Hello everyone! Welcome back as we progress through Namek. I just want to say as we prepare for the holidays, that I hope you all have good Thanksgiving food coming your way. It has been a long month but we're back!
Dodoria has been ruthlessly killed by the pair of Saiyan turncoats! The Prince has struck first! With our heroes in space still days away from helping their friends, will Vegeta and Nappa find the Earthlings first? Find out on this chapter of Dragon Ball: BtG!
Reviews:
NastySquire: A bit acerbic, but understandable. I haven't seen hardly any dragon ball stories with a character named Axel. I chose Axel mainly because the name sounded tough. And the fight with Raditz is one I do wish I changed in a way. But you have to understand from my perspective that Raditz is a Saiyan, and with Shepard having this new Saiyan body, he wanted to see what Raditz would be truly capable of. In a way I did force that conclusion to the point it wouldn't feel so authentic, and I'm sorry for that. I wanted Raditz to have his honor restored by competing and even besting another Saiyan in his power level's range. With Shepard giving him that Senzu bean instead of killing him outright and trying to recruit him in Otherworld after the fact, they died in a battle against each other, which made it easier for Raditz to start to change. Now mind you, Raditz isn't becoming a pure hearted individual. He is still greedy, still hungers to laud his power over others, but he has more sense than he did previously. He is going to come to a crossroads soon where he will have to make a choice. And it's all on his shoulders. I got some long fights coming. Short fights, brutal ones. Blood will be spilled, heads will be split. Everyone is getting hands man! Come on and get with the program lol. Thank you for your reviews!
Age: December, 762
Location: Namek
Another blast ripped through the small village. 8 namekian bodies lay strewn across. Sopran immediately tried to attack Zarbon, but he was older and slower than he was in his prime. A hard backhand had put him through one of the small huts, knocking him out. Zarbon started to go into the huts, ripping them apart looking for the wish orb. Several other namekian's tried stopping him, but they were torn apart effortlessly.
"Where is that damn dragon ball?" He grabbed one of the young namekians, picked him up, and slammed him into the wall of one of the huts.
"I-I-I don't-"
SNAP
Zarbon's rage-filled lust and anger got the better of him. Dropping the body, he went to continue on his search before a small blast hit him in the back, not doing any damage to him. Slowly turning around, he saw another one of the namekians with his hands raised.
"Slug. I will ask only once. Your dragon ball. Where is it?"
"W-w-why would I tell you anything monster? YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS!"
Zarbon snickered. "You're certainly far bolder than many of your pathetic, pacifist kind. Lord Frieza could do with a soldier of your...capabilities hm hm hm hm hm hm."
"I would never join you, or him!" Zarbon shrugged before he charged the namekian, who jumped high and barely got away, firing another blast, Zarbon tanked it, flying through the explosion and kneeing the namekian hard in the gut, before hitting him in the spine with an elbow, cracking the namekian's bones as he plummeted back down to the ground. The namekian landed through one of the houses, causing it to go up in a dirt-filled mess.
"Hm hm hm hm are you done yet? You don't stand much of a chance against my power, weakling." Zarbon continued to walk towards the now destroyed hut, where the namekian had slowly made his way to his feet, hacking up blood. Zarbon prepared a blast in his hand, readying to kill the young warrior namekian, who could only shakily put his hands up to defend himself, but before he could, the namekian sensed something coming in fast, where a kick jarred Zarbon's face, sending the exotic alien out of the hut, back into the small village. The namekian dropped to a knee, relieved at his savior. A short, spiky-haired man. He felt the intent of the warrior, similar to the one that tried to kill him, but that didn't matter at the moment.
Zarbon impacted the ground twice, slamming into another hut and destroying it.
"WHO DARES?" He busted out of the hut quickly, only to see his attacker, smirking at him with glee.
"Vegeta...so..it is true after all. You have changed allegiances."
"Allegiances? Oh no no no, dear Zarbon. I am of my OWN allegiance. That damned lizard will be meeting his end at my hand very soon. As for you, I've been wanting your life for years. All the times you've mocked me. All the times you've beaten me down. It's over for you. You should take a look to your left."
As Zarbon went to move his head to look, a giant fist impacted his face, pushing him back a few feet and causing bluish blood to leak out of his mouth. Holding his hand to his mouth and coming back with blood, Zarbon's eyes widened.
"Of course! If there's one, the other surely will be nearby. Where's that third one monkey?" Nappa took his place by his Prince's side.
"Heh heh heh heh heh he means nothing any longer to us, and neither do you anymore." Vegeta and Nappa both laughed at their staged act. But now, it was the Prince's turn to have fun.
"Now Nappa. You had your fun with Dodoria's fat ass. I get the female looking one hm hm hm hm?" Vegeta chuckled as he asked.
"You..you killed Dodoria? But...that's impossible! Your power level was nowhere close to Dodoria's." Zarbon asked, shocked as he looked at Nappa.
"Ohhhh...hmmm well I didn't think about that, considering I...disarmed him hm hm hm hm hahahahahahaha!" Vegeta answered.
Zarbon looked at the amused pair of Saiyans with disgust, before smirking as well.
"Such a folly. I guess it makes no difference then. Frieza has been wanting to...speak to you since your little trip to Earth. We had overheard your other teammate Raditz the Runt I believe, speak about a man with a weapon on an old communication. It just so happens that that 'man' is number one on the Planet Trade Organization's Most Wanted List."
"What? And what does that have to do with me?"
"We have reason to believe you've fought him. Details were a bit sketchy but...the man was believed to be wielding a, and pardon me if I sound highly amused, but an actual hammer on an old planet Frieza had reigned in for his father."
"Th-that does sound like Shepard Vegeta," Nappa said.
"Shepard? What the hell kind of name is that?"
"It doesn't matter Zarbon. You're not going to be alive much longer to do anything with that information." Vegeta now understood why there was such an upheaval in the PTO. Back roughly 2 years ago, every single member of the organization was personally interrogated by Frieza and Cooler as to the whereabouts of this 'man.' The details were sketchy at best. And there had only been 2 witnesses to the sighting of the man in particular. An old, alien couple that had been withered down by the massive toxic fumes that permeated their planet due to the heavy mechanized technology there meant to plow the planet for further useful materials. The couple had promptly been gathered, and with the advanced technology at the PTO's disposal, were able to configure a profile for the man they were looking for. Thinking on it now, Shepard did match the description, to a certain point. The hammer was an obvious giveaway, but everything else did not make sense. How could Shepard have even gotten out into space in the first place was an obvious red flag, followed by the fact that Shepard looked to be younger than Raditz, maybe as young as Raditz's brother, Kakarot? How could this same man, a Saiyan no less, not age in the slightest? It was the same person that he and Raditz encountered as children! A lot of things weren't adding up! The Saiyan that he remembered as a child was wise, his voice deep and stern, but filled with warmth. He had remembered the man's touch. It was fatherly, but not coddling. The Saiyan he fought on earth was anything but! The voice was still deep like he remembered, but also very immature, in much the same way he could remember being when he was younger. Deciding not to ponder on it any further, Vegeta cracked his neck, popping his knuckles and starching his gloves, readying them for battle.
"So, you won't tell me nothing? Then how about I let you in on a little secret."
"Oh please Zarbon, Dodoria's already squealed like a fat bastard. I know Frieza turned my planet and my people into dust. So you can let me in on another little secret instead."
Zarbon's eyes widened in slight trepidation. "And what would you want to know?"
"I want Frieza's power level. His true, power level. You will tell me what it is."
"Hm hm hm hm why Vegeta? Do you realize that we are all in fact gnats compared to him? What is the point of knowing an exact number?"
"Because I have heard...rumors from a possible, verifiable source that Frieza's power level exceeds far more than 1 million. So, you're closest to him, and quite possibly know more about him than I dared to care about. So speak!"
"Hm hm hm hm it far exceeds 1 million. Try over a hundred!" That chilled the Saiyan Prince, to his bones. To hear it from a low-class clown was one thing, but to hear it from one of Frieza's closest...minions? Fear rode up Vegeta's spine as he realized how in over his head he was.
'Immortality was a damn joke! I should've known it wouldn't make a difference!' Vegeta was mentally chastising himself, hating how he could feel so duped to believe immortality was the right thing to do! A couple of the namekians scurried away, feeling the boiling tension rise from the pair of warriors.
"You will stand down from this Nappa. He's all mine." Vegeta walked forward, not giving Nappa a chance to respond. The giant Saiyan hardly acknowledged the request, already knowing this is what his Prince wanted, so he flew up and landed on a small overhang mountain, overseeing the pair. There were a dozen bodies strewn throughout the village, some in a torn-apart state, others looking to have been blasted as parts of their bodies had been turned to ash while the rest boiled away, leaving a mess of bones, blood, and sinew.
"You sure are foolish monkey, daring to challenge me. Dodoria was a fat, lazy bastard. You will find that I am much more powerful than he." Zarbon began to power up, his aura taking on a blue hue, slowly bringing rocks and leftover material from some of the huts in a windy, vicious circle, but the Prince of all Saiyans was unamused.
"And here I thought you'd be worth my time. I've heard of your...exploits Zarbon. There's no way you've done it all with your paltry level of power."
"Paltry? Hm hm hm hm hm I will admit, I do have a bit of a more...primal side. One that I don't let out for just anyone!" Zarbon quickly charged in, looking to take the Prince's head off with a swipe, but Vegeta caught his hand. With a smirk, Vegeta tossed Zarbon in the air, before getting behind him and slamming both fists into Zarbon's back. The alien plummeted to the ground, slamming into it. Zarbon got back up quickly, growling as he did. Flying in the air, he engaged Vegeta. The Prince was not breaking a sweat, dodging one overthrown right and smashing his knee into Zarbon's chest, cracking the alien's armor and sending blue blood shooting out of his mouth.
"You-you've gotten stronger than be-before!" Zarbon spat out.
"Hahahahahaha oh yes Zarbon. On Earth, I was beaten to within an inch of my life. Upon healing on one of Frieza's station planets, I am stronger than ever before hm hm hm hm hm."
"Ahh, the Zenkai. Yes, you do seem like you've gotten stronger monkey."
"I am what Frieza fears most. A powerful Saiyan warrior who continues to get stronger through fierce battle! You will die today, for all the mocking you've done of us!"
"Hm hm hm hm hm oh poor Vegeta. Have you ever heard the saying 'beauty is only skin deep? Well, right now, you're only seeing the beauty."
"Beauty? You're a hideous, soon-to-be carcass!"
"For someone who looks like you, you have no right to call me hideous! I'd kill you where you stand but Frieza wants me to take you alive. You should consider yourself lucky."
"I look quite handsome and regal, thank you. The same cannot be said for you, for I will take your face and destroy this planet with it! Hm hm hm hm hm." Vegeta crossed his arms, awaiting his foe.
"Then...I guess I do need...it." Zarbon didn't waste time. His energy began to spike out of control, growing erratically. Vegeta took a step back in confused shock, as Zarbon's face became more crocodilian.
"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Zarbon screamed to the sky, his muscles increasing in size, his overall height increasing by more than a foot. Vegeta looked on, feeling the increase in Zarbon's power. He was concerned, but not for the reasons one may think.
"Blast it all, this little village will be in ruins and that dragon ball may be destroyed if we fight here."
"RAHH...uhh...uhh...uhh..." Vegeta could hear the growling simmer down to deep, husky breathing. Taking a step forward, he began to chuckle.
"Hm hm hm hm hm hm and your power didn't increase all that much. What a waste! Come on Zarbon, let's see how good you really are." Vegeta shot up to the sky, awaiting his opponent, who still didn't move.
"WHAT'S THE MATTER, ABOMINATION?" Vegeta yelled down. Zarbon slowly looked up at the sky, his sharp teeth gleaming in the sunlight. Licking his lips, he began to laugh, a deep rumble in his chest, before he launched himself into the sky. Vegeta barely had time to react, a deep slash going across his armor, cutting into his chest.
"What the?" Sliding back through the sky, Vegeta was assaulted with pure ferocity. Zarbon kept throwing brutalizing punches, slowly breaking down Vegeta's guard.
"What's the matter MONKEY?" A giant fist implanted itself in Vegeta's face, Zarbon hammering down the Saiyan towards the ground, where he threw up an avalanche of rock and dirt. Zarbon then held his hand out, firing a yellow blast. Zarbon expected an explosion but looked down to see Vegeta holding the blast off, before hurling it away in the distance.
"He's...he's nothing like I remember," Vegeta said, breathing a little heavily. Zarbon cratered into the ground, spit leaving his mouth as he drooled in feral rage.
"Yes...YES! FEEL MY RAAAAAAGE!" Zarbon was back on Vegeta, pushing him back with savage fury, intent to take the saiyan's head back to his Emperor, and Nappa's as well if he got involved. Hammer fisting down on Vegeta's guard, it broke, and the beastly warrior kicked Vegeta straight in the stomach, sending him hurtling through the sky for hundreds of yards before he righted himself, only to receive a kick in the back. Zarbon's speed was still evident, phasing in front of Vegeta and grabbing him by his arms, and soaring straight to the ground.
"DIE SAIYAN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"UGHH! AGHHHH DAMN IT!"
BAMMM
A headbutt nearly broke Vegeta's skull, followed by several more. His forehead, now busted open and bleeding profusely, struggled heavily against the iron grip of his former tormentor.
"DIE!"
BAM
"DIE!"
BAM
"DIE!"
BAM
'I-I have to get out of this. I'm finished if I don't!'
Vegeta had one trick up his sleeve. But he needed one of his arms free.
"DIE!"
'NOW!'
Vegeta used a massive surge of his energy, with the ground only less than a mile away, he had seconds!
He dipped just enough below the headbutt, freeing up his right arm, which ignited with a Ki blade, which he used to slash across Zarbon's other arm. The planet trader instantly let go, howling in pain as his arm was nearly severed.
"AGGGHHHHH YOU! Zarbon held out his good hand, firing a massive orange blast at Vegeta, whose eyes widened in slight fear before he quickly found his way out. He jumped high over the blast, before dive-bombing straight into Zarbon, cratering them both into the ground, just outside of the village. Vegeta jumped off of Zarbon, phasing backward as the feral green alien roared his way back to his feet, stomping a path towards the retreating Prince. Vegeta, to his credit, showed not one ounce of fear. Completely in his element! Zarbon reached Vegeta, looking to grab him, but Vegeta ducked and moved to the side, slamming his foot into Zarbon's knee, making it buckle. However, Zarbon grimaced and fell to a knee, before backhanding Vegeta away. Vegeta landed back on his feet, charging towards Zarbon, who was back on his feet and gleefully awaiting the frontal charge. But Vegeta used an afterimage, coming in and kicking the reaching alien in the face, making Zarbon take a step back as his head was snapped back. Vegeta twisted his body, kicking Zarbon with a roundhouse to his side, making the alien-turned-monster stumble before he put his hands together, a purple blast firing from the Prince. It hit Zarbon, an explosion occurring. When the dust settled, Vegeta could still see Zarbon standing, his body smoking.
Zarbon roared before he sped forward, clashing with Vegeta as they started fighting in earnest. Fists were thrown and blocked, one of which Vegeta brought Zarbon in and head-butted him, but Zarbon wasn't as affected as Vegeta had been earlier, bringing his head back and looking to snap Vegeta's head off. Vegeta dodged the bite barely, letting go of Zarbon and flying backward, firing yellow energy blasts at him.
"NOT GOOD ENOUGH MONKEY!" Zarbon roared through the building smoke, bringing both arms up and slamming them into Vegeta's stomach, before he smashed both hands into Vegeta's back, causing a shout of pain as the Prince smashed into the ground. Zarbon slowly lowered himself to the ground as Vegeta made his way to his feet, stumbling and wiping blood off of his lip. He gritted his teeth, holding his hand out, 2 of his fingers facing Zarbon.
"AGHH!" The area around Zarbon exploded, throwing up an array of smoke.
"Have some Dirty Fireworks, bastard." Coughing out, Vegeta took a quick look at his armor, noticing several cracks in it. He got no more time as he saw Zarbon walk through the dissipating smoke.
"Yes, Vegeta! This is more like it! Is that all you have? RAAAAAWWWRRR!" Zarbon charged forward, pushing Vegeta backward as he tried to destroy his raised guard. Zarbon kept punching into it, causing the grimace on Vegeta's face to turn to a look of discomfort. Vegeta dodged one massive arm and took to the skies, where Zarbon sped up to him. They phased throughout the battlefield, Vegeta's speed keeping him ahead of Zarbon's vicious onslaught. He couldn't do it for long, as Zarbon implanted a knee in Vegeta's stomach, before Zarbon grabbed the Prince by his throat, running him back into the ground, where he dragged the Prince and picked him up, slamming him down once again.
"Do-don't you get it MONKEY! You stand no chance against my might! RAWWWRRRR!" Zarbon opened his mouth wide, bringing it down towards Vegeta's face. The Saiyan did the only thing he could. It hurt, as evidenced by the one sharp tooth that pieced one of his fingers. He managed to grab ahold of the other side of Zarbon's wide mouth, slowly closing around his face. It was a struggle of attrition. Zarbon doing everything he could to close his mouth around Vegeta's face to rip it off, whilst the Prince's hands were slowly losing strength in keeping himself alive.
'Think. Th-think DAMMIT!' Going back to his previous experiences, he remembered a technique he could try, he didn't know what success he would have, but trying was better than dying!
An eye beam from Vegeta blew into Zarbon's mouth, causing the green alien to gag. In his moment of weakness, Zarbon did not realize the Prince's plan.
"Ughhhhhh! AGHHHHHHH DIE YOU POMPOUS PRIIIIIIIIIIICK!" Ignoring the pain, Vegeta began to pull his arms further, making Zarbon release his grip on Vegeta's throat, but the Prince was relentless, as he planted his foot behind the transformed monster's knee, bringing down the enlarged warrior.
Now standing over him, Zarbon was at Vegeta's mercy!
"WA-AghhhEGETA!"
"AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Vegeta screamed, pulling out as much energy and enforcing his muscles, the SNAP of Zarbon's massive jaws was clear for everyone to hear, followed by the pained whimpering of the alien. But Vegeta went even further, as he pulled Zarbon's jaw completely apart, blue blood getting all over the Prince.
"AGHHHHHHHH FUCKING DIE!" Vegeta with one last pull, ripped the top of Zarbon's head off, leaving the lower jaw, slacked and deadened. The former assistant to Frieza fell backward, body twitching as the vicious end to their fight left the Prince stumbling back, nearly falling on his ass. There was blood everywhere, as Vegeta held the top half of Zarbon's head, he watched as the eyes completely dulled.
"Heh heh heh! Heh heh heh heh heh! YES!" Vegeta had never felt freer! Frieza was still very much a problem, but his henchmen wouldn't be here any longer to give him issues!
"O-one step closer." Hacking for air, Vegeta failed to notice 3 namekians, along with their elder, Sopran, who had since recovered from the vicious blow from the now-dead planet trader. The 4 namekians made a small circle around the Saiyan, looking at him with a curious gaze. A BOOM echoed behind them.
"Alright, scram, move aside," Nappa said, pushing one namekian away. The others did as asked, all of them felt what was going on around their planet and remained guarded, except for Sopran.
Sopran stood as tall as the giant Saiyan, but he was not as young as he once was. Being amongst the firstborn from Elder Guru, he held wisdom beyond his years.
"In honor of this village, I thank your friend here for saving our very lives."
"Didn't do it for ya. He wanted Zarbon dead, so he is. We got places to be." Nappa went to pick Vegeta up and fly away, but the Prince stopped him, only allowing himself to be helped to his feet.
Before the others could react, Sopran held his hand out. Nappa was about to charge a blast, but it was strange. Nappa had felt the intent of the namekian before him and was not hostile.
"Haaaaaaaaah!" Sopran yelled, a green finger beam encompassing Vegeta for several seconds. When the light dimmed down, Vegeta was still standing where he was, but it was then he looked down, aware that his body was not hurt any longer, and that his armor and uniform were back to normal, his finger, which had been mutilated from one of Zarbon's teeth was completely healed as if he had never gotten in a fight. The thought of it made Vegeta growl.
"Wh-what have you done?" Vegeta grabbed Sopran by the hem of his collar, hoisting him off of his feet. The other namekians didn't know what to do, but Sopran showed no fear, looking into the eyes of the hardened Saiyan prince. He caught glimpses of a terrible past, oceans of blood that couldn't be wiped away, or scrubbed even with the fiercest of tough material. He saw a little boy, so young, screaming and teary-eyed as if he'd just discovered a terrible truth, destroying mountains, hurling rocks far bigger than he. Punching holes in boulders as his anger and sadness overflowed. The memories became a fast biopic of the young Prince's life. Bowing in service to a small, horned being, his first destruction under the PTO officially, his first encounter with the alien he had been fighting with. A broken spine, a pod of healing fluid. A pink being kicking the Prince so hard in the stomach that he nearly died from massive blood loss, telling a long-haired warrior to retrieve 'Kakarot.' A blue planet, a warrior with a hammer, looking down and trying to kill him through a much taller scope. An orange-wearing warrior, a fellow namekian, a fight to survive, the tall Saiyan stopping the Prince, a pod filled with nothing but a starry gaze...
"STOP IT! Vegeta yelled out, holding out a blast, readying to kill the namekian elder, who still did not move.
"You still...hope..."
"Wh-what? What the hell does that mean? STAY OUT OF MY HEAD OR ELSE!"
"STOP! STOP ALL OF YOU PLEASE! A bold namekian, the same one who had gotten in a short skirmish with Zarbon, had stepped in between the 2 groups.
"Sopran, please! He...he saved my life."
"I didn't save your life fool. You were merely in the way of my main target." Vegeta snarled at the interrupting namekian.
"Let's-let's all calm down just a moment. I take it you are here for our dragon ball?" There was an uproar from several of the namekians. They could all feel the evil in the saiyan's heart, but they weren't digging any deeper than that. The surface feelings were spur of the moment, unless they festered, for years and years. But there was something else that Sopran felt within Vegeta. The desire to be free from tyranny.
"Hmph, and if I am?" Vegeta asked cautiously.
"Hmmm. I sense your intentions. You wanted immortality. But...hm hm hm hm hm I get it. If this Frieza acquires all 7 dragon balls, then it is likely that he will wish for immortality himself. Am I correct?"
"So what if you are?"
"If you have a dragon ball. Then the tyrant himself, won't."
Vegeta had to hand it to the old slug.
"Then you will give me your dragon ball without a fight?"
"Vegeta what the hell? I could blow this whole shithole and we can find it after the fact."
"Stop being short-sighted Nappa."
"Wait here a moment," Sopran said, heading off towards the small village.
"Thank you for saving me back there. That darn tyrant would have killed me."
"I would have killed you for the dragon ball had you gotten in my way. So quit your thanking me at once! No, no wait, hold that thought. Do you know what you could do to thank me? Train to get stronger so you won't be such a weakling on the battlefield next time."
"Ri-right. My name is Orn."
"And I care why?" Vegeta snarled, making the namekian warrior step a few paces back before he stood firm.
"I wish to learn your techniques," Orn said, bowing in respect to him. Vegeta was stunned silent, for once not knowing what to say.
"Orn! Why would you wish to learn from this alien? Can't you feel his intentions? His heart?" One of the surviving namekians asked.
"I sure do. He could have come here and killed us all for our dragon ball, but he chose not to, instead to save us, if only for his reasons. He cares not for us, and that's ok. I choose to look past these transgressions." Orn said, standing tall, as tall as his 5'10 frame would allow him to be.
"Vegeta we don't have time for this! And besides, NO ONE learns the Royal Saiyan Katas! I don't even know em, and I'm the damn General!" Nappa furiously pointed out.
"Hmph. You may have a point, Nappa. I will have to think about this, namekian. To even consider training someone as pitifully weak as yourself is a guaranteed waste of my time."
"I-I understand sir. I will be patient!" Orn said.
"Not if you wish to train under me you won't! Perhaps now wouldn't be a good time, with that damned lizard on this planet no less. I expect to be challenged! Only when I find it worth keeping you around may I consider using your name, namekian. Until then, there is you, the dirt beneath this grass, the grass itself, my boots, Nappa here, and then myself, all in that pecking order. Is that clear?"
"Yes, as clear as our waters," Orn replied, relieved that he may be able to improve. He was of the Warrior clans. And though not nearly as physically imposing as his elder brother, Nail, he was still a force to be reckoned with. At least he thought so until he encountered that alien. Speaking of said alien, the top half of Zarbon's head was still in Vegeta's clutches, leaking blue blood from the bottom. No one was willing to say it, so Nappa, being the bold Saiyan that he was, shouldered Vegeta enough to make the Prince acknowledge him.
"What's with the head Vegeta? Wanna smear some war paint on our faces?" Nappa grinned in an almost knowing way.
One namekian threw up the water they had drank earlier, and Vegeta looked at his teammate with disgust.
"N-n-NAPPA! Disgusting moron!"
As Vegeta was figuring out his plans, Sopran returned, a giant orange orb in both hands.
"I give this to you to keep safe from that madman." Vegeta took the ball, looking at it with wonder.
'This is what Frieza is killing these slugs for? Hmph!'
"I know you have plans of your own, traveler."
Vegeta thought about it, he lifted the head up, looking into the lifeless eyes of one of his former tormentors. It was then he came up with a plan of extreme cruelty and even slight revenge. It bitterly reminded him of what Shepard had done to him, but he couldn't dwell on it. As much as he hated the clown, there was one valuable thing he learned from the Saiyan.
Psychological warfare was super effective!...
"KAIOKEN TIMES 10!"
Shepard, Raditz, and Goku were waging an all-out battle in the incredibly durable Capsule Pod! On day 3, they were exhausted, but they had gotten much stronger. Currently, at 130 Times Earth's Gravity, they each had done their calisthenics, 15,000 push-ups, 15,000 sit-ups upside down, 15,000 punches, and kicks, with Shepard putting on Korn in the speakers, Twisted Transistor was playing, but they paid no attention.
Raditz and Goku punched at Shepard, who threw up both forearms to block. Gritting his teeth, he pushed both back and gave himself some breathing room as they pursued him. The rooming inside was huge! Easily able to hold a three-way fight between the warriors, as they had already done so several times.
Raditz went to roundhouse kick Shepard in the side, but it was grabbed, before being flung towards Goku, who jumped over his wildly tumbling brother.
"AHHH!" Shepard and Goku both went to punch, their fists clashing in the middle. More fists were thrown and clashed against, before Raditz phased back in, swinging an axe kick at Shepard, who put up both arms and blocked it, making his knees buckle. Had he been on normal ground, it likely would've caved in and absorbed the blow, but with this being Kachi Katchin flooring, it didn't so much as budge. Shepard felt the shock of it as he pushed Raditz back up, charging a green blast and hurling it into the former planet trader's stomach. It sent him flying, and Shepard watched comically for a moment before he was kicked in the jaw by Goku and sent flying in the opposite direction.
Shepard landed on the ground but was wrapped up by Raditz. The bigger Saiyan attempted to slam Shepard into the metallic flooring, but Shepard moved his weight to the bottom as best as he could, grabbing Raditz's hands with his own and grappling.
"KAAAAMEEEHAAAAAMEEEEE!"
The grappling duo stopped, looking at Goku with fear.
"Shit!" They both yelled.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The blast most would call blue, Shepard would call cerulean. But at the moment, it was about to eat him alive!
"Think fast!" Shepard said quickly, turning Raditz into the blast. Hitting them both full force, Raditz, shouting in pain, had taken the lion's share of the damage, but Shepard didn't think his plan all the way through. Quickly heading towards one of the walls, Shepard used the momentum of the energy beam, forcing himself out of Raditz's grip and letting the Saiyan continue flying.
"AGHHHHHHH DAMN YOU SHEP-" BANG
A loud CLANG echoed, and Shepard watched as Raditz slid down the wall, his face leaving a sweat stain mixed with blood from a cut on his forehead.
"Ha, hahahaha eat that ya sloppy bitch!" Shepard whooped, before turning back to Goku, who was gone!
"Huh?" Instincts took over, throwing up his forearm as Goku phased back in, a kick slamming into it.
"Wow, you saw me! Try this one." Goku said excitedly, phasing back, but Shepard wouldn't let him get away. He sped after the orange-wearing warrior, exchanging punches and kicks. Raditz had gotten back up, growling as he did. Using his senses, he found his brother and rival battling it out a short distance away. Grinning to himself, he silently charged Ki into his fists, before joining them.
"GAHHHH!" Shepard's sternum nearly cracked when Raditz laid a heavy palm into it. Goku's shout of pain from getting clocked in the jaw was evident. They both tumbled into the hard ground.
"Hm hm hm hm hm try that on for size weaklings!" Raditz gloated, his red aura pumping tremendously. He laughed for a few moments before he heard a blast coming his way. Turning, it impacted him before he could put his hands up. Shepard's hands smoked slightly as his silent Peregrine Bullet laced Raditz in smoke. Shepard didn't get a chance to boast as he quickly reacted to the brothers fighting. Goku jumped into the smoke, attacking Raditz, who was pushed back defending himself against the Turtle Style assault. Shepard himself jumped in, and all three were attacking each other. Goku blocked a kick from Shepard and parried one of Raditz's punches. Palming Raditz in the stomach, Goku then pulled Shepard in, swinging him and making the Rogue dizzy before he was launched toward the wall. Shepard hit it full force, nearly breaking his body as he tried to recover. Raditz shot in and punched his brother in the jaw, before returning a palm of his own into Goku's chest, launching him towards Shepard, who dove head over heels out of the way as Goku had gotten his feet under him, impacting the hard surface and flying back low towards his brother. Raditz sidestepped as Goku flew past him, and went to throw a kick, but Shepard phased back in, blocking it. Goku went to kick Shepard in the side, but he afterimaged away. It instead hit Raditz's forearm, who threw a punch at his brother, which was also blocked.
"GOTCHA!" Shepard yelled, shooting a green blast from only feet away. Both brothers dodged to each side before they both began attacking the Rogue, who was pushed backward, hands flying faster than his eyes could see to keep up with the fast pace. He blocked a high kick from Goku, which allowed Raditz to catch him in the stomach with a Kiai, sending Shepard hurtling away. Thankfully with the high gravity in place, he didn't go as far as he should've, landing back on his feet only a handful of yards away. All 3 flew in, impacting each other. Each lowly flying on the ground, they used all their martial arts experience to keep from getting caught, but Shepard was first, catching a punch from Goku in the face, and sliding back. Shaking his head, he flew back in, palming Raditz in the face and elbow Goku in the nose, it becoming a gusher as he floated backward. Raditz shook off the palm, however, and he and Shepard both locked up, pushing against each other.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" They both screamed, each fighting to outmuscle the other. Raditz slowly started gaining momentum, pushing Shepard back several steps, before Shepard suddenly flew up and backward, holding Raditz's hands still and slamming the Saiyan face first into the Katchin flooring.
BAM
Goku flew in, turning and throwing a brutal kick, making Shepard release Raditz's hands and sending him tumbling to the side. Raditz was up, holding his face, when Goku blitzed him, sending a knee into his chest, sending spit flying as Raditz stumbled backward. Twisting and throwing an elbow, Goku was surprised Raditz caught it, before they both kneed each other, a BANG echoing throughout the room as their kneecaps connected. Shepard afterimaged in between the two, blasting both backward with a Kiai. The 3 were standing, each bloody, their clothes in slight disarray and even ripped in other areas.
"This sure is intense guys, why don't we take a break for a little while?" Goku said, easing up. Raditz and Shepard both loosened their stances as well before Goku went over to the gravity controls and shut the thing off, putting the room back under normal settings. Within 3 seconds, the 3 warriors felt the release of the gravity, and the lightness in their feet couldn't be ignored. They each had raised their powers tremendously over the last 3 days. With 2 more days of severe, intense training, and 1 for meditation and rest, they were on course to leave their mark on Namek!
Shepard walked over to a drawer just outside the gravity room, pulling out their food capsule. Both Chi Chi and Tights had outdone themselves. There was enough food here for 3 fully grown Saiyans to last a month! Throwing out the capsule, a mass of food began to pile up. Each capsule held a full sitting meal for the trio.
"Chi Chi's food is just so amazing! I miss her right now." Goku said, walking out of the gravity room, a towel over his shoulder. Opening their fridge, he pulled out a bottle of water.
"Hmph, she's still a loudmouth banshee Kakarot. But, I do have to agree. The food on earth is rather...varied indeed." Raditz exited last, walking to their table and sitting down. Shepard and Goku both grabbed their fill and sat down.
"What's eatin at ya Shep he he he?" Goku asked, noticing that Shepard hadn't touched his food yet.
SNAP
SNAP
"Wha? Oh, I'm just thinking about what's gonna happen on Namek." Raditz looked at his rival and knew there was more to it. Goku shrugged, before wolfing down a bowl of rice.
"Aw, thisth tranning... gulp... all this training we're doing is gonna be worth it! Frieza won't stand a chance!"
"I'll never understand how the man can be so cheery when we're pretty much flying toward oblivion."
"Shut up Marc! Optimism is important!"
"It doesn't matter Kakarot. We have already committed to practically dying out here. Frieza is a terror you just can't grasp." Raditz pointed out.
"I've dealt with my own evils bro. I doubt Frieza is going to make me think any different."
"Listen to Raditz, Goku. Frieza is King Piccolo times 500,000. This isn't just something we can train to overcome. All this training and stress we're putting on our bodies is a stopgap, at best. I'd like to kill Frieza as soon as we get there, but if what I've heard and seen is true, we need Frieza."
"Need?" Goku asked, confusingly.
"Blasted Super Saiyan garbage. Vegeta thought it was a myth. I personally think it's boulean bullshit."
"Boulean?" Shepard looked at Raditz with a raised eyebrow, not getting it.
"Since you seem to know so much, I'll assume you know of Guldo?"
"He's called a Boulean?"
"Yes! So, the whole need Frieza deal. Why do you think this Super Saiyan is gonna make a difference?"
Shepard had a choice to make. He could tell them the full, unedited truth. How to achieve the Super Saiyan. He couldn't fully lie about it. It was a conundrum! With only 3 short days left until their arrival, there was still a mountain of training to accomplish! They would not be denied!...
2 Days Later
They had been keeping pace off and on for the last 2 days. They were tired, and they wanted to stop. If they went full speed, they could've been there hours ago. But with so many people going, they couldn't risk multiple people flying fast, the fear of the massive power of Frieza coming down upon them was just too great a risk.
Piccolo and Tien had both taken turns scouting ahead. Piccolo had even had to kill another stray Frieza Force Member out on a village search. Gohan and Krillin had mostly flown and kept pace with the 2 namekian children, Dende and Cargo. The 4 had become quick friends.
"How are you holding up Gohan?" Krillin asked, flying next to the little boy. He was thankful that Piccolo still had their food capsule, but now he was starting to get thirsty, as were the namekian children.
"I'll be fine Mister Krillin. I just can't wait to rest. How far do we have to go Dende?"
"It-it should be close."
Piccolo heard the namekian child, and his senses were starting to pick up a mass of different energies up ahead. Looking as far ahead as he could, he saw a massive pillar, sitting high above all cliffs and peaks.
"Guys we're here, but there's a problem!"
"Yeah, I sense Vegeta," Tien said, angrily.
"Damn it! That's the last thing we need! And I think I sense others with him."
They all abandoned their plan, turning up their energy all the way and making a beeline for the pillar.
Landing first, Piccolo was greeted by a mirror. A namekian. But unlike the ones in the village earlier, this one, however, had to be a few years older, and his power was massive, easily overshadowing the others around him. Krillin, Gohan, and Tien landed, Gohan and Krillin both releasing Cargo and Dende as the small brothers ran towards the elder.
"NAIIIIIILLL!" The older namekian's stony facade at seeing the children broke slightly. "I am glad to see you are both alive. And I suppose these strangers are to thank for that?" Nail asked, looking wearily at the aliens that stood before him. He was suspicious of Piccolo, instantly.
"Your heart is impure. You were born of malice. I will not let you step into Grand Elder Guru's presence." He said, eyeing Piccolo.
"He helped save us Nail!"
"Yes, he was there Nail! That monster killed Elder Moori and he and the others saved us from them!" Cargo cried out, starting to weep.
"We-well I didn't do anything."
"Of course you did Krillin!" Gohan said, getting the monk's attention.
"You helped them to stop hurting. Flying with them, asking them questions about what their planet is like." Gohan explained.
"The boy is right. We all played our parts." Piccolo said. He was not afraid of the namekian that stood opposite of him, even if the gap in their power was substantial.
"Hmmm.. if you are who I believe you to be, as much as I dislike it, Grand Elder Guru will want to meet you. But, you so much as lift a finger to him, I will show no mercy! There is a reason I am here protecting my father, instead of out there, killing the tyrants that murder my brothers. You are no brother of mine." Nail's voice penetrated the air. It was forceful. It left no doubt. That warning was for every one of them, and they would do well to respect it.
Piccolo smirked, liking this namekian who reminded him much of himself. "Agreed. I don't consider you a brother, either. Do anything to my teammates, or my student, and I finish you, got it?" Nail smirked in kind.
"Agreed. Let's go, you haven't much time before the intruders arrive. I don't understand why I'm sensing a handful of my brothers with them." Nail said.
"Vegeta has likely threatened them with plans to lay waste to you if given the chance."
"Hmph. I am not afraid of them." Nail replied.
They all entered the enclosure, quickly and quietly. Gohan walked as fast as his little legs could carry him, trying to keep up with his teacher's long, thudding strides.
Piccolo did not know what to expect. He had clued Kami from afar, letting him see the sights through his vision, and was now with him if only to observe what was to take place. The small hallway opened up to a massive chasm-like entrance. And there that sat before them was the biggest namekian that anyone had ever seen. Even sitting, his height far outstripped every there. Piccolo's jaw was wide, his eyes bulging. Tien and Krillin were both completely stunned. And Gohan, being as innocent as ever, walked up to the giant namekian and clasped his hands together, and bowed.
"It's nice to meet you, sir. My name is Gohan" Gohan asked, smiling as he did. Guru's eyes were still closed, but he could clearly hear, and he faintly smiled.
"I am Guru. COUGH COUGH COUGH... the father of all the namekians on this planet...COUGH COUGH... except this one who stands before me...please..please come forward child..."
Piccolo was somehow compelled to do this elder namekian's bidding. His willpower was mute, and even then, he didn't want to disrespect the elder. Stepping forward, Piccolo did not so much as move as the giant namekian placed his massive palm over Piccolo's head, clasping very gently...
The Grand Elder could only see the entirety of the namekian's short life, but in it, he could see further. 2 beings, one of malice, one of goodness, but the same. And this one...this one was a product of born malice, which had slowly burned away with righteous vigor.
"The Son of Katas I presume?"
A pause of a battle between Piccolo and Kami had come short, as Guru could sense the outside interference of Kami the observer.
"That is the name I have come to long since remember my dear Elder. You may call me Kami."
"Ahh...COUGH COUGH.. the pure-hearted. If you and your original half remained together, this threat would be of no concern. COUGH COUGH... Only the Super Saiyan would be a legitimate match COUGH COUGH COUGH COUGH to you."
"I...I am sorry. I made the choice long ago to split myself from the evil that had festered inside of me. A tremendous taint brought about by the poisons of humanity. My guardianship of this planet could only be achieved through purity. And I was impure. Casting the evil away allowed me to attain this guardianship, at the cost of the planet's suffering. On not one, but 2 separate occasions. The younger self that stands before you today has become far unlike his previously wicked father. King Piccolo's hate turned him into a demon in accordance with time."
"It is as I feared. COUGH COUGH..."
"If I may be so kind as to ask, what is your relation to me?" Kami asked, the partial entity only speaking through the link he and his other half shared.
"Ahhh...COUGH COUGH COUGH... Katas was my youngest brother. Along with the cataclysm, the climatic shift of our very planet, Katas, your father COUGH COUGH perished, but not before COUGH sending his only son across the stars... I..COUGH COUGH COUGH humbly apologize for what has happened in your life." Kami could sense the sadness in the elder's voice. The very pain of consistently losing his children had to be heart-wrenching. Kami could hardly sympathize but regarded his 'Uncle' with warmth.
"Fear not, Grand Elder...Uncle..." a tear fell from the Grand Elder's ancient eyes, having finally been reunited with his brother's child, even if they were a product of fission, was a lasting memory to take with him to his next life, which he felt was on the horizon. Soon, Guru would be no more. Satisfied with closure, Guru slowly cut off the separate link from Kami he had made, now focusing on Piccolo. Only a handful of seconds had passed for the young namekian, who was still puzzled.
"Piccolo...COUGH COUGH... I urge you to continue this path that you are on. Allow me to aid you." Piccolo did not have a chance to prepare, as his energy exploded from underneath him, his power rising exponentially. The others all took a step back, shock running through their systems as Piccolo's power finally leveled off. Full of vigor, Piccolo angrily backed himself out of Guru's firm, but soft grip.
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST DO?" Piccolo said, starting to charge an energy blast, before Nail phased in, looking at Piccolo with quickly growing ferocity.
"Stand down! Both COUGH COUGH both of you. At once!" Guru's voice carried over the charge that ran through the room.
"Grand Elder, he is dangerous. Please, please allow me to deal with this outside."
"No COUGH COUGH COUGH... Nail, it is alright. I must apologize. I COUGH COUGH should have explained myself."
"Your damn right you should've. What..what have you done to me?" Piccolo demanded, furiously.
"I simply opened the floodgates of your own power, your very potential. I am but a catalyst, helping to release the valve of excess potential that flows through you. Had you stayed as you were, the full Son of Katas, this threat would already be over. But as it stands COUGH COUGH...COUGH... you need this power now, for what is to come."
Piccolo took the explanation reluctantly. Feeling his energy now with more clarity. He could feel nothing of Guru left behind. Only his power now. He could crush that fat pink blob he had to retreat from. He could even handle Vegeta! Stepping back, he didn't thank the elder, but his anger slowly faded away. Suddenly, a lightning bolt of an idea shot through Piccolo.
"Gohan. You're next, stand before the Grand Elder at once."
"Ye-yes, sir." Gohan timidly walked up to the giant Namekian.
"Ahhh, a youthful spirit in you. Please, allow me." Grand Elder Guru placed his hand on the little boy's head. Within seconds, Guru's mouth formed an O at the very potential of the 5-year-old.
"Amazing...COUGH...COUGH COUGH... Simply incredible. There is just so much. I can only help to unlock so much young one. Is that ok with you child?" Guru kindly asked, the young warrior reminding him very much of his son Nail when he was but a small child.
"I-I-I don't want you to be hurt because of me Mi-Mister. Sometimes, I...I'm scared of what my power does."
"Fear not your power, warrior. I have seen your short life. Your energy, your very nature, is not to harm. COUGH COUGH- And that is ok. It is admirable even. But do not shun what is rightfully yours. I am only a catalyst and am already close to the next phase of my life. Are you ready?"
"Grand Elder!" Nail suddenly called out.
"See to it, Nail. They mustn't interfere. COUGH COUGH..."
Nail quickly left, leaving the rest of the group to watch as Gohan suddenly felt his energy begin to increase, more, and more, and even more!
"Holy crap guys! Do you feel that?"
"Yeah...it's...it's like his energy just poured out of an uncorked faucet and won't stop...!"
Nail stepped outside, where Vegeta, Nappa, Sopran, Orn, and 3 other namekians, likely survivors, all landed on the grounds of the high pillar. And what was worse, was that Nappa had the giant dragon ball in his hand, grinning but also looking at Vegeta, wondering what his next move would be. They all suddenly felt a geyser of energy erupt from inside the building. Vegeta stepped back in shock.
"W-what the? Is Kakarot in there? COME OUT HERE AND FACE ME!"
"You will do nothing, traveler, except explain yourself. NOW!" Nail shouted out.
"Nail, please!" Orn said, stepping to his fellow namekian.
"Orn! I know I've helped train you to detect malicious intent. Have you and Sopran sided with them?" Nail was ready to fight. A ready stance mostly undetectable, but can hit at a moment's notice.
"All will be explained Nail, but know that these 2 are not our enemies. There is no namekian blood on their hands." Sopran explained.
"For now." Nail wasn't budging. Some of his brothers had already been slain. He didn't care if the warriors were not their enemies. They reeked of ill means and intent!
"Listen to your brother, slug. If I wanted to destroy you all, it would've been done already. I've simply come for an...observation hm hm hm hm...WHAT!"
Another source of power grew larger within the structure. "YOU WILL EXPLAIN TO ME NOW WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THERE!" Vegeta yelled.
"That won't be necessary." Piccolo stepped outside, standing next to Nail. He wasn't quite as strong as his fellow namekian 'cousin', but still a formidable force.
"Y-you!" Vegeta backed away, remembering the clothes of the namekian he fought on Earth before he began to growl.
"So it is true! Blasted Earthlings! Like I will let you all meddle in my affairs!" Vegetal immediately began raising his energy, readying to level this pillar.
"We'll stop you!" Gohan soon stepped out. The boy's power oozed from his pores. And Vegeta could tell that with enough rage, the boy may be stronger than him!
'I-it's like I'm staring down Kakarot! What is this madness?' Vegeta was completely bamboozled. On Earth, they were nothing to him. Simply in his way, and now they dare to stand as equals to him! He could not let this matter slide!
"Besides, they're not the ones you need to worry about any longer," Tien said, stepping outside. His power also increased dramatically. Staring at his hated enemy, the three-eyed warrior fought down the urge to attack the Saiyan.
"You as well? Grrrr, you should be DEAD! That does it!" Vegeta had enough!
"Please! Not here on this island!" Orn held his hands up in front of the Prince, pleading with him.
"I have no intentions of fighting him here," Tien said, cracking his knuckles and smirking at the Prince.
"Settle your differences elsewhere! The Grand Elder is already in a vulnerable state. I will not have you be the cause of the further ruining of his health!" Nail stated as another source of power increased within the structure, putting Nappa and Vegeta both on edge.
"I'm not leaving until I find out what the hell is going on in there!" Vegeta pointed at the boulder.
"You're not going in there, so if you even try, I'll reach down and snap your little neck with haste!" Nail threatened.
Krillin walked out with a dragon ball, hoisting it up in awe.
"Look at this thing guys! It makes ours on Earth look so tiny!" No one paid attention to the monk as the stare-down amongst everyone caused tensions to begin to erupt.
"You and me, one of those islands. No one from your side or mine will interrupt." Tien walked up to Vegeta, who looked at him with surprise, before bursting into laughter, Nappa joining him not a second later.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Y-YOU...YOU WI-WISH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA TO CHALLENGE ME FOOL? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The namekian's on Vegeta's side did not share in the laughter. With their senses, they could tell that this challenge needed to be taken seriously.
"Challenge you? Hm hm hm hm hm...challenge you? No. Kill you, however, that...that is what I want. Your life.." Tien stated as he started to slowly increase his newfound power.
Vegeta stopped laughing, finally taking in the seriousness of the 3 eyed warrior.
"I th-thought we talked about this Tien."
"You talked Krillin...I listened...and am choosing to defy. This bastard killed my best friend."
"Your friend? That thing was your friend? What was he like 5 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA?" Nappa busted out laughing even more. Tien himself began to growl but somehow regained his calm, returning all 3 eyes in a steel gaze toward the Prince.
Vegeta shrugged. He could feel the triclop's power. It was respectable! There were other things on the Prince's mind. As much as he, and Nappa both had to stay clear of Bonyu and Frieza after the antics Vegeta had pulled, he couldn't deny that there was a small interest in dealing with Tien, here and now.
"Kill me? Hmph. Don't make me laugh anymore weakling. My power has greatly increased. And I will be on the verge of becoming a Super Saiyan. Do you want to try me? Very well scum, let us set your grave ablaze." Vegeta looked out, down, and saw the perfect island.
"Down there, trash. You wish for death? I don't know how you survived my blast on your pitiful planet before, but I will make sure you turn to ash this time!" Vegeta said, bounding off the pillar and quickly making his way down towards the island he spoke of.
"Don't do this Tien!" Gohan said, concerned for his friend. But Tien was smirking, finally having his chance to avenge his best friend.
"Let him go, Gohan."
"Bu-bu-"
"Tien needs this Gohan," Krillin said.
"I only hope that they don't kill each other in the conflict."
The statement set something off in Piccolo, looking at Sopran, he was reminded of Kami, and it made him snarl.
"Whether they kill each other or not, there are greater fights left to fight. And if they're not there for it, then that is the choice they will make." Piccolo agreed more with Nail. As much as having the unity of being with his fellow fighters be as tight as possible, Tien needed this now, more than ever.
"I ask that no one interferes. Please." Tien rarely asked, and the others knew how important this was to him. They all nodded.
"Good luck bro," Krillin said, sadly. Tien hopped off the pillar, ready to face his chance for vengeance.
"C-can he win Mister Piccolo?" Gohan asked.
"Hmmm...before? Absolutely not. He would've been killed in 5 seconds or less. But now? With Guru helping to bring more of our power out, he may have a shot. It's too hard to tell. Vegeta's power has increased since he arrived on this planet."
"Of course slug! He's the Prince! Personally, im itchin to have my revenge against you myself."
"Hmph..how's the tail, Saiyan?" Growling, Nappa fought his urge to attempt to choke the namekian from Earth. But now that he could sense power levels, at least to an extent, he could tell he was a bit outclassed by the earthlings now, and it made him boil on the inside. Even the little child with them could beat him!
"Ya know...you're extremely lucky we can sense power levels now. I would've killed you before cuz of that comment." Nappa crossed his arms and looked outward.
"Let us focus on the fight below! Enough bickering up here. I will have no more of it so close to Grand Elder's location." Nail demanded. They all focused down below, awaiting the victor of this soon-to-be brutal fight...
Tien landed, only a short distance away from the waiting Prince, who had his eyes closed, arms folding with one finger thumping against his bicep.
"It's about time you landed. The fact that you made me wait is proof that you are willing to die in the most painful way possible."
"After you killed my best friend, killing you has become my passion. I plan to hurt you and maim you, and then, I will kill you." Tien loosened his outerwear, his signature green pants, tied off with a red obi. His green half-shirt flapped in the wind. He got in his crane stance, unwilling to talk any longer.
"Hm hm hm hm hm hm you would've made a proper Saiyan. Such a shame that it takes the death of that thing to make you grow stronger. Though I must ask, just what the hell did you and those losers do just recently?"
Tien was stone, unyielding. Vegeta laughed again, before getting in his own stance. "Very well. It doesn't matter either way how you increased your power hm hm hm hm hm it won't be enough!" They stood stock still, only the wind blowing through the Namek air being the sole sound.
They each waited, looking for openings. Neither could see any, which meant they would need to be created.
'His guard is unique, but sound. He was taught in a very specific way. It's a good thing I got that power up from Grand Elder Guru, otherwise, I'd be as good as dead.' Tien pondered his choice. He wanted Vegeta dead, but those 2 powers... could be trouble. But Chiaotzu... Tien mentally shook himself free of the mental worry. Vegeta stepped forward and blasted off of the ground, swiping backward with one hand as Tien ducked just beneath it. They began to brawl in earnest, a kick slamming into Vegeta's forearm as he was pushed back a foot. Gritting his teeth, he threw a right hand forward, where Tien grabbed it with his palm. Tien went to finger jab the joint but Vegeta pulled it back away in time, escaping with no damage done. A simple prodding of the defense, Tien could guess.
"Hmph...excellent, this wasn't just an utter waste of time after all. I'll have satisfaction at killing you, permanently." Vegeta smiled with killer intent.
"You're not going to talk me to death, you better FIGHT ME!" Tien roared, suddenly crashing into the Saiyan. Vegeta was pushed backward, defending Tien's punches and kicks, before he sidestepped a punch, chopping Tien in the neck. Tien grimaced in slight pain, rolling with the chop, spinning with a kick, the air coning away with sheer power and killing intent. Vegeta backed away, before he was hit in the stomach with a yellow energy blast, it having minimal effect. Vegeta snickered as he afterimaged in, arriving next to Tien in the blink of an eye and punching him in the face, making the three-eyed warrior spin uncontrollably until he hit the ground. Kicking back up, Tien fired a quick Dodon Ray, which the Prince casually slapped away with a flip of his hand.
"You're boring me, freak. At least your pathetic 'friend' fought with honor. You fight like you're holding back. What was that about you killing me?" Vegeta chuckled softly to himself, losing interest in the fight.
"Tell me, little man. Did you think I would let you walk away from this so easily?" Tien demanded angrily, ripping off his half-shirt, exposing his broad, muscled chest. He was a warrior. He needed no armor! Clenching his hands together, he began to yell to the sky.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Vegeta looked on, feeling the Triclops' power surge before something unexpected happened.
"KAIOKEN!" Tien yelled, a crimson aura raging around him.
BAMMMM
Vegeta's jaw was nearly broken as Tien rocketed forward, impacting the Prince's cheek and sending him away. The Prince instantly got more serious, flipping backward and righting himself in the sky, he began to hurl energy blasts in mass.
"I WILL NOT LOSE TO THAT BLASTED TECHNIQUE YET AGAIN!" Vegeta yelled, increasing his output. Tien dodged, slid, ducked, jumped over, twisted around, and even backhanded a few away before miraculously closing the distance, appearing behind Vegeta, and planting a hard kick into the back of the Prince's head, eliciting a shout of surprise and pain as he flew forward, tasting dirt. Getting up quickly and not bothering to dust himself, Vegeta turned, a pair of energy balls charged from his hand. He threw one, which Tien slipped sideways from, before Vegeta engulfed the energy in his hands, flying towards Tien and punching. Tien parried it, before sending an elbow into Vegeta's stomach, causing spit to erupt from the Prince's mouth as he staggered backward. He looked at Tien with pure hate, before using an afterimage and throwing a kick, only for Tien to throw up his forearm to block. Tien himself threw a straight palm, which Vegeta caught. They struggled for dominance for several moments, each looking into hate-filled eyes, before Vegeta smirked, hitting Tien with an eye beam to the throat, causing the three-eyed warrior to step backward holding it. Vegeta went in quickly looking for the finish, but his fist was caught, before quickly getting his face hammered by another fist. Tien had improved drastically with the 4 Witches Technique, able to pull his extra arms out within less than a full second. His normal two arms grabbed Vegeta's own, as he begin to lay waste to the Prince's face. All of his hate! All of it was being used to hammer the Prince's royal face! He pushed Vegeta backward as he pummeled his face even more. Slamming the Prince back first into a rock formation, Tien quickly grabbed Vegeta's arms with his extra set, before nearly taking off the royal Saiyans head with an uppercut. A backhand knife chop, an upward palm thrust, a forearm/elbow strike, a frontal knife chop. Techniques honed and trained thousands of times came to the forefront as he laid waste to Vegeta, whose face was showing the damage. His mouth bled, and his nose was bleeding, but he was getting angry. But before he could strike out, Tien released his arms, before turning, and hitting Vegeta in 4 different spots, full force with all 4 arms, blowing the Prince through the now-crumbled boulder and sending the Prince sliding across the ground. He got up slowly, with such a feral look towards Tien, that for a split second, the former assassin contemplated just ending it and putting Vegeta out of his misery.
"Y-youuuuu...I will not be beaten b-by a low-class piece of trash species like YOUUUUUUU HAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Vegeta screamed, his power coming out and rolling in waves before electricity started shooting in all directions. Tien looked on, curious. He could feel the build-up of energy, but what was Vegeta going to do with it? The Prince's aura took on a bluish-white tone.
"AHHHHHHHHHH BE GOOOOONE!" The Prince screamed out before an electric blue energy wave blasted towards the Crane, who could only throw up all 4 hands to defend himself. He was slowly pushed backward before he was lifted into the air involuntarily. His two extra arms went away as he began to convulse as the energy shocked him violently. He involuntarily screamed out as bolts of electricity went through his body.
BAMM
Vegeta afterimaged behind the convulsing three-eyed warrior, smashing both fists into Tien's back and sending the warrior into the ground, where rock and dirt erupted from the impact. Vegeta landed softly on the ground. His body was sore from the short, brutal fight, but he would not quit until this weakling was utterly crushed. Tien's body was still smoking but had stopped convulsing. Somehow he had maintained the Kaioken through it all if only to make the strain even tougher to deal with in tandem with the shock. Slowly getting to his feet, Tien watched as Vegeta disappeared, before he put his arm up, with his other as support, blocking the Prince's thunderous kick. Turning and facing the crane, Vegeta unloaded an upwards palm strike into Tien's jaw, snapping Tien's head back as he stumbled, his head rattled. Vegeta moved fast, snapping a knee into Tien's jaw, somersaulting in the air and turning, unleashing a kick, which Tien barely had time to turn around for. Tien's jaw was smashed yet again, being forced into the ground. He looked up momentarily, and it saved his life. Forcing his body to the side, he got out of the way of Vegeta's body slamming into the ground, thankful he wasn't under that kind of force. But Vegeta wasn't done yet, hitting Tien with a purple finger beam, singeing the crane warrior's shoulder.
"And just where do you think you're going hm hm hm hm welcome to the last day of your life fool!" Vegeta shot a few more of the beams. Tien got away from one, but another hit him in the back of his knee, nearly burning through. The Crane turned around, shooting Dodon Ray's from both index fingers. Vegeta used the rays as target practice for his beams, before lifting one hand and conjuring a fireball with his energy. He chucked it at Tien, who stood firm.
"HAAAAAAAAA KAIOKEN TIMES 2!" Tien yelled, the strain evident on his body clear as his muscles bulged, the veins in his body pumping harder, he blasted through the fireball, before head-butting Vegeta in the solar plexus, sending blood shooting out of the Prince's mouth. Tien twisted and landed, charging at his foe.
"JUST DIE ALREADY!" Vegeta hurled an energy blast at Tien, who shot around it and elbowed Vegeta in the neck, nearly making the Prince seize, but he turned around and threw another blast, which Tien knocked Vegeta's hand askew, causing the blast to blow up in the water. The fighting between the 2 echoed through the lands, as both Tien and Vegeta tried to overcome the other with sheer martial arts. Vegeta threw a punch, which was caught by Tien, who turned Vegeta and twisted, looking to snap his arm from the momentum, but the Prince was an experienced fighter, turning with the momentum, the Prince landed on his feet before side-kicking Tien away, nearly shattering the Crane's ribs.
"You and that blasted technique can GO TO HELL!" Vegeta rushed Tien, and the two both smashed their fists into each other, sending an avalanche of stone and dirt away, cratering beneath the warriors. A test of strength from both a second later begin to shatter the small island they were on.
"Yo-you'll pay for what you did to Chiaotzu! I'LL SEE TO IT!" Tien yelled in Vegeta's face. They both growled at each other before Tien smirked.
STOMP
"AHH-" BAM
Stomping Vegeta's foot hard into the ground elicited a shout of pain and a distraction, which Tien took fully by head-butting Vegeta again, this time in the mouth. A cut formed on Tien's forehead. He reached up, where something hard was embedded slightly. He pulled it out, looking at it and smirking. Vegeta, holding his mouth, watched as Tien observed the tooth before Vegeta felt inside his bloody mouth.
"Y-y--YOU!" Vegeta was in a rage, abandoning all pain, he rushed Tien, sending a punch toward Tien's face, which impacted the Crane's jaw hard. Blood dripped from Tien's mouth as well, before they both attacked each other once again. A ferocious exchange of punches and kicks saw Tien on the winning side, kicking Vegeta in the jaw, afterimaging behind the Prince and roundhouse kicking him in the side, blasting him away. Vegeta impacted a rock formation, sending it crumbling. Exploding in rage moments later, Vegeta flew back up into the air, where their vicious exchange continued. The island was crumbling in many places, these 2 continuing in the air. Vegeta overreached, and Tien threw a hard side kick to Vegeta's ribs, knocking the wind out of the warrior and sending him flying away. Bringing both his fists together and forming a club, Tien used his speed, catching Vegeta in the side of the head with a sledgehammer like shot, making the Prince impact a nearby island, the sound of it making Tien believe he was buried, but upon reaching said island, he saw the Prince explode out of the rock, hurtling towards him at breakneck speeds. Tien dodged out of the way, firing a Dodon Ray at the speeding Prince. Vegeta ducked his head, letting it pass just above him, before quickly turning back and firing more yellow energy blasts at Tien, who dodged cleanly through the air and began to fire his own. It was a titanic light show, explosions hitting the waters from stray blasts.
They each closed in on each other, abandoning firing more energy blasts, they caught each other in mid-air, grappling each other. Tien had one of his hands wrapped around Vegeta's wrist, while Vegeta had one of Tien's fists gripped tightly in his palm.
"Wh-wh-what's the matter freak? Yo-you can't win! YOU WON'T WIN!" Vegeta screamed in Tien's face, a surge of power erupting from him as he pulled his hand out of Tien's grasp and punched him hard in the stomach, before swinging Tien and hurling him towards the ground, where the Crane impacted hard onto his knees, breathing heavily and spitting out a small wad of blood...
"Man Tien is sure giving it everything guys," Krillin said, sensing the fight below. Nail was also curiously watching, as were Piccolo and Orn. Gohan had kept Dende and Cargo's attention after they had come outside, running around the small house and having both try to chase him. He could also sense what was going on, but he was trying his best not to tune in too much.
"The Earthling is quite skilled. The Saiyan is significantly stronger than him, but he has managed to maintain his offensive." Nail pointed out. Orn also looked on. They could see the explosions below, and start to feel them.
"Grrrr, why doesn't Vegeta just finish him off?" Nappa impatiently asked.
"If you paid attention to your senses, idiot, you would tell that Vegeta's tried already on several occasions. Tien has just gotten much stronger since Earth." Piccolo said to the Saiyan.
"Idiot? The only reason you even beat me on Earth is cuz-"
"Enough!"
"Hmph. It doesn't matter right now anyways. One of us needs to go as fast as possible to retrieve Yamcha and Bulma. I'm sensing something in the distance, and I don't like it." Nail listened to his fellow namekian, using his senses, he could feel an approaching power, heading right for Vegeta and Tien!
"He's right. It'll be here soon. If one of you hurry, you may be able to bring your teammates here."
"I'll go! Piccolo and Gohan are both stronger than I am and I have more experience than Gohan. I may be able to escape if that power finds me."
"Do it!" Piccolo demanded to Krillin, who waved quickly and ran off the island, his increased speed making the monk sonic boom away...
Tien finally gets his hands on the Prince! But he's finding he's not going to have an easy go of gaining his vengeance! Even with Guru's help, their prolonged training has tapped into more of their natural potential, so the increase in energy (for right now!) is not as apparent as it will be later on! And just who is on their way to confront the fighting duo? You'll find out next time (thumbs up!) Did you guys like how Vegeta dealt with Zarbon there? In my honest opinion, Vegeta is a bit stronger than in canon, and having Nappa there by his side still has tempered his natural 'fire first' aggression, if only slightly. So...power levels?
Power Levels:
Zarbon: 23,000
Monster Form: 33,000
Vegeta: 35,000
Zenkai: 75,000
Angered: 85,000
Nappa: 21,000
Orn: 18,000
Tien: 15,000
After Guru: 39,000
Kaioken: 58,500
Times 2: 78,000
Krillin: 14,000
After Guru: 37,000
Piccolo: 18,000
After Guru: 55,000
Gohan: 16,000
After Guru: 50,000 (Excluding Rage Boost!)
Bonyu: ?
Shepard: 360,000 (And gaining through heavier Gravity Training)
Raditz: 360,000 (And gaining through heavier Gravity Training)
Goku: 375,000 (And gaining through heavier Gravity Training)
