War on Namek
No matter how much Bulma tried, the Dragon Balls simply didn't react to her request to make the Dragon appear.
Crossing her arms, she let out a deep sigh while staring at the golden orbs. So, we've finally made it all the way here and now these damn things won't respond!
'Come on, Bulma, there must be something you haven't thought of!' She said to herself.
Closing her eyes in thought, she tried to think if Grande Elder Guru had said anything that might help her. He had been a strange enigmatic creature but one who she had felt comfortable with. She was certain he understood how important it was to keep the Dragon Balls away from people like Frieza.
In a way, he reminded her of Kami. A kind man, who only thought of his people. His children.
A painful ache went through her chest at the thought of him.
Their meeting had been cut short because of Frieza... I told Frieza how important Guru's life is. Her heart wavered, not convinced it would stop the tyrant from being intolerable cruel towards the elder Namekian.
Let's hope Frieza doesn't forget Guru and the Dragon Balls are connected… Please hold on a little longer, Guru. And please… Forgive me.
It wasn't as if she was planning on abandoning him or his people. Quite the opposite, she wanted to safe them all. But she needed the Dragon Balls for that. Bulma bit her lip when thinking that, even if she was able to summon the Dragon, she still didn't know what she would exactly be wishing for.
I haven't thought of how I should formulate the wish… How can I wish everyone back? Not just the Namekians that have lost their life but also the Saiyans. Sure, I have three wishes but… I don't want the Namekians to be a part of this any longer. I want to wish them to safety. So that's one wish down… And I need another for Vegeta. Argh! If everything had gone according to plan, I would've been able to count on Earth's Dragon Balls as well! I could just wish everyone but Frieza to Earth… But then we'd be hiding again. And Frieza could come to Earth and then…
'Aaargh! I don't know! I don't know what to do!' She screamed while grabbing her hair in frustration.
'…Bulma?'
Hearing a light and soft voice behind her, she stiffened. 'Huh?'
Her eyes widened when seeing the little Namekian boy she had met hours ago and had left with Guru standing right in front of her. He gave her a kind smile while worriedly asking her if she was alright.
'Dende!' she shrieked in delight and ran towards the boy to greet him properly.
'Grande Elder Guru told me that I had to go and help you,' he shyly said after she had given him a wholesome hug.
It was obvious he didn't quite know what to make out of the request but had obeyed the man nevertheless.
'Did you see Frieza?' Bulma immediately asked.
Shaking his head in response, he explained he had been very careful on his way over since he didn't want to be caught by anyone, Saiyan or Frieza. He admitted being a little surprised to see her stand here in the open surrounded by the Dragon Balls. His eyes then went to the ship and he then asked why Frieza's men had abandon him. He could sense there were only two people left inside.
'The two people you are sensing are Kakarot and Vegeta… They don't work for Frieza. They are two Saiyans. One of them raided your village…'
Her mouth when dry, suddenly realizing how surreal this situation was. But surprisingly, Dende didn't give much of a reaction to the new information. 'Guru said I should trust you…'
Confusion shortly washed over his young face before he gave her a determined look and told her that Guru had explained that only a Namekian can use the Dragon Balls.
'Or someone who speaks the language,' he proudly grinned.
'Ah! So that's why they don't respond to me!' Bulma smiled, relieved that the problem had just solved itself.
'Go ahead, Dende! Summon the Dragon!'
Curiously eying the Dragon Balls, she took a few steps back to give. Patiently awaiting Dende at first, it then remained quiet. Annoyed, she gave the boy a look but immediately saw his eyes were full of fear.
'B-Bulma!'
'What is it!?'
Frightened, he pointed at something behind her. Fearing of who it could be, she slowly turned around, as if that would delay the inevitable. Relief washed over her when seeing it was Bardock.
'Don't worry! He's on our side!'
'But— 'Dende, I need you to just help and not ask any question,' she sternly said when seeing his frightened but angry expression.
Yes, this had been another Saiyan who had attacked his village. And she understood every ounce of his pain and all the hatred he felt towards them but they didn't have time for this.
'I think the reason why Guru asked you to come and help me is because this is bigger than us. We need to stop Frieza. Do you understand?'
Uncertain at first he then nodded, giving in to the idea to just follow her lead like Guru had said. Bulma looked at Bardock who told her Frieza wasn't on his way back yet, so she still had some time left.
Taking a deep breath, she again asked Dende to make the Dragon to appear. This time he obeyed and started talking in his native language. The strange language sounded surprisingly pleasant to the ears which in turn raised her excitement.
Eyes on the Dragon Balls, she eagerly waited for the Dragon to appear but again came no respond.
'I don't get it!' She angrily yelled. 'Are you tricking me, Dende?'
'No! O-of course not, Bulma!' the little boy answered in panic.
Immediately she regretted her outburst, realizing the boy was just as clueless as her to why it had not appeared. The boy was practically shaking on his knees and here she was, yelling at him for no good reason.
'Wait!' Dende then said. 'Before I left, Guru said he had already given you the key to summon the Dragon!'
'Key? He didn't give me any key!'
'M-maybe he put in your pockets without you noticing?'
'Great! Frieza disposed of my clothes!' she growled in anger of how it all just kept going awry.
Dende's cheeks tinted pink when hearing her say that but remained quiet. Eventually, he gave the word key some thought and realized the key must be more of a figurative thing.
'Right,' Bulma muttered, agreeing that that made more sense than an actual real key.
Thinking back to their conversation, she couldn't really pick out something that stood out as odd. He hadn't mentioned anything or gave her any clue that it was a key…
Except...!
'Wait! He did say something weird to me before Frieza arrived! He said… Porus? Porura? Ponga? Damn it, what was it again!'
'I-I don't know…' Dende stammered, unsure of how to behave.
Bulma had to remind herself to keep her temper in check since that seemed to scare the young boy.
I can't yell at my own kid either whenever I am at a loss.
The thought made her feel strange. A child. A person to love without reason or restrictions… The thought made her heart flutter and happiness suddenly overwhelmed her.
A reason to keep going…
'Porunga!' she suddenly said. 'That was it!'
As the word left her mouth, the Dragon Balls lit up and suddenly the sky darkened. A strange energy filled the sky, followed by a huge Dragon. Bulma's eyes widened in shock. Grander than the one on Earth. More majestic, more dominant. An impressive sight to say the least.
'You did it, Bulma!'
The Dragon spoke and Dende translated his words, asking her what she wanted to wish for.
Swallowing nervously, Bulma told herself to no longer dwell. There was no right or wrong at this point. They needed to survive in order to win. So, first things first… Vegeta's wish.
The memory of him yelling at her and accusing her of being the cause of his planet's demise took her by surprise. Those days had been hell. She had caught herself mourning the deaths of people that did not care for her. Never in her life had she ever thought she would be responsible for the death of hundreds of people. But it had been her stupid plan that had gone all awry.
She was to blame and Vegeta was right about that.
And perhaps he had forgiven her but… she had yet to forgive herself.
She needed to ease her conscience, her own pain, before she could help the Namekians. Giving Dende an apologetic look, she told him to wish for the entire Saiyan race to be revived.
The little boy was taken back but did not say anything in response, instead turning his attention to the grand beast before them and asked it to fulfill her wish.
Silence lingered before the Dragon answered. His answer was long, making Bulma understand he had not said the magical sentence; "Your wish is granted".
Dende said something and the Dragon again responded. Bulma gave the boy a bewildered look when he turned his attention to her.
With a puzzled look, he said, 'Y-your wish could not be granted, Bulma… Because the entire Saiyan race isn't dead.'
Letting out an aggravated growl, Bulma lost her cool. 'Oh, I know there are still a few alive! But a race is more than three people, you know!'
'No, he says the majority isn't dead.'
'Pardon?'
'He said— 'I know what he said! I heard you the first time!'
'But you just asked…'
'You mean they're not dead? They survived?' Bulma asked in one breath, completely unaware of Dende's growing confusion. Her blue eyes scanned him intently, awaiting an answer.
Uncertain of how to respond, he gave her a small nod and a breathy yeah, before reminding her the Dragon was waiting. She gave it some thought, her eyes catching Bardock in the distance. He was staring at the scene. From this distance she couldn't read his expression but thinking of what he had said earlier to her, she was convinced this was the next best thing.
'I wish… for all Saiyans to be on planet Namek.'
Dende nodded, turning around and again translating her wish. This time however the Dragon's response was short, and a glow followed. Wind took her by surprise, a force whipped through the planet. Suddenly they were surrounded by hundreds of Saiyans, the former King standing practically in front of her.
'Bulma,' he said in surprise.
'You are alive! You are all alive!' Bulma yelled in disbelief.
All Saiyans were sharing the same confusion and eyed her suspiciously. Simply smiling in response, she then looked up at Bardock. Not seeing him immediately, she then saw he had flown down and had just been joined by a woman. When their eyes met, he immediately gave her a light bow with the head. Hesitantly she just nodded back, humbled by his genuine and grateful reaction.
Looking back at Vegeta's father, she caught him staring at her before his eyes went over Frieza's ship, the massive Dragon and eventually the rest of his new, but unknown surroundings, the green planet and its inhabitants. Dende took a step towards Bulma when his eyes landed on him.
It took the former King a few seconds to understand that Bulma had wished them here.
'You…' Seeing the presence of his son being absent, his expression turned from relief to concerned within seconds, 'Where is Vegeta?'
'He's fine,' Bulma smiled. 'He's in a regenerating tank—where else would he be?' she jokingly said without thought, 'but he's absolutely fine.'
'You wished us here… Out of your own free will?' he asked baffled by the idea.
'Yes. I promised…' The words dried up in her mouth.
She had promised safety for everyone and that had failed. Though she had no idea how they had ended up surviving, things simply had not gone as planned. And that was all her fault.
Her promise had become meaningless the moment Frieza knew of their plan and had tried to kill them.
Shaking her head, she tried not to dwell on it any longer. They were here now. Alive and well.
'Frieza's here,' she sternly announced. 'We need more time,' How many times have I said that now? 'Butjust a little bit this time,' she said with a smile. 'Until Vegeta is all healed up and ready to fight.'
He nodded, understanding his son had finally reached his goal. A smile graced his features while determination shone through his eyes. He bowed his head, genuinely thanking her.
'This is our war,' He then said, speaking up loudly so everyone could hear. 'The time has come to finish this!'
The Saiyans responded eagerly and excited, as if all matters on planet Vegeta had been forgotten.
It took her by surprise but then again, perhaps both parties were finally getting what they longed for; the end of a long drawn-out battle that should have ended years ago.
The energy coming from the Saiyans could be felt through every fiber and made her take a step back, away from them. Swallowing fear when seeing their fierceness and readiness to battle.
Trying to remain focused, she looked at Dragon and decided it might be better to wait before making another wish. After all, no one could predict how to battle against Frieza would go.
'Maybe we better wait for the other two wishes, Dende,' she quietly said to him.
As Dende wanted to say something back he was cut off by a sudden force hitting him. The little boy was sent flying back. Before Bulma could scream, Frieza appeared before her and grabbed her by the throat.
The pressure was incredible. Her fingernails scraping his skin, begging him to let go. She didn't even hear the Saiyans. Her attention only on the terrifying being in front of her.
'Well, what a fun little wish you made,' he hissed. His red eyes bored into hers while she gasped for air.
Her feet left the ground.
'You'll regret doing that, Bulma.'
The way he spoke her name send shivers down her spine. Yet instead of preserving with the threat, he turned her around, so she'd face the Saiyans, like he was. The pressure on her throat released but instead he put his hand on her mouth.
'She's working for me. She just wished you all here, to assure I could kill you all myself,' he announced and without warning took aim at a random group of Saiyans. They had no chance to defend themselves. Bulma's eyes widened in shock, shaking her head frantically but his grip made it impossible to move.
Suddenly the Dragon disappeared. Frieza's hand tightened and she could feel how he had to restrain himself from killing her. Closing her eyes in fear, she prayed the Saiyans saw through his lies.
A few Saiyans wanted to charge but the former King halted them making the white alien laugh in response, finding it humorous that he was once again stopping them from fighting him.
'Are you afraid they'll all end up like you, Vegeta? A pathetic excuse for a warrior?'
Though the old man wasn't wearing any source of support, it was obvious their last battle had taken a severe toll on his body. Just his appearance made the cold tyrant laugh even harder.
'Vermin is hard to get rid of I suppose,' he spat, hardly being able to control his anger. 'But to be honest, I am curious. How did you survive, Vegeta?'
The former King smirked triumphantly while picking something out of his pocket. Bulma's eyes widened when seeing it was a capsule while Frieza was only confused by the small device.
'And what is that?' he asked in annoyance.
'Anything can shrink into this little capsule,' the Saiyan explained. 'A formidable device. We found it on Earth. It was created by…' nodding his head towards the woman in Frieza's hands, 'Bulma Briefs.'
'You see Frieza,' he continued, 'Our King demanded that we had one on us at all times. A capsule containing a small pod with all the necessities, in case of emergency.'
'You got into another ship after I destroyed yours!?' Frieza screamed, unable to believe it.
'Yes,' he triumphantly smirked. 'Ilkm or any other spy could not have told you about it because it was command to be carried out solely by his own people. The Saiyans.'
'Is that how you got here?' Frieza hissed.
'Flying all the way to Namek was impossible, so we ended up getting stranded. But thanks to Bulma, we can take our revenge now,' the former King smirked widened, enjoying how Frieza could not hide his own fear.
'I must thank you, Frieza. If it weren't for you, my people would've never known how capable their new King is. Only because of him, we were able to survive.'
The former king snickered when seeing Frieza's squirm in anger.
'Ironic how it was you who reunited the Saiyan race… Now, we will destroy you, together!'
Taking a step back, Frieza dragged her along with him.
How he pressed her body to his, it made her realize how fragile she was compared to any other person on this planet. If he pushed any harder, her bones would simply break. The painful pressure of his grip was getting to her, making it harder to breath.
With a hiss, Frieza then spoke into her ear quietly, 'When I'm done here, you are going to beg me to kill you and that bastard child of yours.'
To her surprise he then released her and threw her to the side. Falling on the ground, she immediately turned around and couldn't help but look at the man in shock, surprised by his decision to simply let go of her.
'Don't worry. You'll die when Vegeta decided to come out and play. But first I will slaughter his entire race!'
Pushing herself off the ground, Bulma didn't think twice and started running back to the ship. Passing Dende, she picked the boy up and took him with her.
'Tell him time is ticking,' Frieza screamed at her. 'Every minute he waits, a Saiyan will die!'
Bulma ran as fast as her feet could go. Her heart racing, her mind numbed. Somehow her feet knew their way through the halls of the ship.
Ironically, she had ran willingly inside the ship of the very man she was running from.
But everything had escalated so quickly... Swallowing the numbing fear that dared to make her cease all actions, she pushed the feeling down and instead pressed the boy in her arms closer to her. As if he represented all her hope.
Slowing down, her breath ragged. Eventually she fell to her knees out of exhaustion.
Dende might have looked small like a young child but he was quite heavy. The adrenaline had made her able to hold on to him until she reached the infirmary. Slowly getting back up, she placed him on an empty bed.
Clearly still in a daze, his eyes fluttered open. 'Bulma?'
'Stay here,' she whispered back, not really knowing why she bothered to whisper. Frieza was outside, he wasn't be able to hear her speak in here. Yet his presence could still be felt and was overwhelming.
'I need talk to Vegeta... I'll be back in a minute.'
He only nodded while rubbing the back of his head, obviously still in shock.
'Did I do good by telling the Dragon that wish was all for now?'
Bulma smiled at the innocent look on his face. She simply nodded before getting off the bed and walking towards the end of the room to the door where behind it the regenerating tanks stood. Taking a breath before walking inside, she tried to ease her frenzied mind.
A strange silence hung in the air. As if the war outside was not able to reach this place of rejuvenation. Hours ago, she ago it had unnerved her but now… it made the hairs on her neck stand up.
The door behind her closed.
Her eyes went straight to Vegeta's tank. He still had a good hour to go. With a sigh, she noted how his eyes were closed.
Hearing a noise, she warily looked around. Afraid one of Frieza's goons was still alive. Her eyes caught Kakarot's tank and saw it was empty. Hearing some ruffling again from behind one of the many machines, he then appeared, apparently getting dressed in Frieza's armor.
'Kakarot…' she muttered, taken back by how he looked.
His expression was fierce and serious. There was no trace of the usual mocking humor or the carelessness he always held. It almost felt as if she was seeing him for the very first time.
Without any mask on.
Perhaps still slightly blank because he was clearly still repressing his emotions. But no sign of deceit or trickery.
'So you've wished the Saiyans back,' he said.
'I wished them here,' Bulma clarified.
He only nodded in acknowledgment, immediately understanding what she meant by that. Seeing how his shoulders went down, Bulma wondered what was on his mind. It seemed their last talk had changed him somehow.
I thought no one held any power over him…
'They are fighting Frieza to buy Vegeta time…'
When he looked up, she was taken back at how different his eyes were. Calm collected and something she couldn't quite figure out. Was it pain?
'Then I will do the same.'
The simple statement confirmed her idea of him being different. Changed.
Without awaiting a response, he walked over to her. Following his movements, she looked up at him, but he averted his face, clearly not willing to make any eye-contact.
'You…' he started. He tried again but no sound came out. Obviously not knowing how to word what he wanted to say. Taking a deep breath, he spoke barely above a whisper.
'You caught me.'
Placing an arm around her, Bulma's eyes widened, not quite sure what his intentions were. But then she relaxed, noticing his arm felt comforting, soft even. Nothing vindictive, sexual or aggressive. Feeling him move his head, breathing in her scent, touching her hair with his lips, he said,
'What lingers between me and Vegeta will always be… but that doesn't mean I won't protect you whenever I can.'
Her heart slowed down and when he kissed her hair, she grabbed his arm and held it closely, making it clear she didn't want him to pull away just yet. Letting it linger for a few seconds, he then loosened his arm and walked away without saying another word.
Bulma turned around and watched him walk away, still at a bit of a loss.
Suddenly realizing him being outside meant she could ask him for help, she halted him. Hesitant at first, contemplating if she could truly put her faith into this changed man, she then spoke up when realizing she had no other choice,
'Kakarot, hide the Dragon Balls somewhere safe. We can undo all of this…'
He gave a small nod but did not respond audibly. Walking away, his silhouette disappearing once the door closed.
Alone in the room again, she took deep breath when grasping what this meant. Apparently in her abrasiveness of telling him what she thought of him, she had somehow managed to reach the Saiyan. What exactly he meant by saying she caught him, she wasn't sure.
Caught him in the act of pretending? Caught him from falling further down? Caught him caring?
If it all had been a façade, if his hidden agenda had been nothing more than a diversion of what really drove him, then she now pitied him. Because when she connected the dots; the uncaring attitude, mocking every symbol of trust, the always spiteful tone of his former character….
Being too skilled for third-class but not being born as an elite…
Not belong neither here nor there.
It was all too clear what drove him to be how he once was.
And she sincerely hoped he could truly let go now that she caught him.
I suppose in a way he has already let go of his former self… If Libelle knew she had made such a difference in your life, she would have been so happy. She too just wanted to be a part of something…
Thinking of the girl, still made her heart ache.
If we survive this… I'll try to be your friend, Kakarot.
Feeling tired and hopeless, she turned around to watch Vegeta but to her shock his eyes were open this time.
She didn't know if he had witnessed the scene from before but by his unfazed expression, she guessed not. Or maybe he simply didn't care at this point.
If he didn't know by now she wanted nothing but his attention, he was a fool.
Walking closer to the tank, she let her hand rest on the glass as she thought of what to say. He could hear her. If he wanted to, he could talk back. But he chose to stay silent for now. Something she didn't mind, perhaps it would make it easier for her to talk.
'I… I didn't know or plan this. And I certainly did not want Frieza to tell you. I… I know its not in a Saiyan's nature to care for… others. But it is in mine. I'll take care of him,' she said with determination.
'Or her,' she smiled when thinking of who it could be that was growing inside of her.
The thought made her aware that she would now always have part of him with her. That they had something together. Something that made those few weeks real. Her heart ached at the mere thought of the final battle. And the possible grim outcome…
Looking up, she saw his dark eyes staring at her. And suddenly she hoped for her child to have the same eyes as him. The raw emotion that lied in them so blatantly… She could now read them so easily.
'I've learned so much. Even though the situation wasn't favorable, or the mouth where the information was coming from, I feel that I've finally come to understand… the Saiyans.'
I understand you so much better.
'Frieza needs to be stopped,' she agreed. 'All of the… pain he has caused, needs to stop. Now.'
Taking another breath, she suddenly felt the urge to plea for him to hear the other Saiyans out. After all, Frieza's presence had caused a chain of events to happen. And even if he were to finally die, his influence would linger on and perhaps still be capable to bring them down. She wanted it all to end.
'I understand the traitors now, too,' she said while thinking of Bardock and Kakarot. She wasn't quite sure why she, out of all people, was telling him this.
'Even if you disagree with them, Vegeta. It's your job to listen. They are a part of your race. They might be the only ones speaking up what many might be thinking. If you'd acknowledge their issues, you could solve them. Make them feel that they are truly a part of your empire. That is what makes a great King… Not the man that leads them into battle.'
The machine made a noise and bubbles burst around his mask, making her aware he had taken a deep breath and had wanted to say something but had dismissed doing so. A strange mix of relief and disappointment washed over her.
Getting back to the issue, she tried to settle on how to end this one-sided conversation.
'I… I never meant for any of this to happen. Not the child, not the war here on Namek. Not…' she bit her tongue, not quite sure if she could utter those words out. Even though she cared deeply for him, she didn't know if she could ever say those words to him out loud.
Falling silent, suddenly the machine started to drain itself and Bulma took step back in surprise.
'No, wait! You aren't healed up yet! Vegeta!?'
The tank ended the session and within a few seconds, the door opened and revealed the Saiyan King. He stood proudly before her, wearing a deep frown and a fierceness that every Saiyan kept hidden within and only showed when battle was near.
'You want to go back to Earth, woman?'
Shocked to see him stand before and ask such a question, she shook her head and without thought told him, 'No.'
His eyes went over her, lingering on her lower belly for a moment before looking back up.
'Everyone survived because of you…' she then started, realizing she hadn't told him about the Saiyans fighting outside. 'They are all buying you some more time, Vegeta. Get back inside and come out when you are fully healed and ready to fight Frieza!'
Though her words sounded hopeful, her voice wavered when speaking. And when he moved, she found herself wanting him to come closer and not get back into that dreaded machine.
'Did he hurt you?'
'Who?'
'Frieza.'
When his hand reached out to grab her by the waist and pull her closer to him, she felt a wave of heat go through her entire body. Seeing his eyes stay on her throat, she suddenly became aware of the slight pain she felt there. He had hurt her.
'No… just a little,' she unwillingly admitted.
Tilting his head, he placed his mouth on her bruised skin. Instantly she was pulled back into nonsensible infatuation. Whimpering more than she should, simply because she craved his touch so much since being parted from him. The fear that Frieza had settled inside of her, disappeared rapidly as him mouth ravished her neck. When his mouth met hers, he took over completely.
'Why do you always taste so good when I can't savor you?' He whispered lowly in her ear while pushing her against the healing tank. Normally she'd talk back, remind him of what was going on around them but she suddenly found herself in some sort of daze, completely at his mercy.
He didn't bother hiding his lust and with a certain aggressiveness, he lured out reactions out of her. Shamelessly tasting her, asserting his dominance by pressing himself against her. Roughly pulling her dress up and touching her between her legs. She let out a gasp when she felt a pulse of energy go through her.
At first, she couldn't do much other than mutter out his name but eventually came to her senses and stopped him. 'Please, Vegeta, stop…'
His eyes locked on hers. Placing his forehead on hers, he took a deep breath. As if he was savoring the moment, the feelings he could evoke within her.
'Your mine… Tell me your mine, woman.'
Taking a breath, she placed her hand on his cheek.
The gesture made him calm. Relieved. As if she had just ensured him of something he had been doubting of.
'I am. I'm yours, Vegeta.'
'Good.'
Standing in silence for a long minute, they both just held on to one another. Bulma still catching her breath while Vegeta simply did not bother to move.
'You wished for the Saiyans to be here…' he muttered, as if only thinking about it now.
'The Dragon Balls here are much more powerful than the ones on Earth. I have two more wishes, Vegeta,' Bulma informed him.
He still didn't move or even respond when hearing the new information. He was obviously in deep thought. Bulma suddenly felt him push her body closer to his before he finally let go and took some much-needed distance.
Vegeta stared at the alluring creature that had simply walked into his life and turned it upside down.
He couldn't control himself around her. All because of that stupid dream… He needed to think clear.
He had to think of his people. How to kill Frieza. He gave the idea of whishing a thought. Staring at the woman before him who had changed him so drastically, he inwardly snickered. Deep inside, he knew the answer. He was ready.
'Wish for all the people who have died to be revived. Then wish yourself and everyone to safety… Everyone but Frieza and I.'
'I…' She gave his wish a thought. It had been on her mind to wish for something similar but…
'What if you… what if I can't bring you back?'
He didn't respond, giving her a stern look in reaction. Her heart ached at seeing his response.
The ship began to tremble, yet there was no ruckus to be heard. The war viciously carried on while they stood here. It brought back the memory of a similar situation on planet Vegeta.
He had plead to just let him have her once before he died.
Understanding that this was the end, she threw herself on him. Not caring if it was inappropriate or out of place. For once, she wanted to evoke the same feelings in him that he could bring out so easily within her.
Not stopping her nor taking over control, he submitted to her actions. The memory of seeing her in Frieza's arms disappeared with every touch.
Only his hands could be on her skin. Only he could make her moan.
Only he would hold her for the last time.
The many dead bodies on the ground did not faze him. Honor was what drove them to delve into a fight, even one where they knew their chances were as good as nonexistent.
The face of his enemy wasn't pleasant to look at anymore. He had heard the rumors of the demon having more than one shape. And that with every transformation his power grew.
Only the wind reminded him of where he was.
Kakarot took a deep breath. He couldn't let fear control him now. No. Perhaps after this battle he could allow the feeling to be a part of him. But not now. Not today.
The battlefield had been an odd sight when he arrived. Because instead of fighting one on one, Saiyans had been fighting together. Though their enemy was still much stronger than them, they had had been able of forcing him to transform twice now, so he'd stay superior.
His current form was clearly more effective to fight off the larger groups.
'Your father didn't give him any time to rest,' Nappa said.
The both were flying high above the current fight taking place. The larger Saiyan looked down, his usual sadistic grin void on his stern face.
'Your father's tactics were dubious to say the least,' Nappa said, followed by a hollow snicker, 'but very effective. That's why Frieza transformed for a second time. He needed more power to take out your father and put a halt to the range of successful attacks.'
Tightening his fist, Kakarot grit his teeth when looking at Frieza. His eyes then traveled over the field in search of his old man but Nappa explained that there was almost nothing left of him.
'He blasted him once his second transformation was complete…'
Eyes widening in shock. An overwhelming feeling of anger came over him. Through it all, his father had been the only person he could never truly fool. A part of him liked to belief the man knew exactly who he was.
'Nappa!' He shouted,
'Hm?'
'Make sure Frieza doesn't catch those Dragon Balls,' he said nodding his head to a cave in the distance. 'We need them in order to survive.'
'Those balls everyone is after?' Nappa said, quirking up an eyebrow.
'Direct order from King Vegeta,' Kakarot said, though he had not received the actual order from Vegeta, he felt Bulma's word was just as powerful at this point.
Intrigued, Nappa, stared at the cave. It seemed the entire universe wanted to possess these balls. However, it wasn't his place to be curious or question the matter. If these Dragon Balls were what the King was after, then he would protect them with his life until the King arrived to collect them.
Thinking of the dead body King's father, the larger Saiyan fought of a wave of rage and winced at his own incapability of being able to protect him. He would not fail twice. With a destructive force he flew off to the cave, leaving Kakarot alone to face Frieza.
The other Saiyans had sensed his arrival, as had Frieza. Kakarot clenched his hands into fists and gave Frieza, who looked amused, a glare.
'I'll show him who the son of Bardock is!'
Unleashing all his own power, no longer hiding it for the rest of the Saiyans or Frieza, Kakarot gleefully watch Frieza's face change into a look of shock.
If the rumors are correct, you have one more transformation left. I can sense you are still hiding more power, Frieza...
Blasting straight toward his target, Kakarot's fellow Saiyans took distance. A new battle was going to take place in which they could not participate. Kakarot could feel their eyes on him.
Their shock and fear.
Only a day ago he would have reveled at the idea of them doing so but now…
A power-level of more than one million…
Creating a huge Ki-ball in his hands, he wanted to get as close to Frieza as he could.
I don't think Vegeta will survive.
Halting abruptly before the Emperor, he watched how his red eyes widened in shock.
'I already killed you!' Frieza screamed.
Kakarot released the Ki-ball onto his stomach. The light blinding him and everyone else.
But that is not why I am fighting. I'm not fighting to win. I never have…
The impact of his power and Frieza's body created a huge explosion. Kakarot put his arms before his face and as the smoke cleared, he saw the huge crater he had made and Frieza standing in the middle of it. As expected, the attack did not kill his opponent but Kakarot had been able to create some damage.
Hissing in pain, Frieza noted the similarity between him and the other Saiyan who had successfully managed to fight him.
'Monkeys…' he spat in fury, 'I can hardly tell you apart! But no worries, soon the two of you will be reunited and then you can fool the devil!'
Kakarot didn't respond to the taunting remark. Instead he noticed how slow Frieza's movements were. He should've been able to dodge that attack… He then triumphantly smirked.
I guess I became stronger after fighting Ginyu.
'I wouldn't be smiling if I were you,' Frieza yelled. 'This is nothing!'
'I'm aware of that,' Kakarot dryly answered.
A flare of anger took over Frieza and in a frenzy he attacked. But to his surprise Kakarot managed to avoid most of his strikes and was even capable of fighting back.
When the Saiyan's fist hit his face, he got surprised by the pain. He hadn't felt that for the longest time.
For a moment it felt as if time was standing still. A delighted feeling came over him and with a smirk, he challenged the Saiyan to continue the battle.
The Saiyan gave him a smirk in response. Those arrogant creatures would never learn. But for now, he would let them have their glimmer of hope that they could stop him. It would be all the more pleasing to destroy them.
For a short while it seemed they were on equal footing but the Saiyan was clearly having a harder time taking in the damage. Obviously, he was weaker than the white alien.
But his stubborn Saiyan nature prevented him from stopping, no matter how much he was bleeding out.
That unscathed smirk of his was starting to annoy Frieza.
Frieza halted for a moment to take in the look in the eyes of the beat up Saiyan. After everything, it seemed he was mentally still completely unharmed. His eyes still held the same fierceness as when he had first attacked him.
'Such arrogance… Well, since you insist, let me demonstrate what you should have always feared.'
Relaxing his body, he focused before transforming again. He felt his muscles tighten before easing into his natural state. He hadn't been in his final form for such a long time. Ah, he had always known those monkeys would drove him into doing things he'd normally wouldn't do.
They had greatly entertained him. Perhaps he was partially to blame himself, but he simply couldn't withhold himself from having some fun with them.
His body was fully healed, his final form now present. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips.
Opening his eyes, he saw that the Saiyan's smirk had disappeared. The ferocity had dimmed down and now he was having a hard time holding on to that arrogance that had driven him for so long.
Frieza didn't have to look at the other Saiyans to know they were all horrified. He could simply feel the fear coming from all over the planet. And oh, how he reveled it.
With a single beam from his finger, he shot the Saiyan down.
A scream of pain followed.
Falling down on the ground, Frieza appeared before him, ready to finish the despicable creature. Holding his hand on the wound in his shoulder, the Saiyan's eyes widened at Frieza's sudden appearance. The Emperor caught a glimpse of fear and responded with a snicker.
Aiming his finger at the Saiyan's head, his face turned cold. He was done playing around now. Saiyans should now know they never had a chance to begin with. They would regret going against him!
Out of nowhere, a blast of wind came from behind him. Suddenly a high power-level emerged out of nowhere. Frieza's eyes widened, aware of who it was. A strange ominous feeling surprised him.
Turning around he was greeted by the sight of the King of Saiyans.
I'm going to be shameless and tell you that if you comment/review, I'll update next chapter this Friday!
Oh, I see you reading but only a few comment/review and this chapter was a lot of work and… I just need some extra love, k?
Jokes aside, as always, thank you for reading and reviewing ^_^