Saiyan Might
The ground had taken quite a beating. Multiple craters as well as the rubble of shattered boulders lay across the land. Wind blew over the dead bodies of Chiaotzu and Nappa.
Both Goku and Vegeta stood straight in front of each other, the only people alive on the battlefield.
The serene sounds of birds chirping could be heard. It was the calm before the storm.
Goku looked at Chiaotzu's body from the corner of his eye. He didn't want to fight here. "What do you say about a change of scenery?"
Vegeta chuckled, his arms crossed. "As you wish, Kakarot."
Goku smiled, jumping up. "Follow me," he said before igniting his aura and blasting off.
Vegeta chuckled and took off as well.
...
Goku flew in front, carefully monitoring Vegeta through his ki sense who flew behind him. 'This should be far enough,' he thought as he looked at the landscape below him. "Here. This is the place."
With that Goku descended downwards and landed atop a rock formation.
Vegeta too proceeded to land on a rock formation but one which was taller than the one Goku had landed on.
The two of the last full-blooded Saiyans stood tall, each of them sizing up their opponents' strength.
Vegeta broke the silence. "Before the fight begins, I will like to make an offer to you, Kakarot."
"I am listening," said Goku.
"Good," Vegeta continued. "I will have to tell you something. You may not be knowing this but both of us are the last of the Saiyans left. The last members of a proud race of warriors. It would be a shame for us to be on the verge of each other's blood."
Goku remained silent, listening carefully.
"That is why I am willing to give you a chance. Team up with me."
"Huh?" Goku looked surprised.
"Yes. I am willing to spare your child and perhaps your woman as well. But the rest of Earth's inhabitants shall be perished. This planet is going to be sold for billions, Kakarot! Together, with our combined strengths and the money we get from this planet, we will become unstoppable! Nobody in the universe would be able to stand up to us! And besides all of this, you will have the honour of serving me, Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans."
Goku looked on, not speaking anything.
"After selling this planet you could have anything you want, Kakarot. Fame, wealth, power, women, you name it."
Goku looked to the ground, his expression hid by his hair. "I am sorry. But I will pass."
Vegeta looked startled. "What?!"
Goku looked up to reveal his smirking face. "I have everything a man could want, right now, on this planet."
Vegeta clenched his fist. "You are an imbecile, Kakarot," he spat. "If you wish to die, than so be it but remember I won't repeat my offer again."
Goku fell into his battle stance, lowering his body. His one hand lowered in front of his front-foot while his other hand raised behind him. "Nah, I am fine."
Vegeta fell into his own battle stance. A clenched fist raised in front of his forehead while his other hand raised to his side.
The two stood in their positions for a few seconds. A breeze blew by. Then, suddenly, Goku took off.
The Saiyan from Earth approached Vegeta with a punch but the Prince easily dodged it by tilting his neck to the side.
A kick from Goku was blocked by Vegeta's forearm. Goku repeatedly began to throw punches but they were easily dodged or parried away. The battle was slowly being taken to the air now.
Vegeta now went on the offensive. His kick aimed at Goku's gut, however, was expertly dodged .
Vegeta then tried to punch his opponent in the chest but Goku deflected it to his side. Finally, a left hook from Vegeta went through, sending Goku back.
Goku winced, recovering, but when he looked ahead of him, Vegeta had disappeared.
Goku gritted his teeth and looked around. "There!" he exclaimed, spotting Vegeta atop a rock formation. He dashed towards him at full speed but Vegeta zapped away at the last moment. Goku's kick collided with the structure instead, causing it to crumble down.
Goku immediately dashed towards where Vegeta had went. His kick, however, again missed its target, causing destruction of yet another rock formation.
Goku's eyes widened as he could hear a ki blast approach him. He immediately jumped up. However, just then Vegeta's kick connected with his back. The prince then reappeared in front of him to punch him in the jaw.
Goku was pushed back. He descended to land atop the rock formation from where he had started his battle.
Vegeta too landed, a confident smirk spread across his features.
Goku was panting visibly.
"If that's your best, Kakarot, than I am truly disappointed. I will have you know that I am just getting warmed up."
Goku smiled to himself. 'If what he is saying is true than I am in some big trouble,' he thought. 'It's strange though... Even though things look pretty grim I am having the time of my life.' Maybe battles like this were what his blood yearned for.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow as he saw Kakarot smile. 'What is he smiling about? Is he holding back? Or has he finally lost it?'
Goku then widened his stance. He didn't want to use this technique but it looked like he finally had no choice. "Kayoken!" he shouted as a crimson aura enveloped him.
Vegeta's eyes widened because in a flash Goku was upon him.
BAM!
Spit went flying out of Vegeta's mouth as Goku's fist connected with his cheek. Before he could recover however, Goku slammed a roundhouse kick to his side. He was sent flying by the impact.
Goku brought his hands to his hips. This was it! "Kamehameha!"
Vegeta recovered mid-air, his teeth gnashed together. He could see a blue beam of energy approach him. "HAA!" With a yell, the Saiyan prince punched at the beam, deflecting it away.
Goku was shocked by this.
BAM!
Spit was sent flying out of Goku's mouth this time as Vegeta's punch connected with his chin.
Goku recovered mid-air. Vegeta was floating in front of him.
Vegeta stood there with a smirk, a mark of injury had been left on his face where Goku's punch had landed but otherwise he looked perfectly okay. "I must admit I am impressed, Kakarot. You are the strongest Saiyan I have ever encountered besides myself! Its commendable, really."
Goku smirked. "Well, thanks."
Vegeta chuckled. "Too bad all of your potential is going to be wasted, fighting for a lost cause. You know, Kakarot, the fate of your planet was sealed the moment we heard about its abundant supply of Ragon in space."
Goku didn't reply, looking on seriously. He could sense his opponent's ki beginning to rise.
"Now, behold," Vegeta shouted, tensing himself. "The power of Vegeta!"
A dark purple aura enveloped the Saiyan prince. He gritted his teeth, his body vibrating as wind kicked up from his aura.
Goku looked dazed. 'Oh God.'
Dark clouds floated above them, and beneath the clouds Vegeta's aura was shining brightly. The prince was shouting with effort as his powerlevel continued to rise.
Master Roshi sat concerned as the reading on the scouter continued to rise. "The Saiyan's power is rising dramatically!"
Khami, Mr Popo and Korin were silent, anxiety visible from their faces.
Goku was sweating as he saw Vegeta power-up.
With a yell, the prince halted his show of strength. He looked at Goku with a devious grin.
Goku's eyes widened. Vegeta was going to attack.
BAM!
Blood was sent flying out of Goku's mouth as Vegeta's kick collided with his gut.
"Say goodbye!" Vegeta shouted, raising his arms and hammering Goku down with both of his fists.
Goku was barely able to correct himself to land on his feet. "Kayoken times two!" The crimson aura enveloped Goku once again as he dashed towards Vegeta with his fist extended.
Vegeta dodged the attack easily, Goku went flying past him.
Goku rushed towards Vegeta once again. This time, the prince blocked the punch and retaliated with his own, pushing Goku backwards.
Vegeta then threw a ki blast which collided with Goku's shoulder.
DISHOO!
Goku was sent away, helplessly spinning in the air. Once again, he was able to recover in time to land on his feet. He was looking injured now. The last blast had hurt him. A large burn wound was visible on his chest near to his shoulder.
Piccolo, Krillin and Gohan arrived at the hospital in Wolver city. Tien and Yamcha, who were unconscious, were admitted urgently.
Piccolo and Krillin had decided that they won't be having any treatment before the battle was really over. They were hoping that Goku's newfound strength would be enough but just in case if it didn't prove to be... they would have to jump in again.
Gohan had refused treatment as well. He was also adamant to help out his dad if need be.
The three jumped into the air. It was time to get back to the battlefield. Their plan was to stay low and keep their energies hidden till the going got tough.
Goku stood, panting as well as trembling with pain and exertion. The Kayoken was really beginning to take a toll on his body.
...
Yajirobe peeped from behind a rock. This was bad! Goku was looking worned out.
Yajirobe still didn't know why he was here in the first place. Maybe it was his guilty conscience that while his friends fought, Chiaotzu was martyred even, he had done absolutely nothing to help them. (Besides that one Senzu bean of course)
Yajirobe was still finding it hard to believe that Chiaotzu was no longer with them. The little guy was always so cheerful. In the months they had trained together Yajirobe had begun to have a liking for him.
"Poor guy," Yajirobe sniffed. "We didn't get to have a goodbye hunt even.." Yajirobe remembered how he had taken the little guy out for hunting with him once. Chiaotzu had actually turned out to be a fantastic cook, much to his surprise.
Yajirobe now looked at the tired figure of Goku. "Maybe I should do something to help.."
...
Goku was still panting audibly, his body aching.
Vegeta scoffed. "You are beginning to bore me, Kakarot. Don't tell me you are done, already."
Goku forced a grin. "Far from it," he said though his body language said otherwise.
Vegeta laughed out loud at Goku's reply.
Goku gritted his teeth and widened his stance. He didn't know if he was going to survive this.
On a distant green planet...
King Gai sat on a rocking chair, reading a newspaper.
The blue master lowered the paper and looked to the sky. "I wonder how Goku is doing. I just hope he doesn't overdo the Kayoken attack."
Bubbles was hopping beside his master. "Haa-haa-oo-oo-ee-ee."
Gregory came near. "Don't worry. Goku will be fine, King Gai. All of our prayers are with him."
King Gai nodded.
Gohan's mother sat on the floor, praying for her son and husband, weeping profusely. 'O God. Please, protect them. Surely you are the best of protectors. '
Goku looked ahead of himself. His teeth were gnashed together as his body tensed with effort.
Steam began to emanate from Goku's body.
Vegeta's eyebrows were raised with surprise.
Goku now began to scream with effort, his muscles were beginning to bulge dangerously.
Vegeta's jaw dropped open. 'How? How could he have been holding back all this time?'
A crimson aura ignited around Goku, enveloping his form. "Kayoken.. times three!"
Vegeta looked amazed as the rock formation he stood on began to crumble from the sheer energy radiating from his opponent.
The prince's eyes widened as the bulked up Goku was now in front of him with his fist pulled back.
Time seemed to stop for Vegeta as Goku was before him. Finally, the Saiyan from Earth threw his punch, hitting Vegeta's cheekbone.
The prince was sent flying at high speeds. However, Goku was even faster. The Saiyan from Earth now reappeared below his opponent and kicked Vegeta's lower back with both of his legs.
Vegeta was sent upwards by the blow. The prince used all his will-power to stop himself mid-air, his face an expression of pure rage.
With a scream, he ignited his aura around him and dashed towards Goku with a kick. However, Goku dodged the attack and used his knee to hit Vegeta in the chest.
"Argh!" Vegeta gasped with pain, his breath knocked out of him.
Goku then punched Vegeta on the forehead, sending him flying and crashing into a rock formation. A hole was left in it from where Vegeta had entered.
Goku's crimson aura disappeared as he waited for Vegeta to come out. A few moments passed by. Goku could still clearly sense his opponent's energy.
"RAAAAAH!"
A huge explosion erupted from the rock formation, reducing it to fragments and revealing an enraged Vegeta. Vegeta's face was contorted with pure fury. His forehead bled from Kakarot's last blow.
Goku reignited his aura and dashed towards Vegeta once again.
Vegeta pulled back his fist to attack the oncoming Saiyan but Goku changed course to come from behind and kicked him on the back.
Vegeta fell onto his face.
The prince slowly got up, still trembling with pure rage. With an expletive, he hurled a punch at Goku, only for it to be caught. He than threw another punch but it was caught too.
Goku than squeezed his opponent's fists.
Vegeta howled with pain, his head pulled back in agony.
It was than that Goku released Vegeta's hands and implanted his fist into Vegeta's abdomen.
Vegeta's mouth dropped open. He clasped his abdomen with both of his hands, doubling over in pain. Blood flew out of his mouth.
Goku stood, panting visibly with exertion as he watched Vegeta take steps backwards.
Vegeta turned and fell on his side, his back facing Goku. The prince was still holding his abdomen. His face contorted in a mixture of agony and disbelief. 'How?! How could Kakarot, a low-class Saiyan do this to him?! Him! The Prince of all Saiyans!'
Vegeta coughed.
Goku looked on. He didn't know how much longer his body could handle the Kaioken attack. This was some much needed respite for him.
Vegeta suddenly jumped upwards into the air. "KAKAROT!" he yelled. "IF YOU ARE THE SON OF ONE MAN, TAKE THIS ATTACK HEAD ON!" he shouted as his purple aura enveloped him. The prince screamed at the top of his lungs.
Goku looked worried. No.. he needed more time.
Vegeta pulled back his hands, his aura growing more violent by the second.
Goku too ignited his crimson aura. Well, it was now or never. Through excruciating pain he managed to pull back his hands near to his waist. "Kamehame.."
Rocks began to rise all over the area from the energies of the two Saiyans.
Vegeta spoke through gritted teeth. "NOW SAY GOODBYE! ...GALICK GUN!" A thick purple beam of energy, its diameter greater than his height, shot out from Vegeta's hands.
"HA!"
A blue beam of energy of equal diameter was shot out from Goku's hands.
The two energy beams collided in the air with a huge sound.
...
Yajirobe grunted, as he was sent flying back due to the energy emitting from the beam-clash.
Master Roshi looked worried as the readings on his scouter rose alarmingly.
With an explosion the scouter broke into pieces.
The old man looked amazed. "What in the world..?"
Sweat shone on Khami's forehead. "Such power..."
Vegeta grunted with effort. He couldn't believe it! Kakarot's attack was actually equalling his Galick Gun!
With a scream, the prince poured the last of his reserves into the attack.
Goku felt terrified. Vegeta's attack was beginning to push back his Kamehameha wave. He shut his eyes. He had no choice left. "KAYOKEN... TIMES FOUR!"
Vegeta screamed in disbelief as Goku's energy beam swelled up and began to push back his attack. "No." Vegeta's eyes widened. Goku's attack was upon him now.
An ear-splitting scream was let out by the prince as Goku's attack finally hit him and sent him upwards with it.
The Saiyan from Earth calmed down as he watched Vegeta go upwards and out of view. Every muscle of his body appeared to ache. His strength was done.
Yajirobe was lying on his back when he saw something distant in the sky go up..up.. and out of view. What did it mean? Did Goku's attack actually over-powered the Saiyan's?
Yajirobe got to his feet in delight and rushed to congratulate his friend.
"Hey, Goku!"
Goku blinked as he saw someone swiftly approach him. "Yajirobe?"
In a moment, the fat man was on Goku's side. "Great job dealing with that Saiyan. I almost thought that he had you back there." He patted Goku's back in congratulations, only for Goku to yell in pain. Yajirobe looked bewildered at that.
Goku managed a smile. "That last attack really took a toll on my body."
Yajirobe smiled. "I see. Well, atleast you defeated that Saiyan."
"Well, actually, I am afraid that the last attack wasn't enough to defeat him. He would be hurting I am sure but he will be back in some time."
Yajirobe looked horrified. He chuckled nervously. "I-I just remembered something, Goku." With that, he ran away as fast as his legs allowed.
Goku looked confusedly. He wondered what Yajirobe had remembered to run off so suddenly. 'Maybe he left something in the oven.'
...
Vegeta was yelling in agony as he continued to be pushed upwards by Goku's kamehameha wave. The prince used the whole of his energy to finally get off the ki beam.
"Hah... ha.. ha.."
Vegeta was panting. His armor had been damaged and broken from many places.
He clenched his fists. "WHY?! WHY?! HE SHOULD BE NOTHING COMPARED TO ME!"
Vegeta screamed at the top of his lungs.
'What can I do to defeat him?' He looked around himself. It was dusk by now. If only this happened to be a full-moon night. 'Blast it!' Apparently it wasn't.
Than Vegeta remembered something he had learnt a few years ago. He laughed out loud. Yes! This should surely work! Kakarot didn't have his tail with him!
The prince began to descend now, heading back to where he expected Kakarot to be.
...
Goku stood, still panting for breath. He felt exhausted. Suddenly, he could sense Vegeta getting back. 'Great.'
Vegeta landed in front of Goku, a confident grin spread across his features. He clenched his fist in front of him. "Any hopes you held of defeating me are about to be sent flying out of the window."
Goku looked on silently. He had become used to hearing the boasts of his enemies over the past twelve years or so of his fighting.
Vegeta was laughing like a maniac. "Now watch the true power of a Saiyan warrior! Something which a tail-less mutant like you could never hope to achieve!" With that Vegeta threw a ball of ki towards the sky.
Goku huffed. He had half a mind to tell Vegeta that he wasn't a mutant. It was just that his tail had been removed multiple times when he was young and now it refused to re-grow.
Vegeta stared at the orb of energy he had thrown up, his heartbeat increasing by the second.
"What?!" Goku was startled as suddenly Vegeta's eyes appeared to turn pure white. Vegeta's muscles bulged and his teeth turned into fangs.
Goku felt slightly scared now as Vegeta began to increase in size and hair began to grow all over his face. This was unlike anything he had ever seen.
Vegeta howled out loud, his deep voice echoing across the landscape.
Piccolo, Gohan and Krillin had just arrived onto the place where they had fought the Saiyan Nappa earlier. However, Goku and Vegeta were nowhere to be found. It was than that...
Both Gohan and Krillin trembled with fear.
Gohan's mouth was dropped open. "D-did you hear that, Krillin?"
Krillin was shivering. "Whatever it was it didn't sound good."
Piccolo gritted his teeth. Could it be? No. The moon was not up. The namekian's eyes widened as his eyes met with something just over the horizon. "Gohan.. Krillin.. I think Goku may be in trouble."
"What?" Gohan looked worried as he clenched his fists. "No. Dad.."
Krillin was still shaking. "It couldn't be that, Piccolo? Could it?"
Piccolo forced a smile, sweat shining on his forehead. "I am afraid it is."
Krillin looked pale.
"What is it, Krillin?" asked Gohan.
Piccolo grinned nervously. "You will find out when you get there, Gohan. Your dad needs our help."
Krillin gulped and nodded, composing himself as best as he could.
"Let's go," said Piccolo. The three blasted off towards the glowing object on the horizon.
Goku's mouth was dropped open as Vegeta's huge shadow fell upon him. The Saiyan had transformed into a Giant ape in front of his eyes!
Goku remembered the stories he had been told about a Giant ape who appeared in the night of a full moon. It all became clear to him now..
Vegeta laughed out loud in his deep voice. Kakarot was looking puny to him now. "How would you prefer to die, Kakarot? Stamped flat onto the ground? Impaled upon my finger? Or turned to mince-meat between my jaws and eaten? It's your choice to make."
Goku dashed backwards and made a run for it.
Vegeta calmly followed him. "Look at the brave hero! Protector of the people of his planet! Hahaha!"
Goku gritted his teeth. He had to somehow gain some distance. If he could, he still had a trump-card up his sleeve. "Kayoken!"
Vegeta grinned as he saw the crimson aura envelop Kakarot. 'That trick again.'
Goku looked behind him as he flew forwards. He hoped to outclass Vegeta in speed atleast. However, he came to a sudden halt when he found his giant adversary in front of him.
BAM!
Goku crashed onto the ground by the impact of Vegeta's fist. The Saiyan from Earth winced with pain as he lay battered on the ground.
Vegeta jumped into the air, before landing with his foot on top of Goku's leg.
"AAAAARGH! "
Goku let out an ear-splitting scream of pain.
The giant ape laughed out loud. "I am sorry. Looks like I stepped upon your toes... or maybe your leg."
Goku's vision was swimming. He fought hard to hold onto his consciousness.
Vegeta pulled back his finger, preparing to end his opponent's life. "Because you didn't choose, Kakarot, I have made the decision myself. I am going to impale you on my finger!"
DHISHUN!
Vegeta howled with agony, clutching onto his eye. Goku had used the last of his energy to fire a ki beam right at it.
Goku closed his eyes, a tired wry smile spread across his features.
Vegeta gnashed his huge teeth with anger. A few moments later, he released his injured eye. "Grr.. I have changed my decision, Kakarot. I am not going to kill you. Not before I break every bone in your body that is."
The Giant ape grabbed Goku and picked him up. He than began to squeeze him using both of his fists.
Goku could literally feel the bones in his body begin to give way. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before.
"AAAAAAAAGH! AAAAAAANGH!"
Goku's pain-filled screams filled the area.
To be continued...
Author's note: I know this played out pretty much similar to the original but didn't see any reason for it to be any different. Nonetheless,hope you enjoyed it.
ColdBlue: This is turning out to be much more entertaining than the original.
Thanks very much. Feedback really appreciated.