CHAPTER NINETEEN

Lord of Lords

As Zukanna stepped out of the healing pod, refreshed and ready, she was greeted by her loyal guard, Cressa. Cressa's face was a mixture of relief and curiosity.

"My queen," Cressa began, as she bowed in respect, "It would seem everything on the ship has been running smoothly in your absence. Forgive my curiosity, but… I have to ask. What was that power you used against Broly?"

Zukanna nodded, pausing as she searched for the right words. "It was a combination of my Wrathful Saiyan form and Super Saiyan. The power it brought was… incredible. But it nearly consumed me. I was barely able to keep it under control."

Cressa's eyes widened with admiration but also concern. "I see…Growing up, I had heard legends of the super Saiyan myth, and when the myth became reality, I did not think it possible to surpass that power, yet you did in your battle with Broly."

Zukanna, smiled at Cressa, before changing the subject, asked, "And Vegeta and Broly? How are they?"

Cressa inclined her head. "Both have finished their healing cycles. Vegeta is resting in a guest room. The prince has isolated himself from everyone else on the ship. Broly is… heavily restrained and sedated, we were afraid he would go on another rampage on the ship, my queen."

"That was wise, good job Cressa," Zukanna replied with a nod. "And one more thing, Cressa… Vegeta technically has the right to the Saiyan throne. As the eldest male heir, that right is his by blood, so he could claim his birth right when we reach earth."

A flash of shock and frustration crossed Cressa's face. "He could, but the Saiyans of Neo-Sadala would never follow him, or any of the Saiyan royalty of old. You, your mother, and brother, Tarble are different from the royal family and elites of old, my queen," she said, her voice filled with quiet admiration. "You lead with compassion and your leadership inspires loyalty, not only from the Saiyans, but from other alien races under your protection. That's why the surviving Saiyans follow you, because you see them as more than just a tool of conquest, but as people you care for. I wish… I wish all Saiyans of old could have been like you."

Her words were heavy with emotion, and Zukanna sensed there was more. "Cressa," she asked gently, "is everything alright? If you'd like to talk about it, I'm here."

Cressa hesitated, then nodded. "My parents… they were elites on Planet Vegeta. But after I was born with a low power level, they were embarrassed, and in order to get rid of me, they sent me away to a distant planet to conquer it, out of sight, out of mind."

Zukanna listened, letting Cressa's words settle.

"I grew up alone on a foreign planet, and when Frieza's elites rounded us up, I believed my mission was over, and my parents would welcome me with open arms, proud that I had completed my mission, only to have Frieza's elites laugh and tell us planet Vegeta was no more, before putting us in the slave camps, I… I lost all hope. I'd lost my pride as a Saiyan. I Believed Saiyan pride was the reason my parents abandoned me, it was the reason Royalty and the Elite Saiyans looked down upon us, and the reason our planet was destroyed." She paused, her voice tight with sadness. "But then, you came to rescue us. An elite Saiyan—royalty, no less—risking everything to rescue us. Not just the strong, not just the elites, but even the weakest, even those with no power left to give. You defended us all with your life."

Cressa's voice softened. "When you gave us a chance to rebuild, a future free from destruction, we knew we had to follow you. The Saiyans chose you to be queen, not because of your bloodline, but because you led us out of extinction. You made us strong again, stronger than the Saiyans of old could even dream of becoming. Now we are more than warriors—we're guardians. And we're proud to be loyal to you, our saviour. The surviving Saiyans and I would follow you to the gates of hell, my queen."

Touched, Zukanna placed a hand on Cressa's shoulder. "Thank you, Cressa. Your loyalty means more to me than any throne or title. Together, we'll continue building a Saiyan race we can all be proud of. One that stands for more than just power."

Cressa nodded, a renewed determination in her eyes. The two warriors stood side by side, their bond strengthened, knowing that they fought not just for power, but for each other, for their people, and for the future they were forging together.

Zukanna and Cressa strolled down the wide corridors of Captain Orcuro's colossal ship, chatting easily. The ship was vast—far larger than the one she had taken after her victory over Frieza. With room to accommodate an army of a thousand and a staff of over a hundred, it was a floating fortress, a testament to the growing strength of her empire.

Eventually, they reached the holding cells. Zukanna nodded to the medical staff and guards stationed nearby. "Release and awaken Broly. Then, leave the room," she ordered firmly.

They obeyed, and as the last guard exited, Cressa placed a hand on Zukanna's shoulder. "I'll wait outside if you need me," she said, giving Zukanna a reassuring smile before stepping out.

Inside the cell, Broly's eyes fluttered open, and he blinked as he took in his surroundings. His gaze soon fixed on Zukanna. A small, soft smile appeared as he said, "Zukanna." But it quickly faded, replaced by a look of sadness.

"My father?" he asked, his voice tinged with grief. Zukanna took a step closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, but he… he's gone, Broly."

She felt the surge of his anger, the pain and rage flaring up as Broly's fists clenched. His grief threatened to spiral out of control. Anticipating this, Zukanna reached up and grabbed him by the face, looking directly into his eyes.

"Broly, get a grip! Control your emotions!" Her voice was sharp, authoritative, piercing through his turmoil.

Broly's eyes widened as he snapped back to the present, his breathing slowing. He looked at her with a mixture of confusion and… something else, something curious and almost vulnerable. Zukanna softened her tone, still holding his face.

"Listen to me, Broly," she said gently. "I know what it's like to lose someone, to feel that pain, to feel like giving into the grief just to try and feel better. Believe me I have been there, but I had people who helped me get through it. You don't have to deal with this alone. If you want, I'll help you through it."

Broly hesitated, his expression conflicted, but finally, he gave a small nod of acceptance. Zukanna called in her guards, instructing them to help move Broly to a guest room so he could rest. Broly walked over to Zukanna and looked her in the eyes before thanking her, and left the room. Once Broly was escorted away, Cressa re-entered the cell, a relieved smile on her face.

"Well, I'm glad he's on our side now," she said, then smirked. "And honestly… he's kind of cute."

Zukanna laughed. "What would Yamcha think about that?"

Cressa sighed. "We actually broke up. He's a good guy, but… we rarely have time to be together, he's training with the Saiyan hater, Tien, and chasing his dream of playing baseball. Meanwhile, my focus has to be on becoming strong enough to protect Earth and every world under Saiyan protection, coupled with my royal duties."

Zukanna placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Cressa. But I know you'll find someone who shares your vision. You deserve that."

Cressa smiled, her usual strength and resolve returning. The two shared a quick embrace before parting ways. Zukanna then made her way to her brother's quarters, intent on seeing how Vegeta was holding up. It was time they had a conversation of their own.

Zukanna entered Vegeta's quarters, finding him seated with his face buried in his hands. At the sound of her footsteps, he looked up, his expression bitter and defensive.

"The Saiyan queen finally graces me with her presence, are you here to arrest me for defying your rule, sister?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice. "Or is this just an opportunity to rub it in that you are a better ruler and stronger than me?"

Zukanna shook her head and sat down beside him. "I'm not here for any of that, Vegeta. I came here to talk."

He scoffed, but she held his gaze, refusing to let him deflect her.

"The Saiyan ideology is flawed brother, in our history we have lost two planets, first was planet Sadala, to our own infighting, then Planet Vegeta, to Frieza. Even If Frieza had not wiped out our people, sooner or later our way of conquering and killing other races for power would have turned the universal community against us." she said sternly. "What our father taught us growing up—that the Saiyans fought and killed to gain power, and that as Saiyans, our status and strength at birth defines us, is not completely true, that old way of thinking does not apply anymore. We do not need to kill and conquer worlds to show our might, times have changed, the ones you call weak, low class Saiyans have grown stronger than the Saiyans of old, by defending other races of aliens you deem weak, and would naturally conquer and kill, look at Goku, he is one of the strongest Saiyans in history, yet he chooses to protect earth, he fights to protect, he fights because he wishes to better himself and be able to protect those he loves, that is his source of power. You need to understand that clinging to old ideas, like looking down on the 'low-class Saiyans,' is only making you look weaker to your people, and conquering other planets will only draw a bigger target on you, brother."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, but Zukanna continued, undeterred. "A Saiyan who fights for power alone is weak. Those who fight to protect others, for love, family, and the weak—those are the Saiyans with true strength. Look at the Saiyans of old, how many super Saiyans existed then, now look at our people now, most of them have grown strong, and we have multiple Super Saiyans: they fight to protect each other, and that's what makes them strong."

Vegeta opened his mouth, ready to argue, but she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I have not forgotten my Saiyan Pride little brother, I am a proud woman, proud in the power I have achieved, I fight because it gets my blood pumping, but I do not kill unless I have to, or if there is no other way to protect my people." She said, Vegeta nodded at her words. "Earth is your home brother, you have a family now," she said quietly. "Fight for them. Fight for Bulma and for your unborn son." She paused, letting her speech sink in, and then added, "The purple haired boy from the future, the super Saiyan who came back to save us—he's your unborn son, currently in Bulma's womb."

Vegeta's eyes widened, and he stared at her, his voice barely a whisper. "That boy, the Super Saiyan… is my son?"

Zukanna nodded. "Yes. Be the father that Trunks will one day look up to. Be the powerful, royal Saiyan our people look to with pride, protect both the Saiyans and the Earthlings, Take pride in being their protector, in being the best warrior for you and for them."

A long silence passed as Vegeta absorbed her words. Finally, with a grudging sigh, he nodded, the resistance in his expression softening. "Fine… you win sister. I have always fought for the pleasure of killing and gaining power, that was all I lived for, when Kakarot and I fought on earth and he defeated me, I thought him weak for showing me mercy, but then he became a super Saiyan and killed Frieza, with a power I thought I was destined to inherit. when you and the other Saiyans arrived on earth, and you had 4 royal guards who were formerly low-class warriors, I thought you to be a weak-willed leader. Who surrounded herself with weaklings. But you and Kakarot have proven me wrong, time and time again sister, you built a home for our people, and when Broly went mad, I failed to defeat him, yet Kakarot broke his limits again and accessed more power, and you gained power I could only dream of, all in the name of protecting the Saiyan race. I will admit sister, you are the best, you and Kakarot are better than me."

Zukanna gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before standing to leave, a small, understanding smile on her face. "Thank you, brother, but you have potential too brother, you just need to find the right reasons to tap into it."

With a last, supportive glance, she left his quarters, hoping he'd finally found the spark of purpose she'd always wished he would.

Zukanna strode into the training room, where Goku and Nio were mid-spar. Both were visibly tired from hours of intense combat: Goku stood in his Super Saiyan 2 form, crackling with energy, while Nio, surrounded by a fierce green aura, was transformed in his Wrathful Saiyan state, his shoulder-length hair spiked up from the strain. Across the room, Piccolo meditated in the corner, unfazed by the fierce energy flaring around him.

As Zukanna entered, Goku and Nio paused, de-transforming and landing nearby.

"Mother!" Nio called, a gleam in his eyes. "Want to join us, can I see your new form again?"

Zukanna shook her head. "Not today," she replied. Goku, stretching his arms, asked about Broly's status, and Zukanna told them casually, "he is hurting, but he will be fine, he is a friend. We'll be taking him and Vegeta back to Earth."

Goku's face lit up. "That's great! I can't wait to spar with him again!"

Zukanna then turned to Nio. "Nio, once we're back, I'm going to train you and Broly to master your Legendary Berserker Super Saiyan transformations."

Nio's excitement was palpable. "Yes, finally, I can't wait. Uh, can Gohan join too?"

Goku, not one to miss a challenge, quickly chimed in. "Mind if I join too?"

With a smile, Zukanna agreed. "Yes please. We'll begin after we reach Earth."

The two Saiyans celebrated, eagerly resuming their training. Zukanna was grateful Bulma had upgraded the ship's training rooms to withstand the demands of these intense, high-energy transformations. The reinforced walls would spare them any unnecessary repairs—or detours.

Turning toward Piccolo, she crossed the room and sat beside him, joining him in meditation. After a few moments of quiet, she asked, "Piccolo, do you know of beings higher than King Kai?"

Piccolo opened his eyes slightly, considering her question. "There are," he began. "The Grand Kai, who oversees the other four Kai, and then, above even him, the Supreme Kai, who watches over the entire universe."

Zukanna listened intently as Piccolo, through memories imparted from Guru, explained the roles and responsibilities of these powerful entities. When he finished, she explained that King Kai had arranged a meeting with these higher Kais and that she was about to depart for it.

He offered her a few words of advice on etiquette and respect when facing the higher Kais, and Zukanna thanked him before heading to her private quarters. She changed into a fresh set of royal Armor and placed her crown upon her head, then informed Cressa via communicator that she was leaving the ship using Instant Transmission.

With a final deep breath, she focused on King Kai's energy, honing in on his distinct aura. Once she locked onto it, she teleported in a blink, ready to meet with the beings who governed the cosmos.

Zukanna materialized on King Kai's tiny planet, startling Bubbles, who darted behind a tree. Surveying the small, spherical landscape, she could hardly believe this was a "planet," but she kept her thoughts respectful. King Kai approached with his usual cheer, saying, "Hey, kid! Glad you could make it. So, I told you higher beings were asking about you. The Supreme Kai and his attendant were impressed with what you Saiyans have been doing, keeping the peace in the galaxy, and improving the lives of other civilisations. That's why they wanted to meet with you."

Zukanna nodded, and King Kai sent Gregory to deliver the message. While they waited, Zukanna shared her plans to King Kai: of how her original vision was to revive Planet Vegeta and all the Saiyans who had perished, but the Earth and Namekian Dragon Balls lacked the power. She then outlined her idea for a universal protection force that could rival Frieza's army.

After a while, two Kais teleported onto the planet. The first, a short, purple-skinned Kai with a white mohawk, was Shin, the Supreme Kai himself. Beside him was a taller, broad-shouldered Kai with pink skin and flowing white hair—his attendant, Kibito. King Kai bowed deeply as they approached, and Zukanna followed suit, inclining her head with respect.

Supreme Kai gave her an approving nod. "Ah Queen Zukanna, Leader of the Saiyans on earth. you have done remarkable work, transforming the Saiyans from conquerors to protectors. It is... quite admirable."

"Thank you, My Lord." Zukanna replied, her voice calm but filled with pride.

Shin continued, "We face a potential threat to the universe, years from now, a creature known as Majin Buu will appear. I believe that if you train under my guidance, you could become a critical defender of the universe in the battle against this evil."

Zukanna listened carefully, then asked, "If he's such a danger, why can't I just face him as I am? Surely this Majin Buu isn't as unstoppable as you say."

At this, Kibito stepped forward, his voice stern. "Silly mortal, you will show respect to the Lord of Lords!"

Zukanna rolled her eyes and continued, "Is this 'Majin Buu' so strong that even you, Kibito, can't take him on?"

Kibito's jaw tightened. "No. Even I would be helpless against Buu."

"Hmm," Zukanna nodded, but her curiosity was piqued. "And you think I'm not up to the task either, Kibito?"

Kibito scoffed, his gaze intense. "You may be strong, Saiyan queen, but against Majin Buu, you wouldn't last."

Zukanna chuckled, her eyes narrowing with challenge. "Care to put that to the test, Kibito?"

His face betrayed a hint of indignation, but he agreed. The two moved to a clear spot as King Kai muttered behind them, hands on his head, "over there, and please, Zukanna, do not hurt the Attendant!"

The air grew tense as Zukanna prepared to face Kibito, her Saiyan pride ignited at the prospect of proving her power against someone who doubted her.

The two warriors faced off; eyes locked as they awaited Shin's signal. Once given, Zukanna launched forward in her base form, keeping her movements straightforward and measured. She could not sense Kibito's energy at all and made a note to ask him about it after the fight. She went through a series of basic strikes, gauging Kibito's reaction. He dodged effortlessly, becoming overconfident, just as she had planned. After evading her spinning kick by flying backward, Kibito taunted her, "Is this really all you've got? You wouldn't be a warmup for Majin Buu."

Zukanna smirked. In a flash of brilliant golden light, she transformed into her Ascended Super Saiyan form. Before Kibito could react, Zukanna closed the gap instantly, landing a precise, powerful hit to his stomach that knocked him out cold. The impact left the apprentice Kai speechless, and he crumpled to the ground.

Shin was astounded. "Your power is astonishing, Queen Zukanna!" he admitted. But King Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "My Lord, she's still holding back. This is nothing compared to what she has hidden away."

Shin looked sceptical, so King Kai urged Zukanna to show her Wrathful Super Saiyan form. Zukanna hesitated, unsure of her control, but decided to go for it. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and started to power up. An explosion of energy burst forth, her aura flaring wildly. Red fur grew along her arms and torso, her eyes turned a fierce gold, her hair lengthened and spiked into a wild, black mane, and her aura crackled with lightning. The transformation was intense, and Zukanna could feel the primal Saiyan rage within, but she managed to hold her control.

As she stood there, emanating raw power, Shin was wide-eyed. "This... this is the power of the Saiyans?" he whispered. "With this strength, you could even challenge Lord Beerus!"

Zukanna's brows knit with curiosity as she powered down, her body returning to normal. "Who is Lord Beerus?" she asked.

Shin chuckled nervously, saying, "That's a story for another time…"

Shin's curiosity grew as he asked how Zukanna had reached such strength. King Kai eagerly recounted her journey, detailing each battle, including the encounter with Turles, who had access to a Tree of Might. When Shin asked about the fruit, Zukanna explained that she had used the Dragon Balls to restore the planet but had eaten the fruit herself. Shin's expression darkened with concern, but he quickly softened. "Those fruits aren't meant for mortals, only divine Beings should eat them for power." he said, though he let it go, recognizing Zukanna's benevolent intentions.

Shin's respect for Zukanna deepened, and he seemed thoughtful. "Perhaps there is a greater role for you than even I imagined," he said quietly, his eyes reflective as he considered the powerful Saiyan queen before him.

Hello people,

Chapter Nineteen is done,

Please feel free to drop reviews or give suggestions as I feel they will help improve the quality of the story.

cheers,

maximuskahn1994