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DRAGON BALL HARDCORE
THE FRIEZA SAGA, part 3
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The fight for the title of strongest in the universe was about to begin. Goku didn't have a smidgen of the power Vegeta packed when he fought Frieza a minute earlier, but he still had confidence in his own skills. The others were too damaged to fight, and so Goku told them to go away while he handled this. And so he dashes towards Frieza.
The two were in completely different spectrum, and the only thing that allowed the fight to drag on was Frieza's wish to toy with Goku to his death, but he was proving himself to be too much of a good fighter. He used his power, but it wasn't gonna cut it, so he diverged to strategy. He hid on the water, and used his energy bullets to distract Frieza while he sneaked in for a strong flying kick. That was a better hit at Freeza than anything Vegeta pulled off, because it got him by surprise. Goku used a lot of the factor that, without a scouter, Frieza had no way to sense his energy.
Goku began using Kaioken 3x in short bursts to deal heavy damage to Frieza when he didn't expect, and that worked for a good while. But eventually Frieza realized that he wouldn't be able to finish off Goku with just 20% of his power, and so he put up a good 30%. Goku couldn't handle his power at that level, even at Kaioken 10x. After a quick session of Goku getting Pinballed, he knew what he had to do. It was gonna take him out of the fight permanently to use it, but he had no choice. He used Kaioken 20x, and proceeded to play Frieza Pinball until he had to finish it up with a Kamehameha with the last of his strengths.
Kaioken 20x, plus a Kamehameha with the double of power, brought Frieza to a moment of near-death. He was forced to use all of his power for a split second to survive that attack, or he was history. By the end, he felt his cold blood leaking out the small wound that Goku just inflicted on him. That was a first, and Frieza wanted to ensure that it was also the last. Goku was weakened, and with just enough energy to keep himself on his foot. Frieza had enough of fooling around, now it was business. But just as he attacked, he witnessed something strange. Goku raised his hands up; not like he was giving up or anything, but he was focusing on something. And from the other side of the land, Krillin knew that he was performing the Spirit Bomb.
Tien said that the planet was completely out of energy, there was no way he could do it. But it turns out that Goku was drawing energy from the planet's three surrounding suns and nearby planets, and because of that it would take way longer than it normally does. They had to jump in and buy Goku some time; all the Z-warriors now have their powers ascended beyond the millions thanks to their true potential being unlocked, and it felt like it wasn't going any higher, but at least they had a chance.
Their final power levels stand at: Gohan with 1.800.000; Krillin with 1.500.000; Yamcha and Tien with 2.300.000; and Piccolo with 40.000.000. They are most likely some of the strongest beings in the known galaxy at this point, and quite possibly the entire universe.
Frieza was about to death beam Goku through his face when Piccolo came flying and kicked him away at the other side of the horizon. The others arrive with their full guard up and tell Goku to finish that damn thing. And so they rush down Frieza one by one. They were put down and got back up again. Frieza much rather taunt them than kill them; he wants them to fall on their knees and realize how hopeless they truly are. But these pests just don't even try anything; they are just throwing their weak arms and silly little energy balls without caring if it will work or not. Truly, what a silly bunch he had the pleasure to meet.
When the warriors fell to the floor for the last time, they looked up, and saw it. Yamcha thought it was just one of the suns, but then it snapped. That was the Spirit Bomb; that colossal ball of energy was Goku's doing. That thing has to kill Frieza for sure.
Krillin distracted Freeza for the last time, taunting him that he wasn't strong enough to kill all of them and the planet with one attack like Vegeta. That got Frieza a quick laugh, but then he began to fly upwards into the air, preparing his Death Ball as he went. This might destroy the whole planet, but no problem; Frieza can survive perfectly in the vacuum of space. They're not fun anymore, so he might as well just end it all.
But as a surprise from the skies, Goku sends down the gigantic Spirit Bomb upon Frieza, and he can't do anything about it. It was right on his face, and his full power of 100.000.000 couldn't hold a candle to this power. He struggled, but at the end, the power of a whole solar system brings him down to the ground, and envelops him in its light.
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The Spirit Bomb only stopped after going 10 kilometers down a hole and then exploded. Half of planet Namek crumbled to pieces once it was finished; the tectonic plates shifted with this force, and the huge hole was left filling with water once the light faded. The Z-warriors were left scattered around the destruction, but one by one they appear with their lives intact. Finally, Piccolo emerges from the water carrying a half-dead Goku on his back.
The friends cheered and smiled; in the end they did it. Frieza was no more. Namek had been avenged, and a lot of other things regarding space politics just got completely thrown off the window, but let's not worry about that. They won.
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But in this universe, the only victory you can truly have in a fight to the death is the one in which your opponent lies dead before you. And that wasn't the case.
Frieza woke from being knocked out, and the others immediately felt his power again. They glance to the nearby mountain that was left standing, and at the top, a damaged, bloody and beaten Frieza, with his tail obliterated, loses his composure for one of the first times in his life, and starts to use his full power from the start now.
He used a full power death beam on Piccolo first, since he was the last strong one who could still fight. The others could do nothing as it was faster than light. Then he fired at Tien's stomach, and missed Gohan only because Yamcha stood in front of him, and took the beam through his chest to protect him. But for Krillin, Frieza had something special for him. He was tricked and almost killed by this baldy; this annoying little pest.
And so, using his powerful Kiai, Frieza held Krillin in the air, launched him towards the dark sky, and blew him up without breaking a sweat. Before he became a red cloud of dust and blood, Krillin's last words were:
"GOKU, HELP ME!"
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Goku was unable to answer his call. And watching his best friend be killed like that, in this horrible and gruesome way, it changed something in Goku. To think that Krillin helped him, and saved him so many times ever since they met, and now he couldn't do the same for him. Goku wasn't enough; he just… wasn't strong enough. Once he came to realize that, something snapped inside of him. All that cheerfulness that he felt mere seconds ago turned to shock, and now, absolute and unbridled anger.
The thunder clouds suddenly took over the entire sky, and the air surrounding Goku got heavier. His veins were bursting out of his neck and muscles. His eyes turned white, and his hair was quivering. As the lightning struck the ground, Goku let out a scream of pure ire. He was enveloped by a fiery ki that appeared from inside of him like magic. His hair turned to a bright blond, and his eyes green. What remains of the man that once was Goku is now a mean and evil look, directed towards the murderer of his best friend. A murderous glare that sent chills down Frieza's spine, and even Gohan's.
He told Gohan in the simplest way possible. "Grab the others and take them to the ship, Gohan," but his son was way too terrified to even move, so Goku said it again, now less calmly, "GOHAN! GRAB THE OTHERS. TAKE THEM TO SHIP. IF YOU STAY HERE, I MIGHT END UP KILLING YOU MYSELF!"
And now that got Gohan going. He never, and probably never will see Goku this mad in his life again; so he did as he said. They were all passed out and with holes through them, so he took Piccolo on his back and grabbed Yamcha and Tien by their arms. He was flying way too slowly, so Frieza decided to blow them out of the sky. But then Goku appeared in front of Frieza, faster than what he could possibly see, and grabbed his finger. Not finishing right there, he breaks Frieza's finger just by squeezing it. He looks him dead in the eye and says, "While I live… You won't kill… Anyone else."
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After an hour, Dende finally woke up from having his brain bashed against his skull by Vegeta. He looked around and saw his planet crumbling in on itself, and saw the weak Gohan carrying his friends through the air slowly. He caught up with him and helped carry the others all the way to the ship. Bulma was shocked to see everyone with holes through their chests, and she held Yamcha as Dende healed them up with the last of his strength. They woke up in a cold sweat, and saw Gohan miring out the door; skies dark and winds strong. They could feel an immense power that they didn't recognize fighting Frieza at the other side of the planet, and Krillin was nowhere to be found. Gohan's only answer was that Krillin wouldn't be coming, even as Yamcha grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. He simply said, "Krillin is gone."
Bulma could see the world suddenly crack on Yamcha's face. He gritted his teeth and went straight for the door in order to go back and fucking kill Frieza at all costs for revenge. But Gohan stood in his way and said to leave it up to his dad. He didn't know what exactly happened, but he had become the legendary Super Saiyan that Vegeta was talking about. They were surprised; this ki that felt so evil and twisted belonged to Goku?
Whatever it is, being realistic, there's nothing they can do against Frieza. They need to wait for Goku here. Bulma, putting up the brave for once, held his hand and begged for him to stay. Yamcha could only fall to his knees and hit his head against the floor, realizing that Krillin was killed. He couldn't hold back his tears of anguish. Bulma sat beside and hugged him. Tien faced the wall, not wanting to let it get to him at such a critical moment, but he couldn't. He had promised Chiaotzu to look after everyone; "what the hell am I going to say now?!"
Piccolo stood silent in the corner, just getting struck with the fact that he was actually sad. He didn't think he would ever let his demon side go so easily, but it didn't matter anymore. He was no demon after all; he was now three warriors that united against a greater evil, and still he failed.
"Goku, if you're ever gonna do anything I say, then let it be this: Make him pay for all that he did, and come back alive. I still didn't get to test my new technique against you," he said through his mind.
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The battle against Frieza had flipped completely. Frieza now could do absolutely nothing. With his finger broken, Goku started punching him away; kicking stronger than a meteor; and delivering some of his most brutal attacks that can be considered borderline torture. Frieza tried to strike him down with a shower of death beams, but Goku was now faster than light himself, and dodged all of them. To not let Frieza think he had any advantage, he took one of them to his head, and looked back with not even a scratch.
Frieza was desperate, and asked "What are you?"
Goku mocked him; as if Frieza didn't know already. He was the Saiyan warrior that came from Earth. That was raised in peace and trained by wise people in the name of good. A fighter of pure heart that gave in to his anger and lust for revenge. The one who will bring peace to all the tormented souls that Frieza wrongfully killed. The ultimate light against his terror. And to boot it off, it was just another one of those people that Frieza called "worthless monkeys."
He is Son Goku, and he's the legendary Super Saiyan. And as Goku screamed that to his nemesis, the volcanoes around them erupted with Goku's sheer pressure and power.
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Frieza begins to laugh, because he couldn't help it. Every time someone brings up that same story, he has no option but to laugh or else he might look intimidated by it. At the end of the day, he was just another one of those monkeys, like he said. And unlike Frieza, he cannot survive in space. It doesn't really matter if he's stronger or not, because he was still inferior to a god-like being such as Frieza.
And so, Frieza shot a rage-filled Death Ball towards the planet, and Goku couldn't do anything about it, as they were left in the bright flash of the explosion. But after a few seconds, it appeared that Namek was more durable than Frieza imagined. The planet was still standing, but it was doomed to blow up in a couple dozen minutes as Frieza stated. In the meanwhile, Frieza proposed that Goku allows him to power up to his absolute maximum so then they shall fight fair and square. Goku didn't care, he allowed it because he wanted to humiliate Frieza by defeating him at his strongest.
And so, Frieza used up all his power into one last form. He got bulky, but aside from that, nothing changed. His power increased but Goku wasn't worried; he still beat him by a huge margin. King Kai used his power to talk with Goku through his mind, and Goku asks King Kai to order Bulma and the others to get off this planet. This whole thing will blow at any second now and he doesn't want them to wait for him. He can see Frieza's ship still afloat; he'll use it to escape.
The others soon received the message, and without choice the door was closed off; the six remaining people left Namek for good. Gohan trusted that his father was going to come out alive; there was no way he'd lose to Frieza.
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Their fight took heights and miles. They flew all over; from under water, to the skies, through the mountains, all the while trading punches and kicks at the speed of light. Eventually, Goku got tired of entertaining his mad conquest for victory. Frieza tried launching a last giant Death Ball at Goku, but he held it firmly and punched it out of the planet and into space. Frieza was now out of energy and Goku started pummeling him into the ground; punches that would squeeze his organs from the outside in, and slapping him across the face again and again.
As Frieza fell before Goku; bloody, beaten and winded. Goku looked around and saw lightning falling down from the clouds as if they were rain; hurricanes taking over the green sea, mountains appearing and crumbling away in seconds; the skies lost their color and were now a black and red mess. Goku calmed down and thought to himself, "What have we done?"
The planet was finished. Anyone could tell there was no saving it at that point, and so Goku let go of his transformation and looked Frieza straight in the eyes, and so he said, "That's enough."
Frieza was confused by that, and Goku explained that he has a family, friends and a home to return to, and won't waste his life fighting Frieza to the death. But without any working ships, Frieza would be left alone there, on the planet that he himself set out to explode; the perfect ending for his regretful and vile existence. And so Goku simply takes a deep breath and flies away.
"What?!… WHAT?!"
That was the only thought going through Frieza's mind. Goku's words truly made him mad. As if he would ever let Goku go. No… he promised to make him suffer as much as possible, and on that he succeeded. Now what was left was to kill him once and for all. Frieza then thought of a powerful technique that was fairly easy to do; why, he learned from watching that baldy do it; the one he killed earlier. With one hand, he made his own brand of Kienzan and threw them at Goku, and not only that but he was controlling it too. Goku was so mad by this idiot's persistence that he powered back to Super Saiyan and continued the fight. Amazing how Frieza's survival instincts kicked off at the last minutes of his life, and allowed him to learn one thing for once. But he was bad at it, and had poor control of it for lack of practice. Goku managed to trick him into forgetting one of his ki discs. When he lost his focus, the disc came fast from behind Frieza, and chopped him in two. He sure looked like a fool now.
Goku had no pity for what he did to himself. Now he can sit there and think of what he did until death took him. He turned his back, but was surprised by what he heard next. Frieza, within an inch of his life, begs for Goku to give him some energy; he begs to continue living; he begs for his mercy. That enraged Goku.
"What about all the people that you killed without a second thought? Did you give them mercy?! Did you give Krillin mercy?!" Goku's words were filled with hate, but then he shook his head, "No matter how much energy I give you, you cannot survive. Accept your fate, you coward!"
But Frieza would only ask again and again, "Please…"
Goku looked back and forth, back and forth, between the destroyed planet and the soon-to-be-dead Frieza. He knew he had to make a choice, and the choice he decided to make was so painful to him that it made him scream.
He gave Frieza a smidgen of energy, just to keep himself afloat for a single minute. Immediately after he flew again without another word. He had to leave. But Frieza had another plan…
Never in his entire life had Frieza known defeat, or loss, or tragedy. He was born strong, rich and at the top of the universe. Nothing could ever dare to challenge him. And even now, he simply refuses to believe that he can possibly lose. His brain blocked off anything else for the single goal of killing Goku, and showing him that he is the strongest in the universe. Nothing else mattered. For the couple hundred years that he was alive, all that was taught to him, only led him to one conclusion:
Goku must die by his hand.
And with the last energy that Goku gave him, he fired a blast at the fleeing Goku. And when he noticed it, his blood just boiled. In his anger, all he could do was blast back with all his power, screaming, "YOU GODDAMN MORON!"
Frieza watched as Goku's blast consumed him, and as the lights enveloped him; he was pulverized. He became less than dust. The emperor of the universe was now absolutely nothing.
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Goku looked down on the huge explosion he just caused; a little saddened. Not that Frieza was dead, but the thought that a person so disgusting could ever exist; to the point he couldn't be redeemed in any way, no matter how many chances he gets, even as he is about to die. That was truly sad for Goku to witness.
He had mere seconds now; after this little angry Kamehameha that he fired towards the planet, it was really about to blow. He rushed faster than light towards Frieza's ship, but windows were broken and controls destroyed, and all too complex for him to even pilot. Then, just outside Goku spotted one of the ships from Ginyu's squad, and he flew towards it at max speed, just as it was about to fall into the lava. He screamed to the last moment.
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From far into space, the others managed to leave that part of the solar system just in time to not get caught in the explosion. They all watched from the windows as the planet blew up with an enormous light that even shook their ship, light-years away from it.
It was too far to tell what happened. King Kai searched thoroughly and longingly, but the explosion left it all such a mess he couldn't see anything. They all watch the stars go by in silence. Dende started crying, seeing his entire life being taken away so fast. Now they had time to realize how much it was truly lost, and most couldn't hold back tears. It was on this somber moment of realization that they needed the help of a good friend who's good with words.
Suddenly, the dragon team managed to hear a voice in their heads. It was Krillin; speaking from the other world like Chiaotzu did before. He started out by making fun of the mood, saying that he didn't know they were gonna miss him so much. To be honest, he didn't expect to survive it all up to that moment. Just when he finally thought he was okay to go, that happened; what a bummer. But to him that's okay; he much rather die himself than to watch his friends die before him. At least they won, right? There's no need to be so sad; it's not like we didn't know this might happen. From where he is now, he can keep watching everyone.
Yamcha asked if there was any chance of them meeting again; he would hate to lose three of his buddies before he ever got to marry Bulma. Krillin stated that there was one, and that was dying. But he said that Yamcha should stay there and enjoy a good life. You never know when it's gonna end. However, he doesn't think they lost Goku just yet. If he's not here with Krillin right now, then he's still alive. "Don't lose hope!"
Krillin knows he'll be back. He'll keep an eye out for him too, to make sure he doesn't get lost on his way back to Earth. And finally, he says his goodbyes to all his friends, even the ones who were sickly worried back on Earth and knew nothing of what transpired.
Throughout his life, Krillin was just another student of martial arts with a wish for a simple life. Out of all of them, he was probably the goodest guy that they ever met. Always putting himself out for the others, and never losing hope. That's why it was so sad to see him go, and even so soon. But it seems like he won't be forgotten so soon.
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The Z-warriors finally returned to Earth, and as always, no one had the slightest idea of the good they've done.
Gohan had a lot to explain to his mom, but if that wish worked right, then he probably won't need to be so cautious with what he said. His father would come back, he had no doubt. And even if he takes too long, Gohan will be here to protect mom and protect their friends.
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Upon hearing the news of Krillin, Launch couldn't keep it together for more than an hour before crying. She found some common ground with Tien, and both decided to move to kame house as Launch would hate to see it empty and alone. Together they finished up some small repairs that they needed; the ones no one did after Raditz showed up, one year ago. And so, they find a little space for a memorial for Krillin and Chiaotzu, right beside master Roshi's.
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Piccolo took Dende with him to the lookout, where Popo had been standing idly; alone and with no one to serve. Dende was very grateful for this. They gave him a new home, and also a job. Piccolo stated that they probably still need dragon balls still, and asked Popo if he could teach little Dende to become the guardian of Earth; to become their new Kami. Dende knows he can make dragon balls for them; it might take him a little time to get things working, but he won't disappoint. He was determined to protect this planet with his life, and make sure that nothing like Namek ever happens to them.
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As for Yamcha and Bulma, the next week, they held their wedding ceremony at Capsule Corp. Everyone was invited, and to the surprise of many, Bulma had a sister. It probably cost a fortune to put it all together, but it was something that no one would forget. And before cutting the giant cake, they decided to take a photo with the men and maids of honor.
Gohan was by Chi-chi's arms, as they both hold a portrait of Goku smiling. Yamcha and Bulma were holding each other's hands at the center, with her parents and sister right behind her, Puar by Yamcha's shoulder and Oolong dressed as a priest by their feet. Piccolo was disguised at the very back with a straight face, and Dende was sitting on his shoulder. Launch was clinging to Tien's arm as he stood there completely straight with a big smile; Launch was still holding on to the wedding bouquet that her blond self caught earlier in a brawl. That was a good picture, but it wasn't finished at all, and King Kai worked some of his magic to finish it.
After the photo was taken, certain apparitions scared the man who took it. Some strange people appeared in the photo, with halos over their heads. Krillin suddenly appeared between Gohan and Yamcha and made a funny face to the camera. Chiaotzu was flying above Tien and Launch, and was giggling at how nervous Tien looked. And most surprisingly, master Roshi was also there; pulling up Bulma's wedding dress just a little while two cotton balls clogged his bloody nose, Now that was a truly special, and perfect picture.
For now, the warriors can enjoy this peace that they fought for. Because after all that, they don't think there's anything left to surprise them. Goku better get home before they go out looking for him. But little did they know, Goku already met new troubles. In due time, those troubles will catch them off guard.