Blown away

Cui's legs trembled, barely holding him upright. Blood poured from the gaping wound in his right hip, and his forearm was gone—blown to pieces. His breath came in ragged gasps as he stared at his mangled body. 'Why? I thought I'd regained my full strength! This shouldn't be happening... Wait.' His eyes darted to the unconscious Dende, lying motionless on the ground. 'Could it be... the beans needed to be chewed by that runt first for their full effect?'

"Alright!" Yamcha's voice rang out, breaking the tension. "Way to go, Gohan!"

Gohan stood tall, a confident smirk on his face as he admired his handiwork. "Thanks. Gotta admit, I didn't expect to mess him up this much."

Krillin crossed his arms, his eyes locking on the staggering Cui. "Looks like your time's up, tough guy."

A growl rumbled in Cui's throat. Rage ignited his veins as he held his one remaining hand out, summoning a ball of ki. Without hesitation, he pressed it to his wounds, cauterizing them with a sickening sizzle. His forehead throbbed, veins pulsing under the strain. "You... you insects!" he roared. "I'll send you straight to hell for this!"

Yamcha threw his head back, laughing. "Oh, please! Don't flatter yourself!"

Krillin joined in, his grin widening. "Yeah, right! Like you could even manage a bathroom trip without help now! Hahaha!" For once, the tables were turned, and Krillin was relishing the chance to mock his opponent.

But Cui's expression darkened. His eyes turned pure white as a fierce aura erupted around him. With a blood-curdling scream, his entire body lit up, unleashing a massive beam of energy.

The laughter died in an instant. Yamcha, Krillin, and Gohan's faces shifted to alarm as the colossal beam roared toward them.

"Hyaaa!" Yamcha and Krillin both yelled, launching their own beams of energy to meet the attack.

Gohan appeared at their side, hands glowing. "HAAA!" he shouted, releasing his Masenko in unison with theirs.

*TUTUTUTUUUUU!*

A deafening explosion filled the air as the three beams clashed against Cui's energy. Blinding white light engulfed the battlefield.

Cui's scream grew louder, more desperate, as he poured every ounce of power—and more—into his attack.

Yamcha grit his teeth, one eye squeezed shut as sweat poured down his face. "Guys!" he shouted. "Don't hold anything back!"

Krillin's face was contorted with effort, veins bulging on his forehead as he pushed harder. Gohan's growl deepened, his energy surging, refusing to yield.


Frieza's ship...

Zarbon stared intently at his scouter, intrigued by the surging power levels halfway across the planet. "Hmmm... Who could that be?"

Beside him, Appule, another soldier, glanced at his own scouter, eyes wide with disbelief. "I don't get it. With Cui and Vegeta gone, and both you and Dodoria here on the ship, who could possibly be generating this much power?"

Zarbon's brow furrowed as he mulled over the situation. "Yes... it's certainly interesting." His thoughts drifted back to the two humans he'd seen earlier, the ones trying to escape with Yajirobe. 'It couldn't be them... could it?'


Gohan growled, muscles straining as he poured every ounce of his strength into his beam attack. His energy flared wildly, fueled by sheer determination.

"Come on, guys!" Yamcha shouted through clenched teeth, his body trembling from the exertion. "Just a little longer!"

Krillin, veins bulging on his forehead, grit his teeth as he pushed harder, refusing to back down.

Cui's shriek pierced the air, growing more desperate by the second as his attack began to falter, slowly being driven back.

"HYAAAAA!" The three heroes roared in unison, their auras exploding with power as they unleashed the last of their reserves. The force of their combined energy pushed Cui's beam back inch by inch.

Cui's scream reached a fever pitch. "HOUWWW!" His voice cracked with agony as the beams closed in, engulfing him in a blinding flash of light. His body was consumed, utterly obliterated by his own energy and the combined attacks of his adversaries.

Yamcha, Krillin, and Gohan let out strained gasps as they finally released their beams, watching as the energy—along with Cui—disappeared into the distance. Silence fell, save for their ragged breathing.

Cui was gone. His energy signal had vanished completely, wiped from existence.

"Hah... hah... hah..." Yamcha panted, sweat dripping down his face. The tension that had gripped his body finally began to release. The adrenaline was still coursing through him, but the overwhelming relief was undeniable. "We... we did it..." he whispered, almost as if he didn't believe it himself.

Krillin wiped a hand across his forehead, his body trembling as he stood up straighter. "He's really... gone," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, the disbelief mixing with the heavy weight of relief that settled over him. His muscles, so tense with fear moments before, now felt like jelly. "I thought... for a second... we might not make it."

Gohan, still catching his breath, stood frozen for a moment, staring at the sky where Cui had vanished. His small chest heaved, but a deep, warm sense of accomplishment began to flood his young heart. The terror that had nearly overwhelmed him moments ago was replaced by a shaky but growing confidence. "We did it, guys!" he finally said, his voice rising with hope and relief.

Yamcha glanced at Gohan, a tired but genuine smile crossing his face. "Yeah, we did," he said, reaching out to give Gohan's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You were incredible out there, kid."

With Cui defeated, their attention turned to their small Namekian ally. The trio descended slowly and landed beside Dende's motionless body. Despite their exhaustion, they quickly gathered around him, their hearts racing with concern.

Gohan knelt beside Dende, gently shaking him. "Dende... come on, say something." His voice trembled with anxiety as he checked for signs of life. After a tense moment, relief washed over him. "He's still breathing, guys," he said, his voice cracking with gratitude.

Yamcha exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat from his face. "That's... that's great news," he said between labored breaths. "We need to get him some help... quickly."

Krillin nodded, still panting, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. Despite the danger they had faced, they were still standing. They had survived.


Meanwhile, in one of the shadowy corners of Frieza's ship...

Yajirobe floated helplessly in a healing tank, his body suspended in the thick fluid as his vitals fluctuated on the nearby monitors. His eyes twitched behind closed lids, his face contorted in a silent struggle. His EEG spiked wildly, as if his mind was trapped in a nightmare.

Dodoria stood by, watching with a twisted grin, eyes gleaming with malice. "Yes... I've found my way into his nightmares," he whispered with satisfaction.

Bubbles rose slowly from Yajirobe's facemask, his brows furrowing as his subconscious mind wrestled with invisible horrors.

...

The door to the dark chamber crashed open, and Krillin and Yamcha stormed in, their faces twisted with fury and grim determination. The dim light cast long shadows across their tense figures as they confronted the hulking menace before them.

"Hey!" Yamcha bellowed, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and fear. "Let Yajirobe go, or else!"

Dodoria turned, his bloated frame moving slowly, and a wicked grin spread across his grotesque face. "Or else what?" he sneered, his words oozing mockery.

The oppressive weight of Dodoria's power pressed down on them like a vice, thickening the air with dread. Krillin and Yamcha knew they were overmatched, but retreat wasn't an option.

Krillin's fists trembled, veins bulging as frustration boiled over. With a guttural roar, he charged forward, his fist aiming to smash into Dodoria's face. But the brute's massive hand shot out, snatching Krillin's fist with bone-crushing force.

Krillin's eyes went wide with terror as he felt his knuckles grind beneath Dodoria's grip. "Let… go!" he screamed, thrashing in desperation, but Dodoria only smiled, his grip tightening.

"Let go?" Dodoria mocked, his voice cruel. The sound of bones snapping echoed through the chamber, Krillin's scream sharp and piercing as he dropped to his knees, tears of agony streaking down his face.

With casual brutality, Dodoria swung his arm in a backhand strike. Krillin was sent flying, his body slamming against the stone wall with a sickening crunch, blood splattering the surface as he crumpled to the ground, barely conscious, wheezing in agony.

"Krillin!" Yamcha's voice cracked with desperation. Fury consumed him, and with a savage yell, he hurled himself at Dodoria, his leg sweeping toward the tyrant's head with deadly intent.

Dodoria barely flinched. He caught Yamcha's leg mid-air, his monstrous fingers digging into flesh and bone. Yamcha gasped in pain, his leg bruising under the pressure. "Is this the best you can do?" Dodoria hissed, his eyes glowing with sadistic pleasure.

With a cruel grin, Dodoria twisted Yamcha's leg until the sickening sound of tearing ligaments filled the room. Yamcha howled in anguish before being hurled across the chamber like a ragdoll, his body colliding with the floor in a brutal heap. Blood dribbled from his mouth as he struggled to breathe, his chest rising and falling in ragged, shallow gasps.

Dodoria stood amidst the carnage, his eyes gleaming as he looked upon the broken bodies of his foes. Slowly, deliberately, he reached behind his back and produced a glowing iron rod, its tip sizzling with searing heat. He turned his attention to Yajirobe, still unconscious in the healing tank, his grin widening into something monstrous.

"Looks like no one's coming to save you," Dodoria whispered, his voice dripping with venom as he advanced, the heat from the rod distorting the air around it. "You're mine now."

Inside the tank, Yajirobe's body twitched violently, his subconscious mind consumed by the nightmare. Bubbles escaped his facemask as his face contorted in fear, his struggle invisible to the outside world.


Guru's place...

Nail stood near the entrance, his expression tense, worry etched across his features. "Master," he said, glancing toward Guru. "It's been hours. Dende should have returned by now."

Guru's deep voice resonated, filled with quiet dread. "I know, Nail. I fear the worst for him."

Nail's eyes widened, heart sinking as Guru's words hung heavy in the air. "What...? No... Dende..."


...

The group of Namekian children gasped in unison, wide-eyed as they gathered around the unconscious figure before them.

One of the boys knelt down, gently shaking the alien. "Hey... wake up," he whispered, but there was no response.

"We need to get him healed," another said urgently. "We have to save him."

The others nodded in agreement. "Right."

Carefully, they lifted the alien, each boy taking a limb and draping it over their shoulders. Together, they carried him toward a nearby house, their faces filled with determination.

Vegeta stirred faintly, aware of hands carrying him, but powerless to respond. His body was too weak, his mind too far gone to even open his eyes. The world around him faded once more as he slipped back into unconsciousness.

...


Nail's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his voice erupting in frustration. "No! This can't be happening!"

"Nail, calm yourself," Guru said softly, though his tone carried the weight of inevitability. "There is nothing we can do now."

"NO!" Nail roared again, his face contorted with rage and helplessness.

Guru sighed, understanding the inner turmoil boiling within his protector. "I know what you desire, Nail. Go ahead."

Nail looked at him, disbelief flickering in his eyes. Was Guru truly giving him permission? Allowing him to break his sacred vow to never leave his side?

Guru remained still, watching him with a patience that only came from age and wisdom.

Nail's heart pounded as he stepped outside, staring into the vast horizon. 'Somewhere out there, powerful enemies await me... and hopefully, Dende is out there too,' he thought, his teeth grinding together. He glanced back at Guru's place, torn between his duty and his brother.

But then, something shifted inside him. With a deep breath, Nail turned and walked back toward the entrance.

"Huh?" Guru's eyes widened, genuinely surprised to see Nail return.

"I'm sorry, Guru," Nail said quietly, resolve hardening his voice. "I can never leave your side. Frieza and his men are on this planet, searching for you. I could never forgive myself if they reached you while I was gone."

Guru studied him for a moment, his eyes reflecting both pride and sorrow. "Are you certain?" he asked, voice soft but piercing. "Even if it means your younger brother might perish?"

Nail's gaze grew cold, his decision final. "Yes. Even if Dende dies, I cannot abandon you."

A deep sigh escaped Guru's lips. He had anticipated this outcome, knowing Nail's unshakable loyalty. There would be no convincing him otherwise, no words to sway his heart.


A makeshift bed had been assembled for Dende, using what little materials our heroes could scavenge. Krillin worked carefully, tending to Dende's burn wounds with strips of cloth, while Gohan had crafted a hollow tube—likely from the stem of a nearby plant—cleaned out and repurposed.

A small stove had been constructed, surrounded by crude wooden utensils they had fashioned from the environment. Gohan diligently boiled the tube over the fire, ensuring it was sterilized before gently sliding it into Dende's mouth, guiding it down to his stomach. They had no other way—this was how they would administer fluids to keep him alive.

Nearby, Yamcha was hard at work, collecting and chopping logs. His muscles strained as he worked quickly, preparing to build shelter in the natural crevice between two massive boulders. The rough terrain offered little comfort, but it would have to do for now.

Amidst the quiet urgency, the air was thick with concern, each of them knowing that this fragile situation was all they could manage to help their fallen friend.


Meanwhile, far away from the chaos on Planet Namek...

Master Roshi and Korin were lounging at Khami's place, both glued to the TV as a soccer match unfolded.

"Hahaha!" Roshi shouted, pumping his fists in the air. "Kidneypool won!"

Korin, on the other hand, looked devastated, tears welling up in his eyes. "Shut up!" he snapped, visibly trembling with rage.

Khami shook his head in disapproval, arms crossed. "You two... wasting time watching sports. It's disgraceful."

Korin turned to Khami with a grin. "Yeah, you've been saying that for the past hour... while watching it with us!"

"Hmph." Without another word, Khami fired laser beams from his eyes at the screen, shattering it in an instant.

"What?!" Roshi yelled, jumping to his feet.

Khami smirked. "I know your game. Football is just an excuse. What you're really here for are those sleazy commercials between plays, aren't you?"

Roshi's jaw dropped, his face turning red.

"I won't allow that kind of sinful behavior at my place," Kami said sternly, shaking his head.

Roshi let out a defeated sigh. 'How the heck does he know?' he thought, embarrassed. 'I really need to change my habits... this is getting humiliating.'

Korin, smirking, nudged Roshi. "I've got just the thing to fix that, old man." He pulled out a small sachet and handed it over. "Two tablets, morning and evening."

Roshi eyed the sachet with suspicion. "Flutamide?" he read aloud, squinting at the label. "What's that for?"

Curious, Roshi pulled out his phone and quickly started Googling it. Korin's face immediately paled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Roshi's brow furrowed as he read aloud from his phone. "Anti-androgen... side effects include... gyne...co...mastia?"

His gaze snapped to Korin, fury burning in his eyes. "RAH!" he bellowed, hurling the sachet at Korin with full force.

The sachet smacked Korin square in the face, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Khami burst out laughing, his voice echoing through the air. "Hahaha!"


Goku was jolted awake by his wife, but he barely stirred. Seeing that he wasn't responding, Chi-Chi grabbed a water bottle, wet her hands, and sprinkled some water on his face.

"Come on, Goku, wake up," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "It's time for the morning prayer."

Goku blinked groggily, sitting up and stretching his arms. With bleary eyes, he lumbered out of the house.

"Don't forget to shut the door, Goku!" Chi-Chi called after him, already busy preparing for the prayer.

Goku turned back, shutting the door with a soft click before joining Tien and the Ox-King, who were waiting for him.

"Let's go," Tien said, his tone determined.

The three of them set off, walking the two miles to the prayer building. As they approached, the distant sound of prayer reached their ears.

"Great," Tien muttered, exasperated. "We're late again."

Hurrying their pace, they made a concerted effort to join the prayer before it ended.

Half an hour later, they emerged from the building, greeted by several people who had come to pray from nearby areas. They returned the greetings with smiles as they left.

One of the locals invited them to his home for tea, but Goku politely declined, knowing Chi-Chi would be expecting them.

"Ahh," said the Ox-King, taking a deep breath of fresh air. "There's nothing like a walk after the morning prayer to start the day off right."

"It sure is," Goku agreed, his face lighting up with a beaming smile.

Tien walked alongside them in silence, his mind preoccupied with the upcoming journey. Each passing hour only heightened his unease. It wasn't fear but his natural disposition—he was always on edge, a trait that kept him prepared and alert. Despite the stress, he considered it a necessary trait for his readiness.

Goku, on the other hand, exuded a relaxed, almost carefree demeanor. His laid-back attitude sometimes irritated Tien, but it also highlighted Goku's immense confidence in his abilities as a fighter and his unwavering faith. This optimism was something Tien both envied and admired.


Meanwhile, in space...

Mr Popo finished another newspaper as he waited for his spaceship to reach its destination.

"Ah, man," he said. "This is so boring."


Planet Namek...

Dende's bed had been carefully moved into the newly constructed house, nestled securely between the massive boulders.

Yet, despite the heroes' best efforts, he remained unconscious, still unmoved from his slumber.

To be continued...


And so Cui has been defeated by our heroes but at what cost? Their only hope to get stronger is down for the count. Can Goku and Tien make it in time to help out? Or will Yajirobe succumb to his injuries before any help reaches him?

Find out, next time on DBZ: ONE!