Authors note: I do not own DragonBall, DragonBall Z, DragonBall GT or any
related items. Even though my story is inspired by DBZ it is my story and I
ask that you not copy it without my permission.
There are two things I want to comment on this time. The succession ceremony is the main focus of most of this chapter. It is a very touchy issue and I may not have properly portrayed the feelings . . . tell me if you feel I did any character an injustice! I also want to comment on the layout of Vejiitasei's capital. Vejiitasei's capital is actually three parts: the palace, the capital city, and the space-port.
Phoenix, thank you so much for reviewing my story!!! Your review was very helpful ^.^ Thanks! Thanks to my other readers and reviewers as well! I wrote a Fruits Basket fic recently if anyone is interested in FB then check it out! Well, here is chapter four! Enjoy ^.^
* * * * * * *
Saiyan Means Trouble:
Chapter four:
The Passing of a Crown
* * * * * * *
Freeza's crown ship slowly descended from the sky and landed lightly on the landing field that had hastily been cleared. Normally ships needed to have permission to land on Vejiitasei but Freeza's crown ship was an exception, it went wherever Freeza pleased. Today Freeza please to take a trip to Vejiitasei and check up on the monkey king.
Five months had passed since Freeza had killed his embassador. The day after that he had left Vejiitasei to tour other parts of his empire. The saiyan prince had left Vejiitasei on Freeza's ship as well. Now he returned to his native planet much stronger then when he had left.
Freeza had taken an odd interest in him, sending him on many difficult missions and expeditions. Vegeta had lost track of how many times he had come within inches of death. But the pain only made him stronger. He had also found an unexpected companion in Zarbon who had occasionally found time to spar with him. But now he was home.
This was as much his home as anything else was, Vegeta supposed. He didn't really feel attached to it though, and that is most likely due to having spent most of his life so far off-planet training and working for Freeza. But there was one thing here that he could not ignore. Responsibility.
* * * * * * *
"Sir, the council is in session, you really shouldn't go in there!" The guard protested as Vegeta made his intention to enter clear.
"Are you presuming to tell me what to do?" the prince asked with a dangerous edge to his voice. The guard's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously and stepped aside. Vegeta marched purposefully into the council chamber.
* * * * * * *
The doors into the council chamber suddenly opened when one of the councilors was in mid-speech. A shadowy figure entered wearing a cloak of pride. He strode purposefully to the center of the chamber and stopped. Silence dominated the room until one of the councilors called out for the intruders to identify himself. The shadowed man ignored the command. He stared at the king and waited.
"Well, what have you got to say? It must be important for you to interrupt my meeting Vegeta" the king asked the shadowed figure. The council members all took a second look at the intruder and with surprise they recognized the prince.
"I am here to challenge you." The prince said in a clear ringing voice. "I believe myself to be stronger than you so I challenge your right to the throne."
* * * * * * *
Silence immediately greeted his challenge and then all the councilors began talking at once, creating a wave of noise that swept through the room like a hurricane wind. Suddenly king Vegeta's loud barking laughter cut through the noise and silenced the councilors.
"Congratulations on initiating the challenge! I was beginning to think you wanted me to die in my bed!" The king said once he had his laughter under control, "Now if only you can stand up to the challenge!" it was an acceptance.
Prince Vegeta bowed sharply and turned. He exited the chamber much as he had entered, Silent and cloaked with pride.
* * * * * * *
"You're facing your father in the succession match!?" Nappa spluttered. He was surprised to put it lightly. He knew that Vegeta was strong but was he strong enough to face the king? Nappa had his doubts. After all, the king was the king and Vegeta was just the prince.
"I initiated the challenge and my father accepted." Vegeta replied lightly.
"You're finally facing your father . . ." Raditz said "But if you win, are you sure that you're ready for the responsibilities of being king?"
"I will win." Vegeta said, contradicting the "if" that Raditz had used. Vegeta knew that he would win. He had gotten much stronger while he was away from Vejiitasei. The missions that Freeza had sent him on were tough and every time he was beaten up and healed Vegeta's strength grew. On top of those missions, The sparring sessions with Zarbon had been very . . . educational.
Although Vegeta was now much stronger, it was Zarbon's thinking that the prince had been strong enough to beat his father for some time now. After sparring one time Zarbon had asked Vegeta why he was so obsessed with becoming stronger. Vegeta had told him that there was always someone stronger than you that you have to beat. Zarbon asked whom he had to face at present. Vegeta had considered not answering but ended up telling Zarbon about the succession ceremony.
"You did answer my question" Raditz interrupted Vegeta's wandering thoughts with the accusation.
"I will beat my father. What comes after that we will deal with when it comes." Vegeta replied truthfully. He had told Zarbon how he had not yet been able to defeat his father. Zarbon had laughed, saying that Vegeta had been stronger than his father for some time. Vegeta had become angry and asked why, if he was stronger, could he not beet his father. Zarbon had replied that he could not know for sure but he would guess it has something to do with the mind. Vegeta expects his father too win so he does. But this time things would be different. Vegeta knew that he would win.
* * * * * * *
An arena had been hastily set up in a clearing that was accessible from the palace and the capital city of Vejiitasei. Before the actual match takes place it will be announced on Vejitasei air waves when and where the fight will take place and the people of Vejiitasei will be invited to come and view the battle. The councilors who were present at the meeting will be asked to view the fight as official witnesses.
The palace was in a tizzy as official hurried to make preparations. All of Vejiitasei had to be prepared if the prince wins the crown. And likewise they had to be prepared for him failing in his attempt to succeed his father.
* * * * * * *
There was a nock on the door "Enter" Bardok entered by the command of Vegeta "Oh. It's you Bardok. I was expecting a visit from you sometime today. How are you?"
"Is he ready?" Bardok asked bluntly and ignored Vegeta's question
"Really Bardok, that is no way to talk to your king!" King Vegeta scolded "But if you must know: yes. My son has been strong enough to beat me for some time now. It is only a matter of if he lets himself win and from the way he was acting this morning I have no doubt that he will win."
"But is he strong enough to face Freeza?" Bardok asked with an impatient edge of urgency.
"No," Vegeta said lightly "But if he is careful and maneuvers wisely he will have a few years yet to train before he is in a position to fight Freeza. Unfortunately I won't be there to guide him and with his hot head . . ." Vegeta shrugged and silence fell on the two friends. After a moment Vegeta began to laugh "I need to prepare for the upcoming match and I'm sure that you have preparations to make as well" Bardok saluted and bowed to his long time friend and Vegeta saluted back "In case I don't get a chance to se you again before the fight . . . Fare well old friend."
* * * * * * *
The announcement was made. Prince Vegeta had challenged the kings right to the throne. The citizens of Vejiitasei's nearby capital city were all hurrying to secure prime viewing spots at the arena that had been set up for the ceremony. Other saiyans were turning on radios and com-units so they could listen or watch the fight as it was broadcast live from the capital. The ceremony was about to commence.
* * * * * * *
The challenger was the first to arrive at the arena. He stood straight and proud as he waited for the other combatant. It wasn't long before the king arrived. A cheer went up in the crowd that had gathered to watch the ceremony. Some of the people watching had seen the king's fight so many years before when he had made his own claim on the crown. But those geezers were few and far apart, for the saiyans were a warrior race that liked to die young. Vegeta had enjoyed a long and healthy reign. It was time for him to step down.
* * * * * * *
The prince was the first to attack. Only seconds his father had stepped into the arena he charged. The king blocked his attack but it had only been a feint. Vegeta slammed a fist into his father's side.
The king was sent flying toward the other end of the arena but he used the momentum to his advantage. He caught himself and turned. His son watched the king charge but lost sight when he suddenly leapt into the air.
Using the sun to hide his attack, he plummeted down toward his son with his arms crossed in front of him. The prince saw his father in the last second before he struck but it was too late to dodge or block. Like a battering ram the king crashed into Vegeta.
The prince was staggered but quickly recovered and sent a strong if slightly off-aim kick toward his father. Before the king could get over the blow, the prince showered him with a volley of punches.
The king grabbed one of Vegeta's fists and shoved back. There was a seconds break where he wiped away some blood that was trickling down his chin. The king then threw a punch with his other fist.
Prince Vegeta dodged his father's fist and retaliated with another kick. He then clasped his hands and brought them down on his father's shoulders sending him to eat dirt. Before the king could get back up, the prince brought his hands together and started charging up an attack.
"Gyariku Hou!"
* * * * * * *
There was a bright flash of light and a powerful ki blast slammed into king Vegeta. The brightness of the light temporarily blinded the spectators and a great cloud of dust bloomed from the rocks that were crushed by the massive attack. The crowd was silent. People regained their sight and as the dust began to clear a single proud figure was seen standing. In a rush of sound the crowd began to applaud.
* * * * * * *
Vegeta swayed. He was exhausted. That had been the first time he actually used that attack and now he was drained. But he still stood which is more than could be said for his father. The king had been completely obliterated by the Gyariku Hou.
Everything was strangely silent. There was a lot of dust and crushed rock. His vision was kind of blurred but he could see someone walking toward him. It was Parsnic, the Eldest Councilor. Parsnic was picking his way through the rubble. He held something.
"Are you all right Vegeta?" Parsnic asked quietly when he reached Vegeta. The prince saw his mouth form the words but he could not hear. He nodded a yes. He felt too tired to speak, and he wasn't even sure he remembered how. Parsnic began to unwrap what he had been carrying. A distant part of Vegeta's mind registered what was going on and was overwhelmed. He felt so empty, so drained.
Vegeta watched Parsnic discard the cloth that had been wrapped the crown of Vejiitasei. Parsnic lifted the crown above his head and showed it off to the applauding crowd. Vegeta didn't hear the crowd's noise of the Speech Parsnic made once they quieted down. He was hovering on the edge dark unconsciousness.
Parsnic then turned back to Vegeta. Parsnic carefully placed the crown on Vegeta's head. The sudden weight served to strengthen Vegeta, drawing him away from the darkness that called so sweetly. Parsnic was now announcing the beginning of the seven-day mourning of the last king. A dozen women clad in black then rushed onto the remains of the arena and set about keening and crying for the old king.
Parsnic and Vegeta turned away and started to walk back to the palace with the rest of the councilors trailing behind. When Parsnic saw how much trouble Vegeta was having just walking, he offered the support of his arm. Vegeta ignored the offered support and continued walking. Hearing had returned to Vegeta and as he listened to the crowd that still roared with applause and the mourner's baleful wails his thoughts began to swirl. He was king.
* * * * * * *
The mourning of a saiyan king traditionally lasts for seven days. In this time the saiyans are forbidden to shed the blood of another saiyan, even in self-defense. Governmental matters are often postponed until the mourning is over as well.
* * * * * * *
"Sir," the alien addressing Freeza held a sheet of printouts grasped tightly in hands that shock slightly "On a recent survey of the eastern edge of your domain the M-class planet Chikyuu was detected."
"So?" Freeza asked in a lazy tone.
"Ah . . . well you see sir, it was reported a number of years ago that this planet no longer exists" there was an odd silence for a moment. Such conflicting reports were curious.
"Go run a confirmation survey," Freeza ordered "and find out who made the earlier report."
"Yes sir!"
* * * * * * *
"Bardok!" Freeza said pleasantly as Bardok entered. "It's been some time sense we last talked, hasn't it?"
"Yes Freeza."
"Let's get straight to the point shall we?" Freeza said with flashing ruby eyes. "Seven years ago you were sent to a M-class planet on the eastern edge of my territory to retrieve your son and confirm the destruction of the planet's inhabitants. You returned and reported that the planet had been destroyed before you had arrived. But just recently a scan of that sector showed the planet to still be in existence. Why did you lie?"
Bardok's mind was in a tizzy. He knew this day had to come sometime but he had still hoped to avoid it. How could he answer Freeza's question? He had to stall.
"Sir?"
"I really don't care about that backwater planet but it bothers me that someone so trusted by the saiyan king would give me a false report" Freeza brought his hand up with one finger extended. He smiled and shot a ki bolt toward Bardok.
Bardok saw the bolt extend toward him and there was nothing he could do. There was a searing pain in his chest and his sight started to fade. The last thing he saw was Freeza's flashing red eyes but his thoughts were of his friend Vegeta. It seems that the old king's prediction was truth, neither of them would live to see the saiyans free of Freeza.
* * * * * * *
"Raditz!" Basil called to him when he turned the corner, "I just heard. I'm so sorry . . . "
"Sorry? What are you talking about?" Raditz asked. He was confused about Basil's behavior and he suddenly had a very dark feeling.
"You mean that you haven't heard?" Basil asked shocked, "I hate to be the one to tell you," Basil paused, unsure of exactly how to say this, "It's your father, he . . . Bardok is dead. I'm sorry Raditz."
* * * * * * *
"What is it Raditz?" Vegeta was tired. After the match with his father he had spent the rest of the day napping and the next day he made a formal address to the citizens of Vejiitasei that was broadcasted over the saiyan airwaves. Vegeta had also attended a few small meetings with the council. This was the third day of his reign.
"Sir, my father is-" Raditz began roughly.
"Yes, I have heard. I'm sorry."
"Sir, I was wondering if I could have some time off . . . " Raditz asked.
"Granted." Vegeta said. Raditz bowed and then turned toward the door. He was about to leave when Vegeta spoke again. "Raditz, I know that you and your father were close. I am sorry about your father's death." Raditz nodded in agreement and exited the room.
* * * * * * *
A ship was launched from the main space port of Vejiitasei. Raditz knew what he must do. He must go to Earth and find his long lost brother and then he must convince Goku to come to Vejiitasei and help him destroy Freeza. Even as the stasis sleep began to take hold, Raditz's mind was focused on the eastern edge of Freeza's empire.
There are two things I want to comment on this time. The succession ceremony is the main focus of most of this chapter. It is a very touchy issue and I may not have properly portrayed the feelings . . . tell me if you feel I did any character an injustice! I also want to comment on the layout of Vejiitasei's capital. Vejiitasei's capital is actually three parts: the palace, the capital city, and the space-port.
Phoenix, thank you so much for reviewing my story!!! Your review was very helpful ^.^ Thanks! Thanks to my other readers and reviewers as well! I wrote a Fruits Basket fic recently if anyone is interested in FB then check it out! Well, here is chapter four! Enjoy ^.^
* * * * * * *
Saiyan Means Trouble:
Chapter four:
The Passing of a Crown
* * * * * * *
Freeza's crown ship slowly descended from the sky and landed lightly on the landing field that had hastily been cleared. Normally ships needed to have permission to land on Vejiitasei but Freeza's crown ship was an exception, it went wherever Freeza pleased. Today Freeza please to take a trip to Vejiitasei and check up on the monkey king.
Five months had passed since Freeza had killed his embassador. The day after that he had left Vejiitasei to tour other parts of his empire. The saiyan prince had left Vejiitasei on Freeza's ship as well. Now he returned to his native planet much stronger then when he had left.
Freeza had taken an odd interest in him, sending him on many difficult missions and expeditions. Vegeta had lost track of how many times he had come within inches of death. But the pain only made him stronger. He had also found an unexpected companion in Zarbon who had occasionally found time to spar with him. But now he was home.
This was as much his home as anything else was, Vegeta supposed. He didn't really feel attached to it though, and that is most likely due to having spent most of his life so far off-planet training and working for Freeza. But there was one thing here that he could not ignore. Responsibility.
* * * * * * *
"Sir, the council is in session, you really shouldn't go in there!" The guard protested as Vegeta made his intention to enter clear.
"Are you presuming to tell me what to do?" the prince asked with a dangerous edge to his voice. The guard's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously and stepped aside. Vegeta marched purposefully into the council chamber.
* * * * * * *
The doors into the council chamber suddenly opened when one of the councilors was in mid-speech. A shadowy figure entered wearing a cloak of pride. He strode purposefully to the center of the chamber and stopped. Silence dominated the room until one of the councilors called out for the intruders to identify himself. The shadowed man ignored the command. He stared at the king and waited.
"Well, what have you got to say? It must be important for you to interrupt my meeting Vegeta" the king asked the shadowed figure. The council members all took a second look at the intruder and with surprise they recognized the prince.
"I am here to challenge you." The prince said in a clear ringing voice. "I believe myself to be stronger than you so I challenge your right to the throne."
* * * * * * *
Silence immediately greeted his challenge and then all the councilors began talking at once, creating a wave of noise that swept through the room like a hurricane wind. Suddenly king Vegeta's loud barking laughter cut through the noise and silenced the councilors.
"Congratulations on initiating the challenge! I was beginning to think you wanted me to die in my bed!" The king said once he had his laughter under control, "Now if only you can stand up to the challenge!" it was an acceptance.
Prince Vegeta bowed sharply and turned. He exited the chamber much as he had entered, Silent and cloaked with pride.
* * * * * * *
"You're facing your father in the succession match!?" Nappa spluttered. He was surprised to put it lightly. He knew that Vegeta was strong but was he strong enough to face the king? Nappa had his doubts. After all, the king was the king and Vegeta was just the prince.
"I initiated the challenge and my father accepted." Vegeta replied lightly.
"You're finally facing your father . . ." Raditz said "But if you win, are you sure that you're ready for the responsibilities of being king?"
"I will win." Vegeta said, contradicting the "if" that Raditz had used. Vegeta knew that he would win. He had gotten much stronger while he was away from Vejiitasei. The missions that Freeza had sent him on were tough and every time he was beaten up and healed Vegeta's strength grew. On top of those missions, The sparring sessions with Zarbon had been very . . . educational.
Although Vegeta was now much stronger, it was Zarbon's thinking that the prince had been strong enough to beat his father for some time now. After sparring one time Zarbon had asked Vegeta why he was so obsessed with becoming stronger. Vegeta had told him that there was always someone stronger than you that you have to beat. Zarbon asked whom he had to face at present. Vegeta had considered not answering but ended up telling Zarbon about the succession ceremony.
"You did answer my question" Raditz interrupted Vegeta's wandering thoughts with the accusation.
"I will beat my father. What comes after that we will deal with when it comes." Vegeta replied truthfully. He had told Zarbon how he had not yet been able to defeat his father. Zarbon had laughed, saying that Vegeta had been stronger than his father for some time. Vegeta had become angry and asked why, if he was stronger, could he not beet his father. Zarbon had replied that he could not know for sure but he would guess it has something to do with the mind. Vegeta expects his father too win so he does. But this time things would be different. Vegeta knew that he would win.
* * * * * * *
An arena had been hastily set up in a clearing that was accessible from the palace and the capital city of Vejiitasei. Before the actual match takes place it will be announced on Vejitasei air waves when and where the fight will take place and the people of Vejiitasei will be invited to come and view the battle. The councilors who were present at the meeting will be asked to view the fight as official witnesses.
The palace was in a tizzy as official hurried to make preparations. All of Vejiitasei had to be prepared if the prince wins the crown. And likewise they had to be prepared for him failing in his attempt to succeed his father.
* * * * * * *
There was a nock on the door "Enter" Bardok entered by the command of Vegeta "Oh. It's you Bardok. I was expecting a visit from you sometime today. How are you?"
"Is he ready?" Bardok asked bluntly and ignored Vegeta's question
"Really Bardok, that is no way to talk to your king!" King Vegeta scolded "But if you must know: yes. My son has been strong enough to beat me for some time now. It is only a matter of if he lets himself win and from the way he was acting this morning I have no doubt that he will win."
"But is he strong enough to face Freeza?" Bardok asked with an impatient edge of urgency.
"No," Vegeta said lightly "But if he is careful and maneuvers wisely he will have a few years yet to train before he is in a position to fight Freeza. Unfortunately I won't be there to guide him and with his hot head . . ." Vegeta shrugged and silence fell on the two friends. After a moment Vegeta began to laugh "I need to prepare for the upcoming match and I'm sure that you have preparations to make as well" Bardok saluted and bowed to his long time friend and Vegeta saluted back "In case I don't get a chance to se you again before the fight . . . Fare well old friend."
* * * * * * *
The announcement was made. Prince Vegeta had challenged the kings right to the throne. The citizens of Vejiitasei's nearby capital city were all hurrying to secure prime viewing spots at the arena that had been set up for the ceremony. Other saiyans were turning on radios and com-units so they could listen or watch the fight as it was broadcast live from the capital. The ceremony was about to commence.
* * * * * * *
The challenger was the first to arrive at the arena. He stood straight and proud as he waited for the other combatant. It wasn't long before the king arrived. A cheer went up in the crowd that had gathered to watch the ceremony. Some of the people watching had seen the king's fight so many years before when he had made his own claim on the crown. But those geezers were few and far apart, for the saiyans were a warrior race that liked to die young. Vegeta had enjoyed a long and healthy reign. It was time for him to step down.
* * * * * * *
The prince was the first to attack. Only seconds his father had stepped into the arena he charged. The king blocked his attack but it had only been a feint. Vegeta slammed a fist into his father's side.
The king was sent flying toward the other end of the arena but he used the momentum to his advantage. He caught himself and turned. His son watched the king charge but lost sight when he suddenly leapt into the air.
Using the sun to hide his attack, he plummeted down toward his son with his arms crossed in front of him. The prince saw his father in the last second before he struck but it was too late to dodge or block. Like a battering ram the king crashed into Vegeta.
The prince was staggered but quickly recovered and sent a strong if slightly off-aim kick toward his father. Before the king could get over the blow, the prince showered him with a volley of punches.
The king grabbed one of Vegeta's fists and shoved back. There was a seconds break where he wiped away some blood that was trickling down his chin. The king then threw a punch with his other fist.
Prince Vegeta dodged his father's fist and retaliated with another kick. He then clasped his hands and brought them down on his father's shoulders sending him to eat dirt. Before the king could get back up, the prince brought his hands together and started charging up an attack.
"Gyariku Hou!"
* * * * * * *
There was a bright flash of light and a powerful ki blast slammed into king Vegeta. The brightness of the light temporarily blinded the spectators and a great cloud of dust bloomed from the rocks that were crushed by the massive attack. The crowd was silent. People regained their sight and as the dust began to clear a single proud figure was seen standing. In a rush of sound the crowd began to applaud.
* * * * * * *
Vegeta swayed. He was exhausted. That had been the first time he actually used that attack and now he was drained. But he still stood which is more than could be said for his father. The king had been completely obliterated by the Gyariku Hou.
Everything was strangely silent. There was a lot of dust and crushed rock. His vision was kind of blurred but he could see someone walking toward him. It was Parsnic, the Eldest Councilor. Parsnic was picking his way through the rubble. He held something.
"Are you all right Vegeta?" Parsnic asked quietly when he reached Vegeta. The prince saw his mouth form the words but he could not hear. He nodded a yes. He felt too tired to speak, and he wasn't even sure he remembered how. Parsnic began to unwrap what he had been carrying. A distant part of Vegeta's mind registered what was going on and was overwhelmed. He felt so empty, so drained.
Vegeta watched Parsnic discard the cloth that had been wrapped the crown of Vejiitasei. Parsnic lifted the crown above his head and showed it off to the applauding crowd. Vegeta didn't hear the crowd's noise of the Speech Parsnic made once they quieted down. He was hovering on the edge dark unconsciousness.
Parsnic then turned back to Vegeta. Parsnic carefully placed the crown on Vegeta's head. The sudden weight served to strengthen Vegeta, drawing him away from the darkness that called so sweetly. Parsnic was now announcing the beginning of the seven-day mourning of the last king. A dozen women clad in black then rushed onto the remains of the arena and set about keening and crying for the old king.
Parsnic and Vegeta turned away and started to walk back to the palace with the rest of the councilors trailing behind. When Parsnic saw how much trouble Vegeta was having just walking, he offered the support of his arm. Vegeta ignored the offered support and continued walking. Hearing had returned to Vegeta and as he listened to the crowd that still roared with applause and the mourner's baleful wails his thoughts began to swirl. He was king.
* * * * * * *
The mourning of a saiyan king traditionally lasts for seven days. In this time the saiyans are forbidden to shed the blood of another saiyan, even in self-defense. Governmental matters are often postponed until the mourning is over as well.
* * * * * * *
"Sir," the alien addressing Freeza held a sheet of printouts grasped tightly in hands that shock slightly "On a recent survey of the eastern edge of your domain the M-class planet Chikyuu was detected."
"So?" Freeza asked in a lazy tone.
"Ah . . . well you see sir, it was reported a number of years ago that this planet no longer exists" there was an odd silence for a moment. Such conflicting reports were curious.
"Go run a confirmation survey," Freeza ordered "and find out who made the earlier report."
"Yes sir!"
* * * * * * *
"Bardok!" Freeza said pleasantly as Bardok entered. "It's been some time sense we last talked, hasn't it?"
"Yes Freeza."
"Let's get straight to the point shall we?" Freeza said with flashing ruby eyes. "Seven years ago you were sent to a M-class planet on the eastern edge of my territory to retrieve your son and confirm the destruction of the planet's inhabitants. You returned and reported that the planet had been destroyed before you had arrived. But just recently a scan of that sector showed the planet to still be in existence. Why did you lie?"
Bardok's mind was in a tizzy. He knew this day had to come sometime but he had still hoped to avoid it. How could he answer Freeza's question? He had to stall.
"Sir?"
"I really don't care about that backwater planet but it bothers me that someone so trusted by the saiyan king would give me a false report" Freeza brought his hand up with one finger extended. He smiled and shot a ki bolt toward Bardok.
Bardok saw the bolt extend toward him and there was nothing he could do. There was a searing pain in his chest and his sight started to fade. The last thing he saw was Freeza's flashing red eyes but his thoughts were of his friend Vegeta. It seems that the old king's prediction was truth, neither of them would live to see the saiyans free of Freeza.
* * * * * * *
"Raditz!" Basil called to him when he turned the corner, "I just heard. I'm so sorry . . . "
"Sorry? What are you talking about?" Raditz asked. He was confused about Basil's behavior and he suddenly had a very dark feeling.
"You mean that you haven't heard?" Basil asked shocked, "I hate to be the one to tell you," Basil paused, unsure of exactly how to say this, "It's your father, he . . . Bardok is dead. I'm sorry Raditz."
* * * * * * *
"What is it Raditz?" Vegeta was tired. After the match with his father he had spent the rest of the day napping and the next day he made a formal address to the citizens of Vejiitasei that was broadcasted over the saiyan airwaves. Vegeta had also attended a few small meetings with the council. This was the third day of his reign.
"Sir, my father is-" Raditz began roughly.
"Yes, I have heard. I'm sorry."
"Sir, I was wondering if I could have some time off . . . " Raditz asked.
"Granted." Vegeta said. Raditz bowed and then turned toward the door. He was about to leave when Vegeta spoke again. "Raditz, I know that you and your father were close. I am sorry about your father's death." Raditz nodded in agreement and exited the room.
* * * * * * *
A ship was launched from the main space port of Vejiitasei. Raditz knew what he must do. He must go to Earth and find his long lost brother and then he must convince Goku to come to Vejiitasei and help him destroy Freeza. Even as the stasis sleep began to take hold, Raditz's mind was focused on the eastern edge of Freeza's empire.
