Hello everyone! We're back with another chapter! I have been blown away by the amount of attention this story has gotten since I last updated. I know these are the fillers right now but life has been a bit hectic, so I haven't been able to post the fillers as frequently as I would like. But things are on the up and up! So with that said, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
Things are moving along at a steady pace. Everyone continues their training, each going about it in different ways. The trip to Namek is soon upon us. Who will go? Who will stay? Find out on this chapter of Dragon Ball: BtG!
Reviews:
chaddts- Well I am sorry you feel that way. But I've learned you can't please everyone. Thank you for your review.
Drunken Hamster- I'm glad you liked the memoir part. Fixing Goku is not an easy task my friend. It is hard to write a sensible, semi smart Goku. And my perspective with Raditz is this: he's been passed over by various alien women in the past. To have one that actually talks to him and not the Elites is jarring to him. Not to mention he has crossed an extremely high hurdle in actually defeating Vegeta. Imagine that bully you may have had when you were 6 years old, and when you're 16, you finally grow strong enough to overcome it. I wanted Raditz to have a burst of positivity even though he is about to go into the lion's den, so to speak. Coupled with the fact that Suno is a woman I've not seen used as any kind of love interest for anybody in any story, I had to make Raditz a little bamboozled lol. And he has gained massively, but in the face of Frieza, he is still a gnat, at least for now. I'm not putting Raditz in the Vegeta category of arrogance here. But he is a full blown dick, that's for sure! I don't know about 3M, but this will definitely hit 1M for sure. That's my goal. I've found a good balance between writing and not burning myself out. Until next time, Drunk!
Disclaimer-- Mentions of possible suicide in this chapter. If this is an uneasy subject for you, than I highly advise you skip that part. You'll know it when you see it!
Age: October 19, 762
Location: The Lookout
Piccolo and Kami had been in a mental duel for the better part of 2 hours.
"Piccolo I don't see how this is an outrageous request."
"It's outrageous because you're either asking me to stay behind, or you want to be my eyes while im there. I'M. NOT. DOING. IT. Just because you're a pacified piece of...you know what. Just no. Not happening."
"All I'm asking for is to see the scenery of my birth planet. If you don't want to see it, then you could at least allow me."
They both were looking out across the sky, watching as an object flew so fast out of the atmosphere that Piccolo couldn't trace it with his eyes.
"That's...that's fast."
"I'll say."
"Then could you at least bring back some kind of knowledge about our people? You will get to experience the full weight of Namek while I, being held back by this place, will only get small snippets."
"I'll do what I can Kami, but otherwise, it's your loss. I don't choose to remember a species I have nothing in common with, even if it is my own. I didn't ask to be born on this planet either. So you don't like what I have to say? Tough. Deal with it!"
"Why must you always be so hard at hearing Piccolo?"
"Why must you always be so hard at understanding Kami?" They were almost nose to nose for a few moments before they both pulled back, taking a few breaths.
"Kami why do we always have this fight?"
"It is our fundamental difference. You will always seek violence, while I always have sought peace."
"Your 'peace' did nothing to save us from this battle today. Dammit, why couldn't they kill Vegeta? He could be a serious problem in the future."
"I like to think that Goku took the high road. He could have killed your father before he birthed you. He could've certainly ended your life at the World Martial Arts Tournament. I wouldn't have complained either way. Peace is genuinely not achieved through Peace. Sometimes, it requires War. That is your part of the equation."
"Hmph, I guess you're right."
They watched as the object came back through the atmosphere.
"That quickly?"
"My word!"
I best be getting on my way. I'll see what I can do as far as Namek goes Kami, but I'm not making any promises. If what you told me earlier is correct, I won't have the time."
"If Frieza truly is going to Namek, then our people are in grave danger."...
"Whew whew woooooooooo!" Soaring through the air, Shepard steadily corkscrewed in the air, holding Axel out in front of him as he did. He placed the BanHammer on his back, where a metal grabber was located. It came with the weapon, so Shepard would utilize it so he could have both hands for his son.
"What ya think kiddo? Like a birdy yeaaaaaaaaaahhhh!"
"Hmph, how overdramatic you are," Raditz said, content to fly a straight line. Shepard was truly starting to annoy him, flying in the air around him and distracting him.
"IS THAT REALLY NECESSARY?" He yelled, finally pissed, but Shepard didn't relent.
"Someday, when you HAVE your own child, you'll SAVOR moments like this!" Shepard said, getting within Raditz's hearing range every so often. He was enjoying himself so much. In the air, above the clouds, his infant son toothlessly laughed. This was what he fought for. This is what mattered. In his 'vision' with his adult son, there was a tremendous pain in those eyes, even rage. Shepard would do whatever he could to not have those looks come to pass. As much as he wanted to stay, and be with Axel and Tights, he needed to go to Namek. He had to. He had a strange feeling, with what had already occurred with Vegeta, that things were going to change, and possibly not for the better. They needed to get a head start on their training while the ships were being built up. Doctor Brief promised that Shepard, Goku, and Raditz would get a gravity room that exceeded 100 Times the Earth's gravity. But as of right now, Goku had the only available fully working Kachi Katchin Gravity Room. Shepard's own would not hold up to the stresses they would have to fight in. Old man Shepard had said as much: he would have to go to Capsule Corp, perhaps after Namek, and get it upgraded. But first, he was heading to his and Tights Islands. He needed to gather a few things, then they'd be off to Goku's.
"I doubt I'll be whooping for joy in the air with my child hanging by a hair." Raditz was thoughtful, however. That woman, Suno she said her name was. She was beautiful! Raditz's mind went back to the curvy redhead. Those chocolate brown eyes, her lovely long red hair. He could envision himself somehow settling down with her, assuming they survived Namek. Speaking of.
"I have a question, and I need it answered honestly."
Shepard stopped corkscrewing around, leveling himself with Raditz and cradling the infant.
"Sounds serious. Fine, what's up, dude?"
"After I crushed Vegeta, and threw him in his space pod, he mentioned something. Something you said to him, about Frieza."
"Oh?"
"Yes. 'Oh', so my question is this: how in the hell can you tell Vegeta that Frieza's maximum power level is 120 MILLION and not tell me? Were you planning on keeping us in the blind? How in the hell could you know that anyway? Vegeta was the most informed out of our pathetic lot, and he had only heard that Frieza's power level exceeded 1 million. So how?"
"You don't know the things I've heard. And don't freakin curse in front of the baby. Uncle Rad trying to make you into a bad boy isn't he but I won't let em hahahahahaaaaaaa go fast time!" Shepard took off, leaving Raditz in a confused stumble in mid-air.
"Uncle? He's not even my brother! Fuck that!" He blasted ahead...
Goku was just exiting his house when he looked up in the afternoon/evening sky. Smiling slightly, he sensed his rivals flying fast to what felt like maybe Shepard's house. Deciding to head back through his house, he opened the metal door in the back, leading to an extended walkway. This went on for a couple of hundred feet before another metal door was seen. Opening with a couple of clicks, the heavy door opened wide. The Saiyan had not had a chance to visit this room, not even thinking about using it for training, but now that he had experienced what his former home planet's gravity felt like, he was ready to achieve greater heights. Walking in, his feet tapped the metallic floor, walking over to the controls.
"Let's see. I should get a head start on heavier gravity training, and when Shep and Raditz get here, we can go all out!" Running his fingers across the buttons, he flipped the Gravity Room on, listening as it hummed to action, ready for use. The console screen showed a series of numbers, stating what gravity he currently resided in, the highest gravity of his last session, which had a -- since not being used yet. And at the bottom, it had the dial of a number, which Goku looked at.
"My goal should be to master higher than 10x gravity, so let's gooooo 15!" The machine hummed, before the area around him turned red, 5 seconds later, Goku felt the heavier gravity beginning to press down on him. He stayed on his feet, but his movement was much slower.
"Alright! Time to warm up!...
Raditz, Shepard, and baby Axel had made great time, soaring past where Raditz first encountered his brother, it took barely a couple of minutes for the duo to make it to Shepard's house. Landing in front of it, Shepard smiled down at Axel.
"Whaddya think little man? This could be yours someday hehehehe ohhh it's a nice big house huh?"
"What in the? Why do you need all this crap?"
"Crap Raditz? Really man? Crap? This house is ahead of its time man." Opening the door, the security system immediately went to work.
Welcome, Shepard
Unidentified subjects listed as Saiyan
Proceed with Weapons Systems in 20 seconds
"Shut down Laura. Key Raditz and Axel in. And if you so much as try to hurt my son, I'll dismantle you. Over here, dude."
Shepard walked Raditz over to the device to scan the Saiyan. Looking at his Watch, it had detected another attempted puncture of his Shield, unsuccessfully.
Unidentified Flying Object Located Within Premises
"The fuck?" Tapping a few buttons on his Watch, it emitted a frequency, bringing the microscopic Gero Bug into view. It buzzed towards his Watch, before it sparked for several seconds, disintegrating on contact with his Ki Shield.
"What the hell is that?" Raditz was spooked. He had failed to notice the threat.
"You motherfucker. If you so much as touched Axel Gero, I will rip off your head and shit down your metal fucking neck." Shepard silently said, trying not to alert his son, who was yawning.
"It's nothing to be concerned with for right now Raditz. Walk with me." Raditz followed Shepard down the hall, eyeing the luxury.
"How does one even stay motivated to fight when they have all this?" Raditz said, spinning and looking around at everything in sight.
"It's why I stay motivated. Don't let your luxuries motivate you. That's empty. Focus on what matters. Material possession means nothing if you're not willing to give it all up for what matters, in a moment. I would give all this up for my son, my girl. I wouldn't trade them for anything. But all this? I'd go homeless if it meant my son and Tights would stay safe. But since this house is one of the most secure in the world, then Axel is safest here."
"And that bug thing?"
"Yeah, that bug thing is gonna be a problem. Laura, send an echo in all directions, 5 miles out."
Echo Sent. . . . . .
Returned. . . . . .
14 UFO'S Present
"Greaaaat they're watching my shit. Alright Laura, do your thing."
Understood
Sending Surge. . . . . .
Disintegration of 14 UFOs commenced
No Further UFOs in the detailed area
"Keep a 10-mile radius of protection around this house. If a bug gets that close again, I wanna know about it. Send me the notification through my Watch if you must. Those things can't get inside, ever again."
Understood Shepard
Commencing Area Scans Now
"Basically, your brother was a little warmongering savage in his day. He took on an army and that army wants him dead. There's still possibly a scientist or two out there from that army who may want to try to kill Goku. But since I've been making headway, they seem to be focusing on me, which is fine. I have the means to keep them off of me. The more they use their resources on me, the less they'll have in the future."
Raditz took in the explanation, now more aware of the house itself. Looking around, he could feel its...presence he guessed.
They walked to the master bedroom, Shepard shooing Raditz away.
"Dude it's mine and Tights bedroom. This is our home away from home. No trespassing."
"Hmph, not that impressive anyway," Raditz said, crossing his arms and turning his back. Shepard smirked, before closing the door and readjusting the baby. He turned towards his wardrobe, looking down at his current, near-destroyed attire. "Well, it did its job King Kai hahahahahaha." Setting Axel down on the bed, he began to strip his destroyed Gi down, throwing it away in the trash. Opening his massive closet, an assortment of outfits and Gi's lined it. Deciding on a purple weighted Gi, with a teal-colored undershirt, a teal sash being tied around and left hanging just above his knees, he next put on purple martial arts boots, slipping them on and turning to the mirror. He looked at his face, unblemished. He did this for a few seconds, flexing his arm and making funny faces. Hearing the baby giggling behind him, he laughed, picking Axel back up and turning towards his Master Safe, forged in the same metal as his hammer. Typing in his password, he turned the dial, opening the door. Grabbing the Limitless Bag of Senzu Beans, he walked over to the door, opening it to see a sour expression on the face of Raditz.
"Hold out that burly paw of yours."
"Starting to get really annoyed by your euphemisms."
"Wow, a former space pirate knows big words. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?" Shepard said nonchalantly, pouring out an ample supply of the legumes.
"So this is where these things are? All in your home?"
"No, the creator of the Senzu Beans is out below the Lookout. These? There was a wish made for them with the Dragon Balls."
"Blasted Dragon Balls. Those things can wish for anything?"
"Depends on their limitations. Earth, for instance, can't revive someone back more than once, and they can't revive someone after a year of their death. Also, they can't use a power that exceeds their creator. For instance, if Vegeta came back to this planet, we can't wish Shenron, the dragon's name, to destroy him, because he is stronger than Kami, Piccolo's counterpart on the Lookout. There's also another limitation. The Dragon Balls can't resurrect someone who dies a natural death."
"Hmph. So we couldn't wish my father back because he has been gone too long? Could we...could we perhaps wish to bring Gine here?"
"NO!"
Raditz was left confused at the snap reply from his fellow Saiyan, who calmed quickly.
"Gine is doing her duty to raise other Saiyans to be better. She's an Elder. Even if we took her from that, the Saiyans on whichever planet she may be on may become lost without her. She's quite influential when she wants to be. We'll see her someday. You got my word on that."
Raditz grabbed Shepard by the collar of his Gi, pulling him towards him where they were only a couple of inches apart.
"I'll be holding you to that, Shepard. Don't make me regret it."
"Waa...WAHHHHHHHHHH!" Axel screamed, tears pouring out of his eyes, forcing Shepard to stop pouring the Senzu Beans and shove Raditz backward into the wall, cracking it.
"You make Axel cry again, I make you cry. It's alright Ax ooooo, you big baby!" Shepard said, holding the baby up and patting him lightly on the back. Walking back into the bedroom, he set the special bag inside the safe, closing it and spinning the dial. Walking back past him, he beckoned Raditz to follow him. They walked into the living room, where a massive ultra HD tv sat, a game system, which Shepard felt Capsule Corp should try to market, and a desk with a bunch of electronics on it. The music player he had held his Universal iPod, with a copy iPod next to it.
"Alright, Laura. Is Raditz free to come and go as he pleases?"
Raditz is now clear of security measures. Effective Immediately.
"Good, good. If he so much as shows any kind of ill intent to the planet or any of its innocent civilians?"
Raditz will be purged if such measures are activated
"WHAT? You listen here you stupid automated...FEMALE THING!"
Raditz shows ill intent
Permission required for Purging
"No, no hm hm hm hm hm hm that won't be necessary Laura. He's just teasing you. He's a nice guy once you get to know him."
"Grrrrr."
"How many Senzu Beans you got?" Shepard asked, changing the topic of conversation.
"Uhh, it looks like, uhh an absolute shit ton."
"Here put 'em in this."
Shepard tossed an empty brown satchel to the Saiyan before opening the drawer and pulling out a couple of items.
"Alriiiiight Ki Capsule. And yes! The journal! We're ready to roll." Making sure Axel was secure in his arms, he headed to the front door. Pressing a button next to the front door itself, it self-automated the security system.
Good day, Shepard
Standing outside, he breathed in the fresh air. The crisp, clean, and cool but not cold air was soothing to him. With it being fall time, so close to the equator, it was still amongst one of the warmer places on the planet, but it was cool enough that Shepard wouldn't sweat. Raditz looked around, taking in the scenery of the planet, and it struck a chord with him. He had been on dozens of different planets, but it was always about 'work' for him, Vegeta, and Nappa. Why enjoy something when you're about to reduce it to cinders? Looking out across the ocean, Raditz wouldn't call it beautiful, but perhaps, serene was a better word.
"Alright, what you got for me journal?" Opening a few pages, Shepard found what he was looking for quickly. In bold letters it said:
Kill Frieza on Namek
"Oh, that isn't ominous."
'Frieza'
Species: Arcosian
Likes: Being a bitch, wine, killing people
Dislikes: Dirty hands, bad wine, letting people live
Power Level:
1st form (unweighted, full power): 532,000
2nd form (unweighted, full power): 1,100,000-1,300,000
3rd form (unweighted, full power): 1,900,000-2,100,000
4th form (Final, Full Power): 122,000,000 (estimated max)
Frieza is one of the three emperors of this vast Universe. His elder brother, Cooler, holds control of much of the Southern part of this universe. His father, King Cold, holds the Universe together with his iron fist, capable of keeping both of his sons from potentially killing each other. Retired, delivered the Planet Trade to his sons at roughly Age 732.
Weaknesses: Frieza is not a fighter by trade. He enjoys watching those he employs to do his dirty work for him. His skill is mediocre but makes up for it with his vast power. He cannot sense energy and sees no reason to even try. He also does not train. It is to be noted that once one reaches the Super Saiyan, depending upon circumstances, you will be capable of fighting Frieza on a playing field far more even than prior. He primarily fires energy blasts, kicks, and punches, but also has an array of energy techniques, which can cause massive damage upon whoever he may fire against. Ridicules all who oppose him. Incredibly arrogant. His arrogance can be greatly used against him. When goaded by an opponent he cannot defeat, he loses ALL sense of reason. He will attempt to blow up whichever planet he may be on because of his ability to breathe in space. However, a technique has been developed, to be able to breathe in space, or a poisonous atmosphere. This is not permanent, and I want to stress that doing this in a weakened state will cost you your life. Simply incorporate your energy inside your lungs, to create a 'breathing bubble' to properly breathe oxygen while in a vacuum. In a poisonous setting, use the same principle, but also surround your body with your energy. If it is strong enough, your body will withstand the pressures of space. To defeat Frieza, one must overpower, and possibly amputate.
Strengths: His speed is his number one weapon. In his Final Form, he will utilize his agility and smaller body and hit with maximum impact. His array of energy attacks is plentiful, and D*Z does not cover Frieza completely. Beware of his Ice Spike, a technique in which he coats his tail in a near unthawable spike of Ice, which he will use to penetrate, slash, or even decapitate. The Arcosian Race can freeze their tails. It is unknown if King Cold, or Cooler, uses any different variety of Ice to use as a weapon. Be wary. Also, he will use his tail to bludgeon, stab, or choke when not covered in Ice. If caught amputated in any form before his Final Form, he will regenerate any lost limbs. He will only regenerate limbs, much like the namekian race, but only through transformation does this occur.
Overall Conclusion:
Frieza is a pure menace, and so long as he lives, the Saiyans will never be allowed to thrive. Must find a way to get Vegeta, or even Raditz to the Super Saiyan level. It is their only chance of survival. Vegeta will most certainly kill Frieza if given the opportunity. Raditz may have softened up enough to listen to Goku and may not go for the kill. This can't happen. If you are tasked with killing him, do, not, hesitate.
"Well, that is informative," Shepard said, handing the journal to Raditz.
"Whoever wrote this has good handwriting," Raditz noted. If this journal was to be believed, then whoever did write this believed him to be too soft. "I'll destroy that bastard if I have the chance. I hate Frieza, with every fiber of my being." Raditz said aloud to himself. He tossed the journal back to Shepard, who caught it and tucked it into his Gi, making sure it was secure.
"Alright Banny, got a simple job for you. I'm going to power up to my absolute max, Kaioken included, if the flux of energy gets too bad, protect Axel at all costs." Shepard laid the giggling baby down, and then his hammer, which if one looked closely, cast an extremely powerful barrier around the baby.
Gripping the red/silver-colored capsule, Shepard began to shout, his aura taking hold.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Shepard's aura roared like a tidal wave as his power continued to climb. Reaching his max base, he stopped screaming, before he started to breathe deeply. His aura began to take on a red color, and his power climbed further.
"KAIOKEN...TIMES 6!" A flash of energy nearly knocked Raditz over, as he looked on at his rival, sensing the power climb to all new heights. He looked down at the laying baby, who was laughing. The BanHammer protected the baby easily, not even budging a fraction.
"In-Incredible! If you had told me a year ago that we could even come close to getting this strong, I would've called you a liar. Unbelievable, he may be able to take on Captain Ginyu himself."
"AGHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The aura dissipated quickly, leaving a smoking, standing body. Breathing heavily, Shepard felt the strain of the technique already starting to leave him, and his body started to cool. He tossed the Ki Capsule out, where it let out a strange, orange smoke.
"What the?" Shepard said, caught off guard. He walked into the smoke, before he looked down, noticing what appeared to be 4 sets of gauntlets.
"The fuck? They look like what Yamcha has." Reaching through the dissipating smoke, he grabbed a pair of the gauntlets, quickly figuring out how to strap them on but before he could, a slip of paper slipped out of one of them. Picking it up, Shepard read:
Greetings! If your power level has surpassed 100,000, then you are gifted with a pair of Ki Restricting Gauntlets! These will greatly reduce your energy, making it more difficult to train. Heavier gravity will not affect these KRG'S, so go all out.
MLS
"Hahaaaaaa that sonuva bitch! You sly sly man. Hey dude, grab 2 pairs of these. Put the other one on. Try 'em out." Raditz reluctantly did as he was asked. They both placed the gauntlets on their hands. The gauntlets even fit over Raditz's natural choice of gauntlet.
"Alright, let's see here." Shepard looked at the small digital display on the top side, where it read 100%. Dialing it down to 50, he noticed the change instantly. His power level plummeted.
"Wh-what the...your energy!" Raditz said in shock.
"Yep, that's what they do. They restrict your Ki. Makes it harder to train when you don't have access to all of your power. I'm dialing it down further." Shepard dialed it down to 25%, feeling his ki drop further, now only at a quarter of his natural base strength.
"You don't even feel as strong as Nappa now! This is the kind of technology this planet has?"
'Not yet. Not for about another 30-40 years.'
"Shut up Reese!"
"Well, some of this stuff is ahead of its time. So you gonna dial it down or what? I'm ready to go get a piece of Goku." Shepard walked over, grabbing up Axel, who was smiling toothlessly.
"Oh yeah, little buddy we're gonna go kick Uncle Goku's butt, aren't we? Uh-huh indeed." Shepard felt Raditz's Ki drop, indicating he had dialed down his KRG'S to a modest level.
"I will only do half for now. We will see how these things work."
"Alright, dude. Got the bag of senzu's, got the Journal, got the Ki Capsule, gotta make sure not to lose that." He went to pick up the BanHammer, but he could barely lift it.
"Oh damn." Grunting with effort, he hoisted it over his shoulder. "Alright, you ready little guy?"
Axel cooed. "Alright, dude let's blitz!" He used his restricted energy, managing to get into the air with the now heavier-than-normal BanHammer.
"So this is what happens when your Ki is cut off?" Shepard wondered aloud, before he and the baby blasted away, Raditz on his six...
He had found a quiet place to meditate, to think on the previous battle.
'I should've focused more on my power. If I had been stronger, my third eye...it might have seen Vegeta move. I should be dead! Chiaotzu! I feel so...I feel so lost. Is this seriously the limit to my power? Can I not even train to be strong enough to protect my best friend? Why? WHY?'
Tien had run the battle through his mind countless times. In every scenario, he failed. 'That technique. The Kaioken I believe it is called. I must learn it. The next time I face Vegeta, I will take him out! I swear to your honor Chiaotzu. Yamcha and the Saiyans received that training in Otherworld. The only way to learn it is if I died. Could I? Could...could I go through with it if it meant I could be with Chiaotzu again?'
Tien's life had been one of difficulty. Left abandoned by unknown parents, or whoever had deemed to raise him. Being 'rescued' by Mercenary Tao, taught in the ways of the Crane Assassin by Master Shen and Tao. Many of the techniques he used to employ he simply stopped using, because of the disrespect and dishonor that Tao had shown him. Meeting Chiaotzu had been one of the big positives in his life. He could always rely on Chiaotzu. When they died fighting King Piccolo, they did it together. When Shepard had come seeking assisted training, he and Chiaotzu did it together.
'I must perfect a technique that is capable of killing Vegeta. It is the only way. The Tri-Beam, while devastating to whoever it hits, it's just as devastating to me. Perhaps I can utilize a better, sharper Dodon Ray. I need to think of something.'
The man continued to stew, alone in his thoughts. He had never considered suicide before. It was the least honorable way to die, one of the most horrid! How could he stoop to such a low? Could he?
Opening all 3 eyes, Tien continued to sit, contemplating what he should do. He didn't want to abandon the other fighters, but his heart, his mind, and his entire spirit wanted to be dead. He should've been dead!
"I...I'm sorry Chiaotzu. I-I can't live without you. You're my best friend. I failed you. I failed the others. I...I know what I have to do."
He summoned a short finger ki blade, thin, yellow in nature, taught to him by Master Shen. He had not even thought about using this technique ever again. He had promised Chiaotzu, as well as himself. But he also promised he would protect his friend at all costs. What was one failed promise to the next? Taking a couple of deep breaths, the 3 eyed warrior summoned the courage. He was lost of all honor, with revenge being simple-minded, gutless, honor-less, he saw no reason to keep fighting. Bringing the blade to his neck, the heat searing it.
"I'm sorry, Chiaotzu."
"If you do that, you won't join Chiaotzu in Otherworld." Tien's finger stopped only a couple of inches from his jugular.
"WHAT?" Standing up quickly, Tien looked around. Looking up into the sky, his 3 eyes could pick up nothing.
"W-who? W-w-where...wait a minute, your voice. It...it sounds familiar."
"I should hope so hm hm hm hm hm hm I'm King Kai."
"The one who trained Yamcha and the others?"
"Correct! Let's talk. Put the energy blade away."
"There's nothing to talk about! What would you know anyway?"
"I know that if you go through with taking your own life, no matter how justified you feel, you won't get to come to Otherworld. Suicide is a...well it's a taboo of sorts hm hm hm hm to go through with taking one's own life that the Kai's gifted him or her would be to shun the very Gods themselves. There would be almost no hope of your soul ever passing into Otherworld. You would be entered into Hell, where you would be reincarnated into a better person, hopefully anyway hm hm hm hm."
"So, what? Being reincarnated sounds like something I need. How can I possibly repent? How can I even begin to atone for everything that I've done? With Chiaotzu here, it was manageable. Hard, but I could manage it. Without him here, I... I don't know King Kai. I feel like I am on the edge of a precipice, just waiting to let all of my energy go, and plummet. I've never felt like this. I've lost all respect as a warrior, as a fighter. I don't know anymore."
"Then know this. Your friends are working on a solution as we speak. You do remember that your Kami is a namekian riiiiight?"
"Again. So what? He was sent here to avoid being killed, so it stands to reason that his species is likely dead."
"Ahhhhh hm hm hm hm hm hm! So that's what's got you all bunched up and angry? Your argument would work on most, but not on a Kai who can see what's going on throughout the Universe. The namekian's still live Tien, and they too, have Dragon Balls."
A light switch went off instantly in his head.
"You mean..there's a chance?"
"A SLIM ONE! But, yes. I must warn you. Frieza will likely be there. And he is terrifying. Far beyond the Saiyans in power. But I also have something to tell you. The others are already aware, but with him being your best friend, you deserve to know. Chiaotzu is on his way to me. I will make sure when he returns, he will be stronger than ever! Almost forgot to mention as well. I've permitted Goku and Yamcha both to teach the Kaioken. You should get to it if you want in on that training!"
Tien's spirit had lightened. He dissipated the finger blade. His desire to fight had been reignited!
"Thank you, King Kai. I best be getting to the others. And if I can ask one small favor."
"Sure. Whatever you want within reason."
"Please...please don't mention my weakness to Chiaotzu. If he found out that I almost... I don't know if he'll forgive me. And by extension, I ask that you keep this between you and me."
"Hmmm. I..guess that is within reason. Fair enough. You're a powerful warrior Tien. Far more than you give yourself credit for."
"Even though it still hurts, I can feel relief knowing there's a chance. But I have to ask, how strong is this Frieza exactly?"
"I...don't think you wanna know the answer to that. Let's just say that Vegeta is a mere insect compared to his true power. It would be ideal if you guys didn't cross him but those crazy, injury-loving Saiyans insist that this is the way to go. So I'll roll with it. But if they get killed again, they can go to the Grand Kai."
"Grand Kai?"
"Hm hm hm hm hm yup. My boss. He's far stronger than I am, and the many warriors that reside in Otherworld train mostly on his vast planet where he hosts the Otherworld Tournaments."
Tien's mind had shattered. He was aware of their being this 'Otherworld' but to know that there could potentially be thousands to learn from someday? It made the situation even more bitter for him.
"Thank you for...thank you for saving my life, King Kai. I hope to learn from you personally someday."
"Try to make it a few years from now hm hm hm hm hm!"
With renewed vigor, the 3 eyed warrior was now ready to attempt the near impossible, igniting his aura and taking off towards his friends...
"Alright Krillin, once you learn the Kaioken, it's very hard to unlearn. So every cell in your body holds power. You must get to a point of tranquility, of calmness, to essentially 'call out' to these cells. Your body must be relaxed. Your mind. It has to want this. Your body, your mind, your spirit, all synced. If you try to use the Kaioken when either of these 3 is not properly trained, you'll wreck your body."
Krillin was sitting in a meditative position inside the KKGR1, the red hum of the gravity sounding throughout... Bulma came back from her trip with Mr. Popo, ecstatic at the endless possibilities of the ship they now had. It would take an estimated 7 days to complete, with retrofitting a Gravity Room training area of sorts inside. It wouldn't be very big and would take an estimated 2 extra days, but Bulma was confident that it would benefit the warriors she may be taking with her. Yamcha tried talking her out of going because of the possible dangers, but the bluenette was firm in her stance. Her sister got to see space, and now it was her turn. Coupled with learning the namekian language from Mr. Popo, her lessons would be complete and they would be ready to leave by the first week of November. Before she left for her studies, she had upgraded the KKGR1 so it could go to 20 Times Earth's Gravity, stating that her father was putting all their resources into upgrading the new gravity room for the Space Pod ship, which the Saiyans were going to take to Namek themselves, and trying to incorporate similar technology in the namekian ship.
Gohan was reading one of his study books, but idly paying attention to his dad's friends. His mother had gone with Tights to prepare to pack things for everybody. She didn't want Gohan to go, but she had a strange feeling if Piccolo was going to go, then her son would follow his mentor.
Krillin's eyes were closed, feeling his posture relax.
"Straighten your neck, boy. I thought I taught you better." Master Roshi said from the intercom, watching from just outside the room. He had been watching Yamcha show Krillin the Kaioken, and he was quite impressed with the results. It was not often a master wished to learn from a student, or even accept another master's training, but the aged master looked upon his scarred student with pride. Only a short few years ago, Yamcha could barely defeat him when raw strength was a factor, and now he was well ahead of him. It made him proud, but he also yearned to step up and help his students once again. An idea had teased across his mind. If he did it, he would only do it once. That would be more than enough. Watching this Kaioken technique reminded him greatly of his technique, the Max Power.
"Oops. Sorry master." Krillin straightened his neck, feeling his body trying to tense.
"Don't let that get to you man. You're doing good. Your body will naturally tense at doing something that feels unnatural, so just take it in stride and adjust."
"Wow Yamcha, you sure have become quite a teacher huh?" Krillin said.
"Well, I did kind of wreck myself a few times just trying to learn the Kaioken. It's a lesson I've had to take to heart."
Krillin nodded, before looking straight ahead once again, eyes closed. Krillin was not impressed with his performance against the Saiyans. That Saibamonster should have killed him. How he even survived that attack still left him confused. And then the fight with Vegeta. Everyone felt bad for Tien. Everyone felt they should have been able to catch it in time. But the simple fact was that Krillin had been too slow to even react. Vegeta had far outclassed them. They had only beaten Raditz inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber because he wasn't being deadly serious, and they had senzu beans. Vegeta had come for blood and left with some. Krillin himself would have surely died if not for Piccolo's quick thinking.
"Your mind's in a whole conflict. Maybe you should take a breather man." Yamcha walked over to the controls, setting the Gravity back down from 10 to 1. Krillin's body felt the ease instantly. Getting up, he looked down, shaking his head.
"Vegeta was just a whole other beast Yamcha. You fought him. How do you go through this knowing how outclassed we are?"
"I had a choice to make buddy. That freakin guy, I guess an older version of Shepard. He kidnapped me from my baseball practice. Had me held hostage high in the clouds. We talked. A lot of what he said made sense. He was just so...extreme. So serious. He believed we humans could someday fight on par with the Saiyans. I don't know how well that will hold up in the future. The way these Saiyans progress...man you should've seen it Krillin. Goku and Raditz, not to mention Shepard are just freaks dude. They train like their lives depend on it. I guess it made a difference anyway. So we need to focus on making ourselves useful. We need to be in the thick of it with them. Will we be left behind in power? Maybe, but I have to believe there's a way we can catch up. I don't wanna be insignificant. I wanna be useful. And that's what I focus on. This Kaioken technique...it's a gift, but only for those brave enough to conquer it. Let's go Krillin, let's take a break. We'll come back to this." Yamcha patted his friend on the back, who looked down, as they walked out of the KKGR1.
"So how'd it go boys?" Master Roshi asked upon them leaving.
"I think Krillin has the fundamentals down, but it takes a little time ya know ha ha ha ha ha."
"I'm working on it, Master."
"Chin up Krillin, this is just another limit that must be pushed through and broken. You'll get it. Anyway, Yamcha what I wanna know is, how does this Kaioken technique relate to the Max Power technique I've used in the past?"
"Hmmm. Well, to be honest, your technique is based on bringing out all of your power to the forefront, increasing your muscle size to an insane degree. I don't want to be rude Master Roshi, but it's just too slow, and the energy reserves are just drained after short usage. The Kaioken holds better. It increases all your senses, your energy, based on the multiplier you use." Master Roshi put a hand to his chin, internally beaming with pride.
"I see. This is interesting. Is there any way you can put me in contact with the master who trained you in Otherworld?"
Yamcha thought for a moment, before smiling.
"I don't see why not. Hey King Kai, can you hear me?"
"Hm hm hm hm hm, of course, I can silly! I've been hearing you speak, and just wanted to say that Tien has gotten over his...issues. He is on his way as we speak now. So what can I help you with Roshi?"
"Well King Kai, I believe I am trying to understand the basis of your amazing technique. If possible, I would like to set up some kind of..well..some kind of exchange of knowledge if that's no trouble. I've taught these boys everything I possibly could, and frankly, seeing their power and skill raise so much under your tutelage leaves me overwhelmed with a desire to learn."
"I see I see. Hmmm, well we don't normally do this, but Frieza is a blight on the galaxy, as well as his family. I could have you come to Otherworld yourself. Snakeway would take far too long. So I will have to retrieve you from Yemma's Domain. You'll have to get used to the gravity on this planet, but I believe as a fellow refined master such as yourself, it should be no trouble at all hm hm hm hm hm. I can hash out the details with Yemma at the office. Go to Kami whenever you're ready, and he will bring you there."
"A-are you sure this isn't gonna be a problem, King Kai? It sounds like a serious matter." Master Roshi was deep in thought. To have some hands-on knowledge on how to do this technique, coupled with the Max Power, he wondered...
"Not at all. Inaction is the very reason why beings like the Colds have survived for so long. It's time we Gods step up, and start helping the mortals who wish to use their abilities for good to help take down beings with such evil and malicious intent. So long as that kind of pure evil is allowed to run rampant, the Universe itself will always be out of balance, and our very Mortal Level will continue to suffer."
"Very well King Kai. I will gather some things, and when I'm ready to make my move, I'll visit Kami. Thank you for this opportunity."
"It's no trouble at all. See you soon."
With the link cut off, the first part of the legendary Turtle master's plan was a success.
"Well boys, I best be getting ready for this. Remember what I said. And Krillin, you can do this. You just have to believe in yourself."
"Yeah, I know. I'm just so...I feel like I should've done better. I could've found a way to help my teammates more. And Chiaotzu..-"
"Hey!"
Krillin's head snapped up at his master's firmness. It was extremely rare that he would get this kind of treatment, but he knew he was in for it.
"As long as you beat yourself over what happened to Chiaotzu, you will always be stuck. You help your friends more by getting stronger, by honing your techniques."
"One."
"Step."
"At."
"A."
"TIME!"
He accentuated each word with a poke at Krillin's chest with his walking stick.
"Now then, always remember the way of the Turtle. See you when you're ready to leave boys!" Master Roshi said, heading out of Capsule Corp.
"Do you think he'll be ok bro?"
"He'll be fine Krillin, he knows what he's doing. But as for you, let's go grab a bite to eat in Capsule Corp's cafeteria..."
Goku was just getting through a set of 1,000 push-ups in 15 Times Gravity when he felt them.
"Ahh! There they are...wait..why do they feel so weak? Hm, I'm sure there's a reason."
Raditz and Shepard, along with baby Axel, landed in Mount Paozu, and another cord struck with Raditz. 'This place is stunning! How did you find this Kakarot?'
Shepard noticed Raditz looking around the land with slight awe on his face. Chuckling slightly, he walked towards Goku's house. He remembered it being smaller in the show. He could see familiar parts of it, but then he noticed an extension in the back, leading to a domed building roughly twice as big as the house itself. Rather than walk through Goku's house, Shepard decided to float over it, landing and heading to the side entrance of the Gravity Room. There was a second door inside, and Shepard could feel the heavier gravity just inside the room, making him start to buckle. The KRG'S were certainly doing their job, as it took all of Shepard's energy just to stay standing.
"Unbelievable! I know Kakarot is an idiot, but this is simply magnificent. How could he know how to even use this?" Raditz said, jaw unhinged as he couldn't hold his shock.
"Who knows dude? Maybe he has an innate smartness that comes from your old man." Shepard knew the real reason. As much as Goku played dumb, he was quite smart, especially in battle. He didn't give a lot of effort to some things because why? Why make the effort to learn about something that won't help you in a fight, or help you with life in general? Goku was not a complete dumbass, just an incomplete representation of what a Saiyan was. But that was a story for another day. Setting Axel on the table and propping him up so he could see inside, the gravity itself not affecting the baby whatsoever.
"BING BONG!" Shepard shouted out as he pressed the button to the door, opening it to see Goku drinking down a bottle of water.
"Hey, guys! About time you got here."
"How could you afford this Kakarot? This thing seems to be state of the art." Raditz looked at the blackened metallic material, tapping it with his knuckle, receiving a chink chink for his efforts.
"It certainly seems durable enough," Raditz said, slowly walking in 15 Times Gravity.
"Well, that guy gave me this. It's really cool. Check this out, YAHHHH!" A yellow blast went between the two warriors, Shepard falling on his stomach with his hands over his head. The yellow ball of energy hit the wall, causing a small explosion. When the smoke cleared away seconds later, the material was still pristine and smooth, like a blast had never been fired at it.
"WATCH IT JERKNUGGET!" Shepherd yelled.
"Hmph, a warning next time would be useful, little brother."
"Well, you guys were strong enough to block them before. Why are you so weak now?" Goku asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"It's these things dude, here put on a pair," Shepard said, holding his hand up and showing the Katchintite gauntlets while tossing one of the two pairs to Goku, who caught them with an eyebrow raised.
"Ahh! Now I get it. These are somehow holding your energy back. I guess it's worth a try." Goku fumbled with them for a minute, before Shepard helped him strap them on.
"You still going half Raditz?"
"No. I suppose I will go to a quarter as well."
Turning on Goku's gauntlets, Shepard set the small dial on them to 25%, the change over Goku happening almost immediately. Stumbling for a few moments, Goku looked at his hands.
"Darn. I didn't think being under this heavier gravity would be so hard now."
"Yeah, it'll allow us to accomplish what we need to with only so much of our power. When we bring it all to the forefront, we'll be that much stronger." Shepard said, looking up and around the massive room. He left the BanHammer outside the 1st door with Axel, absorbing the heavier gravity if it became too much for the baby, but something else caught his eye. It was gold in color, with a rope for putting it around somebody in the front. It looked to be about 3 feet long.
"I can't believe it. It's like Sun Wukong's Golden Staff!"
"Whaaaaaa? No freakin way!"
"Dude is that what I think it is? What happened to the Power Pole?"
"Huh? You too Kakarot? Too pathetic to rely on your own strength?" Raditz chuckled at his little brother, who joined in on the banter.
"Oh it's still at the Lookout hehehehehe this is something my Grandpa made for me. He called it the Golden Staff, so I will too. Watch this!"
Goku held his hand out, where the staff began to shake, before hurtling over towards his outstretched hand.
"Holy shit! It's like my BanHammer. Can I see it?"
Goku handed the Golden Staff to Shepard, who could feel the love that Grandpa Gohan put into this beautiful weapon. Twirling it, he began flipping it in his hands, hearing the sound break as it went across his ears every time. "Simply incredible dude. Next time you see your grandfather, you better thank him." Shepard said, handing it back to Goku.
"I plan on it. This weapon is incredible. Saaaay, you two wanna spar? Me and the Golden Staff verse you two?" Shepard and Raditz looked at each other for a couple of moments, before both shrugged. They both phased backward, getting into a fighting stance.
"Alright! This is gonna be good! Anytime you two are ready." Goku also phased backward, swinging the Golden Staff around into position.
They both didn't hesitate, blitzing forward. Shepard's reaching fist was parried away by the Golden Staff before Goku whipped it around, catching Raditz in the forearm as he blocked it, pain on his face. Jumping over an attempted sweep from the Rogue, Goku held the Staff in front of him. "EXTEND!" The weapon elongated far quicker than Raditz was ready for, catching him in the stomach and pushing him to the opposite wall, hitting it hard. The material didn't give whatsoever. The weapon left Raditz to fall to the ground, turning quickly as Goku swung the quickly shrinking Golden Staff around, sending the blue blast that Shepard fired back at him.
"Shi-!"
A small explosion erupted around Shepard as the blast engulfed him. Raditz recovered enough to try to kick his brother from behind, but Goku felt him coming, turning, and dropping below.
"EXTEND!" The Golden Staff shot straight up, sending the screaming older brother up to the ceiling. Before he connected, a green beam of energy hit the Staff 10 feet below Raditz, sending the staff off kilter and off of Raditz himself, who managed to get back down to the ground quickly. Shepard joined him, both looking at each other for a moment before charging Goku, who brought his Staff back down to regular size, whipping it around and calling them forth, smirking.
"I know we may be cut down in our energy, but surely you can give me more of a challenge," Goku smirked, goading the pair of Saiyans.
"Is he? What the fuck?"
"You little bastard! That toy of yours means nothing!" Raditz charged twin pink blasts.
"DOUBLE SUNDAY!"
Shepard charged over the blasts, watching as Goku whipped his staff around faster than any eye could perceive, snuffing the beams of energy out.
WHAM
Shepard connected with a kick to Goku's jaw, sending him sliding back before he held the staff towards him.
"Hell no!"
"EXTEND!"
The staff extended so fast that Shepard's timed dodge below it was almost not fast enough.
Zzt
Goku pulled his staff back, sending it back where it connected with Raditz's stomach, sending spit flying. Shepard phased in front of Goku, grabbing the staff as Goku went to pull it towards him. They looked at each other, each struggling to gain control of the staff. They were smirking as they gritted their teeth.
WHAM
Their knees connected, each thinking similar thoughts. They collided together again, each still trying to pull the Staff away. Goku was not one to normally give in, but Shepard was so consumed with trying to out-strengthen him, that he did the unexpected.
"Wh-WHOA!" Goku let go of the Golden Staff, sending Shepard flying backward before he parried Raditz's fist that came from behind, sending a roundhouse kick that Raditz blocked before Raditz threw out a punch, which Goku used an afterimage for. Raditz and Goku started exchanging, blitzing back and forth in the Gravity Room.
Shepard got up and was about to fly in to join Raditz when the Golden Staff that he held abruptly left his hands making him fall flat on his face. The weapon headed to Goku who caught it and cracked Raditz in the leg with it, making the taller Saiyan instinctively grab his leg, leaving him exposed to a shot straight to the face with the staff. Shepard grabbed Goku from behind, but Goku was smirking, setting the staff to line with Shepard's face.
"EXTEND!" Shepard just barely dodged it, but the staff came back quickly, bonking Shepard in the back of the head, forcing him to let go of Goku, who whipped the Golden Staff around once more.
"He's like a master with that thing already. Damn, do I miss Banny for this."
"You both are fools, training with weapons. Your body is your weapon. That is all I need!" Raditz said, still rubbing his jaw a bit.
"You could use your hammer Shep, it may give me a proper workout hehehehehe and Raditz, this Golden Staff is an extension of my body. When you are one with your weapon, it becomes more than a weapon."
"The BanHammer has to protect Axel. No ifs, ands, or butts about it. Kaioken Times 2!"
Raditz charged up his Kaioken as well, both coming in far faster than before. Goku also ignited a red aura as he started defending attacks from all directions.
WHAM
Shepard's jaw was nearly unhinged as an errant staff swing caught him in the mouth, sending him bouncing across the hard, metallic ground. Raditz started attacking Goku relentlessly, looking for a way around the weapon. Shepard recovered, phasing in behind Goku, but the orange-wearing Saiyan was ready, taking a step back as Shepard and Raditz both cracked each other in the face.
"WATCH IT, CLOWN!"
"FUCK OFF HEDGIE, Owwww! GET OVER HERE!" Shepard shouted, thinking on the fly, he held his hand out, a green thin rope-like beam of Ki racing towards Goku, who held his staff out ready to beat it back, but the Ki wrapped around his staff, before Shepard yanked the weapon away, leaving Goku exposed. The technique momentarily put Raditz in a state of nostalgic shock, before he came back to his senses.
Shepard charged in, as himself, Raditz and Goku fought throughout the night, leaving the now sleeping Axel next to his defender...
"Kaioken!" Gohan shouted inside the KKGR1. A red aura began to take hold of the boy before it snuffed out almost instantly. The boy had snuck out of bed, sneaking past his mother's temporary room in the complex. He had seen how Bulma activated the Gravity Room and had snuck into her lab, flipping the master switch to allow the device to be activated. Getting into the Gravity Room was no trouble. Floating upwards so he could see the buttons, Gohan pressed 10 on the display, watching as it began to hum. It was only seconds later that a red tint covered the room, nearly making the boy fall flat on the ground, but he managed to stand. Training in 5 Times Earth's gravity before had been exhausting, but Gohan was quickly getting a feel for it. He had a secondary reason for coming in here. He wanted to train privately, without his mother around. He loved her very much, but she could be overbearing and overprotective, and that was the last thing the boy needed.
"Wh-what am I doing wrong? I thought the Kaioken was just a multiplier of energy!" The boy was frustrated, before dropping down to the ground, catching it just in time so he didn't bang his head. He began to do push-ups. His small arms were more than strong enough to bear the heavier gravity. As he did his push-ups, his mind drifted to the technique he wanted to create. He knew it was a long shot, but after seeing that beautiful golden dragon that his dad had used, he was inspired to see this through.
After doing a set of 100 push-ups, the boy got up and began doing katas. His young mind was trying to wrap itself around the idea of creating this technique, his and his alone, that he didn't sense the gravity shut off or the door open. The boy was working towards the end of his third kata when he finally noticed his easier movements.
"Wha?"
"Told ya I sensed him heading towards it."
"Hmph. Boy, don't you know what time it is?" Piccolo asked, having returned not too long ago.
"U-uh...I'm-I'm sorry. It won't happen again!"
"It's ok little man. You shouldn't be trying to use the Kaioken by yourself though." Yamcha said.
"Bu-but I have to get strong like Daddy is!" Gohan nearly shouted out.
"And there's a process to doing it. Just not like this. You can't force the power to come to you." Yamcha said. He was impressed with the little boy's grit. Staying up like this, pushing himself the way he was. Bending down so he could look Gohan in the eye, Yamcha held him by the shoulders.
"You don't wanna burn yourself out before you reach your potential. Do you mind if I teach him the proper way Piccolo?"
"I suppose not. I will be sitting in on this...learning experience. I too must learn this Kaioken technique, but I think I might try something different with it. With my regeneration, I can probably utilize it much differently than you humans can."
"Probably. Alright kiddo, have a seat." Gohan did as he was told, the footsteps behind him indicating his teacher standing over him. Yamcha stood up, stepping back a couple of paces.
"So. The Kaioken. Utilizing this technique the right w-" the gravity shut down once again, door opening.
"Hey uhh, guys. Mind if I join you?"
"Tien man, where've you been? I-I'm sorry about Chiaotzu. We're gonna do everything we can to get him back. You have my word."
The three-eyed warrior shut the door, taking off his white cloak and setting it down. He walked over and sat next to Gohan.
"M-m-mister Tien?"
"Just Tien Gohan. What do you need?"
"W-well, I just wanted to know if you were ok." Gohan looked down in slight embarrassment, only to have his head palmed.
"I'll be alright Gohan. I'll be even better when we start to follow through with this plan. And Yamcha, your word means a lot to me. Thank you. Thank you, guys. I'll do everything I can not to let you down."
"The Kaioken, Bandit," Piccolo stated.
"Ahh yes, hold up." Yamcha walked over to the controls, resetting the gravity back to 10 times. The gravity took hold of everyone, Tien slightly hunching downwards from his seated position, but maintaining form.
Piccolo and Gohan remained unaffected.
"So guys, here's how the Kaioken works..."
And that is the end of the chapter! Man, Tien was really close to biting the bullet wasn't he? Let us hope to see a resurgence of the Crane, and soon! As always, please favorite, follow, review and hit that notification button to know when I will bless you with more DB: BtG. Again, you kind of know everyone's roundabout power. And the Ki Restricting Gauntlets are pretty self-explanatory. When more progress is made with training, I will have a more definable set of power levels for you. I know I said I would this chapter, but it's not fully clear where everyone is sitting at. Until next time peeps!