Hey everyone! I'm so sorry for being so late guys. Personal life usually ranks over the fan theory and fanfiction stuff but I haven't forgotten about you. What did you guys think of that last chapter? Did you like it? Let me know. We're slowing things down this chapter but King Cold vs Shepard still hasn't been fully told so expect another excerpt or two from that.
As the planet Namek goes under from the weight of titanic clashes, we go to our space-bound heroes. We're they able to save the Saiyan Princess? And what about our hero, Gohan. Will he be okay when they arrive home? We will find out together on this chapter of Dragon Ball: BtG!
Review(s):
Soul Sendant: Okay for starters, I can clearly tell you won't be reading this story so I'm not going to bother giving you any heads up. Next, I can tell you're not really a fan of Dragon Ball because Goku himself is based on the mythical Sun Wukong, who himself wielded a staff. What's that you say? A weapon? Oh but it is. So Goku himself had the Power Pole. What is Goku? A Saiyan right? So you clearly didn't watch any Dragon Ball content, so you should go away. Thank you. Last note: You can criticize, but to offer nothing will get you nothing in return. Thank you for your review.
Age: December 15, 762
Location: Space
It was the constant beeping that woke her up. Her eyes shifted at first, her mind still foggy from what happened earlier. She remembered the arguing. There was infighting. She was getting angry, ready to lash out and take out everyone before a sudden pain to the back of her neck and...
Her eyes shot open. Energy spiking, she held a purple ball of energy in her hand, frantically looking for a target.
A hand shot out, faster than she was ready for, giving her forearm a gentle, but firm squeeze.
"Caaaalm down," Yamcha said to the woman, finally getting her wild eyes to look at him. Her lips quivered, clearly angered at being grabbed.
"I'll let you go but you need to listen to me OK? So...uhh...it's been about 6 hours since you were knocked out. The woman who was with us, Bulma. She...well she was able to get that bomb out of you."
Sarada's eyes widened to saucers, not believing.
"Bulma gave it to me to give to you when you woke up...uhh where is...Ahh! Here...uhh it's deactivated now. Apparently, it packed enough power in it to blow a chunk away from a medium-sized planet. Whatever that means. I'm a warrior, not a scientist. I..I can wake up Bulma if you want to get looked over." Yamcha was nervous. He was prepared for just about any reaction. He held up the bomb, not more than an inch long. It was shaped like a pill. Metallic and silver in color, it made Sarada try to back away from it, but Yamcha refused to let go of her arm.
"Hey! Look lady I'm trying to help you but if you're going to be a coward then I can leave and let you feel sorry for yourself." Yamcha's face grew serious as he held out the deactivated bomb for Sarada's shaking hand to take.
Dropping it in her hand, she almost released it in fear, but Yamcha held her hand and kept it from moving.
"Do you wanna destroy it?" He asked her, making Sarada pause in confusion.
"Bulma was able to drain its power source heh heh heh... She is a very smart person. She can do pretty much anything if she puts her mind to it. It's a dud now, Sarada. Go ahead." The Bandit explained, loosening the hold on the Saiyan Princess' small, but calloused hands. He didn't release her hand completely, instead helping her start to crush it.
"Take your life back, Sarada. Cooler is gone now. King Kai told me earlier that he's gone, rotting away in his own personal hell. So is Frieza. The Planet Trade is done for! So, take it back! You're the Saiyan Princess!" Yamcha's words made Sarada look up at him again, making the Bandit get lost in the intense sea of violet. But he didn't stop helping her force her hand closed around the projectile until it started to crack.
"That's it. You don't have to worry about slavery anymore. Now you can focus on growing stronger." The object turned into thousands of small metal pieces, leaving the woman's hands. Yamcha gave her a thumbs-up before she realized that he had let go of her hand before she finished crushing it all the way.
"Excellent! That's a good start. So, what do you have to say for yourself?" Yamcha asked with a smirk, making the woman look down in thought. It didn't take her but a few moments to answer.
"...St..Stronger...How...?" Sarada was hesitant, but finally hearing her voice again after nearly 3 years of not being able to utter anything more than grunts and snarls was jarring.
"We have a small gravity room. It doesn't go that high. 25 times Earth's gravity, but it's more than Planet Vegeta's. I think King Kai said it only had 10 times Earth's gravity. Before we go, I got something for you." Yamcha was able to talk Bulma into letting him have one of the female Planet Trade armors she had plucked from Frieza's personal ship on Namek. It wouldn't be tailored to her design until they got back to Earth.
"King Kai? How do you...How do you know so much about Saiyans?" Sarada's voice was raspy, still not used to talking as she asked. Yamcha picked up the armor.
"Well, I got killed by one back at home. A friend of mine is a Saiyan. Knew him since we were teenagers. And I trained with them and another Saiyan who found their way to Earth a couple of years ago. Believe me, Princess, I've gotten my fair share of apes and Saiyans." Yamcha held out the armor for Sarada, who looked at it in wonder.
"Lord Coo.. Cooler never let me have one of my own. He said I wasn't worthy enough to claim my own armor." She said as she trembled, hand close enough to touch but not knowing.
"Cooler doesn't own you anymore. Take it all back, Sarada. Here... It's not a perfect set of armor, but when we make it back to Earth I'm sure Bulma can set you up. Oh uh, and don't blow up anything in here. I'm gonna go outside and wait for you to get all dressed." Yamcha saw the petite Saiyan woman with the armor in hand look at him again before he walked out of the room. She never took her eyes off of him until the door shut behind him...
After the door closed, Yamcha put his back on the adjacent wall and closed his eyes. He barely had a chance to let out a breath when a voice shocked him out of his personal moment.
"Do you think she will adjust?"
"Agh! Don't do that Piccolo! And honestly? I'm not sure." Yamcha said as Piccolo walked through the hallway, resting his back on the adjacent wall.
"Cooler made her feel unworthy to have armor. It makes me...Damn it."
"Makes you wish you had the power to beat Cooler down yourself, huh?" Piccolo beat him to the punch. His mind had been racked with thoughts of planet Namek's fate. King Kai had said it was in pieces, but that Shepard and King Cold never checked into Otherworld. It was a mystery better left to be solved at a later time.
"Yeah. I felt powerless on Namek, man. Kami, I was responsible for Sarada and Gohan's death, I don't-"
"Stop right there. You are NOT responsible for what happened to Gohan. Cooler lashed out for no reason. That isn't on you. Sarada on the other hand, that will need to be explained to her at some point in time. All we can do is focus on improving our energy. If King Cold truly is still alive and somehow makes it to Earth before the Saiyans do, we will be in for a hell of a fight."
"I know that Piccolo! I just... I dunno man.. It's just...when that guy showed up, he made it sound like I could make an impact. Maybe it was just him being nice. There's no way the Earthlings can compete with a Super Saiyan." Yamcha didn't want to accept it, but he felt the power that the Saiyans had. That Super Saiyan transformation was crazy powerful! It would take a hell of a counter to go against that kind of raw power.
"Now? Probably not. But with enough training, focused training at that, there's always a chance. That Kaioken technique... If it could be fortified somehow to prevent body damage... I'm still looking at an alternate path myself. I could probably use the Kaioken energy better than you Earthlings because I can regenerate, but I can't count on that in the middle of a fight where I need all my focus. Regeneration costs energy as well. To have my focus split between maintaining the energy and regenerating my body on top of fighting someone who may prove a challenge could be detrimental. So I'm choosing to focus more on regeneration and strengthening my body as much as I can."
"That's...the most I think you've ever said to any of us. Sure you're okay man?" Yamcha looked at Piccolo with what the namekian could only discern as amusement.
"Sh-Shut up, human. I think Guru may be rubbing off on me more than I thought. Guru was wise, but his body was at its end. There's a lot of knowledge packed up in here. I have memories of things I've never seen before that he remembers. It's difficult sometimes to work through all of it." Piccolo explained.
It was then that the door opened, allowing the petite Saiyan princess to step through the door. She had on white colored armor with golden straps. The shoulder pauldrons were too blocky for her and Yamcha was able to find a blue undersuit for her to wear. Sarada looked the part, but before she took 2 steps, she stopped instantly, growling at Piccolo.
"You intruded my mind!" She accused.
"Got us to the problem that needed solving. Still got a problem? We can take it to the gravity room, Saiyan."
"Whoa whoa...come on Piccolo you know she's not ready for that yet."
"I do have a problem with you, giant. This...gravity room will do just fine." Sarada walked by, crossing her arms and scoffing at the pair.
"Hmph... Very well," Piccolo said as Yamcha tried to convince Piccolo otherwise.
"Dude you'll kill her," Yamcha said, getting into step with Piccolo.
"No...but she'll wish I did. Saiyans are hard-headed, Bandit." Piccolo stated. They were thankful they had placed signs for where everything was as Sarada followed the signs, the pair of warriors following her.
"The second you go too far Piccolo I will be stepping in," Yamcha stated, leaving no room for argument.
"If you want, human. Makes no difference to me." Piccolo smirked as they walked.
It took another 2 minutes, but Sarada found the door to the gravity room. The door automatically opened, allowing the woman to get a look around. She was surprised at the size of the room for starters. It was a metallic gray with a computer that ran from the floor to the ceiling in the middle, but otherwise, there was plenty of room to move around.
Yamcha and Piccolo followed after, the door closing behind them.
"Alright uhh... let's see. How does 10 times Gravity sound for starters Sarada?" Yamcha asked.
"Hmph, as long as it doesn't slow the giant down. I want a fair fight. After I'm done with him, I suppose you will do next, human." Sarada stated. Yamcha turned it on, seeing what the Princess would do. She seemed to handle it rather well, barely moving. Piccolo and Yamcha didn't so much as flinch.
"Does she not know how to sense energy?" Piccolo whispered to Yamcha.
"I'm guessing not even close. Take it easy on her Piccolo."
"Enough of your flippant talk! I am not some object to be discussed in a hushed whisper." Sarada angrily said, clenching her hands together and summoning her power.
The pair of Z Fighters looked at Sarada as her white aura surrounded her, but they were disappointed when her power level topped off quite low.
"Hmph. I hope you understand that you're nowhere close to the strength your brother had when he tried to invade our planet a little while back." Piccolo smirked as he crossed his arms, not even interested in taking off his weighted clothing. Yamcha gulped before moving to the side. This was not going to be pretty.
Sarada took Piccolo's form as a lack of respect. She flew low, charging in with a backhand. She was caught stunned when Piccolo sped away from her. She looked at Yamcha, who only shrugged.
"If that's the fastest you can move, then you've already lost. It would take you quite a bit of serious training to even try to keep up with this speed." Sarada turned around with a purple blast in hand, firing it behind her but it exploded harmlessly against the wall.
"Looking for someone?" Piccolo phased in front of her, pushing the Saiyan woman back with his aura alone. The wind pushed her into the wall, holding her there. Yamcha was covering his face, concern etching it as the wind blew through his hair.
"D-Damn Piccolo! I didn't think you had gotten this strong already!" He nearly had to shout over the wind.
Sarada was buffeted by the constant pressure, not able to move a muscle.
Piccolo walked up to her, slowly easing his aura, looking at the Saiyan woman in disappointment.
"I can tell you can't sense energy. So I'll make this simple for you, Saiyan. Close your eyes and reach out with your energy."
"As if I would ever blind myself to my opponent! Do you take me for a fool? You have raped my mind, and now I will kill you for doing something so perverse!" Sarada held out her finger, purple energy gathering around it as she fired a beam of energy.
Piccolo's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he knocked it away effortlessly into the wall.
"Raped your mind? As if! There are far worse things I could've done to your mind. Seeing a simple memory doesn't call for that kind of wording, Saiyan." Sarada came in as fast as she could, relentlessly attacking the tall Namekian, who just moved back casually, seeing the attacks long before they could ever connect. He moved his head to dodge another as Sarada gathered energy into her palm. She threw her hand out to throw it but Piccolo held his hand out, taking the energy she gathered and squeezing it into nothingness.
He then palmed her on the forehead, driving her back head over heels until she crashed into the wall. With the Kachi Katchin flooring and wall, it hurt her more than the structure.
"Holy...Crap." Yamcha went to run over to the woman, but she slowly rose to her feet, looking at Piccolo with fierce eyes.
"We're done here. Come find me again when you can offer a better fight." Piccolo said, not looking in Sarada's direction. She was not happy, at all.
"Done here? Where do you-GET BACK HERE GIANT!" Sarada threw a useless blast at the closed door. The gravity reset itself back to 10 times Earth's gravity, the only noise being the humming of the machine.
"Human! What did the giant mean when he spoke of sensing energy?" Sarada turned her glare toward Yamcha, who stood ramrod straight. Her glare had intensified more so lately toward him and he didn't know why.
"Uhh. Well, the giant, uhh, has a name. It's Piccolo. And he meant that you're fighting pretty blind. Based on what I saw, you don't fight in any way like your older brother. You almost fight like...well."
"Well? Get to the point!" Sarada said impatiently.
"You fight as if you haven't fought before. Your mechanics were very robotic. Piccolo could sense your movements from far away. Your timing, battle sense, power. It's all almost... nonexistent."
"Are you saying I am weak?"
'She may not fight like Vegeta, but she certainly has his attitude.' Yamcha thought.
"Not...necessarily? Heh heh heh heh-"
An explosion hit Yamcha in the face, where he coughed up a bit of smoke. It didn't hurt, but it did surprise him.
"Either tell me the truth or you will cease to be useful, human." Her tone indicated she was done playing games. Unfortunately for her, so was the Bandit.
"Fine then, woman. You're weak. As hell! Pathetically so. I would say you're not even half as strong as Vegeta was when he came to my planet a little while back. Heck, you're probably barely stronger than his henchman Nappa was."
Sarada was growling at Yamcha's brutal honesty, hating how she could tell he was telling nothing but the truth.
"Then leave me, I will begin my training in earnest if I am to seek proper vengeance against the giant." She rasped out before turning on her foot, crossing her arms over her chest, thinking about what was said. She closed her eyes for a few seconds but opened them almost immediately, turning and glaring at the Bandit who still hadn't moved.
"I said leave! I do not require any assistance from the likes of helpers." Sarada glared at Yamcha, who raised an eyebrow at being called a helper.
"Oh is that so? I wasn't gonna leave because I wanted to help. But if you're gonna be a grade-A bitch, good luck figuring it out." Yamcha turned and started to walk to the door before turning back again, fixing his glare at the Saiyan Princess.
"By the way, Princess, you're the weakest person on the ship besides our pilots. I'm far and away stronger than you as well right now. Don't forget that." He turned back on his heels before...
"W-Wait human." Yamcha didn't get a chance to open the door before he turned back again, surprised.
"If what you say is true, then...I...require your assistance. Until I learn to use this sensing technique the giant spoke of." Sarada grit her teeth using the word require. It made Yamcha smirk.
A lot like her brother indeed.
"Hmmm, well. I guess I could point you in the right direction. From what I could tell, your style is nothing like Vegeta's. It may be best to learn on your own until he can come back to Earth to pick you up. But as far as sensing energy goes, that's pretty easy to pick up. I'll show you. You're gonna wanna start by sitting down and sensing out energy first. It's pointless to try in the middle of fighting your opponent."
Sarada did as she was told, reluctantly taking a seat on the ground as Yamcha sat in front of her...
Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo had a routine in place. Gohan would get up early and eat breakfast with Bulma and Orange. After that, he would work on his book studies while Krillin and Piccolo usually did a mental battle or meditation. When he was done with his studies for the day he would often join in with the duo and they would have a 3-way free for all.
It has been 3 weeks since they escaped Namek. Piccolo was adjusting his cape as he kept a keen eye on Gohan, who was levitating nearly a foot off the ground in meditation. He was still floored by the little boy's progression. Even Krillin had been making good strides. Yamcha and Sarada however...
BOOM
"Whoa whoa hold on a sec-YIKES!"
Sarada's strength had come along very nicely. Working out in something other than the rags Cooler let her have to wear coupled with eating full meals, she had quadrupled her strength in record time. But she was still way behind Yamcha.
"Stand still human!" Sarada said as she continued firing blasts. She wanted to fight with Piccolo, but it was not to come as Yamcha said she wouldn't be able to beat him still. She had started to gain a basic understanding of sensing energy. Her mind nearly went blank when she sensed Piccolo's resting, but massive energy. So she was busy trying to make the one human who had stayed around her most of the time her punching bag.
Yamcha had not improved as much as the others. He was far too busy avoiding the now deadlier Saiyan woman. Several times, she had grabbed him by his gi and practically dragged him from whatever conversation he was having, rather it be with Bulma or with Gohan. She snarled at Gohan at first, prompting Yamcha to accept these drag-alongs. The last 2 times, she had shown up arms crossed with her foot tapping impatiently on the ground, giving Yamcha the signal that it was time to end the conversation and train. He was okay with that, but damn he wanted a good fight. Needed it...
Sarada's style had been a mash of what she had seen from whichever Planet Traders she could watch fight when she was younger, but the Bandit also started to see a small influence of the Turtle Style rubbing off on her. Yamcha had shown her a few different things she could do, but with her being only 5'1", it was not easy adjusting. He wanted to bring Gohan in to help, but she still showed unease toward the little boy.
Sarada stopped firing blasts at Yamcha, but now she was trying to trap him. The Bandit jumped over her, dodging backward as Sarada kept coming in with punches and kicks. She jumped up with a roundhouse but Yamcha ducked underneath it, dodging away to the side. Sarada flew after him, making him stand his ground and parry one of her punches, coming back with his own before she too parried his away, trying to punch him in the face but his head kept moving.
"You're getting a lot better, Sarada. You're stronger than Vegeta was when he came to Earth now." He complimented her before pushing another one of her punches away. She snarled at him before trying to sweep his legs out from underneath him with her own but he jumped over it, floating in the air.
"Like I need your backhanded comments, human." She flew up, looking to punch the Bandit but Yamcha caught it, sternly looking down at the Saiyan Princess.
"There's nothing backhanded about it, Princess. I know we're only training under 25 times gravity right now, but when we get back to Earth, we're gonna push ourselves hard. I plan on mastering 100 times our planet's gravity. If I feel I can go further, then I may. You could join us until Vegeta comes to get you an all heh heh heh."
Sarada didn't know what to think. The chance to become stronger was...thrilling! Her Lord Cooler had never given her much of a chance to train...
"Lord Cooler said I wasn't worthy to get stronger. That my Saiyan genetics were nothing compared to theirs. I doubt that-"
Yamcha grabbed her by her hand and flung her over his shoulders, making her hit the ground. He didn't throw her as hard as he could have, but she bounced on the ground a couple of times, making it to her knees and growling at Yamcha.
"That low life is dead! You're not! I've died before okay? I know what that feels like. And so do you! But you're here. Now! Alive! And maybe someday you can grow to be stronger than that son of a bitch! But as long as you doubt yourself, you will never outgrow that need for his approval. So snap out of that crap. Now!" Yamcha was being purposefully hard on her. His knowledge of Saiyan females was...limited. Ok, it was nonexistent. He had to grow a backbone in dealing with someone like Raditz daily in Otherworld.
Sarada made it back to her feet, clenching her fists. She charged up, flying up at Yamcha and attacking him. He deliberately let himself be pushed back, blocking her blows. They felt stronger than they were a few minutes ago. Yamcha palmed a kick, pushing the woman back as she came up with the other foot. It threw her off, forcing her backward to land on her feet crouched.
"Damned human! How do I get past his defenses?"
"You can't-"
Sarada flew forward and turned in fright, not seeing Yamcha even move and somehow get behind her.
"Yet... I'm sorry but you're just not strong enough. And uhh.. Well, you're not fast enough either."
"Grrr...YAHH-"
"Butbutbutbut-ahhhhh! Kami why are you so darn relentless!" Yamcha nearly shouted out as Sarada rushed in, yelling as she kept getting blocked.
Yamcha dropped to the ground, backing away as Sarada followed, renewing her assault. Yamcha blocked away a jab, put up his arm to block a downward knife strike, moving to the side when she tried to punch through his midsection. He had his hands in front of him, blocking the woman's punches. She turned, throwing a kick but Yamcha went underneath, sweeping Sarada's legs out from underneath her. She caught herself on her hands, throwing a rising up kick, but Yamcha was ready, catching it and using her momentum to throw her away. She turned in the air, landing on the ground. She was crouched, ready to jump back in but the gravity shut down and she accidentally propelled herself toward the wall. Yamcha had experienced the gravity shutting off multiple times by now, merely grabbed her by the foot and eased her back down.
"Whoa there! Don't need you banging your head against the ceiling! Yo Krillin what's up dude?"
"Hey guys, we could feel the energy outside the Gravity Room. You've been getting stronger, Sarada." Krillin winked and flashed a thumbs up towards the Princess, but she simply crossed her arms.
"Hmph, my power may have increased, but it is still minuscule compared to the giant." She said bitterly.
"Well, you're not gonna get stronger than Piccolo right now. Don't feel bad. I'm not that strong either. Guru sure gave him a big boost."
"Was there a point to this banter, noseless one? If not, leave so that I may continue my training." Sarada was getting impatient. The door had stayed open as Krillin had not come all the way in just yet.
"Geez...chip off the old block heh heh heh heh sorry...there we go." Krillin stepped fully inside, allowing the door to close and the gravity to jump back up again. Krillin didn't flinch, already having trained and mastered himself under this gravity. It made Sarada growl in annoyance. She sensed out the monk's power, finding it to be surprisingly easier to do so. She was nearly floored. 'He and the scarry human are similar in power I think.'
"Incredible. 3 weeks or so in here and you're already stronger than Vegeta was. Heh heh heh...if I didn't know any better, I would almost guarantee you have as much potential as him." Krillin said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, she's coming along pretty nicely. Give her enough time, she can probably fight with the Ginyu Force." Yamcha said.
"Ha! The Ginyu Force? They were always weak compared to Cooler's Armored Squadron." Sarada scoffed, turning on her heel. She was ready to start again.
"Oh yeah? How strong are they?" Krillin asked, mildly worried.
"Hmph. I do not know. If they were here I could tell you since I can now sense energy. But Commander Salza, Cooler's right hand, could fight with Cooler's brother, Frieza."
Yamcha and Krillin looked at each other in alarm.
"Wait now hold on a sec...as strong as Frieza?"
"Please tell me that's a joke!" Krillin nearly shouted.
"I had never seen Frieza in that form he used on that dirtball of a planet we were on. I could be wrong. Why do any of you ask? They will likely never find your planet." Sarada said, turning around and facing the pair. She was surprised to see a sweat drop of relief roll down Krillin's face.
"Whew... At least it means we can probably take 'em then." Krillin said. Sarada scoffed, unbelieving.
"Hmph...I highly doubt that. I am quite entertained at your...confidence."
"Krillin isn't lying Sarada. Believe me. I know you're sensing our energy right? Well..."
Yamcha concentrated, closing his eyes as his aura started to show. The milky white of it soon changed to red. Sarada was easily pushed back, but Krillin was able to maintain himself.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaa...AHHHHH! KAIOKEN TIMES 5!" Yamcha exploded with red energy. His veins pulsed through his arms and his neck, but his mind was still in complete focus.
"What...Incredible energy!" Sarada's eyes were glued to the Bandit.
"Show off!" Krillin said as he chuckled. He knew Yamcha was holding back, only showing a sample to the Saiyan Princess.
"Oh I can go higher...but this is my highest mastered state. I can stay like this for hours." Yamcha said with confidence. His red aura pulsed smoothly throughout his body. He had controlled the spasms well enough, not letting his body break down like it was before.
"It's awesome what meditation can do when you really apply yourself." Yamcha released the Kaioken, taking a breath.
"Whew...but yeah our base energy isn't our strongest. I don't think you should try to learn this technique Sarada." Yamcha said.
"She is a Saiyan, Yamcha. She could pick it up like we did." Krillin tried to argue.
"No." Yamcha shook his head. "It took us months in Otherworld just to tap into it. It took you and Tien both a good while to learn it too. That Super Saiyan form thing would be easier." Yamcha countered.
"You both speak as if you control what my fate is to be. I would blast you to Hell for trying such things if you weren't so strong!" Sarada clenched her fist in anger. Both humans looked at her, surprised that her power was rising.
"I...My whole life has been under the thumb of a monster... I want my freedom. I wish to do as I please and not be limited by your...goals for me. MY goal is to be free!" Sarada yelled, rushing at Yamcha. Yamcha didn't know what to do except defend himself, getting pushed back as the stunned Krillin watched in shock. Sarada's power was starting to level off, but her anger pushed her through. Yamcha was ducking, dodging, diving away from Sarada's angry blasts. She charged toward the Bandit, who gave up trying to get the Princess to listen. He grabbed both of her punches in mid-air before she lunged forward.
"AIIEEE! WHAT THE-...CRAZY...NOT THE FACE!" She was inches away from him, gnawing away and fighting ferociously to take a chunk out of Yamcha.
"Crap...I'm coming in Yamcha-"
"NO...I CAN HANDLE THIS!" Yamcha was backed into the wall. He could have overpowered her with sheer strength, but he didn't want to hurt the woman. She was really forcing his hand as she wrapped her legs around his body, getting closer. Yamcha let go of one of her hands, which went right to his throat. He put his elbow into her neck, pushing her head away from him. They didn't notice the gravity had shut off, but Sarada didn't care. The state she was in demanded blood, and she would have it. First this human, then the other noseless one. Then perhaps the one who gave her back her voice. She would most certainly enjoy taking hers in thanks.
Before anything else could go further, Sarada froze, instantly releasing her legs from Yamcha before altogether abandoning her attack.
"Your power was getting out of control, Saiyan. Yamcha wouldn't kill you, but I won't give one single damn either way." Piccolo stated firmly. He had his hand outstretched, touching her mind. He didn't press any further, not wanting to traumatize her.
"PICCOLO!" Yamcha yelled.
"Quiet! Your mind is still fragile." Piccolo said, plucking at one of her mental strings. She let out a short scream, falling to her knees and holding her head.
"O-Out...Out...OUT!"
"Not until you stop attacking for no damn reason!" Piccolo used a simple mental trick, overwriting her shields and knocking her unconscious. He didn't want to pain her any further.
"Damn...Damn it, Piccolo!" Yamcha said, running to the woman's side. She was completely out cold.
"It was better than the alternative, Bandit. She's becoming a problem. This is the second time I've had to do this! The next time she may not handle it and her mind will shatter under the pressure." Piccolo argued.
Yamcha picked the woman up, taking her out of the Gravity Room. The session was over. He had nothing to say because Piccolo was right. He hadn't told her about it the first time. But he realized he may have to figure something out soon.
'Damn it! What do I do? I can't just ditch her. I hate to admit it but Piccolo's right. She could come back to Earth but with her tail still on her...Oh man...!'
Conton City
"What an insane fight! I mean, King Cold is easily... wow." Trunks had never witnessed the fight through the Time Scroll before, but seeing it now...
He was kind of glad that Shepard was in their Universe, even if he was an anomaly.
Chronoa hadn't completely obeyed the Grand Minister. She had pulled the Scroll back out of the most secure Vault immediately after he left. Her insatiable curiosity was just too much to bear. She worked on the damn thing for weeks before she could finally summon the proper magic just to take a peek. She wouldn't send anybody into that Universe unless the Demon Realm somehow found a way in. She had seen no hidden discrepancies within the Timeline. But this was also a very, very old Scroll. One of the first that had ever entered into the Time Nest. Since she became the new Supreme Kai of Time so very long ago...
"Yeah there are very few timelines where King Cold transforms that far, but when he does, those timelines are almost always lost," Chronoa said sadly.
"It looks like Shepard may have a real shot here." Trunks pointed out as he saw the broken moon fall toward Namek.
Chronoa had not seen the end result yet. With being just a shade over 75 million years old, she pretty much had all the time in the metaphorical world to observe. Yet she still never understood why she never looked at this Scroll...
"Yep! We'll see you in a week, Dad," Bulma said.
"Alright Dear, we'll have a spot open for ya!" The Doctor said.
"I'll have some fresh strawberries picked for you Sweety!" Panchy excitedly said, all ready to get to the greenhouse.
"Oh, I can't wait. Uhh, let's see...Pitch another degree port Orange. That should fix it. Darn thing won't stay straight. I think that giant monster Shepard was fighting damaged something. We should still be on course! Love you guys!"
The screen cut off as Tights walked into the room, Axel in her arms.
"They still on schedule Dad?"
"They sure are sweetheart. There's uhh... there's still no word about Shepard. Raditz and Goku both made it off the planet but as soon as they tell me something you will know. Don't you worry a bit."
Tights sadly smiled at her parents as she bumped Axel up and down. She had felt fine the last couple of weeks after her 'heart attack'. That's what the doctors called it, anyway. But she knew better. She had come back to her senses within minutes of the event, only later on feeling so cold...So very cold. She felt like she couldn't breathe. Whatever was happening to her, she hoped Shepard would somehow make it. She could only guess that they had not been as close before he died fighting Raditz. It didn't hit her nearly as hard. But they had a son now. They had spent quality time together before Shepard left for Namek. Lately, her body just felt...pain. She was tired often. She had snapped out of the cold spell after about a day, only to be told that Namek had been destroyed. She didn't want to imagine what would happen to her if he died again...
"I can't help but worry. But I am happy Bulma and the others got off Namek. Jaco told me about the Planet Trade Organization. They are horrible people. Despicable. Did I hear Bulma say she had made off with some new technology?" Tights was curious.
"New tech, new armor for the military possibly. A lot of new, dear. Can't wait to get my hands on some of it. Kami, I hope she lets me. It's technically her decision, but I imagine I've been good to her over the years. Let me stretch out my brain on something new." Tights could tell her father was excited at the prospects of further growing Capsule Corp. It was a multibillion-dollar company that had no end in sight in potential growth. So long as an apocalyptic event doesn't occur, everything should be good...
"As long as you eat more than a toasted egg sandwich, I'm sure everyone will be fine with that. Ain't that right Axey? Booga booga boo!" Axel cooed as Tights nuzzled her face into her baby boy.
"I'll make sure he eats 3 full meals every day!" Panchy stated, winking at the Doctor, who involuntarily gulped.
"Uhh...Sure, dear. I better go have a look at the new prototypes Bulma started before she left. What ya say, Scratch? Do you think that the new Gravity Room modification is ready?" The Doctor left the women and baby, eager to get back to his lab.
"Shepard will be fine dear. Cheer up, let's go pick some of those oranges I planted for you." Panchy started walking toward the Capsule Corp Greenhouse.
"Well Axey, guess I can introduce you to my favorite fruit. Your grandma is right. I feel like your daddy will be just fine. You ready Axey Waxey?"
Axel cackled toothlessly, agreeing with his mother as they followed the Capsule Corp matriarch...
January 19, 763
Capsule Corp Landing Zone
12:13 A.M.
The Doctor had been briefed (No Puns! No Puns!) a short few minutes ago that the Capsule Pod had reached Earth's Solar System. He threw on some of his favorite pajamas, accompanied by his as-always beautiful wife and his loyal cat, Scratch.
He saw the lights from the bottom of the ship slowly descend, easily busting through the clouds.
"Sure is a beaut!" The Doctor said to himself, a fresh cup of coffee in one hand, cigarette in the other.
The ship slowly guided itself down onto the pad that was created, hardly leaving any damage to the ground. The engines cut off and another minute later, the massive door opened, revealing Yamcha, Krillin, Sarada, Orange, Bulma, Piccolo, and last but not least, Gohan.
"It is so great to finally be home. Yah!" Krillin jumped down, touching the Earth for the first time in over 2 months.
"You said it, bro!" Yamcha walked down, finally feeling peace and freedom wash over him.
"Don't get comfortable. Until we know more about Cold and Shepard, we need to keep up our training." Piccolo was ever vigilant, making sure his cape and turban were weighted and adjusted properly.
"So this is planet Earth hm?" Orange asked.
"Yup! Home sweet home! Ahh, it feels so good! I don't care if it's cold." Bulma smiled, running down the ramp.
Gohan didn't say anything as had walked down. The last month, being out in space, an epiphany overcame him. He died on Namek. He may not have 'died' but he knows he did. He missed his mother, but it was so hard to lie to her...
"Gohan? You coming down buddy?" Krillin called out, looking back at the boy with concern.
"Uhh...Yeah, I just..."
"Don't worry kid, I'll go with you," Piccolo said with a wink, stern but making sure the boy knew he had his back. It made Gohan take a deep breath, finally walking down the ramp himself. The only one still up there was the Saiyan Princess. Her dark brown spiky hair blew in the wind. It felt light compared to other planets she had visited. It made her wonder how these warriors could be so strong...
They had told her what had come over her. The decision was up to her of course. She could have a ship built for her and be gone. She could be free. She didn't like what had come over her mind. She didn't like that the Namekian had touched her mind again, but she also didn't want to hurt the human who had been training with her. She had mastered 25 Times gravity and was eager to go heavier. Her power had nearly tripled in the last week alone, trying to get over what had happened to her.
"Sarada? The planet is safe. And the food here is plentiful. You don't have to worry about being taken back in by Cooler. Remember...He's gone." Yamcha said to her, making her feel a bit more at ease. She made her hesitant steps down the ramp, clearly on alert.
"Planet Earth smells...clean. But also reeks of machinery. What kind of planet is clean but smells weird at the same time?" Sarada crossed her arms as she walked past the scar-faced human, heading towards the Doctor and Bulma.
"I require sustenance. Bring my food at once." She demanded, catching the pair off guard.
"N-Now you hold on just a minute! This is my Dad! He's no butler! So you take that back!" Bulma was angry as Yamcha got in between the two.
"Now now now now hold on hold on! She's confused that's all! Isn't that right?" Yamcha turned back, looking down at the short but angry Saiyan, who didn't give an inch. She was hungry...
"Now now...Not to worry. I can have a meal whipped up this instant! I know it's late but there's no reason not to celebrate you guys coming home! This way everyone!" Panchy was a master at corraling people in, guiding the warriors through, even Sarada followed, her stomach leading her with Yamcha following behind.
"I-I shouldn't. I'm sure my mother misses me. Can I come over another time?" Gohan bashfully asked.
"Of course sweety. It's no trouble at all." Panchy winked at the little boy, making him blush. Gohan made sure he had his studies with him and his sword, heading the other way.
"I'll be coming over again soon to see the upgrades to the Gravity Room," Piccolo said to the Doctor before turning on his heel, following Gohan in the air...
The feast was amazing! Sarada had gone through nearly 50 plates of food before her swollen belly gave in. She sat back, feeling elated.
"Was it that good?" Yamcha said, having gone through 3 plates himself. He was surprised that Sarada had waited so long given her stomach-churning noises at the table. She had inhaled the first 10 plates before finally slowing down and eating with more regality.
"This...This is the first time I have ever been fulfilled by food." She declared, sending a shock around the table.
"Y-You mean you never had any meals when you were with...Uhh..with Cooler?" Krillin hesitantly asked.
"Hmph. Cooler never so much as had me fed with anything but scrap...BUUURP!"
Yamcha awkwardly laughed at Sarada's lack of manner, as did several others. But everyone also felt a bit of sadness for the girl.
"Well...None of that matters anymore. You're on our side now!" Bulma said confidently.
"Hmph. I'm on my own side. I am the only one I trust. The Giant I still have a bone to pick with. You invaded my body, and I hate you for it. Until I am strong enough to properly deal with you all, the human will be coming with me." The table chilled to an almost arctic blast. Sarada looked at Bulma with vitriol, but Yamcha slammed his hand down on the table, smashing a piece off.
"Okay... For starters, your whole desire for 'revenge' is absolute garbage and I don't believe a word of it. Vegeta got you out of your little...contraption thing or whatever and we get you off the planet, and this is how you act? There's being a Saiyan, and then there's being a Savage. I'm not sure which one you're trying to be, but considering I've already had a taste of what Vegeta offers, I'm due to be ripped to pieces by him anyway." Krillin had never heard Yamcha speak like this. Bulma herself gasped.
The Bandit wasn't done, however, holding up a yellow energy blast within an inch of Sarada's face.
"I'll end this now!" Sarada's eyes widened, shocked at the human's gamble.
"Yamcha! What's gotten into you?" Krillin nearly yelled out, ready to stop his friend.
"I've learned the hard way that a threat needs to be taken down before it can become more dangerous. If you're anything like Vegeta, anything at all, then you're a danger to my planet and I won't stand for it. But if you truly want to change, then I'll go with you. I'll train with you until Vegeta arrives to pick you up. And if you want to go with him, then you can go. Until he gets here, you so much as think of trying to destroy my planet, I'll end you." Yamcha was serious. Namek had made him realize just how fragile his mortality was. He was taking a big risk training with the Saiyan Princess. He was stunned a moment later when Sarada wrapped her hand around his wrist, peaking around the blast, a small, but noticeable smirk on her face.
"Very well, human. Your planet is safe... For now." Sarada eyed Yamcha, her violet eyes piercing his soul. It was small, but Yamcha saw it, and it made him blush slightly. He dissipated the blast, standing up and coughing for a moment.
"So uhh like, Bulma do you have a better Gravity Room I can take home heh heh heh?" Yamcha scratched the back of his head as Bulma nearly fell out of her chair.
"Wh-What just...happened?" Krillin didn't know what to make of the situation, but it was a clear sign it was time to go.
"I uhh... Better get going, thanks for the food Bulma, see you guys!" Krillin ran out as fast as he could, taking off into the air with abandon!...
It took him far less time to make it to Master Roshi's Island than before he left for Namek. His power level when he left was barely touching 10,000. He was well over a hundred times stronger than that now, easily breaking supersonic speed.
"I hope Master Roshi's training went well. I wonder how strong he is." He said to himself. Landing on the sand gently, he made his way to the small house.
He opened the door, and immediately knew something was wrong. The TV was playing a karate tournament and that was enough to get Krillin's mind racing.
"M-Master Roshi?" He walked around the living room. Everything was still in its place. Nothing seemed missing or off except the TV, but...
Krillin reached out with his senses as the bathroom door opened. Krillin blinked, not recognizing the man who walked out.
"Oh yeah... let us see who can kick who's...Uhh..." The man was young, stood about 5'8", had black hair that was shoulder length but wavy, black eyes, and was lean, but wiry. He wore an orange, sleeveless vest with blue pants. He also wore a pair of orange sandals...
"Heh heh heh heh...Hey?"...
The skies were peaceful as the air was warm out in the ocean. A squawking family of birds flew by as...
"HAAAAAAAAAA!" The side of Master Roshi's house was blown away as the birds squawked in terror, flying faster away. The young man was blown out of the house by the beam, thankful to have gotten just free enough to not be incinerated by it!
Krillin flew out after him, looking around before he spotted the young man hovering over the ocean.
"You bastard! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MASTER ROSHI?" Krillin yelled, quickly firing a set of Destructo Disks at the man, who jumped over one as another just skimmed by, nearly catching his back. He moved his head to dodge the last one as Krillin came in with a punch. The young man had seen it coming, using both hands to trap Krillin's hand before turning and tossing him into the ocean.
"I thought you were stronger than that?" The man chuckled, eyes vibrant, but stern.
Krillin busted out of the ocean attacking the man who moved his head and body around, making the monk miss. His movement in the air was calm, at ease.
"W-What the? He moves so smoothly. I can tell I'm stronger than him. What the heck is going on?" Krillin said to himself before charging back toward the man. They engaged in battle over the ocean, picking up waves as they sped along. Krillin's hands moved fast, but the man's blocks were faster. He even turned Krillin around, bopping him on the back of the head. It didn't hurt, but Krillin was no child any longer and would not be treated like it.
"I know you're much stronger than that, but you're so tense. You were taught better than that, kiddo."
"Come back here, invader!" Krillin rushed after the man again, who looked at Krillin with confusion.
"Invader?-BOOM- but I'm no-"
"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!" Krillin yelled. The worst ran through his mind. Who was this man? What did he to do his master? Was Master Roshi still gone somewhere and this guy was here in his place? A bunch of thoughts ran through his mind as the man dodged to the side, making Krillin throw up a massive wave of water from a missed kick.
"Come on now, watch the house kid!" The man yelled out.
"Kid? I'll show you kid!" Krillin put his hands back, blue energy flexing between his fingers.
The man blew out a breath. He didn't have time for this. He sped down below, hovering just above the water.
"Sorry, son. THUNDER SHOCK SURPRISE!" A wave of electrical energy surged upward, catching Krillin, who never saw it coming. His body seized up and convulsed, letting go of the energy in his hands as he fell toward the ocean. The man caught him, flying back over to the Island. He landed, dropping the monk down to the ground.
"Ahh...It is a nice day today. I'm glad you made it back, Krillin." The man said, confusing Krillin as his smoking body stopped convulsing. The monk reached out with his senses again as the man reached over to the side of his pants, where a set of sunglasses sat. He also reached out with his energy, using telekinesis to bring a familiar walking stick. All this, plus the familiar feeling of the energy left Krillin stunned.
"I-It...Impossible. M-Master Roshi?" Krillin gawked as he made his way to his feet, now eyeing the man with newfound awareness and respect.
"In the flesh. Heh heh heh...Darn it Krillin look what you did to my house! Looks like someone has to go into town to fetch some supplies. I hope I didn't miss too much of that tournament." The young Master Roshi said as he walked back into the house, setting the walking stick next to the door.
"But-But...What the heck happened?" Krillin asked as he ran in after his now younger Master...
"I hope Mom isn't too mad about me being gone so long. At least I got all my studies taken care of." Gohan said to himself, flying at supersonic speed.
"Don't worry about it, kid. You did well. Remember what we talked about?" Piccolo asked as he flew next to him.
"Yup! It was a close call but we made it off Namek with no problems." Gohan proudly stated.
"Hmph. Not convincing enough."
"Our ship was almost blown up but we made it with no problems otherwise?" Gohan bashfully stated.
"Better. I'm truly sorry about what happened Gohan. If I had been strong enough..."
"I forgive you, Mister Piccolo. I don't want my mother to find out either. I do like training with you and my Dad."
Piccolo let out a small smile of pride before his senses jerked ahead. Gohan also felt it.
"Uhh..."
"Yup! Dodging!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOHAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" Chi Chi screamed through the sky. She felt her son land on the planet. Her first instinct was to immediately go to Capsule Corp, but she felt her son's energy and felt it coming towards Mount Paozu. She was elated! She had burst out her front door, sonic booming into the air. She never could believe she didn't want to learn how to fly before. She was proud of the training she had undergone with Kami and the others.
She would have tackled her son midway in the sky, but her son… Kami her son was so much stronger than he was when he left! He barrelled into her, knocking her sideways but still happy regardless.
"MOM! I-I missed you so much," Gohan said teary-eyed, looking at her Mom as she looked down with tears also.
"I missed you too, baby. I missed you so much! I heard the worst about that Frieza guy. Please tell me you didn't...didn't run into any trouble." Chi Chi asked as she held her son.
"W-Well...Our ship nearly got blown up, but because of the armor that Miss Bulma built, it only sustained light damage. I got all my studies done for you like you asked." Gohan said with happiness, mixed in with a bit of nervousness. He had never been a good liar. He just couldn't tell her that he...that he died, even if it was only for a handful of minutes.
"I came on the wrong end of having to fight that...Let's just say I have to get stronger still." Piccolo said, appearing next to the pair.
"You know, you two are awfully strong to have just gone to Namek to use the dragon balls. Don't lie to me Piccolo, how bad was it?" Chi Chi was through with the games. She felt her son tense up in her arms, momentarily looking at him for a moment. Piccolo gulped, barely noticeable.
"It wasn't pretty. We're pretty sure Goku and Raditz, as well as that punk Vegeta, made it off of Namek. King Kai wasn't sure about Shepard. Frieza's brother and Father unexpectedly showed up. Frieza killed Tien. It...He almost got Yamcha. But he found a way to survive, but...Frieza lost control of his power from the blinding technique Yamcha pulled out of nowhere. Cooler, Frieza's brother, had a...a slave. A Saiyan woman. Vegeta's sister ironically heh...Tien and her death made the Saiyans snap. We even thought we lost Gohan." Chi Chi froze, looking down at her son.
"Did...What happened to Goku?" Chi Chi didn't want to think of the idea of her little boy being killed. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her most valued treasure.
"They became Super Saiyans. From what we were told, Frieza and Cooler are dead. We haven't heard anything about Shepard and King Cold." Piccolo wanted to get past the idea of Chi Chi losing her son. It wasn't the full truth, but it would suffice.
And if he was being honest to himself, he thought he had caught an overwhelming sense of power when they were in space. Almost mind-boggling. It made the Super Saiyans feel like children. If Shepard had to tangle with that, and if he lost, how in the hell would they be able to stop it?...
Just a light chapter this go around. I do want to mention that Sarada is Tarble's twin sister, just in case you are not aware. However as you can tell she is much more akin to Vegeta's way of thinking than Tarble. Let's see what we have for power levels, yeah?
Power Levels:
Sarada: 7,400
Training In Space: 30,000
Arriving On Earth: 95,000
Yamcha: 1,700,000
Krillin: 1,600,000
Gohan: 2,250,000
Piccolo: 45,000,000
Master Roshi: 400,000
(Note that these power levels are what they arrived to Earth with as well. They were considerably limited by only being able to train in 25X Earth Gravity on the way home. They are all many times stronger than when they first arrived so it is not as effective!)
Next chapter, we will open up a little more backstory as the mysteries get deeper. Did Shepard survive? And we may delve into Tien a bit more. Stay tuned! See you guys soon!
P.S. Yes Master Roshi is young again! What will he make of it? We will find out in the future!