The Light to my Darkness
folder
Dragon Ball Z › AU - Alternate Universe
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
50
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5,529
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Category:
Dragon Ball Z › AU - Alternate Universe
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
50
Views:
5,529
Reviews:
5
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I DO NOT OWN DRAGON BALL Z, OR ANY OF THE PRIMARY CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY!! THOSE ARE ALL TORIYAMA'S!! THIS IS A NON-PROFIT, FAN-MADE STORY!!!
43
Chapter 43: Alive
"Frieza?!" The Prince gasped in disbelief, as he sensed one of the two cosmic energy signals, heading right towards Earth. "How the hell is that bastard still alive?! I put a hole through his fucking chest!"
"Are-are y-you s-sure it's him?!" Bulma stammered fearfully, the memory of her cruel and excruciatingly painful end, all of a sudden, fresh in her mind. She instinctively clutched her abdomen, a sick, horrific feeling brewing within.
"Of course I'm sure!"
"C-Can- can you b-beat him?" Yamcha was so petrified that he damn near crushed the bottle of barbeque sauce, within his hold.
"He's significantly stronger than he was on Namek." The Saiyan noted, frowning, as he concentrated more closely on the signals. "And there's a power level with him that's even higher. Who in seven hells could that be?"
"Does- does that mean, you- you can't-"
"Shut up!" Vegeta snapped, making the scarred man flinch. "Just stay out of my way!" He demanded, preparing to take off. The Prince was already clad in the newest set of Saiyan armor and royal-blue uniform. "I'll deal with this myself!" He gandered one last time at the blue-haired female. "And you, stay right here this time! That's an order!"
"Vegeta, wait!" Bulma gesticulated her arms about in protest, as he immediately zoomed away into thin air. "Gosh, darn it!"
"Oh man!" The ex-bandit was trembling like a leaf, stress and anxiety settling over him. "He wouldn't even answer my question! Oh God, is this really the end?! Is everything-"
"Yamcha, will you shut the hell up?!" Bulma crabbily interjected, scowling at her ex. She sighed and went on, reassuringly. "Listen to me, Vegeta's gotten a lot stronger now. I don't know how strong exactly, but I'm sure he's got this, so quit panicking."
"But it's still two against one!" He fulminated. "Dammit, I wish Goku was here!"
"If you're so worried, why don't you go and help him?!"
"What good will that do?!" The scar-faced warrior countered. "I'm all but useless against Frieza!"
"So what?!" She retorted. "That doesn't mean you can't try! Seriously, grow some balls, Yamcha!"
"Hey, you don't have to say such nasty things!"
"Look, Krillin was no match for Frieza either, but he still helped the gang back on Namek!" She stated, arms folded and voice firm with conviction. "If he hadn't saved Gohan when he did, we'd have lost period! And you're much stronger than he was!" She earnestly continued. "What's more, you said you can even multiply your power, using the Kaio-Ken technique, right?!"
"True, but-"
"Then that's gotta count for something!" The heiress pressed on. "I'm sure the others are gonna join in as well, so don't be such a pansy-ass!"
"Ugh, fine." He ultimately let out a relenting sigh. Truth is, he did sense Krillin, Tien, Piccolo and Gohan, now heading over towards the hotspot. Heck, even Chiaotzu was on the warpath! He needed to play his role, as one of Earth's primary defenders! It was his duty! 'This is for you, Mirai.' The scarred man vowed, a new resolve ushering within him. His girlfriend was currently renewing the registration on her late ex-husband's car, a modest tangerine sedan, heedless of the danger that the planet faced. It was a stroke of luck, as far as Yamcha was concerned. He didn't want to frighten the poor woman. She'd endured enough hardships, as it was.
Soon after her ex had left, the afro-haired Bulma mentally oscillated between staying in the safety of her residence or witnessing the battle of the century, with her own two eyes. Musing atop the backyard table, with her elbows on her knees and steepled fingers pressed to her lips, the heiress finally concluded that things would be fine, as long as she remained a safe distance away from the skirmish. And so, she took to her airbus and ventured forth, determined to see this thing through. Her scouter easily helped her locate the power levels of her friends.
XXXX
"Frieza, we're wasting time." King Cold remarked lackadaisically, seated opposite his son, with his palm underneath his chin. "We can just blow up this silly little planet, from right here."
The father of the icy tyrant had two upright horns, atop either side of his head. Towering to a menacing height of about eight feet, he was virtually identical to Frieza's second form. However, he was of a darker shade, with smoother skin, a navy blue patch atop his head, as opposed to a violet one and he donned a royal blue cape that was red on the inside. It hung off his shoulders, reaching his shin-guards and commanding respect from each and every onlooker.
"You don't understand father!" The lizard seethed, in rage. "They must all suffer, for what was done to me!"
A mangled, torn up Frieza was recently discovered, deep amidst the wreckage where Namek once thrived, hacked into three pieces and within an inch of his life, a gaping hole in the centre of his torso. Unfortunately for the ignorant Saiyan responsible, those of the Ice clan weren't so easy to kill. Unlike most other bi-pedal vertebrates, their central nucleus resided within the brain, not the chest and unless no longer functional, they would continue living on. Though mortally wounded and with a dying energy supply, Frieza's nucleus still endured, albeit barely. Having undergone a multitude of repairs and cybernetic upgrades since his retrieval, the lizard was back and better than ever, his power level higher and far more sustainable! He was now an indestructible force, ready to wreak havoc upon all his enemies!
"But Vegeta's already dead, son." Cold argued. "The space pod he escaped in, was tracked to the Kizdar system and has remained there, for nearly two years, according to our findings. An inferior creature such as himself, couldn't possibly survive that long, under such a harsh climate."
"Don't remind me!" Frieza cursed indignantly. He wanted to break that traitorous little monkey in half, with his bare hands and now that opportunity slipped right through his fingers! He would give anything for a chance to spill Vegeta's filthy simian blood, one gruesome drop at a time, laughing as his pet cried and screamed for mercy! "I suppose the other Super Saiyan will have to do, as well as the rest of their allies! What I would give to get my hands on that insolent blue-haired bitch! Were it not for her interference, I could've finished Vegeta off, before everything turned to shit!" (A/N: Refer to Chapter 29).
"You know, sometimes I feel you're far too obsessive and vindictive, not to mention, demanding." The older creature sighed, rolling his eyes. "Perhaps I've spoiled you too much."
"Oh, don't worry father, I promise that it'll be a lot more entertaining this way!" Frieza smirked maliciously. "When Kakarot, or as he calls himself, Goku, returns to Earth, just imagine the look on his face, when he sees his planet reduced to nothing but ashes, along with his son and all his pitiful friends hahahaha!"
"Well, I suppose that does sound just a little appealing." The sovereign granted, lips curled fiendishly upwards. "Very well then." He stood up and shouted. "Prepare to land!"
"At once, your majesty!" A guard saluted and relayed the instructions to the pilots.
XXXX
"What're you lot doing here?!" Vegeta growled, as Gohan, Krillin and Piccolo landed by, followed soon after by Tien and Chiaotzu. Yamcha took a little longer, but eventually, he too joined the others. "I never asked you to follow me!"
"This isn't about you!" Tien snarled back, raising a threatening fist. He still hadn't forgiven Vegeta, for what had happened, in their very first encounter. Two years may have passed, but that scarcely mattered. The bad blood still simmered, as scalding as ever. "It's about protecting Earth! You can go die, for all we care!"
"A little waspish are we?!" The Prince snickered in amusement. "Anything else you'd like to get off your chest or should I just vaporize you now, like the bug you are?!"
"How dare you?!" The three-eyed warrior fearlessly took off his shirt and flung it to the ground, prepared to engage this Saiyan beast, at any moment.
"Hey, shut up!" Piccolo yelled, silencing his former colleague. "We don't have time for this crap! Goku's not here and that means that if we're gonna have any shot at victory, we need to work together, is that clear?!"
"Tch, don't ever presume to speak for me Namek!" Vegeta sneered. "I can handle this on my own! Why don't you weaklings do yourself a favor and go home to your mothers, where it's safe?!"
"Uh- Namekians don't have mothers." Gohan rectified. The others couldn't help but snigger or roll their eyes, at the boy's innocence. Piccolo, however, was not amused.
"I don't know how powerful you think you are, Vegeta, but there's absolutely no way you can defeat the two of them, at the same time!"
"If you doubt my strength, then come try me for yourself!" The irate Saiyan challenged. "It won't end so well for you this time, fool!"
The giant clenched his jaw, in exasperation. He couldn't gauge Vegeta's true power, since the Saiyan was suppressing a lot of it, but if he was so sure of himself, then perhaps it would be better not to interfere.
"I'll take a rain check." Piccolo sighed, before turning towards his allies. "We're gonna do what Vegeta says, for now, understood? Stand back and let him handle it."
"You're just gonna trust him?!" Tien asked in disbelief, disgusted by the very idea.
"It's not a matter of trust!" The Namekian shot back. "Vegeta's fought and defeated Frieza once before! I know the odds appear dimmer this time around, but he's our best shot!"
"No!" Yamcha spoke up, surprising all the others, Vegeta in particular. They all looked his way. "We're all here for a reason: to defend the planet and those dear to us! I'm no match for Frieza, I know that. None of us are." He brought a fist up, beside his face. "But we can still help bring down some of the soldiers he's brought with him!"
"But Yamcha-" Krillin protested.
"That's right, now you're talking!" Tien grinned at his scar-faced ally, a surge of pride and vigor rushing through him! "This is our fight as well! We have every right to be here!"
Piccolo turned towards Vegeta, who merely grunted in annoyance.
"Fine, do what you want, but try engaging Frieza or the other guy and I'll end your lives before they can, are we clear?!" He took off without delay, laying low atop a cliff, with his Ki repressed. The rest of the crew were on his tail. The Prince had to admit, he was kind of glad for the opportunity to partake in some serious action. Minus the gravity training and nightly rounds with a certain blue-haired woman, this past year had been extremely dull, to say the least.
"So- um- what's the plan?" Krillin asked.
"We wait." The Saiyan replied. "I want to see what they're up to, before encountering them."
"Uh- why?" Yamcha chimed in. "Wouldn't it be better if we just got this over with now?"
"Quiet!" Vegeta growled, in a low voice. "I'm trying to listen, you idiot!"
XXXX
"So this is Earth?" King Cold blandly commented, as he took in the barren landscape, around him. "A little dreary, if you ask me." He looked at his son, with one eye raised. "Hard to believe that a Saiyan raised on this rock actually managed to surpass you, Frieza."
"It was pure luck that saved him, nothing else!" The tyrant glared at his father. "I made the mistake of drawing out his punishment, that's all! This time, he won't be so fortunate!"
"As you say." The old man yawned, half-heartedly. He turned towards a band of high-level soldiers. "Commence with the destruction of all life on this planet."
"Yes sir!" They chanted in unison, only to end up in pieces, before they were even three feet off the ground. Yellow boots touched down on the terrain, where their severed limbs, lay bleeding. A teenage-looking boy stood strong, his expression grim and hands gripped around the dark, striated handle of a gleaming broadsword. He wore an indigo jacket, barely covering his rib cage, beneath which was a black, tank top that accentuated his strapping torso. A metallic yellow belt fastened his baggy, grey pants and his straight lavender hair rippled with the wind, parted in the centre, along the top of his head and neatly hanging just above his ears. He immediately sheathed his weapon, inside the orange scabbard that was strapped to his back.
Father and son frowned curiously at the unforeseen intruder.
"So, you're Frieza?" The boy asked.
XXXX
"Who on Earth is that child?" Vegeta looked on, in astonishment. He and the others were about to intervene when that giant lizard issued orders to purge the planet. However, the mysterious youngster had already seen to it that they were stopped.
"I-I don't know, but he's definitely- strong." Gohan observed.
"Could be another enemy." Piccolo was instantly on guard. "Be careful, everyone."
"He's just a boy you idiots!" The Prince growled. His gaze shifted back towards the scene. "And he's obviously lacking in the brains department, if he thinks he can take on Frieza!"
"Why don't you give him a hand, then?" The demi-Saiyan suggested.
"Tch, I could care less about him!" Vegeta scoffed. "Besides, I want to find out how strong he really is."
"Dammit, why're we listening to Vegeta for?!" Tien objected. "We should be down there, helping!"
The flame-haired Saiyan ignored the human and continued to listen intently.
XXXX
"Well, well, what a surprise." Frieza haughtily smirked. "It seems my infamous name stretches far and wide." He looked squarely at the spunky interloper. "I'm afraid you've already signed your own death warrant, by slaughtering our soldiers, however, since you do appear to possess some talent, I may be willing to let you off the hook."
"Is that right?" The boy chuckled. "I must say, from everything I've heard about you, I hardly expected that."
"Believe it or not, I can be quite lenient from time to time."
"I see."
"Tell you what, kid?" The lizard proposed. "How about you join us and together, we can conquer this planet?"
"By conquer, I take it you mean purge, right?"
"But of course." The tyrant's lips quirked upwards.
"Then I'm afraid, I'll have to say no." The boy sternly declined.
Both sovereigns of the Ice Clan were startled, by the reply. Appraising the boy for just a little longer, Frieza spoke up once again.
"As you wish, child." He shook his head wryly and turned towards one of his elites. "Eliminate him, at once."
"Yes sir!" The mercenary replied, activating his scouter. "Let's see here. Power level: 5. Well, this'll be a walk in the park."
"He's obviously holding back, you moron." Frieza jeered. "If he were only level 5, he wouldn't have been able to cut through all those men."
"Right, I understand, your Lordship." He took up a stance, facing his opponent. "You ready to die, little twerp?!"
"I'll only say this once." The unnamed lad warned, forebodingly. "Stand down or I'll be forced to finish you."
"Why, you impudent little punk!" The subordinate yelled, peevishly. "You're about to swallow those words!"
XXXX
"That does it, I'm going in!" Growing weary, Tien headed towards the centre of the battle zone.
"Tien, no!" Chiaotzu belatedly called out.
"Guess this is it!" Piccolo followed the three-eyed warrior's path, tailed by Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha and after a while, a reluctant Chiaotzu.
"Freaking morons!" Vegeta cursed, deciding to stay put. Those clowns could go and get themselves killed for all he cared. He still wanted to observe that anonymous boy's powers for himself, before joining the fray. He couldn't quite place it, but the aura he gave off felt somewhat familiar.
XXXX
The elite charged towards the mystery figure, however another arrival barged in, punting him into the air.
"Dodon ray!" The three-eyed warrior fired a shiny beam of orange from his index finger, that pierced right through the mercenary's heart. A second later, the alien fell to the ground, lifeless, with blood spewing out of his perforated chest. Not long after, the rest of the crew joined Tien, standing in between the lavender-haired stranger and Frieza's goons.
"It's you!" Frieza growled, his teeth grit and a purple aura billowing around him, as he recognized three of the fighters that appeared before him. The human warriors gulped in fear, as they got a better feel of his colossal power level. It easily trumped their's, by far. "So it's true, after all! You really did survive the explosion on Namek! How dare you show yourselves here, you vermin?!"
"We're not here to fight you Frieza." Piccolo stated phlegmatically.
"It wouldn't be a fight now, would it?!" The lizard grinned evilly. "More like a massacre that you'll never escape from!"
"That's not gonna happen!" The Namekian vehemently replied. "We might not be able to defeat you, but we can certainly overcome your men! So why don't you bring 'em all on, at once?!"
"How dare you presume to-"
"Now, now, son, you did promise me a little entertainment." King Cold chimed in. "So far, I must say, I've been rather disappointed."
"But father-"
"No buts." The towering menace interjected, before looking towards his remaining underlings, comprising of fifteen elite mercenaries and sixty-five soldiers, ranked mid to high-level. "Let's get on with it then."
"Fine!" Frieza huffed. "But should they survive, they're all mine!"
"Of course, my son, of course." Cold laughed.
XXXX
'What, no way, it can't be!' Vegeta was completely at a loss. He hadn't the slightest clue that Frieza's father was still alive! However, that certainly explained the high power level. 'Interesting.'
XXXX
"Wolf Fang Fist!" Yamcha launched a flurry of punches and kicks on one of the elites, propelling him straight ahead, before appearing behind him and elbowing him into the ground. It was enough to finish him off. "Spirit ball!" He hurled a white orb of Ki at another incoming elite, who barely dodged, only to be struck by it from behind, as the scarred man used two fingers to spin the homing energy sphere, right back around.
"Kamehameha!" Krillin fired an intense blast at twenty high-levels, wiping them all out with ease.
"Drill attack!" A spinning Chiaotzu swiftly ploughed right through twenty five mid-ranked soldiers headfirst, like a bowling ball and proceeded to finish them off with a broad wave of energy.
"Makosen Ha!" Piccolo roared.
"Masenko Ha!" Gohan attacked. Together, they obliterated ten elites and the remaining mid-to-high level troops. Though the gentle half-Saiyan held back greatly, the Namekian had no qualms about finishing off his enemies and so his pupil's restraint made no difference, in the end.
The three remaining elites were easily dismantled. A series of well-placed attacks by Tien and that's all she wrote. The Z fighters regrouped, in front of the unnamed boy.
"Man, that was way easier than I thought!" Yamcha grinned. "Those guys were nothing! We didn't even have to use the Kaio-Ken!"
"I know right?!" Tien concurred.
"Kaio-Ken?! Now why does that sound familiar?!" Frieza suddenly seethed in fury, as memories of the young Saiyan called Goku, hit him right in the face. These bastards were no ordinary fighters. Each of them was worth at least two or three elites, probably more, if they could truly multiply their powers.
"Well, I must say, I'm impressed." King Cold lauded. "Brilliant performance, truly. You made my elites look like complete amateurs."
"Indeed." His son agreed. "You truly are a special bunch, you lot. Such a shame that you'll never get another chance to use that amazing talent."
"Hmph, that's what you think Frieza!" Piccolo retorted smugly. "But fact is, you'll never even get the chance to destroy us! You see, there's someone here who's just dying to get his hands on you!"
"Surely you jest." The lizard scoffed. "Or maybe you're referring to the boy behind you. Perhaps he has what it takes to challenge the insurmountable strength of the mighty Frieza hahaha, though I seriously doubt it."
"As a matter of fact, I do!" The lavender-haired youngster proclaimed, reappearing in front of the startled Z warriors and clenching his fists by his side.
"Stay back, kid, this isn't your fight!" The Namekian cautioned. "I don't know who you are, but Frieza's no ordinary opponent, believe me! I fought him before and-"
"Enough!" A guttural snarl tore through the green alien's warning. At last, Vegeta made his royal entrance into the scene. He flew over and stood a few feet left of the child, grinning wickedly as he saw his former master turn cold with dread, at the mere sight of him. "The boy wants to take on Frieza, so let him!"
"F-F-" The young one sputtered, staring open-mouthed at the flame-haired Saiyan, before finally gathering himself, lest he spill out any ruinous, fate-altering information. This mystery fighter, who'd sustained a stolid, unyielding demeanor in the presence of Frieza, King Cold and all the others, suddenly found himself in complete awe, as Vegeta's heavy, obsidian gaze pierced right through his soul. That look alone made him feel like a helpless child, though he was far from it.
"What's the matter?!" The Prince growled. "If you're having second thoughts, then back off and let the real warriors do the fighting!"
"Umm- n-no- I- I just-"
"Y-Y-You're s-supposed to be d-d-dead." Frieza stammered, consumed with alarm and trepidation, at the unexpected sight of his most feared enemy.
"I could say the same thing about you, coward!" Vegeta spat, whereby the lizard scowled angrily at him. "I don't know how you survived, but this time, I'm going to wipe out every last trace of you!" All of a sudden, his desire to see the boy's strength either disappeared or was forgotten altogether. The Prince promptly placed his fists by his side and bellowed aloud, the thunderous echoes of his mighty roar reaching the heavens, as the ground shook violently and chunks of rocks levitated into the air. "HAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH!"
Clouds gathered together to witness the breathtaking power and bolts of lightning shot down into the Earth. The Z fighters present, as well as the stranger, fell back, as Golden Ki exploded around the Saiyan, his energy skyrocketing to levels, unprecedented. Half a minute ticked by, till the radiant haze of light dimmed down, just enough to make out the flaming silhouette of the legendary Super Saiyan, gilded in pure gold, like the Angel of Death, himself.
"Wh-What a-a-amazing p-power!" Yamcha exclaimed, struck with wonder, like never before. So this is what Vegeta had up his sleeve, what he'd been hiding all along! No power could ever hope to rival this! 'Not even Goku can be this strong.' He thought inwardly.
"He's- he's stronger th-than he was- on- on Namek." Krillin stuttered.
"Far stronger!" Piccolo too, was overwhelmed by it all. The others, completely dumbstruck, could do nothing but gawk and splutter at the unreal sight before them.
"H-H-How?" The lavender-haired lad was more at a loss than every single one of them. Something was completely amiss and it had nothing at all to do with his presence!
Frieza took a few terrified steps back, whatever staunch bravado he felt, since acquiring his upgrades, evanescing away, as he peered into the harrowing, teal eyes of his mighty conquerer, gleaming horrifically with an unwavering promise of doom. Plagued with panic, the villainous being could hardly help it, as images of his defeat and near-death, repeatedly flashed through his mind. The frightening horrors he experienced in Namek mentally re-played over and over again, accelerating the panic and dread, within his quailing mind.
Vegeta grinned evilly, feeling more privileged than ever, as he witnessed once again, the blatant terror in his enemy's beady eyes.
"I'm going to enjoy this."
XXXX
Approximately two hours away from Earth in a superluminal space pod, sat a warrior with raven spikes jutting in just about every direction. The moment Frieza's energy signal was within sensing range, he'd jolted awake, in spite of the stasis gas that surrounded him. Immediately switching off the gas, he remained in tune with the events down below. So far, all seemed well. Then he felt it: the all-too-familiar power of his legendary rival. Indignant that he'd been robbed off his chance at fighting Frieza back on Namek, the younger Saiyan decided to employ his newest technique, placing his conjoined index and middle finger to his forehead and suddenly disappearing.
XXXX
"K-Kakarot?" The Prince asked, stunned and incredulous, as his rival abruptly appeared next to him, dressed in the most outlandish uniform he'd ever seen.
"Hey Vegeta." Goku grinned, in that signature, goofy manner of his. "How've you been, my friend?"
"Where the hell did you come from?!" The older Saiyan brusquely demanded. "And how dare you presume to call me friend, you bungling oaf?!"
Before another word was said, Earth's hero was forced to undergo his own transformation, as he sensed an immense Ki blast headed their way. In the fraction of a second, he stood enshrouded in gold. Once the smoke cleared after impact, the legendary pair remained unscathed and severely displeased by the cheap, craven tactics of their enemy.
"It's- it's Goku!" Piccolo exclaimed in awe. "And he's already a Super Saiyan! How on Earth did he get here?!"
"D-Dad?" Gohan stammered.
"N-No damn it!" The tyrant hissed.
"So it's really you." Goku frowned his way, not impressed in the slightest. "I can tell you're stronger now, Frieza, but it still isn't enough, not by a long-shot. You made a huge mistake coming to this planet." He grit his teeth furiously, holding up an ominous fist. "No one threatens Earth, not on my watch!"
King Cold was too stupefied to get a single word out. It was as though, this newcomer had materialized out of thin air. It made absolutely no sense!
XXXX
"G-G-Goku?" The lavender-haired stranger mumbled.
"You know Goku?" The Namekian frowned dubiously, at the teen.
"Huh?" The boy replied blankly, before shaking the daze out of his head. "Oh, uh- no, I've only heard about Goku, but this is the first time I'm actually seeing him."
"Well, if you're not careful, it may be the last time!" The green alien threatened, not-so-subtly.
"Piccolo!" Gohan reproached, knitting his brows disapprovingly. "You shouldn't say things like that! He's not a bad guy!"
"You don't know that!"
"Guys, can we discuss this later?!" Krillin counselled. "All hell's about to break loose and I don't know about you, but I don't want to end up as cannon fodder, okay?!"
"Right." Piccolo nodded. "Gohan, go with Krillin and the others. Get someplace safe, now."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine." He shook his head. "I'm a lot stronger than you think. I can take a little heat."
"O-kay." The half-Saiyan hesitated, before doing as asked.
XXXX
"Listen here, clown, I don't know where you came from, but no one asked for your assistance!" Vegeta snarled, vexedly. "I have this under control, now get lost!"
"No!" Goku fervently replied. "You got to fight Frieza the last time, so now it's my turn! It's only fair!"
"Your turn?!" The Prince grimaced. "What're you, five years old?! Get over it! I was here first, so flee!"
"There's one way we can settle this, Vegeta." The younger Super Saiyan tactfully offered. "Rock-paper-scissors."
"My God, you cannot be serious!" Vegeta scowled. "I refuse to engage in such a-"
"So you're giving up then?" Earth's hero goaded.
"No, I'm not giving up you imbecile, I just don't want to-" He paused a moment, before huffing, as he obliged his chucklesome counterpart. "Fine, let's do it!"
"Rock-paper-scissors." They both chanted.
"Paper beats rock, I win!" Goku smiled from ear to ear, before facing his opponent. The lizard could hardly tell if he was baffled or unnerved, probably both. "It's time! Ready, Frieza?"
Infuriated, yet surprisingly sporting, Vegeta withdrew about a dozen feet back, brooding angrily.
'How can a fucking piece of paper beat a rock?!' He cursed mentally. 'Whoever invented that stupid game should be disembowelled!'
Two years ago, he'd never think twice about honouring his word, but it seemed as though Earth had changed him. Moreover, he had nothing to prove against the lizard. He'd already defeated him once before, redeeming within himself, the spirit of a true Saiyan Prince, while avenging his woman's demise and exacting all the humiliation he'd suffered, over the course of his life. However, it still irked him that he hadn't finished the job. Then again, perhaps he would get a chance to step in, if Kakarot was the same old wishy-washy do-gooder, he always had been. Only time would tell.
XXXX
Power levels (descending order):
The Super Saiyans/Mystery Kid: ?
King Cold: ?
Frieza: ?
I'll leave these for the next chapter, don't want to spoil the surprise!
Piccolo: 12 million (with weights)
15 million (without weights)
Piccolo's natural abilities are exceptional, as a result of the fusion with Nail. Conversely, however, this means that the Kaio-Ken technique is far too much for his body to handle, due to the extensive powers involved. Thus he cannot use it, though he's learned how, via interactions with the humans.
Gohan: 850 000
4.25 million (Kaio-Ken x5)
Since catching up with his homework a year ago, Chi-Chi gave Gohan permission to train 3-4 hours a day, with Krillin and/or Piccolo, provided it was under her supervision. He learned the Kaio-Ken, but isn't quite as proficient with the technique, as the human fighters are, with the exception of Chiaotzu.
Tien: 400 000
4 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Trains all day, what can I say?
Krillin: 350 000
3.5 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Yamcha: 320 000
3.2 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Chiaotzu: 200 000
1 million (Kaio-Ken x5)
His size and stature makes it tougher to employ the higher levels of Kaio-Ken.
King Cold's elites: Range from 100 000 - 150 000
High-ranking soldiers: Range from 15 000 - 18 000
Mid-ranking soldiers: Range from 10 000 - 12 000
"Frieza?!" The Prince gasped in disbelief, as he sensed one of the two cosmic energy signals, heading right towards Earth. "How the hell is that bastard still alive?! I put a hole through his fucking chest!"
"Are-are y-you s-sure it's him?!" Bulma stammered fearfully, the memory of her cruel and excruciatingly painful end, all of a sudden, fresh in her mind. She instinctively clutched her abdomen, a sick, horrific feeling brewing within.
"Of course I'm sure!"
"C-Can- can you b-beat him?" Yamcha was so petrified that he damn near crushed the bottle of barbeque sauce, within his hold.
"He's significantly stronger than he was on Namek." The Saiyan noted, frowning, as he concentrated more closely on the signals. "And there's a power level with him that's even higher. Who in seven hells could that be?"
"Does- does that mean, you- you can't-"
"Shut up!" Vegeta snapped, making the scarred man flinch. "Just stay out of my way!" He demanded, preparing to take off. The Prince was already clad in the newest set of Saiyan armor and royal-blue uniform. "I'll deal with this myself!" He gandered one last time at the blue-haired female. "And you, stay right here this time! That's an order!"
"Vegeta, wait!" Bulma gesticulated her arms about in protest, as he immediately zoomed away into thin air. "Gosh, darn it!"
"Oh man!" The ex-bandit was trembling like a leaf, stress and anxiety settling over him. "He wouldn't even answer my question! Oh God, is this really the end?! Is everything-"
"Yamcha, will you shut the hell up?!" Bulma crabbily interjected, scowling at her ex. She sighed and went on, reassuringly. "Listen to me, Vegeta's gotten a lot stronger now. I don't know how strong exactly, but I'm sure he's got this, so quit panicking."
"But it's still two against one!" He fulminated. "Dammit, I wish Goku was here!"
"If you're so worried, why don't you go and help him?!"
"What good will that do?!" The scar-faced warrior countered. "I'm all but useless against Frieza!"
"So what?!" She retorted. "That doesn't mean you can't try! Seriously, grow some balls, Yamcha!"
"Hey, you don't have to say such nasty things!"
"Look, Krillin was no match for Frieza either, but he still helped the gang back on Namek!" She stated, arms folded and voice firm with conviction. "If he hadn't saved Gohan when he did, we'd have lost period! And you're much stronger than he was!" She earnestly continued. "What's more, you said you can even multiply your power, using the Kaio-Ken technique, right?!"
"True, but-"
"Then that's gotta count for something!" The heiress pressed on. "I'm sure the others are gonna join in as well, so don't be such a pansy-ass!"
"Ugh, fine." He ultimately let out a relenting sigh. Truth is, he did sense Krillin, Tien, Piccolo and Gohan, now heading over towards the hotspot. Heck, even Chiaotzu was on the warpath! He needed to play his role, as one of Earth's primary defenders! It was his duty! 'This is for you, Mirai.' The scarred man vowed, a new resolve ushering within him. His girlfriend was currently renewing the registration on her late ex-husband's car, a modest tangerine sedan, heedless of the danger that the planet faced. It was a stroke of luck, as far as Yamcha was concerned. He didn't want to frighten the poor woman. She'd endured enough hardships, as it was.
Soon after her ex had left, the afro-haired Bulma mentally oscillated between staying in the safety of her residence or witnessing the battle of the century, with her own two eyes. Musing atop the backyard table, with her elbows on her knees and steepled fingers pressed to her lips, the heiress finally concluded that things would be fine, as long as she remained a safe distance away from the skirmish. And so, she took to her airbus and ventured forth, determined to see this thing through. Her scouter easily helped her locate the power levels of her friends.
XXXX
"Frieza, we're wasting time." King Cold remarked lackadaisically, seated opposite his son, with his palm underneath his chin. "We can just blow up this silly little planet, from right here."
The father of the icy tyrant had two upright horns, atop either side of his head. Towering to a menacing height of about eight feet, he was virtually identical to Frieza's second form. However, he was of a darker shade, with smoother skin, a navy blue patch atop his head, as opposed to a violet one and he donned a royal blue cape that was red on the inside. It hung off his shoulders, reaching his shin-guards and commanding respect from each and every onlooker.
"You don't understand father!" The lizard seethed, in rage. "They must all suffer, for what was done to me!"
A mangled, torn up Frieza was recently discovered, deep amidst the wreckage where Namek once thrived, hacked into three pieces and within an inch of his life, a gaping hole in the centre of his torso. Unfortunately for the ignorant Saiyan responsible, those of the Ice clan weren't so easy to kill. Unlike most other bi-pedal vertebrates, their central nucleus resided within the brain, not the chest and unless no longer functional, they would continue living on. Though mortally wounded and with a dying energy supply, Frieza's nucleus still endured, albeit barely. Having undergone a multitude of repairs and cybernetic upgrades since his retrieval, the lizard was back and better than ever, his power level higher and far more sustainable! He was now an indestructible force, ready to wreak havoc upon all his enemies!
"But Vegeta's already dead, son." Cold argued. "The space pod he escaped in, was tracked to the Kizdar system and has remained there, for nearly two years, according to our findings. An inferior creature such as himself, couldn't possibly survive that long, under such a harsh climate."
"Don't remind me!" Frieza cursed indignantly. He wanted to break that traitorous little monkey in half, with his bare hands and now that opportunity slipped right through his fingers! He would give anything for a chance to spill Vegeta's filthy simian blood, one gruesome drop at a time, laughing as his pet cried and screamed for mercy! "I suppose the other Super Saiyan will have to do, as well as the rest of their allies! What I would give to get my hands on that insolent blue-haired bitch! Were it not for her interference, I could've finished Vegeta off, before everything turned to shit!" (A/N: Refer to Chapter 29).
"You know, sometimes I feel you're far too obsessive and vindictive, not to mention, demanding." The older creature sighed, rolling his eyes. "Perhaps I've spoiled you too much."
"Oh, don't worry father, I promise that it'll be a lot more entertaining this way!" Frieza smirked maliciously. "When Kakarot, or as he calls himself, Goku, returns to Earth, just imagine the look on his face, when he sees his planet reduced to nothing but ashes, along with his son and all his pitiful friends hahahaha!"
"Well, I suppose that does sound just a little appealing." The sovereign granted, lips curled fiendishly upwards. "Very well then." He stood up and shouted. "Prepare to land!"
"At once, your majesty!" A guard saluted and relayed the instructions to the pilots.
XXXX
"What're you lot doing here?!" Vegeta growled, as Gohan, Krillin and Piccolo landed by, followed soon after by Tien and Chiaotzu. Yamcha took a little longer, but eventually, he too joined the others. "I never asked you to follow me!"
"This isn't about you!" Tien snarled back, raising a threatening fist. He still hadn't forgiven Vegeta, for what had happened, in their very first encounter. Two years may have passed, but that scarcely mattered. The bad blood still simmered, as scalding as ever. "It's about protecting Earth! You can go die, for all we care!"
"A little waspish are we?!" The Prince snickered in amusement. "Anything else you'd like to get off your chest or should I just vaporize you now, like the bug you are?!"
"How dare you?!" The three-eyed warrior fearlessly took off his shirt and flung it to the ground, prepared to engage this Saiyan beast, at any moment.
"Hey, shut up!" Piccolo yelled, silencing his former colleague. "We don't have time for this crap! Goku's not here and that means that if we're gonna have any shot at victory, we need to work together, is that clear?!"
"Tch, don't ever presume to speak for me Namek!" Vegeta sneered. "I can handle this on my own! Why don't you weaklings do yourself a favor and go home to your mothers, where it's safe?!"
"Uh- Namekians don't have mothers." Gohan rectified. The others couldn't help but snigger or roll their eyes, at the boy's innocence. Piccolo, however, was not amused.
"I don't know how powerful you think you are, Vegeta, but there's absolutely no way you can defeat the two of them, at the same time!"
"If you doubt my strength, then come try me for yourself!" The irate Saiyan challenged. "It won't end so well for you this time, fool!"
The giant clenched his jaw, in exasperation. He couldn't gauge Vegeta's true power, since the Saiyan was suppressing a lot of it, but if he was so sure of himself, then perhaps it would be better not to interfere.
"I'll take a rain check." Piccolo sighed, before turning towards his allies. "We're gonna do what Vegeta says, for now, understood? Stand back and let him handle it."
"You're just gonna trust him?!" Tien asked in disbelief, disgusted by the very idea.
"It's not a matter of trust!" The Namekian shot back. "Vegeta's fought and defeated Frieza once before! I know the odds appear dimmer this time around, but he's our best shot!"
"No!" Yamcha spoke up, surprising all the others, Vegeta in particular. They all looked his way. "We're all here for a reason: to defend the planet and those dear to us! I'm no match for Frieza, I know that. None of us are." He brought a fist up, beside his face. "But we can still help bring down some of the soldiers he's brought with him!"
"But Yamcha-" Krillin protested.
"That's right, now you're talking!" Tien grinned at his scar-faced ally, a surge of pride and vigor rushing through him! "This is our fight as well! We have every right to be here!"
Piccolo turned towards Vegeta, who merely grunted in annoyance.
"Fine, do what you want, but try engaging Frieza or the other guy and I'll end your lives before they can, are we clear?!" He took off without delay, laying low atop a cliff, with his Ki repressed. The rest of the crew were on his tail. The Prince had to admit, he was kind of glad for the opportunity to partake in some serious action. Minus the gravity training and nightly rounds with a certain blue-haired woman, this past year had been extremely dull, to say the least.
"So- um- what's the plan?" Krillin asked.
"We wait." The Saiyan replied. "I want to see what they're up to, before encountering them."
"Uh- why?" Yamcha chimed in. "Wouldn't it be better if we just got this over with now?"
"Quiet!" Vegeta growled, in a low voice. "I'm trying to listen, you idiot!"
XXXX
"So this is Earth?" King Cold blandly commented, as he took in the barren landscape, around him. "A little dreary, if you ask me." He looked at his son, with one eye raised. "Hard to believe that a Saiyan raised on this rock actually managed to surpass you, Frieza."
"It was pure luck that saved him, nothing else!" The tyrant glared at his father. "I made the mistake of drawing out his punishment, that's all! This time, he won't be so fortunate!"
"As you say." The old man yawned, half-heartedly. He turned towards a band of high-level soldiers. "Commence with the destruction of all life on this planet."
"Yes sir!" They chanted in unison, only to end up in pieces, before they were even three feet off the ground. Yellow boots touched down on the terrain, where their severed limbs, lay bleeding. A teenage-looking boy stood strong, his expression grim and hands gripped around the dark, striated handle of a gleaming broadsword. He wore an indigo jacket, barely covering his rib cage, beneath which was a black, tank top that accentuated his strapping torso. A metallic yellow belt fastened his baggy, grey pants and his straight lavender hair rippled with the wind, parted in the centre, along the top of his head and neatly hanging just above his ears. He immediately sheathed his weapon, inside the orange scabbard that was strapped to his back.
Father and son frowned curiously at the unforeseen intruder.
"So, you're Frieza?" The boy asked.
XXXX
"Who on Earth is that child?" Vegeta looked on, in astonishment. He and the others were about to intervene when that giant lizard issued orders to purge the planet. However, the mysterious youngster had already seen to it that they were stopped.
"I-I don't know, but he's definitely- strong." Gohan observed.
"Could be another enemy." Piccolo was instantly on guard. "Be careful, everyone."
"He's just a boy you idiots!" The Prince growled. His gaze shifted back towards the scene. "And he's obviously lacking in the brains department, if he thinks he can take on Frieza!"
"Why don't you give him a hand, then?" The demi-Saiyan suggested.
"Tch, I could care less about him!" Vegeta scoffed. "Besides, I want to find out how strong he really is."
"Dammit, why're we listening to Vegeta for?!" Tien objected. "We should be down there, helping!"
The flame-haired Saiyan ignored the human and continued to listen intently.
XXXX
"Well, well, what a surprise." Frieza haughtily smirked. "It seems my infamous name stretches far and wide." He looked squarely at the spunky interloper. "I'm afraid you've already signed your own death warrant, by slaughtering our soldiers, however, since you do appear to possess some talent, I may be willing to let you off the hook."
"Is that right?" The boy chuckled. "I must say, from everything I've heard about you, I hardly expected that."
"Believe it or not, I can be quite lenient from time to time."
"I see."
"Tell you what, kid?" The lizard proposed. "How about you join us and together, we can conquer this planet?"
"By conquer, I take it you mean purge, right?"
"But of course." The tyrant's lips quirked upwards.
"Then I'm afraid, I'll have to say no." The boy sternly declined.
Both sovereigns of the Ice Clan were startled, by the reply. Appraising the boy for just a little longer, Frieza spoke up once again.
"As you wish, child." He shook his head wryly and turned towards one of his elites. "Eliminate him, at once."
"Yes sir!" The mercenary replied, activating his scouter. "Let's see here. Power level: 5. Well, this'll be a walk in the park."
"He's obviously holding back, you moron." Frieza jeered. "If he were only level 5, he wouldn't have been able to cut through all those men."
"Right, I understand, your Lordship." He took up a stance, facing his opponent. "You ready to die, little twerp?!"
"I'll only say this once." The unnamed lad warned, forebodingly. "Stand down or I'll be forced to finish you."
"Why, you impudent little punk!" The subordinate yelled, peevishly. "You're about to swallow those words!"
XXXX
"That does it, I'm going in!" Growing weary, Tien headed towards the centre of the battle zone.
"Tien, no!" Chiaotzu belatedly called out.
"Guess this is it!" Piccolo followed the three-eyed warrior's path, tailed by Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha and after a while, a reluctant Chiaotzu.
"Freaking morons!" Vegeta cursed, deciding to stay put. Those clowns could go and get themselves killed for all he cared. He still wanted to observe that anonymous boy's powers for himself, before joining the fray. He couldn't quite place it, but the aura he gave off felt somewhat familiar.
XXXX
The elite charged towards the mystery figure, however another arrival barged in, punting him into the air.
"Dodon ray!" The three-eyed warrior fired a shiny beam of orange from his index finger, that pierced right through the mercenary's heart. A second later, the alien fell to the ground, lifeless, with blood spewing out of his perforated chest. Not long after, the rest of the crew joined Tien, standing in between the lavender-haired stranger and Frieza's goons.
"It's you!" Frieza growled, his teeth grit and a purple aura billowing around him, as he recognized three of the fighters that appeared before him. The human warriors gulped in fear, as they got a better feel of his colossal power level. It easily trumped their's, by far. "So it's true, after all! You really did survive the explosion on Namek! How dare you show yourselves here, you vermin?!"
"We're not here to fight you Frieza." Piccolo stated phlegmatically.
"It wouldn't be a fight now, would it?!" The lizard grinned evilly. "More like a massacre that you'll never escape from!"
"That's not gonna happen!" The Namekian vehemently replied. "We might not be able to defeat you, but we can certainly overcome your men! So why don't you bring 'em all on, at once?!"
"How dare you presume to-"
"Now, now, son, you did promise me a little entertainment." King Cold chimed in. "So far, I must say, I've been rather disappointed."
"But father-"
"No buts." The towering menace interjected, before looking towards his remaining underlings, comprising of fifteen elite mercenaries and sixty-five soldiers, ranked mid to high-level. "Let's get on with it then."
"Fine!" Frieza huffed. "But should they survive, they're all mine!"
"Of course, my son, of course." Cold laughed.
XXXX
'What, no way, it can't be!' Vegeta was completely at a loss. He hadn't the slightest clue that Frieza's father was still alive! However, that certainly explained the high power level. 'Interesting.'
XXXX
"Wolf Fang Fist!" Yamcha launched a flurry of punches and kicks on one of the elites, propelling him straight ahead, before appearing behind him and elbowing him into the ground. It was enough to finish him off. "Spirit ball!" He hurled a white orb of Ki at another incoming elite, who barely dodged, only to be struck by it from behind, as the scarred man used two fingers to spin the homing energy sphere, right back around.
"Kamehameha!" Krillin fired an intense blast at twenty high-levels, wiping them all out with ease.
"Drill attack!" A spinning Chiaotzu swiftly ploughed right through twenty five mid-ranked soldiers headfirst, like a bowling ball and proceeded to finish them off with a broad wave of energy.
"Makosen Ha!" Piccolo roared.
"Masenko Ha!" Gohan attacked. Together, they obliterated ten elites and the remaining mid-to-high level troops. Though the gentle half-Saiyan held back greatly, the Namekian had no qualms about finishing off his enemies and so his pupil's restraint made no difference, in the end.
The three remaining elites were easily dismantled. A series of well-placed attacks by Tien and that's all she wrote. The Z fighters regrouped, in front of the unnamed boy.
"Man, that was way easier than I thought!" Yamcha grinned. "Those guys were nothing! We didn't even have to use the Kaio-Ken!"
"I know right?!" Tien concurred.
"Kaio-Ken?! Now why does that sound familiar?!" Frieza suddenly seethed in fury, as memories of the young Saiyan called Goku, hit him right in the face. These bastards were no ordinary fighters. Each of them was worth at least two or three elites, probably more, if they could truly multiply their powers.
"Well, I must say, I'm impressed." King Cold lauded. "Brilliant performance, truly. You made my elites look like complete amateurs."
"Indeed." His son agreed. "You truly are a special bunch, you lot. Such a shame that you'll never get another chance to use that amazing talent."
"Hmph, that's what you think Frieza!" Piccolo retorted smugly. "But fact is, you'll never even get the chance to destroy us! You see, there's someone here who's just dying to get his hands on you!"
"Surely you jest." The lizard scoffed. "Or maybe you're referring to the boy behind you. Perhaps he has what it takes to challenge the insurmountable strength of the mighty Frieza hahaha, though I seriously doubt it."
"As a matter of fact, I do!" The lavender-haired youngster proclaimed, reappearing in front of the startled Z warriors and clenching his fists by his side.
"Stay back, kid, this isn't your fight!" The Namekian cautioned. "I don't know who you are, but Frieza's no ordinary opponent, believe me! I fought him before and-"
"Enough!" A guttural snarl tore through the green alien's warning. At last, Vegeta made his royal entrance into the scene. He flew over and stood a few feet left of the child, grinning wickedly as he saw his former master turn cold with dread, at the mere sight of him. "The boy wants to take on Frieza, so let him!"
"F-F-" The young one sputtered, staring open-mouthed at the flame-haired Saiyan, before finally gathering himself, lest he spill out any ruinous, fate-altering information. This mystery fighter, who'd sustained a stolid, unyielding demeanor in the presence of Frieza, King Cold and all the others, suddenly found himself in complete awe, as Vegeta's heavy, obsidian gaze pierced right through his soul. That look alone made him feel like a helpless child, though he was far from it.
"What's the matter?!" The Prince growled. "If you're having second thoughts, then back off and let the real warriors do the fighting!"
"Umm- n-no- I- I just-"
"Y-Y-You're s-supposed to be d-d-dead." Frieza stammered, consumed with alarm and trepidation, at the unexpected sight of his most feared enemy.
"I could say the same thing about you, coward!" Vegeta spat, whereby the lizard scowled angrily at him. "I don't know how you survived, but this time, I'm going to wipe out every last trace of you!" All of a sudden, his desire to see the boy's strength either disappeared or was forgotten altogether. The Prince promptly placed his fists by his side and bellowed aloud, the thunderous echoes of his mighty roar reaching the heavens, as the ground shook violently and chunks of rocks levitated into the air. "HAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH!"
Clouds gathered together to witness the breathtaking power and bolts of lightning shot down into the Earth. The Z fighters present, as well as the stranger, fell back, as Golden Ki exploded around the Saiyan, his energy skyrocketing to levels, unprecedented. Half a minute ticked by, till the radiant haze of light dimmed down, just enough to make out the flaming silhouette of the legendary Super Saiyan, gilded in pure gold, like the Angel of Death, himself.
"Wh-What a-a-amazing p-power!" Yamcha exclaimed, struck with wonder, like never before. So this is what Vegeta had up his sleeve, what he'd been hiding all along! No power could ever hope to rival this! 'Not even Goku can be this strong.' He thought inwardly.
"He's- he's stronger th-than he was- on- on Namek." Krillin stuttered.
"Far stronger!" Piccolo too, was overwhelmed by it all. The others, completely dumbstruck, could do nothing but gawk and splutter at the unreal sight before them.
"H-H-How?" The lavender-haired lad was more at a loss than every single one of them. Something was completely amiss and it had nothing at all to do with his presence!
Frieza took a few terrified steps back, whatever staunch bravado he felt, since acquiring his upgrades, evanescing away, as he peered into the harrowing, teal eyes of his mighty conquerer, gleaming horrifically with an unwavering promise of doom. Plagued with panic, the villainous being could hardly help it, as images of his defeat and near-death, repeatedly flashed through his mind. The frightening horrors he experienced in Namek mentally re-played over and over again, accelerating the panic and dread, within his quailing mind.
Vegeta grinned evilly, feeling more privileged than ever, as he witnessed once again, the blatant terror in his enemy's beady eyes.
"I'm going to enjoy this."
XXXX
Approximately two hours away from Earth in a superluminal space pod, sat a warrior with raven spikes jutting in just about every direction. The moment Frieza's energy signal was within sensing range, he'd jolted awake, in spite of the stasis gas that surrounded him. Immediately switching off the gas, he remained in tune with the events down below. So far, all seemed well. Then he felt it: the all-too-familiar power of his legendary rival. Indignant that he'd been robbed off his chance at fighting Frieza back on Namek, the younger Saiyan decided to employ his newest technique, placing his conjoined index and middle finger to his forehead and suddenly disappearing.
XXXX
"K-Kakarot?" The Prince asked, stunned and incredulous, as his rival abruptly appeared next to him, dressed in the most outlandish uniform he'd ever seen.
"Hey Vegeta." Goku grinned, in that signature, goofy manner of his. "How've you been, my friend?"
"Where the hell did you come from?!" The older Saiyan brusquely demanded. "And how dare you presume to call me friend, you bungling oaf?!"
Before another word was said, Earth's hero was forced to undergo his own transformation, as he sensed an immense Ki blast headed their way. In the fraction of a second, he stood enshrouded in gold. Once the smoke cleared after impact, the legendary pair remained unscathed and severely displeased by the cheap, craven tactics of their enemy.
"It's- it's Goku!" Piccolo exclaimed in awe. "And he's already a Super Saiyan! How on Earth did he get here?!"
"D-Dad?" Gohan stammered.
"N-No damn it!" The tyrant hissed.
"So it's really you." Goku frowned his way, not impressed in the slightest. "I can tell you're stronger now, Frieza, but it still isn't enough, not by a long-shot. You made a huge mistake coming to this planet." He grit his teeth furiously, holding up an ominous fist. "No one threatens Earth, not on my watch!"
King Cold was too stupefied to get a single word out. It was as though, this newcomer had materialized out of thin air. It made absolutely no sense!
XXXX
"G-G-Goku?" The lavender-haired stranger mumbled.
"You know Goku?" The Namekian frowned dubiously, at the teen.
"Huh?" The boy replied blankly, before shaking the daze out of his head. "Oh, uh- no, I've only heard about Goku, but this is the first time I'm actually seeing him."
"Well, if you're not careful, it may be the last time!" The green alien threatened, not-so-subtly.
"Piccolo!" Gohan reproached, knitting his brows disapprovingly. "You shouldn't say things like that! He's not a bad guy!"
"You don't know that!"
"Guys, can we discuss this later?!" Krillin counselled. "All hell's about to break loose and I don't know about you, but I don't want to end up as cannon fodder, okay?!"
"Right." Piccolo nodded. "Gohan, go with Krillin and the others. Get someplace safe, now."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine." He shook his head. "I'm a lot stronger than you think. I can take a little heat."
"O-kay." The half-Saiyan hesitated, before doing as asked.
XXXX
"Listen here, clown, I don't know where you came from, but no one asked for your assistance!" Vegeta snarled, vexedly. "I have this under control, now get lost!"
"No!" Goku fervently replied. "You got to fight Frieza the last time, so now it's my turn! It's only fair!"
"Your turn?!" The Prince grimaced. "What're you, five years old?! Get over it! I was here first, so flee!"
"There's one way we can settle this, Vegeta." The younger Super Saiyan tactfully offered. "Rock-paper-scissors."
"My God, you cannot be serious!" Vegeta scowled. "I refuse to engage in such a-"
"So you're giving up then?" Earth's hero goaded.
"No, I'm not giving up you imbecile, I just don't want to-" He paused a moment, before huffing, as he obliged his chucklesome counterpart. "Fine, let's do it!"
"Rock-paper-scissors." They both chanted.
"Paper beats rock, I win!" Goku smiled from ear to ear, before facing his opponent. The lizard could hardly tell if he was baffled or unnerved, probably both. "It's time! Ready, Frieza?"
Infuriated, yet surprisingly sporting, Vegeta withdrew about a dozen feet back, brooding angrily.
'How can a fucking piece of paper beat a rock?!' He cursed mentally. 'Whoever invented that stupid game should be disembowelled!'
Two years ago, he'd never think twice about honouring his word, but it seemed as though Earth had changed him. Moreover, he had nothing to prove against the lizard. He'd already defeated him once before, redeeming within himself, the spirit of a true Saiyan Prince, while avenging his woman's demise and exacting all the humiliation he'd suffered, over the course of his life. However, it still irked him that he hadn't finished the job. Then again, perhaps he would get a chance to step in, if Kakarot was the same old wishy-washy do-gooder, he always had been. Only time would tell.
XXXX
Power levels (descending order):
The Super Saiyans/Mystery Kid: ?
King Cold: ?
Frieza: ?
I'll leave these for the next chapter, don't want to spoil the surprise!
Piccolo: 12 million (with weights)
15 million (without weights)
Piccolo's natural abilities are exceptional, as a result of the fusion with Nail. Conversely, however, this means that the Kaio-Ken technique is far too much for his body to handle, due to the extensive powers involved. Thus he cannot use it, though he's learned how, via interactions with the humans.
Gohan: 850 000
4.25 million (Kaio-Ken x5)
Since catching up with his homework a year ago, Chi-Chi gave Gohan permission to train 3-4 hours a day, with Krillin and/or Piccolo, provided it was under her supervision. He learned the Kaio-Ken, but isn't quite as proficient with the technique, as the human fighters are, with the exception of Chiaotzu.
Tien: 400 000
4 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Trains all day, what can I say?
Krillin: 350 000
3.5 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Yamcha: 320 000
3.2 million (Kaio-Ken x10)
Chiaotzu: 200 000
1 million (Kaio-Ken x5)
His size and stature makes it tougher to employ the higher levels of Kaio-Ken.
King Cold's elites: Range from 100 000 - 150 000
High-ranking soldiers: Range from 15 000 - 18 000
Mid-ranking soldiers: Range from 10 000 - 12 000