Chapter 4: The Worst Blow

Chapter 4: The Worst Blow

"That's right, you cowards!" Shugesh laughed as he fired ki blasts after the fleeing Tyaians. "Run! We'll hunt you down!"

Borgos' frown deepened. He hated working with Shugesh. For one thing, the man never seemed to shut up in battle. For another thing, he was getting sloppy, firing at random. One day he'd hit something that would explode and most likely kill them all. But until them. Shugesh got the job done, no matter how trigger happy he was.

Borgos pushed the thoughts from his head as something large and black lumbered into view on the horizon. He couldn't tell, but it looked like some sort of tank. Whatever it was, it probably wouldn't hold under a few wide ki blasts. Besides, the moon would be coming out soon, and then they could just beat it into the ground.

Beside him, Shugesh fired a ki blast straight at the thing.

Borgos turned his attention to one of the Tyaians that hadn't fled yet, and dealt with him quickly.

So neither of them noticed when the large machine absorbed Shugesh's blast, even as it rumbled to a stop and drew a bead on them.

* * * * *

"Tora!" Bardock shouted over the roar of the guns. "See if you can't do something about those gunners in the trench!"

"On it, boss!" Tora flew ahead, mowing down a few of the Tyaians that had gotten too close to them.

"Man, those guys are like roaches!" Fasha grunted. "They're weak, but they just keep coming!"

"We just have to keep them busy until the moon comes up!" Bardock paused and squinted through his scouter. "They must be planning something. Fasha, can you tell me what that thing is?"

Fasha looked as well, finally spotting something black rolling to a stop. "No, but it's big, and that's never good. I'll get in close!"

Bardock nodded and turned back to the battle, but he couldn't help throwing a few glances after her. So far, so good. But I don't like the look of that thing. Maybe I should've gone instead of her.

Suddenly, Bardock heard a pair of loud roars in the distance. Sounds like the moon came up on their side first. At least we'll be out of here soon.

A few seconds later, Tora returned, looking more confident than before. "Trenches are cleared! They weren't expecting an air strike! Where's Fasha?"

"She went ahead to check out that thing," Bardock replied, nodding at the object.

Tora glanced at it. "Probably a tank or something. Shouldn't be a problem."

There was a shrill whistling sound, followed a bright flash of light and a huge explosion. Bardock and Tora were thrown to the ground as the entire planet shook.

"Whoa! Looks like Fasha's going all out over there!" Tora chuckled. "They must've made her mad!"

Bardock was the first to spot the large comet heading towards them. "They've got to be kidding."

Tora grinned and raised his hand, forming a small ball of ki. "I got it."

Bardock was about to turn away when his scouter beeped. What…? He frowned. That thing's got a power level close to ours! Somehow, he instantly knew. "Tora! HOLD YOUR FIRE!"

Tora looked at him. "What? Why???"

Bardock didn't have time to explain. He ignored Tora's cry of surprise as he launched himself straight at the glowing ball. His scouter beeped again, indicating that the power level was starting to drop. Bardock flew to a stop and gritted his teeth as the comet hit him. He opened his arms, hoping his instincts were right. After a few seconds of agony, he was rewarded by something slamming into his chest.

The impact carried him back, past Tora, where he crashed to the ground, tightly gripping whatever had hit him. Once his vision cleared, he sat up and nearly screamed. Not in terror or shock, but in rage.

Fasha was no longer a pretty sight. Every part of her had been seriously burned, and blood seemed to be everywhere. Most of her scouter was gone, but part of it had been fused to the side of her head by the incredible heat.

Tora came flying over a moment later. He landed beside Bardock and froze.

Bardock pulled the ruined scouter off and tossed it away. Instantly, blood began to pour from the wound.

Tora tore off the bandanna he always wore and squatted, tying it around her forehead. "Bardock," he whispered when he was done, "what'd they do to her?"

Bardock didn't answer. Anything that came out of his mouth would've been incoherent growls, anyway. His shoulders shook with anger as he carefully gathered Fasha in his arms and stood up.

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. They spun wildly for a moment, then landed on Bardock's face. "C-Cannon," she whispered. "Absorbs…our ki…" She coughed, blood spilling out of her mouth.

Bardock's eyes widened. They've just been sitting there…building up their power with our own. And as much as we've fired…we don't stand a chance.

Tora looked at Bardock expectantly.

Bardock blinked and shook his head. "Tora…take her back to the ships."

"What?!"

Bardock's eyes narrowed. "Take. Her. BACK."

Tora shook his head. "But you…"

"I'm going back for Borgos and Shugesh. They'll find out the hard way…like she did…"

"Bardock, we can't just leave! Frieza would-"

"I don't CARE what Frieza would do!" Bardock shouted. "I said take her back! That's an order, Tora!"

Tora stared at Bardock in disbelief. He'd never pulled rank before…but then, he'd never had to. They'd never been in this kind of trouble.

"Dammit, Tora, she's DYING!" Bardock shoved Fasha into his arms and ran in the other direction. "If she dies, I'm killing you myself when we get back to Vegeta!" he called over his shoulder. Anything else he might've said was lost in a roar of rage as he finally caught sight of the moon.

Tora glanced down at Fasha's limp body, then turned and ran towards their ships. I hope you know what you're doing, boss. Frieza's not going to like losing a planet without a good reason, and the death of one soldier isn't good enough for him. He looked at Fasha again, and felt his heart wrench as she groaned weakly. But you better be thankful it's good enough for me…

"Hang on, Fasha," he whispered to his teammate. "I'll get you home in one piece." Just hope the same goes for everybody else.

* * * * *

Radditz stared anxiously at the screen, looking over the arrivals and departures for the day. Finally, he found what he'd been searching for.

"Planet Tyaia. That's where they are." He punched a few keys. "Armed, but nothing special…so why isn't he back yet?"

The tall, violet alien behind him grunted. "Look, kid, I'm only letting you stay in here because you had the prince's permission. Don't go touching anything that don't need to be touched, got it?"

Radditz ignored him. "Something's wrong. That must be it. But what?"

The alien wandered over. "Who are you looking for, anyway?"

"Bardock. He's a low-level commander."

The alien thought for a moment. "Heard the name before. Move for a sec." He leaned over the console and hit a few buttons. "There's your problem; you were only looking for him. Two ships from his team are already back."

"Which two?"

"Let's see…Tora and Fasha. The others are probably on their way back."

"And how long have those two been here?" Radditz asked.

"Hmm…two minutes, tops, and they-" He stopped, realizing that the boy was already gone.

* * * * *

Bardock slowly emerged from his ship, doing his best to ignore the pain throughout his body. With his remaining strength, he dragged Borgos and Shugesh from their ships and began towing them to the Recovery Room. Finally, his legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, taking deep breaths.

"Whoa! What happened to you guys?!"

Bardock raised his head to see two alien attendants rushing over. When one stopped to check him, he pushed the alien away. "No. Them first," he said, motioning to his two teammates. "They took some heavy hits."

"Yeah, but from WHAT?" one alien asked.

"The Tyaians…had some kind of energy cannon. It absorbed our ki…then fired it back with some extra."

"Did you say it absorbed ki?" the other asked, blinking in disbelief.

Bardock nodded.

"Somebody better tell Dodoria, then. Tyaia was a major trade center. If they've got these weapons, there's no telling who else might have them."

Bardock tried to stand, and found his knees refused to obey. He sighed heavily and watched the aliens slowly drag his teammates away. Then his eyes widened. Fasha! I've got to get to her! He reached deep, tapping the last of his reserves, and gradually made it to his feet.

Pain shot through his shoulder as something caught it in a vice-like grip. Bardock barely kept from crying out as he heard a firm voice in his ear.

"Lord Frieza would like to see you immediately, Bardock," Zarbon said, a cruel smile on his face. "Right this way." Without waiting for an answer, Zarbon practically dragged the Saiyan into the compound.

Bardock winced as the pain finally became too much. His eyes drifted closed, and his body went limp. I'll find you, Fasha. Wait for me…

Zarbon grunted and tossed Bardock over his shoulder, never missing a beat. As he continued down the hall, a boy suddenly came running the corner and stopped in his tracks. Zarbon glanced at the small Saiyan for a second, but kept walking.

Radditz swallowed noisily as he stared after Zarbon. That was…my father…but if Frieza wants him…I'll never see him again…

"Radditz."

He jumped and spun around. "Prince Vegeta!"

The young prince folded his arms over his chest. "Any luck with your search? Did you find your father?"

Radditz hesitated. "No. He…was probably just a low-level."

"Hmm. Too bad." Vegeta waved a hand. "You don't have to pay for his weakness. You can make a name for yourself. You can be greater than he ever was. In fact, I have a job for you."

"F-For me?"

"Well, it's really just target practice for me, but the guards are so stupid, they wouldn't know one kid from the next. Just wear my armor and they won't say a word."

Radditz nodded and followed the prince down the hallway. Goodbye, Father. Somehow, some way…I will find you again. Even if it takes my whole life…or what's left of yours…

* * * * *

Dodoria frowned as he stared at the unconscious forms of Shugesh and Borgos in the regeneration tanks. "The cannons absorb ki?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," the alien attendant confirmed.

"And it did all this damage?" Dodoria's eyes never left the tanks.

"Yes, sir. That's what Bardock told us."

"Hmm." Dodoria didn't look concerned about the two Saiyans in the least. In fact, he was actually smiling. "Interesting."

"S-Sir?" the attendant asked.

"Interesting," he repeated, stroking his chin. "Frieza will want to know more about these weapons. Much more…"

* * * * *

"Wakey-wakey, Sleeping Saiyan," a voice sang.

Bardock's eyes slowly opened, and as the face before him came into focus, his blood ran cold in his veins.

Frieza chuckled softly. "Are you…comfortable?"

Feeling returned to the rest of his body, and Bardock could feel the incredible weight of the manacles that held him to the wall.

Frieza's hoverchair backed up a few feet. "Well, I should hope so. You might be there for a while." The chair turned away, but Frieza's voice was loud enough to be heard clearly. "What causes a man to break the law, Bardock? Is it fear? Anger? Desire?" There was a certain emphasis on the last word.

Bardock didn't dare open his mouth. He knew that Frieza liked to question all his victims, but that didn't necessarily mean he wanted answers from them. Besides, he had a feeling that if Frieza wanted him to answer a question, he'd know.

Frieza turned to face him, and his hoverchair floated over. The tiny tyrant's face stopped inches away from Bardock's. "What is it about you Saiyans that annoys me so?" He reached up and tugged roughly and Bardock's hair. "Those unruly tresses, for one. And those dark, beady eyes. Can't forget those builds, either." Frieza's tail emerged, the tip gently tracing the curves of Bardock's bare chest.

It was all Bardock could do to keep from shuddering in disgust.

"But as I said, you do annoy me." Frieza's tail lifted, then came down hard, stinging Bardock's sweaty skin. He repeated this until there were several long, red welts. "And yet, you also intrigue me. All that power…in such an ugly package. The perfect grunts. That's why I tolerate you all, you know." He laughed.

Bardock frowned, but remained silent.

Frieza's smile faded. "But my tolerance is VERY limited. And I do not like being disobeyed." He traced one particularly long welt with his tail.

This time Bardock did shudder, a small growl building in his throat.

"What's that?" Frieza smiled again. "Do I disgust you, Bardock?" He laughed. "I don't suppose you'd tell me either way. Anyway, I'm beautiful. You Saiyans couldn't possibly understand that concept, but even your race has its rare gems. I happened across one today. Would you like to see it?"

An overhead light across the room flickered on, and Bardock heard the growl die in his throat.

Like himself, Fasha was fastened to the wall. Strangely enough, the armor she wore was untouched, and there wasn't a trace of blood on her. Also, her skin was as flawless as it had always been. There were no burns, no bruises, not even a hair out of place. It was as if Tyais had never happened…but Bardock knew it had. He'd never felt more helpless than when he'd cradled her dying body in his arms.

"Of course, I had to polish her up a bit," Frieza said. "Burned flesh could hardly be considered beautiful."

The regen tanks, Bardock thought. But why would Frieza allow her to heal? The question left his head as Frieza spoke again.

"Do you know how your race produces its greatest power, Bardock? The answer isn't in battles, though those can be a great help." Frieza leaned close, his breath tickling Bardock's ear. "Genes," he whispered. "It's in your genes, Bardock."

Fasha stirred and moaned quietly, her eyes drifting open.

"Ah, the beauty awakes!" Frieza's chair flew over to her side. "I have a surprise for you, my dear. You're going to be a Mommy!" He chuckled and patted her stomach gently. "Imagine it with me. A baby boy almost certainly, and think of his power…!" Frieza closed his eyes and sighed. "The longest nine months of both our lives. I can hardly wait."

Bardock suddenly got a very bad feeling. Well, he'd had it ever since he woke up to find Frieza hovering over him, but now it was even worse. Frieza…WANTS her to have the baby? Why?!

Frieza turned back to him. "You know, something's just occurred to me. Technically speaking, to have the baby, only her head, stomach, and…lower regions need to be…intact…"

Bardock nearly gasped as Zarbon emerged from the shadows, a cruel smile etched on his effeminate face. The green alien approached Fasha and carefully released her left arm from the manacle that held it, placing a light kiss on her hand.

Frieza's eyes sparkled as he looked at Bardock. "Zarbon? Do it."

"Yes, Sire."

There was a sound not entirely like *snap*, and Fasha screamed as her wrist was shattered.

"That's one," Frieza said quietly. "Keep counting until I'm bored, Zarbon."

"No…no…" Bardock whispered, his eyes growing wide.

Frieza smiled. Yes, his lips seemed to say in response, although no sound left them.

*SNAP!*

"Two, Sire."

*CRACK!*

"Three, Sire."

Bardock felt his entire body trembling as Zarbon worked his way up Fasha's arm. Either he knew exactly where each bone was weakest, or he was so strong that they would've cracked anywhere he squeezed. Bardock wasn't sure which scenario was worse, and he didn't care. Soon, even the sound of her bones being broken was drowned out by Fasha's screams.

No…not this way…not like this… Damn you, Frieza…DAMN YOU!!!

The sound of something breaking echoed in Bardock's ears, but it wasn't another bone. It was the manacle around his left wrist. The right soon followed, as did the ones around his legs. "FASHA!" he roared, racing across the room.

Frieza's eyes widened, then narrowed as he lifted a finger and pointed. A red beam left it and tore through Bardock's throat.

He didn't stop.

Now Zarbon was turning, his fist cocked for a fatal blow.

Bardock's fist hit his first, and again, the sound of bones breaking filled the air.

Zarbon's jaw dropped, even as Bardock dropped him with a savage right hand.

Then Bardock spun around, leaping at Frieza. "YOU MONSTER!" He never even saw the pink, fleshy form of Dodoria until it slammed into him, crushing him to the wall. But even then, Bardock forced it off, only to have something crash into the back of his skull. Finally, his eyes rolled up into his head, and Bardock collapsed.

The Zarbon monster growled, his deformed face slowly reverting back to its normal features.

"Did this fiend harm you, Sire?" Dodoria asked, giving Bardock a good kick.

"No, Dodoria," Frieza said quietly. "But…his eyes."

"Eyes, Sire?" Zarbon asked, examining his shattered hand curiously.

"Yes. They were…green." Frieza frowned, then shook his head. "Take him to the cell we prepared, Dodoria. Zarbon, get that hand looked at."

"Yes, Sire," both replied before bowing and hurrying away.

Frieza turned to look at Fasha, who had passed out from the pain. The sudden desire to torture her had vanished. He was more interested in how Bardock had gotten so strong…so fast. The technicians assured me that those manacles could hold anyone under 50,000…and Bardock's last level check was just under 10,000…so how…did he…get free? For that matter, how did he damage Zarbon?

* * * * *

Bardock woke up with a pain in his head and a familiar face leaning over him. Well, it had once been familiar. Now, it was a bloody mess. "Tora?!"

His friend nodded. "Yeah. Zarbon messed me up pretty bad on the way down here. He said he'd do worse if I ever turned my back on a mission again. They had our scouters bugged, you know. Probably always have."

Bardock nodded, slowly sitting up against the wall. "Fasha…did you see what-"

Tora shook his head. "They took her from me as soon as I got here. I've…been out since then…"

"What about Shugesh and Borgos?"

"Don't know. Did you get them outta there?" He paused and shook his head. "Of course you did; you wouldn't be here without them."

Bardock smiled grimly. Even now, Tora hadn't lost confidence in his abilities. He closed his eyes, silently wondering if he'd ever see Fasha again. Fasha…my friend…my teammate…my…mate. I'll find you. They can't keep us apart…you'll see. I'll show you…I'll show them all that this is one Saiyan they can't keep down.

Continued in Chapter 5: The Demon Lives

Fasha gives birth to a baby…but a baby WHAT? Frieza makes plans for the child, but the child makes plans of his own. And whatever happened to good ol' Goku?

-----------------------

Note: Before I even get comments, I'll explain. Yes, Bardock WAS about to go Super Saiyan, and yes, it WAS possible for him to be stronger than Zarbon while powering up to transform (especially since he caught the big lug off guard). I've actually done my homework on this one. Here goes! *deep breath*

Zarbon's base level – 23,000

Zarbon monster's base level – 32,000

Dodoria's base level – 22,000

Frieza's (first form) base level – 533,000

Bardock's base level – just under 10,000

Yes, I know Bardock would have to take a MAJOR leap to be stronger than Zarbon, but it HAS been done before (just ask Goku & Vegeta!). And here's my "proof." While fighting Frieza on Namek, Goku made a similar jump…

Frieza's (final form) base level – 12,000,000

Goku (at max) – 300,000

SSJ Goku – 15,000,000

Unless my math is absolutely terrible (which it is), Goku's max was only two percent of his SSJ power. Startling, ain't it? Even if I am wrong about the percentage, the amount is still about equal to the jump Bardock makes. Watch!

Goku's jump: 300,000 x 50 = 15,000,000

Bardock's jump: 10,000 x 50 = 500,000

(Geez, compared to Goku, Bardock kinda looks like a punk, doesn't he…?)

Now, considering that Bardock didn't complete the transformation, and that he was under 10,000 to begin with, he might've gotten to…oh, 240,000 (about halfway), maybe less. Which is STILL more than enough to beat the stuffing out of Zarbon. I know what you're thinking now. "But Nate, how come Dodoria was able to knock out Bardock? He's weaker than Zarbon!" Well, he DIDN'T. Zarbon (monster) knocked out Bardock, Dodoria just kept him away from Frieza (and no one's saying THAT didn't hurt like heck…but it was just fat, anyway). Let's face it, folks. You get hit hard enough at the right point (I think it's the base of the skull), you drop like a ton of bricks. Okay, so maybe my logic's flawed…but at least my stories are good…right…? Well, leave a review and tell me what you think (and leave an e-mail address if you expect a reply!).