Author's Note: My computer broke, and I lost the entire chapter.
In a sentence that's where I've been and how I greeted the new year. I'm sure I'm not the only one kicking and screaming about something or other on New Year's Eve, but man, was I not pleased with my circumstances for a while. Always back up your files, this is a lesson I thought I had learned, but I was wrong.
Thankfully, I didn't lose everything, and the incident is behind me now. Once again, as far as I can tell, all seems well.
Enough about me though, happy new year everyone!
Computer issues aside, I had a nice holiday, and it was nice to take some time away from work and other responsibilities. I'm hoping you all had just an equally enjoyable break! Unsurprising my only new year's resolution is to write more and somehow, some way, find my way back to the ever elusive, once-a-month upload schedule.
Big dream I know.
Moving on, having to rewrite this chapter gave me more time with it, so that was nice, and I am excited to hear everyone's thoughts about it.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to shout another piece of work that I read more over the break and that helped reinvigorate my writing spirit after computergeddon.
CalvinPitt's Measure of Worth is a Krillin-centered series that not only is well written, it also updates frequently. If you are sick and tired of waiting around for me and still want a story that asks, what if Krillin became more involved in the canon, then you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
Okay, that's it for me. Missed you guys, hope you had a good holiday season and a happy new year, and please enjoy.
The King blinked.
Shaking his head and readjusting his glasses, the King reread the document that had just been handed to him by one of his most trusted agents.
"Am I reading this correctly?"
"Yes, your majesty," the agent said with a sharp nod. "It just arrived at the facility from the North Mountains and is being handled by the top scientists there."
"Why haven't I heard of this from Bara?"
"Last report I got was that her chopper just landed at the North Mountain site to join the team already there. This was deemed too important to wait, so they moved it immediately. I imagine you will hear from her soon."
"… is it alive?"
"Unknown at this point, your majesty, but I will inform you of any new developments as soon as I hear them."
"Alright, you've given me much to think about. Dismissed."
"Sir," the agent said flatly before turning on their heels and leaving the King alone in his office.
"What is happening to this world?" The King asked only himself. "I… I cannot keep up anymore."
"Your majesty," said the King's phone as it lit up with the voice of his secretary. "You have someone here to see you."
"I'm not expecting anyone. Please turn them away," The King interrupted with a sigh. "There is too much work to be done and I have very little time to spare."
"Yes sir, I will say she insisted it was urgent and said that you had several matters to discuss. Regarding someone named Mr. B?"
The King paused and raised an eyebrow before speaking again. "Who exactly is this person?"
"Uh people, your majesty. It's Ms. Bulma Briefs and her bodyguard."
"… send them in."
"Of course, your majesty."
A moment later, the King watched as his door swung open, revealing the blue hair and soft smile of Launch.
"E-excuse us, your majesty," Launch said with a small bow before opening the door wider for the scientist behind her.
With a casual stroll, Bulma flowed into the room, her tepid mood easily noticed.
"Ms. Briefs," the king said with a slight nod. "I wasn't expecting you today."
"I imagine you weren't," Bulma said, sitting down on the nearest chair seated just before the King's desk. "You should have, though."
Causally Launch closed the door to the King's office and stood next to Bulma, hands clasped on each other.
"Well, what can I do for you today, Ms. Briefs?"
"I'm here to talk about the man you sent after us," Bulma said, leaning back in her seat. "He's safe. Figured I needed to start with that."
"I see," The King nodded but remained tense. "He hasn't checked in for some hours. I was growing concerned. Should I expect his return soon?"
"He's not awake yet," Bulma said calmly. "You should know the androids you were warned about also attacked while he was questioning Chichi, him."
"What?!" The King said, nearly jumping onto his feet. "How do you know this?"
"We just do. He's safe, but he's recovering with us at the moment," Bulma said before a fierce scowl took over her stare. "Yet he was unnecessary. You've been told everything you need to know."
"Is that so?" The King fired back. "I understand that you and the rest of your group have done a great service to this planet, but to operate in secret does no one any good. Especially when people start dying in the hundreds."
Bulma paused as she studied the King, carefully taking in the unflinching stare the old dog shot at her before conceding the point.
"You're right," she said with a small nod. "Despite our best efforts, people are getting hurt. We tried to keep things in the North Mountains contained, but it didn't work."
"Then you're open to speaking to the public?" The King said his hope getting the better of him.
"No," Bulma said firmly. "And I'll be blunt about the reason, too. The public could not handle what we know or what happened in the North Mountains."
"How can you say that?" The King said, standing up from his chair. "The people have a right to-"
"Their treatment of East City is enough proof for us that it would be better to stay silent. There's no doubt that most of the world would search for the power behind the miracle were they to learn about their source. That power in the wrong hands would be catastrophic," the blue-haired scientist said, cutting off the King before he could argue. "But you have a point. People are getting hurt and there is something we can do to prevent it. Launch if you would."
"Ah, yes ma'am," the blue-haired woman said quickly before walking up to the King's desk and placing down a small flash drive in front of the old dog. "Here you go, your majesty."
"And what is this?"
"It's a basic blueprint of the downed spaceship you'll find in the North Mountains. I was able to steal these schematics when I hacked into the system of the invaders so I could goad them into landing on the surface."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"If I hadn't, then they would have destroyed the planet from orbit."
"D-destroyed!"
"Yes. Destroyed. The Earth would have been obliterated if we hadn't acted," Bulma said flatly. "Your majesty, but you are out of your depth."
The King paused before picking up the flash drive and looking it over. "What is the point of giving this to me?"
"Because I've been told that there is enough of the ship still intact that it can be reused to build something new. Something that could better protect the people of Earth."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Domes. Protective domes," Bulma said, leaning forward. "You'll see the shape of the spacecraft gives enough covering for many people and the material used is stronger than anything currently on Earth. Have a team go there to retrieve and if you dig deep enough and you should come across a sort of healing pod in there. I've been told they are highly effective if you can gather enough of the remains as a base. Perhaps these domes could also be used as hospitals. Given enough time, you should be able to replicate it and create more."
"This is incredible. It must have taken ages to make this."
"Took a little more than an hour. If you look over the plans and ask my father for help, he should be able to turn the domes into capsules. That'll make placement easier."
"You won't be assisting us with this?"
"I won't have the time. These androids that attacked us and your man are a threat to everyone. We'll be fighting against them soon enough."
"More fighting? Then these domes are a necessity, not an act of kindness."
"With respect, your majesty, we've been trying our best to protect this world. We're now under attack from someone you were told of before us. Not only did you not tell us about Gero when you had the chance, but you've also been the one who keeps sending your people after us when we've told you to stay away."
"So, you're saying that you and Krillin know what's best for the world? That you have enough wisdom to make the correct choice every time? No, I disagree. There must be a middle ground a way for all of us to work together."
"Perhaps there was," Bulma said firmly. "However, your actions have shown that the distrust we hold for the people should now extend to you."
The scientist stood up with nothing more to say. As she turned away, Launch's soft voice stopped her.
"Um, Ms. Briefs? Isn't there another thing you wanted to share?"
Bulma paused before letting out a long sigh and doubled back toward the wide desk of the King. Reaching into a pocket, she almost slammed a small object onto the nicely polished wood.
"What is this?" The King asked, picking up the object to look it over.
"It's a communicator and if I'm being honest, I don't think you should have it, but Krillin insisted," Bulma said with some bite. "I'm not promising anything, but if you need us, use that and we will try to do what we can. Put in it your ear, press down, and speak normally. We'll hear you."
The King took another look at the communicator and sighed. "…. thank you."
"Don't thank us. Leave us alone," Bulma said, turning away. "And it should go without saying I don't want any credit for these domes, either. Give it to my father or someone else. The further away we are from this, the better. We need no more people getting hurt."
They're loud.
Floating in the air high above any eyesight, Nail scowled at the city below him, bustling with activity. His enhanced hearing rang in his head from the endless noise the earthlings produced.
There are so many of them too. Even from this distance, it's just a sea of different faces.
Stretching out with this energy, Nail let his senses flow through the sky and was taken aback by the amount of ki signatures he picked up.
This planet is bursting with life even beyond the inhabitants of this giant village. Nail thoughts to himself as he looked over a tall building. Just two of these giant structures here could have housed five villages, maybe more. Yet despite their great number, I can barely sense their energy levels. They don't even have the strength to fly. An infant can wield more ki than these earthlings.
Nail felt a twinge of pain as the thought left him. Remembering the villages of Namek still hurt despite a full year passing.
Yet I am nearly there. Almost there. Namek will be restored, and I will bring my people back. As soon as I find Son Goku and Krillin of Earth, my home will return.
The speech to himself brought back the brief encounter he had with the strangers in the mountains.
Why did they attack me? What was the point? Were they not aware of the difference in our strengths? Had they been, would they have acted differently?
A loud laugh from a child caught Nail's attention. Focusing on the source, the namekian could see an earthling child walking the city streets with their parents by their side and a wide smile on their face.
No. Whatever their goal was, they sought to impede me from mine, and that will not happen. Nothing will keep me from bringing back Namek. I will bring back my world.
He closed his eyes and let his mind flow back to the day he watched his world burn. The smell of scorched Ajisa trees, the sound of the planet cracking beneath his feet, and the sight of the once-green sky tainted by red.
I will bring back my home.
"Phew, found you!"
Nail opened his eyes to see Goku appear next to him out of nowhere, yet having trained with him on Yardrat, this was a sight he was familiar with.
"Son Goku. There you are," Nail nodded. "Why did you vanish from your pod?"
"Sorry, there was a family emergency. Which we are still in, unfortunately. Had to get there as soon as I could."
"I see," Nail said wistfully. "No matter, in the end, family must come first."
"Yeah, things aren't looking good, so it's good you got here with no problems," Goku said in a bit of a hurry. "I can take you to the others if you are ready."
"I am."
"Alright, well, you know the drill. Hand on my shoulder and we can get going."
Nail did as he was instructed and placed a hand on Goku's shoulder while the saiyan placed two fingers on his forehead.
"Did anything happen when you landed?"
"Nothing I couldn't handle," Nail said calmly, the encounter with the humans already fading away from his mind.
"Here they are."
The others quieted as the older Krillin's voice reached them, following his gaze to where Goku and Nail suddenly appeared on the lookout. The circle of friends opened up as the namekian approached.
"Mr. Nail!"
It was Gohan who broke the silence with a shout as he ran up to the warrior with a soft smile.
"Hello Gohan," Nail replied with a stiff nod. "I am glad to see you safe."
"You too, Mr. Nail," Gohan said, his smile growing larger. "My dad was telling us about Yardrat and how much you guys were training."
"It was beneficial," Nail said after searching for the word. "Though it is nice to see another familiar face after being away."
"Well, not everyone you know is here," Gohan admitted. "Bulma went back down to the surface with Launch."
"Launch?"
"Oh yeah, you don't know her. She's nice. Sometimes. You'll meet her later. Oh, and my mom is here too, but she went to go rest."
"I see," Nail said, searching the crowd of people who were present. He greeted the ones he recognized with a short nod before he set a lingering gaze on Piccolo and Kami.
"Amazing," Kami said, looking over Nail with wide eyes. "You are from Namek?"
"I am. You must be the child that the Grand Elder once spoke of. As well as the guardian of this planet."
"I am," Kami replied.
"Then you are well met. What of the so-called prince?" Nail added after breaking the stare.
"He flew off with someone else you'll meet," Yamcha added. "They needed to pick up some parts of a destroyed machine. It's a long story."
"It's just as well, without the saiyan he will not distract us with his posturing. We must start with the restoration as soon as possible. Where is Krillin of Earth? Surely, he must be present, correct?"
"In a way," the older monk said, stepping into the namekian's eyesight. "Welcome to Earth Nail."
"You are, Krillin?" the warrior said, baffled at the elder speaking to him. "I don't understand."
"We will have time to explain later. For now, there are matters of greater import," Krillin said before letting out a sigh of defeat. "One of the most pressing is that the dragon is not ready to restore Namek."
Nail froze.
As his confusion about Krillin's appearance left him, a horrible pit replaced it in his heart. He had watched his world die, traveled across the stars, and trained for a year, hoping this would be the moment he could see Namek once more, the moment he could go home.
"Not ready?" Nail asked with panic in his voice. "How? Surely a year is enough time."
"Unfortunately, it was not," Krillin said, his head hanging low.
"Then you must at least be close to completion. How many dragonballs have you formed? It must only be a matter of time bef-"
"One."
"… one?"
"Yes, the process has been slow, and we are discovering there are differences between Shenron and this new-"
"Only one?"
Nail hadn't heard Krillin as he continued to talk. The pit grew to where it took his ability to properly breathe.
"No, it… this shouldn't be taking this long," the namekian said, trying to crawl his way out back out the pit. "Where is Tsuno? He's been aiding you on this, yes? He'll be able to better explain your situation to me."
There was a pause, a terrible pause. Even before Krillin began to talk, Nail fell deeper into the hole.
"Tsuno is gone," the old monk said with a heavy heart. "Our attempt to summon Shenron failed, and it was only through fusing with Kami that were we able to make a wish of any kind. I am sorry."
Nail stumbled. His legs nearly failed him entirely. The namekian had to catch himself before he fell onto his backside.
"Tsuno is… He's-"
"He was the one who offered. I objected at first, believing that Shenron would hear my call without his sacrifice. Yet Tsuno knew it would not be enough and had readied himself even before our attempt," Kami said, his eyes downcast. "We only succeeded because of him."
"Succeeded?" Nail growled. "After a year, you have one dragon ball. Is that success?"
"Hey, hold up Nail," Yamcha said, seeing the change in the namekian's demeanor. "Krillin's been doing his best all this time. You don't know what he's been through."
"You're right, I don't," Nail said, refocusing on the former shortstop. "I do not know how your planet works or what its people like. What I know is that I had to watch my planet die and hear my people burn. Now I'm told that the last of us has given up their life for you. No, I don't know what you have been through, but I can say the same of you."
"None of us have shied away from this Nail Krillin most of all," Tien said bluntly. "We know about the atrocities done to you and your people. We were on Namek too."
"But it wasn't your world!" Nail said, his power flaring out. "They weren't your family!"
His voice diving into an animistic tone and his energy output shooting up, the namekian snarled as if he was a cornered beast.
"I have spent the last year waiting for this moment. Pushing myself in training just so I could stop counting down the hours. Meditating for days, so I wouldn't bother the Yardrats as they worked on repairs. I tried for so long to ignore the pain and focus on the future. Now I am forced to wait longer? How long? Another year? Six more? With Tsuno gone, how long will I be the last one of us? How long will I be alone?!"
No one had an answer to his question and as the heavy pause continued, Nail's anger slipped away into the hole that had grown into a void.
"I… I want-" Nail stammered, his hand curling into a tight fist and his eyes shutting harshly to better protect himself. "I want to go home."
"You will."
The soft, measured voice that reached his ears provided enough comfort that Nail opened his eyes to the old man in front of him. With new sight, Nail could take in how withered Krillin had become. His age marked his face with deep trenches of skin and grey marking a beard he did not carry before. There was a weight he could not see pressing down on the small human's shoulders, threatening to crush him where he stood. Yet the sound of his voice was peaceful and calm. Buried in the sound was an ache from the weight, but the small warmth he felt as Krillin spoke offset it.
"I know it has been a long wait and but one day you will set foot on Namek again. We will get you home," Krillin continued. "I promise."
"… I've heard that before," Nail said with a weakened bite. "Your promise wasn't enough to save Namek."
"You are correct, at the time it was not, but my failure is no reason to stop trying to Nail. I shall fight on just as I know you will, too."
As the warmth spread through him, Nail felt his fingers loosen as his fist uncurled, and Krillin continued.
"Before Tsuno fused with Kami, he told me something to pass on to you."
"He did?"
"Yes, he told me that he was proud of you, of Namek's little champion."
"Champion?" Nail almost scoffed. "I am a champion of nothing."
"Is Namek gone? Destroyed, yes, but your world is not gone," Krillin said simply. "Are you so distraught you haven't seen what is right in front of you?"
Nail watched Krillin raise a withered arm towards a line of trees he hadn't noticed before. With a gasp, he realized he was looking at a row of Ajisa trees. Their gorgeous blue leaves and tall
"H-how?" was all that Nail could ask with hints of tears in his eyes.
"Another gift from Tsuno. They have taken to Earth's soil well and we have even planted a few in other locations, but I hope this shows you the obvious truth.
"Namek is still alive Nail, both you and these trees are proof of that."
The namekian felt his throat close up and a shiver pass through his body. A mixture of despair and hope swelled within his heart. A friendly hand on his shoulder aided in his comfort as Goku spoke.
"You can trust Krillin Nail," the saiyan said with confidence. "If he says he'll get you back to Namek, then it'll happen."
"… perhaps," Nail said, relenting a bit. "Yet all of that effort will be wasted if we cannot stave off Frieza's army. We must prepare the planet for the attack that approaches."
The others looked at each other for a moment before Krillin took the lead. "You don't need to concern yourself over Frieza's army anymore. They have been dealt with."
"What?" Nail said in shock. "How?"
"We prepared and trained for a year," Tien added. "As you did on Yardrat."
"You defeated them? Then, I don't understand. The danger Son Goku mentioned, is it not the remnants of the Frieza Force?"
"No, it's something new and apparently far more dangerous than even Frieza," said Kami. "Someone on this planet wishes to do us harm and they have already attacked us once."
"Someone more powerful than even Frieza?" Nail said, his shock changing to horror. "How is that possible?"
"There is much we will have to explain, but as things stand currently, we could use your help in this fight."
"… very well, I was expecting Frieza, but if this battle restricts or distracts you from reviving Namek, then I shall end it swiftly."
"You have our thanks," Kami said.
"Keep your thanks. I want a plan instead."
"We have the start of one, but there is still much to do," Krillin added. "The enemy seems to know our location on the surface, so most of our preparations will have to be done here. We have several ways to gain strength here on the lookout which you will have full access to. I will show them to you and will assist in your training soon, but before that, Kami must name me Guardian of Earth."
"He has not yet? I am surprised. Sensing Piccolo's energy, I assumed you have already been named."
"My energy?" Piccolo said, speaking up. "What do you mean?"
"Are you not aware? Your energy differs from what it was on Namek's."
"Are you surprised that I've been training?"
"It's not that," Nail said before turning back to Krillin. "You said that formed a single dragonball, correct? If that is the case, then you've been able to use the planet's energy in that task."
"I have, but what does that have to do wi-" Krillin started before realizing what Nail was getting at. "Ah, I understand."
"Care to clue us in then?" Tien asked.
"During the battle with Cooler, I took a gamble. Or rather, my younger self and I agreed on a bad idea that helped us and Piccolo end the fight."
"You're talking about the time you used Earth's power with mine?" Piccolo asked flatly.
"You can do that?" Yamcha said in surprise.
"It was a gamble. We were uncertain it would even work."
"That 'gamble almost killed me," Piccolo scoffed. "Still, we won because of it, but what does that have to do with my energy?"
"Everything," Nail said slowly. "For however brief, the moment was as soon as Earth's energy joined yours, it has changed you. The Earth empowered you and that connection will allow you access to its strength. Given you are properly named in time, you will be like me."
"What does named mean?" Goku asked.
"Champion is not just a term of endearment from Tsuno or the Grand Elder," Nail explained. "Much like Guardian, it is a title to be given, one I received from the Grand Elder at my birth."
"I don't understand," Kami said. "I've never heard about this."
"You did not have a namekian to teach you this, so that is not surprising. Add to the fact your connection to Earth is weaker than Krillin's will be once he is named your Guardian."
"Then a champion is someone who can use Earth's power as I can?" Krillin asked.
"That will be entirely up to you," Nail continued. "Once you are named Guardian, you would be free to choose your champions and grant them a part of this world's strength. If these new foes are as dangerous as you believe, then this structure will be invaluable."
"So, if you got this title too, why didn't it help ya much with Frieza?" Yajirobi said through a fistful of chips.
"Namek was my home, but compared to yours, it held very little strength. The amount of energy I received was fleeting compared to my natural strength and the training I focused on throughout my life. From what I can sense, Earth can sustain life in numbers Namek could never match. A strength that can hold up the lives of billions of creatures. That is the power you shall have at your side should you go down this path."
Nail spoke slowly as he addressed the group. His cutting gaze landed on Tien, Yamcha, Yajirobi, and Piccolo. "The only question is, will you be able to handle it?"
"So… it's feasible?"
"If these specs you received are accurate and Dr. Briefs will lend his aid, then yes, this is something we could accomplish. The possible potential of these domes could provide safety for entire cities, and if these 'healing chambers' are real, then they could act as hospitals as well."
The King's eyes widened as he listened to the lead scientist over the phone. "How soon could this be done?"
"That depends on the state of the ship in the North Mountains and how fast we can find potential locations for the sites. Yet with these amazingly extensive notes on the process, I believe we could have the domes open to the public within two years."
"That's incredible!"
"Yes, but again, it all depends on what General Bara and her team find. Has she been in contact with you, your majesty?"
"Not yet, but I'm expecting her report soon, and you shall have it as soon as I do."
"Understood. If that is all, then there are more preparations I can make while we wait."
"I understand. Let me know if there are any more developments."
"Of course, and send my profound regards to whoever the genius who came up with this concept is. It is simply a marvel."
"… I shall pass it on."
Ending the call, the King slumped back in his chair, letting out a sigh of relief. At last, something has gone right.
Feeling a little selfish and knowing that his schedule was clear for the rest of the day, the old dog almost jogged over to his collection of alcohol. Pouring himself a proper drink of pure bourbon, the old dog returned to his desk with his spoils. Sitting down, he leaned into a swig and breathed out the liquid poison with an internal cheer. Then he noticed the beetle on his desk.
"Oh my, how did you get in, little one? Should I open a window to let you out?" The King laughed, already feeling the effects of his drink.
"That shall not be necessary, your majesty."
Standing up out of his chair, he almost lost his glass. The King looked on in horrible confusion at the small beetle speaking to him directly.
"Forgive the intrusion, your majesty but I felt it prudent that we have a discussion. Regarding our mutual acquaintances."
"W-who are you?" The King asked, clutching his bourbon as if for safety.
"I'm surprised you haven't pieced it together, your majesty. You have all the information you need on hand."
The King hesitated but studied the beetle carefully. Despite the light buzz of alcohol pumping through him, the old dog could clearly see this was not at a beetle at all. Housed in a mechanical case, the small object he had confused with an insect was more in line with a tiny drone.
"You're, you're Dr. Gero."
"That I am."
The King paused, his eyes narrowing sharply. "Have you been spying on me?"
"Of course, I felt it was in our best interest to keep a close eye on you, given your recent company these past few years."
"Our best interest?" The King said as his hand searched underneath his desk. "What do you mean by that?"
"In the planet's interest, of course, these invasions have done irreparable harm to the Earth and I am here to do my part."
"… explain," The King said, finally finding the panic button located under his desk.
"Where to start? How about with the fact that years before the first invasion, as you know it, this world was already inhabited by creatures from another world?"
Just as the King was about to press down, he hesitated, his finger hovering just above the button that would summon armed guards into his chamber.
"Piqued your interest, have I?" the small machine chirped. "Oh yes, Earth has been home to an alien long before either invasion. In fact, you've already seen him."
"W-who?"
"Son Goku, the boy who defeated the demon king."
The King stood up from his chair, his hand moving to the top of his desk. "Son Goku is the boy!?"
"Oh, yes," Gero said, his malice leaking through. "I know him well."
"… you say he's an alien?"
"He is from a race called the saiyans and traveled here through space as a small child. An old man, a master of martial arts, adopted him."
"Martial arts?" The King said, recalling his talk with Krillin when he asked for an explanation of his abilities.
"Yes, convenient for him. As a saiyan, all he desires is a fight, a well-fought battle, a challenge to overcome. It is the only thing he cares for and that desire will bring disaster upon this planet time and time again. That desire has only grown as he has accumulated strength over the years. That battle lust will be the thing that brings disaster to this world."
"… no," The King said, shaking his head. "Why should I believe a word from you? You are Dr. Gero, the head scientist of the Red Ribbon Army. You were at the forefront of that twisted group and their terrible agenda. You sought to rule the world the same as them and I've heard your most recent creation injured a trusted friend of mine. No, you are a madman, and your words mean nothing."
"Your agent was not supposed to be there, and I regret his involvement. Though perhaps you have a point, I cannot say that I am entirely sane," Gero admitted with almost a cheer. "Yet isn't it refreshing to know exactly who you are dealing with? Between us, there is no need for secrets. Unlike your so-called hero."
"The hero has saved this world twice now," The King said with a furrowed brow. "His intentions are good."
"And what do you know of his intentions other than what he has told you?" Gero snapped back. "You think you can hold him to your lofty ideals? No, he does not fight for the world as you hoped he has."
"Do you intend to tell me you know his intentions that well?" The King answered back. "Don't tell me you've also spoken with him."
"Not exactly," the tiny machine said before a red light at its top flickered on. "But I have my ways."
Turning toward the wall by the King's desk, light shot out of the small drone. Plastering itself against the pristine white of the King's chamber, it didn't take the old dog long to realize that the light was acting as a projector and displaying a scene he immediately recognized.
"You know where this don't you?" Gero asked, clearly pleased with himself.
"… yes."
The King looked at the wall, studying the projection carefully. The image before him was of the battleground he had only seen a glimpse of but could never forget. It came from a first-person perspective held above the fighting, but the King knew what he was being shown. He knew the people who were gathered there. It was the sight of the first invasion.
"You were there?" The King asked, trying to keep calm.
"Not personally, but I have been watching and recording Son Goku and his allies for some time now," Gero said slowly. "Quite some time."
The projection was angled to showcase every individual giving the King a version of the fight that shared far more information than he ever got from the scattered recording Barry White had provided. He recognized a younger-looking Krillin devoid of the scars and weight he had seen him carry during their last meeting. Yamcha, the shortstop from the Taitans he realized, still had both eyes at this point. Two more men he did not recall, one with three eyes, seemed to tower above a smaller fighter that stood by his side. So small was this martial artist. In fact, the King believed it was a child until his eyes found a small boy joining as well. Yet the King did not linger on Gohan for long as his eyes soon found Piccolo posturing as well.
"So, the demon king really was there," The King said, watching the namekian carefully.
"Indeed, at this point, I would say he is a close ally of your 'hero'."
"I recognize the bigger man from a recording we got from Barry White," The King said, looking over to the mysterious pair directly across from the few fighters he knew. "However, that shorter man with the tall hair is unfamiliar to me."
"Ah, that would be Vegeta," Gero said, sounding pleased. "Another saiyan and one of the invaders who destroyed East City."
"Another alien," The King said with wide eyes. "They look li-"
"Like humans? I suppose you could say that. Though perhaps you're missing the brown tails wrapped around their waists. However, neither Son Goku nor Vegeta has kept them."
"Wait, this Vegeta doesn't have a tail anymore? What do you mean by that?"
"Ah, finally asking a question that matters," Gero said with glee.
Before the King could comment, the projection shifted away from the site of the first invasion to a new location. Here the King was shocked to see the view of the North Mountains, back when there were still mountains to see.
"This is the North Mountains?"
"How astute, your majesty, yes this is the North Mountains earlier today. During the second invasion."
Taking his eyes off the large mountain range, the King scanned the area to see that this was again a scene of a battlefield moments before a fight. He saw Krillin again, but the invisible weight he had seen him carry was still present, yet the glare he held focused on the enemy surprised him. He had never seen the monk wield such ferocity before, it surprised him. Yet not as much as the sight of the opponent Krillin was facing down. A monstrosity of which he had nothing to compare it. A mass of muscle and evil. He could only stare at Cooler in horror, unsure of what to make of the alien's final form.
"That is what they were fighting in the mountains?"
"Yes, and who else do you think was there?"
Returning to the other side, the King noted Yamcha, this time wearing an eye patch. The three-eyed man whose name he did not know. A rather large man looking rather annoyed, the demon king as well, and-
"The saiyan? Vegeta?"
"Indeed."
"But… why? He destroyed East City, didn't he?"
"He did, but here he is all the same fighting with by Krillin's side. What do you think that says about your hero? I believe it to be fairly obvious," Gero said with a grin the King could not see. "He doesn't care about you or the rest of Earth. He never has. Everything he has done he does for the people close to him. People like Son Goku, the demon king, and the saiyan Vegeta the company he keeps will only bring ruin to us all."
"Then why risk his life fighting these creatures? Why would he restore East City?" The King asked, his voice shaking. "If he doesn't care as you say then what was the point of his actions?"
"Earth is his home too, it's only natural e wouldn't want it completely destroyed. As for East City? Guilt, I imagine, but nothing more. Isn't it clear, your majesty? They do not care about humanity or any earthlings, only themselves. To them, you are all unimportant."
The King didn't know what to think. He took a moment for himself before he looked back at the small drone with a renewed fire in his eyes.
"It doesn't matter."
"Is that so?"
"No, Krillin may not fight for the life of every earthling, but he fights. You've shown me the threats he's faced and while I question his alignment with the demon king and this saiyan I cannot deny that he has saved this world. I want answers to quell the people's fears and I still want that for them. Even if the reasoning behind the miracle was guilt and even if he has joined forces with those that once sought harm to us, that the Earth is still intact shows me his heart is in the right place. Perhaps he is not the hero I'd like him to be, and he is not without flaws, but the Earth and everyone on it owes him their life."
"How touching," Gero said flatly. "Yet it's obvious that you're trying to convince yourself of something that is just not true."
Before the King could respond, the projection shifted again, one final time. It showed the King a new version of the North Mountains now devoid of its awe-inspiring landscape. In its place was a squadron of men with their weapons drawn and pointing at a crater. There, in the center of the great hole, stood a vehicle of some sort with
"The demon king? What is he doin-"
With no sound emanating from the recording, the King watched as the demon king released a wave of ki. In silent horror, the old dog could do nothing as the tsunami of energy washed over the men and women of his elite guard and wash them away as if they were nothing more than dirt on the ground. Bara's glare took on a look of agony as it ate away her arms first before the rest of her body fell to ash.
Now shaking, the King continued to watch as the demon king flew away from the now wider crater and the projection faded away. With no strength left to stand, the King simply slumped back into his chair.
"Bara, is dead?"
"This was taken earlier today," Gero added quickly. "Before your meeting with Bulma Briefs."
"… why did she not say anything? Why did Krillin-"
"I'm afraid you know the answer to that, your majesty."
"… they do not care about us."
"You wanted the truth and here it is," Gero said, his enjoyment of the situation easy to hear. "They do care what you think of them. They wield power you cannot comprehend. What you've seen is only a fraction of their strength, and their indifference. Your people, your government, you, when they have the power to bring back anyone killed, why take the deaths of thousands seriously? To them, death is just an inconvenience. Only the fight matters."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I aim to kill them, with Son Goku saved for last. Perhaps I've clarified that the outcome would be the best for this planet. My purpose here was to show you that while they are around, the fighting will continue. It doesn't matter if it's against me or something else, their mere presence will bring the fight to Earth again and again. The fighting that killed hundreds today will continue, again and again."
"Get to the point. Is all this just to antagonize me?"
"I want you to realize that you were right to mistrust Krillin and his allies. I want you to know that their continued existence will one day doom this planet. My Androids will attack Krillin and his allies soon enough but to ensure my success I could use every advantage. In the end, I want you to know that you can stop them. By helping me."
"Enough games Gero! What do you want?"
"That specimen you picked up in the North Mountains it intrigues me."
"Absolutely not!" The King roared, slamming his fist down onto his desk. "I will not work with a madman!"
"Then don't. I do not need you or it to achieve my goals. Goals that we share if you wish to keep this planet to remain safe."
The King remained quiet.
"Think about it, and if you change your mind, I will know. Have no fear your majesty, between us there will be no secrets."
With nothing more to say, the bug-like drone flew out of view and through a nearby window. A moment later, the door to the King's chamber flew open, revealing two agents with guns already drawn.
"Your majesty! Are you alright? We heard you shouting."
"I'm fine, it was nothing," the old dog said softly, his eyes glancing at the communicator left by Bulma. "Nothing at all."
"Doctor, what is the point of announcing yourself to the King? If you desire the specimen, an android even partially made would have little trouble."
"That is correct," Gero said, already working over a new monitor after his conversation with the King ended. "Yet it is for the same reason we altered the footage of the North Mountains and this new namekian. By erasing Bara's initial attack and dressing this Nail in the same clothing as Piccolo from earlier today, we have widened the rift between Krillin and the King to where it cannot be repaired. We must take every opportunity to hurt Son Goku and his friends. While I could take the specimen, having it given to me would ensure the trust between them was dead. Do you understand?"
"Yes, doctor."
"Good," Gero said, returning his focus to the monitor in front of him.
His old eyes went down the computer screen as a twisted smile grow across his face. They displayed the specs of every android project he had before him and he could feel his excitement build as he gazed over each of them.
Android 13: 60% Complete
Android 14: Version 2, 0% Complete
Android 15: 67% Complete
Android 16: 23% Complete
Android 17: 19% Complete
Android 18: 14% Complete
Android 19: 46% Complete
Android N: Resuming work, 5% Complete
"Computer, with my assistance, how long will it take us to complete these androids?"
"It will take an estimated 18 months to reach 100% completion. However, the specimen would add to this timeline."
"We don't need to concern ourselves with that now. That is faster than I planned," Gero said with a smile as his decried fingers floated over the keyboard with anticipation. "Let us begin."