now!
Crck!
"Why don't you bugs stop underestimating me?" Broly snarled as his fist rammed into Rasin, blinding the tiny alien with gut wrenching pain. A ball of ki erupted from the Saiyan's palm. Broly shoved the ki ball into Rasin's gut with a twisted smirk. With a lone whisper, Rasin shot off into the tree's sturdy trunk. What a fool. The first rule of survival is to never drop your guard.
Splinters and smoke spewed from the tree. Lakasei gulped in silence.
"Rasin!" Lakasei called, speaking through the vast abyss of their mental connection. "Don't tell me... that… you can't be-" The purple alien's eyes snapped wider, his black pupils shrivelled into small dots.
Broly towered over the tiny creature; his dark and fixed gaze pierced into the alien as the smoke crept away into the vast, grey sky.
This... Lakasei thought, sweat trickled down his face. How did he break out from the tree's constriction? He should barely have any energy l... left. His pupils trembled. He reached for his scouter. The stench of his own sweat masked his skin- and his judgement.
Broly drew his massive hand over the creature's skull.
"Resistance is futile." Broly said, his hand brushing over Lakasei's head. "Worthless scum!" He snarled.
Lakasei ducked, scrambling away from his crushing grip. He tossed a line of ki blasts, in hopes to get away... and call back up. Dense, black smoke obscured his vision, at least it didn't matter due to having his scouter. He stretched his index finger towards the buttons of his scouter.
Wsh…
Lakasei's eyes widened as the towering Saiyan zoomed out from the whirlwind of smoke.
Lakasei tapped a button on his scouter. Then his vision deteriorated to crimson. His head; heavy, and fell up to see the grey skies.
He finally met that monster's frenzied gaze.
Broly lowered his foot. "Two dead already." Broly spoke, looking over to the falling, decapitated body by his swift kick. His grin dropped. Again there was no thrill from this fight... it was disappointing really. He gazed up at the tree, closing his eyes. He sharpened his ki sensory skills.
Barely alive... Broly thought, opening his eyes up at the sturdy trunk of the tree. No matter how far he stretched his vision, he couldn't make out the top of the tree. Regardless, he flew up into the tree branches, flicking his eyes left and right.
He halted in the arctic breeze after several minutes.
It was as if the branches absorbed most of the nutrients, leaving nothing but a shell of the girl. Her face was pale- unmoving. The arms of wood constricting the girl left only her head hanging down. If anything, she was as good as dead.
Broly clasped one hand over his eye. Grunting; he shook his head. Weaklings like these were left to die; but yet, these certain circumstances stopped him. His father wouldn't allow him to carry out such deeds- of course he wouldn't! Paragus knew something that Broly did not. He must escape his father's influence.
Broly flew over to the bone pale Saishi. He placed the back of his hand on her forehead. Damp and cold. Broly's hand slid down to her throat, placing two fingers just below her chin. A slow pulse. He drew his nose besides her neck. No signs of that rotting corpse smell either. His gaze glimpsed at the dried blood staining her lips, though he closed his mouth. His Saiyan cravings had to wait.
"You disgust me."Broly drew his head away from her. The bridge of his nose creased as he scowled at Saishi's blank face. "Mercy... Yeah, you must have pulled that pathetic action. Well, look at where it brought you now!" He snarled at her. "They found your vital weakness and struck you there. It's all just a game of survival: kill or be killed-"
Broly fell silent for several moments. He took a breath, relaxing his wrathful gaze. He tore his eyes away from her. "What's the point... You're going to die." He tilted his head up, observing past the branches to the grey skies ahead. "Where's that power you had a few weeks back? Was it all a bluff?"
Broly glanced back at her, thrusting one open palm at her. A green ball of ki sparked from his hand, whistling a high pitch. He glowered at Saishi; "You can scream, you can bleed- Hell, you can crawl if you have to;" Broly drew his face closer to her drained face, whispering in a harsh, gutteral snarl, "But, you will not surrender. If you surrender; consider yourself a cowa-" his lips halted. He whispered sharply, "consider yourself dead." The ball of ki faded into the freezing atmosphere. "Pull yourself together kid and wake up! I can sense your ki. You're alive." Broly raised his voice, slamming his fist into the tangled net holding Saishi as hostage. He left a crack within the walls of the tree. "I'm not letting those weaklings kill yo-"
-"Ah... There you are, Saiyan."
Broly whipped his head to his right. His black eyes widened, before narrowing up at the caped stranger. The tail wrapped around his waist, the armour and hair... hold on!
Turles of the Crusher Corps arrived.
"B.. Bardock?" Broly yelled up at the caped Saiyan.
If he remembered, his father said something about a Saiyan. A low-class Saiyan rebelled and tried to kill the tyrant responsible for eradicating the Saiyan home and race.
Broly clenched his hands into a fist, his eyes searing with rage once again. The King, the royal guards, the Elites- and the other Saiyan bastards...they left him to die. Cowards. It's a good thing the Saiyan race was eradicated near enough to extinction.
But, Broly had no interest in avenging the Saiyan race. Instead, he would very well torture and murder his own race.
"Indeed I do know of the low-class warrior known as Bardock." Turles spoke, landing onto a tree branch high above Broly. "Some may say we look alike because of our hair, but we have no relations to each other apart from the fact we are both ranked as low-class warriors." He shook his head, shrugging his shoulders. "A Saiyan known as Paragus, I remember him being a high ranking warrior... well, until he was wiped off the ranks." He tutted. "Just for disobeying one of the King's orders, he faced an unfortunate fate." A grin crept on his lips. "Apparently, his son had to be executed because of his absurd power reading at birth-"
-"Cut the crap!" Broly snarled as he sliced the air with a sudden strike of his arm.
Turles sneered down at the Saiyan. Yes, this Saiyan, he must have killed Lakasei and Rasin, the brains of the Crusher Corps. This Saiyan's power, it spiked for a moment... there's something off about this particular Saiyan. No power should spike up so easily, it would strain the body; something that the twins wouldn't have been able to counter easily without the help of the other members.
"Saiyan," Turles tossed his cape into the breeze with one hand as his other hand held out a red, spiky fruit. "Before we battle, why not have a bit of an introduction, hey?" He drew the fruit close to his lips.
"Battle?" Broly questioned, squinting up at the blue-armoured Saiyan. "Are you another one of Frieza's men?" He snarled up at Turles.
Turles stopped. He drew his lips away from the fruit, shocked at such an assumption.
"Lord Freiza? My... you honestly think I'll work with the monster responsible for eradicating the Saiyan race?" Turles arched his brow. "What pride is left by living in constant fear?"
"Stop messing around!" Broly yelled up at the sneering Saiyan. Damn it, this Saiyan wasn't giving any straight answers.
"Broly, huh..." Turles leaned his back against the tree trunk. "The Saiyan who scared the King," he gazed up at the grey skies, grinning, "and you were just a mere child."
Broly's eyes snapped wider, his rage soared.
Turles slanted his head, his dark gaze watched the trembling Saiyan below him. Yes, let that Saiyan blood rage through your veins. Show me the true extent of your abilities you so called "Saiyan of Legend".
"RARGH!" Broly vaulted up towards Turles. His green aura lashed towards the armoured Saiyan, knocking Turles off balance.
Yes, yes! Let your power spike! I'll make sure I'll end you at your best. Turles grinned as a punch slammed into his gut, blood sprayed from his mouth.
A punch to the gut, then the ribs, then a knee kick to the gut. After a landing a set of consecutive strikes, Broly brought both his fists down at the stunned Turles head.
Turles thrusted his arms above his head, shielding his head from the devastating blow.
"Nice try," Turles said, his arms remained sturdy as Broly glowered at him. "But I think that's enough playing around." An orange, circular ki form erupted from his palms. "Kill drive!" Turles yelled, firing the circular ki beam.
The chilly skies spewed with smoke. Turles flew out from the smoke. He faced his hand towards the flurry of smoke.
"Come on! Prove to me that your worthy of keeping that title of a "Legend!" Turles taunted, tossing a barrage of purple ki blasts into the smoke.
A large hand darted out from the smoke.
Shit! Turles thought. He swerved to his right, slapping Broly's arm away from him as Broly emerged from the smoke. He can sense where I am without a scouter huh? Well then… He raced up towards the tree branches. Once he landed on a branch, he hopped off each branch and headed east in a zig zag pattern.
Broly pursued Turles. He tossed a line of ki blasts up at Turles. Turles dodged, swerving past each blast. He leapt up into the higher levels of the tree. He grabbed another red fruit before falling down the study tree branch.
Broly halted in the air as Turles zipped past him.
"Try harder than that!" Turles laughed, tossing a barrage of purple ki as he fell through the layers of branches and towards the grey world below. He's just relying on raw brute strength. He won't ever catch his target like that. Turles thought as he crunched into the fruit with the other hand.
A green light sucked out the colours of the atmosphere, a high pitch whistle screeched across the lands below. Turles fell silent. A ball of ki darted towards Turles.
How small... Turles grinned as he flew upright. He brought his arms up to defend against the green ball. Then his scouter blared.Turles snapped his eyes wider, then he swerved to his left, dodging the ki blast. Condensed energy? Sweat trickled from his brows. The energy ball collided into the tree trunk below, sending up a heavy fog. How could-
-A towering form emerged in front of Turles. A sudden, solid kick slammed into Turles's jaw and sent the armoured Saiyan spiraling into the fog. His numb jaw burned and the taste of iron seeped onto his tongue. He spat out blood, rubbing his bruised cheek before standing up.
Broly landed on the closest branch. The raven-haired Saiyan raised his palm out towards the gaping hole, spewing with smoke. A ball of green ki crackled from his palm.
"I don't care of your rank," Broly snarled into the disappearing smoke. "I don't care if you're a Saiyan, I don't care if I'm this so called "legend". Choosing a fight with me will lead to death."
"Oh... so you mean the death of this girl?" Turles replied.
As the smoke cleared, Turles held out his palm at the unconscious Saishi; blood seeped from one corner of his lips whilst his scouter had a crack. "It's better for a weakling to be put out of their misery."
A purple ball of ki glowed towards Saishi's unconscious body.
"I don't care, " Broly's snarl dropped, "she's going to die either way."
"Die? Huh... guess I shouldn't expect any mercy from you." A grin grew across Turles's lips. "Knowing how you walked past those weaklings earlier, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a dozen bodies lying at your feet." His grin faded.
He's definately a threat... Turles thought, inspecting the towering Saiyan from below. His ability to boost his power in a short span of time, and his merciless behaviour... not to mention his durability in battle. He needs to go down before he can fully access that power. Turles raised the red fruit to his lips. To be honest, I think that was just a glimpse of his true power, I can't take any chances. The twins are dead, so I can't be reckless now. He bit into the fruit. At least two of these should be plentiful to beat him.
On the branches below, Broly gripped his crown. He shook his head.
Damn it! Broly thought as he locked eye contact with Turles again. Don't do this to me! He squinted his eyes as the electric currents flooded his mind. My power, damn it Dad!
"Well, I suppose your time has come." Turles tossed the core of the fruit behind him. "Let's see if you truly are the Saiyan from legend."
"Stop saying that!" Broly growled up at Turles. "Legend or not, I will kill you." Why? Why did every challenger always referred to him as a 'legend'? It means nothing on the battlefield!
What a shame... Turles thought as an orange disk of energy grew from both of his separating palms. He doesn't seem to understand how absurdly lucky he is to have such power... and be known as a feared being from legend. Tsk... I suppose a young Saiyan isolated from his own race will never understand his prowess.
"Kill drive!" Turles yelled, thrusting his arms at the Saiyan below.
"Die!" Broly roared, tossing a ball of ki at Turles. He planted his golden boots into the ground, stiffening his gesture. Then, in his other hand, he held another ball of ki.
Both beams of light collided, thundering a boom over the land and drenching the lands in an orange and green hue. For a moment, the green ball of ki zipped towards the armoured Saiyan... until a grin left Turles's lips.
"You know," Turles laughed down at Broly. "This is going to be an easy victory for me." The Saiyan's aura grew from a purple to a gold, lashing at the chilly air. Each strand of Turles's hair spiked up, wavering from purple to gold.
The golden aura… no-
"No..." Broly growled lowly, his pupils trembled. His eyes snapped wider. "NO!" The aura and growth in power... not to mention the gold aura consuming Turles. Was he also-
-Turles yelled. His hair flashed gold, his aura flared, sparking in a harsh glare of gold.
Broly gritted his teeth. Snarling; sweat slithered down his face, stinging his senses.
"THIS IS THE TRUE POWER OF A SUPER SAIYAN!" Turles yelled, his power shot up, increasing his strength to double- no, quadruple- no... fifty.
Broly assumed one thing;
He will die.
He must get out of this beam clash before the beam consumed him. He must kill Turles the instant his guard fell.
Unfortunately, that wasn't going to happen.
"GRGH!"
A shock of electricity stunned Broly, blinding the Saiyan to pain. His hand trembled as the beam zipped closer to Broly. He forced his body to push through with every last ounce of his restricted strength.
No... I won't DIE! Broly thought, shoving his trembling hand forward. His blank, dark eyes glared into the face of the growing energy beam. I will-
-His gold boots cracked into the ground, digging him deeper into his own grave. Fear... death... determination... was this whirlwind of thoughts sparked through the minds of his victims? Well... it was late to dwell on stuff like that.
"NO!" Broly yelled, squinting open an eye. He glanced over to the tree- the girl...
He thrusted out his other palm. The green ki whistled, arching towards the branches where Saishi hung.
Exploding on impact, a billow of smoke erupted from the tree.
Turles snapped his head back down at Broly, his teal eyes scowled down at Broly as his golden hair whipped in the backlash left by the violent storm of debris. How dare he harm the only source of power on this rotting planet!
"Your time has come Saiyan!" Turles growled, thrusting both his arms down at Broly. "DIE! SO CALLED SAIYAN OF LEGENDS!" A laugh erupted from his lungs, shaking the Saiyan with rapture.
The beam consumed the raven-haired Saiyan, engulfing every form of the Saiyan.
Was this really the end?
Broly hung, suspended in the air. The scorching beam washed over his numb body from the empty blend of green and orange. His head lolled back, his blank eyes gazed up at the grey skies. Crushed from all ends, he suffocated under the dense beam. He closed his eyes. His skin, his flesh, he dissolved into the breeze.
This isn't how it should end…
A crackle of metal caught his ears. His eyes cracked open.
Maybe it was too soon.
Up in the arctic breeze, Turles lowered his hand, his eyes scanning the clearing smoke. He observed the barren, grey land below. His eyes met with the gaping hole in the tree- the girl... She was no longer there.
His golden hair and teal eyes faded back to black. Turles gripped his cracked scouter, crushing it to pieces. There was no use for it now, especially when the ability to sense ki was possible to acquire.
Though he had a hunch Broly hid, he was of no concern to him. His mission was accomplished; no Saiyan of Legend- that eyesore, was going to stop him from becoming the strongest and most feared being in the universe. It was time to face that tyrant; but first he had to alert his allies.
He took off into the grey skies.
South galaxy - Planet ? - Caverns
Tik... tik...
A cold, rough surface rubbed against her pale face. The sound of water trickled down the burgandy stone walls. Saishi opened her eyes slowly. She lifted her head up. How long was she out for?
Well, several hours passed ever since she hung from twisted branches of the tree.
Her shaky hands rested on the stone floor, pushing herself up before slamming into the walls behind her. A gasp left her lips. She snapped open her lavender eyes.
I'm... alive? Saishi thought, panting as sweat trickled down her pale, bruised face. She halted, leaning against the walls and rubbed away her sweat with the back of her hand. Her eyes glimpsed her arm; her bloodied flesh all stitched and sown together as her crimson, stained bandages hung loosely. It was now she realised how much pain raced through her body.
She crashed against the stone hard floor, letting out a hushed scream.
"You are alive." Karu's crimson gazed illuminated the depths of Saishi's mind. "You should thank me."
"This... what has Towa done to me?" Saishi thought, placing her hands on the nearest wall. She lifted herself and then rested her back against the wall. "I shouldn't be alive by any means... I should be nothing but bones."
"But you're not, human. Your genes would say otherwise." Karu grinned, circling her black claws on the floorless abyss. "Using the prowess of the Demon Realm, Evil Awakening- or others would rather say a Demonic Will, not only feeds you more power, but it also awakens my original living genes. Towa was no idiot to let you have full access to my abilities." Her tail slammed onto the floorless abyss, shattering the black floors into a crimson hue of flames. "Ozotto, the shape shifter from the unknown, a Demon- I shall classify the creature, is one of those Demons that can take form of any living creature, copying their abilities." Karu's rows of fangs glinted in the darkness. "Towa... She extracted his healing abilities and used the data of the Namekian's regenerative properties to mimic his healing capabilities. Yet, you look nothing of a Namekian. Instead, your becoming more like us."
"Shut up!" Saishi growled, shaking her head. Her hands gripped her maroon hair. "I will never let Towa create her perfect warrior!"
"Oh but she has human... Mira." Karu grinned. "He is her desired creation. You will eventually follow every one of her commands and erase whatever human attachments you have. But of course, I won't let a Demoness like her gain control over me. But... your little, caring sister on the other hand…"
"I never asked for any of this!" Saishi shrieked, slamming the back of her head against the stone walls. She froze. She rested her numbed head against the cold, rough surface. She stared up at the dark cavern formation above. "Please... leave her out of this!" She spoke within the silence of her mind. Her fists clenched.
Silence crept into the room for several moments.
Saishi's vision blurred. Tears streamed down her face. "It's my fault, she's probably dead now." She hissed those words in a whisper. Her hands hung to her sides. Her body slide down the walls before burying her head in her knees. If there were monsters who were capable of beating her into a bloody heap of mess, what made her think that Amaya would survive in this hostile world?
"Saishi?"
Saishi snapped her raw eyes to her left.
"Paragus?" Saishi questioned, squinting her eyes at the luminous, harsh, green energy ball. She raised her hand up, defending her weak eyes against the light.
"Yes, it is I." Paragus answered, kneeling besides her. "Calm down. You're in no condition to move."Paragus's only eye observed her bloodied bandages; where they hung from her raw arms.
"I'm sorry for failing you earlier." Saishi rubbed her eyes, glancing away from the elder Saiyan. "I know I was stupid to-"
-"Saishi. Stop." Paragus gripped her shoulder. Saishi glanced to his only eye. "That's in the past. Just be grateful that you're alive, not many people have the privilege to survive such a fate." He shook his head in a gentle rhythm, observing her unmoving eyes. "Just focus on your recovery. So for now, your attendant will take over."
What ever must have happened, Paragus refused to lose a valuable asset. She still had some questions to answer.
The elderly Saiyan patted her head before rising up to his feet. However, Saishi shifted her gaze to the glowing ring wrapped around his fingers.
"Paragus." Saishi tilted her head. "Your ring, why is it glowing?" She pointed at the scarlet, glowing ring.
"Ah... that," Paragus glanced over to his ring, "Don't worry. Just rest for now." He waved her curiousity off. He itched his left ear. Krang, I must find him. Paragus thought as he strode down the narrow pathway, paved by the caves and enveloped in a hue of red.
If the girl knew the purpose of the ring, who knows what she would do.
From the pathway, Samoe held her casket and remained out of Paragus's path. Once she passed the elder Saiyan, Samoe squinted her eyes, her face twisted with annoyance.
"Samoe!" Saishi exclaimed, holding out her arms to the small Shamoian.
Samoe snapped her head to Saishi. With a beaming smile, Samoe dropped the wooden casket before diving at Saishi.
"I'm so glad you're alive!" Samoe squeaked, wrapping her arms around Saishi. "I was so worried. Your ki and stuff, it went and-"
-"Slow down." Saishi pulled back from the child. "How did you sense my ki?"
Samoe rubbed her teaty eyes. She exhaled. "Paragus's assistant, well researcher would be more appropriate, he was the one who invented something called the 'Scouters'- I think." Samoe itched her head. "I think his name was Krang- but never mind that! I'll need to patch you up now or you'll definit-"
-"A scouter?" Saishi glanced up at the cavern walls. "Is it like a small machine?" She mimicked holding something between her index finger and thumb. She could only assume those 'Scouters' were used by the trio she nearly died to.
"Yeah. It's something worn on one eye." Samoe reached out towards the wooden casket; filled with wraps of bandages, contained liquids and an odd shard of metal. The Shamoian's tiny hands grabbed the odd shard and held it out to Saishi. "This is it." Samoe place the tinted, red shard of the machine on her right eye, whilst the metal, aligned with buttons on one side, rested on her ear. "Most of Paragus's underlings wear one in order to scout for my people." Her eyes narrowed as she tapped the buttons.
A short beep emitted from the scouter.
"Wait..." Saishi squinted her eyes up at the cavern's dark walls. So that's how they probably found me. She thought as her eyes shifted back down at Samoe. "So they're used to scout for people? I mean, through their power level, the scouter can pick up on that?" She clarified.
Samoe nodded as she took off the small machine.
"Since we haven't seen that monster about, neither would he try to teach you something useful, take this." Samoe offered the scouter to Saishi. "At least you'll know where everyone is. But you'll have to look after it. It's pretty fragile."
"Thanks, I'll need it." Saishi popped on the small machine.
"It's the least I can do." Samoe smiled. "Now, about your wounds..." Her cheeks dropped. Samoe's eyes gazed at Saishi's skin; covered in cracks and dry blood.
After Samoe tended Saishi's wounds for forty or so minutes, Saishi laid on the bed of worn material- not that it made any difference when sleeping on the stone ground.
"Most of your wounds reopened, even your knees." Samoe said, tying a knot to the bandage wrapped around Saishi's ankle. "It's going to take you at least a few weeks to heal up since there's no healing tank available. Probably three at minimum."
"I've figured." Saishi winced, holding back her screams of agony dashing through her flesh. "Don't you have any thing s.. stronger to numb the pain?" Her jaws trembled and her hands clawed the stone floors.
Samoe opened her mouth for a moment. She then looked away from Saishi, her brows dipped up.
"... I've used it all up when you fought that monster." Samoe gripped an empty bottle between her palms, indicating the empty contents. "He could have killed you."
"Great." Saishi groaned as she gazed up at the cavern wall. "Would there be at least one time where Broly didn't attack anyone out of rage? I really hope he stops that."
"You're asking for a miracle." Samoe observed the glass container. "We're talking about a monster who ravaged most of the South Galaxy over the course of his life."
"Wait," Saishi snapped her head at Samoe. "You mean he didn't blow it up in one go?"
"No," Samoe shook her head, placing the glass container down. "From what I've heard from his father's underlings, that monster was way over his head to be controlled at a young age, so naturally that monster destroyed parts of the South Galaxy-" She gulped. "Urk, not only that; I heard he eats some of the inhabitants... be lucky you're not on his list!" She squeaked, grasping Saishi's shoulder.
"Uhh..." Saishi brought her hand over her mouth. "I honestly don't want to think about his diet..." Saishi gulped. "Speaking of Broly, where is he?"
"... that's the problem." Samoe drew her hands away from Saishi's shoulder. "After he disappeared from his father's control, there was no word- or even a sign from him. But he's out there." Samoe glanced back up at Saishi. "And he's probably free. His father can no longer trace where he is. That's why his ring earlier was red, he-"
-"Shamoian."
Samoe whipped her head. Paragus stood besides a stone pillar of the cavern. His dark eye gazed at the child. A green, flickering energy ball hovered in one palm.
"Sorry Saishi, I have to go." Samoe bowed her head. She rose to her bare feet, gripping the wooden casket before vanishing into the darkness of the pathway paved by the cavern.
"Saishi." Paragus said as he strode towards Saishi, cupping his hand to his lips. "There's some crucial information that I must share with you in private." He stood besides her. "But before I go on, how are you doing?"
"I guess I'm fine." Saishi replied, gazing up at the elder Saiyan. "Broken in a few places but it shouldn't be too bad. How about you?"
"Fine." He replied, lowering his hand from his lips. " I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Such terrible news." His brows dipped. "My son; he is no longer under my control."
Saishi blinked for several seconds. She gasped. Saishi gripped the material of her torn trousers, gritting her teeth. Crap, this was a frightful situation.
Paragus nodded at her.
"Nothing will tame him." Paragus shifted his grave and only eye towards the stone grounds. "Genocide. Massacre... gallons of blood will be spilled if nothing stops his madness. Not even my Elites can stand up to his brutal and ruthless behaviour." He placed one hand over the eye patch of his other eye- a gruesome reminder of his son's "gift".
"How about those intruders?" Saishi jerked her head up at the elder Saiyan. "They could-" Her brows dipped down. She drew her chin to her knees again. "No, he said he could defeat them." She muttered. Unless he was bluffing? She thought.One of her brows arched for a moment. No, why would he need to to bluff? He's so damn sure about his power!
Each and every one of her training with Broly proved his superiour speed and power. And yet, a mere Earthling, or so she believed, was still alive after his ruthless strikes. She couldn't help but think why Broly chose her to stay alive just for his amusement. Why not some random Angol pirate? Or a Shamoian warrior? Or someone other than her?
Saishi sighed silently. She must somehow break away from Broly's control. Whether if it was to escape into the shadows of another world, or kill him with a silent strike, Saishi must escape his madness for her own peace- and for Amaya's sake.
Silence fell over the scarlet, cavern walls as the green energy ball hovered in silence.
"Saishi," Paragus gazed at his scarlet, glowing ring. Saishi gazed up at the elder Saiyan. "There is one option left." From within his cape, Paragus drew out a metallic gold piece before holding it out to Saishi. "My trusted assistant, Krang, improved the last model. It's a lot stronger than the original."
"The crown." Saishi mumbled as Paragus handed over the metallic piece. She ran her bandaged fingers over the gold surface, observing the smooth details of the crown. So this is the thing that controls Broly. Huh... Saishi gazed at the dark gem set in the centre of the crown. Is this really the only option to stop his destruction?
She shook her head slightly. No. Broly must be stopped, she refused to be reckless about this. She shifted her gaze to her knees. She knew trying to reason with Broly would never work out. However, this device seems to have made that Saiyan even more... threatening.
It was his presence. His aura- it lashed wildy, scorching any organism straying too close; his body gesture prevented any creature to touch him, to reach out to him. But his eyes- they were empty, like as of it was an abyss. Those shadows… they were dark and heavy, enough to drag and drown those who were unprepared to fight such a powerful force of nature-
His twisted insanity.
Saishi shook her head. It did make some sense to her. His threatening front kept any living creature far away from him. His threatening behaviour was the result of rage, pent up rage? Who knows? Broly was a dangerous person to be around; but even so, he hadn't killed her yet. Did he care? Or was he toying with her, playing around with her emotions and mentality before shattering her confused soul?
No. Broly must be stopped. For Samoe's sake, and for Paragus's sake.
"Saishi." Paragus knelt besides her. "I know you should not be involved in these affairs; however, I have none of my Elites with me at the moment to capture him. Especially when I've lost half of my group to those intruders."
"Paragus." Saishi creased her brows, her eyes locked contact with his only eye. "I'm forever grateful to you. Give me the signal and I will find him." She drew her hand to her chest, swearing her oath.
Paragus remained silent. His ringed hand rubbed his chin. He closed his eyes; then a sigh left his lips. This was risky, it failed already once. But what else could he do? Over half of his soldiers were dead, even more if his son killed off the ones that held onto their last dying breaths. He must focus on regrouping and maintaining his forces; otherwise his plan for vengeance will fail.
"I'll let you in on a plan I have devised with Krang." Paragus whispered as he leaned over to her. "Listen well, I only have time to say it once before he arrives."
Planet Earth - Rocky Wastelands
After the defeat of the Prince of all Saiyans, the Defenders of Earth all met each other at one location.
As for Okome, as she made her way to meet up with the group. After flying for miles, she finally found them- and some new faces. Though she was hesitant to meet them at first, she soon calmed herself upon witnessing Goku, Gohan, Krillin and Chichi talking happily amongst themselves.
Okome descended and landed with a gentle tap. "Hi everyone." Okome said, waving her hand with a smile. Getting a clearer view of the new faces, she drew her strands of navy hair away from her bruised face.
Of the new people, there was a; blue-haired woman, a curly, purple-haired women dressed in a green vest and yellow shorts, an old man wearing sunglasses, a clothed pig and a blue, hovering cat. On top of that, there was a machine, like some sort of helicopter with the sign "Capsule Corp" on one side.
"Hey! There's no need to be shy!"
Okome snapped her head to see a neon, blue-haired woman, Bulma, cupping her hands over her mouth. She waved her hand, welcoming Okome to join them.
"It's all right, my Dad knows them."
Okome turned her head to her right. Gohan walked, wobbling towards her. He held out his bandaged hand towards her. "They won't hurt you." He smiled to Okome, his bruised face patched with a bandage stuck to his cheek. I don't blame her for being so confused. There's so many people she needs to be introduced to first before she can get comfortable. He thought, shifting his gaze to the blue-haired woman.
Okome took hold of his hand and was lead by Gohan to the new arrivals.
"Hey there." Bulma spoke, crouching before Okome. She smiled, patting her head. "There's nothing to be afraid of, we're all really good friends. So make yourself comfortable in the time being, okay?"
"But be warned," the clothed pig said, raising his finger up to Okome, holding his chin up, "you'll be in for some crazy shenanigans. So you might as well back out now kid."
"Oolong!" The blue-haired woman snapped at the pig. "I'm pretty sure she knows that... even though," her brows dipped as she shifted her gaze back to the child, observing the dried blood on her face."Never mind. At least she's alright."- She's a child like Gohan. Bulma thought as her eyes trailed from Okome to Gohan. Was she also abducted by that nasty Demon too? Even so, where's her family? Heck, she could have been killed too!
"Umm, yes miss." Okome replied, bowing her head as her hands rested on her stomach. "Is it alright if I know who you all are? If that's not so much to ask." She brought her gaze up at the woman.
"Sure kiddo," Bulma brought her hand over her chest. "I'm Bulma Briefs, but I'm referred to as Bulma by these guys. I'm in charge of Capsule Corporations, a business that invents and develops technological products for all your different kinds of needs." She stood proudly, with both her hands on her hips. "Like this helicopter." She pointed her hand to the yellow machine behind her.
"If it wasn't for her, a lot if things wouldn't have been possible." The old man said, walking towards Bulma before standing besides her with a staff held in one hand. "You may not heard of me but, I am known as the Turtle hermit Roshi." He cupped his hands towards the camera, whispering; "but others may refer to me a Muten Roshi. Especially the ladies." He shifted his gaze from Bulma's thighs to Okome. He winked before folding both his arms behind his back.
"Yeah, he was also Goku's teacher." Bulma glanced from Okome to Roshi. She took a step away from the old man and guided Okome away from Roshi. Though Okome raised her brow at Bulma's weary actions.
"Nice to meet you, master." Okome said as she cupped one hand over her clenched fist and bowed her head to the elder. A symbol of respect to a master.
"There's no need to do that." Roshi said, patting her on the head. "You can just call me Roshi." She is already shaping up to become a fine warrior. He observed the child, aware of her inner, burning spirit. She-
-"Stop that!"
A fist slammed into Roshi's head, leaving the old man stunned on the arid floor. Okome snapped her eyes wide at the fuming Chichi, holding her petite fist up at Roshi.
Chichi sighed. Even if Roshi was deducting Okome's character, she refused to see any of that behaviour today.
"I'll take it from here." Chichi said as she closed her eyes as a smile left her lips. "As you know, I'm Goku's husband and Gohan's mother. You may call me Chichi." She pointed to herself. She drew her hands towards the pig and the hovering cat. "That's Oolong. The cat over there is Puar- a friend of Yamcha."
"Hi ya!" Puar squeaked, waving his small paws at Okome with a smile.
"Yo, peace out kid." Oolong said as he held up two fingers at Okome.
"And finally, this is Launch." Chichi introduced as she pointed to the purple, curly-haired woman.
"Um... hi there." Launch spoke, covering her mouth with one hand and waving with the other. "My, there's so many people isn't there?" It's been a couple of years since they last met... well, most of them any way.
As Okome spoke amongst the new arrivals, Bulma caught Goku's eye contact. She brought her hand up, signalling Goku over. Goku glanced over Chichi, Gohan and the others; all busy with their conversations. Sensing a comforting atmosphere, Goku strolled to the neon-haired woman.
"Goku." Bulma spoke as she clenched her hands to her chest. "Yamcha and the others, where are they?"
Goku met her trembling eyes, the rims of her eyes glistening with tears. Oh boy, this wasn't going to be easy to break.
"I know Bulma." Goku said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Yamcha's no longer here. Same with some of the others."
"W.. what?"
Goku turned his head to Launch. Launch held her hands close to her face. The curly-haired female's voice trembled. "Tien... he's-"
-"Sorry guys." Goku apologised as his hands left Bulma's shoulder. "I've tried, but I wasn't able to make it here on time."
Launch collapsed to her knees, her black eyes snapped wider. Bulma lowered her gaze from Goku, refusing to met his gaze with a broken spirited one.
"It's life."
Bulma and Launched snapped their attention to Raditz. Bulma's icy eyes glared into his black ones. How dare he say something like that!
"It's just l..life?" Bulma stormed up to Raditz, her voice thick with tears. "Is this all just a game to you?" Her voice quivered as she gripped his shoulders, tensing her fingers into his cracked, shoulder pads. "He fought, trying to protect Earth, and all you say is "It's just life!" How selfish can you be?" She furrowed her brows.
Raditz remained unshaken by the blue-haired woman's wrath. He stared down into her cold eyes.
"You Earthlings haven't changed at all from the last time I was here." Raditz shifted his gaze to all the Earthlings. "What part of "happily ever after" do you guys not understand?" He shifted his gaze back to Bulma. "Not everyone is privileged to that. People die; left, right and centre."
"At least you could have shown some sympathy for everyone who sacrificed their lives to defend this planet from that jerk of yours!" Bulma shouted at Raditz, her index finger jabbed into the chest plate of his broken armour. Then her brows dipped. "Wouldn't you have done the same for your allies?"
Raditz opened his mouth to counter her words. Yet, he closed his mouth and sighed.
"As a warrior race, we Saiyans don't have the time to sympathise with others." Raditz replied, remaining with a calm tone. "It will get you killed. You have t-."
-"Achoo!"
Goku, Bulma and Roshi snapped their head to Launch, where her purple, curly hair flared into a blonde hue.
"Listen up punk!" Launch yelled in a rough voice. Clicking a capsule, a bazooka poofed and rested over her shoulder. "You're dead wrong monkey boy." The bazooka tilted up towards Raditz. "This kid here shown plenty of that, what happened? He survived a fight with two assassins, a pink gumball and green demon from the heavens, hell; even beating a rabbit that could turn everything into a carrot by a single touch!"
"Kaka-" Raditz's blank eyes glanced at Goku, blinking at his clueless sibling. He shifted his gaze back at the feisty blonde. "Calm down before you hurt someone with that useless thing!" Raditz crossed his arms, turning his body away from the blonde.
"Useless? This baby's got enough horse power to blast a hole through ya!"
"Guys, guys." Goku gestured his hands downwards. "We should really deal with this later. Right now, I'm kinda-" A grumble echoed from Goku's stomach, his shaky smile faded into a despair of hunger.
"Well, all of ya need to go to the hospital; ASAP." Chichi's fists rested on her hips. "Bulma, is it alright if we can go to the hospital by your helicopter?" She gestured her open palm to Bulma.
"Sure." Bulma wiped her damp eyes with her sleeves. She shifted a slight smile. "Follow me."
"Psst."
As everyone head towards the helicopter, Goku halted.
"Oh, hey Roshi." Goku held one hand up to his head. "What's up?"
"Hello sonny." Roshi spoke as he approached Goku with his staff. A bruise tainted the once shiny, bald head. "I see you've tagged along some more allies."
"Well... it wasn't intentional." Goku looked up as he itched his head. "I just thought maybe bringing a strong person would make a good sparring partner someday."
"So, that man-" Roshi pointed to Raditz, who stood in the shadows of the helicopter. His arms were crossed over his chest as he gazed down at the red earth.
"Yeah. About him," Goku's eyes became stern, "I know he caused some problems before; but if we can put that behind us, he'll be the best ally we've got. Even if it's temporary."
"Temporary?" Roshi pushed up his shades. "You're telling me that Uranai Baba's going to take him back to Otherworld?"
"Yeah..." His eyes trailed to the floor. "So he's here for a week. But," his eyes glanced up at Roshi, "at least I get to know about the Saiyans. I'm curious about that."
"Well, I'll tell you this." Roshi raised his staff up at Goku. "Be prepared for what he's going to tell you. You might not like it." He shifted his gaze to Okome, who sat opposite Gohan. "Moving along, I see we have a new fighter."
"Don't worry about that." Goku waved his hand. "I'll train her with my son. I mean, if my son is friends with her, why not?" He pointed his finger up at the clear sky. "As they say, the more the merrier." He squinted his eyes shut with a beaming smile on his lips.
"Goku!" Chichi yelled from within the helicopter.
"Uhh... Coming Chi!" Goku answered back. "Are you tagging along Roshi?" He turned his head to the turtle hermit.
"I suppose." Roshi strolled besides Goku towards the helicopter.
As Goku entered the machine, Goku's eyes glanced towards his sibling; standing with crossed arms outside the machine's door.
"Raditz-"
-"I refuse to be seen by those Earthlings, Kakarot." Raditz replied as Goku peered his head out of the door. "I'm not stupid. I'm not of here, so the first thing they'll remove is my Saiyan pride." Not that he had his Saiyan tail anymore. He fumed, cursing Nappa under his breath.
"Eh," Goku itched his head. "Well, I don't know what the Saiyan pride is, but you promised me that you'll tell me about the Saiyan heritage, weren't ya?" He circled his elbow towards Raditz with a gaping smile.
Raditz slapped Goku's elbow, causing Goku to let out a small cry.
"Idiot. I said I'll talk to you in private about that." Raditz whispered, titling his head at Goku. "I'll tail you back to the infirmary."
"You mean hospital?"
"... yes, the hospital." Raditz sighed as he walked away from the machine. Then he took off into the skies above. What's up with their architecturial names? They're the same thing. He thought, hissing through his nose with a long exhale of breath.
"Hey! I wasn't done with him!" Launch yelled as she raced towards the window side, shoving Goku to one side. "I'm going to-"
-As the feisty blonde cursed at the wild-haired Saiyan, Chichi, Gohan, Krillin and Okome sat against the metal walls at the back of the helicopter.
"So, mind telling us who you are?" Chichi asked, sitting opposite Okome. She raised one hand to the child.
"My name's Okome." Okome replied, placing one hand on her chest. "I'm an Earthling like you, so there's no need to think that I'm an alien. Heh... heh." She closed her eyes, tilting her head with a sheepish smile.
As the child introduced herself, the group got to know each other; whether they were strangers, friends or family. Later, Chichi spoke of her adventures in her early years with Goku and the gang. Krillin threw in some memorable experiences with Bulma and Launch... With the exception of Roshi and Oolong throwing in some "jokes" for the crazy madness that ensued. Okome blinked at the whole ordeal, looking occasionally to Gohan, who laid on the floor with a book opened in front of him. A smiling Goku observed his son, drawing pictures of a green being. Puar happened to chime in here and again, filling in details the others have missed.
This homely atmosphere seemed to have removed the scars from their brutal fight with the savage Saiyan Vegeta not so long ago; until the gang arrived to the hospital.
Planet Earth - West City - Hospital
The monitors beeped. The rooms were a ghostly white and the hallways were empty. A prolonged scream erupted from one of the rooms.
"Umm... mother?" Gohan's voice trembled as he gripped his new hospital clothes. "Is Dad going to be okay?"
As they sat in a line besides the double, metal doors to the room of the screaming, Chichi nodded her head and held her posture high.
"I don't understand some things with you guys." Chichi tapped her fingers on her crossed arms. "You guys can fight and face every pain head on, but taking a shot breaks your confidence?"
"It's not that simple." Krillin smiled up at the black-haired woman.
"Injections can deliver subtances directly into your blood." Gohan jerked away from the wall as another scream left the room and raced down the hallways. "It's lethal stuff."
"Tell me about it." Okome chuckled as she read a book besides Gohan. She flicked a page, reading up on numerous herbs and plants.
"Imagine if Goku had to deal with a needle villain, oh boy." Krillin chuckled. "If only Goku had a senzu..." He twitched a small smile.
"What's a senzu bean?" Okome tilted her head to the bald warrior. That word, it sounded familiar.
"Well, it's a little green bean you eat." Krillin held his index finger and thumb together, mimicking a pinching gesture. "You ate one, didn't you?"
"And it heals all your physical damages." Gohan turned his attention to Okome.
"But they take an awfully long time to harvest." Chichi sighed as she kicked one of her feet over her knee. "And you don't get them free either. A cat named Korin grows and guards the beans... along with Yajirobe."
"Or Whiskers the Wonder cat..." Krillin rubbed his shiny head. "But no one uses that name since it's a d-"
"Leave the dubs and subs out of this!" Chichi snapped at Krillin. "Same thing applies to the canon and non-canon... jeez, it's always a constant flame war between the two." She slumped back into the wooden chair.
"Nice to know." Okome gazed back down at her bruised fingers. A cat? Like a house pet? Okome thought as she raised a brow. That's bizarre... what's next? A cat that destroys planets?
"Besides, do you live any where close?" Chichi asked, looking over to Okome. "You said you were like us, right?"
"Yeah, but..." Okome glanced up from her palms. "I live far in the mountain side, so-"
"Oh..." Chichi moved away from her for a moment. "Well, why don't you move in with us?" She brought her head closer to the girl, holding beaming smile. "We live on Mount Paozu, so we might be closer than you think."
"I think that's asking for too much." Okome drew her body away from Chichi, laughing sheepishly. Her home… Mount Jiri… depending on the time placement, she wasn't sure if Mount Jiri exists in this timeline. Yet, she refused to reveal where she was. "I have to go alone," Okome continued, "I'm searching for someone; so I can't really stay."
"Kinda like a traveller?" Chichi raised her hand to Okome. "That's no problem. From what I've heard from my son, Gohan seems to like you- a lot."
Krillin's eyes gleamed at the thought. How precious!
"Not like that mother…" Gohan's face reddened as he looked away from Okome and Chichi, "Okome's a really good friend." He shifted his gaze to Okome, "the promise Okome," his onyx gaze met with her navy ones, "didn't we agree to help each other out after the Saiyan ordeal?"
Chichi glanced over to her son. His bruised hands clenched into fists. Chichi drew herself back.
He really has taken after my husband. Chichi thought as she poked her chin with her index finger. What's happened to my gentle baby a year back? I guess this is what Goku wants from Gohan I suppose. Her black eyes shifted back to Gohan.
"Think about it, we don't exactly live a normal life. We're like super humans if you ask me." Krillin chimed in, wiggling his index finger at Okome. "If you're worried about controlling your ki, Goku's place is located in the mountains, so no one will ever know of your ki and... strange abilities. But it's peaceful up there; well," Krillin glanced away for a moment, "that's what Goku said anyway."
"So flying with ki is alright as long as the public doesn't see it?" Okome tilted her head at Krillin.
"Pretty much. Who needs machines when you have ki to fly?" Krillin smiled. "But..." Krillin turned his bandaged head up at the ceiling, letting out a sigh. "Some of us go back to our old routines sometimes; back to the days when ki didn't mean a thing to us. Trying to go back to the simple life isn't so easy." The bald monk shifted his eyes over to Okome. "There'll be days where you don't feel like you can manage with the weight of protecting the world from danger. You'll feel powerless because of not being able to defend our home-"
-"But that doesn't mean we stay idle!" Gohan interrupted. "We can still support our allies, our friends, who are stronger than us; like my Dad. Remember Vegeta?" Gohan raised his hand to Krillin and Okome, "if it wasn't for my mother's intervention, my Dad would have died."
The room fell silent. Gohan's eyes burned with all the passion and care.
Aww... Goku's going to be happy about hearing this from our baby boy. Chichi thought as her cheeks plumped up with a smile.
"Sorry. What does that have to do with staying around?" Okome poked her finger up in the air.
"Uhh..." Krillin itched his head, "well-" he shifted his gaze to Gohan, waiting for the young boy to speak.
"You can stay around my mother's place until you find your sister." Gohan relaxed his fists. "I wouldn't mind you staying around anyway." Gohan glanced towards the double, metal doors as his index finger circled around each other.
"You have a sister?" Krillin snapped his head at Okome. Okome nodded. "Oh boy. After our examination, you wouldn't mind filling me in about you... I mean, you're new and all." Krillin cupped his hands together.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with having another girl in the house." Chichi smiled to Okome. "There could be another great fighter in the group."- Kinda like me in my younger years.
"Thanks." Okome's cheeks blushed as she bowed her head. "Sure. I'm in your debt."
Meanwhile in the hospital room; Roshi, Bulma and Launch sat besides Goku, where he laid besides the window with a view overlooking the bustling city below.
"Man, I really wish Yajirobe came over with some senzus." Goku winced, wiggling his bandaged head as his limbs were bounded to the bed. "I need to get back into gear after this." The Earth-raised Saiyan's entire body was bounded by many arms of padded steel.
"I'm pretty sure your wife won't be happy if you trained with those sore limbs." Roshi said after sipping his cup of herbal tea. "But we still have to discuss about the situation at hand."
"Yeah... about that-"
-"Goku, you know there's no dragon balls since both Kami and Piccolo-"
"-Are in Otherworld." Goku and Roshi finished at the same time.
"I get that." Goku closed his eyes. "I'm drawing a blank." He opened his eyes, twisting his head towards the window to where the light of the peachy sunset shone through the open window, like as if a halo drifted above the maroon mountains in the distance.
Yamcha, Chiaotzu, Tien and Piccolo were all dead. How on Earth were they going to bring them back without the use of the dragon balls? There must be another option available out there.
"Well, I know it's not linked to anything but, Vegeta had a round pod. So... space travel anyone?" Goku smiled.
"Well, I guess travelling into space is one of the options." Bulma poked her finger on her chin. "But with our technology, it may take months, or even years to find another planet that may have what we're looking for."
"Either that or you'll be stuck with a boring space adventure shenanigans that no one would remember." Launch spoke, holding up a pistol to eye level; inspecting the rust on the metal of the machine. "Kinda like G-"
-"Anywho," Bulma pulled out a capsule from the pockets of her orange jumpsuit. "When you said that machine pod, I was able to retrieve one a while back... Even though it was left heavily damaged, I mean the door got completely blown off."
"By any chance was it mine?"
Bulma and Launch snapped their attention to the wild-haired Saiyan leaning outside on the metal, window ledge.
"Who cares?" Launch rubbed the metallic body of her pistol with a cloth. "Finder's keepers. You were dead, so someone else took it."
"I'm surprised you haven't destroyed it yet." Raditz sneered at Bulma. "Most Saiyan pods have a self-destruct button."
"As I am the head of Capsule Corporations, every bit of new found technology is vital for progress." Bulma placed her hand on her hip. "I can't afford to destroy something that's so rare to come by these days."
"Well Kakarot here had a Saiyan pod too." Raditz tilted his head at the Bulma. "You could have found that out years ago."
"Before anyone knew that he was a monkey boy like you." Launch clicked her pistol, poofing back into a capsule.
"Uhh... what has this got to do with trying to figure out how to get the others back?" Goku said, turning his head to Roshi. "The dragon balls-"
"-Namek." Raditz leaned away from the window ledge.
"The creators of the dragon balls." A deep and gentle voice came from behind the Raditz. Raditz whipped his head back; a dark genie stood on a red, floating carpet and hovered behind him.
"Greetings." The dark genie said, keeping his hands behind him.
"Hey Popo!" Goku exclaimed with a smile at one of his old mentors. "Funny meeting you here."
How many more people did Kakarot acquainted? Raditz thought as he rested his chin on his knee. They're not even strong, yet there's so many of them…
"I heard you are in need of some assistance." Popo continued as he raised one palm to Goku. "Allow me to assist you."
"Nam.. ik?" Goku said as his voice dipped higher. "Or what Raditz just said… oh, and space travel."
"Kami's dragon balls and Namek are related." Popo raised both of his hands up to Goku.
"Something tells me we're going to have to venture into space." Bulma pulled out a note pad and pen.
"Planet Namek also has a set of dragon balls." Raditz intervened, raising his head up from his knee.
"Precisely." Popo raised his index finger to Raditz. "The Nameks, or Namekians some call them, are the creator of the dragon balls. Kami- and Piccolo, both happened to be Nameks sent all the way to Earth, hence explaining their ability to create the dragon balls for Earth. Not sure why but something must have occurred on their home planet for them to be here."
"So... Piccolo's kinda like me." Goku chuckled. "We're both not from around here but from a planet far away from here."
"Yeah, except one's blown to smithereens and one's still here." Raditz mumbled under his breath. "And you were sent away because of your low power reading at birth."
"Travelling to Namek will not be easy." Popo kept a stern gaze on the group. "You will need a spaceship to get there."
"Well, we can't use a Saiyan pod since it's made to carry one person," Raditz gazed at the capsule that Bulma held, "even though it's fast."
"And like I've said, building a spaceship is going to take a lot of time." Bulma sighed, "even travelling there will be a problem."
"Yunzabit Heights." Popo pointed towards the peachy skies. "There's a spaceship there. If you want to inspect it, come with me. But you'll be warned. The land's barren and cold, even so that the people have given it another name; 'The Ends of the Earth'."
The room fell silent. All eyes fell on the blue-haired female.
"Only me?" Bulma gasped, slapping one hand over her chest. "I know I like looking into machines; but come on!" I'm going alone with someone I've never seen before! This is ridiculous! She thought.
"Sorry hon, you seem the best for this job." Launch said, patting Bulma's shoulder. "I'm good with my guns."
"Don't we all know that!" Roshi laughed. Bulma rolled her eyes before walking to the window with her head held high.
Raditz's eyes observed her. Even if the woman had a strong front, her vibe was shaky.
"Umm..." Bulma leant over the window ledge, judging the gap between the ledge and the flying carpet. "So I just hop onto this right?" Bulma pointed at the red carpet.
"Not so confident, are you now?" Raditz sneered at Bulma.
The neon-haired female huffed sharply before crawling over to the carpet. "I'll be back before you guys know it." Bulma waved at the group. "Heh Heh..." Her cheeks twitched. Then her eyes trembled as she gazed down at spider webs of roads below her, big and small threads all intertwined and separated into different path ways. Bulma gulped, aware of the fact she was several stories up in the air.
"Farewell." Popo said, waving off everyone.
Both Bulma and Popo vanished into the breeze.
"Hey, Raditz." Goku wiggled his head at his Saiyan brother. "If you're staying around, you should think about getting your armour fixed."
"Ha!" Raditz twirled his head at Goku. "What? And wear the same clothes as you?" He pointed at Goku, sneering at his brother. A Saiyan, wearing something that has no relevance to the Saiyan heritage? Idiot. There was no way that he was going to remove his armour; this was the last thing he had left of his Saiyan pride. "No, I'm a Saiyan. I refuse to wear anything other than a Saiyan-"
-"We all get that you're a Saiyan!" Launch scowled at the wild-haired Saiyan. She slammed her fist on the white walls, leaving a dent. "But it's stupid to think your gonna wear something from a race that no longer exists. What are you gonna do? Walk around butt naked when you got nothing left?"
"I'm going t-"
-"I have some spares." Goku interrupted Raditz as his big, black eyes gazed up at Raditz. "You can wear that for the mean while when your armour gets fixed."
"Tch... who's gonna fix it then?" Raditz hissed through his teeth.
"Bulma. But you'll just have to wait." Goku rested his head back on the pillow. "She's the expert when it comes to things like that."
"Hmp." Raditz turned his back on the group. After several seconds from looking at his cracked armour, to his bruised thighs, he sighed sharply. And it didn't help that he could feel his little brother constantly staring at him. "Fine!" Raditz agreed, twisting his head back at Goku.
Goku cheered, though Launch held a blank stare at Goku.
Raditz shifted his gaze back to the sky. He observed the industrial jungle afar, to the peachy skies above.
This planet, Raditz thought as his feet dangled from the metal window ledge. It's so rich with nutrients- for the Saibamen, but even these weaklings, the Earthlings, they were able to create something and keep their planet well kept. His hands cupped between his bruised thighs. I can see why our father sent you here; you have all the necessities to survive, and the Earthlings here are no match for you... but even then; you haven't killed a single human. Both his hands balled into fists before hitting them against his thighs. But even then, if you're asleep, these weaklings can kill you with just a gun. Tch, I question how my naive sibling survived all these years without knowing his ancestry! The Saiyans are not heroes. They're ruthless, cold-blooded, psychotic barbarians who fight for the sake of blood. The wild-haired Saiyan shook his head. Yet you're here protecting these weaklings than destroying them. Why do you do this? Vegeta, he's the Prince and pride of a true Saiyan warrior but, you managed to hold your own and defeat his prized form- an Elite! He sighed through his nose and closed his eyes. Yes, you and I are low class warriors but; it should not be possible to beat an Elite- you lack the true nature of a Saiyan.
Raditz sighed as he stretched and bent his fingers. How was he suppose to make his younger sibling understand the true nature of the Saiyan ancestry? Raditz only had a week to stay; only to settle a score between himself and the Elites that forgot about him.
However, Goku seemed to have thought he stayed otherwise.
The wild-haired Saiyan gazed up at the darkening, navy skies. Hopefully it all made sense soon, Raditz refused to die without teaching his brother a thing or two.
Planet Earth - Space
High up, beyond the reaches of Earth's stratosphere, a large, spherical machine remained stationary.
"Destination Earth." The speakers echoed from down the many hallways of the ship. A flood of soldiers scurried through each hallway, clunking on the steel floors until they all came to a large room- the main room of the entire ship. They all dropped to their knees, bowing.
Before them was a creature, his face covered by the hood of his robes. He sat in silence on his throne. A gleam left his scarred eye.
"What a rich and beautiful gem." The robed form spoke with a croaking voice. He held out his long nails and pointed up at the hologram of Planet Earth. "It's time to make it mine." He drew his fingers to himself, clenching them into a fist.
"Yes my Lord!" The group of six behind the robed form knelt, whilst all the other soldiers remained bowing on the metal floors. "No tyrants will ever lay a hand on something so precious." A pale yet angelic individual spoke.
"Good. Wipe out every life form." The robed form rose to his feet. "Leave nothing but their architecture and lands. I'll need their knowledge, it seems quite... interesting." He stroked his cheek with his nailed fingers. "They'll all pay for what they have done." He spoke in a low voice, creasing the bridge of his nose as he observed the view of Earth. Once Earth was his, his own people were next.
Elsewhere in space, Towa and Mira observed the vast darkness of space. It was done. No one should be able to sort out this mess now. Mira looked over to Towa, they both nodded before disappearing in a hue of black and purple.
Yet, unknown to those Demons, a woman with plum eyes tracked their moment. With a twirl of her staff, she vanished like a phantom.
To think Okome was here in this timeline- and better yet, under the Z-fighters.
Until next time!
-ClumsyPigeon signing out
