Chapter 11

The robed figure, Dalron, sat at his throne deep in thought as he poured over the information in his recon report. The splinter groups had retrieved the dragon balls and were already in their custody. The rest of the report detailed the strengths and weaknesses of the rest of the defenses of planet Earth. He paid it no mind, confident in the abilities of his battle robots and of his friend, Leviathan. What frustrated him though was the information on the rest of the warriors who had mounted the only real resistance to his will. The one called Goku was able to give him little information regarding the young woman, and every time he tried to pry the information from Gohan, the warrior became tight-lipped and revealed nothing. This was a cause for concern as they were still trying to resist the poisons that caused them to be the thralls of the robed figure. This had never happened before and even the Inquisitors were at a loss to explain themselves for their failure. Leviathan had already disposed of the two Inquisitors from New Namek and the rest went about searching for an answer to their supposed failsafe plan. The robed figure knew that it would be a matter of time before their wills eventually broke away from him, but he was confident that this planet would be his by then.

It wasn't like they could give them more doses of the poison even if they had any. The ingredients weren't found in this universe and the last was spent on gaining control of this world's most powerful warriors. The robed figure threw down the report in disgust. Why was he giving the resistance time to lick their wounds? He could have ordered Leviathan to deal with it and that would have been the end of the problem! Could it be that perhaps he felt a twinge of regret for these pitiful beings? There was no doubting the similarities to what was done to his planet and what he was doing now. Is it possible, he thought to himself, have I become what I have hated for so long? He shook his head to clear the doubts within himself and allowed a mental picture of Vegeta to form in his brain. His hatred returned in an instant. The lifeless form of Kaltara, his beloved, laid at his feet and the damn saiyan smiled.

It was all his fault! No, their entire race was bred for war and destruction. That is why they must be stopped at all costs. Thanks to Freeza the saiyan race had become nigh extinct, except for this planet and maybe a few others here and there throughout the galaxy. But it was his mission, no, his DUTY to make sure no other systems had to suffer the fate like his homeworld, Nista and so many others had.

It had taken him many years and the sacrifice of many lives to achieve the power that he now held. All of the systems that he had been to didn't understand his mission. They always tried to stop him. They never understood that he was trying to help them; as long as one saiyan was left alive the potential for destruction on a galactic scale was a factor that he couldn't afford to let go. With the help of his dimension-jumping friend, Leviathan, they were able to take out another reincarnation of Brolly on another backwater planet deep in the East Galaxy. The other problems with the saiyans were that once you think you got them beaten, they had a nasty tendency to come back when you least expect it, and they're always stronger than they were before!

Leviathan himself was a special case. His power was nearly equal to himself, but no where near as smart. Their initial encounter caused the deaths of many Nistan survivors. Leviathan wasn't at fault though. If Dalron himself were a bit more diplomatic the loss of life would have been much less. After besting Leviathan in single combat, the behemoth eventually aligned to his cause. Leviathan lived for challenges, and his special dimension-jumping ability served him well to that cause. He had traveled to many different alternate realities and many different dimensions to best the strongest of the strong. Dalron smiled as he remembered the encounter with Brolly. Leviathan was his cocky and arrogant self and it was his first time going up against a saiyan, and here was a super saiyan no less! Needless to say Brolly got the better of Leviathan in the first couple rounds of combat. That super saiyan could increase his powers beyond all rational limits and every time Leviathan powered himself up, Brolly did the same. Leviathan was able to hold his own against the sheer ferocity of the legendary super saiyan, but the battle was not going well. Eventually Dalron had to intercede and between him and Leviathan they were able to beat the monster. The battle wasn't one-sided though; both victors wore their bruises and scars for months afterward. After they defeated their foe, Leviathan pulled out a technique that caught Dalron by surprise. He absorbed the fallen body of the super saiyan! Leviathan's power increased astronomically, and declared his intention of leaving the employ of Dalron and his band of survivors. He challenged Dalron to single combat and Dalron accepted. He smiled to the hulking behemoth as they circled each other. Leviathan attacked with such speed that Dalron was almost caught unaware, but Dalron was ready, for you see, he was holding back the entire time…

After Leviathan was soundly defeated he acquiesced to Dalron's leadership and had been a loyal servant ever since. In the intervening time the two developed a fast friendship and Leviathan finally became a willing and true member to his cause. Besides, he heard that there were more of the saiyan around somewhere and that was a challenge that he couldn't pass up!

That's how the story went of Leviathan and Dalron. Every member of his crew had a story to go with them as well, and at the heart of each story, in one form or another, there was a unifying theme to them all: the damned saiyans.

Dalron shook his head to clear his thoughts. Every member of his crew had the same hatred as he did for the saiyan race. Every survivor of their pillages had cursed the day they heard of the name saiyan; every man, woman, and child would give their life to end the disease that was the saiyan race. Dalron took that notion to heart. What else could motivate nearly one million members of various races to work together like a well-oiled machine?

Here was the last bastion for that dying breed and here would be their final resting-place, a small but beautiful little world called Earth.

They will be attacking soon, he thought. We'd best prepare for the welcoming party…

Videl crossed the threshold back into the world, her year in the Room of Spirit and Time was over and her training under the harsh taskmaster, Vegeta, was complete. It took Videl a few moments to get accustomed to the harsh light of the noon sun, but she was able to make out the silhouettes of her friends waiting for her. She heard Piccolo arguing with a small man wearing sunglasses and had a long beard.

"I can't sense the others, I fear they have been taken."

"Chill out, Piccolo," the small man said in a gruff voice. "We know where they're being held so…"

"Yes, but they have the dragonballs now," Piccolo barked, interrupting him. "Mounting an attack now would be suicide!"

Videl's eyes grew accustomed to the light and she got a better look at the small man. He wore faded jeans, a T-shirt and a cut-up faded jean jacket. Their argument was getting more heated by the moment and Dende, Tien, 18 and several other warriors she didn't know joined in.

"What other choice do we have?"

Everyone in the argument turned to the new speaker and their eyes went wide! "Videl! Vegeta, you're back," Dende cried.

Piccolo looked hard at Videl, sizing up her new strength. He was astonished to see that her ki was nearly on par with his now, and ever since the Buu incident he wasn't lax in his own training anymore. It was incredible to think she got as far as she did and she definitely was a changed woman. Her eyes held that same steel-hard and cold stare of Vegeta's. Her hair was longer and her body was more toned than before, and there was…something else…her ki radiated strangely, but Piccolo couldn't figure out why.

"Of course we're back," Vegeta snapped, annoyed. He flexed his arms, "So are we ready to attack yet?"

"It's not that simple Vegeta," Piccolo said slowly. "Bulma and the others will more than likely be used as hostages if we do an all out assault. They could get injured or worse."

"Well we can't stand around here and do nothing," Videl piped in.

"Like I said," Vegeta said smirking, "what other choice do we have?"

"Who's the chick, Piccolo?" The Grand Kai asked softly as he blushed.

"That's Videl Satan," he answered, "and don't try anything around her, she's spoken for."

"That's Videl?" he asked incredulously. "Why her ki level is higher than I remember seeing it before! What gives?"

"We don't have time," he barked back hotly. "Are your warriors ready?"

"Yes we are Piccolo," Pikkon said, stepping forward. "The Grand Kai will coordinate our forces with yours. If anything, we should be able to buy you guys enough time to rescue your friends and get out."

"It's settled then," Vegeta remarked as he clenched his fists.

Piccolo shook his head; "I don't like it."

"None of us do," 18 said, "but we need our friends and the dragonballs back. If there's any way I can get my Krillin back…" She didn't need to finish.

"Okay," The Grand Kai said. "We'll leave in an hour. Hopefully someone can get inside their hideout and get the others and the dragonballs while we run interference."

"I have a felling this one's gonna turn ugly," Tien remarked. He noticed Piccolo stiffen and then walk off.

While everyone else made his or her final preparations for battle Videl got her hair cut short again. Her mind was swirling with mixed emotions. Her hands shook with anticipation at the up coming battle, and she was scared at the same time. Her year long training session with Vegeta gave her an inkling of what she had yet to face and that time was fast approaching. She knew not to underestimate the abilities of the others, but one stood out in particular…Gohan. Her mind kept repeating the picture of his deadly face as his fist flew toward her. If it weren't for that other green warrior she wouldn't be here now. Still she knew the game plan and she would be the one to confront Gohan. Perhaps she'd be able to contact him again, her efforts to do so since that one time in the training room were met with utter failure, but there was always that chance!

Videl got cleaned up and changed into a new pair of loose-fitting clothing and sneakers since most of her normal clothes were ruined during her training. She wore simple blue jeans and a black Capsule Corp shirt. There was a purple half-jacket that sported the logo of the Corporation that she chose as well. Finally outfitted, Videl sighed heavily and left her quarters to meet up with the others out in the courtyard.

The others were standing at the ready. Vegeta changed into one of his endless black muscle T-shirts and dark jeans. His arms were folded across his chest and he was leaning against the entrance to the courtyard, waiting for the coming battle. "That jacket belongs to my son," he remarked as Videl entered the courtyard.

"Really?" she asked as she appraised the jacket. "It seems a bit big for him, don't you think?"

Vegeta closed his eyes and smiled. "No. It doesn't belong to Trunks, it belongs to my other son."

Videl's eyebrows raised in confusion. Other son? She didn't know he had another son! "Uh," she stammered, "who is your other son?"

His opened his eyes and leaned forward, "His name is Trunks," then he walked off into the courtyard. Videl's eyes twitched in irritation and confusion. She was about to ask him what he meant but the others called for her to join them.

The Z Fighters and the other warriors stood in the middle of the courtyard accompanied by The Grand Kai and Dende. "Everyone ready?" The Grand Kai asked. The others nodded grimly. "Then let's get this party started! Now all you cats hold hands." The warriors did what Grand Kai ordered and in a flash, they were gone!

The warriors materialized in a dust storm of epic proportions! The sand swirled around the group and sliced through their clothing and eyes causing great discomfort. "Where the hell are we?" Vegeta bellowed to be heard above the roar of the storm.

"We're about a mile out from the location of the enemy," Piccolo yelled back. "We can use the storm to cover our tracks which means we may be able to take them by surprise!"

"Keep your power levels suppressed," Grand Kai ordered, "that should help as well!"

"Follow me!" Piccolo commanded as he started walking deeper into the storm. The others did what they could do to protect their eyes and they began the arduous trek to their final destination.

Aside from the minor annoyance of the storm, Videl was easily able to keep pace with the others. The only one who was having difficulty was Dende and Tien was helping the young Namek along. Videl was getting more anxious and apprehensive the closer they got. She could feel the tension of the others too, and everyone was feeling the same, well, except for Vegeta. His mind betrayed no emotions to her, but his sharp focus on the task at hand gave her the impression that he was actually looking forward to the fight! She couldn't blame him really. There was a small part deep inside her that was looking forward to it as well. She was morbidly curious to see how well she would fare against the others. The other motivation of course was Gohan. She knew the others could take care of themselves and she thought of herself as a crutch to the team for so long because she was weak. Now was her chance to prove to the others and herself what she was capable of. Vegeta taught her how to think coldly and calculating. Every trick he taught her would hopefully aid her against her love. If it came down to it, she would gladly give her life for his. Could she do anything less?

"How much longer?" 18 yelled.

"Not much farther," yelled back Piccolo. We should be getting close to the mountain!"

"Are you ready," Vegeta asked creeping up behind Videl causing her to jump.

"Stop that," she cried in anger.

"Your feelings tell me different," he said in a scolding tone. "You must remain focused if we are to win."

"I know," she replied irritably. "It's just…"

"What?"

"I don't know if I'll be able to reach him like I did before."

"If you can't are you prepared to do what you must do?"

Her head dropped and she stopped. Uncertainty and fear creeped into her mind. "I don't know if I can, Vegeta."

"You had better!" he said in his scolding tone. "Remember everything I taught you. Gohan won't be holding anything back and if you do you are as good as dead!"

She didn't say anything in response and he walked off toward the rest of the group. She hurried up to catch up with the rest of the group, her mood darker than before.

Damn him! Why the hell did he say that? Videl felt her anger rise at the damn Saiyan! Just when she was beginning to feel good about herself, he had to break her back down! When this is over, she thought, I'm gonna get you Vegeta!

The group traveled in silence for the most part. The dust storm showed no signs of abating and the pace was slow. Piccolo, Pikkon and Olibu were in the lead and their massive frames were enough to act as a shield for Dende who, truth to be told, slowed down the group even more. All of the warriors were outfitted was a plain brown sack that was to be used for whoever infiltrated the fortress. The sacks were large enough to fit all of the dragonballs in and carry a healing potion from Dende as well. The mood of the group remained tense and got steadily worse as they got closer to the mountain. Piccolo noted the sandy terrain give way to small rocks that got progressively larger.

"We are nearly there," he bellowed to the rest of the group.

Finally, the storm started to die down, awarding the warriors greater visibility. Piccolo could start making out the metallic entrance built into the side of the mountain that was their destination.

"Fan out," Grand Kai commanded.

The others obeyed, getting into position to strike the fortress from different angles. The group got close enough to notice the contingent of battle robots standing guard at the large entrance. The robots gave off a feeling of power, but wouldn't be a match for the warriors. The real foes were nowhere to be seen.

The group converged on the robots and made short work of them. The process took less than a second, then the dust storm died down abruptly.

"I don't like this," Piccolo said warily.

"This doesn't feel right," Tien remarked.

"That was too easy. Where are the real foes?" Vegeta asked disappointedly.

Then they all felt it. "Get back!" Piccolo shouted.

The others leapt back right as a large ki ball struck the general area where they were standing. The explosion caused another mini storm of dust and debris to fly out in all directions.

"It's so good that you finally decided to come!" bellowed the voice of Leviathan.

The smoke cleared and everyone was already in a defensive position. In the small crater where the ki ball struck stood Leviathan, fully powered and ready to go! "We were beginning to wonder if you guys were going to show up at all!"

"Where are the others?" demanded Vegeta. "Release them at once!"

Leviathan shook a warning finger at the Saiyan Prince. "Tsk tsk, my hot tempered friend. I haven't even introduced the rest of the welcoming committee yet."

Videl stiffened involuntarily as she felt the distinctive ki signature of Gohan and Goku. Then Goten, Trunks and Krillin's signature popped up out from no where. Leviathan pointed towards the entrance and several footfalls could be heard, and they were getting louder. "I think you know who I'm talking about," Leviathan said evilly.

Soon after the forms of Goku, Gohan, Trunks, Krillin and Goten stepped out from the shadows of the fortress entrance. Their faces bore the same faces of utter hatred just like last time. Then the Saiyans powered up. Goku went super saiyan as did Goten and Trunks, while Gohan used his mystic powers to get stronger.

Videl stared wide-eyed at Gohan. He was looking directly at her with the same look of hatred as before and she froze on the spot. Their controlled friends stepped forward to stand beside Leviathan. "If you want your friends back so bad," Leviathan said grinning, "you'll have to go through us first!"

"So be it," Vegeta exclaimed as he screamed and went super saiyan. The rest of the Z Fighters powered up as well, except for Videl. Her eyes were locked on Gohan to the exclusion of everything else.

Then they attacked…

Next Chapter: I think you know what happens next!

A/N: Sorry for the lateness of the post. I lost the next chapter when my computer decided to die. I had the next chapter done at the same time as this one and I was going to post them back to back. But it's back to the drawing board and I should have it up tomorrow. I hope you like the story so far. If you have any ideas, questions or comments send me a review or e-mail me at mezzicstorm2131@yahoo.com. Enjoy!