Chapter 0: Survival of the Weakest

"Your Highness requests a meeting with you, Bardock. Best not keep him waiting."

As the Saiyan elite finished washing up for his meeting, he took a good look at himself in the mirror. He examined his facial scar to ensure there was no infection, and thought back to when he had gained it while walking to the throne room. A small scuffle between himself and another low-class Saiyan...How could something so miniscule have brought him to the position of the King's closest advisor? He always knew his power was higher than most, but he never expected any fame or fortune for one simple reason: It was earned, not granted. He worked his entire life to improve himself despite Saiyan society ignoring those who weren't born strong.

During Bardock's earliest years, he was but a lowly power level of 10, and was relentlessly beaten down by his peers because of it. However, this only served to fuel his desire to grow stronger and break his limits to prove that low-class Saiyans are worthy of praise. This unyielding resolve, the need to persist despite overwhelming odds, must have been what King Vegeta saw in him that day. The fact his ruler was there to see his victory was only a stroke of luck, after all. If he had looked any other way during his speech, there would've been no chance for Bardock to reach his true potential.

10,000. That was where his power level had finally settled after years of training with the other elites. While this was only half of the King's power, it was also well beyond any other Saiyan's by over 4,000. He had even managed a few wins over King Vegeta during their personal sparring sessions due to his ability to adapt and think on his feet. However, this was only a speck in the eyes of their dictator, Lord Frieza. He was, without a doubt, the reason this meeting was called.

On the journey back to Planet Vegeta, Bardock already had his suspicions. At only one point in history was every Saiyan on the planet at the same time, and that was when Frieza first became emperor. For it to happen again must mean that something big is about to happen, and given their track record it likely wasn't good. Bardock let out a hopeful, yet worried sigh and opened the door to meet his King.

"You requested me, my liege?" the elite called out while bowing in respect.

"No need for such formalities, Bardock. Especially not right now."

Bardock stood up quickly.

"So you feel it too, then? This air of unease and suspicion?"

After his response, King Vegeta left his throne and looked down to his subjects below.

"Of course, my friend. It is my job, is it not?"

Bardock nodded in response, and the King turned to face him.

"I have an important request of you. Something only you can fulfill."

The elite walked closer and bowed again.

"Of course, my lord. Any order you command, I will follow."

The King chuckled and turned back to face his people.

"Very well, Bardock. I am sure you know of Lord Frieza's concerns regarding the Super Saiyan of Legend?"

Bardock nodded again, and his lord continued.

"I sent a spy to listen in on Frieza's conversations with his top men, and I have reason to believe that he fears it, and may do something drastic."

"Drastic? What do you mean, my King?"

The monarch turned around fully towards his right-hand man, his face somber.

"He may destroy this planet, Bardock, and wipe out our people for good."

Bardock seemed shocked for a moment before regaining his composure.

"I should've expected as much. He's done worse before."

The King briefly smiles sadly before continuing.

"This is where you come in, my friend. I know you were planning to send your youngest son far away, and I want one wish fulfilled before our possible demise."

King Vegeta placed his hand on Bardock's shoulder.

"I want you to send my youngest with him. He was born at around the same strength as your newborn, so there's no risk of his power being tracked. Our other children are still off-world, so they should be safe as well. If we're wrong, which I doubt, then I will ensure both of their safe return. Do you accept, Bardock?"

Bardock smiles back.

"Of course, Vegeta. I will follow your command to the bitter end. I will contact Gine and ensure they are sent together."

The King lets go of Bardock and looks to Frieza's ship hovering overhead.

"Thank you, my friend. Now I can die with no regrets."

After about 3 minutes, the two young Saiyans are ready to be sent off, and the two top Saiyans join Gine to say farewell. Once the two children, Kakarot and Tarble, are no longer in view something new takes their place: a Supernova. In response, the King takes out a full wine glass and points it to the sky.

"To Saiyan pride, and to the end of the world!"

The other two Saiyans quickly join him, and share one final drink before the fire swallows them whole.