A/N: I've had an interesting idea for this chapter and the next one, or two after it. These chapters will all take place at the same time, but will centre their events on a single character. I wanted to give Vegeta some attention, so he's up first. The next chapter will follow Raditz, Gohan, Krillin, Dende and Bulma, as well as Turles to a lesser extent.
I don't own Dragon Ball, shocker.
This Chapter is also a fair bit darker than previous ones. Be warned.
Dragon Ball Z: The Catalyst
Act II:
Chapter 18: Vegeta's Time
Powerful arms held Vegeta in place as he continued to pick up momentum. This couldn't be happening, not like this. Flexing his arms wildly, the saiyan prince tried to break free but to no avail. Finally he felt himself screaming, crying out as he pushed what little energy he had left to the surface, trying to save himself.
It'd been hell. Zarbon's transformation had been completely overwhelming, his assault without remorse or reprieve. Every attack he placed on the beast was met with a furious counter. It'd been a one sided battle from the moment Zarbon showed his real appearance.
Vegeta had known the result of this battle shortly after confronting this monster. He was desperately trying to exchange blows with him.
With the speed he was moving at now he felt the sound barrier beginning to break around them. Finally he felt his arms freed but it was more released than anything else. He looked at where Zarbon had pointed him and in that brief second he saw the unchanging ground before him, utterly unconcerned that he was now shooting towards it. Before he could properly blink his eyes he felt himself smash into the ground. The ground gave way around him. His body breaking along with the Namekian rock and soil.
Before the prince knew it the side of the crater broke away as water began rushing in. It was cold, his already frail and broken body felt now the extreme cold of the water around him, the shock was ignored at first before all his muscles and bones began to ache yet further. He felt almost as if the cold hand of death was on his shoulders easing him into oblivion.
Vegeta wasn't certain how long he was in the water for, his body half trapped by rubble, and half trapped by injury.
Zarbon had defeated him and crushed him under foot. His pride had been wounded, torn at by this freak. Even now air tried to escape him, and consciousness barely held its grip. The one thing that could keep him going despite all this was his pride.
You are a saiyan, the Prince of all saiyans! You will not die like this! A voice in his head whispered.
Stubborn will tried to get his arm to begin moving, instead it was something else.
Across the planet he felt power levels flaring, spiking and declining in rapid succession. But it was two of them that he picked up that were familiar. His eyes twitched slightly before his eyes slowly began to open in the submerged world.
They were hard to describe, each fighter's signature was unique, and for a moment he could swear there were familiar. The biggest of the signatures was even more familiar.
... Kakarot's son and Raditz!
Air escaped his lungs, bubbling to the surface above. Light from one of Namek's 3 stars shone into the water, almost blinding him once he began looking up, seeing the last of his air escaping.
Survive... he needed to survive, now more than ever. If those two idiots were here, Kakarot couldn't be far off either. His desire for revenge was enough that it drove him just as much as his will to live.
Finally his body broke free from the rock. In a desperate moment his arms pushed him towards the surface, feeling his world beginning to go black, feeling water beginning to enter his lungs. In those last seconds his body urged for air so badly he couldn't think, nothing else mattered. Suddenly he broke through the waterline, lungs filling with air in one desperate gulp, his ribs felt broken and screamed in protest but it had to be ignored.
An arm had found its way to the edge of the newly formed lake. With all his remaining might, Vegeta pulled himself onto shore, coughing violently as water exited his lungs in a harsh bid to acquire yet more oxygen. Finally, he felt his head fall to one side, his chest still heaving.
"Fools," he barely managed from his mouth, blood freshly leaving his lips to stain his chin once again. "I'll only... get... stronger."
With those words, Vegeta passed out, his head falling to the ground as his eyes rolled into his head, bringing him finally into unconsciousness.
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"Who are you?" Vegeta asked, looking at the figure standing before him. He couldn't see his face, it was hidden in darkness from him.
The figure didn't answer. He looked almost human, from the neck down. Black baggy pants, strange yellow boots, and a blue jacket adorned the figure.
Vegeta felt his frustration cresting, closing his fist angrily as he looked at the figure.
"Answer me!"
"We've got important things to discuss."
The response was in his mind, he almost collapsed in agony from even the slightest whisper of its words. Hands moved to his head as he tried to concentrate again, looking up at him.
"Where am I?"
"I can't really explain that. Just listen up alright?"
Vegeta felt his teeth grinding as he finally began to adjust to the pain as this thing spoke to him. He would not be intimidated by a mysterious figure, and he would be answered.
"Answer me!" he repeated again, before looking around.
They were in almost complete darkness, he couldn't see a thing beyond the frame of this man. Stranger yet, when he looked down he realized his clothes were intact, completely unharmed, and his body completely uninjured.
"Where is Zarbon!?" he shouted, looking about.
"Not here, and not related as to why I called you."
Vegeta turned, scowling at the stranger.
"Why are you here then?" Vegeta asked coldly, knowing full well that wasn't whoever this was real name. He hated cryptic fools.
"Well, simple truth is I can't be there. But, I need you, Vegeta, to do something."
Vegeta felt confused, this was becoming tiresome for the saiyan warrior. To him, this place meant nothing, it was a dark empty world.
The figure seemed to realize it, and tried to make almost a motion towards Vegeta.
"There is a blue haired woman named Bulma, you need to save her."
"Save?" Vegeta snarled. "And even if I knew who, why do I care?"
"Because if you don't save her, you'll die, and you'll never get a chance to obtain immortality."
What did that even mean? It was vague. It offered nothing to him, no facts, nothing to go on. Growling Vegeta stepped forward, attempting to form an energy blast, only to find his hand wouldn't respond.
"Look, there are a bunch of things going on right now, let's just say that things aren't where they are supposed to be. But at the end of the day your main concern is with the guy whose not supposed to be on Namek at all. If he hurts, or kills Bulma-"
Vegeta scoffed, rolling his eyes a second later.
"And who is he?" he asked, crossing his arms and staring at the figure with amusement.
This must have all been a dream, that was it. He was really back on Namek, right now, this void of nothingness would be forgotten as soon as he awakened.
The figure seemed to struggle, his body beginning to fizzle. He dropped to one knee in agony, he even felt its pain. The pain was real, as he started to feel it in his own mind. He saw the legs dissolving rapidly from the stranger. Two blue eyes stared back at him through the darkness.
"Turles."
Turles? That was a saiyan name.
In front of him, the man had become less and less real. Somehow Vegeta began to think that this was real, this wasn't just a dream. Instead, it was the dying light of a life that now, never was.
Behind the man, as he faded into oblivion, he heard a dark chuckle. Looking up and narrowing his eyes, he only saw one thing... A Namekian? That frame, even in the darkness Vegeta began to recognize it.
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The world was cold again, a familiar feeling of being surrounded by cool liquid.
He didn't dare open his eyes, feeling the energies around him. Zarbon and Frieza. He could feel their eyes staring into the tank. If he decided to play being awake, they'd get started, and he'd rather live to become immortal.
"Alert me when he wakes," Frieza orders. "Make sure he is alive as well. I wish to discuss things with Vegeta privately about our differences."
Frieza's remark was a terrifying threat if Vegeta ever heard one. Even a minute alone with that sadist would be a lifetime's agony. He had to escape and be intelligent about it. That meant he couldn't just go off and try and kill Zarbon and Appule right here. He'd have to bide his time and feign injury.
Feeling Frieza leave the room, he began hearing Zarbon speak to Appule.
"Make sure he is ready, soon. We will both be very dead unless he can reveal the location of the two missing Dragon Balls," Zarbon ordered.
"Of course, Commander Zarbon!" Appule responded.
So, that was why they were keeping him alive. This was too good, he already felt his power increasing every moment he remained in this pool. It was his destiny to be the most powerful being in the Universe, and once Immortality was his, his power would grow ever faster. In fact, Frieza may even help with that when the fool would tried to kill him.
The dream he had was still near the top of his mind, it had to have been a dream, there were only three saiyans left now, four if you counted Kakarot's brat. He didn't know anyone named Turles, so it must have been a dream. And even then, why the hell would a human matter to his wish? It must have been a dream.
Still, he heard that snivelling fool Appule walking about the room, he could contemplate his dreams later. For now, he needed to contemplate how to kill Appule quickly and make a distraction. Ideas began to flood into his mind.
Punch a hole to the outside of the ship, after blowing Appule away. That way, Frieza would be convinced he escaped from the hull breach.
"Zarbon is going to torture you to death for that Dragon Ball information, Vegeta. It'll be great fun to watch."
Watching you die in a few seconds will be great fun to watch. Vegeta thought angrily.
He'd already determined his plan, these fools wouldn't know what hit them. Opening his eyes, he stared at Appule, powering himself up as he formed a blast in his hands. Appule stood there, completely terrified, so much so he couldn't even move.
The ship rumbled once he released the blast, the glass around him shattered in all directions as the liquid burst from the tank. Appule's body was blown in half, his torso hitting the wall before landing dead on the ground, his fluids mixing with those of the healing tank.
Ironic Vegeta thought as he gave a half smile, stepping over the body.
Now, it was time to make the distraction. Pointing his hand towards the hull of the ship, he unleashed another attack, this time blasting a hole clear through the side of medical bay 1.
Feeling Frieza and Zarbon's powers rushing towards the bay, Vegeta of course knew where to go. Taking off the other way, blasting through the halls, he found himself in Frieza's Bridge. Sitting there in the middle of the room was of course, the most prized possessions in the universe at that time, the Dragon Balls. The four balls sat there, glinting. Vegeta felt a grin creep across his face.
He noticed Zarbon floating about outside like a complete fool, and knew his best method of escape.
Forming a blast-wave in his hand, he moved to the door leading to the bridge, firing the blast down the ship's main corridor.
Next he blasted a hole in the glass at the bridge, Vegeta knew exactly what to do, throwing Dragon Ball after Dragon Ball through the gap made by the energy blast. He leaped from the craft a second later, rushing to hide behind a set of boulders as Zarbon took to the air.
"VEGETA! Vegeta you bastard come out!"
"Zarbon!" Frieza shouted. "Find him! Now!"
Vegeta knew full well if they saw him try to fly away, he'd be finished in quick order. Smiling deviously he walked into the water. They'd never even bother checking the water for miles, at least not until it was too late.
How am I this good?
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Five of the Seven Dragon Balls were in his grasp now. Vegeta gazed down at the four he'd just collected from Frieza.
Soon Frieza, soon I will be the master and you the fool, kneeling at the feet of the Prince of all Saiyans!
His thoughts paused however, feeling an energy signature jetting through the skies above. Looking up, Vegeta's eyes found themselves looking at the human named Krillin. His suspicions were correct, the humans and Raditz were here!
Excellent, he'd acquire his revenge upon them as well. Today was going perfectly as far as he could tell. Firstly he'd acquired 5 of the 7 Dragon Balls. Secondly, his power had increased to new heights. And soon, and most importantly, he'd get his revenge upon Frieza, Zarbon, Kakarot, Raditz, and all the others!
Laughing, power began to burn around his body.
He didn't care that Krillin's power had increased significantly, it didn't mean anything, the midget was finished as soon as they made contact, then it'd be just one Dragon Ball to go!
Behind him however, he felt a new power following him, but it was strangely familiar.
Zarbon, excellent. I'll get to show him the true power of the saiyans! That fool will think me as weak as our last encounter. I'll leave enough of him around to feed the carrion I'm sure.
Grinning, Vegeta felt a confidence and certainty that he'd not had in years. He would achieve immortality.
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Something was off, it wasn't right, there was another power ahead, just as large as Krillin's, perhaps a bit larger, it was when the human's power level came crashing down to near nothing he knew it was off. There was another fighter there.
Landing on both feet, his body flexing forward he noted the white caped figure, standing over top of the downed human. There was a smile plastered across his face as well. But this wasn't just any man standing there, it was a saiyan. The saiyan armour was a dead give away, but the biggest give away was that Vegeta knew this saiyan already.
Kakarot?
The warrior stopped his assault, just as the blue haired woman began to shriek, looking utterly terrified. Were she not completely terrified, he was sure she'd look more attractive, for the time being it sounded like some kind of animal was being tormented to death.
"Be silent woman!" both he and "Kakarot" said at the same instance.
It was then that he noticed something, there were two Dragon Balls here. One in Turles's left hand, the other laying against the side of a Namekian hill.
The familiar figure turned his head to him, smirking arrogantly.
Yes, something was very, very wrong. Kakarot had a kind of obnoxious innocence, a child-like demeanour, and this saiyan certainly didn't share those traits. He could see the savagery, and perhaps even a shade of madness behind his eyes. He was dealing with a saiyan elite, but beyond the darkness he could almost taste in his energy signature, it was very similar to Kakarot's.
"Ah, Vegeta. I was wondering when you would show up, where are the rest of our Dragon Balls?" he asked.
What? How did he know that?
"I am guessing you managed to steal those four from Frieza rather easily, no one ever gave the pink lizard credit for an over abundance of brains."
So, he wasn't working for Frieza, at least there was that. How did he know who he was, however? This was all too strange. However, their brief chat had confirmed something with him, he was certainly not Kakarot, not only was his voice significantly different, but his attitudes.
"Our Dragon Balls you say?" Vegeta responded. "I don't think you understand who you are speaking with. I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans."
"Of course, the Prince of all saiyans," he got the response. "However, I broke my ties with monarchy some time ago. You must forgive me Prince Vegeta if I am unused to the formality."
Oh, so this saiyan wasn't on side then?
"What is your name?" Vegeta remarked.
There was an arrogant smile from Turles as he bowed his head slightly in response. It was the posture that Vegeta knew displayed confidence, certainly in his own ability. If he was who he thought, there was every reason to display that confidence.
"My name is Turles,"
Vegeta felt himself freeze as the name was spoken, it sent a shiver through his whole body. Turles? No, but it was just a dream! There was no way he'd had some premonition, was there?
"Because if you don't save her, you'll die, and you'll never get a chance to obtain immortality."
The words reverberated through his mind as he stared dumbstruck at Turles, who was just entertained by his response.
"I see you've heard of me, Prince Vegeta. I'm glad my reputation precedes me."
How was this possible? He looked just like Kakarot, his energy was like his. But worse, how was it that he'd been warned of his being here, and he was told to save a woman? But why? What importance was there in saving... a...
He saw the terrified girl behind Turles and just blinked. Those eyes, they were the same eyes.
"I think you brought us a guest, Vegeta," Turles then remarked, chuckling. "Be quick about him however, I have a proposal to make when you get the opportunity."
Zarbon landed behind him.
"What's this? Two of the missing Dragon Balls? And another monkey?" he asked.
Turles visibly sneered towards Zarbon.
"Watch your place, lackey. Or you'll learn what happened to that fat pink idiot first hand," the wind blew past the three warriors as the remarks were laid out.
Zarbon blinked at the remark and noted how the fighter stood. He also had a scouter, so he must have known what his power level was, he was completely intimidated.
"So you hid away one of your kind all these years, Vegeta? Is that why is he here, has he been the one helping you?"
Vegeta sneered at the remark, as if he needed help to take Frieza down, or Zarbon.
"Hardly, I didn't even know who he was until a few moments ago. However, I can tell his power is absolutely immense. Especially if he's the one who killed Dodoria," Vegeta said, smirking. "I remember feeling Dodoria die... whoever killed him was over twice as powerful as Dodoria. Which means by your standards Zarbon, he might have a power level over 40,000."
Zarbon felt himself become nauseous. No, how could that be? 40,000? Vegeta didn't seem intimidated at all, but he knew far better than that. This might have been a monkey trick they'd worked out together!
Vegeta could tell from Zarbon's face that he was nervous and sceptical all at once. Vegeta knew the bounds of his own power, and knew showcasing it in front of a potential enemy of real worth was to be avoided if at all possible.
"I'm tempted to leave him to you Turles," Vegeta offered, stepping aside.
"You are too kind Vegeta, but I insist," Turles responded. "After all I cannot deny you your revenge. Zarbon did crush about a day ago, didn't he?"
Vegeta growled, closing his fists before turning to Zarbon. Fair enough, his pride demanded blood for blood against Zarbon. Of course, he'd have to keep his eye on the woman, losing eternal life over killing a green weakling was hardly his idea of good.
Behind him, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable however as he heard Turles say something.
"Now then girl, I think you and I need to talk about 'human' anatomy. Indulge me would you?"
Turning his attention forward, Vegeta started to raise his own power. He had no patience for Zarbon buying time. He'd find out whoever this messenger was after he'd achieved eternal life, he would either destroy him or reward him depending on how irritating this became.
"Transform Zarbon, let's get this over with," Vegeta ordered.
Zarbon just snickered.
"I won't give up my beauty to win a predetermined battle, fool. There is no way you could have recuperated entirely from our last battle by now. You are finished," he said while grinning to himself.
What a fool. Was all Vegeta thought to himself.
Zarbon's movements were fast, extremely fast for a warrior with a power of around 22,000. His fist shot past where Vegeta had once stood, finding himself hanging over Vegeta's knee. Vegeta had slammed it into him the instant he came into range.
"I told you," Vegeta said through grit teeth. "To transform, you worthless waste of bones and teeth!"
With that, Vegeta kicked him away with the same knee he'd just been lurched over. Zarbon hit the cold hard ground, rolling onto his back. He could see Zarbon's chest heaving as he lay there on the ground, trying to catch his breath.
"Somebody help me!"
The woman was screaming again, just great. How was she important? He still didn't understand all of this. Did it tie into the Dragon Balls somehow? Or that dark looming figure at the end of the dream?
While Vegeta had been distracted in his own thoughts however, Zarbon's frame bulked up, increasing in size before his face twisted back into the monster.
"This is what you wanted Vegeta, prepare yourself!" he laughed.
Vegeta just ticked on one side of his face, before spitting on the ground.
"You are still nothing Zarbon, and you will be nothing."
Laughter bellowed from Zarbon before he prepared himself for his assault.
"Oh Vegeta, you are truly a fool. After I am done with you I will kill that other saiyan trash over there!"
The lack of fear on Turles's part was so great he didn't even respond.
Within seconds Zarbon and Vegeta had clashed, their auras extending out around their bodies as the two collided. Each one of them throwing punches and kicks towards the other in a bid for dominance.
There was another scream from below.
Vegeta's attention turned to the scene below, trying to find out what was going on. His eyes opened with shock. It wasn't her life in danger, at least not yet. Just what the hell was wrong with this warrior?
Down below he saw Turles holding the woman up by her neck, speaking, he couldn't hear what was said, but the playful flicking of his tail back and forth behind him told Vegeta it couldn't be good.
Distracted, Zarbon finally landed a good blow, the hit came as a surprise to Vegeta as his head snapped backwards and sent him listing to the side.
That is it.
Vegeta flipped about in the air, blasting towards Zarbon at full speed, putting his power into his left fist as he approached. Zarbon's response was to throw a kick towards Vegeta, but instead all he found was a energy enhanced punch landing in his head, directing him down. With a cruel landing in the rock-face nearby, right next to Turles, Zarbon groaned as he tried to get up.
Turles stopped as a few bits of rock hit him in the back. His head turned coldly, almost like a machine as he looked down at the desperate and now clearly injured Zarbon.
"Vegeta," Zarbon uttered angrily, trying to bring himself up.
"You worthless waste of life," Turles said, his hand still gripping Bulma's neck like an iron vice. Zarbon looked up at the saiyan warrior as energy began to flow through his free arm, pointing down at him, his cape bustling around him as his power rose.
Zarbon's eyes widened at what he saw, the purple energy growing several times.
"I was trying to talk to this woman," Turles said, as if it was a crime he'd been even inconvenienced by Zarbon.
"Turles!" Vegeta shouted. "He's mine! Back off!"
Turles stopped, the blast, smiling at Zarbon. Behind that face Vegeta could see that Turles was absolutely overjoyed to have been left to his own devices again.
I'll have to finish this quickly.
"Well, isn't it your luck day? Vegeta just gave you an extra few seconds of life," Turles chuckled, before turning back towards his prey.
"Now then, I've heard some very interesting things about humans from one of my friends. I'd like to see how true it is."
Vegeta heard the words, and knew exactly what the other warrior was alluding to. So, he was going to try and take the woman by force? He suspected the alternative for her, beyond cooperation, was death.
When Vegeta landed in front of Zarbon, he could tell the idiot was going to start something long winded.
"Vegeta! Frieza will be-"
The words didn't finish. Without being able to follow him, Vegeta's fist slammed into his stomach, breaking through the armour and plunging into the flesh. Blue blood leaked from the wound profusely, dripping onto the ground below.
"Wait. Vegeta. I was just following orders. Don't... Don't kill me," Zarbon begged, his hands shakily reaching out, grabbing Vegeta to hold himself up.
"I think not Zarbon, after all the history we have together I think we can discuss this further in Hell."
"No! Vegeta please!"
Powering up his fist, Vegeta blasted Zarbon through the belly, blowing his insides out. Messy shreds of steaming intestine leaked from the body of the hulking alien, before the sheer force of the wave sent his carcass flying towards the water.
Vegeta stopped, smirking to himself, before turning towards the other issue at hand. So, it was back to dealing with this Turles, Kakarot's lookalike, which he'd have to clearly handle carefully. He was not only powerful, perhaps as powerful as himself, but also had a Dragon Ball, something he couldn't afford to lose right now.
"But at the end of the day your main concern is with the guy whose not supposed to be on Namek at all. If he hurts, or kills Bulma-"
Why?
Turles at this point, had started to rub his hand along Bulma's neck, making the human squirm.
"Soft, just like one would expect. You people are almost a mirror image of the saiyans. Just as I thought. A weaker reflection, but..."
"I'm done with Zarbon. We have business to discuss," Vegeta cut in.
Turles clearly looked irritated, turning his head to Vegeta. In his grasped ahead of him, the human was clearly labouring madly for breath, trying to think of a way out of her situation.
"Please, let me go."
It was ignored, and even if it wasn't, it was just going to make Turles angrier.
"Vegeta, can't you see I'm busy?" Turles responded. "Give me a moment and-"
Bulma, Vegeta noticed, twisted her head down as much as she could, and bit his hand that currently pressed against her chin.. Turles's face looked stone cold in that moment, no longer the arrogant pose he'd put on before that.
Stupid woman.
Any saiyan he knew, would immediately break the neck of whatever just bit them, especially when they were at their mercy. What the hell was he supposed to say now? 'Turles, please don't kill this one, she's somehow linked to my eternal life because of some crazy dream where this was predicted?' it sounded event ridiculously to Vegeta.
"That wasn't very nice," Turles observed. Bulma tried to scratch him next. "I think you should save that for once we get to know one another better, don't you?" he laughed.
Grabbing her right hand with his left, he broke her wrist and dislocated the elbow in the same motion. What had been a struggle turned into an agonized scream. Finally dropping her, all Bulma could do was try and hold her badly injured limb, her fingers twitching as she tried her best to cope with what had just happened. Tears flowed from her eyes as she began to sob.
"My hand," came the whimper.
"That is the least of your concerns," Turles said, pointing his hand down at her, preparing the final execution. "I don't like it when my prey doesn't play by the rules."
Bulma's head turned upwards, tears still freshly flowing down her face. Clearly the woman was scared and in pain, and worse, was about to get killed.
"Turles!" Vegeta finally barked. The younger saiyan turned his head back towards Vegeta.
"Yes, Prince Vegeta? Am I damaging property of yours?" Turles asked, clearly amused.
Vegeta just shook his head, but still looked disgusted by the display. This creature before him was even more twisted than himself.
The saiyan Prince had lived a life where he only benefited, or generated joy, from the pain and suffering of others in his own stead. He'd killed families in front of one another, destroyed cities, even planets. What he was watching now however was vile because of the personal invasion of it. This warrior looked like Kakarot but he was his complete opposite, it even unsettled Vegeta.
"No, she's not mine. Who cares about the blasted woman?" Vegeta said. "You said you wanted to come to an agreement before?"
Turles pulled his hand away, ignoring Bulma, clearly his mood changing. Business before pleasure, obviously.
"The Dragon Balls offer three wishes. I have a simple proposal. We unite our Dragon Balls, and we both get our wish, for Eternal Life," Turles suggested. "Then we can destroy Frieza."
Vegeta stood there, looking at the devil and his offer. If they could both have eternal life, he failed to see why this would be a problem. Neither would be able to destroy one another, and of course, there was the added fact that Turles's Dragon Ball was right here, right now.
There was no guarantee that he could defeat Turles, and if he was right that they would receive three wishes, then it only made sense to combine their efforts. If, what Turles said, was true.
"How do I know you're telling me the truth about the number of wishes the Dragon offers, Turles?"
Turles seemed to think for a moment.
"Simply put, you don't. I was given the information from another source as well. But even if there is only one wish, we can still wish for Eternal Life for both of us," he reasoned. "I would rather not want to kill one of the few saiyans alive if I didn't have to Vegeta."
Vegeta picked up the one star ball, noting Turles grin, picking up his own Dragon Ball.
Bulma was quivering at his feet, she looked up at him, as if somehow knowing her safety was thanks to him. It made Vegeta uncomfortable even, as the woman, despite her pain and tears, was radiating relief, and it was directed towards him.
"Th-th-thank you," she said quietly.
Turles just smirked at the gratitude Vegeta was shown, before blasting up into the air.
"Oh look its grateful, are you sure she isn't one of yours?" Turles teased.
"Let's go, shall we?" the prince sighed.
Vegeta looked down at the woman briefly.
I still fail to see how she could be linked to me at all.
"Consider yourself lucky, and stay out of my way," Vegeta then said, taking off into the air after Turles.
"Lead the way, Prince Vegeta,"
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The two saiyans flew through the skies, heading towards the village of Tsuno.
"You called me Kakarot earlier. The humans back there referred to me as Goku, why is that?" Turles asked bluntly.
"You look identical to another saiyan, a weak willed spineless coward from Earth named Kakarot. The Earthlings sometimes refer to him as Goku," Vegeta said.
To Vegeta, the resemblance was too remarkable, they had to be related. If they were related, that also meant that of all the saiyans alive, he was the only one not directly related to another one.
Without much warning, Vegeta halted in the sky, Turles with him.
"What is it Vegeta? Is this where you put the Dragon Ball?" Turles questioned.
"No, I felt something," Vegeta said, looking about, trying to detect the presence again.
There was definitely someone out there, he could almost taste them in the air. So close to the Dragon Ball, he couldn't risk someone spotting them.
"Come out!" Vegeta shouted. "Or I'll blast you out!"
Turles clicked his scouter, looking for a sign of anyone.
"The fact you rely on that primitive device is disgraceful," Vegeta commented.
Turles scowled back at him, but the two stopped a second later as a voice shouted out.
"Wait!"
Gohan, Kakarot's son, emerged from behind a pile of rocks, before jumping on top of a nearby hill.
"That kid looks like me," Turles remarked.
"That is the son of Kakarot," Vegeta responded to him.
The look of amusement Vegeta saw appear across Turles's face made him smirk as well. Vegeta hated to admit it, but despite this one being a bit of a sick puppy, it was good to have another saiyan around who actually acted like a saiyan.
Zipping down, the two saiyans landed in front of Gohan, who was standing there in complete shock.
"Daddy?" he asked.
Turles didn't say anything, instead giving a crooked smile.
"Boy, what are you doing all the way out here?" Vegeta asked.
"Uhm. I was. Dad why are you with Vegeta?" Gohan asked in return, not answering Vegeta's question.
"Vegeta and I are working together now, son."
Gohan seemed confused by the voice, and then took a closer scrutiny of his attire. The kid wasn't smart, in Vegeta's estimation, but he wasn't as stupid as Kakarot. He was sure Kakarot would be asking why he was beating himself up if Turles fought him.
"You aren't my father!" Gohan declared, looking angry at the attempted deception.
The boy was now clearly frustrated, but Vegeta had to admit that wasn't anything to be sad over. The child was Kakarot's blasted offspring. If anything, he wanted to leave a grim message for Kakarot.
"Too true, but I must say the resemblance between us is astounding. You are a saiyan alright."
Gohan then noticed the Dragon Balls, even the direction they had come from.
"You... You killed Krillin didn't you?!"
Vegeta blinked, had they killed the bald little rat? He looked over to Turles questioningly.
"Did you kill the bald one, I forget?" Vegeta questioned.
Turles smirked. "No, I completely forgot, I was about to when you got there, and then got distracted by that human girl. Oh well, its not like shorty can do anything."
Gohan looked like he was about to snap, which would have been entertaining for Vegeta of course.
So far, today was going better than expected. He was going to become immortal, Frieza would be dead by his hand, and soon.
"So tell us kid, what are you doing out here?" Turles asked.
He didn't respond, just glaring at the two of them.
"You know, we saiyans have to stick together," Vegeta remarked, smiling down at Gohan.
Gohan winced before Vegeta placed his hand on his head.
"There are so few of us left, we are almost all like brothers, the last of the saiyan people."
Of course, Vegeta also had a message for Gohan to give Kakarot.
Within a heartbeat he'd driven his knee into the body's sternum. Gohan fell to the ground quivery in pain.
"Leave that message to Kakarot for me," Vegeta scowled, before planting his foot on Gohan's head, grinding his heel for a moment.
"I like your style," Turles laughed. "But enough play, either kill him or move on, I want to make my wish already, and so do you."
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Vegeta felt excitement running through his veins as he dived into the water. This was it, the last Dragon Ball. Soon he would have all he desired and more. His eyes scanned the depths of the lake he'd dropped the ball into, looking over barren rock at almost every stretch. But... there was no Dragon Ball.
Where was it?!
That Dragon Ball had to be around this area somewhere, just where he left it. Currents could only take it so far in such a small body of water. He'd scoured the whole thing! But where was it?!
He felt the oxygen escape his lungs.
The Kid! He'd been close by, probably coming from this direction!... And all those Namekian bodies up there were buried! It must have been him! He had the Dragon Ball with him!
The water began to bulge at the surface with his strength swelling to the surface. He launched himself upwards.
With a roar Vegeta burst from the water. An aura brimming around him.
"What's going on Vegeta, where is the Dragon-" Turles didn't finish his question as a blue aura exploded around Vegeta.
In a second he took off, waves blasting out from under his flight, he was so mad he couldn't even think straight.
"I'll get you for this! You won't escape my Wrath!"
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A/N: Something a little less Raditz focused. Next Chapter is a huge one as well. I hope you enjoy.
Coldblue: Well. Where to begin?
The power levels are all decided before battles or events, but its just not a relevant thing for the reader to know after the Frieza saga.
A better question will be, in regards to Vegeta and Raditz, when they meet, will they need to fight? Remember, Namek isn't necessarily the best place to resolve differences given the other sharks in the water.
In regards to Guru. I figured the elder namek would sooner grant Raditz the ability to drown himself. :P Wait and see, lol
Raditz has a preference to wear armour, as does Turles and Vegeta, if given an opportunity he would wear armour again, and probably wear pants.
Dark Impaler:Turles isn't nearly as... sentimental as Raditz.
Treeger: There is lots more. MOAR. I'm writing so many chapters ahead, but I still have a mountain to climb :( lol
AlphaShenron: An irony not lost on me. lol
Gogglegirl: But the Catalyst just wants to be everyone's friend :D
Full Power: I think you'll ike chapter 19. :P