Disclaimer: I clearly don't own Dragon Ball.
Dragonball Z: The Catalyst
Act II:
Chapter 13: To Boldly Go
Kame House, ten days later:
What Raditz witness, he determined, had to be some kind of crime, somewhere in the galaxy.
Standing there in the most ridiculous clothes imaginable, poor Gohan was standing there next to the red flight craft, wearing what appeared to be shorts, coat, bow-tie and there was a massive pile of luggage. It reminded him of diplomats. Weak willed, flimsy creatures who couldn't live one day without modern convenience. The worst part was that he knew his nephew could fight and survive, most probably anywhere on this miserable planet, if not most planets.
Quietly Raditz looked away towards the strange looking Namekian space craft, idly wondering if it really was to take them to the stars. He'd seen stranger however, so it very well may have the power they needed to get to Namek.
If the boy hadn't been raised in such a weak way, he would have been ideal to send to low to mid powered worlds to get them 'ready' for sale. The woman, his mother, was prattling on behind him about what items were so important to the child. He rolled his eyes upon hearing her speaking. He noticed Gohan's head shamefully held down, looking towards the ground. If Kakarot wouldn't kill him later, he'd have shot the woman on the spot.
It was when she finally said.
"Well, at least your Uncle would be more than happy to help carry all these things for you while you are on your trip."
Krillin noted the look on Raditz's face, he looked like a mixture of outraged and shocked at the comment being said. Krillin wouldn't admit it out loud, but he thought that it was rather entertaining how Chi Chi continuously bossed him around, just like she did Goku. The big difference was that Raditz was always furious about it.
"I am not a boy's pack mule! How dare you attempt to fill me into such a role!? I am a saiyan warrior!"
"Well you can be a whatever warrior for all I care! My poor little Gohan can't be expected to carry all these things on his own!"
"Then he shouldn't carry them at all! They are completely useless to him on this quest!"
"That's not for you to decide! Dad, give Raditz the luggage!"
Raditz blinked, before staring at the Ox King in disbelief. The older man had an apologetic look on his face, mixed with fear of his own daughter as he carefully brought over the baggage. Raditz felt him placing things on his shoulders and in his hands, almost paralysed with his own rage towards the woman.
Bulma thought it looked ridiculous, even in her space suit, she saw Raditz standing there as Gohan very quietly walked over to him, looking nervous the entire time. Raditz was so mad she could see a vein throbbing on his forehead. She doubted he could even see straight. It was so funny she started laughing at him.
She'd helped him out with clothes, but that the ungrateful jerk cared much, he didn't even thank her! He was currently wearing a pair of jeans, shows, a unbuttoned long sleeve striped back and white shirt, which was over a undershirt he'd been wearing underneath. His chest was causing the fabric to expand however with every breath, given he was clearly trying to keep himself calm.
Finally, after calming down for a moment, Bulma relaxed for a moment.
Chi Chi was giving Gohan yet another hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Make sure he does his homework, Bulma!" Chi Chi ordered fiercely.
"Of course," Bulma said with a placating expressing on her face, smiling for Chi Chi. "I'll take good care of him, I promise."
With that, everyone slowly stepped onto the platform of the Namek Space Craft.
Quietly, Gohan looked up at Raditz, who was still trembling with rage as he stood there, Gohan's luggage hanging off him.
"Sorry about this, Mr. Raditz." Gohan whispered.
Raditz didn't respond.
"Piccolo," Bulma said as the craft's platform began to rise.
Outside, Oolong, Master Roshi, Chi Chi, the Ox King, and Turtle all gave their goodbyes. Each of the explorers waved back of course, save Raditz, who scowled at his sister in law with a special kind of contempt.
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Planet Frieza 79's Outpost:
The final adjustments were made to the failed engine, the entire ship seemed to thrum to life within seconds. Zarbon felt relief wash over him as he stood next to an extremely nervous engineering captain. Both nervous because either Zarbon would have killed him, or Frieza would have killed Zarbon, and then him.
"Excellent work, I'll make sure you get a promotion for this." Zarbon said hurriedly, blasting off back into the ship, racing through the corridors towards the bridge.
Just before entering the command centre of the entire ship, Zarbon halted as he heard an unfamiliar voice. It was deeper than Frieza's. As the doors opened and he stepped inside, there was a video screen opened up for communications.
Frieza stood there, his body dwarfed by the size of the screen, and the amused figure on it. Zarbon couldn't find even his thoughts for a moment as he looked at whatever this creature was on the screen. Its red eyes and purple skin were far too reminiscent of Frieza's to not be one of one of his own. But the question was who?
Frieza looked tense, he noted, but controlled. As he joined Dodoria's side, he didn't say a word. He looked to Dodoria a second later and saw the look on his comrades face. Dodoria looked petrified. Having been in the room longer obviously meant having access to more parts of this conversation.
"Well Frieza. What is the issue?" Came the purple figure's voice.
The voice was straight and to the point, he didn't even refer to Frieza as "Lord" Frieza. Frieza was left standing there, his eyes closed as he breathed in.
"As I would have informed you, Cooler, the ship's engines were offline for 10 days. I can assure you that all is well and we will be on schedule soon."
There was a scoff on the other other as Cooler disregarded the comment entirely.
"Planet N772 was scheduled for conquest by you personally. It was to be completed 12 days ago, your engines have been offline for 10 days? This is unacceptable. Perhaps if you are unable to do your work, someone more fitting should take your place. Your arrogance is clearly an issue, given you now no longer think you need to pull your own weight around here."
Frieza's eyes opened, turning into a glare.
"I have been... redirected. I will attend to N772 as soon as possible, brother."
Cooler knew Frieza was hiding something, he could see it in his features. He was attempting to say as little as possible. It was easy enough to tell, he'd been subtly insulting Frieza the entire time, and rather than confront him, Frieza had remained as calm as possible. If Frieza was hiding something, he'd know of it.
"Frieza." Cooler started. "Under the authority given to me by our illustrious father, King Cold, I am now demanding full access to your ships flight path. If N772 is not on that flight path, you will have to answer to me."
Frieza took in several calculations, looking at his brother's face. What a vile rodent his eldest sibling was. They rarely spoke, which to Frieza was too often. Cooler was constantly vying for more authority, more power of his own. Cooler however, was the lesser of the two brothers, every time they had clashed, it had been Frieza whose name was heralded as champion. Which of course, was just one reason why he was trumpeted as the most powerful being in the universe.
He came to a decision.
"Brother." He started. "Unfortunately, when our engines went down, we lost our ability to transfer data through the main feed. It will take some time to upload our flight path to you."
Cooler's face was suddenly written with a very different demeanour, rather than arrogance and mild amusement, it was now one of disdain and anger.
"Then how are we having this conversation right now you brat!" He snapped furiously. "You are hiding this information from me!"
Frieza smiled.
Cooler was 6 weeks away from Planet Namek, he was a mere 2. He would arrive at Namek, obtain the Dragon Balls, and have eternal life. After that, he'd show Cooler just how to behave, for the third time.
Cooler's features turned cold after Frieza smiled.
"I believe we will have to discuss this the next time we meet." Cooler said. "Which will be as soon as my ship catches yours." With that, the feed died.
Zarbon was left speechless. No one, no one spoke to Lord Frieza in such a way before. Let alone threatening him! If that being was coming for Frieza, it was very likely he'd come for all of his servants as well. They appeared to be brothers, and even work together, but Zarbon had never seen this cooler before in his life.
"For your sake Zarbon, those engines had best be online."
"I am proud to report Lord Frieza, that your ship is completely operational."
Frieza internally sighed with relief. His eternal life would arrive soon, and then he would be the one in charge of everything. His father and brother would either admit his superiority, or die by his hand.
"Take us to Planet Namek, immediately."
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The Namek Space Craft:
Gohan sat across from Krillin, the two of them having their legs folded, they had quietly linked their minds and were honing techniques. Their bodies occasionally showed signs of stress and struggle. A tremble here, a facial expression there, it was like watching two people fighting one another with mild bumps and expressions.
Bulma stood off to the side, holding a can of beer as she approached the two in a tank top and underwear.
"Are you two training again?" She asked bluntly.
There was no response of course as the two continued their psychic duel.
Behind them, laying back on a Namekian chair, his hands behind his head and his feet up on a control panel, Raditz rolled his eyes.
"Training? They'd have breached the hull of the ship by now, they are doing nothing but meditating."
Bulma blinked, turning to Raditz. He was supposed to be the strongest on this trip? She was pretty sure they were training in one another's minds, like she knew Goku could do.
"Uhm, no, I'm pretty sure they are training." She said.
Raditz just snorted in response, as if somehow answering Bulma with that. He truly hated this woman. Firstly, she was weak, very, very weak. Secondly, she was a know it all. Thirdly, she talked too much and was lazy. Finally of course, was the fact she walked around in her in underwear all damn day. If she weren't so repulsive in most of her other traits, he'd have tried to entertain himself by seducing her.
"Are you staring at me again?" Bulma asked harshly.
"My eyes are closed, by the stars you are a stupid creature." Raditz responded.
"Hey! You can't talk to me like that!" came the harsh response.
He'd forgotten, she knew Kakarot. Hence, it explained why she was completely out of her mind.
Before the argument could go further, Krillin came out of his trance, falling forward almost breathing heavily, sweat coming down from his forehead.
"Wow, Gohan! Good job! I didn't even see that one coming!" Krillin said, having just been defeated by Krillin.
Raditz's eyes opened, turning and narrowing at the two once Gohan came to as well, breathing heavily.
"Wow Krillin," The boy said. "If we keep training like that, we'll be ready for Vegeta for sure!'
A laugh came from the chair as Raditz stood up, turning towards the three of them.
Gohan looked at his uncle kind of strangely. They'd not really seen him train at all so far on the flight. He didn't train like they did mentally or anything. He just kind of ate food and slept.
"You think a little bit of training is going to help you against Vegeta?" Raditz mocked. "You're out of your minds."
"Your weaker than Vegeta too, Raditz!" Krillin reminded in response.
Krillin was getting tired of the arrogant, lazy creature in the ship named Raditz (Well, and Bulma). It was he and Gohan who were being forced to clean everything, and they were the ones who were training.
"Of course, I just don't delude myself into thinking training will cover the distance between our powers."
Krillin was shocked by the argument he just heard.
"You don't really train much do you?" Gohan asked, looking at his uncle with disbelief. "How'd you get so strong then?"
Raditz felt his eye twitch with the annoyance of the comment.
"I got this strong because I am a saiyan warrior, and have seen battle for decades!" He announced proudly.
"Goku is stronger than you, and he mostly just trained." Krillin pointed out.
There was a frustrated growl from the larger man as he walked towards the three of them.
"K-Kr-Krillin, m-maybe you shouldn't have said that." Bulma said, her face written with fear at the look Raditz was giving them.
Raditz almost looked ready to strike the two smaller combatants, before he sat down in front of them.
"Show me how to do this mind trick you are doing, and I will show you what a saiyan warrior can do."
Gohan, who'd looked concerned a moment ago, grinned from ear to ear.
"Alright!"
Training, in each others' heads. This had better be real.
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The Crusher:
"So, tell me why this is a good idea again boss?" The green-blue haired humanoid asked, still looking nervously towards Turles.
The saiyan's armour shifted as he turned, an annoyed glance coming over his shoulder. The Crusher Corps was worried about confronting Frieza so soon. The simple truth was there was no longer a choice in the matter. Frieza was lazy as well, he'd largely have his fools Zarbon and Dodoria doing all the work.
"If I need to explain this to you again, Daiz, then you'll be listening to me from the outside of the ship," Turles responded coldly. "If Frieza gets the Namekian Dragon Balls, he will have Eternal Life. Then I could even surpass his power, and still lose to him."
Turles frustration was evident with the crew itself, especially Daiz. Amond and the others had kept their concerns to themselves, where as Daiz had done nothing but complain and whine. Turles was reaching the end of his patience with the Daiz.
Daiz still looked nervous however, before he swallowed, his fear of Turles trumping his immediate fear Frieza, given Frieza wasn't actually there at the moment.
"Maybe we could get some backup, before we go to Namek." Amond urged. "What about the other saiyans, the ones still under Frieza's employ?"
Turles took note of Amond's proposal. There would be significant problems with attempting to bring the other remaining saiyans into the fold. The biggest problem of them being that Kakarot and Raditz were third class soldiers, and nothing to be really impressed by. The next problem was that Nappa was strong, but hardly strong in the context of the situation. The only useful saiyan to his cause was Vegeta himself, and Vegeta was now weaker than he was, and worse yet, would want the wish made by the Dragon Balls for himself.
There is no time for anything other than immediate action. I will kill Frieza and then I will rule the universe.
"No, I don't think that would be in our interest. They will only come to heel once I've achieved eternal life."
He'd only met Raditz, of all of them. The two of them had been partners before on several jobs he'd been sent on. It took nearly 10 years for his recovery, so it wasn't until he was 15 that he was brought into the World Trade Organization's fold. It also wasn't long before he realized that the organization wasn't exactly his best method of gaining prestige and power. Frieza kept a lid on everyone, and he didn't want to bother with it. When he'd discovered later on that Frieza had destroyed the Planet Vegeta, well, that had just made him determined to kill and replace Frieza.
He could still remember the day he was collected even.
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Planet Trogg: 9 years earlier.
Flying through the air like a bullet, the space pod slammed into the planet's surface moments later.
Planet Trogg once had a bustling civilization on it of hundreds of millions. The Trogs were a civilization of amphibious peaceful creatures, and a third class child had been sent to this planet. Turles, ID number 7770221. Turles had quickly taken to his taste for destruction. He made no friends, no close ties to any of the creatures on this world save for some of the most basic wildlife in several cases.
Unfortunately for Turles, his own space pod had been damaged on its arrival to the planet, all that remained was the distress emitter.
Using the power of the moon on this world, Turles transformed several times. Over the course of six years from his arrival there, one by one the great cities of Trogg were annihilated. Another year after that and the last stragglers of this aspiring civilization, were finished, not one Trogg was left alive on the entire planet.
Turles spent nearly 7 years in isolation, before the pod came down from the sky as it had just then. He knew what it was instinctively, it was his way out.
Flying as fast as he could, Turles launched himself towards the Space Pod. Landing in front of it just as the door opened. A large, large figure emerged, his long black hair and tail making itself apparent. He instinctively knew what the scouter was on the side of his head as well. When the scouter beeped several times he knew full well it was reading his power level.
Power level 806.
A third class warrior if there ever was one.
"Turles." Raditz said. "I'm here to bring you back into the fold, brother."
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Planet Toss: 3 years later
Being fodder was the worst job imaginable, especially to a Saiyan. Explosions blasted all around them as the Tossians defended their world desperately. They were using warriors he'd never seen before, and despite he and the other "low class" warriors doing their best, this battle was heading to shit. The Elites were flying hive above, blasting rounds into this fortress of a city.
Having been reintegrated into the WTO, all Turles thought was one thing as this battle went on, this battle that just exemplified his disdain for his position. He was just some third class saiyan warrior who was disposable. However, as far as Turles was concerned, it was everyone else who was useless. Already he'd sabotaged several of his allies in order to save himself in this meat grinder. It was when one of the elites in the skies above was finally taken down by the Tossians, their defensive fire blasting his lower body off, that Turles got an idea.
The body hit the ground with a thud. Carefully Turles looked about for any attackers or witnesses before he rushed towards the corpse.
Reaching down he grabbed the red optic scouter. Pulling it from the body carefully before removing his own green one. He shattered his own in the palm of his hand before turning his attention to the pods in the distance. One last glance towards the Elite made him focus his power, annihilating the remains of the body. Picking up the elites remote, he dialled in which one was his. Rushing over to the landing area he found his own pod, blasting it, before stepping into the space pod of "Commander Ras".
Listening to the comm chatter, quietly as he lifted off just as the battle began to turn in their favour, he heard the words he wanted.
"Turles is missing in action, leading the low level scum down there. Guess these saiyans aren't as tough as they say they are."
Within a few days, Commander Ras himself was declared "AWOL".
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The Crusher, Present Day:
And now look at me, I am a god.
Turles's thoughts drifted for several moments before turning back to his crew, smirking.
"All of you back to your stations."
It would take everything he had to overcome Frieza for those Dragon Balls.
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One day later, Planet Frieza 79's Outpost:
"What this? We've got a pod coming in, its not scheduled at all."
"What? Well who the hell is it?"
The officers frantically went over the data as it came in. "Shit, that's Vegeta's pod!"
"Vegeta?! What's he doing on his way here!"
"Base! Prepare for the arrival of the Saiyan Vegeta!"
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The pod slammed into the landing pad, which of course bended and folded in on the impact. Hot steam licked from the edges of the super heated craft, three officers going out to meet Vegeta's pod.
All three stood there, waiting for it to crack open.
"Wait a second, where is Nappa? Why is he alone?"
"And why isn't he getting out?"
The three cautiously approached the pod, finding Vegeta inside, connected to life support. This was bad.
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Vegeta's naked frame was carefully placed in the healing chamber, as it began to fill with the life giving liquid. Inside this chamber, the last conscious thoughts Vegeta would have for days passed his mind.
First. I will kill Kakarot's friends. Then I will kill Raditz. Then I will kill Kakarot... once I have eternal life.
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A/N: Now, then, for those who read the author's notes. I know Turles is not Goku's brother in the canon, or Raditz's brother. I just find the explanation given to us by Tree of Might ridiculous. "Oh, all us third class warriors look the same!" especially if that were true, why would Frieza have taken one look at Goku and gone "Oh hay lookz, its Bardock, and not just some stock 3rd class warrior, lolz!".
Also, in the origin of Turles's design, he was always intended to be Kakarotto, aka Kakarot. Basically, what Goku would be like if he'd not hit his head as a child. I just made evil Goku, more linked to Goku.
But, next Chapter people start arriving on Namek, one by one. We'll see who wins the race to the Dragon Balls! :D
Also, answering reviews and stuff: Sorry if this seems longish.
Coldblue: There seems to be an obsession with Raditz being paired with someone here :P. I'll let you know a couple things about this, and tell you what's not happening. Raditz is NOT being paired with Bulma, their personalities really don't mix. Raditz would despise her for being a know-it-all, and he has less reason to be around her. From Bulma's perspective he's a brute, at least Vegeta is a Prince, and acts with a certain level of 'noble' decorum. Of course there is also the fact that Raditz tried to kill her, and blew up her home. Neither of them really mix well. They may end up as friends, maybe, but there is going to be a lot of 'stress' in that particular friendship.
I'd actually intended to pair Raditz with an original character who I intended to give no backstory for named Philip.- Kidding, kidding, Raditz will likely get paired with someone. If you are worrying about him breaking up any traditional pairings, you really shouldn't.
Also remember, Raditz hates Vegeta. Hate is a good motivator in terms of trying to keep up.
Raditz has several new attacks, they will be revealed as the story moves forward. His biggest and best attack isn't going to be seen on Namek.
In regards to his relationship with Gohan? I dunno, you'll have to just wait and read :P
In regards to Power Levels, there will be big differences in the power levels, the strongest warriors will probably surprise most people, and I won't spoil beyond that.
Raditz's strength is not necessarily going to be raw strength. His role in the story as a fighter goes up and down, from now until the end. In some saga's he will be a front line warrior, in other sagas he'll be more support, and that's true for all the other characters as well. It really depends, but I can't really reveal how strong Raditz will be by the end, now can I?
So in essence, beyond calming your fears about Bulma. Wait and read. :P
Luke: as explained above, don't expect to see Bulma/Raditz. But I would expect to see interesting interactions between them...
Johnny Cage / MetallicMaster: My big beef with most Raditz fics are also that he just 'turns good'. What's that? Why is that? Who? What? I think people are just hopeful that Goku can have a selfless brother. Raditz on the other hand is not such a character. Even when he becomes 'good' he'll be deeply conflicted by his life. A man whose learned to always choose himself before others, will always at least think about himself before others even if he unlearns the habit. I appreciate the Review of course :D
Guest User: I can't really respond, though I'd like to.
MattP: I sincerely appreciate the review. My writing style has evolved a fair bit over the last 10 chapters I've written, sadly, I find the more I write the better I write, so it usually means the beginnings of any story I write is sub par to later content. I actually have added more 'thoughts' into my new story, as well as to the newer chapters written for The Catalyst. That said however, I genuinely appreciate your feedback, and am happy you are enjoying the ride so far. It only gets better from here, I promise.
I already responded to others via PM. Also, please remember to read and review :D