CHAPTER EIGHT
Beast of War
The battle raged on, and Zukanna's relentless assault began to wear down Abo and Cado. With swift, powerful kicks, she sent them crashing into a nearby building. For a moment, there was silence as the dust settled, but then the ground trembled violently. Suddenly, the building erupted in a massive explosion, sending debris flying in every direction.
From the smoke and chaos emerged a hulking figure, a fusion of Abo and Cado, their energies combined into a single monstrous form. The fusion towered over Zukanna, its purple skin glistening menacingly. It let out a booming laugh that reverberated through the city, taunting her with a voice that echoed both of their former selves. "You think you can defeat us? Together, we are unstoppable!"
Before Zukanna could retort, the fusion blitzed towards her with shocking speed, closing the distance in an instant. The force of its attack sent her flying backwards, and she crashed into a wall with bone-rattling force. Pain shot through her body, but she pushed through it, determined to regain the upper hand.
Yet, as she stood up, she realized the tables had turned. The fused Abo-Cado unleashed a flurry of brutal strikes, each one landing with devastating power. Zukanna tried to counterattack, throwing punches and energy blasts, but the fusion effortlessly dodged and deflected her efforts, its bulk and raw strength overwhelming her.
"Is this the best you can do, Saiyan princess?" it mocked, a cruel grin spreading across its face. "You're nothing compared to our combined might!"
Zukanna felt a swell of frustration and anger. The fusion's strength was staggering, and despite her fierce determination, she struggled to keep up. Each hit sent her reeling, and the confidence she had felt in her Wrathful Saiyan form began to waver.
Summoning every ounce of strength, she focused on her training, recalling the lessons she had learned from Nail and Guru. She couldn't let despair take hold; she had to find a way to turn the tide once again.
As the fusion charged in for another attack, Zukanna took a deep breath and focused. She began to channel her energy, her aura flaring with intensity. It was time to show this fusion that she was not to be underestimated.
Zukanna powered up to the maximum of her Wrathful form, her aura blazing fiercely as she lunged forward to meet the fusion head-on. The moment they clashed, the raw power of the fused Abo and Cado overwhelmed her, and she felt herself being pushed back despite her desperate efforts.
With a fierce roar, the fusion chased after her, moving with shocking speed. It threw a powerful punch, and Zukanna had no choice but to brace for impact. The punch connected, sending her hurtling towards the ground. She crashed into the ground, creating a massive crater that shattered the ground beneath her.
Before she could recover, the fusion flew down at terrifying speeds, crashing into her with a devastating blow. The resulting explosion obliterated part of the city, sending debris and rubble flying into the air. Zukanna felt herself teetering on the edge of consciousness, her vision blurring as the world around her spun.
She lay in the crater, her body battered and bruised. Her face was a mess of cuts and swelling, blood trickling down her cheek. She could feel the sharp pain from broken bones and the stinging of her injuries. Her armor had shattered, and her jumpsuit was torn in many places, barely preserving her modesty. The weight of her exhaustion and injuries pressed down on her, threatening to pull her into the abyss of unconsciousness.
Yet, deep within her, a flicker of determination ignited. This wasn't the end. She had come too far and fought too hard to let this fusion defeat her. Zukanna gritted her teeth, focusing on the warmth of her Saiyan heritage, the strength of her ancestors fueling her resolve.
"Is that all you've got?" she spat, forcing her voice through the pain. "I won't give up!"
With sheer willpower, Zukanna began to push herself up from the crater, her aura flaring back to life despite the overwhelming odds. She felt the energy coursing through her, the spirit of the Saiyan race awakening within her. She wouldn't let her people down; she had to find a way to fight back.
As she rose, the fusion hovered above her, surprised to see her still standing. Zukanna met its gaze with fierce determination, ready to unleash everything she had left. With a primal scream, she charged forward, her energy flaring with renewed intensity, ready to turn the tide of battle once and for all.
The fusion's laughter echoed through the devastation, mocking Zukanna's resolve. It prepared to unleash its finishing blow, muscles tensed and ready to strike her down. But just as it was about to deliver the fatal blow, a weak energy blast suddenly hit its face, startling both the fusion and Zukanna.
With great effort, Zukanna gingerly turned her head in the direction of the blast. A cold chill ran down her spine as she saw the Saiyan boy she had seen earlier, hand outstretched towards the fusion, behind him the terrified faces of the Saiyans she had rescued, standing not too far away. They had emerged from the exposed tunnel system, witnessing the chaotic battle that raged above.
"No…" she muttered, panic rising within her. She had fought so hard to free them, and now they were in the line of fire. Her heart raced as she realized the fusion was now aware of their presence. The weight of their safety bore down on her like a crushing boulder.
"Look who decided to show up!" the fusion taunted, its eyes narrowing on the group of Saiyans. "How convenient! A bunch of weaklings ripe for the picking!"
Zukanna felt a surge of anger and desperation. She couldn't let this creature harm her people. "Get back!" she shouted; her voice filled with urgency. "Get to safety!"
But the fusion simply laughed, enjoying the newfound prey. "Why should I let them go? They'll make excellent leverage against you! A princess who can't even protect her own people, how pathetic!"
Fury ignited within her, the pain in her body momentarily forgotten as the instinct to protect her people took over. Zukanna took a deep breath, channeling her anger and fear into determination. She wouldn't let her people suffer because of her failure.
Then, the moment felt like it was frozen in time as Zukanna watched in horror. The fusion, a hulking mass of power, turned its attention to the ten-year-old Saiyan boy, who had dared to shoot an energy blast at it. Zukanna's heart raced, and she felt the blood drain from her face as the fusion unleashed a devastating energy blast directly at the child.
"No!" she screamed, her voice filled with panic and desperation. But it was too late, the fusion fired at the boy.
An old Saiyan, who the boy was clinging to, leaped in front of him, his eyes wide with determination. "Get down!" he shouted, just as the blast struck him head-on. Zukanna's heart shattered as she heard the old warrior's scream, a sound that echoed the horrors she had witnessed during the destruction of Planet Vegeta. The scene played before her like a nightmare come to life; she was powerless to stop it.
The explosion consumed the old Saiyan, and as the dust settled, Zukanna's heart sank at the sight of the lifeless body crumpling to the ground. Anguish and despair surged within her, memories of her fallen kin flooding her mind. She had fought so hard to save them, only to fail yet again.
"Not again," she whispered, tears stinging her eyes. The weight of guilt pressed heavily on her chest. She had sworn to protect her people, to ensure their survival, and now she had lost another brave warrior.
But amidst the pain and grief, a fire ignited deep within her. She could feel her resolve strengthening, fueled by the anguish and fury boiling over inside her. She would not let this creature take any more from her.
The tingling sensation in her back intensified, and Zukanna harnessed it, focusing all her energy on the raw power surging within her. It felt as if a dam had burst, and her rage and sorrow coalesced into something formidable. She was no longer just a warrior; she was a force of nature, driven by the memories of those she had lost and the promise to protect those still with her.
With a primal roar that reverberated through the city, Zukanna unleashed the fury building within her. Her aura transformed into a brilliant golden hue, casting an ethereal light that illuminated the devastation around her. Her eyes shifted to a striking cyan, glinting with a fierce intensity. Her hair spiked up into a dazzling golden mane, and she felt her energy surge to unimaginable levels.
"Enough!" she bellowed, her voice reverberating with newfound power. The fusion, momentarily stunned by the transformation, stared at her in disbelief.
The fusion, now visibly shaken by Zukanna's incredible transformation, stumbled backward, struggling to comprehend the overwhelming power emanating from the Saiyan princess. It had underestimated her strength and resilience, and now, it could feel the tide turning in a way it never expected.
As the other Saiyans watched in awe and reverence, Zukanna stood at the center of the storm, her fiery golden aura swirling around her like a tempest. With each heartbeat, her resolve grew stronger, and she could feel the energy pulsating through her, fueling her determination to protect her people.
In an instant, Zukanna blitzed toward the fusion, her speed so incredible that it seemed like she had vanished from sight. The fusion barely had time to react before she delivered a devastating uppercut that sent it soaring into the sky, its form a mere silhouette against the sun.
Before the fusion could regain its bearings, Zukanna appeared high above, appearing like a comet streaking across the sky. She executed a flawless front flip, her leg extending as she executed a powerful axe kick that crashed into the fusion, hurtling it downward like a meteor.
In the blink of an eye, Zukanna was back on the ground, her energy crackling around her as she stretched her hands toward the plummeting fusion. The sky darkened momentarily as her aura flared, and with a fierce determination, she shouted, "Vengeful Hammer!"
A spiraling wave of purple and green energy surged from her hands, hurtling through the air with a fierce intensity. The wave collided with the fusion, engulfing it in a brilliant explosion of light and power. The explosion illuminated the city, casting shadows of destruction across the once-bustling streets.
As the energy wave dissipated, the air was thick with dust and debris. Zukanna stood tall, her breathing steady, as she surveyed the aftermath. The fusion, Abo and Cado, had been obliterated in the blast, their cries for vengeance silenced forever.
The other Saiyans erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted by the display of power and strength. They had witnessed their princess rise from the brink of defeat to become a beacon of hope and resilience. Zukanna turned to face them, her expression fierce yet compassionate.
The battle had finally ended, and the air was thick with a mix of relief and exhilaration. Zukanna stood at the center of the gathering, surrounded by the liberated Saiyans, who cheered and congratulated her on her victory. Their voices melded into a chorus of gratitude and admiration, echoing through the ruins of the city.
As Zukanna powered down, her fiery aura subsiding, she felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, but it was eclipsed by the warmth of her people's appreciation. Her heart swelled as she looked around at the faces of the Saiyans who had endured so much.
Suddenly, a small figure dashed toward her. The child, who had been clinging to the old Saiyan before he had sacrificed himself, ran up and threw his arms around Zukanna. "Thank you for saving us!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine joy and relief. Zukanna knelt down to embrace him, her heart aching for the loss he had experienced.
At that moment, Tarble approached, shaking Zukanna's hand firmly before pulling her into a tight hug. "What was that transformation?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity and awe.
Zukanna smiled softly, "That was the Super Saiyan transformation," she explained, and gasps filled the air around them as the other Saiyans whispered among themselves, "The legend?"
She continued, "But I'm not the first to achieve it. There's someone you all should know about, his name is Kakarot."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd. "Captain Bardock's youngest?" one of the older Saiyans whispered, a mix of astonishment and pride evident in his voice. Zukanna nodded, feeling a swell of connection to her heritage as she spoke of Goku's feats.
As the whispers settled, Zukanna called out to Blueberry, who had been watching from the cloaked ship above. "Blueberry! Bring the ship down to collect everyone!"
As Blueberry brought the ship down, the Saiyans began to panic slightly at the sight of Frieza's ship looming nearby. Zukanna quickly stepped forward, raising her hands to calm them. "Everyone, please! There's no need to worry. I took this ship after Kakarot defeated Frieza," she explained, her voice steady and reassuring. The tension in the air slowly dissipated as they looked at her with awe and reverence, realizing the strength she had displayed.
Once onboard, Zukanna guided the Saiyan survivors through the ship, showing them to their accommodations. She could see the mix of relief and confusion on their faces as they settled in. Many of them exchanged glances, recognizing that they had found a new leader in Zukanna.
After ensuring everyone was comfortable, Zukanna met with Blueberry, who was waiting for her with a concerned look. Upon seeing her torn attire and the remnants of the battle still evident on her body, his worry intensified. "Zukanna, you really should rest. You're hurt," he said, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Zukanna gave him a reassuring smile, trying to ease his worry. "I'm fine, Blueberry. I promise I'm not going to faint," she assured him, though she felt the weariness creeping in. "But I do need to change."
With that, she headed to her quarters, feeling the weight of the day's events bearing down on her. Inside, she quickly changed into her royal armor, a grey sleeveless form-fitting jumpsuit that hugged her figure, paired with a white and yellow vest armor that lacked shoulder guards. The vibrant red cape flowed behind her as she put on her white gloves and boots, completing the ensemble with a golden tiara adorned with a ruby at its center.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Zukanna felt a surge of confidence. This armor was a symbol of her heritage and her newfound responsibilities. She was no longer just a warrior; she was the princess, the guardian of her people, and their hope for the future.
Stepping back out into the ship, Zukanna found Blueberry still waiting. His eyes widened when he saw her in her royal armor, admiration shining through. "You look amazing," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you," Zukanna replied with a soft smile, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Now, let's get everyone settled and discuss our next steps."
As soon as Tarble arrived in the control room, Zukanna wasted no time. "Tarble, do you know how Abo and Cado achieved their strength?" she asked, her tone urgent. "There's no way Frieza would have kept them around if he felt threatened by them. I assume their rise to power was a recent development."
Tarble took a deep breath, clearly recalling something troubling. "Well, one day an unknown pirate Saiyan came to the throne room. He offered to buy two women, one was a native of the planet, and the other... was our mother."
Zukanna froze at the mention of their mother, her heart racing. "What happened to her? Where did this pirate go?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.
"I'm not sure," Tarble admitted, his expression grim. "But I think the other slavers might know something. He often traded with him so they would know more."
He continued, "After the pirate took them, he paid Abo and Cado with two weird-looking fruits. They said it granted whoever consumed it immense power. They used it to grow stronger, and that's how they gained so much power in a sort amount of time."
Zukanna clenched her fists, the implications of this revelation sinking in. The thought of their mother being taken and sold haunted her. "Did you see what the fruit looked like?" she pressed.
Tarble nodded, trying to remember. "It was bright red and was dotted. I overheard some of the guards talking about it."
Zukanna activated the ship's comms, and broadcast to the rest of the city, her voice resonating with authority. "Attention, slavers! You have one hour to gather by my ship. If any of you try to escape, I will personally kill you."
The threat hung heavy in the air, and she could almost feel their fear as they scrambled to comply. After an hour, she looked down from the ship's ramp to see the slavers gathered, their expressions a mix of dread and desperation. They had witnessed her battle against Abo and Cado, and she could tell that they understood the severity of their situation.
As they lined up before her, Zukanna stepped forward, her gaze piercing. "Tell me everything you know about the pirate Saiyan. Where is he, and what is his connection to you?"
One of the slavers, trembling, stepped forward. "We don't know where he is now, but we have his ship's transponder code," he stammered. "He gave it to us in case we needed to find him for trade opportunities."
Zukanna's interest piqued. "Give it to me." The slaver quickly handed over a small device with the information stored inside, and she felt a surge of satisfaction. This was a crucial lead.
"I am not done with you yet," she continued, her tone cold as ice. "All of you are being detained and will be sent to the Galactic Patrol Prison for your crimes. You will face justice for what you've done." The slavers exchanged panicked glances, realizing that their fates were sealed.
As the slavers were escorted onto the ship's holding area, Zukanna turned to Tarble, her heart racing with anticipation. "Do you know anything about the other woman? The one the pirate took?"
Tarble's expression shifted, and he looked away for a moment, his brow furrowing. "That woman... she was my wife," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Zukanna froze, her eyes widening in shock. "Your wife?" she echoed, trying to process the revelation. "You never mentioned her before. What happened to her?"
Tarble took a deep breath, his voice trembling as he continued. "When the pirate came to the planet, he offered a high price for her. I couldn't stop them. They took her."
Zukanna placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, understanding the weight of his words. "We'll rescue her and mother, Tarble. I promise. With this transponder code, we'll track down the pirate and rescue them. You're not alone in this."
"Thank you, Zukanna," he replied, gratitude flooding his eyes. "I didn't think I would see her or you again. Together we will bring them back."
Hello people,
Chapter Eight is done, if you like these kinds of stories, I can write more what if scenarios. Feel free to make requests in my inbox.
Please feel free to drop reviews or give suggestions as I feel they will help improve the quality of the story.
cheers,
maximuskahn1994