Hunt For The Dragon Balls
Vegeta and Cado soared through the skies of Namek, their sharp eyes scanning the alien landscape below. Before long, they spotted another Namekian village nestled within a cluster of lush green hills. Without hesitation, the two Saiyans descended, landing in the center of the village with an audible thud that made the Namekians scatter in alarm.
The elder of the village stepped forward, his face grim with resolve. "What is it you seek here, Saiyans?" he demanded, though the quiver in his voice betrayed his fear.
Vegeta sneered. "The dragon ball. Hand it over, or I'll destroy every last one of you."
The elder stood firm, refusing to speak as several Namekian warriors stepped forward, ready to defend their people. But their efforts were futile. Vegeta unleashed a devastating flurry of attacks, tearing through their defenses with ease. Cado joined the carnage, methodically eliminating any who dared to fight back. Within minutes, the village was in ruins, its once-proud defenders lying lifeless on the ground.
Vegeta approached the elder, who clutched the dragon ball tightly to his chest. "You should have handed it over," Vegeta said coldly before blasting the elder with a ki attack, sending him crashing into a nearby structure. The dragon ball rolled from his lifeless hands and came to rest at Vegeta's feet.
Cado picked it up and examined the glowing orange orb. "That makes two," he said flatly, handing it to Vegeta.
Vegeta grinned as he hoisted the dragon ball into the air, admiring the gleaming treasure. "Perfect. We're one step closer."
As he prepared to leave, Vegeta suddenly paused, his gaze narrowing. "I sense something," he muttered, turning his head toward the horizon. His scouter had been destroyed earlier, but his ability to sense ki had grown sharper. A faint but distinct power level flickered in the distance, steadily growing stronger.
"What is it?" Cado asked, watching his father intently.
Vegeta smirked. "Something... interesting. Stay here and guard the dragon ball," he ordered, tossing the orb to Cado. "I'll deal with this myself."
Cado caught the dragon ball and nodded, though he glanced toward the horizon where Vegeta was now flying.
"You've already had your fun with Cui," Vegeta said without looking back. "This one's mine. Protect the dragon ball and stay out of trouble."
Without another word, Vegeta took off, his aura flaring as he sped toward the distant power. Cado stood silently for a moment, the dragon ball cradled under his arm, as he watched his father vanish into the sky. Then he turned and sat down on a nearby boulder, his expression unreadable as he kept an ever-watchful eye on the glowing orb.
Cado waited in the quiet solitude of the Namekian plains, the dragon ball resting on the ground beside him as he perched on a flat rock. Hours dragged on with no sign of Vegeta's return, and Cado began to feel the dull ache of hunger gnawing at his stomach. He looked around at the vast landscape of green grass and blue water, his brow furrowing.
"This place doesn't even have proper food," he muttered, standing and stretching. He scanned the nearby lake, its surface glistening under the relentless light of Namek's three suns. "Guess I'll have to make do."
Cado leapt into the air and soared toward the lake, diving down to hover just above the water. He focused his ki into his hand, releasing a small but powerful blast that erupted beneath the surface. Moments later, several large, alien fish floated to the top, stunned by the shockwave.
He grabbed the largest one by its tail and hauled it back to his makeshift camp. "Primitive," he said to himself as he fashioned a crude spit using debris from the destroyed village. With a small ki blast, he ignited a fire and began roasting the fish. The savory aroma filled the air, and Cado sat back with his arms crossed, staring into the flames as the fish cooked.
Time passed, and as he ate his meal, a strange realization struck him. He had been awake for what felt like days. The constant light of Namek's three suns made it impossible to tell how much time had truly passed. He glanced at the horizon, where the suns remained high in the sky, unwavering in their positions.
"This planet has no moon," he muttered, almost in disbelief. "And three suns... How the hell do these people even keep track of time?"
As he finished his meal, the fatigue he had been ignoring finally began to set in. His eyelids grew heavy, and his thoughts slowed. The heat of the fire and the fullness of his stomach lulled him into a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. Without realizing it, Cado leaned back against the rock and slipped into a deep slumber.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, his mind was silent. No battles, no schemes, no harsh training—just the peaceful stillness of sleep.
Two days later, Cado was abruptly awakened by the shadow of his father looming over him, a dragon ball clutched tightly in Vegeta's hand. Cado blinked groggily, still half-asleep, as he processed the sight before him. Vegeta's armor was battered and scorched, his battle-worn attire speaking volumes about the intensity of whatever he had endured. Yet, despite his rough appearance, Vegeta seemed to be in an uncharacteristically good mood, his lips curled into a faint smirk.
"Where's the last one, Cado?" Vegeta demanded, his voice sharp but not immediately harsh.
Cado rubbed his eyes, shaking off the grogginess. "Huh? How long has it been?" he mumbled, sitting up. He glanced around, his gaze falling to the empty spot where the dragon ball had once rested. Panic flickered in his eyes. "It should be right here..." He trailed off, confused, as he scanned the area frantically.
Vegeta's mood soured instantly. "You lost it, didn't you?" he barked, his tone laced with frustration. "This is exactly what I mean when I say your laziness and lack of focus are your biggest problems, Cado!"
Cado winced under the reprimand, standing up quickly. "I-I don't know what happened. It was right here when I—"
"Enough with the excuses!" Vegeta snapped, cutting him off. "While you've been napping and playing campfire, I've been busy dealing with Zarbon and Frieza's lackeys!"
Cado frowned, still confused. "What happened?"
Vegeta crossed his arms, his expression dark but laced with a sense of pride. "Zarbon managed to catch me off guard. I lost to him and was taken to Frieza's ship. But those fools underestimated the power of a Saiyan who's been pushed to the brink. Once I recovered, I escaped, stole all of Frieza's dragon balls, and left their pathetic ship in ruins. And as for Zarbon—" Vegeta smirked coldly. "Let's just say I didn't make the same mistake twice. I killed him in our second fight. Oh, and I took the earthlings' dragon ball for good measure."
Cado nodded, impressed despite himself, but Vegeta's glare quickly refocused his attention. "And now, thanks to your incompetence, we've lost the last dragon ball! That brat—Kakarot's son! I saw him coming from the direction of this village on my way back. He must've taken it!" Vegeta snarled.
Realization dawned on Cado's face. "You think—?"
"Of course I do!" Vegeta interrupted impatiently. "That boy must have snuck in while you were busy sleeping your life away. He was heading toward the earthlings' last known location. And if we don't act now, they'll have the last dragon ball!"
Vegeta didn't wait for a response. He took off into the air, and Cado scrambled to follow, shaking off the lingering exhaustion. As they sped through the skies, Vegeta's fiery determination burned brighter than ever, and Cado clenched his fists, vowing silently not to fail again. The hunt for the last dragon ball was on.
When Vegeta and Cado arrived at the earthlings' last known hiding spot, they found nothing but an abandoned camp. The small cave that had once been their shelter was now barren, with no signs of life. Vegeta's scowl deepened, his fists clenching at his sides.
"They packed up and left," Vegeta growled, his voice echoing through the empty surroundings. His sharp gaze darted around, trying to detect any trace of their presence. "Cowards! I can't even sense their energy. They must be hiding somewhere!"
Vegeta turned and glared at Cado, his frustration palpable. "This is why we can't waste time on idiocy. If you had been paying attention back at the village, we wouldn't be chasing shadows now!"
Cado remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line. He knew better than to argue with his father in moments like this.
Vegeta huffed and crossed his arms. "Enough of this. Let's go check on the five dragon balls we already have. If they're foolish enough to try anything, we'll make them regret it."
Without another word, Vegeta shot into the air, and Cado followed closely behind. After a brief flight, they arrived at the secluded spot where Vegeta had hidden the dragon balls. The faint glow of the five large orbs reassured them that they were still safe. Vegeta landed first, inspecting the stash with a critical eye.
"Good," Vegeta muttered, his tone more composed but still tinged with irritation. "At least these fools haven't tried anything yet." He stood upright, his tail flicking behind him as he stared off into the horizon.
Cado, standing nearby, glanced over at his father. "What now?"
Vegeta smirked faintly, though his expression carried a sinister edge. "We wait. Frieza will undoubtedly send reinforcements to this planet, and it won't take him long to bring more scouters. I estimate it'll take four days for his lackeys to arrive. By then, he'll think he has the upper hand again."
Cado nodded, listening intently as Vegeta's gaze darkened.
"In the meantime," Vegeta continued, "we sit and wait. The earthlings will come for these dragon balls eventually. And when they do..." He smirked coldly. "We'll be ready for them."
Cado nodded again, his resolve hardening. He understood the gravity of the situation and knew the waiting game was only a prelude to the chaos that would follow.
Four days passed, and the suns of Namek shone down relentlessly as Vegeta and Cado sat in silence near their stash of dragon balls. The two Saiyans were focused, their senses sharp, their bodies tense and ready for action. For hours they remained still, waiting for any sign of the earthlings who had eluded them.
Then, as if on cue, Cado's eyes snapped open. "Two power levels," he muttered, his voice low but urgent. He turned his head slightly in their direction. "They're moving fast—away from us."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a smirk. "I feel it too. The bald one and Kakarot's brat," he said, his tone laced with satisfaction. His tail flicked behind him as he stood. "Those fools are finally making their move."
Without hesitation, Vegeta turned to Cado. "Grab one of the dragon balls. If those weaklings find our stash, they won't be able to use all seven without this one. We'll keep it out of their reach."
Cado nodded, quickly grabbing one of the massive orbs. Its weight was nothing to him, and he cradled it under his arm as he stood beside his father.
"Let's move," Vegeta ordered, shooting into the air.
Cado followed close behind, the dragon ball tucked securely under his arm. They moved with precision and speed, their eyes locked on the distant energy signatures that were speeding in the opposite direction of their stash. Vegeta's smirk widened as they closed the distance, his confidence unshaken.
"Kakarot's brat and the bald one think they can outmaneuver me?" Vegeta scoffed. "They'll regret underestimating us."
As Vegeta and Cado finally caught up, the bald earthling—Krillin—stopped and turned to confront them. His face was tense, but there was no mistaking the determination in his stance. Vegeta's gaze burned into him as he hovered in the air, arms crossed.
"Hand over the dragon ball," Vegeta growled, his voice low and menacing, "or you and that brat die where you stand."
Before Krillin could reply, Cado pointed toward the horizon. "Father, the kid... he's heading for that house on that tall pillar." His sharp eyes tracked Gohan's movement as he sped toward the structure in the distance.
Vegeta's attention snapped to the house. His scouterless senses had no trouble locking on the energy within. "That must be where the dragon ball is," Vegeta sneered. Without waiting for a response, he shot off toward the pillar, with Cado close behind.
When they landed in front of the house, they were confronted by a tall, stoic Namekian standing at the door. His piercing gaze met Vegeta's, and his voice was calm but firm. "You cannot enter this house," the Namekian declared, standing as an immovable barrier.
Vegeta's smirk turned into a scowl. Before he could reply, a sudden surge of energy rose from inside the house. Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "So... Kakarot is here after all," he muttered. He clenched his fists, his impatience growing. "Kakarot!" Vegeta roared. "Show yourself!"
The door creaked open, and a figure stepped out, but it wasn't Goku. It was Gohan.
Both Vegeta and Cado froze, their expressions twisted in confusion and surprise. The boy's energy was leagues beyond what it had been during their fight on Earth. His aura flickered with raw power.
"This... this is Kakarot's brat?" Cado muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Vegeta's eyes scanned Gohan, his analytical mind already calculating. "His power," Vegeta mused aloud, "it's nearing your level, Cado." His lip curled into a smug grin. "But don't get cocky, boy. You're still outclassed. Power alone won't save you."
Before anyone could make a move, a small Namekian child, trembling but resolute, stepped out from the house. His voice was shaky yet urgent. "Five... five evil powers are coming to Namek!"
Vegeta's blood ran cold. His face twisted in panic as the realization hit him. "The Ginyu Force!" he shouted, his voice filled with a rare note of genuine fear.
Cado felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. He had heard the stories of Frieza's elite squad—ruthless warriors with no mercy. Vegeta's reaction only confirmed how dire the situation was.
Vegeta turned toward the earthlings, desperation flashing across his face. "Listen to me!" he barked. "The Ginyu Force are Frieza's most elite warriors. They're not easy kills. If they arrive, none of us will survive!"
Krillin scowled. "Why should we care? You've been trying to kill us this whole time!"
Vegeta took a step closer, his tone shifting to one of grim seriousness. "The only hope for victory is for me to become immortal using the dragon balls. I swear to you, once I've made the wish, I won't harm any of you."
Krillin hesitated, looking to the others for guidance. "I don't trust him," he muttered. "We need to use the dragon balls to revive our friends."
The adult Namekian standing at the door—the warrior who had confronted them earlier—spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "The dragon balls grant three wishes. Perhaps there is a way to satisfy everyone's goals."
Before they could act, the grand elder's voice echoed in their minds. "Wait," he called out telepathically. "The young Saiyan... bring him to me."
Everyone froze, eyes shifting to Cado. Vegeta scowled. "What does he want with my son?" he demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.
The elder's voice came again, serene yet insistent. "The boy holds potential beyond what he understands. I must speak with him before it's too late."
Cado, still shaken from the revelations of the past few days, met his father's gaze. Vegeta hesitated for a moment before waving him off. "Go," he muttered. "But don't take too long. We don't have time to waste."
Cado nodded and followed the direction of the elder's voice, his mind swirling with questions.
As Cado stepped into the house, Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin exited, heading toward the location of the dragon balls. The young Saiyan followed the adult Namekian into a small room, where a circular platform awaited them. With a hum, the platform lifted them to the second floor, revealing a massive, throne-like seat at its center.
Sitting upon the throne was an enormous Namekian, his presence imposing yet calming. His eyes, heavy with wisdom, met Cado's. The young Saiyan, still on edge, instinctively shifted into a defensive stance. He could feel the immense power radiating from the adult Namekian escort and knew he wouldn't stand a chance if things went south.
"Calm yourself, child," the large Namekian spoke, his deep voice reverberating through the room like a soothing melody. "No harm will come to you from us."
The Namekian introduced himself. "I am Grand Elder Guru."
Cado nodded silently, his expression unreadable as he tried to gauge the intentions of these strangers. His heart raced despite Guru's gentle demeanor.
"I sensed your presence the moment you arrived on this planet," Guru continued. "And I have read your soul, child."
Cado stiffened at the words. "Read my soul?" he repeated, more to himself than to Guru.
Guru's gaze softened, his tone laden with sorrow. "You are broken, young one—far too broken for someone so young. And it broke my heart to feel such pain and potential tangled within you. You have the power to grow into a mighty warrior, yet you have stunted your growth."
Cado's jaw tightened, his fists clenched at his sides. He didn't like the direction this conversation was going. "I don't need your pity," he muttered, though his voice wavered.
Guru continued, undeterred. "It is not pity, child. It is understanding. I see what you have done to yourself. You have locked away your emotions and feelings, burying them deep to protect yourself. But in doing so, you have also chained your soul. You refuse to accept her death, and in doing so, you have created a prison within yourself."
Cado's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Her?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "You mean my—"
"Your mother," Guru said gently. "She was a light in your life, brief as it was. And losing her has left a wound you have yet to heal. This is the first shackle on your soul. It binds you, holds you back, and will continue to do so unless you face it."
Cado stood frozen, his mind racing. He thought back to the moment he learned of her death, the crushing weight he had felt before locking it all away. He hadn't even realized how much it had affected him—until now.
Guru extended a large hand toward him. "Step forward, child. I can undo this first chain. The rest will be up to you to face and conquer."
Cado hesitated, visions of Frieza, Vegeta, and the countless battles he'd endured flashing through his mind. Finally, he swallowed his pride and took a step forward. Without a word, Guru placed his massive hand gently on Cado's head. For a few moments, nothing happened.
Cado scowled, ready to declare this a waste of time. But then he felt it—a ripple, then a flood. His chest felt heavy, then unbearably light as though something had been torn open inside of him. The elder's hand began to glow, and the room was bathed in a blinding light. Cado staggered, his legs trembling beneath him. The dam inside him had burst, and a torrent of raw emotion poured out.
He didn't even notice the tears streaming down his face until he wiped at his eyes in confusion. He felt something—truly felt something—for the first time since that day. Anger, grief, sadness, relief... they all hit him at once, swirling within him like a storm. And beneath it all was power—a surge of power like nothing he had felt before.
His energy flared, shaking the room. He gasped, his body trembling as he tried to comprehend the changes happening within him.
"You are free of the first shackle," Guru said, his voice steady and calm. "But remember, child, there are more. Only you can free yourself from the others. But know this: your potential is far greater than you have ever imagined."
Cado wiped at his eyes again, a mixture of embarrassment and awe washing over him. He could feel it—the difference. His power had spiked significantly, and for the first time, he believed he could take on one of the Ginyu Force.
"Thank you," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. Then he clenched his fists, determination setting in his jaw. "I won't let them win. I'll make them pay."
Guru nodded solemnly. "Go, child. Your journey is only just beginning."
