"Again," Cellera demanded, though her usual commanding tone held a hint of playful challenge. Two rounds of image training had left them tied - her tactical precision winning the first bout while Gohan's creative adaptability had secured the second.
Gohan wiped sweat from his brow, grinning despite his fatigue. Even in mental combat, sparring with Cellera was intense. "Best two out of three?"
"Of course. A true warrior never leaves things..." Cellera trailed off suddenly, her expression sharpening. At the same moment, Gohan's head snapped toward the horizon.
"You feel that too?" He asked, already rising from his cross-legged position.
Cellera nodded, sliding gracefully from her perch on one of the massive Dragon Balls. "Two ki." Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the distant energies. "One is definitely Krillin, and the other..."
"Wait - that ki feels familiar," Gohan's face lit up with recognition. "It's Dende! He must be coming with Krillin to help us summon the dragon! We might finally be able to wish everyone back!"
"We should meet them halfway," Cellera said, already rising into the air.
"Yeah," Gohan agreed, falling into formation beside her.
They shared a quick look of understanding before taking to the sky, their earlier competition forgotten in light of this new development. Whatever came next, they were one step closer to undoing the damage that had brought them all to Namek.
It didn't take long for Gohan and Cellera to intercept Krillin and Dende. They met high above one of Namek's many islands, the relief on everyone's faces evident despite their rush.
"Krillin! Dende!" Gohan called out as they drew near. His smile faltered slightly as he processed the timing. "Wait - how'd you make it to Guru's and back so quickly?"
"Actually," Krillin rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin, "I didn't have to. Guru had already sent Dende our way with the password. We crossed paths on the way."
"Elder Guru foresaw that you would need a translator," Dende explained, his usually timid voice carrying newfound purpose. "The dragon can only grant wishes if they're spoken in the Namekian tongue."
"So that's why the Dragon Balls wouldn't respond earlier," Cellera said thoughtfully.. Though she kept her expression neutral, there was a hint of pride in her voice as she added, "I had a feeling the password would be different here."
The four hovered together in the Namekian sky, each processing what this development meant for their chances against Frieza. After everything they'd been through - the battles, the losses, the desperate race for the Dragon Balls - they might finally have a way to make things right.
"By the way, where's Vegeta?" Krillin asked, glancing around nervously. "I kept my power level down so he wouldn't sense me coming."
"Taking a much-needed rest in the ship," Cellera replied, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "I finally convinced him to sleep about an hour ago. Though I suspect it was more exhaustion than actually heeding my advice."
"Really?" Krillin's eyes lit up with sudden possibility. "This might be our perfect chance then. If we move the Dragon Balls away from here while he's sleeping, we can make our wishes without interference. Even if he wakes up when Shenron appears, we'll have bought ourselves some time."
"Another misdirection?" Cellera smirked, remembering how well their last plan had worked - her giving Vegeta one Dragon Ball knowing full well Gohan would return with the one he'd hidden. "I like it. The further we are when we summon the dragon, the more time we'll have before father realizes what's happening."
"You know, I'm still amazed how easily you helped us trick Vegeta earlier," Krillin admitted with a grateful smile. "For a minute there, I was worried you might not want to go against him again."
"Please," Cellera rolled her eyes, though her lips curved upward. "If I was going to start having loyalty conflicts, I would have done it long before helping you hide that Dragon Ball from him. Now," her expression turned more serious, "We should check through one of the ship's windows to make sure he's still asleep before we move anything."
The group of four began to fly back to Frieza's ship, being sure to keep their energy hidden so as to not wake Vegeta. While Krillin, Gohan, and Dende began carefully gathering the massive Dragon Balls, Cellera crept toward one of the ship's curved windows. She moved with stealthy precision, trying to keep the adrenaline she felt coursing through her at outmaneuvering her father again at bay. Through the glass, she could make out his sleeping form - for once, his stern features relaxed in rest.
Something twisted in her chest as she watched him. Part of her understood his desperation for immortality. Against Frieza, they needed every advantage they could get. But she'd seen the growing darkness in him since her mother's death, the way his methods had grown more extreme with each passing year. Even if immortality could help them defeat Frieza, she couldn't trust what that kind of power would do to him now.
She pushed away from the window, giving the others a quick nod. As they began moving the Dragon Balls, she cast one last glance at the ship. I'm sorry, Father, she thought, but some prices are too high, even for revenge.
"We need to hurry," She said, joining the others in their task. "He never sleeps long, and we've already used up an hour of that time."
Each of them carefully lifted their share of the Dragon Balls - Gohan, Krillin, and Cellera managing two apiece while Dende carried one. Despite their massive size, the golden orbs felt lighter than expected, as if their mystical nature somehow defied normal physics.
They flew low across Namek's surface, keeping their power levels suppressed as much as possible while still maintaining enough speed to put significant distance between themselves and the ship. Finally, they reached a small clearing surrounded by rocky outcroppings - close enough to return quickly if needed, but far enough that Vegeta wouldn't immediately spot them.
As they arranged the Dragon Balls in their traditional circular pattern, Cellera felt a familiar cold dread creep up her spine. At the same moment, both Gohan and Krillin's heads snapped up, their expressions mirroring her own growing alarm.
"That power level..." Gohan whispered, his voice tight with fear.
"Frieza," Cellera confirmed, her usual calm tone carrying an edge of urgency. "We need to summon the dragon now! My father will sense him approaching too - he won't stay asleep through that!"
"Dende, hurry!" Krillin said, turning to the young Namekian.
The seven Dragon Balls gleamed ominously in the Namekian sunlight, as if they too could sense the approaching danger. Whatever wishes they planned to make, their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.
Dende raised his hands toward the assembled Dragon Balls, his young voice carrying surprising authority as he began to speak in Namekian. The ancient language seemed to resonate with the golden orbs, which began to pulse with an inner light that grew steadily brighter.
Cellera and Gohan exchanged wide-eyed looks as darkness swept across Namek's sky, the planet's three suns seemingly eclipsed by mystical power. Neither of them had ever witnessed anything like this - their shared wonder momentarily overshadowing their fear of Frieza's approach.
"Incredible," Cellera breathed, her usual analytical mask slipping as she watched the Dragon Balls' light show illuminate the darkened landscape. The tactical part of her mind noted how visible this display would be - they'd need to work quickly.
A massive form began to materialize above them, its serpentine body continuing to rise until it seemed to fill the blackened sky. Even Cellera found herself taking an unconscious step back at the sheer scale of the creature.
"Whoa!" Krillin exclaimed, craning his neck to take in the full sight. "He makes Earth's Shenron look like a garden snake!"
"Is... is this Shenron?" Gohan asked, his voice hushed with awe.
"No," Dende replied, his own eyes wide as he gazed up at the being he'd only heard about in legends. "This is Porunga, the God of Dreams. This is my first time ever seeing him too."
"THOU WHO HAST GATHERED THE DRAGON BALLS, SPEAK FORTH THY WISHES," Porunga's voice boomed across the landscape. "I SHALL GRANT THEE ANY THREE WISHES THAT ARE WITHIN MY CAPACITY."
"Three wishes?" Krillin's face lit up. "Nail was right! This is perfect! We can wish back all our friends and-"
"Focus!" Cellera snapped, her thumb pressing against her lip as she sensed Frieza's energy drawing closer. "We need to make these wishes quickly. I can already feel my father's ki stirring - he won't sleep through this."
"She's right," Dende added urgently. "We must hurry before Frieza arrives!"
The massive dragon loomed above them, waiting for their wishes while the universe's most dangerous tyrant was approaching them. Their time was running out.
"Dende, tell him our first wish is to bring back everyone the Saiyans killed on Earth!" Krillin called out, his voice urgent but hopeful.
Dende nodded and translated the request into Namekian. Porunga's red eyes flashed as he processed the wish, but his response made everyone's hearts sink.
"THIS CANNOT BE DONE," The dragon's voice thundered. "I CAN ONLY RESTORE ONE LIFE AT A TIME."
"What?" Krillin's shoulders slumped. "But then... who do we bring back first?"
Silence fell over the group as they wrestled with the impossible choice. Cellera's thumb pressed against her lip as she analyzed their options, her tactical mind racing. Then it clicked.
"Piccolo," she said suddenly. "Since he is the creator of the Dragon Balls, if we bring him back, the ones on Earth should return as well. That would give us another set of wishes to work with." Though she kept her voice steady, she couldn't help but glance at Gohan, remembering his unwavering determination to restore his mentor.
"That's... that's brilliant!" Krillin exclaimed, turning to her in shock. "Although, technically it's not Piccolo who created the Dragon Balls - it was his other half, Kami. He's Earth's Guardian."
"Other... half?" Cellera's brow furrowed in confusion.
"It's complicated," Krillin said with a small laugh. "I'll explain everything later, after all this is over."
Something warm bloomed in Cellera's chest at those words - the casual assumption that they'd all be around later for such conversations. Before she could dwell on the feeling, though, she noticed Gohan's expression change, as if he was listening to something they couldn't hear.
"Yes, Piccolo," He said suddenly, startling both Krillin and Cellera. "I understand! Dende, we need to wish Piccolo back to life, and then wish him here to Namek!"
"Gohan?" Krillin asked. "Did King Kai...?"
Gohan nodded quickly. "Piccolo says we'll need his help against Frieza. He wants us to bring him here!"
The massive dragon continued to loom above them, waiting for their decision while precious seconds ticked away. At least now they knew exactly what their first wish needed to be.
"Dende, wish for our friend Piccolo to return to life!" Gohan urged, his eyes bright with hope.
Dende nodded, raising his hands toward Porunga as he translated their request. The ancient words seemed to resonate with the massive dragon, his eyes glowing brighter as he processed their wish.
"VERY WELL," Porunga's voice thundered across the darkened landscape. "I SHALL GRANT THY FIRST WISH."
Inside Frieza's ship, Vegeta's eyes snapped open as a familiar, terrifying power level brushed against his consciousness. Frieza. But something else was wrong - the light filtering through the ship's windows seemed... different. Darker.
He bolted upright, confusion giving way to fury as he realized what he was seeing. Namek didn't have a night cycle - which meant the unnatural darkness could only come from one source.
Through the window, he spotted an enormous serpentine form coiling through the blackened sky. The Dragon Balls. His Dragon Balls. Gone.
"Those bastards got the jump on me!" He snarled, already moving toward the exit. "Again!" His power flared with his rage as he shot into the air, heading straight for the massive dragon.
His fury only grew as he recognized exactly who must have orchestrated this deception. "Twice!" He growled. "My own daughter has played me for a fool twice!" Yet even through his anger, he couldn't quite suppress a flicker of pride at her cunning. She'd outmaneuvered him completely - just like her mother used to do during missions or spars.
"Every day she becomes more like Rhuba," He muttered as he flew, his rage warring with an odd sense of satisfaction. "The same crafty mind, the same infuriating ability to see right through my plans..." His fists clenched as he spotted the group gathered beneath Porunga. "And the same damned habit of choosing moral sentiment over power!"
"Quickly, Dende!" Gohan urged. "Our second wish - we need Piccolo transported to Namek!"
Just as Dende began to translate, Cellera's head snapped toward the horizon, her eyes widening. "Father's approaching - fast." Her thumb pressed against her lip as she calculated their remaining time. "Hurry!"
"I see him!" Krillin confirmed, spotting a rapidly growing dot in the distance.
Dende spoke the wish in rapid Namekian, his young voice carrying an edge of desperation. Porunga's eyes flashed once more as he granted their request, but when they looked around expectantly, Piccolo was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he?" Gohan asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"The wish was granted," Dende explained quickly, "But we only asked for him to be brought to Namek - not specifically to our location!"
Before they could process this information, a familiar shadow fell over them. Cellera didn't need to turn around to know her father had arrived - his energy radiated fury.
"Did you really think you could pull this deception off twice?" Vegeta's voice cut through the air like a blade. "You've just thrown away our only chance at defeating Frieza!"
"Father-" Cellera began, but his glare silenced her.
"Don't." His power crackled around him dangerously. "I expected this from them, but you... You're becoming more like your mother every day, and not in ways that will keep you alive!"
"We still have one more wish!" Gohan blurted out in panic.
"Gohan, no!" Krillin shouted, but it was too late.
Cellera closed her eyes briefly, suppressing a groan as she felt her father's energy spike with renewed interest. She knew exactly what was coming next.
As Frieza's massive power level drew closer, Vegeta seized Dende by the front of his robes. "What are you waiting for!? Tell him now! Make me immortal at once!"
"Father!" Cellera moved instinctively, her hand closing around his arm. "Let him go!"
"Do you want to be killed?!" Vegeta snarled at Dende, though he released his grip at his daughter's intervention. "Frieza will show no mercy - you've seen what he's done to your people!"
Cellera looked to Gohan and Krillin, seeing the same grim understanding in their expressions. Her father might be cruel, might be dangerous, but Frieza... With her father still mortal, they stood no chance.
"Do it, Dende," She said quietly. "Grant his wish."
"She's right," Krillin added, though the words seemed to pain him. "He may be evil, but he's still better than Frieza. Right now, he's our only option."
"Especially since dad is still healing from his injuries." Gohan added, just as pained.
Dende nodded reluctantly, raising his hands toward Porunga. But something in her father's expression made Cellera's stomach turn - that dark gleam that had been growing since her mother's death, now mixed with anticipated triumph.
Before Dende could speak the wish, the sky suddenly blazed with light. Porunga's massive form began to fade, the Dragon Balls beneath them turning dull and gray like lifeless stone.
"What... what the hell just happened?!" Vegeta demanded, staring at the now-bright sky. "Why did the dragon disappear? Why are the Dragon Balls stone?!"
"The Grand Elder," Dende's voice cracked with grief. "Guru has passed away."
Cellera felt a wave of sympathy for the young Namekian, even as relief warred with growing dread in her chest. They'd avoided giving her father immortality, but now they had no way to stop Frieza. Their only hope was that Kakarot would be healed before Frieza kills them all. 'Though given his pattern of barely-in-time arrivals,' she thought with grim humor, 'We should expect him right as Frieza's about to deliver the killing blow.'
"If you hadn't deceived me," Vegeta rounded on them, his power crackling with rage, "If You hadn't left me behind, we wouldn't be in this situation!"
"Oh, that's rich coming from you!" Cellera snapped, her usual composure cracking to reveal the five-year-old beneath. "For your information, this wasn't even my plan! And you want to talk about leaving people behind? You abandoned me with CUI!" Her small fists clenched at her sides. "CUI, Father! The most insufferable warrior in Frieza's army, and you just took off for Namek without me!"
Gohan and Krillin exchanged wide-eyed looks, unconsciously taking a step back from the family dispute. They'd seen Vegeta angry plenty of times, but this was different - this was Cellera finally voicing her hurt, her normal calm and collected attitude temporarily overcome by emotion.
"Watch your tone," Vegeta snarled, though something flickered in his expression at her outburst.
"Or what? You'll punch me again? That worked out so well last time!" Her voice carried a weight of understanding beyond her years. "Ever since mother died, all you care about is power - more power, more destruction, more control! She would have-"
"Don't you dare speak of what she would have wanted!" But his voice held less fury now, something almost vulnerable bleeding through. "You think I don't see her in every decision you make? Every time you choose mercy and sentiments over strength, every time you-"
The words died in his throat as he caught her expression - not anger now, but pure terror. She felt it then - that overwhelming, crushing presence behind them. Their argument was forgotten as they turned to find Frieza hovering above their group, his face twisted with fury.
"No, don't let me stop your little family argument," Frieza's silky voice cut through the tension. His tone remained almost pleasant until the final word: "Continue."
The drop in his voice on that last word made even Vegeta flinch. Cellera felt her father shift slightly, unconsciously moving to place himself between her and Frieza.
"I must say, I'm rather puzzled," Frieza continued, his tail swaying lazily behind him. "My scouter isn't picking up any readings from the Ginyu Force. I don't suppose any of you would know anything about that?" His red eyes swept over the group, lingering on Vegeta. "Though I must admit, the Dragon Balls turning to stone at the last possible moment is quite... unfortunate. For you especially, Vegeta. Though perhaps, even more so for me."
No one moved. No one spoke. Even breathing seemed dangerous under Frieza's cold scrutiny. He descended slowly, touching down before them with unnatural grace.
"Never before," He said softly, each word precise and measured, "Have I ever been so disrespected." His calm facade cracked, power beginning to radiate from him in waves. "And now you'll pay."
The explosion of rage that followed made his previous fury seem mild. "VILE, FILTH-SUCKING MAGGOTS! I WILL KILL YOU AND SAVOR EVERY SECOND!" Frieza's power continued to build as he screamed, the ground cracking beneath his feet. "NOT A SINGLE ONE OF YOU WILL ESCAPE MY WRATH!"
Cellera had seen Frieza angry before - had witnessed his careful control slip when he was particularly dissatisfied. But this... this was different. This was the fury of a god discovering his subjects had dared to challenge his divinity.
"Well," Vegeta stepped forward, his voice carrying more bravado than wisdom, "You've finally shown your true colors. If you think you'll best us that easily, you're gravely mistaken." His lips curved into a challenging smirk. "Go ahead, Frieza. Try it."
"My, my... You seem to have forgotten how terrifying I can be, Vegeta." Frieza's smile held no warmth. "Allow me to refresh your memory."
The air itself seemed to vibrate as Frieza's power began to build. Even Vegeta's confident stance wavered as waves of energy pulsed outward, cracking the ground beneath their feet. Gohan unconsciously moved closer to Cellera, while Krillin's face drained of color.
"I always knew this day would come, Vegeta," Frieza's voice carried an almost disappointed tone. "I just never knew when you'd finally turn against me."
"H-his power level is enormous!" Krillin's voice shook. "We don't stand a chance against something like that!"
"Oh come now," Frieza chuckled darkly. "You're like ants trying to fight a dinosaur. Though I suppose that's giving you too much credit."
"We can take him," Vegeta declared suddenly, drawing shocked stares from everyone - even Cellera. "If we fight together, Frieza will have his work cut out for him."
"You can't be serious," Frieza laughed, genuine amusement coloring his voice. "The mighty Prince Vegeta, suggesting teamwork? How far you've fallen."
"Our power grows with every battle," Vegeta continued, ignoring Frieza's mockery. "The boy especially - he possesses strength beyond even his own comprehension." His eyes narrowed as he met Frieza's gaze. "And I... I am becoming what you fear most: a Super Saiyan."
Cellera couldn't help but marvel at her father's sudden praise of Gohan. She'd recognized his potential back on Earth, seen how his power spiked during moments of emotional intensity. But to hear her father acknowledge it so openly... Though she could have done without yet another mention of the Super Saiyan legend. Her father's growing obsession with that particular myth was becoming almost concerning.
"ENOUGH OF YOUR PATHETIC LIES!" Frieza's composure finally shattered. He launched forward, fist aimed at Vegeta's face with devastating speed.
But Vegeta caught it.
The collision of their powers sent shockwaves across the landscape. Frieza's scouter exploded from the sheer energy output, its pieces scattering as the two warriors strained against each other. Neither moved for several tense seconds before the building pressure finally forced them apart.
"Well," Frieza said, brushing off his armor with exaggerated casualness, "Perhaps there is some truth to your claims after all."
"Then why don't you stop playing around?" Vegeta smirked. "Transform and show us your true form. Let's be done with it."
The challenge sent a ripple of shock through the group. Cellera's eyes widened - she hadn't known this about Frieza, and from the look on her father's face, he'd been keeping this information close.
"How did you..." Frieza's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Zarbon's loose tongue proved quite informative before his death."
"What's he talking about?" Gohan whispered to Cellera, fear and confusion mixing in his voice.
"I... I don't know," She replied, her thumb pressing against her lip as she processed this new information. Why would Father deliberately provoke him into a stronger form? We barely stand a chance against him now!
Vegeta's voice carried dark amusement as he explained. "There are a handful of freaks in the universe who can alter their shape at will. Some use it for camouflage..." His eyes fixed on Frieza. "Others use it to avoid wasting energy."
"Very well," Frieza chuckled softly. "Watch closely - this isn't something you see every day." His tail swished behind him as his smile grew cruel. "You know, when I destroyed Planet Vegeta, I didn't even need to transform to handle your father, the great King. He was absolutely helpless."
Cellera's fists clenched at the casual mention of her grandfather's death and their planet's destruction, but Vegeta just scoffed.
"Don't let it go to your head," He sneered. "I surpassed that fool as a child."
Cellera trembled, though not entirely from fear now. Her father's words about surpassing the king barely registered through the rage building inside her. This monster had destroyed their home, killed her grandfather, and now stood there gloating about it.
Gohan glanced at his friend, recognizing that particular tremor in her small frame - he'd felt it himself when Nappa had killed Piccolo. Her fists were clenched he could hear her leather gloves creaking, and something dangerous flickered behind her gaze.
"Cellera..." He whispered, but before he could say more, Frieza's power spiked dramatically.
The tyrant's battle armor clattered to the ground in pieces as his body began to pulse with energy.
"What kind of transformation is that?" Vegeta asked mockingly, though his smirk faltered as Frieza's body began to change.
They watched in horror as Frieza's form expanded, growing taller, more muscular. Horns erupted from his head as his power level skyrocketed beyond anything they'd felt before. The transformation seemed to darken the very air around them.
"We're... we're going to die," Gohan whispered, his earlier bravado evaporating.
"This is a nightmare," Krillin added, taking an unconscious step backward.
Cellera couldn't argue with either assessment. Her mind raced through possibilities, each more hopeless than the last. Hurry, Kakarot, she thought desperately. Or you, Piccolo. Someone...
Though she kept her expression carefully neutral, her thumb pressed hard against her lip - that telling gesture of being deep in thought now serving to hide how badly her hand was shaking.
"I won't be as merciful as I was before," Frieza warned, his eyes lingering on Cellera with dark amusement. "You'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit rough. I have so much power right now, it's hard to control."
With a casual flick of his wrist, Frieza unleashed his power. The entire island beneath them erupted in a massive explosion, sending debris flying in all directions.
"Krillin! Dende!" Cellera and Gohan shouted simultaneously as the dust began to clear.
"Krillin, you're bleeding!" Gohan called out, spotting the red stain on his forehead.
"It's nothing," Krillin assured them, still protectively cradling Dende in his arms. "Just caught a rock fragment. I'm okay."
"Impressive reflexes," Frieza mocked, his new form towering over them. His eyes fixed on Vegeta's tense expression. "What's wrong, Vegeta? Perhaps you've underestimated my strength?"
Cellera felt her blood run cold as Frieza's expression shifted. She recognized that look - she'd seen it countless times when he'd cornered particularly defiant victims. Like a predator selecting which prey to devour first.
"Now then," Frieza's voice dropped to a deadly purr, "Who first shall I send off to hell?"
Before anyone could react, Frieza vanished. His next words came from directly behind Krillin: "HOW ABOUT YOU?!"
Krillin barely had time to shove Dende away before Frieza's horn pierced through his stomach. The sickening sound of the impact echoed across the battlefield as their friend's blood stained Frieza's newly transformed body.
"KRILLIN!" Cellera and Gohan cried out in horror.
"Sentimental fool," Vegeta sneered. "That's what he gets for focusing on protecting the Namekian brat."
Cellera shot her father a furious glare, but her attention quickly returned to Frieza as he spoke, still holding Krillin aloft on his horn.
"Oh my, I do apologize," Frieza's false contrition dripped with malice. "I just can't seem to control myself with all this power at my disposal." With a violent motion, he hurled Krillin's limp form into the Namekian sea.
Cellera moved to pursue, but Gohan was faster, already streaking toward where his friend had disappeared beneath the water. Before he could reach Krillin, Frieza materialized in his path.
"Now, now," Frieza chided, as if speaking to a particularly slow child. "Your effort is futile. Why don't you worry about yourself instead?"
The young half-Saiyan's hands clenched into fists as he stared up at the tyrant blocking his path. Cellera recognized the building tension in his small frame - the same precursor to those explosive bursts of power she'd witnessed before.
"Move," Gohan demanded, his voice low with barely contained rage.
Cellera felt it building - that familiar surge of power that always accompanied Gohan's strongest emotions. When Frieza merely smirked in response, she tensed, recognizing what was coming.
"I SAID MOVE!" Gohan's power exploded outward as he launched himself at Frieza, catching the tyrant off guard with a devastating kick to the face. Before Frieza could recover, Gohan followed with a fierce uppercut and a barrage of strikes to his stomach, each hit carrying more force than the last.
Cellera watched in amazement as her friend fought with complete abandon, all traces of his earlier fear gone. His attacks flowed with a raw power she'd only glimpsed before, culminating in a massive Masenko that sent Frieza crashing into a distant island. Even after landing such powerful hits, Gohan continued his assault, pummeling Frieza with ki blasts.
"Incredible," Vegeta muttered, watching the display with growing interest. "The power this boy can draw out when he loses control... Perhaps he's the closest to achieving the legendary Super Saiyan transformation."
Cellera suppressed an eye roll at her father's continued obsession with the legend, but her attention snapped back to the battle as she spotted movement in the impact crater.
"Gohan!" she shouted in warning, but he had already turned away, focused on where Dende was pulling Krillin from the water. "Don't let your guard down!"
"Well, well," Frieza's wicked grin caught the light as he rose from the crater. "There seems to be more to you than meets the eye, boy. That actually hurt... a little." His smile turned cruel. "But you chose the wrong opponent. You've only succeeded in making me angry."
Gohan, Vegeta, and Cellera stared in shock as Frieza's power began to climb even higher, his aura pulsing with controlled intensity.
"He can regulate his power level at will," Vegeta growled through clenched teeth.
Before anyone could react, Frieza materialized directly in front of Gohan.
"Get out of there, idiot!" Vegeta shouted.
"Gohan, move!" Cellera's warning came too late.
Frieza's casual backhand sent Gohan plummeting into the ground below. "Oh dear, don't get yourself hurt so quickly. I'm just warming up," He said, admiring the crater he'd created.
Vegeta seized the opportunity, launching a powerful ki blast at Frieza's exposed back. "I did it!" he crowed as the explosion lit up the sky. "His overconfidence made him drop his guard! That was a direct hit!"
"Father," Cellera's dry tone cut through his premature celebration, "Did you really think that was all it took?"
The smoke cleared to reveal Frieza completely unharmed, not even a scratch marring his new form. He turned slowly, his eyes holding dark amusement. "Now, now, don't be in such a rush, you two. We'll have plenty of time to play once I'm done with the runt."
"Our fates are sealed," Vegeta muttered, a note of defeat in his voice that Cellera had never heard before.
But as she watched Gohan continue to fight against impossible odds, she found she couldn't accept that surrender. He was still fighting - how could she do any less?
Her anger began to build as Frieza drove his knee into Gohan's stomach, following with a series of brutal kicks that sent him tumbling across the ground. Gohan managed to recover, using a ki blast to propel himself away - the same technique he'd used to win their second round of image training just hours ago. The memory of their friendly sparring made Frieza's cruelty feel even more stark.
But Frieza appeared behind Gohan mid-flight, his tail whipping around to slam the boy back to the ground. Even then, Gohan struggled to his feet, only for Frieza to drive an elbow into his head before pressing his foot down on the boy's skull. Gohan's cry of pain cut through Cellera like a blade.
"What's wrong, you two?" Frieza called up mockingly. "Aren't you going to save him? He won't last much longer at this rate."
Something snapped inside Cellera as she watched her friend writhe in pain. Her fear of Frieza began to burn away, replaced by a rage she'd never felt before. Her own words from Earth echoed in her mind - So discard your hesitation, be a Saiyan, and fight!
Just as she prepared to launch herself forward, Vegeta's hand seized her arm. "Have you forgotten everything I taught you?!"
Cellera turned to face him, and for once, Vegeta found himself startled by his daughter's expression. Gone was Rhuba's gentle gaze - in its place burned something far more familiar. His own fierce pride stared back at him.
"No," She said, her voice carrying that same edge he'd spent years honing in her. "I haven't forgotten a single lesson."
"Then stand down! He's already-"
"Already what, Father? Done for? Like I was supposed to be done for against Dodoria? Against Zarbon? The Ginyus?" Her small fists clenched at her sides. "You taught me that a true Saiyan never stands down!"
"Your emotions will get you killed!"
"Then I'll die with my pride intact!" The look she gave him now held something beyond mere defiance - it held understanding. "You taught me that above all else, a Saiyan keeps their pride. And my pride..." her power flared around her as her voice softened slightly, "Will not let me watch my friends die. I'll fight to protect them!"
Vegeta stood frozen as she wrenched free of his grip, launching herself toward Frieza. Friends, he thought, watching his five-year-old daughter charge toward certain death. The word should have disgusted him, should have confirmed every fear about her growing soft. Instead, he found himself remembering another day, years ago, when he'd first taught her about Saiyan pride...
"But Father," She'd asked during their training, her small voice trying so hard to be formal like his, "If our pride comes from being the strongest warriors in the universe, why do we serve Frieza?"
He'd looked down at her then - barely tall enough to reach his knee, yet already questioning what ate at his own pride daily.
"Because right now, we're not strong enough to defeat him," He'd replied, his voice hard as he corrected her stance. "But we are still the mightiest race in the universe. Your Saiyan blood carries the potential for victory - that's where our pride comes from. One day, we'll prove it."
"And then we'll win?" Even then, she'd caught the dangerous edge in his voice.
"Always remember this: a true Saiyan's pride demands victory. Nothing else matters." His hands had tightened on her shoulders. "You carry royal blood. One day, you'll understand what that truly means."
Now, watching her rush toward certain defeat, Vegeta realized his daughter had found her own interpretation of victory - one that somehow managed to both defy and honor his teachings. While his pride demanded personal triumph at any cost, she'd found something else worth fighting for.
'She has more Saiyan spirit than I do right now', He thought, his hands clenching as his daughter - his pride - flew to face the universe's most dangerous tyrant.
Cellera rushed as fast as she could toward Gohan and Frieza, acknowledging with startling clarity that she'd just called Krillin and Gohan her friends aloud for the first time. They - along with Bulma - had become something worth protecting. Something worth dying for.
As she reached them, Cellera launched into a flurry of punches and kicks aimed at Frieza's head. The tyrant merely swayed around each strike, not even bothering to lift his foot from Gohan's skull. Before she could adjust her strategy, his hand shot out and seized her throat, lifting her small form into the air.
"So much like your mother," Frieza chuckled, his red eyes glinting with cruel delight. "Her death will always hold a special place in my heart. I couldn't stand her talk of mercy and the strength coming from protecting instead of killing. It made me want to vomit." His gaze shifted between her and Vegeta. "Imagine my surprise when she of all people got with your father, the most ruthless of the Saiyans."
Cellera clawed desperately at Frieza's wrist as his grip tightened around her windpipe, her analytical mind still racing even as her vision began to darken at the edges.
"Then they had you." His grip constricted further. "I tried so often to dispose of you, but they were both just too good at keeping you in their sight. And even when I sent you on those missions with Dodoria and Zarbon without your father, you still refused to die... just like a cockroach."
A single tear rolled down Cellera's cheek, falling through the air to land on Gohan's face below. His eyes widened at the warm drop, and as their gazes met, she saw not the fear and hesitation from Earth, but the same fierce determination she felt burning in her chest. That tear, she would later insist, came purely from the crushing pressure on her throat, not from learning how long Frieza had been trying to kill her, how her parents had spent years protecting her from his schemes.
"I think I will kill you first after all." Frieza's smile widened. "Say hello to your mother for me in hell!"
Just as Frieza's grip began to tighten fatally, something caught his attention. His eyes widened as he released Cellera and leaped back, a razor-sharp disc of energy slicing through the air where he'd been standing - and through half his tail.
"What?" Frieza snarled, staring at his severed appendage.
To everyone's amazement, Krillin hovered in the air, very much alive. Only a hole in his battle jacket remained as evidence of his near-fatal injury.
"Looking for someone?" Krillin called out, already forming another Destructo-Disc above his palm. He launched disc after disc at Frieza, forcing the tyrant to dodge repeatedly.
"Stay still, you insect!" Frieza raged as Krillin led him on a chase through the air, displaying surprising agility as he continued his assault.
As Frieza pursued Krillin, Cellera saw Dende rushing toward where she and Gohan lay. "Let me heal you both," The young Namekian said urgently.
"You can heal?" Cellera managed through her bruised throat, the words coming out as little more than a rasp.
Dende nodded, already reaching toward her, but she shook her head. "Gohan first," she insisted, her voice rough. "He's more wounded."
"Cellera..." Gohan said weakly, "Are you sure? Thank you for trying to help me, but-"
"I'm fine," She assured him, attempting to sound stronger despite her damaged throat. "A true Saiyan warrior can handle far worse than this." She even managed a smirk, though the effect was somewhat ruined by her wince as she tried to swallow.
After Dende finished healing Gohan, the boy immediately turned to her, clearly not buying her act of bravado.
"Your turn," He said firmly, noticing the dark bruises forming on her neck. "No arguments." He gestured for Dende to heal her, his expression leaving no room for debate - even for a prideful Saiyan princess.
After they both thanked Dende for his healing, Gohan and Cellera shared a look, nodding in silent understanding before powering up. They flew upward together to join Krillin and Vegeta, who were watching Frieza recover from Krillin's solar flare.
Cellera immediately noted the change in Gohan's energy - his power had increased significantly from their near-death experience. Her father seemed to notice as well.
"The boy's gotten stronger again," Vegeta said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Perhaps luck is finally tipping in our favor." His eyes then narrowed as he turned to Cellera. "Why didn't you tell me about the Namekian child's healing abilities?"
"Because I had no idea he possessed them," She replied, unconsciously mirroring her father's crossed-arm stance.
"None of us knew," Krillin added quickly.
"If we did, we would've had him heal my dad right away," Gohan said.
Frieza emerged from the lingering effects of the solar flare, his eyes immediately fixing on Gohan. "Impossible... The runt is back when he should be on the verge of death."
But before he could act on his fury, everyone froze - a massive power level was approaching rapidly. It felt different from Goku's energy, but no less formidable. The sky seemed to darken as a figure appeared on the horizon.
"Is that..." Gohan's face lit up with recognition. "Piccolo!"
Piccolo appeared before them, floating protectively in front of Gohan. "Sorry to have kept you all waiting," He said, his eyes fixed on Frieza. "So this is him. Quite a formidable monster."
Gohan beamed at his mentor's arrival, and Cellera couldn't help but smile at her friend's joy. After everything they'd been through to bring him back, seeing Piccolo standing between them and Frieza felt like the first real hope they'd had since the battle began.
Her moment of relief shattered at her father's scoff. "Tch, if it isn't the bastard we killed back on Earth. I wondered what you wished for. You went and brought back this good-for-nothing piece of garbage?"
"Yes," Cellera shot back, her voice carrying that same dry edge she'd inherited from him, "The one who, had Nappa not killed him, would have helped you achieve immortality by now."
Piccolo's lips curved into a slight smirk at her retort before his expression hardened again. "Remember this, Vegeta," He said, never taking his eyes off Frieza. "Once I've taken care of Frieza, you're next on my list."
"I didn't think Namekians were capable of telling jokes," Vegeta replied with a sneer.
Cellera studied Piccolo carefully, her thumb pressing to her lip in analysis. He felt different - stronger than he'd been on Earth, certainly, but there was something else. It was almost as if two distinct energies were mixing together within him, though she couldn't be entirely sure. Her ki sensing abilities, while improving, were still too new to fully trust such a subtle observation.
"It's time to clean up this cosmic trash," Piccolo announced, his cape billowing in the wind as he took a fighting stance. He turned to address them all, his expression leaving no room for debate. "Stay out of this."
The command shocked them into silence - even her father seemed taken aback by the Namekian's confidence. Without waiting for their response, Piccolo descended to the ground below.
"Dende," He called to the young healer, "Take shelter. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire of what's about to happen."
"He's crazy!" Krillin said, watching Piccolo face off against Frieza. "He has no idea how terrible Frieza really is."
"He'll realize soon enough," Vegeta scoffed.
But Gohan and Cellera exchanged thoughtful looks, both less certain of Piccolo's impending defeat.
"No," Gohan said, his voice carrying quiet confidence. "Piccolo isn't the type to fight unprepared. He always senses his opponent's strength first - if he thinks he can win, he must have a reason."
"He's right," Cellera agreed. "Even during our battle on Earth, every move he made was calculated. He was always the strategist of their group..." She trailed off, remembering how he'd protected Gohan then, just as he positioned himself between them and Frieza now. "If he's choosing to fight, he must have a plan."
The four watched in amazement as Piccolo matched Frieza blow for blow, his movements precise and devastating. Each strike landed with calculated force, while Frieza's attacks met only air or perfectly timed blocks. After several exchanges, Piccolo stood virtually unmarked while Frieza showed signs of actual damage.
"I can't believe it," Krillin breathed, watching another of Piccolo's attacks send Frieza reeling. "He's as good as Frieza!"
"No," Vegeta corrected reluctantly, his fists clenching at his sides. "He's even better."
"I knew he could do it!" Gohan's face split into a wide grin as he watched his mentor dominate the battle.
"If he can maintain this level of combat," Cellera said, her eyes locked onto the battle before her, "We might not even need to wait for Kakarot." Yet something nagged at the back of her mind - an instinct warning her it couldn't be this simple.
"Looks like we're not dead after all!" Krillin laughed, relief evident in his voice.
"Yeah!" Gohan agreed enthusiastically.
Cellera glanced at her father, noting the agitation in his stance. She recognized that look - the same one he wore whenever someone displayed power that threatened his position. The fact that it was Piccolo, someone they'd so easily defeated on Earth, seemed to make it even worse.
Their celebration was cut short as Frieza's chuckle echoed across the battlefield. The tyrant launched into a sudden assault, his attacks carrying new intensity as he sent Piccolo crashing through the broken terrain.
"What's happening?" Krillin asked, his earlier confidence wavering. "He's still not fighting at full power?"
As Piccolo pushed himself up from the rubble, Frieza's smile turned cruel. "Forgive me - I didn't give you enough credit. Now that I see you're capable of holding your own, I thought I should show you more of my power."
Despite the palpable fear from the observers, Piccolo merely spat before reaching for his weighted cape and turban. The training gear crashed to the ground with thunderous force. "I suppose I should do the same then," He said, cracking his neck and wrists. "No more playing around."
"What?" Even Frieza looked taken aback. "You've been holding back until now?"
"He can do it!" Gohan exclaimed, hope filling his voice. "Piccolo can beat him!"
But Frieza's next words froze the blood in their veins. "This form is still only a fraction of my power," He said, spreading his arms wide. "You see, I had already transformed once before you arrived." His smile widened at Piccolo's shocked expression.
"Transformed…?"
"Yes... And now I'll grant you the same terror I showed Vegeta and the others." Frieza's voice carried dark satisfaction as he continued. "With each transformation, my power increases substantially. And I still have two more forms to show you."
"That's... that's impossible," Krillin whispered, but the growing darkness in Frieza's aura suggested otherwise.
Cellera turned to Gohan, her usual composed expression cracking with genuine worry. "I really hope your father decides to drop his habit of barely-in-time arrivals," She said as Frieza's body began to pulse with transformative energy.
"You should feel honored," Frieza's voice distorted as his form began to change. "You'll be the first to ever witness this transformation."
They watched in horror as Frieza's body contorted and expanded, his skull elongating grotesquely while spikes erupted from his back. His transformation seemed to darken the very air around them, and Cellera found herself questioning why they all stood frozen, allowing him to complete this metamorphosis. But she understood - even she, with all her tactical training, found herself paralyzed by the sheer terror of Frieza's growing power.
When the transformation finished, a creature that barely resembled his previous form stood before them, its elongated head housing cold, calculating eyes. "Thank you for waiting, Piccolo," Frieza's distorted voice carried a new edge of menace. "Shall we begin round two?"
Piccolo's previous confidence had vanished, replaced by visible unease. "You're... you're a monster."
"Wait," Krillin said, his voice trembling as he tried to maintain hope. "He hasn't changed that much has he?"
"No," Cellera's analytical tone carried an edge of dread. "His power is nothing like it was before. And he still has one more transformation left."
"Not only that," Vegeta added grimly, "but it seems he's able to exercise a greater degree of control."
"Look," Gohan pointed out, his voice barely above a whisper. "All the damage he took from Piccolo - it's completely healed."
Piccolo and Frieza clashed again, the Namekian attempting to outmaneuver his opponent. "You may have power," Piccolo declared, his movements a blur, "But I have speed!"
"Well, well..." Frieza's voice came from behind him. "Did you miss me?"
Before Piccolo could react, Frieza unleashed a devastating barrage of attacks, targeting his knee, head, and chest with surgical precision. Each hit landed with crushing force, sending Piccolo reeling.
"Stop it!" Gohan's power exploded with his rage as he shot toward the battle. Just as Cellera and Krillin moved to follow, Vegeta caught them each by the arm.
"What are you doing?" Krillin demanded.
"Again?!" Cellera's exasperation carried memories of her earlier attempt to help Gohan.
"Both of you, quiet," Vegeta ordered before turning to his daughter. "Cellera, I need you to blast me within an inch of my life."
"What?!" Cellera and Krillin stared at him in shock. Her tactical mind raced through possibilities before landing on Dende's healing ability. "Father, that's crazy!" But even as the words left her mouth, she knew this might be their only chance against Frieza's growing power.
Their discussion was interrupted by a massive explosion - Gohan had launched a full-power ki blast at Frieza. The tyrant barely managed to catch and redirect it, but Piccolo moved swiftly to deflect the attack before it could strike his student.
Cellera watched in amazement - this was the second time today Gohan had directly challenged Frieza, and the second time Frieza had underestimated him. The boy she'd met on Earth who could barely maintain eye contact was gone, replaced by a true warrior. From his instinctive defense of Dende against Dodoria, through his unwavering resolve against Recoome, to now facing down the universe's most powerful tyrant - each battle had stripped away another layer of hesitation. The fear that had once paralyzed him had transformed into a fierce determination to protect others, a strength that even Frieza couldn't intimidate.
"I'm proud of you, Gohan," Piccolo said, a rare smile crossing his features despite their dire situation. "You've grown much stronger."
"But still not strong enough," Gohan admitted, his fists clenching. "I hit him with everything I had."
Down below, Frieza rose from the impact crater, barely marked by Gohan's attack. Yet something about the boy's power seemed to intrigue him as his eyes narrowed in speculation.
"Now, who could have spawned such a feisty little half-breed?" He mused, his elongated head tilting as he studied Gohan. "Given the resemblance, I'd wager Raditz. It certainly couldn't have been Nappa or Vegeta." His lipless mouth curved into a cruel smile. "Though I suppose it hardly matters now."
His gaze swept across the three Saiyans - father, daughter, and half-breed child. "I think it's time I rectify my earlier mistake. No more keeping pet monkeys." Despite his mocking tone, something in his expression suggested unease as he studied them. "I don't put much stock in their ridiculous Super Saiyan legend, but there's something... unsettling about the power growing within each of them."
Vegeta grabbed Cellera's shoulders, his fingers digging in with desperate urgency. "Blast me. Now. You're the only one who can do this - powerful enough to bring me to death's edge, but with ki control precise enough not to finish the job." His voice carried that same frantic edge it had before the Ginyu Force arrived, when he'd demanded the Dragon Balls' location.
"Father..." Cellera hesitated. "There's no guarantee Dende will heal you after everything you've done."
Vegeta seized her small hand, pressing it against his abdomen. "I'm entrusting you with making sure it gets done." His eyes held hers with unexpected intensity. "Prove to me your new path isn't wrong."
Her last shred of reluctance vanished as Frieza's voice cut through the air: "Now, witness my final, true form!"
Cellera gritted her teeth, meeting her father's gaze one last time. "I'm sorry," she whispered, before sending a precise ki blast through his abdomen.
As Vegeta plummeted toward the island below, she caught sight of Gohan's shocked expression. "Krillin, explain to him what's happening," She called over her shoulder, already diving after her father's falling form.
When she reached the island, Cellera found her father barely standing, blood soaking through his armor as he faced Dende.
"I can't heal you," Dende said firmly, his small hands clenched at his sides. "You killed so many of my people, showed no mercy..." His voice trembled with barely contained grief and anger.
Vegeta swayed on his feet, blood trickling from his mouth as he tried to respond, but his legs gave out beneath him. As he slipped into unconsciousness, Cellera moved forward.
"Please, Dende," She pleaded, her tone giving way to urgency. "If you don't heal him, we'll all die. None of us stand a chance against Frieza's final form."
Their attention suddenly shifted skyward where Gohan struggled to carry Piccolo's battered form to safety. Dende's expression softened slightly as he watched.
"I'll heal Vegeta," He said finally, "But only after I save Piccolo first."
Cellera felt her jaw clench, frustration warring with understanding. After a moment, she gave a sharp nod. "Agreed." She gathered her father's limp form in her arms, following Dende as they flew to where Gohan was setting Piccolo down beside Krillin. Though her tactical mind screamed at the delay, she couldn't deny Dende's right to prioritize healing someone who hadn't slaughtered his people.
Dende's hands glowed as he healed Piccolo, who sat up with renewed strength. "Do I possess healing abilities as well?" Piccolo asked.
"No," Dende shook his head. "I descend from the healer class. You come from the warrior class."
As Dende turned toward Vegeta, Cellera noticed his hesitation. Her hands tightened unconsciously on her father's armor as she watched precious seconds tick away. Though she maintained her composed expression, her thumb pressed so hard against her lip it nearly drew blood.
Gohan noticed the subtle tremors in her normally steady hands, the way her eyes kept darting between her father's pale face and Dende's reluctant approach. He hadn't seen her this shaken since they were in the cave hiding from Frieza and his men.
"Please, Dende," Krillin urged. "We need him."
"But he's just like Frieza," Dende protested. "He killed my people in cold blood!"
"I know he's done evil, but-" Cellera's voice caught as she sensed a massive power spike. Her eyes widened as she spotted Frieza in the distance, his body already beginning to transform. Real fear began to creep into her voice. "Please..."
Gohan looked between his friend and her unconscious father, remembering how she'd rushed to help him against Frieza despite her own fear. "Dende, please," He added softly. "We can't let her lose her father too."
"Heal him," Piccolo's command cut through the tension. "I can handle Vegeta. But Frieza..." His eyes narrowed at the growing power in the distance. "We need every warrior we can get."
A massive explosion rocked the island where Frieza was transforming, causing them all to pause.
"Why didn't we mask our energy and hide while we had the chance?" Krillin asked desperately.
"It wouldn't do any good," Piccolo replied grimly. "With the Dragon Balls gone, he'd just destroy the entire planet. He no longer needs to preserve anything."
"Father!" Cellera's sharp cry cut through their discussion, her usual composed demeanor finally cracking as she watched blood continue to pool beneath Vegeta. "Please, he won't last much longer!" The naked fear in her voice - so different from her typical analytical tone - seemed to finally move Dende to action.
The young Namekian knelt beside Vegeta, his hands beginning to glow with healing energy. As the light enveloped her father, Cellera found herself holding her breath, her small hands still clutching his armor.
Vegeta's eyes snapped open as the healing completed. He stood slowly, methodically clenching and unclenching his fists as he tested his newfound strength. Then his gaze fell on Dende, and Cellera recognized the dangerous glint in his eyes.
Cellera moved instinctively, blocking the kick meant for Dende. Her small frame trembled not with fear now, but with anger.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed again?" She demanded, her voice carrying an edge that made even her father pause. "Do you really think attacking the only person who can heal us is tactically sound? It took everything I had to convince him to help you - twice now!"
Her small fists clenched at her sides as years of carefully contained emotion finally broke through. "On Earth, then here - both times I had to save you from death that your own cruelty brought on. Your need to dominate, to prove your strength through others' suffering..." Her voice cracked slightly. "Do you have any idea what it's like? To watch you constantly risk everything just to prove your power?"
"I already lost mother," She continued, softer now but no less intense. "Every time you choose violence when it isn't necessary, every time your ruthlessness puts you in danger..." Her usual analytical mask slipped completely, revealing the frightened child beneath. "I can't lose you too."
Gohan watched the outburst, startled by how different this break in Cellera's composure was from what he'd seen before. He remembered her fear in the cave when Frieza's men had flown past - they'd all been terrified then. But this was different. This wasn't the cold dread of Frieza's power; this was raw emotion, the kind she usually kept locked behind careful analysis and tactical thinking. The fear of losing another parent.
Vegeta stared at his daughter, seeing perhaps for the first time how much of Rhuba lived in her - not just in her appearance or fighting style, but in that fierce protectiveness that had ultimately led to her mother's death. Before he could respond, darkness fell over them as Frieza's power reached new heights.
"Dende, run," Cellera said quietly, her voice steadying though her hands still shook. "Find somewhere safe to hide. We'll need you again before this is over."
They all turned toward the explosion's epicenter, where Frieza's transformation was completed. Despite his now more slender frame, the sheer power radiating from him made the air itself feel heavy.
"I'm sorry," Piccolo said grimly, "But I don't think I'm going to be much help anymore."
Before anyone could respond, Frieza's hand moved - just a slight gesture. None of them saw more than a flash of light, and for a moment, they thought he'd missed entirely.
Then they heard the impact.
"DENDE!" Gohan, Cellera, and Krillin cried out simultaneously as they spotted their young friend's smoking form on the ground, his small body crumpled where he'd tried to run.
Their shocked grief was cut short by Frieza's silky voice. "Now none of you can be revived, right?"
The casual cruelty of the question hung in the air as they stared at Dende's lifeless body - the child who'd healed them, helped them, who'd overcome his own fear and anger to aid even those who'd hurt his people. Another innocent claimed by Frieza's methodical evil.
The universe's most dangerous tyrant had shown them his true form, and with it, the depths of his cruelty. None would be spared, none shown mercy - not even a child who had moments ago shown mercy to his enemies.