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Chapter Text

The journey has basically been ten monotonous days of the ship moving, non-stop. Yamcha and Tien sparring to train their physical capabilities as Krillin and Gohan just watch, Krillin just drinking water while Gohan enjoys some instant noodles. The process has basically been training with small breaks between, though Gohan’s been taking longer breaks due to being a child still. Just as Tien knocks Yamcha down, an overhead speaker comes on.

“Hey guys, try not to rock the ship too much. This thing’s thousands of years old, okay? Alright. Byeeee~” Bulma’s voice comes over before the speaker crackles back to silence.

Yamcha pants as he tries to lift himself up. The order of power was rather obvious, Tien was the strongest of the three earthlings here. In fact, the only one Yamcha is probably able to overpower is the child. Tien however stands over and offers a hand to Yamcha.

“You’re getting better.” Tien assures as he helps Yamcha to his feet. “But maybe try to work on not telegraphing.”

“I wasn’t telegraphing!” Yamcha protested, before glancing down at the blood on his hand. “Tch. Alright. I’m ready for round two!”

“It’d be more like round eight.” Tien reminded, walking to sit down by Krillin as he cracks open a Hetap. “Let’s take a minute.”

“No! No way! We gotta be ready to take on Vegeta! I think if we keep going, we’ll be stronger than him!” Yamcha loudly declares, moving to a control panel. “Hey Bulma, where’s the gravity controls? We’re gonna start training two times earth’s gravity!”

“Could you take a minute to let your ribs rest?” Bulma’s voice booms, causing a flinch from the Bandit. “Maybe get some sleep! Ever heard of that? Sleep?”

“Oh come on I slept yesterday!” Yamcha calls out.

“You passed out after needing to be restrained.” Tien reminds, handing a Hetap to Yamcha. “I get wanting to get stronger, but you’ll be useless if you collapse on the battlefield.”

Yamcha’s shoulders slump a bit before he falls to sit down. He takes the energy drink, begrudgingly, and cracks it open. Staring up at the roofing before taking a sip, then gagging because he got a really bad flavor.

“Why did I end up being the one lagging behind?” Yamcha questions, mostly sounding ashamed in himself.

“Lagging behind?” Tien questions before flicking Yamcha’s forehead. “We ALL got stronger. You included. Yeah, you weren’t there to help against Nappa, but apparently, you put some new holes in Vegeta. If anything, you should be worried about him coming after you.”

“Y-Yeah. You’re right.” Yamcha sheepishly admits.

The warriors all took this relaxation chance. All sitting around, all thinking about their fallen friends, and Goku back on Earth. With Nappa.

“Think Goku is gonna be okay with the big one?” Yamcha asks with a raised eyebrow.

“No doubt.” Tien responds. “He asked me my name, said he wanted the name of the warrior he was going to kill. He’s a brute, an animal, but an honorable one.”

“Y’know…” Krillin begins as he lays back and relaxes. “Never thought I’d be going to space, fighting aliens, or that kind of stuff. But I’m not really scared. Heck, we even had Piccolo backing us.”

“Do you think… Mr. Piccolo would be proud of me?” Gohan questions.

This question ends in silence filling the room. And their attention returning to the lost. The fallen. Piccolo, Chiaotzu, Chi-Chi, Master Roshi… Even Raditz. They all fought and died to protect the Earth. To protect Gohan. Tien was the first to speak, patting Gohan’s head.

“Hey, you know. Don’t worry. Everyone will be brought back once we find Namek. They have Dragon Balls, right? Or they know how to make them at least. Then. We can bring them all back.” Tien assures, believing fully that a new set of dragon balls means Chiaotzu and Roshi can be brought back again. “Besides. I imagine Piccolo is watching you right now.”

“Uhhh yeah I am, actually.” A voice fills their minds.

“Mister Piccolo?!” Gohan gasps out as he stands.

“Relax. King Yemma and Kami came to an agreement. So, we were told if we could cross Snake Way, we could stick around King Kai’s world.” Piccolo states.

“It’s better than waiting in line knowing we’ll be revived.” Kami adds, his voice quiet.

“It’s better than waiting in line.” Piccolo repeats. “So. I guess we’re going to be around here. Might try to do some training. But mostly just going to be looking at you.”

“Is Chiaotzu there?” Tien asks, hopeful.

“Uh. Yeah. We’re all here.” Piccolo adds, glancing over to see everyone.

“Thank you for having us King Kai.” Kami thanks quietly.

“Oh no no it’s totally not a huge invasion having SIX PEOPLE WALK UP TO MY HOUSE!” King Kai’s nasally voice echoes through the transmission. “Look, you assholes just go to Namek, get the Dragon Balls, and get these people out of here.”

“What about mom and Uncle Raditz?” Gohan asks.

“They’re currently having a conversation. Get ready for THAT to come back.” Piccolo states. “We’ll get back in contact when you land.”

The silence coming has reinvigorated the four. Looks like it’s time for Round Eight. But as they fight, news is now going around back on Earth that the winner of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai was the one who fought the attacking Aliens, and that while Piccolo’s spawn, known to the public as Junior, died in the fight, Capsule Corps gathered up the remains of the brute alien and the still breathing winner of the tournament. Nobody’s been able to get information out of Doctor Briefs, and an alien ship was sited leaving Capsule Corp. It looks like the company had taken advantage to discover the secrets to space travel, and its going through the news that Doctor Briefs must have left the planet to test the device personally.

Chapter Text

Goku was beginning to regain feeling in his arms, but the feeling was giving way to pain. On the bright side, it looks like Nappa was beginning to regain the ability to feel and move his legs. If they are able to do this for a few more days, they’ll be better than okay. Launch just sits silently and watches, the radio was turned on to some news channel.

“And that’s how the king of Earth, got his groove back.” The exaggerated voice explained the end of some piece about the earth’s king before three bark sounds and other generic radio sound effects played out, including a random stock moan sound effect.

“Now time for tonight’s big topic! That’s right, Alien updaaaate!” Another radio host voice cuts in, before theromin music plays, cut off abruptly by a moan. “So it looks like the twenty third Budokai Tenkaichi’s champion, Son Goku, was the one to fight back the aliens. But that’s not all dear viewers. We have evidence of a Capsule Corps vehicle loading up the beaten and bloodied fighters. But also. The big alien.”

X-Files-adjacent music plays, before also being cut off by a moan.

“If you got any news about the situation! Make sure to call Dingo!”

“And the Wombat-wombat-wombat.” The voice has a weird echo effect added to it. “But that’s not all! Signs point to Capsule Corps figuring out how to finally travel through space using some kind of spiky cucumber thing!”

Before the next onslaught of sound effects, Launch shuts off the radio. She stands up and walks towards the door. Her movements uneven, and a pen still tight in her hand. She quietly puts her hand on the doorframe and turns her head slightly.

“I’m going to go get Doctor Briefs to check on your update. And go for a walk.”

“Could I get something to eat?” Nappa asked, trying to give puppy dog eyes.

“Mmmm. I’ll tell Doctor Briefs to bring something down. You two behave.”

A hiss sounded as the door closes behind the blonde woman. She was going to take it slowly. Not like there was any danger as far as she, or anyone else was aware. Goku tried to smile Launch off before he himself hissed from the pain in his arms. It was as though they were covered in honey, and then fireants, and then honey again.

“Hm. Behave? Heheh. That’s a new one for me.” Nappa admits as he lays his head down, trying to get used to lying on his stomach.

They wouldn’t be waiting long as three people in medical garb arrive, though Nappa immediately caught on they aren’t supposed to be here. One of them was small, possibly shorter than Gohan, with visibly blue skin and pointy ears similar to the Namekian, also the doctor uniform doesn’t fit him, and the medical mask looks ridiculous on him. The second was also short, nowhere near as short as the blue one, and his uniform fits a bit better, but he was an animal-type earthling, some kind of a dog by Nappa’s guess, also he is wearing a black hood UNDERNEATH the outfit, which looks ridiculous. The final one looked the most put together of the trio.

A tall woman with long black hair. She is wearing a nurse’s uniform, with a mask covering her face. The uniform fit snugly onto her body as she stares down at Goku with cold eyes. Holding some kind of a needle, but not wearing the gloves that the doctors have insisted keeping a hold of. This needle was clearly intended for Goku.

“And this is-” Before the woman could finish, she was interrupted.

“Hey!” Nappa’s voice came out as a bark that caused the trio to freeze. “What do you think you’re doing?”

The blue one began to sweat as he stares at Goku. At the very least he doesn’t recognize them in their clearly genius disguises. He turns his head slowly and looks at Nappa. Even without being able to sense energy Pilaf was terrified of the large monster of a man. He saw what happened. This guy killed PICCOLO. As he stammered out, he was trying to find the words, luckily Shu was there.

“Oh we’re just checking his vitals!” The dog man explained. “Just a routine check to make sure he’s recovering, misterrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…”

Panic was setting in again. They didn’t get this guy’s name. The staff no doubt knows who this is and would have this information. The duo were already ready to jump out the window if need be to get some distance, but Mai acted quickly. Her hand moved on its own, seeking any opening to get Goku’s vein with this poison.

But Nappa was already right there, hand clasping around the would-be assailant’s wrist. They didn’t even see him move. One second he was inside of a machine, and the next, he was standing there. Towering over Mai, who was basically eye level with his rock hard abs. All three of the Pilaf Gang were now trembling. Some for more apparent reasons than others.

“You don’t wanna do that.” Nappa coldly warns.

Mai couldn’t even hear Pilaf behind her, whisper-yelling “Abort mission” over and over. She didn’t even hear Shu shuffle backwards into a cabinet, causing bottles to hit the ground. All she could hear is the beating of her own heart. Her eyes firmly on the chest of the mass of meat in front of her. Each visible muscle chiseled, looking like one could grind meat off of it. But her eyes slowly traveled upwards. To his neck, that were gently moving with each inhale and exhale. To his face, though he was bald, he could make it work out, and the way he stared down at her, for a moment she forgot about the fear, even as the blood drained from her body.

“You lost, little girl?” Nappa growled out.

“Ah~” Was all that could escape Pilaf’s most competent servant as blood poured from her nose, causing her to collapse forward into Nappa’s arms.

“Mai!” Shu shouted in terror, believing this some kind of power of Nappa.

“Just leave her! She’s already dead! Bail plan P-5!” Pilaf screams as he and Shu both jump out the window.

Silence filled the room as Nappa grunts on frustration. He’s got all this blood all over him, and he didn’t even get to throw a punch. Goku just mindlessly stares at what happens, the gears beginning to turn very slowly before realization hits him.

“That was Pilaf!” Goku shouts, incredibly late to the party.

Chapter Text

Frieza Planet 79 is one of the more advanced outposts for the Frieza Force. Many buildings set up filled with numerous important medical devices, nearly faceless soldiers filing in and out of rooms, all wearing armor similar to that of Vegeta’s. All adorned with scouters, and some also carrying devices along their wrists to allow them easier access to their latent energy sources.

The scene begins at a landing station, where a group of four soldiers were currently going over a previous mission. The one telling the tale was a slender man with green skin, glowing purple pulsating veins along his enlarged head as he speaks, his mouth bearing no visible teeth. Currently he is wearing a tight black unitard that lacks sleeves, and white Battle Armor with vaguely off-orange padding on the shoulders and abdomen. A purple scouter covering his left eye, both eyes appeared white, with black beads in the centers.

“And then he blows the poor sod’s head off.” The man speaks in a somewhat whistling voice, light, somewhat highpitced. “I swear, he just looked the dude in the eye, and just. Pop. No head.”

“Tchahahahahaha!” A muffled, almost filtered voice came from one of the three listening. “You always get the fun missions, Mynte.”

This voice was coming from a hunched over creature. A meatian, the last of his kind. While his neck and abdomen are white, the chitonous materials around his limbs and making up his mouth appear almost like a deep brown. Including the digits of his fingers and toes. With the fleshier bits appearing more like a navy blue, almost as though the colors of his body have been inversed from the norm of his people. Also not like his people is the fact he is adorned with black battle armor, lacking in shoulder pads, but having yellow padding along the abdomen and around the back. No visible scouter was on him.

“Beep.” A large machine with a vaguely humanoid build responds, mostly covered in white fabrics to help it dust out as air is audibly blown from it.

“Relax lads.” A buzzing voice that sounds as though it is being cut in and out repeatedly responds. “Lord Frieza says he wants as many hands on deck for this next mission. So I say we drop guard duty and head out during a busy period. Nobody’s gonna STEAL from Frieza.”

This voice was coming from a rather stocky and bulky lizard-like man. His hair fashioned into a grey mohawk, his skin a very off cream color with little blemishes throughout. His armor consists of a black speedo, and matching black battle armor, marked with yellow paddings on the shoulders and abdomen, with the inclusion of a silver collar. He was picking at and eating some strawberries that he picked out from the nearby cafeteria.

An alarm blared from the robot, honking loudly. This shakes the entire area for a moment before the meatian reveals a wrist-mounted device and presses a button to stop it.

“Beep.” The robot repeats again.

“VE-GE-TA?” The cream-colored alien questions loudly. “Great. Guess our break’s over. Lord Frieza wants us getting him prepared for his arrival.”

“Oh wow I don’t wanna be here for that.” Mynte casually says before standing and moving towards the docking station, his pod is waiting already. “I’m off to Namek for this assignment! See ya Choko! Sterry! Nillu!”

“Have a good day, Mynte.” The Meatian identified at Choko states as he waves away his comrade. “We’ll catch up once Sterry’s done updated.”

“Yea-”

Before the farewells can continue, a pod lands. Right on top of Mynte. Basically causing the green newbie to erupt into a pile of goo and giblets.

“Aaaaahhh shit you owe me twenty FriezaBucks™.” Nillu says quickly to Choko.

“Beep.” Sterry cuts in.

“What?”

“Beep.”

“It is not TOO SOON! We’re in the Frieza Force an-”

As the two bicker, Nillu with his buzzing voice, and Sterry with his rapid fire beeps. Vegeta however was too focused on the sheer pain forcing him through. The short prince slips his way out, hunched over as Choko approaches to help him stand.

“Whuuuuihit?” Vegeta asked, delirious, bleeding from just about everywhere.

“Don’t worry about it.” Choko states, if he had a nose, it would crinkle smelling the species that exterminated his people. “Jesus those savages FUCKED you UP.”

“Hate you.” Vegeta manages to croak out. “Hate you so much.”

“Oh the feeling is very mutual.” Choko states as he keeps dragging Vegeta. “Just pretend I’m the monkey that betrayed you. The big one.”

“I-” Vegeta for a moment was pulled from the delirium. “How do you know that?”

“Lord Frieza’s been keeping a close eye on you. In case you tried to betray him. Good thing too.” Choko continued as they made their way to the pods. “He found Namek. All Frieza Force not currently assigned is to make their way there.”

Vegeta stares on as he is stripped and then shoved into the pod. He can’t even react as the healing goo fills the pod, beginning to work its magic. He is stuck to heal his wounds as Choko checks the device on his wrist. Break time. The most perfect time to bow out.

“See you later, Vegeta. And next time we meet. You will finally know your place in the force. Tchahahahahahahahaha!~”

Vegeta’s entire body burned. Even as he felt rage try to boil and explode outward, he could do naught but sit in the healing pod as he stares at Choko’s disappearing form. He couldn’t believe it. Frieza knows, was watching that entire fight, who knows how many others saw that humiliating defeat. And now Frieza is going for HIS birthright.

Wounds seal physically, but there’s a scar that will remain with him. He has been beaten down, mocked, treated like a dog. For too long. No. Once he’s out of here, he’s going right for Planet Namek. And then he’s going to steal the dragon balls. And then.

He will finally achieve the legend.

Chapter Text

After a month of endless training and stargazing, our heroes arrive to Planet Namek, the ship at first looks as though its about to crash upside down, before last second spinning with the gravity of the planet and landing perfectly. Bulma stretches a tiny bit. Meanwhile, just about everyone else was horrified from the near certain impact. Stretching and playing off the terror like it was nothing, Bulma was the first to stand.

“C’mon you babies. I wanna get some fresh air.” Bulma calls, taking the lead.

“Shouldn’t we check to make sure the atmosphere is breathable? Or at the very least lacks toxins that would threaten our lives?” Gohan asks, following behind Bulma.

“Really, it’s all good. Besides. We wanna get the Dragon Balls, get that wish, and get the HFIL out of here.” Bulma responds, having censored herself since its Gohan she’s talking to.

As the group stands around the platform, a whistle escapes Bulma, signifying for it to release and lower down. As the team get their first contact with natural light in a long time, they are met with the image of Namek.

The lush blue fields seem almost endless, separated by large ponds of green water, the skies above emerald, and marked with two suns that appear almost blue, or even white as they hang above. There was a gentle whistle in the wind as each individual takes in the surroundings. Tien however has his eyes closed as he focuses.

“Alright boys. Looks like four dragon balls are all together.” Bulma declares as she looks down at the dragon radar in her hand.

“Well this’ll be easy.” Yamcha eagerly states, ready to get moving, then his eyes lock on something in the sky. “Uh. Guys.”

All present members except Bulma had their eyes locked. They all sensed it. A vicious energy. Something wicked. Something Familiar. Vegeta. But not just Vegeta, something STRONGER than the Vegeta they fought before.

Krillin began to scream.

“Uhm… Hey, the Dragon Balls are on the move.” Bulma added.

The scream from Krillin became far louder.

Upon contact with the ground, Vegeta’s pod… Well. Mynte’s repurposed pod, opens up. The saiyan slowly sits up, slipping on his red scouter as he takes in a deep breath. Quietly taking in the scenery and the annoying ambient sounds that are akin to distant screaming. Then his scouter picks up a nearby power level. 18000. He recognizes Cui. Did that screaming sound just get louder?

Whatever. The prince thought before flying off to a cliff side overlooking a small town.

Now Vegeta plays the waiting game as Cui makes his way over.

The earthlings were standing around the ship, waiting for Krillin to get all screamed out, just as a pair of men wearing armor similar to Vegeta’s, with devices attached to their arms to help firing blasts. The first was a rather muscularly built man with cyan skin, and orange hair going past his shoulders, matched with a moustache to help him appear more gruff. His compatriot however was a lizard-like man, his face emaciated and exposing his sharp teeth, with his purple scaly form bearing some markings that resemble a fish.

“Looks like you picked a bad day to go sight-seeing.” The purple one speaks, his voice somewhat nasally while having a distinct hiss to it.

“Lucky you. We’re in a good mood. Surrender yourselves to the Frieza Force and we’ll only kill the bald ones.” The cyan man adds, his voice like a bark.

The team all look among themselves, then nod. Krillin and Tien moving forward first. The devices flash for a moment, telling the duo that altogether, this group of five people have a power level less than 1 Raditz. It gets a deep chortle from the large Cyan one.

“Blow up their ship.” The large one commands to his partner.

He was quick to oblige, firing a beam of yellow energy right at the ship. But right before contact, a ball of energy collides with the shot, sending both rocketing skyward. The two were unsure what even happened there. That was until the two baldies jumped in the air, their power levels skyrocketing to individually being roughly 2000. Krillin slipping over the large man abruptly, and just as the grunt turned, his scouter would make contact with Krillin’s shin, and shatter as he’s sent spinning into the water. The purple grunt was less lucky, as Tien did an open palm strike right on his chest, causing blood to trickle from his mouth before he sinks down into the water below.

With that act of effortless victory, Tien and Krillin both land back on their feet. Tien taking in a deep breath as his third eye looks about, as if trying to discern something. Krillin however raised his arms up and tucked them behind his head, to relax for a moment.

“Damn. So looks like whoever this Frieza is, he’s after the Dragon Balls too.” Yamcha mutters out, staring at the sinking bodies before they’re fully submerged.

“Yeah, looks li-”

“MOVE!” Tien shouts before Krillin can finish, pointing directly at a nearby cave.

The five instinctively move into place, holding tightly to the sides and the darkness of the cave as numerous trails of light pass by. They feel each one. They’re all equivalent to Vegeta. Except for the one at the very front.

The one that feels one hundred times Vegeta’s strength, and infinitely more twisted.

After the group passes, Krillin collapses to the ground and vomits. Yamcha stares, eyes bulging, hand holding tightly onto his sword. Tien glancing down at the frozen in place Gohan. A sigh of anguish escapes Bulma as it’s clear to her that whatever just happened, it’s clear they need backup.

“This might be bad news. Buuuut. They have four of the dragon balls.” Bulma admits as she sifts through some capsules, setting up a base of operations.

“Of course they do. Why wouldn’t they?” Tien mutters in frustration. “Alright. One of us should stay back here to stick with Bulma, Bulma. Call your father, we’re going to need Goku.”

“I’m fine staying.” Yamcha quickly shoots his hand up. “Kinda want to spend some time with my girl, ya know ya know?”

“No.” Gohan sheepishly admits, trying to catch and stabilize his breathing.

“Hmph. Alright. Gohan, you can stick around here if you want. Krillin and I will trail those people. Make sure they don’t hurt anyone.” Tien assures the young boy.

“I-I wanna help. However I can.” Gohan assures, holding up his arms to try showing he’s gotten stronger too.

“Well there’s one thing you can help with.” Bulma quickly confirms. “Those guys are on their way to the fifth dragon ball. But if we keep the last two away from them, they can’t do anything with it.”

Bulma nods to that. Krillin and Tien make their way out of the cave, and she sets up the phone, quietly taking a breath and hoping it has a good connection.

Vegeta smirks as he finally senses Cui coming for a strike from behind. Just as the purple octopus man comes charging in, Vegeta flies directly upwards to avoid the attack, before landing back down, all fast enough to make it seem like Cui made contact and did nothing.

“Hehehehehahahahahaha! Vegeta! Finally.” Cui spoke with a very clearly stuffed voice, like his lungs were filled with mucus and sealing up slowly. “I’ve finally managed to get a chance at crushing you!”

Vegeta smiles, just standing in place and letting Cui talk. Letting this thing dig his own grave, soon he’s going to be free of the annoying bluster of this lapdog.

“And now, without Nappa to give you back-up, and Frieza no longer seeing you as a valuable asset, I’ll personally make this vacant lot your grave! KEEEEEEHEHEHEHE!” Cui moves forward as he howls with laughter.

Cui’s movements were fast, but Vegeta was far faster. No hit making contact, being dodged or blocked. Vegeta continuing to stare on, bored at Cui’s movements. So pathetic, so lazy, so predictable. Then Vegeta would finally retaliate with a strike straight to the eye, leaving him only relying on his scouter-based eye from the sheer sting of the fist.

“Tcha! What the hell happened to you?! We’re of equal strength!” Cui spits out angrily.

“Well you see Cui. Saiyans become more adept combatants the more perilous their battles become.” Vegeta begins. “And well, I’ve had it as perilous as could be on Earth. I lost Nappa to its people, I lost my tail to a mook no stronger than Raditz. I was stabbed repeatedly, and almost lost my eye. Then I was set ablaze by Raditz’s pathetic, hillbilly raised brother.”

“Heh… Heheh… Wh-Why are you telling me all of this Vegeta? You wouldn’t dare say this to anyone!” Cui was now sweating, something his people are not capable of doing evolutionarily.

Vegeta begins to walk towards Cui, slowly letting the ropes holding off his new power loose. Cui watched as his scouter was forced to rapidly update with the new data. It stops at 24,000 before finally giving up and exploding. Causing a shriek to escape Cui.

“Because Cui. Dead men don’t talk.”

Cui shrieks out once more before firing every ounce of energy he could at Vegeta. Red orbs making contact and leaving dust to settle. Cui gasps and stares, his ‘good eye’ now hazy, vision blurring and damaged with glass now in it. Then.

A fist presses through Cui’s stomach.

“Ack!... Ve-ge… Taaahhh… We could work… Tog-e.. Together… Please!...” Cui begs before he is suddenly flung into the air.

“Bye Cui.” Vegeta states before the purple squid-man erupts into purple and red energy, bits of red raining down. “You made nice fireworks~”

Chapter Text

The village of Elder Moori, like the other six major villages of Namek, is a home for a special clan, assigned to protect one of the Dragon Balls. Normally one is to do a trial for the rights to the magical orb. After meeting Moori’s requirements, the hero is gifted the Dragon Ball. It was a place of joy, of prosperity, of agricultural growth. It was at one point a place children Namekians could frolic safely.

The operative word here is “was”.

Moori, the elder Namekian of this village, stands forward at the invaders who had just made their way. Beneath the feet of one of said invaders is the protector of this village, reduced to a pile of meat with a single swing of the monster’s fist. That monster has pink, bulging skin, marked with spikes jutting from its arms and head, with icy blue markings along the lips and under the eyes. This alien wears battle armor, polished, with a dark purple sheen to it.

The alien next to that monster is blue-skinned, with green hair, and lavender fabrics on his wrists, legs, and trailing behind as a cape, attaching to his white battle suit. He is adorned with jewelry that accentuate his beautiful face. With a periwinkle scouter that was custom made to fit his head alone.

Their appearances weren’t what bothered Moori. It was the two large orange spheres being held in their arms. Seven star, five star, three star, two star. These invaders are here for the Dragon Balls.

“Ahohohohohoooo. Now now Dodoria, no need to get so feisty with them!” A voice calls behind the duo.

“Lord Frieza!” The large brute grunted out before bowing her head. “I’m just interrogating this Namek.”

Moori’s eyes drifted to the voice behind the beast known as Dodoria. And he’d feel his stomach churn at seeing this creature. A horned alien, with a purple gemstone for a forehead. Wearing polished purple armor that helps distinguish him from the rest of these rubes. A red scouter covering one eye as he lounges in his floating seat. Looking comfortable while enjoying this genocide.

“Please. Interrogation? It’s so simple, Dodoria.” As Frieza speaks, he glances and sees two children running from the scene, then waves his hand.

Dodoria knew exactly what Lord Frieza meant. Inhaling quickly before firing a beam of molten energy right at the duo and immediately immolating one. This causes a shriek from the other Namekian. Dodoria readies her hand, charging energy to prepare to reduce the other to ash.

“Wait!” Moori cries out.
Dodoria pauses and glances at Moori. The elder namekian quietly moves towards a pile of stones and begins to lift them off slowly, revealing the rubble was being used to hide the six-star Dragon Ball. He lifts it up slowly and brings it over. Quietly glancing about before raising his hand up and firing a blast of ki from each hand. All of his fellow Namekians in the tribe act as well. Firing whatever energy they can. All aiming for the scouters.

“Hmph?” Frieza gives an annoyed snarl, unbothered ultimately.

“Your little trinkets.” Moori speaks in a sagely tone. “We’ve seen invaders with them before. Those are how you found us. Well now you will not be able to find any more. Have fun traveling Namek, blind!”

“Hmph. Dodoria. Retrieve the Ball.” Frieza demands.

Dodoria doesn’t hesitate for a moment. One moment there is light in Mori’s eyes, and the next, he’s a pile on the ground. The monster woman triumphantly standing over the brave, or maybe just really stupid, Namekian. Dodoria and Zarbon both drop the balls they have, and begin to fire all about. Showing these Namekians how you hit a target, each blast effortless. All except for one stray blast going right for Dende, still mourning his brother’s loss.

Just as it would have made contact, Dende was moved out of the way in time. Tien holds onto the small Namekian as he and Krillin try to fly as far from their current location as possible.

“Grah! Goin’ after em!” Dodoria shouts, ready to blast off before feeling Frieza’s gaze harden on them.

“There is no need to Dodoria. Without our scouters. We are blind. But. We have someone who can chase them endlessly.” Frieza assures before whistling out.

From behind Frieza, a member of the force steps out of line, moving forward before stopping. It was Choko. As the large alien stands in wait, he takes in the scent of the area. Smelling Moori, and picking up scents not too different.

“Got him.” Choko mutters out before bursting upward, his back unfolding to reveal cicada-like wings that make no noises.

Krillin pants heavily as he stares forward, before glancing towards Tien. The three-eyed man was currently holding onto the small green child. They were flying as far and as fast as they could back to base. All in hopes of outpacing the monsters they saw at the village, currently going through the large body of water, dotted by small rocks above the surface..

“Really worth breaking our cover.” Krillin mutters, before looking forward again.

“They were going to kill everyone. This way, we save someone.” Tien assures, holding onto the child. “Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

“Is he though?” A voice calls from above the two.

The duo look up in horror, and move just in time to avoid Choko’s body slam, causing him to make contact with a small island. This island shatters and splinters under the green water before the monster raises a hand, letting out a hiss as purple bubbles form around his wrist, coming together to make a single large orb in front of his hand, that ruptures and fires directly at the earthlings.

This blast just barely missed, but sent a beam high into the air. The light of the sun refracting off of he smooth purple energy. This gave Tien a great idea. He nods over to Krillin, who gathered the idea.

“SOLAR FLARE!” Tien shouts out as the light flashes blindingly into the alien’s eyes.

“TCHRAAAAAAAAGH! YOU VRATSIN LITTLE BOGAKTS!” The large alien screams out as he has to cover his sensitive eyes with his massive hands.

“DESTRUCTO DISC!” Krillin shouts before throwing the golden energy blade in Choko’s direction.

“Destr- Oh briks.”

Choko was unable to move in time. He was most certainly doomed. But he had one person ready to take it. Nillu, his compatriot, would shoulder check him out of the way into the water. This would cause the side of his neck to be torn open, and the collar he was wearing to shatter like glass.

“NILLU!” Choko screams out, moving to help up his ally. “Oh briks. Ohh you little Bogakts have no idea what you just did!”

“Cho-kooo.” The pale alien groans out as clear liquid escapes the opening in his neck, large arms drifting slightly in the water as he is being held.

“Don’t talk. We will get you to the healing pod.”

“Wha… About your pursuiiit?” The alien mutters quietly.

“My pursuit doesn’t matter. There’s no Dragon Balls here.” Choko assures before glancing at the duo. “Besides. None can escape my nose.”

With a flash of energy, Choko and Nillu disappear over the horizon. Nillu however was holding onto something. A fish by the looks of it. It would be an almost humorous sight seeing the alien chew on the fish like it was candy. But the two just blast back to base. Needing to do something to prepare for that monster coming after them.

On the other side of the planet. Atop the highest plateau, sat a lone building. Standing just outside of the building is a Namekian wearing white pants, a matching white scarf, and a blue vest that blows lightly in the wind. He stares forward as a small energy signal lands in front of him. This tall Namekian now was looking down at a tiny invader. Though he could sense his spirit was different from the pile currently at the bottom of the plateau.

“Greetings.” The Namekian speaks slowly, eyes firm on Gohan. “My name is Nail. I take it by the fact you arrived after that monster, and the fact you didn’t immediately try shooting me, you aren’t with them.”

“Y-Yes, sir mister… Nail. Sir.” Gohan mutters out, twitching and shivering a bit as he looks up. “My name is Gohan. I’m uhm… I’m from Earth. We’re here to try helping.”

“This isn’t your fight child.” Nail firmly states. “This isn’t a place for you to be fighting. So why do you?”

Gohan ponders on this for a bit. Thinking about a movie he saw with mom and dad. About a boy being taken from his home into a fantastical world. He tightens his hands into a fist, thinking about what that boy said.

“Because it’s the right thing to do.” Gohan assures, steeling his face as much as he can.

“Naaaaaaaaiiiiiiil. Who are you talking toooo?” A voice calls from the building behind the Namekian.

“An outsider Lord Guru. A child.” Nail speaks up to the voice.

“Well invite him inside. You know how much I adore visitors.” The voice came back sounding far more friendly than initially.

The air howled gently, becoming serene as Nail moves aside, holding his hand out to allow Gohan entry into the doorway. The small saiyan begins to step forward. Once, then again, then he walks in, being followed slowly by Nail. Eventually they are within a small throne room. Sat atop the throne room was a massive, strangely fat Namekian. He gave a smile down to the boy, a Dragon Ball sat atop the throne behind him.

“So you arrive, child from the stars.” Guru speaks in a voice that was laborious, not just marked with age, but signs of familiarity. “Come, allow me to look upon you. Tell me, what is it that brought you to our world?”

Gohan found his words caught in his throat. His eyes drifted to the Dragon Ball. Nail remains standing ready to react at any sign of hostility. Something he hasn’t needed to do in over thirty years now. After a moment of silence, Gohan began to find his voice once more.

“Well. L-Lord Guru. My planet was attacked by an invasion. And we lost some good people. We’re hoping to bring them back with the help of your dragon balls. We… Had our own. But our earth’s guardian died in the invasion.”

Guru lets out a somehow booming laugh before he readjusts in his seat. Slowly, he reached behind him, and began to hand down the Dragon Ball to Gohan. The thing was about the same weight as those on their planet, but far from the same size.

“To know our child, Katatz. Landed on a planet full of such courageous people. His child must be thankful for you.” Guru spoke as the ball exited his hand, and entered Gohan’s hands.

“I-I wouldn’t know about Courageous. I-I’m not nearly as brave. Or as strong. As my dad.” Gohan mumbles out.

“Remember this child.” Guru spoke again, hand now on Gohan’s head. “Strength is always relative. And your bravery is clear as day, coming here feeling so utterly outmatched. Allow me to give you one more parting gift. I will reach into your being, and turn the key of your potential, just a little bit.”

Golden energy escapes Guru’s hand. Not ki, something much older, much more mystical. Gohan gasped out as he felt it. The might of the Oozaru, wild, untamed, still screaming deep within him, silenced as his tail twitches. He forgot that Uncle Raditz had managed to prepare his tail for a fight against Vegeta. Something he wasn’t able to do. Energy around him wells up. His muscles tense, and he lets out an exhale.

“Th-Thank you. Mister Guru.” Gohan speaks, holding onto the Dragon Ball.

“You carry a seed of unknowable might within you, child. Someday, it will blossom, and the stars will shake upon viewing it.” Guru smiles down at Gohan before leaning back in his chair. “You said you came with friends. Perhaps I will meet them yet. And I will be able to help them.”

Gohan nods before walking out the door, and flying off. So surprised at how fast he’s become. How strong he feels. For the first time since he got here, Gohan smiles.

Chapter Text

Dodoria, despite being informed to stay back, knew she couldn’t trust the bug to take out the problems. So she flew after the trail that was being left behind. Of course, she has no idea how badly she messed up splitting off. As she gets sight of the blinding light and picks up the sound of Choko screaming, she raises a hand to blast the source of light. Only to get knocked onto an island by heavy force from her left.

“Ow, BEATCH!” Dodoria lowly shouted out, bouncing from the ground onto her feet.

Floating above her was a familiar widow’s peak with an annoying asshole attached to it. Vegeta grins down. His red scouter flashes in the suns’ light. After a moment to try looking intimidating, he remembers she can’t sense energy, so he lowers down before brushing off his armor’s shoulderpad.

“Vegeta! You nasty, wretched little cretin! How dare you attack your superior like that!” Dodoria spoke as she holds her fists up, but then she gets an idea. “Now, before I beat you like your momma refused to, I’ll give you a chance to ask for forgiveness. Hand over that scouter, and I’ll forget this all happened.”

Vegeta smirks at that, and tosses over the scouter. Dodoria catches it and slips it on her ear. Adjusting for the average power level in her vicinity.

“Tell me Dodoria, what’s your power level again?”

“Tcha. Shows what you know. I’ve clocked in at 22,000.” Dodoria assures. “Now watch your tone if you don’t want me to pound you.”

“Funny that.” Vegeta adds before immediately powering up, enough to make Dodoria’s scouter to overload from the sudden shift and erupt just a bit after passing 23,000.

“N… No way.” Dodoria mutters, thinking she may have just shit her britches.

“Saiyans get stronger the closer to death they become. And while I detest those earthlings. I do have to thank them for making me become so strong!” Vegeta taunts as he glares at Dodoria. “Any last words?”

Silence fills the air as Dodoria was thinking. Is Frieza worth dying for? Hell is Vegeta even worth messing with? God she just wants to go home to her boytoy. Whatever, its time to improvise Dodoria.

“They’re here.” Dodoria states.

“Say what?”

“The earthlings. They’re here. I was tailing them before you got in my way. Truth be told, they’re pretty slippery bastards.” Dodoria chuckles a bit. “Buuut I’m a lady who likes keeping her head on. So. If you’re as strong as you say you are, and your powers are as crazy as you say they are. How about a coup?”

Vegeta was surprised how casually and calmly Dodoria was responding to this. He was confused by this. He lifts his hand to blow her up, but then he gets hit with realization.

“Alright. In that case. What can you offer me?”

“Well, I can get the Dragon Balls, we can split it and get us some of that juicy juicy immortality. And- I can tell you what happened to your home.” Dodoria looks over her shoulder and sees that Choko is fleeing the scene, good. “Frieza blew it up. He was scared of the Super Saiyan legend. And believes if we get a Super Saiyan, it’ll overthrow him.”

“Tch… That… Bastard. Alright Dodoria. As long as you prove useful, I’ll let you stick around. But we need to make things look real. So I’m going to hit you with a half strength attack. Now I want to prefice this by saying I don’t like hitting women, but this is definitely me letting off stress on you so. Take that.”

Dodoria shuts her eyes, and lets the blast overwhelm her. She falls backwards and gasps loudly as Vegeta bursts upwards and off. She grins up at him.

“Oh Vegeta.” Dodoria hissed as he left, holding onto the new wound in her stomach. “If only you knew how little I care about this mess.”

Back on Earth, Dr. Briefs was making his way up to the hospital room, being trailed by the large fat man that is Yajirobe. He just got off the phone with Bulma. So that means it’s time to get Goku moving. When they enter the room, there was nobody else there. Mai and Launch were currently off running the slots.

“Goku! Looks like they met some trouble!” Dr. Briefs shouted out.

“Oh! Hey Dr. Briefs! Well, dunno how long that’ll be. I still got at least a month of healing til-”

Goku cut himself off when Yajirobe revealed the bag of Senzu Beans, opening his mouth as a bean flew right in. He then flipped right off the bed and flexed, breaking the casting off effortlessly.

“Awesome! Thanks Yajirobe!” Goku smiles and holds out his hand, the bag immediately crashes right into his hand.

“S’what I do.” Yajirobe speaks, as though he just did the coolest thing ever.

“Well Doc, make sure that ship’s ready. We’ll be going.” Goku assures as he looks outside and takes in a breath, happy breathing doesn’t hurt anymore.

“We?” Dr. Briefs asks.

Goku immediately slips a Senzu Bean in Nappa’s mouth. The large man crunches down loudly before swallowing. The device he was in erupts as he stands, flexing a tiny bit before looking himself in the mirror. Wide smile on his face.

“Goku. I don’t want to say you’re making a big mistake.” Yajirobe begins. “But that’s Vegeta’s lackey.”

“I know.” Goku assures, before slapping Nappa’s meaty chest. “But look at this guy! He’s a perfect sparring partner! Besides! If he acts up again, I’ll Kaio-Ken him into next week!”

“Oh trust me, Kakarot.” Nappa turns and leans over. “I’m not interested in ever going back. Besides. This planet saved my life after I chose to attack it. It is my duty, no, my HONOR, to help it however I can. Besides. Raditz threw away what we had for you, may as well see what he saw.”

Dr. Briefs glances a bit, before looking at Nappa’s chest and scoffing.

“Good lord man. Put on a shirt. Or better yet, put on this. When Bulma left I started adjusting the design of the armor Raditz came with. Thought it’d be a bit better to make it not look like whatever you had.”

With that, the doctor reveals a large briefcase with the Capsule Corps Logo. Nappa quietly picks it up and opens the briefcase. Quietly vocalizing like he’s part of an angelic chorus as he looks at the new outfit. It’s a sleeveless unitard with the Capsule Corps logo. Black, with silvery accents along the shoulders, which end in shorter, almost circular shoulderpads. The toes of the attached shoes also ending in these silvery guards, as well as the stomach area. He was so eager he had to slip it on. Due to its design it basically stretched and fit right over his body. He was able to also slip on some gloves that were built like his old wrist guards, with actual velvety white fabric over the digits.

“Oh it must be my birthday.” Nappa says with a grin as he looks himself in the mirror. “And I look sooo GOOD!”

After preparation, and Goku switching into his orange gi, the two follow Dr. Briefs into the spaceship. The large circular machine was made quickly due to reverse engineering the saiyans pods. The saiyans whistle as they look about. Before Nappa stops at a control board. He recognizes a few things, but he notes something is missing.

“Where is the muffin button?” Nappa asks absent-mindedly.

“What?” Dr. Briefs asks back.

“You used our schematics. Where is the button that you press to get a nutritional muffin to help hold back hunger on the voyage?”

“It’s going to be two days, at most.” Dr. Briefs speaks back. “There’s a fridge. I can get you like, a twelve pack of muffins before you go.”

“No. No. It’s fine. When Raditz gets back, he’ll install one.” Nappa waves off before looking things over. “What is this?”

“It’s a gravity controller. I installed it to make up any atmospheric situations you may come across on the journey.” Dr. Briefs explains.

“So. We can train in increased gravity! Genius! I could use it to simulate our home of planet Vegeta!” Nappa excitedly raises a fist.

“What? No! Don’t train at intense gravities. It’ll destroy your joints!” Dr. Briefs responds loudly.

“Uh-huh. Anyways. I can handle it from here. So long as you didn’t mess with the routing system, I can get us moving.” Nappa waves off Dr. Briefs again. “Get ready Kakarot, next stop, Namek.”

Dr. Briefs just sighs in annoyance as he steps out. The machine begins to start up as Nappa hits a few buttons, then going to the gravity device, setting to ten times. They’re going to be training the whole way there. With sparring partners. If they aren’t both on the verge of death, its not going to be training.

Chapter Text

Scouts managed to find Dodoria and return her to base. Bleeding profusely, she had to be quickly moved into the healing pod and have her giant chest wound bandaged. The same currently going down for Nillu, whose neck was luckily stitched up in a hurry as he was placed inside. Appule sits in front of the pods as he looks over a few monitors. Choko standing behind him and tapping his foot rapidly.

“It’s a good thing you found her when you did, Choko. Looks like she’s stable. But her exterior may not fully recover in a few days.” Appule assures. “What a kraven, that Vegeta. Jumping out and hitting a lady as lovely as Dodoria so out of the blue.”

“I’m going after him.” Choko assures as he steps away.

“Are you insane? He blew a HOLE in Dodoria! What could you do?” Appule calls back.

“My job.”

With that, Choko steps out, .just barely crossing paths with Zarbon who steps in to look her over. Zarbon looks upon the injuries. He glances down at Appule, then looks over Dodoria’s condition.

“Vegeta did this to her?...” Zarbon quietly asks, hand on the glass of the pod as his heart aches for her.

Then his mind and hers connect for a moment. And his scowl begins to shift to something more passive, then a smile. A plan? Something to finally get out of this prison? Perhaps Vegeta is worth talking to.

“Oh! Uh. Yeah! Something up?” Appule asks.

“Give a report to Lord Freeza. I am going to go get Vegeta.” Zarbon assures as he steps out.

“Huh… Freaks me the fuck out.” Appule mutters out.

Elsewhere, the earthlings have met back up. Krillin and Tien land just as Bulma had finished talking on the phone with Dr. Briefs. And Yamcha was currently trying to break the ice with a very stressed Bulma, and failing. So he was sitting outside the cave when the others land. Gohan was still en route.

“We’re back!” Krillin shouts. “And we brought a Namekian!”

“Why?” Yamcha asks, eyebrow raised.

“Tien didn’t want to leave it to die.” Krillin admitted.

Yamcha glances at the small Namekian, then he sighs before standing. He and Tien both already reached the same conclusion. They need help.

“Hey little fella. You know anybody that could help us?” Yamcha asks as he squats down.

“I know one person who may yet help.” The small boy admits. “The eldest Namekian. Our guardian, Lord Guru. He can unlock Namekian’s potentials. M-Maybe he can help you two!”

“Well can you show us where he is, little green?” Krillin asks.

“Please do not call me that, it feels strangely demeaning. My name is Dende.” The boy admits before floating up into the air. “I can lead you there.”

“Alright guys. Good news. Goku’s on his way an- Oh! Hello there!” Bulma greets Dende. “Are you uh… Going somewhere guys?”

“We’ll be back as soon as we can, babe.” Yamcha assures. “Besides, Gohan’ll be back any minute. Right?”

Bulma looks up at them, then sighs. She nods before stepping back towards the cave. At about this time, the earthlings sense a number of other energy signals being cut. One after the other, and in the center of them is Vegeta. That’s a problem they’ll have to deal with later. They burst off in the direction of Lord Guru’s home.

Along the way, they temporarily pass by Gohan, just nodding to each other before each continuing.

Vegeta meanwhile was enjoying having just torched a village to nothing, and drops a Dragon Ball into the water below. Chuckling at how easy it was. It was like stealing candy from a baby, after breaking the baby’s neck. He however sensed something above. He looks up and sees Zarbon staring down at him. The Saiyan floats up into the air, arms crossed.

“Well well well. Look who finally caught up to me.” The prince talks as though he’s accomplished something.

“You know Vegeta. Dodoria and I share a special link. When you cut into her, everyone assumed you got the jump on her. But she said things to me. Things to help me understand exactly what you’re doing.” Zarbon speaks down before cracking his neck a bit.

“Yeah? And what are you going to do about our little coup?” Vegeta questions, smirk remaining on his face.

“Vegeta you mistake me for Ginyu. I don’t believe in Freeza’s little plans for total control of everything.” Zarbon admits as he checks his nails. “I have no intentions on informing him either. Instead. I intend to help you get into the ship. But we need to make it look real.”

Vegeta raises an eyebrow, before his smirk remains. Then he thinks for a moment.

“What do you want out of it?”

“Easy. I want to leave this combat behind. You get your immortality, Freeza gets to be put in a grave. And I get to disappear.” Zarbon admits. “I would wish back my people, but without our home planet to go to, it would be wrong.”

The princes look each other, then nod before entering conflict. Vegeta punching as fast and as hard as he can as Zarbon focuses on blocking and countering. Vegeta however is able to easily slip in some hits. One even cracking Zarbon’s shoulderpad before he knocks the man aside with a kick. Charging up a blast of purple energy before Zarbon holds out a hand and fires a salvo of golden energy that passes right by the Galick Gun and hits Vegeta repeatedly. If a Saiyan gets stronger after just escaping the clutches of certain death, Zarbon will still beat him badly for how much he hurt Dodoria.

With a flash, Vegeta disappears. Zarbon was stuck looking around for a moment before Vegeta reforms right behind the fellow alien prince, slamming him in the back of the head. This ends in Zarbon hitting the ground hard enough to drag along and tear up the ground.

“Hah! Face-down and getting pounded by another man. Is it Wednesday already, Zarbon?” Vegeta taunts.

“Poor little ape. You have no idea how much I am holding back…” Zarbon says as he slowly stands up, wiping blood from his cheek. “You aren’t the only person who lost his home. Lord Freeza feared my people for their innate power. But I, the crown prince, was cursed long ago by an ancient witch. And in that curse. A monster was placed deep. Deep inside of me.”

“Is that what you call that acce-”

Before Vegeta could finish his quip, Zarbons body puffs out, bulging and becoming more muscular after a moment to gather its definition. Skin becomes scaly, and his face becomes almost deformed. He then rushes forward and grabs onto Vegeta. Immediately headbutting him seven consecutive times before kicking him into the air.

The saiyan prince has lost his footing, his position. But as he tries to get back control of the fight, he gets grabbed by the leg and pulled down into an uppercut, before being grabbed and pulled down again, into a painful bearhug that feels like his ribs are cracking.

Finally, the encounter ends in Zarbon power bombing Vegeta into the ground, before lifting him out the rubble by his head. Letting out a low chuckle as he drags Vegeta towards the main ship.

“Don’t go dying yet. You’re gonna get your chance.” The beastly Zarbon speaks down to Vegeta.

Chapter Text

Finally, the trio land in front of Guru’s house. Nail stands ready before he takes a moment to sense them. A sigh escapes him.

“Lord Guru. More of the… outsiders. Have arrived.” Nail calls out to the elder Namekian.

“How many of them are there?” Guru’s voice calls back.

“Three!” Nail calls back. “And they have a Namekian with them.”

“Hello Nail.” The small Namekian speaks as he floats overhead.

“Dende. Land and come inside.” The guardian speaks solemnly before leading them.

Nail quietly leads the group of earthlings in, Dende trailing slowly behind them. He just stares forward before bowing his head. Guru leans down to look at the earthlings, before letting out a low hoot-like laughter. The three warriors instinctively bow to show reverence to the ancient Namek.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting to see seasoned fighters come about.” The elder Namekian states, raising one hand from his throne to try pushing himself up. “Truly. I should be the one bowing. But… You aren’t here to discuss. You need aid, and Namek needs saving. Yes. Should you and the boy gather the Dragon Balls, you have my promise, the wishes will be yours. So long as you promise to save my world.”

Tien remains silent. Yamcha however lifts his head before stretching a tiny bit. The bandit moves to get closer.

“Yeah. That’s the idea. We’ll wish back our big green, and when we get our balls, we can fully resurrect your planet.”

“Watch your language, pinkie!” Nail prepares to strike down the earthling before Guru raises his hand to stop him.

“I apologize for my child. He has a good heart, but it burns with the fire of a warrior.” Guru explains. “Yes. I believe you. I believe your arrival is a sign of this cataclysm soon coming to an end. We Namekians can survive such destruction, and we have done so before.”

Yamcha grins up to the Elder Namekian. Feeling a surge of confidence as he crosses his arms. Now the confident punk was standing right beside the elder Namekian.

“Then let us help. We’re not even the strongest. The cavalry is still on his way.” Yamcha confirms. “But we need some help evening the odds. Get what I’m saying?”

“I understand exactly what you mean.” Guru says as a hand lays on his forehead. “Which is why I will help you turn the key to your hidden potential. All things have a well of power, and I will unleash what I can of it.”

Light fills the area as Yamcha feels his muscles tighten. He can hear the howl of the desert wolf. A call for combat. This sensation of potential unleash for a moment overwhelms him as he tightens his hands into fists.

“Whoa!” Krillin shouts out. “He-He’s stronger than Vegeta was when we fought him!”

“Come. Allow me to help you as your friend said. Even the Odds.”

Tien steps forward first. Closing both his normal eyes. As Guru’s hand makes contact, he feels his third eye view so many things. The cosmos are for a moment surrounding him. A chain of green feathers slowly furling away as he achieves something above who he was. When Tien opens his eyes, his body begins to do the multiform technique on its own at high speed, before the multiple copies come back together.

“This is… Amazing! I feel incredible!” Tien shouts out.

“Your training was that of isolation and meditation. Now, I want you to remember yourself not as a rock, but a part of the greater universe.” Guru speaks quietly. “Come, small one. Allow me to aid you as well.”

“Doesn’t this tax your body?” Krillin asks as he walks over.

Guru touches Krillin’s head. Opening his mind and body to the natural sources all around him. Krillin’s shift feels more ki-based than the others. Like he was a well that just got cleaned out and filled with fresh water for the first time in years. And then the water comes to a quiet stillness the second the flood stops.

“Does that answer your question?” Guru quietly jokes.

The three earthlings look among themselves. Feeling strong for the first time since Raditz touched down on Earth. They feel like they can really add to the fight. But all at once they sense something. A terrible energy source going right for their base.

“Sorry to take the power up and leave, Lord Guru.” Tien begins. “But our friends are in danger.”

“Do as you must. When you gather the dragon balls, I will send the code.” Guru explains.

“So, we need a code to use them?” Krillin asks.

“Correct. It is best you not have a Namek traveling with you. Go now.”

The three nod at once and fly out of the building. Feeling so fast. So strong. But as they move, Yamcha’s ankle gets grabbed by some giant mechanical exosuit. Covered in shiny black battle armor padding. There is a glass container near the top of it holding a brain that seems to sprawl like it were a spider, and a set of eyes barely attached to said brain. The container was filled with green liquid. Blue lights blink around the case’s connecting point.

“Beep.” The strange Force Soldier states before pulling Yamcha down to the ground.

The large machine slams Yamcha to the ground, releasing one of its weird clawed hands and standing over the Earthling. The contact was enough to crack up the ground. Dazed for a moment, Yamcha pulls himself to stand, the machine slams downward, only for Yamcha to roll out of the way just in time.

“Yamcha!” Krillin shouts as he and Tien move to help.

“No!” Yamcha shouts up. “I got this! Go make sure Gohan and Bulma are safe! If they get hurt because you help me, I won’t forgive myself!”

With that, the two, understanding, fly away. The bandit stares down the horrible machine. He couldn’t sense his energy, probably because very little of him isn’t manufactured. That’s an annoying gimmick, but that just means he can’t let the thing get away from him. With a loud SCHING, Yamcha reveals his sword.

“Beep.” The machine speaks out.

“Sterry, huh?” Yamcha responds, apparently able to understand it. “Well, when I’m done. They’ll be calling you sashimi!”

With a glint of Namekian sunlight, Yamcha bursts forward and slashes at the abdomen of the machine. Energy dissipating from the blade, however, it only left a scratch. The machine strikes at Yamcha’s face, causing him to go flying, but he catches himself midair, and lands on his feet, charging energy in his left hand.

“Tch. You hit like a truck. But lucky me. I just got a boost.” Yamcha taunts, but he glances around the machine’s body for a moment.

“Beep.” The machine retorts vulgarly before the blackened parts of its carapace pull back, revealing cannons that all fire at once.

Yamcha finds himself on the backfoot. Needing to continue dodging as a volley of hot pink beams crash into the stony ground where he was standing. Each impact causes an erupting, causing Yamcha to choose to fly high into the air. Holding his hands together.

“You wanna spam beams? Let me show you a beam unlike anything you could ever make!” Yamcha shouts down, pulling his hands back. “Kaaameeehaaame-”

A shrill sound comes from the machine as its cannons stopped for a moment, a large cannon appearing on the very chest and firing square into Yamcha’s shoulder. The contact causes him to fall backwards into the water. In the tide he was knocked to be face down inside the emerald waters. The machines open blasters shut.

“Beep.” Sterry states before slowly rising into the air to survey down and find Yamcha.

Oh god… Everything hurts. The first thought that rang through Yamcha's head. He hit me once, and I’m still not capable of keeping up… I’m sorry Gohan, Tien, Krillin… Bulma.

“Seems you’re having some problems sonny.” A familiar old voice cracks into Yamcha’s head.

“Master Roshi?... You’re watching this?” Yamcha spoke in his head. “This is humiliating.”

“Hey. Don’t blame the old man for wanting to check in on you. You’re cocky, arrogant, a little too vain for your own good. Honestly Yamcha, if it weren’t for Bulma being there I wouldn’t even imagine why you’d push yourself this far.” Roshi rather casually listed off issues, only causing Yamcha to feel even worse. “But. You’re tenacious. You’ve figured out how hard it hits. But you need to remember one more thing. This thing is a machine.”

“And? How do I fight a machine?” Yamcha tried questioning.

“Well. Remember that punch gauge they tried to introduce to the World Martial Arts Tournament?” Roshi reminds him.

“Okay and? A machine’s gauge is gonna get weird if it keeps being exerted over a short-” Yamcha stopped mid sentence.

With a burst of energy, Yamcha flies directly at Sterry. His gi was torn up, and he’s bleeding from his left shoulder. There is also a good chance his sword’s sheathe was blown up from the impact. But that doesn’t matter. What matters right now is getting back.

The machine immediately catches onto Yamcha’s arrival. Opening its cannons and firing. Each shot missing as it is aiming at where he is, and not where he’s going to be. Yamcha puts some flourishes into it. Charging up energy into his left hand again. Not going for a Kamehameha this time. What he does do is throw his sword with his free hand before suddenly turning directly upward.

“Beep!” Sterry shouted upward as the sword wedges between the folding of the center plating.

“Not cowardly. I figured out your tactic.” Yamcha declares out. “You fire everywhere in hopes you hit your target. But I’ll bet it’s not good for you, firing such volatile and hot energy everywhere you go.”

“Beep?” Sterry tried to confirm Yamcha’s plan while still firing, before confirmation comes from the silvery metals of the emitters being red.

“Well let’s see how you like this!” Yamcha shouts out as he holds his hand up. “Gonna take this from my buddy Tien, and add a little spin! Spirit Ball! Heavyspike Mode!”

The golden energy gets thrown into the air, momentarily eclipsing the sun before it comes back down. Yamcha slams it downward at Sterry with an open palm strike. While the machine was able to jet its way upward to avoid it at first, the ball crashes against the ground and immediately makes a sharp turn to continue its pursuit.

“BeepbeepbeepbeepbeepBEEPBEEPBEEHOLYFUCKINGSHI-” Sterry for a moment broke through the encoded language as his shell gets swallowed by the yellow orb.

Parts of the machine fall scattered around. Yamcha pants as he stares on. But then the machines main base releases a loud shrill that erupts the smoke around it. One of the claws is gone. The chassis covering its lesser cannons are torn away, and the uncovered cannons appear to be melted to a point of uselessness. Yamcha’s sword is melted against the metal now.

“Hmph. Have a problem?” Yamcha asks with a smirk on his face.

“YOU.THINK.YOU.CAN.GET.AWAY.WITH.THAT.QUESTIONMARK.” Sterry speaks in a broken up Text to Speech voice. “I.WILL.ERASE.YOU.FOR.STOPPING.LORD.FREEZAS.CONQUEST.”

“You and what weapons? That stump? Maybe the melty cheese you call your main weapons?” Yamcha taunts as he turns to fly away. “In the spirit of Son Goku, I’ll allow you a chance to run away with your life.”

“I.WILL.NOT.BE.IGNORED.” The machine screeches out, releasing another shrill. “DEZTROY.CANNON.ACTIVATE!”

A hiss sound escapes as the center pad tries to open. The floating eyeballs glance downward.

“OH.OHNO.” The mechanical shell with a brain finally gathered what Yamcha was doing. “YOU.USED.YOUR.OWN.WEAPON.TO.SEAL.MINE.QUESTIONMARK.”

“Yeah. So, when you go to the otherworld, I hope you find your body.” Yamcha says as he keeps his back turned.

“WHAT.IS.THE.NAME.OF.MY.KILLER.” The machine asks.

“When you arrive to King Yemma’s office, tell him The Hyena Who Made The Desert His Stronghold, Yamcha. Sent you.” Yamcha says.

“Thank you.” An almost human voice escapes the machine before the final explosion takes the Freeza Soldier.

Silence fills the air as the shell hits the ground. Yamcha pauses for a moment, and turns to the remnants. There was a person in here. Not much of one left. But still a person. Yamcha quietly looks up, and decides to bury what remains of Sterry. They can wait a few more minutes for him.

Chapter Text

Gohan stops right at the cave, brushing some of his bowlcut’s hair out of his face as he walks in to see the base all set up. Many computers set up, though the functions remain unknown to him entirely. Currently, the genius inventor was sat at a computer, the terminal seems to be connected to a silvery capsule holding some experimental vehicle. She takes a sip of some coffee.

“Bulma! I found a Dragon Ball!” Gohan shouts as he approaches her.

“Oh! Great! Bring it over here. I know just where to hide it.” Bulma says, turning her attention to Gohan.

The small male sets it down, but then he flinches as he feels something nearing. Just as he turns his head he sees the tall disturbing bug man staring in. Those white eyes like spotlights staring in. A loud snorting sound could be heard escaping it.

“YOU.” Choko speaks in a guttural voice as he steps closer. “NO MATTER HOW DISTILLED AND WATERED DOWN MONKEY BLOOD IS! I RECOGNIZE THE BLOOD OF THE MONKEY THAT TOOK EVERYTHING!”

“What are you talking about?!” Gohan screams back, fear immediately filling him as the lanky monstrosity nears.

“FINALLY! ILK OF BARDOCK! I SHALL AVENGE MY WORLD!” Choko’s mouth seems to tear open and a beam of orange energy warbles outward, firing directly at Gohan.

“Gohan!” Bulma screams as she rushes over, instinctively wrapping her arms around him.

In the slowing time, Gohan fears he’s about to die, or lose Bulma, to his fear. Just like Mr. Piccolo. But before the beam could make contact, it gets stopped by a barrier of white energy. Tien managed to get past Choko without the alien even seeing him.

“We arrived just in time.” Tien quietly states.

“Huah! You would protect that thing? If you knew what it was, you’d not be so inclined to.” Choko taunts as he raises an accusatory finger to Gohan.

“Mhm. Interesting. Counterpoint. Get out of here.” Tien firmly demands as he holds his place.

“I can’t leave. Not now. On my pride as a warrior. I will get satisfaction.” Choko declares angrily.

“Fine, then step outside, I’ll give you all the fight you deserve.” Tien motions towards the exit.

The bug creature relents, pulling outward with its mighty wings as Tien follows slowly behind, cracking his neck. He’s gathered this thing isn’t like the rest. It must be their tracker. His eyes close slowly as he feels the planet around him with each footstep. It’s them or this alien. And there’s no way he’s going to let it hurt Gohan. Once the two are outside, Tien opens his eyes to look up at Choko.

Silence fills the air, only broken up by the blowing of a bitter wind. The suns beat down on the two. And then, a leaf falls from a tree. With a burst, Tien moved into the air, Choko attempts to slice downward with his claws. Only for Tien to suddenly split into two people. The multi-form technique was the perfect tool for this fight. One of Tien’s bodies strikes rapidly at Choko, distracting the bug beast as the other positions high in the air.

“KIKOHO!” The distanced Tien shouts out, the extra form disappears just in time as a blast of golden energy strikes down on Choko.

The blast hits its target head on. And Tien looks down with a smirk before twitching and just barely dodging out of the way of an emerald green energy blast coming right his way. The triclopean’s left eye twitches as he looks down and sees the monsters mouth was open, like it swallowed and spit out the energy.

“You swallowed my Kikoho?!” Tien shouted in shock as the alien bolted upwards after him.

A claw pierces into Tien’s shoulder, he beast trying to wrench the triclopean to the ground. A gutteral laughter escaping it as it opens its mouth again. Emerald fire generating slowly around the mouth. The claws drag out, tearing away the green gi as it stares down. Hungrily eyeing its prey.

“I can suck in and spit out energy. And when I’m done with you, I’ll use your energy to burn that monkey.” Choko declares quietly, before letting out a more loud laugh while slamming its fist repeatedly against Tien’s new wound.

Tien would be screaming the entire time he gets stabbed and slammed. His body becoming bruised before his hand grabs the spot. Then, he lets out a weak smile, as a second Tien suddenly slams against the alien in the side of the head. That duplicate just moved out of sight. Choko snarls angrily in response before firing another emerald fire as the charging Tien splits into two Tiens who elbow into the chest of the massive monster.

The duo would continue moving on, letting their momentum keep them moving as the alien spreads its wings to fly up and get an aerial advantage. This moment of weakness granted Tien the perfect angle to use the sun to his advantage.

“SOLAR FLARE!” A scream escapes Tien as the three suns’ lights bounce from his head, Choko’s eyelids not fit to protect his sensitive eyes.

The alien couldn’t even move his hands in time as blackened dots now poked at his vision. Blisters forming where these blackened dots ruin his peripherals. But when he returned his gaze. He saw Tien preparing another blast. The creature’s pursuit wasn’t to be stopped even as the golden energy made contact, becoming absorbed into Choko’s mouth, charging up a blast right down at the triclopean before a pair of hands grabs onto one of his wings, and another set of hands grabbing, and dragging him downward.

A loud fleshy rip could be heard, followed by a squeal of agony. The two bodies using this advantage to beat the bugman into the ground. Small pathetic sounds escapes the Meatian as he holds his new wound, looking for Tien and his copies, but only finding one in front of him.

“You’ve lost.” Tien states firmly before walking back to the cave. “Go lick your wounds, whatever you were before, all I see before me is an untrained animal seeking to kill a child.”

“Y-You… You…. YOUOUOUOUUUUUU!” A garbled scream escapes Choko, who pushed himself to a stand, but his vision was a completely blurred mess. “I’ll get you! I will end you!”

There was no way for the creature to even move without becoming dizzy, unless he closes his eyes. Pink sludge continues to slip from the opening in his back. He needs to heal. Begrudgingly, he pushes himself up, leaping between islands on his way back to base, trying to sniff familiar scents.

Back at base however, Vegeta was already safely inside of one of the new model healing pods. In nearby pods is Dodoria and Nillu. Appule quietly watches over the monitor to keep an eye on their vital signs. Zarbon simply dropped him off, stating he found Vegeta in a village without a Dragon Ball.

That was approximately ten minutes ago. Appule glanced over to Dodoria, knowing she’ll be out of the pod soon. He smirks as he walks up to Vegeta’s pod and decides to meanmug the semi-unconscious Saiyan.

“You know Vegeta. Gotta admit I respect the whole renegade for life angle. But nobody goes renegade on Lord Frieza and lives to tell the tale. Not without suffering even half as much as Cooler did. And now you’re all-”

Before Appule could finish, the glass of one of the pods bursts open. His head turns, but he cannot scream in time as a claw drags along his face, immediately and brutally snuffing out the pathetic thing he calls his life. Pallid lips smack as a discolored green tongue laps at the magenta liquid pouring from the low-class warrior. Fangs innumerable open wide to crash down and devour what is Appule’s being. All before a bellowing laughter escapes from Nillu.

“Mhmhmhmhmmmmm~ A perfect sampler.” The Mixxelian speaks out in a low grumble of a voice before wiping away blood from his lips. “Now… Let’s get some madness going.”

The large alien points one of his fingers to Vegeta’s pod, and immediately ruptures the glass. The saiyan stumbles forward before taking a few deep breaths. He could see the Mixxelian’s now stretched out face. Nillu now seems to have antennae, and his neck has bulked out, with vent-like gills sealed up for the time being. Those countless teeth could easily chomp into him in his state.

“I’ll let you cause your chaos…” Nillu states before licking his lips. “You got a few minutes before Frieza realizes that wasn’t his scouts.”

Vegeta grunts and nods, before looking, and forcing open Dodoria’s tank. The woman grunts out before punching Vegeta in the face. She then falls over to the ground. Just to make it clear there was a struggle. With that, the saiyan smirks and sneaks his way out of the ship. Guards arriving and seeing Dodoria seemingly unconscious, and Nillu gone with his pod exploded. It looks like Vegeta went on a rampage to them.

“Dodoria’s down! Vegeta’s— what the hell happened in here?!” one of the guards barks, drawing his blaster and scanning the room.

Another kneels beside the fallen Dodoria, who groans and shoves him off. Her hand the size of the poor punk’s head as she tries to lift herself from her stupor.

“Get yer damn hands off me,” she slurs, wiping blood from her mouth. “He… He came out of that pod swinging. Killed Appule. Blew Nillu to dust. Bastard must be long gone by now…”

“Shit,” one of the elites mutters. “Frieza’s not gonna like this. First Zarbon disappears on patrol, now Vegeta goes rogue again?”

“And Appule’s gone. Just gone,” another notes, staring at the smear of red and bone on the floor. “A-And Vegeta could just… do that? We need the Ginyus. Now.”

Vegeta however managed to blow a hole into the main glass as Frieza was scrambling to figure out what’s happening to his shit. The dragon balls are thrown out at high speed before he blasts his way out. Disappearing over the horizon with the newly thrown balls. All things are coming up Vegeta by the looks of things.

“Dodoria!” Zarbon cries out as he seems to return just in time. “Get away from her you wretches! Dodoria. What happened?”

“Vegeta’s stronger… He’s just getting stronger ‘n stronger. Like he’s become super powered.” Dodoria speaks in a pained hiss of a voice.

There is now a time limit in place for all parties. Frieza had just gotten off a call with the Ginyu Force. They’ll clean up the mess, and no doubt figure out what’s going on. Zarbon and Dodoria had to get changed into new uniforms and ready to find Vegeta and the Dragon Balls. If they’re lucky, they could beg for mercy. But for now? They’re still unknown actors.

And Nillu now has begun to make his way out. Untethered and oh so hungry, with an all you can eat buffet blindly scrambling around Namek.

Chapter Text

Yamcha finally landed, just as Gohan moves low and towards the west of their location. Silence filled the cool air as Yamcha moved forward, feeling his injuries burning, before he collapsed in front of Bulma. She did what she could to catch him, but there was a size difference that made that very uncomfortable.

“What happened?” Bulma questions as she tries to hold onto the falling Yamcha.

“A lot… And by the looks of it, I wasn’t the only one.” Yamcha states as he looks at Tien, who was trying to hold onto his shoulder.

“Alright. Into the cave boys. Krillin, could you stand outside?” Bulma quietly begs.

“Better yet-” A voice calls from above. “All of you stay where I can see you.”

Krillin gulped loudly, then looked up at the sky, and began to let out a really long and loud scream. Vegeta smirks down at the earthlings, being flanked by Zarbon and Dodoria. All three land down in front of them.

“Alternatively, you can hand over your dragon ball. And whatever juice you used to get stronger than last time we met.” Vegeta orders as he walks up, smirking down at Bulma as Yamcha defensively gets between them.

“Y-You’re… Vegeta.” Bulma spoke out in a strange, dry whisper.

“Stay away from her.” Yamcha commands, before his wound gets two fingers forced into them and pulling a scream from him.

“I take it that means she’s yours then, beta male. Good to know. I’ve got a score to settle with you over my tail, and my back.”

“This one’s the one who fucked you up ‘Geets?” Dodoria mutters out before taking a deep breath. “He’s a hunk. Ain’t he, Zarbon?”

“Mmmh. His goods are damaged, but they’re definitely good.” Zarbon casually comments along.

Vegeta pulls his fingers from the wound, and licks it. Yamcha continues standing firm before relenting for a minute. He’s gotta think this over. Be smart about the situation. Bulma is in danger in this position.

“Alright. We’ll give you our secret. But you gotta promise to not kill anyone.” Yamcha says.

“And whose to say I won’t do it anyway?” Vegeta asks with a smirk dancing along his face.

“Then you lose your dragon balls.” Yamcha says with a smirk. “Our ball isn’t here. I buried it somewhere nearby. And if you don’t have me. You can’t find it.”

For a moment of silence, Vegeta feels his power swell up. Utter anger filling his person before he lets it dissipate. It was mostly to threaten Yamcha, but this time, he maneuvered around effortlessly. Again. Dodoria gives a little smirk before Yamcha decides to lead the crew to Lord Guru’s lookout. Though, he’s intending to take the long way to keep them as distracted as possible.

“Yamcha… Please be safe.” Bulma quietly states, staring up.

Elsewhere, Choko has been stuck traveling around the islands. Unable to get much height as he feels himself beginning to bleed out. He would call for help, but he’s no clue who or what is around him. Only relying on very unfamiliar scents overpowering the routes he thought he had figured out. Until he heard a voice.

“You lost?”

“N-Nillu? Wha… You’re okay?! You sound… And smell. Different.”

“Ohohoho don’t worry at all friend. I came at the most opportune time actually. See. It’s time for the change of leadership I always talked about.” Nillu’s voice betrayed how wide his smile was.

“Well unless you can figure out how to get your collar off, there’s no way Frieza’ll let that happen.” Choko reminds, as something fell into his hand. It was metallic, cold. And he didn’t realize what it was until he felt the sensors near one edge.

“N-Nillu. Is this… No. No no! You’re bluffing. You’re not going to- We’re friends! Nillu! Come on! You were the best man at my wedding! I went across south galaxy to find a blood donator when you got fatally wounded! Does all of our adventures mean nothing to you?!” As Choko tried to argue, and talk his friend out of this, he could hear the nearing snapping of jaws. “Y-You beast! You monster! You’d leave my wife a widow!?”

“Never fear friend. Though your life will end. You’ll always be part of me… Heheheh… That nose is too useful to let die on this planet.”

“No… No… NO! NOOOO!”

The screams and protests were drowned out by laughter, then the sound of chitin breaking, slurping of some savage beast consuming what was the last man of his species. And with this, Nillu grew just a bit stronger and stronger. He took enjoyment in devouring his only friend left. And now he could smell where his other friend was buried.

“Mhhhh… Sterry, your core was left intact. So that endless supply of energy’s still on the menu~ Thank you~”

Yamcha continued to fly around almost aimlessly. All while Vegeta was growing impatient. The saiyan would have atomized Yamcha if it weren’t for the fact that he still needs him. Dodoria decides to move a bit ahead of the other two aliens tailing Yamcha, putting one of her manicured hands on Yamcha’s shoulder as she glances at the man.

“Ya know, handsome. If you wanted to take the scenic route, woulda been more romantic with just the two a’ us.” Dodoria attempted to flirt, not thinking about how horrifying she is to Yamcha.

“Ah. haha. I just didn’t pack a brochure is all. He’s around here somewhere.”

After a bit more time wasting, Yamcha lands in front of Guru’s place. Nail’s face immediately hardening as he stands ready. He can tell the earthling was forced to bring them here, he could sense them from far away.

“Well well. Looks like we missed a few. So this is the one who buffed you up?”

“If you seek audience with Grand Elder Guru, you’ll have to take on I, the guardian.” Nail states firmly, throwing aside his vest.

“Three on one? Seems like you’re done for.” Dodoria declares excitedly as she cracks her knuckles.

“Your math must be bad.” Nail states as he lets out a smirk. “You’re fighting more than one Namekian right now.”

A shout escapes Nail as two white orbs form around his hands. Firing and easily clashing with Dodoria’s break cannon and Zarbon’s elegant blast. Vegeta prepares a Galick Gun, but it appears even that is nothing as a white beam fires from Nail’s mouth. The three against this one Namekian are actually losing ground. Vegeta can feel his heart race. This one isn’t anything like those villagers. This one… This is a warrior.

“Nail. Cease wasting your energy on the small fry.” Guru calls out to the warrior, who just as quickly as he fired, ceases his blasts and jumps out of the way of the trio of beams.

“Of course Lord Guru. I will dispatch of them.” Nail assures.

“No. I am sensing five power levels approaching the planet.”

“Five power levels?” Vegeta questions as he looks up at the sky.

“That could only mean…” Dodoria felt her throat dry at the realization.

“Oh. No.” Zarbon stares in horror.

“All incredibly high. And incredibly flamboyant.”

“We’re doomed. We’re doomed! We are so incredibly fucked!” Vegeta screams as he grabs hold of Yamcha. “We need that Dragon Ball, now!”

“What even is it?!” Yamcha asks.

Then, five eruptions fill the air. One immediately after the other. And with the ability to settle. Yamcha feels the sheer pressure, and begins to feel himself grow sick. He nods quickly, and bursts back towards the cave. But it’s far too late for that. Guru quietly nods to the small Namekian boy, patting his head before directing him to follow behind. Zarbon however pauses for a moment, before turning back to Nail.

“I can be of help. But. I need to meet this Lord Guru. I promise to not be a bother… But, I have access to a potential, hidden under a curse. If he can give me that power outside of it. I will forever be in the debt of Namek and its people.”

Chapter Text

The Capsule Corps ship was still en route to Namek. Goku and Nappa were in the midst of another sparring match. This ship came with everything necessary, for the most part. As the duo crash in fists, a nearby monitor sends alert errors. The gravity returns to normal for a moment before the two drop down. Both sweating up a storm before Nappa stands up and goes towards the fridge to rummage around.

“Alright, new best buddy. What’re you feeling? Some refreshing water? Maybe some coffee to get wired? Soda? Beer? We still got a couple Hetaps!” Nappa spoke in a voice so genuinely happy, a feeling he hasn’t had since he was first assigned to the royal unit.

“Hetap me, Naps!” Goku responds, equally excited to have someone who just gets stronger every training session.

The large saiyan hammer throws the can to Goku, who manages to catch and open it. Nappa then floats over to be directly across from Goku, and the pair crack open their energy drinks, guzzling them in unison.

“Ahh. So. How did the old man get this worked out so fast? It’d make sense if Raditz was alive, but…” Nappa paused, saying his name brought about tinges of regret.

“Oh? Raditz good with space ships?” Goku questioned, wanting to learn more about his brother.

Silence filled the air for a minute as Goku reveals a Senzu Bean, Nappa lifts his hand to dismiss the idea of using the healing item. He wants to save them for when they arrive on Namek. They’ll need all the heals they can get if they’re really taking on Frieza. For a moment, Nappa was nostalgic, thinking back to it.

“Raditz… He was the runt of the royal saiyan combat unit. His power level was always the most diminutive.” Nappa begins to explain. “But we didn’t have him with us for his combat prowess. Kid was great with machines. He was the one who maintained our pods, kept the scouters calibrated. Vegeta let him live because he was functional.”

“Huh? What got him such special treatment?” Goku asks, scratching the back of his head.

“Truth be told, the king owed your father. That and Raditz’s aforementioned knack for tech. He was clever, probably woulda won himself a spot as the Grand Vizier. The man working right at the side of the king. Heh. That’s what I used to do.”

“I hope I get to talk to him after this is all over.” Goku says, for a moment, feeling like he’d like to have a bigger family. “You and him should come live on Earth. Launch would like that.”

“She’s the blonde one, right?” Nappa questions.

“Sometimes.” Goku responds in a way that slightly irritates Nappa.

“Mh. Well. I’m sure she’d like to see the little fella again. Heh. I remember when I could lift Raditz and Vegeta up by just their tails. But… I don’t think Earth’s a good fit for someone like me, Kakarot.”

Goku glanced over to Nappa, who was now lost in thought as he looks himself in a reflective surface. Gone is the battle armor he proudly wore in his conquests. Now he’s wearing something defining him as… Of Earth. He was so excited to have a Saiyan to talk to he forgot that Planet Vegeta was gone. And the planet that is there was decided for conquest.

“Your friends could forgive Raditz, all he killed was you. But, I was with Vegeta. We ended up really hurting those people. Like Tien Shinhan.”

The words escaped his mouth, but they felt wrong. So wrong. He doesn’t bother learning the names of his victims, much less think about them. Sure Arlia was a massive change of pace, but that was him trying to get on Vegeta’s nerves. If it was any other day, he would’ve just nuked the place and been done with it.

And that’s the worst part of it all.

He loved playing the hero in those sparse moments on Arlia.

“Give it some thought.” Goku assures before stepping away to take a shower.

Nappa looks down. How much King Vegeta would hate him for this. But he stands up, and moves towards the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water before returning to do some light cardio to prepare for the next round.

Watching from the planet of King Kai, Raditz stares deeply into the orb at his brother and former ally. King Kai granted him some time to check in, but he doesn’t have it in his heart to talk yet. The warrior’s hand twitches lightly as he sets the ball aside and stares off into nothingness. Nappa thought HE was a good enough replacement as Grand Vizier?

“Hey, you gonna sit there all day?” A croaky old voice calls out, before Roshi stamped down his cane.

“Huh? Oh. Apologies, Master.” Raditz states before standing up, and holding a position. “So… I hold my hands down by my sides, fist clenched… A-”

“Watch your leg distance! Square your shoulders! Tighten your core” Roshi barks before correcting Raditz’s posture with his cane. “You don’t want to blow yourself up, do ya?!”

Gritting his teeth, Raditz’s entire body moves into the position. His entire body tightening now. Roshi examines the warrior from space over before nodding and just letting out small “hms”. Then he lifts his cane to Raditz’s chest.

“Alright. Now. Deep breaths. Ride the wave with your heels. Feel your energy surround you, and focus it into your palms.” Roshi coaches Raditz through the motions. “And take the position.”

“Maaaaahhhhhhh….” Raditz slowly focuses as he pulls his hands behind him.

The training is currently going well in the realm of the living and dead. But with three hours left, Goku and Nappa are on a crash course for Namek, ready for whatever warzone is waiting down there for the two of them. Meanwhile, Vegeta remains in a cold terrified sweat at the arrival of something taking his focus off of the familiar power levels.

Chapter Text

Slowly, the five power levels rise around Frieza’s ship. They formed craters around the main ship with their pods alone. They all float in an orbit before landing one after the other, the taller one landing behind the shorter one. All in front of the currently awaiting emperor of the universe, whose tail wags at their arrival.

First is Guldo. The small green-skinned alien stands with a quiet smile on his face. The eyes on the side of his head scanning the area around while his front-facing eyes remain calm, almost dead. His pristine white battle armor over a full body black leotard as he holds out a box in his white-gloved hands.

Second is Jeice. His red skin is clear of any notable blemishes as his white hair remains slung behind his head. His green scouter beeps lightly as he already has picked up a number of power levels, as is expected of the ever-vigilant Red Magma. His own white armor being more upturned, with no pant legs in his uniform.

Up next is Captain Ginyu. The purple-skinned leader stands excitedly as he glances down at Frieza. His black horns appear to have been polished. His black battle suit has a drawstring around him, holding a bag that carries a spare copy of his green scouter. His arms cuffed firmly with bracers.

Fourth is Recoome. The massive, pink-skinned man's jaw remains sharp and broad at the same time. His orange hair flowing lightly in the wind. His white armor is accented by short sleeves and legs to his black suit. His green scouter somewhat flashing due to being perfect level with the sun.

Ending this line is Burter. The tall blue serpent-like man standing not as broad as the wide Recoome, but standing quite taller. Yellowish-orange plating going from his head down his backside, stabilizing him. His black armor being fitted with some black skintight pants. Just as all of his comrades, he has a green scouter on his left eye.

All five hit synchronized poses. Normally Frieza would have a problem with it, but right now he’s more glad to see someone dependable show up.

“Mhmhmhmhm. Wonderful. My Ginyu Force.” Frieza speaks in a low, cold voice. “So. Have you brought the scouters?”

“Here you go Lord Frieza!” Guldo says in a somewhat nasally voice as he approaches, holding up the box.

The emperor uses his psychic power in order to lift the box up, as Guldo uses his own psychic to push it closer to Frieza in an artistic display. Frieza then opens the box and lets out an almost ecstatic giggle before slipping on the new cherry red scouter, pressing a few buttons.

“Mhhh. Ginyu, you and your boys are ALWAYS a treat to have. If you wouldn’t mind. I have a pest problem. A monkey pest.” Frieza states, his voice something between a purr and a growl.

“Wait a second, Vegeta? Little Veggy?” Recoome speaks in a low voice, though he chuckles as he brings up Vegeta’s nickname. “What could something like him do to bother someone like you?”

“So glad you asked Recoome. Well. It seems he has it out for Zarbon and Dodoria, I have lost them both not long ago. I require your assistance in taking him out, and getting back my Dragon Balls.”

“We’ll have it done before you realize they’re gone.” Burter speaks excitedly.

“And we’ll leave a hole to drop the bodies!” Jeice declares excitedly.

“Actually, I would like you to bring me the ones that he is working with.” Frieza speaks as he files down his nails a tiny bit. “I have questions for and about them if they’re able to keep up with my men.”

“Of course lord Frieza.” Ginyu speaks as he stretches out a bit. “Boys. Formation!”

The five stand, faces looking inward into the circle as they stretch before pacing in place, their formation making them basically go in a circle, going further and further inside.

“Speed of light and strength of all!” Burter begins.

“The Ginyu Force shall make them fall!” Recoome continues.

“Lord King Cold’s Army’s strongest force!” Jeice speaks with absolute fervor.

“We’ll beat them all, secure the course!” Guldo declares excitedly.

“If trouble meets us as we pass…” Ginyu leads his men into the end of the chant.

“We’ll shove our fists, right up their ass!” With this shout from all five, they seemingly power up.

“Ginyu Force!” Captain Ginyu screams out.

“Move out!” They all scream in unison.

They then blast off, first is Guldo, followed by Recoome, then Burter, Jeice, and finally, Captain Ginyu.

On the other side of Namek, Vegeta, Yamcha, and Dodoria were hurrying back to where the Z-Fighters were stationed. Immediately moving right past Tien who watched in confusion.

“What happened to that power up?”

Yamcha didn’t even slow down. “No time! Strong guys—crazy strong—on their way! MOVE!”

With that, Yamcha turns over a table to reveal that’s where he hid the Dragon Ball. Vegeta would curse the earth worm for daring to make him think he’d have to go digging for it, but the situation is far worse than that.

“Hey wait!” Bulma calls out.

“What?!” Vegeta and Yamcha shout at the same time.

“You use your power when you fly. They need those things to be blind, right? Well. Let’s blind ‘em!”

With this declaration, Bulma hoists up a box full of capsules, before throwing one out of the cave. It erupts to reveal a flying vehicle of some kind.

“Alright… Okay. So we’re not doomed.” Vegeta states as he wipes sweat from his head. “Dodoria, try to lower your power. Just. Try to tense it downward. Into the back of your mind, into the back of your being.”

“I’m trying but I can’t.” Dodoria mutters nervously, sweating as she can feel the nearing powers.

Without warning, Tien does a quick neck chop to knock Dodoria out. He and Krillin grab onto the large alien to drag her unconscious body into the ship. Gohan, Yamcha, and Vegeta filing in after. Once again, Bulma’s ingenuity may have given them a chance at escape. With everyone inside, Bulma starts the machine moving, going through the ocean, and following directions being barked by Vegeta.

“Mister Vegeta? What exactly are we dealing with?” Gohan questions as he sits with his legs somewhat crossed.

The question causes the unconscious Dodoria to tense up. Vegeta just stares forwards before glancing over to Gohan. Shaking a bit as he speaks.

“The most powerful force under Frieza’s control. Technically, they’re contractors working for his father. But they come by whenever a situation gets too sticky. This. Is the Ginyu Force.”

Chapter Text

Zarbon remains fallen to one knee in front of Guru. He had chosen to stay behind. Sweating profusely as he keeps his head bowed as Nail and Dende slowly circle around him, Guru sat in front of him. The old Namekian clears his throat with a cough that shakes the building.

“Tell me child, what are the sins you seek Absolution from?” Guru speaks down, drawing another shiver from the blue-skinned male.

“Lord of this land. I have grievously sinned against you, your people, and countless others,” Zarbon speaks in a quaking voice, “I killed in the name of survival, I was supposed to be a protector to my world, but I failed even them.”

Guru quietly continues to stare down, his gaze almost boring into Zarbon’s very soul, pulling more from him. Nail now stands behind Zarbon, ready to kill him for the confession of guilt. Guru lifts his hand, stopping Nail in his tracks.

“I had agreed to submit to Frieza to protect my people, but they refused to see it that way”, Zarbon continues, “Renegade, wayward, my people fought against the occupation, and died as a result.”

Zarbon’s voice catches as he lowers his head even further. His ponytail, now limp with sweat, brushes against the dusty floor. His armor clinging tightly to his skin as tears well up in his eyes.

“I chose to bend the knee, in hopes I could still fairly rule my people. But I instead became a tyrant. A monster inward and outward. A sword that my people would fall on, before Lord Frieza chose its destruction was the most necessary action.”

Guru remained silent through this confession, before letting out a low sigh.

“You speak like a dead man, and that is what I see before me.” Guru speaks slowly, rhythmic breaths escaping him. “The shambling remnant of a dead culture, bound, gagged, forced to act. Desensitized to death. Without purpose.”

Zarbon keeps his head bent, trying to find his words before speaking again.

“Then grant me purpose anew, lord.” Zarbon’s voice was like that of someone begging. “Grant me a purpose beyond this husk, and I will die for it!”

Silence remains in the room, Zarbon’s voice echoes near and far. Nail lowers his hand slowly, glancing up at Guru.

“What do you two think?” The Namekian Grand Elder questions the two remaining sons of Namek.

“I sense remnants of passion and a warrior within him.” Nail assures before returning to stand to Guru’s left side.

“He shows no lie, and he feels terrible… But his soul remains clouded with a lack of assurance.” Dende speaks quietly as he moves to Guru’s right side.

The air shimmers and hums with the almost divine presence of Guru. Ki flows like water within the air. The elder namekian’s hand raises up, reaching slowly for Zarbon.

“You are broken. Shattered like glass. I will give you the light to reflect again. But beware... it will illuminate all that you are.”

Zarbon finally raises his head, for a moment feeling a tinge of something he hasn’t felt in years. Hope.

“I accept it.” Is all that escapes his lips

Slowly, Guru’s hand presses on Zarbon’s head, and he finds himself becoming suddenly overwhelmed with light. With memories. With thoughts he tried to bury so long ago. Thoughts of that horned devil he sold his soul to.

Elsewhere, the amphibious vehicle finally re-emerged. Opening up to allow the earthlings and Vegeta to step outside. Dodoria remained in the vehicle due to her still being unconscious. Bulma decided to stay and wait in case something goes wrong.

“Alright. They should be around here somewhere.” Vegeta speaks quickly as he hurriedly moves towards a plateau, digging around the base to uncover his dragon balls. “Hurry up and help me!”

The Earthlings stand quietly around. Causing the saiyan elite to turn his head in confusion. Only to see Gohan and Krillin behind Yamcha and Tien, both holding onto an individual Dragon Ball. The Saiyan finds himself getting frustrated.

“What are you doing?! We have to hurry up!” Vegeta barked out.

“No, whatever you’re planning to use the dragon for, it won’t work.” Tien firmly states. “We came here to save our friends, and we should use the wish to help the Namekians.”

“Are you fucking stupid?!” Vegeta shouted even more loudly, finding himself unable to control his power. “Our safest bet is immortality! Frieza WILL kill us all otherwise!”

“And how are you sure that’s a good idea?!” Tien shouts back.

“Okay guys you should really-” Yamcha tried to speak up, only to be cut off.

“If Frieza is as powerful as you say he is, immortality just means he’ll be able to torture you forever!” Tien declares as he points a finger at Vegeta.

“Guys?” Yamcha tries again, only being ignored.

“And if we bring back everyone who was just killed, they’re all just going to die again!” Vegeta retorts loudly as he walks up and chest bumps Tien.

“We’ll have the earth’s dragon balls! We can use those to find a solution!” Tien chest bumps right back.

“GUYS!” Yamcha screams out.

“WHAT?!” Both Tien and Vegeta scream back.

“We have company.” Yamcha says, staring up at the five figures floating above.

Everyone’s eyes were immediately turned upwards. Sweating and nearly shitting themselves just from the sheer force boring down on them. Except for Vegeta, who has effectively shit himself and is now trying to hold down his fight or flight response. The one in front of the pack is easily equivalent to all of his little minions combined.

“Hello Vegeta. Nice to see you made friends.” Ginyu speaks as the other force members chuckle behind him. “Now, about those dragon balls.”

Vegeta stares upwards, his mouth dry. The five members of the Ginyu Force now cutting Vegeta off from the dragon balls.

“Little Veggy, renegade for life.” Recoome teases in his deep voice. “Shame that life’s done.”

One last chance to stop this from happening strikes Vegeta. He grabs Gohan’s Dragon Ball suddenly, and chucks it as hard as he can. Laughing as he knows there’s nothing Ginyu could do to stop that.

Only for Burter to move out and catch the ball mid-air, before returning to hand it back to Ginyu.

“Here ya go, bossss.” Burter hisses playfully.

“Ah, wonderful work Burter.” Ginyu praises.

“Of courssse.” Burter bows his head before grinning at Krillin.

“Now. For the other one.” Ginyu states as he also looks at Krillin.

“Baldie, break the ball!” Vegeta declares quickly.

“What, but I-”

“JUST SMASH THE DAMN THING!”

Krillin raises his hand up, into a fist. But right before contact could be made it disappears from his hands, now somehow in Guldo’s hands.

“Looking for this?~” Guldo speaks in a somewhat sing-songy voice.

“Excellent work Guldo.” Ginyu states as he pats the newest member’s head lightly.

“Hehe!”

Guldo can’t help but suck up the attention. Then Ginyu reaches down, lifting the entire clutch of seven balls in his hands.

“Alright boys. You can have your fun with these ones. Get your stretches in beforehand. Make sure to be back before sundown… And bring me the bodies.”

With that, the captain blasts upwards and out back towards Frieza’s ship. Leaving the four to decide who gets Vegeta. They end up all four playing rock paper scissors. And getting ties each time. During this mess, Vegeta quietly glances between everyone then decides to blast off in another direction.

“Hey!” Recoome shouts angrily. “Get back here! Recoome wants to dash your head against rocks! Grrrr… Fine. We’ll split his friends instead.”