Author's Note: Absolutely stunned at the warm welcome I've gotten.
As if I didn't have enough good things to say to everyone reading, but this past month has been incredible, from the PMs to the reviews to just watching the number of views go past my expectations. Thank you all.
Unfortunately, for those of you hoping for another monster of an update sorry to disappoint, this will be shorter. The only reason I got so many pages down in the previous chapter was that I had seven months to poke at it. Rather not keep you waiting that long again.
While this chapter is shorter, it is by no means less important. Especially if you are a fan of a certain saiyan.
We're taking small steps to properly set the stage to come as once things get started, it'll be awhile before they calm down again.
Eager as always to hear thoughts on this entry and the next one will be up before the end of next month. Thank you for reading and please, enjoy.
Vegeta hated Earth.
The saiyan was no stranger to surviving in the wild of a new world. Finding a place to sleep and hunting for food was trivial after years of conquering planets. However, never was he forced to stay on one world for this long. The bright blue of the sky, the hideous green of the trees, and the never-ending hours of nothing. More than a year has gone by, little to do but wait for the invasion to arrive. Months of reflection on the events of Namek, his anger at the humans, and his own weakness.
The sooner Cold gets here, the sooner I will enact my revenge properly. Then nothing will stop me from gaining the power of the super saiyan. Vegeta told himself once again as he bit into his dinner for the day, an unsuspecting deer he had caught.
He had prepared for the moment. Gotten used to the planet's gravity, found a clearing in a forest away from the cities and towns populated by the Earthlings, and thought about all the different ways he would find the victory he so deserved. The fire had not gone out in the prince.
This time I will not falter, I will not.
"Yo."
Nearly choking on his meal, Vegeta turned to see Yajirobi push past the trees of the forest towards him.
"What are you doing here, human?" The prince growled.
"Looking for you princy," the wide samurai said, looking around the small clearing. "So, this is where you've been staying. Doesn't look that comfortable."
"Humph, saiyans can adapt to any planet so long as it has a breathable atmosphere and life to feed on," Vegeta said, taking another bite out of deer leg. "We have no need for comforts."
"Clearly," Yajirobi said, eyeing the dead deer.
"Well, you've found me human. Are you looking for a fight?"
"Yeah, sure, because that's what I want out of my day," the samurai scoffed. "No, I'm here to take you to Capsule Corp."
"What for?"
"Cold's coming, he'll be here in a few days, so we need to get ready."
"Then the battle is finally here," Vegeta grinned.
"Glad someone is happy about it," Yajirobi said, rolling his eyes. "Now come on we gotta get moving."
"And why would I listen to you, human?" The prince said through narrow eyes. "It is not as if I need your help to fight."
"Man, you are stubborn. Didn't Namek teach you anything?"
"Yes, I learned the proper order of the people I am going to kill. First Cold, then your so-called leader."
"Un huh, Krillin told me you said that when you guys landed. Heard Launch shot you in the head too."
"Choose your next words carefully, human."
"Whatever you say," Yajirobi said with a yawn. "So, you coming?"
"Did you not hear me? I said I have no need for your help."
"Ugh, fine," Yajirobi said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a folded piece of paper. "Here."
"What is this?"
"It's from Krillin, he said to give it to you if you were being, well you."
"What makes you think-"
"Stop being a pain and read it."
With a snort, Vegeta took the letter and unfolded it. Only two sentences were written, but it was enough for the prince's eyes to grow wide and a scowl to appear across his face.
'You need us as much as we need you. Don't stand on the sidelines this time.'
The saiyan violently ripped the paper in half as his scowl deepened.
"Good news?"
"Hardly," Vegeta spat.
"Just come," Yajirobi sighed. "Not like you have anything else going on."
Vegeta paused, his thoughts scattering wide. When he did speak, it came out as a low growl. "What even is a capsule corp?"
"It's the business that Bulma's dad made or something," Yajirobi said, floating upward. "She and Krillin are going to meet us there to go over the plan."
"… the woman?"
"It's just up there," the samurai said, pointing to the massive yellow dome in the center of West City. "We'll be landing on the top. There's a way in from there but you have to stay out of sight of other people."
"Why?" Vegeta said, already annoyed.
"Krillin says if too many people see us, then too many people are going to ask questions. To many questions and they may get in the way of when we fight."
"Ridiculous, to even concern ourselves with these lesser beings is a waste of energy."
"You can't kill any of them," Yajirobi said sternly.
"Why would I waste my time?"
"Maybe because you're a little bloodthirsty? Just saying."
"Humph."
As the two dropped from the air, the capsule corp building properly came into view. Easily the biggest structure in the city capsule corp stood tall as a daunting yellow dome. Most of its roof was occupied with a white platform supporting an enormous satellite dish pointing toward the sky.
"What is this contraption?" Vegeta asked as the pair touched down onto the platform.
"Bulma told me once, but I can't remember," Yajirobi said, looking at his feet and walking around as if searching for something. "Where… is, oh here we go."
Tapping his foot twice on the platform, a small hole slid up revealing an entrance to the dome. The samurai stepped through, not even waiting to see if the saiyan was following.
This could be a trap. The saiyan prince thought to himself. Perhaps they are trying to bait me into a corner. Should I strike first? Kill the fat one while I can?
"What's the holdup?" Yajirobi asked, popping his head back out of the hole. "Let's go."
Silently Vegeta followed, landing in a long hallway with dim lights. Yajirobi was already walking in a direction with his back facing the prince.
It would be simple. The fool seems to have no sense of self-preservation. The prince thought, his hand almost twitching in anticipation.
"Krillin still owes us a meal, by the way," the wide warrior said, knocking Vegeta out of his own head. "Gonna ask him about it today."
"I have no interest in this planet's food. It is tolerable, and that is enough."
"Raw deer and uncooked fish aren't food princy. You may have been here for a bit, but trust me, you haven't eaten Earth food yet."
"How did… Have you been spying on me, human?"
"A little," Yajirobi yawned. "You're not that good at hiding your energy, so I've been checking in now and then."
"Why? Waiting for me to let my guard down?"
"Nah, just want to make sure you're doing alright. Figured I owe you that much since you saved my life and all."
Vegeta's fist went slack as confusion ran through him. Yajirobi's tone was casual, friendly even, causing the prince to pause. This hesitation cost him his opportunity as Yajirobi approached a door at the end of the hallway that smoothly slid open. Inside was a room bursting with technological activity. It would take a genius to understand half of the machines in the room, and something beyond that to build them. In the center of the room, circled around a table, were Krillin, Launch, and Bulma.
"There you are," the monk said, nodding at Yajirobi and keeping his eye on Vegeta.
"Yo," the samurai waved. "Brought the prince."
"And I brought my gun," Launch said, her blond hair shaking as she tapped her hip. "In case you get any ideas, saiyan."
Vegeta ignored Launch's taunts as he crossed the room, instead keeping his focus entirely on Bulma.
"What?" the blue-haired genius said, noticing the saiyan's gaze.
"… you look awful."
"What the hell? That's the first thing you say to me?!"
"Do you want me to lie, woman?" Vegeta said with a raised eyebrow. "You have bags under your eyes."
"You absolute d-"
"Okay!" Krillin said, clapping his hands together, hoping to stop the fight before it started. "Let us not waste any time. Vegeta, are you here to help?"
"Perhaps," Vegeta said, his voice sharp. "Your taunt got me here, but I'll need more."
"What do you want?"
"Kakarot's brat. Where is he?"
"Training with Piccolo, why?"
"You saw the brat realize the legend; I want to know how he did it. Once I do, then I'll be able to surpass even a super saiyan and kill Cold. Then, as promised, you'll be next."
The monk paused as he studied the saiyan, his eyes carefully gauging him.
"I'll do you one better," he said, crossing his arms. "I'll tell you and I'll show you a better way to get stronger as well."
"As if I can believe that," Vegeta said almost immediately. "Your lies are becoming too predictable, human. Why would you do that knowing that after Cold I'll be coming for your head?"
"Because we need you, and now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves." Krillin said with a gaze that cut deep. "Let me be clear. You came to Earth to kill us and take our dragonballs. We stopped you and we used you on Namek to restore what you destroyed. We are even. If making you stronger means we can win with fewer casualties than we do that. I will tell you how Gohan became a super saiyan and I will help you become stronger so we can better protect Earth. What we need to know is if you will help us in this battle now. If you are, and after we have taken care of Cold. You'll get your fight."
"However," the monk continued as he held the prince down with his stare. "Earth is under my protection. If you move against my friends, my family, or any other Earthling before Cold arrives. You will be delt with."
It was a threat, but Krillin's tone carried it as a fact.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed as he spoke. "Is that a promise?"
"Whatever convinces you."
A heavy silence grew between the two before Vegeta relented with a chuckle. "Seems you've regained what you lost on Namek. You'll need it."
"Does that mean you'll help?"
"If you are telling the truth, human, and for the sake of your world, I hope you are. Then yes, our interests are the same. For now."
"Good, then let's get started," Krillin said before turning to Bulma. "Ready?"
Bulma nodded and tapped the table in the center of the group. Almost immediately a hologram of a timer counting down appeared, displayed for everyone to see. They categorized the numbers displayed by days, hours, and minutes.
"We have a little more than a week before Cold gets here. Not a lot of time, but this past year has been very productive."
"Really?" Yajirobi said, his voice heavy with doubt. "I'm still waiting on my sword, you know."
"Got a few things on my plate more important than a sword," Bulma bit back. "You may have to go into this fight without one."
"You said you were working on it."
"That was before we found out Cold was going to be here in less than a month, you id-"
"Okay," Krillin said, clapping his hands again and looking at Vegeta. "You have more knowledge about Cold than any of us. Is there anything you know we can use?"
"Cold put Frieza in charge of his forces years ago and has not bothered with anything else aside from conquering or destroying worlds since then. Last I heard, even that seems to have bored him. As you saw on Namek, his single tactic is to rain down fire both in orbit and above. The residents on the planet either surrender or die."
"Wait, if he's shooting like that, wouldn't it mean he would hit his own guys too?" Launch asked in surprise.
"He does not care for his soldiers," the prince said, his voice hard. "Cold views himself as above everything, save his family and reputation."
"Then we need a sure way to lure him onto the surface," the monk said, deep in thought. "Bulma, do you think there is a way we could communicate with them when they get in range?"
"Should be," Bulma shrugged. "Pretty familiar with their technology at this point. Why?"
"I want to get them in an area away from the cities. Preferably a place with no life at all."
"You're skipping a step, humans," Vegeta interrupted. "Once Cold's army arrives, he will devastate this planet. No amount of talking will stop that."
"He might if he can't hurt us."
Before the prince could ask, Krillin nodded at Bulma, who once again tapped the table. The holographic count down vanished and was replaced by a model of Earth. With another tap, a circle encompassed the entire planet and held steady.
"What is this?" Vegeta asked, looking at the hologram in confusion.
"This is SPHERE," Bulma said casually. "It's a planet-wide barrier made of ki; it's also why I haven't slept in months."
"And why I don't have a sword," Yajirobi mumbled.
"The key problem we had on Namek was the number of blasts we had coming at us," the monk said quickly, not bothering to clap. "With SPHERE we can prevent any damage from reaching Earth and stop Cold in his tracks. Once we have, we'll talk him into landing and get the jump on him."
"Why would he bother? He will have you on the defensive from the start. Given enough time, he will smash his fleet through your barrier."
"He knows we killed Frizea, but he wasn't there," Krillin said, an air of confidence surrounding him. "We have details he may demand. Sure, we only built SPHERE to defend, but Frieza was arrogant and prideful, so I am willing to guess his father is even more so. If his reputation is as important as you say, then we make sure he and his army know we were the ones who killed his child. He won't be able to stay away."
"It could work," Vegeta said after pausing. "If your shield holds."
"It will," Bulma said, tapping the table again. The projection of the SPHERE encased Earth vanished and the satellite dish the prince had seen on the roof appeared.
"SPHERE is powered by the energy or ki you all use to fight," Bulma explained while pointing to the center of the dish. "It'll be fired from here and should in theory encase the entire planet in a barrier powerful enough to stop the fleet."
"In theory?" Vegeta said in surprise. "You aren't certain?"
"It still isn't online, and we don't have the time for any tests. It'll work, I know it will, but unfortunately," Bulma said before sending a scowl at the prince. "I need you to make sure it does."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, and Bulma rolled her eyes. "I've been doing research into ki, and the only reason SPHERE is even possible is because energy is pliable."
"Uh, what does that mean?" Yajirobi asked, interrupting.
"Means we can use it in a lot of different ways," Launch said quickly and looked at Bulma. "Right?"
"Yes, and thankfully that means it can be used and stored in small bursts. Or all at once."
"We've been gathering energy here at capsule corp for the past year. But with Cold arriving in just a few days, we need a lot of energy sooner than we thought," Krillin said, while turning back to Vegeta. "And you have just the amount that we need."
"Humph, so I'm to act as a fuel source," the prince scoffed.
"If you want your fight, you will," the monk said sternly.
"Very well, let's get this over with."
"Good, Yajirobi, you can head back to the lookout. We'll join you once we're done here."
"Now hang on a sec," the samurai said firmly. "You still owe me some food, so let's get that figured out now."
"What? Yajirobi, you got food just the other day."
"That was for Gohan's birthday. You promised me some food after we fought the saiyans and I told princy he could have half. So, we're still owed something."
"Fine, I'll figure it out after Cold."
"No, before. I ain't risking my neck before I can enjoy a free meal."
"Fine. I'll get you both something to eat before the invasion. Happy?"
The wide warrior gave Vegeta a firm thumbs up.
"You are a strange little man," the saiyan replied.
The elevator was silent as it descended deeper into the capsule corp building. Bulma had grabbed a tablet and was working on it intently. Launch kept her eyes locked onto Vegeta, tracking every movement. The prince was completely disinterested, instead looking at the number of floors as continued to drop.
Maybe I shouldn't have sent Yajirobi away. Krillin thought to himself. If nothing else, he's good at breaking tension.
"I'm watching you saiyan," Launch said, her hand trained on her the gun attached to her hip.
"I am aware, human," the prince said lazily. "You simply aren't a threat to me. Or have you forgotten the last time you tried using that weapon on me?"
"Shows what you know. This ain't just a regular gun anymore."
"As if any weapon on this planet could harm me."
"This one would," the blond woman grinned.
"Don't antagonize him, Launch, it's not worth it," Bulma interrupted, still looking at her tablet. "Plus, if you fire that thing off in here, we'll all be dead."
"Would like to avoid that if we can," Krillin said, hoping the elevator would somehow speed up.
The monk's prayers were answered as the elevator reached the bottom floor with a soft ding. The doors slid open, and the group filtered out into a wide, circular room. From top to bottom the walls had been lined with a metal shielding, stopping anything from escaping to the upper levels. A control panel had been installed only a few steps from the elevator, with an extended platform leading into the center of the room.
"This is the SPHERE grid. It's where we've been collecting power for the barrier," Bulma said, handing her tablet over to Launch and walking over to the control panel. "All you have to do is place your hands on the two small pillars in the center and send your energy through them on my count. Think you can do that?"
"Child's play," Vegeta scoffed as he made his way across the platform.
Once the prince had arrived at the center, Bulma entered a series of key commands and two small pillars rose out of the platform.
"Whenever you're ready."
Thinking little of the process, Vegeta placed his hands on the pillars and sent a jolt of energy through them. A low hum that increased and decreased in volume in a consistent rhythm enveloped then the entire space. The spaces between the shielding in the room glowed as Vegeta continued pumping power through the pillars.
Almost bored, the prince lazily looked over at Bulma, ready to be told to stop. Instead, the blue-haired genius was hunched over the control panel, typing away.
Ignoring me, are you? Vegeta thought to himself as he began pushing out more power at a faster rate. What about this?
The hum grew louder and the light between the panels grew brighter. In response, Bulma paused for a moment and tilted her head upward. Despite the distance between them, Vegeta could see the woman coyly raise an eyebrow, as if to say, 'is that it?'
A sly smile took to the saiyan's face before digging deep within himself and pulled out pure power. The machine's hum became a yell, and the light started to sting. For his part, Krillin had been in his room before and had offered his own ki to the SPHERE along with the others. However, he never had seen such a dense amount all at once.
Bulma rose to her full height, no longer looming over the control panel. Yet, as if in complete disinterest, she folded her arms. Unimpressed.
The smile broke into a wild grin as Vegeta's aura flashed out around him. Spurred on by the genius's gaze, he dug deeper and deeper, dumping more and more energy into the pillars. The grid's yell morphed into a scream and the lights began to blind as the unspoken contest between Vegeta and Bulma continued.
"Uh, boss?" Launch asked, shielding herself from the light and sounds. "Shouldn't we-"
"We're fine," Bulma said, her eyes never leaving the saiyan's.
The two stayed in that state, with neither willing to break away. It was not until a firm beep sounded out from the control panel did Bulma slowly return to the console and type out a few keystrokes. The pillars retracted back into the platform. The grid's scream returned to a hum before fading completely as the blinding lights dimmed, then vanished.
"So?" the prince said lightly, panting, as he walked back toward the others. Wisps of steam rolling off his shoulders.
"That'll do," Bulma answered her focus back on the console. "We can take it from here. Krillin bring the others back here in a few days. I should have something else I can give you."
"Got it," Krillin replied.
"Okay, you know the way out."
The monk nodded and waved Vegeta along, who silently followed. They entered the elevator and started the journey upward. Yet as the doors closed, the prince kept his eyes glued on to the blue-haired genius.
"You alright?" Launch asked once the elevator had left the floor. "That was getting a little intense."
"Had it under control," Bulma answered, still typing away. "Although, I thought gathering his energy would take at least another day. Looks like I underestimated him. As annoying as he is, he isn't all talk."
"Don't trust him," Launch grumbled.
"Trust has nothing to do with it," Bulma said, finishing up a sequence and stretching her back out. "Like it or not, we need him."
"Whatever."
"… Launch?"
"Yeah?"
"Do I look that bad?"
"Well," the blond said, scratching her head. "Wasn't going to say anything, but you've been working on this thing nonstop for a while now. You don't look, you know, healthy."
"The woman looks terrible," Vegeta said in an almost annoyed tone. "She's going to fall over before Cold even gets here."
"I'm surprised you care."
"I do not care for any of you humans," the prince scoffed. "But out of all of you, she is the most intelligent and vital to your plan. If she dies, your planet will follow. Then I won't have your head or Cold's."
Never thought I'd hear Vegeta complimenting anyone, but he's right. Krillin thought to himself, easily ignoring the threat. Strange that he noticed, but she's been pushing herself too far lately. Shouldn't let him know that, though.
"Bulma knows her limits and Launch is watching over her."
"Humph, we'll see if that's enough."
That was the end of the conversation as the two continued to fly. Before long, the human and saiyan arrived at the lookout. Touching down on the surface, Krillin started walking, eager to get started. Only after a few steps did he realize the prince was not following. Turning back, he saw Vegeta looking around the ancient platform with easy to see curiosity.
"This is the lookout," Krillin said. Feeling it was only fair, he explained a little. "We gather here to train and plan our next move. We spent a long time here getting ready to fight you, in fact."
"Then am I to assume this is where you've been preparing for Cold?"
"It is, it's where you'll be training with the others as well. Again, if you still want your fight."
Expecting more objections, the monk was a little surprised to hear a huff of disappointment and nothing more.
Maybe the months mellowed him out a little? I was expecting him to pick a fight with one of us at some point, but he never did.
"These trees."
The prince's soft tone took Krillin out of his head and back to the present, where Vegeta was staring at one of the several trees planted around the lookout. Eight different strips of grass surrounded the rim and center of the lookout. Four to five trees were growing in these strips and, according to Kami, always had been even before he had arrived. New ones had replaced those trees several months ago. Mr. Popo had been diligently tending to him, and they were growing well on Earth's soil. They had yet to reach their full height, but their leaves were already colored a mesmerizing blue.
"They are called Ajisa trees," the monk said softly. "Beautiful, aren't they?"
"They were on Namek."
"Yes, Tsuno gave me a bag of their seeds, so I've been planting them where I can."
Tsuno? Ah, the namekian who healed me," Vegeta said, no longer interested in the plants. "His power will be useful in the fight."
"… Tsuno won't be able to help us."
"What?" the prince snapped. "He's not here?"
"No," Krillin answered wistfully, looking at the plant life as he walked toward the lookout's entrance. "I'm afraid not."
"So, you've brought him."
Kami's voice came out flat as Krillin and Vegeta rounded a corner while walking the halls of the lookout.
"Hello again, Kami," Krillin said with a quick bow. "Yes, we're on our way to meet up with the others."
The namekian answered with a silent nod before looking at Vegeta. "I know you, saiyan."
"Many do, namekian,"
"And they are worse off for it," Kami said swiftly, the depth of his eyes intensifying. "The only reason we have granted you permission for this sanctuary is due to the faith I have in my student. He believes that your power is needed in the coming battle and that your bloodlust can be focused on our enemies. Fight and kill as that seems to be all you know, but do so in the service of this planet or not at all."
Before Vegeta could respond, Kami placed a hand on Krillin's shoulder. "Ready yourself. I will return shortly."
The monk nodded, and the guardian walked past them without another word.
"You're surrounded by creatures who all say the same thing," Vegeta said with a scoff.
"Then maybe you should start listening."
The prince grew silent but followed Krillin as they continued down the hall. As they walked, the two passed by door after door, all identical in make and shape. The hallway seemed to twist and turn but as far as Vegeta could tell, there was little sign that any doors differed from any other.
Suddenly, a small ping of his senses sounded out as Vegeta passed yet another door. Slowly turning around to stare, yet this door appeared to be identical to all the others. There was an energy emanating in the room beyond, one the saiyan recognized.
"Something wrong?" Krillin asked, stopping his stride.
"… what is in there?"
"Sorry, that isn't for you. Now come on, we're almost there."
The prince stayed silent but regained control of himself as he followed closely behind. Taking a moment to stare at Krillin's back, Vegeta's eyes narrowed.
That… felt like his energy. Similar, but-
"Here we are."
Stopping in front of another wooden door, the monk opened and entered, with Vegeta right behind him. Inside, the familiar designs of the Pendulum Room surrounded the two. Patterns and symbols that seemed to hold no connection to each other ran up the lengths of the walls. A large pendulum hanging from the ceiling swayed side to side with a soft click. A large red ring was drawn into its center, with both Yajirobi and Yamcha eyes closed and standing deathly still.
"Welcome to the Pendulum Room," Krillin said with a wide gesture. "This is where most of your training will be for the next few days."
"I fail to see how standing in a room would strengthen anyone."
"Got to try it first."
"Enough stalling, human," Vegeta snapped. "I've held up my end, so you need to hold yours. How was the child able to transform?"
"I'll tell you, only fair that I do, but to be honest, Vegeta," Krillin said slowly. "I don't think you can do it."
"What?"
"Anger is the trigger, but that's only part of it. Gohan transformed after Frieza had killed Tien and Bulma. He was angry, but it was a rage fueled by grief directed at the one responsible for harming his friends."
"You're saying that Kakarot's brat was able to achieve a power not seen in a thousand years because he was sad?"
"After talking with Gohan about it, that seems to be the case."
"Ridiculous," Vegeta seethed.
"It might be strange for you but there is strength in emotions, Vegeta. From what I've seen as humans, we're a little more in tune with them compared to you or Goku. That may explain why Gohan could transform as he is half human. It's also why I don't think you are capable of doing it."
"Your point?"
"Have you ever cared for someone other than yourself? Fought for something bigger than just your pride? What would cause you enough grief that you would do anything to stop it?"
The prince glared but said nothing.
"If you'd like the chance to prove me wrong," the monk said, gesturing to the red circle where Yamcha and Yajirobi silently stood.
"…fine."
Still scowling but seeing no better alternative, the saiyan walked into the circle and found his own space away from the other two.
"Fair warning, this room blends time where the past, present, and future are mixed. The memories and experiences of both the Earth and the individual power it."
"Meaning?"
"Close your eyes and get ready for a fight."
Against his better judgment, the prince closed his eyes and waited. Once he had, the sound of the pendulum swinging back and forth increased in speed. As the red glow rippled and brightened, before gradually enveloping him.
A sensation of falling despite standing still overcame the saiyan, but his eyes remained close due to a mix of curiosity and stubbornness. It wasn't until he felt the very ground beneath his feet tremble did Vegeta's instincts kick in. Ripping his eyes open, the prince couldn't hide his shock as he took in his surroundings.
The sky above him was a light shade of green, the same color as the water that ran through a thin river nearby. Nearby trees with brown trunks held leaves dyed a dark blue. The clouds that caked the sky shone a light orange while the ground that Vegeta stood on seemed to be a mix of blue and green. It did not take the prince long to realize where he was.
Namek? Impossible!
"Move!"
Recognizing the fat man's voice, Vegeta leaped upward just as a blast of energy hit the ground. Tearing apart the small island, the saiyan had found himself on showering him with stone and smoke. It took Vegeta seconds to get a hold of his senses and he had all he could feel was the undeniable presence of a creature thought dead.
As the smoke faded, it gave Vegeta an unobstructed view of Frieza already morphed into his final form. Yet, the monster was missing his usual arrogance, as his body already seemed to have been heavily damaged. Multiple cuts and burn marks littered his chest and back. It was clear Frieza had been fighting against something and he hadn't come out unscarred.
"Damn monkey!" Frieza screamed, redirecting the hand he had already fired towards Vegeta's head. "Burn!"
Stunned, still, by the monster's appearance, the saiyan only grabbed hold of himself after Frieza had gathered enough energy to atomize him.
"Wolf!"
A palm drenched in ki smashed against the side of the tyrant's head, rattling his mind and robbing him of his gathered energy.
"Fang!"
The first strike's follow up collided with Frieza's neck, ejecting blue blood out from the monster's throat.
"FIST!"
With energy shaped like teeth, both of Yamcha's hands flowed and snapped into Frieza's chest. The force behind the blow flung the tyrant into a mountain, digging and then burying him into the hard rock.
"You just going to stand there? Or are you going to help?!" Yamcha said while heavily panting.
The one-eyed wolf was barely keeping himself afloat. His breathing was compromised, and his body was racked with fresh wounds. His gi was in tatters and in the fighting, his eyepatch had fallen off, revealing the hole that once housed his right eye. Vegeta didn't have enough time to answer as the mountain Frieza had been thrown into split apart. Frieza rose skyward with a dark sphere of energy crackling with malice held aloft with a single finger.
"Dammit, Yajirobi!" Yamcha said, his arms sagging with exhaustion, unable to pick them up.
Vegeta didn't see the samurai throw his sword, but the blade clocked in ki flashed across the green sky before sinking deep into the monster's chest. Frieza's eyes, wild with hatred, dimmed for a moment before coming back full force.
"Not good enough filth!" Frieza screeched while throwing the black sphere toward Namek's ground. "Now die in the vacuum of space!"
The energy orb plummeted into Namek's ocean, burrowing into the planet's crust and finding its core in seconds. The destruction of Namek was almost immediate. Vegeta saw the green sky bled red. Lava replaced the water under him and as the surrounding air boiled. The resulting detonation peeled off his skin as the world came apart. In moments, the prince was dead.
Breathing in gasps and out coughs, Vegeta opened his eyes again. The saiyan's vision could make out the red circle he had walked into as the swinging pendulum above continued to click. Once more in the pendulum room, the prince slowly realized that nothing had changed since he stepped into the red circle.
"How'd it go?" Krillin asked in a casual tone.
"Sword missed his heart, planet blew up," Yajirobi answered, somewhat annoyed.
"You should stop practicing with a blade," the monk sighed. "Bulma said it might not be ready in time."
"This is already a lot harder with just two of us. We don't need another handicap." Yamcha continued, stretching out his arms.
"This fight doesn't matter as much as the one coming up. Try using just your fists next time, Yajirobi."
"Ugh, fine."
"Good. I'll join you for the next few runs, but I can't stay."
"What so you get to slack off?" Yajirobi said in a dead tone.
"If you want to be the one to tell Piccolo we let Vegeta on the lookout, be my guest."
"… I'm good."
"Alright then, Vegeta, are you ready to go again?"
The prince didn't answer, sweat pouring down the side of his face. He heaved in air, but it did little to help his state of mind.
"What's the matter, princy?" Yajirobi said, slapping the saiyan's back. "Never died before?"