Chapter 64

Zarbon fought down all the words he wanted to say as he stared into Vegeta's fathomless black eyes. He could remember the first time he ever met that dark gaze, back when it was set in the face of an arrogant child. He could also recall the horror, anger, and fear in those eyes as he was dragged off by Freeza's minions. He should have done something then, and now he regretted it. Perhaps if he had had the courage then to stop Freeza's atrocities none of this would have happened, and he wouldn't be staring at the only person in the universe he truly wanted to care about like the man was his most bitter of enemies.

A muscle in the corner of Vegeta's eye twitched, making Zarbon wonder what was going on inside the man's skull. Was it contemplation of the new hatred that had come between them? Just standing in Vegeta's glare was giving him the chills. Those black depths were unreadable, and that bothered him. Vegeta's emotions had always been like an open book to him, and it rattled him deeply to be shut out. Gradually his own anger began to build up within him, turning the ice of his gaze into a slow golden fire, his pain rising to the surface.

You ungrateful bastard, he said in clear, low tones.


Vegeta studied the flawless features of the tall man, staring into the eerily reptilian eyes. The skin of Zarbon's face was completely unblemished, and Vegeta knew that there wasn't a single scar on the man's pale blue flesh. Zarbon was a warrior of speed, technique, and finesse, using his opponent's power against him or her more often than not. He watched as Zarbon's jaw set firmly, the position of his lips filling with tension. Vegeta could feel the walls raising between them, and for a split second, not an instant more or less, he experienced a shimmering of regret. Zarbon was the only person he had ever truly trusted, and something tugged at him when he acknowledged that he had thrown it all away. He realized he had never felt lonely until the present. Going up against Freeza and all his forces suddenly seemed so hopeless. Not that he had ever had any illusions that any of them would live through it. The best he could hope for was to take the wormy tyrant with him on his way to hell. Before he defected from Freeza's forces, though, he had never felt on equal footing. Everyone had seemed either so far beneath him to not even warrant noticing or had strength he couldn't begin to compete with. He wasn't sure what had happened to him over the past few months, but he did know that somewhere along the line he had found true companionship. He had found a man he could call a comrade, and then had pushed that person away with everything he was worth.

It was better that way, though. Distance between them would eliminate any weaknesses that Freeza could exploit. He wasn't about to listen to any more of Kakarott's love is strength garbage. If a warrior felt anything for anyone it could be used against him or her in battle. That was all there was to it, and he'd be damned if he let Freeza use anyone against him. It was bad enough that the tyrant had used him against himself. Freeza long ago shattered any illusions Vegeta had that he was actually in control of himself or his life, and he had been trying to regain that control ever since. He knew that he would never learn to rule himself if he leaned on others for help. The Prince of the Saiyans depended on no one.

You ungrateful bastard, he heard Zarbon say, his voice low and smooth as his lips twisted in a half-snarl.

He couldn't find the words to reply, watching instead as Zarbon's eyes seemed to burn into his head. Vegeta felt oddly detached as he watched the emotions play across the man's perfect features. Zarbon was usually the calm, collected one. It was very strange that the situation should be reversed. Perhaps all his training and meditations had finally paid off.

After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me. You abuse and ignore me, when what I know might be the only advantage we have.

I'm not stopping you from forming any plans, Vegeta explained, unable to keep the edge out of his voice.

We can't be divided like this, Vegeta! Zarbon replied sharply. They'll pick us to pieces unless we're unified.

You can't understand, Vegeta said quietly, keeping constant eye contact.

Understand what?



He took away my planet, Zarbon. He killed my father and wiped out my people. I was forced to be his slave, humiliated in ways I never thought possible, Vegeta murmured.

Zarbon narrowed his eyes. He did something to you.

He didn't to you?

The green-haired man stiffened and looked at him strangely, fine eyebrows drawing into an alarmed frown. What do you mean?

You don't have scars?

Zarbon breathed. I don't understand what you're talking about.

Vegeta felt an odd smile warp his face, studying the golden irises and slightly angular pupils of Zarbon's eyes. It was almost like old times. It was so easy to slip back into the comfortable pattern, to let Zarbon in again. Well, it had to be stopped. That part of his life was over.
He broke eye contact and brushed past Zarbon, walking toward the door of the bridge. he heard Zarbon call, but didn't turn. A heavy hand landed squarely on his shoulder, but he batted it away withougt a second thought.

We all go to our deaths someday, Zarbon, he whispered, and left the room.


Zarbon pulled his hand to his chest as if it had been burned, watching in astonishment as Vegeta walked from the bridge. He couldn't recall ever being as confused as he was at the moment. Vegeta was usually so full of rage and anger, roiling with violent feelings, and yet the man seemed so defeated. What was happening? It was obvious they weren't going to win their battles. Vegeta was already beaten, the spectres of his past swallowing him up. Zarbon wished with all his heart that he could travel back in time and undo whatever Freeza had done to give Vegeta all those hairline scars. He was certain that what had transpired then was the root of all Vegeta's current strangeness.

He sighed and pushed down the confusion and hurt that was welling up within him, once again regaining his ironclad control How the hell did Vegeta manage to make him lose it like he did? It was unprecedented. Still, it all made it difficult for him not to feel like he was already defeated as well. He looked at the ceiling, wondering how they could possibly manage to win. Ten thousand different thoughts and emotions spun inside his chest and he shook his head. He couldn't worry about it now, and it was obvious that things between him and Vegeta would never be repaired. He'd lost the only friend he'd had in decades, and there was nothing to be done about it. Well, so be it. He had other things to do, because unlike Vegeta, he wouldn't let his own defeat mean a victory for Freeza. There were still actions to be taken, and he would do what he could.

And then he said something as he left the room, but I couldn't make it out, he said, barely dodging Radditz's punch.

The Saiyan was breathing hard, black eyes like stone as he maneuvered around. Are you sure you didn't dream all of this? Radditz panted, moving nimbly to the side.

Zarbon replied, dropping beneath the other man's center of gravity and executing a flawless leg sweep. Radditz toppled and he pounced upon him, quickly applying a jointlock without even thinking about it.

It just doesn't sound like him, Radditz said between clenched teeth. He turned into the jointlock and spun, suddenly gathering a large amount of ki and using it to push Zarbon off of him.

Zarbon commented as he righted himself in midair, tossing his braid over his shoulder. Very innovative.

Radditz said, quickly jumping to his feet and circling.

Stop behaving like a caged animal, Zarbon said sharply. Your tension is allowing me to control the flow of battle.

And then he just walked out?

Zarbon sighed as he performed a perfect flip over Radditz's head, grabbing him from behind and strinking him in a pressure point.

Radditz grunted in pain and dropped beneath Zarbon's hold. He threw a wild punch and leapt away. That's it?

Yes. You know, I think Vegeta's totally lost it.

You can't be serious, Radditz replied, lunging at Zarbon.

Zarbon watched the fist come at him nonchalantly, moving inside the strike at the last second. As he moved to use Radditz's considerable momentum against him, the Saiyan struck with the opposite hand, clipping him on the side of the head. Zarbon said, holding the side of his skull. I didn't see your weight change sides.

You weren't supposed to, Radditz smirked, putting his hands on his hips. Besides you weren't paying attention. You were concentrating on this crackpot theory of yours.

Zarbon scowled, pushing strands of hair off his forehead. It's not a crackpot theory. I'm convinced Vegeta's mind is going.

Why now?

Zarbon sighed. It's those scars...Freeza did something to him when he was a child.

Radditz's face hardened and he looked away. I remember. I felt the same watching him being dragged away as I did when I learned Vejiitasei had been destroyed. It was like the Saiyan people had finally been defeated.

Well, Freeza had the last laugh, didn't he? Zarbon replied, grabbing a towel off of a rack and swabbing down his bare chest. After all, whatever he did to Vegeta is controlling the man even now.

It's not like him to be defeated, Radditz mumbled.

Well, your brother is the only hope we have now. I doubt Vegeta can be counted on for anything.

Goku's good, but do you think he can take out Freeza?

He's got just as much of a chance at going Super Saiyan as Vegeta does. He's nearly as strong, you know.

I know.

Zarbon said suddenly, burying his fist an inch into the metal wall of the training room. Why does Vegeta have to crack up now, of all times! Just when we need to be strong!

Radditz scowled and walked over to Zarbon, steps tentative. You have to believe in him, Zarbon, he said gruffly. If you of all people stop believing in him, we're all lost.

Confusion, frustration, and desperation mingled in the pit of Zarbon's stomach and he shook his head, strands of hair sticking to his forehead and cheeks. It's difficult to keep going. After all, I last spoke with him three days ago and absolutely nothing has changed.

You shouldn't have waited so long to tell me, Radditz chastized. You could have said something right after it happened. We're squadmates, after all.

Zarbon managed a weak smile. Perhaps Saiyan culture is more honorable than I thought, he said quietly. You do your race a service with your loyalty.

I can give my service freely, but loyalty has to be earned. I don't bestow that to just anyone.

Zarbon studied the Saiyan's sharp features. He was touched, actually. Radditz had hated him so completely for so long, and yet their circumstances had let this strange, often uneasy companionship blossom. He wish he would have discovered the Saiyans and the camaraderie years ago. He probably would have been much happier. Conversely, he also finally realized why Freeza had destroyed them. If such tightly-knit groups had been allowed to grow in strength their ferocity might very well have been capable of taking down Freeza's empire. Oh, he had understood the threat that Saiyan might had been, but he had never before seen the danger of their relentless loyalty. Perhaps he could use that loyalty to his advantage in the upcoming battles.

I appreciate that, Radditz, Zarbon replied, and was about to smile when the ship's alarms went berserk.

Radditz looked around in alarm. What the hell was that? he snapped, muscles tensing.

Zarbon felt the blood leave his face. I think our time has just run out, he murmured.


He was already on the bridge by the time everyone else arrived. The newcomers fanned out behind him, Radditz coming over and taking a seat at his right. Hold on, Zarbon muttered, rapidly tapping in some codes. They all turned their faces to the large viewscreen above the console as he brought up the data. Sweat popping out on his brow, he gestured at a faint ring of blips appearing some distance behind their ship. he whispered. See those? Those are what triggered the ship's alarm system.

But what are they? Gohan asked, stepping forward and knelling on a chair tobetter see the screen.

They appear to be one-man pods, Zarbon explained, the calm in his voice belying the alarms going off inside of his head. And there are five of them.

The Ginyu, Vegeta growled, turning abruptly away from the screen and stalking over to the window.

I think so, Zarbon replied, planting his hands on the console, knucles white as he gripped the metal.

Which means that we're landing on Denkali Four, Radditz breathed.

Well, we are inside Freeza's space, Zarbon said, staring at the screen again. I think we should land as quickly as possible. The sooner we get situated, the better we'll be prepared to fight for our lives.

Hold on a second, Piccolo grated with a scowl. What the hell's going on? Who are these guys?

Radditz and Zarbon exchanged a somber look. The Ginyu Force is Freeza's most elite team of fighters. The five of them have never been defeated. They even managed to destroy Cooler and Cold's elite forces as well.

They're very, very strong, Radditz added. Some of them have special abilities. Bata's the fastest warrior I've ever seen, and that little frog Guldo can use pretty strong psychic attacks, freezaing his opponents or stopping time itself.

Then there's Ginyu himself, Zarbon said. A few decades ago I recall hearing he had a special talent, but I can't remember what it was. Aside from that, however, he's the strongest man alive, next to Freeza.

Sounds serious, Piccolo grunted.

It is, Vegeta said sharply, his back turned to all of them.

Zarbon's brows came together in a frown as he studied Vegeta's back. From where he was standing he could see Vegeta's gloved hand gripping his own upper arm, and the fingers were trembling ever so slightly. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from the Prince and studied Goku and Gohan. Boy, I want you to stick by Piccolo at all times. Don't run away or hide, because then they'll be interested in the chasing of you. I'm fairly certain that they'll focus their attentions on the Saiyans, so you have a better chance of survival if you lay low. Piccolo, with you we're evenly matched in number with the Ginyu Force, but I don't want you to fight unless you absolutely have to. We need someone in good condition to spell us when we get wounded or tired. Does anyone have more of those bean things?

I have a whole bag! Gohan crowed.

Piccolo said, looking down at the boy.

Gohan grinned up at everyone, a slight blush on his cheeks. Yeah. I picked more up before I left Earth. Bulma's dad has cloned one of the plants.

The others stood around and blinked for a few moments, then looked at each other. Well, er, lovely, then, Zarbon replied haltingly.

Radditz pointed at the screen. They're closing in, he said.

Land this vessel, Radditz, Vegeta commanded, turning around to face the others. Everyone, take your seats.

The warriors scrambled to do as they were told, fastening themselves securely into their seats. Here we go, Radditz said, adjusting the ship's path. We'll have touchdown in ten minutes.

Very well. Proceed, Vegeta ordered, sitting up straight and proud in his chair.

Yes, sire, Radditz replied, tapping in commands to the computer.

Zarbon glanced around at everyone. Piccolo appeared as he always did, gruff and stern as his turbaned head was lowered and eyes closed. Gohan was squirming about in his chair like any child, and if he wasn't mistaken, Goku was nearly as bad. The light of battle shone brightly in the man's eyes, and he knew that Goku did not doubt for one moment that they would win. He could only hope that his belief would infect the rest of them. Radditz busily controlled the ship's path while Zarbon mused that Goku's brother had too little faith in his strength. He was a stoic man and good fighter, but he didn't seem to realize his own abilities. No matter, though, he would still fight his best.

What worried Zarbon was how Vegeta would react. As their strongest warrior, Vegeta should have been the person they put their faith in. The Saiyan, however, seemed to have been falling apart during their mission. He knew that Vegeta feared and hated Ginyu almost as much as he feared and hated Freeza. Once again the image of child Vegeta being forcibly carried off by Ginyu flashed through his brain, and he scowled. The Ginyu Force most likely knew exactly what Freeza had done to Vegeta, had most likely helped him do it, and so Vegeta was not only facing strong enemies, but enemies who had hurt him and aided in his humiliation in the past. What bothered Zarbon was Vegeta's lack of fury. Vegeta was always angry, always raging, and yet had been oddly subdued and accepting of late. Zarbon wanted to scream at him to fight, to work to change his face and erase what had happened before, but he knew that Vegeta would not listen. He realized that he had his own choice to make. The Ginyu had never been his comrades when he was in Freeza's employ, and so he would have no trouble doing his best to wipe them from the face of the Universe. No, his decision was about that pig-headed, worthless Saiyan prince, damn him straight to hell. It pained him that they were as distanced as they were at the moment, but he had to choose. He could pretend that he didn't care about Vegeta, like they were merely strangers who happened to be fighting for the same cause, or he could fight for his emperor, his employer, his friend.

Surprisingly, it was not a difficult decision to make. Despite the anger and pain that had come between him and Vegeta, he found he could not ignore the friendship they had once had. It meant something to him, and precious little had actually been important to him since the death of his planet. No, it was worth fighting for, and fighting hard for. He would have to do his best, to succeed in case Vegeta failed. He had to give it all he had to ease Vegeta's wounds, for only by defeating his enemies and his past would Vegeta ever be able to move forward. He wanted happiness for Vegeta more than anything. Vegeta should be able to return home to Bulm and realize that he loved the woman, to have children and rule as he was born to rule. Vegeta should have the chance that he himself had been robbed of when his planet, and Bethsena with it, was destroyed.

Beginning landing sequence, Radditz called out, entering controls into the computer like mad. Brace yourselves. We're not taking as much time as we should to land this thing properly.

Just do it, Vegeta spat.

The ship shook violently as it entered the atmosphere at high speed, Zarbon clenching his teeth to keep them from rattling around in his head. He thanked the heavens that Radditz was an excellent pilot- if anyone else was taking them through the atmosphere at such high speeds he wouldn't have thought he'd live through it. Their path smoothed out and Radditz slowed them considerably, making their stomachs lurch as they touched down gently. Flawless landing, Zarbon congratulated him. I couldn't have done any better myself.

Oh, shut up, Vegeta snapped. No one wants to hear your opinion.

You shut up. No one wants to hear your incessant bitching, Zarbon spat back.

Vegeta waved his hand in dismissal and walked off the bridge, his booted footsteps echoing down the smooth metal corridor. Zarbon shook his head and sighed, hazarding a quick look at the viewscreen. They'll touch down in fifteen minutes, sir, Radditz said, standing.

Understood. Everyone, don your armor and meet me in the hangar, Zarbon ordered.

Ten minutes later everyone was assembled, Vegeta already standing by the door, arms crossed over his chest. Goku scowled and looked at the door as if he could see past it to the greater world outside. i don't sense any ki, he said slowly.

Of course not. There isn't any animal life on this planet, let alone people, Zarbon replied.

What? Why not? Gohan asked.

The Denkali system was recently cleared of life so that it could be sold on the open market, he explained.

That's what we used to do for Freeza, Gohan, Radditz added. He'd send us out to planets and order us to purge them for resale. You'd be surprised at how many races have ruined their planets and are eager to pay for new places to live.
You killed all those people? Goku asked softly.

It was that or be killed, Radditz said with a shrug. It's what you were sent to Earth to do, little brother.

I'm glad I didn't, Goku muttered. I don't think I could have lived with myself.

You get used to it, Zarbon said sharply.

It's true, Radditz replied. At least Freeza let us Saiyans do one planet a time, and by ourselves. That way, if we disobeyed orders, only we would be killed. If Zarbon refused, on the other hand, they wouldn't have killed him, they would have killed all the people working for him. That's the way Freeza treats his officers.

I think quite a few of us don't want to clear planets, Zarbon said slowly. But it's hard to judge which comes first, your life, the life of your soldiers, or the lives ot the people you're killing. I suppose no matter what you choose, you lose. Freeza's going to kill someone anyway. At least if you're killing people, you can make sure they die quickly.

But you never wanted to, Goku said softly, his eyes flickering with some unidentifiable emotion and a sly smile crossed his face.

Zarbon narrowed his eyes, wondering about Goku's mental acuteness once again. It's what we're trained to do, he replied haltingly.

Vegeta interrupted. We're wasting time!

I apologize, sire, Radditz said quickly, not giving Zarbon a change to loose the bitter reply on his tongue. The largest Saiyan reached over and hit a button, the door slowly opening.

Keep your eyes on them at all times, Vegeta commanded. The Ginyu Force is tricky, and don't allow their banter to distract you.

Goku asked, a blank look on his face as he left the ship and floated slowly to the ground.

Cripes, Goku, Radditz growled, shaking his head.

He means the Ginyu Force talks a lot, and you shouldn't let that distract you, Gohan explained.

Oh, right, Goku said with a nod. I won't.

You wouldn't understand what they were saying, anyway, Piccolo mumbled.

Zarbon pushed the button again, slipping outside to join the others before the ship closed up completely. Is everyone ready?

Can you ever really be ready for something like this? Radditz asked, voice free of sarcasm. We're battling for our lives, after all.

Not just that, but the lives of the Empire, Zarbon added, watching as Goku surreptitiously sidled over to Vegeta.

Two minutes left, Radditz said, shading his eyes as he looked up at the sky.

What are you fighting for? Zarbon heard Goku ask Vegeta softly.

Vegeta replied, so softly it was more a movement of his lips than anything else.

I hope your desire doesn't beat you before Freeza does, Goku said, and inched away.

Zarbon raised an eyebrow at the exchange, mulling it over. With a sigh he realized he didn't have time to think about it. The Ginyu Force would be upon them at any moment. He noticed that Denkali Four was actually a very pleasant planet. Blue grasses waved in the breeze, and the sky held just a tint of purple. Bright yellow flowers surrounded the bases of some of the trees, but the planet was far too silent. There were no animals at all, and soon the ecosystem would collapse. Unless, of course, it was populated in the near future. Somehow he didn't think that would really be a possibility after their battle At least they didn't have to worry about destroying the native population or getting innocents involved. That had already been done.

Best of luck, he heard someone beside him say, and he turned to meet Radditz's black gaze.

And to you, Zarbon replied with a gracious nod. If you just believe in the strength that you possess you'll make it through this just fine. You're a much better warrior than you think.

I appreciate the sentiment, Zarbon, but-

But nothing, Zarbon interrupted. Sometimes in battle you need to quit thinking and let your instincts guide you.

Radditz smiled tightly and gave Zarbon a hasty Saiyan salute. We meet at the end, he intoned.

It was a Saiyan motto, Zarbon realized, one he had heard squad members say to one another before battle. We meet at the end, Zarbon repeated, bowing his head in the manner of his people.

The air above them shifted, and they could hear a noise coming from far up in the heavens. It sounded as if the sky itself was being ripped apart, then the noise dissipated. Several shiny objects appeared in the sky some distance away, falling to the planet's surface in rapid succession. The earth trembled as the objects struck the ground, and huge clouds of dust rose on the horizon line. The dust and debris filled the air and the wind pushed the whole mess towards them. They coughed and covered their eyes, holding up forearms to shield their faces as they squinted into the dust. After a few moments the wind moved the dust cloud forward, the sky clear and the sun shining once again. The day was a beautiful one, far too beautiful to die.

There they are, Radditz said, closing his eyes and feeling out their kis. All five of them.

At least Freeza thinks we're enough of a threat to actually send all five, Zarbon added wryly.

True, true, Vegeta grumbled, an unsettlnig smile twisting his lips.

They come, Piccolo whispered.

They're strong, Goku added with a whistle.

Soon five specks appeared in the ski, ki flaring as they drew neaer.

Zarbon took at deep breath and closed his eyes, reveling for just a moment in the feeling of the sun on his face. Exhaling, he fixed his gaze on the oncoming warriors. Here goes nothing, he said.