Inside a large, gray room, the warrior lay on the bed. The flickering lights from above seemed to wake up the unconscious man. He released a groan as the light blinded his eyes. After his eyes adjusted, the long-haired Saiyan looked confused and lost until the memories came rushing back. He looked around, searching for any sign of threat, but there was none. As he relaxed, he noticed something quite unusual. The wounds from the recent battle were gone, completely healed. He wondered how and why. Why would his enemy go out of the way to heal him? Something was afoot! His tail twirled behind his back as he tried to figure out why they healed his wounds. By now, they knew he was a Saiyan and thought he shared a connection with Turles. So they mended his wounds and let him locked in here for questioning.
Nevertheless, he recovered, and he got much stronger. A proud smirk surfaced as he stared at his hands. It was remarkable; he had never imagined having so much power at his disposal one day. Oh, he wished Vegeta and Nappa were here to witness his growth. However, while he boasted at his new power cursing through his body, he couldn't help but have doubts about what he did. It was a dangerous plan; the enemy vastly overpowered him, and even with the recent boost, he doubted he could defeat them. Sweat slid down his temple as he reminisced about the four warriors.
His thoughts came to an abrupt end when the doors slid open. The Saiyan frowned as he was unable to get off the bed. He was so focused on other stuff that he overlooked the restrictions around his ankles. Upon further investigation, he could easily break the chains but decided not to. For now, he would wait and play the game carefully. He gazed at the open doors and saw a puny creature clad in dark robes walk inside.
"Hm, finally awake, are we? Never thought I'd live the day to see a Saiyan again."
Raditz observed the red-eyed creature as it skimped around the room and approached the bed. "Sadly, such a fine specimen will be soon gone... Unfortunately for you, once Lord Slug is interested in someone, they end up tarnished." The Saiyan observed the little guy who tried to unlock the chains.
The cloaked little creature cursed as the key fell on the floor. While the guy lowered to pick up the key, Raditz spoke. "No need to be frightened. Despite our reputation, I won't harm you if you give me no cause. Besides, I'm pretty sure you were the one who healed my wounds. However, I sense someone else put that fear inside of you." The Saiyan's voice carried a certain calmness and a hint of pity that didn't go unnoticed.
For some reason, as he heard the Saiyan's voice, the creature couldn't help but feel as if he could be safe as long as he stood by the warrior's side. "Hmph, it's of no matter... Lord Slug awaits you, Saiyan." He unlocked the chains and escorted the warrior to his master as the voice in his head screamed to take a helping hand.
"No! I shouldn't even think of it; Lord Slug will sense it! He might be a Saiyan, but can never defeat Lord Slug and his warriors! I should accept it already; I will be here, under Lord Slug's tyrannical rule for eternity..."
A warm, little smile appeared on Saiyan's face as the little guy looked back. The creature immediately gazed away and mumbled something while Raditz's expression twisted. It was so easy to mess with the meek. He had the upper hand on the little guy and could use him when convenient. However, the warrior stopped thinking about it when he entered another room. The room was even larger than Freeza's throne room. It was shrouded in darkness with a few torches emitting green light. As he looked up, he saw a person sitting on the throne with four warriors standing right beneath him. A drop of sweat rolled down his cheek as he felt the man's energy.
"Kneel before his excellency! The ruler of the South Galaxy, Lord Slug!"
Before Raditz could do it, Dorodabo jerked the chains, thus causing the Saiyan to drop to his knees. The long-haired warrior released a disgruntled growl and glared at the bulky creature while others chuckled. An immense fire brewed inside him, seeking to devour and scorch those who toyed with him. However, Raditz lowered his head and bit the flesh inside his mouth. For now, he would need to endure whatever came his way and survive. By surviving this ordeal, he would get more powerful than ever.
"Tell me who you are, Saiyan? What are you doing so far away from your master?"
As he didn't reply, Dorodabo once again pulled the chains harshly. This time, there was no reaction from the Saiyan, who focused his gaze on the giant creature. "The name's Raditz, my lord. I've been wandering the galaxy for quite some time, collecting bounties. Unfortunately, I think you mistook me for someone else, as I have no master." He spoke politely and calmly as he kept staring into those old, dark eyes.
Upon hearing that, Lord Slug let out a faint chuckle. "Daring of you to assume that I, the great Lord Slug, made a mistake... Tell me, what's your connection to that wretched ape?" The tone in Slug's voice quickly shifted.
"Apologises if I foolishly offended you in any manner, my lord! However, I must admit I need help understanding your question. Connection to who? An ape? I don't know any..."
A beam pierced through Raditz's shoulder before he could finish the sentence. The warrior cried out as the blood leaked out of the hole. Sweat slid down his face as he looked back at Slug, who had a serious expression on his wrinkled face as little smoke soared from his fingertip.
"I advise you to stop playing games if you want to live a little longer, Saiyan. Now, you will tell me what's your connection to Turles and why you are searching for him!?"
The warrior's pupils trembled as Slug's fingertip began to glow with radiant energy. He squeezed his fists tightly and spoke. "I'm not playing any games, lord Slug! I wanted to keep all the information regarding the bounty to myself! Despite us being Saiyans, we share no connection! I swear on it with my life!" Raditz held his wounded shoulder as he pleaded his case.
"Hmph! Doubtful! This despicable ape is trying to fool you, sire! We should make him regret lying to you! A couple of hours of "special treatment" should be enough for us to learn Turles's whereabouts!"
Raditz glared at the elegant Angila, who gazed at him with a sinister grin. The Saiyan immediately looked at Slug, who was thinking about it. "There's no need for it! What I told you is the truth! I have never seen Turles!" Raditz abruptly halted and clenched his teeth as another beam struck his abdomen.
He endured the pain and resumed speaking. "However! I'd gladly take it upon myself to find Turles for you! I'll forget about the reward and personally bring him before you!" Raditz breathed heavily as the darkness slowly consumed his mind.
"My lord! You can't trust this man! He's clearly trying to trick you! He will flee at the first opportunity!"
Lord Slug caressed his chin while his trusty commander walked down the stairs and approached the Saiyan. The old creature smirked as Zeeun kicked and pummeled the floor with Raditz. Suddenly, the giant creature rose from the throne and approached the beaten warrior. Once Zeeun moved out of the way, Slug placed his heavy boot onto the Saiyan's chest.
"Heh! Of course not! Whether he speaks the truth or not, we will find soon enough. Could you toss him to the chamber? We will see how long he will endure in there."
Raditz's pupils quivered as he helplessly stared into Slug's eyes. He cried out in pain as the heavy creature kicked him in the ribs and sent him flying into the wall. The Saiyan coughed blood and shortly after fell on the floor. He lifted his weary head and watched the two lackeys lift him and drag him somewhere. The long-haired warrior knew what they were about to do to him. However, they were unaware of whom he served in the past and what he went through. He would endure it all and make his move when the time was right.
Drops of sweat and blood hitting the floor echoed within the murky chamber. The Saiyan's bloodstained body was attached to the wall and left to hang for days. Bruises and deep red cuts covered most of his muscular body. His tail hung limp with visible brunt edges. The warrior's brown twitched upon the door opening. He opened his eyes and saw the tiny creature carrying a medical kit. The long-haired man scoffed softly. It was the same process for the past few weeks. They would beat him up, heal his wounds, and beat him again. And each time, he would offer the same information. He admired their stubbornness, at least. Slug was so obsessed with Turles that it was almost comical.
His dark orbs fell on the puny, red-eyed creature as it disinfected his wounds. After some time, they stopped putting him into the healing tank and started healing him like this so he could feel everything. And yet, he welcomed it. He wasn't fleeing from pain anymore. He absorbed all of it and made himself more powerful. His determination never wavered, not even once in these past weeks. If anything, it grew stronger, just like his body.
He observed the little creature and faintly spoke. "W-Water... P-Please... W-Water..." The warrior stammered and could barely utter the words because of being deprived of water.
The red-eyed creature was startled by the Saiyan. "Ack! Y-You're awake!? How's that even possible!? With these wounds, you should be out cold!" His puny body trembled as the warrior tried to plead for water.
He wasn't sure what to do. If he didn't give him any liquid, the Saiyan would die, and as his caretaker, Slug would kill him if something happened. "Here! Take it and drink slowly!" He quickly reached for the bucket on the room's far end and levitated. The creature helped the Saiyan drink and hoped no one would walk in.
Once his thirst was satisfied, Raditz felt much better. He gazed at the little creature, who put the bucket away and took the bandages out of the medical kit. "Thank you. How many days have I been locked in here?" He winced as the creature tied the application too tightly around his tail.
"Since last beating, five days. Since the start of this inhumane treatment, twenty-seven days. I'm surprised they kept you alive for this long. Usually, they dispose of the useless within a day or two."
Raditz couldn't help himself but chuckle. He quickly stopped once he felt the sharp pain. "Heh. I'm too valuable for them to get rid of me." He relaxed and closed his eyes while the creature did its job.
"Hmph. I wouldn't celebrate if I were you. Today, we're landing on another planet, and once they complete the Terra-Freeze, they will kill you. Such a shame."
Upon hearing that, Raditz's eyes were wide open. A drop of sweat slid down his temple as he contemplated how to deal with this. "What's Terra-Freeze? And how long is the process?" He gazed at the creature who was done mending his wounds.
"Terra-Freeze is turning planets into mobilized cruises such as this one. In case you weren't aware, this ship's body exterior is a planet converted into a vehicle. The process takes at least two days, give or take. Depends on the planet's native forces and their strength."
Raditz was quite surprised to learn such information. He never considered something like that manageable. The Saiyan quickly tossed those thoughts away and started to formulate a plan. A grin surfaced as sweat slid down his bruised face.
Before the creature left the chamber, Raditz spoke to it again. "Would you stop and stay to hear me out? I have a plan that could benefit both of us. After all, I can tell you want to get as far away from here as possible." The Saiyan's face darkened as the creature turned around with a shocked expression.
"A-Are you implying what I think you are!? No, it can't be! After all, no one's that foolish!"
Raditz remained serious while the creature dismissed the idea and scoffed at it. "There's always a way, my little friend! You will bring me the healing liquid from the tank and apply it over my wounds. Once healed, I will create a diversion, and we can escape! After all, I know fully well those four never come here anymore!" He glared at the creature, which stumbled back.
"I know you despise them, especially Slug! Join me, and I promise no harm will come to you! Such a large ship must contain escape pods! You can flee while I do my part; it doesn't matter! I only request that you bring me the healing liquid!"
The red-eyed creature trembled as it backed against the wall. Sweat consumed his wrinkled face as the thought of escaping went through his head. He was scared to do it, frightened of what Slug would do if he tried to flee. However, he couldn't live like this any longer. No matter how good he was at his job, they treated him like garbage. If by any chance he said something wrong, he would instantly get killed. Living each day on the edge and unsure if he would live to see tomorrow was too much after spending decades under Slug's tyrannical rule.
He squeezed his tiny fists firmly and gazed at the hanging Saiyan. "I-I will do it! I have been his slave for ages!" His little body trembled with fury as he kicked the empty bucket.
"I know the exact location of the spaceships. Discreetly killing the guards would be best so they don't sound the alarm. We must remain discrete if we hope to flee this hell together!"
Raditz responded with a simple nod while the creature continued. "I will return with the healing properties once we land and everyone's occupied. They won't notice me as I always stay inside the ship." The Saiyan nodded again and watched the red-eyed man walk out and close the doors.
As a few seconds passed, the warrior couldn't help himself and began to laugh. "That was almost too easy! Those fools don't even know what I have in store for them!" The Saiyan's eyes beamed with determination and fire as he patiently waited for his little companion to return.
-X-
After weeks of travel through the dark void, the giant spaceship safely landed on the ground. While the soldiers scattered around the vessel and battled the planet's defense force, Slug and his four trusted warriors remained in the throne room. Their fierce eyes remained locked on the puny creature, who quickly typed and did his research. He could feel their menacing gazes upon his poor, shivering back. His body quivered not just because of that. After all, he planned an escape with the Saiyan. Doubt began to cloud his mind again, but the creature shook his head. It was now or never.
He coughed before turning himself to Slug and his subordinates. "My lord! The native tribe seems stronger than we initially thought. Our troops require all the help they can get." The little creature kneeled beside his lord and lowered his head.
"Hmph. I have created nothing but a bunch of weaklings... Zeeun! Angila! Dorodabo! Medamatcha! Go and assist our troops! I shall join you as well!"
Slug's words left his minions surprised. "L-Lord Slug! Is it wise? After all, your age and condition is..." The giant veteran glared at the other puny creature and instantly blasted it to ashes with his eyebeam.
"Fool. Despite my appearance, I can still fight and do as I please! Kakuja! How long will the Terra-Freeze take?"
The red-eyed creature snapped out of shock after witnessing his brethren get killed before him. "Ahem! It won't take more than three days, my lord!" Kakuja bowed as Slug passed by him.
Such information pleased the overlord. "Splendid! Take care of the ship and the guest while we are gone. You try to get proper information from him if you feel like it. If you don't manage to do so, you can kill him. I had enough of wasting my time on him." Slug chuckled along with his most trusted warriors as they left the throne room.
After a couple of minutes passed, Kakuja finally managed to breathe properly. However, he couldn't afford to waste any time. He needed to get to the medical room and take the healing fluid. Kakuja walked out of the room and quickly marched toward the medic room. On his way there, he paid no mind to the remaining soldiers. They were weak, and he was sure the Saiyan could easily get rid of them once healed. He entered the room and saw a wounded soldier floating inside the healing tank.
Kakuja approached the healing tank and removed the container containing the healing fluid. Before the wounded soldier could make a noise, Kakuja fired a small energy beam and pierced the man's chest. Even someone as weak as him could kill if presented with a perfect opportunity. He hid the container under his cloak and rushed out of the room before someone walked in.
"I'm doing this! I will finally be free and return to my home!"
A tiny smile beaming with hope surfaced on Kakuja's wrinkled face as he approached the Saiyan's chamber. Before entering, he looked around. There was only a passing soldier, but the man paid him no mind. After all, the soldier knew who he was and his job. Once the doors closed behind him, he locked them and slowly approached the long-haired warrior.
"So, you came after all. I take it you have it?"
Raditz smirked once he saw the creature pull out the container. "Very good! I admire your bravery, my friend! It must have taken a lot to break free!" The Saiyan complimented Kakuja while the creature applied the healing fluid over his body.
"It did take a lot. I must admit that I almost gave up, but living under Slug's rule is no longer possible for me!"
The Saiyan nodded and agreed while the wounds slowly began to heal and disappear. "Yes, it's working! In just a few minutes, I will be stronger!" A wicked grin appeared as he glanced at his tail, which slowly healed. With each passing second, he felt better and could feel his power growing.
Raditz's muscles suddenly tensed. The warrior pulled his arms and broke the chains. He grabbed hold of the chains around his ankles and demolished them to little pieces. The Saiyan's tail swayed behind his back as he walked freely around the chamber. He couldn't believe the power brewing inside of him. It was on a whole different level than ever before.
"Lead the way, friend!"
Kakuja couldn't stop smiling. Finally, someone respected him and treated him right. He couldn't believe a Saiyan would be the one, but the universe was full of surprises. The little creature opened the door and suddenly felt a gust of wind. His red eyes drifted to the right from where he heard a noise. Sweat rolled down his wrinkled temple as he watched the bodies hit the floor. He remained frozen while the Saiyan quickly killed the soldiers down the corridor.
"Come! I cleared the path for us! Where are the spaceships?"
The creature snapped out of it and approached the long-haired warrior with a quick pace. "Outside. We must be careful and sneak behind the guards." Kakuja was out of breath as he tried to keep up with the Saiyan.
Raditz nodded and walked down the corridor. The Saiyan leaned against the wall and looked through the large, square window. It was night, and a giant shiny orb in the sky illuminated the place. He quickly shifted his gaze from it to the ground, where he could see at least a hundred soldiers walking around the spaceship. Instead of showing signs of worry, Raditz smirked while a drop of sweat slid down his face. He closed his hands tightly and moved forward. The man didn't care about the numbers. He was confident he could defeat all of them.
The Saiyan and Kakuja sneaked outside the ship and hid behind the vessel's supporting leg. "Oh, my heart is pounding like crazy! M-Maybe we should go b-back and j-just..." Kakuja stopped talking once he felt a firm touch on his shoulder.
"Be brave, friend! We're so close to our goal and freedom! You can do this!"
Hearing such words of confidence, Kakuja couldn't help but let tears glide down his old, wrinkled face. "Y-You are right! This is not the time to have second thoughts! We are so close to freedom!" The small creature wiped the tears away and quietly led the way to the ships.
They moved underneath the large spaceship and walked to the other side. Raditz and Kakuja could see the smaller vessels, waiting for them to take one. They smiled until the light from one of the machines fell upon them.
"Hey! The Saiyan escaped! Get him!"
Kakuja cussed out loud while Raditz grabbed him and jumped away from the blasts. The Saiyan moved so fast that it was impossible to track him. He left Kakuja in a safe spot and rushed at the stationed soldiers. The Saiyan emerged and struck his victim with a devastating punch. Raditz swiftly turned around and landed a kick to the rib cage. He ducked and hit the opponent's gut. The warrior grinned while he pointed his fingers backward and shot down the approaching soldiers. He was enjoying himself and the newly acquired power.
Meanwhile, Kakuja observed the slaughter from a safe place. "I-Incredible. He is taking all of them head-on, yet there is no scratch on his body." It made the creature wonder if the Saiyan could take on the four commanders and maybe even Slug.
"No! There is no need to risk it! I must get in the ship and get it in the air!"
Kakuja's red orbs shone with determination. The tiny creature moved behind the rocks and machines, hoping no one would notice him. He made it to the ship. A big smile appeared on his face as he was about to enter. However, a looming shadow and a familiar voice made him stop and sweat.
"Kakuja! After all that Lord Slug did for you, this is how you repay him!? Unforgivable!"
The poor little creature trembled as he turned around. "C-Commander Zeeun! I-I can explain! Y-Y-Y-You s-s-see I-I..." Kakuja stammered a lot out of fear of what was about to come. The creature screamed as Zeeun was about to kill him. However, the finishing blow never came.
A blast hit Zeeun from behind, thus preventing him from killing Kakuja. The red-haired commander turned around and glared at the Saiyan. "Are you challenging me, ape? I guess all those beatings screwed with your head, and you don't realize how powerful I am!" The man's muscles bulged as he smirked at the Saiyan.
A cold sweat slid down Raditz's cheek. He could feel the man's power, which still eclipsed his own. And yet, the warrior didn't seem bothered by it. He knew the four commanders and Slug were still stronger than him. However, he had a backup plan just in case he encountered them. He just hoped that once utilized, he wouldn't destroy the ships.
"Hmph! I'll make you regret underestimating me!"
Raditz let out a fierce battle cry. A radiant glow surrounded his body as the ground beneath him cracked under intense pressure. The light expanded and turned into a blazing aura. He bent forward and lunged at his opponent. His speed surprised Zeeun, who didn't think the Saiyan was this fast. Raditz's fist met with a guard but caused the commander's arm to shake. The warrior spun and tried to land a kick, but Zeeun avoided it.
"Hm. Not bad; you are decent. But let's see how long you can endure my strikes!"
The Saiyan's eyes widened as the massive fist was coming his way. He barely managed to dodge it. His senses screamed at him of impending danger from below. Acting as fast as possible, Raditz put his hands down and tried to block a knee. However, the force behind it was too much and blew his arms up. He cursed as he was wide open.
"Guhh!"
Raditz cried out in pain as he suffered a heavy blow to the abdomen. He could feel his entire body shutting down from just one strike, but he wouldn't have it. The Saiyan growled and swung his fist at the commander. He threw a barrage of punches and kicks, but it was dodged or blocked. Before he could even sense it, a fist collided with his face and sent him flying to the ground. The Saiyan crashed against the machine and caused it to explode.
While the flames devoured the ground, Zeeun landed on another machine and crossed his muscular arms while the remaining soldiers cheered. "I thought you were serious, but it seems I was wrong. After all, you're no match for Lord Slug's strongest, Commander Zeeun!" The roar from the crowd echoed across the area while Zeeun lifted a fist to the sky.
The celebration was cut short by a blast heading in Zeeun's direction. "Hah! Too desperate and easy!" Zeeun smacked the energy attack into a crowd of soldiers, not even caring that he killed them.
However, Zeeun suddenly gazed up. A barrage of ki blasts rained down upon him. The commander released a strong shout and flew toward the incoming attacks. "I will show you real strength! Observe it, Saiyan!" Zeeun smacked the attacks away and soared higher.
Once he deflected all the blasts, Zeeun found himself high in the sky, but there was no sign of Raditz. "Tch! Stop hiding and show yourself, coward! I thought you Saiyans were warriors and..." Before Zeeun could finish his sentence, Raditz appeared behind the man and placed a palm on the commander's exposed back.
"Haaahh!"
Raditz fired his strongest attack from such a close distance. The purple energy blast consumed Zeeun and illuminated the night sky. Raditz poured more ki into it, but suddenly, a hand grabbed his wrist. His dark pupils quivered as Zeeun emerged from the blast with several scratches and a raised fist. The Saiyan snarled and tried to land a kick. However, Zeeun was faster, and the punch sent Raditz flying.
While Raditz cried out of pain, he tried to regain control before hitting the ground. Unfortunately, the Saiyan never got the opportunity as Zeeun appeared above him. A devastating blow to the head, followed by a kick to the gut, hurt the warrior a lot. Zeeun finished the assault with a powerful headbutt. The commander's sharp horns pierced the Saiyan's abdomen, and blood poured out as the warrior crashed into the solid ground.
Meanwhile, Kakuja dropped to his knees and stared at the spot where Raditz crashed. "I-It's over... We tried but failed, and now we will pay the ultimate price!" Tears dripped on the ground while Kakuja clenched his teeth in despair.
Commander Zeeun landed on the main ship and once again crossed his arms. This time, his eyes remained locked on the spot where Raditz landed. "There's no coming back for you, Saiyan. With Lord Slug's authority, I will kill you now!" He aimed his palm at the spot where Raditz lay underneath the rubble and gathered the energy.
A strong tremor spread throughout the area while the moon's bright light shone upon the battlefield. Cravices appeared across the ground while the soldiers panicked. A beastly roar echoed across the place as the rubble got blown away. Commander Zeeun lifted his guard as the powerful force brought him to his knees. As he shielded his face, the commander couldn't figure out what was happening. After a few minutes passed, he lowered his arms and froze.
Cold sweat slid down the commander's face as a giant beast slammed its massive fists against the chest. "W-What is this? W-Where did this beast come from?" Zeeun slowly got up and watched the beast massacre the troops and destroy the machines.
Explosions caused the massive fire to engulf the area as the giant ape wreaked havoc. The beast turned to the enormous ship and opened its big mouth. Zeeun finally snapped out of it and jumped off the vessel, fearing for his life. The ape fired a massive blast and caused heavy damage to Slug's leading ship.
"N-No! Not Lord Slug's Planet Cruiser!"
Zeeun watched in terror as explosions tore apart the spaceship. The red-haired man quivered as he floated in the air. He knew his master would kill him for letting something like this happen. Consumed by fear and anger, the commander furiously screamed. There was only one way to fix this: to kill the beast.
"I don't know where you came from, but I, Commander Zeeun, shall make you pay for your transgressions against Lord Slug!"
Engulfed in the crimson aura, the commander flew after the rampaging beast. The man fired a barrage of energy attacks as he flew around the massive beast. He gained the ape's attention and made the beast follow him away from the remaining ships and machines. Zeeun kept his distance from the giant ape, who grew increasingly irritated by the commander.
While Zeeun got occupied with the ape, Kakuja finally managed to lift the heavy stone off his leg. "I-I can't believe it, I'm still alive!" The creature laughed as blood slid down his cheek. "T-That colossal ape... It must be the rumored Oozaru transformation. Now I understand those who said it was frightening to witness it in action." Kakuja dragged himself across the ground as he tried to reach one of the unscathed ships.
"I-I need to get into the ship before Lord Slug and his commanders return! By now, they are aware of what is going on... But I doubt even Lord Slug can deal with such a monster!"
Kakuja managed to get to the ship with some trouble. The injured creature locked the doors and pushed himself to the pilot seat. Once he sat in, he released a heavy sigh. However, there was no time to rest. He had to fly as far away from here as possible. Kakuja let out a painful grunt as he took hold of the steering. He pressed several buttons, and the engines came to life. The ship hovered in the air and eventually blasted high in the sky.
As he piloted the ship, Kakuja gazed through the window and witnessed the gruesome demise of Commander Zeeun. "Ugh! There is nothing that can stop the rampaging Oozaru. The ape will wreak destruction until the next day." Kakuja steered the ship to the right and flew far away so no one would find him.
-X-
A new day was on the horizon. The sun's warm light illuminated the ravaged land. Smoke still soared into the blue sky while the flames finally died out. The giant beast left nothing but destruction, and with the moon gone, so was the ape. A man lay in the field of colorful flowers as the gentle breeze blew across the area. The warrior's brows twitched as he slowly woke up. He opened his eyes and shifted himself into a sitting position. The man blinked a few times, confused until a minute later when memories of the previous night returned. A smirk surfaced as he reminisced of the battle while his tail joyfully swayed behind him.
"I wish I could have seen the old man's face and reaction. Hah! That's what you get for messing with a Saiyan, Slug!"
Raditz ceased the laughter and closed his eyes. The warrior focused and felt only two powerful energies on the planet. "Hmph. I must have killed the other commanders. So, Slug and another one still live... So be it! I can deal with them another time." He rose from the ground and gazed to the south.
"I'll let you mend your wounds and return for you after I deal with Turles."
His long hair swayed on the wind as he crossed his strong arms. He felt rather well and generous enough to let Slug live. After all, he was a Saiyan and wished to best the old creature in proper combat. Raditz turned his gaze elsewhere and focused. The grin grew in size as he felt a familiar energy flying in his direction.
"Hn. Letting that imp live was the right decision, after all. I can use someone like him."
The ship descended from the sky and blew the flowers away. Raditz wrapped his tail safely around the waist and boarded the spaceship. The Saiyan observed the world as the doors slowly closed. Once the hatch was locked, the warrior backed away and approached Kakuja, who didn't hide how happy he was to see him. Raditz returned a fake smile and sat on the other seat as they left the planet behind them.
"My friend, do you have a name?"
Upon hearing the question, the red-eyed creature nodded. "My name is Kakuja. I come from a small world at the edge of the galaxy. You can take the ship once we get there." Kakuja couldn't hide his enthusiasm when it came to going back home.
However, Raditz had other plans in mind. "Kakuja, I have a proposition for you. How about you join me in the hunt? You must have some intel regarding Turles. Help me find the man, and I promise to split the reward in half." The warrior rested his head against the palm as he stared at the little creature.
Kakuja was visibly surprised to hear such a proposition from the Saiyan. He stared at the warrior and thought about it. "As much as I want to go home now, returning with many credits would be better." A smirk surfaced on Kakuja's wrinkled face.
"I have some information about Turles and his squadron. I kept it hidden from Slug when they dragged you into the ship. I guess gambling on you paid off."
Raditz and Kakuja laughed together, but the warrior halted shortly. "Good choice, my friend. Now lead us to Turles." The Saiyan couldn't believe how gullible the creature was. His expression darkened as he gazed at the cold and dark void.