Ch 2 Uprising - Preparation and Planning
King Vegeta stared at Riddic in shock. He had proposed the unthinkable: Invade New Arcose, the current capital of the Planet Trade Organization.
"Do you know what you're saying?!" King Vegeta asked. "What you are proposing is near suicidal!"
"Do you think I haven't thought this through?" Riddic responded calmly. "Everything has been planned out, all that's left are the preparations."
"This is madness!" King Vegeta shouted. "Such an act will guarantee what you're trying to prevent!"
"This is war." Riddic replied. "It's been war ever since I killed Frieza. No, even before that. We've been at war the moment we Saiyans stood up to Frieza and his organization!"
Silence filled the room. The King of Saiyans and the "Legendary" Super Saiyan stared intensely at one another. One could cut the tension in the air with a knife.
"There's no stopping what's already set in motion." Riddic said, breaking the silence. "With this move, many of our people will die but it is better than twiddling our thumbs waiting for their response when we can do something to end this once and for all!"
The silver-haired Saiyan took a single step forward, he placed his right hand on his chest. "My king, let us take the fight to them and insure the freedom and future of our race."
King Vegeta remained silent, thinking on how best to respond this outrageous request. 'He knows I can't refuse him!' He grinned his teeth furiously. 'If I accept his proposition outright, it will make me look weak and I will lose the peoples' respect. If I don't, than he will challenge me for the right to the throne and I know fully well that even I, the King of Saiyans, am no match for a Saiyan of legend.'
The proud king clenched his fists up in a ball, the shook with frustration. 'Damn it all! No matter what choice I make, he'll have his way!' He glared violently at Riddic. 'This overconfident brat! Ascending to the ranks of legend and he thinks he can take on the whole galaxy. Such arrogance! He's just like-'
King Vegeta cut himself off, memories began to flow back to him of his old, long since dead friend. The Saiyan king recalled the day before his dear friend tried the unthinkable and paid with his life.
It was atop one of the many newly constructed buildings on Planet Vegeta. Vegeta's old friend rested one hand on the balcony, looking at the rapidly changing world he was once proud of. His silver-hair blew in the breeze as he showed his disgust with the 'gifts' the Saiyans were given in exchange for their service and loyalty.
"We've become nothing but slaves." The proud elder Saiyan warrior said aloud. "These outsiders think they can complement this with technology. Bah, we achieved our own space age and in time we would have discovered all that they offered us and more!"
"So here is where you ran off to, Miasma." A familiar voice spoke. Miasma turned around, half surprised to see his old friend: King Vegeta. He noted that the Saiyan King wore the uniform of the outsiders' organization better know as the Planet Trade Organization.
"To what honor do I owe this visit, my king." Miasma said with a hint of displeasure.
King Vegeta took a few steps forward, stopping in front of the balcony. He looked outward towards the setting sun, its low light catch by the newly constructed towers casting large shadows. "You can save the formalities here my friend." King Vegeta said as he crossed his arms. "We're not in a place that demands such a thing."
Miasma gave a short huff. He leaned back on the balcony, looking in the opposite direction as the Saiyan King. "As you wish."
A few silent minutes passed as the sun began to disappear into the horizon. King Vegeta turned his head to his old friend. "I've heard you plan on doing something rather foolish."
Miasma closed his eyes. "Here to talk me out of it? You're wasting your time."
King Vegeta turned his body towards Miasma. "Miasma...You most know that the decision I made was in the best interest of our race, as I do with all my decisions."
The silver-hair Saiyan let out a short laugh. "In our best interests? What a joke." He pushed off the balcony he was resting on. "And when was it that we Saiyans wanted to become slaves?"
"We are not, we have a solid partnership with the Arcosians. Technology for the betterment of our race in exchange for our service in conquering planets."
"Betterment of our race? You sold us into slavery!" Miasma turned to the Saiyan King. "You and I have already seen how other races who have this sort of 'partnership' with those damn Arcosians fair!"
He balled up his fists. "They fight, bleed and die so their 'partners' can sit nice and comfortable on a throne paid with the blood of who knows how many generations of different aliens outside their own species!"
"They should have rose up long ago against those oppressors! Instead, they wallow in their own self-pity as they are all too afraid of dying! I though that we Saiyans as proud warrior race would rise against the tide and fight like we always have, but NO! INSTEAD WE SELL OUR SOULS TO THESE TYRANTS AND FALL IN LINE WITH THE REST LIKE CATTLE AWAITING THE SLAUGHTER!"
Miamsa's face glowed bright red, veins popped out over his face as he vented his pent up frustration.
"YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS FINE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT ARE FOOLS! WHAT WAS THE POINT OF FIGHTING THE TUFFLES?! WHY DID YOU LEAD US TO FREEDOM FROM THEIR GRASP JUST TO BE REPLACED BY ANOTHERS?!" Miasma gasped for breath, he rapidly took several deep breaths in an effort to regain himself.
"Miasma!" King Vegeta called out to his friend. "What you're saying is treason!"
"What I'm saying is the TRUTH!" Miasma snapped back. He looked at his old friend with determined and fierce eyes. "If you and the rest of our race are blind to it, then I'm ashamed to call myself a Saiyan!"
Miasma turned his back on the Saiyan King. "We were a proud race once, and we shall be again. I shall see to it myself, alone if need be." He began to move towards the exit.
King Vegeta watched in silence as his old friend left. He though about stopping him, forcing his eldest friend to see it his way but he just couldn't. He couldn't because deep down he knew that Miasma spoke the truth and he cursed himself for not taking action like his friend.
King Vegeta let out a sigh, he looked at Riddic with a nostalgic half-smile. 'He's just like his father. Acting on what is truly the best interest of our race.' The proud Saiyan King sat back on his throne, he let out a short chuckle. "You truly are your father's son." He said, causing Riddic to smile.
The King took in a deep breath and exhaled, he suddenly felt as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders.
"I see your point, Riddic, son of Miasma." King Vegeta said as he slowly sat back up. "And I have concluded that this course of action is indeed the only option we have if we wish to continue to survive as a species."
King Vegeta threw his right hand forward. "Henceforth, let this be an official declaration of rebellion! We Saiyans shall wage war against the foul Arcosians and their Planet Trade Organization as well as all those who would see us bow to their wishes!"
A roar of approval that echoed across the room was heard from the usually still and silent Royal Guard.
Having successfully won his subjects over, King Vegeta smiled confidently. "We fight for the restoration of our freedom or die trying!"
Meanwhile, somewhere in space...
Cooler stood in front of a recovery pod, his arms crossed as he stared blankly at its occupant. He was surprised that the man who resided in the medical pod survived the fight that he had witnessed not too long ago.
Watching the wave that cared the remains of his brother fly off into space, Cooler sensed something familiar fading away with it. More curious than anything else, Cooler decided to follow the wave and see if his suspicions were right.
The ship followed the Kamehameha wave for 3 hours before Salza reported something floating aimlessly of the port side.
"Magnifying the image now..." He said as he tapped the command into the console.
The image flashed across the bridge's overhead monitor, it was a body or what was left of one as he was missing his left arm and both legs. Half of his head was missing, there were various cuts and gashes spread across the rest of his body.
Salza as well as the other members of Cooler's Armored Squadron gasped in surprise as they immediately recognized who this floating body was.
"I don't believe it..." Salza checked the scanners again, confirming what they all saw. The blue skinned humanoid turned to his master, the latter's eye were glued to the screen. "He's alive!" Salza reported.
"I say we leave him to drift awhile." Neizu said. "Make him think about how much of a fool he is."
Salza smirked. "Especially for losing to a golden monkey."
Dore turned to Lord Cooler. "Can I finish him? Please?"
Cooler continued to stare at the floating remains for several silence minutes. Finally, he replied in a way that surprised his men.
"...Bring him aboard."
The three loyal soldiers looked at their master in confusion. In that confusion, Salza dared to question the order.
"Uh...I'm sorry lord, but did you say 'bring him aboard'?"
Cooler closed his eyes and smiled. "Yes. I know this comes as a surprise to you all and believe me I would love to kill him in this weakened state." Cooler opened his eyes, the smile on his face vanished. "But I have something much more beneficial in mind. Now bring him aboard and place him in a recovery pod at once."
The Arcosian continued to stand in front of the pod. His eyes drifted to the various wounds on his 'guest's body. Finally breaking his long kept silence, Cooler began to speak aloud.
"Though every fiber in my being yearned for me to end your wretched life, I have plans for you my foolish younger brother." He smiled as he watched his brother twitch about. "So rest now Frieza, for tomorrow we have much to do."
Planet Vegeta, one hour later...
At a familiar pub, Riddic finally managed to get around to telling his friends, as well as a few other interested, the grand adventure he had undertaken these past few years.
"-so then Dr. Wheelo fires this massive red energy wave at me and the planet. Knowing that if I simply dodged the blast, Earth would have been reduced to space dust, so I did the first sensible thing that came to mind."
"And that was?" A Saiyan Riddic never seen before asked.
"Ramming it head on." He replied bluntly. "After smashing the wave, I cut the doctor's metal body in half and listened as he cursed at me before finishing him off. Thus saving the planet and its inhabitants."
Riddic clasped his hands as he said the last bit, a few of the Saiyan listeners nodded in admiration.
"So how did you get off the planet?" His friend Ragu asked.
Riddic smiled as he replied. "Well soon after, Old Man Roshi told me of a local scientist who could repaired my ship. After explaining my situation to the man, he gladly repaired my ship within a few days."
"And then you came home, right?" Travis interrupted.
"Yeah, or I meant to anyway." Riddic stretched his arms out, he had been at this for a while and his body started to stiffen up. "About 3 months later, I sensed a significant power level and landed on a frozen planet. After treading through snow and a never-ending storm, I found the man who would later help me in the fight against Frieza: An Arcosian named Blizzard."
Riddic's audience took that bit of news with mixed emotion.
Roy was the first to really respond to Riddic's announcement. "An Arcosian? What was he doing on in the middle of a frozen wasteland?"
"Apparently, he was in exile. Long ago, he and King Cold, the Arcosian who currently controls the PTO, dueled each other for leadership over the organization. Blizzard lost so he and his entire family was banished from Planet Arcose."
A Saiyan near the back of the crowd raised his hand. "If he was banished by the Arcosian currently ruling the PTO, doesn't that mean he's using you to exact his revenge?"
This theory rippled through the crowd, many agreed with the Saiyan.
Riddic frowned, he suspected something like this would happen if he told them about Blizzard. He looked at the Saiyan who spoke before. "I thought someone here would think that way, but let me assure you its more of a 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' type partnership." Riddic smiled before adding. "Besides, I'm stronger than him. So if he really is using me, I'd just kill him too."
This seemed to satisfy the crowd. Riddic didn't think that Blizzard was using him, he'd done too much for him for that. Plus the old Arcosian could die of old age anytime now, so this was more like him finishing old grievances so he could die without regrets.
"Anyway." Riddic said, regaining his audiences' attention. "Blizzard told me about the Arcosian's ability to transform and even demonstrated it for me. After that, he explained to me who my...who our true enemy is."
"And that's this King Cold you mentioned earlier?" One of the Saiyan listeners asked.
Riddic nodded. "Blizzard helped improve my plan to rise against Frieza and the Planet Trade Organization, then gave me the coordinates for a planet called Yardrat where I learned the Instant Transmission."
"That's that teleportation trick you used in the last battle right?" Roy asked.
Riddic smirked. "Well its a bit more complicated than that. Its more like locking on to a single living power source, than traveling to that source in an instant. Hard to master, but very useful in battle." The silver-haired Saiyan opened his mouth to continue his story when he was interrupted by a single person.
"Riddic!" A masculine voice called out. Everyone turned to the source of the voice, it was a Saiyan Elite. "Everything's ready." He said, locking eyes with the famed Super Saiyan.
Riddic nodded in acknowledgment, he sat up. "Well it looks like this is where we'll stop for now." He smiled to his friends and the crowd, most of which had some sort of disappointed look on their faces.
The silver-haired Saiyan chuckled, he moved through the bar and followed the Saiyan Elite who called out to him before.
Ragu turned to Travis on his left. "What do you think that's about?" He whispered to his best friend. The latter shrugged his shoulders.
"I'll tell you what." Roy said, revealing that he heard the question. He smiled to the two remaining members of his crew. "Remember all those guys we captured? Riddic's finally gonna tell us what to do with all of them."
A few minutes later...
Riddic stood in the middle of a stage in one of the many audience chambers within the Saiyan Palace. This one had rows and rows of seats laid out before the stage which were now filled to the brim with the captured surviving PTO soldiers from the last battle.
In front of the stage and along the side and back walls where Saiyan Elites positioned for crowd control, just in case the prisoners decided to do anything foolish. To Riddic's right, King Vegeta stood flanked by two of his Royal Guards. Several other members of the Royal Guard were spread across the stage, facing the crowd and watching for anyone who may try to do harm to their king.
Riddic looked from one side of the room to the other, scanning the faces of the Frieza's sacrificial pawns. Most had confused or nervous looks on their faces, most likely due to the fact that they were taken captive by Saiyans who have become notorious for killing all who are foolish enough to stand against them.
"They look nervous." Riddic said jokingly to the Saiyan King beside him. "You think they'd be glad I saved them all from being disposed of by Frieza."
King Vegeta closed his eyes and let out a small huff. "Just hurry and be done with it."
Riddic smirked. "As you wish, sire."
Returning his attention to the task at hand, Riddic looked to his captive audience. His face portrayed a serious determination. "If I could have your attention!" He called out to the various soldiers, all of whom stared at the silver-haired Saiyan. Riddic took a moment to himself before continuing his speech. Afterall, this was the start of his true rebellion. Not just for the Saiyan race, but for all who are enslaved by the Arcosians.
"Many, if not all of you are wondering why you are still alive. That reason is simple." Riddic placed his hand on his chest. "I, Riddic, the one who defeated Frieza, ask this of you, of all of you: Join us in our cause. Fight for your freedom from the oppression of the Arcosian race!"
A roar of surprise rolled over everyone in the room. Even the Saiyans were surprised at this, King Vegeta was the first to voice he protest. "What is this insult? We don't need their help!"
"I disagree." Riddic shot a look at the proud Saiyan King. "There are many things we could used their help on, or are you saying that there are Saiyans who know how to fly Frieza's spaceship?"
King Vegeta flinched, he opened his mouth about to say that they could figured it out in due time when Riddic cut him off. "Besides, this isn't about us needing their help or not."
Riddic looked towards the crowd before him. "This is about standing up against those that have robbed us of our freedom. Not just we Saiyans, but all of the races enslaved by the Arcosians." He looked back at King Vegeta. "For that, is the true revolution that I am aiming for."
One of the PTO soldiers, a blue skinned humanoid with fins coming out of his head and chin stood up. "You must be crazy!" He yelled, drawing the silver-haired Saiyan's attention. "We all swore are lives to Lord Frieza!"
Riddic stared at the fish-like humaniod unamused.
"The same lord and master who you've all pledged yourselves to for one reason or another, that treated your lives as nothing more than cannon fodder and tried to kill you all along with us Saiyans? Does that murderous self-serving tyrant really deserve your loyalty? Even now after everything that's happened?"
The PTO soldier flinched as if he forgot about such an important detail.
"It doesn't matter!" Another PTO soldier yelled, this one was a red-skinned reptilian looking humanoid. "Though he did try to kill us, that was only due to your appearance Super Saiyan!"
A few other soldiers yelled in agreement.
King Vegeta stepped forward. "Quiet fool! You have no idea what you are saying!"
The reptilian soldier ignored the Saiyan king as he raised his fist high above his head and shouted as loud as he could. "Even in death, I shall remain loyal! LONG LIVE LORD FRIEZA-" Zzish! The soldier's head rolled off his neck and onto the floor. His body twitched twice before collapsing to the ground.
Behind the corpse stood a red-skinned humanoid with long white scruffy hair and two short black horns. His right hand was engulfed in a type of energy wave that formed into a sword like shape. The man's face was disturbed, it portrayed his absolute disgust in the man he just killed.
The humanoid canceled out the energy around his hand. "Enough! All of you!" He yelled, waving his left hand outward. "Why can't you all see that Frieza doesn't care about us? That he never did to begin with!? All we are...all he saw us as was expendables! Nothing more than an excuse not to dirty his own hands!"
"So you're betraying Lord Frieza Deizu!?" A PTO soldier yelled to him, but didn't do so standing up as not to attract anymore attention.
"Idiot!" Deizu yelled back. "That man is the traitor! All of our hard work! All of the years we've devoted to the Planet Trade Organization! All we've ever done to please Frieza! That was all meaningless to him! He had already written us off to die when he decided to come here and destroy this planet! We were nothing more than puppets used to further Frieza's selfish ambitions!"
Deizu extended his hand towards Riddic. "But now we have a chance to change that! A chance that the Super Saiyan has given us! If you wish to remain as disposable lackeys for a dead tyrant, then so be it! I for one do not!"
He pressed his hand on his chest. "Riddic, I shall accept your gracious offer and join you and your race against the Arcosians and their Planet Trade Organization." Deizu bowed his head slightly towards the silver-haired Saiyan. "Thank you, for sparing my life and giving me a chance at revenge."
Riddic smiled. "Deizu was it?" The latter nodded in acknowledgement. "We shall stand together against the darkness that sweeps this galaxy. I hope that I can count on you."
Deizu bowed even lower. "I wouldn't let you down, I give you my word."
Riddic nodded, he returned his focus on the crowd as a whole. "You all have a choice to make, stand and fight with us as free men or remain a slave to a dead master. I do not expect all of you to decide now, so we shall give you a day to think on what you think is the right decision. Until then, I have nothing more to say."
King Vegeta signaled the Saiyan Elites spread out all along the room to gather up the prisoners and return them to their holding cells. As they began to do so, Riddic called out to Deizu.
"You there, Deizu!" The latter turned to the Saiyan. "You are no longer a prisoner, but a comrade." He beckoned the humanoid to his side.
Deizu slowly flew to Riddic's side. He looked down at the ground before him. "I am not worthy of such generosity."
Riddic let out a laugh. "Nonsense!" He said as he wrapped his left arm around Deizu's neck. "You are the bravest soldier here! Speaking you mind freely in front of everyone and being the 1st to volunteer for what may be a suicidal war."
Deizu raised his eyebrow. "Suicidal?"
Riddic smile turned into a frown. "It's no lie that many who will fight with us will die in the upcoming battles, but we Saiyans rather die free men than slaves." Riddic smiled once again. "For now, lets not worry about that." He began to guide Deizu out of the room. "Right now, I want to introduce you to some friends of mine who you'll be fighting with. It's best to get the introductions out of the way as soon as possible if you wish to be friends with us."
Deizu blinked his eyes a few times. "Friends? With you?" He didn't know what to say, this was all a bit too sudden for him to take in all at once.
Riddic nodded, continuing to explain that Deizu was no longer a mindless servant but a brother in arms. Needless to say it was a bit different than what Deizu was used to when interacting with others.
King Vegeta watched as the two headed off. He huffed in disapproval as he crossed his arms. "Friends? Don't make me laugh." Just then, he heard footsteps approaching from behind, the King of Saiyan's turned to see who it was.
It was Zorn, one of his Royal Guardsmen. The young Saiyan placed his hand on his chest, it was the Saiyan's way of saluting. "Sire, I have just received a message from Commander Nappa and Prince Vegeta. They are returning from their training mission and will be back within the week."
King Vegeta nodded. "Good. Send them a message telling them that events have rapidly changed since they were last here. They can expect a full explanation once they have returned. Make sure not to include anything about Frieza's death or on our plans. I do not want to risk the chance of someone else listening in and ruining everything."
Zorn nodded. "Yes my king." He bowed slightly, turned a full 180 and fast walked off to carry out the order.
A few minutes later...
Riddic and Deizu entered the Saiyan pub that the forward and his friends commonly visited. Riddic looked to the table Roy and his crew usually used, sure enough they where there.
"Hey guys. I brought a new friend." Riddic said as he strolled over to the table. Deizu followed suit, he quickly glanced at Saiyans who'd noticed him. They whispered amongst themselves, no doubt wondering why he was here and not in a cell.
"Is that Deizu?" Travis said surprised. Ragu shot up from his chair. "Why isn't he in a cell with the rest of the prisoners?"
"Calm down Ragu." Roy cautioned his friend.
The latter stared at Deizu for a few moments. He hadn't forgotten the close battle he and Travis had with the humanoid. With a huff, Ragu sat back down in his chair.
With the threat of Ragu blowing off averted, Roy looked at Riddic. "Care to explain why you brought this soldier with you? And what do you mean 'new friend'?"
Riddic chuckled. "It's simple Roy. Deizu here volunteered to fight with us. He's now a free man and our comrade."
Roy closed his eyes. "So the reason you've captured those soldiers is to see how many of them will fight with us?"
Riddic nodded. "That's correct."
Roy let out a short laugh. "King Vegeta must have given you a hard time." He opened his eyes. "If this is what you've decided, then I don't have a problem with it." Travis and Ragu looked at their squad leader and friend, their faces showed a mix of shock and protest. Ragu opened his mouth to object but was shot down by Roy.
"I believe I told you long ago that I'm with you no matter what." Roy smiled at his best friend. "To New Arcose or hell itself, I'll follow you till the end."
Riddic smiled. "I couldn't have asked for a better best friend."
Roy lazily threw his arms up in the air. "Let's not get to sentimental Riddic, the others will start spreading rumors. Besides we've been through so much already. Seeing this through to the end is the least I can do, old buddy."
Riddic chuckled. "Right, right." He sat down, looked back to Deizu and signaled him to sit down as well.
The latter sat down, his eyes were set on the table. Riddic nudged him on the shoulder. "Don't be so nervous. Relax, you don't need to be so formal here."
Travis leaned over to Ragu. "Deizu sure is different off the battlefield." He whispered. "He's so awkward, you'd never think he'd be that prideful man we fought before."
Ragu nodded in agreement. "He's probably this way cause this is all new to him. That or he's playing us for fools."
Travis raised his eyebrow. "You can't just let it go?"
"How could I?" Ragu snapped back, but low enough so only Travis could hear him. "Have you forgotten how he almost killed us?"
"Yeah, but he was just following orders. Not like it was personal or anything."
Ragu huffed, he crossed his arms. "Typical excuse."
"Anyway." Riddic said aloud, purposely trying to catch the attention of everyone in the bar. "Let me finish up the story of my past adventure that you all are so interested to hear."
The silver-haired Saiyan waited a few moments, witnessing several other curious Saiyans gather around the table he sat at. Very few stood around Deizu, as they treated him as nothing more than an unwanted outsider.
"So I received the coordinates for the Planet Yardrat from my fellow conspirator Blizzard. Soon after, I left for the planet and arrived after 2 short months." Riddic said as he picked up where he last left off.
"Once I landed on the Yardrat, I was quickly discovered by the native residents. However, the Yardrat people didn't speak in the common language that many races do. This would be a problem, since we couldn't communicate with one another. While I was thinking of other ways of communication that I could try with them, I hear a voice in my head. It took me a few minutes to realize that the voice was one of the natives."
"You sure you weren't just going crazy?" One of the Saiyan listeners joked.
"Oh I'm sure." Riddic replied with a chuckle. "Anyway, one of the natives had used telepathy to talk to me through my mind. He said 'Welcome to our planet young one. Do you come as friend or foe?' I hesitated for a few moments, as I was amazed that such a thing was possible. Then I realized they were waiting for my response. I assured them that I came as a friend and explained why I had arrived on the planet..."
(*Going into Riddic's POV flashback mode.*)
"I have come here to train. A friend of mine, an Arcosian known as Blizzard told me of this transportation technique that your race has developed. If it is fine with you, I would like to learn that technique."
The Yardrats huddled together, no doubt deciding whether or not to allow my request. I waited there for minutes, wondering if they would let an outsider to learn what could have been a sacred technique to their race. Finally, I heard the same voice in my head again.
'Visitor from the stars, we are aware of the one you call Blizzard.' It spoke. 'Long ago, our people meet the Arcosian. He promised us peace in exchange for teaching several of his elite warriors the same technique you now seek to learn. Despite our best efforts, not even a single one managed to learn the move. Yet Blizzard kept his promise, saying that even though his men failed to master it we did teach them the technique.'
"We are eternally grateful for his generosity. If what you say is true, then we will gladly teach you the Instant Transmission."
Though I was glad that they agreed to my request, several questions popped into my head. "You make it sound like you where there to witness it." I said.
'I was.' The voice replied. A ripple of movement flowed through the crowd of Yardrats before me, all but one moved aside to the left or right. The one who hadn't moved looked older than the others of his race.
The normally light blue spots on the Yardrats pink heads were a darker shade of blue, Little gray hairs grew out of the ends of his two antennas that were on his checks. 'I am the eldest of those gathered here and have witnessed that day when I was in the prime of my life.'
I knew that Blizzard was about a 1,000 years old, as the Arcosians can live up to several of our lifetimes, so I was curious at how long these Yardrat could live up to. "How old are you?" I asked.
'In our terms: 15 years. In yours, most likely a few thousand years.'
My jaw dropped in amazement. '
You see, our years are rather long.' The elder Yardrat explained. 'A new year start when our planet revolves around our second sun. This happens every 1,000 days.'
I couldn't believe it, this race was much older than every Arcosian currently alive!
'Though our limited abilities to manipulate time and space do help us live longer lives than most species.' The elder added. 'The technique you wish to learn is but one of them.'
I was quite shocked to learn this. I mean, a race that can control space and time? Even if their control was limited such a thing was truly impressive.
'If you have no more questions,' The elder's voice spoke in my mind. 'Then let us see who shall train you.'
I simply nodded and followed the old Yardratian. We walked through the rocky terrain that covered the planet, I noticed dozens of large spires of rock scattered all around. Upon closer look, I could make out windows and doors. I later learned that these spires were the Yardratians homes.
After a few more minutes of walking, the elder Yardrat who guided me introduced me to a rather unique Yardrat. He was vastly different from the others I had seen, for starters: He was HUGE, even taller than me!
The alien was blue skinned rather than pink, from his cheeks to the end of his chin were colored in a dark purplish color. The antenna that hung from the Yardrat's face stretched down to his upper chest, and the spots on his head and his exposed shoulders were a darker shade of blue.
He wore dark purple pants, dark silver boats with purple lining and dark silver gauntlets. The large Yardrat looked down at me.
'My name is Soda.' He spoke to me through telepathy. 'I am one of the last warriors of my race.' He held his right hand towards me and stretched out his three fingers. 'I'll be teaching you how to perform the technique you desire. Make no mistake, it will not be easy to master.'
I smiled as I grabbed his hand and shook it. "I never expected it to be."
As I mentioned earlier, the Instant Transmission is very hard to master. It took me a full year to get it down to perfection. Fortunately, Soda was a patient teacher. After I had learned the move, Soda offered to train me further and become my sparring partner.
Of course I couldn't refuse, Soda was a powerful warrior. At his full power he surpassed even the mighty Frieza! I'm...embarrassed to say though that the training we went through at that point was more like a one-sided beatdown.
During one of our more harsh yet productive lessens, I discovered something rather useful.
As his opening move, Soda smashed me through a cliff. As I landed face first on the other side, Soda flew over to me. Arms crossed, he looked at me in disappointment.
'You can do better than that!' His voice screamed in my head. 'So much for being a member of a proud warrior race. If the rest of the Saiyans are like you then it is a sad joke calming they are strong.'
I slowly rose to my feet. I stared at the Yardrat imitatively. "If I became a Super Saiyan, you wouldn't be so cocky."
Soda shook his head to the left. 'Fall back on that crutch then. It'll only prove my point.'
I grinned my teeth, infuriated at by the insult. I bent my legs and prepared the signature move I had learned from Old Man Roshi.
"Ka...me...ha..me...HAAAAA!"
I fired the powerful energy wave at Soda, but the latter simply opened his hand out and cancelled out my attack.
'You're wasting your time.' He said as he charged me. Seconds before he reached me, I used my Instant Transmission to get behind him.
'Good.' His voice rang in my head. 'You're getting used to using the technique in battle.' He turned toward me. 'Now let's see if you can use it under pressure!'
His three fingered hand glowed blue as he charged up an energy ball. He threw it at me, at almost point-blank range. Again, I used my Instant Transmission but instead of Soda's energy I locked onto another.
Within microseconds, I reached the person I accidentally teleported to: It was a young Yardratian, apparently he was spying on me and Soda. The young one apologized to me, but I waved it off. After all, one couldn't help being curious.
Once I cleared that matter, I tried to think of a way to surprise Soda. I knew that without transforming into a Super Saiyan I couldn't hope to really fight him, but that was the purpose of this training: To figure out ways to outsmart an opponent who was vastly stronger than yourself.
Suddenly, this idea popped into my head. What if I tried to launch a Kamehameha then just before firing used Instant Transmission to close up on Soda? Since I didn't know much on the limitations of the move at the time, I figured it would be a nice experiment to try out.
Once again, I prepared to use the powerful wave. "Ka...me...ha...me..." As the energy swirled in my hands, I used Instant Transmission and teleported behind Soda.
"HAAAAAAAA!" I caught the large Yardrat off guard, the wave hit him almost point-blank. Soda stumbled forward, shaken by the surprise attack and the force of the Kamehameha wave. I straightened myself and smiled. "Wasn't expecting that one were yeah?"
Soda's shoulders shook up and down. I strange lower pitched sound that sounded like a call from a beetle came from him, later I would come to find that this sound was him laughing.
'I am impressed.' He communicated through telepathy as he turned around. 'Today, I have learned something from you.'
"You mean you never tried using an energy attack before teleporting?"
Soda shook his head. 'I have never fought an opponent that required such a tactical move to defeat them.' Soda smiled, which was quite rare I can assure you. 'Rather ingenious and clever. I'll be sure to remember that one.'
I smiled back at my friend. "You better, cause I'll be using that to keep you on your toes."
After that day, I began to fully explore the possible uses of the Instant Transmission on the battlefield. I also discovered its limitations, like the amount of distance you can cover when using in as a reaction rather than concentrating.
I would spend almost three months training with Soda in this fashion. It would have been longer had I not remembered why I can to Yardrat in the 1st place. On the day of my departure, the warrior Soda was the 1st to say his farewells.
'You are always welcome here, my friend.' He said as he picked me up and hugged me. Again, it was a surprising move for the usually calm and cool warrior I knew.
When he let me down, I nodded at the large Yardrat. "I'll be sure to visit again."
As I bid my goodbyes to the Yardratians, I hopped in my space pod, punched in the coordinates for Vegeta, and headed back home.
(*End of POV flashback.*)
"After that, it only took me a few months to reach Vegeta and the rest you already know." Riddic scanned the faces of his audience, many seemed to be satisfied and some began to return to what they were doing before listening to the Saiyan's story.
"One hell of a journey." Roy said, staring into his drink. "And to think, all this resulted from your brother's betrayal." He took a sip from the drink.
"Though its tragic that Marcus, Datura, Dapin and Yarrow are dead thanks to him, if he never did it then you wouldn't have become a Super Saiyan, and our fight against Frieza would have ended quite differently."
Riddic nodded. "That may be true, but there is no point wondering about that now." The silver-haired Saiyan stood up. "And if you think I'm grateful that my brother murdered two of my friends and forced me to kill two others than you are surly mistaken."
Roy shook his head. "It's rather ironic is all I'm saying."
"Roy, sometimes I just don't understand you."
"Eh, it must be the booze." Roy began to shake his cup around. "This stuff always get's me out of character."
Riddic let out a short chuckle. "Yeah, you're usually the one who'd praise everyone but yourself. Not the one who thinks so deeply on the 'hows' and 'what ifs'."
Roy smiled. "Maybe, or maybe you're not the only one who changed Riddic."
Riddic looked at his friend, concerned by what he truly meant by that.
Noticing the look, Roy waved his free arm to his best friend. "Don't worry about me." He said in an attempt to reassure Riddic. "I'm still with yea till the end. I promise."
Riddic have a half-smile and nodded. "I know you will. If you excuse me I'll think I'll rest for the night."
"Sure, even Immortal Super Saiyans need their beauty sleep." Roy looked at Ragu and Travis. "Why don't you goes go and get some rest? I'll be hanging around here for a little while longer."
Ragu and Travis looked at each other, exchanging looks of concern. They turned back to Roy, sat up, and complied with his wishes.
Riddic watched them go. "Still here Riddic?" Roy said. "Go on, get some rest. You need it if you want to lead us to freedom or whatever."
Riddic looked at his friend silently for a few moments. "Come on Deizu." He waved at the humanoid to follow. The latter sat up and followed Riddic out of the pud.
After a few minutes walking down the hall Deizu asked a question. "Any idea why he's acting like that? From the way you reacted I can assume that's not his usual behavior."
Riddic smiled. "Well look who's becoming social." He turned his head to Deizu. "And yea, I have an idea. From what I heard, Roy saw someone rather close to him die before his eyes in the last battle." Riddic turned his head back down the hallway. "That was a heavy loss for him, and he's starting to show it now."
Riddic stared at the floor for a few moments. "I wish I could do something to ease his pain." He whispered more to himself than to Deizu.
The next day...
Riddic and Deizu stood atop a platform overlooking the mass of PTO Soldiers. "So, after all that only a dozen or so decided not to join us." Deizu said as he crossed his arms.
"A shame, but at least we've cleared out the soldiers still loyal to Frieza." Riddic nodded. "Well then, shall we get things underway?"
He took a few steps forward. "I would like to congratulate every single one of you." Riddic started to address the crowd. "For you have taken the 1st important step towards reclaiming your freedom!" He raised his fist in the air. "Together! We shall restore what was stolen from us or die trying!"
A roar of approval came from the mass of various alien soldiers.
"Down with the Planet Trade!"
"To hell with the Arcosians!"
"Long live the Legendary Super Saiyan!"
Riddic raised his hands in a gesture for silence. The mass before him complied. "Now then, there is the matter of picking someone to lead you. A Saiyan wouldn't do for a force like this, nor would any I know of want to."
He pointed his right arm towards Deizu behind him. "As a gesture of faith and a gift for being the 1st one amongst you to stand up in the face of tyranny. I propose that Deizu shall be the one to command you in the upcoming battle." The red-skinned humanoid flinched, Riddic hadn't mentioned this to him before now.
Before Deizu could offer any protest, Riddic continued with his 'election'.
"All who agree, say aye!" A loud chant of aye's erupted from the crowd.
"All opposed, shot nay!" Silence...
Riddic turned to the shocked Deizu. "There you have it. Commander Deizu, your men await."
"Riddic you can't just do something like this without at least mentioning it to me!"
"Sure I can! I just did after all."
Deizu facepalmed. "That's not my point."
Riddic quickly walked behind Deizu, he began to gently push him forward. "Don't worry about it! Go on and give a speech to your new subordinates."
Though giving the Saiyan a bit of difficulty, Deizu was forced to the front of the stage. The eyes of the mass before him stared at him, waiting for their new commander to speak. Deizu silently cursed Riddic for putting him on the spot like this. He looked at his fellow soldiers, a drop of sweat poured down the side of his face.
"Ah..." He struggled to find the right words. "Well...I..." Deizu sighed. "Speeches have never been my strong suit." He said bluntly. "I never lead a force larger than a squad. However, you all have put your faith in me to lead you. I swear I will do everything I can not to fail you."
Riddic smiled, he began to clap his hands together and applaud the humanoid. One by one, the other former PTO troopers followed his lead and even began to cheer for Deizu.
Riddic moved to Deizu. "Not bad for someone who's not good at giving speeches." He said in a low tone. Deizu replied with a quiet "shut up" before taking a few steps back, giving Riddic the floor. "Now that you are free men, you can return to the quarters you have used while stationed here. You will be called again soon, but for now you are dismissed."
Riddic waited for the soldiers to make their leave. He was glad that so many decided to fight with him, regardless of what their reasons were. He turned and signaled Deizu to follow. They walked off the stage, through a door located in the back, and proceeded into the hallway. From there they began to move to their next destination.
"Why don't you lead them?" Deizu asked, breaking the silence.
"Technically I will be since I'm commanding all the units."
"Stupid question...Why choose me?"
"Besides the reason I gave before?" Riddic smiled. "Because I believe that you are the best person for the job."
"Why?"
Riddic shrugged. "Call it a hunch."
Deizu sighed. "So you don't really know."
Riddic chuckled. "I guess no-" He cut himself short, the Saiyan felt something...off. He stopped, looked to his left. On it was a ventilation shaft connected to one of Planet Vegeta's trash dumps. Deizu walked past Riddic before noticing the latter stopped, he turned around. "Something wrong?"
"Maybe..." He walked to the vent. "I...sense two power levels. Faint, but still there."
Deizu moved to Riddic's side. "You mean down there?" He pointed at the shaft. "Are you sure?"
"Positive, and I'm going to find out why they are down there." Riddic placed his left index and middle fingers on his forehead, focusing on the two faint powers. A second later, he was gone.
At the same time, Riddic reappeared in the trash dump. He scanned the nearby area, looking for the ones he sensed. 'They should be around here somewhere.' He slowly walked forward, carefully looking for any signs of life. After a few minutes of searching, he found something.
"A man?...And a child?"
Meanwhile, aboard Cooler's ship...
Cooler remained fixed in his position: In front of the recovery pod that housed his half dead brother Frieza. He stared into it with his cold eyes, fully taking in the image of his broken younger brother.
"This is what you deserve brother. Father spoiled you rotten. Giving you everything you ever asked of him. This mistake of yours will, hopefully, teach you some humility."
The doors the medical chamber opened, the blue humanoid Salza stepped through the threshold. "You called my lord?" He said as he approached his master.
"Yes Salza. I have a task for you." Cooler said without removing his gaze from the pod. "I want to rebuild him."
Salza flinched. "Bu-Sir! Why would you wish to aid your brother whom you despise so much?"
Cooler chuckled. "I can assure you that I am not aiding him, I am molding him into my puppet."
The Arcosian turned his head to his loyal soldier. "You will acquire the parts I need for his new body. The list is on the table over there." He paused to point at the table he mentioned. "I do not care how long it takes, just as long as you can get them without raising the suspicion of my father or anyone else that could cause us problems."
Salza walked over to the table and picked up the list, he scanned the first few item on it. "Some of these will be hard to obtain..." He whispered to himself. Salza looked back at Cooler. "I can assure you my lord that I will get every item on this list."
Cooler returned his gaze to the recovery pod. "Good. Do note that the last item on the list is especially important."
Salza quickly looked back to the list, he scrolled down to the bottom. The last item was something completely unrelated to the others and, if Salza's eyes didn't deceive him, would be the hardest one to obtain.
"My lord...This is-?"
Cooler gave a low snickered. "That, is my insurance. Just in case my dear brother needs some...motivation to follow my orders."
Power Levels
Soda: 140,000,000
And here ends another entry to the wonderful world of Double S. Hooray for the 10th chapter and the celebration of our year anniversary which past exactly 2 months ago as I was writing this! Yayzzz.
Took me a bit to finish this one (and not just thanks to my new work hours) because I had to think for the longest time where to end it. Mostly just explanations, character and plot development though.
Just to clarify to everyone who may not have gotten it, but all the parts fully Italicized (and NOT the occasional words mixed in) were flashbacks.
I am enjoying the fact that I'm portraying Cooler as a more calculating, much greater threat than his foolish brother Frieza. It makes me feel like I'm showing his full potential and of how different from the rest of his family he really is.
And thats all I really wish to say at the moment. As always, any questions or anything on the story just include it in a review and I shall answer it.
How will Riddic's discovery affect his plans? What will become of Frieza, who is now at the mercy of his brother Cooler? And what is Cooler's plan that causes him to spare the life of the brother he deeply hates? Find out this and more on the next installment of Double S!