Representing the Dragonball

Chapter 3

Enemy after enemy arrived to challenge the defenders of the planet Earth but nothing could prepare the Z warriors for the threat flying in from the depths of space. With each foe the Saiyans faced their powers and abilities climbed to the next level but the concern within the mind of the former space pirates was even that wouldn't be enough to defeat a rival species that possess comparable power to their own. Whomever possessed the stronger will would ultimately control the flow of battle but unlike other foes Goku still couldn't imagine the lengths the Kanjin's would go to achieve their goals. Naturally the Earth Saiyan wanted to believe in the goodness of everyone regardless of how minuscule the possibility of its existence. Slowly Goku shifted his glance from his youngest son to his eternal rival who seemed to be lost within his own thoughts. "These Kanjins...what are they like?" Although the youngest demi-saiyans weren't threatened by the mere mentioning of the Kanjin's name they were just as curious as Goku about what these beings were capable. Like their full blooded relatives the young boys also had an unyielding eagerness to take on new challenges. Goku's dark orbs scanned the room and noticed that the other Saiyan's assembled seemed to be thinking of a way to describe the race to the inexperienced Kakarot.

Silence fell upon the group and after a few moments it was Raditz who decided to share his experiences first. "Kakarot you faced many cunning enemies in your day, however nothing compares to those Kanjin bastards." As the elder brother brought the memories of that encounter to the forefront of his mind he clinched his fist and clicked his tongue in anger. "Before our home, Planet Vegeta, was destroyed I recall being sent out on an eradication mission close to the Kanjin's home world. The indigenous creatures living on the planet put up little resistance to our advances and it appeared as though we would finish the job well before the next moon cycle. Before we could move on to another quadrant of the dust ball an armored figure landed before myself and the squad I was assigned too. The events following that initial encounter are hazy at best. Moments later I locate the others bloody and broken all around me but I myself didn't have a scratch." Goku's eyes widened slightly when he heard the details of Raditz's encounter with a Kanjin warrior. He wasn't a specialist in the Saiyan mind but it was unusual for one to forget what happened in a span of time except when they transformed into their giant ape form.

That was the first time that Bardock had heard of his elder son's experience on the battlefield. Instantly the scientist began dissecting his son's account to find an explanation for the missing time. If Raditz was drugged it would certainly account for the lapse in his memory but he did mention that he left the battlefield without a single scratch on him. That left only one possibility. Bardock once again narrowed his eyes as he turned his attention back toward his two sons. "From your account its apparent you encountered a Kanjin warrior of mid-class strength. The time lapse is a direct result of the Kanjin's mind manipulation ability. By utilizing that ability the Kanjins are able to control the actions of their target; essentially turning them into a puppet." Gohan in particular was disturbed by the insights his grandfather brought to light about their enemy. From his studies he had learned about the complex nature of the mind. Needless to say it was disturbing that in an instant an individual could take control of your body and manipulate your actions. As he thought about it longer another terrifying thought entered his mind. If the Kanjins had knowledge of how to read Ki it would be easy for them to locate the strongest among them and then turn the tables in their favor. Quickly the teenage demi-saiyan spun to face his grandfather and asked the important question. "Is this ability shared among all members of the Kanjin race or is it limited to the elite members?"

Although Bardock was familiar with the Kanjin anatomy and had a basic understanding of their abilities he had limited data to come up with a solid conclusion on the matter. Despite that he easily followed the thought process Gohan was perusing. "Like our own race the Kanjins divide their people into classes that define their extent of their abilities. From my own knowledge and experience all Kanjin's possess at least a basic level for this ability. Low Class Kanjins would only be able to manipulate those individuals who don't possess a strong warrior spirit. Given the stakes the Kanjins will build their assault party of high class warriors. Average fighters could be overpowered by their influence but those of us who have achieved Super Saiyan status should be able to resist." For a moment Gohan felt a slight sense of relief to know that the main protectors of Earth would at least have a chance to avoid falling victim to the Kanjin's tricks. Based on Vegeta's tone and body language it was apparent that the threat was still very real. The prince's expression grew more grim as he pictured the leadership of the Kanjins in his mind. "Royal Kanjins however stand on a level all their own. If one of them were to enter the battle it's possible for them to turn Kakarot against us."

Concern spread through the hearts of all the warriors assembled. There was no denying that Goku was the strongest among them. If the Kanjins were able to control Goku then the Earth was doomed. Despite all the negativity in the room over the thought, Goku had confidence in himself. Not too long ago Babidi attempted to control Vegeta and ultimately he was able to overcome it with pure will. If Vegeta was able to resist the influence of an evil wizard, Goku thought his strong desire to protect Earth and everyone on it would allow him to do the same regardless of how strong the Kanjin's were. Even though his brother had told him about his personal experience with an Kanjin encounter, Goku still wasn't convinced the Kanjin's were truly an evil race like the Saiyans once were. "Couldn't their actions just be attributed to a desire to protect those unable to protect themselves?"

The logic behind the question did seem rather sound. From what Bardock had seen from his younger son he'd figure that if placed in a similar position he would go out of his way to help the less fortunate. "At one time I'm sure the Kanjins felt like they had such a responsibility however I suspect their intensions are driven by another force entirely now. While under Frieza's employ I was forced to research and develop a virus that would cripple the Kanjin people. The very concept disgusted me but given our position at the time there was no preventing it. Ultimately prior to Planet Vegeta's destruction we had successfully infected the Kanjin's prince. With certainty I can state their actions are driven by revenge. My gut tells me that Frieza planned things like that to prevent our races from joining forces to overthrow him."

Hearing the cause for the Saiyan and Kanjin blood feud made Goku rather angry. Once again it was Frieza who prevented people from having a chance at a decent life. Vegeta was forced to turn into a cold hearted monster from a young age and his own father was forced to use his knowledge to go against all his principles. Needless to say if Frieza was still alive the Earth Saiyan would once again beat the living crap out of him to make him pay for his actions. Getting all parties to move on from the past was all that mattered at this point. Revenge had a habit of blinding someone who may possess the best of intensions. He hoped deep down that he would be able to shine a light in their darkness and guide them back down the righteous path. For a moment Goku shifted his gaze toward the floor and thought about how they should proceed from this point. If the Kanjins had the ability to manipulate the minds of others he was unsure it would be wise to get his human friends involved in the battle. Regardless of his personal feelings he knew full well their own hearts guided them and if they wanted to help they would. Slowly he raised his gaze and then focused on the three newly revived Saiyans before them. With the time they had available to them it would be critical for them to train to increase their own power. "Seems our next destination will be the lookout tower." Bardock, Raditz and Turles all rose an eyebrow at Goku's declaration. Despite their unfamiliarity with that location they were willing to follow Goku's lead since Vegeta seemed to be in agreement with his rival's direction.

Deep within the recesses of the universe the Kanjins were making the final preparations for their journey toward Earth. Outside the protective walls of the royal palace a large circular space ship was awaiting the arrival of its passengers. The ship was almost identical the one Frieza often traveled in. Apparently some time after Frieza was defeated by Future Trunks the Kanjins had commandeered one of his ships from one of his outposts. Not only did the ship provide them additional material resources but also brought with it expendable fighters to use in the battle with the Saiyans. Normally the Kanjin's didn't approve of using other races but those under the tyrants were unredeemable in their eyes. In addition to the fodder scattered over the ship the Kanjins brought with them a handful of their best fighters from the various classes. The few Sankanjins that Keiko insisted they take with them were impatiently waiting in their quarters for some action. At the very least they would get off what they called a god forsaken hell. The white haired prince sat on the bridge and lightly rubbed his temples as he continued to wait. He made sure everything was in order and that preparations were going smoothly. Just as he was able to complain about his sister's lateness he heard the bridge door slide open to reveal the battle ready Ukyo. Keiko slowly gazed back at his sister and let out a small breath noticing how dark her gaze was. There was no doubt in his mind that Ukyo was determined to serve her version of justice on the Saiyans. "Set a course for Earth..."

To be continued...