Chapter 65

Zarbon felt his stomach tighten as the five warriors landed before them, sweat beginning to bead at his hairline. He forced himself to stand perfectly still, refusing to let himself fidget. It did much for his resolve to see his friends also keeping up calm, collected exteriors. Even Vegeta seemed to have once again embraced his training and was standing in a relaxed position, a cold look on his face, as if the Ginyu Force was nothing spectacular in the least. In fact, if he hadn't known better, he would have thought that Vegeta barely deigned to notice the Ginyu Force at all. He had told Bulma to believe in Vegeta and his abilities; perhaps he should do the same.

All right, men, into position! Captain Ginyu barked, and suddenly the Force was in motion, swapping positions and scrambling like mad.

We are the Ginyu Force! Ginyu announced loudly, hands held over his head in a ridiculous posture.

Zarbon felt himself sigh and shake his head as he watched the contortions and posing. He had no idea how they kept such serious expressions while looking so foolish.

Gohan cried out, poining from where he stood beside PIccolo. Look at those poses!

Radditz and Piccolo were standing with their mouths hanging open, eyes wide and jaws slack. Vegeta made a small noise of annoyance and shut his eyes. Zarbon stifled another disbelieving sigh. Wait a minute, Goku said, interrupting Zarbon's embarrassment for the Ginyu Force. These guys are Freeza's strongest fighters?

Are you sure they're not actors or something? Piccolo added. I don't think I've ever seen anything so stupid in my entire life.

They look like they're straight out of the comic books! Gohan cried, face flushed with excitement.

Does your mom know that you have comic books? Goku asked his son with a slight frown.

Gohan replied, looking at the ground.

I think they want us to look at them, Radditz said, pointing at the enemy warriors. Several legs were trembling with keeping their bizarre poses, and a few foreheads beaded with sweat.

Are they getting tired? Goku asked, looking from Radditz to Piccolo to the enemy.

Don't blame them, Piccolo grated. It's their own fault for putting on such a moronic show.

It's not moronic! the smallest of the Force, a four-eyed green thing, cried, and the whole force shouted in alarm as they collapsed in upon themselves.

Ginyu cried, extricating himself from the pile of tangled limbs. That's why I tell you men NEVER to talk while we're using our flair!

Radditz asked, the corner of his eye twitching.

Of course! Ginyu said, planting his hands on his hips and laughing. What good is power if you don't have style?

I agree, Zarbon said, putting his forefinger and thumb on his chin and nodded. But I wouldn't call what you people have

another of the Force said, crawling out from the bottom of the pile of bodies. He stood up and flipped his shaggy white mane over his shoulder, brushing dirt from his orange skin. We're about as stylish as they come!

Not with that hair, Zarbon said, rolling his eyes.

Don't any warriors from outer space ever wear pants? Goku asked. They're all wearing swimsuits.

Shut up, Zarbon said, cheeks staining a bit with a blush. It's not their outfits I have a problem with, although they can't accessorize worth a damn.

They're standard-issue armor for warriors in Freeza's army, Kakarott, Vegeta growled. I had forgotten they did this every time.

Just who are you all, anyway? Piccolo asked, looking at them dubiously.

Ginyu cried, thrusting a hand in the air.

Suddenly the entire Force was back on their feet, prancing around as they got back into formation. the short man with the orange skin and white hair said, lowering himself into a deep lunge and windmilling his arms about.

the tallest of the group, a blue, reptilian-looking thing, said, standing behind Jeice and also lunging, turning his shoulders and back towards Vegeta and his men as he pointed off into the horizon.

the small green thing burbled, getting into a crouch and steepling his stumpy arms above his head.

the tall, humanoid-looking thing said, bringing his heels in close together and pointing his rear directly at Vegeta, putting his hands straight down at his side and flaring his fingers.

the purple-skinned, horned warrior shouted, resting the sole of his boot against the knee of the leg he was standing on, raising his arms into the air on either side of his head like a gymnast. And together we are. . .

The Ginyu Force! they all cried in unison, striking new poses.

Gohan giggled and began to clap, stopping as Piccolo and Radditz both shot him icy glares.

Goku took a step forward and scratched his head. He raised a hand, his face twisted in confusion. Excuse me? he asked politely. I have a question.

Ginyu asked haughtily, looking down his nose at the Saiyan.

Was that supposed to be an attack or something?

Ginyu's face fell. Er, no. That was just our introduction.

Goku nodded sagely. I understand. Well, could we start fighting now? You see, we sort of have to hurry up and beat you guys so we can kill Freeza and save the universe.

Zarbon groaned and put his hand to his forehead, slowly rubbing his temples. he growled.

Kakarott, you fool! Vegeta bellowed. You don't tell your enemies your intentions!

Oh, sorry, Goku said, slinking back into line next to his brother.

Vegeta made an angry noise low in his throat. Enough of this prattling on! he roared. Ginyu, I assume you were ordered here to kill us.

At ease, men, Ginyu said, his face warping with a malevolent smile. Hello, little princeling. It has been a long, long time.

Yeah, I haven't seen him since he was a teenager, Jeice intejected. He was Lord Freeza's favorite little toy.

Zarbon whrield and looked at Vegeta, seeing his swarthy complexion pale a bit. Vegeta clenched his fists and did not look at Jeice or respond to his comments. It hasn't been long enough, he spat. I would have been happier living the rest of my days without ever looking at your assortment of ugly faces again.

Who are you calling ugly? Jeice snapped.

Oh, sod off, Zarbon growled.

Ginyu snapped. I was talking to his Highness. Or rather, his shortness. Vegeta tensed, his scowl intensifying, and bared his teeth.

Actually, Vegeta, we didn't come to kill you. We've come to kill Zarbon.

the New Saiyan warriors gasped.

That's right, Ginyu grinned. We're to dispose of your little gang, Vegeta, and bring you back to Lord Freeza alive and mostly unharmed.

Why are you targeting Zarbon? Goku asked, face beginning to take on an angry expression.

The orange-skinned man shot them a brilliant smile that was full of only cold cruelty. Because traitors to Lord Freeza must be punished, and punished well, he replied in a silky voice.

Zarbon felt sweat rolling down his temples. Of course Freeza wanted Vegeta back alive. That was the plan all along. Those had been his orders when he had taken Vegeta to Arlia in the first place. Freeza had told him that he would be killed if he failed, and he had not only failed, he had defected. I'm afraid I can't just let you have your way, he said calmly. I no longer follow Freeza's rules.

Ginyu puckered his mouth and shook his head. And you were always such a good solder, too, Zarbon. You had so much discipline and charisma. Why, you were Freeza's right-hand man in less than a decade because of your talents!

None of that matters now.

Few people were as skilled at annihlation as you were. it's a shame you just threw it all away.

I like what I found far better, thank you.

There's no accounting for taste, Ginyu said with a shrug.

Hey, is that another Saiyan? Recoom asked, pointing at Radditz.

And who's that? Bata added, jerking his head toward Goku.

They're Saiyans as well, Zarbon said sharply. They're also very strong Saiyans. Let's just say that I think that Freeza did the right thing for his empire when he destroyed their planet. Too bad his weakness for toys didn't let him finish the job. If he hadn't been sloppy all those years ago none of this would have happened.

Don't you dare insult Lord Freeza, Ginyu said quietly, all pretense of joviality falling away like a shed skin.

Zarbon clenched his teeth and lowered into a battle stance. Yes, none of this would have happened if Freeza had completely exterminated the Saiyans all those years ago. He liked the way things had turned out, however. It gave him a chance to atone, and perhaps the next life would be better for him. As things stood, the next life might be coming for him sooner than he thought. Freeza had instructed the Ginyu Force to kill him, and so he knew that they would be focusing all of their power on him. He didn't stand a chance, but at least it would take some of the pressure off of the others. They had a much better chance of killing the entire Force if they were all distracted trying to destroy him. he whispered. You take Guldo. He might look weak, but his attacks are powerful. I think you're smart enough that you won't fall for his tricks.


Radditz needs to take Recoom- they're evenly matched for size. Recoom's very strong, but I think Radditz can take him. The victory will give him confidence.


Vegeta, Goku, and I will take care of the rest.

Piccolo said, and Zarbon was thankful for the Namekian's incredible hearing, since he hadn't dared to do more than breathe his commands.

I'll do what I like, Ginyu, Zarbon said loudly, hoping to give Piccolo time to tell Radditz what he was supposed to do. That abomination Freeza will never tell any of us what to do ever again.

Lord Freeza is good to those who serve them well, Ginyu snapped.

Not good enough, Zarbon cried, and charged the entire Force.

he heard Goku cry, and felt the Saiyan take off after him. Zarbon quickly sized up the Force, singling out Bata. Goku was incredibly fast, faster than Vegeta, and nearly closed his hand around the corner of his cape. Zarbon shouted and raised a fist as if to strike Bata. The blue creature growled and sped toward him, but Zarbon slipped to the side just in time. He heard Goku grunt as Bata's blow was blocked, and smiled to himself. Goku and Bata would be a good match.

Get him! Ginyu shouted to his men, pointing at Zarbon. Zarbon landed and looked around quickly, his braid whipping about. Don't worry about the others. We can pick them off later. Just get Zarbon!

Why don't you come and get me, Captain? Zarbon snarled in return, in motion once again. The Captain bared his teeth and launched himself at Zarbon. Zarbon managed to parry the first couple of blows, wheeling just in time to block a nasty slash at his neck by Jeice. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Piccolo and Radditz engage their respective enemies, Gohan's face serious as he stuck by Piccolo's side. Goku and Bata were nothing but blurs of blue skin and orange gi. So far, so good.

He grunted as a well-placed kick knicked his shin and he stumbled, moving to the side just in time to avoid being pummeled by Jeice's fist. He grabbed the fist as it moved in the air past him, using Jeice's momentum against him and flipping his body through the air. Jeice landed with a thud on the packed earth, Zarbon following and driving his fist into Jeice's shoulder. A wolfish grin transformed his handsome features as Jeice cried out in pain, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Ginyu's foot sailing straight for his head. He brought up his shoulder and ducked his head, bracing himself for the impact, but the blow never landed. You foul little monkey, he heard Ginyu snarl, and looked up. Vegeta stood in front of him, calmly holding Ginyu by the ankle.

Zarbon opened his mouth to say something, but Vegeta cut him off. Don't think I did you a favor, the Saiyan spat. I have a score to settle with this monster.

Zarbon pursed his lips and nodded, moving his head as Jeice tried to gouge him in the eyes. He focused his attention on the white-haired man, muscles straining as he fought Jeice's superior strength. Just because I'm beautiful doesn't mean I'm a pushover, Zarbon growled down at the other man.

To his surprise, Jeice smiled and the next thing he knew he was sailing through the air. He flared his ki to right himself, head whipping in every direction. Piccolo was doing well against Guldo, and Radditz was struggling with Recoom but was not losing ground. Goku and Bata were nowhere to be seen, and as far as he could tell, all Vegeta and Ginyu were doing was hurling insults at one another. Looking for me? he heard a voice say behind him, and sailed toward the earth as a kick landed on his upper arm. He yelled in pain and surprise, barely managing a handspring back to standing. Gripping his arm, he watched Jeice land lightly in front of him. You always were a cheap little bastard.
Jeice chuckled and brushed his thick colorless hair off of his shoulder. You just can't stand being beaten by someone who's better looking than you are, he said lightly.

You just want me dead because you can't stand the competition, Zarbon said with a smile. If Jeice wanted to play the arrogance game, he would certainly oblige him.

Shut your mouth, Jeice snapped.

Zarbon rubbed his arm, trying to ignore the soreness there. He had gotten lucky- nothing was broken, but he was going to have one nasty bruise. Well, I have to do my best to win, he said nonchalantly. Do you have any idea how embarrasing it would be if I was defeated by someone as short and stumpy as you are?

Jeice's eye twitched and he knew he had hit a nerve. He wasn't sure, however, why he felt the need to goad Jeice. The Ginyu Force member was more than capable of stomping him into the ground, and yet there he was, trying to make Jeice even more angry and violent than he was already. Well, so be it. He had never been an angry fighter, so perhaps he could use Jeice's anger against him. He was going to have to do it quickly, too, for he wouldn't last long. Jeice might be smaller, but was immensely powerful.

He didn't have much time to think about it, for Jeice yelled inarticulately and rushed him, planting his shoulder right in Zarbon's abdomen. Zarbon grunted and brought his hands down on the back of Jeice's neck as hard as he could, bringing his knee up into Jeice's chest as hard as he could. They both sailed through the air and landed in a painful tangle in the dirt, struggling frantically to be free of one another. Jeice grabbed him by the braid and hauled him to kneeling, backhanding him ferociously. Blood filled his mouth and he spat it onto Jeice's boots, grabbing Jeice behind the knees and planting his shoulder in the man's stomach. With a heave he flipped his opponent onto his back and drove his elbow right into Jeice's face. The warrior screamed and held his nose, rolling to the side. Zarbon stood and prepared to deliver a powerful kick, but as he began to move Jeice whirled suddenly and let loose a barrage of ki. Zarbon cried out as the attack cracked his armor with its force, singeing his skin and leaving him trembling and raw on the ground. Jeice stood, hair filthy with dirt and blood, and slowly walked over to him. That hurt, didn't it? he snarled, voice filled with glee.

Zarbon coughed blood onto the ground, not willing to believe that he was so greatly outclassed. He stood slowly, struggling to breathe through the blood flowing from his mouth and nose. There hadn't been time to throw up a sheild for that last attack. The Ginyu Force was called elite for a reason, apparently. He gathered his energy and moved slowly to the side, letting his movements become fluid and graceful. Jeice raised an eyebrow and looked at him skeptically, not taking his eyes from him. Zarbon let the corner of his mouth raise in the tiniest of smiles, then flared his ki as brightly as he could. Jeice grunted and covered his eyes, blinded, and Zarbon sailed in, sweeping Jeice's legs out from under him. The orange-skinned man's arms flailed about as he went down, and Zarbon gripped him tightly around the arms and chest, sailing into the air as high as he could before turning around and zipping toward the earth. Jeice's sight must have returned, for he squealed when he saw the ground rushing to meet them. Zarbon released his enemy at the last possible moment, careening away from the impact site as Jeice hit the ground with awesome force. Chunks of rock and dirt flew into the air, and Zarbon could barely make out the fighting. Ginyu and Vegeta were locked in fierce battle, Vegeta's side bleeding profusely. If he wasn't mistaken, it looked as if Ginyu had somehow managed to spear Vegeta with one of his horns. They were hurling ki attacks at one another like there was no tomorrow, and then Vegeta seemed to disappear. Ginyu looked around and suddenly Vegeta was behind him, powering up his fist with ki. He plunged his limb all the way through Ginyu's shoulder, flexing his fingers as his hand exited through the opposite side. It seemed that Vegeta and Ginyu were on the same level, now.

The dust began to clear and he was aware of a violent ki battle being waged between Recoom and Radditz, the Saiyan barely dodging as Recoom fired a blast of ki from his mouth. Guldo had shaped a tree trunk into a long spear and was using it to threaten Piccolo. Piccolo was obviously frozen, having finally gotten caught in Guldo's time manipulation, and the long, sharp piece of wood was sailing straight for him. Zarbon's breath caught in his throat as the spear pierced Piccolo completely, pinning him to the ground. Zarbon screamed, and raced towards them, when Gohan appeared out of nowhere.

Mister Piccolo! the boy shouted at the top of his lungs, tears immediately springing from his eyes. Zarbon recoiled as the the child's ki flared suddenly, and he saw Radditz and Recoom stop fighting and stare. Gohan's voice was raw as he uttered a battle cry, his whole body shimmering with ki as he slammed into Guldo full-force. The Ginyu member hadn't been expecting an attack and rolled to the side, groaning. Gohan was upon him in moments, pummelling his head with his ki-charged fists. Guldo desperately tried to raise a ki shield, but Gohan shattered it with a single blow, burying his fist in Guldo's face. Gohan was making noises like a raging beast, striking Guldo over and over again until the Ginyu Force member lay still.

He's killed him, Zarbon whispered in disbelief.

You'll pay! Recoom growled, speeding towards Gohan, who looked up in shock, his ki dissipating as quickly as it had been summoned.

Radditz was suddenly there between them. Gohan, get Piccolo and head back to the ship! he cried, blocking Recoom's blows. Radditz's ki had taken a large jump in strength and he was actually able to beat back Recoom's attack. Zarbon snarled and began to rush down to assist him when he was punched ferociously from behind.

Forget about me? Jeice said mockingly, and Zarbon turned around, eyes wide. Jeice hardly even had a scratch on him. Suddenly the Ginyu member grabbed him by the ankle and threw him downward with such force that Zarbon couldn't summon the strength to right himself. He crashed into Radditz with a thud and they both made a furrow in the dirt.

Radditz groaned and pushed Zarbon off of him. He's kicking your ass, the Saiyan growled.

Well excuse me, Zarbon said bitterly, coughing up more blood.

Shit, man, transform! Radditz growled, heading off to intercept Recoom's route to the fleeing Gohan.

Zarbon stood, his entire body aching, just in time to catch a ki blast square in the chest. His armor shattered into a million pieces and he collapsed in the dirt, barely able to breathe. If he didn't transform he wouldn't survive. Closing his eyes, he concentrated, reaching within him until something clicked in the back of his skull. He screamed as his body changed, his wounds makin the transformation painful. Meet the beast, Jeice, he said aloud, summoning his ki and racing towards the airborne Ginyu member.

What the hell? Jeice shouted, eyes wide as Zarbon attacked. They exchanged a flurry of blows, neither landing a single one. What are you?

I'm from Farole, Zarbon said, reptilian face stretching in a cold grin. We Farolians have two forms. This one is significantly stronger.

Not strong enough, Jeice said, bringing up one of his short legs and kicking Zarbon squarely in the chin. Zarbon's head snapped back and he flipped in the air, releasing a burst of ki to stop himself. Bracing his arm, he fired off his strongest ki attack. The ball of blue light sailed towards Jeice at an amazing speed, but it wasn't fast enough. Jeice smirked and batted it aside as if it were nothing. Zarbon scowled and blasted again, making the size of the ball bigger, but when Jeice deflected that one as well, Zarbon was right behind it. He grabbed Jeice by the ears and slammed his forehead into the Ginyu member's, relying on his greater bonemass to protect him. Jeice gurgled at the impact, staggering back and clutching at his head, quickly wiping the blood out of his eyes. Zarbon wasted no time, rushing in for another attack, when Jeice suddenly moved, dropping below him. He cried out as his knee was shattered by a kick, his body spinning in the air with the momentum Jeice appeared in front of him and blasted him in the face point-blank, nearly blinding him. Zarbon managed to release enough ki to keep his face from being blown off, but he still fell in a winding spiral downwards, where he landed in a heap. Many of his ribs were broken and his left leg was entirely useless. He was also having trouble maintaining his reptilian form. Although it was stronger, it needed moisture. It was a form suited to swamps, lakes, and rivers, which had covered most of his planet's surface. It was the mammalian form that his people had used to travel upon land. However, if he shifted back to his mammalian form with all his injuries it would most likely kill him. Unable to move because of the pain and weakness shooting through his limbs, he watched Jeice descend.

Well, so much for that. A good effort, though, he smirked, then kicked Zarbon cruelly in the side repeatedly. Zarbon rolled over, curling in on himself to protect his vital organs, and saw Ginyu go down. Vegeta, however was barely standing. Still, barely standing was far better than what had befallen Ginyu; if he wasn't mistaken, Vegeta had actually ripped out some of the man's internal organs and was holding them in a bloody hand. Vegeta panted and dropped to his knees, bleeding profusely from the head and chest.

Ginyu called out weakly, and Jeice turned to face his leader.

Yes, Captain? he replied.

Change now! Ginyu shouted, and began to glow with a golden light.

With a shudder Zarbon remembered what Ginyu's special technique had been. He was a body-snatcher! With Jeice's relatively undamaged body, Ginyu would be able to finish the rest of them off easily.

But Captain, why? Jeice cried out, staring with horror at the beam of light coming toward him, and Zarbon realized that if Ginyu switched bodies with Jeice he was committing his own team member to a slow death. Shock seemed to take over the orange-skinned man and he stood perfectly still, watching his death come toward him. Zarbon knew that if he didn't act now he would never get a second chance. If he didn't kill Jeice immediately, Ginyu would take over and they would all die. If someone didn't attend to Vegeta soon, the Saiyan would die anyway.

Zarbon screamed, gathering all his remaining energy. With a cry he stood up, claws powered with ki, and ripped Jeice's chest wide open just as he was engulfed with the golden light. Exhausted, Zarbon toppled onto the dying man, nostrils flaring as he tried to breathe.

Ginyu's voice said from Jeice's body.

I wish I could punish you worse for what you did to Vegeta, Zarbon grated into his enemy's ear.

Freeza will obliterate you all. . . Ginyu wheezed, and died.

Zarbon rolled to the side, groaning as his broken ribs and limbs shot fire through his veins, seeing Vegeta's inert body on the ground a few hundred yards away. he rasped, beginning to claw his way across the dirt, ignoring the blood dripping into his eyes. Vegeta, are you all right?

His heart turned to lead in his chest as only silence met his ears. a rough voice said, and he looked up into Radditz's face.

You won! Zarbon said, wanting to smile but unable to stand the pain it caused him to do so.

By accident. That idiot Recoom tripped when he was chasing Gohan, and I jumped on him and broke his neck.

Still a victory, Zarbon grumbled.

Radditz said, crouching and putting something in Zarbon's mouth. Zarbon shuddered at the bitter taste, but swallowed it down. Warmth spread through his limbs and his pain suddenly leaked away, leaving him as good as new. He sat up in surprise and immediately returned to his mammalian form, staring down at himself.

That's amazing! he breathed.

I got them from Gohan. He's back at the ship, making sure Piccolo recovers.

Zarbon gasped, grabbing Radditz and towing him over to the Prince. Give him one of those things, he ordered.

Radditz nodded and slipped a bean between Vegeta's parted lips. Vegeta stirred slighly and moaned, blowing bubbles in the pool of his own blood in which he lay. Swallow, sire, Radditz urged, and Vegeta did so. They waited anxiously for a few moments, then Vegeta sat up and looked about with a scowl.

What happened? he demanded, standing and brushing himself off.

Zarbon killed Captain Ginyu, Radditz said. Gohan killed Guldo and I took out Recoom.

Vegeta glared at Zarbon. You killed Ginyu?

Is that so hard to believe? Zarbon snapped, pushing away the relief he felt that Vegeta was all right. They had won, and he couldn't believe it. They had beaten the Ginyu Force!

Radditz pleaded, looking around at the battle-scarred planet.

Vegeta growled, still staring darkly at Zarbon.

You tore apart his body, and so he tried to snatch Jeice's. Luckily I remembered what Ginyu's special technique was, and I managed to kill Jeice's body while he was shocked. I don't think Jeice ever expected his leader to sacrifice him like that. At any rate, Jeice died just as Ginyu swapped bodies with him. Out of the frying pan into the fire, as the Earthlings say.

Speaking of which, where's Goku? Radditz asked, putting his hands to his hips and looking about.

I haven't seen him since he engaged Bata, Zarbon answered, wiping the remnants of blood off of his face. Despite the healing power of the senzu, Zarbon found that he felt raw and tired. What he needed was a hot shower and a long, long nap.

Can you sense him? Vegeta asked Radditz, voice sharp.

Radditz shaded his eyes and shrugged. No, but that doesn't mean anything. Goku can supress his ki to almost nothing when he's not fighting.

And since you can't sense him, he must have finished fighting, Zarbon concluded.

Or the fool is dead. He was up against Bata, after all, Vegeta said coldly.

Zarbon growled as Radditz went pale. I doubt he's dead. I saw him move- he's as fast as Bata, easily. Besides, he had senzu with him. I'm sure he had the sense to eat one if he got into trouble. He glanced at Radditz, whose face had suddenly furrowed with worry. Well, pretty sure, he amended.

We should go look, Radditz said, looking at Zarbon anxiously.

Vegeta raised a bloodstained glove, pointing at the horizon. That won't be necessary, he said softly.

Goku shouted when he was still some distance away. I'm glad everybody's okay!

What is he carrying? Zarbon asked, squinting into the sunlight.

It looks like a body, Radditz replied.

It's Bata's body, Vegeta said.

Why would he bring back a corpse? Zarbon wondered aloud.

Let's find out, Vegeta muttered. Kakarott! Come here at once! he shouted.

Goku picked up the pace and sped over to them, gently lying Bata at their feet. Hi, guys! I guess we won!

Vegeta said, raising an eyebrow. What's this?

Goku looked down at Bata. Oh, that?


It's Bata.

I can see that! Vegeta snapped. Why did you bring him back here, and why isn't he dead?

Zarbon looked down and noticed for the first time that Bata's chest was rising and falling slowly. The Ginyu member wasn't dead, just unconscious. What the? he mumbled.

Goku, why didn't you kill him? Radditz demanded, scowling at his younger brother.

Goku's brow furrowed and he put a hand behind his head. I'm not going to kill somebody if I don't have to, Goku protested. Besides, I figured he might know what Freeza was up to.

The other three warriors looked at one another blankly, astounded that Goku might actually have some foresight. It's a pretty good idea, Zarbon said. We can always kill him later.

Oh, man, Goku said, pursing his lips as he saw Vegeta. You got stronger than me again! Ginyu must have really kicked your ass before they used the senzu on you! Oh, crap. I should have waited longer, too. Then I could have gotten even stronger...

Shut up, Kakarott, Vegeta snapped, turning around. We have better things to do.

Yes, we should get Bata contained with the ki-piercing device before he comes around. Even though he couldn't take three of us, he could definitely do some damage, Zarbon added.

Besides, Gohan and Piccolo are at the ship already, Radditz told Goku. We should see how they're doing.

Goku replied, shouldering Bata, and the three of them left for the ship.

You might want to be extra gentle to Gohan, Zarbon told Goku on the way. He killed Guldo, you know. I don't know if he's ever actually taken a life before.

Yeah, but he might have been too worried about Piccolo dying to think about it, Radditz interjected as they flew along. It'll probably hit him later, though.

Goku said, looking at them both blankly.

The Namekian got skewered by Guldo, Vegeta explained roughly, eyes trained on the ship as it came into sight. The brat went berserk and beat Guldo to death with his fists.

You saw it too, eh? Zarbon replied.

Poor Gohan! Is Piccolo okay? Goku cried, gripping the unconscious Bata more tightly.

He was when last I saw him. He was a bit groggy, but he'll live, Radditz said. Look, we're here.

The four warriors stopped and approached the ship, Goku shifting his burden. They approached the open door when suddenly Gohan appeared in the entranceway, chest heaving and face pale. The child's eyes were wide with fear, and Zarbon thought he saw guilt written there as well.

I just heard from Bulma, Gohan panted. Freeza has attacked Arlia.