Piccolo felt stranger than he had ever felt in his life. Except for maybe when he first hatched from his egg. Come to think of it, he thought, this experience is quite similar…
The Namekian from earth had merged bodies with the hero of Namek, Nail. While the two looked identical on the outside, their personalities were comparatively night and day. Nail was a hero of honor, Piccolo the son of a demon king. Nail had defended his planet and his people. Piccolo had attempted to destroy earth and its Kami. There wasn't much that this pair would see eye to eye. But now they had no choice. In order to become more powerful and defeat the evil tyrant Frieza, the pair of polar opposites now shared the same body and mind.
Inside the Namekian's head (we will refer to this fused being as Piccolo from now on.. he is still technically the dominant personality, plus it saves on confusion), a conflict raged on. We must hurry, thought Nail. Your friend's ki feels like it is fading…if we do not move, he will die!
Friend! Piccolo yelled. That human isn't my friend! I have no friends!
Nail smiled. It seems you hold the small human in high regard… as well as the Sayian with long hair…
Piccolo fumed. How dare you sift through my thoughts!
Nail sat off to the side, mindful of his new partner's outburst. This will be a trying experience…
Piccolo sped off towards Frieza's ki, his newfound power pushing him to speeds he never thought possible. When the two had merged, it felt as though their combined power had multiplied tenfold. The merge ability is truly a remarkable one, Piccolo mused. When he had first felt Frieza's power, he had felt as if he were an ant in comparison to the distant tyrant's strength. Now, in his new body, his power was on the same level as the titan. I may even be stronger now… In the back of his head, he felt a small urge to avoid becoming arrogant. That must be Nail's influence… Having another personality in his head was something that would take getting used to…
Frieza held Krillin up in the air by the collar of his gi, the small monk beaten to the edge of his life force. His left eye was crusted shut with dried blood, and his breath was rugged and irregular. So this is how it ends… he thought mournfully, awaiting his opponent's final attack.
"I commend you, small earthling. No one has ever pushed me like this before. You have achieved a strength that even surpasses Captain Ginyu… But now this charade ends!"
A small ball of energy welled up in Frieza's hand, and Krillin cringed. Even in his weakened state, he could feel the energy flowing off of the attack. There would be no surviving this one…
From the corner of his senses, Krillin felt another immense power nearby. It felt almost exactly like Frieza's… yet was somehow familiar. But it felt like two powers… Krillin chalked it up to near-death hysteria. Nothing would help him now.
Out of nowhere, a laser thin beam of energy cut through the air, slicing through Krillin's ki top with a sharp whining noise. The earthling succumbed to gravity's pull, falling to the ground, Frieza's ki blast zooming over his head. Krillin hit the ground, rolling as he landed. The human and the changeling both looked up in surprise. There was anyone left alive on the planet capable of interfering now?
Piccolo stood on a high cliff, a smug smirk etched into his green face.
"So you are the mighty Frieza. Hmm." Piccolo jumped from the rock, gliding down to where Frieza was standing, towering over the tyrant.
"Funny, you don't look so mighty…"
Frieza's face betrayed his surprise. It took a second for him to compose himself, upon which he consulted his scouter. Disbelief ran across his features as numbers popped up. "This can't be right…." He muttered to himself. "No Namek could ever be this strong… six hundred and ten thousand?" Frieza spoke the numbers aloud, hoping it would somehow make them go away. But the truth stared him in the face. Piccolo threw off his cape, cracked his neck, and threw his elbow into Frieza's forehead.
Frieza stumbled backwards, but refused to fall from the attack. Piccolo dashed in, throwing out a flurry of quick jabs that all hit their mark. Frieza's body began to crumple under the constant barrage of blows, and eventually he fell to one knee. Piccolo flashed a toothy grin, and began to charge a ball of ki in his hand. From the ground, Frieza began to laugh. Piccolo looked down at Frieza, wondering if for a moment his opponent had fallen into frenzy at the thought of losing. But when Frieza got up, there was a fire in his eyes that wasn't there before.
"I don't know where you all have come from. An earthling and a Namekian with powers comparable to my own. I didn't believe that anyone of your caliber existed." Frieza chuckled to himself, and closed his eyes, drawing on his inner power. "In celebration, allow me to show you both something. Something I haven't done for as long as I can think of. When I destroyed the Sayian homeworld, Vegeta, and all of its people, I had no need for this. The entire Sayian race combined was no match for my power. But somehow, you two have become even more powerful. How curious…"
Krillin and Piccolo shuddered. There was a strange feeling to Frieza's aura, something that wasn't there before. Perhaps it was there, but you simply overlooked it in your arrogance… Piccolo felt Nail's chiding voice in the back of his thoughts. And then, as if it were nothing at all, Frieza's ki level jumped obscenely. The battle jacket he wore shattered under the weight of his power, sending fragments flying toward Piccolo. Piccolo let out a low growl, and all the shrapnel disintegrated before it even came close.
As Frieza's power rose, his body also began to transform. His previously small frame began to mutate, his appendages and torso growing to massive proportions. He went from having a height similar to Krillin's, to towering over even Piccolo. The horns on his head lengthened, and his aura became even more overpowering. The only thing that didn't change was his face, and the sadistic smirk across it.
"As you bugs can see, I have the ability to transform. When in this form, I have trouble keeping my power under control. I stay in my weaker form to keep myself from accidentally blowing up planets. Well?" His grin widened as he took in his opponents' reactions. "What do you think?"
Krillin dropped to the ground, unable to even grasp the power before him. Every time we beat someone, something worse happens! What's next?… Piccolo tightened his hands, tensing for the upcoming battle. It felt as if his power had doubled, which was ridiculous. Nothing could be that strong…
Frieza cracked his neck, adjusting to his new form. In an offhand voice, as if this was an everyday thing, he said, "Our scouters are now useless. They can't read numbers this high. But, if any scouter could pick up my reading without exploding, it would read one million."
Krillin's eyes went wide. "He… he doubled his power? One of his lieutenants was able to transform too, but it was nothing like this!" He inched next to Piccolo, and out of the corner of his mouth, whispered, "What do you think our chances are?"
Piccolo hung his head. "I won't lie. We don't stand a chance. His power… its unbelievable…"
Krillin sighed. "Yeah, I kind of thought so. What about Goku…?"
Piccolo shook his head. "I haven't felt his power since I woke up. We would be wise to assume he is dead."
Krillin nodded reluctantly. "Makes sense. Yamcha and Tien are dead too."
"We shouldbelieve that we are the only ones left. It would be foolish to rely on help that won't come."
"Right." Krillin dropped into his trusty KameSenin stance, resigned to his fate. "Then let's get this show on the road!"
Before he could say another word, Frieza dashed at them, his power up complete. His movements were a blur, butPiccolo didn't need to see him. His ki was like a beacon. It was impossible to miss. Piccolo felt where the tyrant was headed, and turned to Krillin.
"Move!" He yelled, but it was too late. Frieza was faster than even sound. He appeared in front of Krillin, brining his knee into the monk's stomach. Krillin was thrown into the air, a trail of blood following behind. Piccolo turned back towards Frieza, attempting a block, but he was too slow as well. Frieza's fist smashed into his chest, making the whole world spin. If he had any hope of winning left in his head, it was dashed away in that second. Frieza was in a class of his own.
Guru shook his head in frustration. "Nail has merged with a Namekian from earth. His power is unheard of. Yet, Frieza has risen above him."
Dende stared at the Namekian elder in disbelief. "Frieza is that strong!"
Guru nodded. "I am afraid so, young one. Can't you feel the powers?"
Dende concentrated, and found that he could feel a great light in the distance. "Isn't there anything we can do, elder?"
Guru thought for a moment, and then seemed to come to a decision.
"Perhaps. When I read the mind of the earthling, I found something interesting. There are dragonballs on the planet where these warriors of justice have come from. That means there is a Namekian there as well. I shall contact him. I have a plan."
Dende nodded, a spark of hope igniting in his heart. "Is there anything I can do?"
"When I put my plan into action, you will be needed. Be patient."
Gohan couldn't believe his eyes. Standing before him, was a giant talking cat. Korin caught Gohan looking at him and stuck out his tongue. Gohan pulled back. "Um, sorry, sir. I … I didn't mean to stare… I've just never seen…"
Korin shook his head. "Never seen a talking cat. Yea, yea. This, coming from a kid with a tail growing out of his butt."
Gohan held his tail in his hands, gently stroking it in a nervous action he had subconsciously done since he was born. "You've… never seen someone with a tail before?"
Korin laughed. "Sure I have. When I met your dad, back when he was a kid. He had a tail back then!"
Gohan gave Korin a questioning stare. "You knew my dad when he was a kid?"
Korin nodded. "I sure did. At one point I trained him."
Amazement and wonder lit up Gohan's face. "Really!"
Korin laughed. "Of course! Your father was such an impatient kid, but he was really good, too. He's got the fastest time for completing my training regimen!"
Gohan smiled, but inwardly he was a little upset. Why hadn't my parents told me about this? I don't know anything about my dad… Korin's voice cut in, interrupting Gohan's speculation.
"Now, you didn't come all the way up here to ask me that, did you?"
Chaozu stepped up to Korin and shook his head. "Of course not. We have been summoned by Kami."
Korin nodded. "I see. Well, you and Yajirobe can pass. You've been here before. But I hafta test the kid."
Gohan gave the old master an incredulous look. "Test me?"
Korin nodded. "You have to take this jar of water from me. Otherwise, you don't get to see Kami. Ancient tradition." Korin hooked a small jug of water with his cane, hoisting it into the air. "Now, see if you can keep up. I expect great things from the son of Goku!"
Korin shot off to the side, becoming nothing more than a blur. Gohan's eyes narrowed for a moment, and they locked onto one point. Korin stopped, looked at his cane, and gasped. The jug was no longer there! He looked to Gohan, and his suspicions were confirmed. The container was being loosely held in the young warrior's hand.
"What the?… I didn't even see him move!"
Choazu kindly patted the old cat on the back. "It happens to the best of us, Korin. Now can we go see Kami?"
Korin mutely nodded, pointing towards the roof. The three heroes began the trek to Kami's lookout.
Up above, Kami looked down upon the land he protected. He let out a small sigh. Tried to protect. But now, the humans tend to protect themselves. It's amazing how strong they have grown…I am nothing more than a figurehead now.
Kami… can you hear me?…
Kami's head shot up. Was someone contacting him telepathically?
Yes, child of Katatz. I was surprised to hear you had survived the great disaster. It is I, the proprietor of the Namekians.
I see…Kami was mystified by the voice. It felt as if it shook emotions from somewhere deep within him. To what do I owe this pleasure?…
Our planet is under siege. People from earth are now fighting to protect us. But it is a losing battle. I was told you have dragonballs on your planet?
Indeed.
Are they available for use?
I have them gathered here. I have had ill forebodings as of late.
Excellent. Do you have warriors? Someone fit to help us?
… Yes, I believe I have someone I could send. What purpose would they serve?
You must send them to my chambers using the power of the dragonballs. I will instruct them from here.
Very well. They are on their way here. I shall send them immediately.
You have my thanks. The future of the Namekians is in your hands.
Kami pulled himself out of the telepathic conversation. Mr. Popo was standing next to him, awaiting his attention.
"Ah, Mr. Popo. What can I do for you?"
"Kami, there are people here to visit you. One of them has a tail, just like Goku."
"Of course. Send them over to me right away."
Mr. Popo returned with the three guests. Kami smiled as they walked up. "Welcome. Ithas been some time."
Chaozu nodded. "What can we do for you, Kami?"
"Apparently, Goku and Tien have gotten themselves in trouble. I have spoken with someone on the planet, and our help was requested. Do you three have any qualms about a trip to Namek?"
AN- OK, new chapter up. Hope everyone enjoys! As I said, I'll probably keep throwing down power charts, that way everyone knows what is going on. Some people seemed confused, so I shall put a chart up again.
Krillin- 200,000
Piccolo/Nail fusion- 610,000
Tien (Deceased)- 138,000
Yamcha (Deceased) –120,000
Frieza (1st form) – 530,000 (I know I said 550,000, but it was a typo. I'll get around to fixing it.)
Frieza (2nd form)- 1,000,000
Ginyu (Deceased)- 120,000
Jeice (Deceased)- 75,000
Burta (Deceased)- 80,000
Recoome (Deceased)- 60,000
Guldo (Deceased)- 10,000
This way no one can tell me I didn't inform you. Someone had left a review wondering what Jeice's power level was or something. Well, it's all there, except for the invalids at the moment, mostly the Sayians. I'll put them up when they get back into the action. Don't worry, you'll see what's happening with them next chapter. Considering I already know where I want to go with it, it shouldn't be long before that new chapter gets done. A few of you checked out my final fantasy story, and I thank you for it. Hopefully I will get more reviews soon. I would really appreciate some feedback. (I've just become spoiled from this story).
Also, something else I would like to mention. My friend and writing partner, Tewksindahat, was urging me to include a backstory into Ginyu's life. We discussed it, but there wasn't the time or necessity for it in my story. So he wrote up the first chapter of a Captain Ginyu story, delving into the mysterious body snatcher's past. I urge all of you to check it out. There aren't many Ginyu fics out there, and he really would like some input. Thanks, and I'll see you within a week! (I hope)
