CHAPTER 20 – Vegeta's Reality Check
Vegeta landed about 10 meters from the base of the gray cliffs. He could feel the little imp, but he could not see him. The Prince closed his eyes and concentrated. 'Where are you, you little rat?' Then he was interrupted by Jeice who landed behind him.
Jeice started to walk towards the Saiyan as he tried to catch his breath, "Man! You are flat out fast. I could barely keep up. I sure am impressed, Prince Vegeta. I gotta hand it to ya, mate..."
Growling in frustration, Vegeta opened his eyes and turned to glare at the warrior. "Get out of my sight, Jeice! I didn't ask you to come along!"
"Huh, well...orders from you know who." Jeice nervously looked around then realized where they were. "Hey! This is Babidee's hideout."
Astonished, Vegeta walked up to Jeice, shaking his fist. "Where is he, you fool?"
"Ah, mate, is the name calling necessary?" Vegeta was about to grab Jeice by the throat, but Jeice stepped aside and raised his hands in truce. He then put up a finger, gesturing for a moment to show Vegeta. The Prince crossed his arms and watched as Jeice walked over to where Vegeta once stood. The warrior then pointed his finger to the ground and nodded his head. The Prince growled once again, marched over with his hand half raised. Jeice could see the Saiyan was gathering ki and frantically waved his arms to stop him. "Wait!" Then Jeice stomped on the ground a couple of times.
"GO AWAY," was heard from below. Amazed, Vegeta stopped and retracted his attack. The Prince crossed his arms and nodded to Jeice to continue. Again, Jeice stomped on the ground.
"Leave me alone!"
"Wizard Babidee, Prince Vegeta would like a word with you. I suggest you come out...NOW!"
A string of obscenities were heard from below and Jeice stomped again. "Damn it! I'm coming!"
Jeice motioned to Vegeta to rise above the ground. As the two hovered, a hole materialized below them. They floated to opposite sides and lowered to the ground. Babidee emerged with his back to Vegeta, fiddling with his belt. "So what does my fine young apprentice want?"
Raising a brow, Vegeta looked to Jeice for an explanation. Jeice only shrugged.
"Of whom are you referring to wizard?"
Still focused on his belt, Babidee slowly rotated to Vegeta to answer. "Come now, my black hearted Prince..." Shaking his head, "So soon they forget their mas...ssttt.." Vegeta had jumped over, grabbed Babidee's collar and pulled him to within an inch of his nose. "You delusional, piece of shit!"
"Uuhh—you—need—eh—me."
"Ha! I need you? (sneering) I need no one; least of all, ugly old rats like you."
"em—the plan—let go."
Vegeta floated back to solid footing and released the creature, pushing him to the ground as he did so. Coughing once, Babidee slowly came to his feet. He cleared his throat before speaking. "You would not be so strong, if it weren't for me. Of course it's still not enough to stop Majin Buu is it?"
"I would have reached this level with or without you. A Saiyan is his only limitation. I shall defeat your creature of destruction."
"Eventually, maybe—but I say you are too short on time; once Majin Buu reaches his full potential."
"He does transform then?!"
"Of sorts. If I'm not mistaken, it is possible for him to absorb his opponents thereby obtaining their power. So, assuming he absorbs someone say like Goku, you wouldn't have a chance. But that's where I come in. I would trap him for you." Babidee crossed his arms and with renewed confidence, continued, "Naturally, in return, there are a few concessions I would insist on. One—"
No longer paying attention to the wizard, Vegeta's mind raced, mentally exposing all his options. Unconsciously he spoke to himself. "I need to know what is happening on Earth."
"Six, huh?" Babidee stopped his babbling. "Hmm, without my ball—"
"Feh." Looking to the sky, the disgusted Vegeta shot away with the surprised Jeice taking off after him.
When the dust settled, Babidee lowered his arms that had protected his face and grumbled under his breath. "Damn Saiyan. Why did I even bother?" He continued his mumbling as he returned underground; the opening becoming stone again.
For some reason, Vegeta was not moving as fast as before and Jeice easily caught up. "Where to now, mate?"
"What part of 'leave me' do you not understand?"
"Ah, come on Vegeta, you know what happens when you disobey Frieza's orders. Let me stay. I might be of help."
Vegeta remembered the countless unfortunate subordinates that dared to defy Frieza. His father was one of them. He glanced at the Ginyu then looked ahead again. "Stay out of my way."
"Righto, Captain! So, where are we heading?"
"Grrrrr...HFIL's Entrance Hall!"
"Hm? Uh, I think we need to head a little more starboard."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed. His preoccupied mind kept him from focusing on his destination. "Care to lead the way?"
"Yes, sir! My pleasure." After adjusting their course, Jeice tried to start a repertoire. "That bloke, Babidee is something else. Do you think he could help me with my power level? You know, things get pretty rough around here...especially with that android creature slinking around. That one gives me the freaking willies. I doubt you'll see any others come around. Cell scared them all off. If you're not looking, he'll suck the blooming ki right out of you with that damn stinger of his. It just comes out of no where. Almost gotta hold of ol' Guldo. Cell sure changed his tune after Pikkon and Goku showed up. Don't trust that one, I say."
Amused by the fool's attempt to fraternize, Vegeta graced him with a reply. "Trust no one, in HFIL"
"Oh, I don't know about that. Look!" He pointed to the Entrance Hall ahead. "Here we are."
Jeice slowed his descent and landed lightly near the front entrance. It was pretty quiet. Off to the side, sitting on the front steps were two horned men wearing white muscle shirts and sweatpants. One had red skin the other blue. Open lunch pails sat next to each.
Jeice approached the two with his fist extended. "Hey, what's up, Dudes?"
The one called Mez stood up and met the warrior's fist with his, hitting its top, bottom then front. "Jeice, where you'd been hiding? Man, we could have used your help a while ago."
Goz added, "Yeah, we were swamped with losers. We thought another world came to an end."
"Ah, Goz, you're exaggerating again. There's no way that was the end of a world." Mez turned his attention to Vegeta. "Who's your friend? I don't remember seeing him...you Goz?"
Suspiciously, the blue skinned ogre stood up and questioned the Prince. "I would remember a mug like that. Where did you come from? You supposed to be here?"
"Humph. Idiots! I demand to see what is happening on Earth."
"Earth! Yeah right. You don't know how things work around here, do you? What do you think Goz, should we give a loser what he asks for?" The ogres looked at each other and said, "NOT!" then busted out laughing causing them to fall back onto the steps.
It was with much restraint, Vegeta did not blow the two away. He yelled at theme while shaking his fist. "Do you know who I am? I am the Prince of all Saiyans, the strongest warrior in the Universe and you will show the proper respect."
"Hahaha...that's original, like we haven't heard that before."
"Yeah, buddy! Hahaha...take a good look around lately? This isn't the Universe ya know. Gee, Jeice, I got to hand it to ya. Thanks for bringing this loser around. I haven't laughed this hard in awhile."
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!" The Prince stood back, arching his back and balled his fists. "NOBODY mocks VEGETA!" His ki flared with his hair going golden yellow and eyes turning green. Relaxing his stance slightly, he glared at the subordinates. "You will do what I ask."
Both stared in astonishment. Goz nudged at Mez and on a more serious note, "Hey Mez, isn't this the guy we are supposed to be looking for...Veggie right?"
Nervously Jeice interceded, "It's Prince Vegeta, mates. V-E-G-E-T-A. And he wants to know what's happening on...what planet was that, captain?"
"Planet Earth."
Goz, rubbed his chin. "Hmm, I don't know. We better give the Boss a call on this one."
"I don't have time for this." Vegeta powered down and flew up to the top of stairs to go inside.
Mez stood up and called to the Prince. "Wait! Nothing in there! You'll want the great globe." Goz jumped to his feet and tugged on the red ogre's arm.
"Quiet, Mez! We haven't got permission yet!"
In a flash, Vegeta was in front of Mez, who could only gawk at him. "Where do I find this globe?"
"Eh, Well er..."
"No way Mez..." Goz tried to pull Mez away from Vegeta but the Prince grabbed Goz's arm and effortlessly pushed him away.
Glaring at the red ogre, Vegeta put his fist up and spoke slowly to the nitwits. "You will show me, Mez," Then looking over and pointing his finger at the blue ogre, "and, Goz you will call your Boss."
Unexpectantly, Mez smiled and said, "Sure, why not..." He looked over and winked at Goz before answering the Saiyan. "Goz you make the call. I'll show Prince Veee-geeet-a the crystal ball. If he can keep up with me that is!" Mez jumped down from the steps and hightailed it around the side of the building.
The astonished Vegeta, blinked a couple of times, and then smacked his own leg in frustration. "Dende! I am surrounded by complete imbeciles!" He poised to take off, but paused when he heard an alarming sound coming from the Entrance Hall. Suddenly, the doors burst open and piles of cloud like souls poured out, spilling over the steps. Vegeta and Jeice floated off the ground to avoid the swarm.
Goz raised his arms away from the souls that surrounded him. "Holy cow, this has definitely got to be the end of a world! Calm down losers, I'm coming, I'm COMING! Hey don't touch that!" He scooped up one lunch box and then the other, "or that!" He waded up the stairs calling back as he did so, "Jeice I could really use some help! Hey Veggie, if you happen see Speedy Mez-zalus again, tell him to get his butt back here!"
Vegeta stared at all the earth souls stone faced. Somehow he knew where they came from.
Jeice got next to Vegeta and cleared his throat. He wasn't sure why Vegeta hadn't moved. "What's next, Captain?"
Snapping out of his troubled thoughts, Vegeta turned in the direction of Mez's path and readied to follow. He was stopped by Jeice who cautiously put out a hand in his way. "My orders were to find out what you are up to. I take it you want to know about this Earth planet." Then he solemnly looked in the eyes of the angered Prince. "My other orders were to follow yours."
Vegeta slapped Jeice's arm away and pushed forward, but before he shot away he glanced over his shoulder and said, "Go help your friend." then he went after Mez.
Vegeta landed about 10 meters from the base of the gray cliffs. He could feel the little imp, but he could not see him. The Prince closed his eyes and concentrated. 'Where are you, you little rat?' Then he was interrupted by Jeice who landed behind him.
Jeice started to walk towards the Saiyan as he tried to catch his breath, "Man! You are flat out fast. I could barely keep up. I sure am impressed, Prince Vegeta. I gotta hand it to ya, mate..."
Growling in frustration, Vegeta opened his eyes and turned to glare at the warrior. "Get out of my sight, Jeice! I didn't ask you to come along!"
"Huh, well...orders from you know who." Jeice nervously looked around then realized where they were. "Hey! This is Babidee's hideout."
Astonished, Vegeta walked up to Jeice, shaking his fist. "Where is he, you fool?"
"Ah, mate, is the name calling necessary?" Vegeta was about to grab Jeice by the throat, but Jeice stepped aside and raised his hands in truce. He then put up a finger, gesturing for a moment to show Vegeta. The Prince crossed his arms and watched as Jeice walked over to where Vegeta once stood. The warrior then pointed his finger to the ground and nodded his head. The Prince growled once again, marched over with his hand half raised. Jeice could see the Saiyan was gathering ki and frantically waved his arms to stop him. "Wait!" Then Jeice stomped on the ground a couple of times.
"GO AWAY," was heard from below. Amazed, Vegeta stopped and retracted his attack. The Prince crossed his arms and nodded to Jeice to continue. Again, Jeice stomped on the ground.
"Leave me alone!"
"Wizard Babidee, Prince Vegeta would like a word with you. I suggest you come out...NOW!"
A string of obscenities were heard from below and Jeice stomped again. "Damn it! I'm coming!"
Jeice motioned to Vegeta to rise above the ground. As the two hovered, a hole materialized below them. They floated to opposite sides and lowered to the ground. Babidee emerged with his back to Vegeta, fiddling with his belt. "So what does my fine young apprentice want?"
Raising a brow, Vegeta looked to Jeice for an explanation. Jeice only shrugged.
"Of whom are you referring to wizard?"
Still focused on his belt, Babidee slowly rotated to Vegeta to answer. "Come now, my black hearted Prince..." Shaking his head, "So soon they forget their mas...ssttt.." Vegeta had jumped over, grabbed Babidee's collar and pulled him to within an inch of his nose. "You delusional, piece of shit!"
"Uuhh—you—need—eh—me."
"Ha! I need you? (sneering) I need no one; least of all, ugly old rats like you."
"em—the plan—let go."
Vegeta floated back to solid footing and released the creature, pushing him to the ground as he did so. Coughing once, Babidee slowly came to his feet. He cleared his throat before speaking. "You would not be so strong, if it weren't for me. Of course it's still not enough to stop Majin Buu is it?"
"I would have reached this level with or without you. A Saiyan is his only limitation. I shall defeat your creature of destruction."
"Eventually, maybe—but I say you are too short on time; once Majin Buu reaches his full potential."
"He does transform then?!"
"Of sorts. If I'm not mistaken, it is possible for him to absorb his opponents thereby obtaining their power. So, assuming he absorbs someone say like Goku, you wouldn't have a chance. But that's where I come in. I would trap him for you." Babidee crossed his arms and with renewed confidence, continued, "Naturally, in return, there are a few concessions I would insist on. One—"
No longer paying attention to the wizard, Vegeta's mind raced, mentally exposing all his options. Unconsciously he spoke to himself. "I need to know what is happening on Earth."
"Six, huh?" Babidee stopped his babbling. "Hmm, without my ball—"
"Feh." Looking to the sky, the disgusted Vegeta shot away with the surprised Jeice taking off after him.
When the dust settled, Babidee lowered his arms that had protected his face and grumbled under his breath. "Damn Saiyan. Why did I even bother?" He continued his mumbling as he returned underground; the opening becoming stone again.
For some reason, Vegeta was not moving as fast as before and Jeice easily caught up. "Where to now, mate?"
"What part of 'leave me' do you not understand?"
"Ah, come on Vegeta, you know what happens when you disobey Frieza's orders. Let me stay. I might be of help."
Vegeta remembered the countless unfortunate subordinates that dared to defy Frieza. His father was one of them. He glanced at the Ginyu then looked ahead again. "Stay out of my way."
"Righto, Captain! So, where are we heading?"
"Grrrrr...HFIL's Entrance Hall!"
"Hm? Uh, I think we need to head a little more starboard."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed. His preoccupied mind kept him from focusing on his destination. "Care to lead the way?"
"Yes, sir! My pleasure." After adjusting their course, Jeice tried to start a repertoire. "That bloke, Babidee is something else. Do you think he could help me with my power level? You know, things get pretty rough around here...especially with that android creature slinking around. That one gives me the freaking willies. I doubt you'll see any others come around. Cell scared them all off. If you're not looking, he'll suck the blooming ki right out of you with that damn stinger of his. It just comes out of no where. Almost gotta hold of ol' Guldo. Cell sure changed his tune after Pikkon and Goku showed up. Don't trust that one, I say."
Amused by the fool's attempt to fraternize, Vegeta graced him with a reply. "Trust no one, in HFIL"
"Oh, I don't know about that. Look!" He pointed to the Entrance Hall ahead. "Here we are."
Jeice slowed his descent and landed lightly near the front entrance. It was pretty quiet. Off to the side, sitting on the front steps were two horned men wearing white muscle shirts and sweatpants. One had red skin the other blue. Open lunch pails sat next to each.
Jeice approached the two with his fist extended. "Hey, what's up, Dudes?"
The one called Mez stood up and met the warrior's fist with his, hitting its top, bottom then front. "Jeice, where you'd been hiding? Man, we could have used your help a while ago."
Goz added, "Yeah, we were swamped with losers. We thought another world came to an end."
"Ah, Goz, you're exaggerating again. There's no way that was the end of a world." Mez turned his attention to Vegeta. "Who's your friend? I don't remember seeing him...you Goz?"
Suspiciously, the blue skinned ogre stood up and questioned the Prince. "I would remember a mug like that. Where did you come from? You supposed to be here?"
"Humph. Idiots! I demand to see what is happening on Earth."
"Earth! Yeah right. You don't know how things work around here, do you? What do you think Goz, should we give a loser what he asks for?" The ogres looked at each other and said, "NOT!" then busted out laughing causing them to fall back onto the steps.
It was with much restraint, Vegeta did not blow the two away. He yelled at theme while shaking his fist. "Do you know who I am? I am the Prince of all Saiyans, the strongest warrior in the Universe and you will show the proper respect."
"Hahaha...that's original, like we haven't heard that before."
"Yeah, buddy! Hahaha...take a good look around lately? This isn't the Universe ya know. Gee, Jeice, I got to hand it to ya. Thanks for bringing this loser around. I haven't laughed this hard in awhile."
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!" The Prince stood back, arching his back and balled his fists. "NOBODY mocks VEGETA!" His ki flared with his hair going golden yellow and eyes turning green. Relaxing his stance slightly, he glared at the subordinates. "You will do what I ask."
Both stared in astonishment. Goz nudged at Mez and on a more serious note, "Hey Mez, isn't this the guy we are supposed to be looking for...Veggie right?"
Nervously Jeice interceded, "It's Prince Vegeta, mates. V-E-G-E-T-A. And he wants to know what's happening on...what planet was that, captain?"
"Planet Earth."
Goz, rubbed his chin. "Hmm, I don't know. We better give the Boss a call on this one."
"I don't have time for this." Vegeta powered down and flew up to the top of stairs to go inside.
Mez stood up and called to the Prince. "Wait! Nothing in there! You'll want the great globe." Goz jumped to his feet and tugged on the red ogre's arm.
"Quiet, Mez! We haven't got permission yet!"
In a flash, Vegeta was in front of Mez, who could only gawk at him. "Where do I find this globe?"
"Eh, Well er..."
"No way Mez..." Goz tried to pull Mez away from Vegeta but the Prince grabbed Goz's arm and effortlessly pushed him away.
Glaring at the red ogre, Vegeta put his fist up and spoke slowly to the nitwits. "You will show me, Mez," Then looking over and pointing his finger at the blue ogre, "and, Goz you will call your Boss."
Unexpectantly, Mez smiled and said, "Sure, why not..." He looked over and winked at Goz before answering the Saiyan. "Goz you make the call. I'll show Prince Veee-geeet-a the crystal ball. If he can keep up with me that is!" Mez jumped down from the steps and hightailed it around the side of the building.
The astonished Vegeta, blinked a couple of times, and then smacked his own leg in frustration. "Dende! I am surrounded by complete imbeciles!" He poised to take off, but paused when he heard an alarming sound coming from the Entrance Hall. Suddenly, the doors burst open and piles of cloud like souls poured out, spilling over the steps. Vegeta and Jeice floated off the ground to avoid the swarm.
Goz raised his arms away from the souls that surrounded him. "Holy cow, this has definitely got to be the end of a world! Calm down losers, I'm coming, I'm COMING! Hey don't touch that!" He scooped up one lunch box and then the other, "or that!" He waded up the stairs calling back as he did so, "Jeice I could really use some help! Hey Veggie, if you happen see Speedy Mez-zalus again, tell him to get his butt back here!"
Vegeta stared at all the earth souls stone faced. Somehow he knew where they came from.
Jeice got next to Vegeta and cleared his throat. He wasn't sure why Vegeta hadn't moved. "What's next, Captain?"
Snapping out of his troubled thoughts, Vegeta turned in the direction of Mez's path and readied to follow. He was stopped by Jeice who cautiously put out a hand in his way. "My orders were to find out what you are up to. I take it you want to know about this Earth planet." Then he solemnly looked in the eyes of the angered Prince. "My other orders were to follow yours."
Vegeta slapped Jeice's arm away and pushed forward, but before he shot away he glanced over his shoulder and said, "Go help your friend." then he went after Mez.