(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, Universe 6 Planet Sadala. . .)

"Kuzuku Ayoma from Universe 7, just to let you know"

The words that left Kuzuku's mouth only garnered a glare from Krugel, his mouth morphed into a serious frown from trying to process the newcomer's arrival. He looked down at the World's Key that he still had gripped tightly in his hand. He got his main objective so now he was contemplating, "Should I? I've gotten what I wanted so the most important objective is done. All I have to do is return and hand over the World's Key. . .but. . .," He paused in thought to take another look at the newcomer who was patiently waiting for a response. He seemed confident enough which intrigued him.

"This one claims he is from the 7th Universe. If so, then how come he is here and now? Did he come with reinforcements? Furthermore, I still have to confirm if he is among them as well but judging from all this, Vados should not be far behind. Angels are incapable of dealing with mortal affairs so because I'm not a God of Destruction anymore, she can't interfere. However, if she were to report this to the Grand Priest then things would become complicated. . ." He continued, his eyes darting to the somehow unconscious yet floating Champa. Even if she can't interfere by herself, Champa was very much still alive though barely. If he commands her to fight now then things are going to get ugly for him. The Grand Priest was going to figure things out sooner or later anyways and even still: complicated would at most only slow down the progress, "For now, I'll have to settle on killing Champa. It'll buy me some."

As soon as that thought passed, Kuzuku's eyes twitched as he noticed how intently he was staring at Champa's unconscious figure. He scurried through his pockets and took out the bag of senzu beans that he made sure Goku wouldn't hold onto and flew over to Champa. He examined him closely and tried slapping him lightly a few times to gain a reaction only for him to remain still. He cringed, "Damn, he isn't moving at all. He won't be able to consume a senzu bean in the state he's in." Soon enough, he heard multiple signatures appearing behind him. He could easily distinguish who they were before they even spoke.

"Whoa, is that Beerus's brother! He looks like he got put through the ringer!" Goku proclaimed with everyone else right beside him.

Kuzuku nodded in agreement, "Yeah, he's not responding either so he won't be able to take a senzu. . .unless you guys wanna give it to him via mouth-to-mouth?"

"Ew, no! Don't be ridiculous! As far as I'm concerned, he's still breathing so he'll live!" Vegeta shuttered at the mere thought before calming down a bit, "Just give him time to rest or get his attendant to heal him."

"We can't really do that, yah know? They are observing the scene beyond the planet's stratosphere. There's no Oxygen at that point so we'll suffocate. Plus, they didn't really give us a way to contact them now did they?" Kuzuku noted.

The universe 7 Prince crossed his arms before turning his attention to Krugel who looked to be a predator studying their prey, "Fine, so what's with that guy who seems to be staring at us? An enemy?"

"Yeah, he seems to be the source of the odd energy we felt," Kuzuku answered.

"Really?" Goku replied with a quizzical look directed at the Ex-God of Destruction as if he were looking at some exotic creature, "I can't quite put a mark on his energy but it seems oddly familiar. Is he a God of Destruction?"

"Don't be ridiculous, we saw all the Gods of Destructions at the Tournament of Power," Vegeta pointed out.

Though Goku waved his arms in defense, "Hey, maybe the Grand Priest was hiding some of them. You know, because there were originally 18 Universes or whatever and Lord Zeno got mad and destroyed 6 of them?" Vegeta was about to attempt to debunk his reasoning but Queen Chaya managed to speak up first.

"Umm, guys, it's cool to be relaxed and all, but what are we going to do about that?" she asked, pointing at the literal moon-sized dark hole in the sky. They all watched it glow and summon more of those things they noticed earlier from within its abyss. It was the very thing they were sent to investigate and deal with while Whis and Vados enacted a barrier around the planet to keep its energy at bay.

With all this considered, Kuzuku thought for a moment and only commented, "Yeah, now that is an issue. I know you said there were a lot but this much is quite annoying."

"So should we regroup with my husband's army and come up with a pla–" Chaya began to suggest but Vegeta seemed to cut her off before she could even finish that sentence.

"No, you can regroup if you want," Vegeta said, his arms uncrossing, "If you're lucky, then there will be some things left over that can be used as punching bags."

Chaya had to blink a few times and check if her hearing was right. Did he seriously think–, "Heheh, that's Vegeta for yah! I have to agree, you can sit back and leave this to us! The less guys caught in the middle, the less we'll have to worry about when we let-loose." Goku cracked his knuckles with a confident smirk and unwavering face that only spoke joy.

"My. . .they're actually serious?" Chaya sweated internally, "No, they couldn't be. Maybe this Kuzuku fellow will say otherwise. I mean, he seems to be the more rational between them. He'll like set them straight on the path of logic—"

"We'll, before anyone says it, I call dibs on freaky guy down there since I've already launched the first punch anyways," Kuzuku noted before turning his back towards the rest, "Minusing me, I suggest we Ryo, Vegeta, and Goku should go deal with those monsters while the rest of you make sure to regroup with the army or whatever. Once you guys come up with something, you should join back in if it isn't over by then. Sounds like a plan?"

"Yup! I have no problems with that! I'm glad you place so much trust in me to help!" Ryo affirme while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

Though while Kale gave a nod, Caulfila contrasted it with a scoff, "Pfft, fine. There better be some left over! I came here for action after all." With such an easy conclusion to the plan, everyone took off towards their assignments and partially forgot that the Queen herself was left behind with her son. If anything, Kuzuku stood behind and was partially glad that they stayed behind. He one looked at Champa before placing his arm over his shoulder and carried him towards them.

"Sorry to leave this to you guys but uh, mind taking him to a safe place to rest?" Kuzuku asked.

Chaya blinked a few times while Lottus nodded, "Sure thing. Good luck out there, we'll be back as soon as we can to lend you our aid." Kuzuku smirked and nodded.

"Will do," he said before turning around and descending towards the ground, the sounds of Ki flaring and flying off behind him indicating their departure just before his feet touched the ground. The wind whipped against his face as he took a calming breath before looking up to face his adversary who seemed patient enough to not attempt a surprise attack. Something that did made him curious yet at the same time, it was understandable. He was severely outnumbered anyways so doing so in that moment was dumb. Nevertheless, they both glared at each other in silence before Krugel decided to break it.

"You come alone?" He questioned with an raised eyebrow.

Kuzuku nodded, keeping his response just as brief, "Yeah. . ." Though oddly enough, Krugel began to chuckle a bit, almost to the point that he was cackling. The young Saiyan was confused by this though he remained stoic.

"Really? You were better off coming at me all together. Did you not see what I did to that God of Destruction?" Krugel said in amusement which contrasted with the Saiyan's expression.

"I did," Kuzuku admitted casually before adding, "I don't get why you're pointing that out. He isn't me, you know?"

Now Krugel was curious, intrigued by the amount of confidence he had by claiming such a thing, "Are you implying you're stronger than a God of Destruction? You being a mortal and all?" Kuzuku took a moment to think before replying.

"No, I don't. I honestly can't say for certain," He shrugged before giving the Ex-God of Destruction a glare, "But, God of Destruction or not, you think I'll back down just because you defeated Beerus's brother? I could honestly care less."

"Did you say, Beerus? You know him. . .?" Krugel's eyes widened, his ears twitched at the name of the God of Destruction he loathed so much.

Unbeknownst to Kuzuku, he nodded, "Yeah. . .why?" Krugel ignored the question and only asked one of his own.

"Just, what are you?" Krugel asked further.

Now, Kuzuku was even more confused as to the change in attitude, "Uh, a Saiyan from Universe 7 and before you ask, this is nothing more than a transformation that changed my appearance. I don't normally look like this." Krugel cupped his chin in thought.

"I see. . .I suppose that it makes sense that they are capable of transforming. That isn't really uncommon among several species. Either way. . ." Krugel took another look at the Saiyan before him who watched him with curiosity. From what he could remember, he or rather the one who carries his essence has the high-likelihood of being among this race known as "Saiyans" according to what he was told. However, the specifics on finding that said person is really only described as one thing: Someone who has the Ki of a God. If it were just him, then it would have been easy to distinguish but once his friends arrived, he could swear he sensed not one but three God Ki signatures in total. That said, . .,"The only way for me to tell for sure is if they were to reveal it. The prowess that can perceive the very power that even the Grand Priest is incapable of seeing."

Kuzuku sighed, "So, are we just gonna stand here all day? I get that you're in a predicament but I'm really trying to get back home as soon as possible if you don't mind." Snapping out of his train of thoughts, Krugel let out a low snicker before finally taking the opportunity to stand up on two feet. His eyes shined a bit, as if he were signaling something in the distance to take action while he squared off against the Saiyan. As sharp as Kuzuku was, he was unsure as to what he may be smirking about though he felt his body begin to tense, his primal instincts as a Saiyan alerting him of danger almost akin to that of a wild animal. His fingers twitched a bit while his mind sharpened itself and prepared for any surprises made.

"There's no doubt about it. Even though I can't properly grasp it, this guy is strong. It's almost like the same feeling I get when trying to sense Beerus's power from time to time. I can sense it yet at the same time I can't comprehend it nor understand the full scope. . .," Kuzuku noted to himself.

Soon enough, he felt a trickle of nervous sweat slide down his face and towards the tip of his chin. The eerie silence to where you could only hear the wind blow was deafening as the droplet finally caved in to gravity's effect and plummeted towards the ground. Between an enemy who defeated a God of Destruction and the Saiyan who has fought against a foe stronger than his own God of Destruction. . .All it took for the fight to escalate was a single droplet.

". . .!"

Kuzuku looked down and immediately noticed the ground around him beginning to distort like water. Seeing this, he leapt out of the way of the curved spikes that aimed to skewer him, his feet sliding against the dirt before charging straight towards Krugel to the point that the ground cracked like a spider's-web. Taken aback by the Saiyan's speed, Krugel took a few steps back, the action creating a bit of distance long enough for him to create more distortions underneath his previous position. It was calculated, perfectly timed if one must say as Kuzuku closed the distance only to end up underneath more of the ripples. However, the Saiyan was sharp, his eyes quickly picking up on the trap set by the mere action of taking a few steps back. From his peripheral, he could see Krugel smirk before commanding more of the spikes to rise up from the ground.

"Teiryudo:. . ." Kuzuku muttered, the low-tone barely falling deaf to Krugel's ears.

Krugels eyes showed a glint of intrigue, noting "This feels familiar. . ." Before he could finish such a thought, Kuzuku quickly regained his footing on the ground and dug his foot into the hard surface before spinning quickly in one, full rotation. There was a slight pause until the ground suddenly began to crack before rupturing like an explosion that only left a circle in the center of the exerted force.

"Crawling Serpent, Full-Circle!" Kuzuku exclaimed.

The distortions beneath him were suddenly rendered no-more and the surrounding area that was left was reduced to nothing more than a crater in which the only sign of the previous ground was the one Kuzuku stood on while Krugel was left floating in the air for a bit. He grunted, impressed by the technique's usage in order to counter his attack. This alone made him assume it was a defensive-counter technique so he decided it was best to retreat back by using flight to gain some distance. . .but for some reason, in the fraction of a second he needed to move, he couldn't. Ki wouldn't be exerted beneath his feet.

"Wha–" His sentence was cut off by a swift kick to the neck, the blow stunning him for a follow-up side kick that planted itself firmly in his stomach. He gagged, his body rocketing over the crater formed and into the some destroyed rubble while Kuzuku landed graciously on his feet. Though it didn't take long for Krugel to burst out of the rubble with only a few scratches and no signs of fatigue. If anything, he seemed a bit more serious compared to prior which the Saiyan paid no mind.

On the other hand, Krugel was taking notes, "Well. . .it's similar but not quite the same. That technique he used. . .he didn't just use it as a means of defense in order to prevent the emerging process of my Jaw Frenzy. If I can take a guess, the rotation of his feet dragging against the dirt caused something to rise up temporarily around anything that isn't within the epicenter of the circle. This was then used to cancel out my ability to fly due to it nullifying the Ki that is channeled to my feet. If you don't see it coming then it's nearly impossible to counter since your balance will be thrown off whether you are on ground or not. . .however. . .if my suspicions are correct on what it is, then. . ."

"Judging by that look, he's probably figured out the Crawling Serpent's capabilities. I'll have to keep that technique's usage to the minimum since it can be easily countered by exerting more Ki than the force created or adjusting their balance." Kuzuku remarked

Both fighters stood for a moment, their next moves being planned out strategically before taking action. In one single moment, Kuzuku took the initiative and charged in, his footwork developed through his martial arts training bearing fruit with each step. Especially when Krugel had already unleashed more of the spikes though this time, they seemed to have fired from behind him and bent in order to make their trajectory harder to read. Though it was proven futile, the Saiyan's footwork alone allowed him to rotate and maneuver his way around them while still keeping up his charge towards the Ex-God of Destruction, his eyes glistened at the small detail before Kuzuku had atlas closed the distance with a his body still twisting. Krugel was sure that the footwork was done deliberately for a hidden purpose and decided not to take his chances. He tried to take a step back yet Kuzuku's movements were faster than he had anticipated.

"Teiryudou:. . ." Kuzuku took the full rotation and built up the necessary Ki internally to generate the power he needed, his arms balancing himself to provide stability. Then, he unleashed the very kick that stood as the basis, the wind flowing around his foot like streams before hitting his target from all the power built up from his rotation, "Kechuku. . .!"

Krugel quickly held up his arm and blocked the kick with his forearm. He had little time to escape due to the speed that it came at him with, the impact rattling the bones in his body while all the force dispersed into the air. He groaned though he quickly became taken aback as he noticed something quite unbelievable. Just from one of those, he could tell that the simple martial arts strike wasn't normal. Again, it wasn't quite executed the same so he wasn't surprised there were mortals out there that may have the same capabilities as someone he knew. However, the force created from this one in particular was definitely focused on power. Power within a technique usually comes at a cost with how many times one can use it. . .but this Saiyan. . .he was more prepared than he thought, "Another one. . .!" Once he processed it, Kuzuku had already spun around once more in the opposite direction and launched another one in hopes of slipping through the opening provided. With little time to act, Krugel shook off the soreness from the first blow and tensed his muscles a bit more in order to block the second one with his palm, this time reducing the force enough so it wouldn't hurt.

Kuzuku's eyes widened before quickly retreating once he saw more distortions appearing above him, the spikes skewering the ground where he once stood before. Although Krugel seemed a little calm, he was still taking notes of his opponent. He had to admit, this Saiyan was interesting to say the least. For one to be able to combat him while using the power bestowed by one of the kings was commendable.

Once Kuzuku's feet touched the ground, he took a moment to note as well, "Is he a ranged fighter? If so then he's surprisingly good in close quarters in terms of defense." This remark would be quickly proven faulty soon enough. Taking the opportunity now, Krugel dashed forward and was immediately in the Saiyans face. He wasn't going to give him room to breathe and the action itself took Kuzuku by surprise. He crossed his arms before taking blow and blow from punches that came from two different angles. They were heavy but personally, he's dealt with worse. Broly and Jiren were a testament to that yet he could tell by Krugel's demeanor that he was still holding back. If so. . .then he'd just have to kick up the gears.

With transcending speeds, Kuzuku slipped under one of the punches and retaliated with an uppercut that made him stumble back far enough for him to deliver two side kicks to the chest and stomach. Then, while he seemed stunned from the blows, he took the chance to rotate once more in order to prepare for another Kechuku until. . .he faintly noticed a smirk.

*STAB*

Kuzuku froze, his eyes darting down to the pain that he felt down towards the lower portion of his body. One of the spikes that emerged seemingly out of thin air had penetrated his right leg before he could realize it. He didn't even have time to process it as Krugel took the chance to grab him by the hair before pulling him into a hard knee to the stomach that made him cough out blood. The Saiyan could've sworn that his consciousness faded for a second considering he felt an elbow strike him in the back of his neck that sent him crashing face first into the dirt. He groaned though he didn't have long to cope with the pain since he immediately leapt away through the use of his arms in order to avoid getting a foot planted in his back. He could tell that would have given him back problems considering Krugel's foot shattered the ground beneath him. He would have thought that he was out of the woods already but suddenly he noticed Krugel's pronged and elongated spikes that stuck out of his elbow began to grow a sinister purple. Quickly and motioned his finger towards his forehead.

"Megaldon's Blade!" Krugel announced, his arms looking more like a blur as two slash waves aimed to cut off any route of escape in order to split the Saiyan into fours. Although, to Krugel's surprise, the Saiyan vanished way before the blades could even make contact with him. He was left confused for a moment, making note that he was positive that his opponent wasn't THAT fast to avoid that attack. Only one thing came to mind, "Teleportation. . .!"

Just as he assumed, he felt the Saiyan reappear right behind him, his body already twisting into another one of the Kechuku's. However, to the Saiyan's surprise, Krugel began to imitate his motion, the action not truly registering in his head until they both had struck each other in their neck. Kuzuku let out a grunt while Krugel felt just how powerful the blow was, the blows creating a deep crevasse in the ground from where all the force exited. The Saiyan was about the first to recover, taking note that despite the kick being similar, it still didn't match up to the real thing. In fact, it wasn't even close but. . .he was proven that it was to serve another purple.

Quicker than he could perceive, another spike had stabbed into him, this time through his opposite leg. Kuzuku's eyes widened, almost missing the smile of Krugel's face, "You faked the imitation of my technique to lure me in. . .!" The Ex-God of Destruction spat out of blood before replying.

"Yup," Krugel said, his kick retracting before going in for a left hook to send the Saiyan flying. However, the Kuzuku ducked under the blow while his raised leg planted its foot into the ground. Krugel was left a bit surprised at how resilient his adversary was only to take notice of wind gathering around the opposite leg. Before he knew it, he felt the heel of Kuzuku's foot strike him in the chin so hard that he could have sworn that if he didn't tense his muscles at the last moment then his brain would of shut-off.

"Teiryudou: Rising Imoogi!"

Krugel could feel his body levitating off the ground as the feeling of contact was fleeting. However, before he was blown away, he placed a hand just in front of Kuzuku's stomach, a distortion that didn't go unnoticed beginning to form. With quick feet, Kuzuku led to the side, only for the spike to graze his ribs and knock the side of his arm before Krugel was sent flying and doing somersaults in the air. Soon enough, he stopped just several meters away with his feet skidding against the dirt while the Saiyan inspected his wound. It wasn't deep but it sure as hell hurt.

Nevertheless, he looked over at Krugel who was rubbing his jaw, "Seems like he's not much better either. Still, he's tricky. Even on guard and taking the aggressive approach, I can't seem to be able to take a lead. . ." Krugel on the other hand frowned.

"Must say, you are quite annoying," Krugel remarked

"I get that a lot," Kuzuku smirked, his body retaking a stance. There wasn't much of a response afterwards. The two simply re-engage in combat as two streams of light ripped through the landscape while weaving between building to building. It was evident that this was going to take a while. . .


(Meanwhile, Back With Queen Chaya and Lottus Who Were Regrouping. . .)

"Do you think they'll be fine?"

Lottus turned towards his mother who had asked the question. Currently, he opted to be the one to carry the unconscious God of Destruction on his back as they made their way to a safe spot. He took a moment before chuckling, "Yeah, believe it or not, those guys are ludicrously strong. The rumors you heard about them from Cabba are as true as one can describe. . ."

"Yes but. . .," Queen Chaya paused before noting, "That other opponent Kuzuku is facing isn't ordinary. He did defeat Champa with seemingly relative ease."

Lottus remained silent. His mother did have a point. When they arrived to see Champa's defeat and at death's door, it was beyond surreal to him. . .and the enemy barely had much scratch. He admitted, the Saiyans from Universe 7 were beyond his comprehension and they've recently fought one whose growth in power eclipses ever theirs to the point they had to resort to Fusion. But was it enough compared to a feat such as that?

The thought did make room for worry though even that space was filled by something that caught his eye. He blinked, hoping that what he was seeing was nothing more than a mirage created by the dust. However, after adjusting his vision a bit more, dread seemed to fill his heart faster than a flooding dam, "Wa–wait! Mother, look!" The two stopped, the Queen glancing in the direction that her son was referring to. Her eyes widened at what she saw.

There, beneath the now brightened sky caused by Kuzuku's attack from earlier, was a beaten figure that laid amongst the destroyed rubble. They were as motionless as one could be, the debris that was picked up by the winds and brushing against their face not even garnering a reaction. However, that didn't stop them from recognizing him. . .recognizing the King who bore the name of their planet. Her husband: King Sadala. She wanted to cry out but her voice was logged in her throat and her body sprung into action. She didn't even notice her feet touching the ground at first, her knees bending down so she could get a closer look at his face.

"Sadala! Dear! Please. . .! Can you hear me!? Open your eyes and nod twice if you can! Please. . . " Queen Chaya panicked, her voice soon dying out into a broken croak. She barely registered Lottus landing beside her, his bewildered shock nearly causing him to drop Champa in the process. His mother was starting to grow hysteric, her breathing becoming harder to control and yet, he couldn't do anything to help. He was wrestling his own emotions as well.

His lips quiver as he took in his father's body in every single detail in hopes to see a sign but. . ., "No. . .he's not. . .He's not breathing. . .!" he thought. Even as he restrained himself from saying it aloud, his mother seemed to have been quicker to figure it out. Saiyans were battle hardened, their hearts made of reinforced glass that allowed them to push through many great atrocities. However, even reinforced glass can be shattered ever-so easily. Paining him, Lottus's ears were filled with a horrid cry that made him freeze as if he were entrapped in thin ice.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

His eyes looked over to his mother, a strong woman who had done many things for the kingdom of the Saiyans, now broken down into a hysteric mess as she hugged the lifeless body of her king. His relationship with his father was one thing that felt a bit strained to say the least. But his mother. . .even though she hadn't had enough time, she was part of "his" everything. . .and seeing her bellow in grief was enough to make him snarl. He didn't realize it, but his power and blood was beginning to boil, "Who. . .dares. . .tsk!" In the midst of his bubbling rage that was already getting ready to blow, he felt something fast approaching behind. With a quick turn, he dropped the God of Destruction a bit carelessly though he felt that it was necessary considering the amount of murderous intent was enough to make him snap out of his rage. Even if that intent wasn't fully directed on him and on God himself.

Due to his training with Vegeta, he had gained many things and one thing he was thankful for was the fact that he not only had a body that was able to withstand severe punishment but the ability to quickly transform when needed was something the Universe 7 prince of Saiyans had particularly drilled into their heads. Which was why he wasted no time in transforming into a Super Saiyan in order to catch the tip of a red-blur clashing against the palm of his hand that he used to block. The impact itself caused shockwaves to disperse all-around them and snapped the Queen out of his moment of anguish and into confusion. With a roar, Lottus retaliated with a counter-punch that was meant to send the figure flying, though he felt something block his strike. He groaned a bit before letting out a burst of energy from his fist in hopes to blow away the assailant though it only resulted in them leaping away before getting caught in the blast. The red energy that shrouded them faded quickly, revealing a cloaked-figure landing just a few meters away from them.

He looked unrecognizable at first, the hair being something that doesn't spark any resemblance, but as the figure raised his head. . .Lottus couldn't help but turn into a statue alongside his mother. So much that he barely processed the words that left the assailant's mouth, "Well, I was hoping that if I let you see him then you'd be much easier to deal with, little brother." Hearing this, Chaya stood up and shakingly walked forward to get a better view.

"Okara. . .? My child. . .is that you?" She spoke in pauses, almost a bit relieved to see that at least her other son was alive and well. However, Lottus extended a hand out to prevent her from getting closer, her eyes darting to see her youngest's shadowed expression. Something just wasn't right.

Lottus's frowned, his emotional state hard to affirm under those golden-locks of hair, "Okara. . .care to explain. . ."

"Explain. . .," Okara feigned ignorance, "Well, I've gone through some changes as well while you were away. I can see that you've acquired that 'super' form similar to Cabba. I like to congratulate yo—"

"I won't ask again. . .," Lottus growled, his tone itself serving as a warning, "Explain, what did you exactly mean by that. . .!"

There was a tense, unbearable silence between them. Okara, fully knowing what he was talking about began to laugh a bit to which Lottus's mouth opened in response yet no words came out. It was either that he was too angry to speak or in disbelief that his older brother would make light of the situation. Though, it was quickly proven to be both as Okara revealed, "Come on, little brother. I made it clear, didn't I? I was hoping that you two would be in so much grief that you'd let your guard down. You were carrying the God of Destruction on your back so it would have been like killing two-birds-with-one-stone if I had just skewered you along with him. . ." Soon enough, Chaya spoke out.

"Don't make such jokes like that! Especially to your younger brother! You know bette–" She scolded before Lottus's aura began to rise dangerously. She backed away a bit as she had never seen him act this way before.

Lashing out was one thing but someone who was silent in the midst of their boiling anger. . .that was another thing entirely. All that was needed was one simple good reason, the younger prince finally asking. . .,"Okara, tell me truthfully and I promise you, I won't get mad: did you kill our father?" Then, without even a shred of hesitation. . .

"What a compulsive liar you are. Who wouldn't get mad at someone who killed their loved ones on purpose? In fact, I also killed Galalang and Gherk as well just so you know. . .," Okara said in a matter-of-fact tone.

That. That was all Lottus needed to break the dam, especially since the fact that he was at first under the impression that Okara was under some form of mind control. However, the words that left his older brother's mouth felt too deliberate and truthful. The young prince laughed at the confession and turned to his mother with a smile, "Sorry, mom. But I guess he was right."

"Huh. . .?" Chaya muttered, her eyes seemingly lost as she had to process what Okara had told them.

With a sudden, explosive burst of unrestrained rage, Okara's Ki came to life as his face shifted into one of pure-hatred. The dam had been broken, "I'm going to BEAT HIM TO THE INCH OF HIS LIFE!" Before she could even perceive a single movement, Lottus took off and rocketed himself forward towards his older brother. Okara remained impassive and stern even when he blocked the oncoming punch that was aimed at his face. He felt his feet slide back a bit, the ground cracking underneath as he locked arms with his younger brother who was clearly filled with rage that he hadn't predicted.

"Are you really furious? Over the death of our father? How ironic," Okara noted.

Though Lottus ignored his questions, his mind only set, pounding him into the ground, "YOU TRAITOR!" His bellowed roar echoed as his sudden increase in power caught Okara off-guard from the crackling bio-electricity. Unbeknownst to him, Lottus had transformed into his Super Saiyan 2 state, the transformation both quick enough to bolster his power in order to break through his defenses. The younger prince screamed, his other fist slugging Okara so hard across the face that he sent him flying, though he wasted no time in chasing after him. He became nothing more than a blur shortly and only reappeared fully above Okara's body before grabbing him by the neck and slamming him into the ground, his fist raised as he glared daggers into his brother's eyes. Chaya was unable to bear with the sight she was seeing, even if it was completely warranted.

"Lottus, wait!" she cried, though it seemed to have fallen to her ears. He looked more like a beast than her son that she remembered, his eyes completely blank and devoid of pupils from how angry he was. It made her shudder and she was so shocked by it that she barely registered more people hurrying towards the scene.

The voice was familiar and cut short, "Queen Chaya, what's going on—Lottus? Prince Okara!" The Queen snapped out of her state of shock and noticed Cabba had just arrived in time to see what the fuss was about. Not too long, and much to her dislike at the sight of her, Caulifla landed as well along with Kale. They were all completely speechless, the sight of a fully enraged prince getting ready to pummel his own flesh and blood into a pile of mesh wasn't something they'll see everyday. Cabba, being a great friend to Lottus and admired Okara as he knew one day he'll be crowned king, took the opportunity to ask himself.

"Lottus, just what are you doing! That's your brother! Calm down and—!" He reasoned, though he was cut short.

The younger prince shot him an angry snarl, "Calm down? Calm down!? For who exactly!? I refuse to calm down for someone who betrayed us! He killed not only Gherk and Galalang but also King Sadala! OUR FATHER!" Cabba, Kale, and even Caulifla looked at him bewildered though he ignored their expression and turned back to Okara. He didn't even look like he gave a damn, his face showing little care or resentment. He clenched his teeth.

"Why the hell aren't you showing any emotion. . .no, you've always been like that. . .tell me, why?" Lottus sucked in breaths, not knowing how he was feeling at the moment. Though his rage boiled even more when that question didn't even gain a reaction from his older brother. With his restraint pretty much thrown out the window with his rationality, he slammed his fist into Okara's face, the impact leaving a deafening sound that made Chaya flinch before Lottus retracted his fist. Once more, Lottus looked down at his brother's bruised cheek and impassive eyes. . .he asked again at a different angle, "Did he mean so little to you. . .?

His frustrated tone slowly rose and he got no answer. Once more, he slammed his slugged him again, a similar impact intensifying as his mother watched. He knew this was hurting her emotionally but right now, Lottus was beyond reasonable. Especially not for what has been done. This was warranted after all, so he asked another question, "Did you even think about how mother would feel. . .how'll she react to our father being killed by her own son. . .!?"

He punched him a few more times, each one matching how much angrier he got from gaining no response.

"What were you thinking when you switched sides? When you betrayed everyone!" Lottus screeched.

*Thwack!*

"Our family!" He punched him again. . .

*Thwack!* *Thwack!*

Lottus added, "The people of Sadala!"

*Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!*

"The men who had such hopes for you as their future king!"

*Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!*

At this point, Lottus was just unleashing punch after punch. He didn't care if Okara gave an answer or not. His emotions were unstable and for those who watched him beat his brother senseless. . .they could tell. His eyes said it all from just a simple glance and none even dared to move in to stop it. But most of all, Caulifla couldn't help internally cringe at the sight. It looked all too familiar as Lottus kept berating Okara, "Why. . .?"

*Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!*

"Why. . .?" He asked once more.

*Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!*

He repeated, "Why. . .!?"

*Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!* *Thwack!*

Soon enough, he paused, unaware that blood had stood the ground from his excessive onslaught of punches. The ground beneath was already threatening to give way but he didn't care. He clenched his teeth at his unresponsive sibling before raising his fist one more time. If he wasn't going to say anything then. . .he was as good as dead to him.

"WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHY!?"

His fist plummeted towards his Okara to deliver the finishing blow. He was done, fed-up and emotionally drained. He just wanted to put an end to this. For the crime that Okara had committed, he was certain that the people would never let it slide. They'd demand his death on the spot and as much as he wasn't particularly in a good-relationship with him, he was still his older brother. . .he had to be the one to do it. As his fist grew closer and closer, Lottus could only reminisce back to simpler times. Back when they were still boys in child-saiyan armor under Galalang, Gherk, and Renzo's tutelage. Back when Caulifla would actually be a regular at the palace as she often accompanied her brother during duty. Times where they didn't care for all of the responsibilities and simply enjoyed doing stupid things even though Okara would be the one to have more reason compared to him. Their father was annoyed though showing rare signs of amusement in their antics while their mother joined in from time to time. All memories during the early days of Planet Sadala rising until they all eventually began to grow distant. Now here they are. In the middle of a warzone, their father is dead, their mother in anguish, and now on opposing sides. He couldn't help but think, "Everything. . .just went straight to hell, huh—!?"

His thoughts took a momentary pause as a loud echo resonated in his ears as he could feel a tight grip around his fist. Lottus watched both in curiosity and confusion as the one responsible was Okara himself, his hair shadowing his expression as his cheeks were bruised and bleeding enough to leave a stream of blood running down the side. Without a word, Okara turned to the side and spit out some of the blood formulating in his mouth before more came running down the side of his lip. His expression had not changed despite all of that. . .Lottus growled, and was getting ready to raise his fist again though Okara didn't let go. That was already a red-flag.

"You're done getting it out of your system. . .?" Okara asked calmly, the question itself irking his younger brother. He ignored the glares and continued, speaking loud enough for his mother to hear, "You made such a scene by venting so much all just to ultimately ask me a single word question: 'why'? Because look around you. Don't you see? Our precious Planet Sadala was already in this sorry state since this whole thing began. Our father, as king, let it all get to this point because he was incapable. You should be thanking me, if I hadn't been chosen as a candidate then you wouldn't have had a home to return to. . ."

"Thanking you. . .? Why the hell should I thank someone who killed my father! Are you insane!" Lottus snapped back though Okara glared back at him with a single visible eye shadowed by his bangs.

"You and I know how ironic that is coming from you of all people, Lottus," Okara remarked which gained Lottus's attention, "Wasn't he the one who paid the least amount of attention to you? He scolded you time and time again for not taking your position more seriously. You even said you hated him at one point. Nothing was ever satisfactory to him. Everything you and I did was always second-fiddle. That they lacked things necessary to even be worthy of him fully considering giving up his throne to either of us solely. It was never a guarantee that I'll inherit everything. You were always there on that list. . .someone who is innately inferior."

Lottus's eyes widened just as much as everyone else. From what they had heard, they couldn't even believe it. Though despite them collectively thinking the same thing, Lottus of course was the one to say it, "You did all this. . .just to guarantee that you'll gain the throne?"

"Precisely," Okara affirmed before adding, "People? Comrades? Loyalty? Family? Those things will always be an afterthought to my main goal. Planet Sadala and the kingdom of the Universe 6 Saiyans are no ordinary force. They are one of the driving forces of the justice system throughout the cosmos and hold the most power in both militaristic and political aspects. All I desire is to claim the throne's benefits and assert the might of the Saiyans to dictate the alliances. To showcase the pride of the Saiyans to its fullest extent. You must understand yourself, right? Why else would you have abandoned Planet Sadala to go on some trip to Universe 7 to train? You had a goal too or were you just 'having fun' as per usual?"

The younger prince stood silent at his words. The fact that the reason for his betrayal was simply to gain power was one thing but. . .what he said after really struck home. It was a fact that he did leave to Universe 7 to train. He did that mainly out of interest in the stories that Cabba had shared with him. Though, as Lottus criticized his brother for betraying everyone and putting them in jeopardy, what right did he have to accuse him of that? If he truly cared then he would have been fighting alongside them this whole time and so many Saiyans wouldn't have probably died. Yet, he opted into leaving without even taking into consideration possible threats as a consideration. By that logic, he was guilty in his own right. . .and that pained him. His eyes grew wide, his voice hitching to halt a response once his brain finally worked through a jumble of emotions.

"I'm impressed. Not only have you gained a tremendous amount of power that would have surpassed the old me. . .," Okara noted, though his voice seemed to fall to his little brother's ears. Even the fact that he had formed a red spear of light in his hands, action snapping everyone out of their state of shock to realize what he was about to do. Though, before they could act, the spear had already pierced through a motionless Lottus right through his stomach. Stunned, the younger prince coughed out blood, his hair reverting back to normal as Okara finished his sentence with a deathly, cold tone, "In the end. . .you actually were able to think. . ."

Not a word was said as a reply from him and Lottus's eyes grew faint before collapsing over to the side while Okara raised himself up as if nothing happened. They couldn't believe it. . .he even went as far as to kill his own brother. Chills ran down their spines while Okara turned his attention to Champa, "Now, time to do what Krugel ordered me to do as he keeps the other one occupied." He stood up, his feet treading towards Lord Champa who was only being defended by his mother who showed no signs of a will to fight. She was just too emotional that she seemed to be in a trance of some sort. He didn't care, as much as he felt a tinge in his chest at the sight. What's done is done and this was the path he chose to walk. However, just as soon as he took another step forward. . .a bolstering explosion caught his ears. He turned, not to see some miracle comeback. No. . .this was different. It was more akin to someone ready to kill the moment an opening presented itself. He wasn't sure but he could faintly tell why. It was out of personal sympathy oddly enough.

Standing between the famous captain who became the first known Super Saiyan of Planet Sadala and the woman who was rumored to be a monster in disguise, the little sister of former General Renzo stomped towards him. Her hair had turned blond, similar to a Super Saiyan with bio-electricity flowing around her wildly. Though oddly enough, he noticed a blue, flame-like aura that also clung to her body. . .while her hair had grown long enough to reach towards her lower back. One thing he knew, the Saiyan-bandit woman known as Caulifla. . .was beyond forgiveness.


A/N: Phew, done! Didn't expect this to get uh. . .dark? Fun fact; Lottus is actually an old OC from a friend of mine who lent him to me and was actually shipped with Caulifla during her debut. When I was planning out this chapter and its scenes, I had trouble choosing who would be the one to transform first. Kale seemed like a good choice but considering she was the strongest out of them, I decided not to. Cabba was more of a character that I don't necessarily resonate with so it came down to Lottus and Caulifla. I figured that I could use this for the future for uh, development between them which lead to my whole dilemma lol. Seeing how Caulifla is more "rough" in terms of her character, I think having her rage boost herself into Super Saiyan 3 was a better choice. That and I even added a bonus as you can tell by the description of her transformation that this isn't a normal Super Saiyan 3. I don't think I need to specify it right now ;3. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until we meet again!