Dragon Ball Z: The Catalyst

by Drakthul

Catalyst: a person or thing that precipitates an event or change. A traditional encounter is changed, and begins a series of events which will alter the fate of millions. From the beginning of the Saiyan Saga forward. Rated T for violence and themes.

60. Chapter 60: The Ambush

Disclaimer, in case it wasn't obvious. I don't own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or really any other property. Thank you.

The Cataylst

Act IV

Chapter 60:

Vegeta:

The tower of muscle that had been walking towards him a moment before disappeared in a flash of moment as Kakarot arrived. The fact this was Raditz's plan left Vegeta scornful, as if it was going to work. The only reason he'd even agreed to it, was because he was going to get to be the first one into battle. Though part of him realized this was likely by design, given Raditz wouldn't have minded seeing him dead. The disappointment the third class Saiyan felt most assuredly was something he relished in as he'd given the Namekians something to chase.

"Lord Slug!" one of the green incompetents shouted, preparing to take off after him.

"Don't, Shell," the biggest remaining of the four gestured his arm to him. "Lord Slug does not need our help with that one, nor could you do anything about it. We were tasked with breaking this one and bringing him to Slug."

Walking forward towards him, the largest of them, the one he knew was the strongest, stood in front of him like an imposing block.

"I'll take care of this myself," he then called back to the others before giving a dark grin back to Vegeta. "No being on this planet has been enough to stop me yet. It'll finish my collection."

There was a brief second where Vegeta paused, knowing just how powerful this thing was. Assuming his defensive stance, Vegeta took a small step back. He was looking for signs of motion or movement in the street beyond his own. The last thing he needed was to fight this one, and the other three. The big one alone was already too much. Even his pride wasn't so great for him to think he could beat this one alone. That was part of the plan though, wasn't it? The other three would get taken care of first.

Still no motion.

"Collection of what?" Vegeta scoffed. "A collection of stupid allies and broken plans? Or your collection of failures?"

A quiver of anger moved through the Namekian's lip as he took another step forward. It was enough to get Vegeta to grin himself. The panic in the street from humans fleeing in all directions was going to be an issue for the Namekian and Kakarot, Vegeta knew. Part of him was tempted to blow the city up to prevent the moral hazard others would face. Truth be told, he hadn't expected to end up fighting in a city like this. The Namekian leader, Slug, probably had done this by design.

Clever.

"A collection of victories over this planet's fighters. I've already crushed two other Saiyans, and a Namekian. I recognize that armour, you are not a local by any means. You are another transplant. I am going to enjoy claiming my final victory, before I present your body to Lord Slug himself."

"Oh yes, the others. The band of weaklings and incompetents that they are. You have no idea who your up against do you? Are you prepared, Namekian? Have you prepared yourself to fight the Prince of All Saiyans?" Vegeta challenged, letting his power start to rise to the surface.

The blue aura around him materialized as energy began to pour into his body. With a roar, Vegeta let his power begin to climb towards its peak. Windows along the street shattered, as the city boomed with the explosions of Kakarot and Slug's confrontation outside of the street. The blue aura around him almost shrieked as the collection of his power came to near completion. The blue flame around his gloved hands seemed to burn the air around it before Vegeta returned to his full stance, putting his fist forward menacingly towards the Namekian, who had crossed his arms and tilted his head back as he'd watched the display.

"You know, I was almost worried for a moment," the Namek responded. "But I, Achatin, commander of Lord Slug's Guard, and master of the Namekian arts of war, am nowhere near impressed by you, Prince Vegeta."

Before they could engage however, a winding sound filled the air. Achatin looked puzzled before he turned around, seeing a Namekian arm grab one of his comrades.

"Wh-what?!" one of the others barked, before his body was violently pulled back as Piccolo's arm dragged him in.

"Colchico!" another shouted as the other two prepared to give chase, only for both to go flying back as Raditz's form blurred into view for only a brief moment, before taking off after the other two.

A snarling growl escaped the gigantic Namekian in front of him as he turned his attention back to Vegeta. Before he'd even had the chance, Vegeta had already unleashed his first attack, throwing a ki wave into his enemy. Throwing his hands forward in rapid fashion, machinegunning shots out in rapid succession, the orbs of golden energy slammed into where his opponent stood, blast after blast detonated as the gas vein on the street burst, buildings exploding as the ground itself caught fire in the midst of the attack. Asphalt and dirt scattered and blasted out into all directions as the hole where Achatin once stood got deeper and deeper with every incoming blast.

With his hand forward, and breathing heavily, Vegeta narrowed his eyes on the smoke cloud in front of him as it billowed upwards. As it cleared, Vegeta felt his own eye twitch as the figure was left floating there exactly where he'd been, and was unscathed.

"The Prince of All Saiyans," Achatin grumbled, squaring up with him before blurring out of Vegeta's view.

He's fast.

He'd completely lost him; the speed was just too fast. Only traces of his energy told Vegeta where he could have been. Before he could even hope to back away, Vegeta felt the front of his armour get grabbed before he was yanked into the air, before he felt Achatin's fist slam into his face. As if it were made of cardboard, his armour's front tore off as his body was sent blasting back. The ground tore up beneath him from the full force of the hit as he trailed down the street, car alarms and people screaming before his body smashed through the bottom floor of a hotel into a lobby. Landing on his hands and feet, Vegeta dragged himself to a halt as he tore through the reception desk.

Breathing heavily, he saw the giant appear in front of him again, fist already prepared to strike.

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Son Goku:

Keeping the big man off his balance was his best chance. Even right now after only a few moments of them engaging, Goku knew exactly how overmatched he was. After the first few blows were exchanged, he was already on a backfooting. The real thing he needed to do was get this guy, and everyone else, out of the city. The last thing they needed was for the entirety of Coast City to get annihilated by a battle between ten fighters. There was a tactical element to it that Goku understood as well. This guy was going to push to fight here, and probably had, knowing that it limited the possibilities of the Earth's warriors.

Jumping up as a huge leg swept around where he was, Goku saw the shockwave from the boot collapse in the building behind him and felt his heart pang with guilt. Leading them away was the only option here, and that meant he needed to find a way to keep this guy distracted. He'd not even started using the same amount of power they had in their first battle but he couldn't even touch him yet. This was bad considering the difference in strength he'd displayed before.

Leaping into the air, Goku took flight as he tried to aim for the skies, hoping to deflect the worst of the fighting to there, only to find the green faced alien had already appeared in front of him, it was barely enough time to stop. Throwing a punch, hoping to catch Slug off his game, Goku's hand shot straight past him as the Namekian dodged. In rapid succession Goku attacked. Elbows, kicks, punches, and knees. Each attack hit clear air or well-placed blocks. The melee continued for almost a hundred attacks before Goku felt his first get caught out of mid air. Seeing his chance, Goku launched his other hand out, trying to catch the large Namekian, only to find his other hand caught as well.

The Super Saiyan glow around his body thrummed as he tried to pull his arms free before he locked his gaze with Slug's, the Namekian seemingly more than amused. There was an amused chuckle from the Namekian before Goku just heard.

"Is that all you've got?"

With a brief show of even part of his real strength, Slug pulled Goku into him, shoving his knee into his stomach. The air was knocked out of him right away before two huge arms came down on his back, sending Goku spiraling back down towards the Earth, impacting into the street below. Half of his body was stuck in the ground as Goku felt himself surge with energy, blasting away the rubble around him, hanging upside-down for a split second, he already found his leg captured by Slug's hand. Kicking at him with his spare leg, Goku found the other foot caught as well.

"You really are a foolish one, aren't you? Yesterday you already didn't stand a chance, and now you want to fight Lord Slug in his prime?"

With both his legs captured, Goku prepared to start punching, only to find he was already flung across the city. His body broke through 10 buildings and streets before finally crashing through what appeared to be a fire station, his body ripping into the firetruck before it ironically, caught fire from his impact. Managing to pull himself up, Goku hunched over painfully. Looking up a second later, he could already see Slug walking through the rubble of the destruction his body had carved through the city.

What now? What am I going to do about this? He's faster and stronger and I can't even think of a way to attack him. He's picking me apart.

"It feels good to be young."

As soon as Slug voiced this, street in front of Goku caught fire as yellow bolts of energy shot from his eyes. The entire fire station exploded around him as he jumped to the side. Rolling into the street itself, Goku looked up to see Slug walk through the ruins of the building as if it wasn't even there.

Taking account of everything, he managed to develop a plan. He couldn't see what was coming if Goku didn't move, but he could instant transmission. The aura around his body intensified as Goku planned to make the most of the opening he had planned.

Plotting the course of his instant transmission, Goku appeared in front of Slug, already swinging out his punch. The Super Namek was stunned before the blow landed. Spit shot out of Slug's face as he inched backwards. Another punch connected with his gut, before Goku had swung around, trying to connect with a spinning back kick, only to find his foot was caught mid swing. Stunned, Goku looked back to see his caught foot and Slug holding it.

"That wasn't very nice," Slug scolded him before Goku felt among the most painful things in his life.

Swiftly and accurately, Slug kicked him between the legs in his genitals. The vision of the world tightened immediately, and he felt like he was about to vomit as he dry-gagged uncontrollably, before Slug spun him through the air and backhanded him into a nearby jewelry store. When his body lay back against a display in the window, he heard screams behind him from people cowering in the store.

"Get out," he warned weakly before an arm reached through from the outside, grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him back out into the street.

"Nothing quite like a little window shopping," Slug managed to dad joke.

Goku, despite the pain of it all, managed to grin at the comment.

That was actually pretty good-

Before he could respond further however, a harsh backhand hit him across the face, sending him flying out of the giant's grasp and skidding along the pavement. Rolling back several times, the Super Saiyan stopped on his back, trying to get back up. Managing to scramble to his feet, Goku felt a wave of speed roll over him, just in time for a massive punch to hit his stomach. The world almost ceased making sense as the air vacated his lungs and his insides screamed in agony. Spit and blood came out of his mouth as he gagged desperately only to be uppercut closed, his head reeling back as the world somehow became lighter. Before he could be launched back, Slug had already grabbed him by the front of his fighter gi, holding him in place despite the force and pulling him closer.

Barely looking at him, Goku blinked as Slug just grinned again.

"But wait, there's more."

Reaching back his arm, Slug moved into a swing as he cried out in a roar of battle fury.

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Raditz:

The two figures blasted through several stores as Raditz had double kicked them while they were intent on following and assisting their friend. Fighting two at once hadn't been the plan, but generally when your brother abandons the plan because it's not up to his standards, that throws a wrench in things. What his wayward sibling, Turles was planning on getting up to over the course of this fight, Raditz wasn't sure.

All he knew was it was annoying to have someone who was even less of a team player than Vegeta on his "team". Landing on the hard street beneath him in front of the last store the two had crashed into, Raditz kept his defensive stance. There was a problem with fighting in the city, namely that humans would get in the way of the fight. Even now they were fleeing the street like rats, and that meant they were probably going to get killed as soon as he started trading blows with these two. The other problem was the fact that these two were in all likelihood, stronger than he was. He'd sensed their fighting power, so this had now become a buy time venture. Without Turles getting himself involved, the whole thing was coming apart.

Why do you always have to be difficult?

When the first one emerged from the wreckage of the shop, he popped his helmet off, stepping forward, the other one did the same a few seconds later, they looked near identical with one another.

"An ambush," the first one to emerge remarked coolly. "Just like I told you, Shell."

"My apologies for not believing these creatures crafty enough. The only ones we'd fought so far were a variety of stupid. Who would have guessed they could learn?" Shell asked in response. "All I know, is you're going to save the kill for me, Staff. I want to pull this one's parts out myself, for the audacity of fighting us together."

Raditz's aura burned red a moment later as he narrowed his eyes on the two. He had a few options, but they were all bad, given they'd destroy the city. The Tuesday Firestrike was his best chance, but it'd kill everyone here. And though civilian causalities weren't his biggest concern, killing the entire city would look bad.

"Everyone, lure them away from the city."

Raditz heard the command from Kakarot and grumbled to himself.

"And how would you do that against two of them, Kakarot?" he muttered.

"I'm glad to see your not totally delusional," Shell remarked, beginning to move towards him. "How would you beat two of us?"

The other one, Staff, blitzed past his brother, launching into him with a hard kick. Raditz blocked just in time before the other one launched into him. Every attack was a blur of motion, punches and kicks striking out towards him. The coordination between the two was almost flawless. The two, fighting together, were fighting almost as one being. Every opening he thought he saw, rapidly turned into a trap to get around his guard. Raditz barely had time to launch himself back and up into the air amidst the onslaught. In a blur of motion however, they were already upon him again. It was overwhelming as the strikes came back around him in their fury.

After one block to another chop, Raditz felt the first major blow slip past, Shell's hand tore across his chest, opening four wounds across his chest before a kick landed in his back. Once the first blows broke through, his entire defense became almost impossible to handle. He needed space, and quickly. Two punches battered his face within a split second before one kicked him in the side of the abdomen, and the other kicked at his legs. The two blows sent him spinning in the air before the pair double drop kicked him back down towards the city.

Space.

Everything hurt already, but that was fine. They were in the sky, and launching after him. Pointing both his hands at them, he gathered his power as energy crackled down his arms. If there were two of them, they could have double the attacks.

Double Sunday!

The two beams blasted from his hands, lining up perfectly with the pair as they both halted just in time to raise their guards. Raditz saw it happen as well. The blasts went off in the sky in two huge explosions. Glass shattered beneath the blasts, and pieces of buildings chipped off and simply fell into the streets below. When Raditz hit the roof of a local mall, his body crashed through the ceiling before slamming into the tiled pathway inside.

Getting up immediately, he prepared to defend himself here, until he looked over at the shops around him. People were huddling inside of them, terrified clearly as to what was happening. Fighting here was going to be their death sentence, but moving would mean he'd drop his guard. The decision had to be made in that moment as to what he was going to do. Raditz opted to do the only thing he thought reasonable. He stayed, raising his guard as the two Namekians blasted through the ceiling after him, when their attacks connected with his guard, a shockwave blasted out, ripping the mall to pieces. Fragments of the building splintered off, sending shrapnel in all directions as the mall itself was almost annihilated as a freestanding structure. He didn't bother to look around him after the first blow, instead, blocking and dodging back as the building collapsed around them.

I need to catch them off guard.

Before he could even make the attempt, Shell had already broken through his guard again, connecting with a straight kick as he launched himself into him again. Blood shot out before Staff elbowed his abdomen a moment later, causing him to suck in the particle rich air before his body hit the ground. Growling and sitting up, he laboured as he held his abdomen, shaking off the damage so far.

Shit. They're learning my defense too.

Landing across from him the two Namekians both seemed far less threatened than before. Raditz wheezed once before spitting at the pair.

"Fight me one on one," Raditz lamely tried, getting back to his feet, raising his fist angrily, feeling blood on his chin.

"You ambushed us, you oaf," Shell chuckled. "I think I'm going to enjoy killing you."

Out of the corner of his eye, Raditz saw movement. For a second, he was worried that somehow Piccolo had lost, or that Vegeta was overwhelmed already. But when Shell suddenly blasted backwards, and a humongous crack exploded through the air as Turles's body appeared in the air, his leg extended in a kick, Raditz felt his heart skip, if only for a moment.

Finally, willing to play to the plan.

"Your plan still sucks, Raditz," Turles shouted before disappearing in a blur of speed.

Staff turned in shock, his eyes laced with fear as he prepared to charge after him. Seeing his chance, Raditz blasted forward, slamming his fist into his opponent's exposed side. The Namek cried out with surprise and pain as his body convulsed from the hit. Before he could respond further, he swung his arm out, connecting with his other fist into the alien's cheek.

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Turles:

Five buildings crumbled as Shell's body tore through them.

He'd been watching after his vehement disagreement with the plan. First, it was wrong to lure Slug into Kakarot. They were going to need to kill all the underlings first, but no, Kakarot insisted on challenging the monster with the power of a God for a second time. Then there was the fact that Vegeta was going to be fighting the big one. The one that had wounded him and nearly killed him. It was utterly disrespectful; especially given he was stronger than Vegeta. The Prince insisted however, making it all the more insulting to him. Because when he insisted otherwise, he was told "but we need you to stop the others".

Pathetic.

The Namekian pulled himself out of the rubble, his eyes peeled ahead with a mixture of fear and anger. A powerful aura started to resonate off of his body, bringing down several buildings nearby as his energy started to rise dramatically. Landing in front of him, Turles brushed some dirt off his arm while staring at his counterpart. Energy between the two sparked several times as Shell breathed in angrily, his fury overwhelming his fear.

That's the spirit.

"I can see your undeterred from our last encounter, Namekian. You know I wouldn't blame you if you just laid down and died. It'd be the easier path to take," he informed the other creature. "Though I must admit, I'm much happier that you've chosen the braver path. I like watching my prey squirm for their lives."

"Can you at least make this quick? You play with your opponents too much."

Feh, and you don't shut your mouth. Worry about you, and I'll worry about me.

"Prey?" the Namekian spat. "You think I'm sport to you? I am Shell! I am one of the greatest beings in the universe! I am a Super Namek!"

Feigning surprise, Turles gave several moments of pause before smirking. He didn't have too much time to play with his food. The last encounter they'd had, this thing had decided to murder his nephew and sister-in-law. These were things he'd taken some offense to. In fact, it was enough to make him genuinely angry. He'd decided that his nephew was his property, and the boy was the future of his species. The Saiyan race was one of the few things he cared about, beyond the fact his nephew was family.

"Well, I'd not noticed. But maybe you can show me what makes you so Super, Namekian? I've not seen anything so far. Maybe this time I won't humiliate you like back in the forest."

Throwing one arm at him, Shell's limb extended out, his fingers set to claw at him. Raising his forearm, it was simple enough to block the incoming shot as the Namekian flew into him at full speed, throwing his other arm out at the same time as a fist. The closed fist shot past his head as Turles stared down his adversary with little respect. Eye beams launched next as they were set to unite, side stepping them, the blasts tore through the city, blasting several blocks clear of any living thing as the eye beams annihilated everything in their path. A surprised look crossed the Namekians face as he landed in front of where Turles had been standing.

"Was that all?" Turles mocked before landing a brutal punch on the side of the Namekian's head, watching as the body dropped off his feet before scraping down the road on a long, drawn out roll. When it came to a complete stop, Turles waited several moments for a change.

Bursting with speed to a close proximity of the body, Turles's bare feet touched the ground before he started to walk towards the body, his torn slacks resting over the tops of his feet as he walked. Raising his hand, he looked at the downed body with disdain, preparing to unleash one final attack.

"I told you-" Turles was cut off as the Namekian's eyes flashed open, his mouth opening with a golden light emerging from his throat.

An immense blast of energy followed. The world around him turned gold as Turles shoved his hand forward to take the blast. Frantic bolts of electricity rippled through the air as transformers exploded across the city, even in the parts which hadn't been devastated yet. Unexploded cars ignited, and the ground trembled. The blast flowed around him as the ground was cleared away a dozen buildings exploded outwards against the blast, before what was left of them crumbled into ruins in the whirlwind of burning energy which had been unleashed.

As the light slowly subsided, Turles felt the tips of his fingers go numb for several seconds, before they returned to full life. They itched slightly, in all honest.

The Namekian started to chuckle for a moment until he looked clearly at Turles, seeing the non-effect his limited power had managed to achieve. Sweat poured down the alien's face as his eyes widened in complete horror and disbelief. He was grasping for words, and clearly was out of power, and out of ideas. Sadism without the power to back it, was always a foolish misstep. That was something Turles had learned a while ago.

The Saiyan was more than happy to pass that lesson on…

But he was out of patience.

Turles only had to tell him the truth.

"You singed my finger nails."

Energy gathered in the palm of his hand, a purple glow emerging already far brighter than the mouth blast he'd been assaulted with. Firing it a moment later, Shell was bathed in light, his body already evaporating. A howling scream echoed out over the city, louder than the blast itself, as his body was vaporized.

The blastwave rolled down the street, following the path of destruction his eyeblasts had left, only far worse. Whole blocks were annihilated, people and all. Frankly, Turles didn't care if they fought around the local population, any that were too stupid to leave, or too weak to survive, didn't deserve to anyway.

Look, I didn't even play with my food too long. Are you happy?

Looking up and over, Turles began sensing out the battlefield.

There you are.

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Vegeta:

Blood dripped from Vegeta's lip and brow before he felt himself smashed through another wall. Serious damage was starting to happen. His left arm was slowed, he could sense his head had experienced some trauma so far as well. That didn't even get into how brutalized his abdomen and chest were so far. Each blow had felt like he'd been getting hit by a comet. Worse, this bastard was so fast he could barely follow him. It was becoming incredibly clear why this one had beaten not only Raditz and Piccolo, but Turles as well. This level of strength was unnerving. Certainly, he was weaker than Frieza, but leagues above everyone else here, including Vegeta himself.

So far, he'd tried being clever to outdo his adversary, but that didn't mean anything when the assault was unrelenting. Even now, he'd only had a reprieve for several seconds as he breathed heavily, his back resting against a wall while his senses watched for this monster. This already half destroyed apartment was going to offer him little protection. Sensing the other battles nearby, nothing was going their way.

To die this way, a Saiyan Prince, on a backwater world to enemies undeserving to lick my feet… with allies undeserving to stand in my presence, how shameful.

A piece of the roof came collapsing in as the city rumbled once more as it was rocked with another explosion. Kakarot, the Legendary Super Saiyan… this… this was his power? Enough power to be stomped out by these green rejects? The legends who stood before them would have been ashamed.

With one more heavy breath, Vegeta shoved himself from the wall, honing his strength as he sensed Achatin making his approach from outside the building.

I will not bow to this Namekian garbage. If I'm going to be killed, I'll be killed with my pride at my side.

The wall collapsed next to him as Vegeta pounced into action as the bulky Namekian charged through. Landing his fist on the giant's face, a surprised look crossed the other warrior as his head shot back. Vegeta landed in front of him, stunning that the punch had done less than he'd expected. He hadn't even taken the creature off its feet. Before it could strike back, he got over his surprise, kicking it in the side before landing another blow on its stomach. The behemoth stumbled back before blocking his next strike, anger permeating its grunt before Vegeta slipped beneath his counterattack, kicking the other warrior in the stomach, before pulling up from his leg hanging in the abdomen of the Namekian. When his other foot shot up, he caught the hulk by the chin. Finally, it was enough.

The giant fell backwards, falling out of the apartment block, sailing towards the ground, and landing back first in the middle of the park nearby. Breathing heavily, Vegeta walked to the edge of the building to see where he lay.

The giant started to get up already, and Vegeta knew exactly what was going to be waiting for him on the other side of his recovery.

"A brave effort," the Namekian commented darkly. "But your punches and kicks are lacking. I think it's about time for you to die."

He barely had time to jump back as the Namekian appeared in front of him, his massive arm swiping towards him, cutting through the wall next to the opening he'd made before. His arm crashed into the ground where he'd stood only seconds earlier, the force of the blow sweeping past just there, hitting him with the force wave of the strike. He froze in the air, unable to move before Achatin charged him, grabbing him by the face and throwing him through the other side of the building.

Personal effects and wooden furniture tore apart on his connection with them and were dragged out of the building with him, being carried by the force of the throw. As he regained control over himself in the air, a massive elbow came striking down from above, colliding with his shoulder and neck before Vegeta felt himself helplessly falling to the ground level, his body smashing into the asphalt below.

When he looked up, there was no sign of Achatin above. Instead, the ground started to break apart down the street from him. Hopping to his feet, Vegeta dodged an arm ripping out of the ground near him, before another tore through the ground only a metre away, this time grabbing his foot. When it started to drag him, he grabbed hold of the road itself, realizing the danger he was in. His hand tore through the road as he was sucked in.

The arm tore him through the ground, ripping him through the earth at the speed of sound before he tore through the side of a building, and finally swung into the air in a massive arc, like someone snapping a whip, before he was brought face first down through another small business, blasting through the roof and into the corner store beneath. Looking at his foot, Vegeta still saw it being held, before he was sucked back out of the building, ripping through the front of the store before he was held upside down by the Namekian.

Coughing, he tried to catch his breath before a punch landed on his stomach from the free hand. A gag escaped him, before he was pelted into a nearby gas station. Fire licked around him within a second of his impact, as the entire station and its deposit of gasoline beneath it, exploded. The city caught fire now as Vegeta stumbled out of the flames, his knees almost buckling.

"If you aren't strong enough to stand," Achatin mocked. "Then fall."

Looking up, Vegeta saw the Namekian looming over him, his hand beginning to crackle with energy.

It was then that the street over from them exploded. A horrifying scream echoing out amongst the city. A power died within a second of the echo hitting them. A wall of purple energy lit the air from behind the buildings that shielded them from the full force of the blast, before they completely tore away. The wave of light then rolled into the street, with the full force of the shockwave and energy behind it. Before Achatin knew, Vegeta grabbed him and dove behind the Namek. When the wave hit, he could hear the sound of the giant's armour splitting and his suit burning as he roared in defiance.

When he climbed back to his feet, Vegeta just managed to turn to see the hulking Namekian standing there, defiant in the face of the blast.

"Brother," Achatin almost whispered. "I failed you."

One of theirs just died. Turles…

In front of Achatin, the blood-soaked clothing of Turles took form as his counterpart landed in front of the giant Namekian.

Look who decided to be mature and actually show up.

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Raditz:

Another blow caught his counterpart, at the same time as a fist hitting his own face, the two of them staggered back as they both breathed in heavily, looking for air. This was the kind of fight he could win. Staff was slowly circling him as well as they stood atop a massive building. So far, he'd managed to keep the battle to the air and heights, trying to at least in spirit, follow Kakarot's request. Still, for every blow he'd landed, this warrior had managed to land one in turn. He almost couldn't defend against him now; his only response could be offense.

Wiping his mouth of any blood with the back of his gloved hand, Staff stared back at him intensely.

"You can surrender," he offered. "I will be lenient. Lord Slug rewards powerful warriors who turn to his side, even not of our clan. I will vouch for you, and your power. Surely you realize you're no match for Lord Slug himself. These efforts are all futile."

That much was impossible to deny, but he was very certain Kakarot and Vegeta were not going to accept the rule of Lord Slug. Even himself, he was doubtful he could go back to merely serving a tyrant, which included people like his brother Turles, or his former Prince Vegeta. No, the offer however was interesting…

Slowly, Raditz lowered his guard, keeping a watchful eye on his adversary as he walked to the edge of the building. Peering over the side a moment later, he could sense the battles waging. Kakarot was being picked apart, the Namekian and his… Namekian opponent were locked in a battle to the death, and Vegeta was being defeated even more soundly thank Kakarot.

It wasn't that he was weighing his options, it was that he was trying to get a sense of how quickly he could turn this around.

Turning back to Staff, Raditz began to walk towards him, trying to keep himself reserved as he did.

"Alright, Green Man," Raditz said. "I don't see any reason in dying on this planet like this. I'll take you up on that offer."

His opponent warily lowered his own guard, though Raditz could see he was cautious, especially at the moment.

Before they could say anything else, the entire city was wracked with a massive blast. Purple energy lit up the sky as the building they were standing on shook violently. Pieces of the building itself seemed to fall away. The shaking got more violent for a second before finally it seemed to calm. The blast itself was immense and Raditz knew why. Turles had just finished off Shell, this cretons ally.

"Shell," Staff gasped, almost getting lost for a moment as his eyes turned to Raditz before he walked to the edge himself, looking back to Raditz before looking out over the edge towards the city.

There was a real pain there. It was the same pain he'd felt he suspected when he saw Gohan killed by Frieza. These fighters had a close connection to one another, just as he did with his own comrades. It was hard to view an opponent that way given his history. It was something he never dwelled on before. The pain was finally too much as Staff almost snarled.

"He killed him," he spat. "That Saiyan bastard killed him! My brother… My BROTHER!"

Turning towards Raditz abruptly, Staff's posture was that of a man looking to murder anyone he could get within reach. This was enough reason for Raditz to keep his distance.

"Turles, he's the one who killed your brother," Raditz said firmly. "Together, you and I may stand a chance at stopping him. Turles is a ruthless monster, far worse than Lord Slug. He's only been kept in check by Kakarot and his power."

The Namekian eyed him suspiciously.

"Turles?" he asked for confirmation, narrowing his gaze. "And how would you have us approach him?"

"I will lure him, he trusts me," Raditz said, taking several steps closer. "Then, when he least expects it…"

Focusing all of his power into one point at the end of his right fist, he powered his energy as rapidly as he could. Punching straight up, his fist tore through the Namekian's armour, into his chest cavity. Purple blood gushed out over his hand as he pulled back, leaving the Namekian breathless, literally, as both his lungs were punctured.

The look of betrayal on the Namekians face was too real.

"You and your brother are the ones who nearly killed my nephew," Raditz said coldly. "You won't miss your brother long."

Pointing his hand out as red energy crackled across his fingers again, Raditz shoved his hand inside the wound and let the power expand. Crimson energy saturated the entire form of the Namek before the world turned red itself, a wave of pure red energy scattering across the sky in a beam shooting out over the sea.

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Piccolo:

A quick exchange of blows always saw Piccolo on the losing side of it. Even now as he pulled forward his Demon Ken, he was behind in power, if only by a sliver. The exhaustion his body was beginning to experience was going to drive him to defeat, that was what was happening. Even blink of motion they matched, Colchico's white aura burning as his green aura clashed with each impact, they made to one another as their attacks scattered across the surface of the city. Each boom from each impact destroying streets, buildings, and cars.

Fighting in the city like this was a crime, but he couldn't draw him away. At every turn, Piccolo attempted to pull him from the city, which just lead to Colchico moving to disengage, meaning that he'd be getting an attack on Raditz, Vegeta, Turles, or Goku. Even if he couldn't beat him in the fight, Piccolo could buy time until the others stopped the rest of them. At least, that was what he hoped.

When their fists met again, this time above a sports centre, Piccolo blasted back instead of reengaging, launching his arm out like a projectile as soon as he gained any distance, only to silently curse as his opponent threw their own arm out. The two whipping appendages flew past one another as they started to chase after one another in the sky as their arms shot towards one another.

Retracting his limb first, Piccolo let Colchico's arm get closer, flying to the side of it grabbing the hand, pulling it in and busting his wrist with a knee. The other Namekian hissed as his arm started to pull back in, descending down to the grass of the soccer field below. On his descent, Piccolo saw him ripping his own arm free.

Desperate times.

Descending himself as fast as he could, Piccolo's feet slammed into the soil below, busting through the surface of the grassy land as he stood there, staring his opponent down. He'd discarded his turban and cape before the fight had even started, but seeing the other Namekian standing there, a fresh arm already dripping from his side, he couldn't help but notice his Slug armour intact.

"One Namekian to another, Piccolo," Colchico said, trying to catch his voice seemingly given the intensity of his breathing. "This is the greatest fight I've ever had. It's no surprise, that the greatest battle of my life is against one of my own. This is the kind of battle we should all strive for. Even if you know you can't win. I've come to understand just how you fight between this engagement and the last."

It was better to stay quiet and plan. Though he was guessing that his adversary was doing the same thing, only speaking. He was trying to misdirect and Piccolo knew it. He was too smart to be a blow-hard, he'd already determined that from before this fight got started. Veins of power started to crackle across the ground around Colchico as he stared at Piccolo intensely.

Something's changing.

Roaring, Piccolo watched as two arms sprouted from beneath Colchico's current arms, shredding through his uniform. His armour shattered a moment later as his arms tore free from his shoulders, multiplying it to six. The green slime from their healing fluid dripped from each of these new limbs, Piccolo's eyes widened as any plans he was about to put together just went out the window.

No way.

Energy bolts appeared above each of these hands as Colchico's legs expanded in size, pulling him higher into the air before retracting in.

"Your limitations will be made apparent, very quickly, Piccolo."

A barrage of energy waves descended at him, six bolts with each volley, and in seconds a dozen volleys were unleashed on him. Rolling back and flipping back as quickly as he could, a trail of explosions followed him, before rapidly outpacing his movement. His hands moved back to land on ground which was no longer there, and all that remained in its place was an explosion. His body was sent flying into the air, steam rising off his skin as his skin almost seemed to bake. A wall of energy then trailed up after him, each bolt coming straight for him. When the wave impacted him, he felt his body almost break. A hundred explosions blasted around him, sending his body tumbling in every direction in the air, pieces of his arms and legs seemed to come loose.

When his body hit the ground, Piccolo gasped desperately as his now three fingered hand moved up, touching on the soft ground he'd made his descent onto. Within a few seconds, his fingers and other small pieces were restored, but before he could make another move, he heard the winding sound of Namekian limbs. Looking up, Piccolo saw a half dozen limbs swinging towards him. Two punches cracked across his face before another arm tore through the ground beneath him, coming up into an uppercut into his sternum. Gagging Piccolo was launched into the air before another two arms came up, wrapping around his legs, before another blow cracked into his back and shoulder, flipping him upside-down.

Winding him back at high speeds, Piccolo tried to break free from the wrap around his legs before he swung straight past Colchico and smashed into some of the concrete barriers in the stadium, before he was whipped through the seats, slamming him face first into the concrete. Finally releasing him, the arms pulled back as Colchico hovered closer.

I can't let him get past me and get to the others.

The entire building started to rumble as a powerful blastwave rolled through the city. In that wave, he could sense one of the major powers die. For a brief moment he was concerned it was Raditz… but it was one of the Namekians. The relief at the death of one of his own species seemed strange to him. The part of him that was Nail squirmed with discomfort.

The figure in the air seemed to pause.

"Shell."

Starting to get up, Piccolo groaned as he grabbed a bent hand railing to steady himself. Spitting some purple blood from his mouth. Not only was he beginning to physically break down, this much damage was draining his ki much faster than Colchico was. He needed to find a way to stop him, now. Those arms were unwieldy in close, he was almost sure, and they gave him an avenue of attack on their own. He needed to get out of the circumstance where he was at range, where he could only be hurt by them.

The grieving of his opponent only lasted a few seconds as he started to sneer at him.

"This world has stolen one of the last of our kind from the universe. Do you feel no guilt for your part in it, Piccolo?"

"The only thing I feel bad for, is the fact that your friend let himself become such a monster that he found his death on this world."

The winding of Colchico's arms immediately started again as Piccolo blasted forward, heading straight into them. Dodging past the first four arms as they speared towards him, trying to intercept his approach, Piccolo grabbed one on his way in, as the other formed a ki blast, firing and missing him. Holding one arm still, Piccolo twisted it hard as he swooped inside Colchico's range. The winding sound of the arms returning to their place wisped around his head, but Piccolo had already made good on his range. The green energy of his powerup appeared around him as he landed a hard blow on his enemy's abdomen. The six arms of his adversary started to strike at him, but at this range, and with their placement, it made it hard to bring all his attacks to bear, or coordinate them.

Dodging around their attacks, Piccolo proceeded to land another series of devastating blows. Two cracked into Colchico's ribs before the third one caught him across the side of the face, before Piccolo swept in with a roundhouse spinning kick, catching his opponent in the chest. The other Namekian was sent flying back, forming energy bolts in his arms as he fell and unleashing them in a hellish wave of fury.

Landing on his two legs at the same time as Colchico, Piccolo honed his energy as a machinegun fire of bolts were sent his way. Golden and purple energy wrapped together in his fingertips as Piccolo concentrated, pushing all of his power into this shot.

This is it.

As the wave of hundreds of bolts descended on him, Piccolo unleashed the attack forward. A huge, pulsing wave of energy was unleashed from his hands and fingers as the Explosive Demon Wave crackled to life. In a second, each of the oncoming attacks vanished as the single bolt shot straight towards Colchico. The entire stadium seemed to rumble with its passing, the entire soccerfield's dirt was expelled as the wave sent the dirt flying in the air and blasted it away from the heart of the blast.

There was a look of surprise and horror on Colchico's face as the wave rolled towards him. The light from the blast was so intense he could barely see, but he could sense it as Colchico dodged to the side at the last moment.

Shit.

Landing a few metres to the side, Colchico grinned before dashing towards him, his limbs extending already. Two arms shot out, grabbing him around the waist and legs. Another hand reached up, grabbing him by the throat.

"I am sorry, Piccolo," Colchico sighed.

A red beam cascaded overhead as Piccolo sensed another power disappear. The grip on his throat tightened as Colchico snarled.

"No!" he spat. "What. Have. You. DONE?!" he shouted. "We are your people! Look what you've allowed to happen! Your people are dying, and you could be helping us prevent all of it!"

There was a sense of failure on Piccolo's part. But that failure wasn't on letting these Namekians die. It was his failure to stop this one, and save the people he cared about. Gohan, Son Goku, and a host of others he'd come to care about since his battle with Raditz. Watching as his blast carried off into the distance, taking most of his power along with it, Piccolo grimaced…

And his mind reached out as he gestured his arms back, trying to harness it once again.

Come back.

"How many worlds have you killed for that monster, Slug?" Piccolo asked. "How many more do you intend to destroy? For what? Who cares who your people are? I've experienced evil before… I've been Evil before. But I can't imagine the misery and suffering you've brought into the world. And I'm sad for you, because our species… we are better than this."

"We are the rightful inheritors to the universe."

"We are the guardians of this universe, and the people in it," Nail's voice left his throat, overpowering him for but a moment. "And that's why you and your clan were cast out. You failed, as Namekians. And you've failed in your exile too. And that's sad."

"He said you were weak… After our fight before I didn't believe him. The other Namekian said you were weak in spirit however… half the man you should have been."

The golden purple glow from his attack intensified as Colchico paused for a moment, about to respond further until he realized the intensity of it. His eyes widened, and Piccolo broke free, stabbing into his arms with all his force using his claws. Paralyzed with agony, Colchico screamed into the air before the Explosive Demon Wave hit. Landing on his feet, Piccolo only had a second to hit the dirt.

The ground, everything, lifted into the air before it vaporized. The intensity of the blast left Piccolo pulling all his power into himself, everything he had left. Even then his skin burned, his fingers started to disappear as his hands were held out to stop the wave. Behind the light, he could sense Colchico's body evaporating as his power started to disappear into the next life. His deathscream was chilling as his body warped in the heart of the energy and the blast. When the demon wave's secondary explosion went off, the entire stadium shattered before it was annihilated in a thundering wave of destruction.

When the wave hit him, Piccolo rolled back, his body tumbling in the light as his clothes and body burned. For a brief moment, he was almost gone… his body had started to dematerialized. But as he rolled out onto burning ground, his entire form hissing from the intensity of the heat, Piccolo gagged for air as his body's regenerative properties slowly started to take effect. It was almost all gone, but his heart was still beating.

And then, everything went black.

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Author's Notes:

As my longtime readers from The Long Road know, I hate power levels in the traditional sense. But I definitely have a power hierarchy. It was great to write this chapter. I really loved the harkening back to the Tree of Might movie with Turles vs. Shell. I really loved Raditz using deception to kill Staff (who ironically, was the most honourable of his ilk, making his mercy and honour his main weakness), and Piccolo killing Colchico by pulling his energy wave back when his enemy really had him. I don't think Colchico was monologuing at the end per say, I think he really wanted Piccolo to switch sides. He was angry that Piccolo refused, and even as their "own" died, he refused.

I kinda wish I had a bit more time to flesh out Achatin, Staff, Shell, and Colchico, but I think I managed to make reasonable characters of all of them. If I didn't let me know of course! Lol.

In terms of power, not counting Goku and Slug:

Achatin, (Closer to 50% Frieza in terms of power)

Turles, (distant 2nd)

Colchico,

Piccolo / Vegeta,

Staff,

Shell,

Raditz,

I really enjoyed kinda just making this all happen. Especially since for a long time, I didn't think I was going to get through the Slug Saga, and having finished this, I'm really on the way to there.

Piccolo was my favourite character as a kid, and is still one of my favourite characters in the series. I really wish the website let me point out that there are 5 main characters. Because really, this story is just as much about Piccolo as it is the others. Hell, Piccolo's role is radically different in the Android Saga… and radically different afterwards. And I think he's got the best arc, at least up until that point, even if he doesn't get the most exposure sometimes. Especially with me revealing King Piccolo as The Original Catalyst.

Reviewers:

Luke: Human Fighter's time to shine is later. I promise. But you'll see them participate.

Perfect Carnage: I definitely try to keep with the spirit of the movie, even if that part doesn't make the most sense. I even base the first portion of Goku vs. Slug, on the movie's version of the battle. It's a homage.

Aarik Wrath: Yea, Androids are scary. It's the least "canon" thing that is gonna be in the story, just because I think what I've got planned is too twisted to not do. Lol

Anonymous: Yea, Slug versus everyone right now would be bad.

Super Mystic Gohan: It's working so far. What could go wrong? :P

Thomas-The-TMC: Yea, I thought it was funny as the Nameks just see Vegeta Dr. Strangeloving it into the side of their ship and scramble at the last moment, lol.

Guest1: Thanks! I try to make characters unique and have a real personality. :D

Guest2: I'm gonna spoil nothing about Super Saiyans lol.

Maxmussj: Thanks!

Proman1398: Vegeta rode that bastard down and threw it into Slug's ship itself. He definitely returned it to sender :P