OPENING THEME
Episode 18:
A WALK ON THE DARK SIDE: THE REAL BATTLE BEGINS
As the sky became increasingly dark despite just behind him being perfectly sunny, Vegeta soon noticed several Elmorites in hot pursuit, coming from all angles. Vegeta's aura surged, casting incredible white light about him that sent the Elmorites dropping like flies. Using his aura as a guide amidst the intense darkness, he made a landing and studied where he was. The dark side of the planet resembled a thick forest in the advanced stages of decay with no indication of life for miles but odd insects buried under the thickening of ice.
Vegeta moved forward as though he knew exactly where to go, his heavy steps treading over the greying soil beneath. Smiling, he greeted unsuspecting Elmorites with a blast which invited several others to him but he defeated them with ease, his being becoming nothing but white streaks. With victory assured, he took in the sight of the great stone structure behind them. It was a massive castle that very much resembled that to the abandoned one of the Great Ruler's. Here, he noticed that the building was thriving on advanced technology which emanated an eerie glow about it. With a determined countenance, he confidently made his way in.
With more than sufficient light, Vegeta reduced his aura. Looking about the expanse of the room, he was soon noticed by several Elmorites that presumably left their posts and charged forward. As before, Vegeta went in for the swift finish but somehow these particular creatures did not stay down as the ones before them. Growling, his aura surged, unearthing the marble tiles and rocking the foundation to and fro. After being forced to do nothing but block their blows that impressively sent him back by great distances , he growled in frustration and immediately his aura spiked once more, sending the creatures flying off. They stared in amazement at the new appearance of the man before them. Vegeta had transformed to a super saiyan god super effortlessly.
Sending a succession of massive blasts, the creatures waited patiently to see what damage had been done but they were met with dark laughter.
"Humph." There was no visible indication that he had even been attacked and Vegeta made swift work of the creatures and he delighted to see them fall one after the other.
"Well, well - I haven't seen you in quite a while. How have you been?"
The condescending tone of the voice only furthered Vegeta's rage and he swung around, baring his teeth as he growled upon recognising the newcomer.
"Blue hair? It's quite becoming of you prince," the Great Ruler remarked, his cat-like ears twitching excitedly.
"I can be done with you in seconds but tell me one thing first," Vegeta stated firmly, "After all of this time, after all of these years, why? Why did you not at the very least allow me the privilege to know that my son survived?"
"Simple. Conveniency," he laughed.
Vegeta dashed forward, connecting a powerful punch which to the man's shock and horror sent him to his knees. He grabbed hold of his now ruined cheek, blood springing to life from his nose and pouring out of his mouth. He looked up at Vegeta with intense dread.
Smirking, Vegeta added, "Wrong answer."
With a flick of his right arm, the man sent a signal readily accepted by the fallen Elmorites. Struggling to their feet, their dark eyes were replaced with a furious golden spark and a whirlpool of violent wind ensued. In a grand spectacle, the creatures were pulled into one being as though in a cycle of great absorption with the fallen in the forest being reeled in as though by a vacuum. As this continued, an Elmorite was consistently growing in size and by the time the last was absorbed, the giant stood at an impressive 50 feet.
"Clearly you enjoy others doing your dirty work for you. How pathetic." With one swift punch, Vegeta's gloved hand sunk into the depths of the creature's guts and the beast fell on its back, unconscious.
Wide-eyed, the Great Ruler looked on in shock. He struggled to his feet, backing away as Vegeta drew closer.
"Now, some answers if you will."
With a smirk, the Great Ruler prepared himself in a battle stance. Following his lead, so too did Vegeta and the two studied the other in an old-fashioned stand-off. Laughing, purple mist suddenly erupted from about the Great Ruler. Understanding just what was about to happen, Vegeta could not help but to share in the glee.
"So, tell me again about those whimsical devices of yours. How is it that so much can fit into so little?" Sentee asked as he led the boys towards a crowded area of the village.
"The DynoCaps are made out of this special alloy invented by my Gramps. Anything made out of the patented material will react in the same manner - they can contract and expand at will. Small items like jewellery or certain clothes when sprayed with the stuff reacts similarly, that's how Mela's necklace was contained inside. Pretty neat, huh?" Trunks shared as Goten stared on wide-eyed.
"Wow. Truly ingenious, indeed. Yes, it would mean that I can escape with all of my belongings even with my own home in the event of natural disasters or wars. It would most certainly make travelling through space more of a vacation as you wouldn't have to worry about time away from home now, would you?"
"That's just it! My Mom doesn't like the idea - but if I ever was to take over the company one day, I would be branching out to the universe. There's so many more people out there who would benefit from these things," Trunks said determinedly, with a twinkle in his eyes, "Yeah - but she keeps going on and on that she knows too many aliens as it is."
Sentee laughed, "Referring to you and your father, correct?"
"And my Dad, too," added Goten, "And I guess me too. Hey! Your Mom's not nice at all." He frowned.
Sentee chuckled.
They were led towards what resembled a rustic, old-fashioned bar and the boys took in the sights in awe. They passed several cat-eared men and women huddled together in small groups, merrily drinking and carrying on meaningful conversation. They were quickly approaching the largest group of men who proved to also be the loudest.
"To the boy!" a large man with dignified, well-chiselled muscles proclaimed, his greying hair swinging wildly about his head in his joy. The men clambered together their mugs and repeated before gulping down the alcohol.
"Ah, Sentee," called over the man, "Come on, my boy, take a seat."
"There is no need, we won't be here for very long." He immediately noted the euphoria in the men's eyes, "But I do have some great news in reference to the boy. I know exactly who he is."
The men looked up at him as though he were crazy but their anticipation won them over.
"Is that so? Or is this another one of your bizarre dreams? Kilo, your son has always been one to tell tall tales," one man exclaimed, chuckling at his own joke.
"I wouldn't mind knowing. Now out with it," another added.
"Boy, this better not be one of your jokes," Kilo demanded.
"No, father. I assure you as I have been assured. It was Fahren."
His father looked at him with a baffled expression, "Fahren? W- What? But he's -"
"No, father. He wasn't but now he is as I've determined from Vegeta's memories."
"Oh. So that doesn't mean I don't have to go over the really long story, then," piped up Goten, recalling Sentee's previous queries about Mela. To tell her story would also mean to tell Fahren's and apparently all was already known.
A tear trickled down the man's face and the others looked on with confusion, grumbling amongst themselves.
"The prince?" he gasped. He turned his head towards his fellow drinkers and gently begged them to depart, "Can you guys give me some time with my boy?"
"Yeah, sure. And then, will you all please fill us in on who this Fahren is?"
With a firm nod, Kilo wordlessly promised that he will reveal what they have asked. With the men gone, Goten took up an eager seat but just as Trunks was about to join, he was held back by Sentee.
"And this is Vegeta's son. Trunks."
The man studied the boy in awe and glee and hugged him tightly, "I've never had the chance to hold a grandson." He released his hold and admired the teenager from head to toe, "He has a certain likeness to his father, eh?"
Sentee nodded.
"Where is the prince? Is he aware of the dangers...?"
"He has gone in search for the Great Ruler."
"Is he mad! Does he even know how truly powerful that that man and his minions are out there?"
"None is as strong as he, I am sure. I've never encountered such power. And with a little help from Mela, victory is certain."
"Um, curious question," piped up Goten, taking up one of the half-emptied mugs and sniffing it curiously, "Where Mr. Vegeta went, why's it called the dark side of the planet?"
"Ah, good question. You see every planet with life on it is situated within the perfect distance from its parent star, as it is not too hot or not too cold - the "Goldilocks" zone, if you will. However, Planet Mezora has slipped slightly too far off to the North where liquid water or life cannot naturally exist. With great technology, the Great Ruler has made there his home as one would be foolish to follow him inside knowing the increased strengths of the Elmorites."
"Oh!" Goten said wide-eyed. He tilted the mug with finesse so that the rim would not touch his mouth and he welcomed a splash of the liquid on his tongue. His face contorted into a tight frown and he quickly pushed the mug aside.
"In fact, my father has become disabled by venturing out there some years ago. Learning that the Great Ruler was still alive and responsible for everything, it enraged him so. Against our warnings and pleas, he made his way towards the man who was once his most trusted friend and confidant with a desire to maim and kill him, but he was the one who truly suffered."
Kilo nodded, "Yes, it is true. Those damn parasites tortured me endlessly with their electric shocks as the Great Ruler looked on laughing and now I must walk with a cane for the rest of my life." He motioned over to a large, wooden cane that hung behind him.
The boys' worried frowns intensified upon hearing this.
"It hurts me to the core of what that man has become, what he has done. In fact, rather than he, I was to be honoured as the Emperor after we fought together many moons ago to save our people. I refused, thinking he was the better man for the job but we remained friends even since then and he has helped my family at a time when we were shunned for our persistent training. How could it be he that led to the ruin of my people and most importantly to the death of my only girl? How!" His tightened fist shook under pressure, "It is good to know that my grandson did not perish that night but to know that it was he who came to save our people, blesses my heart! So does that mean that he was on the planet the entire time?"
Sentee nodded, "The Great Ruler took him and raised him. In fact, after he saved our people, he went in search for his father - in an effort to kill him spurred on by the twisted memories shown to him."
The man was immediately overwhelmed with deep sorrow and regret, "If only I had known."
"There was no way any of us could have known, father. It is no use lamenting over such." Deciding it was best to change the subject, Sentee continued in a low monotone, "We are running short on time. So now, father, we are in search of Ratio - most kindly tell us where he is at the moment."
A grim expression washed over the man, "Ratio has been taken captive and is being tortured as we speak."
This news drained the spirits of everyone around him.
"They said he was dragged into the dark side of the world a short time ago. Apparently, they trekked there on foot with the protection of the forest. It was rather odd, how they waited on us. We were most afraid that our days of freedom were finally numbered as the event reminisced the old days but they only wanted Ratio and no other."
"And you are most certain that the creatures took him to the dark side?"
His father nodded, "I am. I overheard myself, that the Great Ruler was informed about his possible importance to thwart his plans and ordered the Elmorites to bring him in."
"Damn it. They must have heard what was said when we contacted my Mom," Trunks informed.
"What business is it that you seek from him?"
"He may very well know the exact location of the planet of the ones who have been making these devices that drain us day after day," Sentee said.
"Then go but before you do, you will need some help. Desy!"
"Ah, of course, father but are you sure she is ready for such a fight. I would rather she spend the rest of her days looking out for you."
"Nonsense, boy. She is more than ready. Why then have we been training her most vigorously since her birth, after all the sacrifices we have made to ensure she keeps fit and well-fed over the years. I know she can be of much use. I am sure of it."
"Ah, there she is!" Kilo said warmly as a tall, thin girl quickly approached, her dark bob sailing behind her in her quick pace. In preparation, Goten hurriedly got to his feet but in his haste he almost tripped over himself.
"Papi, are you OK?" she asked, the terror in her tone was obvious.
"I am most well, my dear," assured Kilo.
The girl's worry softened but her eyes were still searching for any sign of trouble.
"I will like you two to meet my daughter, Desy," Sentee introduced kindly, resting a calm hand on the girl's shoulder, "She is a year older than you are, Trunks."
The girl politely outstretched her hands but Trunks ignored it and hugged her much to her confusion and annoyance. However, this did not perturbed her from trying once more with Goten but she was not prepared for the even weirder greeting. Goten stared at the girl's face and was blushing a furious red, wearing a goofy grin.
"Hey, dude," Trunks jabbed his fist into his friend's arms, "Don't be looking at my cousin like that!"
"How could she be your cousin?" he asked curiously.
"Don't be such an idiot, Goten!" Trunks snapped.
Thinking a while but not daring to take his eyes off of the girl, he now caught on, "Oh, that's how!" Laughing nervously, he outstretched his hand and shook hers, "Hi, I'm Goten - I'm sorta Trunks' cousin too but only sorta. You see, my dad and his mom are best friends and I call her Auntie sometimes, you see - so it's not that I'm related to you or anything."
Trunks aimed the death stare at the boy who brilliantly avoided it by looking away. Sighing, Desy was not sure whether to laugh or cry at the pair and ultimately followed the cue of the others who were staring at them as though they were crazy. The only thing to break the ice was the mighty and powerful laughter of Kilo that boomed over them. Relaxing, they all settled into smiles.
"That's the human in them, father. Odd, people, aren't they?" Sentee said.
"Yes, indeed," Kilo agreed, chuckling.
"Very well. We shall be off now," he continued in a stern tone. With a firm nod towards his daughter and then the boys, he directed them, "Rest your hand on my shoulders."
The children hurriedly did so before being surprised by an upsurge of purple mist about them.
"Do not be afraid. We will be there in a few minutes."
Fear clearly written on their faces, the boys forcibly nodded.
After a while, the brilliant display of the purple mist slowly evaporated.
Goten screamed, "Ah! I can't see. What did you do to us?"
With a tap on his shoulders, he followed the direction and was met with a stream of bright purple sunlight cascading over a quiet mountainside.
"Huh?"
Sentee chuckled, noticing the confused expressions on the boys' faces, "Remember what I told you about the dark side of the planet?"
They nodded.
"This side of the planet is farthest away from the sun, so it is both very cold and very dark which is apparently perfect conditions for the Elmorites to thrive in. So be ready."
With a newfound sense of determination, they nodded.
Sentee took off the necklace and pressing a tiny switch on the side of it, the necklace was replaced by a DynoCap.
"Huh? How comes you -?" questioned Goten.
"I cannot use time displacement in battle here at least not as profound as it would be with the jewel. You see, the Klonkindine technically has life and thus life cannot thrive here. And auras cannot work on an object such as this." He snuck the small item beneath his clothes, "Now shall we?"
The children nodded and the foursome made their way towards the wall of darkness, readied with their glowing auras for battle and for the mystery that was before them.
END THEME:
PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE
A giant Elmorite grabs hold of Gotenks as its dark moles glowed and the boy looks on in pure dread.
"Son Goku here! Aw, man! This can't be good. Could this mean the end for the boys?"
A newcomer appears before them and takes on the full extent of the surge of electricity. With one loud pop, the body is scattered into bits.
"Yikes! Did that just happen? That could've been the boys! See you NEXT TIME ON DRAGONBALL SUPER: AN UNEXPECTED HERO: THE ELMORITES' WORST FEAR".
END CREDITS : Author/Creator of the DBZ series and characters: Akira Toriyama
Author/Creator of this Story/Series; Creator of a dark side of a planet (Well, OK, exaggerating some research I found - the "Goldilocks" zone is an actual thing); Goten's first sip of alcohol; and a Trunks who is ready to defend his cousin ("Don't be looking at my cousin like that!"): Chrissi B (c) January 2016
A/N: Just a heads up! Episodes will be coming out monthly from now on. So see you guys in February.