Chapter 1: A Bad Flip Of The Coin
Chapter Text
I don't own Dragon Ball or Z or GT. With editing from babykitsune-9
From a doomed blood red world, a Saiyan pod takes off. Watched in a mind's eye by a palm haired man. A man near death. He has been badly injured and is bleeding.
He's about to die. Who lost this fight before it began before him is the tyrant that has enslaved his people for decades. Who is now looking to exterminate them all.
The tyrant is a frost demon, by the name of Frieza.
He is a prince of an empire which has seen itself the scourge of the universe. The tyrant in his floating pod above his spaceship looking down at the world that was in his mind, his plaything and people his slaves.
The horned creature laughed as he, and the rest of the brave Saiyan race try staring him down. The saiyan not yet realizing that this would be his final stand. He throws all he had at the tyrant as it laughed at him. There wasn't a need for any sort of speech it would have only fallen on deaf ears anyways.
The tyrant gleefully sniggers as if he is something amusing to him and simply puts his finger up and makes an energy ball. It was bigger than the saiyan could have dreamed of and vastly more powerful. The palm haired man's attack was easily absorbed into the far more powerful ball and with the death of his attack came the end of his world and all but the extinction of his race.
The tyrant as an afterthought flicked his energy at him.
In vain the palm haired man tried to hold it but it proved far too much and he was easily overwhelmed and sucked in. He died yelling into that cold abyss screaming, "My son lives on!" As he was dissolved by the energy of the cackling tyrant.
The ball hit the giant blood red planet known as Vegeta. The surface cracking like a egg before it exploded in a massive light show that amused its cruel audience of the tyrant
The saiyan race was nearly then extinguished in its entirety with the exception of but a few.
The pod with the babe in stasis makes its way from Vegeta to its destination. A familiar blue-green beauty. A far cry from the red world with rings that he left from. The pod touched the atmosphere while making its descent to the planet, but as it does an error occurs.
An error message rings up on the command board in unfamiliar symbols and numbers forcing a course correction.
The baby sleeps peacefully as the tiny ship that is its universe goes out of control. The pod now burning with the intense heat of the atmosphere as it makes its way to the surface. The computer starts to freak out spitting out even more numbers and symbols as it malfunctions.
It passes over an old man in orange that was out that day for a stroll. Whose house on mountain side looks like something out of the very distant past. His world like something out of a painting as the pod continues on.
The pod lands or more accurately crashes near a mountain side which overlooks a valley of green lush wonders making a crater and a cloud of dust doing so.
An old man walking nearby having watched the crash rushed over to see the ship. He seems both awed and fearful as he mumbles, "Aliens" as the pod opens to reveal a palm haired infant to the old man who as on his face at first was a look of surprise and then wonder on his face.
The ship's robotic voice pipes in. "Time to wake up Kakarrot. Time to kill al…" The rest replaced by static as the support systems malfunctioned, black smoke comes from some of the electronics as it makes a painful hissing and crackling noise, its electronics were mostly fried.
The infant wakes up and then stares at the white haired and mustached, balding old man in front of him. The baby looks curiously at the old man as he comes over and inspects the child seeing his brown tail. The old man says in his accented voice, "So I was right. Your are an alien. Kakarrot is that your name little guy?"
The babe upon hearing that name reaches out to the old man and he smiles, "Kakarrot, right that's your name."
Old man thinking 'Who knew this little walk in the woods was going to be so useful to me.' The old man reaches in and grabs hold of the boy pulling him out the happy little child out into the open and then pulling him to his chest.
Old man looking at wonder at the boy asks, "Where you sent by my Adrian cherub?" The babe giggled as he reached for his mustache pulling on it as the old man yelped, "Ow! That hurt."
The infant laughed and the old man chuckled as tears formed in the sides of his eyes.
"Good to know that I amuse you." The baby with his other hand felt around the old man's vest and grabbed a hold of his RRA pin next to his name badge saying on it 'Doctor Gero'. The boy's tail comes and wraps itself around the doc's arm.
Gero then said with a mad smile. "I guess when life steals a son from you. It sometimes throws you a new one."
There were some yells behind the Gero that came closer. It was a few uniformed soldiers with their red ribbons on their arms and guns in their hands.
One of the soldier yells, "Doc!"
"I'm here!" The baby plays with his fingers as the soldiers came over.
One of the soldiers says, "We heard an explosion."
Another demands, "What happened!?"
"A gift happened, Herr Sergeant. A gift from above or below happened, I don't care which. But I'm guessing below." He looks to the sky to the ground then back at them.
The sergeant now frightened. "Is that what I think it is!?"
"Quiet. Now radio command…" He looks down past the trees further into the valley to see the RRA headquarters in the center of the valley. "Tell them that I need a team to help me move and examine an alien space pod that just came to Earth."
Sergeant shocked stated, "They're never going to believe me doc."
"They will Herr Sergeant. They will soon enough believe, and so will world one day believe this day," He looked back at the smiling babe as the sun beat down on the forest. "Time to go home son."
The doctor began the walk back to base with the babe in hand. The babe getting comfortable it the doctor's arms, purring then taking a nap completely at ease.
(Triumphant music playing as in space bright yellow texted flies by)
Part One: A RED SON
Supreme Commander Red leader of the Red Ribbon army and party upon hearing of the boy approve the Doctor's raising of him. So that he can have the ultimate weapon. Years have passed as the 'good' doctor has instructed the boy.
The doc using his creations to increase the boys already amazing strength. The doc also taught him math, science and literature. Gero had found the boy had amazingly absorbed his lectures like a sponge even if he didn't enjoy the lectures half as much as the fighting.
The boy did have his favorite subject though history which had at least the tales of violence to keep himself amused with, like the story of Rome, his favorite.
The tales of human barbarism comforted him as the Doctor would over time learn the history of the Saiyan's it would be a tale just as cruel.
It all went very well as despite the boy's age but finally a limit had been reached in his training and it was time for a change. Red has refused some request to send the boy to be taught by a worthy martial artist.
Gero undeterred has setup a demonstration to prove his point to the high command of the need to give Kakarrot a new teacher so that his adoptive progeny could grow even stronger and fulfill the old doctor's dream.
A robot smashes into a concrete wall spilling reddish oil everywhere. The robot is designed like a human skeleton with chrome bones but with red glowing eyes. It is bulky and sturdy with multiple attachments to allow it to hold a variety of weapons and equipment.
The robot at the moment looked in some ways nervous although it was hard to tell do to its lack facial expressions. It got into a defensive stance seconds before it rushes forward using its claw like hands to grab a hold of a brown tail in front of it, attached to the small palm haired figure that it is fighting.
The figure is Kakarrot as the palm hair suggests. He cruelly smirks at this move, as it has not affect him in the least. Kakarrot is a relatively short boy and even a little chubby. He wears a grey imitation RIT armor with the RRA logo over his heart. His onyx eyes are trained on the machine as he speaks up smirking. "You used to be such a challenge seven. Now your nothing."
Kakarrot's chubby hand grabs hold of the robot's arm grabbing his tail and slowly crushes that arm. The robot lets out a loud screech as it seems it was built with the ability to feel pain. He rips off the machine's arm like it was made of tin.
Seven continues to screech in agony and retreats into a corner almost giving the impression that it was trying to make itself smaller in a vain attempt at hiding. It tries to sign to surrender but Kakarrot walks to it. His black eyes filled with malice as he says, "You don't know how long I have waited seven to hear you try and beg."
Kakarrot kicks the machine in its torso and Seven spits up gears and oil. The machine seems frozen by fear and pain as its red eyes look into Kakarrot's. The young saiyan grabs a hold of seven's head and violently rips it off. Reddish oil squirts from its metal neck as sparks fly from it. The oil catches fire and the area is engulfed with flames.
The onlookers gasp all except Gero, who just smirks.
The onlookers consist of Supreme Commander Red, Staff Officer Black, Generals Blue, White, Brown and Copper are in an observatory behind a panel of bullet proof glass above the large metal testing ground, underneath the base.
The observatory consists of a series of benches placed at the window. Where the Generals are seated. General White laid out on one benching drinking from a flask with his white hair and blue beady eyes. White has muscles visible under his uniform but also a beer gut and sort a glaze look to his eyes. A smell of booze might seem the staple of his existence as it is his constant companion.
"My word our little wolf couldn't have survived that."
General Brown with his brown hair, eyes and glasses is tense sitting like he is trying to be straight but instead is shaking like a leaf. He seems a man constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Numbers and stats are the only real friends. He is more of an accountant then a soldier. No muscles just thin boney arm's that droop from gravity.
General Blue in his always well-tended suit is on his own bench. He has blue eyes and blonde hair. A man whom clearly puts a lot of work into his appearance unlike the other two. He is a muscle bounded man with them visible underneath his uniform. No beer gut nor weak arms. He sitting up straight in his well-polished boots of a far more active soldier than the other three.
General Copper was the only of the four generals standing. His hair was a light brown, his eyes yellow. He was a ways away from the others and far harder to read. He had been watching the fight without expression. His goatee merely being played with as the bulk of his movement. He wasn't like the others with neither muscles nor weakness. He easily gives the impression of a far more capable chess player of sort then the others with the gears behind his eyes always in motion.
Standing not far from Blue is Gero in his lab coat with an eagle-eyed gaze on the fire.
Behind those at the windows is Black and Red. Black is standing watching a monitor above the benches. Sweat is beading his brown balding head. Like Brown he seems clearly nervous about something. But unlike Brown, he is physically fit even under all the servant gear.
Above him seating on a ridiculously elevated seat is the small Red on his Roman style throne made of marble decorated with gold. An emblem of his garish style.
Red is a small man with an eye patch and red hair. He is not fat, skinny but somewhere in the middle. Not muscled nor weak looking a well-proportioned man despite his stature. Red is staring at the monitors with his one eye frustrated at what he believed he just witnessed.
They look on to the crackling roaring fire as out of the flames emerges the palm haired boy singed but undamaged holding the metal skull of seven in one hand and in the another hand his metal heart. He looks up and presents the skull and heart of seven to his audience and they gasp.
Copper muttered, "That child is a monster."
"No kidding."
"Yeah have you seen it eat."
"Bullets don't work. Fire doesn't work. Bombs don't work. Now that his tail isn't even an issue."
"He could cut through an army like it was butter."
"Is the child even mortal?"
"It is Herr Staff Officer," The others in the room look at Gero as he says, "It is only to us the boy might seem a god. As compared to him we are but ants."
Black says angrily. "Don't be too satisfied with your technological marvel Doctor. You still refuse to use the boy in the field. Is it because your control of him is not at the level you say it is?"
"Nonsense. The boy treats me as if I were his grandfather, for I am. No! I merely wish to test the boy's limits before I rush him out into the field. I don't want our trump card damaged before he is ready. The reason for this test had been to illustrate that I have reach my limits to instruct him. Seven was a pure weapon of death. Eight is only a bit stronger but has far less features. Simply put, for now I have nothing left to teach him. I will have to invent new tech and discover new sciences if I'm to even hope to keep up with the boy's progress which I will do, but until then the boy will go wanting unless I give him a new challenge."
Red was irritated as he said, "What does it matter? The boy will just have to wait like the good little soldier he is."
"Herr Supreme Commander there is a chance the boy will weaken if we do that. But more importantly I wish for the boy to grow. He is obsessed with challenges. He demands tests of his strength. He pleads to be brought to near death. He just is bored with what I can give him. He craves power and his thirst for it is bottomless." He thinks to himself 'Much like my own.'
"What are you suggesting?" Red said as he scratched the back of his head.
"In the past the RRA has used the services of Mercenary Tao to eliminate high value targets and his brother Shen runs a school for future gifted killers. I propose that Tao and Shen will make fine teachers for our little killer."
"Bah! That is just rumors there is no way that Tao can be as good as they make him out to be."
"You haven't seen the pictures or the aftermaths," He intently looks at the boy. "Tao is the world's best killer. He will have much to teach the boy."
"Our best special ops teams and spies always seem to turn to him when the job gets to tough."
"Tao is expansive though wouldn't his brother be too."
"True but you pay for a guarantee. Tao never fails. To have that power on our side. Would make us invincible. The world will bow the Lord President Red Emperor of the Earth." Red said with stars in his eyes, "A giant among men," He pauses as he imagines the world under his heel and then says, "Doctor it shall be done no matter the cost our boy shall be trained by the finest."
Gero bows to the seated Red and says, "Thank my lord you shall not be disappointed."
Gero marches to the exit to the waiting throng of staff and soldiers waiting. But as soon as Gero is out of the room.
Brown nervously says, "The 'boy' is dangerous."
Copper nods and comments. "He is beyond dangerous."
White shrugs and says flippantly, "So what? The doc's mechanical terrors are too. This alien is just another one of them."
"What about when the boy grows up and thinks for himself?"
White snaps in a snide tone, "The bots could do that to."
"I hate to agree with White, but it is the same difference." Blue said with a shrug.
"I WILL HEAR NO MORE OF THIS TALK! The boy is my tool for conquering this world. He obeys the doc and the doc obeys me. I am on the verge of ruling the world and all you clowns can do is nay say. From now on the boy is an extension of myself. If you question one, you question the other AND I THINK YOU ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO QUESTION ME!"
The Generals get to their feet and hop into attention heil to Red and say in unity, "YES MINE FUHRER!"
"Good I would hate to get some new generals or a new staff officer." Red said at the equal cowed Black. "Now Black call up Master Shen and Tao and make the arrangements. No matter the cost. I want a deal with them to teach my little monkey prince right away."
"Yes sir! Right away sir!"
Gero arrives near his laboratory to hear a yell from Kakarrot inside, "I CAN TAKE OFF MY OWN DAMN ARMOR!" A terrified staffer runs towards the door passed the doctor as he looks at his fuming grandson.
Gero said looking miffed. "She was merely trying to help."
"I don't need help! I need a challenge!"
"Seven was a challenge to you."
"A year ago, maybe. Now I just killed it because I was bored."
"Well if you stop acting like the spoiled brat. I might tell you some good news."
Kakarrot stops fuming and excitedly looks at Gero with wide sparkling eyes. "What the good news Grandpa!"
"Ah! Kids zero to sixty… Red has taken finally taken my advice you will have a new teacher."
Kakarrot jumps up in excitement wohowing with his tail fluttering around, "You really mean it grandpa!"
Gero smiles at his grandson who is hoping around and hollering saying, "Have I ever lied to you?"
Kakarrot smiled and said. "No, I don't think so."
Gero nods. "It will be at great cost mind you. You will be given a martial arts teacher to learn you in the fine art of killing. Hopefully you'll learn to control your energy, fly and maybe learn to control your simian form."
"Finely eye patch gets off his ass and does something useful."
Gero put his finger to his mouth and makes a low shushing sound. "Not too loud."
Kakarrot says in a quieter tone, "Right." The two having a knowing look at one another then nod.
Gero softly says, "One of these days but we can deal with that. Once you are the strongest on Earth."
"I plan to do a lot better than that."
"Right this Frieza."
Kakarrot looking into the distance before he says, "My father and my race might have been content with slavery but I'm not. One of these days he or his goons might come looking for me. I plan to be ready." Said with a fire in his eye.
"And I plan to make sure you succeed. The next generation of cyborgs won't be ready for quite a while, but I can assure it will be worth the wait."
"I just can't wait."
"Well get into your uniform I have had a massive meal made to celebrate your success and to see you off."
Kakarrot with his mouth watering cheered again. Gero left out the door and it closed automatically. Kakarrot cheers echoed throughout the big mostly empty lab which caused something in it to stir.
A massive abomination began to lumber over to Kakarrot though the darkened part of the lab. It was at first impossible to make out at first but as it came closer to the light it became clearer who it was it was Eight. Cyborg Eight the square headed, massive sized creature with odd colored skin it was maybe eight feet tall in a somewhat old looking suit like it had been buried in it. It had tiny eyes with a tall forehead.
Eight asked. "So, the fight went well?"
Kakarrot said snidely, "Well of course. I'm still here and you listen to me and the grandpa's conversation."
"Well I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Maybe you should worry about yourself Eighter. I won't be around to be the focus of grandpa attention for long. Soon he might be reevaluating a certain bot's status."
"Why do you have to be so mean?"
Kakarrot goes into a bit of hysterics. "Because you have never got it Eighter. You're so nice and see with such rosy glasses. That you don't see the world as it is. We are freaks, Eighter. We're monsters that the world would in general prefer dead. You're a monster build on mad science. In a movie would have been burnt alive by the angry mob in the windmill. It doesn't matter how you act. You're a monster and that is how the world sees you. I'm an alien with a tail. The only reason I'm alive is because of grandpa. He has given us the world and all you can do is mope!"
"Hurting people is wrong, K. You know that."
"Who cares! People hurt people all the time. Seven tortured you and me. So, I ended him and made him suffer! You are so self-righteous. On my home world, I would have been a third-class piece of thrash! Here with grandpa! I'm an elite! I'm the gold goddamn standard! I am an object of fear and respect! Grandpa gave you your life and all you can do is moan about morality! You're useless!"
"Just because your unhappy K doesn't mean you should take it out on others."
Kakarrot fumes. "You know what? I just can take this right now Eighter. I was in such a good mood before you came and started this fight with me." Kakarrot starts taking off his armor and putting on his RRA tan uniform made for a kid.
Eight said sadly, "I'm sorry. I upset you but I have to say my thoughts."
"Yeah well your thoughts are damned annoying."
"Will you really be going away?"
"Yes. Once the deal is made, I will have a teacher to train me in the martial arts. I might be gone for quite some time Eighter." He says this time without the enthusiasm of before getting a bit teary eyed trying to hide his face from Eighter.
Eighter's eyes look sadly at Kakarrot. "It's okay to be scared and sad, K."
"No, it isn't! I wanted to leave this place since forever and now and now… Now I'm just being stupid."
Kakarrot grabs hold of Eighter's leg and starts to ball a bit as he tightly grips hold Eighter. Eighter hands comes down to hug Kakarrot. "It's okay, K. It's going to be all alright."
Kakarrot cries, "No it isn't. I won't see you or grandpa for how knows how long! I won't be here to protect you like I did with seven. I don't know if I'm ever going to see you again! What if I come back and grandpa makes a new bot that he loves more than me?"
"That's not going to happen. You're his favorite and you will always be his favorite. He loves you so much that he has your pictures alongside his son."
Kakarrot sniffing looks up at Eight and asks, "Really?"
"Yes. You're his son now. When you're in the room he smiles. When you're in the room the doc is happy. Before you the doc was miserable and reclusive ready to just hand me over to a third party to finish upgrading me. You liked me so he kept me around. All of his plans are about you. All of his schemes, all of his work. It's all just for you."
Kakarrot's tail goes from dropping to going straight up. His grasp on Eighter loosens. His face goes from a frown to a smile. Kakarrot eyes are now brighter as he smiles. "You're right! I'm just being silly. Grandpa will never forget me. I rule and I will never be replaced."
The two hug and Kakarrot asks, "You won't forget me either Eighter right?"
"Not a chance little brother. You've left way too much of an impression."
"And you're going to see me off right?"
"Of course."
"Good. Eighter?"
"Yes?"
"When I rule the world and slaughter all who oppose me. You're going to have a place in it."
Eight looked at the boy who was smiling and was left wondering, 'Which boy is the real one?'
The door opened with a hiss to reveal the doctor who says, "Dinner is ready son." Kakarrot pushes off from Eighter and hurriedly rushes towards Gero then out into the hall for his reward.
"Why was he crying Eight?"
"We had a talk it's all alright. He was just worried about leaving his home and us."
"Us? Us is it?"
"Sorry sir. I meant no disrespect."
"You are a defective pile of sown body parts that I only keep around because Kakarrot won't stop crying when I was going to ship you off to some frozen wasteland. You're just a mistake, whose ghost haunts this lab. Seven was a wonder of mechanics that I built piece by piece that I just saw butchered. I saw him spill oil and begged for his nonexistent life! And I didn't feel a thing because it was what my boy wanted. So, he got it, because he is my boy! He is not some failed project. He is not some weak pacifist."
"I truly meant nothing by it."
"He is the future of all my plans and when he succeeds, he will do it because of me. He is my son! Not yours."
Eight bows, "I understand sir. I will not make that mistake again."
"See that you don't." Said as he marched away.
The mess hall was one of many on the base, built to feed hundreds. It was made like a bunker and had the look of it with grey concrete walls and floors lacking color or decor. In the mess hall there was a gallery of horrified faces as an army of men and women as they watched Kakarrot eat.
He eats much like a piranha cleaning meat off the bone in seconds. The battle-hardened soldiers in the mess hall are all blue in the face. Unable to do more than stare that the horror before them and some of them are even trembling. Only Gero standing a watching is undisturbed by the sight. Instead he is proudly watching. No doubt imagining schemes to benefit the palm haired boy.
Kakarrot finishes up eating a table's worth of meals enough to feed all of the other soldiers in the room. He sits patting his enlarged belly taking time to breathe again looking around to see the scared faces of the soldiers. Kakarrot grins absorbing all of their fear with relish. There was ultimately two reason why he enjoyed a feast like this.
It was during this revealing of his ability to inspire fear in the soldiers that Captain Yellow entered the mess hall. Yellow is the tiger and quite fat. His eyes are beady and black. His style seems to come from an earlier era. He has on clothing that might seem at home in the old west. Everything on him is brown leather or scratchy looking cotton clothing even the red ribbon around his neck is faded.
The Captain marched up to Kakarrot salutes the boy and said, "By orders of Supreme Commander Red I'm here to escort you to the Crane School."
Gero walks up behind the Captain to say, "So we made a deal."
"Yes. It will cost quite a bit, but the boy will be trained by Master Shen and Tao."
Kakarrot stands up triumphantly turns to face Yellow with sparkles in his eyes as he asks, "When can we leave?"
"Soon, just pack your things and say any goodbyes. We have a long trip ahead."
It was a quite a few hours later when the time came. It was a small crowd there to see off Kakarrot. None of the Generals showed neither did Red. It was Eighter, Gero, some of the science staff, Black and the soldiers sent to escort him.
It was a relatively small force. A force of maybe fifty men. They boarded their planes as Kakarrot said his goodbyes to Dr. Gero and Eighter. Dr. Gero hand comes to Kakarrot armored shoulder.
"You are my son. You may not have my blood by you have my drive. You have my thirst for power. You are creative and skilled. You will succeed. You will thrive and you will prosper. Go and make me proud my son."
Kakarrot by this was nearly brought to tears. Even Eighter who was always reluctant to trust the doctor was misty eyed. To Eighter the man might have been a villain, but it was clear that this came from somewhere deep.
Gero and Kakarrot hugged as the Captain yelled from the plane, "ARE YOU COMING!"
Kakarrot pulled off from Gero and bowed to him and Eighter and then ran to the Captain's plane. The squadron took off as the three waved at each other. It to the setting sun with its red sky they began to disappear over the horizon.
Watching them disappear Eighter then turn to see Gero with a thousand yards stare mumbling. "Next star to the right and straight on until morning."
Eight in confusion he asked, "Sir?"
"I wish the boy won't grow up, but I know that when I see him next, he might far older. I send him off to an undiscovered country. A place that I dare not follow. I have given him all of what there is to give and I'm hoping that that is enough. I thought it was enough for Adrian, but I was wrong."
"No one can know sir."
"I know. But that changes nothing."
"K, is a survivor."
"Yes, he is. My boy will live. My boy shall conquer," The doctor turns from the setting sun to face the rest of the staff. "Come now we have work to do. Machine as of yet do not build themselves."
Kakarrot was growing increasingly bored in the plane fidgeting and making noise. Finely after the night had come, he came over to the cockpit and groaning asked Captain Yellow, "Are we there yet?"
Yellow groaned and said, "No! And stop asking."
"And I thought grandpa lessons were boring. There is nothing to do."
"It's a military plane not a playroom. Look in a couple of hours we're going to come up on fire mountain maybe you can see some excitement then."
"What's Fire Mountain?"
Yellow getting an idea. "Well you see it's a mountain that happens to be on fire!" He tries to make his voice sound scary. "Patrolled by the Ox King. A giant that kills anyone that trespasses."
Kakarrot excitedly asked, "Really!?"
Yellow looked disturbed how well that he just took that. "Aw well yeah. No one has seen him in a while but that's because no one has been brave enough to go near the mountain. They say there is a vast treasure in the mountain in his castle which is on the top of the mountain. What happened was they say the Ox King asked a witch to guard his treasure but that her attempt to grant his wish cause the fire that no one can pass. You know one of those careful what you wish for things."
Kakarrot with stars in his eyes. "A witch, a giant, treasure, and magic?"
"Yeah. Though my money on like a burning coal deposit or something. Point is I will give you a look if you shut the hell up."
Kakarrot forcefully said, "We're going to the mountain."
"What!?"
"You heard me. This giant sound like fun and I'm not passing up on a challenge."
Yellow shakes his head and says. "No way. My orders are to take you to the Crane school. Not to get into a fight with a giant next to a mountain that is literally caught on fire."
Kakarrot grabs Yellow's throat as the plane starts to shake and plummet towards the ground.
Yellow's eyes bulge as he looks at the face of Kakarrot who is showing his teeth. Kakarrot intimidatingly says, "Captain when I get bored, I get hungry and I'm getting hungry. I've never tried tiger, but I guess there is a first time for everything. Take me to the Ox King or I will eat you alive tubby."
Yellow looked the crazed eyes of the monster as he spoke.
The boy was not lying. He went blue in the face tried to speak but was prevented by the hand on his throat. Kakarrot now seeing that he was properly motivated he let the Captain go.
The Captain gasping for air hurriedly said, "Absolutely we will be making a stop at Fire Mountain right away." The Captain started to cough as he and his copilot leveled the plane back off and rejoined the rest of the squadron.
Yellow and the copilot had a worriedly look at one another as Kakarrot walk away and sat down back on one of the benches. Menacingly Kakarrot stared at Yellow who was now sweating bullets as he got on the radio. Captain Yellow "Aw boys we are going to be making a unscheduled stop at Fire Mountain."
The voices came back over the radio all panicked sounding. Yellow looked back at Kakarrot who was licking his lips. Captain Yellow panicking yelled at them.
"THOSE ARE MY ORDERS! NOW FOLLOW THEM!" The others seemed to agree and there was now static.
Kakarrot tail was now happily bouncing around as Kakarrot just continued to stare a hole into Yellow's seat to the point where Yellow could still feel it. Yellow mumbled to himself, "They don't pay me enough for this."
The squadron came closer to a false horizon created by the burning mountain.
So, I'm redoing some of this expect change large and small.
Chapter 2: A Fight On Fire Mountain
Chapter Text
With editing by babykitune-9
The planes came closer to the burning inferno that was Fire Mountain. The fire from it lite the night sky, turning the dark night to an orangery day.
The raging fire absorbed the gaze of Kakarrot. He was watching the flames intensely being drawn to them, like a moth to the light. The other passengers could feel the heat of the fire despite being at such a distance due to its sheer size and intensity.
Yellow was nervously scanning the ground around the mountain. He was trying to see the giant and a place to land. He looked to see the excited monster that was Kakarrot looking out the window of the plane at the raging fire. He cringed. He didn't have a good feeling about any of this, as he found a place to land.
Down below there was a pig that was leaning and listening to the sound of the planes approaching with his pink ears. The pig was pink wearing some sort of Mao Zedong era Chinese clothing all green with a red star on his hat. He looked nervous about the sounds in the air.
"Hey Bulma, did you hear that?"
Oolong stop chewing on a piece of grass and tapped on the shoulder of figure who was in the car that he was leaning on. The figure was of a young sixteen-year-old girl having fell asleep while reading some sort of trashy gossip magazine. Her hair was blue, and she is wearing some clothing that could be called at the least, revealing. She jolted awake at his words and touch. She took out a gun from her side and started to point it around, not looking.
Oolong dropped to the ground afraid that she was about to cap him as she yelled, "Who's there!?" Not waiting for a response. "Get ready to get turned into swiss cheese!"
Bulma after there was no response finally opened her eyes and looked around to realize no one was around.
Oolong yelled out, "For the love of Kami, Bulma… It's just me!"
Bulma sighed then look angrily at Oolong who was still on the ground. "Why did you scare me you jerk!"
Oolong "No I just heard something, and you started pointing that gun around!"
"Oh well you should have more tact when you try and wake me."
"MORE TACT!" Oolong roared in annoyance.
"You know you don't have to shout at me."
Oolong faced had gone from pink to a dark red practically steaming at Bulma in anger.
She looked at him with contempt and in a frown as she asked, "Is Chi-Chi back yet with Roshi?"
"How should I know? All I heard was a sound and then you were about to turn me into Swiss ham."
"I don't know her cloud doesn't make that much noise." Her eyes turned to hearts her hands with the gun mind you went to the side of her face and she said. "Maybe it's that hunk Yamcha."
Oolong panicky said, "Don't sound so excited about a guy that has been trying to kill us!"
Bulma clearly not listen placing her hands to her checks them. "Oh, he's so shy and sweet with his long hair and muscles."
"Earth to Bulma that guy wants to KILL US! And take our Dragon Balls."
Bulma still in her own heart shaped world. "I like how turns red and stammers off every time he sees me."
"He tried to turn me in a kabob!"
Bulma seemed to come back from her own world to say, "Let's just hope it's not that jerk dog or lady."
Oolong muttered, "Fine you have come back to Earth. How was deep space anyways?"
"Shut up jerk or I will say the magic word."
Oolong looks away muttering obscenities under his breath as he gets back to his feet.
Nearby Puar the float blue cat was trying to wake her master as he had collapsed after having been about to try and sneak up and steal the Dragon Balls but had instead gotten a good look at Bulma instead. He was red and steaming on the ground panting and glassy eyed mumbling incoherently.
"Master what are we going to do?"
An unknown voice which was hooting said, "We'll look what we have here Jimbo."
Yamcha snapped out his daze to get up and look to see a group of RRA troopers entering the intersection where Bulma and Oolong were. They had both guns and viscous stares both visible aimed at Bulma. They were dressed all like they were from the old west.
Soldier two said, "I know what you mean. It looks like we have ourselves a poor little girl out here all by herself with only a honey baked ham to comfort her."
"Say boys we're a charitable lot. How about we keep her 'company'. Now how about you drop that gun girly." He said with a smile and gave a grotesque wink. Bulma very reluctantly dropped her gun.
Soldier one said mockingly, "Well isn't she sweet as a peach." The others smiled and nodded as Bulma was justifiable terrified. "Okay here's how this is going to go. Porky you're going to stay real still and maybe we let you go. The rest of you search the car for anything while me and the girl get 'better acquainted' in that house over there."
The others darkly chuckled as one says, "Okay Sarge."
They come closer as Bulma is frozen with fear as the soldiers come closer. Yamcha watches this no longer with fear of Bulma but fear for Bulma. His blood was boiling with each step they took towards her. Something inside him snapped and he quickly forms a plan. They came closer when Yamcha yelled at them, "Hey assholes!"
Yamcha had gotten to the roof of the building he was in and was jumping down onto the goons from above. They looked as he fell to the ground in front of Bulma and Oolong. Got to his feet and as the soldiers started to point their guns and he yelled, "BULMA RUN!"
Yamcha rushed forward punching and kicking the soldiers as they shot at him. Yamcha yelled out "Wolf Fang Fist!" and in a flurry of punches and kicks all of the soldier were laid flat out onto the ground. He was breathing heavily as the world seemed to come back to him realizing all he had done.
The soldiers were twitching on the ground as Bulma started running towards Yamcha. She gabbed and hugged him to his shock and frightened dismay. Yamcha practically jumped out of her arms and went scrambling away. Bulma completely confused looked at Yamcha. She was about to speak when a noise interrupted them.
It a slow clap coming from a building overlooking the fight coming from the direction from where the soldiers came from. It was Kakarrot having watched the fight from his vantage point stare at them. Yamcha got back into serious mode from the sound. He, Bulma, Oolong and Puar all looked at the palm haired monkey tailed figure.
Kakarrot jumped down the ground hitting it with a thud but not injuring himself in the least. His eyes were like a predator's staring at the Yamcha.
"So, you're not the normal kind of weak human, are you?"
Yamcha in a cocky smile said, "I think that's very evident."
Kakarrot eyes widen some more. "And very sure of yourself too. I came here expecting to find a giant and a challenge, but I guess you will have to do boy."
"I'm sure you will find me more than enough of a challenge."
"I highly doubt that, but we shall see."
Yellow was watching from down the street hiding behind a building in his mad bomber hat trembling a bit at seeing his men so easily Ko'ed. Bulma took this banter as a sign to run back to her car and hide behind it along with Oolong. Yamcha got into stance while Kakarrot just stood there.
Yamcha charged at Kakarrot with all his might, taking swipes at the boy who merely took them without much damage. Yamcha jumped back in dismay at this lack of progress.
Kakarrot looks at him with a cruel smile. "As I thought you're nothing at all."
Kakarrot lunges at him and kick him into a nearby building which collapses. Its stones fall on Yamcha. "Pathetic human just pathetic." Yamcha emerged from the rubble with a chipped tooth. Yamcha was evidently both nervous and excited at the same time.
Yamcha said with a cocky smile. "Please tell be you didn't think that was all I had in me."
Kakarrot was happy to see him, "Well I will grant you this human you can take a kick." The two charged at one another punching and kick but soon afterwards Yamcha is knocked away by Kakarrot tail slamming him into another building.
This causes both Puar and Bulma to yelp in shock to see Yamcha so easily rag dolled. Yellow watching smirked as he thinks 'My Kami this kid is as dynamite as they say. That long-haired boob took out a squad, but the kid is just whipping him about. I knew he was bad, but damn.'
Bulma thought as she muttered, "I hope Yamcha is okay."
Oolong thinking and eyes looking around. "Maybe this would be a good time to run Bulma!"
Kakarrot looks over to the car and Bulma and Oolong and says, "Hmmm I think a need a snack after all of that." Both Bulma and Oolong grab hold of one another in fear. He continues "Ham has always been one of my favorites."
Yellow came out from behind his hiding spot and starts to walk over with a smile on his face.
A shout came from up above however, the group looked to see the yellow cloud of the nimbus coming towards them. The nimbus came to the ground and the figure on it jumped to the ground and came between Kakarrot and the others.
The figure was that of Chi-Chi. She was dressed in orange gi and with a blue undershirt. On her back was a stick in a holster tie to her chest. Her eyes were determined but childish. She had muscles despite her age. Her hair was raven black.
Kakarrot in just this short glace was fascinated by this new adversary that was clearly more interesting. His tail was moving around as it was curious.
"I don't know who you are, but nobody threatens my friends."
Kakarrot at first found himself unable to respond. She was beautiful from the angry glare to her clearly visible skill, but he managed to shake off the cobwebs and said. "They started it. All my friends here wanted to do was to 'get to know' your blue hair friend then wolf boy rudely beat the hell out of them."
"I don't know what 'get to know' means but you were going to try and eat them."
"Yeah so what?"
Chi-Chi yelled, "So what? I won't let you!"
Chi-Chi quickly takes out her power pole the red stick on her back. She skillfully twirls it the hold it with both hands and points it at him. Kakarrot was grining like no tomorrow. She had fire to her. Yamcha was pathetic but this girl was a fighter with some skill and training.
Bulma was giddy now that Chi-Chi's return. Her eyes were sparkling, and she was now holding Oolong more as one would a stuffed animal then a living thing, much to Oolong discomfort.
Chi-Chi stood her ground while Kakarrot was waiting for her to make the first move. His instincts were telling him to be more cautious with this one. Yellow had run back to his hiding spot as something told him that this girl was more then she appeared.
Finally, Kakarrot got bored. He charged at Chi-Chi who rewarded him with a blow from the extended power pole in the face and was thrown back. Bulma cheered and squeezed Oolong who begged her to stop.
Kakarrot recovered. He planted his feet on the ground and then charged again. Chi-Chi tried to whack him again with her pole. He dodged it and came in close. Their two's fists meet, and it was clear Kakarrot was stronger.
Chi-Chi back away and continue to swing her pole around smacking him on the side face. Kakarrot growled and began to move on his hands and his feet far more like an animal. Chi-Chi was far more skilled however and kept giving him whacks until he grabbed the pole. He pulled her closer and gave her a good punch to the face knocking her to the ground.
The power pole retracts as he throws the pole away onto the ground. Bulma who is now panicking while with her hands practically strangling Oolong as he tries to fight her off.
Kakarrot stares at her intensely as she gets up and says, "I've got to give you credit only machines have ever been able to give me a good fight before toady. I was under the impression that the humans could only ever make things that could challenge me."
Chi-Chi gets to her feet and spits some blood and looks him dead on with a determined glare.
"Yep you are a true warrior girl. So, it is only right that I give you a warrior's choice. I work with a lot of humans. One more won't be a problem. You can either join me or die with your friends." He gives it a good pause before asking. "So, what's it going to be?"
Chi-Chi looked shocked at first but then in anger yelled, "No! I will not join you; you jerk! And I'm not letting you hurt my friends either!"
Kakarrot eyes lit up at seeing her fury and anger quite happy that she didn't take the deal. "You know I was almost afraid that you were going to take the deal." He sighed and said, "It might have lower my opinion of you, but you didn't disappoint." He began to walk towards her.
Chi-Chi got into stance and prepared to make her final stand.
"Sonny I would leave the girl alone." Everyone presents looked to see Master Roshi standing there. He had on his thick sunglasses. His bald head glowed as a result of his proximity the mountain. His heavy shell was on his back. Yellow jacket and blue pants. His body was crooked, bending forward. His long beard was white and trimmed. His driftwood cane was in his hand.
Kakarrot looked angrily at the old man who didn't look like much to him and said, "Do you mind? I'm in the middle of a fight."
"Oh, I can see that. But I don't appreciate you trying to kill my former student's kid."
Kakarrot said dismissively, "Well it doesn't really matter what you think does it old man."
"You're a very powerful kid son. What is your name?"
"Its Kakarrot Gero old man and don't call me son."
"Well Kakarrot it's sad that someone like you can only using you power for cruelty and aggression."
Kakarrot laughed and said, "What else is there? Life is about the strong crushing the weak."
Master Roshi pointing to Chi-Chi. "That little girl's name is Chi-Chi. Her father was once upon a time my student taught martial arts by me. He lost his way and ended up brutally dying trying to defend a treasure that he could not even reach. He was one of the strongest on this planet, but he got unlucky. Your strong but force can't give you what you want."
Kakarrot laughed again and said, "And what is it I want?"
"I wouldn't know I just met you kid. I just happen to get the vibe that it isn't sunshine and rainbows in that noggin of yours."
Roshi dropped his cane and took off his shell. The shell cracked the ground as it fell. He began to stretch as Kakarrot shifted focus from Chi-Chi to Roshi. Kakarrot's senses twitch from the shell as he realized that this was not what he had expected.
Kakarrot wondered. He is so though he knows about my strength. Why is that? What is he planning?
"Well young stuff you can try," He yawned widely before tacking on lazily. "And attack me."
A fire was lit in Kakarrot's stomach with him thinking, He's mocking me, isn't he. Kakarrot practically exploded with rage as he charged full force at Roshi. He swung wildly at the old man. Roshi however managed to easily dodge them and dodge them with ease. Kakarrot went full force in one kicking at Roshi which was dodged. Kakarrot couldn't stop himself and went flying into a nearby building.
Master Roshi talking loudly at the crater. "You know just because you have strength doesn't mean you should always use it. You have all of this power, but you use it like an animal would. Your moves are predictable. You have no control of your emotions or your ki. Your teacher has been a jackboot and it shows."
Kakarrot burst out of the rubble and screamed, "SHUT UP!"
He charged once again at Roshi who continued to dodge and evade. With Kakarrot continuing to injure himself while trying to hurt Roshi. The other were stunned and Yellow was panicking.
Kakarrot boiling with rage yelled, "Why can't I hit you?!"
"You are too blinded by your anger and rage to see the truth. That I am far stronger and far faster. You hurt yourself because you have no control. Therefore, you are easy to control. You are exhausted and I haven't even warmed up yet. You don't think you just do. Mark my words if you continue like this you, will not grow either as a person or a fighter," He turns away from Kakarrot. "Go home kid. Think about what I said. Its good advice, I can guarantee you."
Kakarrot eyes filled with rage then charged once again at Roshi headlong going for the back of his without even looking back hands him sending Kakarrot flying and landing towards Captain Yellow who jumps at this. Roshi look back at Yellow and says, "You better take the kid home. He is going to need medical attention."
Yellow quickly grabbed Kakarrot and rushed away followed by his remaining conscious soldiers. They all ran to their planes and took off.
Chi-Chi looked starry eyed at Roshi and said, "Master that was amazing!"
Roshi using some false modestly while absorbing all of their adulation. "Oh, it wasn't all that impressive."
Bulma cheering letting go of the very purple faced Oolong said, "Who knew a dirty old perverted man like you could do all of that?"
Roshi collapsed onto the ground in disappointment. Bulma and Chi-Chi laughed as Puar and Yamcha snuck away. Yamcha thinking to himself. "Damn Roshi is powerful. Maybe I will need to get some training from him."
The medic attended to Kakarrot laying bandages on him as Fire Mountain disappeared behind the squadron. It did so in a flash of blue white light leaving darkened embers in its wake.
Pilot looked to Yellow and asked, "Captain what just happened?"
"I don't know!? I think the old man just blow up the mountain!"
In nearly the same time the troops ask, "How the hell did he do that?!"
"Look we will just drop the kid off and hope command doesn't think we're all crazy!" They nodded as they flew further into the dark night towards the Crane School.
I'll probably do more with A New Hope then A Red Son.
Chapter 3: The Crane And The Monkey
Chapter Text
With editing from babykitune-9
Kakarrot's eyes slammed open to the sound of the choppers landing and medic listen to his chest and feeling his pulse. His and the medic's eyes meet, and the medic jumped back. The medic then took off going to find the Captain. Afterwards, Kakarrot tried to get up only to find multiple bones broken. His entire body felt sore but regardless of the pain, however, he got up to look out the doors.
It was such breathtaking scenery.
The Crane School was built at the foot of a plateau.
The plateau was not alone however, it was one of many that seemed to go on forever. The area was foggy, lush, and green it had a magical quality to itself almost surreal in its look. The dojo itself and the town below looked as though they had always been there, it seemed as old as the plateaus.
They had landed a ways away but it was obvious why. There was nowhere to land close to the dojo the trees were as tightly clustered as the town was. It was a jungle with only one road built possible hundreds if not thousands of years ago. The Captain arrived drinking and walked in front of the boy's view of the marvelous landscape.
"So, your finally awake sunshine."
Kakarrot snarled, "Shut the hell up or I'll rip your face off."
"You know. You should be nicer to me. After all I saved your life."
Kakarrot chuckled. "Like you honestly want me to believe that you did it for me? Not because Red would have your hide if I were to die?"
Yellow scoffed, intentionally not responding to Kakarrot on the subject said, "Can you walk, or do you need to be carried?"
Kakarrot said in a biting tone. "What you think I'm some sort of weakling!"
"No, I'm wondering if your legs are broken?"
"Well stop then. Their fine." He got up despite the pain to a mild shock of the Captain. The boy managed to get out of the chopper and onto the plateau that they were on. The soldiers were gathering around looking at him. The boy faking strength forced his back up straight. and said, "So are when going to get a move on?"
They marched down the plateau slowly, but surely. Every step caused his pain to get worse and worse while getting down from plateau. It would be easier when they finally got down to level ground. The soldiers were joking amongst themselves comparing this place to another place. They came through the village to find the villager's worried glares.
The villagers were from an earlier era.
The mountains and plateaus seemed to have cut them off from the rest of the world. The soldier's enjoyed the villager's frightened stares soaking them up. The cadre made it up to the doors of the Crane School up the long steps to the dojo.
Waiting for them there was an ancient man with a crane hat. He was wearing green robe and had on black sunglasses. His hair was a greyish blue, his face was saggy and had a cruel look to it. Kakarrot felt something familiar to this old man to the last old man despite the fact he could already tell they couldn't be farther apart.
The old man scowled. "Took you long enough."
"Aw Master Shen. Sorry we were held up by unforeseen circumstances."
"I see…" (He was starting at the injured Kakarrot.) "So, this is the sickly weakling infant that Red wants me to teach."
It was like someone had just hit the bull in the ball. Kakarrot was zero to sixty in a second. Now foaming at the mouth, teeth grinding, face red and fists clenched. Kakarrot lunged at the Shen his mouth going for the jugular. Faster than the soldiers could see Shen dodged and gave the boy a chop to his neck knocking him out. Yellow was stunned along with his men.
"Hmm not very smart boy. He has quite the temper and quite strong considering he tried that with all of those broken bones. He has a high pain tolerance that could be useful. Why is the boy all broken up? You had made it sound as if I was getting a ready to get pupil not a wounded animal."
"The boy made us stop and he go into a scrap with an old man with a turtle shell."
Shen then also suddenly became hostile and aggressive yelling "An old man with a turtle shell!"
Yellow gulped and said back, "Yes."
Shen was snarling and look down at the boy spitting with rage. "It's high time I do something about Roshi."
Shen grabbed ahold of the boy's tail tightly squeezing it. Then as an afterthought while walking away said, "You can go now." The soldiers looked at each other shrugged and walked back towards their LZ. One of the lesser disciples of the Crane School came to Shen as he reentered the school.
"How may I help master?"
"Take this." He tossed Kakarrot over to the arms of the disciple who was surprised and fell back at the sudden increase of weight. "Make sure the boy is taken out of that armor and given a proper gi. Bring him to me when he wakes. I will be in the Zen room." The rude master walked passed him not even bothering to look at the disciple.
Hours later Kakarrot woke to see a raven-haired girl starting at him from above with her black eyes and pink old fashion dress. Tight hair buns on her head almost looking like yarn balls. She had been for some reason about to examine him, and he didn't like that.
The two's eyes met, and she backed off but seemed none too pleased about it. Kakarrot lurched up to look at himself. He no longer had on his Grandpa's armor instead was wearing a black and ashen grey gi not to dissimilar from that orange gi that that girl was wearing.
"What the hell am I wearing!?"
Young girl angrily spat, "Your new gi jerk. Master didn't want you in your armor. You need proper train gear, and this is that. Oh, and if you were wondering my name is Yurin."
"I don't care."
Yurin pouted then said loudly, "Jerk's up!"
A disciple came in and Kakarrot got to his feet with the girl still angrily staring at him as he was led out of the room and lead to the Zen room. It was an open room with sand on the floor and a rock in the middle which where Shen was sitting. Kakarrot remember what this old man had already done to him. So as polite as he could he sat down folded his legs and stared at the old man who was above him.
Shen said with his eyes closed in the meanest tone he could muster. "You lost..." Kakarrot snarled. "To a better fighter who was better than you in every conceivable measure. He was faster, stronger, calmer and more skilled. In short you are weak."
Kakarrot trying and failing to bite his tongue said, "I'm not weak."
Shen angrily but with his eyes still closed. "Oh, you're weak. You can't examine yourself. You can't leave a comment unchallenged. The reasons why you lost are obvious to everyone but you. You are a spoiled brat who has gotten everything he has wanted until now. You didn't have to work to gain your power you merely had it gifted to you. You simply have no respect for others. You merely decided whether or not they are useful to you or not. This will all change starting today. I am going to teach you respect. Even if I have to kill you." Shen opened his eyes and looked at him. "Much like a wild horse I must break you, tame you, and then I will make you a good little monkey."
Kakarrot growled at this Shen looked in his eyes.
"You will be a killer boy a diamond in the rough but right know you a merely a dirt clod. You will need pressure to turn you into something worthwhile. Starting tomorrow you will run to a farm that is a few miles from here. You will plow that farm's fields and clean the barn and pick the apples from the tree's that are ripe. You will not eat any of the food or animals. If you do. I can assure you. I won't feed you and you will get a good taste of my fist. You will do this until I say otherwise. If you refuse, I will not teach you. Try and kill me again, I will give you a reason to hate me."
Kakarrot said in an irritated tone, "You're going to have me do farm work!?" Faster than lighting Shen jumped from his rock and smacked Kakarrot hard across the face then returned to his rock. To Kakarrot's shock and surprise on the shear speed and pain. The old turtle man was faster than him, he was sure but now this old crane man. It was confusing to say the least.
Shen snapped angrily, "No more back talk! From here on out I talk, you listen. Interrupt me and I will teach you the meaning of the word pain! You will do farm work like a common peasant. Then you will help a construction crew flatten the ground and make a house. You will deliver newspapers and milk. You will clean toilets and receive nothing for it. Except I may decide to feed you once and awhile. You will suffer and as you are suffering you will either learn respect or I will kill you."
Kakarrot mouth wanted to bite something but he forced him to stay silence and didn't show his teeth. Shen smiled at how obvious it looked like the boy wanted to kill him but was staying still and silent. He knew it would take some work, but he would break this brat.
Shen grinned. "I can see we are making headway already. At the very least I hope to at least make you quiet. Now go I have no further use for you today. Enjoy eating for today because you might not eat for quite some time."
Kakarrot got up and was walking to the door when Shen said, "You are to bow to your master, when you are leaving his presence."
Kakarrot spun around and quickly bowed to Shen then continued on his way. Kakarrot was angrily stomping his feet his mind foaming over with rage.
No one had ever talked to like that before and the same with the turtle man. He had been master of his world at RRA headquarters either you feared him or you were Grandpa and loved him. He wanted to eviscerate Shen just as much he wanted to kill that loud turtle, spouting nonsense. He came here to learn how to kill better not learn how to farm.
He was intercepted in the hallway by two figures. Kakarrot had though himself the weird thing around. But he smiled when he saw these freaks as he would put it. A small maybe three-foot creature with a clown's face with painted red checks, he was in green with a black hat and a vacant expression on his face. The other was a very much muscled three eyed man that had to be at least in his late teens. The muscles being visible even in his flowing green robes.
Tien said dismissively, "So you must be the new pupil of Master Shen. You don't look like much little boy."
Kakarrot smiled. "My bad, I didn't realize the circus was in town. I should have bought tickets to see the freaks. I do kind of feel like I am stealing right know."
"Says the boy with a tail."
"I'm not human. My tail is supposed to be there. Can you say the same about your third eye and the clown makeup?" Tien fists clenched. "I mean seriously did you both come from a toxic waste dump." Tien stepped towards to Kakarrot delight. The two were getting ready to slaughter one another when a figure emerged behind Tien.
"I hope Tien you're not planning on breaking one of my brother's rules."
Tien and Chiaotzu spun around then bowed to the pink clad pony-tailed figure that was behind them. Tao was a cruel man a look at his face could tell you that fact. He was tall, slender and his hair black. He looked a lot young then they said he was. Shen look more his age then Tao to Kakarrot and any casual observer. Kakarrot quickly joined in with Tien and Chiaotzu in with the bowing for fear that Tao would share his brother's fury.
"Not at all Sir. I was merely about to congratulate the boy on joining our school!"
Kakarrot could hear the trembling in Tien's voice he was terrified of this man. He was bracing himself for a beating. It would seem that the Crane teaches through pain he quickly figured out.
"Like I am to believe that. Do you need more instruction Tien?"
Tien quickly shook his head 'No'.
"Well then stop acting like a brat. Speaking of which…" (Tao looks at Kakarrot) "so you're the newbie. You don't look like much."
Kakarrot fury was relit with his fists clenched and teeth clenched.
Tao noticed this and said, "Another live one huh. Good. Heed my advice boy. Keep that fire in your stomach burning because it is the only way you are going to survive my brother's training. Hate is a powerful tool when used properly." Tao began to walk passed Tien and Kakarrot then started to examine his fingernails. Taking up quite a few minutes then as an afterthought said, "You can stop now."
Their heads raised up as Tao continued on into his brother's Zen room. Kakarrot and Tien just stared daggers at one another as Kakarrot walked passed him. The day may have been a shit show but at least he had gotten one over on Triclop.
He returned to his room where the girl, Yurin was still there, pouting and angry by the looks of it.
He had just realized that that there were no beds in the room. He had been laid out on a bedroll on the floor. The room was sparse it had a toilet with a paper curtain. If it was metal or concrete with would be exactly as some of the soldiers described as prison.
"Well what the hell is your problem?" She was about to respond. "Oh, wait I just remembered- I don't care."
Yurin's face was red and she was considering throwing a punch his way. Yurin furiously yelled, "Jerk! My problem is that Master won't train me and it's because of you and the other two. He says that girls shouldn't learn martial arts only witchcraft!"
"Wow that sounds like a whole lot of not my problem."
Yurin started crying. "You boys are all the same!"
She stormed out of the room leaving a confused Kakarrot. Something about seeing her cry was unsetting to him. It would have been like if the other girl had surrendered. For some reason in the back of his mind he enjoyed waking up to her angry glare earlier. He realized this was her room and his room. His nose was twitching.
He rushed out and began to walk beside her. "I didn't know."
Yurin tilted her head and marched away from Kakarrot. Her trying to avoid him only seem to encourage him as he kept pace. "I only want to talk."
"I don't want to talk to you."
Kakarrot was about say something else when the dinner bell rung. He in an instant forgot about her and rushed to the location of the bell to find no food on the table. Instead he was instructed to sit and wait for everyone else to his discomfort.
Slowly they came in as he tapped at the floor. They had no chair they all just sat on some pillows next to a short table. Instead of fork and knives like he was used to, they used chop sticks not that he normally used utensils. But it was obvious that this was a different etiquette style then he was used to.
He had never been forced to wait so long for a meal before, but he knew that this was probably another test of him. They all arrived and sat down and finally the food came. It was rice and stir fry nothing special. The moment it hit his plate Kakarrot was about to just scoop up the food and shove it into his mouth when he suddenly felt a sharp pain.
His nose was bleeding. He looks to see the cruel smile on Shen's face. The Master had broken his nose in the few seconds when his eyes were closed. He then said, "Eat like a human, not a monkey. Try that again and I will break your arm."
Kakarrot swallowed his pride stood up and bowed to Shen. He then tried eating like a human as Shen had put it. The sticks could not get the food into his mouth fast enough for his liking. He had never tried eating like this before and he hated it. The chopsticks required an extra bit of effort he was loathing. He just wanted to throw the chopsticks away and eat as nature had intend.
Dinner for once for Kakarrot took forever, all done in silence.
No one spoke a word to one another. He hated that part too.
Sure, people were silence when he ate but after that they were making tons of noise which felt right. In fact, this entire place was far too quiet. He was used to the sound of jets, gunfire, and machinery that were all common on the base. This place was dead silent except for the bugs.
When dinner was over the students got up first and bowed to Shen and Tao which Kakarrot joined in with. Night had come to Kakarrot's surprise, but he remembered that he had been unconscious for quite some time. Most of the day was wasted being knocked out.
Kakarrot when to his room along with Yurin the two entered their prison of a room. The room was dark unlit. Yurin was forced to feel around to find her bed roll. While Kakarrot found his easily in the dark thanks to his sense of smell.
In the dark the two rested their heads but before Kakarrot could go to sleep he said to her. "I will teach you."
"What?"
"You heard me. You deserve to be a warrior too. Where I came from women could be warriors and they were just as good as the men. Despite your whining and crying you might have potential."
"Why would you do this for me?"
"Not for you but because Shen doesn't wish you to learn how to fight. So, I want you to learn how to fight."
"So, your just doing this to disobey Master."
"Yes."
"You're insane you know that?"
Kakarrot turned over to face Yurin in the darkness to which she could faintly see a sparkling glow lightly filling the room. "Yurin one day I am going rip Master Shen's head off and use his cleaned skull as a drinking cup." The room went dark again.
Yurin had felt it, he was serious.
She didn't understand how he made the room glow and it scared her a little, but she found herself smiling. She would finally get what she wanted. This Kakarrot wasn't as bad as she had thought in fact, he was rather charming now.
Chapter 4: Crane Training
Chapter Text
With editing from babykitune-9
The day began like what Kakarrot had heard basic was like from the soldiers.
He was kicked awake by a disciple, screamed at by Shen, and not given breakfast. He was then forced to run to the farm in the cold mourning air nipping at him. He was sort of expecting this kind of treatment but not expecting the farm.
The farm was rather large that he came to. The farm's only inhabitants besides the animals being an old smelly man. Who was drinking and watching the world from his old rocking chair. The old man looked dirty. He appeared to have no ability to notice the smells and looks of himself.
Thankfully to Kakarrot, he only reeked of cigarettes and booze. For it is far more likely he would smell of ammonia from urine and the sickly-sweet smell of death. His eyes were faded, he was virtually blind. He seemed to be wearing clothing that he was living in. He was gaunt and emaciated. This was a dying man.
Kakarrot was determined to go nowhere near this old man. If the smell was overwhelming to a human, it was suffocating to a Saiyan. Kakarrot knew from the moment he had arrived the old man would be the source of many of his future nightmares.
As Kakarrot dug into the ground of the fields of the farm he couldn't help but think about the old man. He wasn't a deep thinker, but his mind was wandering. This man had spent his life working on this farm which his family had no doubt worked on for generations.
Kakarrot pondered on how pointless this old man's life was. The old man (this dead man) for some reason still hanging onto his worthless life. This old farmer was never going to end up in one of those history books that Grandpa showed him.
He won't be a great general, statesman, or be at all important. He was nothing. He didn't even have the good sense to end himself and stop the misery that was him. It caused Kakarrot rage to no end to imagine such a fate.
Kakarrot hands dug into the earth as he was told not to use tools in the digging by the disciple. A sharp rock gave him a scratch it bled which he ignored thanks to his now obsession with that putrid smell of the old man. The field was dug up easily enough and he placed seeds into the holes he dug and covered it back up.
Kakarrot went to the old man's grape fields. His hands still sore found the grapes quite delicate. He crushed the first couple he had tried to grab. He was forced to try and get his sore hands to not squash the grapes. The same would go with the old man's apples in his orchard. He filled basket after basket with the grapes and apples while his stomach grumbled.
Kakarrot stopped and looked around. The old man was far too far to see him. But something told him he was beging watched. Skillfully he continued his work. He obscured himself with the vines and snuck some of the grapes with the slight handedness of a skilled theft. He smiled believing that he had gotten away with the theft.
He had finished with doing the picking for the day and moved on to cleaning the barn and feeding the animals. The smell was a loud but dull of shit coming from the barn. The horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep were all quite unwelcoming to him. They nayed, bucked and whined at his presence. The animals all viewing him as a predator for admittedly justified reasons.
Kakarrot dodging their attempts to kick him cleaned the mountains of feces. The pens had not been cleaned for some time. Barely able to breath from the stench that was unleashed by his moving of the rotting piles, he worked as fast as possible. Most of the time making a mess that required more time to fix.
He fed the animals that were trying to bite at him which he slapped at. He took the eggs from the chicken which they squawked and pecked at him for it. By the time he was done he smelled of shit and was covered in it. It was on his scratch, on his face, it was everywhere. As he was leaving, he was forced to walk by the old man.
The old man scratched his ass and spit at Kakarrot. Nearly hitting him on the feet and said in his hard to understand rural ascent. "You smell like shit, boy."
Kakarrot was once again at hundred. He wanted beyond all other things to just disembowel and behead this odorous old man. He was just been sitting there watching him work and didn't bothering to even thank him.
It took all of his strength to not just go and kill this festering boil right now, but he knew he couldn't. He was sure to promise himself that this old man was now on the list along with the two others. He ran back to the town and went to go a deliver the newspapers but was turned down because of his smell.
Kakarrot was forced to washing himself and return after a time behind schedule. He delivered the newspapers and milk on foot around the town. To see the angry faces of the villages that were upset that their papers and milk were not on time. To his great displeasure.
Kakarrot then ran back down the road to do his construction work. He had to dig with his hands a place to put a foundation and a basement. He dug until his fingers were about to start bleeding. He had dug quite a bit considering he had not used tools for this task either as he was instructed but with the sun dipping lower in the sky he marched back to the school.
Kakarrot returned exhausted, hungry and looking for dinner but at the entrance he found Master Shen grasping a whip and staring at Kakarrot. Shen face was red, and fists were clenched. In an instant Kakarrot knew that Shen knew like lightning Shen was on Kakarrot whipping him and kicking him.
Shen screamed. "You little shit! You think that you can disobey me, you little brat! You're going to pay for stealing and being late!"
Shen kept his beating up for quite some time. Shen was beating Kakarrot so hard that he was re-braking some of his bones. Shen finally gave up leaving a bleeding Kakarrot allowing him to crawl into his bed without dinner. As Kakarrot was crawled to his bed triclops came over him. Kakarrot could sense his three eyes talking pleasure in his suffering.
Kakarrot was about to get angry again at the feeling of being mocked but his mind started to flash to another place. He was remembering his Grandpa's lessons about the art of war. He had hated the stories about the spies, but an idea formed in his head.
Kakarrot sobbed, "I'm sorry about calling you a circus freak!"
Tien was about to say something but instead bit his tongue.
Thanks to his face facing the ground Tien could not see the small smile that Kakarrot had.
Tien instead scoffed then walked way not bothering to insult the pitiably monkey boy. As Tien left the fake tears stopped falling down Kakarrot face. His little act had worked. His senses had not lied to him.
Triclops might have appeared to be a ruthless killer but had a soft exploitable heart. He had noticed how consistently he was taking care of the clown and only seemed furious when he made fun of the clown. He had come to the conclusion that he now needed to make 'friends' with Tien and Chiaotzu if he ever wanted to kill Shen.
Kakarrot crawled to his room and bed as he heard the others eat. In that dark room he remembered the tortures of the day and his intense desire to kill everyone around him.
But the lessons of Grandpa were flashing into his head. "Appearance is everything. Don't attack unless you are sure you can win." Gero and he had thought he had ignored those lectures, but they were here. Clouds of doubt dissipated in a second.
If anything, he felt ecstatic to be in that dark room, bleeding. He had wanted a challenge and he had gotten it.
From now on in he had decided he was going to be a spy. He would no longer cringe at orders. He would thank Shen for his orders and become his obedient servant. He would smile at the villages and old man from now on. He would be Tien's friend greet him with smiles and have an easy-going attitude. Yurin from now on would see him as family. Not all at once mind you just gradually. To make it look like this torture was working on him. He could fool them like he had fooled Red. He could be a good monkey if just to fool them he thought as he fell asleep.
He won't teach Yurin tonight due to exhaustion, but he would, oh yes, he would teach her.
Days flew by with Kakarrot over time showing his token resistance to which he knew Shen expected. Kakarrot learned how fake a smile and fake a laugh. He learned how to work with chop sticks despite hands that were twitching with pain and a stomach growling for more.
At night regardless of his hunger, pain and exhaustion he taught the basic stances to Yurin using his energy to keep the room lit. Over time he had developed a prefect system to all of this, and Shen's beating became less frequent.
Days turned to months and the villagers grew to smile at him. Tien no longer seemed interested in causing him pain. The old farmer stopped spitting at him as he passed. Yurin started to hug him before bed which he appreciated. He had fooled them he was sure, but he was not so sure about Shen. The man had no tell. Sure, he beat him less but that could mean anything. Shen watched him and he was smart, Kakarrot was sure of that.
Another day had come like any other. Kakarrot in his black gi ran to the farm, but instead of just finding the farmer he found Shen wait for him on the road right before the farm. Kakarrot was confused and looked at the old man who was staring off into the wildness off the side of the road.
"You are a good actor boy."
Shen's words made his skin spaz. His fingers twitched and his heart skipped a beat. Shen looked at him like he was looking through glass.
"You are good at pretending when the time calls for it. You have good instincts, a fighter's instincts. If you can't beat an opponent though normal means you find a new route. I thought you were stubborn at first which is true but you're good at improvising. In all honest you are like a young me. A hunter forced to play nice. Creatively you turned your punishment into a way to build yourself up not crumble apart. You have earned the chance to learn the Crane style but first a reward is in order. Do you know what that reward is?"
Kakarrot bowed to Shen. "What is the reward master?"
"The reward is. You can do what you want with the farmer and his farm."
Kakarrot smiled like a hungry wolf that was finally being fed. He marched passed Shen and up the farm to the old man that spit at him once.
Kakarrot with joy snapped his old neck with ease. Killing him like nothing. He dragged the dead man into the house. Dumping his body on a heap of filth that had accumulated in his house. Kakarrot turn his oven on and let the garbage next to the oven catch fire. He left the house as it burned.
Shen was waiting outside and Kakarrot came alongside him. They both stood watching the fire burn.
"I thought you wanted to do far worse?"
"Maybe but then it might not be taken as an 'accident'."
Shen nodded to that as the sound of fire trucks could be heard approaching. As the fire caught the nearby barn on fire.
Shen and Kakarrot began walking away down the road to the school. He said, "Your technique was good with the neck snapping but you could do better. You used far too much energy then was necessary."
"I guess I need more practice master."
Shen then began in detail to describe what was needed as the sounds of burning, popping and crackling took over the area.
Kakarrot took to the real training like a fish to water. In mere days he mastered the stances and forms of the Crane School. He was cleaving through disciples like they were nothing. Soon even Shen was impressed by this quick learning and he began spending Kakarrot on missions with Tien and Chiaotzu
One late night by a campfire while on a mission by Shen to get some money from some gullible villagers. They were by a campfire. Chiaotzu was asleep as well InoShikaCho the purple boar butterfly creature that they were using to acquire said funding.
The creature scared villagers and then they would defeat the monster for the reward. Rinse and repeat easy money. Tien and Kakarrot remained the only ones awake watching the crackling fire on the cold night.
"Tien?"
"Yah kid?"
Kakarrot feigned innocence. "Do you know who your father is?" Tien tried to not show his supreme discomfort at that question but failed miserably as he cringed and sunk his head into his shoulders.
Tien in a pained voice, "No. I don't know who my Father is. I'm an orphan."
Kakarrot said in mock surprise, "Oh I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's an old wound. I believe I was abandoned as a result of my looks."
Kakarrot feigned some sincerity. "Still it wasn't fair to me to ask. But I guess we have something in common."
"Why were you abandoned? Was it because of your tail?"
Kakarrot shook his head then said with mock tenderness. "No. I'm an alien. Everybody in my race had tails. I was deemed weak at birth, so I was sent away at least what the ship's recorder says. I wasn't good enough." Some of his crocodile tears fell down his face. "Then as I left my planet..." dragging it out like it hurt. "It was destroyed I'm the last of my kind. Saved because I was deemed not good enough by my parents."
His act worked wonders on Tien whose eyes now were now filled with a righteous fury. While on the inside Kakarrot was giggling. He just knew that Triclops would be manipulated by his little story. The story even had the benefit of not being a total lie just given a sappy spin to it.
Tien raised his voice in frustration, "Who needs them! Our parents were the worthless ones not us. Kakarrot you are my brother and so is Chiaotzu. They did nothing for us so who needs them. We are family. You are not worthless. You are one of the best fighters I have ever meet. You are younger than me, but you are already approaching my level."
Kakarrot sobbing and giving his voice a tremble, "Brother?"
"Yes, you're my brother."
Kakarrot smiled a bit. "Brother. I never had a brother before Tien." He wiped away some of his tears. "Thank you for being my big brother Tien."
Tien smiled at him. The plan had worked like a charm from then on in Kakarrot was welcomed to sleep by Tien's side next to Chiaotzu.
Kakarrot was now allowed to spar as often as he wished with Tien. Kakarrot learned quickly the Dodon Ray, the Solar Flare, and the ability to Flying. The techniques came to him like everything else had easy and without much effort. All of this occurring under the watchful eyes of Shen who stoically watched all of this develop.
Kakarrot stepped into the Zen room, bowed to Shen and sat below him while Shen sat on his rock.
"Your progress has been adequate child. In only a small time you have mastered what took years for me to make." Shen had allowed an opening to see if he would interrupt him with some self-congratulation, he did not. "You have learned much but there is still much more for you to learn. Very soon the World Martial Arts Tournament will begin. If you are not familiar with the tournament it is a way to decide who is the best martial artist on the Earth in theory. The prize will be a paltry sum of money and a very gaudy belt. We the Crane School shall be attending the 21st Tournament. I had not planned on subjecting my pupils to such inferior stock of fighter but Roshi by the sounds of it has taken on at least one pupil. I am sure he plans to test her. I wish to prove to Roshi that his pupils will always be inferior to my pupils. You, Tien and Chiaotzu will be attending this Tournament. You will crush Roshi's student with ease and gift me the money if you win the prize. You are dismissed."
Kakarrot got up from his spot and walked out of the room silently cheering to himself that he had another chance to take on Roshi and Chi-Chi. But something had occurred to him he turned back bowed to Shen and asked. "May I ask my adoptive Grandfather attend Master?"
Shen without any emotion nodded in the affirmative. Kakarrot bowed again. He could now barely contain himself. He hurried out of the room and to his own. He would get to show his Grandpa all of the progress he had made over the last year or so.
That day he had pushed himself harder than normal against Tao leaving himself a mangled wreck for his trouble but Kakarrot had long ago had figured out that his people had a wonderful ability to grow stronger after getting the crap kicked out of him.
Grandpa had noticed too. He sometimes called him a 'Nietzschean Hero'. Something related to the idea of 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.' It had been in one of the books that he insisted he try and read.
That night despite his pain, his mind was all a flutter with his favorite recurring dream. Kakarrot found himself one of those ridiculous seats that Red loved so much. He saw himself sitting above the world. Blood was on his hands that he was licking which was clearly not his.
There was an olive branch on his head like a crown. He was wearing some gold plated ancient human armor. An ocean of people where before him bowing. They were proclaiming him their god as he licked the blood off his hands. The world had become his as he knew it all always was.
Kakarrot woke the next day from his wonderful dream in an ecstatic mood. He knew his best way to get all of his plans started would be by winning this Tournament.
Chapter 5: Prelude To The Tournament
Chapter Text
With editing from babykitune-9
Kakarrot didn't know how but this was a worse plane ride than the one to the Crane School. The seats were intolerable, the filth seated around him were as bad as the old farmer, and there was nowhere to move.
Needless to say, it took all he had to not just slaughtering this mass of smelly animals, but Shen was watching him like a hawk, and he knew it. Sure, he might have put the Crane symbol on his gi and given him a red sash.
It was not however lost on him that his gi was black while Tien's and Chiaotzu's were green and yellow. The old man was still very suspicious of him which Kakarrot happened to admire because he was right to be.
The time on his hand allowed Kakarrot's mind to once again wonder about the oddest topic Chi-Chi. He knew she was going to be there. Shen said she would be, and he believed him. He had plenty of rematches before against Seven and Six, but it wasn't like he was excited at their rematches, but Chi-Chi was a different story.
Chi-Chi had had him on the ropes. She hadn't overpowered him like Roshi or Shen. She was around or near him. She was going to perhaps be his gauge of how much more powerful he had become. She would be an excellent test of himself to see his powers both on and off the field or be a dangerous rival power.
After many exhausting stops, Shen was far too much of a cheapskate to book a direct flight, they arrived at South City. Kakarrot was rather impressed by it. He had seen pictures of the mega-cities before but never visited until now. It was certainly bigger in person.
The airport was packed with arriving competitors and spectators. Most didn't look like they could do much more then hold a rifle never mind harm him by all accounts Shen had been right. Roshi's pupils would be the only real competition the rest were trash that could be dealt with by a slight tap.
Out on the street was almost as bad as the plane. Crowds were everywhere. The human were treating themselves like they were sardines all squished together. It was worse than watching the soldiers at mess hall at least there was some structure it to that, this on the other hand was chaos.
Against all odds they flagged down a cab as slowly made their way to the stadium. It was slow goings as the cherry on top of this irritating trip up to this point.
Kakarrot knew they hadn't arrived first and it wasn't because he had seen the stadium, he smelled the blue haired one. She had a very distinct odor. He looked out of the window of the cab and there they were. He didn't recognize all of them, but he knew wolf boy, Chi-Chi, pig, scaredey cat and Roshi but the new ones were intriguing too.
Tall, blonde and angry seemed quite tough and the bald midget looked as though he could at least throw a punch. Wolfey, Chi-Chi, Blondey and Midget were all wearing that orange gi of the Turtle School. It managed to add to his feeling that he wasn't really a true student of Shen's because of his black gi not green gi.
Kakarrot's focus quick changed the second Shen saw Roshi. Shen had gone from keeping an eye on him to nearly forgetting that Kakarrot even existed. Shen was grinding his teeth, his fists were clenched all kept relatively in check but there was no hiding it, he was blind with rage and hate.
It was interesting reversal of situations. He could see why Shen had tried to beat patients and calmness into him. Shen was over focused leaving himself open in way that he had never seen him do before. Shen didn't know it, but he was giving a wonderful lesson right now to him about what not to do. As the group exited the cab as cruel smile came over Shen's face as they approach the booth to register.
Roshi's group looked and a ton of sour faces appeared where there had once been smiles. Bulma, Oolong and Puar were scared out of their mind. Yamcha and Chi-Chi got ready to fight. While Shen and Roshi exchanged angry glares at one another.
Kakarrot had considered just flashing them a smile or give them a menacing stare but instead opted to do nothing at least with Shen around.
Suddenly the other shoe dropped and Shen and Roshi's were unintelligibly shouting at one another once Shen was done signing up. Shen had to be held back by Tien and Kakarrot from starting a fight right then and there.
Tien and Chiaotzu managed to get Shen in the car and take off before anything was made of it. Leaving Kakarrot alone with Roshi's group. Shen had forced Kakarrot to memorize the name and address of the hotel that they were staying at, so it wasn't an issue. Their eyes had come back on him and he knew it.
Kakarrot knew what he had to do. He bowed to Roshi much to the group's surprise. Kakarrot in an even tone at first. "I'm sorry about my actions on Fire Mountain. I deeply regret what happened. You taught me a very important lesson that I shall never forget." Kakarrot finished saying with a heavy voice making it sound as though he was about to cry.
In a millisecond the stares soften. Chi-Chi was suddenly smiling; the naïve girl took it hook line and sinker. Bulma wasn't scared anymore. Yamcha's guard went down. The pig was confused along with the cat and the newcomers. Roshi however, seemed to have his guard up now more than ever and was expressionless.
He continued to say, "I know that we are about to fight once again but I hope it will not be as enemies. I understand you have reasons to hate me, but I can assure you I'm not the same kid you meet a year ago. I ask for your forgiveness and hope that at the very least, you would stop harboring hatred towards me."
He looked at them bowed again then walked away quickly. He knew he hadn't convinced all of them but at least there would be a cornel of doubt in their head to screw with them. Maybe he would have some new disposable allies at his side, time would tell. More important than all of that, however, was that he had no Shen looking over his shoulder at that moment. The last year of his life had been regimented to an extreme that RRA couldn't even compete so it was high time for some fun.
His nose could smell all food that was on display cooking. He had far too much plain rice and meals fit for a peasant. It was high time for some indulgence. Like a master theft and with well-trained eyes he submerged himself into the crowd.
Tao in addition to giving him some lessons on lying had given him some lessons on how to have fast hands. Tao had taught him this for the battlefield but the lesson work even better on the sheep that was the general populace. But it was during this binge of thievery and gluttony that he stumbled on something that quickly caught his interest.
Kakarrot had spent his life at RRA headquarters or in survival training in some of the surrounding countryside. He had seen every type of soldier imaginable. He had seen plenty of Royal army POWs and he had eaten plenty of them too.
Intelligence liked to use him as a fear tactic. They would feed him a few non-value soldiers to get the officers or UNIT agents to talk. He went along with it because it was always fun, so he was pretty confident in his ability to spot a soldier even if he wasn't in uniform.
It was a pretty young man dressed in civilian clothes. He had what looked like a revolver in his holster underneath his shirt. Had done a pretty good job in hiding it but it moved around when he moved and Kakarrot nose could smell the gunpowder. An entire life on Army base had taught him the various smells of weapons.
Whoever this was he was green. Fresh out of some training.
He was nervous and trying to hide it. His blue eyes were trying to be everywhere at one and failing. His partner was far more relax harder to spot. His brown eyes were steady and so were his hands. They were sitting in a good spot in the back of some restaurant named.
Kakarrot thought to himself in disbelief. The child aware of emptiness' 'Son Goku' what a god-awful name for a restaurant, hell even for a kid, for that matter.
Kakarrot found himself a seat and managed to go under their radar. They were far more concerned about the adults then some odd tailed kid. They were quiet that was for sure the loud noises of the crowds outside and it the building didn't help. But he did zero in and get quite a bit.
Agent number one said, "The King of Clubs will be touching down soon."
Agent number two chimed in, "We're already basically in position. I just needed a coffee and something to eat it is going to be one long night."
"Why can't we get the locals in on this again?"
"Big cities like this are off limits they are supposed to be neutral ground. Technically were breaking the rules right now but they do to so who cares. Now calm down, a twelve-year-old could tell your nervous and acting suspicious. Don't worry I won't let disappoint your father." He had said with a slight laugh.
Agent number one said, "Please don't bring him up."
Agent number two bowed as he said, "Sorry Bill. I know you hate the comparisons but hell man you're the one who went into his career and joined the exact same war. Sorry but it invites the comparison."
"I would like my acts to stand for itself Frank."
"Sure, thing now would you like to continue this conversation where the fate of the Free world is not at stake or are you going to let me eat my steak?"
This earned a sigh from Bill and quite nearly from Kakarrot for that matter.
"I still think your taking this way too lightly."
"The Ribbons are everywhere I get that they told you that but so are we. This cold war won't just suddenly end some day because a kid on a magic cloud with a stick is going to make it go away. No, it… We've got to go!"
His hand had gone to his ear and they were out the door in a hurry. Kakarrot had wondered if it was him but it was clear why as soon as he put the pieces together. They had on earpieces giving them information. The two hopped in their windowless white van and were off.
Curiosity had overtaken him. He had already eaten his fill at this point it was time to see what this was all about. He easily followed the van to not far outside the Hotel Paradise the exact same Hotel where Shen's was having them staying.
It was then that Kakarrot saw the limo. The RRA flags above the headlights. Some men in and around the area in black suits and out of the limo came his Grandpa Gero. He was in a black suit that Kakarrot had never seen him in. He preferred lab coats after all.
Next out was General Green the Head of Special Operations and Diplomatic Security. Green had always been an enigma to Kakarrot the few times he had meet him. His nickname was 'Joker' and it wasn't hard to see why. Kakarrot on the other hand called him just called grand uncle. He had almost green hair his skin was quite pale, and he seemed to find comedy out of horror.
Kakarrot found himself admiring they man at points in the level of cruelty he could show, but then Green would make some mad statements that would just confuse him. Green was one of the few people in his life that he had met who didn't seem scared of him.
Some fat small cream color suited guy who must have been the mayor of this city was there to shake Dr. Gero's hand. Kakarrot never did like how rudely Red treated Gero sometimes so it was nice to see someone kiss his ass who wasn't an intern or a lower officer.
It all made sense of course to Kakarrot had seen the films from the Ministry of Truth. The UN and Royals were always spying on the Ribbon. He was delight that they consider him a King even if it was just a codename.
Kakarrot didn't want the UNIT agents to take his picture or know anything about him so he decided to sneak in the back. He was quite disappointed by this place's security. He had snuck by more intense security in Headquarters.
After the fence the barriers in this place were non-existent. It made Kakarrot angry that his Grandpa was being guarded by such weak security. He got into the Hotel and found Grandpa Gero in the lobby. As soon as that dumpling was gone Kakarrot rushed to Gero and hugged him.
Kakarrot had completely surprise Gero and his guards but it was a welcomed one. The two embraced at least Kakarrot didn't have to fake anything around Grandpa. He pulled away to look at him in the eyes and teared up.
"I've missed you Grandpa."
"I did too."
They headed to his room as Kakarrot and Gero talked.
"So, was it all you wanted?"
Kakarrot said happily. "Yes. He made me do chores until my hands bleed. It was pretty tough. I've definitely been pushed me to my limits."
Gero taken aback by the bleeding comment, "Well I'm glad that you approved. Don't know how I feel about what sounds like some torture but if you're happy."
"Well I wouldn't say I'm happy, but it was what I wanted. By the way outside there is some UNIT agents spying on you."
Gero shrugged. "Yeah I would imagen so, but I think I would be a little offended and surprised if there wasn't people spying on me."
"Wow Grandpa your good at this."
"Well it's just something you get used to."
"I guess so."
"Well I just can't wait until you show off all you have learned."
"I plan to Grandpa."
"Glad to hear it. No matter what I'm sure you're going to do me proud out there."
They reached Gero's room the Presidential suite on the top floor. It was a luxurious room was made for a king. It seemed strange to Kakarrot that Red had given Gero such a splendid room. Red was quite the scrooge by most standards.
"Red actuality got you this room?"
"I know strange right. True is it's just because I am an RRA representative and because of that reason I require a certain amount of pomp and circumstance. Good for the both of us in my opinion."
"Us?"
"Yeah this room is massive it has plenty of space."
Kakarrot sighed "I'm going to stay with my school."
Gero brow went up as he asked, "Really?"
"I trained for a year for this. I worked quite hard to earn their trust. I'm sorry Grandpa."
"Don't be. You're become a far more mature little soldier."
"You think so."
"I know so. So, have you made any friend?"
"Well I think I am winning Tien over Tien and with him Chiaotzu then there is Yurin."
"Oh, you got yourself a little girlfriend."
Kakarrot blushed. "Well I don't see here like that, but I guess I have been training her."
"Man, when you kids start to grow up you grow up fast."
The rest of the afternoon Gero and Kakarrot spent together. With his time Gero paying for Kakarrot to clean places out of their food.
The night approach they returned to the hotel. With Gero insisting that Kakarrot get a good night sleep but Kakarrot had other ideas. He pretended to sleep with the others including Shen feel asleep and Kakarrot snuck out of the Hotel. It hadn't even been that hard.
Into the streets he went searching for Roshi's group and in particular Chi-Chi. He managed to stumble upon the Buma on what appeared to be a date with Yamcha. It was some high-class place and for some reason the Launch was here except she wasn't blonde but had blue hair. She smelled the same, but her demeanor had changed. It confused Kakarrot to no end.
Bulma was all dressed up in a dress quite formal and Yamcha was even in a blue suit. Launch was just in a tank top and some short shorts. Quite undressed for the situation even by Kakarrot's estimation. Bulma was fuming clearly about Launch being here. She had order him outside and out into an alley.
Bulma yelled, "I can't believe you!"
"Look I didn't want to leave her alone in the hotel with Roshi when she was still in blue mode."
"Sure, like I believe that!" Kakarrot even jumped at that scream along with everyone in the Restaurant.
Yamcha in begging mode. "I'm sorry. We can still…"
Bulma red with rage "I'm going home enjoy your… date with Launch!" She finished with a growl.
Bulma stormed off much to wolfey's dismay. Kakarrot seeing the opportunity followed her back to their hotel. Bulma was so angry with him she didn't even notice. Kakarrot didn't even have to hide. The hotel was merely a block away. Bulma didn't stop raging even as she marched to her suite.
Chi-Chi wasn't their but she was in the building. Using his nose, he figured out which window was Chi-Chi's and found her. She had her own room he scratched on the window to wake her up. Chi-Chi woke up unsure at first what was going on but quickly smiled to see Kakarrot. Kakarrot put his finger to his mouth and signaled for her to come out which she did. She was surprised to see he could fly but was quite also delighted by it.
Her window opened and she asked, "What you are doing here?"
"Well I kind of wanted to see you."
Chi-Chi blushed and her hands were up to her face in an instant she giggled and said, "O my."
"Would you like to see the city with me?" Chi-Chi blushed further she looked awestruck.
Kakarrot was grinning thinking that this plan was working perfectly.
"Well I mean Master said that I shouldn't trust you but…"
"But?"
"But you have changed that's obvious enough. Sure, I will!"
Kakarrot reached his hand out and took her hand and they flew off. She clung to him like a spider monkey. His charmed had definitely worked on this little girl. Now all he had to do was to find a spot to killer her. His chances of winning the Tournament would be all the higher without her in the way.
He was finding a spot went suddenly there was an explosion. It quickly became apparent that it was fireworks based on the colors, but they drove him to ground as he decided that it wouldn't be smart to fly around during them.
He had never seen them only heard about fireworks and they were quite a sight. Chi-Chi was still close to him putting her head on his shoulder. Chi-Chi in a love dazed voice. "How romantic." Her word sparked something in him. His little plan to get rid of her fell away in an instant.
Without his input his tail rapped around her. He looked to her. Her eyes looked at him so softly. On flex he just kissed her on the lips. It was a peck, but her eyes said it all. He was her first kiss and he just became her world.
As more fireworks went off, they just stared at one another. He had found himself not wanting this moment to end. That look of hers was making him feel invincible whatever was going to happen he wanted that look to continue. But he knew that Shen would be pissed, and he did still need to win the Tournament.
Kakarrot sadly, "I need to fly you back."
Chi-Chi hugged him. "I know."
The fireworks stopped and he flew her back. She climbed back into her room, but she didn't let go of his hand. She looked into his eyes again.
"I had a great time."
"I did too."
"Kakarrot will you forget about me after this?"
"I can't see that happening."
Chi-Chi blushed again. "My you have a way with words. What about when we get older?"
"I don't think I will ever be able to forget about you Chi-Chi even if I live for a thousand years."
Chi-Chi giggled and twisted around and then blurted out. "Would you want to get married?"
"Sure."
Chi-Chi with her hands to her face in excitment. "Oh my, this is all happening so fast!" She said while starting to cry.
"Why are you crying?" He said nervously wondering if she had figured him out.
Chi-Chi said while smiling, "I'm just so happy."
Kakarrot's brow went up in confusion. "That's strange..."
"I guess so."
"See you tomorrow Chi-Chi."
"See you tomorrow Kakarrot."
Their hands parted and the window closed and Kakarrot floated away. He had no idea of what just happened, but he liked it. Kill her was no longer on the table not if she was going to keep treating him like that.
A new plan had to be worked out involving her in some way that much he knew. He snuck backing his room and was bombard by dream after dream of Chi-Chi. Doing to her what some of the soldiers described.
He wondered if they always cry like they described or tried to fight them.
Either way he was sure he wanted her maybe he would have to wait for a time, but he would have her. The more he thought of it the better that revenge seemed to taste against Roshi than just killing her would ever taste. He would have her whether nor not she wanted him still or not.
Chapter 6: Preliminaries for the Tournament
Chapter Text
The sun rose slowly that morning the Kakarrot had found himself barely able to get any sleep. His dreams had been loud and his adrenaline pumping. He had noticed Tien's sleep was light too. But Tien hadn't said a word over Kakarrot late night excursion as they all got dressed. Kakarrot was quite sure that Tien didn't rat him out because he had won him over.
The long night had given Kakarrot another idea and it regarded Chiaotzu. While he was still getting dress Kakarrot approached the odd boy.
"Chiaotzu I have an idea."
"Wonderful the monkey has an idea." Shen proclaimed sarcastically.
Kakarrot turned to Shen "I'm sure master you will approve."(He turned back to Chiaotzu to say) "I don't want to fight you or any of Roshi people in the Preliminaries."
Shen brow furrowed angrily "What are you saying!"
"What I am saying Master, is if we are going to face them it should be with an audience."
Shen stopped being angry and said, "Go on."
"Chiaotzu could you rig it with your powers so that we not face them in the Preliminaries and just in the Tournament proper. When we face each other, it should be for all to witness. After all what would have been the point of all of this if we were to crush Roshi students without the right fan fair. And since I and Tien are the true strongest in this competition would it not be unfair to the world if I was to face him in the first round or semifinals it should be in the finals."
Chiaotzu had his usually vacant stare on his face but nodded 'yes'. Tien nodded in approval with a smile on his face. Shen had a grin on his face the size of a wolf's mouth. While Kakarrot was enjoying his peer's approval.
Shen deeply enjoying the moment "Kakarrot I enjoy the way you think."
Kakarrot smiling "Was that a compliment Master?"
Shen's smile left him "No monkey you just had a moment when you're not acting completely braindead."
To that Kakarrot sarcastically bowed to Shen saying, "I aim to please Master."
Shen turned and said, "Let's get this farce over with."
The ride to the Tournament this time was much faster. Police had blocked some of the roads from foot traffic. Before long they were at the Stadium. The crowds now just consisted of the ocean of fools that considered themselves martial artists.
Kakarrot was quick to spot Roshi's group. Launch had changed back into blondey and the fighters were in their orange gi. Bulma, Puar and Oolong were wishing them well.
"You stay safe kid." She patted Chi-Chi on the head. "We will be watching from the windows if they don't force us away."
"Be careful Yamcha." Puar nervously said.
"Hey when do I disappoint."
"Right?" Puar said remember all the time her master had screwed up.
Bulma angrily turns from the fighters and marches away to Yamcha's deflation and Puar sadness.
Chi-Chi seems obvious to it while Oolong is looking around and asks "Where's Roshi?" Everyone seems so caught up in the moment not to notice.
Shen says as the Crane students are entering "Don't fail me." He said as a threat and with hate dripping from his mouth. They bowed to Shen. Kakarrot wasn't afraid by his words but Chiaotzu was disturbed by them.
It was just then that Kakarrot's senses were being overloaded something that reeked worse than the Farmer worse than his barn and worse than Roshi. He looked to see some smelly giant walking passed him.
Everyone was visibly sick by the smell except of course the bald boy without a nose. Strangely enough the bald kid seemed sick after noticing everyone else's reactions to his smell.
Kakarrot in a whisper "Do me a favor Chiaotzu make sure that Roshi's cue ball that goes up against that guy."
Chiaotzu nodded 'yes' as they continued inside and then gathered around the stages.
An old man in orange came on to the stage to address them. "Welcome to the Twenty First World Martial Arts Tournament. I would like to thank you all for participating as without you we couldn't have this Tournament. Now if sure you all can tell that there are far more than eight in this room. So, we need to do some weeding. You will all take a number and be put into four blocks the best two of each block with advance to the Tournament proper. The rules are as follows, weapons are not allowed, claws are allowed only if their natural. No going for the groin and no poking of eyes. Matches in this round will last a minute and if not concluded will be decided by points. Now everyone be a good sport. You all worked hard to get here and most of you aren't going to make it to the final eight so don't gloat and don't act pissy."
With that Kakarrot smelled Roshi he looked to see a man with quite fake hair in black and white with Roshi's long white beard behind him staring with a worried look on his face. He thought "So Roshi decided to participate after all."
Kakarrot whispered "Chiaotzu make sure the man with the long beard and in black and white is in his own block to. I would hate to fight Roshi now."
To that Tien's eyes went wide upon hearing the new information "Roshi?"
"Yes he might think that hair might be enough but nothing escapes my nose. It's Roshi here to try and stop us from winning the Tournament and embarrass us in front of Master."
Tien eyes became slits and he was visibly upset. Kakarrot chuckling a bit as Tien became noticeably anger so he said to him "Don't get angry it's all to our benefit. Imagine how happy Shen will be to see him crushed."
Tien calmed and nodded "So who gets him in the Tournament?"
"Well I owe him one, but you seem see quite eager you can have him in the semi-finals." To that Tien smiled.
Kakarrot thought to himself 'No way. Tien might be strong but Roshi's has hidden strengths. I guess that just means that he will be humiliated in front of Shen. Give it a year or two more and Tien would have owned the old man but right now. Hehe. Roshi I will crush you in the final round I can assure you of that.'
After that Chiaotzu did his magic. Each one of Roshi's students got their own block along with Roshi and the Crane students. Jackie Chun as Roshi was calling himself now was staring at them. Kakarrot smiled at him. He might have known what they were doing but he could do nothing and would do nothing.
The cue ball one was begin harassed by some taller older baldies in yellow as Kakarrot took the stage the first of the Crane student to take the ring.
Before him was some big winged dinosaur creature. It had a blue back and green front. On its face was a laughing smile.
Giran the dinosaur like winged creature "Is that what they want me to fight? A kid. Kid you better run. You see these teeth." He pointed to his teeth. "I'm a scary monster you'd better run home to mommy."
Kakarrot scuffed at this creature that was mostly irritating to him "O so you're a scary monster huh. Excuse me if I don't flee in terror. To me you look more like an overstuffed toy. Let me give you a piece of advice you're the one who should be running in terror monster not me."
Giran snarled at that.
The referee blew his whistle and Giran launched himself at Kakarrot. With ease he dodged Giran first attack and kneed him in the stomach. To that Giran cried out as he retreated from Kakarrot.
"What's wrong the monster having trouble with a kid?"
Giran was fuming he didn't understand how Kakarrot's attack had hurt him so much. He swung at him again to only have Kakarrot catch the fist and toss him to nearly the edge of the ring. Giran managed to stop himself before falling off the edge.
"Still waiting on a reason to be scared."
Giran eyes became red. It was like the boy had hit him were the monk had said you can't hit. "Ow you did it now! I was going to wait to use this until later, but you have it coming kid."
Giran seemed to be spitting at him but instead of spit came out pink gummy substance that looked like it should be tooth paste. It wrapped around Kakarrot and clenched around him trying to strangle him. As it wrapped around him Kakarrot grimaced much to Giran's enjoyment.
Giran pointed "Ha! Shows you kid! That is merry go round gum. There's no way that you are going to escape from that!" Giran continued to celebrate as Kakarrot began to laugh much to Giran's surprise.
In one swift move Kakarrot broke out of the gum. Giran was panicking.
"What was it that you were saying? That it was unbreakable?" With that Giran through up his hands and surrendered.
Kakarrot scoffed "Some monster." As he walked of the stage. The others watching. Chi-Chi starry eyed while the others had a touch of concern.
Krillin then went up an against the Orin temple bullies easily wining. Much to his surprise and his friend's happiness. Easily the Turtle and the Crane won match after match. Tien took the stage against him was an Indian man. He was a buff man with determination in his eyes.
The man named Nam said, "I apologies for any injury I might cause you." He said while bowing to Tien.
"Don't worry you won't." The referee blew the whistle and the fight began.
"For my village." Tien and Nam charged at one another.
Nam chops at Tien to find Tien's hands blocking him each time while Tien's blows hit home each time. Tien knocked him away. Nam was panting but Tien wasn't.
Tien mockingly asked, "All out of steam?"
Nam then jumped into the air and yelled "I'M SORRY!"
Nam's hand crossed in front of his face and like a meteorite fell at Tien. Tien grinned and stood his ground waiting for Nam much to Nam's dismay. As Nam came towards him Tien punched so that Nam's arms and Tien's fist would meet.
Tien overpower Nam stopping him dead in his tracks and then sending Nam flying into a concrete wall. Nam's back hit the wall snapping his spine and breaking bones. He was unconscious at this point. The staff rushed over to help him and there was an audible gasp in the room.
Tien was walking off the stage with only Chiaotzu and Kakarrot happy to see him. The rest of the contestants were blue in the face. 'Jachie Chun' was disgusted along with the other Turtle students looked disgusted at him.
Tien smiled looking over to the limp body of Nam "I'm not."
Kakarrot enjoying the scene "Hehe, I don't think that guy will be able to walk again."
Tien came to his allies "Serves him right. A weakling like that trying to be a fighter."
Nam was carried off to the hospital and the rest of Tien's block quit rather than face Tien.
Roshi to himself "Another one. Shen always manages to find talent and corrupt it." He had been standing right next to his students.
Chi-Chi having overheard a little of that "What did you say sir?"
Jackie Chun hurriedly said, "Oh nothing just terrible right about that poor man!" He said while sweating bullets.
Chi-Chi looked at him ponderously "Hey. You know you look familiar. Have I meet you somewhere?"
He was panicking "Nope never met you in my life! There is no possible way you could know me! But I get that a lot! Well see yah!" And with that he took off leaving a puzzled Turtle school.
Kakarrot thinking to himself watching that little exchange "Hmm they really are fools. It might be easier than I thought to trick them. How can they not even tell it's their master?"
A few more matches happened and then Chi-Chi took the stage.
Chi-Chi's opponent was a purple haired woman with loose clothing. She had lipstick on and was quite angry. Muttering about her luck or something.
Ranfan spoke "How in the hell did a brat like you make it up to this point?"
Chi-Chi frowning and taking offence "Hey I'm no brat."
Ranfan thinking 'Okay have to do this the old fashion way.'
The referee blew the whistle and the match began. With one punch Chi-Chi knocked Ranfan out of the stage and to the ground moving faster than Ranfan could react.
Ranfan was dazed as she picked herself up. To find Chi-Chi waiting to help her off the floor.
"Sorry about that. I don't know my own strength sometimes mam." Chi-Chi helped her to her feet while the crowd clapped enjoying the sportsmanship that was happening.
"Thanks kid. Damn you have once hell of a right hook."
Tien and Kakarrot sneered at this display of compassion.
"Weaklings like to encourage each other."
Tien nodded at that and said "We'll crush them."
Kakarrot at that smiled.
Chiaotzu not noticing the tone "They seem nice."
Kakarrot glared at Chiaotzu while Tien didn't react.
Krillin took the stage as everyone in a panic fled the area around the stage as the massive smelly giant known as Bacterian took the stage. Krillin hand went to his imagery nose. To which Kakarrot sighed watching from quite a distance.
Bacterian the gross giant said "What's a matter kid smell something you don't like."
"Buddy you are a gross one. Have you ever taken a bath in your life?"
Bacterian breathing out as he did and said "Noooo." To which Krillin cringed. The match was looking over before it began but Chi-Chi spoke.
Chi-Chi from a ways away by choice yelled out to him "KRILLIN YOU DON'T HAVE A NOSE!"
Krillin took his hand from his face and said, "O yeah I guess your right!" He said as scratching his head.
A great deal of the room fell over in embarrassment and Kakarrot smacked his face.
Jackie Chun thinking "Maybe I should have given more lessons about critical thinking skills?"
The referee blew the and the match began. Without the delusion of a nose Krillin charged. Bacterian the giant might have had power, but he was slow and Krillin ran circles around him. The giant swung but all his punches missed while Krillin was delivering blow after blow.
Finally, the Giant began to collapse as Krillin had kick out his feet from under him. Krillin then kicked him sending off of the stage.
With that the last real match of the Preliminaries ended with the Turtle and the Crane proving themselves leagues above the remaining competitors. They were escorted to the fighter's lounge and met by a man in a navy-blue suit.
The man had blonde hair and he was on the young side. His tie was red and under shirt white. His black framed sunglasses gave the impression that they were on the man's face permanently for some reason. Which was complimented by a vacant smile adorn on his face.
The Announcer of the Tournament said, "Alright welcome to the finals boys and girls." He pointed his finger at them. "All right here's how this is going to go. You're going to take a number out of the box and that is going to decide what order you fight in." He pointed to the Tournament bracket. "Now unlike the last round there is no time limit in theory. At the end of each round we are going to take an intermission for both your sake and the fans that are streaming in. And because this ain't no charity. We got merchandise and junk food to sell. Also keep the harsh language down and the nudity, we don't want to get sued."
Jackie Chun, Kakarrot, Tien and Yamcha all groaned at that statement.
"Now remember to smile for the cameras and beat the living hell out of one another. Blood sells tickets and keeps people in their seats at home."
Chi-Chi raised her hand like they were in school. The announcer confused pointed to her as she childishly started waving it around trying to gain his attention.
"Mr. Announcer sir why is sex and cursing bad but graphic violence okay?"
"I don't fucking know kid. I just work here. It's called show business sweetie and old people are more okay the ladder then the former. Now let get to the bloodshed sponsored by Hatch over with." Doing the no doubt mandated commercial plug. "Hatch smell like a serial killer. Hatch!"
Roshi mumbled to himself "They didn't ask me. I'd much prefer the sex to the violence."
Yamcha in a whisper "That tag line works?"
Launch shrugged "Doesn't your girlfriends dad own that?"
Yamcha shrugged "Probably. He owns like everything."
Roshi hearing them thought 'That's stuff never works like it does it the commercial.'
Kakarrot in a whisper "Now remember Chiaotzu make it so we don't have to face each other in the first round and keep Tien and Roshi in the first four. O and keep Chi-Chi in the second block with me and you."
Krillin drew first coming up with six. Yamcha came next drawing four. Launch drew one. Kakarrot drew five. Jackie Chun drew three. Chi-Chi drew eight. Tien drew two and finally Chiaotzu drew seven. The bracket was setup and the announcer led the contestants outside to the stage.
The crowd at this point had poured in. Including Bulma, Oolong, Puar, Gero, Shen and General Green. The police were there in force there was also the UNIT agents. Shen face went sour the moment he saw 'Jackie Chun' knowing in an instant his hated rival. The contestant lined up behind the announcer as he began to spastically move.
Announcer basically shouting into his microphone "WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEMEN TO THE WORLD MARTIAL TOURNAMENT! Joining us today is the strongest in the world came to compete to be the Champion of the world!" The crowd roared except Shen and Gero. Announcer "THAT'S RIGHT! Now the first round will be Launch versus Tien, Jackie Chun versus Yamcha…" A loud boo came from Bulma after his name was mentioned, to which Yamcha sighed sadly. "Kakarrot versus Krillin and finally Chiaotzu versus Chi-Chi. Hold on to your seat Ladies and Gentlemen because you might just fall out of it. THE WORLD MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! Nonstop action is guaranteed and who knows folks. The fate of the world might be on the line, so you best not touch that remote or dare look away." He did some sort of spin more tossed the microphone in the air and caught it midair. "WILL YOU ALL TAKE YOUR SEATS AND WATCH THESE EIGHT DUKE IT OUT BECAUSE IT'S TIME FOR THE WORLD MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT!"
Chapter 7: First Two Matches
Chapter Text
Announcer said in his loud shrill voice "The First match is about to begin Launch versus Tien!"
Launch and Tien stared each other as the sounds of the drums of the monks could be heard. Tien had removed his upper gi. He was down to his bare and scared chest. The drumming was getting louder as Launch in blonde form shifted her eyes up and down him.
Launch said in a smirk "You know you would actually be hot if it wasn't for this feeling, I'm getting that your kind of an asshole."
Tien's face blushed as his brain tried to think of a comeback but fail utterly.
The gong was hit. Announcer yelled "BEGIN FIGHT!"
Tien was still blushing as he charged as he did Launch charged. Their elbows meet with a thud. A tick for tack punching contest began between the two started up neither side doing any damage just merely testing each other. The last blow came from Launch as she used its force to push herself back and gain some distance from Tien.
"So, I guess you're not just a pretty face after all!"
Tien was red from embarrassment and rage "Will you stop already and just fight me instead of talking!"
Launch itched the bridge of her nose "If you didn't want people ogling you baby maybe you should have kept your shirt on." Tien was grinding his teeth as he charged forward.
Jackie Chun was thinking while watching on the sidelines 'Well I got to hand it to her she good at smack talk, but this is a dangerous game she is playing. She must have realized by now that Tien is holding back. What is it with these kids and actively courting danger with a capital 'D'?'
Kakarrot was standing there grinning and thinking 'That's right blondie. Give him a reason to hurt you.'
Chi-Chi said out loud "Man Launch is tearing up!" Krillin and Yamcha nodding in agreement while Chiaotzu just staring emotionlessly at the fight.
Launch blocked his punch aimed at her head and kick his legs out from under him. Tien allowed himself to fall grabbing her arm and taking her down with him trying to smash her against the tile. Instead she socked him in the jaw with his own arm and then pushed him away. Tien's boots made a screech as his feet touched the floor and stopped him only a few feet from her.
"Let me give you fair piece of advice. You shouldn't be trying to piss me off."
The Announcer thinking with the microphone in hand "Great someone is going to write us an angry worded letter about that."
Launch being coy "Why? I got the distinct feeling you're not taking be seriously. So why should I take you seriously?"
"Fine then I'll show you." In a grin Tien pointed his finger at Launch and yelled out "Dodon Ray!"
A beam rocked out of Tien's finger aimed at her. Launch could barely dodge the attack. It sliced opened her check as it nearly went slamming into the crowd. Instead it arched upwards into the sky. Tien smirk grew larger as blood ran down her check.
"Serious enough for you?"
Launch cautiously touched her check and looked at the blood on her hand. Launch trembling with rage said "Nice shot. My turn."
The turtle students and Jackie Chun's eyes shot open all of them knowing what she meant. Kakarrot noted their eyes bulging out of their sockets and looked at Launch expecting a good light show. Jackie Chun wanted to yell out to tell her not to do but hesitated as her hand cupped together pointed at Tien who was watching intently.
Launch yelling "KAME…".
Jackie Chun yelling "LAUNCH DON'T UNLEASH THE WAVE WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE AROUND! YOU DON'T HAVE CONTROL YET!"
The Turtle students looked at each other than at Jackie Chun confused but also scared. Launch clearly not listening put her hands to her sides. A blue light permeated the stadium as she threw her hands out in front her yelling "HAMEHA!"
A jet came streaming at Tien. The beam was shaky as it slammed at Tien. Tien grabbed the blast with his bare hands and managed to push it back before it exploded in front of him.
The audience was gasping and stunned. Gero eyes were as wide as they could go his mind trying to process what he witnessed. The UNIT agents were blue in the face. Bulma looked scared. Launch was just standing there her eyes just as open as the crowds.
The dust had not yet settled, and Launch looked scared muttering to herself that she hadn't meant to do it. She seemed to be under the assumption that she had killed Tien, but as the dust settled Tien became visible again.
His pants were a little torn and he had some singed marks on his body but was otherwise undamaged.
Launch breathed a sigh of relief. She was actual quite happy to see the very dourer Tien standing there. The tile in front of him had a crater. The audience as a group to also breathed sigh in relief. Tien looking very irritated by their happiness of his survival.
"Is that all you have woman, or should I just start laughing."
Launch went from happy to infuriate in a millisecond as the two were having a stared down.
Chi-Chi went back to looking at Jackie Chun curiously asking, "Sir how did you know about the Kamemaha and that Launch was not ready for it?" Her words were like a nail scrapping on black board to his ears.
He nearly fell down and started just saying "Um" repeatedly until an idea hit him "Well you see the thing is that… I'm good friends you see with Roshi your master you see… In fact, I happen to know all his moves…All great master know each other, we have a meeting every couple years… So… So, I can tell when someone not ready for one of his moves!" Jackie Chun under his breath 'Yeah that's the ticket.' Continuing. "Did I mention how everyone says we look alike?"
Kakarrot thinking having watched this display "How did I lose to this idiot?"
Chi-Chi and the other still seemed confused but just nodded and looked back at the fight as Jackie Chun thought to himself "Man I am so smooth."
Tien staring grinning at Launch "I'm ending this." Tien took to the air floating to the surprise of all but Jackie Chun, Chi-Chi and the Crane School.
"Wait pretty boy can fly?"
Jackie Chun thought 'This doesn't look good.'
Tien in air started flying at her. Launch got in defensives stance as Tien's hands went to his face. Launch looked intently at what he was about to do. While Kakarrot and Chiaotzu covered their eyes.
In a grin Tien screamed out "SOLAR FLARE!"
The stadium was in a second awash with a blinding white light leaving anyone staring without eye protection blind. Launch in vain swung at the air completely missing Tien who then gave her a hard punch in the air sending her flying towards the grass at the feet of the arena.
Tien grinned and seemed ready to just let her fall, but his eyes meet the covered eyes of Shen in the stands. Without moving a muscle Shen seemed to tell Tien what he wanted. Tien nodded and obeyed.
In one move Tien grabbed her by the gi stopping her from hitting the ground and violently slamming her onto the tile cracking it. Shen looked ecstatic and Kakarrot grinned as he heard Launch's pained grunts.
Launch still blinded was swinging wildly as he then punched her in the stomach with a great deal of force. Launch screamed in pain as her fellows desperate tried to see what was going on in a panic. Tien with greater hesitation kept punching her in the gut as her attempts to defend herself ceased.
She was coughing up blood as the vision came back to the blind to see the horror before them. The Turtle School was grinning their teeth and Jackie Chun was staring at Shen who merely grinned and gave an evil shrug.
Yamcha yelled out "That monster!"
The audience looked scared and was silent while Kakarrot was nearly in hysterics.
Krillin screamed out "That jerk!"
Chi-Chi was jumping into the ring when she was caught by Jackie Chun. She angrily looked at him, but he shook his head 'no'.
Tien looked back at Shen who signaled for him to continue. Tien had been visibly wanting to stop but he turned to continue when Launch bashed him in the knee. She had come to life in the time he had looked away. In pain Tien let go of her gi and she rolled away.
She got to her feet but was clenching her stomach as the very bloody woman attempted to get into stance. Tien shook of his pain and then got to his feet the damage was minimal. Launch could barely stand while Tien was standing tall.
Jackie Chun yelled out "Forfeit Launch the fight is over!"
Launch spat a mixer of blood and saliva onto the tile. "This fight isn't over until I say it is."
Jackie Chun still yelling "Don't be a fool! Tien is toying with you!"
She began running at Tien. He kicked her legs out from under her as she gave him a direct blow to the gut. He barely moved at her punch. He started stomping on her as she hit the ground. Launch was crying out in pain as Tien looked to Shen wondering if he could stop. Only to see Shen enjoying himself signaling for him to continue.
Launch yet again used Tien's split focus to escape and got to her feet. She was panting her eyes were dropping bones had been broken but yet she still looked determined. That was until her hair which had been undone by the fighting came to her nose and she sneezed.
Her hair turned blue and she fell to the ground crying in pain much to everyone's surprise. Tien looked like a deer in headlights and looked at Shen again who was ordering him to keep it up. Tien this time was hesitating and seemed to be pleading for Shen to end it.
Kakarrot to the Turtle School "This would be an ideal time to end it if you wanted. Blue might actually listen to reason."
Chi-Chi yelled to the blue Launch "Just say I forfeit, and we can help you!"
Despite her sobs she heard Chi-Chi's call and she yelled out "I FORFEIT!" Between her sobs.
Tien looked relieved, Shen was furious, and the Turtle School rushed out to help along with the medical staff.
Announcer hesitating said, "And the winner of the first match is Tien Shinhan." The crowd collective booed and hissed with the exception of Green who just laughed. Tien started to walk to side after getting his fill of the crowd and Shen when he was intercepted by Yamcha.
Yamcha looked ready to tear his throat out and very angrily said to him "Next round I am going kick your ass!"
Tien thanks to this hostility managed to re-find his dickish persona and with a grin said, "You can try." Tien walk passed him and to Kakarrot and Chiaotzu side.
"You're welcome."
Tien seeming mixed up "I didn't ask you to do that."
"You didn't need to brother. Heh. Just don't let Shen know." Tien nodded and so did Chiaotzu.
Kakarrot thought to himself 'Ha I guess that rift between Master and student just got wider.'
Launch was rushed to the medical wing by the staff as her friends nervously looked on.
"We will begin momentarily Ladies and Gentlemen after the crew is done repairing the arena." The repair with new tile came to the arena.
Frank looked shocked and said, "Well that was brutal."
Bill was baffled "How the hell did they do any of that?"
Frank shaking his head "I don't know."
"It wasn't fake I know that for sure."
"If you say so but if that's true then one person could have the power of an army."
Bill in a frown and in deep though "Yeah it does."
General Green grinning asked Gero "Enjoying the show doctor?"
"I suppose. I knew in theory about these abilities…" Starry eyed. "and my boy can do those things."
Green asked "Is it scary friendo?"
"No fascinating. That kind of power is something that needs to be harnessed."
"Well sounds like you have some inspiration doctor."
"Why yes I do." The doctor smiled eager to see the next match.
The crew finished up the tile, Jackie Chun and Yamcha took to the arena.
"Sorry I'll try not to be too hard on your old man, but I need to win for Launch's sake."
Jackie Chun coughed a bit trying not to laugh "Do what you have to do sonny."
"Next match is Jackie Chun versus Yamcha!"
The drum piped back up.
Kakarrot thought 'Let's see how much of your real strength you're going to use?'
The gong was rung. Announcer yelled "BEGIN FIGHT!"
In an instant Yamcha was charging very much intent on finish the match as soon as possible.
Yamcha shouted "WOLF FANG FIST!"
Jackie Chun thinking 'Patience how many times did I tell you.'
Jackie Chun with ease dodged Yamcha's attacks that were given wildly by him. Yamcha in his frustration swung more and more leaving himself wide open.
Jackie Chun seeing an opening gave him an open palm knuckle punch to the stomach. In severe pain Yamcha backed off stumbling away with a yelp. Bulma gave an audibly gasp. It would seem that she wasn't much a fan as she thought of watching Yamcha getting hurt.
Yamcha in a pained groan asked, "How did you…? How did that hurt so much?"
Jackie Chun in lecture mode "You left yourself open. You were too focused on your own attack. That is a bad idea against an experienced opponent. You should try to be more careful."
Yamcha got back into stance "Why are you lecturing me in a fight?"
Jackie Chun smiled "Sorry habit of an old master."
"Well thanks for the advice. I'm going to make sure you regret giving it."
"I'm hoping to."
Yamcha charged him again this time with more guard to himself. Jackie Chun happy that he had taken his advice but Yamcha attacks were still wild and not hitting their mark. Jackie Chun decided to go on the offensive again. He grabbed ahold of his arm and used it to whack Yamcha in the face. Yamcha was forced back again with no result other than pain.
Jackie Chun chuckled "You seem to be having trouble sonny. You should maybe try and think before you go and start swinging." With that it looked as though Jackie Chun had just kicked him in the crotch, his eyes were a flame with anger.
"I won't take getting laughed by you, old man."
"Well I suppose you will just have to try and stop me. If you can." Yamcha looked on the verge of bursting a blood vessel.
Jackie Chun thought "Why are youth always so prideful? Mistake number three is coming I can feel it."
Yamcha face was blood red "No one makes fun of me old man!" Yamcha with wild abandonment got setup for the Kamehameha.
Jackie Chun's eyes opened, and he shook his head. Jackie Chun moving faster than Yamcha could follow rushed towards him. And with a single chop given to Yamcha sent him flying backwards which might have been the end of it but Yamcha fingers managed to touch the tile along with his feet slowing him down thanks to friction.
"Don't you remember? You're not supposed to let your guard down son."
"But… How?"
"Looks can be deceiving. I might be old as dirt but I'm still quiet light on my feet."
Yamcha thinking "Damn he's quick. What am I going to do?"
"Don't think I'm out of this fight yet!" Yamcha jumped back up to his feet.
"You're a skilled fighter son it's just that today you went up against someone better at this then you. I know defeat can hurt but you got to handle it with grace."
Chi-Chi eyes lit up "Wow this guy is good."
"No kidding."
Kakarrot thought 'Roshi you can play with your students all you want. I can't wait to have your head as a trophy after today.'
Tien thought 'Is Roshi just using this persona as a way to teach his students? He's not belittling them or anything.'
"That'll be the day!" Yamcha charged Jackie Chun only to be slapped around by him.
Jackie Chun shook his head "You can't just keep charging headfirst into things you should really plan things out."
Yamcha tried to punch him but with one hit Yamcha was sent flying to the grass at the end of the arena. Before he knew he was out of the arena and his head was touching the grass.
Announcer hurriedly "Yamcha is out of bounds! Jackie Chun wins!"
Bulma was the first to gasp in horror. Having gone from rooting against him to now very upset by his loss. "O my Kami is he alright!?" She jumped out of her seat and rushed down the aisles to him. She attempted to get on the field but was halted by some ushers who she angrily tried to get past.
Meanwhile Yamcha slowly got up more in shock then anything to see Jackie Chun above him holding his hand out to let him grab it. Yamcha smiles and takes his hand. The crowd cheers and Bulma sighs in relief at Yamcha's safety.
"Sorry sonny you lost. Good fight though."
Yamcha chuckled "You kidding? I was no match."
"Well I'm just a little more experienced. Give it a couple more years and I'm sure you could show me a thing or two."
Yamcha hand behind his head "Yeah right!" Yamcha blushed a little bit having seen what Bulma had done to try and get to him.
The crowd clapped as the two returned to the waiting area as Krillin and Kakarrot got ready to fight.
Chapter 8: Second Two Matches
Chapter Text
The crowd was cheering as Krillin in his orange gi took the stage. On Krillin's face was a look of fear. He had never been the recipient of so much attention in his life nor was Krillin really enjoying it.
The drums began to beat as he took the stage.
Kakarrot hovered onto the stage his gaze was firmly on Krillin. Kakarrot's black and ashen grey gi with the Crane emblem on it all seemed unearthly stable. Kakarrot's grin grew larger as he heard the crowd realizing his hovering. The crowd was still impressed by such things even though Tien had done it first.
Krillin looked to see it and was stunned a bit. He knew Tien was flying earlier but he was hoping that it was only Tien that could fly. Krillin's brown eyes meet Kakarrot black coal like eyes. Krillin shuttered in fright of him.
Krillin thought to himself "Boy this kid is creepy."
Kakarrot found his spot. His tail which had been allowed to drag curved upwards as his feet landed on the tile.
"What's the matter baldie, scared?"
Krillin trying to act brave said "No way creep!"
Kakarrot in a deep authoritative voice without a smile and with piercing eyes "You should be."
"The next match is Kakarrot versus Krillin!"
The yelling from the audience picked up with the drums going faster. The gong was rung.
"Begin fight!"
Krillin gulped and stood his ground working under the assumption that it was Kakarrot that would make the first move. While Kakarrot stood planning on seeing how long Krillin would just cower in his presence. It had been far too long, after all since he had tasted another's fear.
Chi-Chi yelled out to him "You can do it Krillin!" As the crowds cheering dimmed at the wait. Krillin looked over to her and blushed at her words of encouragement.
Kakarrot sneered and said under his breath "Mine" as he stared daggers now at Krillin. Kakarrot's blood in a micro-second had been sent to a boil.
Kakarrot was at once feeling the urge to forget the Tournament and just kill Krillin. He charged Krillin and punched him right in the face. Krillin was thrown back a bit of blood coming from his mouth. Kakarrot was growling and vividly taking in the thoughts of the pleasure of killing this boy.
Kakarrot stopped however and forced himself to think "Damn these instincts. We want to conquer the world not just take a little girl. Now think damn you. There is no way she would want him I mean honestly. Besides it would be no fun if she really knew who you really are until after you take her. Calm down and be smart."
Kakarrot growling receded and in a grin as he said "Nice friends you have there. Willing to give you some pity."
Krillin stunned expression at the pain turned to anger quickly. Krillin was now the one growling in anger.
"So, you have a spark after all. I'll shall have so such fun extinguishing it."
A wave of air rushed at Krillin after Kakarrot chopped into the air. Krillin barely moved but his eyes became watery.
"Oh, I thought that might just knock you out of the ring weakling."
Krillin was enraged at that his fists grew tighter said yelling "Are you just going to keep talking or are you going to fight me creep!"
Kakarrot smirked as Krillin charged him rushing with all his might to sock him one in his face. Krillin was going all out but it was all for not.
Kakarrot hovered backwards as punch after punch came towards him only to have them hit air. Kakarrot wasn't even needing to dodge them as he just beyond Krillin's punches. In circles Kakarrot seemed to be leading Krillin around the stage with his hands behind his back. Until Kakarrot smacked Krillin in the face with his tail. Krillin pulled back rubbing his face as Kakarrot feet came back to the tile.
Kakarrot in his smirking grin "Face it human your no match for me. You might as well just give up. Unless you are interested in some more humiliation?"
Krillin at that throw another punch but found his fist caught by Kakarrot tail. Krillin was slammed to the ground then pulled in the air and slammed back down. Krillin was in a daze completely under Kakarrot control as he was tossed and went sliding towards the edge of the stage.
Chi-Chi, Yamcha and Bulma all gasped as Krillin went sliding. Shen seemed annoyed that Kakarrot wasn't intent to humiliate Roshi's students to the fullest extent of his imagination.
Krillin seemed ready to fall but he held on and stopped himself getting back to his feet.
Kakarrot seemed impressed as the crowd cheered for Krillin, he hadn't thought the bald fighter would recover. Chi-Chi smiled at seeing her friend having managed to get.
Chi-Chi yelled to him "That's it Krillin just don't lose your cool and hold on and you can win!"
Krillin blushed a little bit and Kakarrot found himself growling again at the encouragement that Chi-Chi was trying to give Krillin. Kakarrot found himself at conflict with his urge to just kill the bald boy.
Kakarrot thought to himself 'That's it I got to finish this fight quickly before I do something stupid.'
Kakarrot rushed at Krillin the streaks of wind behind him. Krillin closed his eyes out of a fear of the growling monkey tailed monster rushing towards him.
Krillin tensed up as he felt Kakarrot right in front of him. Krillin was in full panic mode all of the bravado from earlier was now gone. Krillin was under the belief that he was about to die right then and there.
Krillin was about to start begging when he felt a hand touch his head and then push him back. Krillin having now became so tense fell like a tree hitting the grass stiffly.
"The winner of the third match is Kakarrot as Krillin is out of bounds!"
The audience began to laugh as Krillin opened his eyes. He looked up to see that he was in the shadow of Kakarrot standing on the stage above him grinning.
Jackie Chun sighed. Chi-Chi and Yamcha seemed stunned. Shen was having the literal time of his long miserable life cackling. Tien and Chiaotzu stood there like statues not wanting to show any emotion. The UNIT agents were disappointed after all they had wanted to see Gero's kid lose.
Krillin was red with embarrassment and at the laughter at him. Kakarrot looking at him with his cold black eyes and said quietly so only Krillin could hear "Enjoy that spot little boy. It's the best you're ever going to get, in my shadow and a joke." Kakarrot said like his tongue was forked and said oozing with hate.
Krillin angrily looked back at him as Kakarrot held his hand out which Krillin refused to take instead get up on his own. Kakarrot curved his hand up and with shrug he grinned. The crowd cheered for him all having come to the belief that Krillin was just being a sore loser. Kakarrot took a bow.
Kakarrot thought while bowing 'Fear is great, but cheering is on a whole other level. I could get used to this. That's right worthless humans cheer for your future prince.'
Gero was clapping and his and Kakarrot eyes met as he raised his head. Gero gave him a nod and mouthed a 'that a boy' to him. Kakarrot then looked to see Shen far too enthralled to notice anything at all that was happening.
Krillin came back to the sidelines in tears out of shame and anger. He was prepared to just walk away and sulk in a corner. When Chi-Chi jumped over to him and hugged him to his surprise and shock. It was a small hug and she quickly pulled away and look at him in the eyes.
Chi-Chi a smiling "You did great!"
Krillin blushing "You really think so?"
"Sure there is only a handful of people that could stand up to that guy and you did it."
Yamcha coming up behind the two "Yeah man you did fine."
Kakarrot was walking back to see the affection that Chi-Chi was giving to Krillin and was visibly angry. He picked his pace and said to Chi-Chi "It's your turn to fight unless you want to keep hugging that loser?"
Chi-Chi gave him an angry glare. Kakarrot turned his head and walked over to Tien and Chiaotzu.
She said to Krillin "Don't listen to him. He doesn't really mean it."
"I don't think that's true Cheech."
Chi-Chi didn't seem to listen to him as her focus came to Chiaotzu. Chiaotzu had floated away from Tien and had come in the middle of the walkway. Chi-Chi let go of Krillin. Chiaotzu hovered into left side ring and landed while Chi-Chi walked to right side.
The drum once again sounded. Unlike the other Crane students there was nothing no trash talk. Chiaotzu just stared. Kakarrot had returned to his far cooler self. He was far too interested in this fight to bother keep thinking about baldie. First chance Kakarrot thought he got he would kill baldy though.
"Don't talk much do you?"
Chiaotzu just stared back in response.
The gong was rung. The announcer shouted, "Begin fight!"
Chi-Chi got into stance but Chiaotzu didn't move a muscle until finally Chiaotzu as almost an afterthought noticed something and said, "Master says girls shouldn't be allow to fight."
Chi-Chi's eyes flickered not in anger but more in confusion. This weird clown boy was not trying to be mean or hateful. He was just sort or empty, he was just being a parrot. There was nothing to his voice it was like a ghost, transparent and void. He was definitely not the asshole that Tien and Kakarrot were trying to be. It was like he just wasn't there.
Jackie Chun saw it too as he thought to himself 'The boy is a few cards short of a full deck. Shen is always brutal to his pupils. I can only manage what kind of torture he has been subjected to. My old friend what is wrong with you? I can't let this stand. You must be stopped but… I don't know if I have it in me to stop you.'
Chi-Chi charged Chiaotzu quickly finding that in the strength department she was better than him. Chiaotzu was forced back more and more as Chi-Chi was in full control of the fight. Until Chiaotzu flew up and out of Chi-Chi grasp.
Chiaotzu looked at her and pointed his finger he fired a Dodon ray. Chi-Chi dodged it. He fired again and again but she managed to dodge the blasts each time. Krillin and Yamcha were cheering while Jackie Chun was just nodding and said, "That's my girl."
Shen was grinning his teeth. Chiaotzu felt a chill down his spine. Chiaotzu looked to see his master quite angry. Chiaotzu began to sweat in fear. He remembered what happened if you angered Shen. Chiaotzu quickly dropped to the tile.
Chiaotzu raised his finger on his left hand and pointed at her. Chi-Chi suddenly felt paralyzed. Her body wanted to move but couldn't. It was if she had just turned to stone. Kakarrot nearly chuckled saying to Tien "Guess our boy didn't want to play around." Tien nodded in agreement.
Yamcha and Krillin were instantly confused while Jackie Chun was panicking a bit.
Bulma yelled "What's going on? My girl isn't moving?"
"What's happening why doesn't Cheech move?"
"Man, this is weird."
Jackie Chun thought 'Of all the dirty tricks!'
Chiaotzu right arm raised as he began to charge a Dodon ray aim at Chi-Chi's arm. The intention most likely to cripple her to win the fight.
Chi-Chi thinking fast and remembering how much nothing she seemed to be getting from him yelled out "Hey look out behind you!" She knew it was desperate and probably wouldn't work but he looked.
His grip on her loosened and she managed to free herself before he fired. Chi-Chi and the audience in general were stunned. In a hot second though Chi-Chi put it together. He didn't just look vacant; he sort of was vacant. Chiaotzu had power but no brain power.
Shen smacked his face in disgust and screamed out "Idiot don't fall for that again!"
Green chuckling asked Gero "Did I just see that doctor?"
Gero sighed and said back "Yes and it was almost too stupid to believe."
Chi-Chi thought 'I think he can't use that power without his fingers and since he's not the brightest bulb. Man, I hope this works.'
Chi-Chi yelled out to him "What's five plus four?"
Chiaotzu started to count with his hands then looked back but Chi-Chi was already all over him. She was punching and they were hurting. Chiaotzu was being pushed back. Chi-Chi then felt herself paralyzed again then knocked back. Chiaotzu had kicked her back and he was looking far less cool then before.
"You tricked me!" Chi-Chi knew she didn't stand a chance against this power.
Chi-Chi hurriedly "What's one plus six?" Chiaotzu stop he began to count using his fingers. She broke free and smashed him in the face. He was sent to the edge of the ring.
Tien was livid. He looked like he was ready to jump in and kill Chi-Chi right then and there.
Kakarrot said to him "Calm yourself my brother. This fight isn't over yet and up until now all wounds were somewhat self-inflicted. We can't do anything so cool it."
Chiaotzu jumped up before Chi-Chi could try and just push him off. Chi-Chi was frozen again but before she could yell out a question, she felt her mouth close. He was trying to keep her mouth closed, hold her still and charge for a Dodon ray. The result was his grip was much lighter.
It was too much still for her to break normal, but her arms couldn't move forward, but her fingers could. Chi-Chi manage to cup her fingers and, in her mind, say the words. The turtle wave burst forth from her hand a weak one aim at the tile, but it was strong enough to break the hold. She rocked into the air.
The crowd was awed and Kakarrot smiled thinking 'Quick thinking. Very good Chi-Chi.'
Chiaotzu fired and while in midair she said to herself "Kamehameha!" The two beams meet with hers easily overpowering his. Chiaotzu jumped out of the way as the wave hit the dirt. He looked up to not find her. She had gotten behind him, then grabbed him and throwing him away. Chiaotzu hit the dirt before he knew what happened.
"Chi-Chi has won Chiaotzu is out of bounds."
The audience went wild. Shen was close to ripping out his remaining hair out. Tien was livid while Kakarrot was trying to hide a smile. Kakarrot had wanted a rematch with her and it looked like he was going to get it.
Chi-Chi held her hand offering to help Chiaotzu up to his surprise. Chiaotzu looked at her like she was three headed. He sensed Shen's displeasure and refused it.
Chiaotzu normally empty mind was now filled with confusion, however. Chiaotzu got to his feet and began to fly back to the sidelines.
Chiaotzu thought to Tien "They're nice."
Tien thought back "What?"
Chiaotzu thinking "They're nice Tien. She was willing to help me up. The Turtles care about each other like we do."
Tien thought back 'Doesn't matter we're better. We're stronger and worth more.'
Chiaotzu thought back 'If you say so Tien.'
Announcer into his microphone "Alright ladies and gentlemen its intermission time. Time to get a snack some merch and take a breather. We'll see you in an hour and viewers out there make sure and watch our intermission show with some former fighters that still possesses the ability to speak or so I'm told. Enjoy your break."
Jackie Chun sighed in relief, but he knew that this Tournament was far from over. He looked to Tien.
Jackie Chun thought 'Such a powerful young man. To be so young but so twisted. Shen you can't kill a human heart. I can't let this man, or the monkey tail monster be Earth's champion. Maybe Chi-Chi can beat Kakarrot but I doubt it. She's a tough one but this kid is bad news. Roshi you're going to have to do it again if not I have a feeling the kid wouldn't be stopped.'
Bulma getting out of her seat and talking to Puar and Oolong "Let's go see Yamcha then find out about Launch."
Puar nodding in agreement "Right. I'm with you."
Oolong sighed not moving "Oh but I'm hungry."
Bulma angry "Shut up and get moving piggey."
Oolong turned blue his hands went to his butt, he jumped up and said "Alright, alright."
Green to Gero and their guards "Alright I need a hotdog."
"First we get my boy."
"Well as long as the army is paying. I would go in debt trying to pay to feed your bottomless hole of a son." Green chuckled at that while Gero nodded in agreement as did the guards.
Bill said anxiously some sweat going down his face "That was insane!"
Frank a little blue "No kidding."
"They can make lightening come from their hand and punch threw rock like it was paper.
"Yeah we have a problem. It's not just Tao any more there is evidently a whole generation of super freaks that we might have to deal with."
"High command is going to want to know about this." Frank nodded as they both left their seats to tell their high command.
Chapter 9: Breaktime
Chapter Text
Bulma ran up passed the ushers and made it to the sidelines of the stage thanks to some assistance by Oolong and Puar. She ran up yelling to Yamcha "Your okay right!?" She hugged him fasters than he could response then pulled away and began inspecting herself looking for cuts bruises. He looked quite happy to see that his girlfriend didn't seemed pissed at him anymore.
He flexed a bit"Yeah I'm okay."
Puar flew into his hands crying saying "Yamcha I was so scared."
He waved both of them off with a smile "Don't be. I'm not the one we should be worried about."
Chi-Chi and Krillin both sadly said "Right."
"Well isn't this just the lamest pity party. Glad I wasn't invited to it." Launch was on crutches with bandages virtually all over her. She must have sneezed again as she was blonde. She was in a hospital gown but with some of her clothing over the bandages. She looked in pain, but she had a grin on her face from them seeing her.
They all yelled out at once "Launch!" but Bulma quickly followed asking "Shouldn't you still be in the hospital?"
Launch waved her hand "You sound like those doctors. 'Miss you need a caste and bed rest.' Bah as soon as I faked being blue and they left I got the hell out of there. Glad the walk was short." They all were stunned but with a twinge of acceptance after all they should have expected this from her.
"You look like a mummy." She said with sincerity that nearly made the group fall over.
Launch grinned at her comment "Yeah I guess I do kid. By the way sorry I missed your fights."
Yamcha chuckled "Don't sweat it you were busy. Besides I didn't really like that everyone had to see me get my ass kicked."
Krillin nodding in agreement "Yeah me too."
"Eh it ain't all bad news. Kiddo manage to at least get to the second round."
Krillin with a bead of sweat "Yeah and the guy she had to go up against had like crazy mental powers. I couldn't imagine going up against him."
Chi-Chi with bright eyes "I'm sure you would have done fine." They laughed. Krillin blushed as she patted him on the back.
Bulma guardedly said "Well I suppose you all are going to want lunch then?" There was a cheer from them as she rolled her eyes. "Fine I guess I feed all of you."
They all had a laugh while the Crane students who had been watching along turned to each other.
Kakarrot looked at Tien, he was tense already very mentally prepared to fight Roshi but also very aware of Shen's anger to Chiaotzu. The young man was already giving hints of his displease at all of this.
So Kakarrot decided to strike another blow "Me and my grandpa are going to get some lunch you two want to join?"
He was tense "No I think Master wants to have a word with me and Chiaotzu."
Kakarrot holding back a smile said "Brother you know that you don't always have to do what Master wants? Not that's it's any of my business but Master has put us on the path to become great fighters. Why don't we start acting like great fighter?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Just a random thought. I mean sometimes I think we act more like his errand boys then great martial artists." Seed nice and planted in his mind. "Well I see yay." Kakarrot flew off chuckling to himself as he landed in front of the waiting Gero and Green.
Meanwhile Tien looked as though a bomb had been dropped in his skull. Tien had always prided himself on hid loyalty to the old crane master but now his thoughts had turned. More and more angry thoughts were coming to his head about his master. All of the beating were now coming to the forefront of his mind and the insults.
Shen appeared before the group of Tien and Chiaotzu. Shen looked absolutely pissed as he stated daggers at Chiaotzu who was nervously coming closer to Tien. Shen hands came and grabbed hold of Chiaotzu pulling towards him. Instinctively Tien hands moved to stop him, but his hands stopped the moment he remembered who he trying to stop.
Shen then took out a whip from his robes and began to strike Chiaotzu over and over again with it, as Tien watched. Chiaotzu meanwhile crying out in pain.
Shen was yelling "This is what happens when you lose! You worthless little moron!"
Tien was growing angrier and angrier and he was about ready to kill Shen but was interrupted.
Roshi yelled "ENOUGH SHEN!"
The disguised Roshi had been the last one left around behind the walls of the sidelines around were they were. The Crane Master and students looked, as Tien breathed a sigh of relief at this welcomed intrusion.
Shen angrily spat out "Butt out of this Roshi I don't tell you how to raise your weakling student why should I let you?"
"Because there is a big difference between teaching and abuse which you most certainly crossed and if I report you attacking a fighter you will find you butt on the street."
"Still the tattle tale I see." Shen's grip on Chiaotzu's faded and his whip went back into his robe and he smiled cruelly staring down Roshi.
"Tell me why did you bother getting into this ridiculous costume and fighting in this Tournament anyways?"
"Unlike you Shen I don't like hurting my students, but this is the best way to teach them."
"Teach them what exactly?"
"Teach them that there is always more to stride for always more to learn. I wanted to give them a challenge that they couldn't beat so that they would believe there was always someone stronger out there."
Shen evilly giggling "So let me get this straight to have them compete in a Tournament that you don't want them to win with the only one capable of stopping them being yourself. To teach them a lesson on how weak they are, to keep them training?"
"It's not like you say but… sort of."
"That is so dumb on so many levels I can't even articulate. The point of this Tournament is to prove who is the strongest, and yet you don't even care about that do you."
"Nope."
"You are so painfully shortsighted. You aren't even planning to throw it in their faces that you were stronger than them, were you?"
Roshi shook his head 'no'.
"I think you missed the point a bit of all of this. Students are just a way to continue your teachings. Power is an end unto itself. This is a place where you can flaunt that power and show that you are better than everyone else."
"No Shen you miss the point." (His eyes came to Tien). "I'm surprise young man that you became such a good fighter under such a lousy teacher." He turned and walked away as Shen was fuming and going back into full rage mode.
Tien meanwhile seemed a bit stunned his master's rival had just gave him a compliment with no hint of sarcasm like Shen liked to do.
Shen in a far more quiet rage said to the non-attentive Tien "You are going to kill him."
Tien looking back at Shen in a sort of double take "What?"
"You heard me. This Tournament means nothing. Kakarrot will win his match anyways and will be declared champion. I have had enough of Roshi. It's time to end it. Kill him and take the disqualification. The police won't arrest you and even if they tried, they couldn't hold you. Tao has been a killer for hundreds of years and no one can stop him."
Tien hesitatingly bowed and said, "It will be done Master."
"See that it is." Shen begins to walk away but turns his head back towards Tien and says to him. "Oh and next time I give an order don't hesitate or else."
Tien went over to look at the cut up and bleeding Chiaotzu on the ground as Tien began to think deeply to himself about what the hell he was doing right now.
Bill was sitting at a café looking at the Ribbon detail around Green, Gero and Kakarrot. Kakarrot was doing his usually thing of eating consuming a virtually unbelievably amount of food while others looked on in horror and curiosity.
Bill had remembered in the academy that they would talk about a monkey tail monster that ate POWs. It had been a rumor but clearly rumors were now becoming more fact than fantasy and somehow, he knew that the boy knew that they were here. This had been a through the looking glass kind of mission. That just kept getting weird, but one thing was clear. The boy was far more then he appeared.
Frank sat down having been talking on his phone to command. Frank looked nervous for the first time since he began working with him.
"Well Sir?"
"They're watching but not totally convinced. I'm sure they will be but will it really matter in the end?"
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. They have a flying monkey that can blow up tanks without a gun. How in the hell to you counter that?"
"I don't know sir. It's not my department but I mean that's why they have that place where they have all that alien tech. I'm sure they have some sort magic bullet there."
"There's a reason we don't use that crap because we don't know how to use all of it safely."
Bill looking back at the eating Kakarrot while still talking to Frank "This all does bring up some interesting questions."
"Like what exactly?"
"Do you remember the storys about Piccolo?"
"That old horror story?"
"Is it? The things described sure as shit sir match the kid sort of."
"No really he's supposed to be a ten foot tall green giant that spits demon from his mouth?"
"Your right sir but the powers the yellow glowey energy. The fact he could destroy whole armies with his finger."
"Look kid the Great Collapse was not caused by some mystical green monster from like three hundred years ago."
"I'm not so sure sir. Aliens are thing, I mean there's a whole warehouse worth of proof of that and even humans can do those things."
Frank now irritated "You're talking about ancient demons and myths when we have actual alien in the hands of the enemy right now."
"I know it sir. It's not relevant now. I'm just saying that maybe this had happened before and is going to happen again."
"Well right now let's stay focused on the problem at hand now."
While the two UNIT agents discussed things amongst themselves across the way as Kakarrot finished up.
Green smiled and asked, "So you enjoyed your fight kid?"
"Eh he wasn't really a challenge and I was a little distracted."
Green sarcastically "Something distracted you? Color me shocked."
"Very funny. No, I've gotten a lot better about that sort of thing."
The good doctor inquisitively asked "So, what do you think of the next match?"
"Jackie Chun (Roshi) has the edge, Tien is conflicted. Roshi has like hundreds of years of knowledge and is good about getting in your head which is Tien's weakness. I know from experience."
"Now there is my adorable little psychopath. If this whole fighting thing doesn't work out, I could always use you as an intelligence agent."
"I plan to be a little more than that Uncle General."
"I figured. Just remember who your friends are went you get to the top."
"I plan to uncle."
Gero angrily asked Green on something that had been irritating him since become he had got here "Why is Red cutting my budget?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Your management Green."
"Oh, I suppose I am. I don't know he got some crazy idea in his head about magical balls or something. He's spending a ton on this locator thing."
"I know that. He's making me the build the stupid thing."
Green in a smile and a whispers "Well the man might have lost his marbles because he seems to have the idea is that if he gets seven of these magic balls, he will get a wish."
Both Gero and Kakarrot started roaring in laughter.
"You have got to be kidding me?"
Green shrugged "I'm a comedian not a fantasy novelist. The man might be off his ever-loving rocker. Me and some of the other generals nearly lost are shit when he gave us our orders. Whatever meds that he's on ought to be doubled. I mean we're supposed to be getting ready for a show down with the Royal army and the UNIT not this shit. He's deploying a tons of troops and blowing a year's budget on this crap."
Kakarrot dead serious "Maybe it's time for new leadership." Both Green and Gero then got real quiet.
"Son you can't say those kind of things…"
Green interupted "Well I'd never say anything against the man, but I suppose there has been grumblings."
"Who pray tell?"
"Maybe a man sitting across from you."
"You would really?"
"I'm not one for the big chair but hell you might be a little Alexander the Great conquering the world before he was thirty. Better yet he couldn't rip tanks apart with his bare hands. Blue is a toady. White's a drunk. Brown gets knocked over by a gust of wind. Copper is the only real other choice and we're not really friendly but you know it's just a random thought."
Kakarrot and Green smiled at each while Gero seemed a little nervous about all of this. Kakarrot noticed this and said "Stop worrying Grandpa. We're just talking hypotheticals. Besides aren't you the one always saying how important and godlike I am?"
"Yes, son but this is all a little too soon?"
"Not if it's hypothetical grandpa."
The Turtle school came walking by the Ribbons as Kakarrot locked eyes with Krillin who gave him a dirty look. Kakarrot smiled back and as his focused changed as he locked onto Chi-Chi's eyes. The two stared at one another and she blushed as the Turtle group passed them by as Chi-Chi rejoined the conversation at hand.
Bulma looking around "I just don't get it. Where is that lecherous old man? I mean I looked he wasn't in the crowd. He came all this way and doesn't even want to watch his own students fight?"
Oolong picking his snout "Seems strange but the old man does tend to get around."
"I've been thinking about that. You know that Jackie Chun you know seems familiar."
Puar questioned "What are you saying Yamcha?"
"I don't know but I think there is something going on."
Nervously and hurriedly Roshi in his typical getup comes rushing over to them his ears no doubt burning and him sneezing.
Bulma and Launch both look angrily and suspiciously at him.
Bulma angrily asked "Where have you been exactly?"
Roshi stammering out a response "O nowhere in particular but I saw your fights. You all did great."
Krillin and Yamcha both looked sad at that comment.
"No, I mean it. Yamcha you went up against Jackie Chun one of the foremost Martial Artist on Earth and held you own for a time. Krillin you went up against a very powerful alien and lived to tell the tail. (Pun intended.) Launch you managed to survive against Shen's star pupil and somehow are still walking… when you should really be in the hospital right now come to think of it. And Chi-Chi you went up against an opponent that you couldn't have trained for, with radical power and yet you managed to win."
"Yeah I suppose master but I would like to have had made it to at least the second round."
"Don't worry man I'm sure you will do better next time."
"Hey wait a second! You still haven't answered our question. Where were you?"
He was stammering again "Well I aw…"
"Spill it old man! You were doing something disgusting like hanging around the bathroom or the dressing room hoping to get a peek weren't you?"
Roshi taking advantage, lowered his head "Well you caught me."
Launch angrily shouted at first "I should give you a good beating right now… but for various reasons I can't right now. So Bulma would you kindly?"
Bulma nodded and very politely said back "Of course what are friends for." Bulma smacked Roshi on the face as hard as she could.
Roshi of course as always pretended it hurt. The group had a nice laugh as they walked away except for Chi-Chi who had stayed behind.
Chi-Chi looked to find Kakarrot with his tail signaling her into a far more secluded way. He had given Grandpa Gero and Uncle Green the slip. She ran over following him to an ice cream stand out of any of their friends or family visual range.
Kakarrot had in his hand some money he had no doubt stolen from someone pocket. She came up to him. Gave him a kiss and he asked her "Want some ice cream?"
"Sure but where'd you get the money?"
"Grandpa gave it to me." He said most likely lying.
The wad of cash had bought them the biggest soft serve with all the fixings for Kakarrot and Chi-Chi a small vanilla cone with nothing on it.
"I can't believe you didn't want more I had plenty of money."
"Well I kind of just ate."
"So what?" He asked as in mere moments after he ate the ice cream cone and all.
Chi-Chi seemed shocked "Doesn't that hurt with the brain freeze and all?"
"Maybe but I wanted to do it so I did."
"By the way did you say something mean to Krillin?"
"Hmn?"
"Well it was just that Krillin seemed to think you were not being very kind to him."
Kakarrot not skipping a beat "You saw me try to help him out. I said some light trash talk but you know I was what I was taught to do. If you want me to, I'll apologize to him?"
"No, I just wanted to know why he was a little angry."
"What can I say? I guess he's got thin skin."
Chi-Chi giggled "Yeah I guess you're right." Then she got more serious. "So how about our fight?"
Kakarrot smiled "I want you to pull no punches. I want you to treat me like the confused me from a year ago that you gave a good thrashing to. If I'm going to have a fight with you, I want a proper rematch." She nodded in agreement. "Good."
Over the intercom system was the voice of the Announcer piping in "Will all the remaining contestants come back to the stage." As this was being said Kakarrot looked into the air and smiled. He looked passed the speaker and could see a low hanging moon in the sky.
It was the one aspect of himself he had yet to fully master, but it was comforting to know it was coming if he needed it. The flux waves wouldn't come until the atmosphere calmed around twilight probably when he faced Roshi. It would seem luck and chance were on his side after all.
In his time with Shen he had nearly lost track of the calendar almost costing Yurin her life. A good thing he had checked but this was a double-sided blade. He didn't want to kill them all at least not, yet which was hard to do in that form. He would just have to be careful he thought.
Kakarrot to Chi-Chi "Well it looks like we are begin summoned."
The two were careful to go back separately and as they did the audience started t stream back to their seats. Chiaotzu was forced to sit next to Shen but the Turtles took their places in the sidelines. Bulma and the others were looking for Roshi as Jackie Chun arrived.
"Welcome back everyone in a few short minutes the next match of the world Tournament will begin and I'm sure it is going to be one magnificent fight so don't touch that remote."
Chapter 10: Tien Vs Jackie Chun
Chapter Text
Kakarrot could see instantly that he had missed something. Tien was nervous, sweating and looked more uptight than usual. This of course was all coming from Roshi's presence and Shen's glares. Kakarrot looked into the stands and to Shen.
Kakarrot knew it in an instant. Murder was in the air. Shen wanted his puppet to do his dirty work and kill Roshi. Kakarrot was hit with two competing thoughts that it should be him that kills Roshi, and that this would mean he would never get his rematch with the old Turtle.
He thought sure, now it would be funny to see the look on the Turtle School's faces when they find out their master was dead, but this was just unacceptable. It was his job not Tien's job.
Kakarrot moved on Tien hurriedly before he went on the stage while slowly Roshi as Jackie went on the stage and asked in a whisper "What is happening brother?"
Tien whispered back "Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
Kakarrot still whispering "Is that how you treat a brother?"
Tien whispering back again "Shen order me to aw…"
Kakarrot in a louder whisper cutting him off "Yeah I got that but you're not going to do it are you? We won't be able to show these pleps which one of us is the strongest."
Tien whispering back "Doesn't matter orders are orders."
Kakarrot whispering back "Orders from a crazed old man don't mean squat. You have to choose your own fate."
Tien without saying a word pushed Kakarrot aside and walked out onto the stage.
Kakarrot sneered and he angrily stared at Shen as he took his spot watching prepare to watch the fight.
The Turtle students having seen this little back and forth looked confused. Chi-Chi noticed the unhappy demeanor of Kakarrot and the very obvious sweating of a nervous Tien.
Chi-Chi said out loud to her teammates "Somethings up."
Yamcha angrily glaring at Tien saying back "Yeah. Why is that asshole so nervous?"
Krillin trying to be optimistic "Maybe he's scared of Jackie."
Yamcha shook his head "I don't think so Krillin."
"Well that bastard's a killer so it could be anything."
"Now begins the semi-final rounds of the World Martial Arts Tournament first up Tien versus Jackie Chun…"
Tien still bare chested finds his spot and stares directly at the disguised Roshi while getting into stance. Roshi seems just as determined having dropped any of his funny act. The drums pick up.
Roshi confidently stated "You are a very strong young man Tien. I'm sorry that you've only had a teacher that only teaches you how to be a killer. After all, you could be a lot stronger or at least be a better person."
"Shut up old man. I'm a killer. I don't need to be a better person."
"Whatever you say sonny."
The gong is rung. Announcer yelled out "BEGIN FIGHT!"
Tien tensed up while Jackie Chun just stood there in no stance at all.
His arms were behind his back to Tien's surprise. The two were just glaring at one another. The crowd started to get restless in their boredom as the Announcer was getting angry at the lack of punching and thought "We're losing viewers right now!"
Shen was getting frustrated too not understanding the why but the reason for this standoff was clear to the Turtle and Crane students. Roshi was calm and giving Tien no opening.
Tien himself was getting frustrated. Not just because of Roshi not giving him an opening but because of all of this madness. Shen's orders, Kakarrot butting in and it was all swirling around in his skull like a nest of angry hornets.
Roshi calmly stated "Your confusion is understandable son. Killing people is wrong. Hurting people is wrong. Your master can't kill those facts in you. You're forcing yourself to be something you're not. Let it go son. You're no killer."
Tien face became darker and angrier. Roshi's words were like fingernails on a blackboard to him.
Tien yelled out at him "Stop trying to confuse me old man! I'm going to kill you!" Tien then charged at Jackie Chun with wild abandonment.
Roshi dodged the first two punches then started blocking the rest as he wasn't fast enough to just dodge them all. Tien wasn't holding back having been properly goateed. Tien may have been faster but Roshi seemed to be able to read his moves.
The crowd got back into it as Tien in his anger was being more and more reckless with his attacks. Roshi was reading the young man with ease. He easily counterstriked with a quick punch to Tien's gut. Tien's hands went to his stomach and Roshi delivered a good one to his jaw to which Tien was nearly sent airborne by.
Tien went stumbling back as the crowd enjoyed the young man's pain. Shen was snarling as Chiaotzu was scared at Tien's pain. A ribbon of crimson came from Tien mouth as he looked at Roshi. The punch had hurt a lot, but Tien didn't look at all finished.
"Sorry son you just left yourself open. You should try and keep your emotions in check."
Tien growled at this and with an angry spitting grimace said, "Thanks for the advice."
"The only person you're fighting right now is yourself. I suggest you stop it if you want to fulfill your master's desires or your own."
"I'll show you!"
Tien's arms went to his side his body tensed. He seemed to be in an immense amount of pain. Suddenly two arms emerged from his back. To the surprise of all non-cranes. There was some in the crowd that gasped and screamed in fear. Tien now had four arms.
Roshi said with a bead of sweat coming down his face "Well that's a new one."
Tien grinned then charged at him. This time Roshi was taking a beating and forced to improvise. Roshi fell to the tile and then used the opening to double kick Tien in the stomach. Tien fell back then was tripped by Roshi.
Tien though used his flight to hover and not hit the tile. In midair Tien went back on the attack. Roshi rolled out of the way as Tien's punch easily went through the tile. Roshi got away then got back to his feet as Tien's feet came back to the stage.
Roshi panted but smiled at him "I got to say son that is one amazing move. Your definitely one hell of a fighter. Not many of your age group are such a master with ki."
Tien grinning "Glad you see I'm your superior old man."
Roshi shook his head "No you're not and I can already see this technique weaknesses."
"What weaknesses would those be."
"You'll see."
Roshi seemed to be focusing his energy as Tien went back to attacking with the technique. His arms slicing were though the air. Roshi had jumped back and when Tien came for him, Roshi would just retreat.
In anger and in pain Tien shouted, "So what you're just going to run away!"
"Flaw number one; you just added a lot of weight to yourself, that slows you down. Power is great but useless if you can't hit your opponent." Tien charged again and Roshi jump up and came down behind Tien.
Tien went to turn to face him but was too slow and Roshi grabbed his legs. He tossed him up and Tien fell headfirst back down to the tile behind Roshi. Tien looked dazed as he got up. He looked to see a smiling Roshi in stance looking bored.
He stated flatly "Flaw number two; you're in pain. Your attention is diverted more. You're more prone to make rookie mistakes like not swinging up. Flaw number three; is of course your legs now seem to be a whole lot less defended."
Tien then calmed himself and the extra arms disappeared. Tien was panting a little exhausted and looking relieved to no longer have four hands due to the pain.
Roshi smiled "Nice try kid but take it from an old pro. That would have probably worked on anyone else, just not me."
Tien said bitterly stated "You're good at this you know that right." He said with a mixed cocktail of hate and respect.
"Thanks sonny."
Shen looked absolutely furious at all of this chit chat. Chiaotzu sitting next to him was cowering in fear as Shen screamed out "Kill him damn you already! kill him!"
Shen scream reverberated throughout the stadium. The Turtle students and friend faces turned at that moment. Chi-Chi and her friends all looked scared.
Yamcha's eyes went wide and he yelled out "That's it! Tien is going to try and kill Jackie!"
Bulma in the stands "That's against the rules, right?!"
Puar and Oolong quickly nodded in agreement and Puar in a yell "Yeah!"
The Announcer having heard this order from Shen nervously said into his mic "May I remind all contestants. That killing is a disqualifying action and members of the crowd are allowed to cheer and boo but not order the contestants."
Kakarrot thought while smiling "That will be the day. Shen listening to anyone else accept himself. Sorry Mr. Announcer this ain't your show anymore. Now we'll see were your real loyalties lie Tien to me or your master? And we'll see if Roshi is as powerful as I think he is."
"Guy's, I think we might have to help him!"
Krillin bobbed his but Chi-Chi shook her head. Chi-Chi "This is Jackie's fight until he says otherwise, we are staying here. He has had complete control of this fight so far. We are just going to have to trust him."
"But Chi-Chi…"
"No buts Yamcha. This is his fight we'll just get in the way."
"At least one of you has a brain." The Turtles turn and stared daggers at the grinning Kakarrot.
"Shut the hell up you child psycho!"
"Yeah and don't think we've forgotten whose teammate you are!"
Kakarrot shrugged at them "Master orders weren't mine and I tried to talk him out of it. It's all up to Tien now."
"I can promise you kid that you'll get yours!"
Kakarrot grinned "Why do you even care you don't know him right?" (They looked at him curiously and he shook his head) "Idiots."
Chi-Chi thought "What was that supposed to mean?"
The UNIT agents in the stands.
"Won't that be murder sir with like a billion witnesses?"
"I think not, because since this is a sanction fight. And because of that they had to sign some waivers that said basic if you die or get hurt you can't sue us, and no one can press charges."
"Oh, that sense makes sir."
Tien got tense he knew this was coming but still.
The disguised Roshi shook his head in thinking "Typical Shen." He said to Tien "Is that really who you want to model your life after? A man who shouts out his murder plan's in front of a crowd of people?"
Tien raised his finger at Roshi and a bright light of ki appeared.
Roshi thought "Well that might have answered that question." Tien began firing beam after beam at Roshi with him dodging them.
Tien jumped into the air hole after hole punched into the tile as the audience gasped.
Yamcha panicked "He's really going for it!"
Chi-Chi thought "You can do it."
"Howfast is this guy?"
"Three eyes is dead on accurate."
Kakarrot thought "It's not over yet."
Shen in an angry whisper to Chiaotzu "Chiaotzu hold Roshi still."
Chiaotzu look at him puzzled "But master Tien hates when anyone interrupts his fights."
Shen now spitting venom "So? Whose student, are you? Mine or Tien or do I need to give you another demonstration of what happens when I am displeased!"
Chiaotzu quickly with a blue face shook his head 'No'.
"Good now freeze Roshi and let Tien kill him but first were going to let Roshi suffer."
Chiaotzu looked up and his eyes meet Kakarrot who was shaking his head 'No'. But then Chiaotzu raised his finger anyways while crying muttering "Tien please forgive me."
Roshi in mid dodge stopped and was struck in the side of his leg by Tien's beam. To both Jackie and Tien's surprise. The disguised Roshi immediately looked over to the stands to see Chiaotzu raised finger and Shen's evil smile.
Roshi thought "Of all the dirt low down shit my friend. Shen you have no honor anymore."
Tien stopped confused, helooked and saw where Roshi was staring then looked himself. He saw Chiaotzu and knew it in an instant.
Tien sending his thoughts to Chiaotzu "Chiaotzu did you just interfere with my fight!?"
Chiaotzu back "I'm sorry Tien, Master told me to…"
Tien back hearing the fear in Chiaotzu's thoughts "It's okay it's not you I'm angry with."
Tien yelled out to Shen "How dare you interfere with my fight Master! I have this fight under control!"
Shen screamed back at him "How dare you speak to me like that you worthles ungrateful brat! Chiaotzu freeze them both so I can kill them!"
To that Chiaotzu out right panicked and violently shook his head 'No.'
In pure rage Shen lifted his hand up about to strike Chiaotzu "Fine then I'll just kill you first!"
Tien who was stunned in fear and exhausted couldn't move faster enough. But instead of Shen fist crushing Chiaotzu skull, Shen's head violently exploded, and he fell to the ground dead.
His blood and guts covered Chiaotzu and some of the surrounding attendees. A man puked and Chiaotzu looked shell shocked. Tien was confused but then look to Kakarrot whose finger was smoking. The two looked at each as Kakarrot's finger went into his gi.
Roshi was stunned his face was red and looked on the verge of tears.
His mind flashed to that forgotten time before Piccolo. They had been just good friends even when Shen acted like an ass. They had grown up together, trained and survived the end of the world.
All of those faint hopes of the return of the man that was the last to stand with him against the demon horde was now all gone in a milli-second.
Roshi thought meekly "You brought this on yourself old friend. I'm sorry it had to end this way. I'm sorry that I couldn't forgive you and that you couldn't forgive me. Maybe in the next life you can find your peace and I can to."
Kakarrot thought "One old man down one left. Shouldn't have let your guard down around me 'master'. Now you're a special effect from a Cronenberg movie. I'll enjoy see you in hell if I ever make it down there."
Bulma in the stands vomited at this sight.
Frank blue in face "Well now that was fucking brutal." Bill nodded in agreement equally as blue.
General Green nudge Gero's shoulder "Head up!" Gero smirked and had a good chuckle. They being the only two that found all of this hilarious besides Kakarrot.
Tien looked to Kakarrot who shrugged at Tien and mouthed 'He was going to kill him.'
The announcer rushed over to a camera man and pull his ear to his mouth and asked, "You got that fucking shit, right?" He gave him a nod and a thumbs up. "We are going to make so much damn money." He adjusted his tie then pull his microphone to his mouth.
Announcer fainting fear and disgust when he was actually ecstatic "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have no earthly idea of what just happened, but it appears that an audience member's head just exploded. A horrifying and shocking turn of events to be sure. It appears to have nothing to do with the match, but we will have to postpone the tournament. As this will require the authorities and a crime scene investigation. So, we will have to reschedule the Tournament."
Kakarrot angrily growled and then screamed "Enough! I am done with this ridiculous farce! Tien now are you going to continue your fight?!"
Startled the announcer looked at Kakarrot along with the audience. "I aw…"
Kakarrot screamed out "Shut the fuck up!"
He shot at the camera man blowing up the camera next to the announcer.
Continuing "I came here to fight Chi-Chi and Roshi! And that's exactly what I'm going to do! No more distractions! I killed Shen and I'll kill anyone else that interferes!"
In fear people jumped up from their seats and began to run to the exits forming a stampede. The Turtle students were beyond stunned and so was Tien and Chiaotzu. The UNIT agents got out their guns and looked at what they could do. The Announcer hid behind a wall and most of the staff cleared out. Gero, Green and their men stayed in place. The sun was getting lower in the sky as Kakarrot floated to center stage.
Roshi was surprised but took a defensive stance and said, "I should have known you wouldn't play by the rules for long."
"Come on this way is much better. No ring out no special rules. Let's just see whose standing at the end."
Tien landing next to Kakarrot as well as the viscera covered Chiaotzu. Roshi ripped off his fake hair there was a mild number of gasps from the student, but it was short lived.
"You know master you have a lot of explaining to do after this."
"Sure, now let's just make sure there is a after this."
Krillin in an aside to Chi-Chi "Believe me now Cheech?"
"Well there is a lot of evidence in favor of your theory." (She said to Kakarrot with sad and angry eyes.) "Sad I had thought you had changed."
"I have. But I want a fight and I am going to get it."
General Green was cheering loudly "That's my little psycho. Now show them what you got!"
Kakarrot grinned "Seems I still have an audience."
Bulma screamed " Cheech you show that monster who's the boss!"
Yamcha grinned "And it looks like we still do."
"Right them let's see who's still standing after all. You can surrender if you want, I might accept Cheech's surrender but the rest probably not. Are you with me brothers?" Tien and Chiaotzu both nodded hesitatingly 'yes'. "Good so let us begin."
Bet you didn't see that coming.
Chapter 11: A Battle Royale
Chapter Text
It was nearly twilight as the orange sky highlighted the stage.
Kakarrot was the first to move in a flash. He was all over Roshi. The two punched each other's fist and there was a sonic boom as a result. It then became a free-for-all as the others started to attack. Yamcha and Chi-Chi went right for Tien while Krillin went for Chiaotzu.
Bulma and Puar were loudly cheering while Oolong was looking quite scared and getting ready to make a run for it.
The Ribbons were watching with their guards focused on the UNIT agents.
The UNIT agents were confused as what to do so instead of watching the fight they were pointing their guns at the Ribbon soldiers in a standoff.
Launch was meanwhile on the sidelines looking miserable, visibly frustrated about not begin able to join in.
Kakarrot and Roshi were pulling no punches their fists smashing and grinding into each other, in bone crunching fury. Yamcha recklessly went after Tien not bothering to work with Chi-Chi. Krillin nervously charged after Chiaotzu, only to find that Chiaotzu wasn't using his powers at the time.
Kakarrot was knock backwards and slid to a stop on feet grinning like a wolf at Roshi who was looking at him with contempt.
Roshi with a sigh and a twinge of frustration "You've gotten a lot stronger. Your technique actually has form. Shen taught you a lot did he."
Kakarrot in a chuckle "What? Are you actually angry that I kill him? You realize his only goal in life was to apparently kill you right? You should be thanking me for ending that miserable old man's life!"
"You might be right in a sense, but it was not your call to make. He deserved a chance, everyone does."
"Yeah sure like the chance you're going to give me, right? Please! You were only planning to spare him because you knew him. Your mercy has some interesting results that I'm sure Chiaotzu and Tien can tell you about."
"I should have stopped my old friend years ago. So, to correct my mistake I'm going to stop you here and now."
"Now were talking!"
Roshi flexed his body and his muscles ripped through his shirt shredding them. Kakarrot smirked he was finely getting what he wanted.
The two exchanged blows having charged one another. They were evenly matched. Both were hurting at each blow. Kakarot kick Roshi on the arm and Roshi chopped him on the back. Roshi started to use the afterimage to Kakarrot's annoyance.
In the background Yamcha was getting rag dolled by Tien. Yamcha had taken a swing at Tien only to leave himself wide open. Tien responded by kick Yamcha in the knee possible shattering it. Tien then head-butted Yamcha making him go limp, only to be saved by Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi in midair grabbed hold of Yamcha and gave Tien a good kick to the stomach buying enough to get to the ground and dropped him off.
Krillin got the upper hand on Chiaotzu. Krillin gave Chiaotzu a good punch to face before Chiaotzu could get airborne sending him skidding away. Chiaotzu still wounded and completely unfocused was proving to not being up to Krillin's challenge.
Kakarrot angrily said "Is that all you can do old man hide!"
Kakarrot in that moment had let his guard down and Roshi got behind him. Roshi went to end this madness quick with a good chop to the neck only to find Kakarrot's hand waiting for him. Kakarrot head not facing Roshi "Let me guess you thought I had let my guard down?" Roshi jumped back and Kakarrot turned to face him. "You might think I learned nothing from you, but you would be wrong. Your piss poor definition of better man notwithstanding. I learned from my mistakes. I didn't take you seriously because you were an old man. You used every trick in the book and I was taken in by it. I learned to be a better hunter that day. I want to thank you for that."
Roshi in a spit "Keep your thanks monster I don't need it."
"But I do thank you. You showed me that there is always room for improvement more mountains to which to climb. What is a conqueror without foe? What is man without a challenge? Killing you will prove my worth. I am going to be god, little man you understand and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it."
The still wounded and exhausted Tien collapsed at the ground after Chi-Chi rang his bell repeatedly. Tien was still awake but in no position to continue. He landed on the tile managing to slow his descent. Chiaotzu was outside the ring on the grass in a daze having been kicked around by Krillin.
Krillin and Chi-Chi came to their master's side. Chi-Chi had come after having delivered Yamcha unconscious form to Bulma. Launch having decided that the real intense stuff was coming hobbled towards Bulma's group. As a standoff ensued between the Turtles and Kakarrot. Kakarrot's tail flicking around clearly excited as the area went silent.
Roshi standing up straight look at him with contempt and clarity said "It's over. Against me alone you would have stood a chance, but you are all alone against three. You have lost give it up."
Krillin looked smugly happy while Chi-Chi was far more tense something was wrong to her. She just didn't know what yet.
In a cold sweat Gero look into the sky the sun was setting and a full moon was rising. Gero was nearly in a panic. The last time this had happen a whole army base was nearly trashed. If it hadn't been for his safeguards Kakarrot would have kill him. He had assumed that the matches would have ended before the night.
Gero in a whisper "Green we may need to run."
"Why the fight is about to get interesting?"
"Well yeah and that's aw... sort of the thing because aw... the full moon is rising."
Green froze and looked to the sky his pale face went blue. He had seen the pictures. He said in a panic "Maybe leaving isn't such a bad idea."
The Ribbons slowly got out of their seats and began to shuffle to the exits trying to keep as low a profile as possible.
Kakarrot in a loud cackle "You know I have a certain party trick that I'm just dying to show you. It starts in just a few seconds if you're interested?"
Roshi and Krillin looked at him confused but Chi-Chi got more serious.
A red dot hit Kakarrot's face followed by many more that he ignored coming from a SWAT team that had come. The police had arrived and came in force pointing their high-powered rifles at Kakarrot. Screaming and shouting they ordered everyone to the ground and their hands up. Roshi sighed while the Announcer came from hiding with a smile on his face. He seemed to think that this was all over.
As the police barked orders and the UNIT agents and Ribbon soldiers were showing their IDs as Kakarrot said to Roshi and Chi-Chi "I don't they are going to like my party trick half as much as you."
Kakarrot turned his head and looked at the rising moon after that his tail twitched. His eyes changed color going from black to a sort of pink. The hair on his tail stood up as his tail froze. His body seemed to pulse with energy. His heart loudly beat to the point where it was audible. His body grew larger to the point that his loose gi now seemed tiny. The black and ashen grey gi ripped apart revealing a coat of brown hair not present before.
The cops stopped shouting as they stared. A lead detective panic screamed out "OPEN FIRE!" And hail of gun fire sounded off, all aimed at the growing Oozaru. The bullets however merely bounced of their target to the policemen's and UNIT agents' dismay. Kakarrot kept growing faster the longer it went on.
The all but the Ribbons were surprised to the point their jaws nearly hit the floor. Kakarrot finally hit Kaiju size as a giant monkey. With his blood red eyes practically glowing he let of a monstrous roar that shattered glass for miles around. In a panic the cops ran followed by the UNIT agent and then the Ribbons.
Launch's eyes as wide as they could go "Bulma I think its aw... time to leave."
"Yeah but I can't carry Yamcha on my own." Launch went to help her but only cringed in agony. She could barely keep herself up never mind help anyone else.
The Announcer who had at this point wet himself then rushed back to his hiding spot and curled up into the fetal position sucking his thumb.
Kakarrot in his new booming voice "So how you like it?" No one answered.)"See now that's what I thought. I'm personally not the biggest fan of this form. Hard to control. I run the danger of just going feral, but it does have the benefit of making me stronger and way more resilient. Now I hope you made peace with your self's because you're all about to die."
Roshi and the other jumped out of the way as Kakarrot went crashing down busting the floor of the arena.
Chi-Chi yelled out "Flying NIMBUS!" The bright yellow cloud came swooping down. She jumped on it while on the stands Bulma had a brainstorm. Out of her purse she took out Chi-Chi's power pole.
Bulma yelling "CATCH KID!" She threw it towards Chi-Chi on her nimbus caught it midair.
"Adorable you think that's going to help?"
Chi-Chi yelled out "Extend!" The pole went straight into his left eye as Kakarrot let out a pained roar.
In blind fury he swatted at the air trying to hit Chi-Chi. On her nimbus she managed to avoid the attacks easy enough. She was planning to merely buy time for her master to come up with a plan, but this appeared to be working. Kakarrot monkey face grew red with rage.
Tien how had managed to not be crushed by the broken arena. Had found safety on the sidelines was panting and looking quite worried. Kakarrot after all normal form was quick to rage and had barely got a hold of himself what would he be like with even less control.
"NO ONE MAKES A FOOL OF ME!"
A jet of fire came out of his mouth and towards Chi-Chi she dodged it and it went flying in the city. She gasped in horror as it hit the city center. Towers went down as a ki blast went off and fire raced through the area. Screams could be heard as the power went off around them.
Chi-Chi stared speechlessly at the carnage. Kakarrot having calmed at seeing her reaction.
Kakarrot snidely "O look what you made me do." Chi-Chi in a fury couldn't seem to talk due to rage she was practically snarling and growling at him to his delight. "Was it something I said?"
Chi-Chi took her power and with all her might wacked him on the head only to earn a chuckle from him "Ouch that almost tickled."
Krillin next to Roshi panting and panicking "This is insane!"
"That monster! Krillin you back up Cheech I'm going to charge for the Kamehameha."
Krillin nervously nodded and jump from the stands that they were at and ran aiming for Kakarrot tail which he hoped would be the creature's weak point.
The Ribbons now in full retreat were meet by the UNIT agents and the cops outside pointing guns at them as in the background the screams of the dying could be heard. Gero and Green put up their hands and their men dropped their rifles.
Frank authoritatively "Now talk damn it! How do we stop it?!"
Gero was panting physical excise wasn't his thing "I have no idea of what you're on about?" Frank cocked his pistol. Gero cringed a bit. "Well I would be remised to inform you that we are all about to die crushed by my grandson in a monkey rage."
"So, then we die."
Gero talking quickly "Aw well you see… Aw the well the truth of the matter is that. I do not fully understand it myself really. I understand that a form of radiation that the moon reflex unfiltered seem to be the cause of this and his tail seems to be the manufacturing organ of this transform. But other than those two facts I am quite in the dark about the processes at work here myself. I always wanted to know more about it but the sad fact is that. My grandson sort of goes feral and kill crazy when in this form. His already beyond human strength is increased by magnitude of ten at least. The older he gets the more in control he seems to be but it's hard to tell."
"What will he do?"
"My guess after he is finish with the fighters, he will lay waste to the countryside slaughtering all in his path."
Frank in a deflated sigh "Well then that settles it."
Frank takes a radio out of one of his back pockets and says "Almighty, Almighty this is PBR street gang over."
"This is Almighty over."
Frank pauses his eyes twitch he looks ill at what he is about to say "Almighty PBR street gang requires a Tactical at coordinate's eight by thirty-nine south, hundred and fifteen by thirteen east over."
Radio operator nervously asked, "Tactical over?"
"Can you confirm Almighty over."
Radio operator hesitatingly stated, "Roger PBR street gang Tactical to eight by thirty-nine south, hundred and fifteen by thirteen east over."
"Wake the Prime Minister if you have to but I need that strike over."
There was silence everyone had heard that conversation but only the Ribbons and Bill seemed to know what was going on.
Bill without breath "What are we going to do?"
Frank shaky but sure "Wait we have to make sure it hits him directly we don't want a chance of this thing getting loose. Sorry kiddo I guess this will be your first and last mission."
Gero now gone from stunned terror to angry fury "Sorry yes that's real comforting. YOU JUST KILLED US ALL!"
"Better us then the world. You would have used that monster to crush cities, level mountains and lay waste the kingdoms of man. I'm sorry all these people have to die but we both know far more would have died if I didn't do this."
"So what? Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?!"
"You could duck and cover if you want."
"O come the fuck on!"
"Sorry doctor you're just going to have to stand here and wait die like a good soldier."
Krillin wacked Kakarrot on the tail sending a wave of pain over him. His tail wacked Krillin sending him flying to the stands. The action kicked up a bunch of tiles and sent it towards Chiaotzu who was crawling away. It wacked him to Tien's dismay.
Tien screamed out to Kakarrot "Careful brother you nearly killed Chiaotzu!"
Kakarrot did not either hear or care as his feet violently stomped around as he swung at Chi-Chi saying, "I'm going to crush you little girl!"
Tien looked again at the devastation that Kakarrot had caused then saw Chiaotzu painfully moving. Tien summon what strength he had left and rushed over and grabbed hold of Chiaotzu. Gripping him tightly he ran to were Krillin was help the other move.
In a pained breath he yelled "Wait!" They looked at him in angry until they saw his friend in his arms.
"Please take him." He handed Chiaotzu to Bulma. "I going to help your friends. I'm sorry for all I have done you. Just make sure Chiaotzu survives he's better than me and does deserve any of this. I do. Tell him to live well."
Tien ran off his face one of determination, he knew what he needed to do. His word were a shotgun blast of a shock to them.
Launch mumbled "What a man." at this and Bulma's grouped moved as Tien came to Roshi's side and asked, "What do you need me to do?"
Kakarrot let out another fire blast which hit somewhere in the jungle. Using this distraction his hand got a hit on Chi-Chi with a swat to her back. She fell of her cloud and went tumbling to the ground. Her cloud went to catch her but Kakarrot hand went to grab her.
Roshi hurriedly "SAVE MY STUDENT!" Tien jump and flew top speed towards Chi-Chi. Tien yell out "BROTHER OVER HERE!" He fired a dodon ray at Kakarrot.
Which Kakarrot easily blocked by moving his crushing hand in defense. Tien grabbed the unconscious Chi-Chi midair. He hit the ground rolling.
Kakarrot growling looked at Tien with Chi-Chi in his arms. "I need an explanation now! Why are you holding my property and why did you just shoot at me?"
"This is wrong! You nearly killed Chiaotzu and you just kill a bunch of people that have nothing to do with this fight."
Kakarrot roared out "Who cares! These worthless people and don't concern me! I aim to kill Roshi and anyone else in my way. And I guess that includes you too now traitor!"
Radio turned back on "PBR Street gang this is Almighty do you read me over."
"This is PBR street gang I read you over."
"We have confirmation, repeat we have confirmation. War room is in an agreement. Your little boy is on the way, courtesy of the navy over and out."
Frank in a sigh "Well shit."
Everyone seemed to look to the ground as Bulma's group came out. Gero seeing an opportunity pulled a gun from his pocket and ran. Bill went to shoot him, but he ducked behind Bulma. Bulma screamed as he pointed a gun to her head.
Gero yelled out "I'm not dying here!" He pulled her by the arm leading back into the stadium followed by Bill. Launch tried to summon up the strength to whack Gero but couldn't. Gero back into the stadium followed by Bill with Bulma in his hands.
Kakarrot had grabbed ahold of Tien and was about to crush him. Went out of the corner of his eye he spied first his grandpa and then saw Roshi charging for one hell of a Kamehameha. He tossed Tien aside. His body slamming into the stands hard from the toss.
"So that's where you've been old man. It's all over now and the UNIT man with the gun should know that if you hurt my grandpa. That I can be creative when the moment called for it." Roshi's eyes closed he knew it was over there was no way that it would be strong enough to kill the monster. It was over.
Gero screamed out "THEIR'S A NUKE ON THE WAY!"
Kakarrot twitched "What?"
"They are going to nuke this place to kill you son. Grab me and let's go."
Kakarrot then looked into the air and smiled. His night vision was always amazing in this form. Kakarrot let out a chuckled then fired a blast of breath into the air. A massive explosion rocked the sky turning the night into brighter than the day for a moment.
Gero, Bulma, Bill and the Announcer were all in abject shock at this sight while Roshi seemed unimpressed.
"Is that all? You people are so boring all you have is your tricks and superweapons. Yet you forget I am GOD!" Gero let go of Bulma and began to clap feverously. To which Kakarrot took a bow to. "Thank you. You're too kind."
Gero with a crazed smile then looked at Bill and yelled "You see Pleb the glory of our new god the true king of kings. Bow before my masterpiece with not a single flaw left. My genius knows no limit. I knew I was right to not remove his tail!"
Roshi hearing this had a brainstorm "Tail his tail was the first thing to react to the moonlight. When Krillin touched it seem to hurt as much as the eye poke. With his tail cut that and he may lose his power."
A beam of light came from the stands hitting Kakarrot in the tail. Tien had fired it from the rubble Tien got to his feet and looked at Roshi. Tien mouthed "Don't kill him."Roshi nodded and Tien collapsed.
A pained look came over Kakarrot face as he began to shriek in pain and stepped backwards. His form began to change, his hair receded, and body shrank.
Roshi saw his moment he yelled out the words "KAMEHAMEHA!"
Kakarrot mid-transformation caught the blast but was sent hurdling backwards as he screamed. Gero looked pained and defeated as Kakarrot disappeared into the night sky. As another explosion went off. Bill came up behind Gero and placed handcuffs on his wrists. Gero didn't resist.
Bulma next to them asked Roshi "So we won?"
Roshi nodded 'yes' Bulma jumped into the air screaming "YES!"
Soon the cops came to help the survivors and got the fighters to the hospital. The Announcer couldn't stop complaining that the whole stadium was broken and that they wouldn't be able to reopen for years. The rest of the night flew by in a mad hurry as everyone was running around trying to deal with the carnage.
Roshi however was still standing there in awe as the sun rose with a blue sky after a very long night that nearly claimed them all. Frank came up to him coffee in his hand and a cigarette in his mouth. Frank had left his rookie deal with the paperwork preferring to stay close to the stadium.
"So, you won but it's not over is it?"
"What would make you say that?"
Frank smirked "Just a little odd you haven't moved from your spot and don't seem to be celebrating like the rest."
"The boy is…."
"Alive? I knew that based on your mood." (Roshi nodded 'yes'.) "Shame."
"I held back. Tien wanted me to."
"That seems dumb."
"Maybe the but he won't be able to do that monkey trick now."
"To the best of your knowledge. I tell you what this battle sort of changes everything."
"Why are you really here son?"
"A job offer."
"Not in a million years."
"Figured. Tell you what though. You need us call us and if we need you, we'll call you. I promise it will only be for world ending shit."
"I'll think about it."
"If you're right I would get to training your students because this ain't over. Not with a guy like that."
"I'll be ready."
End of the first saga.
Chapter 12: Aftermath
Chapter Text
Kakarrot eyes began to twitch as he heard sounds around him and could smell someone close to him. He could smell a very sweet odor next him. The sounds were of a radio, a TV and a little girl's voice.
"Finally, I was hoping you'd wake up."
She was rubbing his head with a wet rag. She must have thought he had fever or something. Grandpa had figured out saiyans just had a higher body temp then humans.
He was in a warm bed he knew that much. The room was hot there was a fire was going on near him.
He was basically naked except for a pair on boxers cover his junk up under the blanket. His tail he realized was gone. It was hard to remember things in monkey form but that appeared to be an accurate memory.
What he could remember was that Tien had turned on him. The royal army had tried to nuke him. He had tried to crush Cheech to death. His stupid ape form tried to kill what he wanted. Roshi had blasted him with the mother of all Kamehameha's.
Now he where was here wherever here was and now, he was wondering how he got here?
There was a song on the radio of a British sounding man singing about a few ancient events.
On the TV the pundits were talking about the devastation on Papaya Island and apparently the World Tournament won't open for years as a result of all of the destruction.
Kakarrot started to open his eyes. It had been a while he knew that much. The girl seemed aware that he was coming back to consciousness. "Dad come quick I think he's waking up!" He was in a bedroom he knew that much. The color on the wall was pink. The smell off the sheet matched the figure it was the girl's room.
It must have been an old home to have a fireplace in a bedroom. Way before even Grandpa's time. Long ago maybe when the men of grandpa's stories lived. Alexander, Caesar, Augustus, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin and Mao. Men who had proved to Grandpa that in of this world of sheep there were some wolves. Who Grandpa had taught him to emulated.
Kakarrot eye's opened to see two deep eyes meet his. It was wonderful sight to wake up to for Kakarrot. The hair black was like Yurin and Chi-Chi. He had really liked that black hair, but the blue eyes told him this had to be someone new. She was in a salmon pink sort of robe with yellow trimming. She blushed as she stared at him.
Kakarrot could already tell this girl seemed to have a thing for him like Chi-Chi and Yurin. This could be fun but first he wanted to test her out.
Tanmen was blushing "So my name is Tanmen. What is your name?" Her eyes were filled stars and some sort of rosy eyed dreams.
Kakarrot finally having got irritated with the starry-eyed staring asked "Pff so why…" he burped. "am I here stalker?"
The spell broken her face turned from dreamily staring at him to a frustrated and angry look. She seemed about ready to smack him. "For your information jerk I happened to find you in the woods! Why I bothered to save you I have no idea!"
Tanmen stormed off with a huff. A smirk came over his face Kakarrot was going to like here he could tell. A black-haired man with blue eyes came in having heard the yelling and asked, "Geez what's going on here?"
"Dad our guest is up and he's a jerk!"
Dad came over to look at Kakarrot with his mischievous smile on his face. Dad was wearing a blue version of Tanmen's clothes. "Tanmen he's just kidding." He sighed. "You had to start her up, didn't you? You know you son gave us quite the scare. You been out for days. It's a shame we don't have any hospital's nearby. So, what's your name? Do remember who you are?"
Kakarrot was about to speak but then he remembered that his name was probably all over the news as a murderer. Thinking quickly, he spat out the awful name of that restaurant on the island "Son Goku. Sir my name is Son Goku."
"What an odd name. Son Goku?"
Kakarrot far more confidently "Yep that's what I said."
"So, tell me son what happened?"
Kakarrot thinking fast "Well you see. I fell…"
"What?"
"From a plane."
"Okay? Why were you…?"
"Naked right. Aw… I was pushed… out by bad men yes bad men"
"Okay?" He said quite sure that the boy was lying.
"No, I really was. My mind just not working right probably from the fall."
"Well okay if you feel like actual telling me what happened I'll be right here."
"No, it's true. How did I get here?"
"Well me and my little girl Tanmen if you didn't hear were out fishing when you came crashing to the Earth like a meteorite. We though when we found naked in a crater that you be dead by your heart just kept a beating. You were pretty bloody but the only big scar I could find was on your lower back."
"Right."
"I just can't believe that you are already talking and so aware. You're healing so quickly it's like a miracle."
"Let's just call it good genes. Now may I ask, where am I?"
"Bowl village you probably never heard of it."
"I can't say that I have." Kakarrot's arms went to his sides as he tried to pick himself up.
"Wait!" Kakarrot growled with pain as he collapsed back onto the bed. "You're still too weak to get up on your own." Kakarrot snarled while he looked at his aching limps. "There's no point in getting angry at them. You simply not ready to start moving on your on Goku."
Tanmen came rushing back into the room with a look of sadness on her face. "Dad the other elders want to talk to you about them."
Dad looked at her and said, "Stay with Goku I'll with deal with this."
Tanmen came to Kakarrot side as he left the room and by the sounds of it the house later.
Kakarrot puzzled asked Tanmen "What's going on?"
"Bandits. We used to pay protection money to a famous martial artist school, but they stopped returning our calls, then these jerks showed up. They demand food, gold and whatever else they want. They are some sort of deserters from some army. They have guns and always want more."
"Interesting which army?"
Tanmen angrily barked "I don't know does it matter?"
"Guess not."
"I hate them. At this rate everyone here will starve. It will be so long until the harvest."
"Really? So, you be been feeding me what little you do have?"
"Yeah."
Kakarrot bored "Speaking of food damn I'm hungry. You must have been feeding me only honey and milk, right?"
Tanmen with a miff brow nodded 'yes'
"Guess I couldn't chew." His tone getting a lot darker. " Tanmen what would you do to get rid of these bandits?"
Tanmen not either caring or noticing the change in tone from Kakarrot put on a happy smile "I'd do anything to get rid of these guys and save my village."
"Really? Anything?"
Tanmen angered by of his questioning of her love of her village. Tanmen sort of barked out "Absolutely!"
"Interesting. Well I'll tell you a secret, but you got to promise me to keep it between you and me okay?"
Tanmen excited nodded her head in agreement.
"Good. You see I'm a martial artist. A damn good one at that. I was in a fight before I landed here and if you help me. I could deal with your bandit problem."
Tanmen eyes went starry again she looked as though she was staring at a knight in gleaming white armor that was blinding her with its shining brightness. Internally and externally Kakarrot was smiling. She was like all the others easy not even trying to question all of this.
"Now what I need is meat and lots of it Tanmen. I won't be able to heal properly without any." It was a damn lie and he it knew it. According to the ship's data he was born with the ability live off of whatever. Whether it was bugs or rice. As long as he was eating regularly, he would heal. But she didn't need to know that.
Tanmen's face went sour "But we don't have all that much meat the bandits have taken almost everything. What meat we do have is for them."
Kakarrot put on a sad face "Well I guess I'll never fully heal. Shame I guess these men will just go on terrorizing the village forever."
Tanmen in a panic "I could take some and to give you some!"
Kakarrot faking concern "I would never ask you to do that Tanmen it would put you at such risk!" Inside he was chuckling maybe he over sold that a little too much. Hopefully she wouldn't catch on.
"You don't have to ask me. I'll get you your meat." Nah she was just another sheep. Easy as pie.
The door open and Tanmen's dad came in looking exhausted. Dad mumbling whether or not there will be enough.
Tanmen worriedly asked him "Is everything alright?"
"When they come tomorrow… Sweetie don't worry everything is fine. I promise." (He paused) "The sun will be going down soon I better get dinner cooking." He scratched his neck as he left the doorway.
Tanmen looked down at the floor she looked quite dejected.
He works really hard to please them doesn't he."
Tanmen crying "He's the go between with us and them. The elder is too old to get out of bed so dad hast to greet them. It's to the point when the other are listing their complaint's to dad. He doesn't take it well. He doesn't like to tell me the truth because he thinks I can't help or handle it, but I can. I can and I'm going to save him! I'm going to get you your meat!"
Tanmen looked a girl on a mission aside from her tears when she turned to Kakarrot. She was determined looking braver than most. There was a steel in her as she looked up to look at a picture above her bed which was of a woman in fatigues waving the peace sign a gun in hand smiling. Tanmen saluted the picture then sat beside Kakarrot.
The dinner that followed was short and quiet. Tanmen was in some sort or hero mode. Dad was quite depressed and Kakarrot didn't want to hand over any information. It was just a bowl of plain rice sticky and bland beyond reason.
The only highlight of the meal was that Kakarrot need not be feeded by another and no chop sticks like Shen had forced him to do. Nope this was done by hand and the other two didn't even look at him funny. They were off in their own worlds it was great.
Tanmen instead of sleep next to her father convinced him to sleep on a bedroll in her room. To keep Kakarrot company as she put it. Dad allowed it most likely not believing any harm of it. Tanmen pretended to sleep as she waited to be sure that dad had gone to bed. When she was sure of his snores she sprang into action.
Without the comfort of light, she managed to change into a sort of old Halloween costume ninja getup. In her young mind she probably thought it would help somehow. Kakarrot watching her in the dark he grined as she snuck out of the house through the window.
He waited for hours for her return wondering whether or not his little helper would succeed or not. The wait was agonizing as all hell. The rice had been not nearly enough to state his hunger and the boring laying wasn't any better.
The wind of the open window allowed a gust in and on that wind was the smell of meat of blood cold but still appetizing. Slowly and carefully a hand placed some sausages and a small rack of smoked ribs. It was a lot of a small girl to have hauled by herself. Kakarrot couldn't figure how she accomplished it but eager to reap the reward of her hard work.
Part off him wanted to just jump up at stuff it into his face right know but that wasn't going to happen. He come feel his toes twitch, however. And with the light of the moon on her back she came in.
Tanmen in black was cover with blood. The sight of which made Kakarrot blush with her determined glare. That one time he had seen Yurin covered in blood and Chi-Chi covered in blood was amazing, but this had the added benefit of not being her own. It improved their looks just a tad. He was glad she could see his reaction.
The meat went quickly. To Tanmen amusement. The math in her head must have stated that the faster he eats the faster he will get better. The meat was nearly frozen. She had chosen precooked meat probably assuming that his stomach was weak like human's are. When he was finished, he had made a mess of his himself.
"Tanmen?"
"Yes?"
"Who's that woman in the picture on the wall?"
"My mother. She's not with us. She was a Royal army soldier. Dad says she died a hero against that red menace. Nothing like those thefts and murders stealing from us. She had honor."
Kakarrot having put it together "So those soldiers are Royal?"
Tanmen cringed "Not all of them and not any more they are scum. They with every breath disrespect mom and everything she did for us." Her voice was trembling a bit with both anger and sadness.
Kakarrot in a commanding voice "Would you care for me to show mercy when I get better?"
There was silence he didn't have to look at her to sense what was going on. Her better angels were fighting her worst impulses. She was torn at what to say. All she needed was a push and she would say what he wanted her to say to him.
Kakarrot in a grin "It doesn't matter. I won't be better for a day or two more."
"Day or two?"
"Day or two. I'm a fast healer you see." He could tell she liked that statement. One of the few truths that he had bothered to give her.
Tanmen gave him a shirt to wear. She woke up early to clean the floor in case any of the cold blood was on the floor. She closed the window, changed back into her pajamas and laid back down to go to sleep finally. She didn't wake up too early she would wake up too late.
A loud band rang out waking both Kakarrot and Tanmen. Tanmen jumped practically from bedroll and raced to the door. Kakarrot looked miserable having been forced awake. He already could tell the gun. It was a rifle round. A type twenty-two standard issue for Royal infantry. Gero had made him memorize the sounds of guns for reference and operational purposes.
There was screaming from outside. In a rush Tanmen left despite having been told by her father multiple times to never go out were the bandits came. Kakarrot was about to ask her for breakfast but she was gone before he could. He started to move around in his bed testing his body. He could move around far more easily.
Tanmen rushed out into the cool morning air merely wearing her pajamas but could have cared less about the air or her look. There was a crowd around the village square with sad and long faces abounding.
They were whispering "Who could have taken all that meat?"
Another said, "Why would someone do something so horrible?"
Tanmen felt the urge to push through them so she did. No one seemed to have the heart to stop her. Apart of her already knew but beyond hope she hoped she was wrong. She was wasn't. Her wet and red eyes saw him in the dirt. He was gushing blood from a massive hole in his chest.
He was being comforted by his friend his eyes were fading.
A voice spoke "They killed him because we were missing a few pounds."
Was yelled out "Savages!"
His eyes looked at her he seemed to try and speak but the words were choked away by blood. His eyes went blank before her they did not shut.
Another voice spoke "They said they will be back tomorrow for what they are owed."
A man yelled out "Those gutless cowards!"
An old lady yelled out "O god Tanmen!"
The eyes came to her staring her heart sank. Tanmen thought "Did they know? Was this her fault?" In a panic she ran no one able to catch her or stop her. She was nearly blind with tears. She had no idea how she made it home or to her room.
Kakarrot was their standing his eyes a glow at his returning strength. He looked at her like piece of art. He knew it before she could speak. Her old man was no more. He figured there was going to be some sort of consequences for taking their food. Dumb girl hadn't realized they would weight it "O well" he thought.
Tanmen ran to him hugging him pressing as hard as she could into him. It hurt big time but Kakarrot didn't flinch or yelp. It looked he would be getting the answer he wanted today. In pained tears and in barely understandable tone she sorted of screeched "Oh Goku… They killed him!" With her head in his chest he was grinning. Her wet hot tears were soaking his chest, but he didn't care this was all too funny not to be smiling about.
He hugged her back and with a good face change in a faked sort of panic. "What happen Tanmen?" She looked up into his black eyes with so much anger, fear, regret, hate, sadness and to him without speaking laid out all of her hopes. He just became her world and he knew it. It was enough to make him to bite her on her shoulder right here and now.
In a heroic voice he spoke "I'll stop them I promise. They'll all go to jail and…"
In a calmer darker voice, she spoke "No." She was shaky, but she spoke determined to have her voice heard clearly unlike before. "No that's not good enough."
Kakarrot wanted to smile but kept himself from it. "By whatever do you mean Tanmen?"
"I don't want them to live anymore."
"But I thought that you wanted them to merely be stopped?"
"No."
Kakarrot smelled her hair to her surprise but she didn't react. "Now that's the right answer. Your father was a kind man he didn't deserve such an end, but they do." Tanmen was looking at him with some trepidation but continued to hold him.
"You are beyond right to feel this anger. They took from what was yours that they had no right too. For making you sad I will make them suffer." (She looked at him mesmerized. He seemed older and wiser then when she had put her head on his chest. He picked up one of her hands and looked at it.) "It is a shame that these hands are soft and unblemished. Your father wished to be a sheep not the wolf that your mother was."
Tanmen having calmed down asked "Who are you really?"
"I'm sorry but not who I said I was. I'm not nor will I ever be Son Goku. I was sort afraid off what you might thinking of me if you knew the true. My real name is Kakarrot. I was raised by the RRA and a man named Gero. And well I'm not really human. I apologize for the deception but as you can imagine I was afraid."
"Afraid of me?"
"Well I couldn't move besides you have a fire in your eyes. Do want to watch and see what I do to them?"
Tanmen looked like there were still parts of her not on board but they were silenced in an instant. "Absolutely!"
He knew this was going to be so much fun. Tomorrow she would his wolf not a sheep.
Chapter 13: Digging Two Graves
Chapter Text
The old buildings of the village had sat, as they had for hundreds of years. The sun began to rise over them. The old buildings where reminiscent of many different cultures. Some of them looked French, some looked Chinese, and some even looked Nordic. All of them had been built as if the modern world didn't existence.
No one in the village even really knew why the village was like this. All built with multiple chimes, without plumping and electricity. All from a much earlier age.
These things had all been very much the standard even hundreds of years earlier. It was all just another product of the confusion of a post-collapse world caused by that mythical ancient monster Piccolo.
The sun rose as Kakarrot sang to himself while balancing himself on a wall for fun. "Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm a man of wealth and taste. I been round for a long, long year stole many a man soul." He stopped for a second as a breeze came through with the smell of diesel in the air. "I was there as Pilate washed his hand and sealed his fate. Hope you guessed my name."
He stopped singing to himself as he heard the sounds of vehicles approaching from down the road.
Kakarrot's shirt was what Tanmen had given him. It was an orange overshirt and blue undershirt. It was ancient looking Chinese tunic part robe part shirt. In red and in circle written the character 'devil'. Clumsily drawn on with drips to it making it look like blood.
Kakarrot cracked his knuckles as the sound of engines came closer. The promises of Tanmen still ringing in his ears the night before. She had basically agreed to be his slave and it was worth repeating mentally.
Her words were to him 'Help me kill them and I will be yours forever'. He was so happy to have heard those words that he fell asleep last night smiling remembering those words.
Kakarrot knew where she was waiting. From a safe locate in a nearby house of a neighbor. He looked at it with a wolfish grin.
His flat shoes touched the ground as the convoy came in. They had two jeeps a truck and about four bikes. They were armed to the teeth he could tell.
They rolled into the courtyard of this small old village. They were in fatigues some in yellow royal and tan ribbon. They must had seen themselves a conquering army instead of a band of twenty somethings with a few guns.
All of them must have been cowards and deserters from their respective armies small fish now allowed to believe they were big against some yokels. They were about to be reminded on how small they truly were.
The truck stopped the jeeps in front of it and the bikes in a circle around the jeeps. The man how Kakarrot quickly deduced was their leader step out of his jeep. He was a blonde-haired man with half spikey in the front half floppy hair in the back. Ridding goggles were over his eyes. He looked around clearly angry that none of the villagers were there to greet him or his people.
The soldiers showed signs that despite their desertion they were still pros. They had a good beat on the houses ready for someone start shooting. They were looking for an ambush, snipers, the works.
Only blondie seem to turn his focus on Kakarrot. In a huff he ripped of his goggles and stared menacingly at Kakarrot.
His eyes were blue and blood shot. He had muscles but also track marks on his arm. His pupils were dilated. He was very definitely high. Kakarrot had seen plenty of that. Kakarrot had asked the soldiers why they would want to put a needle in their arms. Their usually response was that it takes the edge off and it's better than being here. But it still didn't make much sense to him as needles weren't something that Kakarrot was a fan of.
The bandit leader in a growling yell to Kakarrot asked "Where in the hell is everybody kid!?"
Kakarrot didn't bother responding instead opting to give his shoes a good looking at with a nice stretch. The bandit's face was twitching with anger and looked as though he was about to blow a gasket when finally, Kakarrot spoke "Nice gun."
The bandit looked at his standard royal rifle in his hand. On the wooden butt of the rifle there was a series of marks numbering about twenty-one. Most of the marks had been carved awhile except the last fresh mark was carved very recently.
Bandit leader was dead serious "If you want kid, I could give you a demonstration of its use?" He had said with the loud ended of the rifle pointing at Kakarrot head.
Kakarrot wryly "Maybe in a moment but as I understand it my 'friend's' father got a taste of your amazing ability to pull a trigger."
The bandit leader growled "Smart kid just smart being a wise ass to the guy pointing a gun at you."
Kakarrot darkly asked "Over one in a billion time in a row you might have had point but what about the one one-billionth time?"
The bandit leader chuckled asking "Are you trying to scare me kid?" The two stared each other and the Bandit nearly fell to the ground in laughter. "That's just too much kid. That just fucking precious. I mean my Kami, I nearly just pissed myself."
The other bandits erupted in laughter. Their guards were all down.
Dumb move but then again, they didn't seem the intelligent sort. He could feel the fear of the villagers. They seemed to be in agreeing with the bandits in their doubt of him, even though he had given them an ample demonstration of his abilities. That old car was practically vaporized after all.
The bandit leader continuing "Man kid you wow you are too much! I guess you were born not giving a fuck because hot damn. You'd either have made one hell of a comedian or one supreme badass or both who knows you might be able to pull it off." His face still smiling but a far crueler look comes from it. "Of course, the 'you'd' part is still there."
The bandit pulled his trigger hitting Kakarrot in the center of his forehead right between the eyes. Kakarrot allowed the bullet to force his body to the ground. He hit the ground with a loud thud as the sound of the shot reverberating around the village.
The onlooker's gasped and cried they had bet everything on the boy, but it appeared to them that they had gamble wrong. Tanmen was broken, her world was destroyed. First her father now this brave young boy who the night earlier she had promised to marry be his bride be his slave if need be if he gave her, her revenge, now he was dead.
The bandit not even looking to make sure that the boy was no more turned back to his men. The group of dirty looking vagabonds.
He said to them with a half excite smile and half snarled tooth shouting rage "Storm every single house, drag everybody out and kill anyone that resists! They are about to pay dearly for their little joke! Because I'm going to rape all of these bitches!" He stated punching the air violently.
But everything stopped as a clap was heard as soon as he was finished, it was slow and very sarcastic coming from where the Kakarrot was. The bandits all looked at Kakarrot. He was still laid out on the ground. His head pointed to the sky as he was clapping. A cigarette fell from one of the mouths of a punk spiked hair cut bandit with pink hair. They were all to man, to say the least were very stunned.
Kakarrot upper body rose from the earth. The bullet still between his eyes falling to the dirt as he rose. Having not even bruised his skin. Kakarrot looked at the gawking bandits with a wolfish grin. These had been the faces he had wanted to see.
The bandit leader shocked and scared "What in the Kami fucking Christ…?"
"Today is not your day if you haven't guessed it yet. You understand this right?" He sarcastically waited for a response from the leader but received none. The man was just in too much shock. " Now if it's any consolation it took a hell of a lot to get me here, but I suppose that's just kami bending you over a barrel."
Kakarrot got to his feet as the bandits realized it might be a good idea to start point guns at him again. He dusted himself off as the onlookers were disbelieving their eyes while Tanmen was glow with a hungry excitement at what was to come.
"Now nine out of ten times I won't have given a shit about any of this. The strong have earned the right to exploit the weak, but a few things made what is about to happen to you, happen. It may not look like it, but you see I just had a massive set back that's kind of pissing me off right now so I'm in a bad mood to say the least. Number two you just hurt something that I've decided is mine and that just won't do. But finally, I must ask what do you hope to do here?"
The bandit looking confused at the question was about to response when he was interrupted by Kakarrot.
Kakarrot continued "I'm going to stop you right there because you weren't trying to accomplish anything. There was no greater plan to any of this was their? You just planned to live off of others. No higher goal no master plan just taking for takings sake. How uncreative are you all anyways? It's all so nostalgic considering my family history but here's a lesson they learned and that you most certain are about to learn. Kami loves a schemer, never piss off the wrong person and revenge is one hell of a Bitch!"
His speech finish seemed to be the signal to open fire. They all opened up on him with them .50cal machine guns on the jeeps and their small arms. The bullets all merely hit the dirt as Kakarrot had used the afterimage a dust cloud formed as he chuckled from the cloud.
"Nice shooting Tex."
The bandit grouped up panicking as they looked around. One yelled out "When in the Kamidamn hell is he?!"
Kakarrot briefly appearing and whispering into the man's ear "Over here." In a panic the bandit swung his gun in the direction of the whisper and fired. He fired blindly and ended up riddling his friend not a few feet in front of him with bullets. The gunshot man screamed out in agony and fell to the ground bleeding from at least seven holes.
The bandit leader yelled "Stop firing Kami damn it!" The others now looking at him again. He tried to show some calm. "He's trying to psyche you out. Look where you Kami damn motherfucking aiming and form up moron!"
With that they got back to back as the dust swirled around them. In the dust they could hear tapping. The bandit leader yelling into the dust "WELL MAGICMAN ARE YOU GOING TO COME OUT OR ARE YOU TOO AFRAID?"
From the dust "Afraid? Me? Haha! I'm not the one crapping my pants right now. If you want, I'll show you. Kame…" The bandits in a panic looked around. "hame…" The leader looked up to see him in the air with a glowing ball in hand. "HA!"
The beam shot out of his hands slamming into the truck. Breaking it and making an escape from where they came impossible. The truck was virtually obliterated. The bandits were stunned, awe struck, and blue in the face.
Kakarrot airborne asked them "So anyone shitting themselves yet?" He Paused. "Wait I already know the answer to that question."
Kakarrot landed in front of them as their grips on their guns grew weaker. They dropped their guns as the Bandit leader looked weakly at Kakarrot and meekly said "We surrender."
Kakarrot snickered "Who says I'm going to accept it?"
The Bandit leader slowly begging "We have a lot of loot. Plenty of money. We could…"
Kakarrot grinning "Look at that. Your begging. I suggest you work harder than that. That is if you want to life mind you."
The man dropped to his knee his hands smashed together. Tears were in his eyes as he began to nearly incoherently beg. Words were peppered in like 'mother' and 'brother'.
Kakarrot fired a bunch of little dodon rays destroying their guns "Tisk, tisk you still don't get it do you man? I said revenge is a bitch." He gave a signal by tilting his head. "You have done nothing to me but her" Tanmen with angry tears in her eyes stares at him. "you've done quite a bit too."
The bandit leader looked at her with sad eyes that made her want to puke. In her hands was a knife. The man looked ready to run but was grabbed by Kakarrot who then yelled at the other bandits. "If any of you expect to survive this you better stay right where you are!"
Kakarrot tossed the man at Tanmen's feet then held him up with his hands behind his back as he struggled. Tanmen looked into the jovial eyes of Kakarrot as he said, "So babe are you still a sheep or you a wolf?"
With that all the anger and rage in her exploded on the man. She stabbed the bandit in the stomach. At first, she was slow, parts of her seemed to want to reject it but she kept a stabbing. She when fast as her arm was drenched in blood. And a first, he screamed but the more stabs the less reaction each got as he began to pass out from blood loss.
Kakarrot tight grip was no longer required on his neck. The man had nothing to resist left with. Her stabs soon were of a corpse but yet she kept stabbing in a blind fury. It was to the point that the skin of his stomach was gone, and materials were pouring out.
In this Kakarrot was mesmerized. Hot blood was better than cold as he looked at her blood splatter visage. He didn't bother to tell her that he was no more. It was far to fun to watch and she might as well get it all out.
It took a while, but she ran out of steam. She looked dead eyed as she looked at her work. She was scared. Kakarrot dropped the dead man's body as his hand reached over to go under her chin. He forced her to look into his eyes.
Kakarrot in a soft voice "It's alright." She grabbed ahold of him and squeezed. The two hugged as he continued. "You did the right thing today. He was a bad man who killed you father. What you just did is called justice. You are a wolf not a sheep. One is food, one has meaning."
Tanmen crying asked "Is it supposed to feel this empty?"
Kakarrot softly "For a while but then it will feel good. Killing people will feel good. You'll enjoy it. I guarantee you will enjoy it. You're mine know. You'll enjoy that to." He let go of her and then said. "First thing though I need lunch."
His eyes turned to the other bandits who were all in a panic. They all jumped up and tried to make a run for it. None of them made in even a few feet quickly cut down by his dodon rays. They all fell to the ground with smoke big gaps in their chests.
"Now you mind helping me make lunch?" Tanmen shook her head 'no'. "Good let's head home before I take off." Kakarrot grab the bodies and brought them to Tanmen's yard and started a fire.
Meanwhile the rest of the villagers had come out of their homes to see the carnage. Some of them seem horrified but must were visibly happy that their oppressors had been slaughtered. A cheery atmosphere developed as the populace began to clean up the destruction. It was agreed by them to see the boy off as their liberator.
Tanmen had tried to go into her house and change from her bloodstained clothes. She was prevented by Kakarrot. He wanted her to remain his bloodstained wolf. He cooked the bandits up with Tanmen's help. She cringed at first watching him eat but by the fifth or sixth bandit merely watched.
When Kakarrot was finished it was time for him to go home. A crowd gathered round as he and Tanmen came back to the village square. They were scared of him after all to them he was a cannibal, but they were still happy. Not being subjected to having everything stolen from you can do that.
They handed him a map of the world in a backpack along with some supplies for his trip back to RRA headquarters. There he could find out what had happened to his Grandpa and plan his revenge against Chi-Chi, Roshi and Tien.
Tanmen was yet again in tears as Kakarrot was prepared to leave. To this he looked into to her eyes holding her hand he said "I shall return. I assure you. You are mine from now on and I don't just leave my stuff. Till then be my good little wolfling." He kissed her and pulled away. "I'll kill anyone else that you get close to and eat them in front of you."
As he finished with that final corrupt word, he was off as the people waived. He was fast then a car. They gasped as cloud that was him raced down the road. Tanmen merely watch her eyes focus her gaze empty. She did as she was told barely interacting with her friend or new adopted family. She was merely waiting for the day her master would return her as her blood-stained prince. She ended up throwing out the pictures of her family as she did want them anymore.
Too far maybe but to quote Ramsay Bolton "If you think this has a happy ending you haven't been paying attention."
Chapter 14: Headquarters Calling
Chapter Text
The bandits he had dealt with were not alone. The roads leading to Red Ribbon territory were clogged with refuges and deserters.
It was a pathetic mass of hopeless dirty worthless civvies to be sure. By the looks of it Red in his absence had order a general retaliation due to Gero and Green's capture. No one by the looks of had yet used their nuclear arsenal but still that could happen at any time.
From what Kakarrot had gathered from the starving masses was that, Red in addition to the brilliance of deploying his army in mass across the globe to hunt the dragon balls was now on the attack.
Striking at the allied nations of the Royal army without backup and without a goal beyond kill, burn and repeat as needed.
It would be hilarious except for one thing. This was Kakarrot future army. This was Kakarrot's planet that Grandpa had promised him. That Red was now playing a game of nuclear chicken with it. If the bombs were to drop, he could kiss revenge and conquest goodbye. It would all be over, and he knew it.
Kakarrot finally ran into the fighting between the RRA and the Royal's.
RRA's forward positions around the outskirts of Ginger town which the Royal's had. Ginger town had in very short order had been decimated. Shell into rubble by his fellow Ribbons and by the Royal army defending it, but they hadn't taking yet, and it was easy to see why.
From an overlook he could see it all. The Ribbons were on their own on a hill overlooking the city to shell it but outnumber possible three to one and by the looks of it were about to be encircled. It was stupid and it must have looked a lot stupider to anyone who had gone to school and done their homework for this sort of thing.
Kakarrot surveying the battlefield from a treetop "Well it looks like our dear leader must have lost his shit to have ordered this batshit move."
Behind him he could hear a Royal patrol coming towards him, but it mattered little to him as from his viewing spot on a tree he was well out of sight of the soldiers. With ease he slipped passed the Royal's and around the city and made it to the hill.
The Ribbon soldiers were as easy to sneak by as the Royals but that wasn't going to be how he was going to play it. A machine gun nest was guarding one of the approaches to the hill manned by two stupid familiar looking soldiers.
Nilla and Purp something the two had a habit of stumbling onto important events and begin spared by dumb luck. Vanilla always looked like he had a stick up his ass and Purp was always jovial. Nilla had a well smashed in face. Purp had the look of a brute. Nilla was married and had a bunch of kid. Purp was always either paying for sex or not being picky on the issue of consent.
The two made an interesting odd couple that happened to be quite luck, figures that they would be the ones he would run into after most likely being declared dead.
Purp was telling by the sounds of it a farfetched story to Nilla who was trying to ignore him when Kakarrot intentionally broke a twig with his foot to gain the men's attention. As fast as they could move, they were point a long end of a machine gun at him only to point it away just as quickly upon seeing who it was.
Like most of the army Kakarrot had left a terrifying impression on these men. They had seen him eat and seen him turn Oozaru. They had seen bullets bounce of him and what happening when Gero's monkey boy got angry. They looked at him with blue faces, open mouths and wide eyes.
Kakarrot enjoying the appropriate response from the soldier "What's a matter Sergeant Major Nilla and Private Purp? You look as though you have seen a ghost?" The with lightning speed the soldiers practically carried Kakarrot to their commander Colonel Grey.
Grey was never a frail man by Kakarrot recollection. Sure, his grey hair made him look older than he really was, but he had muscles had a glimmer of youth and brilliant in his greyish eyes.
This was not this man. Copper's finest had been run ragged by this predicament and it was showing on him. He was thinner, weak looking, with dull eyes and a slumped back. He had a bandage on his leg that suggested that he was hit.
The camp was like the man dying looking. The mud was deep the signs of shelling everywhere and it all had the sickly-sweet smell of death in the air. Along with the smell of gunpowder and festering wounds from the wounded. It was damp all of it was strong enough for a human, never mind a Saiyan but it didn't bother him at all in the least.
Instead it was a liberating concoction of odors. The odors all put him in his element, calming and reliving. A breath of fresh air to remind him of his joys and loves of fighting, Grandpa, Chi-Chi, Yurin and Tanmen in that order.
Grey's eyes sparked upon seeing Kakarrot even smiled which was an odd thing for him to do but still he was being acknowledged which was good enough. Grey signal for him to join him to his tent were there was a small amount of food (the key word being small). It was an MRE (meal ready to eat) it tasted terrible to him. The thing was beyond processed. It was turkey maybe hard to tell and gravy. But what little Grey had Kakarrot ate up. It had been almost an hour or so since his last meal and a snack was in order at least it was warm.
While Kakarrot ate Grey started in "My boy you don't know how happy I am to see you. We all assumed the worst after the word of Gero and Green's capture." Kakarrot made a light hissing noise as a response to Grey. "Well anyways, Red ordered us to retaliate in response to their capture. Cooper was practically sacked when he attempted to dissuade the Supreme Commander and Red order me here. Trying to take a city with a garrison five times my size and without any reinforcements, provisions or hope of being relieved. It's madness all of it. I can't leave there and there is no way to stay. It's death by them or death by us."
Kakarrot rolling his eyes as what was going on. The Colonel couldn't have been more transparent. He wanted him to take the city for him. It was annoying to say the least. He was supposed to be getting back to Headquarters, saving grandpa and planning some revenge not taking some worthless city that Red wanted.
Kakarrot eyes then turned the tent flaps were open still. The humid spring air was coming in from all the rain that this place must receive. He looked to see the downtrodden faces of the army. They were hopeless, beaten, lost and afraid not of him but of the Royal's.
A touch of fury hit the teen. This army was what Grandpa had promised him. A loyal horde of hailing troops that were supposed be their when he crowned himself lord of this pathetic world. It was just sickening.
Kakarrot eyes shot back to the still gapping Grey who was going on and on about this and that problem he was having.
Kakarrot with a confident air to him shouted "I take the damn city if you'll shut up!" He waited a second and those stars in Grey's eyes grew brighter. "But first I'm going to address your men and then they are going to join me in the attack."
Grey nodded "Sure whatever you want."
The troops were assembled in good order. Kakarrot due to his still small size was forced on a table to raise himself higher than them. Grudging thinking to himself he sorted of understood why Red was determined to make himself look taller in statue and picture form. This was quite annoying, but the men had to see him above them.
The men were all curious about what was happening which made them all look a lot less like a group of beaten dogs all muddy and cut up. Their eyes on him gave him a spark of excitement not unlike the feeling before a fight or a good meal seeing what he had done to Tanmen or that fire in Yurin or Chi-Chi's eyes. It was glorious to say the least to him.
Kakarrot in the deepest voice he could muster "Men you have been abandoned." They gasped. "It's true some man with a crappy map sent you out here to die without possible knowing or caring."
Grey looked at him with a look of angry fear to which Kakarrot didn't bother responding to. He continued "I think you need to be told that because I don't lie to my people. Now that might discourage you all but I'm about to give you a reason why it shouldn't. You might have all heard of me. Might have heard some tall tales, might believe them, might not but I'm here to tell you that their all true."
He gave it a pause to let it sink in. "Now I eat people, bitches. Bullet bounce off me. I can turn into a giant monkey. I'm from space and the last of my kind. I can eat my body weight in a single meal. I've been lit on fire and not burned. I can crush a man skull with my pinky finger and up until a few days ago I had a tail. Now I'll tell you I enjoy killing. It's a big hobby of mine and I'm fucking good at it. As I have killed a fuck ton of people you see.
Another slight pause to let that all sink in. "Now you might be wondering why in the fuck I would be telling you all of this. Well boy's it's really very simple actually because it's no secret and it's all about to come in real handy for all of you. We're going to take Gingertown today. Why you might ask? Who gives a fuck! How?" His finger pointed to his face.
"Yours truly because you might have not all realized it when you woke up this morning but you all just won the Kami-YunoGasai-DiamandaHagan-damn lottery, my supremely badass brothers in arms because as I just described to you all. I'm one bullet proof, fucked up in the head, people eating, space alien that can kill a man like it was nothing and I with all my fucked up weird ass superpowers have decided to save you all. By taking this city and slaughter all of those bitches!" There were a few yells of "hell yah" and such. He now screamed out "Now who's going with me to take this fucking city!"
The soldiers gave out a loud yell of 'Fuck yeah!' and loud guttural howls. Their fists were up, and guns were in the air. They were an excited to the point of foaming at the mouth. Kakarrot's words having had a clear effect on them.
Grey had his men moved down the hill known as 946 by the Ribbon maps. Behind the trees near the Royal lines they waited. A no man's land had formed from the shelling and fighting. The Royal trenches had held the line against three different attack by the Ribbons. The smashed buildings had made great sniper nests. The unburied bodies had become host to many a black fly and worms.
The air was heavy with the stench of the dead as Kakarrot came into view to the Royal soldiers. The sky had darkened cloud had flooded into the area. The Royal's restrained themselves from firing. Instead were quite worried about this strange palm haired boy that had just walked into a warzone. A few calls rang out 'To get out of there' 'This is no place for you'.
Kakarrot to these calls raised his hand and in icy cool confidence loudly spoke "It is not a surprise that many of you don't know me. I must have been just a rumor and a ghost to you men and women. But as of right now I'm am no rumor no ghost. My name is Kakarrot Gero and I have come here to kick ass and chew bubblegum and I'm all out of bubblegum."
His hand cup glowed very quickly then a burst of ki shot out of it towards the men in the trenches. An explosion rocked the soft ground as the rain came down in buckets. Despite their shock the Royal's were quick to open up on Kakarrot. Their bullets, however, were practically bouncing off the boy as Kakarrot found more targets to take out.
As more explosions rocked the land the rest out the Ribbons came charging out of their positions behind the trees, hollering and screaming in a bloodlust. The sounds of the world all seemed to give way to the sounds of war.
Block by block the city was cleared with the Royals eventually seeing the futility at throwing down their weapons. Not that Kakarrot accepted their surrenders mind you, he did indeed want to get the taste of the MRE's out of his mouth.
The battle of Gingertown was over before it began with Kakarrot at their head the Ribbons were invincible. No position was secure, and no spot well defended enough. In under a two-hour period the city fell. Upon their victory Kakarrot took a perch from the last remaining skyscraper overlooking the city so that he could survey the land. He had taken all of it and it was his not Red's, not Royal not even Grandpa's, his and his alone.
Nothing could take this away he thought. Not the loss the Roshi, Tien betrayal, Chi-Chi getting a glimpse of reality or even with the broken glass crunching under his feet, not the rain pouring down or the thunder and lightning. The soldiers had earlier cheered him and had lifted him above them. It had all been all he had wanted and expected. And as a reward he was allowing all they wanted and expected. The sound of the crying and the begging women could be heard from even this height.
Into this festive mood that the Kakarrot was in stepped Grey. The man had been rejuvenated by this victory still thin, but he was practically glowing. The man had been at one point as scared of him as his master was of him but now, now Kakarrot had saved his ass and he knew it. The man even heiled him before starting to talk.
Grey speaking with the respect in his voice that he used for Red and Copper "My Lord I have finally reestablished contact with Headquarters thanks to the enemy's equipment. The Supreme Commander wished to congratulate me on my victory, however, I believe you deserved that thanks."
Your welcome and may I add that I'm in favor of that 'My Lord' part that you added at the beginning. I think it will be my new way of being greeted."
"My pleasure my lord but there was more. Red wants you home. Apparently are troubles here are nothing compared to what's been happening across the globe. All of dear leaders plans seem to all be falling apart."
"Not surprising when we should be taking the fighting to the Royals, when instead we're looking for magic balls. What do you make of all of this Grey?"
Grey's eyes wandered "That's a loaded question."
Kakarrot rolled his eyes and asked, "You see anyone else around?"
Grey in a sigh "Very well my thoughts are simple enough. I was basic commanded to die here to teach Copper a lesson about speaking his mind. I was supposed to lose this battle and by doing so disgrace my general. A terrible wasting of resources because Red was petty. All my men nearly died on that account. It's kind of feels weird calling you 'my lord' but you saved me and my men. You almost single handedly won this fight. Copper might not yet see your value, but I do. You speak beyond your years. The doc's monster boy is not just some super weapon, you might just be a leader, our leader."
"Glad you're finally seeing things my way. Do you know where my Grandpa is being kept?"
"No but Headquarters probably has an idea."
"So, I guess all road lead back to Headquarters."
Grey nodded in agreement "I guess so. I'll keep Gingertown for you."
"Good and I'll try talking some sense into Red. More than likely though I'm just going to make him angry."
"Don't. He's had his chance. After this crisis is over, I think it's time for a change in management. Best not lead on that you have grown as tired of this crap as the rest of us." Kakarrot nodded in agreement. "With him gone it will be a time for a new army a better and stronger army the true masters of this world as we should have always been. I can't wait for it"
"Wait for it no longer. For as the RRA wanes the KRA rises." He smirked. "I think my dear Colonel that his has been a very productive meeting."
"Yes, I think it has my Lord."
"The world will be mine." As he spoke, he could hear the sounds of an approaching plane readying to land and take him to the only real home he even knew. "Just some try and stop me."
Let's see who tries and stops him I bet it will be a girl in orange and blue with a cloud and a stick.
Chapter 15: The King Is Dead! Long Live The King!
Chapter Text
Kakarrot could already tell he was going to hate this little chitchat. The attendants in the plane practically forced him to get dressed. He was now in his little tan soldier's uniform. It made him sick to his core.
Now before it had been an annoyance but now, he saw it for what it really was. A collar and a sort of leash, same as the gi Shen made him wear. A way to say whose property is whose. Thankfully the hat wouldn't stay on as impractical nature hair has its uses after all.
Kakarrot actually found himself preferring the last few boring times on a plane then this shit. It wasn't even military some sort of jet made for a few people rather than a ton. It was all way different then the jetcopter's or big jetplane he had already been in. This was Red's private jet or something, based on all the statues and pictures. Maybe he thought he was wooing him or something. It did work he was just angrier
Red was clearly desperate for his help and Kakarrot couldn't help wondering why? The Royal army was nowhere near Headquarters. By the sound of what those flea-bitten mass of refuges had said the Ribbons were on the attack virtually everywhere. Surely, they weren't winning but they weren't being pushed back. What could be so important that they would need him specifically?
When they landed, he was practically carried off the plane by the attendants. He could have easily wrestled himself free of their grasps and given them all a good black eye to teach them a lesson. But instead he got free and made them tell him were they were planning on taking him.
They were taking him to Red's office, the throne room. He decided to take the long way hoping that his burning angry would subside.
The landing strip wasn't that far from the main building but since this place at times, felt like a maze even, knowing where you were going. A wrong turn or two could easily make this take a lot longer. So, he took a wrong way or two he, but his mood didn't improve.
If anything, it was more time to getting furious about the lack of sense that Red had shown about his magic balls, stupid moves, and petty bullshit. But as luck would have it though his little walk did bare some fruit.
In the hallways Kakarrot ran into Copper the general who seemed to have the most distrust in him and well everybody else for that matter. In Copper's hands were some papers probably some battle plans and such.
Copper was annoying but unlike the others he had the good sense to be useful which was more than Kakarrot could say about most of his fellows so at least he had what respect that Kakarrot could muster.
Kakarrot snidely asked "Do I still have to salute you sir or not?"
"It's still sir and I'm still a general kid. Red has just lost some sense it will come back to him soon once the girl's been dealt with and the Doctor is back in our hands."
Kakarrot right eye jumped up in curiosity "What girl?"
Copper chuckled "Crazy nonsense something about a yellow cloud and a magic stick. She apparently beat Silver, White and even Eight."
Kakarrot fists tightened "Eight?"
"Well to be fair as I understand it Eight well sort of went traitor. After Gero's capture Red sent him to White. Murasaki sent us an update before well he meet his end."
Kakarrot smiling "So Cheech wiped out Brown's best and Northern corp."
Copper surprised "What? Wait you know this girl?"
"I do General, I do. Tell me did she bring any of her friend?"
Copper nearly laughing "No, they say she was by herself."
Kakarrot smirking "Figures. She never disappoints. It would have been just hilarious to see the look on that boxer and that drunk's stupid face when they lost to her. They were both leagues below her, they didn't stand a snowballs chance in hell against her."
Now far more nervous "So, one girl did do all of that!?"
"Don't seem so surprised Copper you're looking at someone who could have done that himself. Now this day just got a hell of a lot more interesting." With that Kakarrot began marching again until he came running back to Copper. "When the shit goes down, I hope you know whose side to pick."
Kakarrot left the General to think as he continued to Red's office. The bodyguards were there in front of Red's big as door in their pin stripe pants and well-tailored suits and RRA arm bands. They almost passed for butlers but for the fact they had pistols and black sunglasses.
The doors slowly opened. Red did at least have a sense of showmanship and style after all. The room and a sort of walkway with a red carpet leading to his desk. It opened to reveal Red in his chair behind his desk as a painter was giving him another exaggerated portrait.
Apparently Red was now eight feet tall, every year the portraits seemed to jump up by a foot. Red had a bottle in front of him on his desk some sort of whiskey missing a few glasses from it.
Black was standing below being the tall scarecrow that he seemed content to be, someone else bitch. Black looked tired this must all wore on him.
There was a chair waiting for Kakarrot on the red carpet which he took. He may have wanted to get in Red's face but that won't be advisable. Especially if he wanted to find out about Grandpa.
"I assume this has to do about the girl on the cloud?"
Red cringed a bit "So you talked to Copper?"
"Maybe."
Red sneered "Figures." He paused. "He doesn't know about everything."
Kakarrot eyes jumped up in curiosity "Really what else is there?"
"Yellow's dead and so is Mercenary Tao."
"What?"
"She first attacked Captain Yellow while he was north of here collecting me a Dragon Ball near a place called Korin's tower. Then Colonel Silver was attacked, so we called in the big guns as General White fell under attack. We sent him Tao, after we told him a fake story about her being the one that killed his brother instead of you. Shit went down and he lost, no thanks to Cyborg Eight. Whatever happen must have broken her radar because she has gone to West City for repairs we think. She is now heading to Blue's location. Now we have the only two dragon balls one found by accident and the other found by Violet."
"If you want to rule the world, right?"
Red took another deep gulp of his whiskey and mumbled 'Whatever'. Kakarrot eyes contracted he and thought "If that isn't going to be his wish, then what the fuck is his wish?"
"You are going to back up Blue. I want that third Dragon Ball and the rest that she stole from us! You understand me!"
Kakarrot nodded his head "Understood dear leader but may I ask you sir about my Grandpa?"
"Right our good Doctor. He is being kept in the Maximum-Security UNIT prison under the mountain known as One Eighty-Nine outside of North City. Its apart of their big ass nuke proof bomb shelter. Impossible to directly engage deep in Royal held ground."
"For you maybe."
Red angry and now talking down to him "I intent to send you on a rescue mission as soon as we have the resources but first, we need to save Blue and get me the Dragon Balls. You see I'm trying to save your Grandpa and my army."
Kakarrot felt like ripping his head off him, acting sanctimonious to him while his grandpa was imprisoned, and he wasn't going to do anything about it. His hands at his sides dug into his palm threating to cut into them.
Kakarrot trying to head all of this off asked. "When do I leave sir?"
Red had a smile on his face he must have had thought that he had successfully chewed him out or something. "Shortly a plane's waiting. But I figured you'd want you armor."
Kakarrot was out of his chair before Red could finish talking. He wanted out of this room as soon as possible before he was further tempted to rush things. He would have to go the lab to get his armor which suited him fine. He was intent on his revenge on Cheech, but grandpa needed him right now. Revenge would just mean very little without the old man.
The cramped and grey walkways that he marched down gave him little in the way of comfort at he made his way to the labs. His mind was being plagued by thoughts and memories.
How did Cheech beat Tao? Tao was strong than him he was sure when he left. Did she have help?
How was Grandpa? Were they torturing him? Grandpa had shown him what they do to prisoner's hell he was one of their methods of torture. It had given him the first taste of one of his favorite foods people. Did they mess with those hands that had given him so many challenges like Seven, Six and Five?
Why didn't it feel like the right time to take down Red? Grandpa always told him to go with his gut. He had told him that he was a superior lifeform that had the right to rule over mankind. That simply might made right.
Damn it he missed how Grandpa sometimes talked about him. He had to save him that was for sure. Fuck all this nonsense but how?
The lab door open and he looked on to the workbench to see his armor waiting for him. Grandpa had colored it for him and some modifications. He had trimmed the wings until the wings were merely straps like he wanted. The blank grey was gone replaced by a black, red and white theme.
He now had gloves pure black. New boots made of leather pure black. Black under spandex or whatever Grandpa named the substance. The chest and straps were blood red and the R&R logo in black above the heart. The belly guard along with the crotch guard were snow white.
It was exactly what he had asked for to the letter. His Grandpa had done so much for him then it hit him the exact way to get him everything he wanted and more a plan formed in an instant. A great big wolfish grin came over his face as he stared at the armor.
Oh he would get his grandpa back and get his revenge he was sure of that.
He grabbed hold of his armor and hurriedly put it on while quickly removing his uniform. It was a little disappoint that there was still clearly a hole on the armor for his tail but there was no time for all of that.
Kakarrot went to Teal.
Teal team six was Red best special operatives besides Hasky, Green's pride and joy thief. Captain Teal a man that had more bullet wounds then baby pictures, yet he had never been shot in the face.
His green eyes never seemed to have a dimmer to them. He was a man for a dark joke which was probably why Green liked him. They had a lot in common, he was even lanky like Green.
Lieutenant Viridian a man of few words. He was a tall on a good six ten with the muscles to match his size. Private Olive the sniper with very steady hands. Sergeant Jade was the demolitions expert. Private Emerald master of hand to hand combat. Corporal Mint the ice-cold medic.
Teal must have been as frustrated by Green capture and lack of rescue plan like himself. Teal make been a cutthroat mercenary, but he was a loyal cutthroat mercenary to be sure if that wasn't a contradiction. Mostly likely because Green was his dad.
In a bit a proof that luck as it were was on Kakarrot they were at the base were as normally they would be in some jungle hell playing hide and seek with the Royals for keeps. They were waiting in their bunks for orders went he came in. They all jumped up and heiled. It was second nature at this point and they probably thought he was command. Their hands fell to their sides as they realized who it was.
"Now Boys and Girls I have a proposition for you on how to get your General back if you're interested?" They looked at him confused. Until Teal nodded in the affirmative. "Good because I have a plan. We're going to sabotage the Dragon Radar and show the others Red's true colors."
Kakarrot easily found the dragon balls hidden away in Red's suites as the alarm bells rang out. Why he didn't bother to put them in the Vault he did know or understand. He grabbed them and brought them with him to the command center. Just like he had planned Copper, Violet, Teal and his team, Brown, Black and of course Red they were all here.
Red tends to like an audience when he is chewing others out. Red looked as though he was about to burst a blood vessel as Kakarrot strolled in with the dragon balls in hand.
Red in full on rage mode "You morons! Can't any of you do anything right?!" He gave Kakarrot a quick look and said. "What are you still doing here?" He turned then paused, and then looked back at him with his single blood shot eye. "What the hell are you doing with them?!"
Kakarrot chuckled "I think its truth time boss man. Why are we collecting these balls?"
In anger Black yelled at him "To rule the world, you traitorous little shit!"
"I didn't ask you Black. I asked Red. I think he is maybe not a big man but big enough to answer my question himself."
Red cringed at his words if there was anything, he hated to be called more in this universe it was short. "What did you just say brat!"
Kakarrot said while practically waving them in his face "Do I need to repeat myself? Shorty why are we collecting these balls?"
Red without thinking then just blurted it out in a mad rage "So no one can ever call me short again when I'm eight feet tall!" As the words left his mouth, he must have known he had fuck up as his face said it all.
The room went silence but for the computers in room. The pupil of everyone except Kakarrot had shrunk. The gravity of the situation was setting and the first to break was Black.
Black asked in rising anger "What was that Sir?"
Red now very nervous "Well aw I aw… I misspoke you see."
"You mobilized and got a good portion of the army destroyed so you could get a small height increase?" Said with bile coming from his voice.
Red's eye shifting "Not a small height increase."
Violet indignantly "I almost got eaten by an Alligator for that?!"
"I'll like to take back my earlier little shit comment." Said while still staring daggers at Red.
Kakarrot out of some sort of religious ceremony put his hand up "My friend you are forgiven."
Red shaking his head "It doesn't matter. I am this army. What I say goes! And I decided that I need a height increase."
"Alright since Blue might be dead right know and White is dead along with Silver I imagine it's down to the people in this room. Now in light of this disturbing revelation all in favor of a new Commander say I."
They all say 'I' except Red. Red in a rage "I'm the leader you can't replace me!"
"All in favor of killing the time waster say I."
They all say 'I' and with a slight hand motion Kakarrot fires a beam into Red's head killing him instantly. His body hitting the ground with a thud.
"Well now that that trash fire has been dealt with. I would to like to nominate myself for the position of leadership of this heap. All in favor say Yea all oppose say Nay." Begrudgingly they all said 'Yea'. "Good I would hate for more bodies to pile up."
He took a deep breath with his nose and a grin of refreshment took his face. "Ah that's what I'm taking about the smell of pure uncut power nothing in the world smells better that it. The title is Lord Commander or my lord if you will. Teal I want a plan to save Gero and Green on my desk as soon as possible but first fix the screen."
Teal quickly shout out "Yes my lord!"
Kakarrot continuing "Black power down the defenses." Black gasped. "Chi-Chi will be here soon and I want no interruption to her arrival."
Black in panic "But my lord!"
Kakarrot waved his concerns off "You heard what I said. I beat Cheech before, and I can do it again regardless of her new power up. Get all of Grandpa's toys ready on the off chance I need backup which I can assure you I won't. Copper you're in charge of tactics again. I want to recover the army that my unworthy predecessor nearly got destroyed."
Copper heiled "Yes my lord."
"Violet I want you to find out the deal with the other ball with tech crew. Why can't we find it and who could be doing it."
Violet heiled "Yes my lord."
"Brown I want numbers. I want to know how many we lost, how many we still have and how we can get more men."
Brown heiled "Yes my lord."
"Now yet us all be clear the RRA is dead the KRA is born. What we do here is going to resonate for over a thousand years. We are on the precipice of a new age and don't any of you forget it. We are going to break this world and claim it as our own."
They all yelled 'Yes my lord' and their hands went to the air heiling him. He grinned; it all had worked out perfectly. Time to deal with the Chi-Chi. She'd never see it coming either. The screen came back up as four yellow dots were coming right at Headquarters.
Chapter 16: Come As You Are
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi's eyes were watering from the razor winds as she stood on her nimbus. She didn't care. She was pissed. Those people at the Tournament, Suno family and so many other people had been hurt by these people that they need to be stopped.
Bulma, Krillin and Roshi might have called her crazy but she needed to stop them here and now. Suno was desperate to come along but Chi-Chi was resolute. Suno didn't know any martial arts and Chi-Chi knew this was going to be one big fight.
She had no idea really of what to expect. Bulma had said something about thousands of soldiers and missile defense systems guarding their headquarters. But she had seen nothing of that sort, up to this point. She was in their home turf and they were doing nothing, something was definitely up.
Thankfully she had taken Master Roshi's advice about training with Korin there was no way she could have beaten Tao without it. But even with that edge she still let him harm Suno's family.
She was angry at herself for it. She was trying to spare him. She didn't want to kill anyone but these people, they just had no honor or mercy for that matter. They have to be stopped and stopped permanently she was sure of that.
She could see their headquarters a castle like fortress. A mix of different styles like the architect could decide on twenty century, medieval or classical designs so went with all three. Red brick and steel were everywhere. The place looked quiet, like nobody was home.
Out of her gi pocket she took out the radar and clicked the top of it. The new green screen flashed on.
Bulma was good at fixing things even if Tao aim was good. It showed the four in her backpack and the two ahead. But the two weren't in any of the big buildings but instead below. Maybe they thought they could hide them, but they were wrong.
Her nimbus flew low and she jumped off on to the airfield. She looked around to find a way below. It was a concrete box that once she bashed the door down lead to some stairs. It was some sort of fire exit. She hurriedly down the stairs as over the loudspeakers she could faintly hear some music playing over them.
It was a man sing with what seemed like to her was a frog in his throat "Come as you are, as you were. As I want you to be. As a friend, as a friend. As an old enemy. Take your time, hurry up. The choice is yours, don't be late. Take a rest as a friend, as an old Memoria."
It kept going but she was in the mind to tune it out. The stairs when she got down a few levels finally leading to some hallways. The hallways were sterile and grey.
It almost had the look of a bomb shelter but there were clear signs that this was like Bulma's and her dad's work room. This was the work area based on the glimpses she got. Half-finished projects, stale coffee and body odor permeated this place.
She didn't need to radar to know where to go know. She felt him she didn't know how but she felt him. She really didn't know what to feel. She was angry he had killed so many. She had let him kiss her. He was scum, the worst of the worst but she also suddenly felt relief. She had no idea of what had happen to him, but he was here.
Whatever else it was nice that she would finally get her fair one on one rematch with him.
She stopped as she found herself at the end. The blast door was open. She knew beyond a doubt now that this was a trap. By the looks of it this was some sort big fighting arena and waiting inside was him. Clutching her bag, she went in.
The room was dark but as she walked in the lights came on and the door behind her closed.
"Well now I have a guest."
She turned her head to the side to see that he was in the middle of the arena. His arms were folded, and his eyes fixed on her. Two dragon balls were in his hands. He had on his black, red and white armor.
"I suppose Grandpa did say it was important to entertain guests and be a good host." He seemed to expect a comeback or something, but she gave him nothing but stares. "Mad at me, are we? Well I don't blame you." Her right eyebrow went up. "Don't believe me?" She lightly bobbed her head. "I don't blame you for that either." He tossed the balls her way and she looked at him in shock and suspicion. "The man who wanted them well had to be 'let go' as I and most of the staff decide we need a change in management to yours truly. They're yours take'em." She kneeled down eyeing him all the way. He sighed. "Still don't trust me huh?"
Chi-Chi deadpan "The door shut. What do you think?"
A flicker of light came to his eyes as she spoke. "So, you still do know how to speak. I was afraid you had become a mute."
She cringed a bit at his happiness like she had fallen into some sort of trap. She looked at the balls in her hand then placed them into her pink backpack. "Where's the last one?"
Kakarrot quickly stated "Don't rightly know or care. They can't seem to find it and you have a better tracker then us it would seem. All of resources have been wasted on those magic trinkets and it doesn't seem worth it." His words oozing with disdain at the dragon balls. "I don't even know what they do. But…" She damn well knew that but was coming and she tensed up. "I think we both know that I just can't let you leave here without fight. After all a ton of people died over those and it just wouldn't be right to give them up without one."
A spark of rage came to her eyes and she yelled "Like Suno's parents!"
Kakarrot smiled and she cringed some more. He seemed to want her to get angry and show emotion. He was playing some sort of game and she was losing that was clearli.
He bowed his head. "I apologize if I've offended. But may I remind you that I knew White, Blue, Silver and Tao who was one of my masters. But White was dunk, Blue was a weirdo, Silver never wore a shirt and Tao beat me constantly. So, I guess we can call it in your favor by the looks of it. But I offer you a deal. You and me until one of us gives up. Winner gets the magic balls loser takes a dirt nap."
Chi-Chi blinked, tossed the backpack to the ground and got into stance. "I can agree to that." She said with a very self-assured voice.
He was already happy, now he looked ecstatic at her agreement to this death battle. She looked pretty happy too, anxious as she was to kick his face in after all.
Kakarrot took his stance and waited.
They stared at one another for what seemed like them a lifetime. Her Korin training told her that he had become stronger somehow since the tournament but his ace in the hole was gone and she had also gotten stronger. Neither side seemed to be willing to start the fight. Both were determined to wait until the other throw the first punch.
"Tell me how are my brothers doing?"
"Brothers?"
"Tien and Chiaotzu, I been wondering how they have been doing since they betrayed me."
"Betrayed you? You killed their master, attacked innocent people and tried to kill them."
"Number one I killed Shen the man that who beat them, starved them and was trying to kill Chiaotzu. It was self-defense. Number two I can't really fully control myself in monkey form. The moment the moonlight hits me. I practically lose all control. Number three Tien attacked me first and it didn't tickle." He said the last bit with what seemed like a hint of hurt feelings.
Chi-Chi mind seemed to be trying to absorb his excuses like a part of her wanted to sympathize with the palm haired monster.
Internally she tried to shake these thoughts off. This was a monster a killer. He killed those people and laughed about it. He had nothing redeemable about him.
"You know it's funny having you here after all this is my home. I kind always wanted to show you around, but I suppose that's impossible now." He said also sounding sad.
Chi-Chi instantly grew impatient. He was playing some game she knew and if she listened longer, she might fall into some sort of trap. She was going to shut him up before he spewed any more lies. Chi-Chi charged him.
He dodged her first punch deliver her and punch in retort that she blocked. Their fists clashed as the two were nearly on equal footing. Neither seemed to be doing much damage to the other.
Suddenly Kakarrot jumped back and Chi-Chi followed him. She managed to kick his feet up from under him and give him a heavy blow to the skull.
His face hit the ground with a thud. She had managed to hurt him by the looks of the blood on the steel. She jumped back as he got up. She was being caution after all he did like playing games. He raised his head. His nose was bleeding, and she had wrung his bell a bit. He wiped his nose and said happily.
"Damn that actually hurt. You are one powerful warrior girly. I'm not going to lie I'm having a lot of fun. Your leagues beyond that fight on the mountain. Hell, you're much strong then when you were at the tournament. I have to applaud you my warrior. You're making this one hell of a fight."
Chi-Chi tried to read some sort of sarcasm into his statement, but she couldn't. He was genuine happy that she was winning at the moment. It was a far cry from him on the mountain or the him at the stadium. She shook her head this was a trick. The same one before the tournament. He was a liar.
Chi-Chi stomped the ground and charged again this time firing a beam at him midair. He blocked it and their fists met again. He was on the defense and losing ground. He tried to knee her, but his leg was caught by her. She grabbed ahold of him and chucked him. Slamming him into a wall behind him.
He let out a pained growl as he hit the wall. The metal bent like it was a tin can even though it was some sort of special alloy by Gero. He quickly fired a dodon at her which hit her in the left shoulder. She let out a pained grunt as it bled, but she moved in.
Before he could dig himself out of the wall, she was on him, smashing him in further.
The two of them were grunting and snarling as she wailed on him. Having endured quite enough of this he used his ki as a shield to push her back and free himself from the metal. He gave her a blow to the face, and she bit his hand. He pulled his hand back and she had broken the skin. The pain didn't seem to affect him as started to punch at her some more. The fists smashing into her face.
Chi-Chi managed to push him back and catch her breath. He didn't follow as he seemed to need a breath to. Chi-Chi with the time just thought about what she had just done. It was like his mere present was bring out the very worse in her. He had lied to her she should be angry she thought but this, this wasn't her.
She hadn't wanted to kill Tao, White or Blue but Tao had just killed Suno's parent and trying to kill Suno, White was about to kill the village chief and Blue was going to kill Bulma. They had all felt her no choice. But him Kakarrot she wanted to kill him right now. That wasn't her she normally didn't want to hurt anyone. Was her heart getting in the way of this fight?
"I don't want to interfere with whatever moral quandary you're in, but we are in a fight, right?"
A bubble of rage came to the surface and she got set up for the Kamehameha. Kakarrot got ready as she said the word prepared to block it just like she hoped he would. He might think he was the only one with the tricks, but he was wrong.
At the last second, she turned then fired it off using the wave as propulsion. She went rocketing at him. He couldn't move fast enough, and she gave a kick right to the stomach knocking the breath right out of him.
His body limply smashed back into the wall. It bent loudly and his skull bounced of the steel and his body did a limp spin in the air before limply smashing on the cold floor.
To a human this would have all meant death. A broken neck and a crushed skull but Kakarrot wasn't a human.
For a hot second she had thought she had killed him, and she didn't know how to feel about that. There were tears in her eyes as she heard him cough up blood.
She went over to him and saw something that shocked her. His tail! His tail had come back limp as it was at his side. She kicked him and got him to his side. He looked unconscious with his mouth sagging and his shut eyes. He was breathing.
He did say this was to the death. The blood he spit up was possible from his lungs, so he was going to die probably as she was considering what to do his left eye opened.
Kakarrot weakly he said, "Well what are you waiting for finish it."
Her heart seemed to jump. He may have said it weakly but said it with such nonattachment. Her fists clenched but then she let her fists go.
Chi-Chi angrily stated "If you even try hurt anyone else ever again. I will finish what I started today. Do you have friends waiting to help you or should I bring you to a hospital?"
Kakarrot looking confused "I have friends."
"Strange. Someone one considering you a friend." She turned and walked for her bag and said not looking. "Don't die."
She grabbed her bag and left through the suddenly open door. She had more important things to worry about like how to find the last dragon ball she hoped Roshi or Bulma might have an idea. She didn't look back to see that look on his face.
She was gone. He could feel her leave as the medical staff poured in along with Black. They grabbed hold of him and brought him to the med bay. He was begin to drown of the blood in his lungs. Forcing them to puncture his chest to suction the blood out. The doctors worked fast not bothering with any anesthetics. Nor did he go unconscious by sheer force of will he kept himself wake.
The doctors had done their job he had survived not even needing a ventilator. They left the room as Black came in sweat pouring down his face. He had thought the boy an invincible monster but not so much know.
Black scared "How can there be this many people with these powers on the planet?"
"Pff you realize there is a virtual army of space pirate out there that could put everything she just did to shame." (Black looked at Kakarrot. He was painfully grinning.) "She's everything I ever wanted."
Black in mix of anger and confusion "You actually enjoyed that?!"
"But of course. She was strong as I would hoped she'd and she was as angry as I hoped too."
"She could have killed you."
Kakarrot chuckling beside the pain "Oh she could have, but she didn't. Just like I knew she wouldn't."
"That's called a lucky guess."
Kakarrot nearly hurt himself as he painfully sucked in air trying to laugh but was prevented by all the damage.
Kakarrot in serious pain "Lucky maybe or maybe not. My enemy has a soft heart. She doesn't like to kill." He said with contempt in his voice. "How could she kill the boy who promised to marry her? Pff I knew her bleeding heart was going to stop her. All of them might have the power but not the steel you see. Their sheep that think themselves wolfs. Never taking the opportunities before them. They are weak. I am strong about to be stronger." He stares at his twitching tail. "She believes me laid low, but it is not so. Revenge should not be rushed it needs to be seeded." His eyes wide. "Everyone who is going to die from here on out will be on her head because she didn't finish it. She could have saved them all, but she didn't. But first I'm going keep her to her promise and watch her squirm as a result. And when it's over she is going beg for death, but it won't come. You see I have learned from my mistakes and I'm about to become a chameleon of ever color. She's never going to see it coming until it comes up and stabs her in that heart of hers."
Advice for any who be hero don't let the big bad live. It normally doesn't end well. Oh, and it wasn't a typo Chi-Chi didn't kill Silver. They just think she did.
Chapter 17: Jailbreak
Chapter Text
Gero's eyes were blank like the life had been drained out of the old man. He was broken in his orange jumpsuit. Chained to a metal table. His world had come crashing around him down.
The camera with its red light was staring at him. Three men were looking at him through a one-way glass.
Frank was in his UNIT Captain uniform with his square jaw and broad shoulders. Bill in his Lieutenant uniform with his young face but whiting hair.
A man in a Major's uniform was behind them his face shrouded by shadow. The jailed doctor in front of them was like a puzzle that all three were trying to work their heads around.
Frank questioningly asked, "So he's said nothing?"
Major in UNIT said "Nothing. He's practically catatonic. He's not eating or sleeping. He mumbles a bit about 'not again' and something about an Adrian. We think according to records that it was his real son. He died due to stray bullet. Wife's dead too cancer maybe. Theirs the monster of course but apparently, he does have a granddaughter or wife. Not really clear yet or maybe they're not related. I don't know. I swear it feels like intelligence is just making this stuff on the fly sometimes."
"Well then I think this a perfect job for the rookie."
Bill gives Frank a puzzled look. "Well I…"
Frank gave him a smile "Nonsense. It's your chance to prove you're worth it kid and show you're not just here because your daddy has a bird on his jacket."
Bill eyes lit up "Yes Sir!" He saluted the two men and marched out.
"Kiddo's a go getter."
"He's eager. I have a funny feeling he'll be on the board or the hot seat one day."
"Well the 'corporation' is always looking for the replacements. How you think he'll do?"
"I'll be surprised if the doctor even looks at him. He's practically catatonic. Nan this just be a good chance for the kid to get some experience."
Bill removed of his jacket and came into the interrogation room. He was young and toned a contrast to the old thin man that seemed to be dying in slow motion.
Bill had on his game face. His blue eyes and whiting eyebrows were arched in anger staring at the decaying genius.
Bill in what could be described as his attempt at a drill sergeant's voice "So heard you haven't been eating or talking. Is that a sign of a guilty conscience or our you just trying to take the coward's way out? Because if so, you should be able to understand the concept that we can force feed you right?"
Frank in the watcher post sighed. He was being way too aggressive right off the bat. Gero didn't even look at him.
Bill took a seat putting his feet on the table then said while looking at the Doctor "You know if you bother to look at me you might figure out that you and I have meet before. You might remember you were holding a gun to the head of a teenage girl like a coward. I'm even the one how put the hand cuffs on you. Right after the turtle hermit gave your son the heave-ho from his mortal coil." Gero's face twitched at Bill's comment. Figuring he was getting somewhere Bill continued.
"Never found his body. He was probably vaporized. I bet he became a very crispy monkey." Bill was smiling trying to agitate him.
"Now if I was a father, I'd hate to see my boy die in front of me, but you know karma's a bitch. But this is old hat to you I bet that's two kiddo you lost. Maybe it will give you an idea of all the pain and suffering that you've caused to everyone else. All those other dead sons…"
Bill stopped as Gero looked him dead on in the eyes those lifeless doll-like eyes. The Major and Frank looked at one another in a mix of concern and surprise.
Gero in a sounding empty voice "Do you have anyone you care about Lieutenant William Stryker?"
The room became ice cold in seconds. Bill was taken aback but kept it together while Frank was considering just taking him out of the room, but this was too important.
"Hey, I ask the questions around here and how do you know my name?"
"Your father is UNIT Colonel Nathaniel Stryker noted militarist. Subject to multiple accolades and awards. A real cold warrior. Your mother Martha maiden name Lee. She is a home maker and very religious. Your brother George Stryker. He is a stockbroker in East City. You are Lieutenant William Stryker originally you wanted to be a preacher but instead went to UNIT to follow in your father's footsteps. You know about us and we know about you. Now do you have anyone you care about?"
Bill had on a nervous smile. Gero had hit home and he was trying to not show it. "That's not how this works."
"Is it? Do you even know how this works?" His words were like daggers said without emotion or effort. Bill had no retort. "I didn't think so."
Bill now angry said "Maybe we show talk about you two dead sons?"
Gero eye once again right eye twitched and with stoic calm said, "One bad day that all it takes."
Bill confused at the statement "What?"
"One bad day. The world goes from making all the sense to none. I think everyone needs their one bad day Billy boy. It gives people perspective. Let's you see who you really are. Red was the only one that took my work seriously. I was a pariah in the scientific community because of my experiments. Brief wanted nothing to do with me. I was called Doctor Frankenstein. Until I made a deal with the devil. She was pregnant. I needed money. It's not an excuse just a reason. I used to care. You people took my son away from me. Kami took my wife, but the devil gave me my new son and then you took him away. The lot of you are but shadows on the wall but he was the reality. A culmination of every dream I had. The beyond man, a god on Earth and you killed him like always do. I thought Adrian dying was my one bad day, but I stand corrected. I am going to hurt everyone you care about. I'm going to make it slow and I'm going to make you watch. It's going to happen when you feel the safest when you think me dead or ash upon the wind. I'm going to hurt you whether or not I'm living or dead and hurt you badly. Just you wait and see."
Gero eyes shifted as he seemed to sink back into whatever mental coma that he was in. Bill was stunned and so was everybody else.
Frank had made up his mind to get him out as Bill started losing his cool trying to talk to the doctor. Pulling, yelling and quite ready to bash his skull in. Frank basically had to pull him into the hallway and restrain him.
Frank angrily shouted at him "Stop and think for a second!"
Bill yelled back "I'm going to fucking kill him!"
Frank gave him smack to face to Bill's shock. "Get your head on straight!"
Bill began to calm down as the guards brought out Gero who had a red mark on his face where Bill punched him repeatedly. It was more than likely going to leave a bruise.
"What the hell are you thinking! You just tried to kill a tier one asset!
Bill coming back to himself was practically stuttering "I… He… I… Those!" He took a deep breath as he stabilized.
Frank let go of him seeing that he had calmed down. "I got it. He got under your skin. But you can't do that if we were cops, we'd have to let him go. Luckily were not and that man is a mass murderer, so no one is going to shed a tear. But killing a resource like him at the very least is grounds for dismissal, worst case treason and a court-martial followed by a firing squad. Do you understand!?"
Bill ashamed and embarrassed "Yeah… Yeah I understand."
Frank sighed "It's okay. It happens to the best of us. No one needs to know, and no real damage done." Frank looked at him curiously.
"What?"
"I think that's the first-time kid I heard you swear. Not even when we were about to be nuked."
Bill laughed and then blushed when he realized the position he was in "Yeah I guess it was. I can't belief that slap worked."
"Yeah me too that only normal works in old black and white movies."
"Yeah." Bill couldn't help but think about what usually came after the slap.
Frank seeming flushed too let him go. "Alright I'll get you a drink and we'll forget about this."
Bill nervously stated "I don't drink."
"Then I'll get you a coke or something. You realize how annoying it is have a friend that won't drink, swear or anything like that?" He patted him on the back then placed his arm his head turning him towards were they were going to which Bill cringed a bit.
Down the halls they went until they got to one of the cafeterias. Frank had his dinner of a scotch on the rocks while Bill had a coke and some spaghetti. When Bill was finishing up a thought occurred to him.
"Boss…"
Frank interrupting "I hate when you call me that but continue."
"Well Frank so why are you always here?"
Frank sighed and smirked a bit "That's not what really asking."
Bill wondered in his head whether he could be a good agent if he was so transparent.
Bill playing dumb "What am I asking?"
"Listen kid. I know you have your family and your girlfriend but let me tell you this. This ain't the kind of nine to five shit where you get to go home every night. I figured you would have gotten that from your old man. It's all of running around and is filled with a lot of moment that you don't think you're going to make it out of. It takes a whole lot and not many are willing to stick around for that. Other people are at best a hindrance or distraction at worse a fatal weakness since psychopaths can use them against you. Case in point the little incident today. Dragging someone into my shit isn't fair. And as for mom and dad, well they ain't around anymore so no problem there."
Bill thinking 'Well that explains the drinking. Wait someone?'
Bill was about to ask another question that had been on his mind when he was stopped. There was shake the lights above flicker. In the distance it sounded like a bomb had gone off. Frank practically jumped out of his chair and had his pistol out as the alarms went off. Bill was a lot slower and as he got up the intercom turned on.
A robotic sounding man said "Attention, Attention we have a breach at the front gate an unknown amount of hostile have seized the entrance. All security personal report to your stations. All civilian personal proceeded with a lockdown. Attention…"
Before the voice even finish the second attention Frank looked at Bill and yelled as the various soldiers and staff were getting up and moving. "Get to the armory and get the gun in the case marked DAVID!" Bill wanted to ask him why but before he did. Frank continued. "Bring it to the prison black asap. I'll be waiting!"
With that Frank was gone running down the halls to the prison block as the stunned Bill ran to do what he was told.
Gunfire was ringing out everywhere. It all sounded like panicked fire to Bill. As he was running by a security station, he got a look a one of the cameras. It was of the scene at the entrance.
A small boy was standing in the middle of a hail of gunfire in all black with taller black suited figures behind. The area was covered in smoke and dust and hard to see. But the boy had on a gas masks with hair defiantly jutting out between the straps of the mask.
Behind him he could see a tail. He pointed his finger as the cameras went dead and another explosion went off. He could hear screams off in the distance.
It was the boy from the Tournament he knew it, but Bill had already guessed it. Here for the doctor and Green.
Bill didn't know what 'DAVID' was but hopefully it would stop him. Bill felt like he should be scared but he wasn't. The sounds of the screams only made him want to turn around and help. He didn't even remember his name at the moment his legs seemed to move by themselves only fueled on by adrenaline.
It was a feat of near acrobatics as he burst into the armory dodging the soldiers who were gearing up and storming out. He didn't know how but despite all of the confusion he found a case marked 'DAVID' in it was a hand cannon. It looked like it would hurt to fire it not that Bill cared.
It read 'SLINGSHOT' and it had only one round. It looked maybe .50 caliber, but this was no normal bullet. It glowed, it gave off heat, it was blue, and It read 'ROCK' in white on its side.
He grabbed the pistol and threw in the bullet, it locked with a snap. It was like all the power in world was now in his hand. He felt like trembling, but it wasn't the time of it. Frank and the free world were at stake he thought as he held it in his hand.
The door slammed shut behind Frank as the guards took their places as from the plexiglass of their cell doors Green and Gero looked on. The cell block had no cover. He threw his back to the wall adjacent to the door as it blew open.
The metal door landed on some of the guards crushing them. It was a blast door made to take a missile and it did jack shit.
Frank even wondered if the weapon would do the trick. The guards open up but were dead in seconds as the boy strolled in. Frank could his breathing even with the mask it sounded pained.
The palm haired monster looked at him. He could tell it was smiling even with the mask. He was alive because it wanted an audience maybe. His gun was forced out of his hand by the explosion not that it would have mattered.
He heard more gun fire as a figure in an armored black suit came up behind him. Kakarrot turned to see the now lit up face of Gero. Kakarrot went to remove his mask as the other masked figure said to him. "Been a while huh Frankie boy."
The mask fell off of the talker and was revealed to be Teal. "If I recall it correctly it was when I plunged my knife into your last charity case before escaping prison." He chuckled. "I guess things do change. Now I'm breaking in."
Frank wanted to go for his pistol, but Teal had him dead to rights and he was on the ground. There was a hissing noise and the door to the cells fell down the steel melted beautiful done.
"I always saw myself as big brother willing to lead a hand to a brother in need."
Frank looked to see the boy his face was covered with bandages. Someone had really fucked him up royally. Shame he thought whoever it was didn't finish the job.
The half-starved old man rushed to his grandson and began to look him over. Green was skipping as he left his cell.
"I was wondering when my loyal young ward was going to come to my rescue. Took yah long enough."
"Sorry general. I was enjoying the peace and quiet. Also thought it was funny if they thought torture could get anything out of you."
Frank incensed "We're not savages like you we don't torture."
"So, you still do know how to talk old buddy."
Teal and Frank stared daggers at one another. Kakarrot might have wanted an audience but Teal could kill him at any second. It was over and Frank knew it. There was a bullet in Teal's pistol with his name on it. This was overtime.
"You really think you can escape. How do you know that we haven't recruited the fighters from the Tournament? Or made some knew weapon? I knew you were coming maybe I made some plans."
Green sighed. Gero wasn't listening and Kakarrot didn't bother to react.
Teal snickered "You really suck at lying you know that. It's over good guy zip, bad guys one. As we speak my boys and girl have secured our exit and we're going to be on our way. Now I just deal with you…"
Teal was interrupted. Out of the room and behind the wall was Bill. He had been listening. Having taken Frank advice to assess the situation before acting. Teal was distracted. Green was probably looking at Frank. Gero was fussing over monkey boy and his focus was on Gero. Time was to take the shot.
Bill charged to the opening from the hall to see his target. Kakarrot wasn't looking, he was completely off guard. Life seemed moved in slow motion for Bill. While running he lined up the shot. He pointed it right at his palm haired head. But while he pointed, he heard a gunshot from Teal. He knew what had happen but acting on instinct he looked instead of taking the shot.
Teal had shot Frank in the chest moment that Bill had burst in. Teal was on the ball seeing Bill first and was swerving to shoot Bill. Kakarrot having heard this pushed Gero off of him as Bill fired.
The head turn before the firing gave the monster that extra millisecond enough to dodge it. It went flying through his hair taking a wad of raven hair with it. It moved faster than a normal bullet as it went slamming into the metal and concrete walls. It was like a mini nuke going off as the bullet on impact turned into an explosion of energy.
Bill couldn't even have the time to realize he missed as he heard a bang and a jolt of pain took the right side of his back. Teal had shot him firing from the hip. Bill's legs were still moving as he was too preoccupied trying to kill Kakarrot. The combination made him trip.
Bill looked at Teal and Frank as he fell. Frank went for his gun, but Teal spun back around and shot him right between the eyes. Frank head practically exploding was the last thing Bill as he hit the floor. Having spun mid-air Bill land face first slamming his head into a chuck of jagged metal debris.
The adrenaline still pumping he didn't really feel it as a piece of the pipe went straight into his right eye and the eye went oozing out of him.
He just sort of felt himself vibrate and his right eye stopped sending pictures. He was still trying to process what in the fuck just happened as he was kick to his back.
It was Kakarrot. His eyes were red. He must have taken almost dying quite personally. Bill's brain hadn't come back to reality as Kakarrot was about to rip his heart from his chest.
"WAIT!" Kakarrot stopped and looked at Gero. "I made him a promise that I intend to keep."
Bill felt lite headed as the boy hissed angrily looked at him then turned from him. He passed out bleeding as the Ribbons left him.
Was the eye stuff too much? Sigh oh well.
Chapter 18: A Game Of Thrones
Chapter Text
Built onto the floor was a map of Earth, it had topography and the political national boundaries.
To the north was Yunzabi Heights to the far South was Antarctica.
On the Western end of the continent was the scratched out 'Red Ribbon Headquarters' replaced with 'Kakarrot Ribbon Headquarters' in black. 'Central city' near the center of the eastern half of the continent with the label above that the 'Royal Palace' above it.
To the south of that was Chi-Chi's kingdom and to the south of that was Papaya island.
What was also marked where the spot that had seen Ribbon setbacks. 'Ginger Town' had been retaken, Northern Corps was decimated, Navy halved in size and Silver's garrison was missing.
On to this a boot tapped the map floor. It was pure black and of quality leather. The boots owner was walking around examining the map while towering over it.
The sunlight being blocked out by his figure as he stood over the 'Ox kingdom'. The shadow of his palm hair touching Central city.
Bandages still clung to his face. His armor on him cleaned up, removed of the scuffs from his fight with Chi-Chi. His onyx eyes filled with wonder as he imaged himself as big as he was as on this map stepping on these places.
He wondered or not if his ear would be sensitive enough to hear all of their screams. Slowly he placed his boot on the Ox kingdom and proceeded to grind his boot into it.
Taking pleasure in imaging the sounds of them scream in pain in agony. When he was interrupted by a throat being cleared.
It was Black he was standing on the sidelines having watched his new boy leader pretend to crush a nation with his boot, but he was not alone.
Gero, Copper and Green were also there but none of them seemed intent on interrupt him.
Kakarrot remove his boot from the Ox kingdom "Yes?"
Black said like the professional he was "My lord I think we should discuss the situation at hand."
Well that's why I called this meeting after all. I was just wondering when one of you was going finally speak up."
"The KRA has lost much of the old RRA territory. We lost Ginger Town and…" He was about to go into that detail that Kakarrot just didn't what to hear.
Kakarrot interrupted "That why we're are declaring peace." He seemed to gag a little on the word peace.
The other gave a gasp of shock.
Kakarrot not even bothering to look at them "That's right. We are declaring peace. We are opening negations with the Royals and going to talk about getting rid of our nuclear stockpile. The cold war is now over."
They were beyond stunned. The emaciated Gero looked like he was about to faint. Black turn blue a bit and Green's mouth was wide open. Copper seemed ready to run.
Kakarrot noting their reactions chuckled and said "Take heart. I don't intend to surrender by allowing 'peace' to but reign. No, the problem is the nukes. I could easily crush their armies but what good would do me if the planet turned into a radioactive wasteland. I intend to rule the world not its ashes. So, for now we play peace maker. We open talks we remove troops and make concessions and most of all we play nice. We offer to pay to rebuild the places that we destroyed. We use some of the cash we have built up and use it to build things. Dams, roads, water purifiers, homes. We loan out our engineers you know that kind of shit. We just became everyone's best friend from the smallest dirt hovel to the largest city. We are no longer blood thirsty mercs we are your friendly neighbor across the street…"
He said with a smile. "willing to lend a hand. If there is a princess stolen from a castle, I want to be the first to know so I can go save her." He pointed at them. "The point being is that we need to get away from the aggressive evil force that we are being pegged as. I'm not some tyrant hell bent on world domination. I'm your neighbor asking for his rights to be protected. The old leadership is gone and so is the stench. No more torture we release all our prisoners before they even need to ask just to show our good will. We sign whatever arms treaty they want. We won't actually disarm but they don't have to know that. Do any of you see what I'm getting at? We are nice guys doing nice guy things. No one needs to be afraid of us. No reason to even have your guard up. Do you get it yet?
Copper seemed impressed. Gero was nodding. Green was smiling but Black was not convinced.
"What if they attack?"
Kakarrot hand to his chest femininely and pretended shock "We then as a party defending against Royal army I guess I will just have to stop them and reoffer peace after I made it clear I didn't want any of this." His eyes got red as he gave a sad face and big eyes.
Black thinking on it bobbed his head in approval as he thought it over. Kakarrot's face went back to normal as he took pleasure in the approval, he was getting from them.
"Now focus most of rebuilding funding on the Ox kingdom."
Black right eyebrow went up "Why? We didn't even attack that there."
Kakarrot in a cruel smile "O I happen to intimately know the leader of that country and I'm sure she'll be grateful."
"Whatever you say My Lord."
"Grandpa the moment your feeling up to it I need new training partners nine, ten and eleven should be your top priority as well as figuring out that gun that UNIT had. Black be hesitant with any face to face meeting between me and King Furry but cave in if he insists. I want him to think I'm nervous to meet with him and that I'm merely your puppet. I need him to believe that we are political weak and divided not intimating at all. As soon as my body is healed, I might want a meeting with the press. I want my message to go far and wide of 'peace' in our time. I'll show them how to play this game."
He shot a finger at a part of the map labeled Central city it caught fire as the image slowly burned away by the advancing flames.
The doors to Red's old office swung open as Kakarrot entered followed by staff officer Black. The place was a buzz with activity as they workers were replacing portraits of an imagery larger than life figure with another. The image of Red standing on top of being carefully airbrushed away in favor of an image of Kakarrot stand on a bleeding Earth.
As the two entered the work crews in their hard hats and wife beaters bowed at Kakarrot and Black before leaving. Leaving the signs of their unfinished work scaffolding, wet paint and lunch pails.
Kakarrot jumped into the air and landed into the new chair a super tall black leather chair. Kakarrot did a quick spin in the chair then came back to the mahogany desk as Black took his seat.
"Okay so on a different topic from plotting the overthrow of the world's governments. I asked earlier about new uniforms." He said while putting his feet on the desk.
Black snapped his fingers and a fox man came into to the room with a sort of booklet. The fox man had white fur in the front and red fur on his back. He had on a black silk suit with black Italian leather shoes. He had his fur his head slicked back with heavy gel. Make him look at home in the eighties. He didn't look like he had worked an honest day in his life. Just a look at him told you he was slimy.
The Foxman said as he hurried over "I assure you my lord that in this booklet you will find the style best suiting your lordships army. I made sure there was plenty of Hugo Bausch in this." The fox man talked like a used car salesman and his works seemed to leave an oil slick in their wake. He handed the booklet to Kakarrot who began to flip through it as the fox man backed off.
Nervously the fox man continued having given Kakarrot a minute to flip through the thing. "Kakarrot baby now I know you said your colors were Black, Red and White but I also figured Grey was also on the table huh?"
"I suppose it was my fourth choice."
"On the issue of the masks. White I understand was your first choice, but I mean that's been done to death the Combine, and the Empire. But not, Black so I came up with a sort of modern take with red and black masks."
The booklet is turned to the soldier's typical body armor. It's a mostly black armor with grey joints. All made of the same material of Kakarrot's armor. It's fully body. On its face is a white skull painted on black mask with red for the eyes. Kakarrot sighs.
Foxman quickly speaks up "What's wrong?"
"It's the skull seems a little noisy for the average soldier maybe okay on like on a commando but for a regular soldier. No but I like the red glowing lens for the eyes bit though.
Foxman sort of flicked his hand to sort of make guns "Okay understood." He took out a little notebook and wrote down 'no white painted skulls.'
Kakarrot continued on "Also let's nix the grey joints, the arm band can be a dark grey with blood red KRA letters on it and with my signature."
Foxman again with his hands "Right." He writes those notes. "Now for the officers." (Kakarrot flipped the page.) "I now you wanted to put red on officers but red might be just a little too loud. I mean it might overshadow everything. So, I when with white because black has been done to death with officers."
Black looked at him inquisitively.
Foxman nearly jumped and said very quickly "No not you sir I meant World War Two."
Black sort of rolled his eyes then let him continue. The sketches were of an officer in an all with white dress uniform. Look more imperial than before. It was without the pockets. A black belt and black arm band with in red KRA and Kakarrot's signature.
"Well how you like it?"
Kakarrot bobbing his head "It's good."
A man stormed in it was one of Black's butler men he looked like he was sweating and panicking. Having loudly knocked and entered. "My lord I have urgent news!"
Black angrily looked at him and said, "Well what is it?"
"Well it's about the people that our lordship killed at the tournament and the people at Ginger town their alive again sir!"
Kakarrot looked at him like he was speaking nonsense. Black broke a sweat. Kakarrot then seemed to think it over and began to chuckle to Black's surprise. Kakarrot then just broke out into an evil laugh. Black looked at him like he was crazy everyone stopped what they were doing and looked.
Kakarrot gave an angry glare at the fox man for staring at him. He looked to Black and stated in a matter-a-fact sort of way. "So, the Dragon Ball do work."
"It would appear so."
Kakarrot spun his chair to face the window behind him. He floated out of his chair and to the window and looked out of it.
"The weird darkening earlier in the sky felt the world over. That must have been her summoning it?'
"That would be a fair assessment."
"So Red wasn't as delusional as I thought. Orbs that can grant wishes. Interesting…"
"Well I don't want to interrupt sir but isn't it far more likely that these people didn't actually die not that they were revived? I mean I never trusted the 'official outlets' before I mean it's all fake news" Kakarrot eye went up and he nodded his head in approval. "Their all just in the pocket of the elites." Said while in over a million zenie suit. "Who needs them? Not me."
Kakarrot flew over and land right next to the fox and put his arm around him.
Kakarrot a smile on his face "So how you like a job?"
"A Fox in charge of news? Really?"
"Precisely. I want you in charge of getting the word up that I'm not such a bad guy."
"But my lord all those people will come out saying they were killed by you."
Kakarrot scoffed "People hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see."
Black looked confused but the Fox just agreed with Kakarrot.
Foxman intrigued "How much control will I have?"
"Almost complete control, just keep the message that I'm not a bad guy going. You can have fun with the rest."
"Well I do have angry ideas that I want to violently shove down people's throats. And a lot of my friends have been looking for a place to do the same." In a grin he said. "I think we have a deal kid."
The two shook hands.
"Well I was hungry, but this is nice to. Now on to the name!"
"Maybe a Fox news organization?"
"No not good enough I was thinking some more like Kakarrot Today (KT)."
"Well I suppose you are paying for it."
"Good! Now get on it!"
The Foxman excitedly rushed out of the room. Black was stunned while Kakarrot was chuckling.
"What was the point of all of that My lord?"
"This is our chance to gain hearts and minds. It would be easy enough to just seize Central city, but won't it be better if we were there with allies. It will make ruling all the easier. I don't intend to rush my conquests. I intend to savor them. Shen may have been a terrible teacher, but he did teach me patience. As we speak my plan is working. They are being lulled into a sense of security. For starters we are going to make sure that the world tournament goes back on and that I shall not attend. The world shall have its champion and in that they will feel warm and save. But when she fails all the more will hope die on this world. Our princess you see is the key to all of this and she must rise higher if her fall is a spectacular as I want it to be. I just need the right catalyst to set all of this in motion."
An odd group of people are shuffling towards their home leaded by the smallest one who had skin that was light blue. On his head was a cap like a clown's. Bright red and blue with a red star above his face. Behind him was short dog man in a purple ninja getup with a sword. Behind him was a woman with black hair with a blue trench coat.
They looked scuffed they had been walking for possible days. Sand and dirt were on them. They looked hungry. They were marching to a dark stone palace that looked wrecked.
Optimistically the dog said. "Emperor were almost home."
Pilaf angrily yelled "Shut up Shu! I can clearly see my palace! You think I'm blind!"
Shu cringed and readied himself for a smack that didn't come. Pilaf seemed far too exhausted to try and hurt him. Instead Pilaf collapsed onto the ground and then started to cry and have a temper tantrum screaming over and over again "I just want to rule the world is that a crime!"
Shu a little embarrassed said "Well yes sir it is."
Pilaf stop then looked at Shu with blood shot rage filled eyes then yelled while getting up "I'll kill you!" Shu ran and Pilaf chased him.
Mai was smacking her head in irritation. Mai raise her gun to the air as Pilaf grabbed hold of Shu and proceeded to try to strangle him. Mai fired her gun and Pilaf stopped.
"Emperor won't it be more prudent for us to continue this conversation after we make it home, have something to eat and maybe take a shower?"
Pilaf let go of Shu put his left hand to his back as he got up and said "For once you have a point Mai. Shu I can kill you later."
The three continued trudging on.
"You know sir maybe we should try some other means to take over the world because I think we struck out with the dragon balls."
Pilaf angrily "Don't remind me twice that dumb girl has beaten me twice and then there was those army guys."
"Not to mention all the money we just blew on those mechs that she broke like they were cardboard or the flying fortress that the Ribbons blew up."
Pilaf turns around and smacked Shu on the head. Shu yelped in pain as Pilaf yelled "What did I say about not reminding me!"
Shu bowed and stuttered "Sorry Sir won't happen again Sir."
The trio made it home as twilight approached. Pilaf sneered as he looked at the damage that the girl had caused him last time she was here. There were holes in his walls, the front door was still busted and his traps in pieces. Going after the dragon ball had been a very cost endeavor.
Shu and Mai rushed to the kitchen to stuff their faces but Pilaf in a huff just went up to his bedroom. It was missing windows thanks to the girl, but he would be damned if he was going to sleep in a room without a king size bed. Also, there were no other open beds.
Pilaf felt like crying again as he collapsed on his bed. He had been so close that night until that pig. Underwear! Really that had been what replaced his dreams of conquest. It was all Shu and Mai's fault that was for sure he thought.
He sighed then looked at his book collection. It was mostly treasure hunting guides, books on how to make money fast and quick. But that was not what captured his attention today. On the top shelf was an old book next to his 'Idiot's guide to torture'. He remembered buying it a garage sale years ago.
He mostly bought it because it looked fancy. It read on the spine 'Ancient Monsters and where to find them'. It had gems on the spine and the words were written cursive and fancy. He got up and got a chair so that he could get to book it almost wasn't enough as only the tips of his fingers could get a hold of it.
He inched the book out of its spot, but it got stuck so he started yanking it until it suddenly gave way and he fell backwards falling of the chair and very nearly cracking his skull on the stone floor. He landed with a thud and in a quite a bit of pain. He listened as he was sure that Mai and Shu had heard it and would be rushing in to help him, but they didn't come.
He grumbled as he rubbed his head and laid down on his bed. "Why do I even pay them? If they do even bother to… eheh." He opened the book and found that most of the words had faded on the first couple of chapters. "Figures I buy a book with blank pages." Until he got to chapter four 'The Stories and Legends of the Tyrant King Piccolo the Demon King from Beyond the Stars.'
Pilaf "Well this looks interesting. Now this sounds like a guy that can conquer the Earth."
He studiously began reading and slowly got more and more get excited.
So, as you can guess King Piccolo is about to make his appearance wonder how Kakarrot will react? On to the next saga.
Chapter 19: Yurin Big Trouble
Chapter Text
Sorry for the pun I couldn't resist. Feel free to boo at me. I deserve it.
The crackle of metal hitting flesh reverberated in the across the arena as Kakarrot punched Nine with all his might. Nine was a bizarre monstrosity. It backed up as Kakarrot caught his breath.
Nine was a pale white creature with fake looking skin made of a special alloy making the pale white skin. It seemed at home in a horror movie with its vacant open white grin and pale blue eyes. Its mouth didn't move when it talked but thankfully it didn't talk often.
Kakarrot face was smeared with blood Nine's razor like nail had cut his face up a bit not that he seemed to mind. Kakarrot looked practically giddy.
He had been so happy when his Grandpa announced the completion of number Nine. It had been over a month and the cyborg with the brain of gorilla was still giving him a challenge.
It had been a long couple of years since he had taken power. Since it took a while for his grandpa to complete Nine. They had been interesting to say the least.
He rescued Princess Misa from a demon realm on a request by the King Kress of Fiend village. As a part of a series of good will missions to get the world to be nice and comfortable with him.
He also made sure that Rupert Foxman of his newly minted KT got spread far and wide over the internet and TV.
The plan was coming together that was sure. Despite King Furry's advisors advice he had come to the table. The peacenik actually thought that he could work with him. The new uniforms were working out great. The reconstruction plans had gotten plenty of support. Chi-Chi still hadn't come or sent a thank you note but that was fine.
Nine raced forward slashing at him. Kakarrot tail wrapped around his waist as he jumped up and kick the cyborg right in the face. It backed up but as it did Kakarrot kept kicking in midair. He then delivered it a hard kick to the side of its head sending it hurdling towards the steel wall.
It made an unholy screech as it pulled itself out of the wall. It showed no emotion but somehow Kakarrot knew it was pissed.
It was charging him again, but the intercom turned on. It was Black saying "Sorry my lord but it is time for your daily briefing."
Kakarrot sighed as death was coming right at him. Nine's fist was inches away from his face as he boringly said, "Nine activate standby mode."
Nine stopped dead in its tracks mere inches from doing some real damage to Kakarrot. He looked up to see that Black was not in the observatory but most likely waiting at the door for him. He stretched out as he made his way to the door.
He was shirtless and bleeding from his head. His pants were just black spandex from his armor. Scars littered his tiny chest from his various fights. He rolled his arm as the door opened.
Waiting for was a throng of sycophants dressed in the finest silks clapping and applauding him. They were mostly some of staff that had taken to following him around and cheering at anything he did. He had come to enjoy it. They had towels and bottles of water. They bowed to him. He grabbed a towel to wipe away the blood. Black coming up from the back bowed. Black was wearing one of the new uniforms.
"I must again apologize for my interruption my lord, but you have said in the past that you wanted to be present during these meeting."
Kakarrot miffed "I'm well aware of what I said Black. I want to be present and I wanted you to remind me when I forgot. Now stop whimpering and let's get a move on."
One of the toadies handed him a new white uniform which he quickly changed into in full view of everyone. Mentally he gagged as he remembered that he hadn't grown much at all since he had turn fifteen. Grandpa said his Saiyan genetics meant that he wouldn't develop like a human child but this just simply annoying.
The trooper followed behind he didn't know why. The people clapping and telling him how awesome he was not that he needed them to tell him that sure, but guards? He could rip a tank apart with his bare hands. He fought cyborgs with the power of armies it was unnecessary.
The new uniforms for the troops had come out well though. The bulky black Kevlar armor made them all look like body builders. The Stahlhelm helmet's that Grandpa had suggested really helped along with the red glowing eyes given to the face masks that sort of doubled as gas masks. They were impressive looking to say the least but so was he as the lord of the Ribbons.
Quickly the group made it to the conference room. Where the other officers were waiting. There was the newly minted General Silver who showed up not too long after Kakarrot took charge. He expected to be executed but was spared because Kakarrot was in a good mood.
Also, Kakarrot needed a new General after Brown suffered a nervous breakdown. Silver looked uncomfortable in his uniform but Kakarrot had made it clear what the penalty was for disobeying his command to wear it was and Silver didn't feel like become an entrée.
There was General Grey given command of the newly reorganized Northern Corp. As a reward for his loyalty and service. Colonel Teal of the Special Forces for his help with the rescue with Gero and because Kakarrot like him and Green.
The newly mitted General Violet of the Navy for switching side at the right time and because Kakarrot didn't much care for Blue. Kakarrot knew that this would have pissed Blue off and that was always good for laugh. General Green of course and General Copper. There was also Grandpa Gero in his lab cloths and Rupert Foxman in his flashy civilian cloths like always.
The door closed as the invited were left as the followers left outside. Black took his seat and Kakarrot jumped up onto the long table that they were all siting at.
"Okay who wants to start this meeting?"
Like usually it was Rupert that started to talk first. Kakarrot had considered killing the loudmouth more than once but since the fox always produced results, he left him alive. His fingers pointed at Kakarrot.
"Kakarrot baby like always I got some good news for you. We have managed to convince about a third of the planet that you're a nice guy. Who isn't totally a megalomaniacal murderous manic or triple M for short, but in fact a down home country boy who loves this great planet of ours. In other good news I manage to get the UN congress to vote on opening Yunzabit Heights for energy exploration. By lying and saying we would respect the environment."
He chuckled. "Like I care about the environment or would be true to my word. Meaning I'm about to make millions more zenie than before. Which is great as I have a fuck ton of HR complains about my 'sexual conduct' that I need payed off." (Sighing.) "I thought being the boss meant you could do anything to anyone and get away with it and I thought this was America or something. By the way artic is about to be a lot darker looking from you know all the oil. Also, we manage to get religious zealots to believe at there is a war on Christmas."
Kakarrot a little confused "Well good job on the first one and congrats on the money about to come your way but why on the last one?"
"Well to be honest my uppers and downers at the time were fighting each other so I didn't really put a lot of 'thought' into it but it's working." He said in a shrug. "Make's them trust Furry and Capsule Corp a lot less."
Kakarrot shrugging and scratching the back of his head "I suppose. Well Grandpa you have and developments?"
"Ten will be finished in a few months. Eleven's release day has yet to be determined. I have figure out the tech that gave UNIT that bullet but there is no way to mass produce it with our current industrial level. We would need significant more resources to do that. Best I can do is make one every blue moon and the same is with them I gather."
"That will do for now."
The door the conference room slammed open to everyone shock Kakarrot starred daggers at the trooper who was wheezing
"What is that meaning of this!? I'm in a meeting!"
Trooper out of breath from running in his bulk heavy suit. "Sorry my lord but there is a situation that demands your attention!"
"This better be good."
"A girl my lord."
Kakarrot angry and confused "What?"
"A girl came to the front gate saying she knew you said you were friends she seemed angry. Well so we told her to piss off but uh she kicked the shit out of the guards, and she is currently laying waste to everyone we sent after her. So, we came to the conclusion that she does know you considering the powers and that we sort of need you to take care of her."
Kakarrot now thoroughly interested "Does she wear orange and blue with straight black hair?"
"Nien my lord she is wearing green and yellow with black hair in a loop."
"Really? Well I almost forgot about her and here I thought the highlight of today was going to be watching Chi-Chi beat Tien to become the world's champion. Today is going to be an interesting one I can just tell."
Kakarrot came out into the courtyard of the front gate just in time for one of his troopers to come flying at him. He deflected the flying man sending him into a stone pillar with a loud thud.
He looked and it was Yurin alright in Crane colors laying waste to at least two or three squads of troopers. Broken assault rifles and Billy clubs littered the ground.
Kakarrot actually found himself entranced as she smashed one of the troopers in the face as he screamed in pain. She was very good on bring the pain and looked so very angry. She had grown a little taller that was fine with him. Her eyes were still black pits of determination. She had crossed a continent to voice her displeasure at him and it would be just rude not to say hello.
"Yurin why are you beating up my help. You know that's very rude."
She let go of a trooper leg letting him fall to the ground and she looked at him. She was pissed and at him. Her look actually gave him a shiver. She might be here to kill him. It was a good change of pace to be sure.
"YOU!" Her voice was filled by malice. Kakarrot was getting excited. "You said you were going to train me to be a warrior!"
Kakarrot remember in that moment that he did tell her that and that he hadn't finished his training of her before the Tournament.
"I waited for over a year and you didn't come back!"
Kakarrot scratched the back of his head and said, "I vaguely remember that." He smiled. "You came all this way and gave a platoon of my men a series of concussions just to remind me of that fact."
She charged him and he dodged. She was going all out. He might have not completed her training, but her tenacity seemed to be making up for that fact. Sure, her kicks and punches didn't really hurt but it wasn't for lack of effort. She just need help in mastering all of this aggression he thought.
After an ill-advised punch was thrown to at his right, he managed to get behind her and got her in a full nelson. She was snarling, kicking and biting the air as he spoke.
"Let's have a talk."
She didn't listen and continued. He sighed and said, "Okay the hard way then."
He kneed her in the back with all his might. She gave out of pain yelp he let go of over but then gasped he shouldered using it to spin her around. He then punched her in the face breaking her nose and sending her head to the pavement. She curled up.
"Sorry you made me do that but as a student you should have known your place. Are you ready to talk now?"
He listened and sighed again. He heard her whimpering and crying. Her hand went to her nose. His eyes rolled.
"You're going to have to endure a lot more pain than that if you ever expect to be a great fighter girly."
She stopped and a smirk can to his face.
"Good. So, you're listening."
He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her back to her feet. She clenched her teeth to hold back a cry from the pain. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her nose was gushing with blood. He looked her over taking pleasure in her appearance.
Yurin says in pain "It hurts."
Kakarrot with softer eyes "I know it does."
He let go of her hair and lightly messaged her scalp.
"You forgot me."
"I did and I was wrong to do so clearly. Even without training you've become quite strong. You've done well getting here. I'm a man of my word. I'll train you. " With that said he gave her a kiss on her lips ignoring her blood and licking his lips as he pulled away.
She whimpered if she was being honest with herself it had to do with become a martial artist but also because she didn't want to be abandoned by him. Her heart was all a flutter by his kiss. He was still as handsome as she remembered she thought.
"You taste like vanilla and pennies. Now let's get you clean up."
He led her back to his executive quarters as his troopers began to pick themselves up of the ground. Out of his closet he picked out a black and ashen grey gi a recreation of his old crane gi. She was a little taller than him at the moment by it would fit. He handed it to her as he spoke.
"Put this on. Shen is dead and so is the Crane school. You're my student now so you might as well wear more appropriate colors."
She took the gi as she marveled at her surroundings. The king-sized bed the silk sheets the gold décor. The room she was in was more money on display they she had ever seen in her life. Kakarrot had gone far from the Shen's whipping boy.
"Do you remember Yurin those star lite nights? When we trained without Shen knowing. And I told you that I'd be in charge one day."
She nodded and she went into his bathroom and got dressed it was a as rich as bedroom. She washed her face and she was facing him again. He looked her over and she spoke.
Yurin questioningly "So it's…?"
"Lord Commander Kakarrot Gero of the KRA."
"A title and everything."
"Comes with authority. I have gotten one step closer to my destiny, my right."
"I guess so. I almost didn't come here today I was honestly concerned that you would have gone to the Tournament today. Why didn't you?"
Kakarrot in a smirk "I fear that would have inflamed a situation that I still needed calmed if I were to get something I was after. Besides it's a lame side show compared to the real thing. I real fight should be to the death not for some prize money."
Yurin nervously "You killed Master Shen."
Kakarrot bluntly "I did."
"Like you said you were going to."
Kakarrot sighed "Unfortunately no, I sort of exploded his skull so no drinking cup." In a warm voice he said. "It's okay Yurin to take pleasure in the destruction of people that didn't believe in you. He wanted to keep you weak and I killed him."
"I know but he was still my master."
"No, he wasn't I am. Stay with me and I will complete your training. You will be a more than a little orphan of short-sighted fools. You will be a wolf among sheep, a killer, and a queen."
Yurin smiling her checks turning red "It's what I came here to do to begin with."
"Good. I'll get an escort to bring you to my training room and after our first lesson I will have quarters readied."
He tapped a button on a gold bust of his head and the door opened. It was a butler.
"Take Miss Yurin to my training room." The butler bowed in agreement. He turned back to her. "I'll join you after I explain everything to my staff officer."
As she left Kakarrot suddenly felt uneasy. It had nothing to do with Yurin. It was like something had just made its present that wasn't there before. It was power and gave him pause. He growled and he tried to mentally figure out where it was coming from. It was far off but not that far off.
"Maybe my senses are playing tricks on me. Or maybe it's going to be a really interesting day after all."
Next time the King makes his first move. Was it too much on the troopers look? Too Wolfenstein?
Chapter 20: The Demon King Has Arrived
Chapter Text
In his deep dark voice, he spoke "How many years have I been sealed away?" His words dripped with hate and malice.
Pilaf fell to the ground as his face managed to turn bluer at the sight before him. It was King Piccolo the size of a house maybe ten feet tall or more, green, old, with antennae. His purple shirt said 'Devil' and so did his black eyes. Even for a creature hundreds of years old he was the definition of intimating.
Pilaf remembered the book speaking of the terror this creature had unleashed on the world. He had only half believed the stories. Now he fully believed them. This alien destroyed the world once upon a time.
Shu and Mai were cowering behind a rock leaving only Pilaf in the creature sights. Piccolo's eyes were filling with rage at his lack of a response, but Pilaf was so crippled with fear that he had forgotten how to speak.
In a roar Piccolo let out asked "WELL!?" Pilaf still said nothing and as a result the hands of the monster were now coming towards him.
In a yelp Pilaf began to talk as fast as his mouth could and it came out as complete gibberish. Piccolo listened and was not amused.
Piccolo yelled at him "Stop babbling and answer my question!"
Pilaf took a deep breath and said very more audibly "Sorry my lord. I was just in awe of your greatness." Piccolo merely sneered at the compliment. "Well you see the thing is Lord Piccolo you have been away for quite some time."
Piccolo deeply angry "How long?"
Pilaf nervously stated, "Three hundred years or so."
Piccolo growled he let out a roar that made the ground shake and stopped the waves crashing onto the shore. The spray from the water levitated in the air. Pilaf pupil went tiny as he froze, he was quite sure he was about to die. Piccolo roar subsided. He stared at Pilaf. Piccolo then looked to his hands. Last he saw them they were dark green full of life. Now they were greying his skin falling off his bones. World conquest was a sure thing, but age had truly weakened him. But in a thought, he asked.
"Tell me little one is Kami's Magical Balls still around?"
Pilaf quickly asked, "You mean the dragon balls?"
Piccolo glared in response which Pilaf took to mean 'yes'.
Pilaf quickly said "Why yes my lord they are! In fact, I even have a radar capable of easily finding them!" Piccolo grinned. "Yes, and I can take you to them in my floating palace my lord if it would please you!" He nervously laughed.
"It would."
Pilaf pointed to his airship parked on a cliff above them.
"Tremble world and despair for your master has returned and you shall once again taste my righteous fury."
Roshi couldn't help but feel sick. Something was wrong he knew it since this morning. Even watching his star pupil beating Tien and become the World Champion hadn't alleviated his discomfort. It had been a stunning match and unlike the matches of the last tournament there had been no hard feelings.
Tien and Chiaotzu had gone off on their own since the last tournament. He had said was ashamed of his actions and his trust. Roshi had expected as much. Tien was loyal and the business with Shen and Kakarrot had really torn him up. He might have not wanted company, but Launch wasn't one to take no for an answer. She had decided that Tien owed her, so she tagged along.
Bulma and Yamcha had made it official. He even got her a ring. Bulma had given everyone a save the date card.
Puar was beyond ecstatic on the subject. Oolong who had tagged along with Bulma and Yamcha couldn't have cared less about it.
Chi-Chi was too busy training and beginning to run her kingdom. Still a Princess but soon to be Queen when she turned sixteen. She had been glad to see her Uncle Gohan again at Baba's. The message that her father had sent with him had put quite the spark back into her since the whole Kakarrot deal.
Krillin was the only one of his students that bother to stay with the old man. He had been so excited to see Chi-Chi again. It was clear to Roshi that the boy had fallen for the Princess. The boy hadn't spent a day not thinking of her. Roshi hoped that he would the work up the courage to say something to her.
They were leaving the Tournament ground when Chi-Chi turned to them and said. "I forgot my power pole and Uncle's Dragon Ball."
In a smile Krillin said "Don't worry Cheech I'll get it."
She didn't know why but she hesitated "Wait Krillin!"
He looked at her curiously "Why?"
She didn't know why "I…?"
"It will be fine I'll be right back." He took off as Chi-Chi looked puzzled. She ended up following her friends to the restaurant the 'Son Goku'. They all sat down and prepared to eat but neither Roshi nor Chi-Chi ate.
Dark and somehow familiar clouds were swirling in Roshi's head. He could see that Chi-Chi was troubled to. Something was seriously wrong.
All of a sudden Chi-Chi jumped out of her seat and rushed out of the restaurant without saying a word to her friends. Roshi sensing danger was the first to get out of his seat and follow her. The others were sputtered out questions but Roshi didn't bother to answer them. He knew his students were in trouble.
Chi-Chi moving as fast as she could made it back to the tournament ground and to where the preliminaries took place. She looked to find Krillin dead on the floor in front of her. A ribbon of crimson coming from his mouth. His neck snapped. A piece of paper with the word 'devil' in black with a red circle around it.
Chi-Chi grabs hold of him and in a panic attempts to see if he is still alive. To only confirm what she already knew. Roshi rushed in as the announcer nearby who had hid behind one of the rings came out at her and Roshi's presence.
In a panic the Announcer blurted out "It was a green slimy monster with wings. It came in here stole the dragon ball the roster and killed him."
Not even bothering to respond to the Announcer she grabbed her power pole and ran outside yelling for the flying nimbus as Roshi yelled for her to wait but she didn't listen. She was gone before the others arrived as Roshi looked to see the paper. He broke a sweat as the name became clear to him. The monster that haunted his dreams had returned.
The grey metal door to Gero's room opened as Kakarrot entered to see his Grandpa working studiously at his bench. The room stunk of the doctor as sometimes the old man so consumed by his work forgot to bathe. Despite this Kakarrot never felt uncomfortable in this room or in its clutter. Rather this place was always a place of comfort. Never besides the training room did Kakarrot feel more at home. It had taken quite the doing on Gero's part to get the boy to finally sleep in his own bed.
Gero didn't look from his bench as Kakarrot curious looked at his work. In the doctor's has seemed to be an improved version of the standard masks combined with the helmets of the soldiers. He pressed a button it clicked, and numbers appeared on the screen.
"You asked to see me?"
"Yes, my boy." He said while placing the helmet down.
"What is that?"
Gero turned his body around to look at Kakarrot and said "Prototype. Steel and Kevlar are obsolete. The materials I got from your ship are harder to manufacture but I am on the cusp of doing much quicker."
"Really?"
"Yes. In addition, I'm going to final being using the modifications on the cyborgs to improve the army. The suits with make them stronger, see farther, fight longer, and fly. The limitations of flesh will no longer be an issue."
"The numbers?"
"It was trying to read your power level. It's still in beta."
"Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?"
"No. Well it has a component of which I wanted to speak to you about."
"That you be about?"
Gero patted his lap and signaled for him to come over. Without a word of disagreement Kakarrot sat on his lap.
Gero looking at Kakarrot in the eyes asked, "What are your intentions with Yurin?"
Kakarrot smirked "To have fun grandpa."
Gero coldly stated "That won't do."
Kakarrot looked at him inquisitively "Why not?"
Gero sighed "Well not forever anyways. I have taught many things and it is high time I truly teach you the meaning of Legacy."
"I know the meaning of Legacy."
"Do you now? Why did I raise you?"
Kakarrot looking away not really wishing to admit it "Because you lost your own son."
"Because my Legacy on this planet was in jeopardy. It was stolen from me. After which I would have been only left with the army, except for you. You are my Legacy on this planet. You are a god that one day the world will worship. To lead these weak and short-sighted fools to their true destiny as the masters of the cosmos."
In his eyes Kakarrot looked "I know my destiny Grandpa."
"Games are fun but soon you will be a man. I don't want accidental great grandchildren. I want heirs. Princes not some strumpet's back alley bastard."
Kakarrot sighed "You needn't worry I have a far better target in mind to cement your Legacy on this universe."
"Prey tell who is it?"
"The strongest. The strong with the strong to make the strong."
It was then that the hairs on the back Kakarrot's neck stood up. Gero looked to see the look of worry on Kakarrot's face.
"What's wrong?"
"Chi-Chi! Tell everyone to stay put."
Kakarrot jumped out of his Grandpa's lap and rushed out of the room until coming to the surface and in a burst of energy took off.
Pilaf sweating "Well you see Lord Piccolo that's how we found you."
A quite unamused Piccolo in a throne made of bones that he magiced up stared at the tiny in comparison book in front of him.
Piccolo in rage "Legend am I!" The book caught fire burning to ashes in seconds as the Pilaf gang continued to look scared.
"That has been my record? A legend, a myth suitable for mere treasure seeks and vacant eyed dreamers! I set this world a blaze in fire and blood and this is my legacy on this planet or lack thereof?!"
A short yellow greenish pterodactyl headed creature in robes at Piccolo's side spoke.
"Calm yourself Father. You're about to remind them why you are not some myth or legend when you once again set this world a blaze."
Piccolo calmed himself and smiled imagining all the horror that he was about to inflict on the planet. Right hands middle and index finger went to his head. In his mind as he spoke to Tambourine. Tambourine was a green scaled skinned bat winged monster. His lips were large. His eyes beady. His head with a dark green spine on it. His upper body was nude, but his legs and feet covered by some clothing.
"Tambourine do you hear me?"
"I do Father."
"Do you have the dragon ball and the roster?"
"I do Father. You have what you need to begin your war on the filthy humans."
"Not yet but soon."
The Piccolo hung up as Tambourine looked downwards. In the distance was a city that seemed to be going through some sort of celebration. As the sunset with its vivid oranges, reds and yellows highlighting the scenery. Of the visa in front of him and of the ocean and tropical jungle below him.
"Enjoy it you wretches. Today will the last peacefully moment in your miserable in your life." Said as rapidly approaching Chi-Chi was coming up behind him with fire in her eyes.
Yamcha yelled "What?! She Went after the thing after it killed Krillin!"
The group looked a mixed of horror and shock. Launch looked as furious. Tien was calm but disturbed. Bulma was in tears as Roshi held his dead student in his arms.
Roshi thought to himself "Just one hit. Did the monster's power not diminish after three hundred years?"
Launch blonde barked out at him "You know something master! Who's the asshole who did this!?"
Roshi stone faced with fear "I never knew the reason why or where. Just the how and who. Piccolo."
Tien asked "Piccolo?"
"Piccolo the King the demons come straight out of hell to burn all that mankind was or will ever be." The others gave a gasped.
"The world as you know it was not ways as it is. When I was young the world much different. The world was composed of nations and flags. People had begun to unite from their generation long conflicts. It wasn't prefect but certainly better than what came next. He came one day out of the blue with his demon army in toe. Cities died in an afternoon. Cultures wiped out. The world came to a halt. Civilization as it was known came to an end. Billions died. I was a pupil along with Shen of the most talent master of his day Mutaito. We stood are ground along with the others against his army. Of the nearly hundred pupils only me and Shen were left. I lost more friends than I care to count that day. We stopped the horde and saved the thousands fleeing from them in the process. But then the King showed up. Me and Shen were in our prime, but he didn't break a sweat. We were just paper in a typhoon. Me and Shen were dead until Mutaito intervened. He begged for the monster to stop this assault on mankind, but the creature just laugh. No reason was given. He tried to fight it, but it was over before it began. Shen used his solar flare and the three of us escaped barely with our lives. My master once he was better left. He was unable to face me and Shen. That day I lost my best friend. Shen survived but the man I knew died. Good had betrayed him. Angry at the world he lashed out. Filled with hate. He would blame me for master's death. Mutaito came up with a solution but needed my help. The Evil Containment Wave the only know way to stop him that has been found. It's useful though takes a toll. Whether due to age or merely the draining of one's soul it kills its user. My Master used it to trap him in a jar killing himself in the process. I dropped the jar in the ocean hoping no one would ever find it."
"Can…" Tien began to ask with steel in his voice. "Can you teach me the evil containment wave?"
The group gasped and Launch looking worried said. "Their no reason to think Master can do it."
"I can't Mutaito never taught me it. So, I can't teach it to you. We can however gather the dragon balls and use them to stop him."
Roshi hated lying but he knew that Tien was determined to play the martyr and he just couldn't have that. Better that the old die for the young for a change.
Yamcha determined "Well I'm coming with you."
Bulma shrieked "YAMCHA!"
"I'm not going to stand around and wait this bastard killed Krillin. I want pay back."
"No."
"But…"
"No. Me, Tien and Launch will go and collect the balls. You and the others will be our backup. Chi-Chi will need to be caught up to speed. Go back to my house and hopefully she'll show up. Wait! You'll have to move." The others looked puzzled. "A martial art sealed him away before so he intends to kill everyone one who could use the move."
"Of course! That's why he stole the roster to make sure no one can stop him again."
"Hopefully Chi-Chi will have given up and come looking for us. She can join us once she gets up to speed. If not, you have move anyways."
Bulma handed them the radar as they left. The Announcer having listened to this entire discussion. When to a phone and dialed up the number that Frank had given him.
The voice on the line "This is Stryker."
"Yeah uh I have to report something major going down."
Chi-Chi screamed out at a figure in front of here "You stop!"
Tambourine curious stopped turn to face the ball of rage that was Chi-Chi. The nimbus stopped as he asked.
"A child. Explain?"
Chi-Chi saw the ball and the roster in his hand and angrily yelled out "You just killed my best friend!"
Tambourine smirked "Yeah probably."
On her cloud she charged him taking out her power pole at trying to whack him. Only to find her blows easily caught. She was running on fumes and it was quite apparent in her fight. The punches that she had thrown at Tien not an hour ago had been far more powerful. She attempted to get to the back of the monster only to find that he turned his head around one eighty like an owl. The monster had no blind spots to exploit. All she was doing; it would seem was amusing it.
Tambourine chuckling "Are all humans so weak girl?"
"I'm going to kill you." Said while she seemed out of breath.
"Hilarious." He fired a jet of fire like ki from his mouth and as she fell gave her a punch to the face sending her tumbling down and smashing into the ground below with a great thud.
"How did Father lose to such a worthless race? Well two down seven billion to go." He laughed as he flew away.
On the ground Chi-Chi barely clung to life as she passed out in her jungle grave.
Chapter 21: Enemy Of My Enemy Right?
Chapter Text
Kakarrot snarled he couldn't sense Chi-Chi anymore. She was either dead or about to die. He stopped midair and looked around to the ground below.
Twilight was in effect the darkness was taken hold. His eyes would be useless soon and he would be forced to use his nose. The jungle however was filled with so many smells. Trying to find her would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
To his frustration a wonderful smell suddenly came to his nose which caused his stomach to growl. It was the smell of cooking fish over a campfire. He had left Headquarters without having dinner.
All his flying and his workout with Yurin had drained him. He wanted to hurt his stomach right now. This was not the time for this but was convinced by its growls of the immediate need for it.
To the ground he descended. He landed near his quarry. It was massive fish as good of snack as he had ever seen. It was cooked just he could smell. Some poor fool must have left his meal unattended.
He grabbed the stake that the fish was impaled on and holding it by one hand dug into the fish with his mouth. All the prep work had already been done the fish was descaled and gutted. He stripped the fish of its flesh to it bones in mere minutes like a piranha.
He was finished but suddenly he felt like he was being watched. He went to look around but as he got to his feet a boulder came flying at him. It came within inch, of him but he dodged it spinning to his side away from the fire. He faced the boulders origin.
The orange light of the camp dimly showed his opponent.
It was a fat man with black hair. He had on a tunic with orange and black strips, with a necklace on it a large orange sparkling bead. Sandals on his feet and a katana at his side in a sheath.
In a thick hick sound voice the man spoke angrily "You ate my fish! Thief!"
Kakarrot grinning "You know it's not really nice to throw boulders at people."
Yajirobe bitterly "Any nicer than stealing someone else's food?"
Kakarrot rolled his eyes "Didn't see your name on it. Who says it was yours?"
Yajirobe angry asked yelled back "Are you calling me a liar!?"
Kakarrot sarcastically "Well if the shoe fits."
Yajirobe in a swift move took out his sword and took up a stance at Kakarrot saying "Nobody steals and insults me and gets away with it. Prepare to die thief."
Kakarrot wryly "Right because as a smelly fat man living in the woods you must have so much honor worth protecting. Let me ask you this first?"
"What?"
Kakarrot painly "Have you see a raven-haired girl around here around my height, my size, no tail, probably with a flying cloud and a magic stick?"
"No."
Kakarrot pointed his finger at Yajirobe's head and fired. The beam burst through his skull and the Ronin flew backwards falling to the ground dead.
Smirking he said "Shame. Normally I would have liked a good fight. But my heart's desire is in need I trust you understand." He said to the smoking corpse standing over it.
He walked over to look at his dead body the necklace bead looked familiar with its gleam and star at its center. He thought overeating the dead man by there wasn't time Chi-Chi was dying possibly. This little diversion had already taken up enough time.
His eyes soon confirmed what he had suspected a dragon ball. The one-star ball a neat enough little trinket, useful too probably.
He put on the necklace as he used his aura to light his surroundings. Hovering over the trees he sniffed the air until finally he caught a whiff of her. It was the smell of her and her blood.
Following the smell, he managed to find her barely clinging to life in a crater. His features softened as he quickly came to her and began to look her over. As he touched her, she moaned, and his checks turned a bit pink. Her back was broken he sneered she may never fight again.
His thought turned to the bastard that did this to her. He was going to pay; he would make sure of that. No one hurts what is his. Her eyes opened and she weakly looked at him.
Chi-Chi weakly asked "Kakarrot?"
"Yes."
"I need to get him…Korin I need to get to him."
Her eyes closed. He attempted to wake her. She had without a doubt a concussion. Falling to sleep with one of those was super bad for you he remembered. He failed to wake her back up. He reached for this radio to call for a medic, but found he only had on his armor having forgot the rest his haste.
His tail twisted around in the wind as he ferreted. He couldn't leave her that was for sure but at the moment there was no way to move her without causing more damage.
He let go of her and grabbed a tree nearby. He ripped out of the ground and broke it up then using his Ki to start a fire. He was sure to make sure it was close but not too close. With the fire lit, he returned to the dead woodsman.
Kakarrot stole his clothing. He washed them in the river then using his ki he dried them and went back to Chi-Chi.
Yet again Grandpa's boring lessons came back into use. He bandaged her also set her legs and arms using some branches. The night was a long one as Kakarrot nearly dozed off a few times as he kept watch.
The day came and with-it Chi-Chi reawaken. Her eyes opening to see the palm haired visage of her mortal enemy. While last night she was quite out of it, today she was far more alert.
Her eyes stared for a moment in merely shock that turned to anger. She stared daggers at him as he sighed. "Well I guess you're awake." She did not respond. "The silent treatment again huh?"
Chi-Chi see looked to see this stolen necklace angrily she asked/accused "So you're working with him?"
He looked at the ball then looked at her and darkly stated "If I was working with the man who did this to you. We would be having this conversation?"
In pain her eyes seemed to signal that after a hot second that she agreed. "Still does mean you're not after the dragon balls."
"I told you before I have no interest in the bobbles. I'm here because… because I was in the area and decided that whoever could kick you around might be a good for a fight."
Chi-Chi looking sideways at him "Really?"
Kakarrot angrily "Yes damn it. If anyone is going to kill you it should be me not some random monster."
Chi-Chi mind wandered back to the creature her skepticism was replaced by rage. She painfully grinded her teeth. Seeing this his interest was piqued.
"I'm guessing that there was a reason why you rushed into fight after Tien and you knocked each other stupid?"
Chi-Chi angrily spat out "He killed Krillin."
"Midget's dead?"
Chi-Chi yelled angrily at him "Krillin!"
"Right him."
Chi-Chi frowned "I need to get to Korin's he can fix me."
"Korin? Shouldn't I be getting you to a hospital?"
"No Korin has a way to heal me quickly."
Kakarrot curiously "Really?"
"Senzu beans they can heal in seconds."
Kakarrot needing some convincing "No fooling?" He thought to himself that could be very useful.
"No."
"Well how about that. Suppose you'd be the one to stumble on more magic crap. So, it's where you first began your assault on the army?"
She nodded 'yes'. His tail detached from his waist.
He said to her "Sorry this is probably going to hurt."
His tail wrapped around her waist. His fur brushing up against her skin where her gi had been shredded. She blushed as instead of hurting her wounded body the fur tickled. She looked at him and noticed he was blushing too.
Slowly and carefully he grabbed hold of her and brought her to his back. Neither seemed willing to speak. Kakarrot tried to merely focus on the task on hand but the feel of her and her smell kept creeping into his mind.
Chi-Chi tried to keep Krillin in her mind and the facts of what he has done in her head. But the night of her first kiss and the feeling of him kept coming to her mind.
Their problems didn't stop when she finely got to his back. Her arms went around his neck and her face in his hair. His tail tightening around her waist. Her legs around his waist. Both of them were feeling warm then noticing how warm and fast the other one's heart was beating.
"Are you ready?" He asked while trying to not gasp for air.
Quickly she replied "Yeah!" She wanted to see it as fast as possible for some reason. Talking to him felt like it was going to take energy now.
They took of Kakarrot moving much slower than earlier. He didn't want the wind to hurt her but mostly he was merely distracted.
For an hour or an eternity if you had asked either of them, they flew in silence. Until Chi-Chi fed up with the silence and the discomfort blurted out a question. "So, you're an alien right?"
Kakarrot confused on the question responded "Yeah?" On the verge of being sarcastic.
Chi-Chi embarrassed "Well no that's not… I mean, where do you come from?"
"Planet Vegeta."
Chi-Chi curious "And?"
Kakarrot sighed "I was sent here because I was deemed virtually worthless at birth due to my low power level. I was sent here to exterminate all life on this planet as a way to train me you see. And before you ask the reason why I didn't do it was because of Grandpa and a change of plans."
"Change of plans?"
Kakarrot looking into the distance "I am the last of my kind. The day I was sent away was the day my world was destroyed by a comet at least that what the report by Frieza's people said."
"Frieza?"
Kakarrot continued on "In all honesty I am glad I was sent here. This is much better then slavery. Frieza and his family the tyrants of the galaxy. He enslaved my people to be his soldiers. To kill his enemies and to make himself richer."
"You were considered weak by your people yet he?"
"Was way stronger than any saiyan. We were mules and work horses in his eyes. Were a punch line."
Chi-Chi curious but afraid to step on something sensitive "Did he?"
"I'm not sure. He might have decided that we weren't worth it. Not breakable enough to be his loyal slaves."
"That's awful. To think the stars at night are ruled by such a villain."
"It's true. One day I'm going to get my revenge though. Whether he killed my people or not. He still enslaved them and belittle them. That's why I must always be getting stronger. He deserves a death at the hands of a saiyan.
"He sounds like he does need to be stopped."
"On that we're in agreement."
And with that silence came back into play but this time it was a far more comfortable silence as they made their way to Korin's tower.
Piccolo grinned his plans were already coming together "You have done well my son."
Tambourine had returned to the airship.
"Thank you, father."
In the demon king's hand was the dragon ball. It's was glimmer matched by the glimmer in his eyes. Tambourine was bowing as Piano took the roster out of his hands. He handed it to the Pilaf gang they all began to place the pieces of paper over the walls.
Pilaf when looking at the roster then froze. In his hand was a picture of the girl who had thrice made a fool of him. Broken his palace and smashed his fancy armored suits. It was because of this girl that he was now in service to this very dangerous monster. So basically, this was all her fault he thought as his eye twitched and not at all his.
Tambourine in amusement looked over to see the anger on Pilaf's face. "So, you know that one?"
"This little harpy has been the biggest pain. She constantly shows up and stops me from taking over the world!"
"Well then today's your lucky day." Pilaf looked at him confused. "You see I just killed that brat along with that bald-headed brat your fox friend just put up. It was so easy I didn't even break a sweat."
Looking at Piccolo he said. "Father these humans are not going to be a challenge. That just won the Tournament."
"Perhaps or perhaps they will use a trick like before. I want them all killed either way."
Pilaf turned bluer in fear. This monster had with ease killed a girl who could shoot fire ball out of her hand and bend steel like it was paper.
Shu and Mai too looked scared. Mai internal wondered why she hadn't taken that job at the pizza hut while, Shu mumbled 'mommy' to himself.
"There are so many fighters father." Said while he looked at that all available space was covered by the roster.
"Your right Piano. I guess Tambourine will need help."
To that Tambourine cringed. He didn't need any help he thought.
"But father your life force is flickering as it is!"
"No matter time may not be on our side." Piccolo began to gag.
Pilaf said out loud "Oh Kami not this again."
Shu in disgusted panic "Sire is he about to..?"
"I'm afraid so."
The three covered their mouths and tried to look away but they were transfixed by what was about to happen. Piccolo gaged and couch like he was choking and then vomited up an egg as large as a person. It was covered in green slime as it landed next to Tambourine.
Piccolo breathed erratically as he panted it must be that even for a monster giving birth seemed to hurt.
Mai's was gagging. Shu was just in shock.
Audibly Pilaf said, "Well there goes my lunch."
Tambourine sneered as the egg cracked open. Piano sighed and shock his head. The new monster revealed itself. It was a dark green creature. It had bat like wings a tail shaped like a human sized Godzilla tail. Its claws dug into the metal as it coughed up some slime and took its first breath.
Piccolo's breath returned to normal as he looked on his newest son. "Your name is Cymbal. Do you know who I am?"
"You are my Lord, my king, my Father. You are Piccolo the King of the demons whom I live to serve."
Piccolo smiled at him "That's correct." He showed him the dragon ball which looked tiny in Piccolo massive hands. "You also live to find these balls the remaining six of them?"
He bowed "I do father."
Piccolo happy with himself then looked over to Pilaf his tone changed and with a murderous look in his eyes a beam came out of his right eye blowing a hole right in front of Pilaf feet. Pilaf fell to the ground and shook with terror.
Piccolo in a calm rage said, "Never mention him ever again."
Pilaf quickly and not thinking "Who? Ka…" Seeing the look in his face he stopped. The word just began dead to him. "How about I show our new recruit were the balls are?"
Piccolo flicked his hand in agreement. "Tambourine hunt down these martial arts. I want them all killed."
He bowed "Yes father." And with his mind filled with the names and address of his prey he flew away as the darkness dominated the sky in this blackest of nights.
Cymbal was also soon on his way as Piccolo relaxed in his chair enjoying the comfort that the night provided for him.
Tien looked beyond tense to Launch. Roshi wasn't even trying to harass her just sitting in the back. Why they had to quickly stop at his place she didn't know but one think was for sure neither of them seemed like talking but she had to ask.
Launch angry "Is Chi-Chi dead?"
Roshi cringed he didn't answer merely stared into oblivion. Lauch angrily sighed he had sort have answer her question just not man enough to say it out loud.
"I'm going to shove my boot so far up this guy's ass it's going to come out his throat."
"I think I would like to see that actually."
Launch looked at him at first in surprise then grinned. She thought at least Tien got it. They should save the water works for later it was high time to get some good old fashion revenge. She looked him over.
Damn she thought he always looked sexy in brooding serious mode good thing he was in that mode a lot. Maybe after Piccolo he would stop being so determined to blame himself for everything and she could have her fun. Hell, even blue seemed into him from what she could tell.
Tien meanwhile noticing her stares and made sure to kept all three eyes forward. He was blushing as he tried to focus on the mission ahead. He asked himself mentally how Launch always managed to make him lose focus.
In Roshi's hand he held a capsule. His thoughts were that of his Master and of Shen. Once upon a time he feared that his long life would rob him of these memories. He feared this no longer. He knew it would soon all be over.
Piccolo probably believed that no one was left on this planet knew this move. It would be fun to prove him wrong. All that the monster took would be returned in kind with interest.
"The radar says were very close we should find a place to land."
Tien sighed internal he needed to get out of Launch's sights for a little while. He cursed himself as a problem had developed that he was not a fan of and that he didn't want Launch to see it would only encourage her. Why couldn't Chiaotzu had come instead at least things would be less awkward he thought.
They came on a pirate ship with some unfriendly pirates that attempt to fill them full of holes by their bullets were stop with ease by the three. Having laid out his crew the Captain gave up the ball to the three.
It had been an easy win but Tien knew that this won't easy win wouldn't last.
Chapter 22: Chaos Is A Ladder
Chapter Text
The Goliath size man slammed up against the wall as Tambourine chuckled. Blood smeared the wall. He gasped for air as he threw one last punch at the monstrous green terror. Tambourine caught the punch and a bolt of energy came from his arm and electrocuted the giant. The air smelled of burning garbage as the giant smoking collapsed into a pile of trash.
"Well I got to say that, that was the smelliest of these jobs." He threw a demon symbol on the corpse and flew off.
A bum who had heard the commotion came over into the alley say a glimpse of Tambourine then saw the paper with the word 'Devil' on it. He freaked out loud proclaiming the devil had come.
A door swung open to an office overlooking a Central city. It was a junior officer with a report in hands marked South City PD.
In the office was a man in a UNIT Captain's uniform green his hat on the table. The marker on the table said 'Captain William Stryker' in red.
Stryker's head went up from his paperwork. His right eye covered by a black eye patch. He looked sickly like he hadn't been eating. He was still in shape but clearly not in the best of shape. The bags under his left eye screamed that he hadn't been sleeping.
Staff officer "Sir you wanted to be given the police reporters of any dead martial artists."
He grabbed the report and quickly looked through it and looked as though he had seen death itself. He got up as he decided it was time to tell it to his bosses.
"Stryker have you lost your damn mind?" The Colonel said angrily in his office at his table on his large black leather chair. The Major was just sitting there his head in his hand on a black couch.
"Sir we have to cancel the two hundredth celebration ceremony of Royal government we are under siege as we speak!"
Colonel angrily asked "Son have you look at yourself in the mirror lately? Major why do you let your people harass me with this nonsense?"
"I honest didn't believed him when he said that it was a planetary threat."
Bill yell at him "It is!"
Colonel said with sarcastically in his voice "So let me get this straight, A three-hundred-year-old space demon out of a crack pot conspiracy theory has just out of the blue returned for no reason. He is killing martial artists because they know a magic spell that could seal him up. And that if he succeeds, he will take over the Earth by attacking the world unity ceremony. Is that all of it?"
"Not in those exact terms sir but yes." The Colonel sighed loudly as he shook his head. "I know how this all sounds, but you have to believe me. The things me and Frank saw at the Tournament were real. These powers exist sir. We need to get the King and the Prime Minster to their bunkers. We need to evacuate the major cities and call up the Royal reserves. We are at war right now!"
Major shaking his head "I am so sorry sir. This is on me. I am just deeply honestly and truly sorry. That you had to listen to any of this."
"It's true Goddamnit!"
"So, you want me to tell this story to the Prime Minister and recommend that we get on a war footing cancel the biggest celebration in about a hundred years."
"Yes Sir!"
"And at the same time explain to the Ribbons that all of this. And this is why were are doing this, not that we're about to launch a sneak attack on them. After we had just signed an extensive nuclear weapon ban giving our side the very clear advantage of numbers."
"Stop thinking of our human opponents! We right now have much bigger foes knocking on our door!"
Colonel now just feed up "Here's what I think son. You haven't been getting enough sleep or eating as much as you should be. You just got engaged. You lost a friend and a mentor not all that long ago. I think, son that you are under a lot of stress." Bill tried to interrupt.
"Shh! Crazy babble time is over. I am speaking. I think you need a vacation a month or two to fuck your fiancé or anybody for that matter. To see a therapist maybe go camping. You need time to decompress."
Bill interrupting "Sir that's…"
Colonel angrily continued "Did I say son that you could talk? No, I didn't. Now there are a few reasons why you're just getting a vacation and not becoming a section eight. Your daddy saved my life many years ago and we happen to be good golfing buddies. He is my friend and I really don't want to do that to his boy. Two Captain Franklin Harkness was an outstanding officer whose death wounded me and all of UNIT including obviously you. He put a lot of faith and time into you and I don't want that to go to waste. Number three you're young, green and full of heart. And I believe honestly that you can bounce back from this. We however are never going to talk about this shit ever again." He then asked like he was speaking to a child. "Do you understand soldier?"
Bill nodded in agreement.
"Now get the fuck out of my office before I have you dragged out."
Bill stormed out to be followed by the Major. Saying to the Major sarcastically "Thanks for having my back Mack."
"Well what the fuck did you expect! You were talking about space demons and magic."
Bill looked him dead in the eyes and said "We're under attack and we might as well be putting up a sign that says strike here for maximum damage. And we aren't going to do a damn thing about it."
As Bill stormed away a picture of Palace had come into view the caption underneath read. 'This is where peace and freedom on Earth stands'.
Bulma placed the capsule containing Krillin into a dresser as the TV played the news while outside Yamcha spared with Chiaotzu.
Oolong with fear in his voice "Hey a Bulma you might want to see this!"
Bulma came looking at the screen along with Oolong and Puar. She yelled out to Yamcha and Chiaotzu. They all crowed around the TV.
News reporter for ZTV "Over twenty professional Martial Artists have been murder in the last twenty-four hours. The police are at a loss to explain the murders with the only clue begin a piece of paper with the word 'Devil' circled in red. Stay with us for more updates on the story as it develops. In other news tomorrow is the two hundredth…"
Bulma angrily had turned off the TV saying with both fear and anger "It's begun." Very dramatically.
Oolong cowered "Oh no it can be the end of the world. I'm too young to die."
"Zip it piggy! Can't you think about anyone else for once?"
"Yeah Oolong!"
Yamcha growled in anger as he looked at his fist then at the capsule for the air car on the table.
Bulma looked at him sideways "You're staying right here!"
Yamcha looked at her angrily "I'm not just going to hide here like a coward Bulma while everybody else is fighting a dying!"
Tears started to come out of her eyes as she said, "I just lost two of my best friends in the world and I'm not losing you."
To that Yamcha shuttered. Her tears were making him feel so much shame. He felt like he was being dragged in twenty different directions. The anger left his face, he grabbed hold of Bulma and hugged her.
Yamcha with pain in his voice "I'm sorry. I'm being stupid. I'm not going anywhere."
She cried into his shoulder as he felt like the biggest douche in the universe.
"Roshi, Tien and Launch will get the dragon balls. Krillin and Chi-Chi will be back before you know it be running around here again with their goofy smiles."
She was still sobbing as the two kissed. Oolong grinned thinking while watching "Hey I might die but at least I'm going to get a good show before." He grinned as Puar noticing this smacked him on his head.
Suddenly Bulma and Yamcha looked deep into each other eyes. Bulma practically jumped into his arms bridal style as they started kissing far deeper this time. He rushed up stairs with her in his arms. A door slammed shut as Oolong tried to listen while Chiaotzu and Puar turned on the TV. They turned it up as far as it could go while looking quite embarrassed.
Turtle who has been watching this all unfold with the others said. "Well it is maybe the end of the world."
They looked at him and he shrugged as a particular loud moan came from above.
Chiaotzu thought "Man I wish I went with Tien and Launch that would less awkward I think?"
Out loud they heard Bulma say "Screw the condom!" The wall of Roshi's were paper thin possibly by design.
"Yeah anything has to be less awkward then this."
Kakarrot landed in front of Tower of Korin as a Native man and his young son eyed him. Suspiciously they looked at him until seeing Chi-Chi. She had been taken a nap on his back but woke up when they landed. She waved to them.
The little one rushed over while the big one continued to keep his eyes on Kakarrot. Guess he could see a threat when he saw it.
Upa asked Chi-Chi "Are you okay?"
"Yeah… Well no, but I'll live. I came here to see Korin for the reason you can see before you."
Bora angrily asked, "Was it him that did this to you?"
Kakarrot grinned as he replied before Chi-Chi could "Brilliant deduction Sherlock. I actively tried to kill her and then decided to do everything in my power to make sure she lives."
Kakarrot could feel her eyes drilling into his head telling him she did like him being rude to her friends.
Bora stared daggers at him as Kakarrot said "We're going up the tower. If you don't mind?"
"It's a free world. You can do what you want."
Kakarrot before grabbing onto the tower said slyly "For now."
Quickly Kakarrot started climbing but as he did so he asked her "So I take it every one of your friends is from the start is going to treat me like a villain?"
Chi-Chi bluntly asked, "Well it's not like you haven't done anything to cause them to treat you like a bad guy?" She asked sarcastically.
"Hey, I've done quite a bit of good since then."
"Really? How don't I know you just pretending to be good to get everyone to drop their guard so that you can take over the world?"
Kakarrot sighed internally to himself saying internally 'Well I won't have liked her if she was that stupid.'
"Truth is you don't. I guess you'll just have to trust me."
"Trust you. You have by my count lied to me every step of the way."
Kakarrot blushed "No I haven't."
"Name something."
Kakarrot thinking quickly said breathily "That I haven't been able to forget you."
He could feel her heat up on his back. She may not be as naïve as before, but he knew his silver tongue would do its job. This whole monster attack was definitely playing to his advantage. I guess chaos does just mean the same thing as opportunity. It was all just a ladder he was now climbing. Getting closer to Kami.
The climb seemed to take forever but before the sunset the two reached Korin's tower. Kakarrot had basically gone a day without food and he was beyond hungry at this point. He figured whoever this Korin was he kill and eat.
Chi-Chi would be angry at him, but his stomach needed food and Chi-Chi was off the table. Maybe if this Korin had some food waiting he won't.
Chi-Chi had slipped back into sleep due to the long climb. Slowly but surely, he made it into the lookout. He had no reason to wake her.
Gently he laid her out onto the floor then went investigating. He couldn't seem to sense anyone home. The place stunk but their seemed to be no source. This Korin was very good at making himself quite elusive.
He searched around there had to be something to eat. On the top of the building he spied three barrels. Jackpot he thought as he went over to them.
He opened the first and saw only water that seemed to at his eyes change. A familiar scene played out. Grampa Gero was coming upon his pod when he was a baby. He then saw him running into Chi-Chi the first time. The World Tournament then him becoming Lord Commander. After that there was tons of dead face all those he had killed over the years. The water disappeared. He was left confused.
Irritated at the slide show he went to the next one. It too only contained water. In it he saw Grampa again only this was far more recent. He saw him working on Ten. He could tell though that his heart wasn't in it. He was worried not doubt about him. It showed Yurin fighting Nine getting her ass kick but improve after each knock down. It showed Tanmen staring out her window into the sky. The water then disappeared.
Kakarrot growled still no food just useless magic water "What sorcery is this?"
"It's the Past, Present and Future those barrel gives you a look at all three."
Kakarrot turned around to face the voice. It was a rather plump white cat standing upright. He had a cane in his hand and his eyes almost seemed shut. Everything about this creature made Kakarrot curious. Korin as he guessed was not to be taken lightly.
"So I just looked into the Past and Present?" Korin nodded. "How useless is that? Sure the present maybe but showing me the past what I already know?"
"You'd be surprise."
Kakarrot point behind him to the unopened barrel "And that would be the?"
"Future."
"Interesting."
"I would imagine so Lord Commander."
"How accurate is it?"
"Hard to tell. Always in motion the future is. But I can guarantee your future is probably not a pleasant one for either you or for everyone else if you get your way."
Kakarrot with great care turned around and slowly took off the lid. He looked inside to see utter darkness. He heard blood curling screams of those he knew and those he didn't. An ocean of blood seemed to exist and a burning bleeding symbol of utter hate came to his eyes. It was a three-pronged trident with a curved line underneath the handle. He saw a gold aura then purple versus blue. Lastly was green hair and three eyes and his own laugh. With that the water disappeared and he was left with more questions than answers.
Kakarrot miffed "What was that?"
"The future as you would have. It's a night dark and full of terrors."
To that Kakarrot smiled "So that's it trying to scare me into being nice."
"No. It's telling you the truth. Something I know you have trouble with the concept of. Your path is dark it a road that I couldn't get you off from with the universe on my side. Because you actually enjoy the despicable things that you do."
"I'm a Saiyan it's what we do."
"You really believe in that kind of justification don't you." Kakarrot nodded. "Shame I feel like you could have been so much more." Korin throw him a senzu bean. Kakarrot looked at it confused. "It's a senzu bean. It will heal you and feed you for a week or so."
Kakarrot looking at the bean "Really? No charge."
"No there is. You eat it and leave. I don't like your corruption around here. I can take care of Chi-Chi. You leave."
Kakarrot nodded in agreement and tossed the bean in his mouth. He waved sarcastically at Korin then jumped off the tower. He thought to himself he was going to have to steal one of those beans.
Korin shook his head saying "Man! What a piece of work that kid is."
Down below he placed a Senzu bean into her mouth. In an instant she was wake and looking around. She looked at Korin then looked confused.
"So, I made your 'friend' take off. A holy place like this shouldn't have to host a monster like that."
Chi-Chi frowned "He's not that bad."
Korin shook his head and said, "Oh to be young in love and stupid again."
Chi-Chi miffed "I'm not being stupid master. He brought me, here right?"
"Because it suited his goals." She looked frustrated so Korin decided to change the subject. "So other than the Senzu bean why are you here?"
"A terrible monster killed my best friend Krillin. He was strong."
"I can image. A spawn of Piccolo tends to be."
"Piccolo? Who is he?"
"The monster's daddy, he is way stronger than his brood."
"Then he's who I need to stop. Korin I don't even know if I was strong enough to stop the brood. I need more training."
Korin sighed his hand went to the back of his head "Well that's the thing I've kind of got nothing left to teach you."
Chi-Chi looked panicked "What!? That can't be true master! I need something anything to stop Piccolo even if it kills me."
Korin looked uncomfortable and said, "Even if it kills you huh?" She nodded. "Well against my better judgment there is one thing."
Cymbal had been following Piccolo's instructions despite the changing location of the ball. He had been flying for hours and he finally came upon his target. Right underneath a massive tower sticking out of the ground Korin's tower. He then spied Bora and Upa.
Chapter 23: The Search For The Ultra Divine Water Begins
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi asked questioningly "Ultra Divine Water?"
"Yes. You see the 'scared water' which was really just tap water that doesn't do anything. But the Ultra Divine Water is the real stuff it's magic. If drunken will bring out a great deal of the users strength thanks to its mystical properties."
Chi-Chi happily asked "Really!?"
Korin nodded "Yes. But there is sort of a trial to get to it. And well the truth is frankly that no one who has ever gone looking for it has never come back. And well the water predates me so I ah… kind of have no idea if it does what it says on the packaging or not."
Chi-Chi asked very determined "But it could make me stronger?"
"Yeah supposable. Look it's a long shot at best. It would be a much smarter idea if you would go a meet up with your friends and come up with a far less suicidal plan."
Chi-Chi defiantly shook her head "No Master! Krillin died for me. I'm not giving up because I might die. I owe Krillin that."
Korin a bit frustrated "Look kid this is no time for blind heroics. Piccolo is a King of Demons he plans to kill and hurt a lot more people then you or your friends. He aims to take over the world!"
Chi-Chi determined as ever "All the more reason Master I need to try. I can't beat him now but with the water I might stand a chance."
Korin shook his head and mumble about how kids never listen. He relented "Fine get yourself killed kid. What do I care! It's not like the literal fate of the world isn't at stake or anything. This is why I shouldn't bother getting attached to you hero types. You always just end up getting yourselves martyred. Come on I'll show you to your near future grave if you want."
Chi-Chi followed Korin to a room with another barrel with his can he pointed at the ceramic object. Chi-Chi immediately looked confused.
"This is much like the barrels upstairs, but this is not a normal barrel but a magic one. The other function like the fates this one is a means of transport. It will well sort of take you to a well I guess you'd call it a pocket dimension. You'd have to go through a maze to get to the water which no one seems to solve. It'll be no cake walk."
Chi-Chi confidently strolled up to the barrel unsealed it then jumped in headfirst.
Korin sighed "A their goes the hope of humanity folks. Jumping headfirst off a cliff like it weren't a big deal. Guess two million years or so was a good enough run. Maybe Roshi can pull off a Hail Mary. Shame I actually liked her."
Pilaf was examining the radar rubbing his chin as he did so and said, "Well you look at that." Mai and Shu came over to him to see what he was talking about. They looked at the screen to see a cluster of two dragon balls going for a third.
Piccolo in his chair asked, "What's going on."
Pilaf angry said "Some twerps are collecting the dragon balls! Whoever they are already have two and are about to get a third." He pressed a button and a screen came from the ceiling to show Piccolo what he was seeing.
Piccolo chuckled to the Pilaf gang's surprise. "So, we have a little competition huh? Whatever! Whoever they are they're just saving us the effort of gathering the balls. I tell Cymbal to go after them as soon as he's done getting me my second.
Pilaf looked at the now stagnate ball that Cymbal was after.
Cymbal eyed the two below him the man look at him with contempt ready to fight which was okay by Cymbal. This guy had after all probably been the one making him work so hard. He grinned as he landed.
Bora sneered at him as Upa rushed behind his father's leg cowering in fear. Bora pulled a spear out of the ground and pointed it at Cymbal.
"Tell me why have you come to this sacred place?"
'The dragon ball where is it?"
"Oh, another monster come looking for those balls?"
"I suppose so. Tell me where it is, and I might consider sparing you and your son's life."
Bora scoffed at that "You must have a lot of guts monster to come to my home and threaten me and my son. I don't have your stupid ball and I won't give it to you even if I had it. Now leave this sacred land or I will show you your guts."
Cymbal chuckled at this "Oh good I hoped this was going to be a fun day. It's time to die human."
But as Cymbal spoke those words a sound coming from above came over head. It was off a falling object that looked like a blur until coming close to the ground. It stopped before it hit the ground. The palm hair and the black armor now visible. Bora cringed while Cymbal looked interested.
"Oh, it's you the other monster."
Kakarrot looked at Bora with a wolfish grin but in doing so the necklace came loose on his neck and the ball made itself visible. Cymbal's eyes lit up he had found what he was looking for. Slowly Kakarrot came back upright then lightly placed his feet on the ground.
Kakarrot looking at the monster then back at Bora. "So, am I interrupting something?"
Bora again scoffed "Get out of here villain. I'm busy."
Kakarrot grinning "I can see that. You realize that you're a little out matched right?"
"Shut up serpent."
"Boy give me the ball and I'll let you live."
Kakarrot grabbed hold of it his eyes focus on Cymbal said "Na its mine. By virtue of me killing fat ass. But if you really want it you can try and come get it."
"Now this day just keeps getting better and better."
"I'd agreed. Now call me a betting man but I think you're related or are that monster with wings that my Chi-Chi was talking about. Killing midget and stealing her uncle's dragon ball."
"That would have been my brother."
"Good. So, there is more than one of 'things' to kill. Well then what are you waiting for a written invitation?"
Cymbal seemed ready to fight Kakarrot when Bora yelled out "Enough! Your fight is me creature. This is my land you invaded and my life you threatened."
Kakarrot looked miffed but his stance relaxed. He thought to himself "It would be nice to see how these things fight." He put his hands up and sarcastically shrugged saying "Well you're the boss. Don't blame me if you get hurt."
Cymbal sighed "Fine then I guess I'll kill you first if you want."
"Upa get to safety!"
Upa detached from his father's leg and ran behind a tree. His head popping out from behind the trunk of the tree.
Bora and Cymbal charged at one another. Bora attempted to gore him with the spear but with ease Cymbal broke it in half scratching Bora in the process on the chest. Ribbons of crimson started flowing down the four claw marks on large man's chest. Bora jumped backwards his hand going to his chest.
Upa gasped in terror while Kakarrot merely shook his head this was going exactly as expected. In a huff Bora tossed the remains of his spear to the ground. Cymbal was giggling or at least what counts for a mutant's giggles. This was as much fun as he expected.
"Don't get to comfortable that was just the first round!"
"Human you are so amusing. I can see why father desires your race's extermination. You're all so weak but so sure of yourselves. Your species seem hell bonded and determined to get yourselves killed. So, it figures we should just give you all give you what you want."
Kakarrot smirked at this. He couldn't help but agree with Cymbal. Bora looked at Cymbal with a inflamed rage. Bora charged the monster with reckless abandonment; with ease the monster dodged the punches.
Despite the fact that Bora was clearly outclassed Kakarrot couldn't help but be impressed a bit. Bora had no formal training that was clear, but he was stronger than ninety eighty percent of the tournament fighters. If the fool had been trained, he might actually be winning this fight.
One of Bora's punches were caught by Cymbal. Bora was snarling as Cymbal's claws dug into his fists. Blood started to pour out and he gasped in pain. Cymbal was smiling this man's pain was delightful to him. The pain was forcing to Bora to collapse, he screamed as his knees slammed onto the ground. Bora with all his might punched Cymbal with all him might in the gut but to no effect.
Cymbal chuckling "Don't be sad human. You're not dying alone I'll be sending your son and palm hair to you shortly."
Cymbal's other claws went at Bora's face piecing it with ease. Bora went limp as the claws sunk into his skull. Upa watching had tears falling from his eyes like a faucet. Cymbal let go of Bora's hand and the mangled stump left to the ground. He removed his claws from his skull and the warrior slumped downwards into a pile very dead.
Kakarrot shook his head and said out loud for Upa to hear "Ha. Could have told you that was going to happen. Oh well natural selection in action for yah."
Upa didn't however hear the snide remarks of the other monster present. Instead with blind fear and sadness came from out behind the tree and rushed towards his father. He was practically hyperventilating a wash in both tears and snot. He came to his father and began to shake him. Both Kakarrot and Cymbal were laughing at the sight and started cracking jokes.
"Well kid you dad might have more holes in him but think of it like this at least family reunions will be easier."
"Kami this is almost as funny as when Bambi's mom died. Hey, don't worry kid any second the disgustingly cute woodland creatures will could out at sing about how it's all alright or some shit."
As the two were talking disgusting delight in this small child's suffering Upa looked at rage at Cymbal. Out of his father's belt he took out a tomahawk put it in his hands and firmly gripped it. In grief he raised it above his head and charged at Cymbal trying to attack him.
Cymbal without missing and beat whacked him away with his tail. It was unclear whether it was the tail of the tree he smashed into but as Upa slid to the ground he slumped over. His little neck was broken. The result was even more laugher from the monsters.
"What the hell was that kid thinking!?" Laughing in hysterics.
"I don't know maybe he thought 'Hey maybe daddy' who was like a mountain of muscle 'couldn't beat you because he didn't use his secret weapon a fucking hatchet'."
"Fucking humans that was a classic!"
"No shit!
The two slowly became more serious as the two began to stare each other down.
Chi-Chi eyes opened to find her head hurting and cold wind stabbing at her. Her face was buried in some snow her nose screaming in pain having smashed into some ice. Swiftly she pulls herself out of the snowbank. Looking around and rubbed her injured face.
She is surround by snow an ice. There is light but it doesn't seem to come from anywhere even with the thick clouds you should at least have an idea but not here. Things beyond were she had appeared looked fuzzy but not because of distance, but more like they aren't really there. This place was a mirage she sort of then gathered.
The path and its friends seem though to be real enough as her eyes can focus in on them.
She hears from above Korin voice "Oh good you're still alive. You know most people wouldn't dive headfirst into an unknown mystic barrel to an unexplained magical land. Without asking some basic questions like will I need a coat or will I land flat on my face and possible break my skull? You know just 'sayin', kind of like your monster of a friend."
She looked up to see Korin face magically in the sky coming from a circle that had to be the barrel.
"Master?"
"You are in the land of ice above the cave of darkness home of the Ultra Divine Water. Get through the maze of both at receive the water. But beware the darkness the guardian of the water."
"What is it?
"What you take with you."
Chi-Chi looked at him confused as she didn't get what he meant.
"Just try to keep your mind clear and be Zen about things. See you if I see yah."
He closed up the portal as Chi-Chi looked around. She felt something but couldn't place it. Deep below her feet in the pitch darkness of the ice caves a moan rings out a voice without a form beyond that which was unseeable wakes.
Darkness breath up deeply "Huh another human. Hmmm. A child. Pure. Interesting. Strong, brave, determined. She must go. First though let us see if see can make it down here then we will show her how weak she really is."
Out of the darkness came a raven hair palm hair boy with a grin on his face wearing a grey and black gi with a red sash, a recreation of his crane uniform minus the crane symbol and a brown tail twisting around in excitement.
Shadow Kakarrot looking himself over "Well can't say I'm much different didn't from the real deal. You're about to find girly that anyone comes our way never comes back. Man, this is like slipping into a shoe made of the most comfortable puppy leather you can find. Kami I love myself!"
It then began to sing softly to itself "You are an Obsession. You're my Obsession. Who do you want me to be? To make you sleep with me? Like the butterfly. I will collect and capture you. Oh, I will have you." It continued on.
Above Chi-Chi began to make her way through the maze feeling like there was something seriously wrong.
A deflated Bill marches out of the Defense Building in downtown Central City. His phone in his hand looks at an article the pops ups automatically. The headlines read 'Epidemic of Martial Artist Murders! Famous Actor Pamput Dead! Former Tournament Winner King Chappa Dead! Who's Next!' At this he sneers getting rid of the article at going to his contacts going for the one marked Diane.
Diane answered her phone "What's up sweetie?"
Bill hesitatively said, "Well I am going to have some time off."
Diane now clearly concerned "What Happened?"
Bill deflated "They didn't believe me."
Diane questioningly "About What?"
Bill sighed "Doesn't matter. Look you need to leave town."
"What?"
"Look I can't give you details but Central City just ain't safe right now. It would be better if you were to go to your mother's in West City for now."
Diane now truly concerned "What's going on?"
Bill sounded conflicted "You might not believe me. Look if I'm wrong then hell nothing going to happen just go to Mother's. I'll be along shortly."
Diane nervously "Are you sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure. The world's about to blow up."
Daine trying to sound brave she said "Okay."
She hung up as Bill sighed. His childhood friend turned fiancé was at least safe now. As much as he believed that King Piccolo was coming right now, he felt like an ass for scaring her. He looked at the Palace.
He thought to himself. Is it real? Why can I get Frank's dead body out of my mind? That moment in the hallway after he tried to kill Gero kept playing in his mind. Why? It plays in head like only one other moment and that involved noticing Martha. Teal that bastard he thought.
He tried to shake the clouds in his mind off as his mind refocused on the Palace. The world was in danger this other bullshit can be dealt with later. He needed a plan he needed the old man that stopped Kakarrot. But he didn't know his phone number or where to find him, so he was stuck again. But there had to be a way.
Tien talked very little after his visit with the handicapped man and his family in that western town. He got the dragon ball, but something Launch could tell that there was something weighting on his mind. This time it had nothing to do with her trying to flirt with him and him getting all frustrated like the adorable virgin that he clearly was. Launch wanted to ask but it just didn't feel right to.
Suddenly Launch sneezed as some of the dust that had been kicked up by their landing that had entered their plane got into her nose. Tien looked startled. No many how many times he saw that transformation he figured he was going to be a little startled.
Blue looked at him and smiled. Tien tried to smile but couldn't find the energy to lie even in gesture. Blue looked at him curiously and worried.
"What's wrong?"
Tien sighed Blue always had his number when she asked questions with that concerned face. He wanted to resist but he couldn't.
"Do I deserve forgiveness Launch?"
In a voice far more forcefully then he was used to hearing from blue she said "Of course you do Tien. Everyone does. You might have done some bad things, but you have evolved beyond those things."
Tien looked at her with both surprise and blush checks. Blue or Yellow she seemed to know what to say to make him feel better. She equally seemed blushed the two slowly moved closer together their lips about to touch when the two heard Roshi screaming.
"Would you mind not doing that when you are flying!?"
Tien realized that he had let go of the controls and that they were sort of dropping out of the sky. He grabbed back hold of the controls and desperately gained back control of the plane. He was succeeded which allowed him the chance to die of embarrassment.
He turned completely red as Launch sort of turned and looked out the window. He was at least glad that it was only Roshi that had almost seen that happen. The rest of the trip was going to be even more awkward he just knew it.
Chapter 24: Monster Of Monsters
Chapter Text
Bora wasn't killed by Tao in this timeline so he can still be wished back instead he killed Suno's mom and dad because he went to Muscle tower.
The two monsters faced each other down both with supreme confidence. A light breeze came through as Cymbal grew inpatient. Kakarrot on the other hand was calm with no sense of urgency.
"It is at least nice for me to fight someone who for a change that gets it."
"Gets it?"
"You got to believe me these heroic types and their holier than thou attitude becomes grating you see. Now this on the other hand is a nice change of pace. Even though if it will end the same way as it does for them."
"I wouldn't be too sure monkey boy."
"Oh, but I am you see."
Cymbal growled the audacity of this worm to thing he was more powerful that the demon clan. More importantly that this brat was wasting his time while he knew Tambourine was out their getting results. He had to start moving father was waiting the kid had to go.
Cymbal charged Kakarrot he had given up on waiting for the saiyan to make the first move. The palm haired warrior easily dodged the mutant's claws. From the first move it was clear who had the advantage in speed.
The boy was running circles around the creature and barely having to exert himself.
Cymbal was working himself up as he was trying to use all his limbs to strike at the monkey tailed villain, but it was all to no avail. Kakarrot was just too fast for him.
Cymbal was growing frustrated humans weren't supposed to be this strong. He was demon clan this should have already been over. Cymbal was getting sloppy as they went along Kakarrot could see.
Blindly Cymbal wiped his tail which this time Kakarrot caught to Cymbal's surprise. Kakarrot pulled him above his head then smashed on the ground.
He picked him back up spun him around then tossed him. Cymbal wacked into the column of the tower. Cymbal was now his stomach on the ground in a daze as Kakarrot was chuckling.
"Oh, is that it my friend!? How did Cheech lose to you people if this is all you have for me?"
Cymbal looked befuddled not understand at all what was happening. He slowly got to his feet. He was far now less sure of himself now looking confused more than scared or angry.
"How is this possible? A member of the demon clan overpowered by a human infant."
Kakarrot sneered angrily at that statement and said back to him "I'm neither human nor an infant. I'm a Saiyan warrior you blind moron and you sir are my prey so I hope you're prepared to die today."
Cymbal now was just basically talking to himself "This doesn't make any sense. I'm supposed to have no equal amongst these worms. How is this happening?"
Kakarrot felt like he was being ignored but it didn't really matter clearly, he had broken his opponent mentally it was just now time to do it physically.
Kakarrot charged Cymbal with a grin plastered on his face. He slammed Cymbal back into the tower and unleashed a barrage of punches. All Cymbal seemed to do to do in his defense was to bring his hands in front of his face to block some of them. Kakarrot kneed him in the gut. Cymbal let out a gasped as he spit up his purple blood.
"Do you have more for me or what?"
Cymbal swung at Kakarrot wildly apparently getting some sort of second wind despite the blood loss but Kakarrot caught the blow holding the creature hand slowly squeezing the limb.
"Tell me will your father and brother feel what I am about to do to you?"
Cymbal merely grumbled 'Ye' in response but in the affirmative.
"Good, then that means I won't have to go hunting for them. Maybe I finally get that challenge that I've been looking for." He gripped his free hand into a fist. He broke Cymbal's arm then sent his fist into Cymbal's chest.
Kakarrot felt around the chest cavity of the still alive to Cymbal's horror. Purple blood poured from his mouth and chest as Kakarrot finally found what he was looking for.
He ripped the monster heart out of his chest and then proceeded to take a bite out of it like it was a hamburger.
A short time earlier Tambourine was approaching a home in the middle of a city the big dome one that read Capsule Corp on it that Yamcha had listed as his residence. He landed in front of the massive residency grumbling to himself a question of where to begin.
Calmly he marched up to the front door not even bothering to try and open it he merely walked through it. The reinforced bullet proof glass door was no match for him. The loud smashing alerting a nearby police officer along with Dr. Briefs in his workshop.
The officer an old grey hair man on a motorcycle nearby called it in "Possible four fifty-nine in progress A. Send back up to the Briefs residence." He pulled out his revolver as he signaled for the people walking nearby to seek cover with gesture.
Cautiously he approached the residence revolver drawn. Coming to the entrance and coming up behind the lost Tambourine who was still trying to figure out where he wanted to search first. The officer pointed his revolver at the monster and yelled out.
"Hands in the air where I can see them! Don't even think about moving an inch their sonny!"
Tambourine deciding to play along sarcastically put up his hands. But then he spun his head around to the surprise of the officer who went wide eyes and scared in a hurry.
Tambourine then mockingly asked "Well I moved aren't you going to shoot me?"
Dr. Briefs moving slowly then walked into the seen. The doctor and been in no real rush to see what was going on despite it sound like you know a break in which it was.
He saw the seen in progress and instead of being surprised merely looked confused and was about to ask why this green monster had broken into his home.
"I warn you I will use this A!"
"Go ahead then use it." His body twisted around to face the cop and seeing the movement the officer opened fired.
The bullets proceeded to bounce off the monster to the monster amusement, the officer shocked surprise and the doctor's mild surprise.
Tambourine childishly then said, "My turn." His eyes glowed and then beam shot from his eyes blasting into the officer going through his chest and striking the ground behind him.
The officer dropped his gun and fell down dead. To this the doctor was more responsive. Brief began to try and back out of his lobby when the creature turned looking him dead on.
Tambourine smirked and said, "All I seem to see is dead people." He charged at the doctor intending on putting his fist through the absente minded professors skull when he stop right before the blow.
It was at this moment that Kakarrot ripped Cymbal's heart from his chest sending a shock wave of pain and misery to him, Piano and Piccolo. Tambourine looked into the distant in pain and confused. As it was the first time the creature's life that he had experienced pain in his short life.
Piccolo in his throne gasped in horror and terrific pain. To the surprise of the Pilaf gang who meet these pain howls with horror. Something had just set off the unstable demon alien monster that they woke up.
They felt the room vibrate and the glass make noise as the King unleased some of his energy on his surrounding and dug his nails into the throne of bone and steel. The glass looked ready to crack as he in a roar the name "Cymbal!"
The King calmed down a bit and the fury on his surroundings subsided but the sweat and pain on his face didn't go away.
Quickly Pilaf asked with a nervous smile on his face "What's wrong Sire?"
Piccolo shot at him a glare of pain and furious angry and said "What's Wrong!? I'll tell you what's wrong! The blood of my blood my infant baby boy has been killed!"
Pilaf shook his head saying "But Sire that's impossible. How could someone defeat one of your children?"
This however only seemed to make Piccolo angrier to Pilaf scared surprise furiously Piccolo yelled "So your calling me a lair?" Pilaf tried to response but was quickly cut off by the King. "I birthed him I saw him spit up his first slime. I felt him as intimately as I feel my limbs and you're saying I don't know what I'm talking about!"
The gang as a whole cringed all assuming this was it. Internally Mai and Shu both cursed Pilaf for getting them killed.
Mai dreamed of having just take that pizza deliverer job and Shu of getting that new bone for Christmas. In Pilaf mind however he was convincing himself that this as all Shu and Mai's fault and for that matter that dumb girl's fault. He started to cry thinking he was about to die surrounded by idiots in a world that just didn't see his brilliance.
Piccolo sneered at his 'allies' let's call them, cowardice. He was going to kill them, but their fearful displays were amusing at least, and they would die not realizing his surprise for them, so he relented. They could life for now.
Piccolo's fingers went to his head as he reached out to Tambourine's mind. "Tambourine can you hear me?"
Tambourine talking from Brief point of view to himself as he was on the ground about to die and a bit confused on why that hadn't happened. "I can father. Cymbal is…"
"I know. We must deal with this state of affairs immediately. Go to where I sent your brother and get that ball and kill the interloper is that understood."
"Crystal father. No one kills our family and gets away with it." Piccolo send him the coordinates and Tambourine left immediately. He burst through Brief's ceiling his floors before busting through the roof and emerging back into the sky above.
The good doctor is left awestruck as the reinforcing police arrive as he stares into the hole in his house.
Kakarrot lets out a groan as he spits out some of Cymbal heart in disgust.
"Typical a wealth of meat and it all tastes like slugs." In frustration he spits out some more "It's just a big green slug man." He throws the remains of the heart onto the ground in a huff. He looks over to the dead Bora and Upa and then grins. "At least I have some fresh humans."
Quickly he made himself a fire as he went through the dead's possessions making himself at home. Taking some of the war paint that Bora had in a tin and smearing some of it on his face.
Using some water as a mirror to look at himself. He may haven't been hungry but mumbled that it would be a waste of good meat, so he cooked the two up anyways.
He could just sense that something was on its way to get some revenge it was just going to take a little while but not that long. He even started to doze off as he wondered what was happening with Chi-Chi and why he couldn't sense her anymore. He wondered on how strong she would soon be getting.
The cat was clearly one to know about secrets, magic and other tricks. He would figure out a way to make Cheech stronger and scratch the one itch that had been gnawing at him for the last few years. A lack of a worthy opponent.
Grandpa's machines were always tons of fun, but they had safe modes tended to always think a certain way.
The real think was always funnier to him. No safety nets, no predictability. His long terms plans were paramount, but he had to fight himself from just going and challenging Chi-Chi when bored or just getting that itchy feeling.
He was actually quite glad for Shen in those moment. He may have been an asshole who didn't see his greatness but maybe he had been a good teacher. Too many times he tempted to abandon a very well-organized plan for temporary relief. Yurin who had just arrived was still too weak.
This crisis was really just a dream come true. Sure, Cheech got hurt and he was pissed about that but now that he knew for sure that she was dealt with. There were just so many upsides to all of this.
He fell asleep for a time.
Finally, the Tambourine arrived in the sky as Kakarrot woke from his relaxing nap.
He expected the monster looked exhausted and it did. It must have really pulled the lead out to get here quickly.
It looked similar to the last on in the skin department but this one zigged were the other zagged. It was tall too but thin. It had a human like head, wore clothing, more human like hands. It didn't look or feel like the boss so this was another ankle biter maybe after this one the real big daddy would show up. The only plus was this was the one that hurt Chi-Chi he was sure of that.
Tambourine landed he was tired but very determined he'd show this monkey the price of interference.
Tambourine caught his breath as he looked over the boy. He had red war paint in three finger lines on his two checks. A brown band around his head at his hair line. A cape tied to his throat made of deer skin. To go along with the black armor which he had painted in white on his chest the words 'Bite Me' written on it. He had removed his boots and put on some moccasins. A knife in a skin holster on his lower leg.
He was just a weird mishmash of industrial saiyan warrior and native warrior.
Kakarrot got up as he removed his cape slash blanket "So, you finally decided to show up."
Tambourine huffing and angry looked to see the body of his brother just laying their being moved in on by flies and their spawn.
Tambourine furious yelled out "You!"
Kakarrot faking surprise "Me?"
Tambourine angrily continued "You're going to regret you little monster!"
Kakarrot looked at his new pilfer moccasins shaking his head "No I don't really think so." He looked at Tambourine dead in the eye. "What I do believe is that you are about to regret hurt something that is mine."
"What?"
"You see you hurt a girl on a yellow cloud last night. She may have attacked you, but you see she's mine. What you attempt to kill was my future queen. The future woman who I plan to make the first of my wives. The first of my harem. She is future mother of my spawn and you tried to kill her. So, I'm going to have to let you in on a secret. This is not your luck day. No today is the day I am going to hurt you, then I'm going kill you when hurting you becomes a bore. So, are you ready?"
Tambourine was taken aback the boy was so damn confident. He had killed his brother but didn't look wounded in the least. The boy was a monster. He was still winded maybe rushing here wasn't such a good idea.
He nervously took a step backwards as Kakarrot chuckled. "What you think can escape?" Kakarrot shook his head. "No, you aren't escaping this."
Kakarrot floated into the air to Tambourine's surprise landing in front of him. "Tell you what. I'll give yah the first shot…"
Tambourine threw a punch smashing Kakarrot directly in the face. Tambourine smiled assuming he had done damage but removed his fist to see that a small ribbon of blood came from Kakarrot's nose.
Kakarrot continued "But you're going to regret it."
Tambourine began to back away in earnest. His eyes looked around as his mind searched for a way to escape.
Kakarrot laughed seeing this and said in a sing-song voice "Nowhere to run to baby. Nowhere to hide."
Tambourine looked at the Saiyan now clearly with fear. He was stuttering as he said, "I was just aw… following orders."
"Funny I kind of expect to hear my people say the same thing if I lose."
Tambourine kick him then jumped backwards opening his mouth and firing a blast at Kakarrot. He took off into the air trying to fly as far away as possible. But out of the dust emerged Kakarrot grabbing hold of the fleeing creature's leg.
"We're not done yet."
Kakarrot gripping his ankle through him at the ground. He hit with a thud. Kakarrot land as hard as he could on Tambourine's legs. He could feel the bones break. Kakarrot jump off and Tambourine started to try and crawl away.
"Well that's just pathetic."
"Human you will die screaming."
"How about you look at me when you're trying to threaten me. And for your information. I'm not human. I'm a monster like you. Wait no not like you. Much, much worse."
Kakarrot shot beams at Tambourine's elbows opening gaping holes in them. Tambourine screamed in pain. Slowly Kakarrot walked on to the creature's back planting his foot firmly onto his shoulder blade.
Kakarrot grabbed hold of the monster head up top on the jaw. "Isn't it a beautiful day to die?"
His foot dug into his back as his hand pulled on the monster's chin. He ripped his head off easily. Purple sprayed everywhere coating the ground. He carelessly tossed the head away.
Kakarrot smiled purple spatter on his face smearing some of the war paint "I have a funny feeling I just got someone attention."
Hope that clears up some questions that you been asking me about. Next time the King gets into the fray.
Chapter 25: A King's Bargain
Chapter Text
Piccolo let out a blood curdling howl as his hands went to his head. His fingernails sunk into his leathery green skin to the point that purple was visible. The massive monster was beyond pained, he looked in agony even tearing up. In a breathless voice ran out he the fragmented words "My son! Tambourine!" In pain he slumped back into his throne trying to catch his breath looking almost sad.
Piano looked equally heartbroken. The mood of the room changing from rage to sad. The Pilaf gang was confused on what to say or do. But Piccolo seemed hell bound and determined to take everything Pilaf said the wrong way.
So, Pilaf thought "Oh no fool me once, shame on ah shame on you. Fool me ah you can't get fooled again. Yah I think that the saying. Right?"
Instead he kept him lips shut as Piccolo growled out an order to them. "We're going to where my boys fell!"
A twinge of fear rolled up Pilaf's back. Whoever this was killing these monsters they were going to soon be going towards.
These people with ease had killed the little girl who he had seen bend steel, who had bullets bounce off of her, made waves of pure energy come from her hands. This didn't seem like a wise or a smart idea in the least and he could see that.
Pilaf stuttering "My… My Lord… Surely this isn't the best course of action."
Piccolo flashed him a glare that made Pilaf curse his fate and his life.
Why did this always have to happen to a genius like him? All he had done was unleash an ancient space demon that had once upon a time destroyed the world and caused the apocalypse. Why did life hate him so much?
Pilaf still stuttering "Right away… My Lord… We…We'll be on are way shortly."
Pilaf signaled Mai and she took off to the control room. Mai was sure to keep her mouth shut but her doubt were larger then Pilaf's were. Not that they had a choice at this point. As soon as this was over, she was going to try and find a new career. Maybe something more moral.
The airship changed course now heading directly for Korin's tower.
Meanwhile Roshi's and company were coming upon the fourth Dragonball.
The three were in a cave and they were on edge. They had as of yet seen anything of Piccolo and Roshi was sure that this was soon to change.
The blue haired Launch was inching her way along a cave wall when a feather she had disturbed fell from the wall and hit her nose. She sneezed and blonde had returned. She grinned as she realized that she was right behind Tien.
Tien blushed as he looked to see the noise and saw that blonde Launch was staring at his ass. He turned his head forward and marched trying to pretend nothing was amiss.
Roshi merely sighed at this sight but as funny as all of this was his mind was plague by Piccolo.
At once he seemed transported back to his youth. To the world of Fanfan, Shen and Master Mutaito.
His old purple crush that he irritated by trying keep trying to get a peek. Maybe if had not been such a perve and asked her out something could have come of it. Shen arrogant and vain yes but also gentle. Plenty of times he could won fights with Roshi by playing dirty or hurting him, but he didn't. Shen wasn't cruel… yet. And his master was invincible the strongest on the Earth.
The idyllic past then smashed into what happen. Fanfan wasn't so lucky to escape the King's assault on the Earth. He never found her body even after he looked. Shen his friend seeing such horror became a part of it, unable to escape it. Master beaten with a flick of a wrist then the way his master did stop Piccolo.
Roshi tried to shake of these sad days of memory. He knew that there was only one way to stop the monster. Only problem was Launch and Tien were probably going to get in the way. It was good that they were distracted.
The others were going to be angry at him but seeing this cringe worth romance developing confirmed what he needed to do. Just like before and there was a world's worth of cringe romances that needed to be preserved.
Tien the dummy he was would give up all of this to try and make up for a bunch of forced errors. That Roshi couldn't help feel responsible for by not stopping Shen.
It was high time that the old die for the young like his master had die for him he was going to die for these love birds. Maybe if or when Krillin was brought back he and Chi-Chi would finally find each other and his students would all find what had eluded him in life.
He berated himself for being so sappy, but he also thought if there was any time to be sappy it would be now.
He smiled as they found the fourth ball and didn't stop even when they were being chased by the crows that had been holding it. The crows scratched at his bald head. One of the crows must have thought it her egg or something maybe. In the ship the love birds were panting the two seemed to be having fun. They were both so young.
It wasn't their time it was his. Maybe Fanfan would be there and Shen. Maybe now dead his old friend found the peace that eluded him in life. Gohan, Ox, Master all of them.
Hopeful not Chi-Chi yet part of him was either in denial or knew something the other part didn't. It was a good very, very long life maybe too long. Maybe they would bring him back or maybe this was it. Either way it was time to play hero one last time.
It was on to the fifth and final ball and to the show down with the King of the Demons.
Kakarrot with Tambourine's blood still freshly on him began to clean the place up before his show down with the King. He unceremoniously dumped the twin mutants on the fire allowing them to merely catch fire.
Twilight was approaching as he impatiently waited. He could feel a great power coming towards him. It was just taking it sweet ass time, so he waited. After hours of waiting he began to sing to himself.
"I've got no strings to hold me down. To make me fret or make me down. I had strings, but now I'm free. There are no string on me." He stopped to see Pilaf's mighty airship above him. With a renewed smiled he said, "They have string as you can see but there are no strings on me."
Mai on the Intercom "My Lord King Piccolo we have arrived." There was a pause. "Oh, shit am I on the outside speaker…" With that it cut off.
Kakarrot rolled his eyes at this. Piccolo choice in henchman was still not impressing him in the least. But finally, it looked like he was about to get the challenge he was looking for. Kakarrot stood out onto a field he had made by blowing up a few trees and with his arms folded he waited.
King Piccolo emerged on to the deck of the craft followed by first Piano then the Pilaf gang. The tripped had allowed the demon king a chance to regain his confidence and composure. He had a cruel grin back on his face a smile that spoke of his hunger for revenge.
Piano looked equally as confident in his father victory, but Pilaf and his gang were not so sure. All three were shaky. None of this had gone to plan not one bit.
What was worse was that they were not sure whose side they were on. It wasn't like Piccolo had showed them anything but contempt. It seemed like at any moment they would say or do the wrong thing and that would be the end of them. The unknown though, they thought it could be worse so for now it was better to root for the devil you know then the devil you don't.
Piccolo got to the railing and looked down to see his first glimpse of the teenage saiyan that had given him so much trouble. Despite the distant the two managed to lock eyes. Both found each other impressed by the other.
Kakarrot realized how big Piccolo was and gave off an excited whistling noise.
Piccolo was a first disgusted by the fact his boys had been killed by a child but then realized he was receiving a predator's stare not a child's. This boy meant business he thought.
Piccolo now satisfied that his sons at least died to what may turn out to be a true warrior he without a word levitated above the hull and then fell downwards. Pilaf and the gang were shocked, but Piano barely registered it.
Piccolo slowly fell in a very showy fashion. Both him and Kakarrot seemed to get a kickoff of it. Kakarrot because he thought it amusing that Piccolo was trying to intimidate him. Piccolo was calm because as he expected it didn't work on this kid.
Piccolo feet touched the ground and the height was stark. The eight-foot giant towered over the yet to hit puberty saiyan teen. The demon symbol in black with a white background and red pointed circle.
It made Kakarrot want to chuckle as it was something, he would have done to psyche someone out. In a swift move the King removed his cape leaving him with his dark blue shirt on top with the symbol on it. His dark blue pants on and his brown moccasins.
It only made Kakarrot more excited. This was a man who got it he thought. Understood showmanship, got intimation this was going to the fight he was waiting for despite the King's age. Twice he had been proven that age mattered little this would be the third he was sure.
Piccolo "So I'm guessing you killed my sons."
Kakarrot shrugged nonchalantly and said sarcastically "Well I did just kill two green things. Were those your sons? I just can't tell. I mean there is just so little family resemblance."
"Ha Ha. You're just the funniest little monkey, aren't you?"
"I don't know slug man. Never meet another of my kind. As it happens, I'm from an endangered species."
Piccolo now at least a little curious "Really?"
"Yes." He pointed to his tail. "Not exactly from around here if you catch my drift."
Piccolo point to his face "Same here."
Kakarrot wryly "What a shocker. I guess that make us both strangers in strange land."
"I guess so tiny. You don't know how happy that is for me to hear. Here I thought it was one of these worms that killed my sons but you're no human but you're just another orphan of a different world."
"Wow I'm astounded you have brain. Neither of your sons seemed to grasp the concept that I'm not one of these worthless human's. But you have down in less than a minute. So, did you drop them on their heads or did you wife drink when she was pregnant with them?"
Piccolo held back his rage at those comments merely giving the teen an unenthused straight face. Kakarrot enjoyed the fact that he was able to get under Piccolo's skin. He smirked as Piccolo began to show his fangs.
"You know for someone so small you talk a big game."
"Size matters not, at least that's what I've been told. It's what you use it for."
"And you believed them boy?"
"No. But the difference is I'm not done growing yet. While you have reached the end of line old man."
Piccolo eye's slanted "We shall see."
Kakarrot took a stance while Piccolo merely folded up his arms. Neither side could get a read on the other. Both were restraining their real strength; both were equally convinced of this fight's conclusion.
A wind blew between them as the sounds of the forest ceased all were scared about what was going to happen. An acorn fell on a rock nearby to which both used as a signal to start.
The two charged each other and their fists meet in a clash. Pilaf and the gang do to distance and speed lost track of the match. The two were midair as their clash went on. Kakarrot and Piccolo were loudly grunting as their blows both started to hit home.
Scrap marks appeared on both their hands Kakarrot's crimson, Piccolo's purple. Piccolo swung at Kakarrot's head which he dodged then used to break off the storm of fists.
The two hit the ground neither side looking very exhausted. Instead both looked quite content. Piccolo enjoying that his sons had died to someone who was at worthy of consideration. Kakarrot enjoyed that this was a real fight the first one in like forever ago.
Piccolo looked at his bloody fist and smirked. "I have an offer for you boy."
Kakarrot looked at him intrigued "What's offer old man?"
"I wish to kill all the worthless human's that reside on this planet but you're not human."
"Yes, we've established this fact."
"You seem to have no love for these people anymore then I."
"Go on."
"Despite your action I've lost a lot of children over the years so what's two more."
Kakarrot a bit shocked "Wow. That's even ruthless by my standards but admirable. Please continue."
"You're a fighter worthy of keeping around. So, I propose that you and I join forces and end them. With my children gone I could use the help. Once I have the dragon ball you and I will be unstoppable strong. We'll purge this world of its worthless inhabitants and make it a haven for the demons."
Kakarrot looked genuinely surprised even taking a second to think it over but then shook his head. "Well while that sound awesomely metal but I'm afraid the answer is a no. Grandpa is a human and I'm certainly not letting you kill him or Chi-Chi. Besides what would you or I gain by killing them all?"
"What did you say?"
"What would you gain by killing them all?"
Piccolo a bit confused by the question that he hadn't really asked himself "I'd no longer that to look at them for starters."
"Yes but what would you do with an empty planet. No one to terrify, no one forced to bow and worship you. A throne on a dead world is just a chair. Why would you want to kill them all when you can rule them all?"
Piccolo seemed almost taken in by this argument but then shook his head. His mind filled with all the horrible memories of youth. The evil the human had done to the world and one another.
"No, the humans deserve extinction. I will kill them all I swear it."
The two got back into stance then charged at one another again. This time the match seemed less even as Kakarrot began to take more hits then Piccolo was. Kakarrot kicked off Piccolo to try and give himself some distance but Piccolo followed to keep the pressure up.
Piccolo punched the saiyan in the face. His body hit the ground only to bounce which he then used to kick Kakarrot away. Limply the boy went skidding away until sliding to a stop. Piccolo despite breathing a little more heavily was smiling. Victory looked certain.
But it was then that Kakarrot picked his head off the dirt. He wasn't slow, panting or even injured. He merely picked himself up off the ground and nonchalantly began to dust himself off.
Piccolo looked at the boy in fear. It hit him with just about all he done, and the boy was still unfazed. Kakarrot had a quick stretch before turning back to face Piccolo.
Kakarrot's arms were behind his head and his right leg know up, heel on his left knee. He was grinning until he saw Piccolo's face. He had assumed that he was holding back as much as he was, but his face said it all. This was best the would-be king could do.
Kakarrot sighed deflatedly "And here I thought I had run finally into a really challenge." He angrily looked at Piccolo. "You know you really got my hopes up."
Piccolo was now no longer the cool fighter. He had gone from shook to furious rage. He was grinding his teeth and clenching his fists.
This boy had insulted him in so many ways and it was filling him up with bile.
It couldn't be that this child could be stronger than him. The boy was a lower lifeform an insect compared to him.
Piccolo in a blind rage charged at him swinging with all his might. But with ease Kakarrot deflected them then delivering a blow to Piccolo stomach which made him gasp and fall back.
Piccolo looked increasing like a ball of rage. He was shaking with rage in pure denial of what was happening.
Kakarrot shook his head with disgust "This is beyond disappointing. I wanted a fight but instead I find an animal passed its prime so sad."
Lightening comes from Piccolo's fists as some of the material around him shakes. Kakarrot looks with at him with interest maybe this fight isn't over yet. Kakarrot raises his hands to his side and cups his hands. Piccolo even in his rage sees this and nearly pauses with terror.
It looks a lot like the evil containment wave. But then he noticed there was no jar and he calmed down.
The two fire at the same time and the beam hit and struggle against one another. Piccolo even with his second wind proves no match for Kakarrot. But Kakarrot merely detonates the ball rather than setting it at Piccolo. It goes off like a bomb sending debris flying and leaving a small crater below where it was.
Piccolo is exhausted the old demon can almost not stand as the also exhausted Kakarrot flies over to him. He is sweating a little and panting a bit but nowhere near done.
Kakarrot angrily says to him "You got my hopes up slug man and you're going to pay for that." He raises his hand into the in a claw in complete fist like pose. "I'm going to rip your fucking heart out and show it to you."
Piccolo in pain yelps out "Their no way you would have beaten me so easily if I got my wish."
Kakarrot halts then eyes him suspiciously "Why? What would you have wished for?"
In Piccolo's head a switch seems to goes off. "I was going to wish you see for eternal youth so that I could return to my fighting prime." Now with a smile. "I'd be a lot stronger than. Not the weak old man that you see before you."
Kakarrot was practically salivating at the words just spoken. He then tried to reel himself back and asked "So if I gave you the ball. You'd be a worth challenge?"
Piccolo back in cool mode nodded "Absolutely. I would regain all the endurance and strength that time has stolen from me. I'd rip you apart no question."
Kakarrot looking excite on the verge of ecstatic "No question huh? Very interesting."
"Child let me have my wish and you will have a challenge worth of you I guarantee it."
Kakarrot hand went to the ball then gripped it "You the funny thing is I know you're playing me right now but I don't think I really care." He ripped off the necklace and tossed him the ball. "But I'm coming with you. I don't want you to just run off and hide after you get your wish."
Piccolo with his eyes light up and a wolfish grin on his face "O don't worry. I'm about to not have a reason in the world to run."
Wow who'd think would that scummy selfish evil Kakarrot would do something so scummy selfish and evil. I just bet that won't come back to bite him hehe.
Chapter 26: Hermit's Fall
Chapter Text
Nervously Pilaf and his gang watched the tyrants board the ship. Both seemed in good moods. He had no idea why after he had seen the two beat each other until they were both bloody. Piano was quick to the side of his father using his healing abilities on the ancient demon king.
Kakarrot looked at the gang with a chilling glance. The gang was quick to realize that their situation had not improved.
"So, what are you clowns supposed to be? Cheerleaders or something?"
Pilaf was incensed at this red came too his normally blue face "Listen brat I'll have you know that I'm Emperor Pilaf liberator of our dear friend Lord Piccolo…" Kakarrot appeared in front of Pilaf face. Kakarrot was breathing in Pilaf's eyes as he stuttered to a halt.
"Why are you stopping? I was so interested tiny man why I'm supposed to respect you." He waited while tapping his feet. "Oh, you're done so that's it then. Well I mean I just have so much to respect I see just by looking at you. You are the 'height' of power I'm sure." His tone grew darker. "So, let's get a couple of things straight. Firstly, I talk you listen understood?" Pilaf nodded his head. "Good because I don't care who you are. Because from where I'm standing, you're just another tiny man demanding authority he hasn't earned. I've had enough of that for one lifetime. So, let's be clear with one another. You're at the best of your days an ant a bug that I could squash with my pinky. Piccolo doesn't care what I do to you. And you better thank your lucky stars right now that I'm not hungry because I'd be eating you right know. Now thank me." Pilaf said Aw repeatedly, trying and failing to think. "Say thank you for not killing me."
Pilaf scared "Thank you for not kill me."
Kakarrot added "Thank you for not killing me Lord Commander Kakarrot Gero."
"Thank you for not kill me Lord Commander Kakarrot Gero."
"Good. Now make yourself scarce if you want to live."
Piccolo burst out laughing as Pilaf backway from Kakarrot "Man I'm almost sad that you're not one of mine."
Kakarrot still with his predator's glare on Pilaf "I could live with that. So long as I don't have green skin."
Piccolo chuckled "You'd looked better colored crimson any ways." His focus shifted to Mai. "Now set a course for the rest of the dragon balls. It's high time I get my wish."
In scrub land grassland with plateaus around the Roshi's team found the last ball. Launch back to blue celebrated by hugging Tien much to his dismay. But it was this place that had Roshi's focus.
Tien having broken free of Launch's grasp looked to Roshi to see the old man yet again with that longing distant look. That told him he was missing something.
"Master is something wrong?"
"Did you know that me Shen used to come to this place to train all the time?"
"No Shen never talked about his past or much in general for that matter."
"This place was my master's training grounds. Me and Shen as his star pupils were allowed to use it. It was here were my master came up with the technique to stop Piccolo. For months at a time I would live here. I even consider settling down here."
"I had no idea Master."
"Word of wisdom keep the past in the past don't let it haunt you if you can."
Roshi thought to himself 'And here I shall die.'
"Master?"
Roshi smiled at him "Nothing just an old man with his thoughts. Come now we have all of work to do to get ready. He'll be coming soon."
Chi-Chi was beginning to understand why no one had as of yet had come back from the search from looking for the Ultra Divine Water. The cold was already wearing on her. The landscape was repetitive to say the least. The dead warriors about didn't help the situation either.
She wasn't an expert but based on their clothing they had been here for some time. Some had on helmet that looked out of a story book. Dress in armor. They seemed to be knights, along with men that had on what looked like dresses.
She hadn't every seen any men in dresses maybe it was in fashion at some point in history or maybe there were female warriors. The men in the skirts seemed older than the knights. The one thing that was clear is that this place was a death trap.
She tried to move away from were so many of those who came before her fell but was halted by a sound. The wind picked up around her turning into a vortex making her feet slip. The ice was already not giving any traction so now all it took was a slip and she would be sliding around without any control.
She heard as she was trying to get her footing a loud groaning from where the wind and ice and snow was rushing towards. She looked behind her to see a monster forming of ice and snow. She thought to herself that this must be the darkness and it must be why there are so many dead people here.
Chi-Chi yelled out a question "Are you the Darkness!?"
It merely groaned in response and attempted to whack her with his icy limbs. Chi-Chi dodged it easy and thought to herself "Guess that answers my question."
She took out her power pole extending it then tried whacking the ice creature on what appeared to be its head with the black holes that were its eyes. She hit it dead on but instead of doing damage Chi-Chi merely felt a vibration.
The ice in this temperature was stronger than steel. It didn't even flinch or seemed hurt then she realized it was just a pile of ice and snow it couldn't be hurt.
It was time to change plans she brought her pole back but then found herself with a new problem. She was so cold. She was using her ki to keep herself warm but the wind the thing had kicked up was draining her. The creature mere presence was killing her and killing her fast.
It gave a chuckle as her limbs started going numb. She had to act quickly. She gathered up what strength she had and began to say the words. The creature lunged at her sensing what was coming next.
It seemed to hit her, but it was only her afterimage she was above it when she fired shout the "Ha!" The waves from her cupped hand burst onto it heating and blowing it apart.
Chi-Chi grinned at her seeming victory but soon the monster reformed itself. Midair she was preparing to try the attack again. When an avalanche came at her from the ice paths above. The noise of her fight know doubt causing it. She was stunned by the amount hitting her from behind. She was at once dragged along by the current and she quickly lost sight of her opponent.
She was then swept down further like leaf down a river until grabbing a hold of piece of wayward ice as the rest of the snow fell into a deep chasm. She caught her breath as she shivered.
Chi-Chi sighed saying "A winter coat would have been nice, like the one Suno gave me. Why didn't Master Korin warn me it was going to be this cold before I jumped in? Master is just so scatter brained. I mean no warning just hurry up and jump in."
She looked to see a cave on the other side of the chasm above her were an ice path lead to.
"At least I'm where I need to be."
The airship appeared above the scrubland highlighted by the waning crescent moon. It was for some reason a brighter moon then one would expect. Tomorrow night there would be no moon no light.
The air was still, and the animals made themselves scarce as the airship came closer.
Launch had started a massive bond fire. A red head band was around her head as she strapped a spear to her back. Roshi had pick out his normal lounging cloths to wear, for if he was going to die, he planned to die comfortably. Tien had spent the hours training pushing himself the best he could.
All three gathered together now hoping their plan would work.
Piccolo would come down looking for the ball. Tien and Launch would secure the ball while Roshi's distracted him. Then they would wish the monster away.
Roshi however knew the real plan. Piccolo would be in jar by then and then Tien and Launch would just wish back Krillin and Cheech.
Piccolo and Kakarrot looked down on the fire that was once the grassland. It looked a vision of hell burning and out of control. The fire dancing in their eyes.
"It's a trap."
"No shit kid they think their clever."
"Their hiding their energy but I'm quite sure of whose doing this."
"Friends of yours?"
"Antagonists. The play will be for the balls."
Piccolo toss the balls to Kakarrot and said to him "Well let's spring the trap then."
Kakarrot placed the balls in a pocket on his armor as Piccolo jumped off the ship landing in a burnt-out field. Kakarrot followed landing behind and above him on a plateau.
Tien looked both angry and worried. Tien was sure about either emotion.
Kakarrot was here the friend he had betrayed but who had allied himself with a monster that had Krillin and Chi-Chi killed. He knew he was evil but still he had kind of hoped he won't had to have this reunion.
Launch scowled at the injury of this twerp reappearing was having on Tien. She grabbed his hand and said to him "Don't worry we'll face him together."
Roshi angrily sighed thinking 'Well at least he got old too'.
He then said "Damn it their goes one plan. But I agree with Launch, you two deal with him, I'd deal with the King."
Out of the shadow Roshi stepped highlighted by the roaring fire and moonlight. Coming towards the demon king the fire almost making a circle around them. Piccolo's eyes spied him and the King grinned. Kakarrot smugly looked on.
"So, you decided to show yourself."
"Hiding was never an option monster."
Piccolo looked at the fire then back at Roshi "How kind of you. To make me feel at home."
"Don't worry. You'll be going there real soon monster."
"I think not human, I think not."
Kakarrot heard footstep behind him and sighed "Tien you might have a chance on sneaking up on me, but you friend uses way too much perfume also walks like a Stormtrooper." (He turned around to see Launch and Tien.) "Funny I thought it would be wolf boy. But you brought someone way more masculine, but I suppose that's a low bar."
Launch sneered at that comment, but Tien seemed unfazed. "Why?" Tien asked.
"Why?"
"Why this? Why him? Why everything? Why are you doing this?"
Kakarrot smirked "Oh, right? All that. Well the truth is… I just don't like Monday's."
Tien was inflamed at this "WHAT?"
Kakarrot laughed "Well you asked traitor." His face turned deadly serious. "The only things worth anything in this universe are power and a good fight. Certainly not trust or love. You know I didn't realize how right Grandpa was when he said, 'they will all betray you except me'. You chose them over me, and it is about to cost you dearly."
Tien angrily yell "Did you leave me a chose? You were about to kill Chiaotzu."
Kakarrot spat back angrily "By accident. I can barely control myself it that form. You willing betrayed your brother over what? Some pretty ideas that made you feel better about yourself."
Tien shook his head "They are not just pretty ideas. Brother you are filled with hate. You must let it go or it will consume you."
Kakarrot shook his head "No. No, you have it backwards. My hate has made me strong, made me powerful. My hate and rage feed me. My hate is me all of me. And with it I will consume this world and every other I find. And I shall use my hate to replace these ashes with my shiny golden empire built on the bones of all those in my way." And with that said he got into stance.
Tien getting into stance "I won't let you take this misery out on anyone else."
Kakarrot grinning "You will try. You will try."
Tien and Launch flew at Kakarrot. The two trying to as quickly as possible take him out and gain hold of the dragon balls. But the two quickly found that he was one on the offensive.
He easily blocking everything sent his way. The two were soon on the defense as Kakarrot took control of the fight. Both were losing ground as more and more ground was being taken by Kakarrot.
Piccolo attempted to dismiss Roshi with a flick of his wrist. The beam slammed into Roshi leg. Roshi's grunted in pain and nearly fell to his knees. But as Piccolo chuckled Roshi stood back up straight his eyes super focused. Piccolo realizing this stopped laughing something was wrong. This old man was clearly weaker than him but he wasn't scared.
"You know it's funny I recognized you before I even saw you but you… you don't seem to remember me."
Piccolo dismissively "Remember you? Human's don't live that long. The last time I was here your great great-grandfather won't have been born yet."
"True for most people but like always monster you underestimate us. You and I meet before when I was in my prime."
"Really?"
Roshi grimacing "I've remembered it just about every night. All those you took. Including my Master."
Piccolo smiled "Well sorry to break this to you but as you said I've taken a lot. More than a billion at my count. For you, me showing up was the defining feature of your miserable life. For me it was Tuesday."
Roshi then began to smile the monster didn't see it coming. "You might be right that moment may have defined me. But it wasn't Tuesday it was the end of the line." Roshi took the capsule out of his pocket. "It was when my master made you blink, gave you pause."
Piccolo suddenly became worried and visibly shaken. "Who was your master?" He said gulping the calm king was quickly replaced with a frightened animal.
"It was Mutaito."
Piccolo nearly shrieked in fear as his pupils did their best to try and disappear from his eyes. Piccolo's skin tensed he was in fight or flight mode, but he looked too parlayed to just run.
Roshi with the flick of his wrist threw the jar he had prepared. It appeared to be a modified rice cooker. It was metal and colored pink with bunnies on it. Roshi had wanted the tyrant's home to be as demining to the tyrant as possible.
Without skipping a beat Piccolo then begun to unload on Roshi firing as many blasts at him that he could trying to kill the old turtle hermit. But out of the dust came the glow of green energy that the tyrant had learn to fear over the last three hundred years of isolation.
Piccolo breathily said, "NO NO NO NO!"
Roshi with his face emerging from the ashes "There is an order to the universe. The evil that you have rout is your undoing. My time is at an end but I'm taking you with me monster."
A wall of green energy surrounded the tyrant and he was frozen just like before. The actions of Roshi halted the fight between the Kakarrot, Tien and Launch as they focused on the scene in green, orange and yellow playing out below them. Both Tien and Launch were scared they figured out what this was, while as Kakarrot was more confused.
Tien yelled out in a panic "No Master you'll die!"
Roshi didn't hear him nor would he have stopped but Kakarrot did and at that he grinned.
The energy surrounded the tyrant and that picked him up. The large demon seemed to shirk as he spun around the vortex. His body and soul were now on their way back to the prison endless prison.
But as he approached the nightmare of which he was quite sure would be his for the rest of eternity. The rice cooker shattered with his form merely slamming into the dirt and reforming.
All present looked to see Kakarrot having fired the blast and saving the tyrant. He mouthed the words to Roshi 'I told you I'd kill you.'
Roshi seeing this as he wobbled his old body giving way to the entropy of time said painfully "I'd failed you again master."
Roshi fell to the ground dead to the stunned silent audience of Tien and Launch. The now jubilation tyrant used his hands to feel himself happily shocked by this wonderful turn of events.
Kakarrot on the other hand was grinning up a storm. The night was really panning out for him.
Kakarrot sarcastically asked "So, Tien I gather that jar was rather important to your plan?"
Tien looked at his former friend in a rage. Roshi just die for nothing because of him. Tien was nearly in tears as he wildly charged Kakarrot with clearly no plan or strategy in mind. With ease Kakarrot smacked him away.
Launch attempted to it intervene but was handily sent into the dirt with the back of Kakarrot's hand. Tien in frustration tried to get back to his feet but his legs were blasted by Kakarrot. Holes in Tien's leg smoked as he gasped for air. He clutched at his right leg and then groaned in pain.
"Good. Now stay down friend."
Tien in a spitting furry "Just get it over all ready!"
"No! When your world is in ashes then you will have my permission to die."
Launch got up from her little crater and charged at Kakarrot but the suddenly was struck by a beam through her back. The beam then punched through her heart and chest.
Her blood was squirted out and her eyes found Tien's. She seemed confused as she fell to the ground dead.
Tien was in shock eyes brain and his eyes unable to process what he was seeing. His eyes reddened his pain forgotten and his figure trembling. He looked to find Kakarrot miffed his fists closed. He had not fired the blast.
"Seems you missed one."
Kakarrot angry turned his head to see Piccolo standing behind him "This was my fight you had no right to interfere."
"Stop whining. She had the drop on you."
"No, she didn't! She had all the stealth of a Mack truck. I was merely toying with her."
Piccolo rolled his eyes "Sure you were. Now are we just going to argue all day or do you what that fight I promised you?"
Kakarrot turned his head back to Tien "Sorry about that Tien. That gratitude for you. See you later."
Kakarrot grabbed him and then sent his fist at Tien's face. It hit and then everything went black for Tien.
Well that could have gone better. And those soldiers were medieval knights and Roman legionaries.
Chapter 27: And The Earth Did Quake
Chapter Text
The flames had died down as Kakarrot stood over Tien body. Tien's nose was broken he was bleeding but he was still breathing. Kakarrot was unclear in his expression. He didn't look happy or sad by this turn of event. His earlier grinning had given way to an unsure posture. He more looked disgusted like there was a fowl taste in his mouth.
Piccolo "Well why didn't you kill him?"
Kakarrot spitting "Because I told him I would destroy his world first. I haven't done that yet so therefore I cannot kill him yet." He said annoyed his eyes rolling.
Piccolo not buying this statement for whatever reason "Whatever you say munchkin."
Kakarrot growled at that "You know I could kill you right now. No sweat."
Piccolo looking at him sideways "But would you get the challenge, that you have been dying to get after all these years?"
To that Kakarrot had no real response. He made a sour face and then said practically spiting "You going to make your kamidamn wish or not?"
Piccolo hearing that word looked pissed to both of them this victory just became ash in their mouths and both had the other to blame for that fact. Kakarrot took the balls and chucked them at Piccolo. Who with a grumble took them and search the spot for where Roshi had been to trying to hide and found the balls.
Kakarrot meanwhile looked back at Tien form. He sneered then looked at Launch dead body. "Well there is the kind and benevolent Kami for you. Kindness gets you nothing in the universe Tien. You are either the strongest or on the side of the strongest. I hope you have fully enjoyed you choice. If you had only been on my side." (A wind came by. He said as softly and quietly as he could.) "Sorry." (He stopped then continued at a slightly louder voice.) "If that means anything. It would have more dignity if I had killed her." And with that he left him alone his body fighting for air.
Piccolo with ease found the rest of the dragon balls. They glowed slightly as they were gathered together. Kakarrot watching right behind the tyrant felt a chill come to him. He couldn't exact put his finger on it but this energy felt wrong strange. It wasn't ki that was for sure.
Piccolo yelled out "ARISE SHENRON I SUMMON YOU TO GRANT MY WISH!"
A with that the sky went blacker. Thunder could be heard and Lightning struck nearby. The balls glowed as they crackled with unearthly energy. Piccolo seemed unaffected by it to him it was nothing. A light shot from the balls and into the sky above. The light as it when seemed to grow and take shape as it began to curve down and around.
The light then took form in a flash. It was a dragon a massive tube like serpent with red eyes green scales and a cream colored underside. It was bigger than any animal that Kakarrot had ever seen. Sure the Coral reef was much bigger but that was more like multiple animals put together. The blue whale had nothing on this dragon.
In it deep booming voice Shenron spoke "YOU WHO HAVE SUMMONED ME SPEAK AND TELL ME YOUR WISH SO THAT I CAN RETURN TO MY SLUMBER. O wait dad is that you?" (Shenron looked closely as Piccolo looked positively livid.) "Heh? I guess not. Weird. I won't think that somebody else on this planet would have that face. Okay so what's the wish?"
Piccolo calmed it wouldn't matter shortly anyways. "My wish is this. Shenron I wish for you to grant me eternal youth so that I will be back in my old fighting shape." With that said suddenly the tyrant began to become younger before Kakarrot own eyes.
The leathery dark green skin marred by darker spots and imperfections disappeared. Replaced by a firmer smooth healthier colored green skin. Piccolo even grew taller. Shenron's magic was plain for Kakarrot to see and even he was in awe of it.
Meanwhile, Piccolo busied himself looking at his arms in happy awe at his transformation.
Shenron "Your wish is granted. I will take my leave now."
Piccolo looked at the dragon and said with a cruel grin "Sorry but there was one more thing. Die."
Out of his mouth shot out a beam of energy that struck the dragon. Shenron gave out a pained roar as the magical creature was ripped apart by the tyrant's energy. The energy was dispersed and in a terrifying light show it was over. Shenron the 'eternal' dragon was no more and the sky cleared of clouds. The dragon balls now turned to stone laying there lifelessly. The moon shown down on the seen as Kakarrot was even taken a bit back.
Kakarrot thought about it. He hadn't seen it coming but it the more time he thought about it the more it made sense. Piccolo wanted no one the ability to just wish him away. Yes it was a good move straight out of Machiavelli 'Prince'. While Cheech and company kept making the same errors Piccolo was proving to have a strategic mind. It was going to be a lot of fun killing him.
Kakarrot began to loudly clap to this sight. Piccolo turned around to face him. His hand when to his chest gave a quick bow like he was an actor receiving the adulation of his audience. Which only made Kakarrot clap louder and cheer.
Above the rest of the audience was stunned. Pilaf and company had just seen the dragon of legend die and the evilest thing on the planet just become that much stronger. Pilaf had found himself wishing for the girl on the cloud would just show up and make this horrid nightmare come to an end.
Kakarrot stopped clapping as the two stared each other down.
Piccolo "Well I did promise you a fight and you're going to get it."
Kakarrot "I've been waiting."
The two took stance as the world around them grew silent. The air grew heavy. Both were anxious for this fight Kakarrot had been waiting for it and Piccolo desired to avenge himself on the boy. The rest of the world could wait time was to decide who the world belonged to.
The two charged one another neither wanting the other to make the first move. It looked like their fist were about to meet between them in a replay of the first fight but instead Piccolo fired beams from his eyes.
Kakarrot dodged the strike by dropping to the ground and then found himself below the tyrant who had jump up. Piccolo went to step on him only stomp on dirt. Kakarrot had dodged that stomp too. Kakarrot got back to his feet smiling this was more like it.
Piccolo charged him and the two fist's clashed. They battered one another. Kakarrot fist repeatedly striking Piccolo's stomach and Piccolo's fists using the saiyan teens face a punching bag. Kakarrot was forced back but Piccolo didn't follow. Kakarrot nose was gushing it had been nearly smashed into his face. Piccolo's punches had hurt a lot more than they had the first time.
Piccolo "What's wrong tiny? Regretting anything?"
Kakarrot smiled at this "Nay if I wanted it easy I would have killed you earlier. This is much more fun."
Piccolo "Losing is fun?"
Kakarrot "No! But kick the teeth in on self-absorbed tyrants is."
Piccolo "Hey kettle meet pot."
Kakarrot nodded his head to this "Fair enough."
Kakarrot charged at Piccolo but as he went to punch him, Piccolo grabbed his fist. Before he could register this Piccolo level a good punch to his gut and then tossed him away. He was tossed into the side of one of the plateaus.
The rock behind him crack as he smacked into it. He coughed up blood as he fell to the ground. His vision became dizzy. Quickly though he got back to his feet. His mood having changed from confident to frustrated. He spit up some blood then went back on the assault. His blows become weaker and weaker the longer it went on with Piccolo only having to absorb them instead of having to dodge or block them. He was taking them without a scratch before Kakarrot jumped back in retreat.
Piccolo "Guess you overestimated yourself kid."
Electricity crackled around Kakarrot as his eyes grew bloodshot. His muscles grew tighter and veins became more prominent. His hands cup as in a rage as he said the words. Piccolo to this merely grinned. Kakarrot yelled of the "ha' as Piccolo fired a beam from his hand.
The two streams of energy met and a struggled ensued. The light from them lit up the burned and body filled area. Kakarrot's white versus Piccolo's purple. A tug of war began. To which Kakarrot was slowly but surely being over powered by Piccolo. Kakarrot wildly pushed what he could into the Kamehameha with reckless abandon. He then suddenly began to overpower the tyrant sending the surge of energy right towards him.
In an earth rocking explosion the tyrant disappeared. Kakarrot's eyes lit up as he saw the tyrant's body disappear. He was about ready to begin celebrating when he heard a clapping from the dust and ash of the crater that had been created.
The dust cleared to show the tyrant hovering there. His clothing was gone and their appeared to be some wounds on him. But it was nothing close to what should have happened in Kakarrot's mind. After this should be over right now but it wasn't.
Piccolo "Was that all you got?"
Kakarrot's eyes shrank his lips quivered a bit. His tails grip on his waist relaxed as the appendage grew weak. Bumps showed up on his arm and face, like he was cold. And it was official the Lord Commander was scared.
Piccolo grinned clearly the boy was realizing what he already knew. But at the sight of this latest grin Kakarrot began to foam at the mouth with rage. Yet again another was wielding his power over him. Whether it was his fellows that had decided he wasn't good enough yet they were ruled by another or Red and now this tyrant. Everyone always thought they were so much better then him.
Kakarrot aura swirled around him as in a blind rage he jumped from his spot and flew towards Piccolo. Piccolo had to then struggle to hold off the assault from the enraged saiyan teen who only seemed to be getting stronger with every attack.
Kakarrot's punches were now actually starting to hurt him as the tyrant then had to struggle to gain back control of the situation. Piccolo elongated this arm then used it to strike him in the back of the head. Piccolo then as Kakarrot yelped out in pain he went back on the offensive.
Piccolo grabbed him by the throat and squeezed. Kakarrot tried to yell out but the hand on his throat prevent him. He thrashed around violently and mindlessly. He was now an animal trap, no longer and a brutal saiyan warrior, if there was much of a difference between the two.
Holding the teen below him, Piccolo went hurdling towards the ground at max speed. Holding his throat in his hand as he slammed the teen into the Earth. He let go as the teen in his newly build crater merely twitched like a bug that had been crushed might do.
Kakarrot gasped for air as Piccolo chuckled asking "Having fun?"
Kakarrot said breathlessly between his gasps for air "Go fuck yourself."
Piccolo angrily said "You don't know when to shut up. Do you boy?"
Kakarrot again breathlessly "Never mastered it."
Piccolo grabbed him by the leg then tossed him at another rocky part of the crater. Kakarrot hit it with an unhealthy squishing noise then a scraping noise. His suit with its shields had kept his torso safe but everywhere else their seemed to be wounded gushing blood. His skull was more than likely cracked but despite all of this he was getting to his feet.
Piccolo looked impressed seeing the teen getting back to his feet. He had assumed that this was all over but it appeared to not be.
Piccolo grinning asked "Why are you bothering to get back up? This is over."
Kakarrot bleeding from his mouth and coughing spit up "I'm a saiyan and a Gero."
Piccolo "And let that be your epitaph."
Kakarrot "Bitch mine's going to be, I came. I saw. I conquered in about a hundred years from now."
Piccolo "Evidence seems to says otherwise."
Piccolo charged Kakarrot who tried to defend himself but was too slow. Piccolo grabbed him by the hair and then sort of punted him away with his foot. In midair Piccolo continued his assault treating the boy almost a ball in a game.
Smacking him up and down, forwards and backwards. But Kakarrot mustering what he could, he fired a dodon beam at the tyrant slicing his cheek. The tyrant gave out a pained grunt but followed it up by punching Kakarrot as hard as he could into the ground. He then kicked him into a wall of one of the plateaus.
After this the teen stopped moving. He had hit with a large thud and when he landed he was limp.
Piccolo had expected him to get back to his feet but instead Kakarrot reminded lifeless. Cautiously Piccolo came to the body and felt for his pulse. There was no pulse. Kakarrot was dead. The slamming on the plateau must have either cut up his brain or stopped his heart. Do to the shock. But either way it was over, and Kakarrot was dead.
Piccolo triumphantly raised his hand to the air and exclaimed in his booming voice "I HAVE DONE IT THE WORLD IS MINE!"
Piano above was dancing in joy soon joined by Pilaf gang anxious to show their support despite then full knowledge that this was a monster's victory.
Piccolo looked at the teen and said "In another life child I think we could have been partners. You were stronger but luck for me I was the stronger. So I get to walk away. Enjoy this. I hope it was all that you wanted it to be."
Happily Piccolo began to float away leaving the dead Kakarrot alone and in the dark. Airborne Piccolo flicked his wrist and his clothing appeared along with his red cape as he came to the deck of his airship. There he was greeted by the four Piano out of genuine love the other three out of fear.
Piano "Congratulations father. We had done it. Now let he help you with those wounds."
Piccolo "Go right ahead."
Piano when to work healing his father as Pilaf chimed in.
Pilaf "My congratulation also King Piccolo. And may I ask what will be our next move?"
Piccolo "Simple tiny we take the rest of the world."
Pilaf "What?"
Piccolo "You told me this planet has a King right?"
Pilaf "Yes?"
Piccolo "Well its time I 'succeed' him."
Pilaf "Really? Are you sure?"
Piccolo "There's no one left on this planet that can stop me. Tomorrow the world as these filthy human's knew it comes to an end. To be replace by another and one of utter darkness."
In his apartment Bill got himself ready. He put on his bullet proof vest as he stared at picture of his Fiancé. He put on a knife holster on his ankle. And a gun holster around his chest. Quickly filling them with the appropriate weapons.
His mind was for some reason brought back to his youth. He remembered watching a cowboy show and a cartoon about a military special fighting a group of terrorists. He loved watching them with his father. Not that they really interested him.
It all seemed very childish to him now. He was about to go to try to stop the devil with a knife and a revolver. He felt the need to remind himself that the white hat doesn't always win and the bad guys don't all have shrill voice commanding a retreat. How many had he seen Duke waving the flag above the statue of Liberty?
The answer was he hadn't because Piccolo had destroy the statue of liberty. It might have been dumb luck that saved mankind the first time. And Bill knew he was beyond out gunned in this fight. And that he had a pop gun going up against a nuke. But maybe the right shot would do it or maybe he could help some other way.
Running wasn't an option. Not that it would do any good anyways. Last time he cover the world in death and destruction. He'd do it again. All life would after this would be a feudal struggle to stay alive for just one more day.
He wanted no part of that. He kissed the photo and said to it "I'm sorry. I can't see myself making my way out of this alive. Find someone else and be happy."
He finished putting on his clothing designed to hide his weapons. Even going with a trench coat in the middle of summer. It would be mourning soon.
Suno had spent the night sleeping peacefully after the long plane ride when she was woke by Eight.
The young red head had been woke up by the cyborg saying "Come on Suno we got to be a there ceremony early. So you can present the flower to him."
She groan as she woke to see the sun wasn't even out yet.
Eight "Sorry but it needs to be done."
She nodded her head and went about getting on her niceties. As Eight stared out on to the skyline view of the Palace.
Eight "I have a great feeling about today." Said as he turn from his view of where the world was unified.
In a field the dead body of Kakarrot laid motionless when a beeping noise chimed in. A robotic male voice sounding like Gero said "Automatic medical treatment system activated. Heart stopped. Activating revival system."
Kakarrot body tense and jerked as a shock came through it. "Deliver second countermeasure." He twitched again. "Delivering the third." The third was delivered and in seconds his eyes opened and his breathing resumed. He looked confused as the suit piped in. "Congratulation son you are alive."
Chapter 28: O Divine Water
Chapter Text
It was a defibrillator that was the countermeasure to reactivate his heart. Okay.
Chi-Chi had begun to realize why no one had made it back from looking for the Ultra Divine Water.
The dark caves seemed to stretch on forever without end. They all twisted back on one another. Nothing had a defining feature to it. It was just empty dark cavern after the other. It felt as though she was on a treadmill moving but going nowhere.
Finally, after what had to have been hours running at first, then jogging and then confused walking, Chi-Chi stopped. She might have not been exhausted but she had decided to take a rest and reevaluated the situation, after all she had realized she had made no progress.
She went to sit on the icy cave floor. The floor was cold, slimy and very hard. It was frankly the opposite of comfortable. Her mind couldn't help but wander. A jolt of pain and sadness had hit her for some reason before she had sat down.
It hurt badly whatever it was. It hadn't come from her body but yet it hurt like it did in her heart. It felt like when Krillin had died like she had lost something, and she didn't feel like she was going to get it back.
She was anxious and restless despite her sitting down. She felt angry and helpless. In frustration she struck the ice with her fist.
Her friends were fighting and dying and here she was wandering a cave, lost hopelessly.
She had hardly ever felt this way before. It was like the world just became too much and she couldn't stop any of it. For the first time in a while she felt weak. She couldn't stop herself from crying.
It was like when Uncle Gohan passed away. She couldn't remember how she felt after her mother and father, but she knew how she felt when Uncle Gohan died.
A very familiar voice spoke, coming up nearby her. "Tsk, tsk you look terrible when you cry. You look so much better when you're grinning your teeth in rage Cheech."
Chi-Chi jumped to her feet then looked to see a familiar figure highlighted by his ki. It was Kakarrot in his grey and black gi with his red sash like the one from the Tournament. He had on a sad face, but Cheech immediately searched for the sarcasm behind it. She had learned to not trust him on face value. Chi-Chi but as she looked him over for the sarcasm he spoke back.
"If you're looking for my deceit. I have to inform you that you're looking in the wrong place. For I have not come to mock you."
"Sure, you're not. I guess your also here to help some old lady cross the road and aren't going to take candy from a baby?"
Kakarrot faking insult "Whew I guess I caught you at a bad time." He smiled at her. "Do you really think so low of me?"
"The truth hurts jerk. Why are you here?"
"The world appears to be endangered and it by the looks of it are in need of some help."
"Yeah I better. We can't have someone else conquer the world not when you have worked so hard at it."
Kakarrot amused by this put his hand to "You wound me. I was merely trying to help."
Chi-Chi scoffed "Yeah I believe that." Said not hiding her sarcasm. Then her voice had a bit of rage. "How did you get past Korin?"
He rolled his eyes "I didn't hurt him if that's what you're asking. I merely implied it. If he didn't let me come and help you."
"It would be like you to threaten a kind cat like him."
"You know I'm kind of glad I made you so cynical. I've replaced the doe eyed Princess with something far more interesting."
"And what would that be?"
"A queen, my Queen." To that she gave a little blush. "You see you're smart, strong, determined and very stubborn. All great qualities for a warrior and they all look good on you."
She had become hyper aware of the fact that during their conversation Kakarrot had been inching his way closer to her and with the last sentence had found his way right in front of her. His tail was attempting to bridge the gap. Dancing around the idea of wrapping around her waist.
She suddenly felt like she was back on that day before the Tournament when they kissed the first time. Firework seemed to explode in the distance highlighting his hair. Her face felt hot as his tail wrapped around her waist.
He whispered to her "One kiss and it will all be over."
It was like she felt herself fading. But it felt good, reliving actually like still was just going to take a quick nap. But as he came towards her mind rushed with all those who were depending on her. She asked herself what was she doing allowing herself to be kissed by a boy that would have done something similar if given the chance?
She placed her hand forwarded stopping him. The two looked into each other's eyes and she said simply. "This isn't the time for this." Her face turned away from him as she felt a pang in her heart.
He sighed as he raised his hand "I guess it would have worked if the world wasn't in danger. Now I guess I have to do this the hard way."
She confused at what he had just said. She turned to look at him and asked him about it as she felt the sting of his fist punching her in the face. She went sideways into a nearby cave wall. It was made of stone and ice. She hit it hard.
She had been caught off guard and it had hurt. Her head was spinning as she coughed up a few teeth as blood spilled from her scalp. She got to her feet as quickly as she could even though she was like a newborn deer on her feet.
Her ears were ringing and her vision a bit blurry, but she could see and hear him clapping. She heard him say "I guess know you get an idea of how it feels to be rejected, now don't you."
Chi-Chi then screamed as loud as she could through her teeth "What the in the hell is wrong with you!?"
"He probably has enough wrong with him to fill a book girly."
He then went charging at her intending to strike her down. She managed to block his attack but was forced to change her footing. His blows hurt as she is then forced back down the caves.
Things went dark as both of them stopped focusing their ki on lighting the environment. She gasped in pain as he went to break her right arm. She countered whoever with a swift kick to the groin.
The fight devolved quickly into a bum fight. There was no technique present, no skill just brutal bone crunching blows aim at the dark.
The fake Kakarrot got his hands around her throat as she got her thumbs in his eyes. The two screamed as she pushed into him and he squeezed. He gives up as he lets go of her throat, to stop her thumbs. She kicked him away and then she powered up.
Her aura lights up the area. It reveals that unlike most of the caves this one is not just a small tunnel but a cliff before a chasm. There is no wall behind her, and she is only feet from oblivion. She looks to see the bloody monster before her.
His eyes were now bloodshot red. The damage she did too him was apparent. He now looked more like he did when she had first meet him on Ox mountain. He had yet again become an animal in movement and in sounds. He was snarling and twitching with rage.
She knew it was probably over. She could barely stand while he only had flesh wounds. She had hurt him but not by a lot. She got into stance as he charged her. He was on all four as he pounced at her.
She got him in the face, but it didn't even slow him down. He grabbed her hands and put his body on her leg and waist pining her to the ground. She yelled out as she struggled underneath him.
"See this is why you aren't worth of the water. You could have killed this one before, but you keep preventing yourself from doing what has to be done. Your heart is soft, and you give far too many openings."
Chi-Chi eyes grew wide upon hearing those words something clicked inside her. Why was he wearing his gi from the Tournament and not his armor? Why was he really here? Sure, Kakarrot was evil but she got a feeling that he wouldn't have done this out of the blue.
"What are you?"
To that the fake Kakarrot smiled and said, "Don't you recognize the monster that is your heart desires?"
She spit in his eye then found the strength to push him off. She was in a rage as she ground her teeth.
In a far deeper voice, the fake spoke "Figured it out huh?"
"Are you the darkness?" She spat her last word. "Monster!"
The fake Kakkarot said back "Well I wouldn't say that I'm the tenth of the monster that your heart's desire is but yes."
"Why are you doing this? The Earth is in danger and it needs my help!"
The fake Kakarrot said to her "Life and the Earth both of these things are transient to me. The water on the other hand is a tool of destiny. That you are not worthy of human. I will tell you it would be better that this world burn, then let the unworthy inherit the water."
"What sense is that! I'm going to avenge Krillin and save the world whether you like it or not!"
The fake Kakarrot said to her "Are you now?"
Out of the shadow stepped another figure one that looked like Roshi. Then another that looked like Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, Launch and Chiaotzu. He continued "Because it doesn't look that from where I'm standing."
She nearly gasped it was using all of her friends against her. She was exhausted but she stood firm.
Firmly she said to him "Send as many as you want, I'm still going to get the water and save this world!"
The fake growled at this. And all of the fakes when to charge. She gathered up all the strength left in her body for one last Kamehameha. As they came at her she fired. The fakes before her all disintegrated in a flash of light and let out a monstrous blood curdling roar.
She collapsed, painfully panting. She is on her belly with her chin on the ground. She didn't even have the power to hold her head up from the painful icy rock floor. She started to feel herself drift away as the smoke cleared.
The clearing smoke revealed the fake Kakarrot unharmed. She felt like crying but held in her tears. She damn well wouldn't give the real Kakarrot the satisfaction and she won't let this fake have that satisfaction either.
Slowly he walks towards looking menacing with his eyes now shrouded in shadows. She struggles to get her muscles to move but they refuse. She feels now the cold creeping in and she can't feel her body anymore.
"If you surrender, I'll spare you human."
"Never! I'll never surrender! I won't let everybody down!"
It scowls as its hand comes to her face. It said to her "Fine then have it your way."
Everything goes black for Chi-Chi. She assumes she's dead and she could help but feel defeated. The world was depending on her and she failed. She started to cry but as she did, she felt herself surrounded by warm water. As the water touched her the many cuts and scrapes stopped hurting. She then felt the wounds disappear. Her whole body felt restored.
She opened her eyes to find she was still in the dark caves but in some place different. She looked around to see an odd sight at least in this place. It was a bright light with no explainable source shining down on a table of wood. On the table was a tea pot of ceramic. In white and red the word 'Kami' on the side. And next to the tea pot was a little ceramic cup.
A voice from the dark spoke and said in an apprehensive voice "You have deemed worthy human. To at least attempt to drink the water."
She looked around confused as the water around her had drained away leaving no sign of itself. She was left dry without wet clothes or moist hair. Yet her eyes confirmed what she felt not a scratch on her.
"If you're wondering that was not the Ultra Divine Water. That is in the tea pot."
She asked him "Why are you letting me drink it?"
"You have by your actions…" It sighed. "…proven yourself worthy enough to at least attempt to harness it power."
"Attempt it?"
"Thirteen have tried before. None have survived the try."
Chi-Chi undaunted asked him "What does it do?"
The voice "It will unlock your potential. I can nearly guarantee you that you have quite a bit of it. You will become a lot stronger and become for a time one with the force of the universe."
"Force of the universe?"
"It is hard to explain but if you survive you might understand (as much as you mortals could) understand it."
"Any other side effects?"
"The water will stay with you and all your children. You may even be able to learn to control its power."
"Well that sounds neat and not at all vague."
"You're the one who wants to drink it."
Chi-Chi gets to her feet and confidently marches up to the water sits down. She pours a glass of it. The water looks strange. It seems clear but is dark. It doesn't shimmer or seem to move right. But she throws away her fears as she quickly drinks the strange fluid.
She at once feels funny. But before she could ask the voice what it was supposed to feel like she wobbled in her seat. She felt herself at once million miles away from herself.
She was now in a burnt grassland watching Kakarrot getting to his feet looking to a plateau were he left Tien still alive. She saw the dead bodies of Roshi and Launch. That tore into her heart. She was then watching her friends look of horror as they watched the news.
She was then seeing the horror of Piccolo attacking Central city. She saw hundred die as the monster smirked. She was then with her Mother, her Father, Uncle Gohan, Krillin, Roshi and Launch for but a moment then she was back.
Chi-Chi woke. She had been on the cold ground. It felt like some time had passed and she felt different. It was like the world seemed both realer and yet cloudier than before. She got off the floor and stared ponderously at her hands. She felt herself surging with new power.
"It would seem human you are worthy but take heed child. You are your own worst enemy. The ark of destiny requires you to sacrifice your own wants if the world of mercy and freedom is to survive. He is your enemy and your feelings will not change that. Now go and save this world as you have wanted."
"I shall."
Okay so this was a little shorter than most, but this needed to be self-contained. Also, there is some time skipping going on because as Chi-Chi was in the caves for quite a while. And when she drank the water well time for her went all haywire. Also, people can drink the water Yamcha of all people drank it in 'a manga' not 'the manga' some other thing.
Chapter 29: Malice At The Palace
Chapter Text
Jets flew by the airship as Piccolo was looking at the screen that Piano was showing him. It showed a map of the Earth most of it with the Royal yellow covering majority of Earth with a small amount of the Earth covered by the KRA in black.
"You see Lord Father a good 90% of the planet is ruled by the Royal Kingdom a Constitutional Monarchy with its figure head being King Furry. Whose family was mysteriously brought to power centuries ago, when the U.N. elected his great great grandfather king, not sure how that worked but it happened somehow."
Piccolo dismissively said, "Sounds magical."
"Quite magical indeed? So, he in theory rules the world. But in practice with the guy elected Prime Minster by the U.N. assemble being the one who actually calls the shots."
"The would-be king on the mantle."
"It would seem so."
Mai rushing from the lower deck came up interrupting them and said while panicking. "My Lord King Piccolo we have a problem the Royal Airforce is about to shoot us down!"
"So what?" Said as two missiles slammed into the airship exploding. The ship lost power as it was rocked and the planes that flew by. The airship started dropping like a rock as it was exploding.
Pilaf gang were in a panic as they ran around looking for a way off the ship. But neither Piano nor Piccolo seemed worried in the least. Piccolo merely sighed as a bubble of green tinted energy surrounded him then Piano and the Pilaf gang. The gang stopped panicking as the bubble burst through the roof of the falling airship.
Piccolo as an afterthought pointed a finger at the jet fighters and they exploded. He didn't even bother to look at the destruction as the bubble began to move towards the city.
The city which had fireworks and a stream of noise coming from it. Its festive atmosphere almost seemed to be a feature of the place as they came closer.
"Time to show these tiny minded people what a real King looks like."
The atmosphere was festive as Bill made his way through the crowd. The people were squishing into one another as he made his way to get closer to one of the gates. It was already hot, and the people were making it worse. He knew he wasn't dressed for the summer, but this was ridiculous.
He knew he couldn't get too close though. He knew how crazy this all was. The cops would probably arrest him thinking he was trying to kill the king and won't believe him anymore then his bosses did.
Suno on the other hand was standing in place in the steps leading up to the big entrance to the Palace. The snow flowers in her hands and an innocent smile on her face. She felt quite warm in her nation dress made for the cold, but she couldn't care less.
Chi-Chi had given back her family something which she could never repay. But today she felt like she was doing something for peace. She thought about how this would show the Ribbons and the monster that led them. That peace would stand.
But as she was thinking of all this would do to promote the peace, a nearby skyscraper exploded on one of its sides and fell down. The atmosphere changed in seconds to shock and fear.
It was then that the bubble of Piccolo arrived in front of the main gate of the Palace. The space for the motorcade was quickly taken up by him.
The crowd in a panic began to run as the dust and the smoke of the collapse building flooded the city. They fell over each other in their panic and trampled over each other.
The guards and cops at the gate then impotently tried to stop Piccolo, but in a wave of his hand Piccolo dismember them. While he sliced open the gate to the palace.
Seeing all of this horror the pilaf gang bolted with Piccolo not even noticing. He was now far too caught up in his moment of triumph. The three all ran in different directions. All of them had come to the conclusion that this had all had gone too far but hadn't talked about the plan, so they just scattered.
Explosions started going off as the guards started mobilizing and trying to stop Piccolo. Suno and the other flowers girls made a run for it as the grounds became a warzone. Only to find themselves trapped at the bar of the palace due to the fighting. The street and freedom within sight but cold metal in their way.
The streets had been filled with stampeding panicking people but that had all sort of cleared out of the area by now as it was the Palace they were fleeing from. The girls were trying to get through the gaps found them too small they yelled out to find no one listening except one.
Mai who had been running for her life stopped when she saw them. She ran towards them and in a rushed looked at the situation. There was no way she was going to fit them through the bars or break through the bars. The only way out for the girls was up.
Mai nervously said to them "Girls stop panicking I'm going to try to help." She slid her hands through the bars and cupped her hands on the other side as a fist. "One at a time girl use me as a step."
The girls through were in a panic except Suno and all tried climbing on to her. It was way too much weight and nearly broke her arm and back as she shrieked in pain. Before they could break anything, she withdrew her arms.
Mai was in tears as the girls were all begging to her and she had no idea what to try next. She had really wish she had gone to the gym more. She wasn't going to leave them that was sure but what could she do?
A pained voice from behind her said "It could work just help hold me in place."
She looked to see a bloodied eye patch wear man. It was Bill he had be trampled at one point by the crowds. His nose had been stepped on and was bleeding and broken. He tossed aside his trench coat as he put his hands through the bar.
Mai ran over to help hold his arms in place as the children grabbed ahold and climbed onto his arms. Bill sort grunted with all the weight on his arms. The girl in his arms tried to climb only to find the still too smooth. She tried jumping up to reach a bar near the top horizontal to the ground only to find it too far way.
She fell back down on Bill's arms and he gasped in pain as a crack was heard. His teeth clamped down to the point if his tongue had been in between it would have been chopped off.
Mai said to the girl to "Get down! This isn't going to work. We need to try something else." And tried to pull him back but he resisted.
Bill stubbornly said, "This is the only shot we got."
Mai angrily barked out "How will breaking your arm help anyone?!"
He removed his arms in a huff. She was right but he could think of any other ideas right know.
She looked at him and asked. "Do you have a gun?"
"Yeah… those bars were made to take a missile blast and a car crash; a bullet would just bounce of it."
"What are we going to do?"
"You could get on my shoulders and we could try hand them up and get them over that way." The ground shook as the fight raged on.
"We'd need even ground for that right?"
"Worth a try at least."
Eight interrupted the two and said to them "Maybe I could help."
Bill and Mai looked at the Frankenstein's monster creature and both looked a little stun at its sight. Eight pushed them gentle to the side and then bent the bars like they were made of putty to the two's shock.
The girls streamed up like a flood thanking Eight. Eight turned however and bowed to Bill and Mai saying to them "Thank you, both so much for trying to help my friend and these girls. I'm glad to see that good people still are around."
To that neither Mai nor Bill were willing to look Eight in the eyes. Both having come to the conclusion that this man just simply didn't really know them all too well. Mai's mind went to the fact she helped release Piccolo. Bill's to his failure to kill Kakarrot and that women on that mission.
Bill piped up and said to him "We need to get somewhere safe and I know a place."
The door to the lab burst open, as Gero was looking over Kakarrot who looked like a mummy with all of the bandages over his body. Kakarrot seemed frustrated with his Grandpa's examination.
Kakarrot annoyed said to him "I'm fine Grandpa. I'm a Saiyan I can take some wounds."
Gero incredulously "Wounds! Wounds! You died son for a whole minute!"
"Well I'm not dead anymore."
Gero with more panic to it said "You don't understand. Son if you had died. This would have all been for nothing. All of this work all of the planning would have come for naught. What would the point of this had been for without you?"
Kakarrot turned his eyes from Gero in what could be called shame, as he looked to the floor. Gero hugged him tightly as the mad doctor was now crying.
"It wouldn't matter if I conqueror the whole Kamidamn Earth. It wouldn't matter if you weren't there. You are my only reason for continuing. In this cruel world that has taken everything from me. I can't lose my only solace in this world left my son."
Kakarrot calmingly said to him "And you won't. What doesn't kill only makes me stronger. And I will only get stronger from this."
This seemed to reassure Gero who calmed down, but the moment was interrupted when the door again opened as an officer said to them "Sir's you might want to see what's on the TV!"
They turned on the lab TV to see King Furry on the TV some blood on his coat and a shell-shocked look on his face.
"I have some fantastic news for you citizens. Effective immediately I will be stepping down from my throne."
Kakarrot smiling saying to the officer "Get Copper down here immediately."
King Furry continuing while sweating "Due to my weakness and feeble age I will be stepping aside in favor for someone a smarter, kinder" Said trying not to eat his tongue. "per… being that will be taking over my throne. I'm sure he will show you the benevolenc… It's all lies people! You must all resist…"
Before he continuing a green hand came and grabbed him by the throat and Piccolo said, "You should have stuck to the script." He tossed him away as the camera came to his face and he smiled at it in his cruel grin.
"Greeting folks. My name is King Piccolo. Your ancestors might have known me as the 'DEVIL' and I happen to be your new lord and master." He chuckled. " Now I know you might all be a bit frightened by my conquest, but you needn't worry for I already have an outline on how I plan to rule all of you, and I think you'll like it. I have decided that I plan to revise your freedom. Yes, I know last king talk a bit about freedom, but did he really believe in it? No, the answer is no. I believe in freedom all of your freedoms. For far too long you have this tyrannical sword known as 'order' has been hanging over your head nagging you, oppressing you. Which I'm going to remove. You are all free hence forth all laws are abolish. There are no laws anymore whether it be about killing, rape, stealing or vandalism. My beleaguered citizens called criminals by an oppressive world I call on you to rise up. The old order is dead, time to give it a Viking funeral. I want to see blood on the streets and cities on fire. I need you all to give me big old fashion purge up in here! Go wild break some shit and keep your ears open. I'll be calling you all up soon."
Copper who had been silence watching the same broadcast spoke up. "You called on me Lord Commander."
"Yes. Go and deploy the KRA. I think a land grab is in order General."
"They won't be able to stop the monster."
"Did I say send them to Central City? No send them to whether strategic place we've wanted and march them in. But don't send them as conquers but as liberators restoring order to a world now in complete fucking anarchy.
Copper heiled and marched away. Gero looked at confusion at his son.
"I'd hate to admit it, but this works perfectly. The Royal army has no leadership and we just became everyone's best friend. Thusly in the world of chaos we look for a knight in shining armor the hero of the hour come to save the day. The world will be mine yet."
Tien lying on the ground woke to hearing his own name being said repeatedly. His body ached but he quickly found that he had been patched up. He raised his head to see his friends rushing towards him. By the looks of it they had just arrived.
A quick thought jumped into his head of who bandaged him up if his friends had just arrived? He looked to his side to see that there were two fleshly dug graves next to him. He couldn't help but come to a stark conclusion of who had done all of this.
"Tien what the hell happen?!" She had said almost shouting in her panic.
Her question hit Tien like a ton of bricks. In his delirium he had forgot who were in those graves. Tien want the world around him to just explode. Launch and his Master were dead.
How in the hell could he face his friends? He had failed them; he had failed them all. He felt the urge to run from them. He tried to get to his feet only to find himself still too weak to stand.
Chiaotzu balling his eyes out came to him and hugged him with the others not after behind. It sounded like he was trying to ask Tien a question, but it was incoherent with all of his sobbing.
"Don't try to get up."
"Let us help you."
Chiaotzu let go so that Bulma and Yamcha could help him up. They picked him up and Yamcha put Tien's arm around his shoulder letting Tien use him as a crutch. Tien hated feeling this weak and useless but there was nothing he could do.
Oolong bluntly said "Geez Tien it looks like you went through a shredded. Piccolo must have really kicked your ass."
Bulma smacked him as hard as she could on the head and screeched at him. "Show some Kamidamn compassion Piggy! Tien just took on a space demon! " He yelped in pain as he muttered something about, that he meant nothing by it.
She in a fury said, "The nerve of some people."
"What happened man?" Yamcha asked as if Tien was some fragile doll that he was afraid would break if moved too quickly.
Tien shifted his eyes he didn't what to look at them. They were already treating him like he was a broken thing. He was a failure he knew that. He just hoped they had the good sense to abandon him.
"Launch and Master are dead..." The others gasped. Bulma started to tear up. Tien could feel Yamcha tense up like he was readying for a fight. "Piccolo killed them."
Yamcha in pure disgust "That scumbag!"
"They are buried behind me." Their eyes turned to see the graves.
Bulma broke down crying saying "First Krillin now them."
Puar with a spark of hope said, "Don't cry guys we can always use the dragon balls to wish them back."
They nodded in agreement but could help but all still feel sad. Tien then felt that burning question coming back to his mind.
"How did you know where I was?"
"We thought you called us?"
"What?"
"You sent a distress signal from your jet, right?"
"No."
"Right. You were on the ground unconscious before we arrived then who could have sent it?"
Tien knew he just didn't feel like saying it. First, he saved Chiaotzu now himself. It only added to the dishonor to all of this. Worse yet it was hard to tell his motives. They had been friends, but Tien was sure he had burned that bridge. So why did he do all of this? Did he hope to win him back to his side? Did he really have a sense of honor?
Chiaotzu who had calmed down a bit by this point spoke up as the others were starting to notice Tien deep in thought. "We'll figure it out later. For now, Tien needs help."
The others nodded in agreement while Tien recognized what he was doing. Chiaotzu looked at him with sympathetic eyes and Tien sighed. Chiaotzu had to have had read his mind so he knew.
Yamcha started moving him to the plane as Bulma went to recover the bodies. Soon their bodies were loaded into capsules and they were off. As they started to fill Tien in on Piccolo's apocalyptic broadcast.
As they were flying over a city, they could see smoke and fire. Tien knew it can't have been the only city. The world was as he looked descending into unbridled chaos. He knew what the world now needed more than ever was a hero.
The lid to the pot opened as Korin looked on. Chi-Chi then emerged with determination seemingly carved into her face. "Hand me a Nimbus."
Up next the end of the King Piccolo saga.
Chapter 30: Demon's Fall
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi face turned as Korin's staffs hit her on the head. She yelped in pain as her teary eyes looked at Korin questioningly over the act.
Korin said with a tinge of anger "I've been waiting for hours worrying about you and the only thing you say to me when you just pop out is 'hand me a nimbus'?" Her face when down in shame as he shook his head. "I don't know why I get emotional invested in you hero types. You only show up when you want something and then leave to put yourself in more danger. Do you know how many of my nine life I've already spent on you?" He scoffed.
Chi-Chi meekly said to him "I'm sorry master. I didn't realize you cared so much."
Korin sighed as he calmed down "Its fine. I'm sorry. I'm just a little high strung considering resent events."
Chi-Chi sadly "Master Roshi is dead."
"You know?"
"Yes, and Launch along with a ton of other people. The water gave me a few visions."
Korin sadly he stated, "Not only that but the Shenron is dead."
Chi-Chi panicking shouted "What?"
Korin cringed a bit at her shout but nodded "It's true and with his death the dragon balls are no more."
Chi-Chi was now tearing up "No master that can't be true!? My friends can't all stay dead!"
"I didn't say that there wasn't a way."
Chi-Chi in but confusion barked a question "Really!?"
"Well there is a high power, if you will. You could appeal to him and he might bring the dragon balls back, but first Piccolo must be dealt with."
Chi-Chi nodded and the look of determination retook her face "The world and my friends are counting on me. I will not fail."
Korin "You got my vote kid but it's not going to be easy. Best I can tell the world's on fire right now and for good reason. It won't be long before he gets bored and just starts taking out cities one by one."
"Right." She then walked up the stairs to main deck followed by Korin.
Korin said she got to railing "Stay safe kid."
Chi-Chi yelled out "NIMBUS!" as she jumped into the air. She fell down onto a nimbus cloud feet first and she took off while waving to Korin.
She picked up speed as she went along. She got a glimpse as she went of the destruction that the Demon King had wrought. She saw riots in the streets, fires and explosions. All of which only made her go faster. One way or another it was time to stop King Piccolo.
"Well I'm already bored." He said while sighing to Piano. He was looking out his window looking out from his throne room taking pot shots out at the buildings in visual range.
"Really Father? You just got everything you ever wanted and you're already bored. The humans ought to be slaughtering each other by the truck load. What more do you want?"
"I want the entire human race exterminated Piano. I don't care if a few of them die. I want them all dead. Get the camera's I have a new announcement to make that I'm sure they're all going to just love."
Again, the world over watched as Piccolo grinning mug came on to their TV's. To the panic of a vast majority of the planet.
"Hello again my loyal subject. I have come before you again to inform you of a wonderful new celebration. I'm going to blow a city to celebrate my ascension to be your beloved God-King."
Piano came into the frame holding above his head a blow containing a ton of white pieces of paper.
"Because the lot of you are slow and stupid. I'll explain it all to you. In this bowl are pieces of paper with the name of every major city in it. I pick one and then I blow that one up. Simple easy. Now you might be wondering why? Well your species likes to celebrate by blowing things up so and well so do I except mine are bigger." He said dismissively waving his hand.
His hand went into the bowl and pulled out a piece of paper. He showed the piece paper and it said on it, West City.
Piccolo smiled at them "Well there all about to have a bad day I would say."
The feed cut off as the world was left to absorb the message. Kakarrot in his throne room was chuckling about the fact the blue loud one was about to become an orphan. Bulma was beside herself in fear and hurriedly tried to call them only to find the lines busy.
In the UNIT headquarters bunker the flower girls along with Mai, Bill and Eighter were watching. Mai, Eight and the girls seemed scared, but Bill looked as though he was about blow a gasket. Mai was quick to see this while Eight was busy trying calm the girl she came over to him.
"Mr?"
Bill said to her "It's Bill."
"Bill you can't take all of this on your own."
"Can't I? I could have stopped this, but I didn't."
Mai looking guilty as hell said, "No I could have but I could have."
"Ms?"
"It's Mai."
"Mai you're a civilian how could you have been responsible for any of this?"
"I helped release him you see."
"What did you say?"
"I helped release him. Me and well my sort of friends released him. My boss seemed to think that Piccolo would help him conquer the world. He was wrong and so was I." She said know tearing up. "I helped bring on all of this death."
Bill shook his head and said "You didn't hesitate to save those kids. You made a mistake, but that mistake shouldn't define you."
"So right back at you. Yours don't define you either. I don't know what gave you this martyr complex, but you can't take him on alone."
Bill shook his head "No. I'm going to try and stop him. No one else has to died."
"Let me help."
Bill looked to a rake of gun one then looked to the one in a case mark 'D.A.V.I. D'. "Well there is one thing we could do. Let's just hope he's in a playful mood."
Piccolo and Piano emerged from the Palace to a waiting hover car to take them to West City.
Only for them to find Bill wearing his best UNIT dress uniform. A red beret on his head and with the emblem in blue showing the Earth prominently. His revolver in his holster and his one eye trained on the tyrant.
Piccolo seeing this sneered at first as it seemed to frustrate him that anyone on this planet was willing to try and stand up to him. But then he started to chuckle which soon turned into a full-on evil laugh.
Bill for his part was trying to stand still just waiting to absorb all the abuse the tyrant could throw at him. While the King and his advisers inside the Palace heard the noise and began to watch from the windows.
Piccolo finished up and as he did, he asked him "What in the world do you think you are doing human? You must realize you are just committing suicide?"
Bill defiantly said "That's Right I'm A Human! I'm no match for you monster! I know that for a fact. I don't have superpowers or anything like that, but I'll tell you what you can't win."
"What?"
"You can't win. You could kill all of us, but you'll never win."
"That makes no sense."
"Neither do we. One way or another we'll take this victory from you and make it Pyrrhic. You want us all dead. A million years from now you'll find out that we had found our way into the stars and could never fully be extinguished. Want us to break we'll become jelly in your hands. In short you're never getting what you want from us."
From a roof overlooking the speech Mai lined up the shot. The experimental weapon trained right at his head.
Piccolo was amused by his speech and let him finish "Interesting idea tiny man but allow me to retort." He pointed his finger at Bill who were now looking at each other dead on.
"You and your race are nothing, your dreams, your cultures, your hopes and desires are all worthless. Your people exist until some bigger and more important decides you shouldn't. And I happen to be bigger and more important, so I guess you'll all just die and disappear. You are a people that are no more than a race of ants to be stepped on by the big boot of the cosmos." Said as he pointed to his shoe.
Mai lined up the shot and fired. The blue bullet came at Piccolo who managed to hear it coming.
Piccolo dodge the shot as it went hurdling at Piano. Piano who didn't see it coming got it in the head. He practically exploded as the blue bullet slammed through its Pterodactyl shaped head. Piano didn't even have time to scream as in less than a second it was turned into a puddle of viscera.
Bill gasped as he saw the gambit had failed as Piccolo fired his blast at the building that Mai had fired at. The building exploded and he lost his visual on her as he turned and looked at Piccolo about to fire on him.
Bill closed his eye as Piccolo screamed "You are going to pay for that!"
Bill knew it had been a long shot from the start. He only hoped that Mai had survived to continue the resistance. Piccolo fired and he heard an explosion. He felt like he should have slipped away but then he realized he wasn't dead.
He opened his eye to see Chi-Chi in front of him.
She was still short then him but somehow, she seemed so much taller in her blue and orange. One of her hands she had stopped the monster's attack. Around him was destruction but he was unharmed. Piccolo through the dust looked very shocked. That had been one of his more powerful attacks and it had been stopped with ease.
Chi-Chi said to him still staring at Piccolo "I think it's time for you to leave Sir."
Bill didn't argue he just took off running for the rubble of the tower on the off-chance Mai would still be alive.
Piccolo frightened barked a question at her "Who the hell are you?"
Chi-Chi calm and cool said "My name is Chi-Chi Ox. Master Roshi's Pupil and Princess of the Ox Kingdom and I'm here to end your reign monster. You are about to suffer the way you have made my friends and my planet suffer. I hope you enjoy it."
Piccolo then regain his composure said "Humans you get a bit of good luck and you think you can take on a God. Here some advice don't declare victory before the fight has even begun yet." He pointed his finger at Bill yet again. "Because your bleeding hearts are just too easy to exploit."
He fired as Chi-Chi went to intercept like he knew she would but gasped as with ease she deflected the blast instead of having to use her body as a shield like he planned. She also didn't act like this had put any strain on herself.
"All your action are like a lightning rod calling out for the universe to repay you in-kind. You earned all of this. I hope you understand that fact."
Piccolo spit and said, "Like a broken record." He fired at her and she deflected it again. He fired she deflect it, as the two moved closer to one another.
Piccolo then began to open up rapidly on her as she deflected all of them.
The two were soon right in front of one another as the kicking and punching began.
The air was filled with the sounds of the battles as Bill worked through the rubble to find Mai. After much work he found her still breathing but unconscious. He put her on his back as he ran as quickly as he could out of the fight zone.
Carrying her away as he looked to see the little girl was winning were an army and a nation could not.
He silently thanked her for saving his life as he moved away. She had just showed him one could make the different and he intended to find a way to repay her one of these days for that.
Piccolo grunted painfully as he was thrown back. He shook his wrist as he stared daggers at her. He said oozing hate and bile "Human you are going to die screaming!"
"At the moment I doubt that."
Piccolo threw a punch only to find it halted by Chi-Chi's cupped hand. Beams came from his eyes came at her head she let go and he jumped backwards.
"Your untrained you acted like you're in charge but in reality, you're in charge of nothing. You act on emotion and instinct and make elementary mistakes. Your blind Oh great King and it shows."
Piccolo was now grinding his teeth in rage as this little girl had the gall to talk down to him. His hand crackled with energy as the clouds went dark above. Chi-Chi cupped her hands and said the words.
The two's beams fired at one another and slammed into each another. Chi-Chi light blue versus Piccolo purple. The tendril of the clash whipped around smashing into nearby building forcing the King and his staff to make a run for it.
Chi-Chi kept it going. She knew that there might be a chance that others were still in the blast range forcing a stalemate.
One she saw that the real King's shuttle is leaving she went all out. Piccolo panicked as he lost control of the tug of war and throws more into it.
The beams finally explode but she jumped up to prevent the shock wave from downing the King's transport. Her clothing rips a bit as she absorbs some of the fury of the blast. But in this confusion, she losses track of Piccolo.
The sound of the explosion rips across the city as windows shatter and the earth shakes. The palace becomes a pile of rubble as a dust cloud covers the area. Chi-Chi tries to see him or sense him, but she can't.
She begins to wonder where or not he is dead when a beam comes from the dust and before she could react strikes her in the left shoulder. Her wound is gushing, and her bone is visible.
She gasped in pain as a chuckle comes from the dust, he said to her "I told you your bleeding heart would be easy to exploit."
The dust clears revealing a singed Piccolo but not a dead Piccolo. Chi-Chi tries to fire at him but is too slow and he finds his way to the shuttle. Piccolo then has King Furry in his grasp. Piccolo was holding Furry by his head with the ground far below only below Furry.
"So, you get the idea, right? You move to stop me, and he gets well a headache to put it mildly."
He pointed his finger at her left leg and fired. Chi-Chi gasped in pain and fell to the Earth. She crashed onto the ground left leg first and it shatters the bone. The ground was removed of the dirt making it part glass part hard rock. Piccolo landed nearby with the king in his grasp and a grin on his face.
Furry panicky said to her "Girl do what you have to do! This man intents to kill my people don't let him!"
Piccolo growling and said to him "Shut up or I'll squeeze tighter worm. You can pretend to be a martyr instead of a coward another day."
Chi-Chi took out her pole power and used it as a crutch as Piccolo pointed his finger at her.
"Times up girl. You went from hero to zero quite quickly. Have fun in hell."
Chi-Chi pointed her power pole at his feet, and it extended as she lunged at him. He jumped up as she was able to close the distance and punch him in the face forcing him to let go of Furry. The punch knocked him into the air as he charged up his fist looking to finish her off.
In her right fist crackled her own energy and she fired a beam at the ground to go rocketing up after him. Her fist was glowing she went after him. He attempted to block her attack only to find it was already too late.
She ripped through his torso like it was tissue paper. His organs all very much misplaced now, he knew it was over but yet he grinned as he gagged and spit up an egg. He vomited it out and spit it out as to get it as far away from him as possible as he said, "My son give me my vengeance for this day of that is my only request of you."
King Piccolo then exploded as the bleeding and very much drained Chi-Chi was tossed away by the explosion. She was falling like a rock until she caught but not with hands. Slowly she was lower to the grounded as she came to realize it was Chiaotzu powers from a plane that had just come that had saved her.
She saw them coming to help her and tried to say something but instead slipped into unconsciousness as they came to her side.
She woke later in Kame house to the reports of the TV; half the World was apparently celebrating her victory while still somehow the other half was on fire. Bulma was sleeping her head in her hands having no doubt played her doctor for however long she had been out.
She knew that Bulma wasn't going to like her leaving so soon but she knew that she had to leave. In her heart she knew the world was still yet in danger from Piccolo and that the only way forward was to see Korin about that 'higher power'.
A hovercopter landed near an old farmhouse in the middle of some wood next to a creek. The place was quite calm despite the horror that had not so long ago occur there. Two KRA trooper in their black uniforms with their masks emerged from the ship.
One of the troopers asked a figure that was still in the copter "My Lord what are we looking for?"
A familiar voice said back "Anything unusual."
The two looked to see a cracked egg next to two dead bodies an old man and an old woman. They had been violently killed by the looks of it. The other trooper looked back into the copter and said, "Well I think we found something out of the ordinary my lord."
A familiar voice said back "See if it's in the house."
The two shrugged as they entered the house rifles drawn. Seconds later there was gunfire and screaming that quickly subsided.
The voiced sighed and exited the copter to reveal his palm hair and black ashen armor. "Can't get good help these days."
Slowly he walked over to the home but very sure in his steps. He entered the house to see his men dismembered on the floor blood everywhere. He rolled his eyes at their bodies as, he looked around the dark room himself the only thing highlighted giving him the look of glowing in the dark.
Kakarrot speaking with a gentle voice trying to sound as reasonable as possible "You know I can sense you little guy. There's really nowhere to hide. You understand this right?" No response. "Not in a talking mood I see. Let me ask you, do you feel alone? He left the room. To give him space. "I bet you do. You feel alone on a world of primitives that don't understand you. They don't like you because you look different. I know the feeling." He listened. "You must be so angry. If you think I'm angry about my men you'd be wrong. It was wrong of them to shoot at you. You're worth a lot more to me than they were. In fact I feel like you and me have a connection, you know." He put his hand to his heart. "We're both orphans you see of the universe, were like brothers you and me. Brothers help each other you know. Help get things that you want or need. Your father and I respected each other you know. What happened to him was just tragic. I bet you feel angry about that." He frowned. "I feel angry about what happened to my people we have that in common you know. I want revenge and you want revenge maybe we could help each other out."
Out of shadow step a very young Piccolo with a chubby face in a small tunic with the demon symbol on it asking, "You can?"
Kakarrot grinned his wolfish grin "Oh Most Certainly. I will help you get your revenge. I'll teach you; you'll grow a lot stronger and you'll help me get a lot stronger. But first I do have to ask you to do me a favor."
"What would that be?"
"Call me Mr. Kakarrot."
I can't see this ending well.
Chapter 31: Fallout
Chapter Text
Bulma woke as Chi-Chi began as to move around. Bulma had tears as she saw her friends face. She looked both so happy and so sad at the same time. In mere second Chi-Chi was being compressed by her arms as Bulma's tears were soaking her bandages and her caste.
Bulma roared in tears and at the sounds of the uproar, Yamcha and the others were soon in the room crowding around her. It was even the case that Oolong was happy to see her. Hugs came fast and hard as only Tien managed to not show that level of affection.
After a time they helped her out of bed and soon they were all in Roshi kitchen eating and cracking jokes. She couldn't help think how nice this was for her, to be back with her friends like this. Even though she was still missing some friends and didn't know yet how she was going to get them back.
Bulma and Yamcha looked at each knowingly as she tapped a glass and with a smile spoke. "Me and Yamcha are going to be moving up the date that we were planning to get married on."
Oolong jokingly stated "O afraid Yamcha might find the good sense to run?"
Bulma hand smacked him on the head in lightning speed. Oolong was grunted in pain. Bulma teeth were grinning together as she said "Shut up piggy or I'll turn you in bacon."
Yamcha nervously chuckled as he tapped her arm so that they could get back onto the subject at hand. Bulma turn from her fury at the pig and went to continue with what important news she had to say.
Bulma with a smile and tears "Now first up it was not a hard choice but I've decided that Chi-Chi my best friend I want you to be my bridesmaid." Chi-Chi in tears nodded in agreement.
Puar "But why are you getting married early after you already planned the date and everything."
Yamcha blushed and Bulma chuckled and said "Well that you see what I was getting to. You see me and Yamcha well aw…" (She excitedly shouted out.) "I'm having a baby!". The room gasped as happy tears streamed down Puar's face. Bulma continued "I decided that you as my friends deserved to know first."
The room was then filled with happy faces as all present began congratulating the expecting couple. But a sour moment was hit when Oolong said "Great now all we have to do is wish everybody back with the dragon balls and everything will be back to normal until we have a new blue haired arrival."
Chi-Chi's face turned depressed in a heartbeat and as did the room. The air quickly went silent as everyone suddenly realized that they were missing something.
Bulma asked "What's wrong Cheech?"
Chi-Chi "Piccolo killed the dragon the balls won't work anymore…" The air had been sucked out of the room. Bulma had a stream running down her eyes. Tien looked as though he was going to blow apart out from a cocktail of emotions. But she continued "I know, but Korin said that there might be a way to restore the dragon." (Nervously they looked at her worriedly.) " So I have to go to find out."
Bulma "You have to go?"
Chi-Chi nodded 'yes' "I have to go and it's not just that I feel like something is wrong."
Yamcha "What do you mean?"
Chi-Chi "I don't know just a feeling I guess."
Yamcha "Well that can't be good. What could it possible be?"
Kakarrot "…And here is where we'll be training." His hand pointing around the massive steel chamber with the signs of stress to it of the young saiyan's power. "Impressive isn't it?" He asked the unimpressed Piccolo.
Piccolo said while inspecting the room "So this is where I will learn to kill my enemy."
Kakarrot hearing this rolled his eyes and sighed "Because just killing Chi-Chi will get your revenge." He said sarcastically.
Piccolo quite annoyed at this in anger looked at Kakarrot "You said you would help me get my revenge."
Kakarrot "I did and the thing you need to know about me kid is I don't lie. I'm not here to tell you how to get what you want but consider this. What does death accomplish? Murder is a useful tool but do you use it for people you want to hurt? Cheech killed your father. Robbed you of something before you even had it and you're going to treat her like my soldiers that tried to shoot you? Like they were in even the same ballpark? Cheech once upon a time said she loved me and wanted to marry me but I hurt her when she found a bit of the well real me. But with a lite touch I have been worming my way back into her heart. Now won't it hurt as much or more when I break it again? So tell me is death the worst thing you can do to a person?"
Piccolo had been skeptical at the start of him but by the end seemed to be hanging on his every word. Piccolo "Then what is the plan?"
Kakarrot smiled at him and said "You'll see and soon so will the world. Come now we have a tournament to prepare for."
Bill marched into the board room. He looked almost a revived man. He was more toned, less broken, and more determined like he was eating again and working out. He looked a man on a mission.
He had Mai at his back in her new uniform. He can't say he had made the best pitch to her to put on that uniform but it didn't take her long to decide to do so. She did needed more training besides her basic Royal army type before Pilaf but he had decided she needed to come to this meeting.
The Prime Minster, UNIT command, and Brief was there. The newly minted arrived Major placed on the table the folder marked 'Prometheus'. That all of them seemed to have along with photos.
Bill "Ladies and Gentlemen we are very small. Smaller than anyone of you can possible realize. We have been attack by two aliens of two different species that both possessed powers beyond our imagination. One is dead the other is in charge of a nation that just took a lot of territory. I believe a flood is coming and I believe we are going either have to get to higher ground or be swept away by the rising tide. The KRA is superior to us in both tech and physically power therefore we must even the playing field or find a way to be able to retreat. Everything we have seems to be a decade or more behind schedule and we don't have the time to wait and see."
PM hidden in shadows "I agree. Brief we're going to need your help on this one."
Brief nodded his head in agreement "I would have to say so and the good news is I have something for you. A team surveying Yunzabit Heights looking for oil found something interesting recently. I would have come to all of you sooner with it but well the world has been on fire and this really shouldn't be a phone call kind of thing. (He showed them a picture. Bug like and covered in moss.) "We found an alien space craft. Interestingly enough it well might be from an enemy of ours's. Made of materials unknown having been sitting around for who knows how long and yet still working. Piece by piece I'm going through it. It's giving me some ideas but it will take me awhile to make something from it."
PM "What can you tell me about Gero's next move?"
Brief "My former friend is an angry man driven by rage and paranoia. Not that he was always like that mind you, it's just who he is now. But thanks' to Dr. Flappe defection I have seen some insight into the mechanics behind his machines. I will not make any more of his abominations but the way of how to fight his monsters has become clear. Guns have become toys. Soldiers fighting the Lord Commander are going to need more… they are going to need power armor ones that can fly, take a punch and fire the same kind of energy like he does. Which means we are going to weapon of unimaginable power to fight them and if they make them will too."
Random general "Our intel says they already are. We our already in an arms race on our hands and we are behind."
Brief deflated said "Then it is already too late. Hundreds of years of progress and we are back where we started. I'll make them. Better we accept the horrors of war then the slavery of our enemy."
PM "Major Stryker you will work with Brief and get us our ship and our iron suits. The fate of the free world is on the line so work faster and hard." Bill saluted and Brief nodded.
Random admiral "Is the King going to step down?"
PM "No. The media might have bought the KRA propaganda but the truth he only saved lives by submitting."
Random admiral "Our we so sure about that sir?"
PM "Let me make this clear. Our enemy is the one in black with palm not our own king. Even if our own people don't realize it yet the black masked men marching into town aren't here to help, there here to conquer and were going stop them or die trying."
Chi-Chi didn't know why Korin seemed to think her going up to the top of 'Lookout' as it is was called it was so funny? He said that 'Kami was not going to look like she would expect' and looked as though he was about to explode into laugher. She felt like she was missing something but she didn't have the desire to question him about it. She hadn't expected the power pole to take this long to go up nor why she couldn't have just used her nimbus but he was vague about that too.
It did give her to time to think though. She knew Kakarrot had saved Tien. She had put it together from the vision and the fact that Tien was still around. He had saved her. She knew it was wrong but she couldn't stop thinking about him. Her mind wandered and she imagined him changed and the two of them married in the future. She wanted it but she knew it was wrong and wanted to throw it away.
She was so deep in thought that it wasn't until she heard the sound of the power pole hitting its mark that she woke to the reality again. It was strange to her that this massive stone structure was floating in the air but it really didn't faze her. She had seen some weird things since leaving her uncle's home and going on an adventure with Bulma. This was just another weird thing.
She climbed her way up the metal ladder and came to the deck of the structure. It was a mostly stone except from some palm trees before a stone palace looking structure on the far side of the lookout. Something in her head told her this place was ancient like Korin's place.
She started to move but she was beset by her head feeling so light. The air was so thin and she had been used to such things growing up on a mountain. This place was far worst however.
Mr. Popo "Having trouble kid?"
She looked at the source of the question. Somehow she had failed to notice the oddest lifeform yet she had meet. It was a creature in what appear to be garments from quite a few centuries ago from the Middle East maybe. His skin was blacker then night, his lips a bright red. His eyes big and vacant. He was portly, plump and quite short. He had on a big smile on his lips.
The creature "Well I asked you a question?"
She was taken aback by this creature. It appeared to be friendly but something told her that this creature was not to be taken lightly. She bowed to him.
Chi-Chi "I'm alright the air is just a bit thin. Are you Kami?"
The creature giggled "No child I'm am not your god."
Chi-Chi frowned "Well where is he I need to speak with him."
The creature "Your quite rude asking me for a favor before even asking me my name or telling me yours."
Chi-Chi ferreted the bowed again saying "I sorry friend and please excuse me. My name is Chi-Chi what is yours?"
The creature "Its Mr. Popo, Chi-Chi."
Chi-Chi "Thanks Mr. Popo now can you show me to Kami?"
Mr. Popo giggled "No."
Chi-Chi frown "Why not?
Mr. Popo "Just because Korin allowed you to come up here does mean that you are worthy enough to see Kami the Guardian of Earth. Not before getting past me that is."
Chi-Chi "You want to fight me?"
Mr. Popo "No. You want to get passed me."
Chi-Chi itched her nose "Well you know I defeated King Piccolo."
Mr. Popo "So what?"
Chi-Chi "Well he was strong and well I saved the Earth."
Mr. Popo "Did you know?"
Chi-Chi confused "Yeah?"
Mr. Popo "Then why don't you seem so sure of it yourself?"
Chi-Chi shook off her doubts "Look I'm sorry that I was rude at first but I desperately need to talk to Kami so that I can ask him to bring back the dragon so I can revive my friends."
Mr. Popo "Well I guess that a lot of reasons to try to get passed me too bad it will never happen."
Chi-Chi "Look I don't want to hurt you."
Mr. Popo giggled "What a nice sentient. You must be quite full of yourself."
Chi-Chi now angry "Fine then."
She charged at him in an attempt to get passed him. Only to find him waiting for her and he smacked her away.
Chi-Chi "Well I will grant you this your no push over."
Chi-Chi puzzled over how fast Mr. Popo was but she tried again then again. No matter what she tried he always seemed to be two steps ahead of her and with ease he seem to overpower her. What was worse was every move seemed to weaken her. She was getting slower and him faster.
Mr. Popo smiling nowhere near out of breath or fatigued "You said you beat Piccolo but with this I couldn't see you beating a cold."
Chi-Chi out of breath "I'm not let you keep me from my friends!"
Mr. Popo "Maybe instead of being focused on other things you should focus on getting passed me."
Chi-Chi growled and snarled the anger seeming to get the best of her.
Mr. Popo "So the monster has had an effect on you."
His words were like a bomb going off in her head. In seconds she calmed down. Getting angry wouldn't solve anything. She began to focus trying to control her breathing. Mr. Popo seemed to grow happier at this sight.
She was preparing to try again when a voice interrupted. "Enough we don't have time for this. Popo bring her to me." The voice had to have been Kami's and her face lite up. It sounded familiar in a bad way but it didn't matter to her.
Mr. Popo looked unnerved as she was lead to what appeared to be the entrance to the great palace. She stood smiling at the figure in the shadows as he spoke. "I fear we have a great deal to discuss."
Kami stepped out of the shadows to reveal himself. He looked to Chi-Chi like an old Piccolo with his antennae green skin and sharp teeth. He was wearing his white robes with the symbol 'Kami' in a red circle over his chest. He had a blue cape on his back and a wooden cane in his left hand. His fingernails were long and sharp along with his beady eyes.
In a heartbeat Chi-Chi attempted to charge at him but was quickly caught by Popo. To all of this Kami rolled his eyes and said "Korin thinks he's so funny."
Chi-Chi calmed down as she saw the robes and remember the age of Piccolo. She asked "Kami?"
Kami "Yes child I'm Kami. Now please calm down we have a lot to discuss." (She relaxed and he continued.) "The reason I look as though I was your enemy is because in a manner of speaking I am. Piccolo is my other half. To take the throne of Earth I was force to purge myself of my evil. When I came here from a place that I can't remember or recall. I was hurt by your world's miseries, tragedies and horrors. Piccolo is my failure to contain myself of which you stopped for now."
Chi-Chi "For now?"
Kami "I trust you sensed something was off. The scourge that was King Piccolo on this Earth has not yet ended. My life is proof enough of that. Even as we speak the Demon King's spawn grows. He will seek your destruction and the completion of his father's work. Worse yet he will have help in his endeavor. Kakarrot the other threat to the Earth has sought him out as to train him."
Chi-Chi "WHAT!?"
Kami "It is true. I can't imagine that the boy seek to kill you or mankind but perhaps he seeks to turn him to his side or merely wishes a training partner to defeat you. Either way this is a dangerous road we are now on. The dark clouds are gathering and the drum beats of war hang in the air. Chi-Chi I believe that you are the only person on the planet right know that can save this world. I consider allowing the dragon to remain dead but you will need help and I believe you have earned something for your sacrifices. However, in exchange you must agree to stay and train with me so you can oppose the duo that seeks such destruction."
Chi-Chi nodded in agreement "Man Bulma's going to be pissed. Do you mind if I just take off for just one day it's kind of important. I'd dare say a matter of life or death."
Kami "No. This is the fate of the world were talking about what could be more important?"
Chi-Chi "Bulma's wedding."
Kami "Absolutely not."
Chi-Chi "Well I guess I'm going to be on her list after this."
Kami "I'm sure she'll understand if you explain it to her."
Chi-Chi shook her head "No she won't."
Kami "O well it's either her feelings or the Earth."
Chi-Chi blue in the face "It's not her feelings I'm worried about. It's her wrath."
Bulma sneezed and was suddenly filled with rage about something as she was sitting on one of Roshi's lawn chair watching the sky. She angrily barked out "Piggy" a bunch of times to take her sudden rage out on Oolong who rushed to the bathroom to her delight.
Tried to leave it on a lighter note for a chance. Next time everybody comes back and training begins.
Chapter 32: Revival
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi marvels as Kami lifts his as he looks at the dragon statue brought to him by Mr. Popo. The unearthly glow shimmers around the statue and in her eyes. The statue however, disappears before her eyes and she blinks confused.
Kami "And it's done."
Chi-Chi "Really?"
Kami "Yeah."
Chi-Chi looking deflated "Well that was easy."
Kami "Where you expecting more?"
Chi-Chi "Kind of."
Kami "Well sorry to disappoint you. If it makes you feel any better that was extremely draining."
Chi-Chi "Its fine."
Kami "You wanted some sort of light show didn't you."
Chi-Chi "Well yeah. I mean you made summoning the dragon so exciting and I mean I thought that you know it would be to."
Kami miffed "We got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to hear your criticisms of my work."
Chi-Chi "Well I got like three years and you know criticism is justifiable thing. I mean you put all that work into the dragon."
Kami "Nitpicking that's all you can do. You realize I'm god right?"
Chi-Chi "Well here's the thing some of that is subject to some criticism too… like how you didn't take the Piccolo jar up into the Lookout for safe keeping and how you didn't try and stop Kakarrot until like right now. You knew about all these things ahead of time and yet did nothing about them."
Kami seemed to turn red with anger and just stormed off into the palace to the shock of both Popo and Chi-Chi. Popo then looked at Chi-Chi sideways.
Chi-Chi "What?"
Mr. Popo "Kami doesn't well take anyone questioning that well."
Chi-Chi "So god can't take a single bit of criticism?"
Mr. Popo "Yeah."
Chi-Chi "O so green is thin."
Kami yelled out from the Palace "I HEARD THAT!"
Mr. Popo groaned "He's going to be brooding for months about this." (He sighed.)" Well come on, time to start your training."
At Kame House Bulma radar went off to their delite and the team was away quickly to the spot where King Piccolo had left them. Bulma and the group looked positively ecstatic as they opened the cases to the pods were their friends had been kept opened as the balls before them glowed yellow.
Bulma raised her hands up as she told the dragon to arise. In the same wonderful and awe inspiring spectacle that the dragon summoning had always shown. In magnificent color and loud thunder the dragon appeared before them.
Shenron "O you people again and some extra's, so pig do you want more panties?"
Oolong was about to speak when interrupted by Bulma "No we have a far more important request of you today. Shenron I wish that all those killed by King Piccolo and his henchman were brought back to life."
Shenron "Alright done. See you in a year or so, so I can tie your shoes for you."
He disappeared and the dragon balls scattered across the Earth. In Central City the many victims of the King appeared in the ruined City. The many martial arts that Tambourine had killed arose from their grave quite confused.
Bulma "Is it me or is he getting bitter or something?" The others shrugged.
In their capsules the three formerly dead heroes of Earth groaned. In a mad scramble the other were over too them. Tears and smiles were a plenty as they hugged and celebrated this victory.
In the melee of good feelings Launch found Tien. The two seeming to know what was on each other's mind decided to take off. They found a somewhat more secluded spot out of sight of the others.
Tien looked as the world itself had come back to him. She blushed and so did he. He seemed nervous like he didn't know what to say. But the two came up close their faces mere inches from one another.
Tien "I thought I had lost you."
Launch "Not today babe." She put her arms around his back.
Tien in a hushed whisper "I love you."
Launch seductively said "I know."
She went in for the kiss when Puar interrupted. Puar "Hey Bulma wants everyone to come over for a picture. Hey what are you two doing?"
Launch clenched her teeth saying "Pussy blocking Pussy. Well we better…"
She was stopped in her tracks as Tien had kissed her. It didn't matter he thought that Blonde was a little crass or that sometimes she had blue hair.
Puar watching when red saying "You know what I think I was interrupting something I'll just take off. Bye."
She immediately deepened the kiss as the two almost seemed ready to go further when in a need to breath they broke it off. Breathing deeply she said "Got anything more for me big guy?"
Tien red in the face while huffing and puffing "Let's stick with that for now. Besides we got to have that picture."
Launch said with her finger drawing pictures on his chest "Such a tease. Okay fine but I swear to you I'm getting into those pants."
Tien still red "One thing at a time."
The team took the picture. In the plane ride home they filled them on the happenings. Including Cheech's victory and Bulma's pregnancy. All three took the news with the same level of cheer that their other friends that taken.
Roshi "We I suppose this means Chi-Chi is the strongest on Earth."
Tien "Not for long."(They looked at him.) "I'm going to go to Korin tower and train under him same as Chi-Chi. She may have beaten me but next Tournament I will show her who's the strongest."
Yamcha who was flying said "Yeah you know what maybe I'll come with y…"
He was stopped in his tracks as Bulma grabbed him by the ear.
Yamcha "You know what I'd like to come with you but it appears I forget a very important series of things."
Krillin "Yeah jeez man I mean what were you thinking? I'll come along Tien."
Chiaotzu "Me too."
Launch "Can't get rid of me that easily."
Yamcha sighed as Bulma looked ecstatic. Bulma "You still coming to my wedding right?"
They nodded their heads 'yes'. Tien "Well delay going until after the ceremony."
Bulma "Splendid."
Yamcha "One more thing. Krillin will you be best man?"
Krillin "Me?"
Yamcha "Don't make me beg dude."
Krillin "Sure man."
Bulma "Wait that's it."
Yamcha "Yeah."
Bulma "You just asked him to do something big for you."
Yamcha "Yeah. What did you expect crying, hugging?"
Krillin "I know right."
Bulma sighed "Forget about it." She rolled her eyes and said to herself "men."
Mr. Popo have given her new clothing looking exactly like her old but on her back was Kami's symbol. The new gi was weighted heavier then Master Roshi's turtle shells. In short in weight a ton.
Mr. Popo "You're too heavy on your feet." (He said as he placed a bell on her.) "You have to learn how to move without making some much noise and wasting some much energy. Up here the air is so thin that it simply provides less energy that you can take in."
She looked on curiously as he placed a kitten with a bell around its neck down on the floor.
Chi-Chi "You want me to catch the kitten?"
Mr. Popo "Yes with the bell on you and the bell that is on it."
Chi-Chi "No sweat."
Chi-Chi began the chase awkwardly trying to move without ringing the bell but failing. As the kitten merely strutted away.
Mr. Popo internally sighed. Training 'Arya Stark' was going to take all of the time they had. Kami knew this had to be a long shot. The girl had failed to kill Kakarrot already he must have known. The problem was only going to become more severe on the Earth. Perhaps the she would befit if she could see the horror that the other saiyans had caused elsewhere? Either way this was going to be an uphill battle as he knew the storm clouds below were gathering.
"Are we ready?" The blonde haired lady asked the camera man who was playing with his camera. The lights were set up in this office already. Behind the camera and lights were various suited men all watching the proceeding with ominous glares all KRA men some of rank some not. Though green hair was visible.
The reporter was in formal red pantsuit with her lipstick which was red. There was a sense of anxiety in the air but she was calm and collect. She had after all meet madman and murders before maybe not so young or so powerful. She wished to sit down but she knew the protocol. No one sits before the king does.
Out of the crowd he came with his clean palm hair. He was wearing a black suit fitted to him it even had a hole for his tail. A black arm band with KRA in white on his right arm. A pin over his heart which kind of looked like a trident. He had on his face a confident grin a hand in one of his pockets. He looked quite the statesman despite his size and age.
She bowed to him and he bowed to her. "Thank you Lord Commander for this rare privilege."
Kakarrot "The pleasure is all mine Diane." The two shook hands. He gesture for her to sit and she did as he did. Both politely smiled as she began.
Diane "I must also thank you that you didn't allow the censorship of any of our questions." (He nodded.) "Let us begin with the simple fact that as far as world leader of the modern era goes you are by far the youngest leader in well centuries."
Kakarrot "Well I can't deny that fact. I know I'm many people may have a problem with my age but I assure you the Lord Commander is not some sort of spoiled brat acting without reason and I think my policies have reflected that fact."
Diane "That leads us perfectly into the next question your expansionist policies such as the invasion of the…"
She stopped as he waived his hand dismissively.
Kakarrot "Diane you have been listening to far too much Royal propaganda. I've invaded nothing. What happened was that the population of those regions had decided that since the avocation of their King by way of cowardness they felt not more kinship with the lack of leadership provided and instead chose mine nation."
Diane "Yet the armies that simply appeared out of nowhere? The little green men?"
Kakarrot "They didn't have uniform because they were energized locals."
Diane "Are you expecting us to believe that?"
Kakarrot "Yes because it's the truth. These places had populations longing to join the KRA and even voted to do so."
Diane "Yes the elections. All of which voted while under the supervision of these militia's that you mentioned and voted by margins of eighty to ninety percent to join the Ribbon nation."
Kakarrot "That's exactly right."
Diane "The numbers don't at all sound to you curious?"
Kakarrot "If you're implying that anyone rigged them Diane you would sadly mistaken. It was an unmolested vote which saw the will of the people expressed."
Diane "Yet you refuse to allow third parties to review the proceedings or count the votes."
Kakarrot "I did nothing of the sort. Since it wasn't my vote or my people in charge. It was the militias that made those decision and they merely asked us to confirm the vote's authenticity."
Diane "What about the legality?"
Kakarrot "Is the people will not legal enough for you?"
Diane "What about the military presence that's their now?"
Kakarrot "It's my territory Diane don't I have the right to defend it?"
Diane "Observers have called it a military buildup near and around major Royal Cities."
Kakarrot rolled his eyes "Yes I'm sure the belligerents in the Royal Army are howling for blood. You see Diane I was as surprised as everyone else was. When these places rose up for union with the Ribbon. The Royal Army actions have been to suppress the general will of the people. You see Diane the Royal whose head cowered before our actual invader is a part of the 1% of this planet. Along with his PM and the man who really runs the Royal nation Dr. Brief. The 'democracy' that they speak is in reality a plutocracy. Made to support the aims and ambitions of a few over the many. I simply offer an alternative to this so they brand me a rogue and do their utmost to discredit me."
Diane "Yes you have made it of the one over the many."
Kakarrot chuckled "That's just false. I was elected by the people unlike your King or your Prime Minister. I am in this office to serve them. I have no grand palace to show off my power. I have merely an office and a residence. I'm not seeking conflict it is merely showing up on my doorstep."
Diane "If that is the case then Lord Commander why do multiple sources suggest that you are massively expanding your nation's military capacity? If you want peace then why are you readying the tools of aggressive expansion?"
Kakarrot "Its quite simply fake news Diane. I admit that my nation has quite an industrial capacity with the ability to defend ourselves but only that and no one more. I would welcome peace Diane but we are simply not living in peaceful times. The UN and King kept making provocative statements aimed at giving credence at starting conflict with me and my nation must be ready to respond to their hostile maneuvers."
A Green came up behind Kakarrot and whisper in his ear.
Kakarrot "Well it appears this was all I had time for. Sorry about this but I did warn you that my time is short. But I must still apologies the ship of state needs constant supervision." He got up and so did she. They smiled at each and they shook hands while the camera took pictures.
Kakarrot "It's been a pleasure take your question Mrs. Stryker?"
Diane "It's not Mrs. Stryker yet but soon. I guess Lord Commander your research staff isn't as good as mine."
Kakarrot "No I knew that fact. It's just that I always have an eye to the future as it were. You know me and your future husband to be have already meet?"
Diane shocked "Really?" Diane hand and his were stagnate.
Kakarrot "Well it was brief just one of those Powwows between nations."
Diane "I can't imagine my husband leaving the best impression."
Kakarrot "Well opposite ends of the chess board clash but I suppose my grandfather and him had far more of a repor then he and I did. In fact he promised him a meeting of sorts." (He laughed.) "A promise I intend to keep. My Grandfather has taught that family is the most important thing in this universe Diane and I think your fiancé would agree. Safe trip home would hate for something to happen to you before your wedding."
The door to the lab opened with Kakarrot back in his black armor. He looked frustrated as he entered the room with a huff. Gero was in the room working on his bench with his tools under a bright light.
Kakarrot "You should have just let me kill her if you wanted some payback."
Gero chuckled "I think we both know what that would look like to the world if you were to do that son."
Kakarrot "Of course but that doesn't mean I didn't want to rip her throat out. The gull of that woman to question me like that! Me, her better!"
Gero "I take it she was quite critical?"
Kakarrot "You could say that! Now what did you want to show me? I'm missing a spar with Jr and Yurin over this."
Gero put down a tool in his hand "For years I have been grasping at straws. Basically making robots with a few organic parts to varying degrees of success."
He took picked something up and turned around to show it to Kakarrot. It was a hand in a jar still moving. At the bottom it appeared to have metal were the joint should be. It was not attached to anything merely floating it the odd fluid.
Kakarrot not perturbed but curious "What is that?"
Gero "Progress my son, progress. The reason why my friends and the scientific community disowned me in the first place was because of this. Many years ago I had a dream of making a man and a machine one in the same. I gave a bot the brain of a mouse and suggested doing the same with a man so they called me 'unethical' but what they didn't realize is my dreams come true."
Kakarrot "So you made a self-moving severed hand?"
Gero "Aw that dry wit makes its return. No because it's not the machine puppeteering the man but the man puppeteering the machine. I severed this man arm and connected Nato bots to his nerves so this is him moving it himself."
Kakarrot "Well I suppose we do have a lot of political prisoners that we need dealing with. Glad to see your thinking outside the box."
Gero "I'll need to do far more to get what I want but this is at least a start. One day I'll get my fusion of the two and make something we;; prefect."
Kakarrot "When do you what me to strike at him? From what I understand he is already mobilizing resources against us. Brief will apparently be making power suits to counter ours."
Gero when back to his bench and looked at a picture of what appeared to be a wedding. "What have I told you son. Family is everything and revenge is a dish best served cold."
The dragon was dead so the wish cycle reset okay.
Chapter 33: A Tragic History
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi was led into a dark room by Mr. Popo. In the center of that room was a pendulum swinging above a series of interlocked circles with runes and symbols at their center. The room glowed faintly of red from symbols and circles.
Chi-Chi said slightly perturbed by the room "So, I'm going into the past."
"Yes. This room will transport a spirit version of yourself into a recreation of the past that you will be able to interact with, but this isn't time travel. You'll not be able change history so try to keep that in mind."
"Well okay but why can't I change the past?"
"Well let's just say that there are beings above Kami that actively discourage time travel. Besides no one couldn't change this place even if I or anyone wanted it to."
"Where will I be going?"
"Far from here on a different planet."
"Where exactly?"
"To a place that no longer exists but for the fantasies of its survivors. The planet Plant also known as Planet Vegeta. Kakarrot's birthplace and the Saiyan's last home world. Go into the circle and close your eyes."
Chi-Chi didn't really understand any of this but did as she was instructed. She went into the circle and closed her eyes. She suddenly felt what was like a slip and then felt herself drift away.
Her eyes slammed open to the sounds of an explosion. She was in a different place. She was in a city that looked bombed out and ruined. Rubble surrounded her, or her spirit body or whatever. A sickly-sweet smell was in the air along with the smell of burning garbage. There were dead bodies around her and they stunk.
Someone shouted, to her "What in the Fuck is a kid doing out here?!"
She looked behind her to see a man in a suit of metal with glowing blue eyes coming at her. His hands apparently trying to grab hold of her. On instinct she jumped back evading his grasp.
A voice from the suit said to her "Come on kid I'm not playing around. You need to get out of here so come with me!"
"No why should I?"
The Suit soldier said to her with frustration in the voice "Are you stupid kid? Where are you parents? Why weren't you evacuated? Get over here!"
The suit made another grab for her but was again unsuccessful. But suddenly Chi-Chi heard chuckles from behind the suit and in a female voice say, "Tuber you're just not good with kids."
She came up behind him. She looked like a human just a short one to Cheech well maybe a bit bluer tint to her skin. She had fair skin and hair but with green eyes. She had on what looked like grey battle armor with a weapon of sorts on her back.
Tuber barked back to her "Shut it Gypsy. This kid is probably a feral or mute or something to be stupid enough to run away from me."
Chi-Chi was indignant at that "I'm not stupid I just don't like someone trying to grab me!" Gypsy snickered and Tuber seemed to brood in his suit.
Gypsy took out a candy bar "I'm sure your hungry living on your own. You can have this if you promise to come with us."
Tuber pretended to cough and under his breath said, "Stranger danger."
Gypsy looked at him miffed as Chi-Chi was slightly puzzled by all of this asked "Why do you want me out of here so badly?"
Tuber flippantly stated, "Because of the Saiyans." He said implying the stupid comment from earlier.
"My name is Gypsy what is yours?"
"It's Chi-Chi."
"Now Chi-Chi this is a very dangerous place. Any minute were probably going to come under attack. The monsters that have done all of this damage and hurt all of your friends and families our coming back and you don't want to be here when that happens."
"I do. If they have done all this, I want to fight them."
Tuber loudly sighed in his suit while Gypsy merely looked at her scared and said "That's very brave Chi-Chi but I sure you know that they are quite strong. It would be better that you let us handle this fight."
Another yell came from behind angry "Gypsy, Tuber, what the hell are you joker's doing?"
Tuber yelled back "We found a kid Sir!"
The angry male voice asked "What?"
He stormed up behind the two pushing them out of the way. The man also had blueish skin and also was short in stature, but his eyes were a pale blue, his hair grey and his helmet had on stripes. He looked older and appeared to be filled with far more full of rage.
The two saluted and Gypsy said to him "Sergeant Maitake, me and Private Tuber were merely trying to remove this kid from the field of battle."
"Kid she looks almost full grown. I guess she looks a little young. Kid do you have a death wish or something. Come with us before you get hurt."
A massive explosion shook the ground. Maitake looked towards it with a panic and said to himself "That would be the main gate." He put his finger up to his ear. "Bewit that Gauss Cannon better be in monkey killing shape because we're about to be hit and hit hard." He nodded; Chi-Chi guessed he got an affirmative on that.
Maitake barked out to the other two with his fingers still on his earpiece "Look alive people! Monkey is on his way and he's in need of a welcome party and the men and women of Ortreatus Company are going give it to him."
Tuber levitated in the air and rushed elsewhere while Gypsy tried to grab Chi-Chi to pull her away but Chi-Chi yet again avoided someone trying to grab her. When a blast came out of the air aimed at Gypsy. Chi-Chi doubled back grabbing hold of Gypsy and forcing her out of the way.
The blast went off and the two went skidding away and when they stopped Gypsy looked at Chi-Chi confusion on what had just happened.
Chi-Chi looked out to see what had fired at Gypsy.
It was a man by the looks of it much large in size, he had black hair with a brown tail. On his face was a familiar wolfish grin. But instead of palm hair he had some sort of undefinable spiky hair. He had on what appeared to be animal skins, he didn't have armor or shoe as he was barefoot. His skin was far more human colored then the smaller aliens, his was tan. Just from a mere glance she could tell that this man knew how to fight. His eyes had focused in on her he had seen her movements and could probably tell that she could too.
A bizarre sounding bang went off as the sounds of the screaming along with wrong sounding gunfire. It was this Saiyan's she guessed friends and the strangers fighting. While Chi-Chi and the saiyan were facing each other down Gypsy got up and fired her weapon at the saiyan. The weapon she fired seemed to produce ki. It ejected bright light in little circle at the saiyan which he managed to dodge then fired back.
Chi-Chi thinking quick fire at it allowing the energy to smash into one another and they exploded. Gypsy was thrown back and toss by the explosion into a nearby fallen wall. Chi-Chi heard a thud hopefully Gypsy wasn't too hurt she thought.
She was about ready to try and stop the saiyan when Tuber in his power armor reappeared. He was flying and he fired a beam at the saiyan which he deflected. Tuber charged him and the two had a punching match. Somehow thanks to his armor he was put up a fight with the Saiyan.
Chi-Chi knew however it wouldn't last. The saiyan was untrained but experienced the scars of fights littered his face, arms and legs he was skilled.
The armored man was desperate and was using the wrong skill set which made him slower. It was less a fight between martial artists and instead a fight between soldiers relying on equipment, one's being natural the other's being artificial.
The breaking point came the shields or whatever that were protecting the man were overwhelmed. The saiyan's hand grabbed hold of the arm and pulled it off with ease as Tuber screamed in pain.
Chi-Chi charged into the fray attacking the saiyan as Tuber fell to the ground. She knew this saiyan was stronger than her, but she couldn't him get away with this no more then she could let Kakarrot get away with it.
No matter what she did the saiyan seemed unstopped tanking most of her hits with only the Kamehameha giving him pause. Out of the dust of her attack he grabbed her and said to her "Girl you would make a great saiyan."
Afterwards everything when black as she felt his fist come towards her head.
She woke up a time later. The sun was down, and she was tied up. Bent metal was around her hands and feet. She was on dirt and no longer in the city. She could smell fire and looked in front of her to see a fire along with five saiyan watching it and eating. She looked to see what they were eating and shuttered. It was the people that tried to help her earlier.
The one from earlier heard her move and said, "Well looks like our guest is up." He got up from the sitting around the fire and came over to her. "Now tell me girl where are you from?"
She merely stared daggers at him and he said "Tsk, Tsk. You got the look minus the tail and you got the right attitude, but the smell is off. Now you're either an alien or a Tuffle science experiment." Chi-Chi looked at him curiously. "That right isn't it? I guessed it right? Made to infiltrate us or spread some disease to kill us." He pointed to his wrist were there was a tattoo of some sort. It appeared to be a bar code. "I know all of the Tuffle tricks girl. They aren't fighters their sneaks and backstabbers look at what happen to the last of our King. Shot in the back. In front of his kids. Peace my ass. You're inferior to them. Same as us. So, you have two options die for the people that made you in a lab. Like you were one of their toys to be used and abused or fight back. Tell the King all about what they did to you and fight with us."
Chi-Chi with Kakarrot had become accustomed to search for the lies in this type of person but she could find none. He was corrupt maybe but honest. She saw that he honestly believed in what he said. He believed she was some sort of experiment in the same way that Gyspy was being honest in trying to help her.
He had noticed that she had fixated on the tattoo and said "Let me guess it looks familiar huh? I couldn't find one on you. Maybe they made it hard to spot. You know used to be that they would zap me if I got out of line. I'm sure they did the same too you. Their civilizing lessons you see have some interesting methods to them."
A voice comes from the fire group "They built her, she's one of them boss."
He snarled and barked out "Shut up! This is about getting some revenge and she deserves to get some herself!" Calmer he then said. "You're just as much a victim as the rest of us so why not join us?" He said as foot landed not far from them.
Chi-Chi looked to see a saiyan woman in black over her hair she had a hood her face hidden from the light. She noticed a change in the mood of her captors. They were all now on edge ready to fight or flee. One mumbled the word "Witch." And the others nodded.
Chi-Chi could feel something off about this saiyan she felt quite different from the others even Kakarrot. She felt more like Korin or Kami.
The first saiyan said "Witch! What are you doing here?"
The Witch spoke in an odd manner with a mystical quality she said "Doing my King's will Crassava. Good job on taking the city all of Asci Valley will soon be under our control thanks to your little diversion."
"Well in the diversion I lost one of my soldiers!"
"I didn't say that it wasn't costly but war rarely hasn't a cost."
"Was it your plan Witch?"
"No it was the King's we need to take Asci Valley so we can take Bolete mountain and then Perithecia province and so on and so forth until we slaughter our quarry in the capital which we need to have in place before the moon turns full."
"Why the moon?"
"You have never seen it full have you? The full moon on this planet only happens once every one hundred years. Let us just say that the war in a year or two will be over after that night."
"First the One-eyed, now the Liberator is there a King Vegeta that you won't get your claws in with your nonsense."
"Our King trusts me. Do you doubt his judgement?"
"No. If you want the girl just take her. I have no wish to suffer your unnatural presence any longer."
"Careful now Captain. I might do something to you if you keep talking to me like that."
Crassava in fear moved away from her as the witch came closer. She failed to move her feet as she seemed to hover over to her. The witch flicked her wrist and Chi-Chi started to hover and the two were soon off.
Chi-Chi knew her odds were still bad, but they had improved. One on one was better than one on five. Once Chi-Chi was sure that they were far from the other she broke out of her bonds and attempted to break whatever power was surrounding her. She struggled and kicked at the witch. Which earned a grunt and her saying "Well I guess this place will work as well as any other."
They came to the ground and Chi-Chi felt herself released she charged at the witch. Easily the witch dodged Chi-Chi attacks.
"You've been trained, haven't you?"
Moving in a way she hadn't seen anyone move. The witch moved back, and Chi-Chi used the Solar Flare on her. Chi-Chi fired at her with all her might which seemed to do nothing to the witch. Either she knew it was coming or could sense energy. She has gathered that the other saiyans couldn't do like Kakarrot at the begin.
However, Cheech had done something. The over cloak of the saiyan was mostly burned of revealing something shocking. It was a white robe that at its center had red circle around the symbol for 'Kami'.
Chi-Chi was shocked as she stared at the witch with a magnifying glass. The woman had droopy spikey hair almost reminiscent of a similar palm hair foe of her's. Her eyes were beady with bags to them and her face which screamed of age and wisdom despite her twenty-year-old looking appearance.
The witch looked at her inquisitively "So you know what this means?"
"You're the guardian…"
"Of Vegeta renamed in honor of the dead king."
"I thought you're not supposed to take sides in this kind of fight or something? Why are help murders?"
"So, I'm not suppose help my people survive in their war with a race of cowardly backstabbers. You're not a Tuffle or a Saiyan I wouldn't expect you to understand."
"I understand plenty genocide is easy to figure out."
Witch was offended "You've never lost someone to which you are empty without or nearly lost children, girl. You don't know how far you will be willing to go yet for them. I haven't found my limit yet and I pray you are never forced to find out."
"That justifies all of it?"
"It doesn't matter if it justifies it it's what needs to be done. I was like you once. Stupid, willing to hear lies and weak not in the physical but in the mental. You think we can all get along, but we can't. There are winners and losers and if you want your people to win you need to be ruthless. Better to be strong and wrong then right and dead."
"There has to be a better way."
"There is no better way just what needs to be done and if you don't do it then, there will be no future. Now tell me where you're from."
Chi-Chi shook her head, but the Witch came up to her and placed her hand on Chi-Chi's head. The Witch afterwards seemed distraught. She seemed to babble as her world seemed to crash around her.
"I worked so hard my boys they killed you. My new home dead. My people dead. Frieza! She screamed out as a yellowish light blinded Chi-Chi coming from the Witch. The world then went black for Chi-Chi again.
She awoke standing in the same spot that she was before she had shut her eyes with Mr. Popo staring at her.
"What happened?"
"You closed your eyes. You were gone for seconds in your mind at least."
"That was the past?"
"Yes, but with you added to it."
"There was so much misery there."
"War's you see tend to be miserable things."
She put together what the vision told her "You want me to kill him don't you?"
"Need you to kill him."
"Won't I be like them then?"
"It is either your soul or the world. The choice is you're of course, but the world will have to live with that choice."
Chapter 34: Two Weddings, One Mass Grave
Chapter Text
It twas the night before Bulma's wedding and all throughout the Briefs household there was not a rested eye in all of the house or for that matter anything for nearly a mile around. Bulma was going through the dresses all two hundred of them for the one time to make sure she got it right.
The 'head' of the household Doctor Briefs had shut himself in his work room desperate to find solace in his machines. While Panty was crying in her room at old picture of her let's call her 'sweet' baby girl while downing vodka gimlet after vodka gimlet.
Yamcha was up drinking and hiding in the attic from his 'lovely' bride to be. Yamcha was looking to the stars wondering about them.
So far all they had sent to the Earth appeared to be misery and hardship from his vantage point. But he had looked at them plenty of times those hard days and nights in the desert. He saw a lot more of them without the light pollution of the city however that didn't mean they weren't still a comfort to him.
The other were going to train for the Tournament. He knew that he was going to fall behind all of his friends. Worse yet was Cheech's cryptic comments about their still being trouble on the horizon. Maybe Bulma or her father could whip something up for him to train with gravity maybe or something.
Hopefully he thought Chi-Chi doing well with her training. He wasn't alone in staring up at the sky that night.
On the Lookout Chi-Chi was restless thinking of how she was going to find a way to payback Bulma for failing to show up to her wedding. Her training had was making her more powerful than she could image but what good would that do if Bulma murdered her.
Not to mention something about the first trip back in time was still for some reason on her mind. The Planet to which Kakarrot came from Vegeta. Despite the evil on display their had been for lack of a better word humanity on both sides.
Kami to was awake that night. He rarely slept lately to busy wondering of the horrors that his other half would do. He saw her on the deck of the Lookout and said to her in a soft but annoyed tone "Go to the wedding tomorrow."
"What?"
"You heard me. You're not going to be of use to anyone if you're just going to be moping about the place. We do have some time after all, but you better be back here as soon as possible."
Before he even finished Chi-Chi was hugging him to Kami's displeasure and said to her "Enough of that." He then peeled her off of himself. "I'm supposed to be god of the Earth not your friend."
Chi-Chi looked inquisitively at him "Why can't you be both?"
Kami said while not trying to look at her "Because Guardian's aren't supposed to be like normal people. Take the other Guardian you meet from your trip to the past."
Chi-Chi now curious asked him "Who was she?"
Kami seemed uncomfortable with the question "You really want to know?"
"Well yes it seemed like it was important."
"What you saw was why I can't be a normal person. A good Guardian can't have so many worldly attachments. She loved someone who died and died as a result of trying to form a bridge between worlds which she wanted. The Tuffle's that you saw are like all people, a mixed bag same with the Saiyan's. Two peoples from alien's worlds that meet each other and easily grew to hate one another. She however was chosen by Plant's Guardian to be his successor and he was a Tuffle but he chose her because she was pure of heart. Her love changed that. They killed him and they tried to kill her sons, so she killed them all. She is what the world made her into. I guess the same could be said about many a villain. As not all Tuffles were on board with the things their government did, nor was the intentions at all malicious. Both could have befitted from the others presence, but we all have choices. Sometimes we are what the world forces us to be or sometimes we are more. It's not even necessarily always a good choice because your enemy seems has chosen to be more than the world made him to be. The line isn't always so clear. For instants I have asked a child to kill. What moral god would ask that of a child? Five billion Tuffle versus less than half a million Saiyan's, all waste. Salada (the Saiyan original home world) was once considered the Universe's stable anchor. Kakarrot is the tail end of a long cycle of victims and victimizes looking to continue the cycle on Earth whether he knows it or not and the people of Earth are just foolish enough to follow along. I'd like to tell what needs to be done but I am in doubt. He has killed and will continue to kill. The chose will be up to you as telling you what to do is wrong. The world belongs to you after this. I can't see myself sticking around much longer. I have failed too many times to count."
"I don't think I want the job."
"Well you are pretty smart. Just think about it and have fun."
A glass rings out at what appears to be a political rally of some sort the Handled Trident pin on all the intendeds. Over the heads of the overseer a palm hair boy reads a banner that in big bold white letters reads 'Make Earth Great Again'.
In a smile the boy lifts one of shoulder higher than the other so as to pretend to have a hump and says into the microphone with his hand cupped into the air "Now is the winter of our discontent." The crowd chuckled at this as he fixes his posture.
"No, but seriously, folks. Humanity has been in a sort of winter for some time and it is high time we do something about it. The stars should have been mankind's domain long ago. It's been over three hundred years since man first walked on the moon and so far, nothing else has been done. Many would like to compare me to Richard the Third. A villain that killed his brothers and nephews to mention a few to seize the English crown but much like him I'd say my reputation is not so much earn as made out of whole cloth. The reason is simple ladies and gentlemen. Earth has flying cars and robots yet has a sizeable population that still lives like centuries past and I have the gall to point it out. A hand full of men own this planet lock stock a barrel and leave crumbs for the rest. This can't stand and my friend future Rep Mahgue will help change that fact. As he and I agree that the General Assemble should reflect the will of the people not of the one percent. We're going to change that fact I grantee you. For when we're done you won't be able to recognize the place."
There was furious and feverous clapping and hailing as he turned over the mic to the man he had endorsed. He headed too backstage. A mumbled to himself "I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days."
Teal intercepts him mid quoting and whispered into his master's ear "Mine Fuhrer it's already for his wedding."
The wolfish nature of his smile returned as Kakarrot's smile grew upon hearing this information saying "The plots have laid. Well then, I won't want to be tardy. As we have a special present to give to him."
The sun rose painfully slowly over the Brief's. The morning changing stress of the waiting slowly became the stress of the moment. Soon the guests gathered.
Krillin as best man was here but not Chi-Chi. They waited with Bulma tearing her hair out with her very visible baby bump even with her dress. But an hour late Chi-Chi showed up and there was much rejoicing.
The ceremony went off without a hitch with all of Bulma's obsessive planning paying off and soon the reception was in full swing, as the troubles of the world seemed to melt away for a time. It was a happy day. Filled the love of friends and family.
Launch got drunk and started to make out hard with Tien to his objection.
Krillin managed to get a dance with Tights who only made it after the ceremony was over to no one's surprise. The only surprise was that she showed up at all.
Oolong stuffed himself with cake and ended up getting kicked around by some of Bulma's other friend for some inappropriate suggestions to no one's surprise.
Dr. Brief took the time to sneak off to take a nap.
Panty and Puar couldn't stop crying either out of happiness or sadness no one was really sure of which it was.
Roshi however was not acting his usually self he had been watching Chi-Chi like a hawk and followed her when she tried to leave. Chi-Chi was very surprised her master always seem to know when something was up.
"What's wrong." He asked her out there in the cold the night advancing forward.
"Nothing just a choice I'm going to have to make."
"You always choice right and you'll do it again. I've learned to put my faith in you. If you do what in your heart, I know you'll succeed."
"I'll try."
"I know you will. See you in a couple of years or so."
"He'll be there."
"And you'll stop him again. And save the world like you always do."
Chi-Chi floated away as a full moon seemed to watch all of this from the sky above.
Elsewhere on the Earth on a crisp and clean day. In the woods were the birds were chirping and life seemed to be flourishing there was two men outside a chapel.
One of the men had an eyepatch man and was in his most formal UNIT uniform. He was drinking with his brother who was in a tux outside. The two men looked quite similar despite the eye patch. They seemed to be almost hiding from the others and taking a breath from a very stressful day.
Bill's Brother "Well it all seemed to go by well enough. Mom didn't end up preaching to me or Diane about our sinful ways. Probably because of the occasion but I bet because you didn't decide to tell her, yet did you?"
Bill chuckled at that "Well how do you think that conversation would go? Sorry my fiancé the woman I love is pregnant because we couldn't wait."
"Yeah I really don't understand how dad deals with that crazy."
"Mom isn't crazy."
"Like hell she isn't. She talks like Jesus talks to her personally. It's why I keep my distance from them and it's not like I'm dad's golden boy Major on his way to Colonel. Because it wasn't my dream to go out and shoot thinks I didn't understand."
"You know that's not all we do."
"Yeah like what? Your partner that didn't decide to show up working on a new energy source or something?"
Bill laughed at that "That's classified and it's not all shooting things. No, it's about a lot of paperwork."
"Sounds familiar."
"Come let's go back in I'm sure there waiting for me."
As soon he finished his brother head exploded in front of him his gut and blood sprayed on him.
Before he could react, he was knocked out. He awoke tied out a short time later to hear the sounds of a song beginning to play a screaming voice said, "I am the god of hellfire and I Bring you fire!"
The loud music continued as he looked in front of him to see Teal holding a rifle with a scope and a silencer cruelly smiling at him. As the monster with the palm hair came in front of him. He realized then that he was also gaged as he tried to speak but found is word muffled and the metal post and robe quite unbreakable. He looked past the two to see his vision towards the Chapel unobstructed.
"Now here's the thing Bill. You well… messed with the wrong geniuses. You tried to hurt my Grandpa and well in that's just inexcusable. But I think of myself as more of a teacher in this type of situation then an angered grandson. So, I'm about to give you a lesson that I don't think, you are ever going to forget after this day. But I'm a giver of sorts so I'm going to take somethings, but I am going to give you the lesson and a new state of mind. See after what I'm about to do. You're going to be, well a different person and this new person is going to have live with everything I'm about to do. And with the fact that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your own actions leading up to this moment. Now remember this I will be on the test." He got up real closer to his ear and said. "Don't fuck with a Gero."
He pressed a button in his hand and in seconds the Chapel blew up. To Bill vacant shock stare and Kakarrot unsubtle glee.
Kakarrot in his ear "See you in your nightmares."
Kakarrot then said to Teal "You know who I haven't seen in a while Eighter."
"I suppose we are on quite the revenge kick as it were."
"Who said anything coz about revenge I just want to see an old friend."
Bill was in tears as the two slipped away. The fire consuming his eyes as he absorbed the flames into his soul. He was back to merely glassy by the time the fire department showed up along with the police. He was silent as the police untied him and asked him question after question, but he merely stared off into the distance. It wasn't until Mai show up hours later that he said a single word while in the police station "Gero."
A time later Kakarrot showed up to a certain snowy village with his army in toe. "So, you though you could betray me and get away with it my old friend. Time for the teacher to give another lesson. Kill 'em all boys. I don't want to see a person left breathing down there."
A power suited man flew down there followed by tanks and a slowly walking Kakarrot saying "War what it's good for? Absolutely nothing Uhhuh Uhhuh." Spoken as screams rang out and his hands came out of his pants pockets.
The troopers went house to house dragging the inhabitants out of the village shooting anyone that resisted. The soldiers led them out into the snowbank handing them shovels as they burned the house with torches.
Only one remaining house was left with its occupants. That were herded outside by the soldiers. It was Suno who was left with Eight guarding her as Kakarrot approached them.
"Eighter my old comrade it's been awhile since I've seen you. How has it been?"
"K why are you doing this why are you killing these people?"
"Cheech saved this village. That's why."
"What are you making them do?"
"Eighter don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
"If I come with you. Will you let them live?"
He laughed at that "Nah I got my men pumped up to commit some war crimes I don't want to disappoint them." He flicked his wrist and gunfire rang out and it was over and the voices were silence.
The time jump is happening. The board is set the player are ready. See you right before the Tournament in the 'End of the Beginning'. And also, a Gero always pays his debts kind of like a Lannister.
Chapter 35: The End Of The Beginning
Chapter Text
Bulma was desperately rocking Trunks who was crying and being fussy. Bulma knew he would be. Somehow, he could sense when she wasn't going to be around for a while. Panty would just have to take care of him while she and Yamcha went to the Tournament.
Bulma was split on this. A three-year-old is not the wisest this to take on such a trip and she definitely needed a break from the loveable little 'pain in her ass'.
She loved him but he was constant to say the least. He was stubborn like her and well thievish like his father had been. He already showed his love of fighting in the realms of both vocal and physical.
Swords and guns everything were swords and guns too him. Worse yet he was smart enough to get into things. Yes, he was definitely her son quick with his mouth and easily able to figure out any puzzle. She knew for the love of Kami; she needed a break.
She had packed all of her things and thrill thought came to her mind she hadn't seen any of her friends in years. Chi-Chi and all the other would be there. She knew about them but as always Trunks, lately everything had related back to him.
She was practically skipping as she went down the gravity room. Yamcha had practical begged her to make it so he could keep up with the others. He had got up to ten times and not much farther than that. She found him taking a nap. He might have said that he was determined but in practice he was still quite lazy. She was bizarrely on split on this too.
Part of her liked that Yamcha constantly used her and Trunks as a reason to get out of training for days at a time. But the other half was frustrated that he never put his all into anything not her the training maybe Trunks but still he just seemed to lack drive and well some pride for that matter.
She entered the chamber and went over to her sleeping husband. She kicked his bed then said, "Wake Up!"
"I'm up." He looks at Bulma curiously and asked. "What's up babe?"
"It's tournament time sleeping beauty."
Yamcha jumped up and processed to flex with a smile on his face saying, "Finally I feel like I've been waiting forever for this." He grabbed his arm. "Wait until I show them how strong I've become."
Bulma rolled her eyes thinking 'He's always so confident but can never backing it up'.
"Let's just see if you can make it past the first round this time."
Yamcha sighed looking defeated "Okay. What did I do this time?"
Bulma also sighed "Nothing it's just dealing with Trunks. I just need a vacation."
Yamcha smiled at her "Yeah I suppose so. Alright let's get Puar and head out. "
They left the house and headed to the airport taking the private jet to head for the Tournament.
Krillin had gone back to Roshi's after his training with Korin. He had trained the hardest he could. There was no way that he was going to let himself be one shoted again like he had been with Tambourine.
He had of course had a lot of time to think about things. Seeing Tien and Launch fawn over each other had made him realize something in himself.
What he felt about Chi-Chi. When he had first meet her, he was of course irritated with her. He had wanted to be Roshi's only student and the monks had made it clear at his temple that girls were not allowed only to be compounded by the fact she beat him.
By the time the world Tournament came around however that was gone. He had stopped being angry about her beating.
Sure, he wanted to catch up to her only to find she was now league above him each time, but it didn't sting. What did hurt was seeing that monster hurt her at the Tournament. What did hurt was not being able to see her all these years.
All he knew was that even though he knew he wasn't going to win. It was going to be worth the trip just to see her again. He didn't know how to classify all of this, but he did know one thing he needed to try and talk to her. He already had thanked her for saving his life but now he knew he had to say more.
"Hey Mr. Broody, are you going to help me finish packing or are you just going to stare some more off into oblivion?"
Krillin looked back at Roshi from off into the far blue distance. He had grown taller since most of his friends had seen him but not that tall. He just knew that the other were all going to still tower over him.
"Yeah, I guess. You know if you didn't insist on bring your 'entire collection' we wouldn't have so many bags to bring. We'd go from ten bags to three."
Oolong injected "Shut up Master knows what he's doing bring his collection."
Roshi laughed at that "Hah you think that this is my 'entire collection'."
Krillin sighed and thought about how irritating living with these two had been for the last couple of years but it was better than crashing with Yamcha and Bulma like they had offered. It was a matter of perspective but perve beats baby in his book.
The group got the rest of the bags into the sea plane and they were soon off.
Chi-Chi had gathered up what little things she had and prepared herself. She had grown into an adult since she had first come here. She had known a little bit from what Bulma had told her, but the rest Kami had filled in on what that meant. She had wanted to grow her hair out long, but she realized it was a better idea to cut it, so she had.
The worst thing about it is that when cut her hair irritatingly decided to freak out and spike up. Not to a super degree but enough to give her reminders of who awaited her down there on the planet below her.
Her daydreams were getting worse all the time. Her girlish dreams of just kissing him had long since been replaced by far more graphic dreams about him. She always tried to shake them off, but they were like the monster himself deceptively sweet at first until they became far more like what she would expect from him. It was like they were from him, but she knew they weren't.
'What does that say of me if I still want that asshole?' She thought. There was no answer just more wondering. 'What am I going to do?'
Kami had stepped into her room and she looked and smiled at him. "So, have you decided to come to the Tournament?"
"No. 'This' old body couldn't take it I don't think. Besides Earth has its champion I see her here before me."
She hugged him and he cringed. He pulled her of himself and said, "What have I told you about that sort of thing?"
"Sorry. Forgot. It's just…well I'll miss you and Poppo."
"Yeah. I will too, but you can visit anytime. Now go save the world."
She nodded in agreement as she grabbed her weighted orange and blue gi and was soon gone. Leaving Kami alone there in the room.
"I might not be able to stop Kakarrot but my other half I can. I know you care about me a lot but it's already a rigged fight against him alone. I'm done but at least I will have given the Earth a fighting chance. Piccolo I'm coming for you."
Launch was stomping her feet. Tien said it would be wise for all of them to have breakfast before they left but where was Chiaotzu? Tien had already made it clear that well it was best that either he or Chiaotzu did all the cooking.
She stormed out of the cabin that they had made for themselves in the mountains and in Blonde form came upon them quickly. On the top of a hill they were waited her three favorite men. Tien, Chiaotzu and of course Kunlun in his little basinet.
Now far less annoyed she came over to the nice picnic. Her boy burped and smiled at her. As her green hair flowed in the wind. It had only been a while since she had gain control of both world as it were. It was still a nice change to things to not worry about her entire world changing the moment she sensed. Not that it had completely gone away after all she just now switched between light green and dark green it just didn't do anything. She was also glad that her son when he came out also had green hair of what two strains he had.
"Figured you'd like to eat with a view."
"It is quite the view."
She came over and sat down next to her son. Tien handed her a small glass of wine and she chugged it in one gulp.
"Aw. I can't believe I just spent nine months without the good stuff." She looked at her kid. "I hope you get the sacrifices I've already made for you."
The three eyed baby blinked it was like he was trying to understand but couldn't. He yawned then his hands reached out to her. She smiled put the glass down and grabbed hold of him.
"Well I guess that's it for the wine for the day. You better hurry up and start eating solids."
"He's not even a month old."
"So?" The two chuckled as she brought him to her bosom. "You know you owe me both of you."
"Yes, I know. I'll get you an expensive meal if I win against Chi-Chi."
"Not if when. I'd do it myself but thanks to this milk sucking poop factory " She said in baby talk. "I'm going to be a little indisposed." Kunlun giggled while suckling. She asked him. "Oh, you think this is funny huh?" Baby didn't response. "That what I thought."
The mood soured though as a new thought came to Launch's mind.
"What are you going to do when you have to face him?"
Tien looked up into the sky as the silence seemed to become more deafening. He had a far away look in his eyes.
"I don't know honestly. I'll have to find out when I see him. He's a danger to the entire world yet he is still in a way my brother. I'll have to see what Chi-Chi wants to do then go from there."
"That's not much of an answer."
"I know but that's all I can say."
"Just remember that I'd ready to jump in if you need me. No way am I just going to watch as the world go into the shitter without a damn good fight first."
The four had a nice chuckle as they ate and were soon off for the Tournament.
Mai walked into his house and cringed at the smell of the place. Her friend had only gone downhill since she had last seen him. The Major was living in filth. The place smelled like booze and decaying trash.
Worse yet he kept going on missions. If he had a good work ethnic before now it was a compulsion.
He had kept asking for the most dangerous missions. The shrink said he was now self-destructive and nothing she had seen of him disproved the theory. Her friend was in a bad place she could see that. Hopefully, he won't be too mad that she recommended that they place him on leave.
He was sleep with a bottle in his hand on a bed which the sheet that were once white now yellow tinted. It was disgusting to say the least but there was no fucking way in hell she was ever going to judge him. She thought 'It would miracle if I would look this good after all of this.'
His unshaven face was on pillow which was clearly on a revolver. She hoped there was a bullet in that gun with his name on it, but she would lying if she knew there wasn't one. She lightly shook him, and he awoke. He was groggy barely able to keep his eyes open. She knew he had to be hung over or still drunk.
"Who is it?"
"Major it's me."
"Oh Mai." He closed his eyes again.
"Major I thought you should know the Tournament begins tomorrow."
His eyes slammed back open and he went to sit up. He looked beyond miserable to her. His gaunt features more prominent now. He just wasn't eating enough by the looks of it.
"We have confirmation that he'll be attending."
"Titan actual doesn't stand a chance. It would be a stupid idea for you to try it."
"The new tech could…"
Bill shook his head 'no'. "He knows. He has it on his end. Best you'd do. Is give him that accuse to begin his assault on the planet. The Tournament is his red-letter day. The victory at which he will probably use as a signal to take over the world."
"How can you be sure?"
"I've spent every second of ever day thinking about it. The Tournament is going to host everyone on this planet that might stand a chance of resisting his take over. Beating them means he can uncontested take the Palace and the world with it."
"I guess you have been thinking it through."
"Best we can do is play support for those guys and gals when needed."
He got up from the bed wobbling and barefoot.
"What are you doing?"
"Going to take a cold shower and throw up then I'll be joining you after a quick shave. They all aren't going to die in vain not on my watch."
Mai looked him deep in his eyes "This isn't going to be you last mission."
"I can't make that promise."
"The hell you can't. I'm not taking you along if this is you committing suicide."
Bill tried to look away but instead she grabbed him by the face and again looked him dead on in the eyes. He sighed and said "This isn't about dying this is about living. I won't just lay back and watch all of this shit that about to go down without fight. She deserves better than that. They all do."
She nodded in agreement "Alright. Are you going to need some help?"
In a dark room a light came on highlight a palm haired figure standing in the middle on of stage. He was a tall and well build monster. He was shirtless only wearing a sort of stole draped over his chest hung around his neck.
The stole had on it the handled trident symbol running down it black with the symbols in white. The scars on his chest and arms were quite visible. His red tinted sunglasses gleamed in the flood light. Above him was a giant portrait of himself in shadow wearing armor smiling.
Kakarrot with his hand stretched out as to also hug someone "My children our time has come today. Many of you seem to think that this is all the beginning of the end, but this is not that. This is the end of the beginning. You have all done me proud these last years. Our black flag is on the rising and their white flag have been rising and flailing in the wind. What I have seen is the triumph of our will. The will of what mankind should be. Not what they have tried to force you to be. Homo Superior that is what you and I are going to be again. You were warrior's before you let them clip you my children. Make no mistake you could fly before them. What separates me from you is that I have more of the pure blood of the ancient race of super men. The inferiors took that from you by interbreeding with them and their filth. But now is the time of the fight back. They exterminated my people because our blood was becoming closer to perfection and they will do the same to you when you try it. But you have something on your side now… me. You have me. My people had not the need for gods but the one and only true god of this universe War. I have heard your cries out there from the black void and have come. To see the strong triumph over the inferior. I have taken the form of Kakarrot Gero but I am all men as I am no man and so who I am is quite simple. I am Ares god of war or Mars if you would prefer. I came here to ignite in you all the blood that is your purpose. Homo Superior was a race of men that had spiky blonde hair, blue eyes and a thirst for battle and mayhem. The false gods feared them and tricked them to pollute their blood. We are going the start the roll back on this process. Starting with the Earth ending with the universe. The time of my ascension has come my children. They called you bigots before me. They will soon call you master because threw me you are all going to fly. Be ready for the call. You will know it when you see it. Valhalla awaits all of you my brave warriors who die for me."
The crowd of officers he had been speaking to then all cheered and heiled. He drank in for a time and then taking a bow like an actor would heading to the backstage. There he was getting back into his suit as Teal came in.
Teal looked miffed as he said to the monster. "The plane is ready to carry you and the others to tournament Lord Commander."
"You hear their cheers Teal? They drink my blood and believe they are but my children." He chuckled at that. "They lap in all up like the hunger wolfs that they are. This will only be a taste of the blood I plan to feed them. The blood of worlds is waiting for them and by drinking it they will be forever tied to me. I will change all natures of this small world and they will never forget me." He sighed. "Why are you angry?"
"I kind of wanted to see you my lord in action and the looks on their faces."
"I need Green and the young devil. I need you elsewhere when the time is right. Don't worry there will be plenty of chances to see the slaughter and that least in this way. You'll be able to get in on the fun yourself once our purge of this planet begins. We have a shit ton of people that we need a killing and you're just the man for the job."
"I suppose so, but I want the recording of what happens."
"Don't worry there will be plenty of cameras. Take care of my old friend in the basement while I'm gone." He said with a chuckle.
Kakarrot was soon off and Teal bid as he was instructed. In one of the subbasements of the headquarter he went to the chained up Eight. Ki blocking chain on him giving him a glow. Torches used to light the room. The massive steel door the entire place made to look positively medieval.
Teal tapped on the door and said to him "Rise and shine buttercup. You get to watch our Lord take on the world tomorrow."
Eight not bothering to look "Your Lord Commander is nothing but a monster."
"Do I look like a man who gives a Fuck?"
Chapter 36: A Night To Remember
Chapter Text
Bulma knew that she and Yamcha was going to be the first ones there. The airport was packed but she knew Yamcha couldn't sense anyone here yet on a count of the fact he wasn't dragging her around anywhere.
The flight had been long had she had hope everyone would be here so they could just register, and she could go to the hotel. But something here was indeed wrong however and it was the level of security in the airport.
In Tournament past sure there had been a lot of security because it was a big event. But this time they weren't all normal cops or airport staff. No these were army guys and not just Royal troops but KRA troopers in full uniform with their black uniforms and glowing red eyes.
They were creepy looking to say the least. However, it only confirmed what she already suspected. He was coming here too, worse yet there were some in the crowd that seemed excited by this fact. That handled trident was on plenty of people's shirts and tattooed on people's skin. The Saiyan Imperial logo they called it. It was his logo and it had very much spread.
She remembered what that boy had tried to do to her on that mountain all those years ago. She wasn't food damn it. It made her sick that these idiots were buying the shit he had been feeding the world. But if Chi-Chi beat him fair and square at the Tournament however, it would be over and maybe everyone would get off the Kool aid before it was too late hopefully.
Bulma, Yamcha and Puar stood there for quite a while until finally the others started to show up. First Krillin and Roshi came along with Oolong. It was surprising that Krillin had grown at all to her. He was still short but at least he was finally past her knees. Krillin rushed up to them.
"Hi guys. Long time no see. So, where's the bundle of diapers?"
Bulma now angrily asked "Really that all you're going to ask us?"
"Well the kid is more interesting. Don't you know how it works? You two are just the kids carrying case."
Yamcha laughed and said, "Babe lighten up he's just joking with us."
Bulma sizzled and brooded as Krillin and Yamcha caught up.
"So, man how was it up there on the Tower?"
"Amazing. That cat knows somethings I tell you."
"Korin's a Cat?"
"Yeah weird isn't. But I suppose the King is a blue Yorkshire terrier so it's not the weirdest thing around."
"Sure, but still I wonder what then Kami looks like?"
"Yeah I always imagined a fat bald smiling guy."
"I always imagined a white hair super tall old man with a long beard."
"Cultural differences I guess."
"Who knows maybe after all this you can go and train with him like Cheech did."
It was then that something showed up that took their voices away. They were left all speechless by a green haired Launch holding a green hair three eyed baby next to Tien and Chiaotzu coming out of the crowd and coming towards them was seen.
Bulma knew they had been seeing each other but still she didn't expect this. She at least expected a phone call at least with this kind of major news damn it. Everybody stopped what they were doing and rushed over to the happy couple.
Krillin and Yamcha were quick to give their congratulations to Tien while Bulma was over to Launch and her babe in a heartbeat. She was quick to examine the boy like it was a piece of art.
Bulma giddy said "Oh my Kami they always so cute at this age."
In a baby voice Launch said, "Yeah the poop factory is quite adorable."
Bulma sighed at her comment "Oh Launch."
"Hey all I have to do is say things with a cute voice and he'll laugh at it. He doesn't understand jack yet and I'm taking advantage.
Bulma then gave an angry look to Launch who cringed a little at the bluenette's furry. "So why am I only finding out about this now?" Kunlun shifted in Launch's arms uncomfortable at the sudden change of tone.
Launch gulped then put a brave face saying, "We were busy, and I didn't think of it."
Bulma darkly then stated, "I expect a call next time." Her voice then changed to a much more cheery tone. "So are you too married."
"Nah."
"Nah?"
"I hate dresses and seem like a lot of money. Its better I spent it on something I want to spend it on rather than some stupid ceremony."
"Oh well I guess that's one way of doing it. Can't say I could ever see myself doing that, but I guess to each their own."
"So, Tien, you and Launch." He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah." He nodded with a smirk.
"Cool."
Krillin sighed then said, "Man everybody but me."
"Cheer up buddy you haven't even been tried anything yet. Theirs's still Cheech you can work your magic on."
"I don't know. Would she even go for me?"
"You certain won't be wooing her with that attitude. Look man you can win her over I mean Tien was a complete ass when we meet him and Launch still went for him."
Tien glared then sighed at Yamcha over his comment, he chuckled "Bro you can't angry you know it was true."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I need reminding of it."
"Right. Sorry. Krillin just let the master instruct you and I'm sure you'll be able to score."
Tien sighed and rolled his eyes while Krillin seemed to be desperate to hear what he had to say.
Everybody was frozen in conversation again as out of the crowd Chi-Chi made her appearance. She had come here in her nimbus only coming here because she had sensed them all here. The little girl that had saved the world had just been replaced by the woman before them.
To Krillin it was like something out of his dreams. In her orange and blue gi. Her short black hair. Her onyx eyes and well-toned features. Krillin was in a different universe as the others came to her.
Bulma hugged her and said "Oh my Kami Chi-Chi it's been so long! How have you been? How's it been going?"
"Fine. I've only just training for this day."
"With the way that you train I don't think anyone could beat you. By the way can you set an argument between me and Krillin. What does Kami look like?"
"I'm sure you all trained hard and as for Kami…well he kind of… wait why does Launch have green hair and a baby with three eyes?"
Launch laughed at that "To answer your question the hair is about finding some inter-peace crap and the babe is about a night well it was more a week of nonstop fun leading to me getting knock up. You know you can't drink when you're pregnant or breast feeding for that matter. I knew about the pregnant part but the breast-feeding part a real bitch."
"So, Tien and you?"
"You see any other three eyed people around kiddo?"
"Wow I guess I did miss a lot. Speaking of which Bulma. Where's your kid?"
Bulma "Well Trunks has been quite the hand full lately. I figured he would just be fussy, so I left him with my mom. Me and Yamcha kind of needed a break from the little hell raiser. I figure after the Tournament you can meet him."
"I'd like that."
Roshi who had been ginning looking at the three-woman talking came up behind them and then said. "Girls I think it's time for a group hug." He said while getting right up close to them. Launch and Bulma stared daggers at him.
"Aw come on just one little hug?" His hands were coming towards their bottoms. Launch growled and then uppercuted him on the chin. Sending him flying into the air to the shock of the crowd. The boys sighed while Bulma was drinking it in. Oolong piped up.
"We can't bring him anywhere."
"You're one to talk pig."
"Hey, I'm a lot more subtle then him at least."
The group burst out into laughter as Roshi picked himself of the ground grumbling about he was just trying to be nice. The laughter was soon silenced as the fighters suddenly became quite quiet. As a presence had just made itself known.
Chi-Chi first then the others rushed to a window. To see a plane with a KRA logo and a handled trident tattooed plane having landed. It wasn't long up until he and his entourage were at the terminal.
He looked just as her dreams predicted. He was tall and muscular even with the military dress uniform on. He had on a ton of medal had he had probably given himself. He had the same palm hair and the same devil's grin. The red sunglasses however were new, but she knew he would be soon wearing his armor with his onyx eyes visible soon
Her body was yet again betraying her heart skipped a beat even as she knew what he was. He flashed the peace signs to the crowds that had gathered to meet him. They were fools she knew.
Yamcha said with his look of disgust "Well that just turns my stomach."
Krillin said visible angry "Asshole looks like he's having fun."
Chiaotzu tilted his head and said, "He doesn't feel much stronger."
Tien shook his head and said, "We can't underestimate him guys."
Roshi sensing the deception said, "Don't be fooled he must have been training as hard as the rest of you. This is just another one of his jokes."
Launch spat at the ground "The creep ought to be taught a lesson."
The others nodded in agreement.
Roshi, Launch and Tien's eyes went small when they saw who was coming from behind Kakarrot. A green turban headed familiar looking demon with a cape and a purple gi with at its center a handled trident.
Chi-Chi sighed thinking 'Just what I was expecting I hope the others don't get wind. A panic is all we need right know.'
Tien whispered in her ear "Is that?"
Chi-Chi whispered back "I'll explain later."
She knew there was no putting this off, so she waited along with the others. The cameras of the media were poured in as the crowd became unruly. She knew he was coming. She did know what he was going to say or do but she was getting ready.
He came towards them with quite the racket. People were asking him question after question and he was just waving them off. It was after one of his henchmen pushed one reporter out of the way so that the two's eyes meet. Chi-Chi felt her heart speed up she even felt herself becoming hot.
He was getting closer about to speak when some people moved between Kakarrot and Chi-Chi. Not her friends but cops. A man wearing a bullet proof vest with the word Marshal on front and back. A man with a cowboy hat with a badge that said Sheriff on it with. Along with a few Swat team and a Sheriff's deputy without a hat in black sunglass and black gloves.
Chi-Chi sensed their nervousness something was about to go down. The Marshal yelled out "Kakarrot Gero you are under arrest for the murder of Master Shen of the Crane School."
The airport in its entirety then became deadly silent. The tension in the room became omnipresent. As everyone with a gun in the airport clutched at their firearms. There were people in the lanes of fire everywhere.
Chi-Chi did some mental math, and there was no way would she be able to take all of them out in time. A bunch of people were about to die, and she couldn't stop it. This was not the place for this at all.
Everyone raised their guns as it looked as though this was about to become a blood bath. The stun Kakarrot then smiled and started to laugh out loud. Piccolo and General Green who were behind him then started to chuckle as well.
Kakarrot darkly said "Alright." He put his hand up towards them locked together to make it easier. "Well what you waiting for little man? Let's see how well this goes for you."
"Well Deputy put the cuffs on him."
Sheriff looking at the henchman "Maybe this isn't such a good idea Marshall."
The deputy was hesitating staring into the black holes that are Kakarrot's eyes. The Marshall was becoming frustrated.
"What are you doing arrest him damn it!"
"Marshall if you haven't noticed your about to start world war fucking three right now."
"Shut the hell up! Deputy arrest him already!"
The Deputy backed a way as the Sheriff sighed and put his hand on the Deputy's shoulder. The Marshall getting pissed
"We're leaving."
"WHAT!?"
"Excellent choice Sheriff. Marshall you should be thanking this man. He may have just saved your life."
The Marshall violently pointed at Kakarrot "This man is a murderer!"
The Sheriff looked around at the very crowded airport, boasting children and maybe a thousand or so people then said, "Yeah I know."
The cops took off with the Marshall in a huff. Kakarrot gave a look at all of the gang. They cringed or gave a dirt look depending on who it was. He then looked at Chi-Chi and with a smile and said, "Be seeing ya."
Kakarrot and his group were soon off as the people in the airport then remembered how to breath. The registration for this Tournament was far easier. They signed up and Chi-Chi was a little disappointed that Launch won't be attending but it made sense and Chiaotzu decided to bow out too.
The day was easy too as everyone was catching up as they ate, and Chi-Chi was asked stories about her training, but something was bugging Chi-Chi as she was getting ready to go to bed while a thunderstorm was raging outside.
Last time he went monkey and killed Shen there was a Tournament. There was no way that if he started to lose this time, he won't do something similar. The airport had nearly turned into a blood bath. She had to get him to agree to not do something like that again.
She chastised herself but she felt compelled to at least try. She left her hotel out the window and came to his hotel. He was in the executive suite. He wasn't at all hiding himself at all. His window was even open smiling sitting on his king-sized bed like he had been expecting her.
The room had plenty of flowers and had an aroma to it. She didn't know how but the place smell like him. He was out of his uniform and in a grey gi like the one from the last Tournament even down to the red sash. Her mind was flashing back to the boy from that time on that romantic night.
Chi-Chi dripping wet cold at first but not caring in the least about it "I've come here to ask you to leave the others out of this. This is between you and me. You can't just freak out and start killing people."
Kakarrot chuckled at her "I agree but the thing is I'm not competing so it's sort of a mute issue."
"What?!"
Kakarrot was smiling a curious grin "Oh its true. I am merely going to observe this time."
"What game are you playing and what are you planning"
"Games are for children and I'm not planning anything."
"Yeah like I can believe that!"
"Then why are you here?"
"I told you…"
He interrupted asking her "If you don't believe my word then why were you here to ask for it in the first place?"
He got up and she felt herself shiver a bit as he walked over to her.
"Why are you really here Cheech?"
Chi-Chi stared into his eyes her checks bright red after looking into his eyes "I think I hate you."
"I'm still not hearing an answer Cheech." He turned from her. "Well if that is it then I guess I'll be seeing you…"
Chi-Chi grabbed him by the arm and spun him around and she then kissed him deeply. The two sucked face as Chi-Chi's hands came to his chest removing his gi.
For but a second he pulled her off and said grinning "Now that's what I thought." Their faces pressed back together as he started to remove her clothing and his tail wrapped around her waist.
The thunder clapped as the lights went out and the dark and stormy night only seemed to become darker and murkier. It seemed destined to go on forever before the mourning could vanquish it and its horrors.
Elsewhere on the planet an eye patched man was looking at a ship with the Capsule Corp logo on it. It was big. The size of a two-story building. It had plenty of quarters a living room and two bathrooms.
The doctor had made it to stay in deep space for years. He had given it water purifiers, waste recyclers, oxygen refreshers the whole nine yards. It could keep a team alive up there for years.
Mai came over to him and said to him. "So, you like it."
"Worse comes to worse it might be home."
"You like the team I assembled as well?"
"I have to admit you did your homework. They will make a good strike team. This might mankind's last hope."
"Hopefully not. Cheech normally has this sort of thing in the bag."
"I'd agree with you, but have you ever heard of Murphy's Law. The long and short of it is that everything could go to shit very quickly. Better that we have back up plans."
"Well we'll find out tomorrow now won't we."
"Yeah I guess we will."
Well so that was a poor decision to say the least by Chi-Chi. Can you tell I just played Farcry Five? And anyone else believe Kakarrot about not having a plan because if so, I have a bridge I want to sell you. Tournament begins next time. I'll be seeing yah.
Chapter 37: What A Shame
Chapter Text
Kakarrot looked out the window for but a second then looked to her on the bed. He was and she was too. He seemed to enjoy the sunlight which was showing her to him.
She had slept in what she had that night like she was guilty of a crime. Most likely because there wasn't any sleeping that night. 'Man, she is going to be sore' he thought while looking her over with care.
Hopefully that wouldn't affect her today. He wanted some fight in her when he stepped into the ring. He was glad she didn't buy his story as he had no intention of not fighting at some point today.
She was nice and cynical of him now just like he wanted. She was also now doing things she wanted that she shouldn't, just like he wanted. 'That pure hearted woman sure hadn't acted like that last night.' He thought chuckling to himself.
His chuckling woke her. Her eyes slammed open and horror was on her face. She knew what she had done and made her want to throw up. She thought chastising herself 'Why didn't I control myself last night? And why can I still feel him in me?"
Holding back tears and vomit she asked slash stated, "Could you get out of me?"
Kakarrot sickly sweet said "Sure thing honey." He moved out of her. His finger itched his nose. "You know you talk in your sleep. I guess I'm just that good. You know we could do some more if you'd like?"
Chi-Chi humiliated and ashamed barked out "Just shut up!"
Kakarrot sarcastically asked her "Why don't you want to cuddle and chit chat?"
Chi-Chi said in a growl "Fuck off." As started to move off the bed but was halted by Kakarrot's arms grabbing hold of her as she struggled.
"How about we play a game? I'd be the dumb pure hearted husband, naïve as fuck and you'd be the sexually frustrated housewife." In some familiar hick sounding voice he said. "Oh, Cheech I don't know what this sex stuff is but if it what you want me to do. I'll give it a shot."
Chi-Chi got out of his grasp and then turned to bitch slap him which she did as hard as she could. A ribbon of crimson came from his nose. His demeanor didn't change in the least. He merely stopped trying to pull her towards himself and instead put his right hand to his face.
"Oh, how did you catch on to the fact I like it rough?"
Chi-Chi nearly screamed out "I hate you!"
Kakarrot staring directly into her eyes "Well if I remember correctly it wasn't me forcing myself on you was it? No, it was you coming over here to have some prime thick cut of meat from yours truly and I happened to deliver on that account if you can recall. How many times did I make you cum? I can't seem to remember did you keep count?"
She stared daggers at him behind her eyes was a storm of rage and furry. She raised her fist and he grabbed it.
"Save it for the Tournament honey buns. You'll need it if you want to stop me from killing all your friends." Her lips twitched as she growled with rage. She was seeing red. "You look so hot angry you know that?"
He let go of her and violent pulled away from him and quickly gathered up her things as he watched.
"You know we should get married. Like you promised me."
She growled and he laughed at her. She was soon in her gi and out of the window. He itched himself saying "Well that was fun."
There was a knock on the door. Kakarrot said "Come." Green then opened the door and saw his sort of nephew naked. He cringed, sighed and averted his eyes.
"O come on! Clothes please!"
"Right. Like you get to order me around."
Green sighed at him again "You asked me to wake you for the Tournament."
"Yeah I know. I was just hoping she was still going to be here when you came and did that."
"Sir what do you mean?"
"I mean it would have made her all the more embarrassed. The look that would have been on her face."
"Okay. Whatever you say my lord. You know we could have got better seats by the way?"
"Yeah but then they would be looking at me the entire time if we took box seats."
"My lord I must hazard a far more serious question. Why are you letting Piccolo compete and not yourself? I thought you beating her was the plan?"
"This has kept you up all night hasn't it?"
"No, just what happened to be thinking of with all the noise." He said with a chuckle.
Kakarrot smiled at that "I can't be seen as the aggressor in all of this and the way I cooked up is going to be a lot more fun. Take heart General uncle I already won this fight before it even started and by the setting of the sun the KRA black flag will be flying over the entirety of the Earth. The actors have all taken their place the stage is now set so let the play begin. No way to escape, no hope of rescue and no chance of reprieve. In short you ain't seen nothing yet.
"Pretty sure I saw everything my lord."
"Not true. I have been told a naked man has few secrets, but a fayed man has none. Not that I think I will be able to fay them, but some skull trophies do sound nice. However, I guess you're right. Time to get dressed. I got to be in my best armor for today. I will have use of it to earn my crown."
Chi-Chi started crying the moment she was sure that he wasn't following her. She hated him now. She was sure of that but now she couldn't help but hate herself. She felt lower than low. She knew who he was, but she still gave herself to him. Her first time was now with him.
He was a man who had killed and hurt so many. A snake that she had just jumped in bed with. She was hurling every insult she could think at herself.
She could barely see as she entered her hotel room or when she laid down on the floor. Last night was way too fresh. The poisonous images and feelings still everywhere. She wanted them to go away, but they didn't leave her. It was like he was in here taunting her still.
It was then that a knock came to her door with Bulma saying to her "They Cheech its Tournament time girlfriend. Time to show that asshole up."
Then something came to haunt her. She wondered what her friends would say of her. Would they shun her?
Hate flooded her mind as she thought of him. She let him in, and he took everything. She had to kill him one part of her thought.
Hurriedly she fixed herself up. She splashed some cold water on her face in the bathroom. To get rid of the tears. She got on her gi the non-weighted kind, after all there was no need to training today. She knew she needed to tell her friends, but she didn't know how, maybe she'd tell them after the Tournament.
Chi-Chi came out of room expected them to know the moment they saw her. Breakfast was awkward to say the least. Everyone else was talkative but Chi-Chi wasn't.
Krillin kept trying to talk to her but she was giving single word answers. It was good that they weren't noticing except for Tien. He was the only one that seemed to notice her look of guilt. Chi-Chi realized this and tried to avoid eye contact, but she could feel his stares.
She desperately wanted to scream out to them but couldn't. She couldn't imagine what would be worse, whether they ostracized her or pitied her. Both were terrifying prospects, and both made her feel ill.
But in this waiting for Tien to finally come over and say something to her was interrupted when Yamcha went over to Tien and asked "Tien, Chiaotzu is going to make it so none of us are going to have to fight each other until the actual Tournament right?"
"Yeah that's the plan. Along with that Green guy and Kakarrot."
Chi-Chi felt the need to interject. She knew he wouldn't be competing, but they would ask how she knew that fact. She knew his words weren't the whole truth, however, he was planning something by him being him. But after that exchange the pressure that she was getting from Tien seized and she felt she could now breathe.
The prison sentence that was breakfast concluded and they flew over to the Tournament. While flying Tien came over to her close and asked her "Is this about the guy that looks like Piccolo?"
Chi-Chi sighed in relief. Tien didn't know about last night. She said to him "Kami told me about him. He's King Piccolo reincarnation." He gasped. "Kakarrot found him and has been training him since. I think he came here for revenge, over me killing his father."
"Great more people here now to kill us all."
Chi-Chi nodded at that "Yeah terrific I know."
Her heart dropped when she saw what was wanting for them at the entrance. It was Kakarrot, Piccolo and the allies. He winked at her. She was sure he was going to blurt something out at them but instead he went to Tien and said to him in his snide way "Just remember all will be forgiven brother if you rejoin me. I'll even let you keep your new family."
She looked at his goons as they left. She had heard of Kami talk about it wearily. The men in the armor. She really couldn't sense any power from them, but she guessed that didn't matter. Their armor looked more like his. They were different from the typical soldier. Their full body armor then proved itself as it allowed them to fly after their cruel master. They were like something out of a science fiction novel with their gold visors and futuristic space armor.
Kami said that the Royal's now had the same thing. She guessed that meant there would be a more people flying around here with access to powers. Yamcha growled.
"The nerve of that guy."
Krillin shook his head and said, "He's just trying to scare us."
Launch shouted out loud enough so he could hear "What an asshole!"
Tien whispered to himself which Chi-Chi heard "I once called him brother."
Chi-Chi then looked to see the grinning face of Piccolo. He must have known. He was after all at the same hotel. It must have been such a wonderful moment for someone that must have hated her so much. Win or lose last night was going to be hard to live down.
She thought to herself 'I can't see this day getting any worse.'
Kakarrot took his seat and Green his seat next to him. Around them were the guards in their power armor.
"It's quite strange to be here again. It's been far too long."
Kakarrot chuckled at him "The blue on your face when I turned."
"Hey, you're an unstoppable killing machine my lord. There was no way you weren't killing me."
"True uncle but that doesn't mean you had to be a baby about it. "
"Hey Gero, was just as scared as I was."
"Well he had no need to be. I would never kill my grandpa. I don't care what blood rage I was under. Besides I've got control now of that form."
"You know my lord still haven't told me the plan."
"Oh, ye hath little faith."
"I'm your general and your uncle, I think I can expect a straight answer without the run around my lord."
"Fine when Chi-Chi takes the stage against our demon all will be revealed. The world will then be ours and we can take a breather before we begin galactic conquest. Now just sit back. It's going to be a long day after all."
Bulma and the others were soon taking their seats. Bulma and Launch giving the evil eye to Kakarrot, while Oolong just cowered. Once they got settled, they began to chat amongst themselves well aware of the douche above them.
Launch asked Bulma snidely "You think you husband is even going to make it past the first round?"
"Hey, he just ran into some bad luck. Roshi and Chi-Chi were both going places. I'm sure this time he will make it a lot farther."
Launch said with money signs in her eyes "This time my Tien is taking home the gold and I'll be able to buy one of those mansions and the finest of whiskeys." Kunlun giggled at his mother's happiness. "See even the poop factory agrees with me."
Bulma grumbled at her "Yeah from a biased source."
Launch getting anger asked, "What was that?"
"I said 'fake news'."
They angrily stared at one another as the others slowly moved away from them and Kunlun got really silent.
Kakarrot above them said "Now that's a fight I would pay to see."
His words reached down and the two turned back to him. The two then at the same time said "Asshole" and that seemed to calm them down.
The Preliminaries soon began with Chiaotzu from behind the walls making it so none of them had to fight each other. The fights went as easy as the first two times. Sure, they sometimes looked imposing but ninety nine percent of them didn't know ki or could even follow her moves.
She didn't even need to pay attention to her opponents she was too focused on the real competitors. Piccolo's offspring seemed just as bored with his opponent's. He was cleaving through them like a hot knife through butter. Taking time to give her a stare each chance he got.
Then there was the werido known as Hero that seemed too kept accidentally winning his matches. The man was thin as a rail. Normal looking with an odd sense of fashion and facial hair. He acted nice but she kept feeling something familiar from him.
And then there was mystery woman. A black haired, blue eyed woman wearing a black t-shirt with the handled trident on it. She looked constantly angry giving Chi-Chi a dirt looks each chance she got. She seemed to have a grudge with Cheech not that she knew who she was.
The preliminaries then ended with who Chi-Chi had expected to win, winning. They were led out to the main hall were the Announcer was waiting for them. He seemed a little older with some grey's slipping into his blonde hair.
"Oh, the familiar faces. Well it looks like half of you are returning contestant. But for the new faces basically the same rules of no weapons and no shots to the groin are the same except there is no time limit. Also do not take forever. We have cheap crap we need to sell and no swearing this is a family blood bath. Thank you very much.
One of the contestants said, "All about the kids." He said with his barrel tone deaf voice which seemed made to sell things to stupid people.
"Right? So here how this will go. I call your name you gave to the staff you pick a number ball from that box with the hole in it and that will decide the order that you'll go in and your opponent. Alright that simple enough? Now Mr. Satan?"
"Oh Yeah! That's me baby!" He said as loudly as possible to everyone's annoyance.
He ran up almost flexing his muscles as he did so. He was admittedly a strong looking man for normal standards, but his Ki was almost non-existent. He had black hair and blue eyes and a mustache that he apparently put a lot of work into. He gave an oily impression to her like he was a used car salesman. He was probably completely untrustworthy.
He took out a ball it said six. He looked over to her and winked at her and for the millionth time today she felt like vomiting. He came over to her and trying to be smooth came over to her and said, "Maybe you'll be number five baby."
She really felt like cracking his skull, but way more important shit was going on and she couldn't see the upside on man-slaughtering this guy.
"Chi-Chi." She came forward feeling his eyes on her ass almost hoping it would come out five so she could legally break every single bone in this assholes body. She wanted one thing to go right today but instead it came out one.
"Hero." The faking old man came up in his bumbling way and pulled out eight. Chi-Chi knew she had sensed this aura before she just couldn't put her finger on it.
"Yamcha." He took out four. He seemed relieved that it wasn't two.
"Prince." Piccolo came up he took out a ball that said five. Chi-Chi couldn't help but be happy maybe Piccolo will horribly humiliate him she thought.
"Handled Trident. Really? That's kind of a mouth full you know, that right?" The angry woman came forward pushing the Announcer out of the way. She took out a ball which said two on it. She looked rather pleased with this outcome as she looked at Chi-Chi like she was planning on disemboweling her. Clearly this was personal or something with this woman.
"Krillin." He came forward pick out a ball that said seven on it. He was grinning probably thinking that his fight was going to be easy, but Chi-Chi knew the truth Hero was not who he seemed to be.
"And I guess that makes Tien number three. Well follow me out to see the crowd."
They all followed him out the crowds cheered as they made their appearance. Chi-Chi's eyes found Kakarrot's quickly. He made her sick but at least if she beat Piccolo again whatever plan he had cooking would be foiled and she would have stopped him again. They got in line.
Announcer shouting into his microphone said "Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the Twenty Third World Martial Arts Tournament. We have eight of the finest martial arts the world has to offer here including the returning champ Chi-Chi literal royalty as she is the Queen of the Ox Nation. Now the first round will go as follows. Chi-Chi versus Handled Trident. Tien versus Yamcha. Prince versus Mr. Satan and Finally Krillin versus Hero. Call me crazy but I got a feeling a lot is on the line and this is going to be one off the walls Tournament. So, don't touch that remote, don't blink and don't you move off your chair because the World Martial Arts Tournament is beginning and you're not going to want to miss a thing."
Kakarrot's just pure scum isn't he.
Chapter 38: Round One
Chapter Text
The others left the stage as the two women were left up there on the stage staring at each other. Chi-Chi couldn't help but be wonder about this other woman.
She seemed to have some power but not a whole lot. She was absolutely sure that she had never met her, but her rage suggested otherwise. She dressed like a fangirl of Kakarrot, yet she noticed the curious look on Kakarot's face. Which suggested that he didn't know who this was either. He looked like he struggling to trying to remember her.
Mystery woman having seen Chi-Chi looking at Kakarrot was growling "You don't know how good you got it slut!"
The Announcer smacked his face thinking to himself 'Why do I even talk to these people? Time for more angry emails.'
Chi-Chi's eye twitched at that she growled out "Screw you."
The drums beat down and the Announcer yelled out into the mic "First Match Chi-Chi Versus Handled Trident. Begin fight!"
The mystery woman was quick to charge Chi-Chi. She seemed fueled by rage. Her technique was haphazard, unrefined she was self-taught by Chi-'Chi's reckoning. She put up a lot of punches that were quite easy to deflect. She kept going with her nails for Chi-Chi's throat. She seemed not to care a wink about the rules and was just trying to kill her.
Mystery woman yelled as she was attacking "If it wasn't for you, he wouldn't have been too busy to remember me. You hurt him; you bitch!" She said with a desperate gasp.
Chi-Chi used the outburst to knock her a way with a kick. The Mystery woman seemed to be unaware of how out classed she was in this fight. Chi-Chi wasn't even trying but she was far too busy in a blind rage.
"You really shouldn't be getting this worked up over that asshole. You should have more self-respect than that. I don't know what you think you owe him, but I guarantee you're wrong. Kakarrot's evil to the core and he will just use you like everyone else. It's all he does."
Kakarrot hearing this sort of nodded while thinking to himself "She'll not lying."
"You're wrong I owe him everything! He helped me get revenge for my father. He's a true hero unlike you."
Chi-Chi thought to herself 'Yeah a father he probably helped kill in the first place.'
Kakarrot hearing this exchange smacked his head "Oh that is who it is. Tanman, damn it's been awhile. Man, I've got to stop making promises to little girls and not really caring if I follow through on them."
"How many little girls did you make promises with?"
"Somewhere north of twenty I want to say."
"Awe that's my little heart breaker."
"Grandpa may have taught me most things uncle but your advice with women I always follow uncle."
"Awe the memories. Awe the army of X's I have, constantly howling for my blood. Sending me bombs, snakes and weaponized anthrax."
"Wait isn't Teal your son?"
"Yeah probably. I really hate condoms."
Chi-Chi said to Tanman "Alright I've heard enough."
Chi-Chi seemed to disappear only to reappear in front of Tanman and then with a single punch knocked her out of the ring. Tanman went falling backwards onto the grass.
"Handled Trident is out of Bound. The winner of the first match is Chi-Chi!"
Tanman looked both horrified and shock as the crowd began to clap and cheer. She ignored the hand that Chi-Chi had offered her. Tears filled her eyes; she ashamedly began to walk away.
When a whistle came from the stands that seemed to overpower the sounds of the crowd. It was from Kakarrot, who was grinning and gave Tanman a head bob that suggest she come up to him.
She nodded with great enthusiasm and came running up on to the stands and over to him. He gave a look to Chi-Chi as Tanman came to him like he was making some sort of statement. He grabbed her ass as she came to him.
Chi-Chi sneered and turn from that direction thinking to herself "I should have killed him that day. I feel sorry for her. She really is probably blind to what he really is."
Kakarrot asked her "Tell me did you learn all that on your own?"
Tanman now said with stars in her eyes "Yes I tried to remember everything you did to those soldiers but mostly I made it up."
"Well for just making it up you did pretty well. I bet if you had a teacher you could do much better. Would you like to sit with me?"
Tanman was giddy as she sat down next to Kakarrot. She wrapped her arms around his left arm and hugged that arm closely. His tail wrapped around her waist.
Bulma and Launch felt like gaging at that sight.
Bulma thought to herself 'Who would ever sleep with a monster that that?'
Launch meanwhile thought to herself 'Dumb bitch is in for a rude awaking I'm sure.'
Kakarrot thought to himself 'I bet this pissing Chi-Chi off something bad. Man am I good. Just wait, she's going to beg for more after a while. Might take a while after this day but she'll break just like they all do. Just like this world will break. I can see them all heiling now. Enjoy the world as you know it now folks because after today it won't exist anymore."
Chi-Chi made it to the side lines to the applause of her friends. She still felt guilt but they were making her feel better.
Krillin excitedly said to her "Well you showed that crazy lady the what for Cheech."
Yamcha asked her "Yeah I mean she looked like she wanted to kill you who was she?"
"I don't know. I don't think either her or I ever met."
"That proves she's crazy. Who can hate someone they haven't met?"
"Whoever she is she's quite chummy with Kakarrot." Tien said cringing while watching Tanman and Kakarrot make out blatantly and hard.
Chi-Chi looked quickly then turned her head back and said "Forget about that. You and Yamcha enjoy your match."
The two nodded with only Yamcha noticing that Chi-Chi seemed anxious to change the subject.
He thought to himself 'Why has Chi-Chi been so nervous today? It all stems from Kakarrot. Is she scared of him or is something else going on? It almost like she did something that she extremely regrets.'
Tien patted him on the shoulder. Taking Yamcha out of his thoughts and the two came out on to the stage.
Launch yells out at Tien "Show pretty boy the grass, three-for."
Bulma then yelled out "Go Yamcha! Show him what millions in RND can really do! Trunks is watching."
Both men gave their nods to the woman that maybe were more invested in this fight then they were.
Yamcha smiled and said "I guess this will decide which one of us gets to lose to Chi-Chi."
Tien chuckled at that "Maybe, so did you actually train or am I not going to break a sweat."
"I think my friend your about to find out."
The drums picked up and the Announcer said, "Second match Tien versus Yamcha!" The two got into stance and Announcer yelled "Begin fight!"
They faced off both trying to see a weakness in the other. The good friends then seemed to disappear only to reappear in the center of the stage. They punch at one another in a fury. But it was clear by the first punch who was at the disadvantage.
The match may have started out even enough, but Tien was starting to overpower Yamcha. Clearly Tien had put a lot more into his training than Yamcha who was on the defensive.
All of Yamcha punches were not having much of an affect while Tien's were chipping away at him. He was getting desperate as a result and in that desperation, he yelled out "Wolf fang fist!"
In amazing speed Yamcha smashed his fist into Tien's face and as he was reeling from that then deliver a punch to his gut. Tien gasped in pain as he was then leveled to the tile on one knee. As fast as he could Yamcha charge up shouting 'Kamehameha'.
Tien grabbed the blast, but it encapsulated him and pushed him back. There was a small explosion. Tien was laid out on the tile.
Yamcha was panting as he looked at his friend that he had just given everything he had at. He knew in the back of his mind what was coming, and it did. Tien slowly got to his feet. Yamcha's blows had hurt but they didn't stop him.
"Damn man. You're hard to put down."
"It was a dumb move for me to let you charge up. I promise you I won't give you a second chance."
Yamcha sarcastically then asked, "Funny who said you let me charge up?"
Tien cockily said, "I did."
Tien then went on the offensive. Yamcha tried to block and counter them but was quickly overwhelmed. He was being driven back and to the edge of the ring. He had to do something. He tried sideswiping Tien but instead found his ass hitting the grass instead. Yamcha had left himself open to try the attack and Tien had exploited it.
"Yamcha has been knocked out of bounds. The winner of the second match is Tien! We will now take a few minutes to repair the ring."
Tien in a smiled reached his hand down towards Yamcha and asked, "No hard feelings?"
Yamcha then smiled "No hard feelings man. I may have been a little busy these last few years. I kind of knew this was going to happen."
Tien pulled him up "Yeah shit happens man."
The two laughed as the crowd seems to enjoy their comradery. Bulma sighs in disappointment as Launch while holding her baby attempted to do a dance sitting down. It mostly just involved her feet moving her around with shoulders bobbing up and down.
Tien and Yamcha made it to the sidelines as Piccolo floats up and hovers over to the stage. His moccasins land on the tile as Hercule comes out. He makes some sort of guttural roar when he got to his mark. Which seemed to get the crowd going.
Hercule points at Piccolo. Piccolo who looked aggravated by the everything of his opponent grit his teeth.
Screaming Hercule says to him "Hey Big Green." Piccolo cringes at that nickname. "My name is Hercule Satan. The future world martial arts champion. Here to lay you out and make you cry for mommy. So, prepare to feel the Pain!" The crowd cheers in excitement.
Kakarrot said to Green with Tanman listening "If Piccolo kills this guy. Our little surprise will be ruined."
Green said back to him "True but you can't ask him not to do it. I mean come on."
"Yeah but it would be really annoying."
Tanman in curious asked "What surprise?"
Kakarrot panted her on the head "Nothing you need to worry you pretty little head over. Just sit here and look beautiful for me okay."
The drums sounded and the Announcer yelled "Third match The Prince versus Mr. Satan! Begin fight!"
In a howl Hercule charged at Piccolo and punched at him only to find that Piccolo wasn't moving. Hercule with all his strength punched repeatedly at Piccolo's chest only to find his hand was broken.
Piccolo annoyed asked "Is that all the power you can muster?" From his folded arms emerges a finger that points up to the sky. It glows and then a beam comes from it, which jets out into the heavens. It explodes in a dazzling light show. Its force being felt by all who were present.
Piccolo then said to him in a dark voice "You are nothing, nothing at all little man. A rat amongst tigers. Your world is about to crumble. To be replaced by one in utter darkness. Run little man if you wish to live. Run and hide like the scurrying rat that you are. Flee to whatever rock you can hide under because if you don't everyone you have ever cared about will be ripped apart in front of your eyes while you watch."
Hercule was blue in the face. He turned from Piccolo then ran off the stage. To the massive disappoint of the crowd who were yelling obscenities at him.
"Mr. Satan has run out of the ring. The Prince is the winner of the third match.
Kakarrot laughed at this craven act and Chi-Chi grinned taking just a bit of pleasure at that man's suffering.
Hercule however took out his phone while he was running. He yelled into it "Miguel honey pack up our things were running that man with the eye patch from UNIT was right!" There was a response back. "Listen honey you don't understand! The end of the world is coming, and we're going need head for the hills if we're going to survive." He hung up and was soon out of the stadium. Hailing a cab as soon as he could.
Krillin stepped forward. While Hero almost tripped on his shoe lances as he stepped forward.
"Go out and get them Krillin." He blushed at Chi-Chi's words as he came out to the stage along with Hero. The group in the stands cheered.
"It seems like you're really popular."
"Yeah I guess so. You know I won't be that hard on you old man. I don't know how you made it to the first round, but I will gentle."
Hero grinned at him and said "Oh thank you so much young man. I'm glad you're going to be so generous with an old man like me. It much appreciated even though you might regret that decision shortly."
Krillin smiled at him and said, "Whatever you say old man."
Krillin thought to himself 'I'll just give him a tap and carry him out of the ring.'
"The next match is Krillin versus Hero." The drums picked up. "Begin fight!"
Krillin immediately charged at Hero intending to give a little punch and push him out. But as Krillin came unguarded mind you toward Hero he found the old man had cowered in just the right way that in the moment of truth Krillin struck empty air. Hero then bobbed his head upwards so that the airborne Krillin got a head-butt to the chin.
The head-butt hurt and Krillin went reeling back as he yelped in pain.
Piccolo, Chi-Chi, Roshi and Kakarrot were then all a bit surprised and on guard.
Piccolo thought to himself 'What was that?'
Chi-Chi thought to herself 'How did that hurt Krillin so much?'
Roshi thought to himself 'Those movement were no accident.'
Kakarrot thought to himself 'Great another fly in the ointment.'
Hero looked at the pained Krillin and asked, "Are you okay son?"
The crowd burst out into laughter oblivious to the reality.
Krillin cheeks became red in frustration as he looked in anger at Hero and asked, "How did you do that?"
"What?"
Krillin thought to himself 'Something wrong. That wasn't luck or chance.'
Yamcha laughed at that "Man I feel sorry for Krillin. That's some bad luck."
Chi-Chi said to him "That wasn't luck."
Tien nodded in agreement.
Yamcha asked her "What?"
This time at fully force Krillin charged at Hero who then began to simply dodge all of Krillin's punches. The crowd shut up as they were then stunned as both Hero and Krillin took to the air.
Krillin kept hitting air while the taps that came from Hero seemed to all hurt. Krillin pushed away from Hero and landed on the tile.
Krillin looked up at him "Okay so you're not exactly what you appear to be."
"Didn't your master ever tell you, to not judge a book by its cover? You really rely too much on your eyes."
Piccolo sneered and thought 'I know that condescending holier than though tone anywhere. So, Kami thinks he can interfere with my revenge huh? It will be a pleasure to beat him into a coma.'
Chi-Chi thought to herself 'Oh no. Why didn't you trust me Kami? I didn't even do that until after registration. This must have been his plan all along.'
"Well the act is over, and I guess that means no holding back." He shouted out the words 'Kamehameha' and sent the wave at Hero how then promptly sliced throw the wave like it was nothing.
Hero then came at Krillin throw the wave. Forcing Krillin to stop him attack. He tried to defend himself but was soon overwhelmed. He was on the defensive as he was pushed back to the edge of the ring.
Ferociously Krilin tried to fight his way back but it was clear that he had lost the match. With only a tap to his head Krillin was sent onto the grass and the match was over.
"Krillin is out of bounds. Hero is the winner of the fourth match. The first round of the World Martial Arts Tournament is now over. We will now pause for an intermission before the second round begins."
Hero's hand reaches out for Krillin who seems at first in shock but then gladly takes his hand.
"Oh man, oh man you pack a wallop." He was picked up by Hero.
"You think? I was starting think that age was starting to affect me. True is despite this form I'm kind of a lot older than I seem."
"What like eighty?"
"Uh more like three hundred and change."
"What!?"
"It's a long story friend."
Launch was grinning and said "Well the next match is going one badass fight. My Tien wins that fight he wins the Tournament."
"Like Tien stands a chance against my home girl. She already beat him in the final round last time around."
"My baby daddy has been working his ass off the last three years just for this moment. There ain't no way he's going to lose.
Kakarrot sighed at that last fight then he said "Well that was underwhelming. Hey Tanman if you accompany to the bathroom. I'll show you a taste of some of what to come."
She nodded quickly and looked ecstatic. "I'd love to."
He said to Green "See you at the concessions Uncle."
Chi-Chi approached Hero and she said to him "We need to talk master."
Hero frowned at her and said "I suppose we do. About a great many things."
Chapter 39: Round Two
Chapter Text
Edited by hi ace50
Far away from the crowds and the ears of her friends, Hero (Kami) and Chi-Chi found a place to talk. It is a cold and sterile room in the bowels of the Tournament backstage, a room for perhaps meant for the wounded. No natural light reached the inside, the only other occupants of the room were a white sheeted bed and some medical supplies.
Hero looks at her in a sad way and says, "It was wrong of me to give you this responsibility. I will deal with it."
Chi-Chi barks out a question "What?"
"I made a real mess of things. I should have handled this on my own from the start. Your job is over. You can leave if you want."
"Is this about what I think it's about?"
"Not at all. It's just well… in light of recent events perhaps it best that you are not… well the best mind set to make some calls that require… clear judgement."
Chi-Chi nervously says, "I knew it. I made a mistake that I regret but I'm learning from it." Bitterly and angrily she then states in her fury. "Kakarrot is scum. I'll never let him touch me again."
"That's my point. Your angry, humiliated and ashamed. You're going to act without thinking things though. Yes, he needs to die, but acting recklessly is not going to help the situation. I don't know what is happening, but there is some sort of plot in motion here and you can't just go stumbling into it."
"I already know all of that. You think I'm stupid? He has some sort of scheme in mind. I will crush Piccolo again and put an end to it."
"Cheech you're not listen to me."
"I am, and what I'm hearing is that you don't trust me anymore." She then stormed out of the room.
Hero sighed and said to himself "It's not you I don't trust."
A while later the Announcer got on the intercom and said on it "Will everybody come back. The Tournament is about to continue."
Bulma and the gang came back they seem in good spirits laughing and joking having ate their fill. They are soon followed by Tanman, Kakarrot, his henchmen and a bunch of security guards that attempted to stop him from performing some lewd acts in the men restroom. They did not succeed.
Chi-Chi comes back to the sidelines having not even close to being cooled off. She stands side by side next to Tien who looks at her puzzled by her fury. She looks at him and sighs then nods her head.
"Welcome back everyone. In here and out there to the World Martial Arts Tournament. We have a special treat with this next match. These two were the winner and runner up respectively of the last Tournament. Chi-Chi Ox Queen of the Ox Kingdom and Tien Shinhan of the Crane school. Last time these two fought the ring was blown up, doppelgangers were made, and a car was made into a pancake. It was a long-fought fight. Let's hope these two allow the ring to stay intact for all of our sakes."
As he spoke Tien and Chi-Chi came out onto the stage.
Tien smiled and said to her "Been a while."
Chi-Chi smiled back at him "Yeah but this time I won't need a car to help me win."
"Oh, so you think you're going to win this?"
"Think it? I know it friend."
"I'll be glad to prove you wrong."
They got into position and stance. The drum beat down and the Announcer yelled out "Begin fight!"
The two charged at each other and both came out swinging. They were moving faster than the audience could see went they swung at each other, neither gave ground and neither seemed to take much damage.
Kakarrot said to Green as they were watching "They are playing with one another."
Tien jumped back as Chi-Chi seemed to give a harder punch that he dodged. He fired a dopon ray at her that she deflected into the air. She throws a blast at him the he easily deflected as she closes the distance between them. Both land some blows midair and at the same time they kick off each other.
The two took position as the skidded to a stop on the tile. The crowd cheered as they took a breathier.
"Well I'm surprised those punches actually hurt."
"Your surprised? I'm surprised that you were even to keep up with my movements."
"Well I guess then were both full of surprises. Probably because you're not taking this seriously."
"I will when you do."
Kakarrot smacked his hands together and yelled out "Called it!"
Chi-Chi snarled hearing his voice as Tien charged her. Their fists met, and a burst of wind came from the spot. The two seemed to put everything into this as energy crackled from their bodies. Despite putting everything into this however, Tien was being pushed back.
Kakarrot thought to himself 'And now she is playing with him.'
Tien jumps back only to be followed by Chi-Chi. Mid-air she uses his chest as a punching bag before kicking him to the tile. He lands with a thud creating a crater.
Launch yelled out angry to Chi-Chi "You better not have killed my baby-daddy cheech!"
Chi-Chi lands on the stage looking at the spot where Tien landed in a smile, she says to him "Get up, that wasn't powerful enough to knock you out. Stop playing possum."
Tien got up. Blood was coming from his mouth. He looked a bit cut up. Clearly, she had hurt him a little.
"You have one hell of a punch Cheech."
"And you thought it won't even hurt you."
"That was some false bravado on my part. I knew you won't be so easy to beat."
"And who says your beating me?"
"I say I'm beating you."
Two more arms sprouted from his back and his know four index fingers pointed at her. He opened fired as she took to the air. In the air she dodged the first set of four and then three of the next set of four. The last one she grabbed in her hand and chucked to the ground.
Like a torpedo, headfirst she went speeding at him. Using his four arms he caught her, and another battle of wills began. He was then once again being push back as he tried to hit her head to stop or slow her. It didn't work.
He was driven back to the edge of the ring. As quickly as he could he dropped to the ground then tried to toss her to the grass. But instead she grabbed ahold of him. She pulled him above her then throw him to the grass. Before he knew it, his ass was on the grass and the match was over.
"Tien is out of the ring. Chi-Chi is the winner of the match and will advance to the final round. The next match will begin shortly after we fix up the ring."
Tien was laid out on the grass looking a bit shocked. He looked at Chi-Chi and asked her, "How much were you holding back?"
"Is that something, you really want to know right now?" Said as she held her hand out too him.
Tien grabbed her hand and pulled himself up and said "That much huh? Well I guess training with Kami has some real benefits."
The crowd cheered as both of Tien's and Chi-Chi eyes went to Kakarrot's sarcastic slow clap as he grinned at them.
"Is it odd that he still looks like my brother after all this time."
"He's good at worming his way into your head."
Tien then chuckled and said "Everyone but you."
Chi-Chi face went sour and said, "Let's get to the sideline."
On the sidelines Hero and Piccolo were staring at each other.
Chi-Chi and Tien walked up to Yamcha and Krillin who were watching this stare down.
"Yeah they have been doing this for a while know. Something tells me these two have some sort of beef or something."
"Yeah it's kind of a long story. Let's just say they hate each other."
"I could have told you that."
Tien whispered into her ear "When are you going to tell them?"
Chi-Chi whispered back "When I need to."
Quickly the monks when to work fixing the stage. As the two had a face off.
Kami thought to himself 'If I can take Piccolo off the board. Maybe beating Kakarrot won't be such a longshot.'
Piccolo thought to himself 'I bet he thinks he can stop me and save these worthless humans. Well he is in for devastating reality check.'
The stage was fixed as the two flew out to the stage landing in the right spots.
"Why did you pick such an ugly disguise?"
Hero said while taking stance "You shouldn't be so judgmental. Considering the way, you look."
Piccolo growled while taking stance and the Announcer said as the drum picked up "The next match Prince versus Hero." He yelled out. "Begin fight!"
The two stood like statues staring at one another as the crowd got restless.
Roshi watching this thought to himself 'I don't like this. I hope who ever this is understands who he is up against.'
Kakarrot thought to himself 'Piccolo better have this under control. If he fucks this up, slug tasting or not I'm taking a bite out of his head."
Bulma thought to herself 'Why do I always feel like I'm missing something? Why do I feel like an epic battle is happening right know and I'm just staring at two guys staring at each other?'
Launch thought to herself 'I knew that asshole looked familiar. He's King Piccolo just smaller and younger. Why didn't Chi-Chi say anything.'
Oolong thought to himself 'Why do I feel like my life is yet again in mortal danger? Why do I even hang around with these people? Maybe I should run?'
Puar thought to itself 'Oolong going to run I can feel it.'
"Could one of you please throw a punch?"
He asked as the sky went dark. An unearthly glow came from the two. Purple from Piccolo, Blue from Hero. Thunder clapped in the sky as the two moved up towards one another midair.
The two met in a hurricane of punches. Energy seemed to seep from the two as some of the garbage on the ground seemed to levitate. The blows from the two seemed to be felt by the crowd as they were struck with silence.
Piccolo side swiped Hero buried his fist into his gut then kick him to the ground. Hero hit the ground hard. As the ground gave a good shake at the blow dust came from it.
Chi-Chi thought to herself 'What are you doing Kami? I'm the only one with a chance against either of them. Piccolo is a lot stronger than you. You said it yourself so what are you doing?'
Piccolo landed on the tile and said to the crater "Old man what are you doing? This is hopeless. Your old and weak. You barely trained a day in your life. While I have been training since I was born. I have been training for this day. Face it. This time I win. This world is going to face a fate worse than death."
Out of the dust came Hero without a scrape on him but a little out of breath. In a glare he looked at Piccolo and said, "I may not be a spring chicken but that arrogance of yours will be your downfall little prince. It's the same arrogance your father had."
Piccolo grinned at well sort of himself "Maybe it's arrogance, but it's still the truth you see. Dad didn't have a very good teacher like I do." He while still looking at him with his thumb pointed to Kakarrot.
Hero looked to Kakarrot who gave him a two-finger salute.
Hero said in serious tone "He's betrayed everyone else. Why won't he betray you too?"
Piccolo laughed at him and said to him "Interesting, trying to get in my head. Quite pathetic considering we share the same mind. I know that's an empty bit of self-serving paranoia."
Hero smiled at him and said, "Maybe but it wasn't me who was thinking it."
Piccolo growled then charged him angry. He easily started to kick the old man around, rag dolling him. He seemed intent to kept him away from the edge. Hero seem incapable or unwilling to defend himself as Piccolo kicked him around.
Hero began to take damage as all he seemed focused on doing was sticking around to take all the punishment that Piccolo could dish out. The crowd all seem shock and scared watching this with the exception of all but a few.
Kakarrot laughed and said "You know I should be angry with him for not finishing this like now. But I'm have a hard time caring because it's a lot of fun watching him kick this helpless old man around."
Green laughed at that "Yeah this is kind of hilarious."
Tanman joined in with the two laughter, despite clearly not being amused with it in the least.
Launch and Bulma gave their group a dirt look, which they didn't notice or care about if they had.
Hero was coughing up blood as Piccolo stood over him smiling and clearly enjoying himself.
"What did tell you? You didn't stand a chance against me. You can't imagine how much fun this is for me, can you."
"I imagine it was the dream that kept your monstrous brain alive for these last couple of years." He got to his feet. "They'll also have to keep you sane I imagine for the next hundred or more years or so yet."
Piccolo sighed rolling his eyes "And what's that supposed to mean?"
Hero took out a little jar that must have been made of some really strong stuff considering it had been kicked around with him. On it were some wards. He chucked it to the center of the ring as a green aura surrounded him. In his hand was a cork. Piccolo's eyes went small much to Hero's joy.
"You're reign of terror ends before it begins. Time to show you to your new home for the rest of eternity."
He moved his hands and the green energy of the wave surrounded Piccolo leaving no room to escape.
Chi-Chi gasped and shout out to him "Don't do it! You'll die Kami!"
All her friends asked at once "Kami?"
"Feel that Piccolo. It's all over!"
Piccolo smiled at him and said "You know that we work on the same mind, right? And that we have the same kind of powers?"
The energy reversed its flow know encircling Hero who looked both shocked and confused.
"If you know how to use it, I know how to use it too, except I'm a lot stronger and not an old cripple."
Hero dropped the cap and was suck into the air as Piccolo cackled. He yelled out "What a fool I've been. I'm sorry Chi-Chi you'll have to face him on your own. But I won't have this man share my fate."
He shed the man that he was apparently possessing. Kami was then sucked into the bottle. Faster than lightning Piccolo picked up the cap and placed it in the bottle sealing it. Piccolo was panting like it had taken something out of him, but he was still standing.
The crowd was shocked not having understood a single thing that had happen all except Kakarrot. He stood up and began to loudly clap like he had seen a ground-breaking play or movie. He then whistled and yelled out "Encore!" a few times. Piccolo took a bow to this absorbing the adulation of his master.
Announcer began the countdown not realizing that the fight had already over. Announcer "And Ten. Well that's its folks. Hero loses by knock out. Prince has won the match and it will be Chi-Chi and him in the final round of the Tournament. We will now take a short break before the final match and decide who the world champion is."
Chi-Chi however was stunned. She was angry with him but all that was gone now. Piccolo was coming to the sidelines. Tien at her side and Krillin and Yamcha at her back. He came towards them holding the bottle in his hands.
"Hand it over."
Piccolo grinned at her and said, "You didn't say please."
"Alright. Please hand it over."
"Well when you ask like that…" He tossed it into the air and then ate it whole as the others cringed. "I guess if you want it, you'll have to go digging. Sorry about that. I'm just so clumsy. I guess this means you won't have him as backup. You'll just have to rely on these 'fighters' you call your friends. I'm going to love hearing you scream and watching you bleed."
"I'm going to kick your face in and pull Kami out of your throat."
"Good luck." He walked away slowly trying and succeeding to irritate her.
"Okay I'm kind of tired of being left in the dark here. Who is he?"
"Yeah. What going on Cheech?"
Chi-Chi sighed and said, "He's King Piccolo." They gasped. "Well his reincarnation. He was raised by Kakarrot and came here to kill me I guess."
Krillin and Yamcha asked simultaneously "You have to be kidding me?"
Chiaotzu gasped having mental read Tien's mind and heard what she had said.
Yamcha in an accusatory tone asked, "Is that all?"
"What?"
"Is that all you have to tell us?"
She looked at him questioningly.
"I feel like there is something else you're not telling us. Is there something that we need to know?"
So that's a cliffhanger. Let's hope she makes the right choice. The fate of the Earth is on the line next time and to raise the stakes. It's the last chapter of a Red Son. It's going to be a long one and I want to make correction to all the old chapter first so it might be a wait as it were but I promise I will finish a Red Son before in a month or two.
Chapter 40: Resistance
Chapter Text
Edited by hi ace50
Announcer shouting "And here it is people. The final round of the World Martial Arts Tournament. May the contestants now take the stage." (Both Chi-Chi and Piccolo took to the stage. Chi-Chi walking, Piccolo floating.) "Chi-Chi versus Prince. The final match is about to begin."
The Chi-Chi took stance while Piccolo just stood there his arms folded. She noticed that he didn't seem to be powering up. The drums beat increased and then stopped. The Announcer yelled out "BEGIN FIGHT!"
Before the Announcer had finish, Piccolo had floated up and landed outside of the ring. All done while keeping eye contact and that smile on his face. The crowd and Chi-Chi were stunned.
Announcer "Well it appears that Prince is out of the ring. So, it appears that Queen Chi-Chi Ox is yet again your World Martial Arts Champion."
Over the loud speakers he was interrupted as music blared it was the voice of British sounding man. 'I am the god of hellfire! And I bring you. FIRE, I'll take you to burn. FIRE. I'll take you to burn. I'll see you burn." The music continued as Kakarrot got up from his seat and landed on the stage with that grin on his face.
Kakarrot "Did you really think it was going to be that easy?"
Chi-Chi grinned "No I was actually kind of hoping for this. But why not join the Tournament proper? Why the ruse?"
Kakarrot "Please, why would I want to fight you with these stupid rules in the way. I want to fight you now with no rules, and with the audience. I want you to be able to kill me with the world watching."
Chi-Chi "Well come on then bring it!"
Kakarrot "O in just a couple of minutes…"
Announcer trying to sound a respectful as possible as he remembers that hair "Good Sir, the Tournament is over. It's a little late to enter. You'll have to come back in three years or so."
Kakarrot "Nah this is can't be held off anymore."
Kakarrot appeared in front of the Announcer and took the mic out of his hand without the Announcer even reacting. He flicked him away. He reappeared in his old spot in front of Chi-Chi.
Kakarrot howled into the mic to the crowds cheering "Well how but that Tournament everybody, and how but your two-time champion folks! Show her how much you love her!" (They cheer louder.) "See that Cheech they love you. You're their hero. You're their white knight, their paragon of virtue. I mean you are all of that and so much more. I mean I should know after all we do know each other intimately." (Chi-Chi's eyes got smaller. Her knuckles turned white. She knew what was coming.) "And I don't mean were friend folks. I mean I banged that very virgin drum not twenty-four hours ago." (The crowd suddenly got real quite as they sensed a change in the mood.) "I mean she was desperate for my D. She came to me for it last night. I mean me, the man that her friends in the Royal government called a 'Fascist plague', the leader of a country that her's declared war on. The little slut wanted it from me that bad she was willing to betray her people and her friends for me. Now I know your saying to yourself 'Kakarrot these are some damning accusations you better have some pretty good evidence.' Well I'm glad you brought that up because I happen to have some evidence both audio and VISUAL!" (His finger pointed up and there was a blimp showing a graphic video of the two of the them having sex, while over the loud speaker came the sounds of that night.) "People just disappoint you, don't they folks? After all she's about to start a war." (He said to the camera's.) "By the way, for all you out there, the signal is when she hits me."
Things were moving in slow motion for Chi-Chi. She looked to the faces of her friends, their faces said it all it. It looks of betrayal and confusion, it was peppered with shock and disbelief. She should have trusted them. It was another thing to be pissed at herself over. She then looked at him. He was enjoying himself. That arrogant fucking monster was enjoying himself, seeing her suffer like this. Her vision went red, her nails dug into her palms to the point that she started bleeding.
She charged screaming as loudly as she could "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!" She punched him as hard as she possible could on his check. He went flying away into the stands and ended up smashing into a group of people that were crushed to death by him.
There was shouting and screaming as Chi-Chi looked to see the damage she had done. Her red eyes started to pour, her lip quivered, her face had a look of shock and horror. She hadn't wanted or planned this. So many were dead or injured, at least a hundred or more.
Out of the rubble he came. There was a red mark on his right check from were she hit him. It looks like it had hurt him, but not by a lot. He looked still quite amused and it hit her why. He let himself get hit and go limp, he wanted this to happen. Kami had been right she had let him get in her head and this had happened.
He came to her giggling and said to her "O Cheech look what you have done." He said in a fake shaky voice meant to sound panicked. "All those innocent people that you just killed."
From the still standing stands came a loud voice of Roshi yelling "ENOUGH!" (They looked.) "That's enough monster! We all know who really just caused that tragedy! If you want to fight Chi-Chi like this, then you have to deal with me first."
Chiaotzu stood next to him "And Me!"
Launch handed Kunlun to Bulma and said to her "Protect him." Bulma said back "With my life." The two nodded with each other than Launch got to her feet and shouted, "And ME!"
Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin all three shouted from the sidelines "AND US!"
Kakarrot grinned and said to her "Looks like they're still willing to protect their golden whore." (He shouted out to them.) "Good to hear." He snapped his fingers.
Suddenly Piccolo was in front of Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin. Ten power-suited henchman and Tanman also appeared in front of Roshi, Chiaotzu and Launch. Out of the suits came what appeared to be ki blades from their arms encircling their right arms. Out of their right shoulders came blasters pointed at them along with missiles on their left.
Kakarrot "There, that should keep them occupied while we have our one on one fight."
Chi-Chi "You son of a bitch! You planned all of this!"
Kakarrot "Well, yeah. No shit. It took some imagination on what you were going to do on my part, but you acted exactly as I expected you to act. You really wanted me despite everything I am. Destiny brought us together. Moreover, even after all this horrible business has finished, I know you will be able to forgive me. I mean your going to be Empress of the Earth, but like a wild stallion, I realized I have break you first. By killing your friends and showing you that I'm the only one on this planet for you." He snapped his fingers again and all hell broke loose.
Teal while watching these events play out and smiled as his view screen changed from the Tournament to a skyline view of West city. He was in his black uniform with a black hat with a pin on the front flap which had the handled trident on it. He pressed a button that placed his voice all over the giant flying wing that they and his troops were in.
Teal "Ladies and Gentlemen. I am glad to inform you that the other shoe has finally dropped. Our god of war has engaged the enemy of human progress and it is finally time to strike. As we speak, all across the world our allies and our comrades in arms have taken to the streets to overthrow the weak plutocracy that rules this planet. Today will be the triumph of our will as we have been tasked by the Lord Commander and General Copper to take the corrupt heart of the capitalist oppressors empire. Mainly and to the point, we are to take Dr. Trunks Brief, owner of the Capsule Corporation, alive. He is the main objective, the city is a secondary one. Our cause may require his expertise. As for the city, try not to break it. We are about to steal it, what would the point of smashing it be? Citizens, feel free to help out our fellow revolutionary's deal with the Royals, UNIT and the local polizei. Other than that, have some fun. Its not every day that the world basically resets itself. Everyone to their battle stations! And get ready to help me take this city and the world along with it!"
Said as the flying wing got ever closer to West city.
A door opened to a large room that held a great swarm of people looking at monitors. In the room's center was a great big table. A slightly disheveled man came to the table and sat down at the head of the table that was already host to a bunch of men in uniforms of many different styles that all had ribbons and medals on their chests.
PM "So I don't imagine that you gentlemen woke me from my bed for your own amusement."
General "It's a code red Mr. Prime Minister. Almost every single country and city has since had agitators take to the streets the moment Kakarrot took the stage. Even before that, the Ribbon was on the move. It would appear that we are under a full-scale attack."
The PM looked at the screens to see the red lines approach his blue lines on one of the graphics. "You sir, have a gift for understatement. A World War was just declared, and the world is about to light on fire. Tell me, you did take the liberty to give the order for our men to retaliate?"
General "Absolutely. As we speak every division we have on the borders has engaged the advancing Ribbons. We have called out the Civil Guard. We merely need your approval to declare martial law and…"
PM "You have that, I declare Martial Law. But what is this 'And' you speak of?"
A uniform man placed a briefcase in front of the PM, which had in it the tool for in which mankind could destroy itself.
The PM looked white as he said, "You can't be serious?"
General "Our rearmament program with Prometheus didn't have enough time to be full implemented. The Ribbon will run us through like crap threw a goose."
PM "I was under the impression that they disarmed."
Admiral "We were in a very slow process of doing that."
PM "What I'm hearing is my orders were ignored."
Other General "Not at all sir. We had a date to be fully disarmed and we were working up to that moment. Your Minister of Defense approved it. Not that any of that matter anymore considering the circumstances."
PM "I push that button I kill more people then Hitler and make myself the equal of King Piccolo."
General "You don't, and the world falls to an unspeakable evil."
PM "We'll kill our own men."
The Other Admiral "If you don't, they might die pointlessly."
The PM got up from his chair in a huff and looked around at the swirling chaos around him. Only for his eyes to find the screen which was still showing the World Tournament and he caught the image of Chi-Chi.
The PM turned back to them "No! Not yet. The battle can still turn in our favor. If the Queen of the Ox kingdom can kill the invader we can regain the initiative. The heroes of the Earth are still on the field. Let us see what they can do before we kill the Earth, and before they have a chance to save it."
General "Your trusting the fate of the Earth in their hands?"
PM "Yes." They all talked amongst themselves as the Pm thought to himself 'Please don't let this faith be missed placed.'
Chi-Chi and Kakarrot's fist collided as the seen around turned to that of utter chaos. The audience tried to leave as the power armored goons opened up on Roshi and company while Piccolo attacked Tien and company. The goons were at the disadvantage against Roshi, while clearly Tien and company were at the disadvantage against Piccolo. As powerful their suits might have been, they were unskilled in martial arts and it showed, while Piccolo was the power house that he made himself out to be.
Meanwhile Chi-Chi was getting a bit of a beating as it seemed that Kakarrot was not only keeping pace with her, but overpowering her. She could tell her punches were hurting him, but his were hurting her more. The pain only made her angrier and encouraged her to punch harder.
Chiaotzu froze the goons and Tanman while Roshi kick them all aside. Launch then came up behind Piccolo as he had grabbed ahold of Tien's neck and was strangling him. As hard as she could she kicked him in the head forcing him to let go of Tien and sent him hurdling into a stone wall.
Tien panting "Thanks."
Launch "You're not getting out of raising Kunlun with me that easily."
Yamcha and Krillin got to their right. The two looked a little kicked around. Yamcha was bleeding from his nose. Krillin had a black eye. They watched as Piccolo easily merged from the rubble no worse for the wear.
Launch "You got to be kidding me. I didn't even bruise him."
Yamcha "The guy is in a class above us."
Krillin looked quite worried "No kidding."
Tien said quite determined "Doesn't matter. We have to keep him occupied so he doesn't gang up on Chi-Chi."
To the left came to their side Chiaotzu and Roshi. The two looked fine and fresh having taken no real damage from the armored thugs.
Roshi "I agree. Kakarrot is giving Chi-Chi a hand full, this guy would make it a slaughter."
Green was still in the stands. All but he, Bulma, the baby, and Puar remained. Oolong had fled in the confusion. He sneered when he looked at the pile of goons and Tanman he said to himself "Well it looks like the pilots and the armor need some improvement. They should have stood a lot longer than that." (He sighed then put his finger to his ear.) "If any of you are still alive and conscious just come up here. You might have all sucked the big one, but I might still have use for you as a meat shield. That's an order. And bring the girl. She might suck at fighting but her broken bones might still absorb some explosions. Now move it fairies!"
Chi-Chi was knocked back. The taste of her own blood was in her mouth. She scowled at him as he continued to looked amused at all of this fighting. She had hit the bastard as hard as she could, but he was still coming.
Kakarrot "You know that last one didn't tickle sweetie."
Chi-Chi "It was meant to break your fucking skull!"
Kakarrot "You fucked up on that one! You know that I've got some reserves, right?" (She didn't respond.) "We might be close to even, but you have a limit that you are frankly reaching quickly. You think a mere human, a woman, could ever keep up with member of the master race? A living god on Earth?"
Chi-Chi "So you think your god? I'm pretty sure god is in your friend's stomach right now asshole. And didn't some other asshole kill your home world and your master race? How master must have they have been?"
Kakarrot "It would be a fair point to say as an infant I could have slaughtered this entire planet. While extinction would seem the end for anyone else, I see a chance to beat that as well through you humans. I'm going to change you all. And I will beat Frieza and make it as if he did nothing at all."
Chi-Chi "I don't care about all that. I'm going to stop you here and now."
Kakarrot "Well then bring it."
It was utter madness in the streets as gunfire and screaming permeated outside the Brief's compound. The massive wing in the sky were only coming closer. Trunks was still watching the TV to see his daddy fight the Green man while his aunt Chi-Chi fought the palm haired jerk. He had never met Chi-Chi, but his mother only had glowing praise of her. Trunks was sitting there with his signature bowl cut of blue hair while watching the TV, but Grandma Panty turned it off on him right as the screen was turning to rainbows and was announcing some sort of alert. She seemed panicked as she grasped him firmly. Trunks whined at Panty as Grandpa came in with a backpack.
Trunk's was about to start crying when a bomb went off outside not that far from the compound. The windows shattered as the building shook. Now he was very quiet as he fully began to realize that there was something to be very afraid of.
Dr. Brief "Come on honey, we need to get to the helipad."
A door to the room burst open and a bunch of the black clad stormtroopers of Kakarrot started to storm in. Their laser sights pointed at the three. They started to shout for the Briefs to get on their knees when a loud series of bangs went off.
In a blink all four of the intruders were dead. Dr. Brief looked to see his and his family savior behind him. It was a power armor clad Mai. Her helmet was off. She had a high-powered rifle in one hand while her other was stretched out towards them.
Mai "Come with me if you want to live."
Without a second thought the Brief began running with Mai taking up position behind them. The troopers started in force coming in. Dr. Briefs could hear them and a shouting voice.
Dr. Brief breathless but still running asked her, "So Major Striker sent you?"
Mai "Correct. He figured the Ribbon would want you. So, he sent me to make sure the head of Capsule Corp isn't taken."
Dr. Brief "We should destroy my research. It will only help them."
Mai could also here the sound of hundreds if not thousands of black clad assholes storming the place "Yeah doc don't see that happening right now."
Dr. Brief "But the suit upgrades, the Gravity room, the spaceship designs!"
Mai "No time! We got to get you the hell out of here!"
They were in visual range of the exit to the waiting UNIT evac when right behind them, bursting through one of the walls came a power armored Ribbon. Mai turned to face him, and in midair for him, they opened up on one another.
It may have been only a few bullets, but Mai ended up hitting what appeared to be the jetpack on his back. It slightly burst out in flame and the man apparently not looking in pain fired. One of the bullets ricocheted off Mai armor and struck Panty in the throat. She barely made a sound as she dropped like a rock hitting the ground with Trunks in her grip.
Everything seemed to be in slow motion as Dr. Brief screamed out as he stopped fleeing and came to her side. More UNIT agents came to them as more stormtroopers started approaching.
Mai was screaming at the doctor to move but either the gunfire or moment was drowning her out as he seemed incapable of moving. She grabbed him and Trunks who was crying and apparently in shock and carried them to freedom. They made to the jetcopter as they were about to be overwhelmed.
She looked to see that the power suited man had taken off his helmet to reveal himself to be Teal giving his grin as he saw her and saluted her as they took off. She looked down for but a second to see the chaos below.
The police station had been lite ablaze by skin headed men. The streets had tons of people in them. It looked like people were being dragged out into the street and alleys to be executed. It was truly a vision of hell below her that was being felt everywhere.
She sighed looked to the now destroyed Brief boys "I can't say its ever going to feel better, but I can tell you that you can survive this moment." (She then looked and said to the pilot.) "Inform high command that West City has fallen."
Tien spit a loogie of spit, blood and one of his teeth onto the dirt as he got to his feet. He looked to see that most of his friends were on their last legs as he looked to see that Chi-Chi was starting to get kicked around by the still very much a threat Kakarrot. As a idea came to his as Piccolo barely wounded was once again approaching.
Tien "Guys I have a plan."
Yamcha with his nose crushed into his face "Well I'm all ears."
Tien "Tri-beam…" (him panting.) "I'll use the tri-beam and keep big green occupied. You guys help Chi-Chi with a good super Kamehameha."
Chiaotzu very bruised "But Tien, it could kill you!"
Launch hissed "I'm not into becoming a single parent!"
Tien "He's going to kill us anyways." (He looked directly at Launch and said to her.) "This isn't goodbye." She nodded, her eyes slightly wet.
The other went to Chi-Chi as Tien took to the air his hands in a triangle pointed at him.
Piccolo "What do you think you're doing fly."
Tien "Bugging you!" He fired the energy from his hands and the for some reason square energy crashed down on the demon prince. The ground exploded and Piccolo yelling in pain was sent into the chasm.
Chi-Chi was having a real beating as her friends came up behind the monster. Chiaotzu froze him for a moment. Krillin and Roshi kick him away from Chi-Chi, then Launch and Yamcha both punched him into the air.
Everyone but Chiaotzu got into a line next to Chi-Chi and they nodded to her, no signs of anger at her in the least. She nodded as they all began to say the words and charge the Kamehameha. Kakarrot recovered and looked to see them all about to fire. He was about to fire back when Chiaotzu froze him for just long enough for the group to fire.
In one unified scream the turtle and his students fired their beams unified into one massive Kamehameha wave. The blast that Kakarrot sent was easily overpowered. The wave surrounded him as he screamed out "NO! I AM A GOD!" Before silenced by the wave. It jettied out into space before exploding.
In the air was a massive cloud of dust. Tien watching this collapsed to the ground as Piccolo emerged from the chasm. Tanman, Green and the henchman were stunned. Tanman on the verge of tears. Bulma with the baby Kunlun in her hands was jumping up and down in joy.
All the fighters looked exhausted, but they knew it wasn't yet there was still Piccolo to deal with. All but Chiaotzu started to turn to face the demon prince when out of the ashes came an unearthly glow.
A beam from the dust came and sliced into Krillin who was standing right next to Chi-Chi. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as she turn to look at a dead Krillin hit the floor of the Tournament. She in shock looked up to see Kakarrot with an energy field around himself. The shield was not from him, but his armor.
It disappeared as he said out loud with a smile "God I love grandpa's toys. Sorry no happy end for you. Just me and only me."
Chi-Chi practically exploded in rage as she almost instantly charged him. With every fiber of her being she was cussing and punching him. Her punches were seriously hurting him with one going through his armor. It hissed and apparently burning him as he yelled in pain. It left a mark destined to become a scar on his chest.
Her rage power began to run out of steam as he back handed her to the ground far below. He landed after her as her friend rushed to fight him.
Yamcha rushed towards him and Kakarrot put his fist through his chest. His heart was in the monster's hand as he gave a confused look to his in-shock wife. Before closing his eyes. Kakarrot pulled his arm out of his chest.
Roshi came up but was blasted in the stomach by Kakarrot as he took a bite out of Yamcha's heart. Roshi looked down at the hole in his own chest as he fell to the ground.
Launch charged him as Chiaotzu tried to freeze him. Kakarrot grabbed her by the throat with one hand and fired a beam from his mouth at Chiaotzu. Chiaotzu exploded as Kakarrot looked to Launch, giving her a squeeze that crushed her windpipe.
Bulma, Tien and Chi-Chi who were all watching this were beyond merely stunned, beyond being horrified and shocked. They didn't know how to response.
Kakarrot looked at Chi-Chi "Man your friends suck at this. Disappointing isn't it?" He snapped his fingers as the power suited henchman came to her and clapped some sort of hand cuffs to her hands and feet as she felt her power what little was left leave her.
Kakarrot "Ki blocking hand cuffs."
Tien got to his feet ready to fire when a beam from Kakarrot finger came bursting through his chest. Kakarrot said softly to him as he kept him in place "Sorry brother, about your girl and Chiaotzu, but they started it." In one punch he stopped Tien's heart. He let go as Tien fell dead to the ground.
The monster seemed a little slow to move away as Bulma was grabbed by the goons. The baby, now an orphan, was screaming and crying as Kakarrot looked that way with his eyes of such deep hate. Bulma struggled to escape as Kakarrot came but was no match for his strength as he ripped the boy out of her hands. Bulma stopped frozen in fear for the baby.
Kakarrot stared at the baby "So what do I do with you? After all, I just kill your family. People tend to hold a grudge over that sort of thing."
The baby sort of kicked him and gave him a sort of angry look.
Kakarrot "A fighter huh?" (He seemed to think it over and a great big smile came to his face. His hand came to the boy's skull.) "I pardon you. You are no longer his but mine. Romulus Gero. My first wife, your new mommy Yurin, will be glad to have another child. I think you were born on the same day as Remus."
Kakarrot turns from Bulma back to his men and shout "Take them on the plane back to headquarters and chain them up with Eight!"
Chi-Chi was still trying to resist when he came to her. He forced a kiss on her. With what she had, she bite him as hard as she could. He pulled away and laughed, saying "You should be glad I just don't take you here with everyone watching, surrounded by your dead friends." (She spat at him.) "Your right. That would be some good fun, but I have a world leader's surrender that I have to accept. Later tonight, maybe?"
Chi-Chi "GO TO FUCKING HELL!"
Kakarrot "O my dear, you haven't figure out where you are, have you? You're already in hell."
Piccolo coming over curious asked "What about me?"
Kakarrot "Go kill Korin and take the Lookout. You're the new Guardian of the Earth, Piccolo."
Piccolo smiled then nodded enjoying the agony of Chi-Chi before taking off.
Kakarrot "I fucking love it when a plan comes together." (He looks to Green.) "I'll drop the kid off and get into something more formal to meet you for the after party in headquarters." (Kakarrot looked back at her.) "See yah, after I make history."
He grabbed Tanman and they took off.
Chi-Chi and Bulma were both being loaded into the plane chained to the ceiling and about to take off when their a was a large bang then a bunch of small ones. Soon all of the goons went down. Bullet holes riddled their bodies through the armor and the body of the plane.
The door to the plane was ripped open and stepping into it was a man in power armor. He took off his helmet and he showed his face with his one eye and said to Chi-Chi.
Bill "Come with me if you want to live."
On all channels through the world Kakarrot grinning mug comes on to the TV, his voice on the radio. He is wearing a Saiyan armor with a cape in black, white and red. Black for the armor, white for the sash over his chest and red for the cape. He took off the sunglasses and put them on the podium. The camera's zoom out to reveal the King and PM to his left looking like beaten animals standing silently. To his right is Dr. Gero, Copper, Black, Grey and Violet all in their best uniforms standing tall.
Kakarrot "Citizens of the Earth. I come to you now, not as your Conqueror, but as your Liberator. Let the truth it be stated that it was not I who started this war, but an agent of the world government 'Chi-Chi Ox Queen of the Ox kingdom' that started this war. In accordance with protecting my own life. I seized the Earth to arrest the deceitful leaders of that corrupt government. But as stated I am not here to conquer, only to liberate. For a very long time the world has been run by a very small click of very wealthy oligarchs, who for all of this time have run the Earth into the ground. Your ancestors made it to the moon they split the atom and all the advancement of this time has been pill shaped. No cure for cancer, no Mars base. Just Capsules. Now why is that? Well I'll tell you why. No one that has lead you has had any vision no greater plan to grow you. They merely seek to continue the world of the Have's over the Havenot's. The result has been your world becoming and staying stagnate. Now take me. It is no great secret that I am not from your world. In fact, I am not unlike your stories of Superman. A child of a dead world come to Earth to survive." (He sighed.) "That is not however, the full truth. I was sent here to kill all of you. My orders were to exterminate this planet and make it ready for sale. As you can see, I did not follow that mission. I chose instead to preserve humanity. To uplift you, not harm you. But who would have stopped me? As an infant I could have killed this world and none could have stopped me. Your stagnated world would have been powerless to stop me. Weak leaders and incompetents would have doomed your world. The 'freedom' that they speak of would have killed you all. I however can see the bigger picture. I know who your enemies are. These men were in the way. But only because of stupidity, which is why I won't be killing them. No, we have bigger fish to fry. I know who sent me here to kill you all. It wasn't my people as they were enslaved by an another. Frieza sent me, ripped me straight out of my parent's arms and had me sent here. This man is symptomatic of the apathy of the galaxy. The galaxy has its own United Nations has its own king. But since they are well greased they don't care. They don't care what happens to underdeveloped planets like yours. They will gladly buy the ruins of your world from a mob boss because they think they are superior. They abandoned every promise they would ever make over some chump change. But there is another reason why they won't care it. Because your Hominids. You are the inferior of the galaxy. They called my people 'monkeys'. I'm sure they will find a word for you too. They don't care so why should we? The universe is made for the strong but is run by the weak and the arrogant. It time, the people of the hominid races take what is rightfully ours, the galaxy! It's high time you sleepy wolfs become the pack of powerful saiyan's that I know is inside everyone of you!" (The banners come down. They say, 'work makes you free' and one says 'obey'.) "The time of nations is at an end. The Royal UN government and the Ribbon Alliance will be dissolved into the New Saiyan Empire. That I shall rule you from the position as Emperor Kakarrot Terran Gero the First. Take heart my children the universe is yours and I plan to give to you."
The message ended with the screen that said, 'All hail the god of war, our immortal Emperor Kakarrot Terran Gero the First, protector of the Earth and mankind.'
Dr. Brief's and the rest of the refugees were watch and with pale faces got back to work as the massive escape ship that he had built was being prepped. A woman yelled out in pain prompting the Dr. Brief to come over to the med bay. He came in to see a woman with a cut on her leg and a bullet in her shoulder. Holding her hand was a familiar black haired blue-eyed man with a perm.
Hercule "Miguel honey are you okay?"
Miguel in pain "What do you think!?"
Dr. Brief pushed the stupid fighter out of the way "Let me see."
He began to examine her when Hercule asked "Wait aren't you the Capsule Corp president?"
Dr. Brief "Sure, yeah. Put pressure here." (He pointed and Hercule did it.) "We got to stop the bleeding. (He signaled for a nurse to come over. She came.) "Don't we have any other doctors?"
She shook her head 'no' and he sighed. He looked over as a blast door started to come open to reveal Bill talking with Mai along with Bulma and Chi-Chi and the team.
Bill "Why did you let all these Civilian in here?"
Mai "They were trying to get in and they might have been killed otherwise."
The refugees started to whisper to themselves at seeing Chi-Chi. Dr. Brief had the nurse put pressure on Miguel and ran over to Bulma the two hugged as hard as the two could. Both crying in near incomprehensible babble Dr. Brief saying, "Sorry about Yamcha." Bulma saying "Sorry about mom." Trunks who had been lying down ran over and grabbed hold of his mom tears streaming down his face.
Chi-Chi watching this bit her tongue she seemed on the verge of a full break down when Bill put his hand on her shoulder and said, "It's not your fault." As he handed her, her power pole.
Chi-Chi "Thanks but it sure fucking feels like it is. I wasn't strong enough, I wasn't fast enough, I wasn't smart enough."
Bill "We never are. Maybe I should tell you about the time a little girl on a cloud came down from the sky and saved my useless ass and after that stopped a demon king that had killed billions."
Chi-Chi "That was a million years ago. Now I'm surrendering."
Bill "Retreat isn't surrendering, its reevaluation. Out there in the cosmos their hast to be others that have fought these people, other guardians, different powers. If anyone can learn these powers and beat him it is you earth's savior."
Chi-Chi "How can you still possibly have faith in me?"
Bill "Its not faith but hope. You, along with your friends, have repeatedly shown me that I have no idea of what is possible. I guess it was my turn to return the favor."
Lieutenant Gorman came up to him "Sir the ship is prepped. The team is ready but we don't have the room for all these refugees and all the UNIT members."
Bill "Not everyone is on the trip. Just the team. Mai, the Briefs and Chi-Chi."
Dr. Briefs hearing this pulled himself away from Bulma looked to Miguel then to Bill saying, "Now wait just a damn second, who says I'm going on that ship?" (Bulma looks at him scared she clutches him like she was a little girl again. She mutters the word 'No' repeatedly.) "Sorry honey. This must be said. I'm an old man, stuck in his ways. I'm no Flash Gordon or Star lord. I won't be much use up there. Bill will be. Besides I'm needed down here. I'm not saying goodbye, well meet again I know it. If not in this world or next. You've always been stronger than me. Make sure little Trunks gets that from you, he's going to need it."
Bill "You can't expect me to take your place."
Dr. Brief "You're not. Your making your own." (He looked to Chi-Chi.) "Chi-Chi take care of my little girl and my grandson." She nodded. Bill took her by her arm and she did not resist.
The team of twelve Gorman, Apone, Hicks, Hudson, Dietrich, Ferro, Spunkmeyer, Vasquez, Drake, Frost, Crowe and Wierzbowski all got on the ship along with Mai, Bulma, Trunks and Chi-Chi. Bill was last to get on with Dr. Brief yelling to him as he got aboard "I'll send the message as soon as you take off." And did as the ship took off into the night sky.
Bill voice "My fellow human beings. Dark times are ahead I know. We have suffered a terrible defeat and horrible losses. My name is Major William Stryker and I know what it feels like to lost everything to him. But this isn't over not by a long shot. I know your seeing terrifying sights outside your windows and in streets right know. Pure evil has won a battle but hasn't crushed you. It might seem impossible now that this can be halted. I'm sure you all feel very powerless right now and it might seem impossible that he can be beaten. But I have learned that the impossible becomes possible all the time. I did not think that green men existed or that clouds you can fly on were real. I was wrong. He seems all powerful right now, but he is not. I have with me Chi-Chi Ox the savior of the world. He failed to kill her. He failed before. He is not unbeatable. We can resist him. In your heart's if you know that this is wrong and willing to fight him you are now the Resistance. I will be an uphill battle. We will lose more before we have beaten him, but we will beat him. He isn't the first to try to rule us with the sword of tyranny. They failed he will too. The night might be dark, but the dawn will come. Humanity will be free again. I don't know how long it will take or what form, but we will triumph. He can't kill liberty and he can't kill freedom. VIVA THE RESISTANCE AND NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT!"
Two weeks later Corporal Dietrich the medic comes to Major Stryker in his room as he is getting dressed. She looked nervous.
Bill "Corporal there is such a thing as knocking you understand, that right?"
Dietrich stuttering "Yes sir, sorry sir, but I thought you would like to learn this piece from Chi-Chi test results immediately."
Bill "Well what is it." He looked at her and some how her eyes said it all. He looked shocked.
Dietrich "She's well… pregnant."
The story will continue in 'A New Hope'
Okay A Red Son was about Kakarrot's well rise to power and the sequel will be as you can imagine a hero's journey. It was always my intention to break this into two parts. I will continue, though maybe not for a while. I do feel a little burned out. But who knows I though this would take a whole lot longer, but it didn't. Thank you all and see you in 'A New Hope'!
Chapter 41: The Birth of Heroes
Chapter Text
In yellow text in front of the stars…
Part Two of A Red Son: Imperial March
Earth has been conquered! Kakarrot and his Empire have occupied it. Kami has been captured. Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, Launch, Tien and Chiaotzu are all dead.
The Emperor now free of his enemies has his party and his armies dig into the planet earth. He has begun his further plans of conquest with his soon to be built fleet and army of power armored soldiers.
The Emperor's grandfather the mad Dr. Gero meanwhile continues his cruel experiments to realize his dream of improved human race.
However, not all of the Emperor's enemy are dead. As a unfortunate aide is about to explain to the Emperor. In the briefing room in Imperial army headquarters formerly Red Ribbon army headquarters.
Chi-Chi and her friends along with group of commandos have escaped the now occupied Earth. They go in the hope that salvation from the shadow of the handled trident can be found.
But now they are in the unknown dangers of the cosmos were other monsters lie. Such as the other cruel tyrant that the universe fears known as Frieza.
Adding to the uncertain future is a baby growing in Chi-Chi from an unfortunate lapse of judgement in a night with the cruel overlord.
Far away from home the group struggles to cope with the loss of so many of the friends and deal with the triumphs of evil.
But they are alive and though a hope lives with them and those that still believe in mankind's freedom. Dark days still lie ahead but A New Hope is coming soon. Destined to bring down the forces of evil and restore balance to the cosmos.
His blood thirst voice screamed out to the unfortunate officer that had given this news to him "WHAT DO YOU MEAN CHI-CHI'S ESCAPED!" He said as Kakarrot hands seemed poised to rip the man's head off. His palm hair fizzed out. His hand's approaching the man's throat.
The generals and other officers in the meeting room look a mixture of nervous and scared while General Green and Colonel Teal just looked bored. The two looked like small children about to be yelled at by their father for breaking the neighbors window like they knew they did something wrong but didn't care to hear about it.
General Copper, General Silver, Staff Officer Black, Colonel Violet and Colonel Grey all look a bit more serious about what is happening.
Copper the chess master had very few tells but he was tapping his finger on the table quite quickly. Silver was sweating a bit, but it was hard to tell if it was because he had been forced by Kakarrot to wear a shirt especially for any sort of meetings. Black eyes were opened wide he was quite sure he was about to see his Fuhrer demonstrate his anger once again.
Violet was more in the middle she knew that this wasn't her fuck up and she saw that Green and Teal weren't worried, so she was just worried about some blood getting on her. Grey didn't seem nervous so much as agitated. He knew the Briefs and Chi-Chi would be a point of Resistance that some would gather around.
But as Kakarrot hand seemed to come at the young officer throat an older wiser voice piped up that just seemed to come into the room. "What is with all the angry shouting?" It was the good doctor Gero. The old man who had a smile on his mustached face which stopped newly declared emperor of the world.
The young officer slinked away as Kakarrot asked "Grandpa why are you smiling? Major Stryker, Captain Mai have possession of Chi-Chi and the Briefs the only people that could pose a threat to this new beginning. So why are you smiling."
Kakarrot seemed not the usual mad man but more like a child confused at why his parent was possible laughing at him. He didn't seem capable of imaging his adoptive parent could have anything but praise for him. This was alien territory and he didn't like it and that was clearly visible on his face.
"My child you have conquered the world today, the leaders of the Earth just kneeled before you and your worried about a beaten woman, two scientists and a small child?"
His hissed out and said in an almost whiny shout "But grandpa, Chi-Chi is mine! I claimed her. She is also the World Martial Arts Champion. I beat her yes, but she beat me once upon a time. Bulma and her father managed to copy easily a great deal of your work. His improvements may have turned the tide in the conflict if they had been allowed to. They are the last people on Earth that could interfere, and they are free."
Dr. Gero to this waved his hand dismissively and said to him "Then it is a good thing they are not on Earth." He took out a cigar and lit it as Kakarrot seemed further confused as the Doctor took his seat.
"What do you mean not on Earth?"
"Have I ever been one for riddles my son? They are not on Earth. During their pathetic world announcement my instruments detected a ship leaving the atmosphere. It was them I'm sure of it. Your enemies are running from you. You have won the day, but you are too busy being miserable to see this. Well unlike like you son I have waited a near lifetime for this moment and I plan to savor it." He said as he puffed away on his cigar.
Kakarrot seemed to absorb his words like a man reading words of the genius. His mood changed the invincible monster reappeared with a wolfish grin. The word of the doctor reminding the brutal blood-soaked tyrant who he was.
Kakarrot looked to Green and asked, "Are my Skulls at least in order?"
"Yes, my Emperor. You didn't crack any of them and the UNIT attack did not damage them. The flesh is already being removed from them. Soon the skulls of Tien, Yamcha, Krillin, Roshi, Launch and Chiaotzu will all be on your mantel in a day."
"I do love trophies… Alright Grandpa like usual is completely right. We have no remaining adversaries on Earth that could anything to me. We can hunt them down later. As for the rest of you it's time to put our plans into action. Copper" Copper got up and heiled. "As a part of the new restructure I name you Grand Moff my right hand. I want you to take the armies of Earth and fuse them together to recreate my new Imperial military along with Grand Admiral Grey" Grey jumped and heiled. "Build me a fleet one to conquer the stars. I want my new army and fleet familiar with the ships and power suits as we mass produce them. Which gets me to Black" He gets up and heils. "I name you Moff Black Vice President of the party, Prime minster of the Earth. We need to build up this planet. It will give the people jobs and will end this planet's poverty. Which gets me to money General Silver" Silver gets up and heils. "Under Black you will be the treasure czar. You will oversee the roll out of the KD (Kakarrot Dollar) to replace the Zenie. All traces of the old system must be erased. It will be a strong currency a currency of the people not banks. Violet" She rises and heils. "It's now General Violet in charge of PI (Public Information). You are to destroy every independent news source KT (Kakarrot Today) is now the only news on Earth. Take over for Mr. Foxman and have him killed. He has done his job but he is a part of the 1% and he needs to go. You need to convince everyone of the greatness of what is occurring. Make them remember their enemies are in space and that we are working for them while they work for us. Silver" He gets up quickly and heils. "Your job is also making my new palace. I'm thinking Ancient Rome meets Saddam make it bigger than Versailles I want the record for biggest Palace. I conquered the Earth. I think I deserve it. Green" He gets up a bit slower than others and heils. "Uncle despite this little fuck up I still trust you with hunting down my enemies along with cousin Teal. So, I name you Moff and put your sort of probably son to hunt down UNIT survivors and die-hard enemies of the new autocracy like Liberals, Republicans, Commies, Anarchists they all must go. Also, Teal" He gets up and heils. "…you're a General now and in charge of my new secret police the Moral Order, they'll police the army and the populace."
"Well thanks but don't expect me to not be in the line of fire and sit at a desk all day but I have some other good news for you. I have found a way for you to be a lot stronger."
"You have my attention."
"In addition to finding some upgrades to the power armor that Black is going to mass-produce I found what is called a Gravity chamber. You turn it on and suddenly you weight like you would on Jupiter or more. You said your home world had heavy gravity. Now's your chance to feel at home."
Kakarrot looked beyond ecstatic there was a spark in his eyes as he said "I have announced the Empire, but it is now truly born. A million-year Empire just got started today ladies and gentlemen. History is just going to love this."
9 months later…
In a dull sparse room maybe, an apartment there was a man in a chair was watching TV in this dim room. On the screen was the vapid stooges announcing the tenth marriage of the Emperor and the birth of his first daughter Livy with Tanman.
There was a man in the chair in this room with grey hair, glasses and a white mustache. He looked miserable watching the TV. He knew somewhere out there in that void his grandson and daughter were safe but here no one was safe.
The Morality Order as they called themselves were everywhere. Anyone who they didn't like were disappearing. None of the Royal officer captured in battle had returned home nor any UNIT agents. Anyone of any other pollical party or anyone who was a little to vocal about their beliefs, anyone who was an immoral minor as they put it disappeared.
No now the order of the day was subservient. Women ordered to breed, Men order to be in his army or work in his factories.
His despicable face was on the money now. The TV, internet the phones all his. The poster all shown on all the walls his likeness or his message 'Obey, Serve, Work, Hate.' They said things like 'were watch, were helping and war is peace.' He had seen them burning books in the streets on the TV. The lunatics truly now ran the asylum.
He hadn't been allowed out much. Bill's friend Major Sonnenburg said it was far too much of a risk to have him out and about. Dr. Brief as he said was a household name he was going to be recognized. He was used to wandering around a massive house with tons to do but now for the most part there was nothing to do but watch TV. He got to see that the world was further spiraling downwards.
The door smashed open and in a second the doctor took the gun out that the Major had given him pointed at the door. It wasn't however the stormtroopers here to take him but his friends in the Resistance.
They were carrying someone who was screaming. It was Miguel. She was screaming as they placed her on the table. The doctor didn't even need for them to say anything to him. She was very pregnant, and he knew what was happening. Worse yet through she was shot. Evidently the mission they were on must have gone south.
Hercule was hysterical while holding her hand as the doctor and the medic got to work. The baby was coming, and she was losing a lot of blood. The bullet was in the thigh. Based on the amount of blood that was coming out of her it was her Femoral artery.
'Fuck' he thought even in a hospital dealing with this is a dangerous. She would have had a better chance if she lost her leg. It would be easy to know what to do. There was only one thing that could be done.
He yelled to the medic to get some claps and he dug his fingers into her leg. He couldn't put her under. The baby for one, for two he needed her to tell him if he found the artery and third, he had no anesthesia to give her.
She was screaming but due to the situation he ordered one soldiers to inject her with adrenaline. She needed to stay awake he couldn't have her passing out from the pain.
The Brief was crying. He knew how much pain he was causing. He wasn't even a medical doctor. This was all just from memorizing textbooks and learning a few things from his college roommate who was a Resident a lifetime ago.
He got the claps and finally found the artery. She was going to make it he though. He squeezed down on the artery and she stopped screaming. He could feel her heartbeat.
She in her pale face and that pale face said some words that he just couldn't hear. He had blood in his ear and a heartbeat on his mind her words were just lost to him.
He got the clamps down on the artery but the pulse that was his enemy of a sort that was making her bleed more stopped dead. He could feel it stop.
Instantly he went into panic mode. His hands seemed to move on their own as they went to her chest trying to beat the breath life back into her. His mouth when to hers trying to breath for her.
One compression, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. It was after ten that the medic stopped him. She was dead. It was time to think about the baby.
Thankfully they had a medical textbook and turned the page to c-section. Unluckily all they had on hand was a butcher's knife. Meat was meat he figured but still all of this felt cruel in some way.
The knife sharp worked like it did with any meat. It easily sliced through her belly. He could at least say he was a good butcher. He got her open. The baby was lying in her motionless, making no noise.
It was a second patient that he lost to today he thought. He took maybe too long with the mother or just the shock but then a cry came from it. The baby was still alive. He pulled the babe out of the mother. He cut the cord. The medic wrapped the girl in a towel.
She was given to Hercule who was in agony. He hugged her as Brief told him the sex. He repeated the name that Miguel had wanted if it was a girl "Videl…"
The doctor felt himself breathing again as he was not sure if he was earlier during this. He was trembling. He was covered in her blood to the point that his hands and shirt were dripping. His eyes burned there was blood in his eyes that he hadn't noticed. He took out a cigarette that was red from blood that covered him and began to smoke as he sat in his chair.
The others took care of the body. He didn't know what they were going to do with her. He figured the best they could do for her was a shallow grave. Not that he was really thinking about that.
He was known to busy thinking about the baby. No hospitals, no vaccines the child will be exposed to a great deal hardship. They will have to steal baby food and the vaccines that she needed.
It was going to be a tough road ahead, but he heard her loud screaming. This girl was a born fighter by the sounds of it. She was going to need to be after all this was just the first fight there would be many more ahead for her.
Unknown World…
Bill's one eye stared out onto the bleak world in front of them. 'It was a city once' he thought as he stared at the crater below him. He was in his suit with his helmet off. His greying hair whipping in the icy wind as snow fell. His unshaved face wasn't doing much it wasn't really a beard yet.
This planet was colder than Earth, but it was still temperate. Plenty of oxygen more than earth in fact. He breathed like it was sea level even at this high of an elevation. Its suns were warm but weak.
The days were weird. The binary stars had awkward hours so even though it had just become daybreak suns down was coming. Then they would reappear just an hour later. So, a day just lasted an hour on this planet. A year as Bulma explained it was just one thousand days. A forty-one-day year or so. He would be an ancient on this planet.
It was not a permanent stop. It was too cold. Someone had already been here and stopping didn't seem like a good idea. The quantum entanglement radio that the doc had installed told him all he needed to hear.
Earth had become according to the doc a nightmare ala 1984. He was eventually going to start sending people looking for them so better they keep moving. No one was here so no one could teach Chi-Chi anything.
Behind him he could hear the crunch of maybe footsteps. He didn't get nervous he already knew who it was Mai. He could hear her taking off her helmet. She was probably wearing the green knitted cap that Chi-Chi had made for her.
"You seem to enjoy the scenery."
"Earth would have looked like this if not for Gero."
"Are you saying we should thank Gero?"
"No. This would have been better."
"Now that is a dark thought. At least with life there is a chance."
He wished to chance the subject quickly so he asked, "How is she doing?"
"Fine, she has Bulma and Dietrich. But she seems to want some else there."
"She asked for me?"
"By name. She seems to want you around."
"I'm waiting for Gorman and squad one."
"Funny, it kind of looks like your staring into space."
"I'm just seeing if anything's coming."
"No, you're avoiding coming back. The last month or two you have been so nervous around her."
"It called vigilance Mai."
"I'd call it 'I saw the tail in the sonogram', and it freaked you out."
Bill's eye twitched at that and he said to her "I wouldn't say that."
She then asked with irritation in her voice "Let me ask you? Are you scared of the kid? Now that she asked you to pretend to be his father."
"No. I'm not"
"Then what is it?"
"I'm scared of what I will do."
Silence hung in the air as the snowflakes kept dropping. He knew she was thinking of what to say to him. He appreciated her for trying to be his conscious for him, but he knew what was going on in his head. He need not burden her with his dark thoughts, but she brought it out of him.
"The night terrors and such. They returned?"
"Never really left only got worse. The alcohol helps."
She said almost like she was trying to be his mother "I told you not to do that."
"Mai, I'm your superior officer you can't tell me what to do. But I tried to stop it didn't really work."
"Drinking you know is the worst possible thing you can do right now."
He then said back to her with an annoyed tone "Well since you think you're my therapist. You should damn well ought a know that I must think of reasons to get up in the morning. Now let's change damn the subject. Did Bulma confirm what killed these people?"
"It was ten years or so ago, non-Nuclear. It would appear to be someone or ones with powers."
"Like we thought. So, the Frieza does exist or another third party. The universe appears to be as dangerous as I thought it was."
"It would appear so. The plants and animal of this planet have been okayed to eat by the ship's computer. I figure we should stock up. Ration's will last quite some time. Better that we keep them around."
"Agreed. Tell the team to stock up."
"Bill we all lost someone. You don't have to suffer alone."
"I'm leading this expedition. If the troop see me sobbing, they will lose hope. My pain is my own. Better I keep it to myself then let it infect the others. If I pretend things are alright, they will assume things are alright and everything will work out. They deserve peace and I will try to give it to them."
"You're not the last man standing Billy."
"Maybe but it looks better if I am. We haven't run into anyone yet, but we will. Where or not they be friend or foe it'll be better to meet them with bright eyed gung-ho marines then a bunch of exhausted sad beaten dogs."
"Of course, you know we can't keep this up eventually you'll break. You know this I mean just look at what you're doing talking to yourself in the middle of knowhere."
Bill looked behind himself to confirm what he already knew because he already knew that right? Mai wasn't here. She never was. At least it wasn't Diane or Frank this time. He took a swig of the flask that was in a suit pocket.
The talks as he put had started after the Diane's and his family's death. They could be cruel. But mostly the ghosts just wanted to talk about his feelings. No need to concern the others with his problem. He always knew the difference between the fakes and the real things they only came to him when he was alone. It was the first time they pretended to be Mai, but he still knew it was them.
He heard more snow crunching it was real this time he was sure. Out of the bush appeared Gorman, Hudson, Hicks, Vasquez and Drake. The Lieutenant appeared puzzled as he looked around.
"Sir I thought I heard you talking?"
"I wasn't Lieutenant you were just hearing things. What did you find on your reconnaissance mission?"
"Confirmation of our suspicions. This was no simple family quarrel like the cold war." He shows a piece of armor like the kind that Kakarrot wore. "We are not alone Sir it would seem like we're in a dangerous neighborhood."
"Yeah it's called the universe and its full of assholes."
Corporal Hicks spoke up "There were millions here and they killed them all."
"Bulma didn't even say this world was resource rich."
Private Hudson asked the group "Maybe they pissed of the wrong people?"
"Doesn't matter their all dead now. If we fail our people will suffer a far worse fate." They nodded in agreement.
Vasquez turned to Drake and she asked, "You think our Heroine gave birth yet?"
He said back "Don't know. Be nice to have another kid around to call us awesome."
She smiled at that "I know right. Trunks ain't got nothing but praise for us."
He grinned thinking of the future "I just can't wait until he's old enough to start shooting with us."
Hudson enter the conversation "Kid's great and all but the mom that's what I'm looking in to."
She chuckled and asked, "Yeah you realize your probably on the bottom of her list, right?"
Drake laughed and said, "She has a point buddy."
Hudson said quite offended "Screw you if I'm at the bottom who's on the top of that list."
Hicks intervened and said "Well buddy. He's about six foot something, has one eye, is kind of our boss and he broods like he's Batman or John Snow."
Bill had a dower face it was clear he was not a fan of this conversation and said "Ladies and Gentlemen may I remind you that the woman you have been are talking about is a widow with a young child. I don't want any of you bothering her or Chi-Chi. We are their guards and nothing no more."
They all nodded in agreement. Gorman embarrassed that his troops had said those things if front of the Major.
"Alright then children you heard him. No bothering our precious passengers. Now let's gets back to home base. You are coming sir?"
Bill thought back to his conversion with fake Mai. It may have been him he was talking to, but it had indeed a point. Chi-Chi was going to save the world one day. It would dishonorable for him to not be there, even while six months pregnant she was working out in the gravity room on the ship.
That pure hearted girl had been through the ringer. That bastard had trick her and defiled her. He had a duty to her and a duty to that boy. It would be that duty that would keep him from doing anything to that babe and keep anyone else from doing anything to him.
Unsure of himself he said to them "Okay let's head back."
The walk back to the ship seemed to take forever. Only done in the interest of not overusing their equipment as they have the ability of flight on their suits. The wind seemed to be trying to whisper to him. Its voice spoke but it didn't say anything. All it was just another ghost of this haunted dead world playing with him.
They arrived back. He could hear her pained grunts as soon as they entered. Mai was waiting there at the airlock. The fake was just speaking for her. She looked a little miff that he had not come yet.
"All the systems are set. We restock. So, do you want to see her?"
"Alright." He said in a not sure at all tone of voice.
Bill entered the room as apparently the baby was finally coming out. Chi-Chi looked a wreck. Bulma looked tired and so did Dietrich. The boy had taken his sweet time. His eyes found the thing he was dreading the tail. His eye looked limp as the boy started to cry. The women had been passing him around. Chi-Chi he liked, Bulma he liked, Dietrich he didn't for some reason.
Chi-Chi announced the name was going to 'Gohan Ox.' After her Uncle Gohan.
There were smiles all around except for Bill. He was too busy being afraid. The baby was then passed to him. It looked at him curious. It knew not what to make of him. He didn't seem as enthused as the others to see him.
Bulma placed him in his hands. Bill was sure he was about to freak as his mind flashed back to the church and UNIT command. His face was close enough to the man to trigger these things. He lost control of his breath and was about to start hyperventilating when something stopped him.
A golden warm light came through the window shining upon the boy. The clouds must have lifted before sunset. The light reflecting off one of the mountains of crystal.
Gohan tail wrapped around his wrist and gave him a smile. It was like the babe was trying to comfort him. The horror all seemed to be gone for a while. Gohan had chased it away with that smile.
A tear dripped from Bill's eye as he smiled back. He thought to himself that this child was perhaps the only unsoiled soul left alive in this universe. His life's mission just became clear again. It would be to protect this child by any means. To save this unsoiled garden of hope from the multitudes that would seek to harm it. Yes, life just became very clear to him.
A little somber and horrifying I know but the Bad guys did just win, and we are still a long way from liberation a very long way. Reviews please. I'll get these out slower once I get to some more major changes.
Chapter 42: Power at Work
Chapter Text
A few years later…
The sun sets on the golden palace of New Saiyan Empire. Valla Halla it's called but it is unfinished at the moment but growing as it replaces the countryside with its opulent buildings and gardens. It already has a zoo's worth of animals in the gardens representing almost every biome on Earth. The buildings themselves is a mix of Roman and Chinese with both old world and new world sensibilities.
In short, the scene is that of unspeakable beauty all being overseen by a Palm haired man as he punches the air of the gravity chamber at thirty times Earth's gravity. Over the loudspeaker a nasally voice speaks.
"My lord it is dinner time."
"Excellent." He quickly turns off the gravity chamber and emerges out were his Attendant, guards and servants all of whom are women are waiting. They are all ready and waiting to clap if he says something clever or does some feat of strength.
One of his attendants speaks to him "My lord as you ordered General Teal has been given weekly updates." The Attendant is dressed quite lavishly in silken robes. She has on a myriad of gems on her necklace, earrings and rings.
"Ah good."
"He reports that the work of hunting down of dissidence is going well, but that the 'V' symbol continues pop up in the city's streets and the towns."
Kakarrot sneers and clenches his teeth in frustration at this information.
"Is there a problem my Emperor?"
"You know nothing of human history Ava. It is message meant for me. It in fact means victory. It is to tell us that we surrounded and that this is not over. Tell Teal to summarily execute all those who tag with the 'V' symbol. It may in flame more resistance but there is no outside force that they are relying to come to their rescue. Meaning we have the aid of fear on our side. Before we begin our war on the greater universe, we must crush them, so we can have unity. Tell Teal must turn up the pressure and get our hands-on Dr. Brief."
She heiled and said, "Yes my Emperor it will be done."
Kakarrot arrived at the massive meal before him. The galley had with him all his wife all twenty of them. They were now from almost every spot on the compass. His wives were from the bitter cold and the scorching deserts. He planned to marry and have children with all the tribes of man.
He sat at the head of the table king of the castle. To his right was his first wife and family of Yurin, four-year-old Romulus and Remus.
Romulus had his green wild hair in a long mane was forming. His three blue eyes were bright like jewels. He was a lively boy who worshiped his father and had already begun to imitate him. He like to be commanding and be feared.
Remus had his father's tail and his mother had cut his black hair into a palm shape one could guess just for reverence sake. Remus looked a like a young Kakarrot all his features were right. However, what wasn't right was his temperament. He was a happy boy but shy. He liked animals and he was gentle also carefree.
The two boys were inseparable constantly Remus when scared or frightened would seek out Remus's bed. Instead of his mother's bed.
To his left was Tanman and her three-year-old daughter Livy. Livy also had her father's hair and tail but has her mother's blue eyes.
She was already showing signs of beauty and brilliance even this young. She was already at such an age showing the traits of her father. She was bossy, territorial and cruel. She had already killed two of her pets by crushing them for not listening to her.
Along his third family of Suno who had been captured and encouraged to join the winning side i.e. she was a prisoner who just had, had the monster's fourth child Gracchus. The infant had his mother's eyes and hair but had the Saiyan tail.
He was a loud baby and an angry child from the start. Out of spite he destroyed things around the palace. He would crush his toys rather then give them up. He regularly attacked staff for attempting to discipline him.
At the other end of the table is Dr. Gero. One of only a hand full of men allow near his son the Emperor's harem. The old scientist looked a younger man now. The last couple of years have been a dream for him.
The world had been his oyster with totally world domination he has access to unlimited resources. He has had plenty of human guinea pigs to test whatever he wants out on. He was alright on track to make far more powerful androids then he had ever made before. The twins that they had acquired from the orphanage will make excellent killer's he thought as he began to dig in.
The dinner had course after course as in little over an hour the monster consumed enough meat to feed a small village. The tension in the room was thick. Tanman and Yurin were given each other death stares. While Suno was giving Kakarrot a hateful glare which he was blissfully uncaring of.
Remus and Gracchus ate like their father and like a Saiyan would. The two shoved food down their throats as fast as they could/ Romulus was trying to imitate them but was failing and choking in the process. Livy wasn't eating like a Saiyan instead eating like some high-class princess which was what she was after all.
Dr. Gero asked his boy "How is the gravity chamber working for you?"
Kakarrot cleared his throat, the only person he would do this for "Quite well I've been taking easy considering all the work I've had to do but I'm already well past ten times Earth's gravity. I'm at or beyond the strength I would have had on Planet Vegeta."
"That is good to hear. My child had grown quite strong. One wonders if you need your old grandpa at all."
Kakarrot seem worried by this statement he even stopped eating "Now that's not true Grandpa. We still have galactic conquest and Frieza to deal with. Your machines are going to challenge me again."
Some time went by when throw a window flew into the room Piccolo current Guardian of the Earth. He cut an imposing figure. The children all seemed to notice him while Kakarrot noticed but seemed annoyed by the sudden interruption. Remus seemed enamored by the figure while the other two aware children seem annoyed that this man could be so informal with their divine father.
Kakarrot not looking said to the demon "I told you not to interrupt me when I am with the family or eating, fucking or training. Staff meeting go right ahead for me's sake those are the only time you're the preferred option. Now aren't you going to tell me what is so important?"
Piccolo very lightly bowed "I've have done a 'small' bit of work."
"A threat to us?"
"I suppose if you want to call them that. A blue dwarf and his three back up dancers came to the lookout trying to steal the dragon ball from me and kill me. It didn't end so well for them, but it highlights the fact that we still do have enemies on Earth. A fact you would know if you left your Palace lately."
"Does it now? You have only six balls in your possession. The seven has been hidden. You took care of them and even if you didn't, they still wouldn't have a complete set of them. I have had my men searching the Earth. But our radar won't tell us where it is, and we don't have Bulma's radar either. So, it's a moot point. No one from what we can tell has any idea of its whereabouts. So, what are you complaining about?"
"Kami's has been having visions from what I can tell."
Kakarrot looked at him and asked, "What do you mean?"
"I am connected to him, even with him in the bottle. His visions tell me something big is on the way."
Kakarrot now very intrigued asked "Frieza big?"
Piccolo shook his head "No way to tell. It's vague. I just know that we have trouble heading our way."
"Good that means a real fight. It's time my boy's get a taste of blood. All my children deserve the taste of battle."
Elsewhere on a purplish lush world…
The boy was pushed back his tail whipping in the wind. He was wearing a small version of the UNIT normal clothes complete with army pants with a hole for his tail. His face was not a scowl more a face of confusion. His mother had given his favorite four-star shiny ball in his little world that she had said was his uncle Hicks's power armor. Now Gohan was trying to get it back.
Gohan didn't understand why his mother was so insistent on him training. He wasn't Trunks who liked to fight. He was a timid boy scared of most things. He liked stories and was working hard on trying to read. Gohan was a quiet boy.
The eight-year-old Trunks however, talked a bunch whenever he could about his brave martyred father. He loved a curved sword that his mother had kept of his father. She had tried to hide it from him, but he always found it.
Gohan loved his sort of older brother. He spoke of Earth of home. Of things he never knew. His entire world consisted of less than twenty people. The only people he ever knew. He understood that other people he had just never meet them.
It was only smiles he ever saw from them. He knew that under that gold visor Hicks must be smiling. The only person who was ever sad was his father. He never seemed happy when Gohan wasn't around.
He charged at Hicks to grab back his shiny ball. He was a lot faster than Hicks but even with his speed Hicks's suit was still stronger. He knew his mother, Trunks and Mai were all watching because of this he grew frustrated. He was again pushed off and began to weep.
The visor came down and Hicks looked a guilty man. Trunks looked embarrassed, Mai looked sympathetic, but Chi-Chi she looked less like a mother but more the frustrated teacher.
Gohan looked to his mother to see her face and then he started crying louder.
"I'm sorry kid." He said as he offers the ball back to him. "Here you go. No hard feelings, right?"
Mai face palmed as Gohan stopped crying and grabbed hold of ball then gave the man a smile.
"Soldier what do you think you are doing?"
"What? He wanted his toy back."
Mai sighed and shook her head as Chi-Chi came over to her son.
Gohan smiled and showed her the ball "See mommy I got uncle's ball back."
Chi-Chi then sighed then kneeled to be at eye level with her son. "But is it how I asked you to get it?" Gohan sadly shook his head 'no' "I asked you to take it out of his hands."
"Well I sort of did."
"No, he gave it to you after you started crying. I know you don't understand but you have to get stronger."
"But you're so strong mom and so is Trunks…"
"It doesn't matter whether I'm strong or anyone else. You need to be strong. You need to be able to defend yourself. Not everyone in this universe is like our family." She turned his head to see the ruins out in distance of where they were on this alien world. "Their used to be people here. Not people that you would recognize but people. They are all gone now. Wiped out by a monster or monsters. This isn't the only place we have found like this. This is a dangerous universe you need to be ready…"
The ground shook and the odd-looking birds took off from the woods and to the air. A tree fell, and screaming was heard.
Mai's visor to her suit came down. Chi-Chi stood up while feeling the situation and said, "We have trouble!"
Mai then said "Hicks get the kids into the ship. Tell Ferro to prep the ship and get the others."
Trunks then loudly and desperately stated "Sensei let me stay I can help!"
Chi-Chi dictatorially said to the young boy "Trunks you promised to listen to me now I'm telling you to get in the damn ship! I need you to protect your mother."
Trunks listening for a change flew to the nearby ship while Gohan grabbed hold of Chi-Chi leg. Hicks tried to pull the half Saiyan off her, but his grip was like steel. Gohan was crying and said, "Please mommy I don't want the monsters to get you!"
"Gohan mommy is going to be fine. Now get to the ship!"
Gohan shook his head. Chi-Chi was about to shout when a body came crashing from the woods and landed in front of the group. It took a second, but Chi-Chi recognized who it was Stryker. His armor looked like it had been through a car crash.
A cruel and calm voice came through the woods that said, "As I told you, you are trespassing and there is a penalty for that."
He came through the woods revealing himself a Saiyan. He had a black long mane for hair. His tail wiped in the air signaling his curiosity. His eyes were black and beady. His smile was cruel and very familiar to Chi-Chi, and Stryker as was his armor. His armor black and gold with his boots and fingerless gantlets.
Chi-Chi broke a sweat seeing this familiar evil specter. Bill's eye was so small through shielded by his visor. If they could see his face, they would know to what he thought of the moment a waking nightmare. Mai merely looked determined, she knew death was in front of her, but it didn't matter.
There was a moment of stillness as neither side moved. Raditz seemed to absorb the fear that he was receiving from the group with relish. But the moment his eyes wandered downwards to see Gohan, and they went wide. Chi-Chi sprang into action.
She pushed off Gohan and lunged at Raditz in an explosion of anger. This may have not been Kakarrot but it was close enough. He seemed to be surprised by her speed and strength. He was punched dead center in the gut and thrown far away, his eyes bulging from their sockets. He smashed into a rock far away and Mai rushed to help Bill up.
He groaned as she did so and in a sort of plea said, "Apone, Crowe, Wierbowski their all gone."
Mai face twitched. Three of the team were dead just like that. They hadn't seen much of anyone in the last couple years. It may have been a disappointment at the time but now it looked like a blessing to her clearly, as they weren't ready for this.
Mai quickly said, "We got to get out of here."
Bill nodded in agreement and said Chi-Chi "We got to go."
Chi-Chi looked at him. Her face spoke of offence she seemed ready to spit. It wasn't hard to know why. She was tired of running. It had stung to run now there was a chance to fight back. It was then that she heard Gohan. He was crying as Hicks was now trying to grab him and pull him away back to the ship.
Gohan crying said loudly "I want to stay and help mommy!"
His words made the decision for her. She couldn't risk Gohan, they had to run.
Chi-Chi barked out to them "Let's go!"
She said as movement was heard from where she had laid out the Saiyan. He was getting back up. Gohan complied as Mai help Bill while Chi-Chi covered their retreat. They just made it to the ship as Raditz reappeared looking for revenge. Before he could fire Chi-Chi fired at him and they took off.
Raditz was able to do nothing as in midair Chi-Chi jumped into the ship and it took off into the atmosphere and then into space.
He was left their growling and clutching his gut. Her punch had hurt a lot. His armor was cracked and not just from her. Those toys that those aliens had been wearing had hurt also. He still couldn't believe that they had killed that squad of Frieza's soldiers. They were so scared of him though he could tell, well of at least his tail. Tales of his now dead people must have spread far and wide he thought.
Funny thing though is how Saiyan looking without the masks and gismos they looked. The faces the bodies even the hair for the most part. Hell, the kid even had a tail… A tail… the smell. Vegeta was going to want to hear about this.
It was just then that the sounds of the familiar asshole spoke up.
Vegeta asked looked quite annoyed, "You said that you were having a problem weakling?"
Raditz looked. Vegeta was in his white armor and gloves, his blue jumpsuit and new scouter because he is Royalty. He also had on his smug smile and bad attitude. He thought his shit didn't stink, Raditz could swear.
Next to Vegeta was Nappa in his armor gold and blue. The old man was also pretty smug thinking himself better then him. He was also the reason that Vegeta head was so far up his own ass. He could go on and on about their dead race. Raditz could careless their people were dead that was a fact he knew.
"Well third class do you not have anything to say? Or am going to have to start beating you until you talk?"
Raditz bowed to him "Prince I ran into some trouble. Me and a couple of boys were ordered to investigate some intruders. I'm the only one left and they got away."
Vegeta brow raised in anger and he spit out a question "Who ordered you?"
"Cui ordered me my lord."
Vegeta with his ire now raised shout "Cui thinks he can order my subjects around?! You are my property moron! You only take orders from me got it?!"
Raditz cringed in anticipating a hit. Vegeta when angry just loved hitting him. Raditz feeling the punch coming blurted out the 'real' information he had learned "Prince I think their maybe more Saiyans!" Vegeta punch stopped in its track.
Vegeta truly intrigued barked to him "Explain!"
"The intruders they looked at like us. A child of their rank even had a tail. They had only a slightly different smell. I don't know there were a lot of gaps in our history with the destruction of Sadala, Nappa can a test to that. Maybe a tribe or others or something are still out there!"
Vegeta looked at Nappa and he said to him "Well he's not wrong. Our people had advance tech before the Legendary Super Saiyan blow that Civilization up. Before the planet was destroyed, we had more diversity it was after all only one tribe that made it to Planet Vegeta."
Vegeta looked interested a plot was forming in his head "So, I might have more subjects? Hnm Raditz you said a day ago that you had a brother?"
Raditz nodded quickly "Yes Prince."
"Turn off your scouters all of you." He and all of them did so. "Go find him. Me and Nappa will hunt these possible Saiyans down."
"What for my Prince?"
"An idea has struck me. It's time we start getting ready for our revenge. If there are more Saiyans then with an army I can do what my father should have done, launch our rebellion."
Raditz and Nappa eyes when wide and said in unison "Rebellion!"
"We know who killed our people and is time we stop serving him and start serving ourselves again. To do that we need as many Saiyan's and we can. So, come to think of it maybe Nappa you should get my brother?"
Nappa shook his head "No good he's weak and not a fighter. He hasn't the spine for this work."
Vegeta sighed and sneered "Your right our course. We need warriors not cowards. With any luck we will have an army at our back when we avenge our people."
"What about our assignment's?"
"We aren't scheduled to show ourselves to Frieza again for over a year. That's plenty of prep time. As far as Frieza will be concerned nothing will be amiss until we are ready to plunge the knife in. So, keep your traps shut only tell who we need to tell. Now follow my order's. We are not the last of a died people any longer, we are a forerunner to a revived race that shall bring terror once again to the universe."
The two bowed and the three were off. With Raditz heading to Earth and Vegeta along with Nappa heading after the last hope of mankind.
On Earth…
Videl was playing with the wooden sword that she managed to make in the cellar in the dark. It was rare to see much light these days. Dad had said they needed to stay underground. She had preferred when they were in the woods. But 'they' had gotten too close, so the family had to move.
Her family had to move a lot 'they' were always hunting them. She hadn't seen many other kids. The Resistance fighter were usually kind they all tended to have this stare though like they were looking at you far away.
They had taught her somethings. That she kept to heart. Never wander, never trust anyone with a uniform or anyone who wasn't in camp. If you hear loud noises play hide and seek under whatever large object you can find.
They were even teaching her how to use a knife. It was okay to lie to adults that weren't dad or Resistance members. They even taught her how to cry to create a distraction when they play their games with the grey uniformed guys in the helmets.
They did this thing where you grabbed them from behind and some red would come out and they would be dead it was so much fun. She had gotten good and the crying and the quietly hiding. Not a peep they said and that's just what she did.
As she was playing, she heard a thud then a bunch of crackle from outside tons of them. She knew what this meant 'stormtroopers' the soldiers called them. So, she played the game they taught her too. Taking her toy, she went to her hiding spot a false panel in a wall. She put on her mask that they taught her to wear and she waited.
She heard screaming and more thuds. Grownups like to play so loudly she thought as she waited. The noises stopped it was quiet, but she knew to stay put. There was no light all so all she could do was listen. Then she heard a tap some ways away that kept coming closer. A tingle of fear crept in it was the 'stormtroopers' the other adults had won.
She heard the hollow tap on her door they knew where she was, and they had found her. She clutched at her sword prepared to stab at the face that was going to come through the door. The door opened, and a blinding light shined through and into her eyes.
She couldn't see as a hand grabbed her. She struggled and stabbed at it, but she knew that she had been pulled out of her hole.
She ripped off her mask to bite the hand, but the air stuck her eyes and mouth it was choking her as more hands grabbed her and restrained her. They pushed her to the ground, but she struggled until she heard a voice say to her "Well, well, well I come looking for the famous Dr. Brief's and instead a find a rather violent little black-haired girl dressed in rags with pigtails."
She looked it was a man in a black power suit he stood tall above her she could not see his eyes, but she could feel them. He asked her, "Little girl what is your name?" She merely stared menacingly at him.
He chuckled at her "My name is Teal, General Teal. You know girly you remind me of a ex of mine and well hell current girlfriend of mine. You have quite a bit of fire in you. You know fire is one of man's first and greatest weapon very useful. You understand that I'm not in a good mood considering I'm not getting what I was ordered to get. Right?"
She spat at him as she still struggled as the stormtroopers had a hard time keeping her down.
Teal didn't seem angry instead amused by this and said to her "Well that just won't do. Now I have to either kill you or promote you." He took a pistol out and pointed at her head smiling. She stopped struggling and just stared at him. "Good you understand what this is. This my girly is political power. It is the only real form of it or at least it was until my couz proved otherwise. This allows me the choice to make that fire go out in you. There is more than one way to do it though. But this is well quicker and easier than most. It means that a girl that could overpower a bunch of grown ass men is just as easy to kill as a bug. You are easy to kill just as I am. But I don't think you or I want to do that. Me because it would be a waste of good fire. So, congrats you now have a new daddy who ain't no traitor to the cause. Well now let's pack her up."
Videl felt a rifle butt hit the back of her head and everything went black.
So, lots of bad news but at least they got away but Raditz is coming to Earth and Vegeta is after them.
Chapter 43: Meeting of the Minds
Chapter Text
Bill clenched his teeth as the stint was applied to arm. Dietrich had patched him up pretty well. The armor and plasma shield kept any of the blow from being fatal, but they obviously didn't absorb it all. On an examination table he sat with only his pants on. His chest was black and blue, over his one eye was a cut dangerously close to his eye, his right arm was broken hence the stint.
His eye was focused on the ground he knew that Chi-Chi, Bulma, Mai and Gorman were all looking at him. He was their leader they expected a plan from him. But in fact, he had no plan. He wasn't happy how he had panicked nor was he happy that he hadn't ordered them to attack the moment they were confronted.
Bill said in his matter a fact way "We lost three and now there are more Saiyan's after us. I shouldn't be surprise, the monster was always a liar but for a change, I think he didn't know that what he said was a lie. Simply put I have to assume that we are being hunted. Which means we need to take even greater care. The armor did little. We cleaved through those other aliens easy enough, but we were wiped out by that Saiyan."
Mai nodded and said "Ferro said that we have two tag alongs. We're being hunted."
"My father built this ship to go fast but I have no idea how fast they are capable of going. I never got the data from the monster's pod."
"The Saiyan was stronger than Kakarrot than when I fought him at the Tournament. I have gotten stronger since then, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure that I could have beaten him. It would have been a long one either way and I may have lost."
Gorman huffed and said, "So our position is worse than we thought."
Mai shrugged then said, "I would think our position is same."
Bill shook his head then said, "No it's worse. We are in unfamiliar country. A hostile has shown us how weak we are and is now hunting us in what is his turf. It's worse than if we had run into an Imperial hunting party then we would be at least at equal terms. We are strangers here. We don't know if there is safety never mind where here is."
Mai needed an answer to a question that was on her mind but didn't want everyone here for the question or the answer "Everyone I think Bill needs some rest."
Dietrich and Gorman were out of the med lab while Chi-Chi had to nudge Bulma to the door. When Mai was sure they were out of ear shot she asked it bluntly but quietly.
"How fucked are we?"
Bill looked at his broken arm sighed then said "Pretty. I see them hunting us for longer than we can run. We have plenty of hydrogen for fuel but were going to need to stop and make more coolant. Bulma can make it she says easy enough, but we need time and time is something we don't have. If we have learned one thing from Kakarrot is that Saiyan's are both ruthless and relentless. They will keep at us. Which means were going to have to get creative. Possible leave the group on a planet with enough resources to sustain them while I use the ship lead them away."
"You're not sacrificing yourself for us. There has to be a better way. Beside if they catch up to you, they find only you then they'll start retracing their steps."
"Not if they only find an exploded ship and believe that we ran ourselves into oblivion."
Mai with a hint of panic in her voice "I can't lead these people."
"Oh yes you can. You already have been. They trust you, like they have trusted me and unlike me you're not a broken thing."
A tear came to her eye and she placed her hands on his hands. She looked into his eye and got closer to his face. In a sad voice she said, "Well maybe I need you to be here." Her face inch closer to his and he pulled back his.
"I'm sorry I can't. I don't think I… It'll hurt too many people for starters."
"I'm not asking to replace her."
"I know."
The door opened and Spunkmeyer the co-pilot came in and grinned then asked, "Am I interrupting something?"
Mai walked away from the counter the moment he came in.
Bill blushed a bit and said, "No. What is it?"
Spunkmeyer saluted and said, "Well Major, Ferro says that there is a message that you might want to hear."
Bill got dressed and him Mai, Gorman, Chi-Chi and Bulma were in the crowded cockpit with Ferro and Spunkmeyer they were listening for the message.
An obviously alien voice spoke in an obnoxiously loud and irritating voice saying "Come to the planet were pleasure was practically invented. Planet Risa. Enjoy our gambling dens, take part in our lush scenery and our flesh pits. We have willing escorts from as many species as you can think of. We also have universal class dinning. Have what you want. It's all for sale here. The freshest of slaves, of food and of everything. Come here and enjoy a first-class treatment in the best hotels in the universe. Risa come here and partake in our wonder's."
The message ended and there was a disgusted look on the groups face.
Gorman sneered in disgust saying, "This place sounds horrible."
Ferro said thinking out loud "Maybe that's why there is so many dead civilizations here. They needed slaves and wanted more growing space."
"My instruments told me the fields on the last planet were unnatural. We did detect a mass of people. Maybe they weren't all soldiers maybe they were slaves to work the fields."
"That means whoever runs the planet has a working relationship with Frieza and maybe the Saiyan's."
"True but an it is unlikely that whoever runs this place is them. It sounds like a businessman in the more tradition sense and we are potential customers. It's probably a busy space port with a lot of people coming and going. A sea to which we could get lost in."
"It's the lion's den."
"That's called Earth Cheech. No this is Sodom and Gomorrah by the sounds of it. A place where people are sold and are dreams thoroughly crushed. Where people prey on one another the same as animals in the jungle. Mom would roll over in her grave to hear I was going to a place like this. It's making my skin crawl but screw it we need to disappear and quickly. Ferro set a course to that horrid world we have a dark rock to crawl under."
Later
Over the sounds of fists clashing General Teal with his new daughter Videl came up to Kakarrot who was watching his son's clash. Livy was watching and waiting for the winner. Everybody watching knew the winner was going to Remus, but Romulus was quite suborn, he wasn't going down without a fight. His determination was at least impressive to all, but Livy.
Kakarrot asked Teal "Tell me couz did you see my address to the Party Congress last night?"
"My Lord it was like usual a masterpiece. It only a shame our Martian colony wouldn't be functional for quite a few hundred years."
Kakarrot sighed at that and said "It's true. Our living space is not going to come quick enough. We need planet already with our needs not hundred-year projects. Our fleet is large and growing. The teeming masses of the Earth require the land and wealth I have promised them and soon. I have freed the wage slaves of this world and now they are yearning for my expansion." He paused and looked. "What's with the kid?"
"Well I 'adopted' her. Videl's her name. I figured that if an entire squad of men were having a hard time keeping her down. Figured that she might be worth keeping around"
"Hmm… Well she does feel a lot stronger than a normal kid but isn't Violet your wife… your girlfriend… your baby momma pregnant? What the hell are you two any way's?"
"We don't like labels and your correct but that's going to be a boy and I also want a daughter. Don't know if I can talk her into number two so I went and picked one up myself."
Videl only half listening to all this was scared the since she had been captured it had all been education. Telling her that the man that was now in front of her was god and mankind's savior. That whoever disagreed with him were murder's, thieves, evil and selfish people who deserved what they got. They spoke of horrible the world was before this palm hair man. They all seemed so sure and Teal had not been so horrible.
Now she could play in the sun whenever she wanted. She always could eat when she wanted with no one to tell her there was no food. The more they said the easier it came for her to believe.
Videl in a near shout asked him finally the question on her mind "Are you a god sir?"
Kakarrot looked at her with warm eyes his face spoke of understanding and kindness all lies but convincing ones and said, " Yes I am my child."
Videl was quiet she knew that this couldn't be true. He seemed friendly. Not at all like a monster.
Kakarrot got on a knee to face on her level eye to eye and said "Why don't you go over and play with by kids. I'm sure they'll be happy to have a new playmate."
Videl nodded and walked over to the fight. She couldn't help but be amazed by them. They could fire light from their hands. They could fly. She thought to herself 'I'd like to fly.' She came over to Livy who then curtsied to her. Videl was confused and Livy could see it.
"Mother says that this is how a Princess is supposed to greet new strangers even if their the poors and dressed like a bum. Who are you?"
"My name is Videl Satan… sorry Teal, Videl Teal. Teal told me I have to start calling myself that and to call him dad. I'm still not sure about that."
"Why are you dressed like a boy? Armor like I'm wearing is neutral enough. But a t-shirt and work out pants. You know you were going to meet my father the Emperor a god, right?"
Videl felt ashamed by this girl "This is what I like."
"Mother says life isn't about what you like but what you have to do. Didn't your mother teach you anything?"
"I never meet her. Old dad said she died."
Livy rolled her eyes unfazed by what she said then said back to her "Well that explains it. No one was around to teach you manners."
Nearby Romulus was thrown to the ground having been overpowered by Remus. Came down to try to help his brother up. Romulus refused his hand preferring instead to pick himself up.
"You know you're getting worse Rom."
Romulus picked himself up and spat back "I will beat you."
"Fat chance! You might be a few seconds older, but I'll always be stronger."
"Fine then well shake."
Remus came over to shake Romulus hand and then Romulus hand would go to grab Remus's tail. He gripped his tail by the tip. Remus gasped, and his eyes went wide.
Romulus was stone faced as he said "You might be stronger, but I'll always be smarter. Now yield!"
Remus with tears in his eyes looked at Romulus they asked why as this move seemed to hurt his feelings.
Kakarrot yelled from his position away from the two "Enough!"
He quickly appeared in front of the two and the two got on their right knees. He looked furious his blood was up. His eyes were focused first on Romulus.
Kakarrot yelled at them asked "What do you think you're doing?" He didn't wait for Romulus to response. "If you going to play so underhanded you must go all the way and do it in the shadows. Number one if you have your opponent's weakness in your hands then you use it don't give him the chance to escape."
Romulus his eyes hitting the ground thought to himself 'I didn't actually want to hurt him I just didn't want to lose again.'
"What strength did you show in this match? Yes, you tricked him, and thinking is good. But if there had been an audience they would boo and would be justified in doing so. You showed no strength you merely showed opportunism. Your victory would have been pyrrhic and made you look weak." His eyes then turned on Remus. "What are you doing crying? You are a Prince of an Empire. You are a Saiyan and a wolf. You should not have tears to shed. You are not a weak little girl. You must be a man. Not everyone will be honorable or play fair. They will cheat they will liar and they will deceive. This is reality. You are important and strong, so plenty will try and may succeed. Crying is worthless it merely proves you are weak and capable of pushing around." He turned from them. "I am in disappointed in both of you." He left the two.
Livy looked to Videl ecstatic by all of this. Livy looked at her and said "Those two are fools. One day I'm going to be Empress." She said with the cold assurance. Videl felt a chill by this. This young girl seemed determined and her eyes spoke of ruthless calculation.
It was then that the two princes came over to her and the princess. It took a few seconds but the two calm down and what Videl assumed was their real personalities came out.
Romulus was cold and introverted. He barely spoke a word to her. He didn't sneer at her or look down on her. But he didn't like attention or enjoy Videl's questions. He didn't like her looking at his third eye or like the fact he didn't have a tail.
Remus was completely different. He liked to talk he was charming he enjoyed questions. He smiled a happily he didn't have a frown on his face like Romulus. In short, they were night and day.
Remus peppered Videl with questions about where she came from, about the Resistance and other things. Livy and Romulus seemed frustrated by this. Livy because Videl was a subject and not worth questioning. Romulus because it wasn't polite or something. They talked like this for a while, while over where Kakarrot was fuming over his son's poor performance when an urgent piece of information came to him from an intelligence officer.
The man heiled and said to him "My Lord we have trouble. An unknown craft has entered the solar system. Its heading course is the Earth."
Kakarrot looked at the information and sighed then said, "So it's going to be an interesting day after all."
Next Chapter Strangers in a Strange Land. Sorry this one was short.
Chapter 44: Strangers In A Strange Land
Chapter Text
There was a tense mood in the air. The Regiment of soldiers in their shiny gun grey armor were standing in attention. There was over a thousand of them all staring at the spot where the craft was scheduled to land but they weren't the ones next to the Emperor. No standing closest to the Emperor was Teal and his black armored in stormtroopers with their laughing skull insignia on their helmets. There also was the three oldest of his oldest Romulus, Remus and Livy.
On Kakarrot face was a smirk. He had been waiting for this day for a while. He had no idea who was coming here but on this warm bright summer day he planned to show off for whomever showed up. If he was going to loss this day, he would do it in his royal armor with his medals and with the world he had 'liberated' watching.
They might all died but die seeing him as their defender. If any survived, he would be their god hero for all time. The history book of the distant future would trip over themselves singing his praise. He would not die some poor third-class SOB; he would die with glory and honor or win with glory and honor and secure his human's loyalty for all eternity.
He had considered being mounted for this, but he had realized that the horse would probably just get spooked when the ship landed, so instead was just standing in front of his men with his right leg on a flat rock. His cape blew in the wind like something out of a painting. The rock had been brought here just for that purpose.
A black suited man in normal officer's wear came to him and said, "My Lord the Doctor said the ship will be arriving in mere moments."
It was a blonde-haired young man. His face was cold, his stare long. He had little muscle on him. His hair was neatly tucked under his officers cap. He looked young for that uniform being of anywhere from fifteen to eighteen.
"I remember Twelve what my grandfather said. I don't need your reminders."
Twelve bowed to him "I'm sorry my Lord. I meant no offence."
"And none was taken. Just get out of the shots. My audience is watching."
He said knowing that the TV camera were focused on him. Far and wide the message had gone out. People on the streets, huddled in their homes. Even the Resistance was watching with the pick your poison realization who was going to be worse? Some thought who knew maybe the monsters would take each other out.
Then the pod came in with a thunderous explosion. It smashed into the ground kicking up a dust cloud. The glow red eyes of the of the power armored troopers was visible in the dust. Nor did the Emperor's eyes twitch in the dust, the fulfillment of his life was coming he wasn't going to miss a second of this.
He would assume Frieza would come in a much bigger ship or be a lot stronger for as it stood, he was a lot stronger than the invader but maybe he was hiding his real strength. Kakarrot aimed to find out.
The dust began to settle as the hatch to the pod opened. Kakarrot eyes went wide as he saw the someway familiar looking mane of black hair appearing with his tail around his waist in front of him and his army. Kakarrot and Raditz eyes meet and the world saw its second full bloodied Saiyan for the first time.
A Resistance fighter next to Dr. Brief said with tears in his eyes "We have two oppressors now not one."
Raditz looked around to see the army then at the man that was clearly his brother even looked the double of his late father minus the same facial scar. Raditz said "Brother."
In Kakarrot's mind came a name to mind imprinted in him "Raditz?"
Raditz nodded to him "Yeah it's me, I'm your brother."
All around the people of the world the people cheered. With a collective sigh of relief with the belief that the Earth was no longer in danger. The regime supporters cheered at even more was now on their master's side. The non-regime, non-resistance cheering that their homes weren't going to get destroyed.
"What going on here you were supposed to…"
Kakarrot cut him off "Um… The computer said our planet was dead and I had no idea any other saiyans was alive, so I figured it would be pointless. And I grew up here, so these are kind of my people now."
"So, you conquered them?"
"No brother I liberated them. They had a lot of inequality before me and I freed them of that. And now I'm their god."
Both Raditz and Kakarrot seemed confused by this situation. Raditz well didn't expect to be greeted by an army of the people that his brother was supposed to kill off and it was little weird to be talking to a stranger that looked so much like his father. Hell, his voice was even right.
For Kakarrot he was prepared to fight a battle to the death against a creature that killed his people. Now one of those people were here and now he was in some sort of awkward family reunion. Was Vegeta even blown up? He thought.
Kakarrot turned to the TV cameras and said, "Cut the feeds." The drones did so. He turned back to Raditz. "So, Planet Vegeta fine or…?"
"Oh no its still blown up but there are others."
"Others?"
"Well it's kind of why I'm here. See you were supposed to signal all clear and that you did your job. But since you didn't, we kind of assumed that you were dead, and this planet is kind of far from where we have been living. Prince Vegeta whose still alive you see, had this plan that we need more Saiyan's for, so he sent me to see if you were still alive. So, it's me, Prince Vegeta and Nappa who used to lead the army. We heard some rumors of others, but we never looked into those until we ran into some Saiyan's then the Prince came up this idea and told me to go looking for you."
"So, there are four plus Saiyan's left in the universe?"
"Yes."
"All of whom are male?"
"Well for the four yes plus I'm not sure. The boy definitely was one of us not sure about the others." Raditz looked to the children two of whom had tails and were clearly Saiyan asked "So I'm an uncle?"
"Yeah I've got four possible five and two more in about seven one more in eight. Humanity and us are very compatible."
Raditz's eyebrow raised at this "Interesting. I suppose they are fellow hominids."
Kakarrot smiled at him "My point exactly. Well think we have a lot to discuss about this plan and just to catch up."
Raditz was marveling at his little brother's palace. It was something that he had only seen Frieza and his family possess. It was lavish and expensive. A far cry from his bottom bunk in a windowless cell serving Frieza. No this was proof that his brother had power, power that he never had for a moment in his life.
Kakarrot watched his brother enjoying the fact that he was enamored by his palace. His brother appeared to low man on the totem pole. It was being easy he thought to turn him to his side by the looks of it. All he needed to do was promise him some power and like a starving dog he would eat it up.
Raditz asked him "So how many wives do you have?" He said eying the female palace guards watching them in this conference room.
Kakarrot still smiling saying "Twenty. I'll probably be having more eventually. But there are billions of humans, plenty for you to choose from if you want."
Raditz smiled at him "Isn't that just the definition of brotherly love."
"If you can't share with your brother who can you share with?" (He chuckled and as he did the officers started to arrive.) "Well almost everyone here, all but our demon friend."
It was then upon saying those words that through an open window Piccolo came in to the room. He barely made a noise. Kakarrot merely sighed thinking to himself 'he still thinks he's batman.'
"Alright now that our friend decided to make his appearance we can begin."
Kakarrot sat first then the rest did but Piccolo. Raditz was allowed to sit next to his brother even though it was Teal's usual seat. The recorder was turned on as Kakarrot liked meetings such as these, recorded for posterity.
"Alright what are you here proposing brother?"
"Prince Vegeta wants to start his rebellion against Frieza and the Planet Trade Organization (PTO). He wants all the remaining Saiyan under his command and we need an army. I didn't expect to find you with an army but since you do, our Prince demands of you to give them to our cause."
The moffs, admirals and general started to talk at fever pitch. They were all talking strategy and were filled with question big and small.
Kakarrot raised his hand and then stared daggers at his brother and then asked, "He commands me?"
Raditz confused said to him "Well yes brother. He is Prince. He gets to order us around."
Kakarrot getting angry showed his teeth and began to physical crowd his brother getting louder as he went, "I am Emperor of the Neo Saiyan Empire. I command a vast army and an entire world." He violently smacked the table. "I am commanded by no one. You are merely asking me to join in your cause to lend my support. You understand!"
Raditz was even more confused, he was getting intimidated by his little brother. It was starting to making him angry but his job was to convince Kakarrot of joining this mission and clearly his brother had what was needed for that mission to succeed.
Raditz relented to him "I'm sorry brother. I'm asking you to join our cause not ordering."
Kakarrot nodded at that his pride was satisfied, "Alright as long as we have that damn fucking clear. Now from what I'm hearing from my esteemed gallery of uniforms is that we are willing join in, and it is the details that are the real question."
The clear majority of the officers nodded only Black seemed hesitant in this.
Kakarrot confidently said "Right then Grandpa and intelligence will analysis your ship's data and we will formulate a plan of attack. Brother call up Vegeta and have him come here so that we can better coordinate also discuss how the galaxy will be divided up. And I think that concludes our meeting today. If you will excuse me, me and my brother need to do some catching up."
The recorder stopped.
The ship landed on that lush jungle world of Risa. It landed far away any of the major cities. A space port was far too risky. The reason why were simply these guys were probably friends with the bad guys it would too easy to find them. And number two it was probably going to cost money and money they know they had.
In front of the airlock the group gather with Bill at its head in his power armor.
"Alright here is how this is going to go. Mai you're staying here along with Ferro, Spunkmeyer, Frost, Dietrich, the kids of course and Chi-Chi."
"And Chi-Chi!? I'm not staying here!"
Bill sighed but he was not surprised "If this goes south, I need you here. To hold the base. The thick jungle will not fully protect us. From space we will be hard to find, lower not so much. If they had in reality been tracking us with tech better, then we know of they will find us, and you will be the only reasonable line of defense to our only means of escape."
Chi-Chi looked at him with a bit of anger but then relented.
Bill then continued "The rest of us will leave with what gold and rare metal we have and go into town to see if we can buy or trade for something that could help us. We also need to get our bearings. Find a map and find out any political info. Maybe there might be people out there in the galaxy that fight these people. So, everyone keep calm, keep frosty and keep safe. Also, everyone the focus is on keeping Bulma safe. We need Bulma to keep the ship running so she is the VIP she is all of our top priority not me or anyone else."
Bulma went to disagree with him but Bill opened the airlock. Bill was the first on the jump, his feet the first on the ground. The planet around him was green. It was thick jungle with alien plants and signs of alien animals. Rainbow color gourd like flowers. A footprint in the soft mud nearby with three prongs to it, it was like a mixture between a dinosaurs and mammoths. It was familiar but still foreigner.
Bulma was next out still fuming a bit about the VIP status she had been given. She was in a sort of UNIT jumpsuit. It looked like cloth but was in reality bullet proof. They would had given her a power armor if they had a spar or she had known how to use one.
She walked in front of him and pushed her finger into his chest. Somehow even through the armor he could feel her finger.
"Listen I'm no one's damsel in distress. I can carry a gun. I can make an atom bomb in an hour."
Bill sighed at that "In one second Kakarrot can destroy a city without an atom bomb. He is not unique. These suits can maybe slow them down, the ship can let us flee only if you are around to fix it. None of us are engineers. I don't like being in charge, but I am, and I have to deal with that. You are essential, I'm sorry but it is true so, deal with it."
Bulma was shut up as out of the ship came the rest of the team. Bill took out a capsule and tossed it at the ground and a flying car came out of it.
"No one show your suits power unless necessary. I want it to be a surprise. Now let's get going."
They piled in the car and took off into the alien countryside.
A cadre of PTO armored soldiers stood in attention with an oddly dressed alien waiting at their head. He was a portly creature with fleshly whiskers. His skin was a grey color. His eyes like a snake's. they were black and no other color to his pupils and cornea's. He seemed nervous.
Like a rocket the two pods came down on the pads. They steamed and had a red tint to the hulls from the heat. The opened and the creature gulped down some air. Vegeta and Nappa emerged from the pods.
Vegeta looked at the reception and in particular the leader and then sneered. The cadre bowed. The leader came forward.
The leader said to him "Glorious Prince Vegeta of the Saiyan race. I would like to apologies for the governor general's absence. He is a busy man and other matters demanded his attention."
"So, how are you? The ass wiper?"
He faked a laughed and said, "Prince your sense of humor proceeds you."
"I'm sure tales of the Monkey Prince as you like to call me are far and wide."
He pretended to seem shocked "Prince I would never use that word."
Vegeta sneering said, "I'm sure."
"Would you like an escort Prince?"
"No."
"Can I ask what you are here for?"
"No. Come Nappa we have better things to do then get this piss pour welcome by a grinning moron"
The two took off into the sky and as soon as they were out of sight the man's face turned said "Fucking uppity Monkey's. I'm glad they're all but extinct."
In the air the two Saiyan's stopped midair and looked down on the lush world.
"This reminds off how my father described Salada."
"Who cares. Now we have to find our people."
"The scouters aren't really useful."
"Agreed. Maybe we should have asked the third class what they looked like."
"One had a tail. They should be easy enough to spot."
"Maybe. You take the other continent I take this one. They might not be in a mood to see us but don't kill them. We might need them and we're not here to kill them."
"Alright but if they try anything, I can rough them up a bit, right?"
Vegeta sighed and pointed at him "No! We want them on our side idiot. Don't fuck this one up."
Nappa nodded. Nappa left and Vegeta took to the ground to begin his hunt.
Into the outskirts of an alien city their car stopped. The city that they had come to was beautiful with white clean walls. The alien but gorgeous architecture was around them. There were foreign smells in the air of foods they did not know but smelled good. The scenery boasted blue mountains in the distance clean blue lakes. It would have been nice if it all been breath taking if not for the cruelty it was in service to.
The horrors of this world were apparent. People had collars on. Brands not tattoos were apparent. This was a slave planet with a slave economy. The collared people all had sour face. The scars spoke of their treatment. They were barely clothed. They were a wide variety of species. Many of whom even looked almost human.
Bill his eyes wide with disgust said, "Alright strangers let's get to work."
Chapter 45: Struggles
Chapter Text
Bill walked up to what appeared to be a police officer. It was an alien with grayish skin in a blue uniform with a sidearm. It was some sort of laser or blaster or something in a holster. The alien was alert.
Bill hoping, he spoke his language as he asked, "Officer can you direct me to the market?"
The alien looked him up and down and sneered. "Monkey's like you should know your place. Just because you don't have a collar doesn't mean your citizens your just freeman." He spat at Bill's feet. "Down the street three blocks. Take a right then a left it will on your right."
Bill nodded and said, "Thank you." This alien was clearly racist to him, but Bill showed no signs of caring. This was just something to accept. He just thought, he should be just glad that he wasn't being given a bigger hassle.
He when back over to the group and said, "Alright were walking from here."
Hicks bitched "Oh you got to be kidding me!" Gorman gave him a dirty look but before he could speak Bill continued on.
"We don't have a license and I got the feeling we aren't welcome here. I was just called a 'Monkey' and was told to know my place. We are like free black's in the antebellum south, we're not welcome here and we're probably going to get spit on. So, don't try to act equal and don't make eye contact. Now let's move."
Down the streets they walked. They were seeing more signs of cruelty of this place. Children with collars bare foot sweeping despite the fact they had robots. They look to them thin and beaten.
They finally came to the market, yet it was more like an ancient bazaar. It was a big sprawling thing. Things from all over the universe seemed to be here. The foreign smells were at their zenith here. The colors were vibrant and dazzling. Some of the people in the stalls were slaves some were not. It was a mixed bag of a place.
"Alright Bulma you have most of the gold and rare metals. Gorman and the team will join you."
"Well what about you?"
"I'm going to find a map and a drink."
The team went into the Bazaar while Bill head into a nearby bar. Bill then entered into this new world like the Bazaar. It featured things far and wide from the galaxy. This ancient stone watering hole was dark under a building which he gathered was the town hall. It was loud the music was playing and the creatures talking.
He noticed he got a few looks from the attendants. He started to get ready to be told that his kind wasn't welcomed here and was going to be thrown out, but that moment never came.
Instead he sat down on a stool. He was next to a creature that appeared to an orange butt for a mouth talking to a man with a crushed messed up face. He didn't listen to the noise that they were making.
The bartender came up to him and asked him "What will it be Monkey?"
Bill cringed mentally at that. It sudden made him realize that these people were calling him the same thing they probably called Kakarrot and his people, it fucking stung to say the least. He had half a mind to break this mother fucker's jaw but instead he decided to shut him up. He took out his revolver with its six blue god killing bullets then took out the hunk of gold that he had taken with him.
The bartender's grey reptile eyes lit up like it was Christmas or something. Bill grinned. At least it seems like gold was universal enough. Using his enhanced strength with the suit, he ripped off a nugget then tossed it to him.
"Largest and strongest bottle of booze you got stilt eyes and keep the change."
The creature nodded and then Bill placed the rest of the bar back into his pocket. It was then he felt the stares. The stares were not positive. He realized the fuck up he had just committed. He looked a slave showing off how much money he had in slave country. By the looks of it there was a class system that he just broke and broke big time. He kept out his revolver on the very real chance, he might need it.
The bottle was placed in from of him and without a glass he took a swig of it. He was probably going to have to take a punch or two from one of these critters. When they up and decided to put the 'Monkey' back in his place.
A tap came to his shoulder and Bill sighed 'here it comes' he thought. He grasped his revolver and swiveled around expecting to get a hard, right hook to the jaw. He looked but was surprised. Instead of a 'good old boy' it was another hominid.
The man looked strong like he had worked all his life. His skin was tan. His body had scars face and what little he could see through his rags. His eyes were green, his hair blonde. There was a brand on his neck that was the letter F. This man had to have been a slave.
He said calmly "Care to share the wealth brother?"
"My mother never told me I had a second brother only the one."
He said, "Well I suppose you never been a slave, but I don't think they care much."
Bill looked around and saw their glares. "I suppose not."
The freeman pointed to a booth and said, "Follow me."
Bill followed him dodging the attempts to trip him from the other patrons. They came to the booth and the man sat with his eyes facing the entrance while Bill laid back and putting his foot on the table.
"So are we at the part where we give names?"
"I've a few but I go by Crixus now."
"It's Bill only ever been. So how you know I'm not a slave or ever have been."
"The armor. Your walk. Your attitude. It all tells me no one's ever whipped you until you wept. No one stole your kids and sold them."
"Well you half right on that last one. So why throw your lot in with me?"
"We to be honest I wanted some of that liquid paradise…"
"Are you sure it tastes like piss to me?"
"Sure but also I get the feeling you're not from around here 'Mandalorian?'" He said like he was asking a question.
"Never heard of them."
"Really? Well you must be from some out of the way place. Hominids that actually have power go Saiyan's (but their all but extinct mostly) and Mandalorian's. I just figured with the armor?"
Bill shook his head "Nope."
"Interesting then I figure your not will to talk about home."
"Yep. So, you want a way out of here."
Crixus laughed then came up close and whispered "My leader might want to but no. I want weapons. The kind that kill masters." He pulled back.
Bill took a swig "A little bold to ask that of a stranger."
"Aw but you're just that. Your no PTO, no GP. Your no master, no slaver. You're just a weary traveler come to trade and get some info. I can assure you that me and my friend have been busy gathering money for this exact situation."
"What will you do when Frieza comes?"
"We run, and we spread the gospel of 'death to the masters'."
"So that's why you're looking at the door. You already started this."
"Yes, but luckily we all look alike to them."
"Well hate to burst you bubble but I have my own mark on me. I can't help you. My weapons are my own. I don't have any spars and even if I did, they might be used to hunt me."
Crixus smiled at him "The goblin said you say something like that."
Bill now very confused "What?"
"He said that you'd come. He told me what you'd say. Oh well I guess we'll just have to go with option number two." He got up as some policeman started to come in. "See around Stryker of Earth."
Bill looked to see the cops come in and Crixus was gone. Confused Bill sat still as the cops came over to him. Two the lead one saying to him "Monkey, time to go. Your upsetting the customers. You've been asked to leave. We need you for questioning."
Bill sighed and said, "Sure thing." He put his revolver into his pocket without letting the cops see. He knew he was about to get a beating, but he wanted to make sure they only got a chance to do that, not the either of the other things. He certain not let himself die on this crap hole of a planet.
On Earth
Raditz slammed back first into a hard metal wall. He let out a yelp as pulled himself out of the wall. He then growled as he heard his brother.
"My word brother you are out of shape. Just look at you. Your little brother is rag dolling you so easily."
"How did you get this strong. And how come my scouter didn't pick this up."
"Brother you haven't seen my grandpa's toys and your still using outdated tech. I'll teach you the powers of this world." He came over and lent a hand to his brother. Raditz took it and got up.
Raditz coughing said, "You pack one hell of a punch."
"Training in thirty times earth's gravity can do that for you."
Raditz gasped asking "Thirty times this planet's gravity?"
Kakarrot grinned at him "Yeah I've been slacking. I should have been on fifty by now."
The two men stopped as they heard a clapping the two turned to see Dr. Gero coming with Moff Green over to them.
"It's good to see my son getting along with his blood."
"So, this is the man you call grandpa brother?"
"Yes. The man who made all this possible." To Gero. "I trust Grandpa that with this cheery mood that you are in you have good news to tell?"
"Oh, most certainly. Grand Moff Copper has recommended that we attack the Planet Risa."
"Risa what for? That's not a military target."
Gero stopped him "Correct but an economic target. PM Black is concerned that our men are not fit yet for an all-out war against the PTO so as a compromise it was decided that a softer target was preferable. The tyrant makes quite a bit of money on this world. It is loosely defended. A group of commandos could prevent anyone from calling for help and we can destroy it, hurt the bottom line of our enemy and prove our might on the field."
"So small scale bush fire as opposed to large scale shit storm?"
"Correct."
"I don't know sounds cowardly."
"It is always your call son. But I remind you that you yourself are not sure of your ability to kill Frieza. A smart leader takes advice when in the dark. We will have our big battle against him, when we decide to."
"Wait isn't that where Prince Vegeta and Nappa are?"
"Exactly we also needed a place where allies might be present to assist us on the ground. On every level this makes sense. It is soft, we have allies, it hurt the big money interests, and moral. Seeing the slaves will be more evidence to our army of why we fight. This is why they will fight to the bitter end. So that this will not happen to them."
Kakarrot grinned "Well I'm sold. Raditz try to inform them of our arrival without tipping off the PTO. We need total surprise. You understand?"
"Yes."
"I suppose it would be better for me to meet him on neutral ground anyways. If this little alliance of ours is to succeed. Green get me the best of the best for our trip to Risa."
Back on Risa
Bulma was staring at some of the items on sale. There was an air of frustration in her eyes. She thought to herself 'Yeah smartest woman the universe my ass. I don't know what half of this stuff is. Sure, it's easy enough to tell the different between a shirt and a flux capacitor. But whether it works? I have no idea what a 'defrackular' is and whether we need it. This is Star Trek shit.' She felt as lost as a caveman would be in an electronics store.
She heard Vasquez and Hudson talking to one another behind her.
"Damn man look at her. That's a lady that knows what she's doing."
"Well no shit. She could make a time machine in her basement and make a suit of power out of some scraps in a cave. The lady is just that awesome."
A bead of sweat came down her face. She thought 'Oh my Kami these people trust and rely on me. Oh, so this is what it feels like to be Chi-Chi or Bill, damn this sucks hard. Well I have to ask one of these tellers about what these things do. But that would make them lose faith. Oh, what am I going to do?' Mentally she slapped herself. 'Stop mopping. Your Bulma fucking Briefs the smartest and beautifulest woman in the universe. You could have any man or doing anything you set your mind to. You can outsmart a bunch of military Cro-Magnons from the stupid ages.'
Bulma turned around and gave Gorman a big fake smile. She knew he had a thing for her. Getting him out of the way would make the rest easy.
"Gorey could you go get me a 'hydraulic discompluater' from the ship?"
Gorman blushed and looked confused "A what?"
Bulma cursed herself mentality she thought 'Oh I'm terrible on my feet. That was complete nonsense. Now I look like a moron.'
Gorman quickly said trying to not look stupid "Oh the big thing that goes beep, beep with the nobs and such?" He stroked his back nervously.
The other marines looked confused. Bulma cheered in her head 'See doesn't matter how dumb you act their all a hell of a lot dumber.' She nodded her head "Yes I won't have put it like that but yes. It should be it the main storage room in one of the capsules." She talked very sweetly to him. "You're going to get it for me, right?"
Gorman nodded and began to walk off when Hicks spoke up "Lieutenant I thought Major ordered us to say with her?"
Bulma mentally cursed Hicks and his gorgeous chin. He was about to ruin all of this.
"Major ordered us to guard and assist Bulma in her efforts to save us all. She needs something we get it."
Hudson and the others seemed convinced but Hicks wasn't as Gorman took off. Bulma thought 'So then there is Hicks.'
"Could you guys go over and get a quote from that last teller on that defrackular I want to compare it to the one over here."
Three of them nodded and following the Lt lead by walking away. Much to Hicks distress.
"Marines were supposed to stick with the VIP. Bulma were not supposed to leave your side. Please call them back."
Bulma with authority now "Corporal their your own men. But this is my field. You're here helping me, so I can help you."
He looked frustrated. He wasn't buying it. He could tell she was up to something. He was a good guard dog.
Bulma trying to sound innocent "Look all I need you to do is to go over to that stall and I will stay right here."
"Bulma your smart. You understand that this is hostile territory. You need us here. We don't know if the saiyan's are here."
Bulma waited for the right moment then said in a shriek "Does that thing have a gun!"
Hicks turned and looked making sure to use himself a shield and looked for the would-be assassin. Then sighed and looked back to see Bulma was gone like he suspected. He couldn't not look and act like the threat wasn't real.
Hicks when on the com "Everyone get back here Bulma's gone she gave us the slip. I don't know why but Princess is loose. We got to find her quickly!"
He began to look as Bulma snickered. He didn't think to look behind on of the stands. She knew they were all going to chew her out for this but not looking stupid was its own reward.
She ran the other direct from where they were going, and she was prepared to go and ask some question when out of nowhere she ran into someone. Headfirst she smacks right into him.
His commanding voice barked out "Why don't you look where you're going! Stupid woman!"
Bulma attack looked up without really looking and said "Asshole you were standing in my way. So why don't you get your short ass out of my way."
The sun was over his head, but she could she could see his outline. His hair was shaped like flame. He was wearing armor and wearing a fuzz belt. She could just tell he was a jerk. She got up and put her finger into his chest.
"It's a Bazaar. Your supposed to be moving around not standing in place like some great hedge buddy.
Her finger felt like it was touching stone. Whoever this was really liked to work out. His face came into view. It would have looked good if it wasn't all scowls. His Onyx eyes. His chin. His black hair. Oh yeah, he looked good to her. It might have been a while but either way. He was turning red and she was sure it was because of her finger and eyes She was sure despite his rage he was looking her over too.
Vegeta for his part was about ready to kill her. Some slave had just come up and disrespected him. Her hair might have been his favorite color and it was nice to see some spunk from someone other than the backstabs and insults he was used to, but this couldn't stand.
He grabbed her wrist and said with a menacing dark voice "Maybe slave, I should beat some manners into you."
Bulma was not intimated "I don't care if your cute you can't call me a slave. I'm nobodies slave." She pushed her hand into his chest. Yeah, he was ripped. She might be a widow but thanks to this little exchange this would give her something to think about for quite a few nights.
Vegeta was now really confused on what he wanted to do. He wasn't sure if he wanted to scream at her more or find another way to shut her up. He got his face into hers.
"If you don't shut up. I'm going to make you shut up."
Bulma said not really thinking at all "I'd like to see you try."
He smelled something that he thought, sure smelled good. He could help but look down. He knew he should be looking for those others Saiyan's but hell this was going well whatever this was, all work and no play after all.
His tail had gotten loose. She noticed it and realized what it was just as Vegeta yelled out in pain.
A ki blade had emerged from his chest right around were his heart should be. Bulma screamed and Vegeta was pushed to the ground bleeding as the blade was removed. The man how stabbed him was revealed. It was Bill without his helmet having snuck up while Vegeta was very distracted.
Bill's face was cut up and he was bleeding. Someone had just kicked him around. He grabbed Bulma and pulled her away. She and Vegeta eyes meet and spoke of confusion.
Bill yelled into his com "Everyone to the ship. I have encountered a saiyan! We're leaving!"
They left with Vegeta still bleeding on the ground but still breathing with no signs he intended to stop anytime soon.
Chapter 46: Needing to get Stronger
Chapter Text
The boys were quickly out and playing. It had been awhile since they had landed and Mai had given the all clear. Gohan was in his mini UNIT uniform. Trunks in his dark green gi and orange belt Everyone was out of the ship except Ferro. The three marines were in their armor. They even had their blaster rifles. Mai was in her officers armor the Captain insignia on her shoulder. Chi-Chi was in her Turtle gi orange and blue.
In the open Chi-Chi began her training. She repeatedly flashed back to when she had failed everyone. How she gave herself to that smug son-a-bitch that was now causing so much suffering on her Earth. How even when confronted with the same sort of menace she was powerless with that other saiyan. It had been awhile since she had Gohan. She thought she should be a lot stronger by now, but she wasn't. No instead she felt like she was treading water. She needed something more she thought.
Gohan and Trunks where playing tag before it enviably turned turn to sparring. Trunks had gotten the idea in his head, that he needed to toughen up Gohan. Gohan would try to go with it but Trunks would play too rough and Gohan would end up crying.
Honestly this went like clockwork by this point to Chi-Chi. Gohan would be upset for an hour and Trunks would come begging her for more lesson rinse and repeat. Trunks desperately wanted to know the Kamehameha wave but because she thought he would probably blow up the ship if she taught him, she didn't. Trunks always wanted a fight it was like if Bulma had superpowers.
Sure, he had Yamcha's grin but all of Bulma's temperament. She didn't know whether it was ironic or painful that Trunks often acted more the Saiyan then Gohan did. When he didn't have an ounce of Saiyan in him. Gohan on the other hand was still so timid and needy he seemed to have none of his father aggression or thirst for battle for all the good and bad that entailed.
The soldiers were talking and joking. Mai was far more comfortable with Bill around. Spunkmeyer always seemed restless after one of his shifts and seemed very determined to talk with something that wasn't the ship on board AI. Deitrich was good about watching the kids she had help deliver Gohan. Frost on the other hand was fire team she knew him the least as a result not much interaction. They were all trustworthy though.
She got nervous the moment the boys jumped into the bush against what she had told them to do.
She stopped her training and yelled "Gohan, Trunks get back into the clearing."
There was no response and a shiver of cold went down her back as it just became clear that in this jungle they were not alone.
Chi-Chi screamed out to them "Gohan! Trunks! Get back here right now!"
She ran over to where she saw them come out as the Marines realized something was happen and began to scan the jungle line visually, their rifles raised, but as she rushed to the line she heard a thud, she stopped and got into stance.
A tall muscular man came out of the brush. His hair was short and black. His skin was tan and scarred. He had a 'F' brand on his neck. His eyes were beady and brown. He wore a patch work sort of armor made of other armors. It seemed something more fit for a gladiator then a soldier. He had on sandals not shoes. In one hand he was holding both Trunk and Gohan by their collars. It looked like Trunks had a black eye and Gohan was just crying.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to hurt the little bastard, but he was stubborn."
Trunks look passed out. Chi-Chi's blood was boiling. She looked ready to disembowel this man. He seemed unimpressed by this.
"I said I was sorry."
"Let my son and Trunks go right now!" She shouted as loud as she could. Some birds nearby flew away.
"My word you have a temper. I guess you've never had your children used as leverage against you before. Now here is the thing. I want to let them go but I have the feeling that you are going to hurt me at best when I do that, so I really can't without establishing some rules…"
He whistled. Out of the brush came an army of ragged looking jungle warriors. Some with armor, some just in rags. Some had melee weapon others had lasers and ki weapons.
"Alright now what is your name?"
"Chi-Chi." She said with a snarl.
"Alright Chi-Chi let's just call me Spartacus. I led these people and if you attack me your friends are going to die, and a bunch of my friends are going to too. So, to prevent that you're going to kiss the ground putting your hand up behind your back and stay that way until otherwise stated. You understand?"
Chi-Chi's eyes scanned the area. She could see how she wouldn't be quick enough to save everyone. Ferro had even come out pointing her pistol from the entrance but without an armor just in her flight suit. She could whip Spartacus, but everyone would die.
Spartacus asked annoyed "Do you understand?"
Chi-Chi growled and got out of stance then dropped to the ground her face to it and put her hands up.
Spartacus grinned "Good…" He looked at the rest of the team. "Same goes for the rest of y'all. Drop your guns and kiss the ground."
Chi-Chi barked out from the ground "Do as he says." As a man came out from behind where Spartacus came from.
It was Crixus not that she knew him, he was shaking his hand and said "Damn that kid has strong skull. Wonder if I cracked it?"
Spartacus sighed "Are you done we have a ship to commandeer?"
Crixus was offended and angry "Commandeer? I thought the object was their tech?"
"No, we need to get off this planet. We talked about this."
"I joined to kill masters not run and hide."
"They already sent Vegeta and Nappa to kill us. The goblin predicts catastrophe for this planet. We have to get out of here."
Gohan was making a ton of noise crying and trying to shake Trunks awake.
"I should probably shut the other one up too."
A revolver came out of the jungle pointed at the back of Crixus's head and Bill said, "I wouldn't touch him." The rest of the marine team arrived all pointing their armored hands at the slave army.
Bill said sarcastically "So, this is how brother's treat each other on this planet?"
Spartacus trying to keep one eye on Chi-Chi and one eye on Bill said to him and her. "You move, or you pull that trigger the kiddos are dead."
"You keep holding those boys and I show you what your brother's brains look like and Chi-Chi there tears you a new asshole."
Bulma appeared from her hiding spot and looked beyond furious. Everyone started to barked orders at each other as Gohan stopped crying.
He whimpered 'Poor Trunks.' As he stopped trying to wake him up. A bright aura covered Gohan prompting everyone to stop shouting.
Gohan roared out "I will never forgive you!" With that scream the area also seemed to explode as everyone, but Trunks was tossed away from where Gohan was.
The palm trees were knocked back and the ground shook as Gohan landed on his feet then charged the still air borne Spartacus. The team all seemed stunned by this Gohan that they hadn't meet before, but Crixus got free of Bill and punched him in the jaw. All out melee then ensured. As Chi-Chi jumped to her feet to help Bill as the marines and slaves started to get to their feet about to fire at one another.
Gohan head butted Spartacus and he let out a pained yell as he tried to punch Gohan repeatedly to no avail. Finally, he grabbed hold of the boy and tossed him as hard as he could. Gohan knocked his head on to a tree and that seemed to stop him. Spartacus pointed his hand at Chi-Chi ready to fire when an omnipresent voice shouted at them to "Stop!"
They did and a funny looking creature sort of appeared. The creature was pink and quite short. He had a bald head with blue various sized spot on it and pointed ears. He had large eyes with large lids, no nose, fleshy whiskers and a scrunched-up face. He wore what looked like armor, but it had regular cloth under it and sandals. It almost looked like something a Saiyan would wear if he were a monk. Seeing that the fight was halted his skin got lighter from the enflamed pink and blue to more mellow shade of the two colors.
He put his hands together in almost pray like poses and with sincerity with a weird accent said "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"What the hell are you doing?"
The Yardratian said to him "I'm sorry that this all happened but I needed to talk to Chi-Chi Ox of Earth."
Chi-Chi looked at him confused "Me?"
He bowed to her and to Gohan who was getting up. Gohan looked at him rubbing his head and he asked, "What happened?" Apparently forgetting what had just happened.
He said to him "Nothing really, but you're taking a small step to your true power Gohan." He polite bowed then smiled at him then Gohan returned the favor.
"Oh, you know my name. What's you name good sir?"
"My name is well you won't be able pronounce it… Goblin just call me Goblin."
"You said you were going to transport us off this planet?"
"I am but I don't need any ship to do that."
Crixus spit and said, "Fuck that, I'm staying here."
Spartacus looked at him staring daggers and said, "I'm not helping you steal from these people."
Crixus was pissed "Fine then…" He spoke to everyone. "Anyone who doesn't want to run and wants to kill masters come with me."
Almost half of the group then left with Crixus as the slave army seemed to be split. Bulma had run over to her boy and so did Dietrich. Gohan seeing this also went over. Chi-Chi then marched up to Goblin.
Chi-Chi then forcefully asked him "Alright why have you come?"
"You have reach the limits of your training have you not? You seek a way to avenge yourself and your world. If you come to my world Yardrat we can get you in touch with higher powers to train you."
Bill was coming over as Chi-Chi asked the alien "It's really creepy that you know all of this. How do you know so much? Why should I trust you? Where is your world? And how did you appear?"
"You drank from the water of the divine of your world. You can see the future if you drink it enough. But of course, the future is always changing. Many times, in most places we would have never met, but this time in this place we meet. There are many universes, many futures."
Bill interrupting and sarcastically asked "Are you going to teach us how to use magic crystals next?"
"Oh, Stryker the cynic and to think your mother was a true believer."
That statement made his eye twitch a bit "Yeah belief ain't a luxury I have anymore."
Goblin when back to talking to Chi-Chi "I would have no idea why you should trust me. I guess you'll just have reach out with your feelings. I've already programed your ship with my planets location and the last question you'll just have to learn these powers when you come."
"What powers?"
"To move with without needing to move. To increase your power in an instant without needing to train. To make you one with the lifeforce of a world and use that a tool against your enemies. Instant train mission, Kaio-ken and Spirit Bomb respectively as you would call them. Its high time I think that our lord kai finally gets into the action."
Chi-Chi was confused by this, but he bowed. He then went over and gather the group of freed slaves got them to hold hands and then they disappeared without a trace.
"Do you understand what just happened?"
"No not really."
"Right so it's not just me. Okay let's get off this fucking planet right now."
On Earth
In a big hanger was a sleek warship the size of a battleship. It was color black and grey. It had the handled trident on its side with a serial number on it with its name 'Freedom.' There was a crowd of over a thousand in power armor and in uniform. Imperial grey and black covered the scene before a stand. Raditz was sitting in a chair right next to the stand and Teal was sitting on the other side. There were both waiting on Kakarrot to address his men and getting bored while doing so.
Raditz hadn't liked that his brother was already so much stronger than him, but this had all been enlightening. The entire time he had been here he had witnessed that the human didn't just seem to fear him as their reason for following him.
No in fact they seemed to love him. The soldiers seemed eager to see him and meet him. They respected him, and he seemed to respect them. He didn't treat his people at all like Vegeta had treated him like. Hell, it was making him angry just thinking of all the times Vegeta had belittle and beat him.
Finally, Kakarrot arrived dress far different then when he had first encountered him. He was wearing a black and ashen grey armor like what the normal soldiers would wear. He went through the crowd high fiving, laughing and joking with the men as he went. He had gone from god-emperor to common soldiers since last he saw him. Raditz got the idea that his brother was always playing a role and it was jarring but he saw why. It was the reason they worshiped him. He was everything they wanted him to be when they saw him. 'Kami' he thought I wish I had some of that power.
Kakarrot got to the stage and went over to him and whispered, "Take notes for when I give you a squad for the planet on how to inspire the troops."
He got to the stand and began to speak "Soldiers and Sailors or the new Saiyan Empire. We are about to embark on a crusade against the enemies of the hominid race. You will the first on the line against those who would seek you in shackles. We are going to a world that enslaves billions. We are going to destroy that world, burn it to the ground and be gone before anyone one notices. But let's take a second to observe one thing, you will all be making history, this will be the first-time humanity will be called to war off the Earth. You are all the vanguard of the future my friends. In the future this will be common I assure you. For too long humanity has been too busy fighting each. Now you will be fighting your real enemies. The stakes will never be higher the future of your family, your race and your planet are on the line. Your enemy will fight ruthlessly, but so will you and you will win. You will win because you have the spirit of the superior man in you. You are awaked badasses, your heart breakers and soul takers. You're the future they are the past. In your heart is a Saiyan warrior waiting to be unleashed. The PTO is about to meet its end and it's called the New Saiyan Empire and its invincible fighting man. Many of you might die in the coming battle. The first to die in the defense of the Earth and their superior race. I don't wish it, but it will be required. You might die but you will die my brother because anyone who shreds blood in the coming battle I will see as my brother. I wish you all to live because you are mine army and the object is to make the other guy die for Frieza but if you do die, you will die gloriously. You will die for all the reasons I have listed, and your reward will be Val Halla, where all good warriors go to when the time comes. To all this I give you my advice. Kill your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentation of their women and you will know victory this coming battle. Do not disappoint gentlemen. The Liberty, Equality and Fraternity will be in back up if something goes wrong. Good luck and let's show them the power of our fledgling Empire. Seig heil."
The crowd roared and heiled saying Kakarrot name. Raditz could see how much these men loved his brother and how much it meant. It would be interesting to see Vegeta again.
On the Ship
In the med bay almost, everyone but the fire team was there. Dietrich and Bulma were both giving Trunks an extensive exam. Bill was in his fatigues on an examine table getting the marks on his face looked at by Mai while in his lap was Gohan. Gohan had wanted to curl up next to Trunks but was prevented by the others so instead sat in Bill's lap. His tail wrapped around his arm. He had fallen asleep pretty quickly exhausted as he was his head lodged deep in Bill's chest.
Bill's blue eye was at first focused on Mai giving him bandages, but his eye turned to Bulma. His hair moving slightly as Mai moved it to look more at his head. His hair had been brown, but it was turning white fast over the last few years.
Bill angry asked her "I hope Bulma you have a damn good explanation for what you were doing?"
Bulma did bother to look at him so consumed with Trunks with a huff she said "I hardly think that matters now considering… and besides you wouldn't have been able to do what you did if I hadn't been modifying the armor's all this time. You would have barely scratched him otherwise I bet."
Bill sighed at her "Are you going serious ask for a thank you after the crap you just pulled?"
Bulma looked at him and deflatedly said "It all worked out."
"That Saiyan could have killed you or worse. This little experience should prove that we're alone and we only have each other."
Chi-Chi interrupted "Not necessarily."
"Are you serious? You really want to trust that guy?"
"You said you believed in me and I felt like he was telling the truth. We have been looking for someone to teach me and this is that opportunity."
"This is not a game…" He pointed to the sleeping Gohan. "the stakes are way too high."
"My son just proved himself one of the strongest warrior's that I have ever meet today. I didn't know he had that power, but he does. And Goblin seemed unfazed by it."
"He could be playing us."
Mai interrupted them "You yourself began this trek to do exactly this. So why aren't we taking this chance?"
He huffed "Fine! I just want it known that I'm very much against this. But instruct Ferro to set a course to the Planet Yardrat. I guess we'll find out who's right and I hope you are right."
Okay so we didn't get to Vegeta this time, but we will get back to him in the next chapter Liberator.
Chapter 47: The Liberator
Chapter Text
The blue green world appeared before them, from the hexagonally window they could see it from. It almost looked like Earth to those on the ship. Its oceans were blue, the mountains white and grey and it had lush rainforests and even its own desert like the Sahara. But it had less ice at it poles, the continents were all wrong but in broad strokes it looked like Earth.
Watch this from is his raised throne was the palm haired Emperor. His eyes focused on the view. He was smiling like a joke was about to happen that he had planned for.
Kakarrot pointed to the planet "See this my boys, your about to see the family business in action."
He looked at Romulus and Remus, who were turning to look at him. They were in their Saiyan prince style armors that Yurin insisted they wear for this mission. Red, Black and White the colors of the Empire.
Romulus had headband that he had begun to wear over his third eye. The boy talked about that eye like it was a birth defect. It was probably because Livy pointed it out along with the fact that he didn't have a tail. Oh, his little girl was quite cruel he thought as he continued.
"I, my father, and your uncle all kill planets for a living. Only different is that your dad does it for humanity rather than the whims of some hateful slaver. In the future I will ask you to use all I given you to do this yourself. Billions are about to die. All at my command and at my will. This will be your seat one day. Today's about lessons and messages. I about to send a message that no one mistake."
His head turned to look at his brother next to twelve. "Brother I'm trusting you and twelve with the commando team to take out the main communication dish. I would hate for the Ginyu force or any other reinforcements to come to the rescue to this world. Perhaps after I make it to 100 times Earth's gravity but not before then. Also inform 'Prince' Vegeta and Nappa of our arrival I'm sure they'll want to get in on the fun. Admiral they haven't detected us yet have they."
The grey uniformed man responded "Negative. They are unaware of our presence. At most they think Raditz's ship is coming. They have no idea according to our intelligence. The cloak tech worked like a charm and our jammers are working like planned only their dish is able to get off a signal."
"Excellent. Nice to hear a plan coming together. As soon as the dish is out in a manner that won't telegraph that they were attacked. Come join me brother I'll be at the capital city lighting it on fire."
Raditz and Twelve left and went to the bottom most airlock of the ship. The ship which seemed to be a flatted cylinder curved to the shape of a triangle. Their they meet the commando team who heiled them.
The commandos had a less stocky model power armor then the typical soldier. It was thinner sleeker, with both less angles and less curved surfaces. It had the gecko skin active camo on its surface so that it disappears into the background. They had both ki bullets in their space age rifles and blasters like out of Star Wars as well as knifes. They represented over thousand years of human progress which they were wearing. Tattooed on one of their head was 'Born to kill' with a face that agreed with that statement.
They put on their helmets and Raditz in his PTO armor couldn't help but feel undressed even Twelve was wearing some sort of catsuit like cloak suit instead of armor.
The lead commando said "Just like discussed Raditz talks to them we put them down. Shit goes south Raditz and Twelve tear them up. Waiting on your orders Sir."
Raditz nearly blushed for far too long he had felt worthless now he had power, the kind over others. Resolutely he nodded his head and the airlock opened into space. He and the team were sucked out in the void.
They started falling immediately towards the planet as they entered the atmosphere. A red glow started to appear around his men but was stopped when their shields kicked in. Free fall took some time. Everything was still sort of blur until they started to get into the mid to lower atmosphere. The lush jungles, cities and plantations were visible. Raditz had only been here once the scenery had all been beautiful, but he had hated the people. The group midair separated for their assigned landing points. Twelve and Raditz landed together in a dirt road the dish visible overhead.
The security was going to lax after all who would 'fuck with Frieza' but they weren't taking any chances. Twelve with his full body suit disappeared into jungle. Raditz then began to walk up to the guard station up ahead.
Raditz might have not been much in the PTO but he was higher than the jokers he was about to talk to. Raditz at least had been a money maker not a guard dog. He would easily talk his way to the control room.
He came to the guard post to only find dead men guarding the post. They had been blasted and they were extra crispy. This wasn't the work of his men. He looked around the station to see dead PTO men everywhere along with what looked like slaves. All of this was fresh, some of the bodies were still sizzling.
Raditz examining all of this heard a voice yell out from the white and purple block dish building "We want to talk to your leader, or we'll alert the PTO!"
Raditz looked to see a man in rags holding a blaster with a white flag in hand. He was beyond confused and yelled back asking "Leader?"
He said back "You know the one with the palm hair!"
Radiz felt a twinge of pure frustration. Here was his first chance to prove his worth to his brother and these assholes had taken it. But there was nothing he could do so he got on the radio.
Moments later Kakarrot arrived his face was straight. He looked almost serious to Raditz.
Kakarrot yelled to them "Alight I'm here come out and we can talk!"
He yelled back "No you will just kill us!"
Kakarrot continued yelling "I can't talk to you like this. Look I'll bring my people out and you can leave a couple of men to push the button. But if we're going to talk, I need you all out here!"
He yelled back again "You first!"
Kakarrot sighed twisted his wrist and said, "Everyone come out and line up here!" The commando team and Twelve did just that. "Alright now you!"
Seconds later a motley army of slaves came out of the dish building. They looked thin and ragged. They had few clothes. There were children and babies present. Their leader from what Raditz's guessed emerged from the crowd and made his way to Kakarrot. He was a blonde-haired man with green eyes and tan skin. He had the brand of a slave and the stolen armor of a dead PTO officer. The two men began talk so that the crowd could hear.
"Alright my name is Kakarrot. Who are you?"
"My name is Crixus."
"Okay Crixus what do you what?"
"Freedom."
"Impossible, I can't give you what you already have."
Crixus looked ready to pop on the first word but after the sentence was done, he looked confused. "What?"
"You heard me you all heard me. I can't give you what you all clearly have. You are free from my vantage point. You ask me for something I can give. You were all slaves I take it?"
"Yes. We can here because a Goblin told us that a Palm haired Saiyan was about to bring death to this accursed world. We hoped to earn our freedom and…"
"You already have that. You earned it the moment you were born. Now you what to join me in this world's death right?"
"Yes?"
"Ah Crixus, I like the look in you and your people's eyes. It speaks to me the suffering and hardship you and yours have endured over a lifetime of misery. It tells me that instead of breaking you instead you found your hate. Hate my new friend is a beautiful thing. It's as pure as clean water. A bunch of poets would try and tell you love is the best of the emotions, but they are wrong its hate that is the best. Hate is what allows a slave the chance at vengeance on his master. Hate is what has kept you all alive. Hate is what fuels the best qualities in all men. I am the god of war and hate is very important to me. So, today is your very lucky day because today you get the chance at your revenge. You have all suffered and you have all bleed and I think it's high time your former masters feel that hate. You see I'm not here to take over for the masters and Frieza, I'm here to destroy Frieza and the masters not replace them. I'm here to repaid blood with blood and I'm here to take the masters children from their bosom and rip them apart limb by limb while they watch. It would only be a piece of what they have given you in suffering, but this justice which would be nice to see for a change. For in truth this is not just revenge but justice. Justice for the billion murdered and killed, and for the same number tortured and forced to work. I'm not just here for these masters on this world but for all the masters on all the worlds. I'm not here to conquer but burn this fucking universe to the ground and liberate all those that destiny has pissed on. I'm here to recruit you all for the revolution. Now are you all going to come along and help me burn this mother fucker to the ground or are you all just going to stand there?"
The crowd leading up to this question had been foaming at the mouths. Their hungry eyes were ravenous like a starving dog. They had gone from a battered group of broken toys into a wild pack of excited wolves all biting and ready to howl when given the chance. When Kakarrot asked his question they practically howled and barked in response. They had heard everything they wanted, and their revenge was insight.
Crixus who seemed beyond excited at what this Saiyan had just said was about to bow to him when Kakarrot shook his head and said to him.
"Citizens don't bow, they heil me General Crixus best you learn that. After all it's going to be a long and glorious war. A song comes to mind in this moment." He began to sing as they all formed up. "'I am trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; I hath loosed the fateful lightning of Mine terrible swift sword; My truth is marching on. Glory, Glory Hallelujah. My truth is marching on.'"
In his healing tank Vegeta began to wake up. He had no memory of how he got here. He did remember seeing Nappa after calling him to help him. As his eyes began to open, he remembered that obnoxious woman with blue hair and the armored asshole that snuck up on him. He knew where he was. The hospital in a med tank. Nappa was present sleeping in a chair nearby.
Vegeta felt like ripping somethings head off. No one gets the drop on him he thought as some of the fluid began to sizzle that touched his skin.
The machine began to beep and soon a doctor, a green creature with a beak and leathery skin came in. Nappa woke up as the doctor pressed a button and the fluid began to flush from the tank. Vegeta ripped the mask from his face and the tank opened. He stepped out naked his tail whipping around angrily.
Nappa was a lot more nervous than the doctor who asked him "How are you feeling Vegeta?"
"Like I need to strangle some kittens."
The doctor concluded "You must be feeling better then."
"Nappa what happen?"
"You told me you were attacked so I brought you here."
"Yes, and I managed to save your life. It wasn't easy, but your heart is all fixed up. Your quite luck a millimeter more and there would be nothing I could have done."
"How long have I been out?"
"What? No thank you. Great… You've been out a little while. Long enough for Frieza to send Cui to figure out why you were here not at your job and help you hunt down your attacker."
A vain popped out of Vegeta forehead and he howled "He did what now!?"
"After your finish getting dressed, he wants to talk to you." The doctor began to leave leaving a steaming and angry Vegeta in his wake.
Vegeta angrily looked at Nappa.
Nappa defensively said "I tried to make him go away, but he refused."
Vegeta went over to a table and grabbed his armor and began to put it on as he through his teeth said, "Find then I'll tell him to go piss off."
Moments later he was dressed and march down the hallways with Nappa behind him. Nappa was trying to talk to him as Cui stepped in front of Vegeta and him.
Cui eyes looked at the hole were Bill's ki blade had gone through. "Well, well looks like the Princy got a booboo."
Vegeta snarled at him and attempt to walk through him. Cui just walked alongside him and continued "You know Frieza sent me here to talk care of you. Wipe your monkey ass, feed you, burp you, all the things that a good babysitter does."
Vegeta steaming "I'm about ready to rip your throat out if you don't shut the hell up!"
"Oh, and now the Prince is fussy. Tell me monkey boy who did this to you and why are you here? Don't you have a mission quite some ways from this planet?"
Vegeta growling "None of business Cui. We'll deal with the attacker and Frieza will get his planet, so piss off."
Cui had a shit eating grin on his face "Oh no Frieza gave me strict orders to guard your person. He would hate to lose his pet monkey."
Vegeta now seeing red was about to explode at Cui when the building shook. An explosion had gone off and everything in the Frieza citadel went silent. Nappa whispered into Vegeta's ear "Kakarrot decided to come to us with his army."
Vegeta grinned and looked at his hand. He felt that surge of power that always came when he nearly killed himself pulsing through his veins. Explosions started to rapidly go off outside.
Vegeta looked at Cui grinned wolfishly at him and said to him "You know it is about time that I show you what your gut's look like."
He blasted the scouter off his face much to Cui pain and confusion. In a half punch half ki blast Vegeta pushed him violent way through a wall and out into the air of the world were all hell was breaking lose.
The slaves had risen up and were slaughter their master's. The NSE soldiers were dropping into the city and destroying ships as they tried to flee. The local's and PTO soldiers were fighting them and losing, as buildings were catching fire and blowing up. It was a visage of hell unfolding.
Panicked Cui said to him "How did that hurt that much!"
"Moron you have been taking it easy while I have been pushing myself. That assassin did me a favor by nearly killing me because I have never felt stronger."
Cui angry growled at him "How the…" Instead of finishing he fired a ki blast Vegeta who just backhanded it away like he was swatting a fly. Cui gasped and tried to defend himself but Vegeta was faster and plunged his fist through his gust.
A white foam like substance that must have been his blood oozed out of him as Cui gasped for air. He started to try and beg but was interrupted by Vegeta.
Vegeta said to him smiling "You know I think this is what therapy is."
He then grabbed hold of his head and then ripped the alien apart. His head and leg away from his torso. Vegeta then looked around at the chaos unfolding as Nappa came to him.
Vegeta said out loud "So this is what liberation looks and feels like."
Kakarrot having come up behind the two "Couldn't agree more."
Vegeta and Nappa looked to see Kakarrot and Raditz.
"Kakarrot?"
"Yes. Vegeta?"
Vegeta eye twitched at the lack of his title being spoken "Yes. I take it these men work for you."
"My armies of both human and freed slaves here to set the universe alight."
Vegeta noticing that Kakarrot hadn't bowed "I'm your Prince you realize."
Kakarrot knowing exactly what he meant by that "Maybe but I'm an Emperor. Last time I checked that put me higher on the food chain."
Vegeta growling "Watch what you say third class." Nappa nodded in agreement to this.
Kakarrot eye twitched a bit. Both Kakarrot and Vegeta seemed to be getting ready to fight one another when Raditz got in the way of the two and said.
"You know we can talk later. Right now, I think we have bigger issues." Said as a ton of PTO soldiers had come and surrounded them point blasters and trying to shout orders at them.
Kakarrot begrudgingly said "I suppose he's right."
Vegeta nodded "I guess so. See you after the fun is over."
They turned to face their opponents and they butchered them. In less than a day they had devastated Risa. The jewel of the PTO was a flaming ruin. Its cities ashes, the PTO garrison slaughtered to the last man, the plantations burning. Over a trillion in credits gone. The vast wealth of the place taken or smashed.
The masters all dead along with their families and any slave deemed too loyal to them. The humans suffered thirteen causalities the slaves unknown and for the Saiyan's a few of Raditz hair got singed.
Over head the ships came in, as the Slaves where swearing their blood oath of loyalty to Kakarrot Gero their liberator and now their Emperor.
After this display the Saiyan's met again.
"Well that was one hell of a fight. Can see why you lot love smashing planets so much. Okay so you want me to defer to you as 'Prince' well that ain't going to happen but here's the thing. Raditz was right we have a war going on. So, I stay out your way Vegeta and you stay out of mine. We can work together to kill Frieza and his family. After that I suppose you can try and kill me if you want or we can go off and rule your own Empire after all their will be plenty of room."
"I mine just kill you but I guess were working together."
"Good to hear. I'm going to need someone to train with and I bet like Raditz, you two are going to want to sense energy like I can."
"Training sounds good."
Kakarrot put his finger to his ear and said, "As soon as we are away have the dish play the message."
A message began to play from the dish that began to reach all the corners of the galaxy and much of the universe. It began to play on the ship that the Resistance was into the dismay of Bill and the rage of Chi-Chi.
It reached the speakers of an ancient Namek sitting on his throne surrounded by his demons. To the ship of another palm hair Saiyan with a seed in his hand and a grin on his face.
To an older looking Saiyan with his son on a distance world, the son of whom upon hear his name glowed with rage and energy and then furiously said 'Kakarrot'.
To a blue antennae kai washing his the spaceship of a yellowish brownish wizard with his demon servant. To the ears of a of a small Saiyan siting with his adopted family on Tech-Tech. To a large green Namekian with his servant on his sacred plateau.
To patrol ship of a sleeping Galactic officer of the law having decided to take his nap an hour earlier. To the hall of the Galactic government were the Galactic-king was holding session of the United Planets.
To the angel listening as his god slept. To the ears of many slaves and master's and people in general.
To the horned purple alien with a symbol on his PTO armor that had horns to it along with his odd squad. To the ears of a happy round headed purple and white alien with his armored squadron having just whipped out a world. To the mid aged horned headed similar alien in his massive palace that covered a world that he was king of. And finally, to the enraged ears of a younger horned alien in his hover round with his right and left-hand men practically pissing themselves in fear at their boss's rage.
"My name is Kakarrot Gero Emperor of the New Saiyan Empire. You are hearing me because I just laid waste to Risa the jewel of the Planet Trade Organization and Frieza's personal property. I am here to inform you that the Revolution has begun. What is the Revolution you ask? It is the end of the universe that enslaves and steal from the many to give to the far too few. The revolution is when the slaves rise up and butcher their masters as all good and free beings should. It's the end of the line for the PTO and any all that gave it the wealth to do what it did. Like the wealth of the cosmos that wanted that new planet for their beach house. Your time has come my brothers currently working the fields, my allies in the slums. The poor, the slaves and the forgotten, you are mine friend. I seek not to rule you but to liberate you. I see you all suffering under the whip and the debt of your masters. I am coming to free you, if you are willing to first free yourselves. You are free all you just need to do rip off your chains and butcher your master. You who can hear my voice, what you are hearing is your freedom calling you. You nothing to lose but your chains. To those how like the way things are. Prepare to live the rest of your short lives in fear because I am coming. You see your 'property' is done pretending you own them. They are going to slit your throat as you sleep. If you think Frieza or the space cops can save you tell that to Risa. Your all alone and we are coming to get you. Frieza is going to die and you should be very scared. It is high time that the blood you spilt is repaid in kind with interest. Frieza I'm going to do more of what I did on Risa and you can't stop me. You are but one surround by the incomitance that you call servants. When we do meet, I will end you but before that you're going to lose all of your money the only thing you really care about. Now let the Revolutionary blood bath commence my friends."
A robotic female voice said, "message concluded."
You think they got the message?
Chapter 48: Getting the Message
Chapter Text
Vegeta screamed at him at the top of his lungs "A-Are you out of your fucking mind Kakarrot?!" Said right after the message had been played over the intercom of the Liberty while the four saiyan's were in the conference room with cyborg twelve and the little princes of the Empire.
Remus got visibly hostile at Vegeta but was held back by Romulus. The two looked at each other and Romulus shook his head.
Kakarrot smiled and waved off Vegeta "Why so serious? What is your issue exactly?"
"You just openly declared war on Frieza and told him you were a Saiyan!"
Kakarrot coyly asked him "You have a problem with that?"
Vegeta fist smash a sort of holographic map/table that was in between the two it sizzled as he barked out "HE IS GOING TO HUNT US YOU MORON!"
"That was expensive what you just broke. I hope you realize that."
"Shut and explain yourself dumbass!"
"Alright I'll explain basic tactics and strategy to you princy." Vegeta was grinding his teeth at that comment. "How many slaves toil under the PTO and their allies? Billions by my count. I just gave them all a ray of hope as reason to rise up to free themselves. The Ginyu force is five people and the Frieza force is small compared to what it rules. Far from being able to look for us they are all about to deal with an unstoppable wildfire of a revolution. That will drain nearly every resource that they have. Which is exactly what we needed because none of us at the moment can beat Frieza. After all, if you could you would have already done it." Vegeta said nothing back. "That's what I thought. I have the resources of the Earth, but it is but one small island in an ocean of space. We were always going to need more allies/cannon folder for this. The Slaves will beat their skull's in a blood frenzy against the PTO, exhausted them and giving us a chance to pick and choose where and when we wish to fight. Thanks to the dish we have full access to their battle net. We will have week or mores warning before they even think of coming to Earth which they don't know about. We can go from planet to planet spreading chaos and be gone before they even know to react. A man an over a thousand years ago wrote a book on the subject. If you cannot face your enemy openly don't face them openly, while facing them openly. We are everywhere and we are nowhere. If the game is not to going your way flip the board over and watch them try and pick up the pieces."
Vegeta growling asked "You're going to kill him?"
"Am I to tell the Slaves that someone else other than their liberator is going to kill Frieza? Number one its showmanship, number two we haven't even started training yet so who can say."
"I'm killing Frieza not you."
"Why because he killed your race and father? You don't exactly have a monopoly on that fact in this room."
"You haven't been forced to be his slave, his pet."
Kakarrot to that relented "Well you got me there. I suppose I don't really care about 'what's his face' all he did was ship me off and die. Alright you get dips if you really want it Vegeta."
Raditz a bit incensed at that comment "His name was Bardock brother."
Kakarrot not taking is eyes off Vegeta "His name was mud and my real father is a doctor and brilliant scientist."
"It's like you don't give a damn about your race."
"Oh, I do both of them, humanity will through me will have an empire and the Saiyan's through them will have cheated the reaper."
Vegeta sarcastically asked him with a cruel grin on his face "Is that why my house's symbol is on their chests are they all princes and kings?"
"In a way yes. I don't rule I lead through their will. They all in reality long to be us strong like us and I will show them the way."
"You're a strange one."
"You can only look at the past, I look at the future. What is dead can never die. Saiyan's are dead therefore we can't die. Human and the other hominids will give us the kindness of legend and myth. It's not who we were or are, that matters its who they think we were or are that matters. Legends and myth are stronger than any man. Why do you think he killed our race?"
"You knew?"
"I figured it out. If nothing else happens of this I am now a myth that no amount of whipping can erase. They will never feel secure again. They are losing money, all their filthy money the only think they care about. This galaxy deserves a better class of criminal. I'm showing them what that looks like. I have made him bleed and if he can bleed, he can be killed. I'm sure plenty will stop and take notice."
He turned from Vegeta and gave a scowl at Remus who had by now had calmed down. In a whisper he bitterly spoke to the boy who had been trying to defend him.
"I don't need you boy to 'rescue' me. Now Romulus you did well. Try to be more like him boy a damn 'man'."
With that he left the room. Small tears came to Remus eyes. Romulus noticed this and turned him away from the saiyans leading him away trying to console him.
Unknown Space
"Well what the hell was that about?" The almost human looking alien asked his boss. Daiz was in PTO armor. He had dark green hair, with a large forehead. He had a bunch of necklaces.
"Call of action by the sounds of it." He cryptically stated. The Saiyan looked a double of Kakarrot but had darker skin. He was in PTO armor the darker model. He had a grin on his face. In between his fingers was a seed that he seemed to be playing around with.
"What does that mean?" Almond the red headed creature with dark red hair to match asked.
Turles grinned "By the sound of it one of my kind has nutted up and declared war on the tyrant. This Kakarrot just went and took a dump on his lawn. I got to say that's a man I want to at least meet."
Cacao asked in his robotic voice "What about the Tree Sir?" Cacao was a mushy melted looking alien that was half machine. His shiny armor was just a part of his cyborg body. His eyes were a yellow without pupils or whites.
"Well I'm sure we find a planet if we join up, if I decide to join up but first, we have to find them. Tell the twins to go and being the searching were looking for my people."
On Earth
The broadcast had come over the loudspeakers of the pre-school that Teal had dropped Videl off at. The teacher had instructed everyone one of the children to stand up straight and heil at the flag while the broadcast was going on.
The Emperor sounded so powerful to her. She had become a hit at the school once she said she had meet him she had made some new friends by the name of Sharpner and Erasa.
The lessons all seemed strange to her in addition to teach her about shapes and colors they taught her about why democracies didn't work and why the Emperor was god. It was all strange at first to her but after a while it all seemed normal. The teacher was smart, and adults never lie she thought. Memory of her life hiding in the wall all started to seem like a dream.
Everything was just starting to make more sense to her this was her real reality.
Still on Earth
Dr. Brief and the other Resistance leaders listen to the message in silence. They all knew what this all meant for them. In this bunker in the middle of nowhere the doctor spoke.
"There are going to be more of them. I doubt we will be able to recruit from any of them. His new soldiers will be more loyal then his former Royal draftees. The people will love this declaration. That have a hatred of slavery I do too. But we must remind them of the Great Purge we must remind them what happened to their neighbors that were different, were a member of the wrong club. That had a lifestyle that was different from them. Were officers in the Royal army. Were bankers or businessman. That were in union or communist. That man is the same that made that message that did all those things. That plans for hospitals to make sure humanity is without what he deems weakness. That is what we are fighting for yet still. For the unborn and the born to live in a world where they don't have to prove they are strong enough to get to live. They won't believe us of the truth, but we got to tell them of it anyways. They are tossing babies in ovens and we have stand even if we all have to die. I'd rather die than live in that world were this is okay. I hope you all feel the same." They all nodded. "Alright we have work to do."
Frieza Planet One
Zarbon entered the broken room of the palace the fineries of the room ripped apart. He was dressed in his typical armor with the silks that he enjoyed wearing. His skin was green but not as green as his hair. His eyes gold, his skin quite smooth. He quite obviously was a man who put a great deal of work into his appearance.
The walls scared by his bosses ki, Zarbon could hear it's voice, it was shriller than normal. His boss Frieza in his normal or first form. Zarbon knew of the others but only had seen the second. Frieza with his amphibian like body, purple and white with horn jutting out from
"No father that is out of the question. I don't need brother's help."
King Cold on the holographic communicator was in his most regal of armors "But your brother has most graciously offered to help you out. He even was willing to let you use his armored squadron."
Frieza fuming barked out "He can take that offer and shove it! I will not accept any 'charity' from anyone least of all him. I will take care of this myself."
"Please child be reasonable."
"We are not having this conversation goodbye."
He fires a death beam at the transmitter blowing it up and leave a deep hole in the ground. Then he turns his head looking at Zarbon who then bowed.
"What is it?"
"Ginyu reported back from Frieza planet 46 known as Risa. Everything from the recording proved true. In addition to it having been attack it would appear that the slaves rose up. There were no survivors. Cui body was found minus his head. We have yet to find Vegeta or his servants."
"Don't bother. Vegeta has obviously joined forces with his fellow monkey in this Revolution or whatever they are calling it." Out loud to himself. "How could have I missed one of them."
"We have some scattered report of a Saiyan running an independent band of pirates. It could be possible that he is this Kakarrot."
"Tell the Ginyu to begin their hunt for the Saiyans any and all they all have to go."
Dodoria barged in and bowed to Frieza. He was a pink alien with a natural armor covering its body. "Over thirty worlds are in the mists of revolution. Frieza planet 92 just declare that is governor was well dismembered and the lieutenant governor is requesting reinforcements."
"But that planet has a higher than average gravity. The slaves of that world would all have higher than average power levels. The usual strike team won't work. We'll need the Ginyus."
Frieza grinded his teeth "No we are sending the Ginyus to hunt for the Saiyans!"
"What about…?"
"It can burn to the ground for all I care! I want the monkeys!"
Dodoria cringed a bit "Right absolutely my Lord." He got to his feet and he walked way.
"But my Lord…"
Frieza's tail whipped and cracked the floor "ARE YOU QUESTIONING ME ZARBON!?"
"No lord!"
"Good now send a team to 92."
On the way to Yardrat
Chi-Chi had adjourned to the gravity room having heard the monster voice again after years. Bill nor Bulma had asked her how she felt they already knew. It left the two in the room alone or, so they thought.
Bulma asked him "What does this mean?"
"He's out here too. We just left that world just days ago. By dumb luck we would have been found if we had stayed a while longer."
"What about his broadcast?"
"Their only objects to him. Can't say I'm sad about what happened to the masters but I'm sure not everyone deserved a slaughter like that especially the kids."
The two heard a noise and they looked behind a moved bit a furniture to find Trunks and Gohan hiding and listening.
Before Bulma could yell at Trunks for yet again being a snoop and convincing Gohan to join him on his bad behavior Trunks started crying. Bulma was taken aback.
Trunks spoke in a shaky voice "Was that the man that killed daddy?"
Gohan looked sad and uncomfortable. He friend had woken up a few days ago and now he was crying. This wasn't Trunks at all, Trunks just got angry.
Bulma nodded and Trunks continued "And he's still out hurting and killing people?"
Bulma nodded again then hugged her boy as he wept. Bulma said to him "Let's get you to bed."
The two left and Gohan looked at him and asked the man he believe to be his father "Did that man on the radio kill Trunks dad?"
Bill grimly looked at him and said "Yes. That man is the reason why we are out here and not home. You could say he's the devil."
"Maybe I should help with Trunks."
Bill shook his head "No, I think Trunks needs some space or just his mother."
Gohan got out from his hiding place. His tail instinctually wrapped around Bill's arm as the two sat next to each other Bill looking out into the Space and Gohan staring at him.
Gohan with sad and big eyes asked him "Is he the reason mom seemed so angry?"
Bill took a minute and looked him "Yeah. He well… hurt your mother."
"How?"
"Well… look he just hurt her."
"Did he hurt you?"
Bill trying to keep it together redness was around his eye "Yes."
"Your eye?"
"Yes, I suppose… but that's on the very bottom of the list."
"Mom always wants me to train. Is he why?"
"Yes."
Gohan now getting teary eyed "Maybe Trunks is right I am too soft. I need to defeat this jerk."
Bill's eye went wide and quickly he cupped his hand at the back of his head looked Gohan in the eyes and said "No. Your fine as you are. Trunks and your mother want you to be a fighter but you're not and that's fine. It's others job to save the day don't ever feel pressed to fight. It's like I told you before at the first sign of trouble you run."
Gohan calmed down. His father was always so understanding. Everyone else seemed to think he was some great warrior or something. He always encouraged him to just read and play. Whenever he cried his dad was there in seconds.
Bill picked him up and soon they were on their way to Gohan and Chi-Chi's room. There was no space for the boys to have their own rooms, so they were forced to share with their mothers. Not that Gohan didn't occasionally sneak out to sleep next to Bill or Trunks. Only Bill and Mai got beds to themselves. The fire team had bunk beds and were four to a room.
Bill laid Gohan down on the bed and tucked him in. Gohan yawed than asked him "Why did those men attack us? Why does that man do those things? Why would anyone follow them?"
Bill felt a little like running out the door rather than answer that question, but he didn't act like it instead he was still as he calmly said "I don't know. I don't know why people act the way they do sometimes. Other than the fact that their angry and angry people do things that maybe they won't ordinarily do. They were angry and scared, and they thought by doing these things that it would make them feel better somehow."
"So, Trunks dad died so that this man could feel better?"
"Him… I don't know. Most people act that way because their angry him… I guess he's angry but at what or whom I don't know. He took a lot of things from people, for reasons I still don't know if I understand."
"Dad if angry people seem to do things like that and you are someone that has a lot been taken from you are you angry like them?" He asked like he was a tiny therapist digging into him.
"I'm going to shut of the light." He did. "Good night." He kissed him on the forehead.
Gohan wanted the him to answer his question but he was tired, and he never liked to push things and he closed his eyes.
Bill left the room having very much decided to not answer the question. As he entered the hall he was meet by Mai. The two awkwardly looked at each other.
"I'm sorry that I overstepped my bounds early. Things have been hectic I haven't had a chance to say it."
Bill shook his head "That was a lifetime ago. You have nothing to be sorry about."
"I am willing to wait until you're ready for something. Not like I have that many choices or would want them."
"I don't know maybe one day." Determined to change the subject. "The boys heard the broadcast."
"Oh crap. How they take it?"
"Trunks got all choked up. He acts all tough but he's really still sad but what happen to Yamcha."
"He's always trying to show off. I guess that makes sense and Gohan?"
"In typical Gohan fashion. Asked me about how he could make Trunks feel better then diving into deep philosophical questions without realizing it."
"Unknowingly touch some soft spots." He nodded to that. "The little professor sure knows were to hit."
"Not as bad as someone else."
"We're going to beat him."
"Are we?"
Mai determined "We are."
Bill not so sure said "We'll see when we get to Yardrat."
Chapter 49: Yardrat
Chapter Text
Gohan's eyes slam open as he felt his father moving around thrashing in his sleep. During the night after his mother had come in still angry, he had slipped out of her room. His plan at first was to go comfort Trunks but thought better of it when he thought of his dad's pain.
Gohan was lite on his feet when he wanted to be and Bill in the middle of the night was a heavy sleeper. Bill had been mumbling and thrashing until Gohan wrapped his tail around his arm which seemed to calm him down but that was hours ago. Now closer to the artificial morning Bill was far more restless.
Gohan had seen this before Bill's bad nights. He called out names like they were in danger some he knew, his name, his mother, Mai, Bulma, Trunk and a few he didn't Diane, Frank, his father and brother. He also said one or two names with hate in his voice Teal and Kakarrot the man from the radio.
Bill was become more violent in his sleep. Gohan was forced to grab ahold of him and hold him down. Bill had a tendency to hurt himself in this state.
Gohan yelled at him "DADDY WAKE UP! PLEASE!
Bill's eye opened but Gohan kept his grip just because his eye was opened does mean he had come back to himself yet. But Gohan could feel the muscles relax and the eye became bigger. His father was back but his face was a mask of shame. Gohan knew he hated to see him like this
Gohan sniffed the air then looked at the damp spot around Bill's thighs. A painfully sting of shame went up Bill's back as Gohan looked at him and asked, "Dad did you wet the bed?"
Bill just wanted to shoot himself and he looked like it. It was bad enough this happen occasionally but now Gohan knew this damned reality. This had been surprising been the first time this had happened when Gohan snuck into his room.
Bill didn't lie when he could "Yes."
"So, adults wet the bed too?"
"No. Not all of them."
"I guess mom never wet the bed. So why do you?"
He shook his head "Go back to your mother. I'm going to deal with this."
Gohan did as he was told he left his room. Bill felt exhausted he probably hadn't got the best sleep. The room was still dark mostly. The ship was in its night cycle still. Briefs idea to make sure that the occupants at least functioned on some sort of schedule.
He removed his wet underwear and got a new pair. He quickly removed his sheets. Underneath them was the waterproof cover that made sure this didn't touch the mattress itself. He sighed and asked himself mentally 'Was this life?'
He looked over at his revolver for a second then turned his eyes away quickly. He had to shut that shit down as soon as it came up. He heard a voice he knew it was in his head it was calm yet menacing while trying to be soothing 'It's not like you'll be able to save him from being like him if your alive either.'
He took a deep breath and said out loud "I need a drink."
The intercom piped up and Spunkmeyer voice said, "We are an hour out from the planet Yardrat everybody wake up."
Bill sighed and dropped the sheets. "I'll guess the sheets will have to wait."
He arrived in the armory later in his fatigues. Everyone had arrived and was getting into their armor as did he. In record time the team was suited up. They only had one clip of the blue bullets for each of them.
Those were only if they ran into more Saiyan's or something worse. Bulma couldn't make any more so they were almost too precious to dare use. They holstered them to their backs. They were going to try and rely on the suits power if there was a fight.
Bill signal for the team to gather round and they did. "We don't know what were walking into people. I need you to all stay frosty. Sergeant Hicks and Captain Mai and me will be going to the meet the aliens with Chi-Chi. The rest of you will be guarding the ship." He looked at Gorman. "Can you handle that?" He nodded. "Alright no fuck ups. Bulma nor the children leave the ship under any circumstances. You got that?" They all nodded. "Good now let's move like we got a purpose."
The planet was coming in view as they made their way to land. There was one continent Pangea style. The spot where they were landing looked quite arid and mountainous. But it was not all that far from more jungle like areas. Way to the south it was covered under ice and to the north temperate forest. It had every environment present on this one continent.
He breathed deeply as they made their final approach. They punched through the atmosphere easy enough. The ride was only a little bumpy. After they hit the ground the airlocks opened and with Bill leading them as they stormed out.
They came out only to find a host of Yardratians waiting for them. None of them had any weapons but then again that hadn't mattered for a while. They all took position, but Chi-Chi and Mai came strutting out and the Goblin or at least who Bill thought was Goblin came out of the crowd and towards them. The two bowed to each other with their hands together.
Goblin in his odd sounding voice "The elders are waiting please come with me."
The four followed him along with the other Yardrats. The rocky desert with the multiple mini plateaus were interesting but that wasn't on Bill's mind.
Bill maybe a little rudely "Okay why are all you people dressed the same?"
Chi-Chi shoot him a dirty look but Goblin merely chuckled "You have been through a lot haven't you. A far cry from the fresh-faced recruit that first meet the world of monsters and gods that you had no idea of."
Bill had a long face and went a bit pale "Saying things like that doesn't put me at ease."
Goblin seemingly ignored what he said "But, it is the truth. To answer your question, we are what you would call monks. We live out here in isolation and abstain from both the pleasures and vices of the world. We are seeker of truth and enlightenment. You may not believe this but the fabric between this world and the next is quite thin on this planet. Meaning that well, we have powers unlike you."
"If that is the case why do you need us?"
"Well were not all that powerful. In the past we have required Champions to protect us. Luckily we have a knack for knowing who might help us."
In mostly silence they continued their march the desert was hot and unforgiving. They were all well provided with water however, and they easily reached their destination. It was a mountain with a white and purple top. It was breath taking with the twin sons of this place shining down on it.
On the side they could see the monastery it looked and was an ancient place. Built of stone into the mountain itself. It lacked any shining gold brilliant itself as it looked like the rest of the mountain.
But it was the gate that focused Bill's attention. On it he could see on the gate was a Saiyan's tail. His heart dropped in his chest. A twinge of fear gripped him. Bill reached for his revolver but as he touched it. Goblin chuckled and turned around "My apologies, I could see why that might be a red flag for you. I assure you we are not in league with your enemies."
Chi-Chi looked were Bill was looking, she was confused and asked, "Then why is a Saiyan tail on your gate?"
"Many years ago, before even the elders were born hundreds of years ago, no thousands of years ago, a Saiyan came to Yardrat. I have no doubt that they have forget his name. He was the guardian of their home world Salada. He was a pure hearted warrior who desired rest from his trouble. For he had fought the Legendary Super Saiyan a monster that destroyed a great deal of Salada. He defeated the monster by gaining the power of the gods. But in this fight, he lost a great deal as did the planet. He left his world for a time a came here. He saved our world from an invader and achieved enlightenment on this mountain. He returned to his world and tried to bring it harmony, but fate had other plans. So, we try to reach his same level and take after his example. We even wear armor like he did."
"So that Saiyan armor that your wearing?"
"Well, the closest that we could come to."
"They why aren't you aiding the remaining Saiyans if you love them so much?" He asked sounding quite bitter.
Goblin shook his head "Unfortunately they remaining kin of that Saiyan are now twisted and corrupted with hate and bitterness mostly. The Saiyan race is in its death throes there are no Saiyan females left nor any kindness left. They can inbreed with you humans, but they will only dissolve into you. They are a memory that will only feature their worst elements not their best qualities, history has seen to that."
"So, your saying they weren't all evil bastards."
"Friend as a human, I figured you of any people should know that your ancestors and kin do not define you, nor does a single action. Neither Saiyan nor Human are bad by nature just by choice and upbringing."
With that Bill was silent and Chi-Chi was satisfied, and the group continued on. They hiked up and reach the gate. The gate open and they were greeted by a small army of the monks. The chattered in their native touch few of them actually spoke the common tongue.
They were quickly ushered to what appeared to be the door to the main hall. It was a well-crafted door with even the handled trident on it along with a variety of other symbols. They all seemed to be swirling into each draining into nothing.
Goblin turned to face them again "This is where the Elders meet Chi-Chi and Chi-Chi alone."
Bill said with both Hicks and Mai in agreement having had knowing glances "That isn't going to happen."
Chi-Chi turned to him "Look I know you don't trust these guys, but I am the strongest here. I can tell we people are hiding energy and these guys aren't. They are being honest with us and I need to hear what they have to say, so I'm doing this."
Bill relented but with misgiving in his eyes "Okay I guess were doing this then."
The door cracked open and Goblin and Chi-Chi went through. The door closed behind her and in this massive room she saw the elders seven of them all gray. They were on pillars with pillows to cushion them. Behind them was a statue of a Saiyan mediating he was bald with a tail wrapped around his waist in armor. The light shining on his face that looked worn.
The middle one looked the youngest, one had a crane, another was blind, one was had only one arm, one only had one whisker, one looked almost a hundred years old and yet another appeared to have no use of his body. They spoke in turns to her.
"Welcome Chi-Chi daughter of Ox, Champion of Earth." Chi-Chi bowed to them.
"You have done well advocate bring her here you may leave us." Goblin bowed then disappeared.
"We are most grieved at your loss child. If circumstances were better, we wouldn't have to meet but it would see that we live in a worse possibility."
She asked them "What do you mean?"
"It was Son Goku who we were normally meant to meet. To help him survive after his fight with Frieza. Not that I think he would have comprehended what we would try to explain to him."
"Sometimes its Vegeta or Guarda or still even Gohan, Trunks or Bardock but this time it's you."
She asked with pure confusion in her eyes "What?"
"I don't think she understands."
"Well it really doesn't matter. The point is Chi-Chi you will be required to undo some of the damage done." Chi-Chi still just merely looked confused. "I can see that we aren't getting are message through."
"Understand this the Universe that you know is one of many and events are less like a line beginning, middle and end and more like a kaleidoscope of things happening all at once. The future and the past are both always changing depending on the whims of others. To you it looks a straight line, but that line is always curving usually without your notice. In one life you are a wife married to the love of your life. In this world that love of your life is your greatest enemy and you are a single parent sort of."
Chi-Chi exasperated asked them "Wait are you saying I'm married to Kakarrot in another time?"
"He doesn't call himself Kakarrot always but yes."
"Now that were done, I guess confusing you. It's time to tell you what must be done. Legends are returning. The Kakarrot will gain access to a power that will mean the doom of a great many."
"The universe will be plunged into darkness or more darkness after he wins as we have seen it in our dreams."
"He will kill Frieza with his Super Saiyan might, then he will cover the universe in his brand of hate."
"He seeks a universe were your people are dominant to make up for his owns extinction. He will deprive the universe of many species as he finds your people new living space."
"He will corrupt your people until they no longer know themselves. He will twist them into being his people."
"He will set them on a path of destruction and make them just like him."
"To hopefully prevent this, we will bring you to King Kai. As overseer of this section of the universe he once persuaded will teach you a great deal."
"But first we must help you purge the hate in your heart for your former love. If you are to stand a chance at gaining a power of the spirits."
She asked them "You want me stopped being angry at Kakarrot?"
"No just stop hating him so that you can regain your pure heart. Your anger is justified as is in some ways your hate but in will be only a hinderance to your success."
"You will go to the most ancient of trees on Yardrat a gnarltree strong with the force of the universe it is. There you will confront your demons and make peace with them. If you want a change to save your people and stop Kakarrot."
Chi-Chi still quite confused but bowed "Okay I don't think I follow all of this, but I get it face myself, right?
"Yes, that is the gist of it."
"Return to us after you have purged your demons and you must hurry. Time is not on our side, forces are coming that will interrupt our progress."
They arrived in the jungle right before a clearing were an ancient gnarltree was. It was a twisted and mangled.
Bill standing right next to her "I going to repeat that this is a bad idea. I don't understand this voodoo crap, but I can tell you that whatever this is dangerous."
Mai piped up "He might be right. Nothing about this feels right. Everything about this place is making my skin crawl. This place is wrong very wrong."
"If you wish we can leave."
"I'm saving the Earth. Nothing in there can scare me."
"Are you so sure?"
"I'm not afraid."
Goblin darkly concluded "You will be."
Chi-Chi determined stepped forward into the mist that seemed to just appear around the tree. Into it she lost her baring. The world around her disappeared. She could feel a presence coming out of shadows. She knew who it was by just the shadow.
It was Kakarrot with his smile. "Wow small universe isn't it."
Chi-Chi not allowing herself to get worked up "You're not real just a vision from the tree."
Kakarrot rolled his eyes to this "True but that doesn't me we can have some fun. So, are you either going to try and kill me or let me fuck you because I'm really up for either at this point."
"I'll grant the tree this you are as big of an asshole as the real thing, but you aren't. I don't need to do anything."
He had an annoyed look on his face "What non-violence?! That the worst of all options. Especially considering that there is a difference between not acting and not hating. Alright, you like usual want to do this the hard way, so I guess I just have to force you to show me your teeth."
He lunged at her and grab her by the arms. She went to fight back only find him gone and the mist around her changing. Suddenly she was in a nice house. It was like everything she dreamed of when she was a kid. On a table was a picture with her, Kakarrot in orange turtle gi and Gohan dressed like a little prince. It didn't seem like they were rich, but it was what she wanted.
Yet it was all so hollow right now. Snapshot of happiness that she never had. Her life had become all about running and fighting. Her love was nothing more than a killer that had no redemption. An arm came around her and pull her away preventing her arms from fighting back. She knew who it was, and he pulled her to his mouth which was now at her ear.
"See how pathetic these dreams of yours were. You wanted some domesticated idiot that you could boss around. You wanted the simple life. You wanted it so badly that you were willing to overlook everything to try and reach me. You wanted me to be him. Now tell me do you still want this after you tasted what a real fucking saiyan's dick tastes like whore."
"Go fuck yourself!"
"See I knew I could get through to you. Tell me how wet are you right now? Are you as wet went I killed all your friends?" All of her friend's dead bodies appeared around her and in an instance, she snapped.
As hard as she could she elbowed him in the stomach making him lose his grip and then turned and attack. In blind fury she assaulted him punching, ripping and biting. In fact, she disemboweled him ripping his guts out with her bare hands. She looked at her hands saw them covered in blood saw her handy work on the false Kakarrot, his guts in her hand. She just felt so scared as she thought 'This is something he would do.'
Kakarrot spoke from the mist "Just like me honey. Just like me."
She began to cry as the blood began to fade and the world around the tree came back. She looked over to see the very confused faces of Mai, Bill and Hicks they had no idea of what had just happened. She looked to Goblin who was shaking his head.
"Control you must learn control."
"I'm just so angry."
Goblin said in low and foreboding tone spoke these words as a fact "That is why you fail."
Chapter 50: A Broken Man
Chapter Text
The trumpets sounded as the banded played. The crowds were cheering and heiling. The handled trident banners were flying from the poles and windows on the buildings. Kakarrot was on a parade float going through downtown Kakarrot city (formerly Central City) with this fellow Saiyans behind him. He looked ecstatic as he threw money and things stolen from Risa at them. The slave that came to his side were in front of the parade marching receiving the love of the crowd.
The music changed from Der Koniggrater March to La Marseillaise. Kakarrot as aside to the other Saiyan's said "Always loved this one. It just has so much blood. I just wish my Imperial March's lyrics had as much blood as it as it does. Hear how they cheered when I told them that I sent a fleet to play pirate to the galaxy?"
Vegeta's brow was furrowed in annoyance "Is there any reason why we are wasting time doing this instead of training?"
"You're such a stick in the mud. Don't you worry your pretty little head. I know of a place where we can do a year's training in a day. You should enjoy yourself like your friends."
Vegeta looked to see Nappa and Raditz behind him quite enjoying the spectacles including a woman flashing them in her joy. Vegeta looked back at him "You give them a few trinkets and they spread their legs for you. I suppose you expect that from all those people without honor but I'm not buying. All of this is rotten you sell lies and nothing more. You are without honor."
"Was it honor that saved our people from extinction? Was it honor that compelled you to still work for Frieza even after you knew the truth? Was it honorable to slaughter all those helpless worlds? I bet they didn't scratch you sometimes, if anyone is lying here it's you." At that Vegeta seemed ready to take Kakarrot head off. "And as for what you call these lies, I call it triumph. All of this is built on a truth that you just can't see. See those peoples love?" He pointed to the mob. "It's genuine. They like bloodshed and mayhem it's what gets them off. Their all just animals, hungry for blood you see. Before me they tried to tell themselves, they were better than this. Now their screaming eager to hear about how I slaughtered a world. Today they get to shed their 'better natures' and just enjoy the horror like our people did so honorably."
Vegeta shook his head in disgust at the sight "You really enjoy pissing me off."
Kakarrot then asked with sarcasm dripping from his question "What would give you that idea?"
"Is there a damned thing that you believe in?"
He stated bluntly without a single emotion in it "That everything burns Princy."
The prince felt a chill down his spine at that. This was a completely different animal to Frieza. It was now clear as crystal to Vegeta.
He turns back around and waves to the crowd. Take joy in showing the heads of many of the Frieza forces that he kept on ice. Kakarrot tossed the heads into the crowds and they went wild. The crowd will to indulge in their master's grotesque fantasies as they tossed around the severed heads and dancing with them.
Kakarrot to himself but loud enough for Vegeta to hear "Got to love the people they're just as blood thirsty as me. "
Hours later they group was led by Kakarrot to the Lookout. The Lookout looked far different from when Kami had run the place. The sun seemed dimmer, the shadows far harsher and the dome far less shiny. The place was far more corrupt and far less peaceful. The trees were all withered and dead. Tattooed on the walls and columns was graffiti in red that in many languages that said, 'God was dead.'
Piccolo in his cape and hat emerged from the center building. He seemed quite upset with their presence he asked, "Why did you come here?"
Before any response was given Vegeta in a huff asked"What with the Namekian being here?"
Kakarrot looked at Vegeta not changing his expression but quickly asked "Namekian?"
"Yes that what he is. Did I stutter? What did you think that he was human? He's from Namek. I had a run in with an older version of this kind. He fancied himself a lord. Their people are said to have all sorts of power even said to have magic balls that could give you whatever you want. I however never put much stock in that myself."
Kakarrot looked at Piccolo and the two grinned at one another. Kakarrot then piped up "Interesting little story. Magic balls you say?"
"Just rumors and stupidity."
"Your right of course. Now the reason why we are here my 'friend' is because we need the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Piccolo then said with a great poker face "Okay you understand that only two of you can be in there at one time."
"Understood. So, it me and my brother and you and Nappa who goes first?"
Vegeta said with insistence in his voice "I do."
"How do I know you won't just come out and kill me?"
"Because I could do that right now without any chamber's help."
"Are you so sure?"
"We can find out if you want."
Raditz huffed in annoyance at his brother's and Prince's contest "Or maybe we can save this shit for afterwards."
Vegeta stated not all that from a spoiled child "I'm going in first."
"Find then have it your way. You have one year or twenty-four hours in real time to get as strong as you can. Have fun."
Vegeta turned he and Nappa followed Piccolo to the time chamber. Leaving Raditz and Kakarrot alone.
"Why do you insist on antagonizing him?"
"Why do insist on treating him like he's something special? Why because he's the heir to a dead bloodline that allied itself with Frieza?"
"Well yeah. His father beat the Tuffles we own him our obedience."
"Get real. The old ways are dead and so are our, our people. Stop thinking like a toady and start thinking like a Saiyan warrior. Once we kill Frieza the universe is ours. Do you really want to spend the rest of your like as a bitch boy or do you want to be king?"
"Bitch boy?"
"Best I can figure what you are to him right now. Look I'm not going to tell you what to do brother, I'm not Vegeta. I'm just asking. Don't you want more out of life, rather than just being a follower? Vegeta and Nappa are going to take a day if you want you could explore the Earth. Me I just have to say something to my dear friend and then it's back to the waiting embrace of my wives after all a year without them is quite a long time."
Kakarrot left Raditz alone with his thoughts.
Kakarrot went to Piccolo who had just closed the door to the time chamber. The two went far from Raditz to talk.
"So, there are other balls and other Namekians."
"It would seem that me a Kami aren't alone in the universe after all."
"A chance at the big leagues perhaps. One wish would certainly make this war a sure thing."
"I doubt they would willingly give them to you. Me and my father are a rare breed my instincts are telling me. I have this feeling they are all more like Kami."
"Are they all as strong?"
"Power seems to come rather easily to my people as opposed to humans. They will not be easy prey."
"Good if it was easy it would be no fun. Best yet it might be the best way to make sure that I have Frieza right where I want him."
"What are you planning?"
Kakarrot "Give it time genius takes patience sometimes. Tell me, could you refuse with Kami?"
"Why in the hell would I want to do that?"
"Your falling behind and I need fire power at a time like this. You could have easily clean house if it wasn't for your pride. Besides the old man will die sooner rather than later even trapped as he is, and he might be used by Chi-Chi if she ever decides to try and make a comeback. I'm sure you can find a way to stay dominant. You have a library of spell and nonsense to work with up here. In addition to finding allies from this other realm you should find this out too."
"Maybe but it might take some time. I have a lot less help then Kami did."
"Well we couldn't honesty leave Poppo and Korin alive. All they would do is plot against us. A shame though the Senzu bean secrets died with Korin however. Good thing I kept a souvenir." He patted his chest. "Oh well the sacrifices we have to make."
Piccolo annoyed hissed out "Like mine."
"Hey, I'm suffering here too I had to spend an infuriating week trapped with stick up his ass Prince. I've had to resist the urge to rip his smug ass face off. It's all about accepting some inconveniences."
"Inconvenience! He would be in my head!"
"Right where he'll get to see all the horrible things that you do. Held hostage and forced to help commit the worst atrocities. If you wanted to torture him this would be kind of the best way. Everyone breaks, and you will get to hear him break inside your head."
Piccolo grinned at that and allowed himself to be swayed "It's scary how good you are at this."
"Nah its easy. Grampa once called me a protégée. It all comes easy. The fighting, the talking, the tactics, the strategy all of it is taking a breath of air. I actually enjoy it when a real challenge comes to me. As of know I'm still just fighting mortals but one day I'll get a chance to cut my teeth on the worthless kings of heaven. Now I'll be seeing yeah."
Goblin appeared in the chambers of the elders "Venerable elders. I have news from Chi-Chi's training."
They all appeared in their spots and he was in front of them in a circle.
"She has nearly mastered our ability to move from place to place instantly but I must report that her progress with her own demons is going slowly. She continues to when pushed react's quite violently. I fear that she may be rejected by King Kai when the time comes."
They spoke in turns once again.
"Perhaps we have been going about this the wrong way. Mother and son should be taught together?"
"Why?"
"The boy is also of pure heart. I believe he also he has role to play in all of this. After all we did see a son of an Emperor kill the Emperor. Who says that it wasn't Gohan who did it?"
"Should we ask a child to save us?"
"Youth grow old as we all did. One day this boy will grow up to be a formidable warrior like his father and mother."
"But it still there is the matter of his companions. I sense great mistrust and hate from Bill. The sands of destiny are ever shifting. If he gets his way, we will lose a champion and the future course will be set."
"He is a broken thing despite his role in all of this. He will be easily willed by Chi-Chi to follow along with this."
"You have little sense. Broken things tend to fight the hardest after all they have little to lose."
"It matters little we need the boy and so does Chi-Chi. Tell her to bring the boy with her to the tree and we will send them both to King Kai."
Goblin bowed and disappeared.
"This is a farce. A child."
"No, a Saiyan child. A hope for the universe a new one."
Bill yelled as loud as he could "This is madness! NO don't do this!"
The two were in the gravity room. Goblin had disappeared at her request and was waiting for them outside of the ship. Chi-Chi seemed resigned to not winning the argument but going through with anyways.
"You told me what you saw what was in there. Do you really want him to know the truth with a pretty damn realistic version of him being the messenger?"
"No but the monks seem to think this is a good idea and were just going to have to trust their judgement."
"Judgement!? These old fossils haven't the foggiest idea in their skulls of what they're doing! This will break him."
"My son is strong his heart is pure unlike mine. We need him to be a fighter. Earth suffers. We can't hold him back any longer. Ever since Risa he has been begging me to let him into the gravity room. He wants to help and perhaps his nature will allow him to defeat Kakarrot."
Bill looked like he was about to burst. His hate of all of this plain to see on his. She refuses to listen he thought to himself.
Soon they were back at the tree. No matter what time of day it was this tree always seemed to be in the same time. First, they came to it at dusk then morning and now midday, but it seemed to not matter. It still appeared to be twilight here. A dim light with barely enough to see yet you always could.
Bill, Chi-Chi, Gohan and Goblin were all at the tree line. Chi-Chi and Gohan were holding hands. She looked at him "Honey no matter what happens in their just remember mommy loves you."
Goblin spoke to her in his most calming voice that he could muster in his awkward accent "Chi-Chi focus on your love for your son. Gohan focus on your love for mom and friends. If you do that the mist of this place will offer nothing but clarity and cleansing."
Bill darkly began to state "This is bul…" He remembered that Gohan was there. "Bull hockey yeah that's what I was going to say."
The two walking in and the mist appeared and encapsulate them.
Gohan suddenly felt that he wasn't holding his mother hand in a panic he looked around. Unable to find here. Tears appeared at his eyes.
A voice from the mist came "A baby like you couldn't protect anyone."
It emerged a dark version of Gohan continuing "I want to be a scholar no matter how many suffer while you just play the little kid. The man from the radio has done such horror but you don't want to fight. Your dad knows you're not cut out to do anything but cry why do you think he babies you like he does."
Gohan sniffed he was on the verge of tears "You're not real."
"And you're not original. You have so much power, but you do nothing and are good for nothing. Your worthless."
Gohan remembering what Goblin said calmly "That's not what my mom thinks. You're just trying to scare me. I know that I don't like fight but that doesn't make me weak. My mom and dad love me for just who I am, and I will protect them. You have no control over me."
And with that the image disappeared.
In Chi-Chi vision. She had also lost her hold with Gohan she looked around only to hear his voice again.
"Back again I see. I guess you brought my little bastard with you this time. How thoughtful. We should play some ball together get to know each other. Tell him about the wild ass night he was conceived on. I'm sure he will love to hear about how his mother betrayed her people, friends and conscience over my big D. Who knows maybe we have a few things in common?"
"Slime you have nothing in common with my son!"
"Your right of course. Maybe I should just kill him or maybe I should teach him his ancestor's values. I mean once he gets a taste, he'll remember who he is."
Chi-Chi remembering Goblins advice calmly said, "I want to thank you for that night."
Kakarrot yelled out in confusion "What!?"
Chi-Chi with tears in her eyes "You may have had crude ideas about me but if not for that night I wouldn't have my Gohan. I do regret that I let my feelings undermined who I should have been but that still doesn't change who I am. I am Chi-Chi Ox Champion of Mankind and you have no control over me. I'm angry at you but I don't hate you anymore. You broke my heart, but you are too weak to make me into you, so be gone you are nothing to me."
The monster seemed panicked as he began to fade away. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Bill having had to wait for minute had finally had enough. Against the protests of Goblin, he marched into the mist to find and get Gohan. But suddenly he felt himself elsewhere. Voices were all around him.
He clutched his ears and began to repeat to himself "It's all not real."
He looked up and saw Gohan his tail wagging his back was too him. The voices stopped. He was now in a familiar looking chapel.
He said out loud "Good." He went over to Gohan. "Good Gohan lets find you mother and get out of here."
Gohan spoke with a strange intensity to his voice "Are you really my father?"
Bill panicked and asked "What did that monster tell you?"
"Nothing you just told me everything I needed to know." He turned around his eyes were black and filled with malice that Bill had never seen before. "You know I am going to grow up to be just like him."
Bill walked back and got ready to fight "More lies you're not Gohan."
Fake Gohan grower older and sprouting palm hair and armor.
Kakarrot voice now coming from him "He's going to be just like me. You think all of this training will help him? No, it will awaken his true nature."
Bill took out his revolver and went to shoot him, but it faded into dust in his hands.
Kakarrot chuckled then "So much for being imaginary."
"You are!"
"Oh, then why were you trying to shoot me? Maybe it's because you know I am speaking the truth like I always do."
"Everything out of your mouth is lies and self-serving half-truths."
"No, I speak a higher truth. Chi-Chi is so easy to fool, take it from me. These people don't have your interest in mind they have their own. They want a protector. See how willing they are to use your Gohan even if it hurts him. You're his protector so why aren't you protecting? You and I know the truth. I'm unbeatable. All that will happen when they go up against me is that they will get hurt. I'll rape Chi-Chi, chain up Bulma and use her son as my hostage. I'll kill Mai and make Gohan into me or kill him. I already took one family from you. It's only a matter of time until I take your second. They all want to fight but they won't win."
Bill is surround by the images of all the people killed by Kakarrot including Frank and Diane who is pregnant still just like the last time he saw her. They were all bleed and he started to drown in their blood as the monster laughed.
The mist cleared, and everyone reappear. Chi-Chi and Gohan looked happy but Bill was on his knees his eye vacant. Out loud he mumbled 'Protect.' As he seemed very distant from the world and reality.
Chapter 51: The Rising Tide
Chapter Text
Instantly they appeared on a planet far from Yardrat. Both Chi-Chi and Gohan were initially confused. They were on a place that was very small for a planet no bigger than a two-story or three-story building. It had not space around it but clouds and pink sky. It had a red car, a round house, a tree and sleeping portly blue man on a lawn chair. Gohan felt heavier than normal which must have been the higher gravity that Goblin spoke of, but it wasn't too bad it was nothing compared to the gravity room.
Neither Chi-Chi nor Gohan had left feeling very good. They had left Bill in such a state the he no longer aware of his surroundings. Mai had promise to take care of him but still. All he had done since his experience is mumble and look off into the distance. Something seemed broken about him and Goblin had said that the training with King Kai would take quite a while which was not what either one of them wanted to hear.
Goblin softly asked, "Lord Kai we wish an audience with you."
There was no response just snoring from the passed-out Kai. On his face was some sort of car magazine that moved every time he breathed. The Kai appeared to be almost snow man shaped he was so round.
Goblin and spoke louder "LORD KAI! We wish an audience."
The Kai woke up yelling "Abandon ship!" and rolled out of his chair putting his hands over his head. But the thud on the grass seemed to bring him back to reality and he looked to Goblin and them.
Chi-Chi had yet to see these monks express any sort of embarrassment until now. Goblin look positively mortified like he had catch his parents in bed or something. Gohan giggled while Chi-Chi tried to remind herself that well 'Roshi hadn't seemed the regalest teacher' at first either.
King Kai got to his feet and quickly dusted himself off and then proceeded to pretend that none of that had happened. He coughed and asked, "Why have you arrived unannounced and interrupted important Kai business."
Gohan was about to start laughing when Chi-Chi tapped him on the head which got Gohan back in serious mode at least on the outside.
Goblin was quite red which seemed to mean the same thing for human as it did Yardratains in a shaky voice "Lord Kai this is Chi-Chi and Gohan of the Earth. Them and us wish for them to be trained by you yes."
"Okay I known you Yardrats aren't the best with the common tongue, so you got to practice more."
Goblin just embarrassed for him said, "I'll keep that in mind."
The Kai's eyes behind the sunglasses went right to Gohan's tail which seemed to immediately spooked the Kai and he signed for Goblin to come over to him. Goblin did as was asked.
The two came close and the Kai whispered, "Are you insane that's a Saiyan. I know your people have a history with them, but well history also says that this is going to backfire."
Goblin whispered back "He's half Terran besides you know that it they can be just as good as anyone."
"We'll maybe a generation or two ago but not lately."
"Well he's pure hearted and doesn't know he's a Saiyan so keep that under wraps. Chi-Chi has made it very violently clear on that fact." Goblin pulled back.
King Kai looked at them and shrugged "Okay you can train here."
Goblin disappear after bowing to the Kai. Gohan went to wave goodbye but was far too late. Chi-Chi and Gohan bowed to King Kai.
"Alright so what bring you to train under me?"
"An evil Saiyan has conquered the Earth. I wish to stop him."
"Right that one from that War of The World's style doomsday broadcast. Well I'm sorry to say that your Earth is doomed."
Chi-Chi confused she asked "What!?"
"Your target has triggered the wraith of Frieza. It's unlikely that when Frieza finds and kills him that he will let your world live."
"Well then I'll stop this Frieza!"
King Kai burst out laughing much to Chi-Chi frustration "Well good news you already ready past my first test and got me to laugh." Now he spoke in a far more serious tone. "Understand this. You will not be able to beat Frieza at best you'll do is send him on a murder spree that will claim billions. No. If I'm going to train you, you have to promise me that you will never seek to engage Frieza. You will only make things worse than they already are got it?"
Chi-Chi got the sense that this Frieza was on another level then Kakarrot which was bad. She thought to herself how could the universe be filled with so many monsters? She sighed "I promise I won't go fight Frieza."
"Now kid what's your name?"
"Gohan."
"Gohan you must promise me the same and make me laugh and then I'll train the lot of you. Once you can do those things for me then you'll deal with Bubbles and Gregory then I'll teach you the more advance stuff. And I suggest you hurry because I can safely say that time is running out."
In Space
"Here are your orders." Kakarrot was in a hologram appearing before both General Crixus and Android Twelve who were both on the bridge of a spaceship. Kakarrot continuing "Locate more eager devotes and leap frog around a bit until you come to know for a fact the Ginyu's are on you for sure then you are to leave the package in a spot with some less then worth souls to our cause. They will assume it is fake unless it fits the bill so make it look good. When this is accomplished Frieza and the Ginyu's will all go right where I want them. It might take a little while and the longer it does I figure the better it looks like we have been run ragged or something."
Crixus spoke up "What is in the package?"
"A crazy little story about some balls that I think Frieza is going to believe."
"That's it? A story."
"It's a 'ball' of story. The point is do it."
They heiled and the transmission ended. Kakarrot was in silken robes. He had made this transmission while lounging in conference room in his palace in front of him was Grey and Teal both looked rather miffed with the proceeding.
"Alright what's your problem?"
"Why are you sending the toaster and the slave. I'm your cousin and your hitman. I should have gone."
"I sent what was expendable. You happen to be a loyal and very useful if those two die it won't interrupt my plans but you two. You my future right and left hand. When I rule the galaxy you two will be needed. Besides I need the resources of MO to look around for some artifacts. I want any trace of my people brought to me."
"But the dragon balls why would you tell Frieza of them?"
"Do you consider me a fool? The reason is why is simple. He'll never be able to use them. Piccolo told me as such. His people are like Kami they're peaceful, stubborn and righteous. Their language is not common. The words that occasionally came out of his mouth are foreign. Meaning that the means to active the ball is beyond either us or Frieza. Unless either of you speak Namekian? Which you don't, but Piccolo only knows a few phrases meaning that we would need the Namekians to gather and use the balls. Which means even if we could force them, we would be at their mercy at the moment of truth. Put simply it is pointless. They will never help us or Frieza. But as Frieza will take his best to go a hunting and he will leave his Empire quite unguarded. King Cold and Cooler have been asked to stay away and they will. We will storm into every one of his planets even with are size in the scale of galaxy we will be small, but we will have billions in reinforcements. We can immediately begin enacting our purification plan over the galaxy then."
"There will be push back my lord. I doubt the Galactic King, or the Patrol will like what we plan to do."
"Their hypocritical words will fall on deaf ears. If they were willing to tolerate Frieza and Frost demons for this long they will tolerate us. Their public are vapid and weak. They love luxury and decadency. They are not hard people or hungry for battle like mine are. They will not stomach a war even if they think what we do is horrible, like they always have. It will not matter that we plan to exterminate all non-hominids. No more than it mattered that Frieza has purged so many worlds. Money matters to these people not lives, we will pay them off as easily as Frieza has done. We are rising tide, we shall sweep in and not recede, and they will come to accept it."
"As your loyal citizen I must inform you, you are making a lot of assumptions my Emperor."
"Perhaps but this is a game of chance and I'm playing the odds. Tell me when has a bet of mine not payed off?"
Teal grinning at that comment and he spoke up "Never. You always seem to be holding a royal flush."
"Damn right. Now leave me I have a very 'busy' night with my wives."
The two men left the room. Grey still seemed unsure while Teal was quite content.
"Our boss is being too reckless."
Teal arm went around Grey's shoulder and said to him "You worry too much. That's Copper talking. If the boss says the plan is in the bag, then it's in the bag."
Grey annoyed at this contact "Because hubris never came before the fall. He hasn't even said if he can beat Frieza yet and were making all these plans."
"We did the same thing with the Royal's."
"Just because it worked once doesn't mean it work again."
"Past results speak for themselves."
"Perhaps…" The two of them heard loud moaning from where one of the bedrooms were next to the board it was the sound of three women.
Teal just grinned "Coz is boss and is god. He knows what he's doing, and we know what we're doing. We're about to rule the goddamn galaxy. Think about me a planetary governor and you son of a drunkard construction worker to a soon to be Moff and a system governor. The entirety of race is about to go from barely holding on to one world to owning thousands of worlds."
"See that we get them first."
"Hey destiny is our side. It's like he said we are the rising tide."
Yardrat
Mai had been concerned ever since they had brought Bill back. He hadn't eaten in two days. All he had done is lie in bed motionless. He didn't get up not even to use the restroom. She had kept it quiet of course the others didn't need to know the Major was in such a state. But she had begun to wonder if it was not more harmful at this point to keep quiet and not alert Dietrich and Bulma. She entered his chambers to find he was missing. She put her hand to the communicator.
"SOBAI where is Major William Stryker?"
The Ship Onboard Artificial Intelligence respond, "Major Stryker has apparently left the ship mam."
Mai quickly ran throughout the halls and outside it might have been sand but there wasn't any wind and she was able to track him. Panicked she hastily made her way through the sands in her head she was screaming for her to go faster. She didn't want to think about what he might have done to himself.
It wasn't long until she found him, he hadn't gone far. He wasn't in his armor; he was just in ruffled fatigues. He was staring out watch the binary stars set in the distance. He had no weapon. She breathed a sigh of relief. He may have not looked like he was all there but everything else was aces. He seemed to not notice her despite her noise. In his hand was some sort of plant that had red berries. She got closer.
"Bill are you okay?" There was no response. She got closer. "Bill?" He looked at her, his eyes were looked well past her. He was looked a thousand miles away.
Bill spoke robotically "Mai I'm sorry I haven't been myself lately."
Mai eyes teared up thinking he was finally back "It's okay. What matters is that you're here. What happened by the way?"
"The Yardarts showed me somethings like a message from the future or something."
"No what happened was that the tree just showed you what you're afraid of."
Bill looked away like he didn't like that response "I'm sorry I worried you."
"I told you it's okay. Are you feeling better?"
"Yes… much better."
"Are you sure?"
"How would I not know how I'm feeling?"
"Well it's just that you've been acting off."
"Mai do you know who I am?"
"Of course, you're the man how led us to into space. You're a hero. I know you are."
"What if I'm not."
"You are."
"What if I'm scared of myself?"
"You shouldn't be. You are a good man."
"I think I know what I have to do now."
"What?"
Bill in a sort of smile said while looking at her "I think I have to be me. I feel much better Mai, but god am I hungry."
Mai smiled. She grabbed his arm and helped him up "Come on I'll get you something to eat."
On a planet unknown
Turles tosses an alien into a pile of rubble on a world that has been laid waste by first the uprising now his invasion. His crew laughing as they have joined in with the risen slaves who have the belief that he was Kakarrot and proclaimed him 'father'.
Turles goes to his crew "Tell me boys what could be better than this?"
They roared in response. His crew had covered himself in gold and they were lying in beds of it. They had all had their fill of the willing slave girls and food of this place. It was heaven, but they were still no closer to linking up with the real Kakarrot or the others Saiyan for that matter.
A tall figure had appeared he was dressed in a gladiator uniform that was in tatters. Turles looked at the man Spartacus who had come seeming with great purpose.
"You know the Ginyu's will probably be arriving shortly."
"How would you know that?"
"Their hunting for Saiyan's all of them ever since that announcement."
Turles sarcastically responded "You don't say."
"I think even for the real Kakarrot they would be a problem."
"So, you're not dumb."
"Your voice is a little different and the fact that you came here asking about him sort of tipped it off."
"So, I'm not him. Does it really matter?"
Spartacus "No it doesn't. I don't care who you are just what you can do."
"What I can do?"
"I want you to help me move these people before the Ginyus arrive and slaughter them all."
"And why would I do that?"
"You're looking to join up with the rest of your kind, right?"
"I am."
"What if I could tell you I know where the Emperor's kid is."
Turles's eyes lit up "I'm listening."
"I know of a planet were a young boy with a tail is. He's saiyan like you. The people on the ship must have stolen him or something from a world were men fight in metal suit. Just like they say the Emperor's soldiers fight in. I imagine that his reward for returning his son would be quite great."
"You know I think you just became my best friend." He yelled at his men. "PACK UP YOUR SHIT! We need to get a move on. We have some flea-bitten slaves to transport and a little prince to find. Today is our luck day."
Next time Shit hits the fan.
Chapter 52: The Shit Hits The Fan
Chapter Text
It had been months since Chi-Chi and Gohan had gone to King Kai planet. Since then Mai had seen to Bill's recovery. He was back to drilling the fire team. He had even gotten into the habit of teaching Trunks how to use his sword properly. Not that Bulma was made aware of that fact. He warmed up to the monks and even started to let her kiss him. He was back to his normal-self best she could tell but at the same time he almost seemed a different man to her.
Leading the fire team, they had gone out to find supplies in one of the towns. The town was nowhere near as wealthy or exotic as the one on Risa but suited their needs anyways. Humans and Yardrats had close enough digestive systems as Bill had noted as they shopped. The computer did say the food on sale was edible every time they scanned it.
Bill had decided that it wasn't a great idea bring Bulma considering last time, so she was left at the ship along with Trunk, Ferro and Spunkmeyer. They had gathered quite a bit of supplies and it was nice that they weren't getting death glares and spit on. The Yardrats on the other hand were quite friendly.
The talk of the town, however, was not them. It was the 'Revolution' as they were calling it. The PTO was collapsing. Not a single planet wasn't in revolt. The galactical economy was in free fall they said. All this chaos had triggered an economic collapse. Hell, they made it sound as if they were the richest people on the planet because they had gold not credits.
Truly it sounded to Mai as if Kakarrot was doing to the Galaxy what he had done to Earth. The poor Yardrats had nothing but good things to say about the monster. Apparently Kakarrot was fighting as they saw it to make sure that those rich foreigners would stop building hotels on their planet according to them. The owners had even made threat that Frieza was a co-owner or something and would send the Ginyus to kill them all. Now everything was on hold, they had won.
They were in the town center next to the market. They were using a hover car to transport their goods back to the ship. It was a clear sunny day. Frost was loading some odd-looking cucumbers into the hover car when it blew up.
In a second Frost and the car disappeared into nothing. The fire team quickly found they were surrounded and under attack. Vasquez screamed out in a rage "You'll pay for that!" As they fell under attack.
It wasn't much of a battle. Drake got a mushy red robotic alien fist go through his gut and was probably dead before he hit the ground. Gorman got riddled with blaster fire and was well extra crispy afterwards. Hicks managed to get a few shots off and kill maybe one or two of the attackers but then got leveled by a ki blast that broke his rifle and melted his armor, he screamed out in pain. Hudson hit the deck trying to make himself a smaller target. Dietrich lost her head literally. Bill was the only one left standing as Mai was grabbed from behind and used as a shield by a palm haired figure.
Bill pointed his revolver at the palm haired figure who was holding Mai. Hicks was screaming in pain as the palm haired figure who was holding his hand cup at Mai head.
The Saiyan spoke to them "Easy now. Hate to see another one of your people lose their life today." He was dressed in a PTO armor. He wasn't Kakarrot Bill knew that, but he was still a Saiyan. He was surrounded by goons and well-armed former slaves by the looks of it. They could end this all in a second, but it wasn't which meant they wanted something.
"If you want to keep your head you are going to let her go now!"
Turles chuckled at that "You really think you have leverage right now? Put down your weapon or I'll show you what her brains look like then kill you." She didn't have her helmet on, so she didn't stand a chance.
"You think I care if I die. I don't care I'm willing to take you all with me."
Bill's hand hugged the revolver that his dad had given him that he'd modified to take the blue bullets. That he had promised to kill Kakarrot and Teal with but it all looked over now. He could guess what they were here for, but it was a good guess.
Ferro and Spunkmeyer would have been warned by the computer. They could escape along with Bulma and Trunks. Chi-Chi and Gohan were elsewhere and safe. Mai was going to die he couldn't live with that, but he wouldn't have too for long. It felt relieving to know how it was going to end almost peaceful. He was about to fire when his face hit the ground.
Spartacus yelled at Turles "I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO KILL THEM!" He kicked Bill's revolver away over to the proud looking douche with the necklace. Bill was restrained and pick up by the revolt leader. Hudson surrendered throwing down his blaster.
Turles smirked back at him "You said that you wanted them alive but not how many or in what condition and some of them are still if fact alive."
Bill in a growl having recognize who captured him "I knew I should have killed you!"
"I'm sorry about this but this is about my people. At least they died so that mine might live. You possess a means of getting Kakarrot ear and I'm taking it."
"Alright enough chit chat where is the boy?"
Bill snarling "Up your ass MONKEY!"
"Racial slurs huh? Not very smart now…" He gripped her suit tightly the metal bent and she screamed out in pain. "…If I lose patience I'll start breaking parts of her."
"We don't need him to tell us. They be in the ship next to the monastery."
Bill yelled "You will die screaming!"
He shook his head "I think not human. Well now let's get going."
It was just then that Goblin, Gohan and Chi-Chi appeared. Both Chi-Chi and Gohan were in orange gi like the Turtle school gi except that on the back was King Kai's symbol instead of Roshi's. She seemed to Bill to stand taller than before. Gohan looked older more like his mother and father, less like a timid little boy.
Turles looked seeing the tail and grinned "Well looks like we don't have to go looking after all."
Goblin disappeared he didn't look at all like he was willing to have even as long as he did. Coward was the thought rolling through Bill's mind.
"Gohan grab your dad auntie Mai and the others and get out of here. I'll deal with this guy."
Gohan whinned "But mom…"
"No buts. I've been waiting a very long time to show a guy who looks like this a lesson and I can't have that with everyone in danger."
Turles chuckled at that "That's actually pretty funny you think that you're in control here too? I'm going to…."
Before he had even finished his sentence, she disappeared and reappeared in front of him. In one punch she had knock him away and grabbed hold of Mai. Turles went flying into a building. Before he even hit Chi-Chi had laid out Spartacus and gave Bill back his revolver. Turles was getting back up when audibly Hudson yelled out "WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?"
Chi-Chi quite confidently said to Turles "This is your one and only warning. Leave or die."
Turles red and angry "Magicians! One Trick and they think their invincible. Bitch you are going to die screaming!"
Chi-Chi stoically "Oh good. I was hoping that was going to be your answer."
He clicked his scouter and laughed "It's as I thought your nothing but a good-looking trickster. Boys SLAUGHTER HER!"
The five goons charged her head on all to end up on the ground in a second. Turles in disbelief tapped his scouter again to see it come up with the same answer. He in a rage ripped it off his face and crushed it. It blew up and he stared daggers at her. She looked at the freeman and they dropped their blasters and ran. She looked back at Turles.
"Everyone get out of her like I said I can deal with this." Her words seemed to piss Turles off with the idea that she only could deal with him.
Bill and Gohan both wanted to argue but didn't. They picked up the wounded surviving members of the team and began to leave for the ship.
Bill stopped short of going all the way as they left the visible area of what was shaping up to be the fight between Chi-Chi and Turles.
"Dad?" Both Gohan and Mai looked at him curiously.
"Go on ahead. My thrusters are acting a little funky. Just help them I know what I'm doing."
Gohan wanted to argue but Mai seemed to trust him, and Hudson took it as an order.
Back in the square the two were facing off as Turles seemed to be regaining his confidence.
"Alright I grant you you're not a glass cannon. But momma bear I might inform you that you don't stand a chance here. I'm a former Saiyan elite. I slaughter planets for a living. I'm not here to kill your boy just to bring him to Earth."
Spartacus jumped up and tried to attack Chi-Chi from behind only to get her elbow in his face and was by the force of the attack thrown far way.
"Wow that was dirty even for a slave. Next, I'll bet he'll try, and poison you. Slaves and crazy people are known for that. Now if you let me just take the boy, I'll let your friends live I'll even give you a cut of the profits. Maybe even you let me join my crew. I could use a woman like you." He said as creepily as possible.
"You know your almost as charming as he was. Well in short, the answer is no. The long answer is 'hell fucking no'. I would rather get skinned alive, but I'll take watching that happen to you creep."
Turles creepily stated "I like a woman with a mouth. Okay hard way it is. I'll show you the power of a Saiyan elite."
He got into stance as she just stood up straight. He charged her, and their fists met for a second she glowed red and he was knocked back and tossed again into a building. He jumped up and she was above him. She kicked him into the air, and he stopped himself as they got back top eyeline in midair.
He was panting as he said "Damn your good. That kind of hurt but I should probably tell you that I'm holding back." He chuckled. She probably thought that she had him on the ropes, but this will change her tone or so he thought.
Chi-Chi matter-a-factly stated "Yeah I know."
Turles asked in a worried tone "What?"
"I know. Your holding on to quite a bit but not as much as you think or enough to save you from me."
A vein appeared on Turles's forehead as he powered up the white ki surrounding him. Chi-Chi seemed unimpressed. He fired a blast at her which she knocked away then charged her. The blast hit the town blowing it up vaporizing his unconscious men.
Gohan and the other had arrived at the ship to find a very willing Trunks determined to go out and fight. Mai and Bulma tried to stop them but soon Gohan and Trunks took off looking to help Chi-Chi in her fight.
Turles and Chi-Chi had knocked each other around into the desert and were in a brawl where her punches tended to hit and leave a mark every time, she turned red and his rarely hit or left a mark.
He pulled back having realized he was losing this fight landing on a plateau. He was breathing deeply she had kicked him around good. He was visibly in a rage nothing he seemed to do seemed to be hurting her.
Turles grinned at her then having decided what to do "You know I got to admit your pretty good at this but not that good. Want to see my magic trick?"
A glowing white orb appeared in his hand. He tossed at her which she easily dodged but instead of smashing into the dirt it went up and into the air.
Turles cruelly stated "You know any chance you might had just went out the window." He looked up as the ball exploded in the atmosphere. It made a false moon.
Chi-Chi could only look on in horror as the Saiyan transformed into his oozaru form. In seconds he was Kaiju sized crushing the plateau beneath his feet. He roared and then laughed.
Turles yelled in his new booming voice "Round two bitch!"
He fired a beam cannon from his mouth that Chi-Chi barely managed to dodge. She got hit by his fist and was sent to the sand below hard. He hadn't gotten slower only faster and now his punches hurt a lot went they landed.
Just to keep up she was forced to go from using times two to times five. King Kai said not to go past that, but it was getting harder to not think about times ten. Her gi was getting torn up as she now seemed to be on the defense. All she could do was dodge.
Gohan and Trunks were making their way to the battle.
"Hey Gohan, you feel that."
Gohan nervous stated "Yeah that Turles guy only got stronger."
"Your mom is going to need our help."
Gohan nodded "Yeah."
Bill jumped in front of them. He looked quite angry at the two. Blood was dripping from his hands.
Bill angry asked them "Why aren't you two back at the ship?"
"Dad. Mom needs our help she's losing."
"She can handle this. What she doesn't need is to worry about you two and what that monster will do to you two."
The three heard a smash and all three looked to see that Turles was in his Oozaru not that either Gohan or Trunks knew about that. Bill's blood went cold upon seeing it. Normally they had chosen to go to worlds without moons or made sure that Gohan was asleep or hidden away when there was a moon.
He was blue in the face as before he could say a thing Gohan saw the fake moon. He grabbed ahold of Trunks and yelled "Get away from Gohan!"
Gohan began to transform. It was like one of Bill's nightmares as he pulled Trunks away as Gohan grew ripping through his clothing, he sprouted fangs and developed coat of fur. Gohan was soon Kaiju sized and then went feral. He stomped around and upon seeing Bill and Trunks, attacked.
Turles grabbed hold of Chi-Chi squeezing her in his gigantic hands. Turles "Sorry but I guess after this you'll be thinner. It's a shame you and me couldn't see eye to eye but hell it was interesting being forced to go to this extreme. So long."
A loud thud was heard as Turles and Chi-Chi looked to see Oozaru Gohan having chased Bill and Trunks. Gohan swatted at them like the two were bugs.
"The kid…"
Gohan seeing Turles changed target jumping at him and tackling him. The two wrestled as Turles yelled for Gohan to get off him.
The attack allowed Chi-Chi to escape. Upon escaping she immediately went to go find Bill and Trunks. She found them in a crater Bill having used his body as a shield for Trunks.
"Are you okay?"
Bill groaned "Just super."
She helped him up as he held an unconscious Trunks in his hands.
"Okay I hope you have a plan?"
"Yeah but Gohan might get in the way despite him being essential at the moment."
Trunks woke up and groaned asking "What's up with Gohan?"
"Nothing that were ever going to talk about again understand."
Bill panting said "Well do your thing. I'll figure out something." He said eying the sword on Trunks's back. He laid the once again unconscious Trunks down on the ground.
Chi-Chi got onto a rock and raised her hands into the air. The planet itself beginning to give its energy to her.
Turles began to get the upper hand on Gohan. The older more experienced Saiyan kneed him in the gut then bashed his head. He put his arm around Gohan's neck and squeezed it saying loudly "GO TO SLEEP!" repeatedly.
Gohan after a minute's struggle, his eye's closed as his form went limb and he stopped struggling. Turles grinned and let him go.
"Finally, now back to…."
He screamed out in pain as he looked back to find his tail cut off by Bill. He quickly reverted back to his more human form. In a blind rage he looked at the grinning Bill.
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST DID?!"
"Yeah and I'm feeling pretty good about it and so is she." He pointed to Chi-Chi who was finished with her Spirit bomb.
Turles fired in a panic at her but it did nothing to the massive ball. She threw it and he screamed as he tried to grab hold of it. He couldn't though as he was pushed back and was going towards the moon in the sky that he made. The two balls collided with him in the middle and was vaporized in the massive explosion.
The sky lit up and it was over. Gohan transformed back, he was naked and a little cut up but okay.
They returned to the ship and as soon as Trunks woke up, he received a full chewing out by his mother. Gohan woke with no memory of what happened, and everyone kept it that way. Bill managed to convince Chi-Chi to say for the night at least. The survivors grieved but they were alive.
Monastery inner chambers
"Success my fellow elders." They toasted as they dug into the massive meal in front of them.
"To Chi-Chi and Gohan the tools of how where are going to fix the cosmic status quo."
Bill entering from the shadows holding a knife in one hand and bright red berries in the other "Tools huh?"
One of the monks when to yell at him but began to cough and wheeze his face turning purple.
"Funny think about these berries is that they seem to work quite fast."
All the monks were now doing the same. Goblin got out of his seat and crawled overlooking him in the eye.
"If you're wondering why? It's simple. You were lying to them. You were going to hurt my son and trick Chi-Chi. You didn't care about us just what we could do for you. They don't realize that there is no beating Kakarrot so I have to protect them from themselves. Sure, they beat this monster this time, but that won't change anything." All of the monks had stopped moving they were all dead all one hundred of them. "I have seen the future and I'm going to change it. If what she says is true, then she can't get back to the Kai's because you haven't completed her training. But because Spartacus knew us that means that Crixus guy knew so I guess that means we have no more reason to stick around. YOU KNOW I BET YOU ALL THINK I'M CRAZY RIGHT! Yeah you all do. Well for your information I'm not. I'm just doing what I needs to be done. You don't understand you've never lost a family before."
He began to hit himself and even used the knife to cut his face as the hall started to fill with smoke. The building was on fire and the bomb he planned would be going off soon.
He with a far more crazed voice in pain "You all don't know how long I've been planning this do you? So much for you all knowing the future. I'll keep them safe. Don't you worry. No more of this beating Kakarrot nonsense. I'm just going to find a nice hiding spot and were going to stay there. Kakarrot can have the galaxy I just want my family." He practically broke his own jaw and then stabbed himself in the chest. In a weak voice he said like he was practicing again. "I'm sorry but the surviving slaves must have attacked the monastery. No one survived but me."
He looked over to the dead bodies of Spartacus and his men that he had hunted down and had been dragging into the building. He twisted and broke his own leg as he dragged himself out of the building as it blew up and he turned on his communicator and screamed into it for 'HELP!'.
To quote the Joker "Madness is like gravity all it needs is a push." Should have seen the warning signs. Now two people training together seem to do better like in the hyperbolic time chamber and when the others went to King Kai's. Super proved that human can get a lot stronger and Turles never ate the fruit.
Chapter 53: The Situation Isn't Improving
Chapter Text
From what he could tell they took his story completely at face value. Chi-Chi looked quite sad also Gohan. It hurt them he knew but he thought it was better for them in the long run. Chi-Chi was just far too trusting she's were Gohan got it from. Mai and Bulma just accepted it, they were just now use to people dying.
They laid him on the table Bulma was now doctor thanks to Deitrich being KIA. They were all so scared about him. Which he didn't like but he knew that none of his wounds were lethal he remembered his anatomy classes. The knife wound was well above the heart and was never deep enough to hit the lungs.
Bulma confirmed this while she was looking him over on the table. She stitched up him up good by his reckoning.
Chi-Chi, Mai and Bulma were all seemingly waiting for him to get stitched up before asking their million questions.
Mai broke first and began asking them "Did they call out for the him?"
Bill hated lying to them, but they needed to be protected. He remembered his mother's words 'Man kills, God forgives.' An old family saying on her side. It had been ringing through his head when he'd crushed the unconscious Spartacus skull with his bare hands and poisoned all those monks.
"No doubt. We have to get out of here. They were talking about informing Kakarrot about us. No doubt they did, Kakarrot's on his way."
"Then we got to get out of here."
"Wait a second what if I'm ready to face him?"
Bill hands tightened his mind was screaming trying to be calm, so he was "No! That's not such a good idea. Kakarrot doesn't play fair he'll be coming with an army and there are other saiyans. It won't be a one on one fight but a you against a hundred fight."
Bulma chimed in while being doctor "I normally would side with you Chi-Chi but Bill's right. Numbers are against you on this. We need more people or a plan of attack. We're the Resistance not an army. In a stand-up fight, we will lose. We need a plan."
Chi-Chi paused she thought things over in her mind and stated "Namek that's the plan."
"Namek?"
"I asked King Kai about how Kami was doing, and he said that my planet's Namekian Guardian does not have long for this world. Piccolo is plotting to forcefully merge with him. I asked him what he meant, and he told me. Kami nor Piccolo were from Earth but from Namek they have Dragon Balls and they are a peaceful people who might be sympathetic to our cause. We can bring back our friends and I can teach them the Kaio-Ken. That's the plan."
Bulma's eyes lit up with excitement Mai smiled too while internally Bill was screaming with rage. Sure, this might have meant Diane could come back but as he saw it this was another dangerous exercise in seeing how close they could get to the burner.
They just didn't see how pointless this all was. So, he voiced no objections. Maybe he could sabotage the guidance system. No. That would just alert them to his real position. He decided he would just bide his time on this.
When they were all done gushing over how they were going to magically win this war. Bill got up and left now that they were finished patching him up. He saw what was left of his troops. All but Hudson was crippled and broken. They all had trusted him, and they got slaughtered because he was too willing to indulge this idea that they could beat that monster.
He got back to his room and looked at himself in the mirror in his bathroom. He heard a voice Kakarrot's say from somewhere "Lesson learned. Just like me." And he smashed they mirror it shattered but he kept looking.
Bill out loud shouted "I just have to hold it together or either they'll think I'm insane and well I'm not I just know the truth. I'm nothing like him."
He looked into the shattered image of himself. It seemed to his eyes twist and turn as it became just a black blob. Kakarrot voice chimed in to whisper, "Dream on."
He looked behind him and the world had reset itself. The figure was gone, and his image was back to normal.
"I will protect them. I can promise you that." Said as he looked at his father revolver. He heard a knock at his door. It was Mai. Bulma nor Chi-Chi only Mai ever knocked. "Come in." He said.
The door opened, and he left his bathroom to meet her. He forgot about the wound that he had just given himself and Mai saw it instantly.
Mai panicked as she ran over him "Oh my Kami are you okay?"
He tried to waive her concerns "It's okay." She grabbed hold of his hand and examined it. "No really Mai it's okay." He wasn't a lying it didn't really hurt, he couldn't really even feel it. Not with all the adrenaline flowing in him.
She dug him back into the bathroom. She stitched him back and chided him over his clumsiness. She had as of late to treat him like he was a child almost. He knew she was in love with him. Maybe she saw what he was at this point. He wasn't sure.
He knew what he did was wrong, but it needed to be done he was sure of that fact. His father had told him when he got this uniform the truth. "Son. Now that you have that uniform on. You are like me now. You are a bad man. Your going to kill and lie. Sometimes to even people you love. But this will be necessary because you will need to do these things. Bad man like us are needed because we keep worse men from the door."
He found himself mesmerized watching her work. She was a fast worker and she soon finished up with his hand. She looked like she wanted to ask him something. Maybe she wanted to ask how or why or something but instead she kiss him.
Bill had been letting her kiss him ever since he had had his revelation out in the desert. He knew the things he saw weren't real he knew that for a fact but still. Diane was gone, and he had decided he wanted to live from now on. So, now for the first time he kissed her back.
Before he knew it, they were on his bed. He had wanted to ease in too this more, but she was perhaps done waiting. He felt like he was lying to her as he was still unsure if he wanted this, but the moment was carrying him. She was on the pill he knew that much. This trip had already been way too much to deal with yet another baby.
He was trying to give himself reasons why this shouldn't happen, and it was a long list, but it wasn't stopping his hands or any other part of him. It happened in flash she was on her knees and then he was in her soon afterwards.
The fear seemed to subside until he came back to himself much later on that night. Life was only going to be more complicated after this moment he was sure of that.
Frieza Planet One
Dodoria entered gingerly he knew his boss had only gotten more frustrated the longer all of this madness had gone on. Worse yet he had been using the Ginyu's to chase after shadows. Ginyu's had up until now been finding nothing. They were no closer to finding the Saiyan's and Frieza was getting more murderous.
He kept implying that he was soon to snap and start killing all of them. He knew this news was madness too but if it calmed Frieza down it was worth it.
When he entered, he found Zarbon listing the new casualties and the new lost planets. Frieza in turn was out on the balcony taking pot shots at the city below.
Anyone with brains should have left a long time ago. He certainly didn't know why he was sticking around. He guessed he was as stupid as some people called him.
Dodoria bent the knee and Frieza interrupted Zarbon to ask, "What is it Dodoria?"
"News from the Ginyu's. They found a piece of important information that you may find interesting."
"Did they find were the monkeys hiding?"
"No but we know where they're going to be now."
His interest now peaked on what Dodoria had to say "Go on."
"The Saiyan's seem to have found some sort of proof that the magic balls on Namek are real. They apparently interrogated a Namekian who told them the story confirming it."
Zarbon balked at this "Stupid monkeys. They believe in anything."
"Did they torture the Namekian?"
"No. He was just asking for asylum and he just told them about the balls unrequested. They didn't even ask for it."
Frieza was now determined on his course "Ready my ship. We're going to go kill some monkey's and collect some dragon balls."
Zarbon and Dodoria both shouted as they bowed to their master "Yes Lord."
"Its high time I become immortal and finish what I started all those years ago."
Earth
"Tell me o prince why do thoust hate me so?" He asked sarcastically with his arms in a fake exaggerated bow.
The two were panting and exhausted. They had done a number a one another. Both of their armors were worn out. The sun beating down on the two and it was burning hot almost too hot to breath. The burnt dry orange mountains were cooking in the blistering heat.
Vegeta had started this duel to put the upstart in his place but it wasn't working. A full power Galick gun had been stopped. This grinning asshole had treated all of this like it was a game. He didn't even feel like he was being taken seriously as a threat. Over two months on this rock and they had done nothing but deal with some weird dead body stealing doctor and his little tin toys.
"You're no Saiyan. You have the bloodlust, but you are deceitful like the Tuffles were. You're like these humans are all like grinning idiots."
"You must really hate that I'm that much stronger than you."
A blind golden light flashed around Kakarrot for a second and Vegeta's eyes burned out of his sockets. It was like Kakarrot was turning into a god. A million times stronger than him.
Vegeta's eyes slammed opened. The nightmares had been terrible since he had fought Kakarrot that day. His mind always warped it though that Kakarrot was the legend or something. Sure, Kakarrot had beaten him that day but he never transformed.
Since then he had been rigorously training to beat him. It was infuriating that they hadn't yet left Earth to go fight Frieza but he was starting to almost care more about beating Kakarrot rather than beating Frieza.
This nightmare of a planet had its allures also. He knew that as a true warrior he shouldn't been allowing himself to be seduced by such things, but it was hard not finally feel all the respect that he deserved.
Whereas most worlds people would either hate him or fear him these people gushed at him. Their respect and love for him was apparent. Kakarrot had convinced these people he was god and by merely the fact of his tail they thought he was one too.
Kakarrot may have treated him with disrespect to his face but still lavished him with gifts just to be insolent. He had been given a mansion with a full staff. They all called him 'Prince'. In Frieza's empire he been a jester, here he was a foreigner dignitary and treated as such. He ate like, he was the King he was born to be. He trained every day. There were no more orders.
Kakarrot was merely acting like as if he was just his obnoxious host sitting on his massive throne made of melted guns and swords.
He got into his new armor that Kakarrot had sent to him. He received a message on the communicator that asked him to come to 'KRP headquarters' (Kakarrot Ribbon Party) formerly the Kakarrot Ribbon Army headquarters. He decided to go after all it sounded urgent.
As he flew over the Earth he looked to the ground. The people were heiling at him from small children to adults. This is what it must have felt like to be his father he thought. They don't just fear me they respect me. Yes, Kakarrot had some really good ideas he thought. The only thing that might make this place better was maybe that blue haired woman with the steel in her eyes.
He strolled into the throne room were the TV camera's where. Kakarrot was entertaining his people. A resistance fighter was on his knees begging for his life. He liked to make the world watch.
Kakarrot strolled down from his chair it was a big thing made of enough twisted steel that it was almost a story tall. In his hand was a bat wooden with chains around it. It was stained red at this point. His menacing grin was on his face. Like it was nothing as he came up to him and asked him. "So, are you crapping yourself yet?"
The 'coward' Vegeta thought as he saw him continued to beg for mercy but Kakarrot just chuckled.
"No. No. No. You don't get it do you. My mercy has limits. My big heart has only so much love to give. I helped you out. I save your world from itself and you try to kill me?" He looked to the cameras. "Let it never be said that I'm not a just and righteous god." He tossed the bat at the man's feet. "Now you have one shot make it count."
The man's bindings were cut. He looked at the third class with fear and terror. He was too scared to even try the desperate attack like most of them did.
Kakarrot sighed deflated "Man you just have no balls dude."
Kakarrot lunged at him and tore into his neck blood sprayed everywhere. He took a big chuck out of him. While his hands ribbed his limbs off by one by one like they were flower petals. The man was in pieces on the floor as Kakarrot ate his breakfast much like a wild animal. It was relatively quick but Kakarrot slowed to give his audience an eye full. He smiled and flashed the peace symbol as he was drenched in blood to the point that his hair nearly lost its palm shape. A woman who had been screaming and crying finally fainted.
Kakarrot still laughing said to the camera in a fake stutter "That's all folks." Like this was all a psychotic Looney Tunes cartoon.
The cameras turned off as he was nearly finished eating.
Kakarrot looked at one of his aides. "When she wakes bring her to one of the suites. Its time she was with a 'real' man."
He looked at Vegeta. "I have some good news if you want to hear it."
Vegeta uninterested turned his head and yawned "Tell me I'm so invested."
"What if I told you could wish for anything you could want?"
He spat at him "Stop with your jokes."
"I'm not joking 'best buddy'."
Soon Raditz and Nappa came in and Kakarrot while licking the blood off himself led them. There were the holograms of Twelve and Crixus along with the entire high command of the Empire.
None were even remotely surprised or shocked that their boss was covered in blood and viscera. They were all more than familiar with his eating habits.
Copper then spoke up asking his question "So, you can confirm this piece of intel?"
Twelve heiled then stated "Ay the dragon balls are on Namek and Frieza is heading their right now. With them he could wish for immortality and our chances of galactic purity will be impossible."
"So, you believed that legend I told you about?" He asked Kakarrot.
"I looked into it and it appears Frieza did too. With those balls the entire Saiyan race could live forever."
Crixus puzzled stated "But this isn't the entire Saiyan race."
"Right my kids."
"Well they're was that other kid."
Kakarrot face suddenly looked very curious "What other kid."
"Before I meet you my lord I was with a large group and follow the instructions of this Yardratian he told us about this opportunity to find some people that were hominds that weren't slaves and they were from Earth. We ran into a group of people in a kind of armor like your people have and one of them not in armor but this orange and blue gi was a black-haired woman who had this kid with a tail like yours."
Kakarrot looked ecstatic like it was Christmas or something "Man I have good aim." He made a gun with his hand and pointed at him. "Now tell me, do you know where they are now?"
"Yardrat was the last place I understood was where they were going."
"Well then I guess I'm going their first. By the way." His eyes and face seemed to turn far darker. "Next time I expect to hear a lot sooner information like this got it?" Crixus looked very nervous as he nodded in agreement. "Good keep that in mind."
With that Crixus made a hasty exit turning off the emitter.
"What was that about?" The haughty prince asked Kakarrot.
"That's called a slight change in plans. You'll go to Namek while I will go to Yardrat. I have a wife, a son now, and a genius to recover."
Next time the Namekian saga begins.
Chapter 54: Namek
Chapter Text
The door opened to Bill's room he nearly jumped up when it happens. He had been trying to get back to sleep after Mai had gotten up to use the bathroom. Bill looked and saw with the little bit of light he had who it was, it was Gohan in his pajamas. The boy saw Bill and from what he could tell was surprised that Bill was even up.
"Dad you're up?"
Bill nervous he said loudly so that Mai in the bathroom could hear "Yeah son I'm up."
"Bad dreams again?"
"Yeah."
Gohan strolled up and crawled onto his bed. Gohan hugged him. The boy obviously thought that this would make him feel better instead it made him feel awkward. He wasn't wearing any clothing the sheet was around him but that was it.
Bill hoping to get the boy out of the room before he discovered Mai asked him "Gohan why aren't you with your mom?" Sure, it was rare that he asked this sort of question of Gohan but times they were tough.
Gohan pulled away then he sniffed "My gruncle's dragon ball is broken."
Bill grabbed a flashlight that he had in a draw in his nightstand and flashed it on Gohan. He was holding a perfectly round stone. Bill looked at it and sighed.
"I showed it to mom and she got really sad afterwards."
He sighed yet again Kakarrot hurt her "It means that she has lost another good friend." But he supposed she hasn't lost him completely.
"Am I a monster dad?"
Bill was taken aback "What do you mean by that?"
"The last two humans that we meet with tails like mine killed people."
Bill felt like vomiting his boy was nothing like those monsters and certainly nothing like Kakarrot. He grabbed hold of Gohan and maybe a little forcefully said "NO! Your nothing like them. Not even in a little bit. Your kind and gentle and they were nothing but monsters."
Gohan was simply unconvinced he could as Gohan said "Mom said I need to beware others with tails like mine."
"And she was right to tell you that. Many with your tail are not so nice."
"Are you scared of my tail dad?"
Bill looked him in the eyes even though it was dark. He wouldn't give him details but just enough to convince him of the higher truth. "Before you came along a man with a tail did some very horrible things to me. He took away some people that I care about deeply and he did the same with your mom. But that was that man and you are you. A mere fact of a tail doesn't make you anything, good or bad. I was nervous when I first meet you, I grant you, but you proved that you are good. You can choose who you want to be."
His words stung his tongue he knew in this moment he was a hypocrite, but this applied to Gohan not to him. He was just a bad man that kept worse men from the door. He was just a spy and liar.
Bill held Gohan close as Mai emerged from the bathroom having put on most of her clothing. She then proceeded to use all her UNIT training to escape the room without making a sound. Gohan fell asleep and Bill used the opportunity to get on at least some underwear.
In the future he thought he was going to have to start locking his door.
On Earth
Romulus was holding court. Since his father and the rest of what he thought was his kind was away, he was left in charge. Well to be truthful Moff Black was really in charge but he would be pretending that Romulus was in charge. He sat on his father's chair high above were the rest of the court were.
Romulus remembered his father word that 'Gero's were made of steel and were wolves among sheep'. That he was strong at the strong merely need to prove their strength. He didn't know if he could eat men like his father did but all he needed to do was prove his strength.
They strolled a man in, he was a ragged thing. The guards had given him a real work over. Black read the charges. He was guilty of spreading slander of the party and the Emperor. Of having an alternative lifestyle. Of being a Resistance member and a traitor.
The man didn't seem a threat to Romulus. Instead he looked like a dog that had been beaten. He had been starved and left in a dirty hole by himself until he confessed. He looked broken.
His mind was screaming different things throughout the proceedings. He knew what he had to say but it felt wrong. He looked at Remus who seemed to equally be at least sympathetic to this broken thing.
He felt like he was about to say something he shouldn't but then it was like he felt his father behind him judging him. He suddenly felt his sister's eyes. He knew she licking her lips looking for more reasons why she should be Empress after father died.
Romulus spoke like he was possessed by the mouth of his father "Death by boiling acid. Live on camera and shall as your Prince I shall do the pouring."
Remus looked distressed, but Livy was bitter.
Romulus came down as they brought in a tub. It would take a while for the acid to heat up but in the meantime, Remus came and accosted him.
"Brother what are you doing?"
"The man is guilty he deserves death."
"Yeah but this seems wrong."
Romulus forcefully he said "We are gods as our father is. We cannot be wrong we are strong so be strong. This is our empire not our sister's. It is mine by right."
Romulus walked with feet that weren't his own and when the time came to pour the acid with hands that weren't his own and listened to the screams with ears that weren't his own and saw the horror with eyes that weren't his own.
None of it felt good, none of it was his own will but he thought 'This is how things need to be.'
On TV Videl watched the execution. The first couple of times she had vomited but now this did nothing to her. The words better him than me came to mind and the idea of anyone who betrays the Emperor deserves this also. This all just started to feel normal.
People die, and they die horribly when they question the status quo. No reason to dwell on it. She got back to finger painting. She made a picture of what she just saw and she wasn't alone most of her class seemed to be now making pictures of horror as their teachers encouraged them.
Yardrat
Kakarrot sighed as he looked at the monument of a saiyan in the ruins of the monastery. It was disappointing to know a group of people that may have worshipped him were now all dead.
A young officer in his Moral Order uniform with his laughing skull on his cap approached him. "My Lord we have begun to search the planet for evidence of where they may have gone. Now that we have confirmed that they have left."
"Round up all of this world's populace get them to talk." He pointed at the statue. "Do you know what that is son?"
He asked not sure "A statue of a saiyan my lord?"
"It's called proof. Inform the archeologic team to get down here to dig this place up. Hominids are the true masters of this universe and I believe this statue is proof of that fact."
The Captain heiled and did as he was bid.
Kakarrot knew that according to intelligence that Frieza and the Ginyus had already passed him and even if they left right now, they would still beat him to Namek but that didn't really matter. The plan was already working. The fleets were going to use this opportunity to attack. Nothing would stand in their way and the galaxy would be his.
This planet however had his attention. It felt weird like Korin's tower. Obnoxious powers were at work here.
Instinct was telling him to go so he did. He flew to the ruins of a town. Sniffing the air, he found a piece of her gi ripped from her during what must have been quite a fight. He inhaled her sent. Must have been from her pants he thought.
"She must be getting a lot stronger. She'll probably put up quite the fight." He smiled. He put the bit of cloth in his pocket and then began to scout around.
This planet was a mystery to him. Nothing about this place seemed to add up. It had forest next to deserts. Something was screwy here and it was not just that monastery. Finally, he came to a tree a gnarltree at the center to clearing in a forest. The tree seemed to invite him to land. He found himself landing drawn in like a moth to a light.
The area seemed to become misty around him. It suddenly became twilight despite it begin morning when he landed. The mist around him seemed to take shape in front of him was Tien a dent in his chest.
"You killed me."
Kakarrot rolled his eyes "Oh please. You think I'm stupid. Number one if he had joined me. I would have let him and the rest, Chiaotzu, his baby momma and his kid. Hell, I let his kid live. If your trying to make me feel bad, word to the wise, try not to play to my guilt because I have no guilt. Everyone I will or have killed had it coming." He chuckled, and Tien was gone.
"Whoever is doing this come out and make this quick."
A figure coming out of the mist "No you won't."
Kakarrot looked to see a version of himself dressed in the same clothes as those dead monks. When he spoke Kakarrot noticed that he spoke like a hick like he had spent years living in some nowhere mountains.
"Well who in the hell are you supposed to be."
"My name is Son Goku. A saiyan from Earth."
"Well friend the name's Kakarrot Gero Earth's Emperor."
"The monks said I'd see a dark version of myself. I'd didn't think he'd be so weak."
Kakarrot growled this guy was already pissing him off by just being here "I'd hold my tongue. You don't know who I'm really."
"By just looking at you I can tell that you're some low life murderer."
Kakarrot lunged at him only to find himself easily pushed back by Son Goku with a punch. The other Saiyan was clearly stronger.
"What a shame. So much talent wasted trying to hurt people."
Kakarrot chuckled on the ground "Life's a waste. Why don't you do something that you find fun like I have."
Son Goku seemed to ignore that statement "The monks aren't here so they told me to tell you something in person."
Kakarrot kicked at him but he easily dodged him.
"Your own actions will be your undoing. One of your son's will kill you until that day live in fear. And by the way." Son Goku hair turned golden. His eyes turned blue. His aura grew and was golden. "I guess this is what you'd consider true power?"
Kakarrot was stunned he could feel the power that was coming off of him. It was incredible to say the least.
"Stay there in the dirt monster. It's where you belong."
He walked away turning his back on him. He disappeared into the mist that seemed to be dissipating. The world came back and he found himself in some mud.
The captain was on the radio asking where he was. He wiped the blood from his face from the punch from earlier. He thought so it wasn't just a dream.
Kakarrot laughed then "Mistake number one. Let your enemies live and they'll stab you in the back. Oh, my friend you have just show me what real power looks like. The jokes on you now I know what I'm looking for. I guess that means Chi-Chi's kids a-no-go. Oh well still got plenty of kids without him. Everyone always underestimates me like you do. I'll reward you for that arrogance one day. In the meantime." He put his hand to his ear. "Captain ready my ship. We'll leave a team here. While I go on to Namek." He looked at the tree. "Thanks for the advice."
On a ship approaching Namek
Vegeta strolled into the bridge. Raditz and Nappa were already there. The moment he entered the crew jumped up and heiled.
All of the Saiyan's were now dress in Gero made armor as opposed to their PTO armor. They were in their colors.
The admiral spoke to the prince "My Lord we are making our final approach to Namek in an hour or so, we will arrive. We have confirmation that we are not the first ones here. A ship it appears just landed on the planet's surface but it's not Frieza's. It appears that my Lord there is a third party in play."
Vegeta grinning "Very good. Find us a good place to land and see if you can find them and the Namekian before we land."
Sitting in the chair getting heiled felt good. He had to admit that lacking Saiyans these humans fit nicely. Respect was a good drug. After he got immortality and killed Frieza and Kakarrot he was going to keep around the humans. The Prince figured that they would bow to whomever was the strongest which would soon be him.
It had been quite fortunate that Kakarrot had decided to not be here. Vegeta figured that he could gather them all long before Kakarrot came or Frieza. He would be King of the Saiyans, the new Emperor of Earth and Milky Way.
Yes, destiny had finally come. He would rule and there won't be a damn thing anyone in the universe could do about it.
On the view screen appeared an image of the green world. It did not seem to have continents like the Earth instead this planet was defined by an endless archipelago and a single snaking ocean in-between. It was an old planet nowhere near as vibrant as the Earth's. Its core was cold growing colder. This planet was an old woman that was waiting for death.
Vegeta spoke to both Raditz and Nappa "The Ginyu will most likely come before Frieza gets here. We have all grown stronger than before. We will kill them, and we will avenge our people and show them what his sick joke of sparing us is going to cost him."
The two nodded in agreement. Vegeta stared at the planet he saw to him destiny approaching.
Namek
The radar was flashing red. Ships from Earth were coming Bill knew that this meant Kakarrot was coming. He looked at Chi-Chi, but it was pointless arguing with her or Bulma they had all this idea that it was ice cream and rainbows if they summon the dragon and no amount of logic was going to convince them otherwise.
"Since we're not going to listen to reason then. We're going to have to capsulize the ship and hide the kids and wounded somewhere so they can't find them."
The group nodded in agreement and they soon emerged onto the green world. Its water, sky and land where all practically one color. It was odd to say the least and a little unnerving. Bill thought that it would be a problem when they need to find something as this planet gave the impression that this was an accurate representation of this entire planet.
This planet revolved around three suns, so night was only once every thousand years or something but there was no time to do the math. Days could at best be judged by which sun was in the sky or not but that would mean there are three calendars here. It had no moons or tides. Yes, this place was quite foreign.
They capsulized the ship and went looking for a place to hide. Not far from where they landed, they found a cave and decided to set up shop there. With true military precision they got set up. The kids even helped. When they finally got all set up it was go time.
Chi-Chi putting her foot on a rock said "Alright it's time to make friends. Sorry but I'm going to need your radar Bulma. Gohan and Trunks your coming with me." Bill and Bulma both looked upset and confused. Chi-Chi took the radar out of Bulma hands. "Now the reason why is simple I don't think the Namekians will respond really well to armed soldiers coming into their town and I might need their help to fight the Saiyans. Gohan has trained with me and so has Trunks I'll keep them save."
Before more could be said the three left, Gohan and Trunks both quite eager to get in on the action while they left two frustrated parents behind.
Bill looked at his watch it said land fall was imminent "We don't have much time."
Chi-Chi and the kids quickly found a village. The people also quickly looked to find them. They all possessed powers like Piccolo and Kami. Chi-Chi and the kids landed in town. The Namekian all looked very much a little, like the planet they lived on they were green in shades.
They didn't at all seem very advanced. Chi-Chi knew from Bulma that they had built a spaceship, but this seemed pre-industrial. Their clothes were all handmade and it looked like their homes had no floors. They tended gardens with hand tools. This was not an advanced place.
A crowd surrounded them with a mix of curiosity and fear. It seemed visitors were unheard of here.
An older Namekian came forward. He was kind of like Kami if he was darker and pear shaped. So, he didn't look much like him but definitely gave a similar vibe.
"My child my name is Elder Moori. I must ask you who are you and why have you come here."
Chi-Chi and the kids bowed but Chi-Chi did the talking "Moori my name is Chi-Chi, and this is my son Gohan and my friends kid Trunks. We have come here because I must have your dragon ball and warn you of the terrible monsters that are coming to your world."
There were gasps and whispers it would seemed she scared them.
"Very well. Allow me to see into your thoughts to see the truth of your heart and your claims." Chi-Chi nodded, and he came forward and touched her head. He seemed sadder. "I see. You mended your heart. You have faced much young warrior and triumphed. You are indeed worthy of the dragon ball. However, this business with the Saiyans is quite troubling. You must take this to Guru at once."
"Guru?"
"Our planet's Guardian the eldest Namekian. Father to me and all others who live on this planet."
"Father?"
"My people don't reproduce like you Hominids we are all what you would call Asexual."
"Oh well so your going to take me to him?"
"No but Dende will." A young Namekian came forward he looked nervous. "He is this tribes future elder. I need the strong ones to protect the tribe, but he shall serve as a good guide. Come now child I have seen her heart she is pure they will protect you."
Dende came to them and bowed. "I will help you strangers."
Both Trunks and Gohan seemed happy with this it looked like this would be there first experience with a kid their same age. However, the smiles died as they felt Vegeta. The Empire had come to Namek.
Next chapter touchdown. So, it seems like Kakarrot way of doing things is being learned by the next generation huh.
Chapter 55: Touchdown
Chapter Text
They're feet touched the ground. The ship was still high above them looking for a place to land. It wasn't really was what Vegeta cared about though because himself and the elite imperial commando squad were in this villages center.
The villagers seem shock and surprised but not scared. Now Vegeta figured he would change that soon enough as they congregated around them. They looked more backwards then most worlds like they had no concept of any technology of any sort.
They were dressed sparsely with rough handmade clothes. They were dressed like dark age peasants complete with drab colors. Pathetic and hopefully easy for a royal saiyan to push around the prince though.
An old namekian emerged from the crowd he looked like he was about to speak but Vegeta cut him off to say "Alright I will ask this once and only once. Give me the dragon ball that my radar tells me is here or I will kill you all!"
The more youthful adults seemed amused by his words they obviously didn't realize that he was hiding his real power. The children seemed scare and so did the older folks. There were twenty of them by Vegeta's estimation it would take an army to even sing him.
The elder shook his head in defiance "I'm sorry my son you cannot have our dragon ball."
The lieutenant of the commandos chuckled he bowed to the prince much to his liking and said to him "Such stupidity, my lord it would be an honor for me and my men to kill them all."
"No. That is not necessary it' been far too long since I've had my fun."
The soldiers stepped back as the 'warriors' six of them stepped forward. They must have assumed that he was weak like the humans. A breeze caught his blue cape. His armor was blue and white. He had even put on a necklace that looked like his father's that he had the humans make for him. An honor reserved for the king of the saiyan race.
Lead Namekian said to them "Get out of here. Stranger or you'll get hurt."
Vegeta had as soon the Namekian had finished, appeared infront of him and had punch his head off his neck. Purple blood sprayed upwards. The head as he planned fell right at the feet of the elder would looked quite shook up about it. His green face turned a shape of blue just as purple blood spattered him.
The children screamed in panic having lost themselves to fear. One of the older Namekian yelled for the children to get inside as the idiots tried attacking him. To call this a slaughter was an understatement. All five fired at him but merely Vegeta aura stopped the attacks.
Vegeta spun around and pointed now one Namekian no longer had a complete torso. His blast went right through him leaving a prefect round hole.
One came up behind him and punched him as hard as he could on the head to which Vegeta didn't budge. As easily as one rip paper Vegeta ripped his arm off then smacked him in the face with his removed appendage.
Another Nat blasted him in the back to which Vegeta waved his hand at him and the Namekian was diagonally cut in half. The look on his dying face was pretty confused.
Only two were left standing and one was pissing himself. The other looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel in rage. The in a blind rage one charged him and Vegeta how put his fist into his chest punching throw it like it was wet paper with ease. Vegeta then ripped what was left of him into two.
The soldiers were cheering. Kakarrot to Vegeta had done a good job in turning these men into Saiyans. They were blood thirsty warriors eager to battle. They understood who their superiors were with ease.
The last one-stepped back and looked ready to run but Vegeta vaporized him before he could. Leaving nothing but a smoking crater.
Vegeta then walked over to the Namekian that he ripped the arm off who was struggling to breath on the ground. The prince stepped on his head crushing it under his boot while looking at the angry scared elder.
The elder looked at the children then at Vegeta in a panic said, "I'll give you the dragon ball just spare the children!"
Vegeta shook his head to this stating "Already gave you a chance old man. You didn't take it."
He signaled to the soldiers and the elder closed his eyes. The elder heard merely whimpers but found himself still alive. He opened his eyes and looked to find the other blasted and smoking. It wasn't pretty clear they were dead but not cleanly. The blasts had left things exposed. It was then the elder fell to his knees. In a minute his whole world had been destroyed.
The elder was in tears as he looked at the children. In pain he spoke "Why not me?"
"Because you needed to see the results of saying no." He walked up to him and made his hand like it was a pistol and pushed it up onto his forehead and said "Bang." A bit of ki came from his hand and went through the elder's skull exploding out the back much like a bullet would.
Vegeta turned and grinned at his men "Okay that's enough fun for this village get the dragon ball and let's find some more fun."
Vegeta held the dragon ball in his hands as the squads stood in attention. The ship had landed moments ago, and the entirety of the expedition came out. Three squads three teams with a fourth to stay with the ship.
"We are going on a hunt." He pointed to the seven-star ball he was holding. "I'm keeping this ball so mark mine off. Squad one with me. Two with Nappa and Three with Raditz. Slaughter anyone one who resists and anyone who doesn't. As soon as we get my wish, I don't want any of these people left to make more. The genocide of these people is our secondary goal. The dragon balls our first goal. These people stand in the way of your ascendency don't show them any mercy."
The heiled soon Nappa and Raditz were off and soon was Vegeta, as he noticed that on the radar one of the balls was already moving.
Chi-Chi and the others were left standing in the village having felt the very short battle if you could call it that. Saiyan's were here she felt them. One was a league or two above Turles and that was just when he was playing around.
It would be suicide for her to try and take him on right now. Not even Kaioken times ten would do it and she wasn't supposed to go past five. Not to mention he wasn't alone in this.
Chi-Chi looked at Moori and said, "You need to get your people out of here."
The elder seemed to have also followed the battle and nodded in agreement he wasn't even sure that Nail could stop these Saiyans.
Moori staring off into the distance "We have to find a place to hide."
Moori goes into his house to retrieve the very large dragon ball the four star one. The mere sight of it inform Chi-Chi of what she needed to do, knowing that she was going to get flack for it "I have friends over in a cave to the east a couple of miles away."
She took the ball from Moori then handed it to Gohan who looking quite happy to be receiving it. It was the same as his old ball but a bit bigger.
A Namekian said to her "Right I think I know the one you're talking about."
"Go over there and hid. Bulma's scrambler should keep you hidden from their devices and there only interest is the dragon balls that we are taking. Come on Dende let's see if this Guru can help us."
Dende nodded and they took off heading for Guru's.
Bulma angrily yelled at Bill "Why won't you let me go after my son." She was in her best space explorer getup. It was yellow and black like she was a bee or something and she had on brown boots.
Bill sighed then said to her" You realize that were in hostile territory that now boasts Imperial's and Saiyan's. This is the worse time for this so please just get back in the cave." He was just in his armor grey and plain made so that camo could go easily on.
Bulma was clearly not listening to reason "You just let Chi-Chi leave with my son."
"Like I had much say, in that. If it were up to me, I would be out there with Chi-Chi not the kids. But I didn't."
"I'm tired of Chi-Chi leaving me behind along with the rest of you guys."
"Well this time I'm being left behind just like you."
He sat on a rock next to the entrance of the cave as Bulma stewed. He understood a great deal of where she was coming from but Bulma the 'genius' that she was now in one of her almost childlike tantrums. He would just have to wait until she calmed down.
She stamped the ground and then began to pace around muttering to herself. As Bill put his hand to his chin and waited.
It was only a few minutes into to this that suddenly Bill's suit went off. He quickly put his helmet on, and the suit alerted him that a descent chuck of power signatures were now heading right for them.
He grabbed his blaster and yelled "Bulma get in the cave right Now! MAI, HUDSON GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"
Bulma listen she rushed in as Mai and Hudson came out looking for positions. He could here Vasquez try and get up with Bulma trying to convince her to stay put when they showed up.
At first, he was ready to pull the trigger when they landed at the entrance of the cave. Sure, some of the were old and children but that meant nothing after all. King Piccolo was over three hundred years old when attacked the Earth.
"Why are you here?"
"Chi-Chi told us we could hide here while this madness was going on."
Bill yet again sighed as he thought 'Chi-Chi and her heart'. Maybe these people were all innocent, but all this was going to do was attract attention. Attention they could ill afford to attract.
Mai, he assumed without think put down her weapon and signaled them "Come on get in here."
They started walking up. Bill just wanted to start firing. These people were just either going to betray them or give away their position, but it was too late. These people were probably strong enough to kill them, so they were at these people's mercy.
Bill got up and walked over to Moori and said to him "Keep you people in line and I'll keep mine in line."
Moori looked and him. He could tell that this man was different from Chi-Chi or this other woman that enthusiastically let them in. He could tell without even looking into his mind that he was filled with paranoia and hate just by his voice.
The Namekian crowded into the cave and the house that Bulma had put there. The children seemed dazed by the tech on display. Bill thought these people must be like space Amish. Considering that they at one time had technology but no longer did.
In the living room Bill, Mai, Moori and Bulma all sat down it seemed all four seemed to understand that they needed to talk.
Moori asked Bulma "May I ask why you are here?"
"Chi-Chi didn't tell you?"
Moori just shook his head to this and then said, "No. I merely looked into her soul and saw that her heart was pure and her cause just."
Bill rolled his eyes at this. Mai subtly kicked him over this.
"Well… we come from Earth. Our planet was conqueror by a Saiyan. He killed many of our friends and my husband. We came here for the dragon balls so that we could wish them back and liberate our world."
Moori "I see so butchers had come to your world too. We have heard tell of Frieza and his empire. It would seem the universe is filled with their type."
Mai with a smile "Not completely. I think were proof of that." Bill looked down.
"Would you happen to know where the other villages and balls are."
Bill looked up and at Bulma he tried to hide his frustration because he knew what was coming next.
"Well of course."
"Can you show us?"
"Bulma you're not leaving this cave."
"I'm just asking."
"Sure like you were just asking my men to look over they're for a second. Do you think just because your smart everyone else is a moron?"
"Look Chi-Chi is going to need help."
"And you think it'll help if you run off and get captured or killed."
She stammered out to him "Better than nothing."
Bill shook his head "Please Moori don't tell her the location of the villages."
"Very well."
Bulma frustrated got up from her seat and left the room steaming.
Bulma wasn't finished however she very quickly remembered that had two radars. The one that Chi-Chi had brought back from somewhere she mention something about a flying cherub with green hair in some weird town. She slipped past Hudson and made it outside. She got out the ship and found the older radar and then took off having got out her old speeder and put the ship away.
Before they could even notice it, she was gone.
Hudson realizing she was no longer in the cave went out seaching for her long after she had left. He ended up finding the stuff she had left behind.
"Major, Captain! I think we have a problem!"
Mai and Bill came over with Bill immediately figured out what had happened.
He grunted in anger then said, "Damn it all Hudson you're with me were going after her." He tossed the capsule to Mai. "Mai you and pilots watch after the camp." And the two took off.
Bulma had forgotten how much freedom it felt to be on the bike. She had been too cooped up for too long. Though this planet was boring as all hell. While riding she noticed that a second ball at come to where she was going.
She pushed on through making sure to turn off her bike and sneak the rest of the way to the village behind some cliffs. The smoke confirmed her suspicions. That the Empire and the Saiyan's were here.
She looked to see the aftermath of the extermination of this place. There were dead Namekian everywhere and Imperial troopers. She then looked and saw a familiar face of a man that she had nearly kissed, and Bill had gutted.
A storm trooper was handing him a ball. She had realized the hopelessness of the situation. She turned around only to find a storm trooper with a blaster pointed at her. He must have been on a patrol and snuck up behind her.
The storm trooper dictatorially shouted at her, "Hands up."
She sighed knowing that Bill had had a point. She put her hands up and he at gun point brought her into the village.
The storm trooper now quite pleased with himself "Well look what I have here boys."
One of them barked out "Hey! Isn't that Bulma Briefs?"
Another one said out loud, "Yeah I think it is. She's the daughter of one of the leads of the Resistance."
One of them said, "I bet that means that Chi-Chi and the rest are here."
"I think so."
Bulma barely listen to them she was far too busy feeling the stare of Vegeta. She might have not known his name, but he had felt quite the impression. He had sort of replaced Yamcha in her dreams not by choice but still.
She wasn't sure how he was going to treat her after all the last time she he seen him he was sort of stabbed in the back.
Vegeta smiled at her then said, "Well, well, well Earth woman we me again. Tell me you still got a tongue, or has it removed?"
Bulma knew she should be scared but this guy was bugging her again. It like he wanted to start begging or something. Not thinking she spit at him and yelled out "FUCK YOU! YOU MURDEROUS ASSHOLE!"
The stormtroopers gasped. They knew Vegeta and their orders, they were to bring Bulma alive along with the others if found, but none of them though they could stop Vegeta so they assumed that one way or another they were going to die in this moment.
Vegeta was stunned for a second but then found himself chuckling even to his own surprise. He knew he should be furious that this woman spat at him but as he wiped the spit off him he wasn't. He was more amused then anything.
She was sort of everything he had been taught a woman should be. Instead of being cowed by his presence she was rebellious. It was more he gathered that she felt like she was being made fun that made her angry rather than the dead Namekian's that had set her off. She had pride and it showed. Yes, if it weren't for a lack of power this woman might make a good Saiyan.
Vegeta smile returned "Were taking the Bulma back to the ship along with the dragon balls. I trust there be no objections."
Bulma glared at him but said nothing. Internal she was cursing herself for doing something so stupid.
"Good I would hate for you to lose that tongue. Now let's get a move on."
From a distance Bill and Hudson was watching this about a mile away cursing repeatedly as they flew away.
Hudson asked Bill "Hey boss. What are we going to do?"
"I don't know. They plan to keep her alive we have that. I guess it's up to Chi-Chi again."
"I sure hope our firecracker is going to be alright."
"We're going have to follow them let's get moving."
So, Chi-Chi's on her way to Guru's and Bulma has been capture per the rules of being herself. Hopefully Guru and Nail will provide some help.
Chapter 56: Continuing Downwards
Chapter Text
Romulus was led into the old training room were his 'father' had fought Chi-Chi and had spent a great deal of his childhood. It had been modified and updated but rarely used by his father since the Palace was built. It stood mostly abandoned with dust on the floors.
It was an echo of the past of the Ribbon pre-empire. A time that very few could remember that he wasn't alive for. That had past into the history books if mentioned at all.
His great grandfather had asked him to come here and he saw him in the center of room. He walked in as he saw that on the ground there was rectangular metal box.
"You asked to see me Lord Grandfather?"
"Why yes my boy. I've heard that all our ships are in place and that soon you will be heir to a galactic empire rather than just the Earth. I also heard my boy that you have been having problems keeping up with you siblings."
Romulus looked away from him. He was ashamed of the truth. He didn't nod his head to admit it. He planned to just ignore him.
"Good my Crown Prince. Never admit your weaknesses too anyone but always look to address them. One day this will be all yours. I will die and so will your father. This is the way of things but through you the name Gero will continue. When your father was young, if his tail was grabbed meant that he would collapse. When I saw this, I made sure it was dealt with, but it did take some pain on his part. It took hours of squeezing and pulling that made him scream and shout. It was like removing a limp to him, but he endured it and it made him stronger."
The box opened, and it revealed a suit in it. It was far thinner than the armors he was familiar with. It looked painful to say the least. The completely deep dark black armor seemed to be made to dig into his skin.
"What is this?"
"Progress my boy. This suit with amplify your natural strength and make it so that you will have their endurance and their power. It will of course take some pain…"
He interrupted him to say, "I'll do it."
Gero nodded and then picked up the helmet to the new suit. He had made it to sweeten the deal as he knew the boy seemed to be uncomfortable with his face. The helmet was a full cover. It was black without visible eye openings. It was smooth and round lacking many angles. But it did have a nose and empty pits for the eyes. In many ways it looked like a skull without teeth. It wasn't flashy. It was stark and miserable looking like a death mask, but it was his.
Romulus place the helmet on his head. On his arm Dr. Gero place the gantlet on his hand. On its wrist was an opening that he could channel his power into. The gantlet dug into his flesh, but Romulus choked down his whimper but with it he felt a surge of power.
The boy's prepubescent voice was replaced by the suits voice changer. It was cold and robotic "Put the rest of the armor on." Romulus pour his power into the gantlet and it shot out a ki blade that glowed red from the amplification process. It highlighted his black mask as the 'good' doctor began to put more of the armor on the boy as the pain increased. The tendril of it digging into him.
Namek
Chi-Chi and the boys arrived at Guru's. It was an all-white bubble-like building with two horns and a big purple dome of a window. It was on a plateau that seemed to have no reason to be standing. It was far too tall and looked like it should have toppled over.
They landed as Gohan and Trunks continued to chit-chat with Dende. Gohan had been peppering the young Namekian with question since they had left the village. He wanted to know all about what they were growing, what they ate and why they didn't have any technology.
The answers were interesting to say the least. They were growing trees like the ones before some sort of major catastrophe that deforested the planet. They apparently didn't eat anything, and civilization fell leaving only Guru. He didn't know how to repair or make any of the old tech.
Out of the building came a quite strong looking Namekian. He looked more like Piccolo than anyone else. He only had on a vest and some baggy pants. Chi-Chi was on guard after all his grim face gave the impression he wasn't as friendly as the other Namekians. He was also a lot stronger than them too.
Dende smiling however walked right up to him "Nail it's good to see you Moori sent me along with these strangers to see Guru so they can help us deal with these invaders."
Nail was stoic as he suspiciously eyed her and then said, "I sense them they are strong, and I can sense more monsters coming a lot more."
"More of them?"
"Five of them are getting close then two much larger powers after."
"Is one of them Saiyan."
"Yes, the very last one on the way to this planet."
"Kakarrot."
"I don't who that is."
"I do." She paused then nodded. "We need to meet Guru."
They followed Nail into the building to see Guru. Guru was far different from the other Namekian's. He was massive in size. His chair was made for someone that was size of T-rex. His skin was a deep dark green. It was surprising considering that they only drank water. He didn't seem to be able to move. His eyes were closed.
Guru spoke slowly but with great wisdom behind his words "Welcome my children." Everybody but Nail bowed. "Now come forward so that I can see your thoughts and know why you have come here."
Chi-Chi walked over to him and he laid his massive hand over her head and suddenly she was bombarded by her memories both painful ones and good ones. The images stopped, and Guru coughed.
Guru sad sounding "My child, my heart weeps for you and your people. A great wrong has been done to all of you. This evil that has conquered your world which now comes to my world. It is disappointing to know that the son of Katas has fallen. Truly this is the end of my world."
Nail and Dende together "End of our world?"
"It's true. Namek has seen its last. My station allows me a glimpse into the future. Namek should not be my people's end. Young warrior I must ask you to help my people leave this planet. I will help you if you do that."
Nail seemed mighty frustrated as Chi-Chi said, "I will help your people."
"Thank you. Now I have two boons to give you." He reaches above his head and removed the dragon ball from its spot above and behind him. He handed to Chi-Chi then placed his hand above her head. "My apologies. This may sting a bit."
A light came from him that seem to make Chi-Chi's aura visible. Chi-Chi seemed stunned as she looked at her body feeling her suddenly increased power.
Chi-Chi bowed to him "Thank you. Can you do this to my son and Trunks?"
"If they have hidden power then yes."
First Trunks, Dende and then Gohan where given their hidden potential unlocked. All seemed mighty please, but Guru had lament that he wasn't able to unlock even a quarter of Gohan's real power. When a call came to Chi-Chi earpiece from Bill.
The Fraternity
Vegeta holding Bulma arrived on the bridge of the Fraternity. The Admiral Blanco and the other officers waiting in attention. They had been told over the radio, but they were still a little surprised to see Briefs daughter here.
"It appears to have been a good hunting my Prince."
"Indeed, Admiral what is the status of my men?"
"Raditz is returning with one ball and Nappa is returning with two. It would seem we're only two balls away from victory. However, it appears that the Ginyu force is only an hour or two out."
"Good I always wanted to kill that buffoon. Tell Nappa and Raditz to get back here double time. All three of us will deal with the last two. I'll be locking this one in my quarters don't let her out. If you wish to keep breathing."
Vegeta pick Bulma up, much to her annoyance. She hissed and kick as the two left. Only a few of the officers seemed at all perturbed by this mainly the female ones. But they all knew the score and didn't mutter the slightest objection. Imperial knew the saiyans were the ones in charge and probably suspected the worst.
The two entered the grand quarters of the Fraternity. It was made to look less like a anything that should be on a starship and more like a Renaissance era nobleman's study. It was a combination of old-world glory and new-world luxury. It had a king-sized bed, chandeliers made of crystal and floors made of marble.
In all honesty it was nothing that Bulma hadn't seen before having been an heiress, but it was still bizarre to see in this context. He put her down on her feet.
"Neat isn't it."
"Out of place. Doesn't really go with the grey lifeless corridors and the even lighting."
"It even has a day and night cycle unlike the rest of the ship."
"Why did you bring me here?"
He turned her to face him and he got closer "I was wondering if you were willing to pick up were, we left of last time for starters."
He kissed her and Bulma froze as he put his tongue into her mouth. His hands were rubbing her sensually and in all the right places. His mouth tasted and felt good. Her mind was everywhere, and it seemed like she was about to join in, but she felt his tail encircling her leg and she remember how wrong this all was.
Gathering all the strength in her she pushed him away or more accurately pushed herself away from. She looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Please stop."
Vegeta pulled his tail away he looked beyond frustrated as he turned then left leaving her alone in the chamber.
The Freedom's bridge
Kakarrot is sitting in his big chair as the ship was cruising along. He was sing softly to himself "Come gather 'round people. Wherever you roam. And admit that the waters. Around you have grown. And accept it that soon, you'll be drenched to the bone. If your time to you is worth saving. Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone. For the times they are a-changin'."All sung as he stared at a map of the Galaxy.
He was about to continue singing the song when he was prevented to when Captain Blonde cleared his throat and said to him "My Lord you told me to inform you of when we got information from the war."
"Go on."
"My Lord it would appear that everything is in place for our invasion of PTO everyone is where they need to be. Vegeta has recovered five of the balls. Frieza will land soon and we will shortly afterwards."
"Spectacular."
"Project Prometheus has found pay dirt. Doctor Amber has found what you had him look for. Vegeta had some pieces left."
"I like all this good news you have for me. Sounds like everything is in hand."
"But there is one other thing. Grand Admiral Grey has sent this along for you he calls it 'The Code Kakarrot'. It merely needs your approval as he already has support from the Moff's and other A It the guidelines of how the Empire will rule these new territories." He handed a pad with it on it.
Kakarrot seemed miffed by the fact that his men had come up with this behind his back but as he began to read, he looked delighted and only more so by the time he was finish.
Kakarrot smiling in his wolfish grin "I have to say that I'm impressed. Yet again my fellows prove to me their truth and loyalty. Do you want to hear the highlights?"
Blonde nodded.
"The Emperor can have mistress that are not of humanity but no wives. Human are therefore considered a class that only has rights over the Imperial family in matters of breeding and marriage. As Gero is a human last name and should only be reserved for humans of Saiyan blood others are not to have that last name. Human will be a distinct new class in New Saiyan Empire in that way as the species that was never enslaved. Mandalorian can also make this claim but even if they join the Empire, they with be a part of the Human class but no wives of them will be made. A distinction will be made between Humans and Mandalorians to the wider pure Hominid race as they will have been still slaves or sons and daughters of slaves who will be known as Spacers. This will disqualify them from higher positions success as Moff and System Governors. Those of an eight or less of impure blood will be known as by the lawful distinction Axillaries. They will be disallowed from marrying or breeding with human race or members of the Mandalorian race. They in the navy will be allow to captain ship's not lead fleets and allow Major in the army and no father. A distinction shall be made that more than one eight to one fourth of impure blood will be known as Quarter breeds. Their highest grade shall be Lieutenant they will be disallowed to marrying or breeding with Axillaries… It goes on like that. The new words Spacers, Axillaries, Quarters, Halves and Waste's. It's all so familiar to something I read once. It even goes into how much land and wealth they can possess."
"I figured that you wouldn't be happy about some of this."
"On the contrary inform Cousin Grey of my approval and tell him that he need not worry Human hegemony will be preserved and that this will be the way the Empire shall rule."
Blonde left to send the message as Kakarrot mussed out loud to himself "Meet the new boss same as the old boss." As he laid back into his chair.
Back on Namek
Bill and Hudson were outside the 'Faternity' watching as Nappa and Raditz arrived. They were in their active camo on a cliff overlooking the ship. An eye that knew what it was looking for might see them, but they weren't looking for them.
Hudson in a whisper "What are we going to do?"
The two watched as Vegeta came out.
"For starters we wait for those three to leave."
The three Saiyan left without their squads as they left them to guard the balls. The two crawled down from the grassy top to behind a depression where they could stand and were not in visual range.
"How we going to gets those balls."
"Where not Bulma is the only objective."
"Okay, so how we going to get her?"
Bill coldly stated "We need a distraction. Their hunting Namekian's if only we could send a group of them out, they would go hunt them down."
Hudson horrified by the suggestion "Sir they're civilians that would mean their deaths. We're supposed to protect them too."
"They're not ours while Bulma is family."
"Sir I trust you will not be ordering anything so criminal. I will tell the others and find out what they think."
Bill shrugged "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. Go call Mai. We can come up with another place."
Hudson put his back to Bill as he when to call he was interrupted as a ki blade ripped through his armor and came up through his mouth. Bill cradled him as he fell.
"I'm sorry soldier you gave me no choice."
Bill watch him die then called Mai "Mai it looks like the Empire is spooked by the Ginyu's. Their ship is leaving soon while Saiyan's are going after the Cheech. I think the Namekian are clear. Send them along to Guru's. Me and Hudson will try and rescue Bulma hopefully it'll go smoothly… I understand but they'll be safer with their leader and its better this way. They already want to get off this planet. I think Chi-Chi said something about them having a ship."
"Roger. I send them along right away."
He took his hand off his ear and soon two whole squads left. "Two birds one stone."
He looked down at the dead body in his lap. Took off his helmet and closed his eyes. "You died for the right reasons. I know it was wrong but what can I do. All they'll do is betray us or slow us down. I care about my family, sentimentality does nothing for me anymore."
He laid his head on the ground as he got out a knife as the cloak came back on. "Time to go hunting."
Inside the ship
Bulma was a little astounded by the number of dresses in the second closet. It had been acouple of years since last time she had access to this level of a wardrobe. She decided to treat herself using some of the things at her disposal like the makeup and such. It was also giving her time to think.
Bulma was thinking to herself 'Okay so you got the hots for him but he's a murderer and is on that bastard Kakarrot's side. He's is going to try and kill Chi-Chi.'
'Is it betraying everyone if I sleep with him? Cause it sure a shit feels like it. Now remember how depressing it was when she slept with him.'
'It was like a punch in the gut.'
'Okay so yah it's betraying them. But what if he like gives us intel or we get him to switch side or something.'
'Are you stupid I don't care how hot we are for this guy! I don't think he will change.'
'Well I mean he was nice enough to give us this room and you know not force the issue.'
'Are you seriously giving him points for that?'
'Well come on how long has it been?'
'Yamcha is coming back if we get the balls.'
'Well he's dead so we can deal with that later. What if we seduce him, then clock him on the head and escape?'
'Now how would that work he can level planets?'
'It does in movies.'
'So that's our plan?'
'Yeah.'
'Terrific this is a great plan and I'm exciting to be a part of it. Quite you! We'll just get all sexy then he'll be putty and wham!"
She got up and went to the closet. She quickly got in the nicest blue dress she could find. Somehow, she got the impression he liked blue. She got on red lipstick while looking in the mirror to make sure it was prefect. She got on the bed and prop herself up like she was Cleopatra. She was lying on her side her arm propping up her head and faced the door. Her heart was racing, and she wasn't sure it wasn't out of fear or excitement perhaps it was both.
She waited but soon she heard the door unlock. Her smile fell when she saw who it was. It was Bill, his hands were covered in blood. He did a double take when seeing Bulma.
"So, what happened here?"
Bulma quickly said to him "Nothing!"
"Why did… Never mind get up we're going."
Bulma got up and was going to him "You came here by yourself?"
"No Hudson is… he was here. Come on I think they're about to take off let's get moving."
Chapter 57: The Ginyu's Arrival
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi could sense that the Saiyans were coming right for them. Not to mention that she could feel five other power entering the atmosphere. A chill went down her spine she knew she couldn't take on the saiyan prince but for her friends she was willing to die trying.
"They're coming."
"They are indeed young one… Nail you must go with them."
"What?"
"It is as I said. Understand if you don't, they will lose, and they will easily destroy this place. I sense our people coming. Namek is just a place my child, this place may die but our people must survive. Go with them, if we can win this fight, we can take what is left of our people off of this dead world."
Nail felt like screaming he didn't want to leave his father, but he couldn't contradict him. Nail could sense his father's end coming he wish to be at his side. The stress coming from the loss of his children was showing. Nail could hear his father's heart strain, his breathing stutter. Guru would soon die he knew and had decided he should be here to comfort him.
Nail regretfully he said however "I will go."
The four were soon gone if Nail was to leave, he would face the saiyans do it away from the ailing elder. They took a spot that Nail had led them to. It was an island. It looked very similar to the other one's with green grass and dirt. This planet didn't seem to have much in variety.
"This is where'll fight."
Gohan landed first he was nervous it was clear. The rest landed shortly afterwards. The group placed the dragon balls on the ground. They placed them behind themselves in the opposite direction where they were sensing from where the saiyans where coming from.
Nail took off his vest as Chi-Chi asked. "Do you have a plan because despite my little power up I really don't."
"Not really. Two of them will be easy enough to stop but the third he will be a problem."
"Yeah this is a long shot." She looked at the young boys. "Promise me you two will take off if I tell you to run."
Both of them yelled "BUT…"
"No buts you need to promise me, or you should go now!"
Trunks cried out another "But!"
"Leave both of you, just find Bulma."
Gohan and Trunks at the same time yelled "Mom!" and "Sensei!" respectively.
"This is going to be a life or death fight and neither of you're not ready for it. You can't even agree to an order from me." She loudly yelled at the two. " NOW GO!"
Gohan and Trunks were sufficiently cowed by her yell and soon took off. Gohan was crying and Trunks was fuming. Neither of them liked being sent away but Chi-Chi new she had done the right thing. Bill was right that Gohan wasn't a fighter not yet at least and Trunks was just too eager to get involved. She figured that they would only get in the way
It wasn't long after the boys left that the saiyans showed up. The three appeared hovering overhead. The lead one was the one she had been sensing. His hair was like a flame he was clearly of the same type of predator Kakarrot was. His eyes were looking for weakness. His eyes were menacing but she had known far worse than this necklace wearing Saiyan. He landed on a dime followed by his lackeys.
"Well, well, well someone and something not green on this monochromatic planet. My name is King Vegeta of the Saiyan empire. Yours?"
"Well if were including titles into it. Well then I'm Queen Chi-Chi Ox of the Ox Kingdom."
"Interesting. You're from Earth, aren't you?"
She nodded slightly to this.
"Well I already have you comrade the one called Bulma oh Queen. Now I will say this once. Surrender and hand over the balls or this is going to be messy. I will show you no mercy."
Nappa spoke up to this "My King doesn't Kakarrot want that woman alive?"
Raditz then included "Isn't she supposed to have one of my nephews with her?"
Vegeta spat then bitterly said "Who cares."
Chi-Chi angrily interrupted them "We're not handing over the balls. If you want them, you're going come and take them."
Vegeta chuckled at that "Understood harpy and welcomed. Unlike the Namekians, it seems you at least have some balls on you."
Chi-Chi and Nail got into stance. Vegeta was about to speak again when overhead was heard a loud screech. They looked to see five pods coming into the atmosphere and landing not that far away.
Vegeta having watched this "Interesting. Guess their scouters told them where we are."
Nappa was sweating a bit "Aw so what's the plan my King?"
"Don't worry. This will be fun. I'm a lot strong then before. They'll be none the wiser."
It took a hot second but soon the Ginyu's arrived in their V-neck armors they landed. They were mixed bunch to say the least.
One was blue and snaked headed he was the tallest, another looked nearly human with a block head with redheaded on it. Ginyu himself was purple with black horns he was merely about six foot the middle of the sizes on display. The second shortest was red skinned and white haired about Vegeta's height and the shortest had four eyes two in front, two massive ones on the sides he was green and gave an appearance of a frog.
They began to make their poses much to Vegeta's, Chi-Chi's and others great embarrassment. As they shouted out the titles and danced around Vegeta looked somewhat ill like he was about to retch, and Chi-Chi face was red like she had walked in on her parents.
They finished with their poses. The idiots seemed very happy with themselves. They must have thought they had intimated the two group, but the opposite was true. Raditz burst out laughing and Nappa join in much to the Ginyu force's aggravation.
Jeice the white haired and red skinned Ginyu member with an odd accent "Shut the hell up." But Raditz continued to laugh until stopped by Vegeta.
"I'm going to enjoy killing these clowns. Tell me Ginyu how far away is your master. I would like a real fight as opposed to you boot lickers."
"Vegeta oh it has been awhile. You monkeys have finally shown your true colors. Are you so full of yourself that you can see how overmatch you are?"
Vegeta smiled at that "Overmatched, am I? You fool's. You're still wearing scouters. You have not learned the things that I have learned. You think Frieza is invincible but I'm here to tell you that he is not. I'm King and a Super Saiyan which you are about to find out."
The Ginyu began to laugh at this but as they did Vegeta fired and blow off Guldo the green one's head to silence their laugher. He had done it so quickly that they had barely had any time to react.
Ginyu seemed less scared then agitated "You're going to regret that monkey."
"I think not."
"Recoome take care of those twerps. Jeice, Burter take care of the other monkeys. I'm taking care of the would be King."
Recoome landed toward Chi-Chi and Nail "You know you morons shouldn't have joined up with Vegeta."
"Were not on Vegeta side! We're on our own. Nail I'll take care of him."
Nail nodded in agreement to this.
Recoome laughed at her "You'll care of me huh. Girly you don't stand a chance." He then did his pose in front of her. He turned to side he lifted his left leg and stretched his arms back.
Neither Chi-Chi nor Nail seemed to not fully know how to response to this same as before. She shook this away.
"We'll see."
She charged at him and punch him in the chin so hard that flew smashing into a nearby island.
Recoome had hit the island at speed he broke it with his head. The island crumpled, and rocks fell into the surf. The dust settled, and he emerged from this a tooth missing but relatively unharmed.
"Man, you punch hard chick."
Chi-Chi thought too herself that this man had taken that punch well perhaps she had underestimated him. He came charging at her and she was forced to use the kaioken but he still seemed to be stronger. She began to take a beating from him. Perhaps his ridiculous poses had blinded her to his actual strength she thought.
She went up to times five and then kneed him in the stomach then smack him away. He grunted and was smashed yet again into rocks, but he got up again undamaged.
"Oh, now that stung a little."
Chi-Chi was stunned. She was going to have turn it up but Nail seeing that Chi-Chi was have hard time stepped forward.
"Hey. Let me take this guy instead of you exhausting yourself."
Chi-Chi still in stance and looking at Recoome "You think you can take him."
"I know I can."
"Now wait a minute. I'm have fun with the little lady. You wait your turn big green."
Chi-Chi now realizing it would piss off this wanabe wrestling star "Alright he's all yours Nail."
Nail stepped in between Chi-Chi and Recoome.
Recoome huffed at this "Jerk you're in my way." He charged at Nail and went for a Recoome kick, but Nail dodge it. Recoome punched at him but Nail caught his punch. Recoome then launched into a barrage of punches that Nail either caught or dodged. He at attacked like this until he nearly exhausted himself.
Nail backhanded him away. The Ginyu member seemed to be getting visibly frustrated by this as he realized suddenly that he wasn't at all in control of this fight after a while.
Recoome grinned as he saw his chance "Fine then if I can't beat you to a pulp, I'll just erase you. Stay their if you want to see my magic trick."
Nail stood silence as he watched the man yet again do his poses. Recoome stopped and then yelled out "Eraser gun."
A beam of ki came from his mouth that Nail managed to dodge sort of as his left arm was taken by the beam to Chi-Chi's gasp. The beam went on until it turned an island into vapor a ways away.
Recoome grinned at this turn of events "Ha shows you."
Nail then smiled at him much to Recoome's shock faced. "Shows what you know." His veins bulged as Nail started doing something Recoome didn't understand. It looked as though it hurt a lot but then it happened Nail grew a new arm in place of his old. Nail panted the process looked exhausting.
"Ya'll didn't do much research on this planet did you?"
"Okay so I'll just have to beat you to death." He lunged at him but as he did, he left himself open. Nail but his hand to his chest and blasted into his chest that exploded out his chest. Recoome fell dead on the ground and the fight was over.
Raditz was charged at by Jeice. Their fists met and Raditz quickly found himself overpowered. This snow haired prick was actual doing him harm to him.
"You monkeys should know your place!" His fist we're every and were beating him down.
Raditz was being battered down until he struck back. He knew he was weaker than this ass but Raditz was determined. His brother had proved that a third class could be more.
In a rage he fought back seemingly getting stronger the longer he went. Jeice tried to kick him away but Raditz was only slowed down. In this moment he felt rage like never before. He imagined his brother's reaction to his dead. He remembered his father's indifferent as well as all Vegeta's taunts and beatings.
Raditz just started to beat Jeice's face in fight now fighting with this rage. Jeice nose was broken and was gushing blood. Raditz must had broken his eye sock.
It all seemed to be going good until Jeice managed to jump away. Jeice yelled out with his hand above his head.
He yelled out "Crusher Ball!"
Raditz side was hit by the ki ball. He yelped out in pain and Raditz fell to his feet.
He was bleeding a good portion of his side of his torso was gone. His organs were showing, and he knew he was done for. He looked to Jeice. The snow haired man's nose was broken and gushing. He had messed him up broken his scouter along with his eye.
"I can't believe I let a monkey nearly beat me up." He placed his hand in front of Raditz's face. "Any last words."
Raditz spoke while coughing up blood "My brother will conquer the universe. My people will live on in legend while you will die here. Forgotten. I'm a brother of a god. You enjoy this moment because it won't last."
Jeice seemed a bit confused at this and in anger fired blowing Raditz's head off his shoulders.
Burter was running circles around Nappa and the old man knew it. It was a frantic fight as desperately the elder Saiyan attempted to defend himself. Nappa swung at the air but to no avail. Burter started to kick him around like the old man was a pin ball.
The blue snake was clearly toying with him. The old general who had fought for entire life knew he was going to die.
His thoughts turned to the past. He had remembered vividly Planet Vegeta. He remembered all the battles he fought with the Tuffles. He remembered the witch that held sway over two of the three kings he severed. He remembered when King Vegeta the one eyed had been assassinated when the war began.
He remembered the hateful looks on the Tuffles eyes. He remembered the stories of his youth of the Super Saiyan of the idyllic past. It had been generations since his people knew peace. Now they were extinct and soon he would be to.
He summoned up what he had and began to fight back as his fist found their mark. Death was certain, but he was Saiyan, a warrior of a people that fought regardless of the odds. Blood flowed into his eyes as he allowed himself to be hit so that he could land blows.
Burter hissed as the punch to his gut but his response was a back hand to Nappa's face. His face was awash in blood but the old one didn't care. This had been life brutal and unforgiving. He had been a slave to the Tuffles once a upon a time and Frieza now he was free like during the war.
He headbutted the snake as hard as he could to the point, he even heard his own skull crack. Burter sank his fist into the old man's stomach and laid him out flat. It was over the old man had lost what was left of his strength.
Burter pointed his hand at the laying man on the ground "You savages don't know when to quit. What did you expect to accomplish?"
"Nothing. We know how to die and suffer. Now do it you moron I have old friends waiting on me. But just remember I'll be waiting for you in hell."
A blast came from Burter's hand and the old man's torso was basically gone.
"These monkeys are always just so dramatic."
Ginyu and Vegeta were staring each other down. Both seemed amused with the situation. Vegeta could sense his partners dying but showed no signs of caring. He was the only one that was worthy of immortality anyways.
"It would seem that you are all alone."
"I already was."
"I have to hand it to you Vegeta you face death calmly."
"If you think this is my death then your fooling yourself bootlicker."
"My scouter begs to differ O King."
"You're a fool to trust it. Tell me where you there when Frieza blow up my planet?"
"No, I want. Frankly though I'm surprised monkey, you managed to put two and two together."
"You're about to find out that it isn't wise to challenge me bootlicker this will be your final error. For you are about to face my super saiyan wraith."
"You have a vivid imagination oh king."
Gohan and Trunks had found Bulma and Bill. The two were a bit confused why Bulma was dressed as she was but completely discarded it and the four meet up.
Bill was a bit confused "Chi-Chi sent you away?"
The two nodded. Trunks sneered "Uncle she thought it would be too intense."
"She was right to do that boys. Now come on we go to get to camp and…"
The wind picked up and the ground rumbled they could all feel the dark energy present.
"We got to go back!"
Gohan nodded in agreement with Trunks. Bulma also agreed.
"Your right. You two get back there right now. She'll need your help."
Bill was exasperated at Bulma willingness to go along with this "Are you crazy? We are going back to the camp. Right now."
"Now wait a minute! Is that Vegeta?"
Gohan nodded in conformation of what Bulma said "Yes, it is him."
"Look I now this is going to sound crazy, but he seems to like me. Maybe I can convince him to help us out. I gather he doesn't seem to care for Kakarrot."
"That plan is nothing short of batshit."
"She's going to need the boys help this is a life or death kind of fight."
Bill was yet again between a rock and a hard place. He knew Chi-Chi couldn't beat him on her own nor the other power for that matter. The Spirt bomb could beat them, but she needed a distraction for that.
He could never forgive himself if something happened to her. In pure frustration he barked out.
"Damn it all! Okay we'll help her then"
Chapter 58: Vegeta Vs Ginyu
Chapter Text
Vegeta power up, excited the sky filling it with energy. Dark clouds appeared out of nowhere, that covered the sky. Ginyu who at first seemed amused was terrified sweating bullets as the numbers on his scouter kept going up.
The Jeice and Burter were stopped in their tracks. They were about to attack Chi-Chi and Nail. All of the four were now shaking. The Saiyan was stronger than they predicted.
Finally, Vegeta stopped powering up as Ginyu scouter blew up. Ginyu was shaking. Vegeta flashed a smile at him then charged beginning his assault. From the first punch it was clear that Vegeta was master of this battle.
Every punch Vegeta threw hit and Ginyu loudly grunted. The ruthless Saiyan royal was picking the commando apart. None of Ginyu defensive moves stopped anything. Ginyu was just getting kicked around by Vegeta.
The two were in the air when Vegeta launched him into an island. The island exploded and Vegeta laughed manically.
"Tell me Ginyu how does it feel to be so much weaker that a monkey? Your master would be so disappointed."
Ginyu emerged from the rubble his eyes were blood shot. He looked full of rage as he flew up to face Vegeta. "You filthy… You haven't won yet."
"Haven't I? You and your weakling allies are already dead. You can even touch me. I am the Saiyan out of legend. My body may haven't transformed yet but its close, getting closer. When Frieza and Kakarrot come I will kill them both with my Super Saiyan strength. This is my universe now Ginyu."
Vegeta was a little perturbed when he had said the word 'body' Ginyu had smiled. The commando was plotting something Vegeta could tell.
Ginyu yelled at him "WELL YOU THINK YOUR SO TOUGH THEN COME AT ME MONKEY!"
Vegeta growled then restarted his assault. This time however Ginyu seemed to not be putting up any sort of defense. His fists were breaking bones yet Ginyu seemed to not mind at all. In fact, he seemed to be encouraging it. Vegeta could sense a trap so he decided to finish this fight up quickly.
Vegeta picked Ginyu by the horns and throw him into the sky. Vegeta began to charge up his fist for a Gallick Gun but as he was about to fire the alien had stabilized himself in the air. Ginyu with arm and legs as far apart as possible yelled out "CHANGE NOW!"
Ginyu was surrounded by a ball of energy. Vegeta found himself frozen as a light came from Ginyu's mouth and then entered Vegeta's mouth.
The blinding light made Chi-Chi and Nail turn their heads. When the light show was over Chi-Chi and Nail looked up and were both left confused.
Ginyu seemed to look extremely confused. He was now in horror looking at his own body. Chi-Chi concluded that it must have meant that whatever that should have done must have not worked but then 'Vegeta' talked "I wonder because I'm in your body does that mean I get to be a Super Saiyan?"
Chi-Chi's eyes went wide as she came to realize what happened. Ginyu had just switched bodies with Vegeta.
Vegeta now in Ginyu old body with Ginyu's voice "WHAT TRICK IS THIS!" Vegeta clutched at the apparently mostly broken body of Ginyu.
Ginyu with Vegeta's voice "No trick I just decided that my body was a bit on the useless side, so I decided to trade up. You don't have much in the looks department, but I have to admit you have quite a bit of strength. You should be honored it's been awhile since I've had to win a fight by doing this."
He pointed his finger and fired a blast that hit Vegeta sending him tumbling to the ground. Ginyu cackled then turned his gaze on both Chi-Chi and Nail. He flew over to them landing right in front of them.
"Now let's test out my new power." He began to try and charge up, but Chi-Chi and Nail couldn't sense a change in his power level.
Ginyu looked quite confident as he yelled out to Jeice "TELL ME WHERE I'M AT!"
Jeice gulped and said, "Five thousand sir, and getting weaker."
Ginyu was stopped in his tracks and said, "Five thousand?"
Ginyu looked at his body "No this is a hell of a lot stronger than that!"
"Sir it's been awhile maybe it need breaking in."
Chi-Chi grinned she knew Nail was a bit winded and exhausted, but this was the prefect chance to strike "Come on Nail we'll ended these guys before he figures out Vegeta body." Nail nodded.
Chi-Chi charged up going straight to times ten then with lightning speed went over and punch the body snatcher right on the check sending him flying but before she could continue, she was intercepted by Jeice while Burter attacked Nail.
Chi-Chi was easily knocking around Jeice but she noticed that Nail was not having so much luck against Burter. She bashed Jeice away then came to the Namekian's rescue. Taking a punch that was intended for him while giving Burter a good kick to the gut.
Burter back way as he clutched his gut. A line of crimson ran down her face from her nose as she planted her feet back on the ground. Nail was panting a bit of purple blood was coming from his mouth.
"Are you okay Nail?"
"Just Peachy!"
"Go take care of Ginyu I'll take care of them."
Jeice landed next to Burter as he recovered. "Hear that Burter she's going to take care of us."
Burter grinned "These yokels ought to be taught a lesson on who their messing with."
Jeice nodded "Agreed. It's time for a Purple Hurricane."
They started doing their dance number again as Nail took off to deal with Ginyu. Their energy seemed to spin together as blue and red turned into purple. They fired a few balls of energy at her. She easily enough dodged and deflected those blasts way.
When she did though she found herself at the center of the hurricane the two had surrounded her. They unleashed a volley of punches as Chi-Chi was put on the defensive. She started receiving a beating. At times ten she was stronger than them but by acting together, they seemed at her level and her stamina was running out.
Ginyu had crawled out of the sea only to be confronted by Nail. "Time to show you what we do to thieves on Namek."
Nail grabbed him by the collar and chucked him away. Ginyu caught himself midair only to find Nail right on him. Nail knocked him around as Ginyu grunted in pain. Ginyu was starting to get angry. This snail man was about to get in the way of his lord's prize, and he was about to die.
Suddenly he stopped one of Nail's attacks. Ginyu felt his new body surging with energy. Ginyu began to move forward pushing Nail back. Ginyu was beginning to maybe understand Vegeta was really just powered by rage all this time. Nail's punches now hurt less and Ginyu began to punch back.
Chi-Chi even with her hands full felt the surge and knew she couldn't let these morons get in her way. Summoning up her strength she went on the assault and managed to kick the two away from her.
She said the words quickly and fired the Kamehameha the jet consumed Burter and grazed Jeice as it flew off into the distance and blew up. She rushed to help Nail who was starting to get kicked around by Ginyu.
Ginyu looked pissed having seen yet another one of his men die surged forward. Both Nail and Chi-Chi attacked but Ginyu was winning but a blast hit between the three from Vegeta. He had spent this time trying to figure out his new body just to attempt this.
Vegeta landed right next to them "You're not winning without my help. This thief stole my body. I want pay back."
"Sure thing."
Before they started up again Gohan and the others arrived. Bill surveyed the scene and quickly noticed that something was off. It looked like Chi-Chi was with a Namekian but was with also a man who was clearly one of Frieza's. He wondered how that happened. They were both fighting a Saiyan the one he just happened to have stabbed in the back.
The four landed on a plateau overlooking the fight. Bulma emerged from Bill's grip and panicked said "Chi-Chi's in trouble Vegeta just too strong. She's going to need help."
"It looks like she got some."
Trunks looked ready to jump in but also looked warry. Uncle Bill had taught him to be suspicious. He could sense that something was wrong down there.
Gohan at first looked happy but on examining the blood on his mother realizing she was hurt the boy became furious. His aura was becoming visible and Bill noticed it.
Bill remembered the vision. His sweet son was a time bomb. The more these battles happened the more this rage was going to come out. They should get off this planet before the limit was reached.
Ginyu attacked and the three were on the defensive getting kicked around. It was apparent that Ginyu had nearly figured out Vegeta's power. He laid out Nail and punched Vegeta into some cliffs a way where Jeice was then he grabbed hold of Chi-Chi. He held her head and squeezed. She screamed out in pain but in seconds Gohan had left his spot and had rushed into the fight.
Gohan was glowing red he was apparently using the Kaioken. He was in full on berserk mode as he interrupted Ginyu and began to savagely beat him. The boy was screaming and Ginyu was on the defensive, he felt bones breaking.
Ginyu yelled out "JEICE WHEREVER YOU ARE COME HELP ME DAMN!" Ginyu got the feeling that this boy in his rage had felt himself open to an attack from behind.
Jeice flew overlooking to get back into the fight only to find himself block by Bill and Trunks. He might have been beat up. His armor was broken but he knew an easy fight when he saw one. He rushed forward and easily knocked Bill into the dirt below. He knocked away Trunks sword then grabbed him by the throat.
"Sorry kid you're in the way." He went to crush the boy's windpipe when just then his chest exploded. Jeice fell to the ground dead. Trunks looked along with his mother and saw Vegeta in Ginyu with his smoking hand having fired off the blast.
"Never turn you back to me in a fight if you expect to live. Now to see if I can't get my body back." He took off and Bulma immediately put it together.
Ginyu meanwhile had seen his last hope get slaughter and knew it was time to get the kid's body. He started to allow Vegeta's body to get cut up. A broken arm meant nothing nor a broken leg it just meant that this kid would have to deal with that later before he killed him.
Ginyu punch the twerp a way and put his hands up and yelled "CHANGE NOW."
Chi-Chi yelled out for Gohan to move but he was frozen as the beam of light came towards him. It all seemed to be over until Vegeta jumped in front of the beam much to Ginyu's distress. In seconds Vegeta was back in his body and Ginyu in his.
Ginyu tumbled over as Gohan was left wondering what in the was going on. Chi-Chi had managed to get back onto her feet yelled "Gohan he's a body snatcher! Ginyu is back in his body the purple one!"
Vegeta cough up blood. His body was trashed beyond belief, but he was in his own again. Ginyu needed to pay for this travesty. Gohan looked like he was about attack. Vegeta snarled.
"Brat he's mine."
Vegeta left arm was broken but he didn't care. He charged at Ginyu and one handed started beating him down. The two of them were panting but Vegeta knew that idiot kid would probably get body snatched if it wasn't him fighting.
Ginyu was about to try and jump away to get his second chance but Vegeta grabbed one of his horns. Using all the strength in his body he pulled until Ginyu head was ripped off his shoulders. Vegeta pull it up to look at it but then threw it away as he collapsed onto the ground. He passed out on the ground he was bleeding like stuffed pig.
Gohan looked at his own hands like he only vaguely understood why there was blood on them. The boy then toppled over in exhaustion. Chi-Chi quickly came over to him as Nail also got back to his feet. Chi-Chi checked over her boy as Bill came over.
Bill may have had his bell rung by Jeice but he had quickly recovered. He saw the blood on Gohan was just from Vegeta's body. He could be cared for later. Instead he went over to Vegeta.
The saiyan not at hundred percent had nearly killed them all. Bill gripped his hand as he went it finish the wantabe king. He grabbed him by his armor as he heard the suit voice say 'Patient critical. administering…'
He knew enough the suit was trying to save him. Let it try when his heart was ripped from his chest.
Bulma who was being carried by Trunks screamed out "STOP!"
Bill looked at her and rolled his eyes "I don't care what you think of him. This monster hast to go."
"He saved Trunks! He isn't on Kakarrot's or Frieza's side."
Trunks nodded "Yeah he did."
Bill seemed not at all convinced and went to go finish Vegeta off but then Chi-Chi piped up "Frieza. King Kai seemed to think he was the strongest in the universe. These Ginyu guys were just his pawns. If we're going to stop him and wish our friends and the Namekians back, we are going need him."
"Be reasonable the moment he heals, he will kill us all in a heartbeat."
"Not if he needs us. He needs us to help him kill Frieza and he needs the dragon balls."
"You can make more than one wish. You can spilt them." Chi-Chi and Bulma were both confused and delight by this bit of news.
"Why should I listen to you?"
"This man is responsible for killing nearly all of my people. He deserves a very painfully death, but I can feel this Frieza. Your friends are right. We need him for this fight."
"Your people are dead mine aren't. You might not have a lot to lose but I do."
"You said you believed in me that you had hope is that still the case?"
Bill looked at the monster that he was holding. He looked almost human. Hope had died a long time ago, but they didn't need to know that. He would just have to find a way to kill this Saiyan later. He let go of the Saiyan.
"Alright then what's the plan?"
Guess that's the end of the Ginyu's but Frieza's coming soon. Next up False Hope.
Chapter 59: False Hope
Chapter Text
Bulma ran over to Vegeta as Bill walked away. It stung that yet again they were trusting a monster over him. Bulma began to look him over as she spoke "This doesn't look good even with his suit giving him first aid he'll still going to bleed to death."
"Good. The monster has it coming."
Bulma throw him a harsh glare but Bill didn't seem to care. Bulma then looked over to Chi-Chi "If I get him to the imperial's ship, I can fix this."
"But Bill said that it took off?" Chi-Chi looked at him confused.
Bill sighed but hurriedly said afterward "Well it was then I stopped it." He thought to himself maybe they shouldn't trust him but the rest of him smacked that down. He was protecting them the only one who could. He continued "If we're going then we should get Mai and the others I don't think splitting up is such a good idea anymore."
Chi-Chi felt something in the back of her head saying something was wrong, she felt like she was being lied to, but she quickly dismissed it the moment Gohan woke in her arms.
Gohan woke in confusion he looked around and panicked asked "Mom? What…?"
"We beat them son. We beat those ridiculous guys. We're all good." She put him down the boy down. At first, he seemed a little shaky, but he quickly recovered. "Alright everyone gather round I'll transport us just grab hold of me or someone whose touching me."
Nail and Chi-Chi quickly grabbed the balls as they all got ready to take off. Bill a little puzzled "Is this that instant thing that the Yardrats taught you?"
Chi-Chi said back quickly "Yep."
Trunks help his mother move the bleeding wounded Vegeta. Everyone held hand and suddenly they were transported to the cave in a pop.
Mai and the others were quite surprised to see them "What's going on? WHY DO YOU HAVE HIM?" She yelled upon seeing the unconscious Vegeta.
"We're tempting fate Captain. Now come on. We got a terrible idea that might get up all killed to try out." They quickly collected their stuff in a very military fashion.
The reunited group joined the circle and soon they were at the imperial ship. The dead bodies were still around untouched not out long enough to start rotting. It seemed that Namek lacked vultures or scavengers that would have normally been having a ball over this. It meant that it would take a great deal longer for nature to remove these corpses.
Mai eyes with disgust in them said "Nice place."
Vasquez sneering at this sight saying, "Better them then us."
Spunkmeyer nervously asked "Are you sure everyone is dead in there?"
Nail spoke before the others to say, "Yeah I can't sense anyone."
Nail wasn't looking at Spunkmeyer instead he looked over to Bill whose eye was twitching. Nail could sense that something about this guy wasn't right. His training was telling him dark clouds surrounded this situation. It was like he was plotting to kill everyone that wasn't in his group. These men had all been killed by him. Humans might seem weak, but they were dangerous. The empire was human besides the saiyan in charge. It was humans in their armor that was doing much of the damage to his world and the galactic.
"Ferro, Spunkmeyer with me. We're searching the ship to find anything that we can use. We'll scavenge anything we might need."
"When I'm done with Vegeta, I'll come and help you figure out what we need."
"Nail, kids let's go get the balls and get our wish."
The three nodded. The groups all entered. The airlock had been busted opened by Bill earlier. The ship was trashed with bodies. Bill had killed everyone armed or unarmed. Gohan and Trunks seemed to not understand this situation but everyone else did.
To the remnants of the fireteam Bill looked like a killing machine. Vasquez and Hicks were in awe, so was Spunkmeyer and Ferro. Mai was nervous but was quick to throw it away. Bulma and Chi-Chi were shocked but didn't voice any concerns this was war after all, and these were Kakarrot's men.
Bill, Ferro and Spunkmeyer broke off to head for the bridge. While Chi-Chi, Nail, Trunks and Gohan went to the cargo hold. Vasquez and Hicks wounded they may have been, but they helped Bulma carry Vegeta to the med bay.
The med bay was as advance as she had ever seen. Bulma could tell that the Empire had been hard at work going leaps and bounds technological when they had left Earth. They even had their own healing pod like she had seen in ads for while shopping on Risa.
It was so new that it even had detail instructions on how to use it on the side of the thing. She laid Vegeta down on the table. The movement seemed to wake him. His eyes opened and everyone but Bulma took a step back in fear,
Bulma got close and looked into his eyes "Are you okay?"
Vegeta gritting his teeth "What do you think woman?"
Bulma nodded then spoke to him like he was a child "Well I'd say your bleeding internally and externally. Also, it would be clearly easier to count the number of bones that aren't broken. Oh, also in the hour without something done you will bleed to death."
Vegeta snapped back very sarcastically "You don't say? I couldn't image that with all this pain and blood. "
"You know it's not a smart idea to sass your only hope."
"Please woman. I've survived much worse."
"Maybe but not without help Princy."
She looked over to the fireteam. They had been fixing themselves as she and Vegeta had been sniping at each other.
"You guys can head off if you're feeling better. This stuff looks good, but you guys are pretty well healed at this point."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asked while looking at Vegeta with great suspicion.
Bulma rolled her eyes at that question "What is he going to bleed on me? He might be talking tough, but the black knight here can't even really move his body. He just didn't realize it because he is tripping balls on pain meds right now that his suit gave him. It's the only reason he isn't screaming in agony."
Vegeta grit his teeth and in anger tried to move his body to find Bulma wasn't lying. He realized he could barely move his eyelids or mouth. Vegeta angry but found that he was exhausted "How did you...?"
"Because sweetie my fingers are touching your kidneys right now and you didn't seem to notice."
She took away her bloody hand that she had used to stop some bleeding. She then when back to trying to staple Vegeta side back in before she planned to stuff him in healing pod. The fireteam saw the truth and left. Leaving Bulma and Vegeta alone.
Vegeta felt helpless right now the woman was right he was dying, and it was up to this fool to save him. It didn't sting as much as Kakarrot's and Frieza's gabs, but he thought a true warrior shouldn't need her help. It was like his entire life had been a joke. To be looked down on by the weak and the inferior. He was a king an elite and the only hope of a dead people.
"Why are you helping me?"
Bulma looked deep into his eyes "I wanted to thank you for saving my son."
"What? Oh, I thought the brat looked familiar. You should tell your little bastard to not pick fights with bigger bastards." He said expecting her to get angry.
Bulma chuckled at that "Man you have issues. You can't even take a thank you without acting like an asshole and shitting all over it."
"Why not? Your just making fun of me like everyone else."
Bulma tears were in her eyes "No I'm not. You saved his life. I owe you more than I can possibly describe. If he had died, I don't know if I could go on. Truth is I've been on fumes since we left Earth. I've lost my husband, my mother and maybe my father at this point I don't know we can't get contact. We are damned refugees running and hiding without a home or a safe harbor. The only thing left is him and you saved him."
Vegeta now felt small and petty "I lost every once too. I'm a refugee too I guess." Internally he cursed himself for saying that. "These are strong drugs you know."
Bulma smiled while still red eyed "Yeah drugs, that hasn't to be it."
"Glad you agree. So, this…"
She interrupted him "This never happened. You were just drugged and babbling nonsense."
"You sell yourself short woman. Your alive because your strong. Most places I go life is cheap you see. It is sold like that. I know the truth and you do too. Life is pain that you hold onto in the vain hope it will mean something. Life is not cheap but expensive to us. It requires everything and then some. Dying is easy. I've seen that personally. I've seen fire in your eyes you can survive and so can your son."
For along second stared at each until Bulma face smashed into his. Vegeta was basically paralyzed so Bulma did most of the work but before anything else could happen the machine loudly beeped now ready for him. Bulma pulled herself off of him.
"Fucking figures."
Bulma got him up and placed him into the machine. He noticed the clothes she had on now covered in his blood along with it in her mouth. She had his scent all over her. A surge of pride hit him at that fact. She placed the mask over his face she shut the doors and it filled with fluid. He put his hand on the glass viewer and she placed her hand over his. It slid off as he went unconscious.
Bulma looked at herself "Man I need to change. See you in an hour or two Vegeta" She had no idea what she was going to do once they wished Yamcha back now. Consider she had just made out with the Prince.
Bill arrived with the others at the bridge. There were more bodies including the admiral. A light was flashing on one of the command consoles.
A voice came overhead "Admiral Blanco do you read me? This is Captain Blonde. Freedom are you there? The Emperor demands an audience."
Spunkmeyer looked over to the button but Bill said, "Leave it."
The messages continued as Vasquez and Hicks arrived. They began to go throw some things.
"My lord I thought you would be busy." There was movement. A light came on as a chill came up Bill's spine as a holographic figured appeared behind him.
"Oh, the familiar faces."
Bill slowly turned around. His body screaming for him to run. It might have been a hologram, but this was the real thing no illusion. He had the same grin on his face that he always had in his dream. He was the grinning man always finding so much sick joy in horror and mayhem.
"Been awhile hasn't its Billy boy. You know the last time I saw you I told you I was teacher giving you a lesson." He looked at the noting that this was not Chi-Chi based on the brutality of it. "I think you may have got the lesson. Tell me did you kill the Yardratians?"
Bill said nothing just stared angrily at him much to the monster delight.
"Well I guess I have my answer then. Interesting the silent treatment. You now I wonder if the wife you stole from me will give me the same when I reclaim her. I hope not. She has a lot of explaining to do considering she's kept my kid from me."
Bill one eye went wide, and the monster cackled.
"So Crixus wasn't lying. I do have a son with Chi-Chi. It's such a crime that I've haven't yet had a chance to meet him. Oh, but I need to punish my wife but you I won't harm a hair on your head even if its whiter then I remember. No, I'm going to make you watch." There was a pause. "I'll be seeing yah."
The hologram turned off and, in a rage, Bill pointed his hand at the console and started firing. Busting a hole to the outside world. He kept firing until Mai put her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her still blind with rage looked at her still in kill mode. His eye turned from her in shame as he came back to himself.
He turned and walked away his head and said, "We got to get the fuck out of here."
Spunkmeyer asked her "Captain what was…?"
Mai said determinedly without showing any doubt "Lies all of it. Never listen to anything that, that man says." Something felt wrong, but it felt wrong to think that way. She was determined to power through those suspicious.
Chi-Chi group quickly found the balls in the bowels of the ships. Everyone but Nail was smiling. Gohan because he sensed the happiness of his family. Trunks was smiling and crying he was about to see his dad again, but he realized he had forgot his voice and it made him sad.
Chi-Chi had done her best to not think about the people she had lost over the years. Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, Launch, Tien and Chiaotzu they all died at the monster's hands. She started crying to as her memory went to them.
She remembered when she first met Roshi the old dirty man asking to see Bulma underwear. When she got older it made sense and pissed her off but now it was a cherished memory. Krillin had been such an ass to her when they had first met. He was insistent that girls couldn't fight, and he cheated her too. By the end she couldn't imagine a more loyal friend. Yamcha started out a bandit that Chi-Chi was eager to fight then he became a loving husband to Bulma and a friend. Launch was aggressive and mean but then she became a mother. Tien and Chiaotzu both had started out as pupils of a man who wanted Roshi dead. Tien was a man holding on to hate and anger, but he managed to renounce that and became a father. Chiaotzu proved his loyalty and his kindness. They all deserved better and she had betrayed them all.
The group took the balls outside and the four of them gather round. Before they began Bulma who had changed back into her adventure outfit came out. She was determined to see this all through too.
Nail looked at Chi-Chi and she nodded in Namekian Nail called out. The sky went dark and filled with clouds. The balls glowed, and light shot out of the balls. The light jetted up into the sky and it took form. It was a dragon but not at all like Earth's. This one had antennae like the other Namekians. It was far more humanoid with shoulders. It was muscular and larger than Shenron. Porunga as she heard Nail call him. He was an impressive dragon and he spoke in a booming voice.
Nail said to Chi-Chi "Okay you got three wishes."
"Wish everyone killed by Kakarrot Gero or his army brought back to life."
Nail spoke but the dragon sighed. Chi-Chi could tell that something was wrong. Nail then explained "The dragon can only bring back one life at a time."
Chi-Chi was frozen. This was at all fair. Kami was gone thanks to Piccolo. That meant she was going to have to choose who got to live again or not. One of them had to be Yamcha but the others. She could move neither could Bulma.
This made her cry. Over a minute passed as Porunga grumbled. Chi-Chi had no idea what happen to little Kunlun. If she was going to bring back Tien, she had to bring back Launch and Chiaotzu or else that was cruel. Krillin was her best friend and Roshi her mentor either of them would be good in this struggle. But of course, they all needed to be brought to Namek.
"Aw the dragon is getting restless."
Chi-Chi nodded it was an impossible choice but the first one was clear Yamcha would be first. Kunlun was still alive Kakarrot would have killed him then and there. The next two wishes would be Tien and Launch. It was impossible choice but needed to be done "Bring back…"
She was interrupted as the dragon screamed out in pain and then disappeared as did the clouds. The balls laid their turned to stone. There was dead silence hanging over the air as the kids were confused. Bulma fell to her knees as Nail collapsed onto the ground his hands on the grass. He punched the ground and screamed out.
Trunks was crying in "Sensei what's going on what's happening."
Chi-Chi crying too "Guru's dead. They killed him."
The men of the First Helljumpers Alpha Company were celebrating their win against the natives. It had been embarrassing that they had lost one man to old men and children. But this had been an easy win all they had to do was bust down the door and start blasting. The massive old man couldn't even move as they put tons of holes into him. The only one that was felt that the boys were playing with until the CO told them to finish him off.
They had failed to hear anything from 'Freedom', so they were preparing to finish off the kid and head back when Chi-Chi and Nail appeared.
The CO yelled "Primary target has arrived kill the Namek and capture Chi-Chi."
Chi-Chi disappeared grabbing Dende as Nail waved through the Imperials. It was a slaughter and it was over in seconds. The last man didn't bother begging he just laughed and said "Your race is no more green man. Your plague of a people is gone. We are down one less bug to squash."
Nail response was to take a little off the top of the man's head. He looked around all had sworn to protect was dead. He saw his father. He was nearly a puddle of purple. Nail turned from it "My people are gone."
"No, you are here so is Dende. You can survive."
"No, the only I want right now is to be with them."
"Guru was alone when he restarted his people. You can do it too and you're not even alone."
"I've never been this angry."
"Use it. There an army of men that are responsible for this."
"Live for revenge?"
Chi-Chi shook her head "No live to avenge them."
The appeared back at the ship. Bulma was a sobbing mess on the ground holding her son who was the same. Gohan was crying because of it and he rushed over to hug her as Dende clung to her like an infant. Nail never shed a tear he simply looked like he wasn't done killing things.
The rest of the group came out lead by Bill. "What happened?"
He asked as a jolt of fear went up Chi-Chi spine. She yelled out "GET BACK INSIDE!"
She put down Dende as everyone else got the feel of the situation. Shooting down from the sky was a circular ship with a dome. It looked like Ginyu tech. Inside that ship however was something way more powerful than Ginyu.
She easily guessed that this was Frieza. The ship landed not far from where they were and soon, they were to see the horned tyrant all purple and white. With his men behind him. He looked down at them and said, "How small they are."
Frieza has arrive next chapter How small they are. So, a long time ago I decided that no one is coming back because that doesn't work for this story. This will be a bitter-sweet ending because nothing really in super will come into play so no more dragon balls.
Chapter 60: How Small They Are
Chapter Text
Zarbon and Dodoria emerged behind Frieza along with the army they had brought with them. Frieza army was a mixed group from species all over the universe. Chi-Chi could tell that not all of them wanted to be here but that didn't matter. Frieza was looking down at his new-found enemies from the roof of ship on his hover-chair. He was smiling as he and the others made their descent to the surface of the planet.
A bead of sweat ran down Chi-Chi face. King Kai had warned her about this guy. She could already tell that this was not all he was capable of. His flunkies however were a lot weaker than the Ginyus so they had killed the most elite of them which was good to know.
The group came to the ground and Chi-Chi and the other fighters got into stance and fireteam took out their blasters.
Frieza amused by this little display of defiance chuckled "Zarbon it looks like these fools mean to fight me."
Zarbon chuckled at this as well "It appears so my lord. Perhaps they have no idea who their dealing with."
"I suppose I should tell them." Now speaking to all of them. "Dear monkeys and monkey's friends. My name is Lord Frieza master of the cosmos, slaughter of the innocent, destroyer of worlds and killer of children. You might have heard of me." He said while waiving his hand dismissively. "I'm here for this world's dragon balls. You will give them to me, or I will kill you and everyone you have ever known or cared about. If you know a thing about me, you should know I'm not joking."
Chi-Chi looked into the soulless eyes of Frieza and then laughed at the imposing tyrant "You know I'm so used to dealing with this brand of monster at this point. You couldn't scare me even if you tried. I'm well aware of who you are, and I've seen your handy work. You have it coming just as much as he does. You want the dragon balls." She pointed to the stone that were around him. "Their all around you. You'll never get your wish even if you kill us. Only bit of good news in all of this. Your reign of terror will only last as long as you do. You will grow old and die, just like everyone else oh Lord of ash."
Frieza looked beyond frustrated purple energy swirled from him. He bites his lip in rage as he looked at the grin from Chi-Chi.
Frieza through gritted teeth "You're going to die screaming." He pointed his finger at her and fired. Chi-Chi was forced to go red to dodge it. The beam easily punched through the ship behind her leaving a perfectly circular hole the size of the beam. Further away it blew up in a massive mushroom cloud.
"Sad little monkey. I am Lord Frieza! All your people are bugs to me. All your strength is nothing to me. You are small. I may not get my wish, but I will be remembered. I am the terror of the universe. You however will be forgotten just another fool that challenged your better. Kill them!"
His men charged all but Dodoria and Zarbon. They quickly came to regret that action. Chi-Chi, Nail and Trunks slaughtered the fifty or so soldiers that came at them. Trunks using his sword to great effect slicing through their armor. Gohan had got into it too but he merely knocked them away only for Trunks to finish them off.
Frieza looked a bit perplexed then it came to him "Oh that's why the Ginyu's won't pick up. You kill them interesting."
Chi-Chi finished off the last soldier and nodded "But we did have some help."
Dodoria and Zarbon were scared this meant these guys were stronger than them. They couldn't help but back away a bit.
"Cute so you think that means you a match for me."
"Yeah."
Suddenly Frieza's little hover chair exploded along with his armor. His energy knocking the other two away. He was in a swirl of purple energy as the Tyrant powered up. Gohan and Trunks were shaking while Chi-Chi and Nail were determined.
The tyrant itched his nose "Tell me monkeys are you scared."
"Not really. Your stronger than your flunkies but not by all that much."
"Is that what you think? Well fine I guess I'll just have to give you a reason to cower then."
More energy began to pour out from the tyrant's body. His hoverchair exploded his feet touched the as they expanded in both width and length. Chi-Chi and company soon found themselves trembling as it became clear that the monster was transforming.
Bill took note grabbed Bulma by her arm "Maybe we should get out of here."
Bulma nodded. She went to grab Dende but was rebuffed by the child. He said, "I'm staying with Nail."
"Um Sweety… we need to go."
"Then go… I'm staying Nail. Him and me are the last of our kind. He needs me!"
Bill with cold eyes and cold words said to Bulma "Come on. Let's leave him."
Bulma gave him a look that said it all. Bill knew what he was saying but this was not his problem. Bill knew they could save these people and trying was just going to get them killed. None of them could ever see what he saw. So, he would just have to pretend some more.
Bill said to her like a child having been caught "Sorry." To Bulma.
He grabbed Dende by his shirt. Forcefully he pulled the boy by the collar choking him, but he didn't care. Dende was fighting him but his suit easily was overpowering the young namekian.
Bulma seeing that Bill was hurting Dende yelled at him "What the Fuck do you think you're doing?"
Everything seems to go dark all he could hear was screams and crying. His hand seemed to want to wrap around the boy's throat. Before anything further could happen Bulma smacked him on the check which made him come back to himself. He let go off the boy and his hand never made it to his throat.
He looked around as he realized what was happening. He grabbed hold of Bulma and yelled to the others to get moving leaving Dende much to Bulma dismay. Bill took note that the others had been too busy watching Frieza to see what Bulma had seen.
Frieza torso grew larger than his arms and legs. Lastly his head grew. The monster stood at least ten feet tall and was now massive. His horns were now more like a bull's curving upwards and sharper like they were made for stabbing.
The Tyrant grinned as his truck of a tail smacked the ground with enough force to shake the ground beneath their feet like an earthquake.
Frieza taking pleasure in the fear he was now sensing from his prey. He spoke in his now deeper darker voice "You know this is only my second form. I've got two more where this came from."
Their eyes went small they knew he wasn't lying. He flicked his hand and half of the large island they were on was gone. All four of the fighters were brought to the ground by this display of power. Bill was glad that he had gotten Bulma out there. Dende had even jumped into the air in time.
Frieza was hovering in the air above the sea water. His eyes quickly focused on Chi-Chi. At speed he charged her. He tried to skewer her with his horn, but Chi-Chi managed to avoid the horns only for him to back hand her into a nearby island.
Frieza pointed his finger at Trunks looking to kill him but Nail jumped in front of the beam. Nail might have stepped in front of the beam and purple blood might have been coming from his side, but it had gone through hitting Trunks.
Gohan looked on frightened as he saw Trunks gasped falling to the ground with a hole in his chest. Trunks coughed up blood and collapsed onto the ground soon followed by Nail. Dende rushed over as Frieza chuckled then took off to do more damage to Chi-Chi.
Gohan having seen what had happen in front of him and was livid. He had watched that monster possible kill his friend and well his brother. He had also hurt that nice but quiet Namekian. He could feel Trunks dying and it was filling him with rage. He then looked to see his mother getting thrashed by Frieza.
Chi-Chi was getting kicked around by the tyrant even with Kaio-ken. She was just no match for this powerhouse. She felt the breath being knocked out of her by a punch to her gut. She was brought to the ground she cried out in pain.
Gohan fists clenched as he fell himself lose it like before while watching his mother get beaten. Everything was going red like the last few times this had happened the last few. He could hear his mother in pain, and he snapped.
In pure fury he stormed into the brawl to attack Frieza. He punched the Tyrant with all his might sending him flying and began a bone crushing assault. He hit the monster with all his power and it actually had hurt the Tyrant in this form.
Frieza was on the defensive as he was being kicked around by a Saiyan child. It made no sense to him how this child was this strong. He had noticed the kid but hadn't bothered to comment on it. How could a Saiyan child be giving him this much trouble? He wondered.
The two were in a punching match with Frieza being on the losing end. A simple kick sent the tyrant into the air then Gohan kick him back down into the sea and fired off a Kamehameha at him. It exploded sending steam in a mushroom cloud upwards.
Chi-Chi got up staring at her son who yet again proved to be the stronger than she could have imagined. She then watched her son in a rage started firing blast after blast at the spot where the tyrant was.
Each blasted was making a tsunami as her son seemed determined to destroy even the things that were around the tyrant. But in this rage, she felt like he was using too much energy.
Chi-Chi yelled to him "Gohan your wasting energy stop!" But it was too late.
After one final blast that shook the planet. Her boy calmed down. He was exhausted. He had been using too much of his power.
Chi-Chi shivered as she heard a chuckle as Frieza emerged from the water. He looked burned and cut up, but he wasn't dead.
Frieza cam upwards to be at eye level with Gohan "You know that actual hurt. You know you're the first of your kind to actually be a challenge to me remotely. Your monkey parents would be so proud, but the game is over. Its high time I teach you who rule this universe."
Energy yet again swirled around Frieza the bright purple light temporally out shining the suns of Namek.
Bill power reader frozen on his helmet Bulma machine turned itself off rather than trying to continue reading the situation. The crew and Bill were trying to escape. Hicks had Bulma in his hands. Bill had wanted to just find an island nearby but far enough away from the fighting to use as a fall back to escape with the ship.
The group however was intercepted by Zarbon and Dodoria. The two-henchman looked quite pleased. They must read the scouters and known that they weren't nearly as strong as Chi-Chi or Trunks.
Zarbon said with a shit eating grin on his face "Well looks like we have some playthings."
Dodoria included "Yes we do. We should probably warn them that we don't play nice."
Vasquez was quick on the draw she yelled out something in Spanish as she opened up with her blaster rifle only to get Dodoria's pink meat hook going through her chest. Bill tried to stab Dodoria in the back only for him to get back handed into an island below.
Ferro screamed out as Zarbon vaporized her and Spunkmeyer. Hicks hit him in the back with a blast, but it did nothing. Zarbon then went to kill the two so Hicks dropped Bulma before getting sliced sideways by Zarbon.
Bulma yelled out as she fell before being grabbed by Mai. The two tumbled to the ground. Mai got up quickly to see the two were standing behind of them. The blood of her friends on their hands.
Mai shot out her ki blades from the suit as she screamed out "Bulma! Run! I'll slow them down."
The two laughed as a scared Bulma cowered on the ground behind Mai who was getting ready to fight to the death. She knew it was all over, but she was ready to go down swinging. When suddenly Dodoria's stomach exploded and soon after Zarbon's head exploded in a blue light that kept on going.
The two lifeless forms fell the ground. Mai found herself cover in the two's guts and blood, but she could care less. She looked to see Bill with his revolver smoking two of the six blue bullets gone. The ki bullets had hit them by surprise. They had no shield to defend themselves. She watched him collapse to the ground alive but wounded.
Mai looked over to the dead soldiers and said with heartbreak in her words, "Everyone dead again."
Frieza was transforming again before Gohan and Chi-Chi's eyes. They knew there was nothing either of them could do. Frieza head enlarge shooting backward. His head was now a tube with four horns. His chest became more armored and his shoulders became like armor detaching from his arms.
The tyrant looked more a monster now out of movie. Frieza now with a hiss "Time to take your medicine boy."
In a second Frieza was at Gohan. The tyrant slammed his fist into Gohan's stomach. The boy gasped in pain as the monster started to unload blow after blow on Gohan the boy barely able to defend himself.
The tyrant was taking pleasure in cutting him up. He was making sure that all of them were non-lethal but strong enough to break bones. He was determined that he would break every bone in this brat's body before killing him.
Chi-Chi charged upwards as she saw her boy cough up blood only find herself swatted away by Frieza. He then with a smirk grabbed Gohan's head and started to crush it. Gohan scream out much to Chi-Chi's dismay.
Chi-Chi came up with a plan knowing this was a dumb idea went for it anyways. She screamed out "KAIO-KEN TIMES TWENTY-FIVE." An unstable red aura surrounded her, and she flew back up and punched Frieza so hard that he let go of Gohan.
She was forced to let Gohan fall for now as she gathered all her energy into one massive Kamehameha. She fired it off in a dazzling display. It hit the still airborne Frieza in a tremendous explosion with a massive cloud of dust being kick up as a result. She then grabbed her boy before he hit the ground and looked at him as she found a spot to land.
The tyrant broke his ribs and had cracked his skull. Gohan was bleeding all over the place. It was quite clear that Gohan would die without help.
Chi-Chi then looked up in fear as she realized she could still feel Frieza. The tyrant emerged from the smoke singed but undamaged. He was grinning, and Chi-Chi knew it was all over. She had just used everything she had, and the tank was now empty.
Frieza pointed his finger and Chi-Chi closed her eyes and hugged Gohan. She would die but if she used her body to shield Gohan maybe he would live a bit longer.
Frieza then screamed out in pain with his blast hitting in the distance. She looked to see Trunks having with his sword cut off Frieza's tail. Which was confusing on a count of she thought he was dying. Nail appeared and before Frieza could react the two blasted him sending him crashing to a nearby island.
Dende then arrived "Mind if I help?" Chi-Chi shrugged as Dende put his hand over Gohan and energy came from them. Gohan's wounds began to disappear. He was being healed right before her eyes.
Dende stopped and Gohan opened his eyes. Chi-Chi could sense that he was back to full health. He back to full strength no stronger he seemed to have Kakarrot's ability to only get stronger after nearly dying that she had noticed.
Gohan looked at Dende "Dende what did you do?" Asked will making sure that his mother was okay not happy that she was bleeding in the least.
"I healed you, just like I did to Trunks and Nail."
Gohan with glee looked up to see both Trunks and Nail alright but then he saw Frieza reappear and he gritted his teeth. His aura showed, and he flew up getting between Frieza and his friends.
Frieza looked at the suddenly repaired Saiyan boy with confusion. He was quite sure that the boy was done for last he checked, not to mention the others. He wondered if they had wish for immortality. He decided he was done playing games with these fools it was time to end this.
He landed on an island as he began to transform. A bubble of swirling purple energy surrounded him as he looked to see the smallest Namekian healing Chi-Chi. The tyrant grinned. So that was how they all recovered he thought.
The planet shook the sky's turned black, the ocean churned. Purple light blanketed the area. The planet itself was afraid. Mai was having a hard time in the ship standing up. She and Bulma were getting the ship ready while Bill was in the med bay. Gohan and the others came and landed in front of Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi got to her feet to almost fall to the ground as the power in front of her only seemed to grow. She could sense how unbelievably powerful Frieza had just become.
Suddenly there was silence as the bubble disappeared. Steam came from where Frieza was. The tyrant's new body became visible.
He was not nearly as large as he was before. The monstrous form had been replaced by something sleek, smaller and smoother. He didn't have an angle on his body. His tail was back without any of it hacked off. Purple was now only on his head and his shoulders. He looked less intimidating if not for the outrageous power level that she could feel from him.
Frieza then looked over to group and smirked as he pointed his finger "It's time to show you how small you all are."
Chapter 61: The King's Last Stand
Chapter Text
Frieza new short angleless form raised its finger and fired. Gohan was the only one who seemed to be able to follow the attack, but he wasn't fast enough to save the target Dende.
Dende didn't even see it coming. He was dead before he knew it. Afterwards a small dust cloud formed then disappeared showing the scene of horror. Dende was in a little crater when Gohan turned his head. He was smoking from his corpse having been cooked by the attack.
Everything when red for Gohan as he looked at Frieza who was smiling enjoying the suffering of others. He was in a rage attacked the monster. Chi-Chi and Trunks could barely follow the fight as Gohan had once again shown he was far above them both.
Nail looked distraught to Chi-Chi. She could easily understand why. He just became the last of the real Namekian people all that was left was Piccolo and she didn't even know if he knew about him.
Gohan from what she could see was a ball of rage but Frieza wasn't taking any damage the Tyrant's power was still not fully being expressed. He was playing with her son.
"Spirit bomb." Trunks and Nail looked at her. "The Spirit bomb is the only move that can stop Frieza now. It's going to take a lot longer though then the one that I used on that saiyan and this planet doesn't have the life force. I'll have to draw on other planets power."
Nail looking determined figured out what she meant and said "If you think it will work do it. The only thing left in the universe to me is to see that creature die. If you need time. I'll give it to you."
Trunks nodded his head in agreement "You have me too sensei!"
Chi-Chi took her stance as she raised her hands to the air to being drawing the energy for the Spirit bomb.
Meanwhile Gohan was being to lose steam as his punches and kicks were simply not touching Frieza. Frieza was dodging them with ease and Gohan was getting very tired.
"You know it's funny your entire species can be summed up by a greed monkey reaching up to get a fruit then losing their grip and breaking their skulls on the rocks below."
Frieza back handed Gohan a way then began to fire death beams at him. Gohan just barely managed to dodge the attacks only to find himself grabbed by the throat by Frieza. Frieza tightened his grip as Gohan gasped for air. Nail and Trunks attempted to come to Gohan aid but were easily dismissed away by Frieza's hand.
"It's funny monkey. I don't know why you people ever thought you could take me on. Not even at two percent power and I'm crushing your windpipe. And you're the strongest of your race"
Gohan was gasping for air feeling the darkness surround him. He gathered up all his power and his body seemed to explode with red energy allowing him to escape the Tyrants grasp.
Gohan hit the ground breathing heavily only to find that Frieza hadn't at all been hurt by that attack. Gohan said with his bloodshot eyes defiantly stated, "You haven't won yet."
"No. But the idea that you could continue is laughable." He pointed his finger at Gohan head and Gohan was powerless to move.
Frieza though instead of firing looked as not far in the distance the 'Liberty' exploded and Vegeta came flying over in his tattered NSE armor. The Saiyan King looked quite confident as he landed.
Frieza turned from Gohan to look at Vegeta. "Vegeta?" He smiled. "And here I thought that I wouldn't get a chance at some real revenge today. I should have remembered monkey's stick together. Tell me does he actually call you Prince and kiss your bottom like the others?"
Vegeta grinned as he sensed that Bulma was alive and saw that Trunks was okay "I found a people and a Kingdom to rule over. I'm a King now. Kakarrot is just another obstacle but he can wait. Its high time Frieza I show you that the Saiyan race is not to be trifled with. That you can't just kill my people and get away with it." He pointed to his face with his thumb. "You see Frieza you're not dealing with the average Saiyan warrior…" Frieza grimaced with rage. "You see I have gone beyond the average and have become legend. I am the Legendary Super Saiyan!"
Frieza looked at Vegeta as if he were a small child that had broken his window with a baseball. He looked annoyed but no longer looked frustrated. Frieza glibly asked "Are you done?"
Vegeta frustrated that Frieza didn't seem to be taking him seriously "Didn't you hear me Frieza I'm a SUPER SAIYAN!"
Frieza waved it away with his hand "Yes. Yes. You believe you're some magic monkey that can actually reach the top of the tree. I got it. Let me tell you something. It's a myth… a legend. You're just deluding yourself if you think your that. You might think that your smart just because you figured out that I killed your people but guess what? It wasn't that hard to figure out monkey. Compared to your fellows you might seem like a genius but that's a low bar you understand. Case and point this situation. You're going to die here. One of the last of your people. Just as dumb as the first of them. Your no legend. Your just yet another fool."
Vegeta in a rage powered up the planet shaking as a result. Chi-Chi and the other could feel his power. He was stronger than Frieza now.
Vegeta charged and punched the Tyrant away into an island then fired a Galick gun at the spot. The blast exploded in a massive mushroom cloud. Vegeta stood knowing that was not enough to have killed the tyrant.
Trunks took to cheering while the others were more unsure of the situation. Nail could sense that his man's heart was not pure. Chi-Chi began to quickly wonder if they hadn't traded one monster for another.
Gohan had heard what Frieza and Vegeta had been talking about. Somehow, he felt like he was half a part of that conversation. Something wasn't adding up Frieza was making it sound like Vegeta was a part of a different species but Vegeta had to be human like him, right?
The explosion as made Frieza's presence known. He looked rather scorched but otherwise undamaged. He flew back in front of Vegeta. Frieza sarcastically stated "You know that almost hurt."
"That is only a taste of my power."
Frieza smiled at that "I'm sure but its limited. Mine goes on forever."
"Prove it." Said quite sure of himself.
Frieza and Vegeta flew towards each other. Their fists meet, and the planet shook a little. The fight was barely followed by the spectators. The two broke off and the death beam clashed with the galick gun. A struggle that Vegeta won easily.
Frieza avoided get hit by the energy only to get Vegeta's fist dug into his gut. Vegeta then chopped him in the head sending Frieza to the ground with a yelp of pain. Frieza only got back up to get kicked into the air by Vegeta.
To all outward appearance Vegeta seemed to winning but Chi-Chi noticed that Frieza wasn't using any power. She realized the truth very quickly that the spirit bomb was their only real hope.
Vegeta went to punch Frieza again only to find the Frieza had caught the punch. Frieza swiped Vegeta in his face to the ground with his tail.
"Oh Vegeta. If only you had reminded loyal. The fact that I have to use this much of my power proves that you had some use."
Vegeta got to his feet and spit some blood onto the ground "I only pretended to be loyal. I knew the truth."
"And yet you killed for me. You help me. You really are like your father aren't you." He said smugly.
"You will pay for thinking that you could control me monster!"
Frieza shot back "I think not." In an instant he was over to Vegeta. This time however Frieza was much faster. Vegeta got a punch to his gut. That sent him stumbling backwards.
"You know I don't know how long it's been since I've used fifty percent of my full power you know Vegeta."
Vegeta in a rage looked at him. He knew what he felt, the Tyrant wasn't lying. He had been merely playing with him. It made him want to puke that yet again. He was just a source of amusement to the tyrant.
He remembered all the time he was made to stuffer to amuse this bastard, called monkey all the other dignities. He needed to make it so that no one else would suffer this. He looked behind Frieza though to see Chi-Chi and realized the ball of energy in her hands above her.
The sneaky human woman was gathering energy and tons of it. Vegeta grinned much to Frieza's surprise. Vegeta knew now that he was going to die here but he would take Frieza with him. The saiyan race was dead but it would go out in a blaze of glory with honor. It was quite good that there was an audience. The halfling and that human boy would see how a saiyan King ought to die, on his feet covered in blood.
Vegeta emboldened by the sense of doom lifted "Well come on then! You think I'm scared of you. I've thought you killed me a hundred times and counting. I've got nothing better to do, so try me and I'll show you the power of the King of the Saiyan's!" The plan was simple. Piss off Frieza and buy time for the attack.
Chi-Chi heard what he said and realized that he had saw the ball. She thought 'Wait is he actually sacrificing himself to make this work?'
Frieza reprisal for that were quick. He back hand him in the face grabbed his foot by his tail and flung him towards a rock nearby. Vegeta jumped up and fired at the tyrant that blew up not even putting a scratch on Frieza.
Frieza brushed it off the came over kicking Vegeta into the air. He then started to wail on him. Vegeta was quite powerless to do nothing more than try and block the punches.
The last of the King's defensive seem to break down with a knee to the gut from Frieza. Vegeta screamed out in pain and fell to the ground from the air. He was coughing up blood.
Trunks tried to move forward but was blocked by Nail.
Trunks shouted, "He saved my life!"
"So, don't waste it." That seemed to quiet Trunks who backed down.
Meanwhile, Gohan who was still on the field was watching all of this was getting angry again. But he was still exhausted and wounded and could do nothing for Vegeta. Chi-Chi knew that Vegeta couldn't last much longer but the attack wasn't ready yet.
Frieza picked the King up by his throat with his tail and proceeded to use him as a punching bag. Vegeta could do nothing in his own defense. He hacked up blood as he took the pain. Pain had been his old companion since the destruction of his home.
Vegeta's blood was coating his tail as Frieza said to him "You know Vegeta if you beg me right now, I'll make it end sooner."
Vegeta in response spat in his face with a lugie made of blood and spit. In a rage Frieza tightened his grip on with his tail started slamming Vegeta body back and forth onto the rocks. He was bleeding all over and barely able to keep his eyes open.
Frieza then abruptly stop and looked into Vegeta's eyes. "Where is the hopeless end. Why are you so happy? I'm about to pull you limbs off slowly. What is going on?"
"Fuck you. That's want's going on." Said while he looked over to Chi-Chi who had just mouth the words 'it's ready'.
Frieza turned from Vegeta then looked at Chi-Chi and noticed that there was a new sun in the sky being reflected by the water. Frieza was then blasted by Gohan as hard as he could making him lose grip of Vegeta who was then grabbed by Trunks and whisked away.
Frieza screamed out "You arrogant monkeys! Fine then I'll just blow up the planet and insta fix this stupidity." He took to the air and gather the power for his death ball when Chi-Chi could tell it was time.
She pulled it downward as Frieza realized his mistake. He tried to grab hold of it, but he was quickly pushed downward. He quickly hit the dirt and it blew up sending everyone flying. Nearly all of the islands in sight were soon gone after the explosion and Tsunami.
No one was visible. The massive crater started to very slowly began to be filled up with water do it its sheer size. The group soon emerged from the water that they had been submerged in. They were all panting heavily and coughing up water. Trunks was carrying the very wounded and bleeding Vegeta.
Vegeta was moaning in pain as he was placed on the ground. Trunks was looking to see what could be done. Chi-Chi came over and put her hand on Trunks shoulder. Chi-Chi "He's been worse off. Bulma will be able to fix him up."
Vegeta opened his eyes and looked at Trunks and Chi-Chi groaning he asked Trunks "Why did you help me?"
Trunks said with soft eyes "Because it was the right thing to do."
Vegeta sneered at that "That'll get you killed next time."
"Your welcome by the way." Vegeta turned his face but the Chi-Chi came down to him "Now oh King may I ask you what side you're on?"
Vegeta looked at her "You mean between you and Kakarrot."
"Yes, between freedom and him."
"I'm supposed to be lord of my people. Kakarrot is in my way. You will be able to trust me to that point but who knows afterwards."
Chi-Chi sighed at that "Well I guess that'll just have to do for now." She tapped her ear. "Get the ship ready."
Mai said meekly to her "Okay."
"What's going on…"
"Everyone dead it's just me, Bulma and Bill who's critical right now."
"Okay." She said deflated then got up and looked at Nail. "Come with us."
"This is my home the only thing that's left."
"Everyone gone and Kakarrot's coming. You will die in a losing battle by yourself on an empty planet. If you come with us, you could help us continue the fight. What could you do if you stay here? I get it. I had to leave my home twice now. But we can make them pay for taking it and get it back."
Nail closed his eyes and sighed. He looked around to his planet with a peaceful look on his face "Okay I'll…." As he spoke, his chest exploded as purple blood splashed everywhere.
Chi-Chi looked to see on a rock above them was Frieza. He was bloody and bruised but still very much breathing. He looked quite angry. Gohan screamed out in rage seeing Nail's lifeless corpse hit the ground.
"Now I'll kill them before you." He went to kill Trunks. He pointed his finger at him. Both Chi-Chi and Gohan were powerless to stop him. Frieza fired but Vegeta using the last of his strength pulled Trunks down and used his body as a shield. The beam hit his heart.
Vegeta croaked out before going limp "Just live brat."
Trunks asked him "WHY?
Vegeta smiled at him "Because I wanted to brat…" He stopped his heart had exploded. Now his dead body was merely leaning on Trunks.
Frieza then pointed his finger at Gohan but then heard a clapping that stopped him. Behind Chi-Chi landed Kakarrot the source of the clapping.
"Well, well, well what do we have here?"
Chi-Chi looked at him and wanted to puke. The situation had just gotten worse somehow.
Kakarrot grinned at her "Well how have you been honey?" He looked at Gohan. "See that you been busy keeping things from me but don't worry, I won't hold it against you." He looked at Frieza. "Well now Frieza I saw that you were about to destroy some of my property and I just couldn't abide that. Though it was funny to watch you kill Vegeta. I'll be sure to make sure his sacrifice was in vein later but first I must deal with you."
Chi-Chi grabbed Gohan and Trunks quickly then disappeared leaving Kakarrot and Frieza alone on the field of battle.
Meet the new boss next time.
Chapter 62: Meet The New Boss
Chapter Text
Kakarrot whistled to himself and looked around not seeing Chi-Chi or the kids anywhere anymore. He was in his black fighting armor. He seemed rather impressed while Frieza just looked confused.
"Neat she learned a new trick since we last meet. I got to figure out how she does that." He turned to look at Frieza. "Oh well I have bigger fish to fry anyways. So, your Frieza…" He looked him over him. "You know I thought you'd be bigger."
Frieza stared at Kakarrot he knew that voice he was the man from the recording. Frieza also thought he also looked damn familiar. He minded went back to when he destroyed Planet Vegeta and that Saiyan Bardock tried to stand in his way.
Frieza laughed having realized this "I know your face. A monkey that looked just like you tried to stop me from blowing up the monkey farm. You must be his offspring I gather. Tell me monkey was all this just some pathetic bid for revenge? How droll."
Kakarrot shook his head 'no' and was grinning as he said, "Nah. This is just a corrupt bid for power." Frieza eye raised up at this. "My kin were weak and were wiped out because of that. They were dumb and probably had it coming. I'm here, you see simply because you're in the way. I want everything you have so I'm going take it by force. You see this was all a part of a plan. I even got you to waste your time by coming here you see." Frieza looked very confused at this. "You would have never got your wish no matter what you see. She had a much better chance then you did. The Namekians speak Namekian, do you? These people would have died rather than give you your wish. That's why I made sure you knew about this place. As we speak my people are securing all your worlds. The NSE flag stands above the dead body of the PTO. You lost your empire by coming here understand. I'm the new boss, the new hefe. You played the game and you lost it all. Now it's all mine."
Frieza was gritting his teeth in a blind rage practically cracking them. Something told him that he was telling the truth. His best men had all come here and they were now all dead. This monkey had somehow outsmarted him.
Frieza as quickly as he could he raised his finger and fired at Kakarrot. Kakarrot with ease deflected it. Frieza started to rapidly open up on Kakarrot yet only to have his beams all deflected by him. Kakarrot didn't even move from his spot in front of Frieza.
Frieza stopped having realized to futility of this only to hear Kakarrot laughing "Is that all you have Frieza? I figured the Tyrant of the galaxy would have more for me. You're quite a disappointment my dear tyrant especially considering I already have meet someone stronger than you."
Frieza was just spitting with anger "Monkey I'm not even at full power yet!"
Kakarrot nodded and continued to grin "Neither am I… Now I have a question for you. Can you tell me what is pure? What is need?" Confused Frieza didn't respond. "You see I had a hard time with it too for a while. I had to reverse engineer everything I saw in that split second. I saw anger, purity, and need. I saw a moment and giving oneself to that moment. But I had to do that in reverse. So, I ask you is their purity in corruption and want? Well I think I have my answer." The ground began to shake. Lightening flashed near him as a golden aura swirled around him. "You see I'm so corrupt that I'm only corruption and in that way I'm pure. I'm only want, so I'm pure in that sense too. I'm Id, only Id and you have what I need."
The area around Kakarrot seemed to explode in blinding yellow light. His hair had jumped up and now glowed yellow. His eyes had turned a blueish-green. His muscles had only grown larger.
Frieza eyes grew larger. He just couldn't believe what he was seeing before him.
Kakarrot grinned and in a calm voice asked him "Does it hurt to look at me? You been so afraid of this legend Vegeta told me. Well you better get a good look. For what you're seeing before you is your new god. Your end made flesh come before you. I am a Super Saiyan Frieza and you are my first victim. You can power up all you want. It matters not for your already dead."
Frieza took a step back as he froze scared now out of his mind. This was all like a nightmare that he couldn't seem to wake up from. He took off trying to run only to find Kakarrot was blocking him. He was faster than him.
Kakarrot still quite and grinning "It's sad really being brought down this low by a monkey, isn't it? But you have" In a sing-song voice he said. "'nowhere to run to baby and nowhere to hide'. It's all over. I trust you understand?"
Frieza powered up as quickly as he could then he put his right hand forward and fired the hardest blast he could at Kakarrot, putting his all into it. After a minute his arm went numb and he stopped. The dust dissipated, and he saw Kakarrot still floating there without a scratch on him.
Frieza was stunned he was clearly panicking he had no idea of what to do. He stuttered out "I…We can…make a…" He was frozen with fear.
Kakarrot rolled his eyes "A deal?" Frieza nodded his head. "No. I want it all and your head is just too good of a trophy to pass up on."
Frieza shot up into the air. He put his hand gathering all of the energy he could to then tossed it at the planet. That was when Kakarrot seemed to appear before him.
Kakarrot punched him in the stomach and he said "No. No. No. I'm not finished with you yet." He unloaded on him. Each punch seemed to break a bone in Frieza's body. The Tyrant was gasping for air. He was panting and in pain.
Suddenly Kakarrot stopped and Frieza flew backwards. Frieza was broken and crying. Kakarrot enjoying this sight of suffering said "You know it's funny. I wonder how many times you have done this to someone else? A fool would say this is karma but we both know that's bullshit. I mean just look who's beating you to dead. Now go full power before I just end this right now."
Frieza scared obliged the Saiyan. His purple energy began to swirl around him, and he gathered up his strength. The tyrant's muscles grew. His sleek form was becoming bulker. Kakarrot still though looked unimpressed.
It was over in a flash and Frieza charged desperately trying to hurt the Saiyan. The punches did little though. He finally seemed to be able to keep up with Kakarrot but not hurt him. In a final blast Frieza through everything he had at Kakarrot but it did nothing.
Kakarrot merely singed calmly stated "I'm done. This is boring now."
Kakarrot punched him in the face and grabbed him by the tail to spin him around then drove Frieza to the ground. Kakarrot then with glee put his hand into Frieza back and grabbed his spine. Frieza screamed out in pain and attempted to stop Kakarrot but it was too late. He in one smooth motion as if practiced he ripped his spine and taking his head with it. He lifted the head up to look into the dead eyes of the tyrant.
Kakarrot chuckled at this "Alas poor Yorrick I knew you well." Now far more seriously he said. "It's time for the entire galaxy to feel my brand of 'Freedom'.
Frieza Planet One
The doors to Frieza's palace swung open. Kakarrot emerged into the lavish palace riding a pale horse, his officers and children follow behind him. He was wearing his tri-color black, white and red armor. He had on a cape and red colored sunglasses.
It was dark outside, yet the sky was highlighted orange and red with some yellow. Fires were burning everywhere. It would seem the whole of the planet was burning, and it wasn't just this planet on fire. Loudly playing in the background was a song "I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE AND I BRING YOU…FIRE, I take you to burn. Fire, I'll take you to learn. I'll see you burn!"
He looked towards his companions "Well they said I'd be on a pale horse." He dismounted and looked around. He pulled Frieza tarred head out of the stable bag and had the head look around with him. He grinned hard when he saw the stone throne then looked at the various priceless pieces of art around him.
He walked over and knocked a massive ceramic vase over that was from maybe over ten million years old give or take. He seemed to have no reason to break it. He just wanted to see it smash.
Grey mumbled to himself having watched that display 'That would have looked good on my planet.'
Teal was chuckling to himself and said, "We just can't have nice things, can we?"
Kakarrot strolled up and sat down in the PTO throne that he had himself comfortable in as he rested Frieza head on one of the arm rests. He signaled for the others to come on in. They did, and they were all below him.
There was Grand Moff Copper, Moff Black, Moff Green, Moff Violet, Grand Admiral Teal, Grand Admiral Grey, Grand Admiral Silver, now Field Marshal Crixus, Twelve, Crown Prince Romulus, Prince Remus, Princess Livy, Prince Gracchus, little Cyan, Videl and of course Dr. Gero. They were all dressed most formal after all this was a special occasion.
Everyone looked happy but Romulus who looked dead serious and Remus who looked anxious at the proceedings. Cyan, Violet's and Teal's little boy clutched at Livy's hand. Videl was in her little officer's uniform she looked like the perfect soldier.
Kakarrot said to all of them "It's all mine."
"Congratulations are in order my Emperor." Black said with a smile.
"I second that." Copper added.
"They are in order. Thank you. A third class Saiyan warrior, rejected by his own people just took control of the largest empire in the universe. You have all helped me on this road and you all deserve what I owe you. Take what you want from this place the trophies that you have earned. But remember this is only the beginning of our work. We have a galaxy to oppress. We have worlds to rebuild, species to exterminate and ideas to crush. I won't be satisfied until everything in creation has felt our boot at its throat. And I still have King Cold and Cooler to deal with along with a Chi-Chi to find."
"We still haven't gotten word yet from the Galactic King his government or the Patrol."
"Well then maybe I should have a chat with them then later."
Unknown Planet
On a sandy world Chi-Chi was watching a sunset, she was not all that far from the ship. There was tired in her eyes but not defeat as she stared out in the dunes of the planet. The orange and blue on her gi were faded but still vibrate in the orange sunset. She stood there like a rock against the shore battered but not yielding to the waves crashing onto her.
Bill appeared behind her. He had only his fatigues on. His broke arm was in a sling, his head was all bandaged. He came up beside her and looked at the sunset.
"All over the radio the news is coming in. None of its good. The nearby PTO outpost has been taken. Their playing the greatest hits right now, his speech from Risa, his latest speech after he killed Frieza and of course the Imperial March. It would seem his reach has only grown now."
Mai came up beside him and put her hand on his shoulder she was in her old trench coat "It's not all bad. UPA just declared war on him. We're not alone anymore."
To Chi-Chi side came Bulma in her mechanics jumpsuit "I put the boys to sleep. They're still a little shaken up. Trunks is traumatized by Vegeta death. It's all he wants to talk about lately."
"My point is, UPA will just want Gohan for a weapon or be willing to trade him to end the war. Kakarrot only gotten stronger they won't be able to stand against him for long."
Chi-Chi continuing to stare out into the sunset "I'm no match for him. Before we left, I sensed his power. He has found a power I can barely fathom. But if he could do it Gohan could do it. That will be my goal with him. Trunks has also got to learn the Kaio-Ken. The Emperor has armies and power now but that will only increase his hunt for us. It will also probably mean his attention will be in a million places. He will make a mistake. It might not be for a while, but we will take back the Earth."
Bill cringed at the idea of more fighting "Should we even be thinking of that? Wouldn't be more sensible to just find a place to hide? We're out matched."
"We will hide for now, but we will come back. We have to for Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, Launch, Chiaotzu, Nail and Vegeta's sake not to mention all of our friends in the fireteam."
Bill mind immediately went to Hudson. It had been a hard choice, but he would have made it again. They all looked on as the sunset then turned their head as on the other side of the horizon a different sun was rising.
"The sun sets, and it rises no matter what anyone does." They all stood there watching as twilight switched to dawn the desert being highlighted and as it does the cactuses bloom as soft drops of rain being to sprinkle downward in the distance bring life giving water.
Chi-Chi smiled and said, "It's not over yet."
Now onto the newer material.
Chapter 63: Wrong Time, Wrong Place
Chapter Text
(Yellow text in space with loud triumphful orchestra music.)
Out of Time
War rages like a wildfire in the galaxy. Billions are dying and fleeing. Horror prevails over the galaxy!
With Frieza's death the massive PTO (Planet Trade Organization) is dying. It and its allies are being slaughter by its former and by Kakarrot's Gero NSE (New Saiyan Empire).
The Empire is winning victory after victory. It stands unchallenged by the rest of the galaxy. The slaves of the PTO and criminal empires that have long been chained are now being freed. They in newfound freedom are flocking to join the Empire blind to the evil it represents.
Into this chaos has been thrown more gasoline. Kakarrot has managed to get a Democratic alliance of planets led by the Galactic King to declare war on him. That seems destined to bring more conflict to the now war-torn cosmos.
In this the overseers of the universe are powerless in the face of the newly minted Super Saiyan and his legions of loyal soldiers. The only hope that might exist is far too young for the challenge yet.
Dark times seem the destiny of those who live. Billions of refugees are flooding any and all world that seem safe. Because of so much panic, terror and horror gripping the cosmos dark forces have taken notice.
In a realm divided from the rest of the universe, elements seek to take advantage of the situation.
The Demon realm has awakened to a universe that their leaders see potential in. The Supreme Makaioshin interested in this saiyan emperor even now plots to send an emissary to make contact with him. The result of which may make the conflict even worse.
While the ruthless and ethicsless Imperial science bureau led by Dr. Gero and his protégé Dr. Platinum seeks out its goals for the new saiyan race in their mysterious project Prometheus. As Kakarrot seeks out Frieza's father and brother to end the line that has done so much damage.
But a wild card from out of nowhere is about to enter this horror show, oblivious to the unknown history he is about to step into. Perhaps to be claimed by it, like so many others. Or to change the course of history as he intended to do.
Planet Cold One
A bleeding large purple king is kneeing holding his gut as he bleeds from many places. His regal form is in tatters as he has no doubt been kicked around. Around him are bodies of his son's bodyguards the Armored Squadron.
He hears in the losing fight his son is having with that cyborg 13 which acts and sounds like some sort of country bumkin. It adds to the sting of this all. A primitive monkey and his hillbilly army of backwards savages have crushed an empire that have been around for centuries. It was his parent's and his grandparent. Thousands of years of frost demon dominance now overturned by this miserable lowly monkey.
In the background was his palace. It was a massive structure. It is ornately built out of shining marble and gold. It is highlighted by the red-orange glow of burning cities and forests behind it.
Ash grey and black falls to the ground around him softly like snow to his feet. It looks so harmless yet to it touch it stings not unlike cold snow, yet it is fiery embers instead.
"OH, King of Kings do you hear me."
The ancient Tyrant looks up at the monkey that has done so much damage to himself and the Empire he had help maintain. His eyes are immediately drawn to the insult first.
His son Frieza's head coated in tar on a pike sticking out behind the saiyan's back. A look of horror is on that face that is rotting slowly away. The saiyan is glowing that cruel blinding yellow light has turn has turn that jet-black hair golden and standing.
His armor is black, red and white the colors of horror as far as he's concerned. Those green-blue eyes hidden by the rose color sunglasses are nightmarish.
Kakarrot observing that his prey has at the moment has lost touch with reality signals over to 13.
13 has been bashing around the helpless form of the armored alien for a while now. The trucker looking cyborg heils his master. He grabs hold of the alien (Cooler) and tosses it to him.
"For you my Emperor."
With both hands Kakarrot grab hold of the motionless fifth form frost demon.
"Allow me to wake you up King."
Kakarrot tears by the waist Cooler in half spraying gore and blood all over himself and Cold. The warm spray of blood stings his eyes.
But rage does not come it been packed down by fear and loathing.
"Are you awake?"
"Fuck you, you inbred monkey garage."
"Oh, please your mad? How many people have you had killed? You should be happy that I'm giving you the courtesy of a personal execution unlike you might have. You should be smiling this is your last appearance before the cameras."
He pointed at the camera crew that had been filming this spectacle. There too was a young Romulus and a group of his allies and general all watching.
Kakarrot grabbed him by the neck then when he then went into a speech as he began to crush his throat.
"Your kind have been living an endless night. Dark cold and lifeless. You name your people after the winter. Cold and frozen in time. A symbol of an ancient state of affairs that has lasted as long as anyone could remember. But behold me, people of the universe. I'm the light and the god of the new day shining and golden. Dawn has come this morning. The things that have gone bump in the night are no more. The light of dawn reveals these sounds to be not wolves but lap dogs that can easily stomped on. Now watch the light banish this horrible cold night forever. I bring the fiery warm of a burning new day and kill the night."
And with that Kakarrot Gero ripped Cold's head off bring a end to the Frost Demons race.
In a Science Vessel Orbiting A Familiar Enough Star
A bleach blonde hair blue eyed man was watching the monitor and smirked. He was a cold looking man that at a glance gave off the aura of putrid creepiness. He was a smaller man with small beady eyes.
He was wearing a lab coat underneath it is a cream color uniform with black accents. They indicate he's a general in the Empire and a doctor as well.
His chair turns from the large monitor as the monitor changes channel back from the images of Kakarrot victory to that of a different scene of horror.
It shows a series of table where the dead bodies of saiyans are. Visible is the body of Vegeta having been cut open and most of its organs removed. Along with Nappa's, Raditz's and other unknown saiyans.
Before him in single file lines past his table is scientist in either white full body sterile suits or black full body sterile suits.
He spoke in a voice that had calm voice trying to hide the madness that lurked with in it "Our Lord Emperor Kakarrot has just secured our short-term survival in the cosmos. But he is not a very patience man. One war has ended but another has already begun. The grandfather of our Empire demands to know what progress we have made. So, what progress have we made? Dr. Amber?"
His eyes turned towards one of the scientists. The man heiled then began.
"Herr Doctor General. My team have finished our harvesting from the corpses of the Prince, our divine's brother along with General Nappa. Unlike the corpses we collected from the debris of planet Vegeta their DNA was fully intact. But three samples and a multitude of nearly sterilized samples fished from the vacuum does not come close to meeting Project Prometheus's needs. We could make clones of the more intact saiyan but we have nowhere near enough DNA to map the Saiyan genome. It'll take a very long time without more samples to know what each does or what we are looking for."
He gave off a loud hissing noise "I don't want excuses Doctor…" He smashed the table as he yelled. "…I want results!" He adjusted his hair as he sought to regain his composure and the looked at a different scientist. "Dr. Onyx your report."
He heiled "Herr Doctor General. Frieza's cold storage facilities have been a wealth of data. They only had replicated samples which were unusable for us, but the data they have once fully processed will greatly speed up our knowledge. We won't need to do half as much work on the subject. They have already done a great deal of the research for us on the matter."
"Yes, they have. But that doesn't give us any samples." He said in a far more cold fury this time.
He then moved on to the next one. "Colonel Orchid. Do you have anything from the MO to report?"
She heiled then in a far more proud voice then the others spoke "Herr Doctor General. You'll be pleased to know that we have found something that you'll be interested in. Are Xenoarchaeology teams have found something. Prometheus will be able to move forward. I can guarantee you that Sir."
On A Primitive Ancient World
Doctor General Platinum is wiping sweat from off his brow.
Around him is a humid jungle with three suns overhead. There was sounds of many diverse groups of animals from birds of paradise to primates making noise. It was dense place where trees crowded one another for space. The air smelt musky and dank from the humidity along with the smell of rotting vegetation.
Over his bleach blonde hair is an old colonial safari style helmet that might have been worn in the 1800's. It has the handled on a logo on its side.
He is wearing light armor cream colored. He looks a man either out of place or merely a man whose time has come again.
It was blazing hot as he took a step forward over the body of a dead native. Flies are swarming as the body has been lying for a while.
Before him was more corpses of more natives which were on ancient stone steps. The steps led to an ancient temple where upon it was the ancient symbol of saiyan royalty over its entrance. The temple or palace had been overgrown much of it hidden by the jungle.
The stone was a deep brown. It was built of strong rock that might have been on par with metal once upon a time. Now the stone was cracking. The moss and the tree root have weakened it tremendously. The temple was once dominate of the jungle, now it is at nature's nonexistence mercy.
Colonel Orchid in her black shining MO armor walks up beside him.
"Major Umber and his team discover this place. Carbon dating tells us its thousands of years old. Vegeta was still named Plant and Sadala was still around. The natives were rather protective of this place. It was where their gods sleep the translator told us. Some of them you can see have tails and oddly fair skin for a people on planet without poles. It took more than you would expect to slaughter them when they refused to allow us in. They only had pointed sticks and stones, but we lost nine men. They possessed higher than average power levels you understand."
He looked at the temple his cruel eyes bright with anticipation.
"Destiny is approaching Colonel this'll make up for the loss of Yardrat for sure. I have seen the present all wrapped up in its bow, now let's open her up and feel her insides, shall we?"
The massive stone door to the main chamber was pushed down as the dark ancient room was lit up by the flashlights of the soldiers and scientists as they burst into it.
Pictograms covered the walls of the huge room. They were faded by time yet spoke to the beliefs of those that build it.
They showed the gods, the people with tails and their achievements over the years. The pictograms were crude but easy to follow.
At the center of the room was seated mummified figures in their own transparent chamber. It was a dome made with tech that these yokels won't have had.
They had been isolated for all this time and had been preserved by it. There was at least fifteen of them and they were still wearing their ancient saiyan armor.
They looked to Platinum to be waiting in his mind. He walked towards them knelt before them while his eyes focused in on them.
The middle one was higher than the others and dress in a more regal armor. Clearly, he or her (hard to tell right now) had been the leader.
Their skin had turn to leather their eyes long shriveled away. Their mouths were open their teeth showing as their lips had peeled back. Their nails were long their muscles shrunk so that it was easy to see the bones just underneath.
They were disturbing to look upon. They had been ancient despots that were worshiped as gods. The images of their cruel rule was present to see upon on the walls. Their whims satisfied, whether it be of flesh or of blood.
It spoke of this world and its conquest by them. Their Oozaru form laying waste to cities. They loved gold and luxury. They ate lavishly and had libidos to match.
He was in awe of this ancient conquers that had done no doubt so much harm to this world and its people. He felt the need to talk to the equally awed Colonel.
"They were right to worship them Colonel. They must have been truly magnificent in their time. We need to round up the natives and see how they differ from the Emperor's offspring. These titans need to be examined as well. DNA can last for millions of years and they are well preserved. Their last meal is still in their guts I bet. This place must be pulled picked apart and studied. Its secrets uncovered. If there are more, we must find them. Here is where ten thousand years truly begins. Here my friends is where men become gods!"
Back on Cold One
A loud belch echoed in the halls of the palace of Cold. It was so loud that it drowned out all the myriad voices in the great hall. The hall was nearly built to the size of a field of a sports stadium. It had been a place to host a vast assortment of dignitaries and guests.
Right now, it hosted the majority of the military leaders and allies of the NSE.
It held common soldiers, formers slaves, the cream of the Imperial war machine, and Drug lords. It was an odd affair with a mixture of class, cultures and manners. It was all in contrast to which came before.
The pantry of the King had been raided as the finest foods in the galaxy were being served with the strongest and smoothest of spirits.
They were all in an orgy of gluttony. Drinking and eating into excess. Fights were breaking out. Lewd acts were occurring. It was a ruckus affair. A true saiyan feast not seen since Vegeta's destruction.
In this madness stood Romulus without his helmet by his father's command. He stood at attention next to his father's currently vacant chair.
The young boy looked scared watching this very adult scene. He was trying to put on a brave stoic face but was failing horribly.
He was alone all his siblings were left back on Earth, nor was his mother present. He knew most of the moffs, generals and admirals but not more than a little.
He was mad at himself. He was supposed to be the Crown Prince of these men but instead he felt as though he was a child (which he was).
Heard throughout the Palace was a loud burp. That proceed a large door being kicked down and a disheveled Emperor was revealed.
Kakarrot looked very liquored up. His eyes were bloodshot. His palm hair was in place thanks to his saiyan nature, but his armor was only half on. He had drool on his face and on his face was not the wolfish grin of the conqueror but the content smile of a drunken lout.
It was an unnerving sight to his young son. The powerful force that he had known all his life was now off thanks to the booze.
Romulus had always feared him. He had never shown any cruelty to him or any unkind words, but there was always something unknowable about his father.
Romulus had seen him rip apart men with his teeth. His smiles could mean anything. You just never knew were you stood. He had showed a power greater than anything else in the universe and Romulus didn't really know him, he was just an unknown.
He had just come from a room where he guessed that he had made more wives as his father explain once to him. Which probably mean more brothers and sisters were on the way.
Kakarrot was unbalanced. He was being helped it would seem a using one of new wives as the two came over to his seat at the head of the table.
She had been one of Cold's house slaves. She was humanoid but clearly not remotely related to mankind. She had sapphire blue skin. Hair that was red and orange like flame. Her eyes had luminescent yellow glow to them. She had two pupils per her two eyes.
She was a foot taller than Kakarrot. Her legs were slender and built for speed. She appeared to have hoofs instead of feet.
The two came in and he took his seat as they sucked face. She appeared to two a have a split tongue. That she used to encircle his.
Now whether or not any of her features were natural or modifications that were forced on her otherwise, it was hard to say.
He broke off from her and then he turned to his men and gave off a bloodcurdling roar. Most of those in the room join in with him. They became a choirs of war cries that drenched the vaulted ceiling and long halls of this palace with their presence. Much like thunder though its sound ended as quickly as it started but it echoed in the distance.
In a growl he barked out "Are you enjoying yourselves my brothers!"
They roared back in the affirmative.
Now he said with a more drunken edge due to him lowering his voice but still he was the orator he always seemed to be "Good… because any man…that… that shed his blood with… oh wait… I forgot how the rest went. Well point is ya'll my brothers now. I don't remember having those so good for all of you. You all here, helped me slaughter and pillage my way to this point. Ya'll liberated the galaxy from these fuck's and you're going to help me crush some more saps too. But for now, the day is ours and as such I want you to celebrate. I wanted you drinking, whoring and puking. I want to paint this place white, red and green with precious body fluids. If you need to piss do it on the floor or on their family paintings. Now let's get this orgy really started! You beautiful fucks!"
At his last roar the non-Imperial elites went into a frenzy at began to smash windows and tear the place apart minus the dining area. The female slaves of which had not been used by Kakarrot were released into the room.
Romulus knees began to shake a bit as he saw so many things begin to happen that he knew he shouldn't be seeing.
He turned his head away from the horror show only to hear a hissing noise from his father. He looked up at his father who was glaring at him.
"Are you crying?" He asked with distain in his voice that seemed to chase away the drunkenness.
Romulus froze, he realized that he was indeed crying. Burning hot tears were streaming down from his eyes on to his cheeks then falling off his chin out of fear and confusion.
"Why are you crying boy? What are you a woman or a fag…" He looked at Moff Grey who was not far from them. "I mean 'degenerate'. I suppose I invented newspeak I should probably use it." He pulled the former slave girl by the arm to go in front of him and towards Romulus.
"Yo chick show my boy a good time. Hate for him to turn out wrong. Let's set him 'straight'. Suck him off."
Romulus's body and mind were like ice. He was just frozen in fear. He had no idea off what to do at all as her hands began to paw at his armor. Soon his pants were off, and he watched her mouth open.
It had become the scariest thing in the universe. It was a dark blue and red cavern moist and wet with that snake like tongue of hers. That tongue, that odd inhuman thing was twirling around threatening to eat him.
He wanted to run and was begging his legs to move but they wouldn't. They wouldn't budge they would only shake with fear right now.
Her hands were about to remove his underwear as her mouth came closer. Romulus felt as though he was going to die. His heart was beating so fast that he thought it was about to explode.
Now he just wanted to melt or just explode anything that would get him out of this situation.
Grey who had been sitting next to the unconscious passed out Teal cleared his throat loudly. The teetotaler had been watching this scene and had decided that he had seen enough.
"My Lord Emperor? Do you really want your son's under twelve-year-old son's chastity defiled by such an inferior subhuman whore? You have decreed that such unions yourself are abominations yourself. The purity of the master race must be preserved. We must not mingle with impure blood. Now don't you agree."
Somehow these words clearly got to him. The drunken fiend took a mere second then grabbed hold of the woman then pulled her away from his son.
"Well when your right, your right."
He with no effort whatsoever then snapped her neck like it was a twig killing her instantly. He allowed her body to limply fall onto the ground but not before it smacked the table on its way down. Her blood from her then cracked skull painting the surface of it. She hit the floor with a thud as crimson streamed from her wound leaving her head in a puddle of blood.
He chuckled at the sight "If I can't have it why should it exist? I guess I go kill the others too. Be right back."
Kakarrot got to his feet a bit wobbly but preceded to head to where the others soon to be victims were.
Romulus felt like collapsing he was breathed now. He hadn't for a while, and it was like he had never had air before. He felt a warm trickle flowing down his legs. He looked down his legs to see that he had wet himself while snot came pouring out of his nose.
Grey approached him having left his seat to attend to the Prince.
"How unfortunate my Prince. It would seem that the night has worn on you. Her salvia must have gotten all over you and given you a cold as well as an allergic reaction. After all you can't have wet yourself or be crying. That is what happen remember." He yelled out to an attendee to take care of him.
Romulus in a weak voice attempted to say "T—h—ank y…"
"No need my Prince. You are the future of the Empire. Your father simply forgot himself with all of that rot gut in him. I remember when my father would do similar things or just beat me. He tried to make me a 'man' as he put it. Like he was one poor drunken lout he was. Never held a job for more than a day. I didn't have shoes until I was twelve nor had a full belly."
His voice had started out so strong, but he had begun to trail off as the nature of room seemed to occur to him.
Romulus was carried away by the attendants as bloodcurdling screams could be heard in the distance that were soon drowned out by the other lustful and horrid noises of the palace as the night seemed as day with the fires of the burning planet continued outside. Burning away everything it touched.
Earth
In a sunny forest a bolt of lightning appeared out of nowhere. It signaled the opening of a hole that came from outside the rules of time and space. Out of that void appeared a ship of sort a vessel of an odd shape. An aircraft engine with lander's and with a dome as its head.
The hole closed and the ship touched down onto the ground. It was yellow ship with a Capsule corp logo and number one sign on it. But most important of all the word in big black letters "HOPE!" was written on it.
It was something not from this universe and not from this time.
The glass top opened up and the figure flew out.
It was a young man with blue hair cut into a bowl shape. He had blue eyes that spoke of the things he'd seen hard but still so young. He had on grey pants a short cut jacket with the Capsule corp logo and a black tank top.
On his back was a broad sword like a knight would have. He had royal features about his face to him. He was a built man only partial trained mostly self-taught.
In his hand was a vial of some sort of medicine that he was intending to give to a man that didn't exist here sort of.
His mouth when wide as he looked to see factories and cities that weren't supposed to be here. A breeze seemed to whisper to him. He was a man out of time and out of place here.
He blinked as he puzzled over the sight of a star destroyer in the high atmosphere overhead.
He had come to the wrong time and the wrong place but perhaps he might be right man for the job ahead.
Well that changes things now doesn't it. I decided to bring him here. I don't think he'll be pleased with this world anymore then his future. Now this was dark, but I figure you expect that from me. This new saga will change the ending as well as a ton of other things.
Chapter 64: Out Of The Frying Pan Into The Fire
Chapter Text
Trunk's mouth was ajar while he was looking at the massive spaceship overhead. Confusion gripped his face as he tried to put together this situation. It wasn't Cold's ship as his mother describe it. Cold ship was smaller after all and a round saucer.
Now below it was some sort of massive industrial factory. That of course made no sense either. This was supposed to be an empty forest miles and miles away from any city.
He looked at his GPS track that was supposed to tell him where and when he was, but it wasn't getting any sort of signal.
"It should be pick up Grampa's satellites. What is going on here? I don't sense any massive power levels. Frieza and his father should be here. Nor do I sense father or anyone… wait… is that Gohan? But there's more than one Gohan here?"
He looked simply vexed unsure of how to proceed. He sighed "Something must have gone wrong with the machine. But if I were in the future wouldn't humanity be extinct? No, I'm sensing billions of people. No matter I've still got to find Goku and save my people."
He flew over to the industrial park. It was a dark grey place spewing black clouds into the air. He could hear no birds nor see any green grass. This place must have been making pollutants that killed both equally.
It was an eerie experience to be sure for the half-saiyan. His Earth had only ruins or nature to it. The wildlife has been advancing since the population was mostly gone. This was alien place to him. He could see that there was a city not in ruins and overflowing with people in the distance. That was another alien sight to him.
He landed inside the perimeter fence not noticing the sign behind him that said 'Will shoot unauthorized personal. Joint operation of Dept of Imperial Interior Industry, the Moral Order and Imperial Navy.'
It was the biggest building Trunks had ever seen intact. It was larger than an aircraft hangar he had once saw.
Inside he heard a ton of noise the loud factory was buzzing with activity. A cities worth of people were in it working.
"I know I shouldn't be interacting with anyone, but I need to get a better picture of what's going on."
He stopped the moment he heard a machinal noise occurring closer to him. What he thought was some sort of metal boulder began to move.
Limbs emerged from it. Both of the more arm like appendages had visible weapons present on them. One looked like a gatling gun the other a missile launcher.
He could see glowing red dots at the center that must have been its eyes.
It was a combination of a 50's robot and a more modern device. It rolled on wheels towards him.
In a cold loud robotic voice, it spoke "Attention citizen! You are in a restricted area. In the name of Imperial security and our glorious Emperor, you are under arrest. If you attempt to resist. You will be terminated with extreme prejudice. Resistance is futile!"
"I'm… what?" Not wanting trouble Trunks then put up his hands as the machine came to him.
"Stand still citizen. While I confirm your identity."
A bright red triangular light scanned him up and down. The light stopped as it seemed to absorb all of the information it could.
"Collating…Error in processing. No identity confirmed. Non-human DNA detected. Determination… enemy agent. Response…" It then loudly shrieked out "Exterminate! Exterminate!"
It pointed its laser gatling at him. But before it could fire Trunks had unsheathed his sword and with ease sliced through the bot's arm.
It shrieked one last time "Exterminate!" Before he sliced the bot in half.
It fell into pieces at his feet as he stood over it. "Powerfuler machines then you tried buddy."
Suddenly a loud siren erupted from the building. He could hear that he had stirred up the hornet's nest. He put his sword back in its sheath and put his hands back up as he could see figures emerging from the factory.
He yelled out to them as they were coming towards him "I'm sorry I broke you bot, but it was trying to kill me, so I had to defend myself!"
Now he noticed the figures approaching him. They were human but underneath white armor. They looked like something out of a sci-fi book he had managed to find read. Following along with them was more of those kill bots like the one he had just sliced up.
A booming voice shouted at him "Keep those hands up! Don't move!" They quickly surrounded him.
"Look I said I'm sorry. I don't want to start trouble. Now I'm kind of lost. I was kind of wondering, where am I? What year is it? And if you know where is Son Goku please?"
"Shut it terrorist! I'll be asking the questions around here!" Shouted as a different soldier scanned him again.
"Sarge he doesn't have a blaster and scanner doesn't detect any bombs."
"Yeah its weird."
"The HUD says he's at five."
"He's obviously hiding his true power. He just sliced up a kill bot like it was paper."
"Wait a second. The scanner says something else… That can't be right!"
"What?"
"Says here that its half-human half-saiyan!"
The tone seemed to change as if all the armor soldier were now afraid of him.
"That's not one of the Emperor children!"
"No, it isn't. But its saiyan alright."
"Detain him! The MO will figure this out later I'm sure after a few 'enhanced interrogations.'"
Trunks felt a chill go down his back. He didn't like the sound of that 'enhanced interrogation'. He got into stance. The soldiers backed away with only the sergeant holding his ground.
The sarge seemed ready to bark an order when there was an explosion in the factory. Trunks could hear screaming and a fire fight going on.
Not long after men and women in orange jumpsuits seem to be pouring out of the factory.
The soldier looked back towards the explosion and the sarge barked out "A distraction!"
Trunks rushed forward while they were distracted. He jumped over the sarge landed then sliced apart one of the bots.
The sarge screamed out "Open fire!"
Trunks with ease was dodging the blasts as he rushed towards the sound of the other battle going on. He rushed in and he nearly slammed into a stormtrooper who had been picking up his blast and getting to his feet.
Trunks punched him softly because he was afraid of killing the man, but it did nothing thanks to the armor.
Trunks pulled back his hand as the soldier made sure nothing had happened. Trunks shrugged then punch him again which sent the soldier flying backwards screaming.
Trunks continued into the factory to see dead troopers and some civilian looking people. He looked to see by some stairs to see only two survivors.
One man the ground having been shot and a one woman shooting one handed back at soldiers and bots. She was simply doomed without his help.
On instinct he jumped in front of her and began deflecting the blasts. He with ease knocked them always. He then individually sorts of toss his energy at them without firing a blast making it look like the wind knocking them all way.
He turned around then held his hand out to the Resistance fighter. "Um come with me if you want to live."
Without missing a beat, she grabbed his hand as he picked up the unconscious man.
At speed he flew out of the hole of the burning building holding on to both of them.
She said with panic in voice "We have to get away before the bomb goes off."
He sped up. But soon after a massive explosion lit up behind him destroying the entire factory.
He stopped in midair to look at the familiar sight of things exploding.
He looked at the woman he had just saved. He just realized she was very young maybe seventeen years old. She was dirty and not just from the fighting. Just looking at her was him of the world he just came from.
She had dimmed brown eyes with blonde hair with ash and dirt in it. She was thin like she wasn't eating enough. Her clothes were a mix of armor and patched worked material like it was all piece meal. It screamed to him of the hell he had just left in so many ways.
"Okay I have some questions for you."
"So, do I but there going to have to wait." She pointed. "They're coming."
He looked to see a bunch of those soldiers fly into the air after them.
"So they are. Well then until I know what's going on, I better just run."
The three took off as the empire attempted to follow.
A short time later at the ruins of the factory
The sergeant from earlier was standing straight up heiling as a raging fire when on in the background. He was sweating bullets but not because of the heat but because of the three officers in front of him.
One was a minister of industry. He was dressed not unlike a businessman and he had on glasses. He had a tailored suit on with a pin that had on it the handled trident. He was the least intimidating as it was clear he was just a glorified accountant. He unlike the other two was both aggravated and very visibly nervous.
Next to him was a Navy officer in his grey uniform. He looked the typical officer with not all that much interesting about him. The sharp cold looking man had his hands on his waist. His dour look made it clear he wasn't amused by any of this.
Lastly was the MO officer. He was of course in his all black uniform with the laughing skull on his officers cap. His fury was silent but his gaze cutting.
The man was sure he was about to die.
The MO officer spoke with that cold fury behind his voice "So, that is all you have to say soldier?"
"Milord I assure you. I did…"
He was interruption "Silence. I've heard enough. You are to report to be reeducation and you're a private now. Leave us!"
The navy officer spoke as soon as he was gone "Hogwash. Only the Emperor's children have saiyan blood in them."
"Do not be so sure. My comrades tell me that there might be others of the blood in existence. But those would be without human blood."
The accountant chimed in "Who cares about any that! A multi-billion-dollar faculty was just blown up that made parts for nearly all departments. Hell, even the science bureau had things made here for their special projects."
"Yes, that was probably their real target. Some data from the bureau's projects would have been here."
A new far colder alien but still human sounding voice chimed in from out of nowhere "Yes it would seem the insects may have gotten a glimpse at projects Cell and Prometheus. But I image no more than a glimpse."
The three looked at the black robed cultist looking figure that had appeared next to them. His face up to his eyes was covered in black cloth. They could not see his feet nor his hand. All of his limbs were covered by his robes.
His eyes and top part of his face were the only things not covered. His face looked frozen without blood or life and his eyes a looked deathly eerie cold pale blue. His presence seemed to make the air here cold despite the raging inferno nearby.
He gave the impression in a second that death itself might be radiating from him.
The accountant and navy man seemed a bit confused at this figure from out of nightmare while the MO man bowed.
"You honor us with your order's presence. How may I assist you?"
"I'm not sure you can but I want you to summon your Emperor back to this planet. He will be need."
"Is it that serious?"
"My master felt the divide between the realities weaken and a hole formed for a time. Something from elsewhere in space and time came through. This mystery boy must have been the one who caused it. My demon lord as overseer of this planet saw it. That is all you need know and no more than that."
"I hear and obey." The navy man and accountant had turned to look at the MO officer say this but turned back to see the oculist was gone.
The navy man his mouth a bit ajar "Who or what was that?"
"A servant of an ally. His nature is of no concern of yours. Needless to say, that he wasn't of natural means. I must alert all commands. Perhaps the children could entertain this traveler until the Emperor arrives to put an end to him."
In a camp not all that far away later
In front of a crowd on of mostly young children was a MO officer. He was on a stage that was in an open field.
He was a tall muscular man with emerald green eyes. His skin was a pale color with the freckles. His black uniform and pin suggested his high rank.
The children were in tan uniforms and they all had stars in their eyes. These children were in gear complete with rifles. In the front row was some more familiar faces, Videl and her best friends.
Behind him was more children seated but these were in their royal armor. It was Remus, Livy and Gracchus here to help inspire this group of Kakarrot youth.
The MO colonel spoke in his very much plain sounding voice "Children of the Empire. This last week spent with you has proven to me your devotion to the emperor, the party and humanity. Without hesitation you all willingly strapped bombs to yourself knowing that if you pressed the button you might very well die. You all pressed that button to find it was merely a test. But your actions proved your fate and covenant to him and the party. If ever we were to be invaded, I know now for sure that you'd all do your duty and give your lives for the greater good. You learned to live off the land and fight with outdated weapons. You are all exemplary examples of the future of the party and mankind. You kill without mercy and you die without complaint. You are all now worthy of life and membership. But now remember children you died in that moment earlier. You in effect are in a new life, now shed of your egos. You now live for the Emperor and the party. So, now to betray them is to betray life itself. You all died but thanks to your Emperor and the party you live again."
He heiled them. "Repeat with me sons and daughters of the Empire." The children hands went up and they repeated exactly what he said. "I pledge allegiance to Emperor Kakarrot Terran Gero. I pledge my life to the Kakarrot Ribbon Party. I pledge to die in boths defense if the need should arise. I pledge to kill boths enemies without question as I'm a killer and I live to fight for him." They all had repeated it like the brainwashed little zombie that they were.
He lowered his hand "Congratulations! You're all now true party members and you're all now dismissed for the day."
The children cheered as they began to talk amongst themselves as the Colonel when over to the Royals.
Livy scoffed as he bowed to them "So, these are my future servants? Did you see them fight earlier? Only cousin Videl was worth anything to us."
Remus hissed out clearly annoyed with his sister "Their dad's and one day Romulus's. Not yours."
She cackled "Shows what you know brother." Then her face turned to disgust. "Father says I'm to marry our weakling of a brother instead my beloved little cousin Teal."
"But Cyan's weaker than Romulus. You treat him like he's another one of your stupid dolls."
The colonel interrupted to say "A thousand apologies my princes and princess. I wish to not interrupt but an urgent message has come through for you. An unknown human-saiyan hybrid has helped terrorists attack a factory. Your lord father wishes for you to find and dispense with this troublesome pest."
Livy grinned a wolfish grin not unlike her father's "Sounds like fun."
Deep in the woods
Twilight was falling at the spot where Trunks had landed. It was quiet in the spot they landed minus the sounds of the nearby bubbling creek flowing with clear blue water.
Trunks was looking around as the woman was comforting the man on the ground. She felt his pulse as the bright oranges and dark purples highlighted her.
She sighed and folded his arms together and then saluted him. Her eyes bone dry. It was clear she was sad, but it was if she had no tears left to shed.
Trunks asked while still looking for possible imperial followers "A friend?"
She nodded and even though he hadn't seen her he already knew her answer.
"I know the feeling lost all but one of my friends." He thought to himself I hope Mai is doing alright. "You stop crying at a certain point. Hell, I hate getting to know people at this point. It means you might get invested."
She nodded at his words "I keep telling myself they died for a reason but the more it happens the less I can say it without gaging."
To that Trunks nodded but thinking about the time machine with his mother's words on it. He looked at her dead in the eyes "Thoughts like those are cancer. They will have die for a reason, and you'll make sure of it… Now I said I have questions?"
"Go ahead."
"What's the year?"
"It's the same as you said earlier. Same year, month and day. And this is indeed Earth. Now who are you?"
"I'm Trunks and I'm not from this time or universe I guess. You see I know a vastly different history I'm sure then you do. I'm from a world were two killer cyborgs arised. They destroyed cities and hunt humans daily. My people are nearly extinct. I came here looking for a way to fight them starting with giving vaccine to a man named Son Goku. But none of what I've seen suggest any of the history I know is correct here."
"I know no Son Goku. I know only the Emperor he's a saiyan named Kakarrot. He came to destroy us but instead he rules us. He overthrew the world's government and took us into the stars. His minions steal children from their parents who aren't loyal enough to raise them as his mindless stormtroopers. Mine refused to give me up and managed to hide me but they were killed for it. Now ever since then I've been a rebel fighting them."
"Maybe if I help your people stop this Kakarrot. Your people can help he beat the cyborgs."
"Sure, but how come you have those powers? Only the saiyans and certain humans I've heard of have those powers without power armor."
He looked away from her "Well this might sour you on me but I'm in fact a Saiyan myself."
Faster than lightning she had grabbed hold of her blaster and was now pointing it at him. It was no great surprise to him considering the circumstances.
He looked at her and he raised his hands. Her eyes were filled with betrayal, hate and distain. There was no fear present in her at all from what he could see despite her knowing who powerful he might be.
"I figured that might be your reaction to that."
"Shut the hell up! You're an inquisitor hunting! All you wanted to do was find our base and kill all of us!"
"I never asked where you base was. Instead I told you I had saiyan blood in me first. I've not been deceiving you. I'm here to help but if you don't want it, I'll leave. I get it. My reaction would be the same in this circumstance. But understand my mother is human and I've fought my entire life to defend people who are human. I can tell your conflicted you would have shot first otherwise. That means you do have some trust in you. Now I'm not going to lie. Trusting me is a big risk but if you're not willing to take either just shoot me or tell me to piss off. But if you are willing to take a risk then let me assure you, I'm here to help all of you I swear it."
There was a big pause as she stared at him. Conflict had entered her eyes as it was clear she had no real idea what to do. She was looking deep into his eyes looking for deceit but finding none.
She gave an exasperated hiss and lowered her blaster. She deflatedly said "I may have just killed us all. You better not be what I think you are!"
"I plan to show you I'm not."
Review and comments please I hate getting nothing from you all. Thanks
Chapter 65: Knows Nothing
Chapter Text
The emperor sunk his head into his hand. There was a look of pained irritation on his face last night was not being kind to him today. His eyes were bloodshot, and his head was pounding. The master of the NSE the self-proclaimed god of war was hungover right.
He sat on his seat at the head of a large board room on the head of his newest flagship the Liberator. Before him was the high command of his Empire, his moffs, minister, admirals and generals etc. Next to him was his son with his mask on attempting to look taller and tougher than he was.
Moff Grey rose from his seat at the table heiled quickly followed by the others "My Emperor your wish has been made clear. Your children have been made to go after this unknown threat."
They all sat back down in their seats.
Kakarrot groan as his head only hurt more to speak "Very well. Now I'll be adjourning to my chamber of the rest of the trip." Kakarrot during this was slowly getting out of his chair but stopped when Grand Moff Copper rose and heiled before saying.
"Sorry my Lord but we have much to discuss right now."
Grey and Copper both took their seat as Kakarrot huffed and laid back into his chair.
"Go on."
"My lord we must discuss our manpower and supply issues."
A general spoke up "We have plenty of men nearly a billion."
Grey replied to him "A billion in a galaxy of well over 50 billion."
Copper nodded "Precisely. My protégé tell me that the process of adding new soldiers from the liberated people is going at below expectations. These people worked fields not power armor and they're backwards and slow. It will take far longer than expected to mobilize them into an effective fighting force even though their enthusiasm is apparent."
Green gave a chuckle "Who care there was a reason why they were slaves in first place. These ignorant naked savages were not smart enough to rule themselves that's why we have to do it for them. The moment a real fight happens I'm sure they'll run."
Prime Minster Black with a huff said back "They fought well enough against their master and thanks to them we suffered minimal casualties. We projected losing tens of millions possible hundred million instead we only lost a couple million. They lost billions."
An admiral pipped up "A good thing too."
Grey nodded in agreement "I'm inclined to agree. We're in a terrible position. The people and planets we've gain controlled of are shattered, divided and starving. Cash crops were the only thing made on most of these worlds' food was simply imported. We have billions of subjects that will soon starve. The infrastructure of these worlds was terrible before and now it is utterly destroyed. Ancient ethic and religious conflicts have resurfaced due to the lack of chains. One planet's occupation consists of one platoon and an ambassador with his family. Put simply we need to change our direction."
Kakarrot hissed out figuring were this was going. "What do you suggest?"
"We need to hold off our attack on the Alliance as we are spread dangerously thin. We must focus on holding what we have secure it then move on to further conquest."
An admiral suggested to them "We could use what we have to take what we need from elsewhere."
A well-dressed man with the slick back black hair who looked out of place suit in this gathering of military men spoke up. There was a lit cigarette in his mouth that barely moved as his smooth words came out of his mouth. He had a accent that he was trying to hide but it came out on certain words.
"I suggest boss man another strategy. Yeah, your navy could steal from our enemies, but shouldn't we be buying from our allies too? Thanks to your wisdom we have contacts now I think we should use. We've given them a taste of what Earth has for drugs and they want more. Grani, Basa, Obsid cartels etc want our Cocaine, Heroin and Meth. We can't produce the shit fast enough. If I was to get more facilities and more funding, I would easy make ten times that number for starters and more once we get things moving. We'll have more money hefe than we'll know what to do with. The kind of money that makes it so that we can start really investing and start lines or credit I'm sure the money men will be happy with that. We can turn all those things we've stolen and make it legit."
An admiral scoffed "Neon you want us to be Narcos? Have you done to much of your shit to know who the in the hell we are?"
Neon hissed and bit down on his cigarette his cowboy boots stomped on the floor "I know who we are damn it… we are bandits. And at this moment we are starving bandits with no one to dump our merchandise on. We gave our friends a taste of what we got now their hooked so it's time to sell so we can keep this game going. You trusted me with your black market resources now let me show you what I can do."
Kakarrot gave a quick glance at Grey who nodded at Kakarrot in agreement with Neon.
Kakarrot roared at them "Fine! Whatever. I suppose this is the price of success. Steal or buy what you need to fix this. I don't want my new toys killing each other or starving." He jumped to his feet his anger was apparent. "I leave the details to you gentlemen. Now if you excuse me, I have hangover to nurse."
He stormed out of the room followed by dutiful son meanwhile the officers spoke amongst one another.
An admiral from earlier gripped to another one "So we are merely drug traffickers now?"
"This is an insult. Perhaps Neon and his cohorts should be dealt with?"
Neon strolled up to them with his loud boots. He had on blank face. It was no doubt hiding rage behind it. He blew smoke at them as they turned to face him. He dropped his used-up cigarette on the floor then ground it into the floor.
"Perhaps gentlemen you shouldn't be talking about killing me with such loud words after all I have a great deal more friends in this room then you do." As he said this Teal in his MO uniform appeared behind him. "As you see I have made some very powerful friends in our glorious party."
"Your just a up jumped street thug remember that."
"For your information I was a cop before I was a bandit and before that I was a street urchin. But remember this I'm running the largest cartel in the history of history. And that you should be very nice to me from now on. Our emperor likes me and needs me. Does he need you two?" He patted them on the shoulders and gave them a big fake smile. "I'll be watching you two."
Back on Earth
The twilight had come as Trunks and the young resistance fighter finished digging the dead his admittedly shallow grave. Neither of them had talked to each other during this process.
Trunks had concluded that this meant she either wasn't one hundred percent convinced of his intentions or merely still feeling betrayed or something.
The last bit of dirt covered him, and she sort of mumbled a prayer. He gave it a minute then spoke to her.
"What was his name?"
She didn't look at him. "George… I still don't know what I'm going to tell his husband."
"That he died bravely. Tell him that he was a hero."
"Hero… That word has no meaning anymore. The empire and us are filled with hero. Empire has the live ones and we get the dead heroes. I've seen too goddamn many dead heroes at this point."
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen but I started earlier."
"I started at hell thirteen."
She nodded that sound about right to her.
"May I ask your name?"
"Betsy Ross."
"Oh, we're giving full names huh well mines Trunks…" Trunks stopped mid-sentence as he looked up. He murmured 'Gohan' before he said to her "Hide three power levels are coming right at us."
Without skipping a beat, she took of the find cover and ready herself for battle like the trained fighter that she was.
The wind picked up a bit as the three royals appeared above him followed afterwards by their entourages.
In the lead was Livy. The young girl's blue cold eyes on him gave him pause. 'Those eyes they are like their eyes. The eyes of a mass murder.
He looked at the other two. The much younger red headed boy with yellow eyes didn't look like much.
But it was the oldest that had his attention. He looked like some pictures of a younger Gohan and he had palm shaped hair like Goku had in those same photos. He looked far less sure then the other two.
As he was looking, he noticed it. They all had tails. It was like what he had sensed they were all saiyans too.
Livy gave a chuckle as she had been examining him. "So, this is the insect that daddy wants us to squash. For a supposed saiyan he doesn't even have a tail. I guess that makes him mutilated or a cripple. I mean that means you can't even do that trick that daddy showed us with the moon does it?"
Trunks looked at the mean little girl puzzled he had no idea about what she was talking about while Betsy eyes had grown wide realizing what she was talking about after all everyone knows how Central city was leveled and became Kakarrot's city.
"I'm not looking to start trouble with you kids alright. I think I have big problem with your dad and this Empire of his, but it doesn't have to include you."
"Well now isn't that cute. You don't have a problem with us. You blow up one of my daddy's things and are standing on his planet. I think that means that we have a problem."
"Consider that there were people before he showed up and plenty still on it, I would question his ownership. This is everyone's planet not his."
"It's his by right of conquest."
"So, he stole it and that gives him right to it."
"Might makes right."
Trunks gave her big fake smile then chuckled at her "Oh boy you are just a miserable piece of work aren't you. A pint-sized little tyrant in training. Well fine if you want to so badly come at me. But I promise you won't enjoy the results."
Livy's face turned to from amused to murder on a dime she was ready to charge Trunks when Remus spoke up.
"Sis don't charge him! Don't you notice how he's not scared and how he's clearly hiding his true power level!"
"Shut the hell up coward! You tremble like you're a kakarrotdamned little girl. I'm the only one of us that has any balls. I should be dad's choice to rule and I fucking bet that if I had a cock, I would fucking be his choice too."
And with that she charged Trunks with reckless abandoned powered by rage. He easily knocked her aside one handed sending her to the ground with a loud thud.
"You know if your too blind with rage to see straight your punches aren't going to hit and anyone could easily direct you since you're not in control."
She screamed as she hit the ground with her fist. It was blatantly obvious she wasn't listening to his advice as she was too blinded by anger.
She snarled out like she was a wild animal and as she attacked again saying "I'm Princess Livy Gero of the New Saiyan Empire, daughter of Emperor Kakarrot Terran Gero! I will crush your bones and rip out your guts!"
She attacked again only to be easily once again knocked aside by Trunk who know looked far more confused than before as he muttered out 'Gero?'
Trunks looked down at her and asked her "Gero? What did you mean? Is your last name Gero?"
On the ground not facing him she chuckled as he stood over her. She as fast as she could turned around and tossed a clump of dirt and sand at his face.
Trunks gave a yelp as the sand hit his eyes blinding him. She got up then kick him in the crotch as hard as she possibly could. She then jumped up and punched him in the gut to make him go flying.
She raised her hands above her face as yelled out "Masenko HA!"
She fired at him with her yellow beam that hit him midair and resulted in a massive explosion that sent Betsy flying from her spot.
Remus glared at her as the helpers began to clap for as she looked all too please with her.
Remus said to himself "That was dirty."
Not hearing him but guessing what he had said she look at him "All is permitted in war. Morality is for the sheep brother. Dad says it all the time. All that really matters is that we win, fuck playing fair. By virtue of our birth we weren't playing fair. We're just naturally better."
Trunks voice piped up from the clearing smoking "Is that so?"
The smoke clear Trunks had a ribbon of blood coming from his mouth that wiped out with the cuff of his jacket. He looked unharmed and basically undamaged from the attack.
"Naturally superior you say. Well then, I can give you a counterpoint. My name is Trunks Briefs son of Bulma Briefs a brilliant science and my father was Prince Vegeta last an ancient royal saiyan bloodline. So, I guess I'm Trunks Briefs Prince of all Saiyans. And I guess that means you've met your match."
Remus and Betsy eyes went wide as only they seemed to realize that the young man was telling the truth.
Livy had been shocked to see him still alive but at his words she laughed. "Are you saying your that short asshole's little bastard? The one that daddy wanted to murder that called me a half-breed little bitch. That moron that got himself killed." To that Trunks twitched a bit. "He never had kids and certain not with that rebel whore. Your lying. Your just some bastard of uncle Raditz or maybe Nappa. Neither should you be very proud of."
Trunks now spoke with more ice in his voice at her comments "I told you who my parents are. If you don't believe me, I'll just have to show you."
Trunks appeared before her and with a chop sent her to the ground yet again.
"You should be glad I'm not willing to take this any further." He looked up at Remus. "How about you?"
Gracchus enraged at begin ignored and what had happened to his sister he tried to charge Trunks but was easily knocked away by Trunks's energy. Thus, leaving Trunks and Remus to talk as the helpers went to the aid of Livy and Gracchus.
"I read the other two easily enough, but you seem a little more complicated. I know doubt when I see it. I've had that look on my face for most of life."
"I don't understand how your Vegeta kid. You're not lying but your nothing like him. He was cruel. I thought all of us were cruel. The others were too."
"My master the only saiyan I ever knew wasn't cruel. And you don't look like much of cruel monster like your siblings."
"I should be."
"You don't look to sure about that."
"Father is extreme, but I've seen the slaves he's freed. My big brother loves him. I couldn't stand to lose either of them. My sister I don't think either. If I talk to them sometimes, they listen, and they do less horrible things."
"I guess we both had a rough childhood. You're not response for their actions just your actions and by the sounds of if you're not a big fan of theirs. So, I have to ask you, are you okay with all of this? Because I'm getting the feeling you're not."
Remus had a vexed look on his face. His eyebrows were up high as he searched for a response to this other Prince. A silence gripped the scene only to be interrupted by a loud cackle emerging from Livy. She was grinning maniacally at them.
"Oh, brother you are so fucking easy. If you're not crying on Romulus's shoulder, you're questioning things." In a swift motion she swatted away her attendants like they were insects. She got to her feet having been revived by her suit earlier. "Let me ask you this brother? Would 'big' brother Romulus ever forgive you if you joined this half-wit? Our beloved father has killed brave men, cowards, revolutionaries, tyrants, rich men, poor men, he's killed the pure and the corrupt. He has killed absolute anyone that stood in his way. And this boy can't even bring himself to kill us. He is weak and doesn't even know anything about us saiyans. Especially considering he doesn't even have a tail and picked a fight with us on a moonlit night like this!"
The moon had emerged from behind the cloud and beat down on them. Her eyes turned white and so did Remus's.
So, this will be harder than Trunks thought. Feedback pretty please. I've been flying blind for too long.
Chapter 66: A Moonlit Night
Chapter Text
Trunks seeing that something was happening looked at the moon but saw nothing out of the ordinary it was just a moonlit night. He looked back at Remus.
Remus looked positively panicked as he saw the moon too and his transformation began. His mouth and eyes were wide with fear as he seemed to want to prevent this.
He screamed out "I hate this! No! I never have any control!"
Livy cackled some more "That because you can't just give into to the rage unlike me and dad!"
Trunks's mouth went ajar as he saw them transform.
Their armor grew with them as they grew to kaiju size. Their eyes turned red. Brown thick fur cover their skin and their faces became far more simian in nature. They grew massive predator like teeth. All three when they finished howled in a rage.
A bead of sweat rolled down Trunks face as he thought 'So that's why mom removed my tail. Man, they got all stronger too didn't they.'
It was clear at the snarling that Remus had left the building he was now a mindless killing machine. How had set his sights on Trunks.
Trunks heard a bloodcurdling yell as the attendants for both Gracchus and Livy were crushed underfoot.
Gracchus it was clear was now feral, but Livy spoke in her now deep bellowing voice. "Oh, this is always fun. Tell me worm do you feel as small as you look right now."
Trunks turned to face her "You seem still in control huh."
"I am. This comes naturally to me unlike those two. The others have a distinct lack of control like daddy said he did in the early days. That puts me in charge of them. My brothers attack!" She pointed right at him.
In a second both Remus and Gracchus were on him. Both brought their fists down on him. Nearly surprised by their sudden increase of speed Trunks is almost hit. But at the last second, he dodges both fists. The area where he was then become a very deep crater.
He thinks to himself 'So, they only got faster despite their size increase. Well that ain't very fair. I could finish this in a second, but something is telling me that going all out right know is a bad idea. I feel like I'm being watched, and these kids are the least of my worries right now.'
The two Oozarus chased him with reckless abandon howling and growling as Trunks led them away from where, he knew Betsy was.
The Remus shot out a blast from his mouth and it grazed his shoulder leaving a hole in his jacket and leaving some bloody burned skin. Trunks didn't flinch or really register it this wasn't even close to his first wound.
He thought to himself as he was continuing to dodge them 'Okay so how do I stop this without killing them.' He looked at their swiping lose tails. 'Tails… she made a big point about their tails. I'm not transforming, and I don't have a tail.'
He took out his sword like he was a knight or a samurai preparing for battle. Gracchus charged him but Trunks dodged him then flew behind him. In one swift swing of his sword he cut off his tail.
Gracchus roared in anger as he began to shrink in size. He quick lost his fur and his eyes turn to white. Very soon the boy was back to normal and collapsed to the ground helpless and unconscious.
Livy who had been watching hissed at this "Oh you got to be kidding me. Do my brothers have any use at all?"
She looked over to the spot he was thinking to herself 'If he was that much stronger then us why was he running earlier?'
She looked and she saw a hiding but focus ragged looking woman. Livy grinned at that "Oh that's funny."
Trunks narrowly avoid Remus's swat as his sword then cleaved through the boy's tail. He didn't bother to look at Remus as he transform back behind him.
"Well that's two down one to go."
Trunks heard a scream at he looked to see Livy with Betsy in her hands. Livy cackled at him.
"Tell me will your bleeding heart allow you to let me kill this woman?"
Trunks didn't respond but gave her an icy glare.
"Oh, so scary! Toss away the sword and land or I crush her like a grape oh false Prince."
Trunks did as she bid. He tossed the sword and landed.
Livy with Betsy still in her hand strolled up to him while talking. Betsy scream out to him to not listen, to Livy but Trunks just stood there.
"I got to admit you were a very interesting opponent. You're a lot more powerful then you seem but like all of your kind your bleeding heart is an easy target. You cared about the weak like her to the point that you'd sacrifice yourself. Well congratulations you've won your dumb as hell hero award a bone crushing early death."
She raises her simian like right foot over him.
"Sayonara!"
She stomped down with all of her might laughing all the way. But suddenly Livy stopped laughing to Betsy's surprise.
Livy mouth was ajar as her foot began to move upwards. "How is this even possible!"
Livy was then thrown upwards and she scream out as ki blast easily ripped through her tail. She lost her grip as began to transform back to her hominid form.
Betsy was only in freefall for a short time before she was caught by Trunks length wise. His sword was already back in its sheath. He had moved so fast she hadn't seen him do it.
Betsy blinked as she couldn't she that she was seeing him. He was mostly undamaged and looked as though he hadn't really even broken a sweat after all of this.
"Are you… real?"
"Yes, and I'm on your side."
An unfamiliar sensation took over her. A big happy hopeful smile overtook her face. It wasn't something she had felt in years.
"Okay you got to see the Doctor our leader your Grampa I guess."
Elsewhere on Earth
Candles flicker in the dimly lit room at the center of the corrupted lookout. A certain King of the Demons was watching what had just happened thanks to his crystal ball. He was sitting on his throne made of bones and stone.
Surrounding him was his acolytes. They all had on their black robes and gave of the feeling of death. They were around a blood red circle that was at the foot of the throne and at its center was the magic ball.
The demon lord spoke "This interloper must be dealt with."
One of the acolytes spoke up "Surely my Lord Piccolo. The mortal on the throne could easily deal with bother some pest."
"Silence! None of you corpses were fighters like I am. The boy hasn't shown a tenth of what he's capable of. He's a saiyan and he's very much capable of the same kind of power that the Emperor has. History has been going exactly as the Mistress wish it to. She'll have my head if I don't keep control of this situation."
The crystal ball turned black as black smoke filled the room. All of the candles died as to burned red eyes appeared in the ball looking at him. Piccolo got to his feet and kneeled before the ball as a woman voice came through.
"What will make me take your head Namekian?"
"Mistress Towa the interloper from elsewhere has been proven to be of saiyan blood and I believe he possesses the power of the super."
She made a sort of tisk, tisk noise "If the Kais even as great of fools that they are, find out about this fact my plans will be in jeopardy. I'd be sending you aid soon. Use my demons well. They'll grow weaker if left in your universe too long so once I send them use them quickly. My master will be displeased if we fail in our mission in your universe. So, I'm trusting you to deal with this. Now see that my trust is not misplaced Namekian."
Piccolo bowed to this head was on the floor. "It shall be done my Mistress."
Back with Trunks and Betsy
"My Grampa is alive and in charge of this Resistance?"
"Yes. And your mother is alive too. She and Chi-Chi were brought into space by a man named Bill a Colonel in UNIT to protect them."
"Chi-Chi? Gohan's mother! That's great so there are more allies in this universe. Alright it's been awhile since I've seen gramps."
With that said the two took off leaving the three demi-saiyans alone. Once Trunks was far enough away the kids suits piped up in a robotic Dr. Gero.
"Threat level nominal. Activating automatic revival system." Their bodies twitched and all three awoke gasping for air. "Awake my grandchildren. You are still alive."
Betsy managed with ease directed Trunks to their base. Thanks to moonlight she was able to know where they were. It was an indistinct mountain that was covered by trees at the bottom in the middle of nowhere. At the top it was a spectacle of purple white and a blueish grey.
"Doesn't look like much but I'm familiar with that being the idea."
"It used to be someone base in the years before Piccolo in the time of the waring nation states. It was a nuclear bomb shelter. The sign said NORAD. We had to clean it up a lot, but the thick mountain and walls make it impossible for sensors to detect us."
"I just hope it's less crowded then west city's bunker." Betsy shrugged. "Great another day as my continuing life as a mole."
He flew to the entrance that she pointed too. They came to a large pieced together rusted metal vault door.
"Ah home sweet home. Its musty and rusted but its home." She detached herself from Trunk. She walked up to the door and knocked three times.
"Taki, Pasha or Lycia one of you guys open up. Things went south on our mission, but I've got a visitor that the old doc would like to see."
Slowly a smaller door inside the blast door opened and Betsy threw up her hands. Three with their blaster drawn came out two men one woman.
"I figured you'd be jumpy."
Taki spoke up "Sorry but imperial security said they annihilated you guys." They lowered their weapons.
"Well they lied like usual but this time it wasn't much of a fiction. Everyone but me is KIA."
Pasha spoke in his thick ascent "Fucking hell another combat team! We're going to run out of fighter at this rate." He pointed at Trunks. "Now who in the hell is this sword wielding freak."
"He's a friend and he is the only reason I made it back in the first place. He also urgently needs to meet with the he doc and the rest of high command."
"Fucking hell Betsy how do you know he ain't MO or Imperial Navy Intelligence (INI) or hell even Imperial Party Security (IPS)."
"I just saw him embarrass two Princes and a Princess of the Empire. He's out of this world and here to help. No stooge would have done what he just did."
Lycia face turned red "Wait he did what? Wait he's got powers like them."
She nodded victoriously "Yep. You better believe it."
The three stood aside and stared fearfully at Trunks like if they said or did the wrong think they would die. Trunks wanted to say something, but Betsy took off running and he ran after her.
They ran thought the large poorly lit tunnels of the faculty until they cam to a main chamber. The air got nasty the closer they got to the core. The moment the door had opened he could seem the pungent odor now it was getting nauseating.
Finally, the two reached the center. The place was better lit then the tunnel but that wasn't saying much. It was a cramped place filled to the prim with people. It was a refugee camp. Children were barefoot. Most didn't have beds and if they did, they were sharing.
The toilets were all public and going by prison rules no privacy. The majority looked beyond filth most must have not bathed in years.
Most some appeared to have corners to themselves. They look sickly having been living without the sun or space to move. The vast majority looked hungry and ill.
It was like the west city bunker to a t. He didn't even have to cover his mouth or nose he was just so familiar with this way of living if you could call it that.
They would have to make their way through crowd to make it to Gramps.
In the Board Room of the Resistance
Dr. Briefs was puffing away at his bent cigarette on his patched rolling chairs as the surviving general and officers of the Royal army and UNIT laid it out for him.
A Captain Willard in his old patched up wore UNIT uniform spoke "Its quite simple Mr. President. The Alliance has no plans to go on the offense despite their declaration of war. We gave them everything we knew but it doesn't matter."
The haggard doc with his sickly disposition barked back "But the Empire is a house of cards right now. Our mole in the high command confirmed it. Now is the time to strike!"
"Sir they saw what Kakarrot just did to King Cold, and Prince Cooler not too meant Prince Frieza. They are terrified."
"He's not a god."
A Lieutenant Colby also of UNIT spoke up "Its not just that Sir. They think were just plotting to replace him. They seem to think that quote 'all monkeys think alike' their intelligence service has been throwing away our reports. They've arrested our agents as spies and quite simply refuse to work with us."
A hopeless look overtook the Doctor's eyes "So we're now our own?" They nodded. He seemed on the verge of a panic attack. "All our suffering and those bastards have the fucking gall to say that about us."
The carefree doctor of the past had been long gone. He had turn from despair to pure rage. He spat out "Maybe Kakarrot slaughtering them all wouldn't be…" He snapped his mouth refusing to finish his dark thought.
They all looked away but a Royal officer who spoke "Be that as it may sir, but we have bigger problems on the Homefront. The sewage system on the base is failing. We don't have enough room and we need to move some of our people. Dysentery is running ramped for starters. We don't have enough food, water or space here. In short, we need to start preforming 'triage' let's call it."
"If say another word soldier…"
He interrupted "It's becoming clear we can't save everyone sir. We need to save our soldiers and those that aren't dying. The rest are bleeding us quicker than the Empire."
The doctor gave him a hateful icy stare "Okay so how do we go about 'murdering' our own people soldier."
In a weakly voice laced with shame he said back "It's just a suggestion sir."
In a deep commanding voice that he might have not know he had he said to them "Let me make this Kamidamn clear! We are not them! We don't leave people behind or play Kami like them. We help, we don't harm. If we do, then we are lost. And those bigots in the Alliance were right about us! We are human fucking beings! Not monkeys! Understand!"
Quiet swept the room as an uneasy air settled in. The pregnant pause was deafening as those who weren't the Doc thought things over. The doc felt as though his words had not been enough to sway the room.
But just then there was a knock on the door. A soldier guarding the door spoke "Sorry Mr. President but a visitor has an urgent matter to discuss with you."
The doctor shook his head at these men as he barked out "Send them in."
The door open and the Doctors eyes went wide as he looked upon the blue haired blue eyed figure step into the light staring at him.
Reviews please
Chapter 67: A Reunion Of Hope And Sorrow
Chapter Text
The old scientist looked a pale shadow to the boy. He had died when he was young, but he knew this man the moment he had seen him. The oily skinned man was a breath of fresh to him. He was proof that this world was not just another nightmare with different faces on it. It was his world too.
The doctor for his part was looking at this boy with a puzzled look upon his face. Everything was about him was screaming at him. His nose, his eyes, his hair, his skin, even his hand were familiar to him. He could see that long-gone young man in the mirror in him. He could see his wife and his daughters in him.
In a weak and meek voice, the doctor asked him "Who are you?"
Trunks then gulped audibly. He had a bright look to him but also was very aware of about how this was about to sound. He hesitated but knew full well this was like a band aid it was better to just rip it off and get it over with.
Betsy enter the room behind him. She saluted the commanders and then stood in attention as Trunks began to speak.
"Now I know what I'm about to say will sound very farfetched and you might not believe me, but I need you all to listen." He took a deep breath. "My name is Trunks. I'm not from this time period. I'm from a future and from a history that you don't know. In my universe instead of this Kakarrot a saiyan named Goku defended this planet. He died though..."
He took out his vile to show to them. "This contains a vaccine to save him that my mother made by reengineering the virus. She's a brilliant scientist you see, like her father before her. I came here to help that man because in my time a man named Dr. Gero made two cyborgs that killed my father, Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, Chiaotzu and Piccolo. Afterwards they started hunting my master and the rest of humanity to extinction for sport. I came here to change that future, but as I understand our histories are quite different."
Boardroom was filled with confused faces that were in disbelief of this but the old doctor didn't miss a beat.
"Who is your mother?" He asked with wide desperate eyes.
"My mother… my mother is Bulma Briefs grandpa."
The old doctor's eyes became glassy, he was stunned and silent but while he was the officers weren't.
Kurtz spoke for the group as he balked at this "So you a preteen boy, are you? The real Trunks Briefs is billions of miles away with his mother. His father unlike you indicted was Yamcha. He along with three names you just mentioned died at the twenty-third world tournament with the help of the vile demon king Piccolo a noted enemy. Now pray tell who is your supposed father then supposed to be?"
"Vegeta prince of all saiyans."
He made a sort of tisk noise "So now you're a preteen boy with a completely different father and a saiyan one at that." He looked at Betsy. "Soldier I think a court martial is in due order. You either brought a lunatic or a spy to us."
"Sir beg your pardon, but you are mistaken sir. I know for a fact he is telling the truth. I've seen what this man can do. He is no spy or lunatic."
"I trust you have some sort of evidence?"
"I do sir. He beat three members of the royal family in combat. They transform into their great ape form, but he still overpowered them, then sliced of their tails without killing them. He just shamed the house of Gero and did it without breaking a sweat. And sir if he lowers his pants, he says that you'll be able to see the spot where his tail once was before it was removed."
"So, all we have to go on is what you saw? You didn't have armor on to record what you saw. You came back to us with a dead unit and an unknown. How do we know you're not a traitor too?"
Trunks then interjected "Because I'll show you." Trunk held his hand forward and instantly in his cupped appeared a ball of ki.
All of the officers jumped up and pointed their sidearms at Trunks. The looks on their faces were plain to see. They were all scared out of their mind of this power that they've been taught to fear after all these years.
Behind him were two guards also pointing their blasters at him. Meanwhile Betsy hadn't flinched at all of this. Nor had the doctor moved a muscle.
"If I was a spy or assassin this would be over already. You wanted proof here it is. You could say my tail mark was placed there with surgery. And if you want, I could go a lot further than this. As I get the feeling you all know for a fact what golden hair means after all."
Trunks aura became visible to them as they gawked. Turning from white to yellow. The room began to vibrate.
Kurtz sweat drenched face then begged him "No more!"
The ball disappeared and the aura vanished in a millisecond. He walked over and placed the vile on the table.
"A have a time machine back where I landed. Now do you believe me now?"
This action made the officers collapse back into their seats. All but one of the officers stared in awe at Trunks as one seemed more intent to stare at the vile. A colonel Kurtz of the royal army.
Doctor Briefs meanwhile had risen to his feet and then rushed over to Trunks. The old man grabbed hold of Trunks in a loving embrace. He was in tears as hurried out the words "My son" over and over again.
Trunks for his part looked quite misty eyed as he hugged him back "I love you too grandpa."
The two men continued their embrace for some time as the rest of the world became blocked out to them. Both their dams had just broke. The years of suffering and fear began to spill out now. They had both had lived far from this thing know as hope. Prehaps the doc more than Trunks but still it was out.
Trunks's thoughts turned at first to his Gohan. Then to the father he'd never met and had missed a chance to see finally. To his mother and Mai that were right now helpless as he saw it without him.
The old doctor's thoughts were turned to his dead wife and son-in-law. Then to his daughters along with his other grandson that he hadn't seen in an eternity. All three of them were out there in the depths of outer space and he didn't know anything about their condition.
None of those who were present dared it interrupt this moment between them.
It was Trunks that finally broke it off but only after a quite a bit of time. His dislodged himself from his grandpa's vise like grip. He looked at the old man how then nodded in agreement.
"If only my boy this could last forever."
"It can't but I can get you back my mom and that other me for you."
Their limbs detangled from one another as they awkwardly stood in front of one another.
"Well my boy if you can do that for me, I can help you too. Dr. Gero has been making cyborgs in this timeline too. If we raid his lab we could find the schematics for them and find the off button maybe to them all."
Trunks's tone became deeper and darker "Maybe I could pay a visit to him too."
"Oh my boy it would something we both are certainly going to do together."
One of the officers piped in "The emperor is still away. If he's strong enough to beat the kids then we could attack with impunity. Most of the Imperial military is way on campaign as our asset in the high command confirmed. It might take them days to return. In weeks in some cases. It's only the MO and party security that's left."
Kurtz interjected at that "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We are in no position ourselves to stage the general uprising as planned. The population is still in celebration mode. The regime just won big against the PTO. We are not even half as strong as we should be. Most of our people are at minimum strength. Diseases has decimated us."
The old doctor broke off his moment with Trunks fully "We go ahead with a surgical strike. My boy and a strike team will attack the labs complex outside of Kakara (formerly North city) then we'll send a message to the world that it's time to rise up. It'll be proof that the regime can be beaten and will weaken its power."
The officers bowed to that. It was a done deal now.
Trunks turned around to get his vile to find it no longer on the table. His eyebrow raised and his mouth furrowed. He opened his mouth about to ask about it when the room shook, and the lights flickered on/off.
Trunks turned to look at Betsy how had on her war face she said bluntly "It followed us home."
Earlier Outside the Base
A fully uniformed MO officer next to his cadre of fully equipped super commandos was staring through his futuristic binoculars. He was looking at the door the led to the base seeing three heat signatures.
He removed the box from his face and the moonlight made his laughing skull emblem shine bright. He dropped the box that was connected to his neck with a strap and began to speak as his lit himself a cigarette.
"It's just as our agent said." He lit the cigarette. "Our target is there my lord." He turned around to look at him. "Me and my men will be happy to assist you in operation fully."
Into the full glare of the moonlight Piccolo walked towards him. "That will not be necessary captain." A group of large shadowed winged creatures came up behind him. "And don't worry I'll even try to save the agent too."
Seconds later…
Behind the massive door siting at a table were the three guards who were playing poker with only a dim lamp to see with. It was trio from earlier that let Betsy and Trunks in.
Pasha was clearly winning the game with most of the chips. They were playing with used bottle caps and on a well-worn stained table that had been fished from the dump.
Taki gave a hiss "Fucking hell! Your cheating I just don't know how."
Lycia chimed in "I say we search…"
A light tapping was suddenly heard at the door. They threw down their cards and grabbed their blasters. The light began to flick as Taki gulped down some air.
Pasha mouthed out 'Fucking Hell!' but didn't make a noise.
Pasha took point as all three collectively went to the hatch that opened up. Pasha took a deep breath and opened the hatch to see nothing.
Pasha took a deep breath then said "I think it's just an animal or something…"
The light went out suddenly and there was a sickeningly loud splatter that could be heard.
Taki call out quietly in the dark "Pasha what happened?"
There was no response from Pasha. Instead an unearthly green glow began to shine in this darkness that began to show what happened. It was a sharp metal pole that was glowing that had gone right through Pasha's skull.
Taki yelled out "Fucking Hell!" but as Taki yelled Lycia the one closest to the door was ripped in three by a three fingered hand that had ripped right through the metal.
Lycia fell then into three unequal pieces and Taki ran for the alarm. But Taki didn't make it very far before a creature entered and Taki was decapitated like a doll.
It was then pitch black for a time and not a sound was made but then light came back on now. It was now all in red from the blood that had gone and spilled all over it. It highlighted in that red the slaughter. Along with Piccolo and his small army of bat winged green and pink skinned demon guards that now stood inside the tunnel.
The demonic guards had misshapen faces. The armor that they wore was disturbingly close to something a kai might wear. They had large bodies with clearly defined muscles. Their hands had long claws and in those hands was straight sharp swords that looked more like bludgeons than swords. Their eyes were black tiny beads. They were hairless and scaly reptile like in nature.
"Now do your jobs. After I give them a wakeup call of course"
He pointed his hand forward and whispered with a grin on his face "Bang." And hell follow with it.
Okay so shorter chapter then normal but we got Trunks versus Piccolo next time so theirs that. I just wanted to focus more on the Trunks meets up with his grandpa this time along with some horror movie stuff. Reviews please.
Chapter 68: Demon Knight
Chapter Text
The blast ripped through the center of the base. It exploded and flames lit the room as the light flickered off. The screams of the survivors were drowned out quickly by the cracking of the fires.
Piccolo had hit the gas line. A jet of flame was coming out of the ground. Thick black smoke filled the room instantly.
Into this hellish scene Trunks burst in with Betsy right behind him. His chest was tight from the smoke and the sights. He could see that the tons of people here were already burned. Many were missing limbs.
He looked into flames where he could see figures that couldn't possibly be human moving around in the haze of this nightmare.
The two had to yell to make their voices heard.
"I deal with this you help them! And find my grandpa!"
"Roger!"
Trunks had to jump over the crowds to get by. This only made him get more smoke entering his lungs. The sot and ash burned in his mouth. He wanted to make a hole in the mountain to vent it but that would certainly cause a cave in.
He jumped behind the huddled masses trying to escape willing to trampled over to do so and came closer to his targets. The lumbering demons were slaughtering those that couldn't run or had been trying to help others.
A big deep voice from the lead of the three spoke "So, this is the mortal that the Mistress wants us to deal with." He said as he stomped on a person attempting to crawl away.
Trunks growled at that and charged taking out his sword.
The demon swung his blade, but Trunks was far faster easily dodging it. Trunks sunk his sword deep into the demon's chest.
"I guess I'll have to find out who your mistress is from your friends."
The demon voice then laughed above him. Trunks looked up with wide eyes.
"Trying to stab me in the heart mortal? Not much experience fighting us, do you boy?"
Trunks tried to move his sword only to find it stuck in the demon's hide. The demon then decked him hard in the check with a right hook sending him to the ground.
Another tried to then step on him, but he caught the hoof. As he was getting to his feet, he also sent the demon head first into the concrete in one fluid motion.
He ducked as third demon swung at his head. As he did Trunks kick backwards and kick with his heel the demon on his chin sending him flying into ceiling. The demon's head lodged into the concrete.
Trunks got back to standing as then the lead demon with his now glowing green sword in his hand. He green sword came at Trunks but grabbed the demon's wrist then snapped it.
The demon cried out and as he did Trunks grabbed hold of his sword still in the demon's chest. He pulled it out and snapped his wrist as he did so. The demon looked to see his right arm was missing.
"Let's see if you can laugh this one off."
Trunks swung his sword upwards and with ease decapitated the demon. He turned and walked away from the body as it fell to its knee's then to the ground.
He could see a horde more of those demons now having surrounded him. He pointed at them with the tip of his sword.
"Okay who's next?"
In the many tunnels
Dr. Briefs yell out as the soldiers and officers were rushing him down a corridor only lit by some of the headlamps of the powered armored resistance fight.
"Where's my grandson?"
"He's dealing with the attackers Mr. President."
"Why are you here with me. He might need help."
"Mr. President he's a super saiyan and apparently a skilled fighter. Our people would only get in the way. Besides we need to get you to another safehouse. You are the resistance sir if we lose you, are cause is through.
A young officer with a gas mask on said.
"Mr. President I'll go back and get your grandson."
He peeled off heading back into the nightmare that was the center of the bunker as some of the other officers yelled at him to come back.
"It's my grandson. I should be going with him."
"Sir with all do respect your not thinking clearly. Your life is too valuable. We are expendable. Haven't you figured this out already?"
Dr. Briefs bit his lips then nodded. He continued onwards.
He hissed out to himself "Kamidamnit where in the hell are you Billy?"
Back at the center
All the demons at once charged at Trunks. They came at him in front, at the side, behind and above. Trunks dance around them as their attack came pouring at in. It was pure confusion as the demons in the smoky dark attempted to stab at him.
They began to in their haste to smash and slash into each other in the melee. The brutes had simply no skill or grace as they piled on one another.
Trunks emerged on the other side of this pile out having not receive a single cut or scrape from them.
One of the demon's emerged from the pile and breathed fire at Trunks that he easily dodged. But when it exploded behind him it seemed to cause some sort of chain reaction that lead to more explosions under his feet. That all shot upwards.
This new jet of fire shot upwards and then the mountain itself felt shaky. He could hear above the sound of a creaking ceiling. The thousands of tons of rock had grown restless due to all these disturbances.
This place was going to collapse now for sure it was just a matter of 'when' not 'if'.
Trunks rushed forward and with a snap decapitated the demon. He looked to the others as they disentangled themselves.
"Sorry guys I'm in kind of a rush so I won't be able to play with you all."
They charged at him and he danced around them this time removing their heads from their necks. When he sheared his swords, their bodies came tumbling down.
"Okay now I have too…"
He was stopped dead in his track by a very loud slow clap that accord in the distance.
Trunks looked towards the jet of flame where he could see a figure emerging from it. The green skinned, turban hatted, white capped, moccasin wearing figure out of Gohan's stories.
This wasn't just another demon. It was Gohan's master. Or rather this was this universe evil doppelganger version.
"Now that was a great spectacle kid. You should have been a performer. However, if all you have is self-taught fancy moves then well this will be over quickly."
"Your Piccolo."
"And your Trunks Briefs."
His eyebrow raised "Huh?"
"Word to the wise kid there are ears and eyes everywhere if you want to kept secrets then don't go tell everybody princy."
"Some close to me once told me about you and Kami. So, are you here to kill me for someone else? So, much for the demon king. Now you're a puppet."
He chuckled "Amusing… Boy you don't know anything do you? In this universe there are a lot of players of game. And I happen to be a team player for forces that you couldn't understand. If you think I'm just for 'him' then you just know-nothing."
Trunks smiled as he thought to himself 'Well then the dragon balls should be around.'
"What has you so amused the thought of the dragon balls?" The demon smiled back at him.
A drop of sweat ran down his face as Piccolo's face said it all.
"I wonder if your namekian balls still exist? Perhaps my side will have a use for your universe after all."
Trunks's fist grew tighter. he knew what that meant for his mother and the rest of his people.
Piccolo hands came down to his sides. "You know you really should probably be surrendering by the way. You do look a little worn out kid."
Trunks hissed and took a step forward, but he felt dizzy. He then realized finally how heavy he was breathing and how short his breaths were. The room so filled with so much crap that he realized he couldn't breathe.
"Lesson number one kid think about yourself because if you had grabbed a mask this fight wouldn't be as one sided as its about to be. Number two maybe you should think about why oh why your enemies do things and think them through because rushing off into a trap isn't ideal is it?"
He then said between his haggard breaths "Well that settles it you can't be Gohan's Piccolo not when you're this much of a cheater."
"It's a fight kid everything is permitted."
Trunks then charged at Piccolo swinging.
Elsewhere in the crumbling base
Betsy was running in the dark holding a small flashlight that was dim. She was running with the last group of survivors when a figure with a gasmask came the other way. She paused and looked back but saw him disappeared into the thick smoke.
She said to the soldier in front of her between her coughs "Don't mind me. I've got to get another one."
She turned around and ran back deeper into the hell that this place had become.
She crawled at some points over rumble and through steam venting until she heard a voice in the dark.
"…I understand my lord, it will be done."
From what she heard it was an officer's voice. She walked over past an angle and saw the man in the gas mask turning off his imperial communicator.
As she saw this she was shot in the chest by a gun in his hand. She looked down expecting the worst only to find a needle their have punctured her breast plate.
Suddenly she lost concentration, the hot air became overpowering and she collapsed to the ground.
The man walked over to her "So, private what are we going to do with you?"
In the raging inferno
Trunks swung at the orange highlighted Piccolo as the rocks above began crack the roof. Trunks knew he needed to escape but he couldn't any exit and Piccolo might blow the place up if he tried.
Trunks punches went easily dodged by the namekian. It was only now when they were this close could Trunks see the see-through mask that was on his face. Gohan's master had play him every step of the way.
Trunks kept swing at him only to earn chuckles from Piccolo. No matter how faster he moved Piccolo had his number.
"Every move takes its toll. The more energy you expend, the more breaths you take, the worse it gets for you. Maybe you should stop clowning around and show me what your really capable and then I'll show you what I'm capable of."
Piccolo knocked him away and chuckled again "Oh that's right, you can't because some bugs might get squashed if you do. Shame about that."
Trunks hissed out "You have no honor!"
"Honor? Honor means nothing. Does your honor beat your cyborgs? Does it save these dead bodies around you? Your father killed millions at best, billions more likely. Did he really have honor when he was killing women and children? If you want honor boy, you have come to the wrong place indeed. Honor…there has never been such a thing in this universe or any other. This honor you speak of, it will get you and all you have left killed. This is fucking reality kid wake the fuck up."
Trunks paused as his words sank deep into him like a sword into. Honor got Gohan killed. Goku's honor allowed Gero to live. Honor had killed his world.
Trunks shot Piccolo a growl at him the room began to vibrate as his aura changed color as he began to power under.
Piccolo under his breath grumbled "Finally." What he had been waiting for was coming out.
Just then Trunks felt a pain at the back of his neck as Piccolo's grin soured.
Trunks heard behind "It's done." He turned to look behind him as his body grew numb. He saw a masked figure holding a gun.
Piccolo hissed out at the figure "Colonel Kurtz I assume."
Trunks grew wobbly as he pulled out and looked at the needle.
"I am. You were taking too long. The doctor wants to meet this one before we kill him."
Trunks eyes began to grow heavy as he began to collapse to the ground.
The masked figure walked over him and asked him "Ready to meet the man that made you boy?"
Trunks eyes closed and the world just faded out for him.
Short again but I feel like I'm on a roll. So, next time two people that really should have got to meet on the show get to meet next time.
Chapter 69: Meeting Your Maker
Chapter Text
A soft calm ancient voice called out to him in the darkness. It was female from what he could tell.
"Trunks you have to survive. I need to meet you. I think you're the champion I've been looking for. We need to meet."
"Who are you?"
"I'm a kai you see, a kai of…"
Suddenly her voice disappeared and was replaced in the dark by a more gravely but calm voice. Its sound filled him with a bottomless rage. He wanted to scream at it, but it seemed farther off then her voice.
"My boy, do you hear me?"
A different voice asked, "The tranquilizer should be wearing off right?"
"Yes, my new friend. His liver should have begun to metabolize it. It was made for dear son after all his should work the same way."
He suddenly realized why everything was dark. His eyes were closed. He decided to open them. He was forced to do this slowly his lips were heavy. His body just realized he had was sluggish and slow. He felt as if he was moving in wet concrete.
As his eyes opened, he was blinded by the light. It stung his eyes. He couldn't make out shapes or objects.
"Well looks like your right doc."
"Don't be so familiar with our lord just because you did your job. Its Doctor to you turncoat or Lord or even Führer."
Trunks eyes began to focus as shadows and shapes took form. He came to the realization why he was blind. His head was faced upward. The lights above him were hot. The ceiling was white and was metal.
He panned downward slowly. His neck was stiff and unresponsive, but he managed to move it. His head tumbled down all of a sudden, and he was then forced to pick it up to see what was in front of him. Trunks frozen as he saw the glowing thing in front of him.
Those eyes, that hair, that face he had never seen them once but somehow, he knew who this was at a glance.
Out of those glowing old chapped lip the doctor spoke to him "Well hello there my boy… Now isn't this interesting. I feel like we've needed to meet for a while wouldn't you agree?"
Trunks eyebrows slanted down sharply. His teeth clenched and his face tightened. Whatever linger affect the drugs had on him were gone. He tried to violently move his hands and feet but found them restraint and his head locked in place.
He looked down to see the clamps onto this metal chair. He tried to active his ki or his strength but found he couldn't.
"Having trouble with your powers huh?"
Trunks eyes snapped back upwards and stared daggers at the old villain. Dr. Gero scratched his chin as he continued.
"A man of few words I see. I can respect that. Sometimes I think that my son talks a little too much."
Trunks growled out to him "Too scared to face me?"
"Not at all, but you see I'm not on Earth right now. My dear friend had called me away to see his project come to life in more ways than one."
Trunks noticed the two men in the room. It was Colonel Kurtz in an imperial officers' uniform and a hazmat gear up scientist. He glared at the bald brown eyed traitor for a mere second before focusing back upon Dr. Gero.
"Aw you noticed our mutual acquaintance. I wouldn't be so harsh with the Colonel. He only did what anyone with a brain would have done. But speaking of him and you, I would like to thank you personal for your gift to us. It's rare to get a cure to a disease that hasn't even appeared yet. You can rest a sure that you have saved many lives. You even gave my protégé a brilliant idea in regards to Prometheus. A virus this easy to rewire is quite hard a find. But it's always easier when someone else has done the leg work."
He hissed "What are you going to do with it?"
The old doctor grinned at him "Going to gift fire to mankind. Now I must ask you which of my two cyborgs went haywire and why if you know?"
He snapped his teeth at him "Why should I?!"
"Don't be so obtuse. Seeing all of this must confirm to you that I had no intention of wiping out the human race. All of this work has been to save mankind and grow it. My work has begun our people's future. No longer our we trapped in one spot. No, we are among the stars now. Our colonies are numerous and growing. We now have allies (servants). We have achieved hegemony over a vast section of the galaxy. We are now set to triple or more our population. It'll be the biggest baby boom since the twenty century. Much better then living in a stagnate pool or clinching on to a dying pool like the one that you came from."
"Yeah great. You made a baby factory and stole from others. You want your murderous psychopath award now or later."
"The land we 'stole' was already stolen. PTO stole it from many of the lesser hominids that we have now liberated. All the great human empires stole to gain power. Just like how rich steal labor from the poor to make themselves richer. So is the same story as all throughout all of history. Humanity stole the Earth to make it their own. Humans are only native to east Africa, but we have made ourselves at home everywhere else."
Trunks spat at the hologram "Oh so just because others did it means it's okay to do it ourselves. That's the logic of a five-year-old. It was wrong then and its wrong now. What about now? What about the people your son's regime slaughters on a daily basis? You say that you value humanity, yet you help kill more of them then all you enemies do. What about their freedom? What about their rights?!"
The doctor chuckled softly "Aw yes those 'people' lets call them that. The homosexuals, the malcontents, the physical deformed, the mentally ill in short, the degenerates of us. They are parasites that attach themselves to the healthy body of mankind and drain it of its precious bodily fluids. Too many parasites weaken the body. The MO is the immune system culling the body of them. They may never get all of them, but it does make the system healthier."
Trunks froze in place for a while. He lowered his head and then began to laugh uncontrollable. His body trembled and he shook in his chains.
The doctor's eyebrows went up and asked him "What is so funny boy?"
Trunks continued to laugh when he looked up at the doctor. He was nearly out of breath when he began to speak "You… All this time… I build you up in my head as this unknowable evil that I couldn't begin to understand but know I know you and its funny. I see you now for what you are. You're an old man that thinks he kami, but you couldn't even get your toys to do what you wanted. You're just a sad old man that thinks if he says things loud enough it makes it true, understand me. You're not kami your just another dime a dozen petty criminal. You're as unique as a grain of sand on the beach that thinks it is the beach."
Trunks took some deep breaths as Gero seemed to have turned to stone. Refusing to move or react during this barrage of insults and yet offering no respond to any of it. Trunks calmed himself as he began speak again to the old man.
"Your right. I shouldn't let your future fuck up kill all these people. 17 and 18 will turn on you when you complete them. After that they'll hunt down the rest of humanity for sport. Evidently you messed up at some point in their development."
The doctor still looked to be made of stone. It was dead quiet now as Gero stared at him. His fury was being hid but even across stars Trunks could feel it from him.
"Well thank you again. I think I'll be making some changes then to my cyborgs." There was a long pause. "Well now I can't truly say that this was a pleasure because it frankly wasn't one. But I guess this was a very enlightening discussion for us both. Now I hope you don't get too comfortable. I was planning to wait until me and my protégé got back to dissect you, but I've changed my mind you see. The researchers will get a lot more out of a vivisect then a dissect. And adrenaline will do more us than any old anesthetic could in seeing your reaction to pain."
The hologram then disappeared in a second along with the chair he had been sitting on. Leaving Trunks alone with the two others. The room was now opened up to him. It was stark and empty. Its only features were the light the one-way windows and the drain at his feet for water or blood.
"Not even a goodbye." He then glared at Kurtz again. "Anything to add traitor?"
Now it was Kurtz turn to chuckle as he walked over to Trunks and got in his face. The bald somewhat round man's black eyes stared at Trunks's eyes. The eyes were like black voids that spoke of misery and horror to Trunks.
"Traitor, am I? A traitor to what exactly? To my now long dead King? Traitor to my dead country? Traitor to an army? What am I exactly a traitor to? Am I a traitor to a hole that I was dying in with the rest of them? Maybe I'm a traitor to my family? As my wife and son that are even now living in a home with light, food and medicine instead of starving? Or maybe I'm a traitor to a leader that doesn't know how to lead?"
He turned from Trunks and he looked to the doctor. "I guess you should be prepping him for surgery. Admiral Byzantium will want to see this himself…"
Suddenly there was a loud noise that was muffled by the thick walls and glass. A cruel look came to Colonel's face.
"For the love of Kami. He took out his blaster from his holster. Doctor run and get as much security as you can. They're coming for him clearly."
The doctor rush to the metal door but when he did it suddenly exploded. The door when flying and the man was squished like a bug when he was sandwiched between it and the wall behind.
Smoke pour in as three gas masked figures stormed in. Kurtz dove behind the chair Trunks was in as they shot at him. Kurtz put his blaster right next to Trunks head and fired. It caught one of the figures in the head. While another that had a very familiar swords on her back shot back hitting him dead in the hand. Kurtz yelp and fell down behind him.
Betsy's familiar but muffled voice spoke up "Well how'd do there."
Trunks opened his closed eye and barked out to her "You nearly hit me in the face."
"That's wants called marksmanship blue. Now don't sweat it. I couldn't kill you. I needed to even up the score between us you see."
She fired at the chair in between his legs and it exploded slightly then hissed. All of his ki came back under his control. He jumped up to his feet. His neck and limps cut right through the restraint like they were paper and as he did so Betsy throw him his sword.
He grabbed it midair and unsheathed it and turned around as Betsy removed her mask.
Trunks walk back to face Kurtz who was on the ground. His right hand was a black and melted. It was mess that was now a stain on his chest mostly without form.
Trunks pointed his sword at the man whose left hand fell to his side.
Kurtz in a shallow but desperate breath gasped out "Okay. I'm ready for it."
Trunks coolly looked at the maybe dying man. He shook his head and put his sword away and strapped it to his back.
"I'm not doing this for you as your not worth it. Now you should really thank your son and you should never get that hand fixed if you know what's good for you."
Trunks turned to Betsy and some of the other Resistance fighters that were coming in.
He nodded as he saw them"Let's get out of here."
"Not yet Trunks! They have your time machine. We need to get it back."
The Liberator on final approach to the Earth sphere
Kakarrot Gero was in his grotto on the ship. It would be hard for anyone to tell here, that you we're even on a ship considering the waterfall and flora growing and even some animals present.
In here it looked like an average day on a tropical untouched island. The sun was shining. The birds of paradise were chirping. The sand was warm and so was the water.
Kakarrot was on a folding table naked with an equally naked woman on top of his back stepping on him. Each of her steps on him elicited a moan from the tyrant of the Earth. Not far from them was Romulus. He was standing in attention without his helmet,
He stood like he was a bodyguard to his father. His face was red. All three of his eyes were not trying to look but could see everything right. He had been ordered to stand and the loyal son had been doing so. If he was nothing else, he was his father's most dutiful devotee no matter what.
Kakarrot moaned out to the dark-skinned woman "Your feet are like magic to my back."
"Your back my lord is filled with knots."
"Knots from my work. Knots from stupidity of the small minded. Knots from the lack of real challenge."
"You must do something about it my lord."
He gave off a deep dark chuckle "Yeah but I'll hold off on just murdering everyone for now. I mean who will worship me otherwise?" He spoke like it was a joke, but one could never be too sure with him.
Romulus stared at his father's face. He was attempting to study it like he always tried at times like this. His father was a puzzle that he was always struggling to understand.
Romulus however froze in place the moment Kakarrot stared back at him. His father's eyes were filled with blackness. He was never really sure what his gazes ever really meant. A cruel smile took his face.
"I've been thinking my son… We need to make some changes to you night schedule. Is Remus still seeking out your bed at night?"
Romulus knew that he already knew the answer to his own question. In a shaky voice Romulus responded "Yes." to him.
"Considering what I was informed of, that needs to stop. Your brother is weak. Maybe not physically but in head."
Romulus mouth attempt to open but was quickly slammed shut. He would never ever talk back to him or had he once in his life. Fear gripped him.
"Your darling sister explained how he listened to an enemy and was proven soft. You're an un-tempered piece of iron. You are going to tell him that he is no longer welcomed around you. I always found it odd that he came to your bed in the first place. A son of mine should never need anyone else but themselves."
The words struck Romulus. Remus had often come to his room at night. Remus was very much plagued by nightmares. While he was the main target of Livy's cruel words it seemed to hurt Remus more than him. Remus hated any attack on Romulus and cried about it frequently to him.
"You're a great example of this inner strength. It would be in his best interest if he learned this and stopped weeping like a woman. His sister is more of a man then him. You two are simply too close. You will no longer be so close."
"Yes, my lord." Romulus said back quickly, but he now felt sick. He could see those tears and that look of despair even now on Remus's face. That tail that so often wrapped around him would be so lifeless. Now it would not wrap around him again.
Kakarrot head turned up a he saw something that took his attention "By the way what's happening with your hair?" The tyrant inquired to him.
Romulus eyebrow raised and his fingers when to his head and he pulled down a lock of not green hair but a lock of blue hair. Shock took his face. He was unsure of how to respond but then he was interrupt.
The interruption was the sound of a boot stomping towards them. It was a sound that Romulus knew all too well. It was the sound of an Imperial officer of some sort marching to inform his father of something.
He signaled for the dark-skinned to get off of him and she obliged him as the MO uniformed man came to him with his laughing skull pin on his cap.
He stood tall but stiffly. At a glance Romulus could tell it was bad news they were always nervous to bring him bad news. The man was a bit sweaty and not because of having on a black uniform on in a topical beach environment.
He heiled and quickly began "My lord I have urgent news for you."
Kakarrot sat up and a sighed "Okay what now?"
The man quickly began "My lord this Trunks has just escaped his confinement with the help of the terrorists."
The Emperor made a phew noise "This is why you just have to do things yourself. We'll be arriving on Earth, soon right?"
"Less than an hour my lord."
"Good… then I'll personal deal with this problem myself then."
He then rose to his feet.
So, Trunks is loose and Kakarrot is coming bet that'll be a shock. I would love reviews for this and some older chapters. Hope everyone is chilling in their homes at a time like this.
Chapter 70: Finding The Enemy
Chapter Text
Overhead echoing through the building was a robotic woman's voice "Warning… Warning faculty compromised. Intruders detected. Priority level one. All fireteams converge on holding cells section double zero seven. Neutralize all hostiles. Warning…"
She merely repeated as the lab coated men in a sterile room merely continued working on there computers as the sirens and emergency lights remained on.
They looked completely unfazed by these sounds and lights. As in the background through some reinforced glass a horde of stormtroopers could be scene on a fast march.
In response the screen that was on started to get louder on the right. It was of one man in a suit and tie getting an interview. Underneath him was a title a name in black. Dr. Cream Director of Farm and Food.
The director was a bald man with tiny beady eyes a large nose and big eyebrows. His skin was a sickly color he clearly didn't go outside much. His suit and tie were pin stripes. It looked old and unused. His body language was tense. He was not comfortable with being on camera.
His voice was enthusiastic but awkward sounding.
"Well Shep I have some great news for you your viewers and the Empire in general. Thanks to the recent 'liberations' I can inform you that our meat production is going to exceed all expectations. For years the general population was forced to only eat meat maybe twenty five percent of the time. Many even refused to eat what our science has determined is the greatest healthiest source of calories that exist to us. But now we will finally make humanity the meat eaters that we naturally are. So, we could be more like the saiyans. For every meal starting soon we will have meat thanks to the Emperor and your genius civil servants. Our own genetic engineering faculties we will be mass producing a new type of creature that will be a more efficient source of meat product. We also plan to use this technique to make even more… well more food sources." He chuckled nervously. "Hell, we might even do this with…"
The screen exploded as an armored imperial commando was tossed through the wall and smashed through it. Behind him was Trunks who with the resistance fighters ran into the room.
Trunks hissed out "How many of them are their?"
Betsy chuckled "Plenty but not as many when you started. Your ship should be in the high security lock up, but I figure you want to go to the cybernetic section first."
"Will 17 and 18 be there?"
"Don't know. I just know that something called Project Prefect is next to it."
"Okay let's go."
A whiny voice not from any of the resistance fighters spoke "Excuse me but are you or any of your friends authorized to be here?"
Trunks and the others looked at the lab coated man. He was still seated at his station. He looked only annoyed that they were here. Leaving Trunks and Betsy stunned at this man's lack of understanding.
"If you people don't leave soon, I'll be forced to call security."
Trunks with a half questioning half confused shrug said "Umm… Sorry well be gone in a second sir…?"
"See that you are sir."
Trunks and Betsy looked at each other in a haze for but a second until Trunks pointed his hand at a wall nearby as he could hear more stormtroopers approach. He blasted it opening up a big hole that he and quickly exited through as the fighters in the back shooting at the advancing stormtroopers.
The stormtroopers march through with one having got shot and landing on the ground writhing in pain on the ground.
The obtuse man looked at the hole with a furrowed irritated brow. He rolled his eyes and spat out "Great now I need to call even more maintenance crews."
The group ran down the halls hounded near nonstop by the facilities defenders. The cold white and grey sterile hallways looked the same to Trunks but Betsy with her power armor wrist device had a map, so he followed her directions from behind
"How big exactly is this place?"
"Large enough to see from space. The space elevator the empire has and the main orbital launch platform is here."
They turned a corner to see an entrance to the cybernetic labs. There were a dozen troopers waiting for them. They were about to fire but Trunks fired a burst of energy at them that sent them all flying backwards in the blast door.
Trunks eyebrow went up. He was sure it was enough to not kill them and blow down the door, but it was still there. He fired again only to see it the blast bounce off it and back at him. He punched his blast midair and it dissipated into nothing before him.
Betsy eyebrow raise up "Well it looks like the Empire got serious. The building is in lockdown mode and the shields are up."
Trunks pointed his hand again "Nothing I can fix."
A nervous look took her face "Hold up! If you overpower it… will there still be a building left?"
"Uh…I'm not sure."
"Yeah that's what I was afraid of… Look this is the entrance to the training area. The shield would be the strongest here let's try another way…"
She was interrupted by the sound of an electronic clicking noise. The blast door opened as a figure was revealed behind it.
It was a black armored figure. He had glowing blue eyes and blonde hair. It was very clear what he was to Trunks. It's kind of looked like a combination of both 17 and 18.
"Shit its 12. He just got some upgrades too I'm guessing."
"I take care of him. You guys get my controller please."
"Sure, thing boss but you're going to need to clear us a path first."
Without saying a word back Trunks shot forward headfirst like a cannon ball. Not allowing 12 to reaction as he sent him hurdling through some wall behind. They punched through wall until they came to and large empty room.
12 went into a wall as Trunks jumped down to the floor below. The dimly lit empty room was another sterile grey color. It was too big to be anything else but a training room.
12 detached himself from the wall and landed with a thud on his feet to the floor. As soon as he did Trunks a repeat of the sound early. The room lit up as a shield must have surrounded the walls.
Trunks looked around then grinned at the cyborg "Neat trap you got here. It might work on anyone else, but you see I'm not trapped in here with you…" He pointed his thumb at himself. "your trapped in here with me."
He said as his hair began to stand up and a golden aura began to surround him.
Meanwhile Elsewhere in the Building
A man with white hair and a beard was staring at the word 'Hope' that was written on Trunks time machine.
He had on a lab coat and underneath that was some sort of tweed jacket. He was standing at a large lit up console that overlooked this large space that was currently filled with other scientist and MO soldiers. Here was tons of equipment and computers that were all humming with energy.
Next to him on the console was a book that was handwritten it had on its cover 'In case it breaks son' on it. It was quite obviously Bulma's scratchy handwriting.
The MO colonel came up to the doctor "Herr Doctor Brandy. It's time to leave. Grab your people and evacuate the lab."
The doctor didn't even turn his head to acknowledge the grey hair, blue eyed colonel. Instead he was focused on his monitors that were spewing data at him.
The colonel walked closer to the doctor and said to him "Doctor the terrorist demi-saiyan and his friends will be coming soon do you understand?"
The colonel tapped his foot as his began to glare at the doctor. "Doctor Brandy do you hear me?"
Brandy's voice was unearthly calm considering the chaos that was surrounding the area. "I hear you quite fine Colonel. However, I nor my team will be leaving their posts."
The irritation in the colonel's voice was pain to hear "Doctor this is a priority one directive. All vital high-ranking scientific staff must evacuate. You are too precious for the Empire to lose. You are going to start moving now."
Brandy pointed to the time machine. "That dear Colonel is too precious for the Empire to lose Colonel. That is a monumental leap forward in our understanding of the cosmos, time and dimensions. Right there is the key to the many world theory. There you see is the key to powers yet undiscovered. What we have here a century's worth of work and effort that it might take us to achieve."
The colonel scoffed at this and in a dry tone said "Bulma Brief's made this out of scrap in a dimly lit bunker!"
"I am no Bulma Brief's sir. I didn't even believe it was possible to do this with the tech that we had or would have for quite some time."
He loudly sighed "Then just capsulize it!"
"Bulma, colonel is and was a clever woman. Us trying to access the device has triggered a failsafe. It knows that an opponent has it. It is hiding its data. If we unplug it then we'll not be able to get anything from it. I'll be forced to attempt to make one from scratch working backwards from her notes. That'll take a very long time you see. She writes in scratches practically. Her notes might as well be in a foreign language."
A voice popped up "He's right… allowed him to continue."
Both stopped turned then heiled. They both knew that voice coming from what turned out to be a hologram. It was Gero who heiled them back and began.
"12 will keep him busy until my son arrives, and he will deal with this problem. So do keep my prize for me till then. If we do this right we'll not just control the now but the then and the when."
They both said in a firm tone back to him "Yes my Lord."
The hologram disappeared leaving Brandy to return to his work as the colonel marched away in a huff.
Back with Trunks
The shields screamed as the energy from Trunks radiated out from him. His hair was now spiky and golden. It frayed upwards giving it an almost crown like look. His face now appeared to be made of stone. His eyes laser focused on his target.
12 for his part seemed unfazed by this transformation. He was a loyal soldier of the empire thoroughly washed in the ideas of Kakarrot and party. He showed no signs of fear in his cybernetic eyes.
12 fired beams from his eyes only to find them stopped by Trunk's right palm. The two beams ceased, and Trunks merely lowered his hand.
12 flew at him aiming to smack him around. 12 got towards him but then found Trunks gone. 12 stopped abruptly his feet slamming down causing the shield to screech out. The cyborg looked around trying to find Trunks but couldn't.
Trunk's whispered into his ear from behind "Who you looking for?"
12 attempted to turn and sideswipe the warrior from the future but found his elbow caught by him.
Trunks tossed him towards a wall but 12 recovered in midair and attempted to blast him. Trunks though was no longer there. Instead he was right in front of 12. Trunk's uppercut him in the chin with enough force to send the cyborg helplessly flying towards the ceiling.
If there had not been a shield in the way it was certain that 12 would have been sent into the stratosphere if not further. He bounced off the ceiling and landed with a hard thud onto the floor.
Trunks eyed the lifeless form of the cyborg with clear suspicion. "I lived this through this song and dance number my entire life. You don't get tired and you certainly can take more then that if your future replacements are any indication. So just get up already."
12 calmly stirred at that. Robotically he got to his feet and turned a gaze onto Trunks. The cyborg looked disheveled but showed not signs of actual damage.
Trunks mumbled to himself "See told you so… Round two then."
12 flew at Trunks again this time lobbing blasts at him. Trunks knocked them away one handed as 12 came closer.
12 got right in front of Trunks but was suddenly stopped by Trunks. Trunks had kneed the cyborg right in the chest sending him once again flying towards the ceiling and smacking into it. 12 landed once more with a painful thud and shield scream onto the ground this time right in front of Trunks.
"You might have an inexhaustible power source but its not that big to me."
12 hand lunged forward attempted to grab and crush Trunk's ankle but found that his hand was sliced off before he could do so. All he heard as he looked now at his removed hand was the sound of a sword being sheathed.
12 got to his feet as he marveled at the mix of blood and multi-colored juices that were spewing from his hand stump. The cyborg didn't at all seem sure of how to react at this.
Perhaps he couldn't feel pain anymore or perhaps this was an alien feeling to him. But either way it was not comprehending what was happening.
Trunks stared at the cyborg himself frankly unsure of what he felt. He had dreamed of something like this happening for a very long time, but this odd reaction was making it difficult to get pleasure.
It was clear that he had been so tinkered with that he was just a human in appearance with no mind of his own. It was childlike in a way it had no idea how function.
Trunks sighed and walked forward. He in a single quick swing of his sword he decapitated 12 in a flash of light.
He walked past him. He turned to give a look at the collapsed creature, and he hissed out "Gero…" as he went forward into the breach.
Reviews please, stay safe
Chapter 71: Out Of Time
Chapter Text
Stormtroopers stood at the doors to the engineering bay. Inside was men in lab coats along with bodies on tables that they were checking. Bodies all looked like cadavers dead and lifeless.
The bodies were all hooked up to tubes. A reddish brownish material was flowing in and out of them. They were in various states of being cut up, organs were missing replaced by odd parts. This chilly room was part morgue and part manufacturing bay it would seem.
The lab coated men were checking the monitors to the bodies. The various names of the patients had been blanked out and instead had new designations. All were model twelvse with various numbers attached by percentage point. There was 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 etc.
Two of the lab workers came up to each other. They were about to talk when the door to the room exploded.
The explosion sent the men to the ground and smoked filled the room that made it impossible to see. All that could be made out was the flashes of light by the blasters of the resistance fighters and their imperial foes.
The flashes stopped and out of the dust came Betsy who while pointing her blaster at him. She grabbed him by the collar and shouted at him.
"I want the self-destruct remote for 17 and 18…And I want them now!"
The man was blue in the face from what she could tell. He stuttered out to her "…17 and 18 aren't even post-op yet! They're pre-op!"
She pointed her blaster from his chest to his face. His eyes went wider "AH!... But all of them work on the same device. The bombs in them are the same for the most apart."
"Good take me to the remotes."
The smoke cleared as the rest of the team was smashing the unfinished cyborgs. Trunks appeared fresh from his fight in the doorway.
Trunks eyes grew wide as he saw signs of cyborg production. Betsy pick up the man as Trunks marched over to them.
He growled out at the man "You were manufacturing cyborgs?!"
He gulped and tried his best not to look in Trunks's eyes. "The military has endless needs. Merely producing a few high-quality machines isn't good enough. The 12 model is cheap and easy to reproduce. The rest are sometimes too complicated for mass production for now."
"These were people!"
"No… not anymore."
Betsy violently shook the man and then growled at him "Take us to the remote!"
She held onto him by his shoulder as he led them down a hall to a door with a fair bit of security to it.
He squeaked out to them "Your going to need to give me space."
Her grip on his shoulder grew tighter. "There's a retinal scanner. If it picks up your eyes the system will lock up. Your friend will probably be forced to try and break the building to get it open and there is daycare just below us!"
Trunks blinked "Daycare?"
He nodded "This is a large place with secrets. Anyone with a family, lives here with them. Also, the many experiments need test subjects. The labs need children sometimes…"
Rage took Trunks's eyes as he glared at the back of his head "You people are animals!"
The man gave a nod "All humans are animals."
He detached from Betsy. He walked up to machine showed his eyes put his hand on the scanner and swiped his card.
The robotic voice replied, "Welcome Doctor Indigo."
"Thank you. I wonder when we'll finally get around to making a cyborg out of her too."
Betsy barked out at him "What?"
"Well its based on her voice and were going to be making Gebo so it'll only make sense to recreate his wife too."
She hissed out "Shut up and get the remote."
Trunks stood in the doorway as Indigo went inside the closet sided room and out of well-sealed case retrieved an oddly low-tech looking device. It was a square thing with a big red button and an antenna.
Trunks hissed as he was handed the device "This is it."
"Safety protocol. The less complicated the safeguard the less things can go wrong. So, it's just a radio transmitter and a big red button. Only a desperate idiot or a lovesick fool could get this wrong."
Betsy walked up to him "Thanks" She punched him in the face as hard as she could. He went flying back unconscious. His head smashed into the metal and he slumped downwards to the ground.
"What if you just gave him a concussion?"
"Don't care do you?"
"Guess not."
"You guys should go. He's coming its going to be messy."
"I wouldn't be much of a freedom fighter if I ran away at the first sign of impossible odds. Besides I always wanted to tell him where he can go fuck himself."
In High Orbit
The low tone sirens blasted as a massive host of troopers and officers emerged. They were in lines of white, black and red the colors of the flag. Over the speakers the Imperial March blared as the ship landed.
All of those present hands went into the curved fascist position aim at where their leader was to emerge from.
Last to emerge to greet those inside the ship was a young purple haired admiral and three familiar looking saiyan children. They marched up to the ship and knelt as the door opened and the ramp came down.
Kakarrot came strolling out his rose-colored sunglasses on with his cape. The armored dictator like always had a smile upon his face. Behind him was Romulus in his full getup with his helmet on, followed by the rest of Imperial high command.
Kakarrot clapped as he reached the bottom of the ramp. "Well now isn't this an entrance. It really screams the big daddy is home." He walked in front of his kneeling family.
Remus will a tremble to his voice began to speak "D-Father I…"
Kakarrot gave a hiss "Who said you can talk boy!" His eyes emanated rage focus squarely on the young boy.
His focus then turned to Livy "My beautiful daughter what do you have to say for yourself?"
"My Father, my Emperor. Your devoted daughter did the best she could against a super saiyan despite the treachery of her brothers. I am your humble servant."
"That you are. I was considering what manner of punishment was require for you, but you are correct you are not to blame for this. I gave a girl a job beyond her feminine nature." Unknown to him Livy's teeth gritted at that.
"Her brothers on the other hand have no excuse of gender. Therefore, they should expect no mercy nor should any of their belongings. Remus you are going to have a chat with your loyal brother. He feels that in light of recent events certain sleeping arrangements must change. I demand to hear no crying or whining on the topic."
His focus changed to Byzantium. "What is the situation with the teenage super?"
"We know he destroyed twelve and has a remote in his hands. He'll be going for his ship next. Somehow the terrorists seem to know a great deal about our layout."
"Well isn't that convenient. Oh well as always, if you what something done right you ought to do it yourself." He said as his feet lifted off from the floor below him.
Back at the Labs
The door slammed open to the lock bay and all the troopers opened fired. Blindly they shot at the door. Until the colonel raised his fist and the black armored soldiers ceased fire.
The smoke cleared to reveal Trunks stand there with Betsy and the other resistance fighters behind him.
The colonel went to shout out but before he did it was all over. In a blink of an eye all the soldiers including the colonel were laid out on the ground unconscious.
Trunks looked to his mother's time machine to find it all entangled with wires and locks. He then looked over to the main overlook were doctor Brandy was standing looking at him stunned. Brandy turned to flee but found Trunks standing there in front of him.
"What did you do to my mom's machine?" He growled at him.
Brandy stood up straight and looked the boy right in the eyes "Tried to figure out how it works. Been doing a good job of it so far."
"You've pull out parts put them back in."
"I would but I'm no engineer I'm a physicist. I learn how things work and what we need but not the mechanics of how to get there. All my staff seems to have left and as we speak your mother's machine seems to be deleting itself do to my meddling."
"Wrong answer. Your going to help me or I have my friends deal with you." He looked over to see the resistance fighters shooting the MO men. He looked back at Trunks. "My new friends are a little angry at the way they've been treated by your guys."
"I guess they are… I suppose I don't have a choice, but I remind you that this is a time machine and I can't guarantee anything."
Trunks hissed at him. "Get moving."
The doctor looked ready to start walking when Trunks grabbed hold of him. He picked him up so he couldn't stall any longer. The two landed right in front of the machine and Betsy came up to him.
"We have a whole mess of trouble coming our way. Every trooper left on the station is coming along with reinforcements."
"Yeah I know I can feel it. I think whoever is this Kakarrot is has just arrived."
"Oh, good dear leader might see my hard work for him."
"Shut up or I break an arm!"
"You need both my limbs boy. Come up with a better threat."
"Find I don't need your nose or your ears." He took out his sword then rested it on the bridge of his nose."
"…Point…taken."
Trunks shoved the doctor over to the machine. He joined him as the fighters took up positions.
"You realize that this is a doomed assignment right boy? Even if we fix it without starting a residence cascade. Your friends can't fit. They'll die when you go. Not if I beat your emperor before I leave."
"Your very funny. You have no idea how much trouble you are in." He said as he pushed a part back into place as the machine and it rumbled.
Betsy when up to a door and smashed the controls. "There that ought to hold them."
Suddenly a spark appeared at the bottom of the door that was working it way up. "Or not. Hey Trunks! We're about to have company!"
She ran back to the others as the spark reached the top. It slammed open as the hundred plus trooper that had crammed in that hallway became visible. Everyone opened up in a roar of blaster fire.
Trunks absent mindlessly raised his left hand and fired off a ki blast while still working that exploded in front of the troopers sending them hurling backwards.
Two of the other doors at that moment however exploded and troopers appeared were they had come in from.
Suddenly Betsy was alone as all of the other fighters were picked off from the fire coming from all sides. But then there was silence as Trunks got up looking to protect her. A chill came down his spine.
"Betsy keep your blaster on him." He pointed behind him with his thumb at Brandy. "They're here."
Betsy ran up to Brandy and pointed her blaster at him as Trunks wander into the center of the room.
The roof suddenly exploded Trunks dodged as a beam came at him. He looked upward to see Piccolo in the air landing not far from him.
"You back for a fair fight."
He shook his head "There is no such thing."
A loud voice grating voice that piped up not far from him stand next to a railing. "I reckon blue boy doesn't really know who he's dealing with."
He looked over to the cyborg with the trucker hat. The instant Trunks saw him he knew that he must be a cyborg based on his lack of energy he was sensing.
The dark cloud sky that was now present overhead exploded with energy as Trunks looked above him. His mouth became ajar as he saw after the flash of lightning who he was.
"I just love to make an entrance. Hello McFly. I don't think we've formally met yet. I'm sure you have a lot of question right now based on that face, but you needn't worry about all that. After all you're not going to be breathing in a few minutes when I'm done with you."
Sorry took so long I have not schedule anymore. Next time big fight. Reviews please.
Chapter 72: Resonance Cascade
Chapter Text
"Heil Kakarrot! My Emperor I'm sorry you had to see my work under these circumstances." Doctor Brandy hand was up in the air. Kakarrot lazily heiled back but he kept his eyes on Trunks.
"Think nothing of it… Now I can tell by your blank stare Trunks that you were not expecting me like this. That face says I have seen it, but I cannot believe it. Somehow, I think you were expecting orange and blue, not red, black and white."
Trunks's eyebrows slammed down. Bile and rage filled his eyes. He growled out at him "You did this!"
Kakarrot shrugged his shoulders "Heh I can't take full credit. A lot of humans seemed to be up for what I offered them. I had a good grandpa to show me the way and stack of history books too. If you give people what they want, they will let you do anything especially if it benefits them. If your going to try and shame me may I remind you where you came from. Humanity as rats hiding underground or humanity as vicious predator conquering worlds. Your humans value their words and morals, mine value strength. See the difference?"
"You seem to value your words. You can try to justify your shit all you want. You only do what is good for you and you alone. You're a wantabe god nothing more or less."
"All gods are selfish. Why do you think that none of them have helped you? Or helped those I, Vegeta or Frieza killed? The answer is they could not be bothered to care unless it affected them."
"Man, you are a child. Other people do bad things therefore I can do bad things too."
"True enough… But it doesn't really change anything you know because fuck it."
"Is there anything of worth in you I wonder?"
"What of the man you never meet but were anxious to do so." The tyrant then gave a knowing smile. "Let me guess… Gohan yes. Only a son of mine could get you to this level. The others could not help but get themselves killed. But since you're here then he got himself killed too."
Trunks fists clenched his muscles tightened as the rain began to fall softly.
"That's the ticket. Gohan died for you just like his mother that boy I bet. You came not to just save the world or to save your daddy but because you got him killed. He died and you could not hack it that is why you are here. You failed him twice. You were too late to save him or see your daddy and you were too late here too." He flashed a truly monstrous grin at Trunks. "This Gohan is gone too. I killed him and you of this world. Your always just too late boy."
Trunks frozen rage overtook him. He transformed in nearly an explosion of rage. He let out a guttural scream of pure rage. The floor buckled underneath him as he launched himself at Kakarrot.
Kakarrot had had jumped up and turned golden before Trunks could reach him. Kakarrot had grabbed Trunks's punch but it had not slowed him down. The two went flying back as they went far into the air.
13 and Piccolo took to the air after them as Betsy face already scared soured. "Stay alive angel."
Dr. Brandy smirked at her behind her back "You know he doesn't stand a chance against those three."
She turned pointing her blaster at his crotch "I don't think you need that to fix this machine… Do you?"
His hands were now up "Point taken terrorist."
Following Trunks
Kakarrot in midair punched Trunks getting him right in the check making them finally come to a stop. They were high into the air as the rain was continuing to come down.
Trunks stared up at the monster that had claimed this world. The lightning was flashing in the background soon followed by the roar of thunder.
In that flash Trunks for a second saw Gohan all bloody up there but it returned to Kakarrot. Behind Trunks appeared 13 and Piccolo. He was surrounded.
"Feeling trapped boy?"
"You really need help O great monster taking me down?"
He gave a chuckled "I'm surprise your still able to talk after that…You still think you're in control here boy. Your definitely not Vegeta's or Bulma's kid. You should be a raging uncontrollable ball of rage right now."
"Oh, I am but experience has taught me some control."
"Let's see how long that lasts considering you just lost some."
A new thunder rang out as Trunks and Kakarrot slammed into each other. The rain briefly hung in the air after fists met. The two became a swirling flashing ball of light as they clashed. Every hit shuttered the sky as their speed only increased as they went on.
"Hey big green… It looks like the boss is having fun."
Piccolo sneered at him "Say that one more time tin man and you're going to need a new skull in addition to your heart."
"Hehe… That one was actually good, you're learning."
They fell silence at the massive sound of a smash. Both Trunks and Kakarrot were sent hurdling away from one another as both had struck a blow.
Kakarrot nose was way to it right side gushing blood like a hose while Trunks was clutching his stomach as his saliva, he was spiting up was crimson color.
Blood was flowing into his mouth as Kakarrot cackled "Well…Well… well hate to admit it boy but it's clear that we're evenly matched. That punch hurt more than anything since my last fight with Chi-Chi."
"I haven't even got started yet!"
Kakarrot shrugged at him "Yeah I know. Let me guess you're holding back some reserves that you're going to wait for me to get off my guard then use it hoping that if you kill me my allies will lose their nerves and you'll win. You got this plan because you assume, I am going to fight you like Gohan might. One at a time. I will even wait to watch you transform if you do. That might sound fun but hell… why would I keep playing this game like that?"
He snapped his fingers and Trunks felt all his breath leave him. His back was at a curve and cracked. 13's fist was lodged their deep in his back. Before he could react, his head was kicked downward by 13's foot.
He fell but was grabbed by Piccolo extended arm a smashed upon the rocks below. He was then picked up and smashed again before being let go.
Trunks opened his eyes to see in the distance was the facility. He began to move but only coughed up blood instead.
Overhead the words came "See what I mean. A long drawn out fight instead now becomes a slaughter."
He weakly groaned out "You're a coward."
"Coward huh… A coward is a person that runs. Rest assured I do not run, but I bet you have."
Trunks rose slowly up surrounded by a triangle of them. Piccolo on his right, 13 on his left and Kakarrot above him.
"I can't say this doesn't feel familiar. After all, even single fight I've been in has been one sided but I'm still here."
"We'll see if that still holds true."
13 and Piccolo charged him at nod of Kakarrot head. The two fists were met with air as Trunks had dodged them both.
Trunks retaliated with two good back hand punches to their faces. The two punched back and soon it was a whirlwind of punches with Trunks only seeming to get faster and stronger as they went along.
Kakarrot grit his teeth "Thought so…" He got into stance. "Kame…hame…ha!"
The yellow jet shot straight at Trunks while the other two had jumped out of the way. It exploded in a mushroom cloud. Kakarrot smirked then ducked as Trunks attempted to strike him from behind.
Kakarrot launched himself upwards smashing his head into Trunks's chin. Trunks grunted in pain and then was kick by Kakarrot forcing him backwards. Kakarrot turn to face him and waved his index finger like a mother at him.
"Boy I'm a professional backstabber you really think you could sneak up on me?"
13 and Piccolo appeared to the sides of Kakarrot while the dust of the mushroom cloud only grew closer.
"So, you're getting stronger kiddo. Its good for you but its still one on three and I've not broken a sweat."
Trunks laughed and took his remote out then he pushed the red button only for the whole to come apart as it lit on fire.
"Shame about that really. You think my people would risk my wraith rather then their own death? All you can do is kill them. I can do far worse. It was a nice try though. It would have taken us all out. If it is any consolation you have done better than I thought you would have. You caught on a lot quicker this is an all or nothing kind of sport."
"It's just a game to you."
He nodded back "It's the game of thrones. Your types play it like it has rules or mercy. You do not play for yourself. Meaning your constantly think about what Gohan would do. All your baggage is holding you back. Your filled with doubt like I guess your master was filled with. To busy thinking about others to the point that ya'll aren't thinking about how to improve. These ghosts are your shackles."
Trunks closed his eyes. "Your right they are." He seemed to be finding his center.
"Hey hoss are you sure telling him that is a good idea?"
"Shut up 13, I want to see were this is going."
The yellow aura grew as even more thunder and lightning came about. Trunk's eyes disappeared as a sweat took 13's face.
Trunk's muscles ballooned inside as his hair lengthen in size. The earth shook and the rain fell harder. He gave out a primal roar as the rain all stopped at once.
Trunk's pupils returned and look to see the fear on Kakarrot face but did not find it. Instead he found a frown on a long face with eyes that spoke of frustration. Kakarrot looked at Piccolo who was equally not amused.
Kakarrot looked at Trunks then and asked, "That all?"
"What?"
"Is that all boy?"
Kakarrot spat then looked at him in a disgust frown filled gaze "Is that all you can do boy bulk up your muscles? Are you really this much of a noob when it comes to this shit?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"Well come at me and I'll show you."
Trunks charged him but before he reacted him Kakarrot was gone. He felt a sharp pain to the neck and was on the ground before he knew it. He tried to get up but was kick in the back.
Trunks jumped up and looked around only to find a clearly bored looking Kakarrot nearby. Trunks launched himself at him but found he only swung at air. He looked again to find Kakarrot standing twiddling his thumbs in frustration.
"How did you become so fast?!"
"I didn't moron you just became fifty times slower because your as aerodynamic as a Mack trunk and as heavy as one to boot. You can't fight if you're so large that it takes you an hour to fly a mile." Trunk's eyes went wide at this. "Now get out of that stupid form before you hurt yourself."
The words struck Trunks like a bolt of lightning. In his mind the word failure rang out in his heart. Yet again everyone was counting on him but in the end, he hadn't done anything. The words that the monster now rang true in his head.
He had failed Gohan, Betsy, Mai and his mom. He had failed this world and his world. He had gotten Gohan killed and those resistance fighters too. He powered down and tears took his eyes.
Kakarrot hissed in a rage and shouted out "What the fuck do you think you're doing boy!? This is a fight to the death and your giving up!? Do you have no pride!? I'm going to rap your woman back at the machine!"
Trunk heard that and snapped his mind went and all his saiyan power came back to him. Suddenly Kakarrot found himself flying in the air and smashing next to the time machine.
Brandy had just slid the last part of it back into place as Trunks landed his pupils gone walking over to Kakarrot. The energy arching off of Trunks hit the electronics and there was a rumble.
Brandy eyes went wide as the machine began to glow "Oh fuck me."
The AI spoke up over the intercom "Warning power overload. Warning power drain occurring. Unknown event occurring evacuation recommended."
Everything began to vibrate around them.
Brandy began running even though Betsy was still pointing her weapon at him. "What are you doing?" She screamed out at him.
"Running for my life!"
Suddenly everything flashed. Trunks pupils came back as he looked at her. He appeared next her "You have a suit that can fly right?"
"Yeah?!"
Before she knew Trunks had tossed her as far as he could away as a jet of light shot up from the spot of the time machine and then everything went black.
Trunks opened his eyes and looked and saw him. He was exactly as he remembered him. One armed with a sad look upon his face. Scars everywhere with his black spiky hair.
He looks confused but elated "Trunks your alive?"
Then everything went black and suddenly he was in a throne room. Trunks looked up and saw a flame haired man on a gilded throne scowling at him. He was the short man he had only seen in photographs but had always wanted to know.
"How in the hells are you! How did you get into this room? I'm King…"
It was to black again. He found himself. Next his eyes came to see horror. He was in a field of corpses and looked to see a light green skinned woman with a staff.
Her words spoke with brimstone and fire "Well pleased to make your acquaintance Trunks."
To the black he went again. This time his eyes opened to the void to find an odd looking blue suited man with a briefcase.
Trunks a tingle went up his spine at the sight of this figure who then began to speak in an unnatural way "Interesting…Very interesting… Mr. Briefs you know very much how to make an entrance. Normally I might be inclined to offer you a job but it would seem that you've already been scouted. So have a pleasant trip."
One again everything went black. Light came back. Trunks found himself in a room that made nonsense. He looked to see a funny looking man with a wide hat and long colorful scarf next to a primitive looking woman.
"My word! How in the world did you get in here? That's supposed to be impossible. I think."
Everything went black again and Trunks felt like he was going mad. For all the places he had been which he could remember he knew there was a million places that he could not.
Suddenly he felt a light tap on his face and a voice he remembered say "Trunks wake up."
His eyes opened to see a tiny pink skinned woman standing over him with an odd bearded bird in her shoulder.
"Oh, not again."
She smirked at him "Don't worry I stabilized you. You won't be slipping into other universes or dimensions anymore."
"What?"
She spoke slower as if to patronize him "You're here to stay."
He leaned up to see that he was in a field of grass in a bubble in place unknown. In the distance was a what looked more like a temple then a house. It was complete with pillars and walls.
"Welcome Trunks to my home. I am Chronoa the Supreme Kai of time."
His mouth was ajar as he would looking around. "Thanks…thanks for helping me."
She smiled at him "Your very welcome but to be honest I didn't just do it to be nice."
"Oh?"
"You see I have a job for you…"
Back at the time and place he started from
Kakarrot clutching his bleeding arm staring at the now fading light with 13 and Piccolo at his side. The light extended into the atmosphere. Below them was stormtroopers dealing with all manner of creatures that had come out of the portal.
Doctor Brandy with a bright look on his face approached with hologram of Dr. Gero and Dr. General Platinum following.
Kakarrot with a wide look in his eyes asked, "What is this?"
"A resonance cascade my lord. An unstable breach between universes and dimensions. Thankfully, it is not permanent, and we are stabilizing it. The lost of power to the planet is being corrected as we speak."
Gero with his steely eyes stared at the ruins of his labs did not skip a beat "Can you make us a time machine or a portal."
Brandy nodded. He pulled Bulma's manual that he had hidden under his lab coat on his back. "Yes, my lord. It will take a while, but I will be able to reverse engineer her work. We will have our own little way back machine. I assure you."
Sorry this took so long. Bad writers block. Quarantine not helping me out.
Chapter 73: Imperial March
Chapter Text
Two fingers covered by a black leather glides across a wooden table. The fingers moved up to the face of the thin nosed owner of those fingers. He is a beady eyed man with a pale face. His grey uniform is pristine as are his leather boots. He is a jack boot of a man. The uniform is him with him merely being a thug.
He sits with his officers behind him. His commando's and stormtroopers at the door and around him. Gently his wipes the dust off his glove as he pays no mind to the man in front of him.
The man in front of him is a Cather man. To a human he looks very much like a cat in certain ways. He does not have fur, but he has whiskers. His face is elongated and his nose wet. His corneas instead of black circles are thin lines.
This man is rather round and short. His balding head is tinged with grey. His hat is in his hands. He is dressed plainly in a drab brown color. The bright light from the windows behind the imperial seem to bug him but he is still.
The imperial vice admiral having removed the dust sighs "Your cleaning staff must not have been very into their work. I can't imagine why… could you?"
He grasped tighter onto his hat as he attempted to make words happen but could not. Nothing he could think of would appease him. "I…I know…Well you see."
The man smashed his fist onto the table and the Cather man practically jump in place. To that the imperial chuckled at him.
"It's good to see you know how to be fearful 'creature'. You are such a coward. To think your soldiers fought and died for you is such a shame."
He blurted out quick "They fought for our people." The moment the words came out of his mouth he trembled. He had just contradicted him he realized.
The smile did not leave the vice admiral's face. "Is that all the fight in you? Pathetic… No, the last of your men died protecting you. And look at you now collaborating with us. The spike on your manhood must very small on you indeed. You have spikes down their I heard right?" He paused for a second but before he respond. "Never mind… my point is that your servants the people who are supposed to be here weren't too keen on working very hard for you."
"I understand this. My people didn't enslave them though."
"Are you trying to say this is much different? You wall them up in ghettos and pay them so little that they might as well have given them nothing. They starve and you feast. You live in their world and in their former homes."
"I admit this my lord. We have been doing more for the Telogan people in recent years…"
The imperial hissed "Silence!" He shut up damn quick. "The Emperor and the Politburo of the Ribbon party has made their decision on this planet and many others very clear. I am now temporary supreme governor of this planet. My orders are to make this planet ready for the return of native rule. Native of course meaning the people that came before you. Newly freed slaves of the Telogan will be arriving from various worlds shorty. You are to have all your people remove themselves from their stolen property and move to camps that your people shall build. They are free to take anything that my men don't deem valuable to the war."
"So, anything they want from us?"
"Exactly. Your people will then be digging ditches and making this planet ready for the Telogan return so that they can have all of it. After that phase is done, you'll all be free to go."
"Free to go?"
"I thought you were a cat not a parrot. Yes, free to go. The newly formed Protectorate of the Empire the Republic of Haman wishes its birth to be with mercy. Your people will be loaded on ships and set free."
"To go…"
He snickered "Wherever you want."
"But we…how? What will we…?"
"I'll stop you right there. I don't care and whatever you have on your backs. Think of it like an adventure. You will be explorers. I am sure that good people of the galaxy will gladly take you in. I mean who does not like an entire race of people showing up begging for food and space during a massive war. I mean people just love refugees." He grinned at him for a time. "Now get out of my office. I've got a planet I need to strip of its worth before I go."
He waived his hand and the doors behind the Cather man swung opened. He put his hat on and left with his head hung low. Slowly he made his way through his former presidential palace.
This place was old. Made well before his ancestors had bought this planet from King Cold. It had survived generations of conflict. But it was now worn and decaying. Very little had been done since his people's arrival.
He made his way to the gate where his guards were waiting. The steel bars opened as the small group made its way onto the cracked streets.
The new normal here was apparent at a glance. The streets that had been overfilled with people were now sparse. No one was leaving their homes. All the cops were now Telogan. They wore ill-fitting uniforms and jewelry on from Cather people they had robbed. What once had been street thugs were now the law.
The vice admiral's men were about in the street were out of armor. They acted like tourists here on holiday. Taking pictures, getting drunk and crowding into the brothels despite MO oversight.
He got into a streetcar to take him to his temporary home. This old streetcar with a smell of urine to it was nearly full as he found a spot. He sat next to a large older Telogan knitting while humming to herself.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you grandma?"
"Not at all sugar please go ahead."
He collapsed quickly into the seat as his head fell onto his hands. He was too tired to cry too exhausted to scream and too broken too whine.
"Sweety you look like a man who might want to be run over."
"Sounds right… I really wouldn't mind it."
"Hey, didn't used to be president?"
"I still… kinda of am."
"You should really be doing something about all these hoodlums wearing uniforms. All they seem to do is steal from everyone. One stole my broch just yesterday."
"Not my call anymore."
"That's crazy. This has all been craziness. I tell you. All these kids have this violence in them. All they want to do now is take and hurt. They used to be good kids to. But now they are like animals. They've tasted blood and that is all they want now. It's like one of those drugs, they got a taste now and they want more."
"What you think is the remedy?"
"Rehab..."
He smiled "What kind?"
"More mothers telling their kids to not be violent. Maybe a lot less screaming more talking. Less waving around blasters more peace signs or something."
"It's nice to know that a grandma has more sense than the rest of us…"
He was stopped dead by the sound of a scream of a woman followed by another "Die Traitor! Die!"
He turned his head and looked as his guards rushed towards a young looking Cather boy with a blaster in his hand. Everything seemed to go in slow motion as he watched that maybe twelve-year-old boy pull that trigger.
Elsewhere in Space
The imperial shuttle landed with a light thud on this little platform. Around this platform was a sprawling city that went as far as the purplish horizon on this planet. The star hung low in the sky as the ramp came down.
Coming from the building that the platform was connect to, was some uniformed aliens. They had thin bodies with large heads. They had short round noses and a pale yellowish skin. These aliens did not look much like fighters, but they had blasters.
Emerging from the ship was a familiar cowboy booted imperial. He was wearing a light blue suit with his hair slicked back while a cigarette occupied his mouth. A stony eyed glare was on his face as he looked to see who was waiting for him.
Behind came a crewcuted man with glasses. He wore a tie with a shirt but no jacket. In his hands was case that his fingers grasped tightly onto. He was a plain looking sort giving the impression of mundaneness that one could find in any office building.
"Neon… Should we go in?"
"No. We wait until they come to us."
Not a second later came a more sharply dressed alien with what could be described as a robe. He came over a bowed to Neon and grabbed hold of his hand to shake it. The alien was clearly unfamiliar with the concept.
"Now may I Keth welcome you Neon of the New Saiyan Empire to Muunnilinst. My boss you see is anxious to meet you." He let go of Neon hand and point towards the door. "Come right this way now."
The two followed the Keth and they were soon at the top of the building. They entered the massive room that was office of the head of the Banking Clan. There sitting alone behind his massive desk was him.
Unth head of the Banking Clan. He was sitting in his large chair. He looked different than most of those seen before. His skin was grey and lacking shine to it. He was clearly elderly by his people's standards.
The two humans took their seats as Unth signaled them to. There was a moment of silence as Unth and Neon sized each other up. Neon sniffed the air and changed his cigarette.
"It's a nice place you got here President Unth."
"It is, is it?" The raspy voice of the old man was like a scalpel. It was the voice of a kind of man that Neon knew from experience. It was the voice of a man that had already planned this conversation out in full before he even knew he was having it.
"It is. I like big stark room it reminds of how tiny we are."
"I would figure you'd hate that feeling based on what I know of your peoples dress. You seem to like sticking out."
"Maybe but the room keeps me on my toes. Its always good to remember that oblivion is a wrong step away."
"Like going to a place were someone could easily sell you to the highest bidder?"
"Or know what will happen if you aggravate a person that keeps a collection of his enemy's skulls?"
"True enough… Now enough small talk. You want me to hold the money."
"I have with my lord's wishes started a 'collective'. We have made lots of friends, who are now partners. We need a place to put all of this capital."
"Your master has a lot of space."
"But no financial recognition. We want to establish credit lines. It's a matter of numbers but we want to buy our own money."
"Do I give the impression of owning a 'laundry mat'?"
"No, you are thee 'laundry mat'. Most of the people I have come to represent have given you glowing reviews. Your thee man to deal with. I've not asked anyone else as of yet."
His long slender fingers stomped on his desk "It can't just be that."
"We've got gems, gold pressed latinum, art and weapons too. We have revolutionaries we need to fund and supply. We have paintings and sculptures that we need to legitimize. Now do we have a deal."
"My young friend do you think you'd be in this room if we didn't already have one?"
A Red-Letter Day
Sweat covered their faces as they watch the object. The figures were in scrubs with masks and plastic gloves on them.
Over the loudspeakers "Okay boys and girls its show time. 'Mother' is experiencing contractions. Ø is coming. One gave a gulp as they got in position.
This white sterile room felt maybe like a prison. They knew the numbers even in infancy this thing was capable of killing them with ease. Power armor had been dismissed it needed to see people from the moment it opened it eyes else wise it might react violently.
The 'mother' began to shake in place. The materials began to stretch beyond its limit.
One spoke "He's going to run of oxygen at this rate. Dr. Pink reach your hand in and pull it out."
Dr. Pink nodded and placed his hand into the opening of the 'mother'. Pink then began to scream in pain. "Oh, Kakarrot it's got me."
The other four quickly grabbed hold of Pink and began to pull on him. Suddenly this tug of war was over and the five collapsed onto the ground.
Dr. Blush look at Pink's hand. It was covered in the thick goo of the uterus. His wrist had been crushed nearly completely. It looked like a used tube of toothpaste. His hand was intact and most of his arm but his wrist was a thin a pencil.
The hole was now opened, and goo came pouring out of it. It was an unsettling thing. All this organic material coming from this plastic and metal contraption. It was not unlike a machine was giving birth.
Blush could see a bit of hair coming out. He signaled to another and they got up and reached in. In one quick motion the newborn was freed.
Blush examined it. It had stopped moving. It had all of what had been expected of it.
One of the men asked, "Why did it do that?"
Blush removed his masks as he took complete control of the infant. "Maybe it has to do with the fact it has no mother to be comfortable with. We're just strangers to it."
When he finished talking suddenly it began to stir. It gave him a kick that nearly made him stumble. He was sure that a few of his ribs had just been broken. He bit his tongue rather then cry out to the point he could taste pennies in his mouth.
He looked at the one-way mirror as a tail began to encircle his arm "Inform Dr. Platinum and Dr. Gero that Project Prometheus has met its first goal. The clone of 04 has been born. Its human elements from the donor ovum are not being expressed. The first nearly full saiyan has arrived. We'll now be focusing on phase two."
We'll now the times they are a-changin' aren't they.
Chapter 74: The Times They Are A Changin'
Chapter Text
(In yellow letters floating in space)
A NEW HOPE
War consumes the cosmos. Many years have passed since the overthrow of the frost demons and the rise of the New Saiyan Empire. Since then nothing has gone well for the forces of liberty and democracy.
The United Planets Alliance despite having the numeric advantage is crumbling against the might of the Empire. The imperial navy, marines and elite commandos have triumph in nearly every battle between them. Even with most of the Empires ranks being filled out with only hominids.
The technical advantage of Dr. Gero's machines have made the difference in this war. The empire has access to cyborgs, better power armor, new weapons and more of them.
Tens of thousands of worlds are suffering with no end in sight for them as world's are littered with the corpses of patriots and fascists alike.
Despite the best the best efforts of the UPA, Kakarrot's war machine has stormed across the stars creating an uncountable number of refugees. Starvation and predation have taken over far too many lives. In this chaos democracy is dying as the end of the war seems to be drawing near.
Meanwhile there has been no sign of Chi-Chi or her friends for years to the dismay of the Resistance.
They have been looking for them for all this time but have not found a nothing, nor has the empire either. The Resistance grows desperate as they know for a fact that the emperor's plans are coming to pass.
The secretive Project Prometheus and its sister operation General Offensive are being set to be unleashed on the galaxy. One to change mankind forever the other to bring an end war and finish of the valiant democracies of the galaxy for good.
The leaders of the resistance have pinned their hopes on coming back into contact with Chi-Chi and Bulma who along with Stryker, Mai, Trunks and Gohan who have been completely absent from the war.
They have come to the conclusion that they will be needed to turn this tide in this the darkest hours of the galaxy.
In this the brave members of the Resistance have not been idol. In a desperate attempt to change the course of the war a cadre of fighters have been sent to a remote world where a piece of the puzzle lies in wait.
In response the Emperor has sent his most loyal agent to deal with this nuisance. Not knowing that his plans are already being discovered.
Sweat pour down the faces of these armored men. Around them is the smoking remains of those whom they killed to enter this room.
There is a distinct look of fear upon their faces as they guard the entrance. The entrance is a thick blast door. It had been made mostly to have kept them out, but it hadn't. In this dark smoky room, a man ran up to another who must have been the leader.
"The message has been sent."
"Could we get it to headquarters?"
"No, only to the them if they are still alive."
"What was in it?"
"Don't know nothing good. Prometheus has something to do with Saiyan and genes. There was too much to read right now."
"Do we have an exit?"
"No sir. We lost contact with the rest 'Faith' is here."
The lights went off.
"Night vision on boys and girls. Let's make these imperial dogs work for it. General Ross's fist ain't going down without a fight."
A reddish-orange glow suddenly shined in from the door. It was the glow of melting metal. As a hot jet of ki was burning through it. The jet carved a door through the metal and then it stopped.
The commander shouted out as the door fell "For Liberty, For Freedom!"
They opened up as the door came down and the red ki blade shown through. The red of the ki blade was over too them in milli-second. The screams of the fighters were quickly silenced. Before the commander knew it, he was alone.
In the dark he looked around to find the red ki blade, but his hand was soon relived of his arm and he was on the ground.
Helpless he looked were he knew the head of the man was "Your too late! We've already set them the message."
A dark altered voice responded "You think it matters? You think they'll hear? Your 'hope' has been gone for a long time. They had the sense to find a place to hide. You didn't."
"Long live freedom…"
Before he could continue the red ki blade took a swipe and the commander was no more. A click was heard.
"Inform the Emperor of this nuisance. The enemies of the empire now have our secrets."
Elsewhere
An armor-clad figure is sitting looking over a cliff. The figure is grey-green colored. The gold visor shining in dim light. The armor was battered. The chest piece was in the back was bent. There were scratch marks all over the place. It was splatter with blood crimson and another yellowish looking blood.
The figure looked to see the massive city in the valley that was still on fire in some places. The rising sun highlighted the horror that had occurred the night before. The river that ran through the city looked crimson in the early dawn light. The green jungle around the city looked sickly as it was covered in ash from the burning city.
Overhead was a large triangle shaped ship. It looked at this distance large then life and it had a handled trident tattooed on the bottom of it.
Walking over to the figure was a similar armored figure come over. His helmet was off and in his arms. His blonde hair and blue eyes said it all of who it was, it was Sharpener. There was some dried blood on his lips. His armor was scratched and signed also. His visor was cracked by some close call that still broke his lip.
He took out a cigarette and put his mouth and walked over to his superior. "Want a smoke boss?"
She took her helmet off. She had a x-scar on her face going down one of her eyes. Her hair was very short and black. Her eyes blue and tired. She had a thousand-yard stare in them. It was Commander Videl Teal in her twenties but looking mental far older then that.
"Sure." Videl said while watching the slaughter continue below. Sharpener came up to her and handed her the lit bud.
Sharpener join in with her viewing. "Awe inspiring isn't it?"
Videl sighed "Which one? The city burning or the sun rise?"
Sharpener shrugged "Both. One because everything can be taking away in seconds. Two because no matter what, the universe does not give a shit."
Videl kicked a rock away "Ain't that the truth… Where's Erasa?"
Sharpener inhaled deeply "Had her getting ready to help some stormtroopers take a bunker. The little bastards are dug in them like a tick. It will take us to help too."
"Command wants us back on the 'Avenger'. We're wanted on some sort of special mission."
Sharpener grinned "Well finally the most decorated Uber Commandos in the fleet get their due."
Videl looking far out into the distance "It has't to be something big. They wouldn't even give me any of the details in the transmission."
Sharpener whistled and looked genuinely surprised to Videl "Well damn this must be big considering who you are?"
Videl snarled at that "I hope that's not why we're being chosen."
Sharpener shrugged "Well it does mean you can be trusted right?"
Suddenly Sharpener head exploded from a blast of a plasma rifle his corpse fall on Videl. She was cover in his blood and brains. On instinct she used his dead body as a shield from the sniper who had gone into rapid fire putting blood craters in his dead body.
Her insticts told her were the sniper was and she fired, and the small bird-like looking alien fell to the ground from the tree he was in.
In blinding red rage Videl flew over to the alien. He had broken his legs from the fall but still had a determined look in his eye. He tried to grab his rifle but Videl kicked it away. She looked around making sure that there were no more of them then she looked at him.
Videl looked like she was going to speak when the alien spat at her. She gritted her teeth and with her hands started to punch him to death. His skin was ripped apart and by the time she was done there was nothing left of him but a pile of yellow.
She felt the blood on her face then frantically tried to wipe the blood off her, only to get more alien blood on face. She vomited onto the ground after she got up. She started to walk away from her handy work, but the world was spinning around her.
The memories that the fever brought up came back suddenly the afro man with the mustache and more. There was bootcamp, the bomb strapped to her, all the men she had lost, it was all in front of her. They were staring at her so was the others the face that she had taken. The face that the 'happy' made go away. They were all so judgmental.
She collapsed onto the ground as her eyes slammed shut as the sounds of jungle overtook the scene surrounding her.
She woke up in the med bay. Her friend Erasa sleeping on a chair next to her. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl probably found her. Videl remember what had happen, it meant that she and her were the only ones left of the original squad minus Pencil who got himself a desk job.
They must have taken off her armor all she was in was a hospital gown. Her muscle showing from her constant excise along with her tattoos.
On her right shoulder in black that read 'Dead from Above' on her left shoulder was Tally marks twenty in total, no doubt number of planets she had directly been a part of the invasion of.
On the right side of her shoulder was written in black 'Born to Kill'.
Down the center of her back was the names and ranks of people that had died under her command. 'Warrant Officer Jeff Anderson, Private First-class Angela Maxfield, Private First-Class James O'Brien, Private First-class Kalvin Winters, Lieutenant Maxine Alverez'.
Videl groaned and it woke up Erasa who half-smiled and said, "Well looks like sleeping beauty is up."
Videl annoyed visibly at the wires on her and the needle in her arm "How long?"
"Oh… Less than a day boss, not even long enough to get my proper eight hours in while waiting for you."
Videl gritting her teeth "Sharpener's…"
"Died? Yeah."
Videl twitched "My fault."
Erasa shook her head "The bastard was wearing a suit that the sensors didn't pick up. We had secured the area it wasn't your fault. It was mine I was on scouting duty."
Videl sighed not at all believing that in the slightest she grumbled out "I need a drink and a smoke."
Erasa shook her head again and shrugged "Sorry boss. Medics confiscated any that I tried to bring in."
"Alright then, soldier I order you to help me escape this place and get me a Kakarrotdamn drink."
She gave a slight smile "Sure thing boss." (She helped her up, getting the needles out of her arm and getting to her feet.) "Then we can get Sharpener's name on your back after we get good and damn drunk. Sharpener would have wanted it that way."
The lights went off as the two made their escape the medics attempted to stop them, but they were brushed aside. The two made it to the door went they nearly ran into a man in black coming into the med bay.
He was a creepy looking man that heiled Videl. He had odd big lips and round thick glasses with beady black eyes. He had a large black leather fedora on his head to cover his bald spot that didn't do a very good job. He had a pin on his leather jacket that signified he was a party member and below that was his name and rank 'MO Major Arnold Ernst Toht'.
Arnold in his creepy unnerving voice "Good evening Fraulein Teal. We have so much to talk about."
After a quick stop, off to getting them self's dress for the occasion. They were on the shuttle to their destination all sitting down. Both Videl and Erasa were in their dress uniforms Commando brown. Videl looked irate by this whole situation. Her father had sent this man no doubt but for needing to 'talk' about things, but he had barely said a word.
Videl nearly hissing "Where are we going?"
Arnold smiled at her "Classified."
Videl her eyes narrowed "Whose order's?"
Arnold still smiling creepily "Classified."
"Is there anything else you can say?"
"You will apparently be receiving another 'blood iron trident' for your service on New Thailand. You will have so many medals Fraulein that soon you won't be able to carry them all you realize this right?"
"I don't really care." She got up and went to the cockpit to see what they were moving towards the Massive Supercarrier 'Faith'. It was first of the Supercarrier class larger than most moons it looked a lot like a triangle with its pointed front.
Videl sighed she knew who this was. She left the cockpit and took her seat back down. Erasa tilting her head "Where are we going.?"
"We're going to my cousin Romulus, that's where we're going. I was actually for a second thought that this was my brother's doing or my father's."
"You have an eye for ships Fraulein."
Videl huffed then hissed "Stop calling me that or I'd make you eat those glasses spook."
"I apologize my lady." (He said with clear sarcastically.) "But you are royalty are you not? After all it is Cousin Romulus not Crown Prince Romulus Gero. Also is father Moff Teal, mother Moff Violet and its brother Grand Admiral Cyan. But you are correct they are not a part of this operation, but I assure you the mission will be worth it."
They arrived in the square landing bay and walked down the ramp to be greeted by a line's of stormtroopers and officers there to greet them including Grand Admiral Cobalt. They heiled each other and were soon off to the transports. The ship was so big that walking might take days so all these Superships had bullet train systems inside the ships.
It was a quiet ride up to the Prince's quarters. No one really had anything yet to talk about. They arrived at the spot the doors opened.
They were greeted by the Blood Guard (The elite guard of the MO assigned to protect the Imperial family). The guard were in all red and had short red capes on their backs. They were said to all have their tongues removed so they would never speak a word against their wards. It was also said they were all spade and castrated so there would be no trouble.
There were seven of them for each of the member of the family, minus the wife's so there were just under thousand of them, but soon she knew to be more than a thousand of them. They never showed their faces but at the end of the day they were still guards for people that could blow up planet so Videl wasn't too impressed with them.
They were quickly searched then led by the Grand Admiral to the executive meeting room were Arnold and Erasa were stopped by the blood guard.
Cobalt informed them "My apologies the Prince will only be seeing the Commander today."
Videl marched forward and enter the large door to the mostly empty room. The door shut.
The room was mostly dark but as she enters the lights turned on and she saw him standing looking out the windows. He most has been standing still for so long that the motion light turned themselves off, even when she was younger Romulus seemed seven feet tall now, he looked it.
His suit and mask gave a real cold feeling to her. It was something out a different age. It was medieval but advance. If he wasn't angry in the moment it was like he wasn't here. He was a ghost that lived in a black suit. He was merely his father's will made manifest.
She heiled and he turned around heiled back. In his calm robotic voice said "Greetings Cousin. It is good to see you."
"And I you, my Prince."
"I see you have more scars."
"War is hell my Prince."
"That it is. Sorry to hear about your friend."
"His wife and nine children will miss him dearly."
"They will be well taken care of. His body will be entombed in the 'Hall of the Great Patriotic Heroes'."
"I'll be sure to visit him after all of this. How is your wife…" She said but stopped when remembering how much the two hated each other and the other thing.
"It's okay my sister Livy has your brother to warm her bed. I would hate to be with that viper so better him than me."
"The two do deserve one another my Prince."
"That they do. Now enough talk, I have a mission for you."
"What is it my Prince?"
"A glorified fetch quest cousin."
Her eyebrow went up "My Prince?"
"I thought it was a waste to use you for this, but Father insisted we have the best on this, so here you are. Do you remember the footage from the twenty third world tournament?"
"Yes, My Prince. It was the start of the party take over, our glorious revolution."
"Yes it was. The lead woman Chi-Chi Ox escape my Father's grasp along with Bulma Briefs, Trunks Brief, Major Stryker and Captain Mai. All of them were important and have yet to be captured but all pale to what else we is missing. Chi-Chi was pregnant when she left the Earth with a son from my father. One of my brother's is in the hands of the Resistance. And as of recently important plans for the war just fell into their hands."
Videl's mouth was wide open "You must be joking."
Romulus shook his head "Nein. We have a wayward Prince on our hands. My Father wants him back for the twenty-anniversary celebration of the death of Frieza as well as the plans. You aren't the first one we have sent on this mission. Nor do I truly believe you will be the last. Most find nothing, others never return. However, this time you will be entrusted with quite a bit. This mission is top secret and for it you will no longer be a Commander you are now a Captain as you will be given your own ship. It is a brand-new frigate capable of cloaking. It's the fastest ship in the fleet. You will be given an Elite Moral Order Commando squad, a state-of-the-art brand-new AI for the ship and the twins fresh from their hunt for Tarble."
"We're diverting resources from the war effort to this?"
"Yes. Father believes that the hunt for the renegade King of the Tech-Tech's Super Saiyan is less important than this operation. I'm sure my brother Remus is most pleased about this. I guess he'll have to stop drink and actually do his own job. Now Erasa will be prompted to Commander you are not to give her details of what I have told you nor to anyone else until you're on your way. Father wants them all alive but if it becomes necessary we only need Gohan, Chi-Chi and Bulma without exception. Bulma is a bright mind that could help the Reich in so many ways and of course he wants my brother and his wife back, he misses playing with her terribly. You are to use any methods necessary but if you kill Bill, Trunks or Mai be sure to take their skulls my father wants them for his collection. Question?"
"What are the plans?"
"Classified documents detailing are final battle plan to end the war and a detail plan for our advancement as I understand. You are not to look at them merely to destroy and determine if they have shared them. Now you are dismissed"
Videl heiled then turned around and walked out of the room as Romulus went back to looking at nothingness.
The door shut behind her and Erasa came up to her "What's going on?"
"I'm a Captain now and you're a Commander the rest I can't tell you for a while."
"Now lady Teal I guess its time to show you your ship?"
"After I make a stop to get a tattoo."
They arrive at drydock at the very bottom of the ship after Videl had gotten her new grey officers' uniform and had his name written on her back. They got on an open elevator and were lower to the catwalk that lead to her new ship.
She looked at the ship it was in the body an almost half a cylinder-shaped thing, with two engines flexed downwards on each side. It was colored black white and red color of the flag and had a handled trident on both wings. It had two fins on the back.
The two commandos stood and stared.
Erasa mouth wide open "Fancy new digs."
Videl smirked "Nothing but the best for us."
Erasa grinned at the sight of her "I bet you hate that new uniform."
"You know it. Grey sucks the big one. This means I'm management now."
"Well then why did you make us call you the 'boss'."
Videl sadly stated "No that was Sharpener's idea to get on my nerves. I just ended up liking it."
Erasa put her head down "Oh yeah I remember that… we should be there for Erica."
"She'll understand she as good party member and if she doesn't well I don't blame her. I blame command.
Erasa determined "For Earth and humanity"
Videl nodded "For Earth and humanity. Let's do this."
The two followed by Arnold entered the ship and were greeted by some of the crew. They were led into the airlock that was right next to the cockpit and then they were led to CIC (Combat Information Center) were the entire crew was waiting. In the middle of the room was a map of the Milky Way with the ramp that led up to it. The large room held all sort of stations for the crew to work at.
The first thing that caught her eye of the crew was 17 and 18. The blue-eyed twins looked none too happy to be here she could relate. They were in their dress black uniforms. As Videl understood it they rarely when into battle with armor preferring instead to go in wearing black leather engineer jumpsuits for some reason. They didn't look a lot like soldiers to her, but their record spoke for itself.
Then Videl's focus came to her team. They had odd armor for a commando team. Each one of them had a different style of armor meaning that they were all experimental. Though they were in black with color striping their shoulders. Before she could talk to them all she was intercepted by a man with glasses.
The two heiled one another then the man, with glasses came up to her with his attendant behind him "I do say it is a pleasure to meet you Captain Teal." He looked older to Videl behind his glasses was tired bright green eyes. On his face was a goatee and a smile. He had a trench coat black. His pin said, 'MO Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Leonard Lemon Church.'.
"Will you be joining us Dr. Colonel?"
Leonard sighed "No I'm afraid not Captain. I'm too old for this sort of thing, however, I did wish to give you a run down on the soldiers and equipment I have given you."
Videl nodded "Go ahead."
"First off the ship on board AI is known as Alpha he likes to go by Church. Next the commandos are all from my personal project that the Emperor, your father and Dr. Gero have all signed off on. Which is why they all have odd armor. They will all be going by their project names. The one with the teal stripe is Agent Carolina their leader and quite important to me. Her Second with the yellow stripe is Agent York then there is North and South Dakota with their purple stripes. Agent Wyoming with his white stripe, along with Agent Maine and his brown and white stripe. And let us not forget about Agent Washington with his yellow stripe. All of their equipment is new as well as their AI. They are quite competitive, but Carolina will keep them under control. I will be pleased to hear of their performance when you get back." (He turned from her.) "Come Consular it will not be wise to keep the Prince waiting."
Videl walked forward the group stood in attention. "I don't know all of you right now. But you all look like soldiers to me. The mission we are on has been given to us by the highest authority. I expect you all to remember that. As soon as we are out there, I will explain to you all the nature of our mission and you will understand it. Ensign take us out of dock and to where the Church tell you to go. We can begin our hunt then." (She looked to the crew that she now had at her command; a cold vein ran up her back.) "Dismissed."
The ship detached from the Supercarrier and then shot off into deep space going hunting.
The times have changed haven't they.
Chapter 75: An Awkward Start
Chapter Text
Her dreams were always full of horror tonight was no exception.
In her captain quarters Videl was tossing and turning in her bed. In her dreams she also went back to the first op right after officer school.
A planet now known as New Columbia then it was known as Frieza 195.
It was moonlit night as they free fell into the city from the stratosphere. The local populace never saw them coming that night. She had landed in some tenant complex with her team, with a flick of her hand the building was gone and all the aliens too.
The look of horror on their face was etched into her mind. She always got up to puke when she remembered the little girl and her doll that blank confused look, she gave her tonight was no exception.
She in a heartbeat was up and puking in her bathroom, but the memories didn't stop there. She must have killed a million of them that moonlit night with all the stars watching. Her and her now mostly dead squad.
They killed that world's people. Now their where colonists on that world. She had visited it long after. There were families and cities like before. It was like nothing at all happened there, just a marker where one of her men fell.
Nothing about the legion of their people tried to stop them with painfully outdated weapons and were slaughter to the last as a result.
Nothing about the woman (best she could tell) that tried to stab her with a kitchen knife defending her children that Videl had turned to ash with the wave of her hand.
The place was all nice and sterile now like it never happened at all.
These people she was told were only here because they had payed Frieza to wipe out and enslave the inhabitants (who were originally hominid) in the first place. This was just taking back what was theirs and showing no mercy to Frieza's old allies.
This was justice they told her again and again. This would be happening to the Earth if they weren't out here. 'Make sure and take your Happy just forget'. The consular told her.
It got easier with every world. It became a chore, then she grew to enjoy it. The party line ringing in her head 'Breathing room'. We need breathing room for our people to grow.
She came back to herself after she had been sitting on the floor for a while. Sometimes it was hard to remember where she was exactly.
The ship was still in night mode with dim lights.
It had been months since they had left the fleet to go a hunting. They hadn't found a thing but angry natives and ruins.
Bill was an expert she knew this. She read up all the files to get a feel of the man and he did not disappoint. He had been the top of his class in the academy. He came from a long line of agents it was practically in his blood.
The galaxy was on fire and yet he had managed to for nearly twenty years hide. The galaxy was vast and there were a million and one places to hide. This wasn't trying to find a needle in a haystack. This was trying to find a needle that at random was all over the galaxy.
No one wanted to talk, so every time it would get messy. However, it really didn't matter because no one knew anything any ways.
All she was able to do was confirm where they had been 'maybe'. They had been to Risa, Yardrat, Namek, Sola Minor, Atad, Frieza planet 234 and so on. They barely traded with anyone. They normally stuck to backwards undeveloped world's and never stayed for too long.
Since Namek they had been ghosts. Disappearing and reappearing with ease. Romulus had been most kind when he had argued against this mission.
Clearly despite the act robo-prince had a soul after all. To call all of this a miss allocation of resources and a waste of time were understatements.
She flushed the toilet then went to washing her mouth. She stared at her scars. Somehow staring at them remaindered her of her family even though none of the scars were from them.
She was sure if it was her mother or brother who hated her more. Dad was the only one how really liked her she was sure of. Her mother had wanted her to be more like her little brother hiding behind a cloak of one her cousins. She must have somewhat cared for her to make such a fuss she had thought at first, but then it came to her.
His heterochromiac ass was making the family more powerful by shacking up with Livy. Her mother wanted her to be some Prince's whore. She wanted her to be one of Remus mistresses even going so far as to ask her to dye her hair green (he liked green hair).
Dad was far more understanding. He liked that she was putting herself on the line like a 'real damn soldier' as he put it. He liked to talk about the glory days. Like when walked into a police station that held a Ribbon agent and he slaughtered his way through it. Killed twenty-four cops, one UNIT agent and one 'lose end'.
She left the bathroom and laid down on her bed. She tossed and turned not finding rest. Her mind was now on New Thailand seeing Sharpener brain's coming out of his skull. It was a damned relief when the damn lights came on. Now she could get back to work. Fighting was easily then sleeping lately, and she felt for some reason that today was going to be another fight.
She threw on her grey's and put on her officer's cap and she was in the elevator down to the CIC, where her yeoman was waiting for along with Erasa.
The two heiled her and then Erasa started in "Boss the Alpha has been reviewing our strategies and has come up with a new one. It suggests we spilt up on this next world VALL H 238. It is larger than Earth but has no one on it despite its diverse ecosystem. It's possible that they are there but this isn't the only habitable world in this cluster of star systems."
Videl quite tired sighed "How likely exactly?" She said knowing it was going to be pathetic.
"103,720 to one chance that they are here and that's being well very generous."
"Lottery numbers great. I don't like splitting up the group but the faster we go… The nearby system has far more planets, right?" (The yeoman nodded.) "Great! I need a vacation from my quarters any ways. I'll go alone with my gear and a transponder. It wouldn't take more than week to do it myself. Meanwhile you'll go on ahead and pick me up when you're done. So that we can find nothing and move on."
Erasa looked shocked "Your leaving me in charge."
"Yep! Time for you to earn that paycheck."
Erasa rolled her eyes "Well thanks boss."
Videl grinned at her "Don't mention it."
The drop to this world was easy this planet was so much like Earth. It had been a year since she had seen it last. The spot she had chosen to camp was perfect.
The side of a lake on a mountain, with the view of the forests and rivers below and the mountain to her back. It was perfectly idyllic complete with bird songs and bright blue skies. It was so hot out that she took off her armor. She only had on her tank top and navy issued pants when she went down from her camping spot to the lake. Drinking whisky until the sunset sounded like a good idea.
She gets to the shore of the lake and quick finds something out of place. There was an orange and blue gi of some sort. She had been a few drinks in, so it didn't click that someone was here. She took a swig and went over to look at the clothes. She knows she has seen these before, but she can't remember where.
She hears a splash and looks to see a naked Gohan having come out of the lake standing not twenty feet away from her.
The two freeze and look at each other. His and her checks immediately go pink. Very quickly the two not thinking look each other over.
Videl first spies his onyx eyes and spiky hair then she notices his broad shoulders and thick peds. But then her eyes go low much to her shame as she finds something much larger than she's ever seen on a dude, and she also spies his tail his tail is twisting around. When she saw Remus's or Livy's do that, it meant that either they had found a good meal, a good fight or someone they wanted to bang.
Gohan for his part had been staring at the only human woman he had ever met that wasn't a relative of some sort or older. He finds himself liking her messy black hair and piercing blue eyes. She looked beyond tough to him. He could see her muscles and her scars. He instantly found himself wanting to know everything about her but then he noticed where her eyes were pointed. His tail twitching back and forth with interest. He looked at her chest again and saw the handled trident on her shirt. He then realized that she was one of them.
The spell broke in a milli-second and Videl went for her side arm that was set to stun while Gohan lunged forward. He tackled her to the ground and into the mud of the bank. They grappled with one another with Videl hissing and giving Gohan a good punch to his jaw.
Gohan was clearly stronger but was having a hard time pinning her down with all her thrashing he could have ended this quickly, but he didn't want to hurt her. But for his timidly she kneed him right in the dick as hard as she could.
He yelped out in pain and let her go as his hands went to his wounded area. She shoved him off her and then got to her feet taking out her blaster intending to stun him when she felt a pain at the back of her head, and she collapsed on top of him.
Gohan looked to see Trunks standing above them the hilt of his father's sword having been used a bludgeon.
Gohan face went red again realizing where Videl's right hand was laying on. He pushed her off him and in a squeaky voice at first yelled at Trunks "What did you do that for!?"
Trunks who was immediately frustrated that he wasn't getting a 'thank you' "What saving your life?"
Trunks raised his sword aiming to slice the unconscious Videl but was halted by Gohan who had grabbed her blaster that was visibility set to stun and he showed it to Trunks "See she wasn't going to kill me." He then immediately broke it tossing it deeper into the woods.
Trunks through up his hands "Okay I should have let her knock you out and take you away if that's the way you're going to act! You were in trouble idiot, so I had to make a judgement call. I could have sliced her head off on top of you! Would you have been better ingrate?"
The two angrily stared at one another while Gohan calmed down.
"Okay so what are we going to do?"
Gohan panting "Well we can't just leave her here."
"She was going to hurt us, you've heard what your dad says about them."
"She still a person, beside if she doesn't die, she'll tell others." He grabbed his blue under shirt and tied her hands together.
Trunks wide eyed "What in the name of Kami do you think you're doing?"
Gohan said as matter a fact "Taking her prisoner."
Trunks just floored "We…What…are you serious?"
"Yeah!"
Trunks "This is a really dumb idea. We should maybe not be doing this."
Gohan darkly looked at him "So then you're going to kill her when she can't defend herself?"
Trunks backed away looking away from him in shame "Well…" (He threw up his hands.) "Fine then damn it. We do it your way but for the record this is your way. This is all on you. Got it!"
Gohan rolled his eyes "Well at least for a chance I get to get you in trouble for once. I'll bring her back to the ship you go see if she has any friends and find her camp." Her picked her up and rested her on her shoulder.
"Since when do you give orders?"
"Since right now."
Trunks just then realized that Gohan was naked and cover with mud. He started to cackle much to Gohan confusion "You might want to put some pants on before you go back to the ship looking like that. Kami what would your mom think?"
Gohan looked himself over quickly turned red and snarling yelled at him "Just do it!"
Trunks walking away "Sure thing, by the way your mom wanted me to tell you dinner's ready."
Trunks left and Gohan threw on his gi minus his blue undershirt after having put Videl very gently on the ground. He noticed the flask she had dropped in the fight. He picked it up from off the ground and placed it in her pants pocket.
Gohan looked at the back of her head "Sorry he hit you, but you really didn't leave him much of a choice. Hopefully, mom won't be too upset to see you or dad for that matter."
It didn't look that bad and he picked her up cringing when she moaned a bit when her breast hit his back. Trying not to disturb her, he started to hover back to the ship.
Videl groaned as she opened her eyes to find a man in her face sitting in front of her. She recognized him as Bill who now had snow white hair, but his eye was still blue. He looked like the years were catching up with him. She tried to move but found her hand above her head handcuffed to a pipe in what was the gravity room.
Bill shouted at her "NAME AND RANK!"
Videl rolled her eyes and took her time answering as she looked around the room quickly identifying everyone here. Right behind him was Mai, Chi-Chi and Bulma. They had crows' feet now and looked older but other than that they hadn't changed all that much to her. While in the back the wayward Prince and Trunks were hanging out.
She spat out at him "Captain Videl."
"What's your outfit?"
"N.O.Y.F.B (none of your fucking business.) "
"You're a butcher not a soldier and I asked you a question."
"I don't take orders from traitors."
Bill took out her wallet that must have been with her stuff at base camp and put it in her face "Your Videl Teal Captain of the Arden. Your father is Moff Teal, your mother is Moff Violet, your brother is Grand Admiral Cyan. It says here that your assigned to the Second fleet which means you're under Romulus's command. Is there anything I'm missing butcher?"
Videl smiled wolfishly "So, UNIT did teach interrogation techniques and tell me are you going to see if we have anything in common next. I'll granted this you can read, good for you."
"How many more are they're of you?"
Videl pretended to think it over "A million on this planet. We were surrounding this place before he found me."
"Bullshit. Bulma would have detected them and Trunks would have stumbled into them. How many of you are on this planet?"
Videl smiled at him glibly "A billion."
"How many of you are on this planet?"
"Billy boy if you insist on this game you really should be willing to use force. Unless that won't look good to the others?"
"Don't tempt me butcher."
"It's only fair right didn't my dad kill your best friend and brother?" (Bill clenched his fists and Videl smirked knowing that she had just got under his skin. She continued.) "I bet it really pisses you off that I'm still breathing and their both dead. I wonder how my father will react. Maybe he'll cry I'll bet you'd pay good money to see that. Did it hurt getting your brother's brains on you. I bet it did. Father said you looked quite shocked."
Bill got up from his seat in front of her his veins popping out of his head and said coldly "You really think he is your father."
Videl quickly snapped back "What in hell is that supposed to mean?"
Bill didn't respond he just took off and with him Mai. The others stayed behind for a little bit until Bulma got frustrated.
"Come on Chi-Chi. Gohan, son stay here don't listen to anything she says and watch her closely."
The two watched her but she noticed that Gohan's eyes were a hell of a lot friendlier then Trunks but that made sense considering how 'happy' he was to see her earlier. The Emperor, Remus, Livy, Julius and Augustus all seemed to think only with genitals maybe this Saiyan was the same.
"Is they're even a chance I could get a bathroom break sooner rather then later."
"You think were that stupid lady."
"No, you seem like an 'exceptionally bright' person. But I could remind you what seeing water tends to do to people."
Trunks annoyed spat out "Piss on the floor."
"Right next to all you mother's computers." She looked right at the nearby console not a foot or two from her.
Trunks huffed "Fine then I'll get at bucket."
"So cruel."
Trunks looked at Gohan "Watch her!"
Trunks stomped away as she and Gohan were left alone just as she planned. The moment Trunks left she could feel how nervous he was. She could read it all over his virgin face.
Videl making sure her voice sounded nice and seductive "May I ask what your name is big boy?" She said while making sure to think of sex so that his Saiyan nose could smell her.
Gohan voice squeaked then he coughs trying to make his voice sound normal "G…Gohan."
"I'm sorry I kneed you down there, but you did jump on me. I hope it didn't hurt too much." She said while starring directly in his eyes to the point he had turned his head his cheeks were now bright red.
He scratched the back of his neck while his tail was twitching back and forth again with interest. "Well it… It didn't hurt that much."
"I thought that you looked like a man that could take anything. Tell me… I happened to notice that you and Trunks are the only ones in our age bracket here."
"Yeah?" He said very unsure where this was going.
"So, then you not been around then."
Gohan confused "What do you mean…" Just then he got it, best she could tell. She spread her legs wide.
"It was so kind of you to put my flask back into my pocket. I would like to have some whisky would you come over here and give me some of it." She grinned and he looked like tomato he was so red.
He was fighting himself, maybe some part of him knew that this was a trap, but the other half was winning, and she could see it.
Gohan coughed "Well…" (He started walking over to her not looking in her eyes.) "I guess its fine." Her smell only got stronger and his pants started to feel tighter.
"So, I wonder why did you put it in my back pocket? Did you like reaching back there?"
Gohan stuttering "Yo…You now I know what you're doing. I think?"
Videl said breathlessly "Then why are you coming over here?"
Gohan hand was reaching down when Trunks entered with a bucket "What's going on here?"
Gohan practically jumped and nearly ran away and with a yelp said "Nothing!"
Trunks looked at Videl with narrow eyes. He knew he had just walked in on something. Gohan was far too trusting in his opinion. He knew from experience that as smart as he was, you could convince him of anything. He tossed the bucket at Videl's feet.
"Better piss before mom and the others decides to hang you."
Videl smiled "You know I will need you take my pants down a bit unless you are willing to un cuff me."
Trunks smiled cruelly back "You can piss threw you pants into the bucket alright."
Videl still smiling "You know I think I can hold it for a while then."
Chapter 76: Writing On The Wall
Chapter Text
Many years ago,
A nervous voice "You want me pretend to be his father?" A far younger Bill asked her, his single blue eye blazing with fear and discomfort.
Chi-Chi who is visible pregnant looked him straight. She looked very desperate and equally uncomfortable asking him this.
"No. I want you to be his father. I know it is a little old fashion, but it can't be just me. Besides Trunks is going to talk about Yamcha and I know he's going to ask, 'Who is my dad?' and I need to show him someone. You need to be that someone."
Bill white in the face as he seemed to hear Diane screaming in his ear as he saw the flames glowing in Chi-Chi eyes. He pulled his eye away from her as he felt as though he needed to vomit. He said weakly "I don't like lying."
Chi-Chi rushed over to him and held his hand. Her eyes supremely focused on him.
"It won't be lying. You will be his father. You'll be there like you were for me. You'll be the man how helps protect him, like you did before he was even born. You'll be there after a nightmare. You'll be there when he has an awkward guy question that I can't answer. I need you be that good man that I can show to him and say this is how a man should behave. You've already sort of done this for Trunks and I don't ever want him to know what his…" (She said spitting with anger.) "sperm donor is like. I don't even want it to be true. It will only make things more complicated."
"What if he ever discovers the truth? It will hurt him. He will see it as a lie. I see it as a lie." He said as he felt the ghosts watching him.
Chi-Chi pulled his head to look at her "Its not a lie. You'll be there. You're a better man. A better example. He might be Saiyan but with you he will be a human. He can grow up kind, strong and good."
"They'll tell him. The first chance they'll get."
"No, we will when the time is right."
Present
Bill stormed into his room Videl having by her words sent him back to the church as he keeps hearing and seeing his brother's head explode. The room spins and he collapses to the ground as Mai comes in looking for him.
Mai rushes to his side and in a panic asks, "Are you okay?"
He looks right through her and she hugs him.
Bulma and Chi-Chi come in and in near unison ask, "What's wrong?"
Bill shakes them off and gets to his feet "Nothing I… tripped."
Bulma looks at him closely like the doctor she is. "I don't think so. Are you having another episode?"
Bill shakes his head "No. I'm not."
"Are you sure?"
Bill nearly yells "I'm fine!" (He sighs calming down.) "Now we have to discuss what to do."
Mai nods at that, "We can't let her go that's for certain."
Bulma while still looking Bill over, "We can't keep her she'll just try to escape or give away our position."
Chi-Chi softly stomped onto the floor, "Yeah but we certainly can't kill her."
Bill suddenly looked quite uncomfortable as he shook his head.
She looked right at him, "We can't kill her Billy."
"We shouldn't rule that possibility out. We have way too much at…"
She interrupted him with a stern voice "We're not having this discussion. We are not them! She is unarmed and helpless. We're not killers!"
"Helpless right! Please! She is a warrior. I've seen her eyes. She's already coming up with an escape plan. She is a butcher in service to worse butchers. She is brainwashed and corrupt. No amount of kindness and morality is going to change that."
"Sounds like what you had to say about Vegeta and looked what he did for us Bulma still has her son thanks to him."
"He was on our side temporarily. She is not. She is in service to the enemies of everything we stand for."
Chi-Chi having thought things over "Why did you ask her that last question?"
He looked away from her thinking it over as he talked "Because she's not Teal's or Violet's."
"What do you mean?"
"I've seen both of them and I've seen her eyes before. Green and Purple don't make black. In one of the bulletins it said that Hercules Satan and his wife had been killed in a MO raid. The Doc said she was pregnant, and that girl has his eyes. She's Hercules kid. They were there with us the day we left the Earth. Teal probably 'adopted' her after he killed her parents."
Chi-Chi eyes lit up "Wait the guy who like wet himself against Piccolo?"
"Yeah that guy."
"We have to tell her!"
Bill scoffed at this, "She won't believe us because I don't have proof and she won't want to listen to us."
She shrugged at that bit of logic "Well fine! But we still can't kill her."
Bulma spoke up "If we can find a planet that they're not looking for us on, without people or a way to tell them about us. If we could abandon her on a planet like that it would be best."
Mai said to them "Yardrat is empty and no one is looking for us there."
All their eyebrows went up at once.
In silence the three had been watching each other. Videl looking them over felt quite confidence about her chances. Gohan was an easy mark and Trunks was stupid. None of them had even realized that she was hiding her energy. All she had to do was wait and she knew she would find her opening.
Buzzing around in the back of her head, however, was Bill's words. It was like a sick feeling and it was growing as she fought to stop them. The fever dreams had always felt real. The doctors and the meds always made it better but there was none of that right now. Man, she could really use a fucking drink she thought.
Videl fed up asked in a meek but breathy voice "Gohan could you please give me some of that flask before I die of thirst."
Trunks scoffed then smiled "Sounds good. Keep her dry." (Gohan got up of his chair and went over to her. Trunks hissed in frustration at this.) "Are your serious man!"
"She's just thirsty she won't try anything while there are two of us."
Trunks stayed in his seat and Gohan kneeled in front of her and in a whisper asked, "You won't try anything will you?"
Videl in a seductive whisper in his ear "Nah big boy. I'll like some privacy for when we do that. But then again I'm up for anything you want to do."
Gohan face went red again and his pants felt tight again. He quickly reached behind her and grabbed the flask. Videl of course was sure to moan in his face when his hand touched her ass much to Gohan's discomfort. He quickly gives her a swig and tries to back off.
Videl says breathlessly and with bedroom eyes to him as he pulls away 'Thank you."
The door to the room opened. Bill came in with the others. Bill eye went to Videl "Okay. Today is your lucky day. We're going to find a nice spot to drop you off and let you live. Until then you'll be staying with us. I'm glad to see that you already got a bucket. Now we are all going to take turns watching her until we reach our destination."
Videl could scream. If only they were sticking around awhile longer. The chip in her back would only lead them to her if it was within a couple million miles. But it was okay that they weren't killing her. It did leave her with more time with Gohan.
Thus, began the shifts of her jailers all but Bulma who need to fly the ship. Each one of them would guard her for about six hours she counted the moment they left the planet.
First up to watch her was Bill. He made Videl wished for Trunks because at least she could easily get a rise out of him. But with Bill it was just 'quiet time.' All he did was stare at her with his one eye and point his revolver at her. It was total silence she tried to strike up a conversation with him, but it didn't work. He must have still been pissed off about earlier.
Next up was Chi-Chi. She was breath of fresh air compared to Bill, she got feed. Chi-Chi even asked her a few things about the Empire. She was disgust by Videl's answers but still.
Chi-Chi wanted to know if the 'mercy' project was really happening and it was. Videl didn't really want to defend the fact that the children born with disabilities were being mercifully 'prevented' from weakening the empire. It didn't even fully sit well with her, but the Emperor was god, so it wasn't something that anyone she knew questioned. When Chi-Chi tried to argue with her about it Videl just reminded her about the Spartan's and stated that 'this is just how warriors do things.'
Mai then came up after Chi-Chi. She was quieter than Chi-Chi. She mainly wanted to know about her fellows at UNIT. Videl couldn't give her much. The MO is tight lipped about that sort of thing. Videl was busy fighting external enemies not internal enemies.
Now to Videl some of the things the MO did were scummy. They were famous for using people's families as hostages to get them to surrender. Their science experiments were stuff of rumors and nightmares. Some of project were just to satisfy morbid curiosity. How long can this species survive without skin? If we remove this organ when will they die? It was a mercy to kill all of them Videl saw it. If she took any prisoners, they would just end up test subjects or forced laborers.
Videl fell asleep sometime while Mai was watching her and woke up to Trunks mug. The blue haired kid by Videl's estimation was no less a virgin then Gohan but he didn't like her at all. Videl mentions her arms were numb and he looked happy that she was uncomfortable. She thought he at least made a good guard dog.
It was mostly silence when Gohan finally arrived for his shift.
"Okay you can go to bed I got this."
"No way I'm staying here with you."
"Why?"
"Because she's got you around her finger man and I'm not leaving you alone with her." He wasn't budging she could tell and soon it was the three of them again.
Videl wanted to work him over some more but it was pointless with Trunks there. He was not leaving the room when she wanted water. He had Gohan get some and Trunks was the one that poured it down her throat. He was in between the two. He was a real thorn in her side that was until he fell asleep.
Videl pretended to fall asleep and Trunks finally let his guard down. The moment she was sure that Trunks was asleep, she knew it was go time.
Videl quietly "I'm sorry Gohan." She would get him back to her.
Gohan came from the back. He was curious on what he had just heard. He came quite close to her just like she wanted "Sorry?"
Videl nice and 'sincere' "I'm sorry about the way I've been treating you. I will admit that I've been intentionally been trying to make you feel uncomfortable."
Gohan lightly chuckled "Well you have been doing a pretty good job of it."
"I know but I want to start over as it were."
"I would like that too. I actually had wanted to ask you some questions."
"Sure, hit me with them."
"What's the with the tally marks?"
"Planets that I've liberated."
"Liberated?"
"Conquered if you want to call it that."
Gohan sighed "So do you like hurting people?"
"They're not people. People look like us. They're just animals that need to be put down."
"But they lived, they could think and they could feel."
"You didn't go to school Gohan you won't understand."
"They teach you to kill in school?"
Videl "The party teaches us the history of man. Of how people have been oppressed for millions of years by non-hominids because we are the superior race. It's just the reality, your mother is just brainwashed to think otherwise."
Gohan very taken aback "None of that sounds right."
Videl realizing she was losing him "My bad. It's just what I'm used to." (Changing the subject.) "So, you have a tail."
"Yeah." He kneeled in front of her and his came from his behind him to wave around in front of her.
"You know I've met a few people with tails."
Gohan still quiet but excited "Really."
"Yeah. I think there is about over a hundred of them. I'm sort of friend with maybe three of them."
She lied Remus had been nice when he was younger but now, he was a drunken wreck. Livy was always a stone-cold bitch and Gracchus always had the personality of a stump. The rest of the Gero's she had maybe met for an hour each. Romulus was the one she was closest with and he didn't even have a tail.
"So, I guess mom was right there are others with tails."
"What did she say about your father? May I ask?"
"Oh, you met him already. He is quite protective. I'm sorry that you two aren't really getting along but you really shouldn't have said those things to him."
"Right that I'm sorry about that too. My mouth has a mind of its own sometimes."
Gohan with soft eyes "You know I think I like this you a lot more than you earlier."
"What?"
"Well I kind of feel like you weren't being genuine with me earlier. You know I kind of like talking with you Videl." He gave her a smile and warm overtook her
There wasn't a hint of sarcasm, lust or anything. She was in a panic in her mind because it suddenly hit her how damn perfect, he was. He was just not what she was used to at all.
People in Videl's world were all scheming, were all numb to suffering, they all had edges and scars. Gohan was not that at all. He was not being nice because he wanted to get into her pants, he was being nice just because he was nice. None of this made any sense to her.
Now she felt really dirty like she had been corrupting a beautiful work of art all this time. She knew she still need to escape mind you, but this just made things awkward.
"Are you sick?" (He felt her head and his touch was maddening.) "You feel warm."
"Um…Its just I'm warm. Your hands."
Gohan hand pull away as she could smell the air. Gohan smelled really damn good to her right now. His smile was damn room brightening now that she thought about it. He had all the strength in the universe, but he didn't want to use any of it.
Now Videl felt really uncomfortable and it was a relief when Trunks woke himself up and Gohan went back to his seat. Now him watching felt very weird. It was like the table had turned. This was going to be a long ride she could just tell.
Romulus was looking out into the vast nothingness, when the there was a ringing in his helmet. He tapped his helmet it was Cobalt "My Prince the Emperor wishes to make contact with you."
Her tapped his helmet again turned around and kneeled with his arm going up so as to heil. The hologram appeared before him the red glow of it touching the cool black of his suit.
"What is your biding my Father?"
"Rise my son." (Romulus got up.) "Bah still you insist with this mask."
"Do you wish me to take it off?"
"No, it suits you at this point. The reason why is that I'm approving the General Offensive."
"Father?"
"It's high time that we finish this business with the UPA and move on to expanding into Andromeda. No more wasting time with the thousand cuts it's time to go for the jugular. You were right, and I have grown bored."
"Well the party congress is coming up."
"I will not be there."
Romulus genuinely taken aback "You have never missed…"
Kakarrot shot quickly "And I'm still not. In a way I will still be there. You will be representing me."
"Father?"
"You are my heir. They must get used to listening to you and obeying you. You are heaven's son. Your son will be Emperor and so on. Provided that you finally consummated your marriage that is."
"My sister and I are not quite on speaking terms."
"You don't need to talk or even like each other. I want the bloodline pure. Maybe I should be considering making my own grandchildren. I wonder if I would go that far? A question for another day. Go represent me. You can even wear that mask if you want. The war is ending. The hammer is falling. Billions are going to die and there is no one who's going to stop us."
The hologram disappears, and the room grew dark to the point that Romulus merely faded into that darkness.
So were going back to Yardart next time for some good old revelations and some old friends.
Chapter 77: Ghosts Of The Past
Chapter Text
Many years ago,
In a waiting room is a younger Teal and Violet in uniform. They were sitting across room from one another. Violet is visibly pregnant. There was a tension in the room as the two stared at each.
Violet finely broke the silence "You think this will make her our daughter?"
Teal grinned "Doc has promised me that these guys are the best."
"You do realize that you killed her family."
"No. We are her family. Hercule after this will be a bad dream. We will be her loving parents."
"You know this seems wrong even for us. I mean this won't even profit me."
"You don't know that, and I wanted a daughter, but you said, and I quote 'I can't believe you managed to talk me into this dumb shit. I'm never getting pregnant ever again.' So, I figure this was a good comprise."
"Yeah well I don't like vomiting and I am in a desperate need of a damn drink. None of this is worth it." She said while pointing at her bulging stomach. "I just know he won't be worth it."
"And I wouldn't want to get pregnant either, so I thought, why don't I just take someone else's and here we are. The drugs will erase her old memories and the doc will program in some new ones."
"Well fine but she's yours. I get to keep the one I'm baking in the oven at the moment."
The door to the room swing open and a very young Videl emerged, the 'therapist' behind her. Her eyes were dilated she looked as though she was high as kite. There was an emptiness in her beady eyes, like she was hollowed out vessel ready to have things poured in her.
Videl in an empty calm voice "It's good to see you Mother and Father." She bows to both of them like she was robot with programming. A perfectly brainwashed little girl.
"It would seem the Happy works." He extended his hand out with a big bottle of pills in it. "At the beginning have her take a ton of them, then after a while only when she needs it and I guarantee she'll won't remember a thing it will just be a fever dream. And then she'll be your loyal daughter. Without a care in the world."
The capsule ship landed in the dark and foggy night in a jungle not all that from where the tree was. Videl chain with Bill pointing his revolver came out first, follow by Bill, Gohan and the others. They walked down the ramp and stepped on to the surface.
The weirdness of this place continue as through it was a dark and foggy night Bill's eye had no problem seeing around him. The flashlight on his suit merely obscured his vision so he turned it off. The place was silent and cold like a tomb. Their was no sign of life at all.
Gohan confused "Why can't I sense anyone?"
"My father got tired when these people couldn't give him answers to his questions that my Emperor had. So, he had them all rounded up and marked for experimentation. I'm pretty sure the species is extinct now."
Bill sighed a look of grim resignation was on his face "Was it about us?"
"Partially… They also wanted to know about the past. Why they had a Saiyan statue. The archeologic division tore this place up. But after they removed the populace this fog showed up. People started going crazy and they left. This place is off limits by order of the Emperor."
"What about this fog… It seems unnatural."
"It isn't natural. It sticks around in the day too. I don't think the planet likes what has happened."
Bill said drily "It's a planet. It doesn't have opinions."
"Earth is a planet. This place is a graveyard filled with restless ghosts."
"I never thought one of you 'people' would be superstitious."
"Oh I am. Pure blood of the ancients flows through my veins just like our emperor. He might be closer to them then me but Homo Superior shadow loams large. Super men do not die easily. They were the better of the false gods and left pieces of themselves everywhere. They deserve our aw and respect."
Bill made a phf sound and spit on to the ground "Let me guess they were blonde haired, blue eyed and glowed. You people really are fools and unoriginal. It's 20th century nonsense. That's just him when he powers up."
"Laugh if you want. One day we will come to be like him. Our blood will be pure, and we will ascend."
"And I thought my mom was a crazy. No matter what ya'll do, you're not going to get tail and Kakarrot's not a god, he's just an asshole the universe is filled with them."
"If I die in glorious battle I will go to Valla-Halla. To sit and eat with the warrior gods of old."
Bill shook his head "Alright I'm done with this conversation. Son could you please knock her out, so we can take off?"
Videl kicked back her leg. She broked her chains and sunk her foot into his stomach. Then spun him around grabbing him along with his revolver before anyone could react. She pointed the revolver right at the side of his face.
"Okay boys and girls, this is how this is going to go! You don't want me to show you his grey matter you're going to get on the radio and ring up my boss."
Bill choking a bit at the grip she has on his neck without his helmet. Spits out "NOT A CHANCE! DON'T CALL ANYONE."
"Don't be stupid. I'll blow your brains out."
"I'd die for them! You better believe me on that."
Trunks and Mai were about to move behind her. She yelled "MOVE BEHIND ME AND HE IS DEAD!"
Mai stopped and grabbed hold of Trunks "Fine then will make the call."
Bill yelled out "Don't You…"
His words stuck in his throat as suddenly the fog grew thick as they all lost track of each other.
Videl grabbed at thin air realizing that she was no longer holding on to Bill anymore or the revolver. In a panic, she looked around her trying to feel where she was or who she was.
An oddly familiar voice called to her "Hi Pumpkin." It was soft and sad making her want to cry.
She looked to see him with his mustache, beady blue eyes, and his afro. He had a sad smile on his face and tears in his eyes. She knew him somehow, but she could remember where or when.
"Who in the hell are you!?" She said like just seeing this man was making her angry. Parts of her head were screaming. Some parts said that it was just a dream and another part that he was the enemy. Her head felt like a hive of angry bees.
Hercule said with a sad voice "Pumpkin they really messed you up didn't they."
"I asked you a question! Start talking!"
His voice felt so distant "The day you came into my life was both the saddest and happiest of my life. Your mother wanted to meet you more than anything but that bullet… I swore to protect you but… in the end…I was truly a loser. You were my one job, but I couldn't protect you. They carved you up and bleed you. I fail at everything. They got you and your one of them now. I'm so sorry."
Videl far quieter the angry hive was now silent "Who are you?"
"I wanted to show you the stars one day. But life is far too short pumpkin. To see you like this… hurts way more than those bullets. But it's not too late. The horror may never go way but you can be better. The nightmare can be stopped but only with your help. It was nice to see you even if it was only for a little while."
Videl whispered 'Dad' and tried to go to him but tripped only to find herself a child again. In a dark basement lock by herself. In the dark she felt around she scream for someone to help her, but no one answers. She alone and trapped again.
Gohan blinked and he could no longer see Videl or his father nor anyone around him. He couldn't sense them either. He couldn't hear the jungle or smell anything. The fog turned dark and out of it he heard a voice he had never heard but somehow knew.
Suddenly out of the darkness a new figure came that seemed to make it disappear. He looked like a nice to Gohan.
His small eyes were soft looking and so was his white mustache. His clothes looked strange to him not something he had seen before. It was orange with circles. His little green hat had a puff ball on the top of it.
"Well it looks my grandson of sorts is in need of some guidance."
Gohan calmer then before "Who are you?"
He said with a soft smile "Would you believe if I told you I'm Gohan."
"Wait your…"
"Uncle… your mother liked to call me."
His eyebrows went up as a confused look to his face "Your dead though."
He chuckled at that "I am. Though it's not stopping me from having a chat with you." (The old man pointed him to a stump.) "Have a seat. We have a lot to talk about." (Gohan reluctantly sat down.) "What do you know about the truth my boy?"
"Truth?"
"It's not place to tell you who, but you have never really met your well… bio-dad."
Gohan looked stunned as if hit by a truck. There were a million emotions swirling around in his skull.
Grandpa Gohan looked quite uncomfortable, like he just ran over Gohan's dog with his car. "Now I know you're going to be angry with mother and your dad because he is your dad just not in a genetic sense. But they didn't lie, lie to you it was more complicated than that. You'll know what I mean when you hear the 'whole story'."
"I don't see how you can say that… A lie is a lie. Mom told that."
"Right well your mom has a strong sense of justice and truth but it's a little different with these stakes. And well as for Bill… He's not perfect, but he is your real father. He actually raised you. They're may have been some selfish reasons for it, but I won't fault him on wanting what was stolen back."
"Stolen?"
"His story is not for me to tell you, but you have heard his nightmares. You're not his first family. He is not the man you think he is, but I must warn you he is a danger to the future because of his secrets. I don't like them but to be honest I never been near something this bad. Your father is scared of the man and I don't blame him. The horror's he has unleashed needs to end or at least him." (His tone became far more grim as did his face.) "Sonny its time… you must find the Supreme Kai and the sword in the stone. You must gather the many that have suffered and gather them together then you can save the galaxy from him. Sorry to tell you this but you're the hope of the universe."
"I don't understand."
"You can beat him son, and you will. I promise you."
Chi-Chi found herself back at Kami house. She was in front of it. She could hear friends inside. She could hear Krillin, Roshi, Yamcha. Launch, Tien and Chiaotzu, Puar and Oolong.
She could their voices even though she couldn't remember their voices. "Happy birthday Turtle. Happy Birthday to you."
The waves were crashing onto the shore.
When she heard his big booming voice "You done a fine job sweetie."
She looked at him with tears in her eyes she had definitely forgotten his voice. He was always larger than life. He looked so regal even with his full black beard and cape. He normally wore his helmet in her memories but here he only had glasses on. His axe was at his feet.
In a milli-second the two were hugging each other for dear life. He was balling his eyes out and both their faces were slick with tears. Neither of them, were forming coherent words as they babbled at one another.
Chi-Chi didn't want to let go but after a while he pealed her off him. "I can't express to you how happy I am to see you, but time is short."
Chi-Chi gasping at the air "Dad?"
"You're going to have to be strong for your son sweetie. He's a fine boy you've done well. I can't see anyone having done better. But your war isn't over yet. I'm afraid you're going to have to lose more before this nightmare can end." (Chi-Chi merely repeated her question. Dad?) "He can be beaten, and you will beat him. I love you sweetie."
And then he faded back into the fog.
Bulma and Trunks found themselves together. Trunks reached for his sword only to find it not on his back.
Bulma quite nervous "Honey what's going on?"
"I don't know mom just get behind me. I can't sense Gohan or anyone else."
Bulma quickly got behind him as a figure drew closer to them. The air was tense as a figure in the fog was swinging something.
"You know I always wanted to be baseball player. I guess that's one off a million little regrets besides the big one." (He emerged with his scar face and his spiky black hair was sticking out of his cap. He had a sad grin on his face and a sword in his hand.) "Hi their bossy. How you been treating my boy?"
Bulma couldn't believe her eyes. There were no more dragon balls, but he was standing right there. She had seen his heart ripped out of his chest, but he was here.
Trunks was trembling unsure of what to do at first. He knew he was dead. This couldn't be real, but his feet made the decision for him. He ran over and hugged Yamcha.
Yamcha said breathlessly while crying "My Kami, you've become a man. I'm sorry I didn't come home."
The tears were flowing and Bulma rushed into the hug. Very little sense was being made as the family cried together. None of them felt like letting go but eventually Yamcha was able to catch his breath for long enough to talk coherently.
Yamcha "I know I been away a long time. But I want to let you both know how proud I am of both of you. You have been through so much. Its not over yet but with all you have managed to accomplish I know you can do this."
Bulma breathlessly "Do what?"
"More trouble is on the way and your going to need to be as strong as I know you both are. He needs to be stopped and your chance to stop him is slipping away. Billions more will die if he isn't."
Trunks trembling "Dad… I?"
Yamcha nodded his head then looked into his boy's eyes with a smile "I know you want to ask a million questions but don't know where to start. I'm so Kamidamn proud of you. You are stronger and better than me in every way. I was just a turned bandit with red in my ledger. You… you my son are a man a better man then I ever was. You've protected your mother better than I ever could. I never even made it past the first round of the Tournament, but you've managed to hold your own in a fight with a space emperor. You know a technique devised by a god. Maybe you've proof that I wasn't such a waste after all."
"Don't say that…"
Yamcha with his sad grin as he looked at her "Bossy you know you've only gotten prettier since last I saw you?"
Bulma grinning with tears still going down her face "Liar. I look ancient admit it."
"Yeah I suppose your right. What are like fifty or something?"
Bulma punched him in the arm in a bit of fake anger "Jerk! You don't say a woman's age."
"Well bossy it was the only thing I could think to say to stop you from crying."
Bulma hissed lightly "Jerk…" as she slammed her face into his as they began to make out hard. To the point the two started to feel each other up.
Trunks turned his head and loudly coughed to get their attention "You two realize I'm still here right." The embarrassment had stopped the tears just as Yamcha had planned. Yamcha just held Bulma and the two looked at each.
"I'm sorry I can't stay but I'm dead and there is no cure for that."
"I tried so hard to get you back!"
"I know. I'm sorry about Vegeta. The weird thing is I owe the that guy so damn much." (Bulma looked shocked she really didn't know what to say.) "It's okay. I'm dead. And for a complete asshole he seemed to make you happy for that time you were around him. Also, so he saved our son at least twice. I'm fine if you move on. We can deal with later. Who knows maybe you'll be way too old for me when you're a hundred and twenty."
"I should kick you for imagining me that old."
He kissed her again. Then he hugged the two of them. "Hopefully, I won't have to see either of you for a real long damn time. Just take some notes, so I can at least pretend like I was there for all of it because I don't want to miss a thing."
Trunks's voice trembling "Dad don't go!"
Yamcha said while he faded away "I'm sorry I can't. I'm just a gh…" and he was gone.
Bill found the world around him turning to black as he struggled to find his barring's. He knew the last time this had happened on this god forsaken planet he has seen all that messed up imagery. He was panicking until he heard a song playing one that he remembered.
A sad sounding woman's voice "Are you all right? All of a sudden you went away. Are you all right? I hope you come back some day. Are you all right? Could you give me some kind of sign?..."
The song continued as he noticed his right eye had come back, he took of his patch as he found himself dressed in a tux. The darkness lifted as he found himself alone in the church until she spoke "I thought the music was a nice touch. What do you think?"
Dianne was standing there as he remembered her before. She was still very pregnant looking, and still taking his breath away.
"None of this is real."
"Who cares. You want to finally have that dance?"
Bill ran over to her and they kiss as their hands intertwined. They began to dance. Bill stared into her eyes. They cut through him with ease. It was like she knew everything about him like they always knew.
"I'm so sorry."
Dianne led him "I almost couldn't recognize you, but I don't want to judge."
"Just try to understand me…"
"You've killed, and they weren't all bad guys."
"I… every time… I don't think I can stop myself anymore."
"You have a good thing with Mai. You're going to have the truth if you want to keep it."
Bill shocked "I thought you would be angry…"
"I'm dead and you need somebody. Right now, she's talking to her friends the stooges. No, I'm far more concerned about the rest."
"They need me to be this way."
"That's not your choice. You don't get to use them as the excuse like that. You've killed innocent people, villages, children."
"I can't stop. If I do, he'll get them."
"You may have given up hope, but the others haven't. The war isn't over."
"It sure looks over."
"Fear has poisoned you."
"Fear is rational. He took everything."
"And yet you insist on letting him take the rest. The black mask of death is coming my love. Do you want it to take both you and Gohan with him or just you?"
Bill dropped to the ground as the area around him turned to ash with nothing left. He looked to see a black cloaked figure appear before him. It moved, and a glowing curved red blade emerged from his wrist. The figure lunged towards him and the world disappeared.
He and the others awoke at the feet of the gnarltree. He only had one eye again. The others looked sad, it was like they all seen their dead friends and family just like. Videl picked the revolver she had been holding off the ground and pointed it at his forehead and screamed at him "IS IT TRUE! WAS THAT MAN MY DAD OR NOT?"
He merely stared at her. He was on his knees. He was tempted to just let her pull the trigger but then he thought better of it.
Chapter 78: Meanwhile
Chapter Text
A portal of purple and darkness opened up to a blood red land before the steps of twisted iron of a throne. It was scantily dressed Towa that emerged out of that portal. Before her was the blackened cloud highlighted by red sky.
Above her sitting upon a shadowed throne was whom she had come to meet. She bent the knee that his sight and had bowed her head. She was not alone. Her red horned and tall brother with his blue and white robes was their too along with many other demons.
It was a gathering of the many players of the demon realm. Wizard, monsters, and minions of hell had come. So had come Piccolo and his acolytes.
His dark booming voice that spoke with a power that no one else had "Rise my daughter, rise my children. You come baring me news?"
Towa rose quickly as she spoke "Yes my master I bring news. The mortal realm is in chaos. The Kai's are powerless and Beerus is heedless of the slaughter." She raise her hands like she was offering something.
"Hmm… I noticed that your brother has returned to me. Why is that?"
"My lord Babidi plans where taking too much time. His plans and ours were in conflict. He was not loyal to you like I am."
"And killing my agent is loyalty to me?"
"It was not I that destroyed him. It was Kakarrot."
"With your help."
"The Saiyan and his humans that serve him can easily release Buu if we need it, but do we need it? You commanded me to corrupt the mortal world and I have triumphed in this. Earth is a haven for us. The seals that weaken us and trap us here are loosening."
His blue green finger emerged from the shadows and Towa froze. Her breath stops her eyes began to bulge. She trembled in place.
"I find your lack of faith disturbing. My decision was to give your brother to Babidi and it was not your place to question that decision. Your insolence in this matter is treasonous. I am the true Supreme Kai the Prince that was denied my throne of Heaven. Daikaioh throne is mine not my brother's."
He retracted his fingers and Towa collapsed to her knees.
"Did you feel you self-dying like you were a mortal? Then you know what this place feels like to me."
In a breathless pain voice, she squeaked out "I apologize for my arrogance my master."
"See that it doesn't happen again. You continue because of your past and present success ensure that this continues into the future."
"I will."
"Good… I long to return to my kingdom. I will either rule this universe or see it burnt to ashes before me. Our mortals must be triumphant if my own invasion is to begin. Destroy the scared world of the Kai's. My home is one of the only things keeping me chained. I can rebuild it later."
"What of him…?"
"Kill him if you have too. But spare him if you can. I would like to see little Shin again."
On the science vessel 'Metamorphosis'
His raspy voice asked, "Are you sure?" In the background there was sirens blazing but that went unnoticed.
"But of course." The hologram replied to the raspy voiced man with raised eyebrows. "Platinum have I ever lied to you?"
"No times then I can proof." He said at his desk staring at the hologram. He was in his uniform a cream colored one with his lab coat over it open at the front.
"Our beloved Prince will be the acting head of the party from now on. The Emperor has grown tired of the affairs of state. The shear amount of prince's and princess's he's been cranking out is testament enough of this. There have been no Frieza's to kill, no real challenges. We've won the war. I think he seeks to num himself with hedonism rather than deal with the busy work of running the empire."
"It would appear so. Our Mars is a conqueror. He craves battle and horror without those things he grows restless. I assuming that this is to affect me. After all, Prometheus is all but done. All of my tests have been successful. I myself have been transformed by my success."
"No… there is no change to the status quo as of yet. The show of might will be occurring as planned. The revolution will continue. This is merely a change of bodies. Whatever you and Gero are planning is at no risk."
"Ah your still looking, aren't you?"
"Your amassing of resources is curious. It would be a shame if whatever your cooking up fails to impress."
"You sound jealous. A Grand Moff jealous of me."
"You have the Gero's and Teal's devotion by just remember that it is I that lead the true power of the empire. Soldiers and sailors win wars not this nonsense."
"You have a very narrow view of this Grey. You see victory today and are quick to hang up a banner. I see victory today and see defeat tomorrow. Your soldiers and sailors are painfully human I intend to do something about that."
Grey's hologram terminated. Platinum rolled his black eyes and tapped a button on his desk. "What is it now?!"
A panicked voice came on "Doctor the experiment it got los…" He was interrupted by the sound of blaster fire and ki blasts. "Oh Kakarr…" An organic bite and crunch was heard along with screaming.
He smacked the button and hit another. "Captain detach section 10-b from the station and blow it up as soon as its out of the shields. I'll just have to figure out what went wrong in the security footage."
"Yes Doctor."
He tapped it again. "This is what happens when you get cute a chimp. It rips your face off. I suppose whatever came before humans and saiyans will remain a mystery for a while longer."
Kakarrot's Palace
A familiar palm haired saiyan was bathing in an Olympic size tub in front of massive screen showing scenes of battle. It was of the empire fighting on various worlds, slaughtering civilian and soldiers alike.
He had at least a dozen of his wives around him as he watch the horrific scenes of battle. They seemed more like slaves as one feed him grapes while the others massage his arms and bathing with him, respectively.
The smirk on his face was clear as he saw his war machine in action. In the background played some classical music that seemed to follow the brutal violence on screen.
The women around him didn't dare look him in the eye or look at the screen. Even to the untrained eye it was clear that they more then uncomfortable. When not in sight they even were trembling in fear.
They were not favorites like Yurin or Tanman or even fun toys like Suno who could spit at him. No, they were common to him and very expendable.
"Look at that. My boys are ruthless as hell. All that pussy peace and love crap is dead in them. They kill for me; they die for me, it's just beautiful."
The door behind Kakarrot opened suddenly and Moff Teal in fully MO officer uniform came in.
"I hope you have a good reason for coming in and disturbing my bath time my friend."
"I've figure out boss why it taken so long to find Chi-Chi and the others."
"Bitches leave." He said without a second thought. He gave a sort of kick and a woman gasping for air emerged from the water. It appeared that he had been holding her down with his legs long after she might have needed air.
The others help her up and away. They left with great haste and fled in mere moments.
"Thrill me brother."
Onto the screen popped up a village that was in ruins. Skeletons littered the ground them having decayed for a good couple of years.
"This my Emperor was A-115b a out of the way place that not a single imperial ship has gone to before this or even the star system. It has barely any resources or value. Ignored by the galaxy populated by people still living like it was the dark ages."
"I trust there is a point to this?"
"Absolutely because these people were killed by power armor tech like are forces use."
On the screen came a piece of what looked like a shoulder plate and tattooed on the inside was the Capsule corp logo with the UNIT symbol too.
"Only two people who had this armor would have been there. The reason why we can't find anything is simple. Bill's been probably killing anyone they've come across."
His grin grew deeper "Chi-Chi won't know this. Billy's been a bad boy."
"They had a transmitter. It looks like these yokels were trying to call us. They wanted that bounty that you set up with the cartels. I've concluded that the monks had been killed by him and many more."
"How the righteous have fallen. This is better than sex. I've broken him and he's betrayed Chi-Chi's trust. Now this little bit of information is going to be fun to share with her."
"Do you want me to…"
"No absolutely not I want to be the one to share this little secret with them and no one else. That look of hurt and betrayal is mine to enjoy."
Hey, I know this is short but what can you do.
Chapter 79: New Saiyan Empire
Chapter Text
Many years ago,
In the great hall of the Imperial palace surrounded by priceless artwork of antiquity. Kakarrot and Teal were both leaning against a wall looking at a painting while drinking straight out of champagne bottles.
Kakarrot has just returned home from beating Frieza and growing the Empire while waiting for the birth of another one of his sons.
Both men seemed drunk. Kakarrot pointed at the painting "See that's what I wanted to show you."
"Don't you have a new kid or something."
"Who cares. Look at this."
Teal stared at the piece of art like it was a space alien "Kind of gross that guy is getting castrated right?"
"Yeah but it the story that is interesting."
"Well fine then tell it."
Kakarrot smiling "According to legend and don't laugh but a god named Uranus once ruled the cosmos according to the Greeks." (Teal chuckled a bit.) "I told you not to laugh coz."
Teal waved his hand "Sorry."
"He ruled without question and took his mother for a wife Gaia."
"Incredibly gross please continue."
"With his mother-wife pregnant he goes to a seer and asks about the future. The seer tells him that one of his son's (she is going to give him six over time) is going to grow stronger than him and overthrow him. He laughs believing that in arrogance that no one can overthrow him after all he was king of the gods. Well Gaia gives birth and one of the sons is named Cronos. He ended up hating his children and sot to not give any of them power. Cronos grew strong and angry at his father's slights, so he plotted with his siblings to overthrow his father. They succeeded and then Cronos castrated his father locking him away in hell and took one his sisters as a wife Rhea."
"Still quite gross."
"Gods don't care what's gross. Now his wife is pregnant, so he goes to a seer to ask of the future. The seer tells him that one of his sons will grow strong and overthrow him. Remembering history, he comes up with a solution. After his wife gives birth, he eats the baby whole. Now a smart man would leave at that, but he can't help himself and she get pregnant again. So, he eats the next one and the one after that. Five times he eats her kids. So, Rhea gets pissed and shoves a rock up there and pretends to give birth to the six one. He falls for it and she goes and has Zeus. She raises him in secret. He grows strong gaining allies and overthrows his father. Zeus ends up castrates his father and dumps him into hell after freeing his siblings from his belly. Now Zeus in this time has taken a wife and she gets pregnant. So, he goes to a seer to ask of the future and is told that your son of your current wife will grow strong and overthrow you. So, he goes to his first wife that he says that he loves her. He kisses on the head then eats her whole, then goes and marries on of his sisters"
"Man, that's fucked up."
"It's all just a circle. That's all it ever was."
"Sure, but why are you telling me this?"
"Because I was just told by a by a seer that one of my sons will grow stronger and overthrow me."
The moment the red glow disappeared Romulus felt like panting like he was running out of breath. His father had always told him he was the heir but still. He had assumed that because he was so damn weak that he would be passed over.
He felt like his suit was strangling him so with great hast he made his way to his room the only place he took it off. The door shut and locked. He let not a no one in this room.
His room was sparse. There simply wasn't much there. This room held his bed with one sheet. His healing tank and a broken mirror on a vacant wardrobe. All as drab and colorless as it could get.
He removed his gauntlets first. The skin on his skin was red and raw. It looked mangled and looked the permanently scarred. Some of his skin went with the gauntlets and a trickled of blood started to run down his left hand.
At this point in all of this he barely felt the pain he was so numb to it, but the blood convinced him that he had to go slower before he went into his tank. Piece by piece he removed armor showing more of his scared and ripped up flesh.
The pain was an old friend to him a reminder of his weakness. He hated looking at himself, the 'suit' was the real him he had come to believe.
Finally came the part he hated most taking off his helmet. Slowly he took in off. He looked in the mirror as blonde hair came down towards his face.
His hair stopped being green a while ago, not long after couldn't stand his own reflection anymore. Sometimes it was blue but mostly it was blonde. Blue, he hated blue, blue meant he was far more wilting. The suit hurt more, he felt more miserable, more likely to cry like a woman. Blonde meant it was easier to rip things apart. It was like he could express anger easier like his father could.
He had bags under all three of eyes. After all he didn't not sleep. The tank was for sleeping. The drugs it pumped him with after all made sure he didn't dream. He hated his dreams. All they ever where were just about the planets and creatures he had slaughtered. Sure, these thoughts came up when he was alone, but the suit did its job and the pain kept him focused.
He knew that he would need to invite his siblings primarily the ones old enough to have some weight. Remus might make a scene. Livy might try to poison him. Gracchus would act the stick in the mud like always. Caesar and Augustus would get bored and try to start a fight. But the Moffs and allies needed to see the Empire united.
His family might not care for the image of all of this, but he did. He would have to invite them.
He grabbed his helmet off the ground and put it on quickly tapping a button on the side a voice on the other side Cobalt "Yes my Prince?"
"Firmly ask my 'adult' sibling's servants that my siblings must attended the Kakarrot Ribbon Party Congress. Inform them that their Crown Prince commands it and that their presence is required."
"Yes, my Prince but…"
"Before you ask no. It would not be a good idea for me to ask myself. Better that their attends 'ask' them." He tapped his helmet and threw it onto the ground. He knew they were going to make this difficult for him now that he was finally getting a taste of the throne despite the depravity they were up to.
Admiral Vanilla on the bridge of the Supercarrier 'Sloth' had lost. The moment the call had come in about the immediate need to get the Prince, no one wanted to be the one to get him. Remus they all knew had his mood swings. Most of the time he was a jovial drunk, sometimes he was somber and sometimes he was a violent drunk. It was a tossup between the three.
The Prince's party had begun hours ago so it meant that he was no doubt stone drunk. It had been decided that because of Cobalt's insistence this could not wait, besides hung-over Remus was way more likely to be irritable.
Vanilla had known drunks his whole life his father, his best friend Purple. Part of him had always understood that they were in pain but unlike those other two he couldn't understand his Prince's pain.
Vanilla made his way from the bridge having said his farewells to his fellow officers. He could always have his attendant do this but that young man had just had a boy with his wife. Honor demanded he inform his Prince of this news himself. Grand Admiral Byzantium had made it a point for this to be impartial game of chance. Lady Luck had simply decided to be a bitch to him.
He made it to the Prince's residence on the super carrier. He could not hear the music but be could feel the area vibrate from the music. The Prince always had musicians and movie stars over along with both women he paid for and woman he had not paid for.
He had to make his way through the mad house that was this this party. He tried looking in the Prince's gravity chamber only to find a writhing orgy in progress.
Eventually he made it to the Prince bedroom. After he had to break the arm of some crazy woman and got sucker punch by some drunk, but he was finally here.
The blood guard were all at his door and let him in.
He opened the Prince's bedroom only to find that the Prince was standing on his bed naked with a woman with green hair giving him 'head'. His nose had white powder on it. He was holding in his hand a human skull that he had turned into a chalice filled with red wine that he was spilling.
The Prince was loudly and drunkenly singing along with the music that was blaring to himself "A million magic crystals, painted pure and white. A mult-million dollars almost overnight. Twice as sweet as sugar. Twice as bitter as salt. And if you get hooked, baby. It's nobody else's fault, so don't do it."
The Prince looked at Vanilla. His eyes were bloodshot and dilated. The Prince had not slept and was quite high. "You should try some of this!" He pushed off a woman sending her to the floor and grabbed a brick of white powder and chucked it at him. Vanilla managed to dodge but it hit the wall and exploded covering him with the powder.
Vanilla choked and hacked as it got into his eyes and lungs. Remus chuckled and shook his head, he talked ridiculously fast "No. No. No, you're supposed to snort it, not breath it's in. The governor of New Columbia says that that he can make billions of tons of that stuff. This is a new revenue stream my father says. We're going to put all of the cartels either under our wing or destroy them. I have no idea of how to run a cartel but thankfully plenty of guys in our empire used to be criminals. Did you know that the mayor of West city used to be Yakuza well not used to, but you know what I mean?"
Vanilla still gagging but managed to spit out "Yes I do. Very interesting sir but I must tell you something…"
Remus still talking a mile a minute while grinding his teeth with his fingers "My father normally gives me nothing to do. Now I have to get people hooked. I wonder if he makes me get babies hooked. Seems like something he might make me do. Right?"
"My Prince I have something urgent to tell you."
Remus angry smacking the air in a huff "Then say it damn it!"
"Your brother has requested your presence at the Party Congress."
The mode soured in an instant. It was like Remus had sobered up with that simple sentence. Thankfully, he didn't look angry to Vanilla. It was more like a wave of melancholy hit the Prince. He got down and sat on his bed.
"Fine I'll be there. Just go." The women started to crowd around as his friends told him to cheer up as Vanilla left. He felt on fire as the cocaine did its thing.
Admiral Olive was the one to get the message. Grand Admiral Cyan was with the Princess. He knew this would not be welcomed news, but he knew he had to deliver it.
The bridge of supercarrier 'Pride' was busy engine of war. They were in a middle of an invasion. He knew he was required on the bridge, but this unfortunately took precedence.
He made his way from the bridge to her chambers that had been made to her exact specifications. The door open and he was greeted by two of the Blood guard. In an instant he was in he was in a different world.
He was by the banks of the Nile in an Egyptian palace. She had actually had her entire quarters made to look the part even going so far as to have made most of it with the real thing dug up and dragged here. It was all so that so that she may be Queen he knew.
It was all frustrating the fact she made you bow and call her Goddess, but there was no other option. Her whims were law. She had personal disembowel his friend Grand Admiral Forest when he dared questioned her order and now, he was stuck with Cyan.
Cyan was younger than Olive's sons. He had sky high ranks in the academy but hadn't proved him self in the field before he was made Grand Admiral. He knew the two reason why he had the job and they both sickened Olive. The two were lovers and he was considered her cousin. Both tasted like ash in his mouth.
It was quite a walk from the entrance to the Princess's throne room, but he finally made it. There he found her lounging on her sort of chair sort of couch that she must have seen in old art. She was high above him with Cyan and her side feeding her grade.
She was wearing her most garish Queen of the Nile costume with real gold and gems to make up the very little clothing she actually had on. It must have been heavy, but he knew she would barely feel it.
Cyan turned his head to face him. One eye purple the other green. He always dyed his hair because some of it would grow green some purple. It was a refreshment to see him with his uniform or clothes on. More then once he had found them in the act on her little throne and didn't either to stop or send him away, they made watch.
Cyan wore a white variant of an officer's uniform one that only an Moff or Grand Admiral was allowed to wear. Olive was convinced it was a way to throw his status in everyone face.
Livy looked at him with her blue eyes that he swore were like a snake's eyes "I didn't summon you Admiral."
Olive got on one knee his hands on the ground "Nor you did not my Queen. I was commanded by Grand Admiral Cobalt to deliver you a message."
"Well spit it out!"
"Your dear brother-husband fervently requests your presence on Earth for the Party Congress…" Before he had finished, he was airborne being choked by her ki mid-air.
Livy screamed out in a rage "REQUESTED OR COMMANDED!"
Olive had to struggle to get his answer out "COM…MANED! MY QUEEN!"
She allowed him to fall to the ground. "Don't every lie to me again."
Olive panting in pain "I will never lie to you again My Queen. I apologize."
Livy waved him way "Leave me."
Olive didn't need to be told twice he bowed then left. His dignity in tatters but it was just another day working for the Queen bitch of the Empire.
Grand Admiral Crimson was with his Prince on bridge of the 'Wroth' when they got the news. Gracchus always liked to be a part of every aspect of the planning when they were crushing solar systems. He didn't make much of field commander, but he was always present.
He always led from the front. Insisting to taking the fight to the enemy. He was always of few words and he never smiled. His hair was the color of blood and he always showed the enemy their own. He was always dressed in the most standard of armors like he was a common soldier.
Many of Crimson fellow officers hated the red headed Prince but he did not. Gracchus was prone to give all of territory to his men that weren't officers. He was obsessed with equality. When he did have speeches, he spoke no doubt like a fire brand.
The red-headed prince spoke "Crimson my friend give me the intercom." The grand admiral obliged.
"Comrades in arms, I'm here to tell you that I will be away for a while. The needs of state beckon me. I hate it with a passion, but it is time for chance. I have asked you all to not call me Prince as it is an arcane title with no true value, and it was not like the act that bought me about was of my mother choice. But what is true is that with this title we can complete the Revolution my father brought about. My brothers of blood have shown them all but stooges by Romulus and it shall be with him that I see to it that you all have what you deserve. Too many enemies of the Revolution have been allowed to live after the Great Purge. I will seek severe their heads from the necks."
He stopped and looked at Crimson. "It is time my brother of field that we cleanse the enemies of the state."
Chapter 80: What Is The Truth?
Chapter Text
Videl stared at Bill. The revolver in her hand at his temple. Her mind was full of bees, her stomach was twisting and turning. She wanted to at the same time, pull the trigger, throw up, bash her head in, scream and run.
She felt as though she were still in the dark room alone. The walls were caving in on her and she was trapped.
She kept flashing back to the doctors and therapists when she was on the table. The feel of the needle in her arm pumping 'happy' into her veins saying it was all going to be alright. Nothing felt real anymore.
She looked as though she was going to squeeze the trigger but instead dropped the revolver and then flew off at top speed.
Gohan saw this wanted to go after her but first he went to his father who was still on his knees. "Are you alright…dad?"
His father seemed a million miles away from him when he said "Yes. Let's just get back into the ship and go."
Gohan looked at the man. He looked beaten and hurt. He was like an animal that had been beaten so many times that he seemed to not know the difference of when he was getting beaten. Gohan had never really looked at him when he was like this but in a way, he had always seen it.
Gohan knew that he had lied to him but still. He decided he would get his answers later. First, he would have to get Videl back. Gohan shook his at Bill then took off after Videl.
Gohan found himself amazed at how strong Videl actually was. He had sensed that she was holding something back, but she might actually be on his mother's and Trunks's level.
Gohan nevertheless easily caught up to her as she had landed on some nearby mountain and hid in a cave. He knew she was only a little ways in. He landed and started to come in when she yelled at him to the point the mountain shook.
"LEAVE ME ALONE GOHAN!" Her voice echoes off the walls.
Gohan stopped "Why did you run off?"
Videl said far softer "Everything is lies. My dad isn't my dad."
Gohan softly "Yeah. I know what you mean."
"What do you mean?"
"My vision told me that my father isn't my father too. I think I can understand where you might be coming from."
"You don't get it Gohan do you?"
Videl emerge in front of him. Her face was red she turn and lifted her shirt showing him the names on her back.
"I lost all of them. I was friends with every single one of them. All these scars are from battles I lost count of." (Tears began to stream down her face.) "Some of these scars I don't even remember because they happened so frequently. I all did it because I believed in all of this, (she said pointing at the handled trident symbol) but now I remember other things. I remember the all the good people that me and my real dad were with. I remember their bodies stacked on top of one another counted as though there were farm animals then buried like that without a marker. Then I remember after that being taught how that my life was worthless and given instruction as a child on how to best strap a bomb to myself to kill the enemies of the Reich. And right now, there is a billion other children getting taught that same lesson. All my friends all died for nothing. I have murdered millions for nothing. I sliced mother apart in front of her children before I killed them. I have burned cities. All because a man told me to do it and I did it without question. Now I have to ask, WHO THE FUCK AM I?" She was trembling but not from the cold.
Gohan could think of nothing to say he merely walked up to her. She stepped back from him.
"Just go. I don't really want to talk. I want to waste way. You're better off without me Gohan. I just want this cave. I want it for my tomb."
Gohan shook his head "Videl you can't mean that. You acted only of falsehoods now you know the truth. Now you can do the right thing with the truth."
"Truth? I know the Truth you say? Here is a truth for you Gohan. I know how your real father is, And I know my own. And I know my family. Because of this truth, I'm now a traitor to all I have known but you. I am a traitor to my only living friend who I have shed blood with, that I have also shed tears of sorrow over all these names with. I am a traitor to the thief's I call 'mother' and 'father', to the bastard I call 'brother'. Who all three I think I still love beside this 'truth'? I am a traitor to these names upon my back that die in service to nothing."
"If that is the case then seek your freedom elsewhere. You don't have to fight if you don't want to."
Videl shook her head "You know nothing Gohan. Is the blood of my family and friends lies too? The 'truth' is also if I don't come with you then, I am a traitor. I will be a traitor to the blood of my true mother and father that is on my thieves' hands. The blood of my friends on my Emperor's hands shed for but a joke. I am a traitor to not avenge this. So, no matter what I do I am a traitor. That is why I want this cave. I want this tomb. I would rather be a corpse then a traitor. Leave me be. I promise you that I will still be here."
Gohan wanted to stay. He wanted to hold her, but her words and eyes were of the same mind. She wanted peace to think.
"I won't abandoned you Videl. But I will leave you for now as you asked of me." Gohan flew off and Videl returned to her cave.
As he flew back, he regretted not asking her who is his bio dad really is, but he knew it was neither the time nor place to ask her besides he wished to hear it from his mother.
The sun had risen as he returned to the only home he had ever known. Once this bubbled shaped ship was all he believed to true universe was made up of. The outside merely something to look at. Now he knew that outside world was real not just interesting scenery.
He came to the ship the bubble that it looked like and saw that everyone was going into it. He flew down. He had butterflies in his stomach. He had to know but at the same time he felt beyond nervous about what he was about to ask. It felt wrong to question either his mother or father.
He landed "Mom, Dad." The two turned to face him. Bill coldly said to him.
"Get on the ship Gohan we're leaving."
"Not without Videl."
Bill sighed while Chi-Chi got miffed saying "Don't you talk back to your father."
"He's… I need talk alone with both of you."
"We can talk about it on the ship."
Neither of them were listening to him. Whatever happened in their visions must have spooked both of them. The past was scary to both his parents both of he got the idea that both of them wanted to run from it. They were both going to try and forget it.
Gohan yelled out as quickly as he could "WHO IS MY DAD?" He had closed his eyes when he had yelled, he opened them to see his father and mother both stunned.
Chi-Chi eyes began to tear up. Bill one eye got small like it did whenever he had his nightmares. Bill rushed up to Gohan in a calm rage and grabbed him by the collar of his gi.
Bill voice brimming with anger "What did Videl tell you?" His eye spoke of murder.
"Nothing Great Uncle Gohan told me in my vision that you weren't my bio dad. He said that it wasn't his place to tell me who." (Bill walked back.) "Videl merely confirmed it when she said she knew who my dad was. I could have asked her but I'm not, I'm asking the two of you. I want to ask the parent that taught me never to lie and said the truth is right who my dad is. I want to ask you and I want an explanation on why you thought it was okay to lie to me." (Gohan started crying a bit.) "I want to trust both of you right now, but I can't. I get that your pasts hurt but this is my life I want it from you two not Videl, not Grand Uncle, not Auntie Bulma or Auntie Mai. Tell me who it is now!"
Chi-Chi came up to Gohan and looked him in the eyes, both were crying. "I wanted to tell…" (She shook her head.) "No that's another lie. I was shamed to tell you, so I kept putting it off, to the point that I deluded myself that I might never have to tell you. Your real dad is a monster that I fell in love with. I was young and stupid, and he was charming and clever. I have I see now that I have been letting him have far too much control over me, and my actions. I was afraid that tell you. That it might make you like him. That was stupid because you are nothing like him. You are kind and good, whereas he is cruel and evil. He is an alien that killed my friends and stole the freedoms of my world. He is the reason we are refugees. His name is…"
A gruff voice interrupted "Excuse me but we have business!"
The group look to see a figure short of height. His hair was familiar to all of them it was flame shaped. His tail was firm around his waist. His eyes were onyx and the bags under them dark purple. His armor was cracked and worn. The blue cape on his back waved in the wind. He had a goatee that was unkempt. His left arm was metal as it seemed to have been replaced. His face was like his armor cracked deep wounds had healed but were now scars. He despite being so short he managed to give a regal aura.
Behind him were some strange looking aliens. They were even smaller creature with light blue heads without ears. They had eyes without feature they were just black. Noses that were just two holes. They had string like arms and legs. They didn't seem like fighters, but they were armed for it.
Trunks had rushed out along with Mai weapons in hand ready for a fight. Bill put his hand on his revolver much like a gunslinger might and walked forward putting himself in front of Gohan and Chi-Chi.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
"The name is King Tarble of Tech-Tech and its resistance. I am here because an annoying voice from a god inside my head told me to come here. King Kai says 'hi' to you Chi-Chi by the way. But mostly I'm here because I know that he's the son of Kakarrot." Said as he pointed right at Gohan.
Videl was freezing in the ice cave. She had laid down and curled up trying to force herself to sleep but couldn't. It hadn't been an issue before to sleep on rocks, but she couldn't now.
The bees were still in her head so, she couldn't relax. Her head felt bruised like it had been used like a punching bag. Her body screaming about the cold. Part of her wanted to cold to just take her away from all of this even though that felt very cowardly.
She had made a virtue all her life of not thinking about things. Her 'dad' and the state told her not to think so she did not. She had been a shark forcing itself to swim going from kill to kill. But now she was back in her dark room and there was no more ocean to swim.
Now she was remembering all the faces all the screams and she couldn't get free of them. She felt their cold touch. She remembered that nice man that got his brains blow out of him who once gave her his chocolate bar it nearly happened the same way it happened to Sharpener.
But suddenly a knew feeling came to her. The back of her head vibrated unnaturally. It hit her instantly, it was the chip in her head. The Erasa was telling her that she was coming. The MO must have left scanners in case someone came.
Her heart dropped. Erasa and the Empire was coming to fight Gohan. She got up from her spot and looked at the exit but didn't move. She merely stood their unsure of what to do next.
Chapter 81: Sides
Chapter Text
Gohan looked like a deer in headlights. He remembered the palm haired man after Vegeta died. He was Videl's Emperor. The man from the poster that he once found on a planet. The man was declared on it the liberator as it showed Frieza severed head and chains of slaves being broken.
In his father's night terrors Kakarrot name was screamed more than once, he must have killed his first family.
Kakarrot was the reason they were in space why they had no Earth. Now it made sense every time he had caught his father panicking about his tail. When he was young had used that face of that man on the poster as the shorthand for evil along with that handled trident.
"I don't know what gave you that idea. We don't want to trouble now. So, we're leaving." Gohan snapped back to reality. The aliens were pointing their blasters at them and a standoff had emerged, with Tarble having the high ground.
"Sorry but I don't think so."
"What gave you the idea that I was asking for your permission."
"You weren't but I'm not letting you. That boy is too important to me."
"My son is no concern of yours."
"I would say he is. He's the son of the man that burned down my world, killed my family along with my wife. I think he's very much a concern of mine."
Bill grabbed hold of his revolver there were only four of his blue bullets left. He would have to make them count on this Saiyan.
"Buddy I'm not going to let you hurt him."
"I see it in your eyes. We have been fighting the same war. Part of me want to hurt your 'son' but I don't intend to. Part of me wants to hate all you imperials but I know that you were all just given I bad lesson from my people. Your far from serving him. You stole away with one of his sons and one of his wives by the smell of it. King Kai told me that you all were hurt by this monster. If I take Gohan and tell the bastard about it. I could get him to come to me. I want that fight even if it kills me. You see I don't have much to life for anymore other than one thing. I want to kill that murdering bastard. There in nothing else in the universe left for me but seeing him died. I want to bash his head in till his grey matter comes out. I want to rip his still beating heart from his chest and feel it stopped. After that I can waste away into nothing. I would not care if it sends me to hell. In fact, I welcome death to send me there, for he will be there, and I can kill him again. I would do anything to make that happen. I don't think I even care anymore whether or not the innocent, are in the way or not. So, tell me do you think I'm going to stop just because of you."
Bill smiled much to everyone surprise. To Bill this was all quite familiar. The universe did truly have a sense of humor. He pointed his revolver at him as he cracked up laughing like a maniac. He could feel death around him, and he could only feel joy in this moment.
Tarble confused and perturbed "What's so funny?"
"Because that was my line. Mai, Gohan I'm sorry. I love you all." He said as he prepared to pull the trigger.
Videl stood their staring at the exit, not know yet what to do when she felt someone's approach. The yellow stripe on the black armor told her who it was, it was Washington.
"Oh, good so the computer wasn't lying." (He heiled her.) "Come on Captain. Commander sent me to get you while the others took them down."
Videl broke a sweat. The twins would make short work of Gohan, Trunks and Chi-Chi. They won't surrender. Maybe she…
"Trooper you go back to ship but give me your side arm first."
She took the blaster setting it to stun. She left her cave having still no idea of what she was going to do.
Bill was about to pull the trigger as Tarble point at him with his finger.
"I don't know what you think you going to accomplish with little bit of archaic tech, but I assure you I will kill you if you fire it."
"You think I care if I die at this point. Hell, I welcome it. I was a bad man whose only purpose in life was to keep other bad man from the door. I failed but at least I can die in the attempt."
"Dad stop. We can take him."
Bill shook his head "I was wrong to shelter you Gohan I see this now. You got to understand that this world doesn't give you options. It was always just kill or be killed. I never wanted you to see the world as I saw it, but you're going to have to take care of your mother. I know I wasn't the best man or father that I could have been. I'm sorry about that but you're already a better man then I ever was. Keep it up."
A loud throat cleared, and everyone looked to see 17 having made the noise. 18 was standing right next to him the two both looked smug. They were dressed in their black. Their soulless blue eyes were just as Tarble remember them last time.
"We looky here bro. It's a two for one sale. Our primary targets and Tarble."
"I know how much you like sales sis. Oh and I told you we didn't get him last time."
"I said we didn't get him either. This embarrassing how many times we've let get away. I say we get him this time on principle of the matter."
17 nodded "Agreed. Maybe the Emperor will put us one of the posters."
Tarble had been grinding his teeth as his aura rose turning from white to yellow as he clenched his fist. In a rage between his teeth he spit out the word "Demons".
"Pff he's copying me again."
"Yeah but it is more fun when he does that. Hey, Tarble remember when we attacked those people that you swore to protect in the refugee camp. Aw good times."
Tarble yelled out "I'm going to rip you apart!" As he charged him. He was unleashing everything he had on 17.
17 while blocking him and said to 18 "I'll take this one. You get the wayward Prince and momma."
The two disappeared into the trees as 18 appeared in front of Bill before he could react and back handed him away.
In a second the red aura came around Gohan and he yelled out "Don't you hurt my dad!" And he charged her.
His fist meet her hand and she grabbed it. In a second, he realized how out matched he was with this cyborg. Her fist meet his face and he was thrown back.
"Well looks like Jr you can't copy me, can you?"
Gohan spat some blood onto the ground. "I don't need to, to beat you."
A kamehameha blasted 18 away as Chi-Chi had decided not to play bystander.
Meanwhile Trunks was about to get in on the action when he heard a click. He turned around to see that Mai and his mother had been capture by the commando team.
"Cutie if you don't want us to show you your mother's insides, you going to laid down that sword and come quietly."
"Cowards! Let them go."
"I can't do that cutie. Now put the damn sword down or I have Wyoming here pull the trigger!"
"If you do, I'm going to cut you in half."
"That won't bring you mom back. Now put it down." (Trunks dropped his sword.) "Good boy. Now kick it over here and put your hands up."
Trunks kicked his sword to them with his hands up. "You're not going to get away with this."
"His majesty is the law and you rebels are under arrest. So yeah, we're going to get away with this. Carolina cuff…"
They were interrupted as a blast hit Wyoming and Maine knocking them away but their shields clearly absorbing the blow. Erasa looked to see the Tech-Tech's having fired the shots and both Bulma and Mai diving out of the way as the aliens opened up on them.
Trunks was over to her in second and punched her helmet off. Erasa fell to the ground but kicked upwards to land both her feet into Trunks's gut. Trunks was sent airborne as she jumped to her feet.
There was a thin line of crimson running down her face from her nose that she wiped off as she yelled up to her soldiers "Kill all of those creatures. Don't let them leave! I'll take this one." She dropped her blaster and flew up to meet Trunks in the air.
"You know for someone in a tin can you actually know how to kick."
"The suit just makes me stronger. Videl isn't the only one who knows how to use ki and fly."
"Guess mom, Mai and Bill just didn't put any effort into it."
"Guess so… Now let me show you the might of the Empire."
"Bring it on."
Tarble was unloading everything he had at 17 but all his punches were being blocked. 17 was showing no signs that this fight was hurting or even winding him. All the cyborg was doing was smiling at him. The twins always reminded him of the night Tech-Tech burned. They may have not had any of the Emperor's looks, but they smiled like him.
All of the innocent that they had killed was nothing but a joke to them. Tarble managed to kicked 17 into a tree then punched him to the ground.
He shouted out as he put his hands up "Galick Gun." He fired downwards at the cyborg and it exploded taking a great deal of the forest in the blast.
Tarble had put a lot of himself into that blast. He looked down knowing what he was going to see. He saw the dust settle and 17 just standing there without a scratch on him.
17 was smiling while dusting himself off "Man Tarble that was better than last time. If I actually let you live you might do some damage in a couple of years."
"I'm going to rip you apart toaster!"
17 flew up in front of Tarble "'Toaster' is that the best you could come up with? You are just full of disappointments, aren't you? A failed hero and failed saiyan your nothing but a failure aren't yah."
"You sound like my father or my brother. I didn't want to be either. I just want you dead toaster."
17 appeared in front of Tarble and punched him in the face. "It's time I stop playing around with you."
18 was merely standing there with no damage done. One handed she had deflected the wave away. Her hand pushed some of her blonde hair out of her way. Gohan got to his feet as she spoke with a chuckle "Funny. The idea of humans standing up to me and my brother."
Chi-Chi snapped at her "Your human too."
18 shook her head "Nope. I'm a cyborg. The good doctor made me and my brother more than 'human'. The emperor is a just god. They turned some street urchins into his weapons. Now I have the power."
Chi-Chi to Gohan "Come on we'll take her together."
Chi-Chi charged her while Gohan stood still. Chi-Chi was about to attack when Gohan appeared in front of her and got through 18 guard delivering a punch to her head while Chi-Chi got her in the legs.
The two unloaded a ton of punches on 18 and then the two kick her away. Gohan and Chi-Chi put their hands together and yelled out "KAMEHAMEHA" The combined blast shot 18 away and exploded blowing up more of the jungle.
Mother and son got into stance as they stared at the dust.
"We got her!"
"Yeah but did we do anything?"
"At least we know that attack works mom."
The dust cleared at 18 was their undamaged merely brushing herself off. 18 "Do you know how long it take to get dust off my clothes? You two are going to pay."
Chi-Chi sighed "Somehow, I felt that one coming."
The iron weight of Erasa kick hit Trunks in the arm. He managed to catch her punch while driving her to the ground while he gripped her leg.
He let her go as her heard a gasp only to get her fist in his face. He felt his nose break and in pain he walked backwards.
Erasa got to her feet and Trunks shook off his daze. Trunks's nose was gushing with blood as he spoke "You know that didn't tickle."
"Don't worry. In a few seconds, you won't be able to feel a thing."
Trunks smiled as despite his pain he seemed to be enjoying himself. Trunks "Hey that's my line."
A reddish aura surrounds him, and he charges easily getting by her defenses and kicking her skyward. In midair he picks her apart as his speed easily passes her speed.
Trunks knocks her to the ground. She lands with a thud and even makes a crater into the soft dirt. Trunks lands next to the crater and looks to see that the Tech-Techs have been slaughtered by the imperials. They surround him as Erasa gets to her feet.
"You think cutie that it would be that easy."
"For a second there I kind of did."
Tarble could no longer defend himself as a rain of 17 punches rains down on him. Tarble is now being thrown around like a rag doll. 17 knees him in the chest and he can feel his ribs crack while his breath is knocked out of him.
17 grabs him by the throat "I'm losing count of how many times we've been in this situation Tarble 5-10 times? Doesn't matter this is the last time."
17 grinning grabs hold of his robotic arm and begins to pull. Tarble tries to scream out but he is being strangled at the same time. Everything is going dark for him and he starts to see the light.
Thinking quickly, he uses his real arm to fire a blast with everything left in him at 17. The blast makes 17 let go of his throat but 17 doesn't let go of his arm.
Tarble now minus one arm loses Super Saiyan and he helpless falls to the ground landing not far from Trunks. He is panting and bleeding but still breathing.
At nearly the same time both Chi-Chi and Gohan are forced into this circle by 18.
Trunks, Chi-Chi and Gohan get back to back as they are surrounded by the team.
Erasa claps as she has made it to the circle. "Well I can't say you traitors didn't make it interesting now hands up or we'll shot all until there is nothing left."
Tarble chuckles "Stupid they want you alive not dead. They won't shoot." He says as he clearly passes out on the ground.
Chi-Chi grinned at Erasa "Sounds like we have nothing to lose."
Erasa grinned back "Are you sure about that?" She pointed. To 18 pointing her hand at the unconscious Bill and 17 pointing his hand at the hiding Bulma and Mai behind some trees.
"Can you save all three and yourself with your disappearing act?"
Chi-Chi broke a sweat even if Gohan helped her they couldn't save everyone on time. Chi-Chi began to raise her hands.
Videl was rushing towards the battle as she noticed the fog that messed her upcoming out of the trees rapidly approaching were the fight was.
Videl managed to outrun the fog and panting arrived at the fight. She got in between 17 and 18. She saw her boys and girls had done their jobs she wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
"Captain. Oh, good we're just about to…"
Videl yelled out "We're retreating!"
Erasa and the cyborgs at the same time shouted "WHAT?!"
"The fog is coming. We can't beat them when it does. WE'RE LEAVING!"
Erasa shouted back to her "We have them dead to rights!"
Videl merely stared at her and Erasa relented. 17 and 18 stared at her.
"What happens to the bombs in your chest when you disobey a direct order from a member of the Royal family?" 17 and 18 relented and the team disengaged.
Videl and Gohan looked at each with Videl unable to look for very long as she took off with the others.
Chi-Chi fell to her knees as the fog rolled in. Chi-Chi "Well I didn't know how we were going to get out of that."
Trunks with a confused look upon his face asked Gohan "Did your 'friend' just save us?"
Gohan sadly smiled "I'd like to think so."
All three looked at Tarble as Mai and Bulma came over.
Bulma said with her eyes raised "So what are we going to do with him?"
Chapter 82: Crowned Prince
Chapter Text
His father's empire was on fully display before him. Romulus thought as he looked out of window. Nearly the entirety of the Imperial war machine. It had come for the military review that came with the latest Ribbon party meeting.
Romulus knew the numbers. Over three billion soldiers and sailors. 15 supercarriers. Over 3,000 carriers. 1,000,000 destroyers and light cruisers. 10,000,000 suits of power armor capable of taking on Ki users 10,000 plus depending on the model
His father had told him of what the Earth was like before him. Now Earth had gone from galactic backwater conquerable by a Saiyan infant to a massive empire. He right now had enough ships to block out the light of the sun from reaching the Earth.
There was nothing in those dust old history books to compare this to. It was the largest army in Human history or Saiyan or Mandalorian or any other tribe of the genus hominid history.
Less than a fourth of them were human. Most were fanatically loyal former slaves and the children of former slaves.
They were loyal under paid, underequipped and with mostly given bad leadership. The plans of how to use them was as cannon fodder as the commandos do the actual job.
The room of the political monsters were bad enough, but he knew he would be forced to address this vast army afterwards. He turned on his heels to leave his viewing area. He knew the weight of the universe was now before him.
The shuttle felt quite cramped compare to the ship. On the other side of it was Cobalt who was grinning. Rarely did this man show emotion around him. Romulus knew the man was scared of him. He was sure of that but the excitement of all of this must have gotten to him.
"Ah my Prince you must be excited. Your finally get a taste of that power. All of this will be yours."
"One would think… I used to dream about sitting in his chair and of all it would entail. Me and Remus would talk about justice and change. Remus wanted to be some sort of crusader ending all the suffering in the universe. Me, I wanted to join him. He was too good for all of this. I found out I wasn't. I sat in that chair and I felt nothing. I still feel nothing. My father warned me it was never going to enough, and he was right. I sometimes wonder if I had nothing, I would not be better off. No. That would give me hope."
"Sir?" He was simply shocked that his Prince had said more then sentence to him and being so frank.
"Happiness is an illusion soldier. A mirage that never sticks around. There really is only sadness and anger, anger being the most useful of the two. Father said that I was going to like this, and he was right. This suit is me. I'm the son of the man of steel and my skin should be metal. It's all just empty. I will feel really good when I'm talking to them and they are screaming 'Heil Romulus'. It will trick me for but a second but then I'll remember who I am, and it will all be ash."
"That sounds quite depressing my Prince."
"Happiness is an enemy. Hate, rage and pain are my only real friends. My… Emperor, my father taught me that sad truth."
"…Heil Kakarrot, Heil the Empire, Heil the human race the new master race!"
Romulus speech concluded as the many in the hall stood up and cheered and heiled. They were all here Presidents, Kings etc. of planets that had become protectorates of the Empire. Governors of Earth colonies, former Moffs such as Green, Black, Copper. Current Moff as such as Teal, Violet and Grand Moff Grey was here. The Mandalore of Mandalore having gained his title with their help in a coup was also present.
Romulus knew that this flicker of pride and hope was going to extinguish the moment he left the stage. He did not wave as his father might have. His father's speeches ended with him talking laughing and conversing with his favorites.
Instead, he merely turned from them and slowly walked off the stage. He came off it to find his 'closest' brothers and sister waiting with their Grand Admirals.
Livy like always looked like a snake about to strike. She dressed like she was Marie Antoinette, with her garish colored oversized dress. She had on her enough gold and jewels to buy a super carrier with the Hope diamond around her neck. Next to her was Cyan in addition to his uniform he seemed to think it was also the 1700's France with his ridiculous puffy collar. They were both models of why revolutions happen as far as Romulus was concerned.
Gracchus was in his battle armor having apparently ignored that this was an important show of Imperial strength not a battlefield. His suit showed signs of wear and tear. He had used it battle many times. He looked unwashed like he had just come from battle. It was a disgrace as far as Romulus was concerned. Crimson in his dress uniform was however looked actually dressed for this occasion.
Remus was wearing his puppy dog eyes like he was begging for something. He was dressed fine, but Romulus knew he wasn't at all sober. He had been stumbling earlier forcing Byzantium to carry him. It was a disgrace. He could blow up planets, yet he was content with drinking until he couldn't see or stand straight. It happened before every kind of gathering like this. He was fond of saying he was 'sorry', but he'd always do it anyways.
They were a broken lot his family and his other brothers and sisters were not much better.
Livy curtseyed and with a smile said, "Husband it was a wonderful speech." And just like that she had managed to ruin the moment and made Romulus wanted to strangle someone. He was unsure how she managed it, but she did, and she knew it.
Gracchus stepped forwarded and looked like he was about to go into some speech when Remus stumbled forward drunk. He started crying a bit and incoherent rambled about loving him. Remus grabbed hold of him and hugged him very hard.
Romulus tried to push him off but even in this state his brother was a league above him in strength. His grip was iron clad. Remus continued to mumble until he threw up on him forcing Gracchus, Byzantium and Crimson to help pull him off while Livy nor Cyan even bother to move an inch. The two just stood there staring while smiling. They looked like if vultures could smile.
They got Remus off him. Gracchus stared bloody daggers at Byzantium who squeaked out in his defensive "I can't control him or tell him what to do. Hell, his mother Yurin can't stop him, how can I?"
Gracchus growl out to him "Get him out of here. Now!"
Byzantium started to help him away as Remus moaned out some more.
Gracchus came back towards Romulus "Melancholy always seems to have overtaking him… Now get back to the matter. I have a list."
Romulus sighed at that "I'm sorry brother but it will have to wait. I have vomit on my cape and a room full of Moff's I need to meet. I'm sure you list of party members that you wish killed can wait. Perhaps our sister can help you. She enjoys killing things. I'm sure she knows how to skin puppies to make a coat. I'm sure that she will be most helpful in your endeavor." All said as he walked away.
He violently ripped off his black cape and tossed it onto the ground. He made his way down the hallways to the meeting room. He flung open the doors to find the round table with the Moff's and their staffs entering the room.
They heiled him and he heiled them back. Romulus could see that his uncles and aunt were as he always knew them. Grey was showing little as his predecessor did. He was not someone to play poker against. The Grand Moff had continued to build the universe's biggest and most powerful military. All done with the brutal efficiency of a master accountant. They had yet to lose a battle with him in charge.
Teal had his grin. He always reminded him of his father even if there was no actual connect. His hair was turning white in certain spots. Green had really rubbed off on the two of them.
Violet looked bored. She wanted to go back to her estates. If Livy took after anyone it was Violet. Violet always made sure she was earning, and she was in control of the finances.
The three came around to shake his hand. Teal smacked him on the back and called him "Nephew".
All four then sat down. He knew the three of them had more contact with his father then he did so this was almost the reverse of how this should work.
"So, my father wishes to end the war?"
"He had me draw up the plans. The bean counters tell us that are debt situation is dire. Continued war is bad for business. Now next month is the day your father came Earth it will be the start date of the offensive."
"Well good then we can finish up our planet building program. We have a long list of planets that we have pledged to develop. Since my father has seeded me some control. I want you three of you to being planning for the aftermath. Many of ally's worlds were damaged by the general uprising and many worlds that have sided with us are in some cases preindustrial. Since Father has instructed the MO to make contact with these worlds, I think it will be only right that we uplift them."
Teal chuckled at this "So a bit of the old green haired boy is still around."
"Uncle we have built a new galaxy. A galaxy that we have promised to freer and equaler. That makes this an obligation. The hominids of the galaxy need an Earth that not just break their chains but helps them build a city. If war is all we have then it means not a whole lot has changed. Earth is going to be in charge and its friends should not just be starving peasants."
Grey injected "I agree but we have more pressing concerns."
Teal contributed "Indeed, the failure of your hunting party."
He sighed "I know they have failed to find…"
Teal shook his head "No, you misunderstand. My agent just gave me the news they found them, but failed to catch them." It was like a bomb had gone off.
Grey spoke up again "Nephew I didn't want this little mission to happen, but it did and I afraid this casts a lot of shadows."
Violet then included "Evidently my daughter when they had nearly won ordered a retreat. Which cost us a lot. A lot more than first imaged."
Grey then said "Tarble happened. He was there indicating that he has made direct contact with them. Meaning that the wider galaxy is about to have another wayward Prince join the war on the wrong side."
Teal was stone faced for a change "Along with the one woman that can claim in single combat to have beaten your father and the smartest human in the galaxy is with them."
Violet the added "It was my and his daughter but your operation. The fact that we had it inform you of this is also not comforting. Your underlining seemed unconcerned with informing you."
Teal gave a huff "You're a good kid but perhaps a greater role for you is a little premature in light of this. Policy is well, our business. You best keep to your objectives instead."
Romulus felt like he had just been ripped apart. He wants to scream but merely sat there as the Moffs left him.
Arnold found himself slammed up against the wall his laughing skull pin falling off as Videl shook him. They were in the CIC with the staff all round looking puzzled and confused.
Videl yelled in his face "What did you tell them!?"
Arnold gasping for air as Videl choked him "Only the truth…That you abandoned the field and that Tarble was there."
"What about the fog damn it!"
"There was enough time. Your father needed to know."
"I should snap your neck right now!"
"But that still wouldn't give you this Gohan."
Videl let him go. She knew killing him would accomplish nothing. She looked at Erasa. "Do you agree with him."
Erasa shook her head "No, but I don't agree with you either. We had them Captain. Dead to rights. We had surprise and numbers. You survived the fog, right? You're here on our side. We could have survived it."
Videl had never seen what she was seeing now in Erasa's eyes suspicion. Videl felt like the truth was written on her face and that they knew. Erasa was her damn blood sister. She had been there since the beginning.
Videl not able to look her in the eyes "You don't know what's in that fog."
Her Yeoman came up to her "Captain! The Prince wishes to discuss the situation with you."
Videl stiffened up her back and nodded he knew her cousin had a temper. This was going to be painful.
Bill jumped up to find himself in the med bay. Mai was sitting right next to him. She looked relieved at first but then gave him a sour face.
"Is everyone okay?"
"Yes despite your best efforts. I'm sorry but your chance to become a martyr was interrupted."
Bill looked at her sadly "Mai…"
"I get that you don't really value your life. I however do and it hard sometimes…" She didn't bother to finish.
"It would have been the right call."
Mai shook her head "How you figure? You would have been dead, and we might have lost a chance at an ally."
He spat out "We have no allies."
"My point exactly. We've made no progress. Earth is just a distant memory. It's like you take every opportunity to avoid trying to advance our cause."
"We are our own cause at this point."
"Are you that scared? You'd rather die than face it?"
His eye said it all. He thought himself already dead.
Mai sighed at him "We survived and so did Tarble. He's a Super Saiyan. When he wakes up, we're going to decide what to do maybe give him I arm to replace the broken one. Bulma says our ship is slower than theirs. But the fog is keeping them away for now, but it won't keep them away forever." She got up and walked out leaving him alone.
He looked out the window only to see fog and his reflection in it.
"Explain it to me again wouldn't you Mom." They were in the living space of the ship. Trunks was there but not Bulma she was still monitoring Tarble.
She looked to the ground in shame "It was as I said. I was young and stupid. He was charming, and I saw what he wanted me to see. Even after I knew who he was I couldn't shake the image, so I fell into the devil's bed." There was a pause Gohan still seemed angry.
s "Gohan buddy. I know this might be none of my business, but my mom and the others already have accepted it. I mean your dad killed mine but you're not really that assholes kid, you're Bill's. He's your real dad man. Your mom may have lied but it wasn't a complete one."
"I don't like being lied to by two people that taught me that lying was wrong and that honesty was the best policy."
Chi-Chi shook her head "Bill only did what I told him to do. He never wanted to start this, but I told him to. The reason why is simple. It was mine job to tell you not him. Please don't be cross with him."
"Mom I don't know what to think. I don't think you trust me which hurts."
"Don't trust…?"
"That's reason why you didn't tell me. It's because you though I would become like him. Dad looks at my tail sometimes and freezes. I think I understand where he is coming from but you. Would have you ever willingly told me? Maybe I understand not telling me when I was younger, but you still thought that I could become like him now?"
Chi-Chi teared up and could say nothing in her defense.
Gohan shook his head and left the room with Trunks soon following after him.
"Please don't try to defend my mom right now Trunks. I don't want to hear it right now."
"No, it's not that. We kind of have a problem right now with the Empire. That's not going to be solved by this. Billions of people are still being hurt by them and they probably are coming to take us all away."
"This has been well established."
"Well, that Tarble guy is a Saiyan right? And you're a Saiyan right. Maybe he can teach you how to go blonde like he did back there. He was like stronger than all of us put together in that moment."
"He was still beaten by that cyborg."
"He was making the cyborg work for it more. Gohan we need to do something. Those people that came with Tarble got slaughtered like they were animals. They are doing this everywhere. We have been hiding for far too long. Your dad and mom might have given up, but we shouldn't."
Gohan nodded at his logic "Your right. That does sound a lot better than running. Maybe if we do this, I can have more time to get through to Videl."
"Bro I know she ordered a retreat but that does mean she's on our side."
"You don't get it. They lied to her they used her. She a victim of them just like us. They killed her father. There is an army of people like her brainwashed to be loyal."
Trunks sarcastically asked, "So were going to do this for every stormtrooper?"
"No. Just for everyone that we know can see the light."
Tarble's eyes slammed opened as he heard humming. He looked hoping to see Gure only to see Bulma dressing his wounds.
Tarble signed and said, "I was for a second there hoping angels had blue hair."
Bulma looked at him with a smile "Go to know cowboy. I look like an angel to you."
"Well, I was hoping that I was waking up elsewhere."
"You thought I was angel and that you were going to wake up in heaven and find Gure."
Tarble a little shooked "How did you…?"
"You were talking a little while ago."
"I was?"
"It did sound very fun you ended up breaking a lot of your bandages in your trashing. Maybe it's better you don't remember it."
Tarble deflated "Sorry didn't mean to make your job harder. My dreams are too real and loud sometimes."
"Well aren't you singing a different tune from earlier. Well don't worry my dreams about Yamcha aren't always super fun either. Us widows got to stick together. He was killed by that monster too."
Tarble nodded "Sorry to hear that happen to you. Don't worry one day I get revenge for all of them."
"So, you back to steel huh?"
"Anger is a lot more useful. They don't need to be wept for they need vengeance."
"The dead don't need anything, they're dead. Nor would I think Gure would be very happy with you too eager to join her."
"Revenge is all I live for sad as it is Lady…."
"Its Bulma"
"Bulma. I don't know what you live for but it's what I live for."
"Well since these wounds are going anywhere anytime soon, I'd say that I'm going have some time to change your mind."
"I can't say I'm a fan of that doctor. I'd prefer it if you just kept it to the physical instead of trying to get into my head."
Bulma chuckled "Hey I can do both. I can make spaceships honey. I can give you a new arm staple you together and try and fix that wounded heart of yours. I'm a genius after all."
Tarble snorted "Fine. Whatever, just give me a new arm damnit."
Bulma smiled "So there is more than just looks in the family resemblance."
Tarble spit out "Just fix me up."
Videl had been on her knee for what felt like an hour in silence as she was glared at by Romulus's hologram. She could feel his rage through the projector. It was like he was imaging how he was going to cut her up.
He needn't have said a word. She knew the score. She had made him look really stupid to her father and his. Image was everything to him she knew. He was trying to use his mind to strangle her but failing.
Romulus robotic voice hissed "My father has ordered me to Yardrat. Expected me promptly Captain." The transmission terminated.
Sorry this took so long.
Chapter 83: On The Road Again
Chapter Text
Bulma screamed out "Are you crazy?" To Tarble who had gotten off the table.
Tarble shook his head "I had worse Lady." His tail flicked as he limped away.
Bulma tried to come to his side but he waved her away as he left his area and limped until he was in front of Bill and stopped. The Saiyan and the human stared at each other. Both men somehow knew they were sort of looking at the same shattered image of themselves and they didn't like it.
Tarble limped forward and was on his way out the door when Gohan and Trunks came in. The two Saiyan's stared at each.
"Ah the spawn of the devil, just who I was going to look for."
"Still planning on using me as bait?"
Tarble shook his head "No I think that plan is out the window. A new plan is going to have to take its place."
"Then here is one for you. Teach me how to go blonde like you did."
Tarble gave a scornful unsure look "It's called Super Saiyan punk. It's something that nearly every one of our people (except me) dreams of from birth to death. The ultimate expression of power that we know."
"That would sound interesting if I weren't a human that happens to have some Saiyan in me."
Tarble smiled and sighed "Yeah I don't blame you kid. I spent most of my life not caring or respecting our people either. We were a tribe of angry misfits that the universe hated. Which we gave that hate back collectively. They loved to fight at the expense of everything else. They believed at the end that only the strong deserved to live. Only two pure bloods by my count left and I doubt the universe will ever forgive or forget us. I suppose though I'm proof that a man's father doesn't define him either. Sure, I'll teach you Super Saiyan, but first we got to talk about how we are going to get out of here."
"I agree." (He had gotten out of bed, Bulma was behind him.) "Bulma here tells me that their ship is a lot faster than ours. Is it faster than yours?"
Tarble chuckled "So willing to work with me now?"
Bill scoffed "Who says we're working with you? Far as I'm concerned it would be pretty easy to just take it right now."
Tarble taking no offence nodded "Yeah I would agree but it would be a wasted effort. Mine's a junker repaired with tin cans. This ship is probably faster. Being a rebel doesn't pay a whole hell of a lot."
"I suppose, I've yet to see a paycheck either. That means we'll need to use instant transmission and capsulize the ship."
"But where would we go?"
"King Kai's world might kill Bulma, you and Mai."
"Instant What?" Tarble croaked out.
"Chi-Chi and Gohan can appear anywhere in the universe instantly if they can sense a person or visualize it."
Tarble grinned "Well then I got a place."
Everyone was exiting the ship. Around them was the mist to some, fog to others. Tarble stood transfixed as he stared of into it.
Bulma looked at him nervously "It must be doing the same thing to him as us."
Tarble shook his head and had tears in his eyes "Kami-damnit." (He looked at the others and shook his head.) "Nothing I don't see every night."
The wind picked up and in a second there was a super carrier overhead. The wind blew the fog away and nearly carried away Mai, Bill and Bulma. Trunks caught Bulma, Chi-Chi caught Bill and Gohan caught Mai.
The wounded Tarble looked up like he was trying find someone "Kami-damnit. This is the Faith not the Malice. Kakarrot ain't here!"
A cold robotic voice spoke as he landed in front of them "I'm sorry to disappoint you O'King of the weak but my father isn't here."
Gohan looked and saw the black clad figure in front of him with his mask and cape. Gohan felt a little intimated even though he wasn't sensing a mind-blowing amount of power. He looked cool to Gohan, he had always wanted a mask and cape.
Chi-Chi had a pit in her stomach feeling this man's energy. He was so damn familiar it was like she had sensed it before.
Bill knew he had seen him before, he looked like death to him. They fighters put down their baggage and Bulma rushed over and capsulized the ship.
Tarble grinned "Well if it isn't Jr."
"It's Romulus, Prince Romulus to you creature."
Tarble shook his head "No. It's the only kid of his beside this one that can't go super."
Videl with the Commando team and the Cyborgs landed behind him.
Videl in her suit "Surrender. Your surrounded. There is no escape."
Trunks went over to Gohan and whispered, "So much for on our side."
Bill rolled his eye "Surrender right because we will be given clemency and treated as prisoners of war. Yeah right, I'm damn sure going down swinging is better than whatever he has planned for us."
"Amen to that brother."
"It doesn't matter you're all coming with me. You people have been an embarrassment to the genus for too long."
"Everyone gather round." Chi-Chi yelled.
The group tried to get together only to flee when 17 and 18 fired at them forcing them to scatter.
Trunks yelled out "Oh big man with your toys! How bout you fight us for real!"
Romulus turned his head, and it was like in Gohan mind he heard Bill talking inside him 'Its working, he can be distracted'.
Gohan put on his best impression of the cocky grins Trunks had and landed in front of Romulus. "You're my brother, right?" (Romulus nodded.) "Well then from what I understand we love to fight, and this looks like a good chance for one. Do you really what to go to your emperor having only succeeded because of those two? I get the impression your about looks and how will that look?"
Gohan knew it work before he even said a thing. Romulus body language said it all with his fists clenched and the shear feeling of hate he felt off him.
17 scoffed "Prince just order us to finish them off. Tarble is broken and we can end this easily."
Romulus coldly asked, "Did I ask your opinion?" (He asked not even looking at him. His attention back on Gohan.) "You think I am a fool brother? Grampa's weapon is correct this fight is already over."
"Yah but will you have done anything to make it a victory?"
Romulus sighed "You know I know you're playing me…" (Gohan thought it was over.) "but your right. Those two beating you will gain me nothing. (To the cyborgs.) "Any of them move, you have my permission to use deadly force."
Videl underneath her helmet started to sweat "Your father…"
"My father, Captain put me in charge of this operation. I'm making the decisions here not you. You should be glad you have the right parents or else you might not be breathing right now."
Videl felt like she just got punched. She knew he meant it and it hurt in that other way too, she didn't have the right parents.
An unstable red ki blade emerged from his arm as he stepped forward towards Gohan. Gohan could feel his anger. This man was like a forest fire burning, flickering and unmanaged. There was no control behind any of it.
Romulus stance was like a swordsman's. Gohan could feel him but not the sword, it was like power armor and cyborgs. Which meant the sword was a lot more dangerous than it appeared.
Trunks yelled out "Wait they have laser swords. That's too cool. Why do the bad guys always get the best crap!"
The two stood still as they sized each other up. Gohan knew that he was running out of time if this took too long, he would get fed up and just sick the cyborgs on them.
Gohan charged forward then disappeared. He appeared to Romulus side and punched him in his face as hard as he could with the Kaio-ken. He knocked Romulus away sending him to the dirt.
Romulus took the punch without a sound he was used to the pain. He shot up but in his hast his helmet came off while his face was in the dirt.
A stream of crimson was streaming down his nose. His three blue eyes were glaring at Gohan and his blonde hair was messy.
Chi-Chi and Bulma eyes went wide upon seeing Romulus's face they knew who he was in a second. Bulma yelled out in confusion "Kunlun?"
Romulus heard what she said but ignored it. He quickly grabbed his helmet and put it back on. Gohan however was confused he heard what Bulma had said and looked at his mother. Her eyes said it all she knew who this was.
Romulus took advantage of Gohan apparent confusion and took a swipe at him. Gohan jumped back but the blade edge nearly hit his skin cutting through the orange and blue gi with ease.
Gohan had felt the heat coming of it. It would have cut him in two he was sure. Romulus began his assault. He was faster than Gohan had originally thought and his sword was as dangerous as it looked forcing Gohan to dodge.
Gohan led him into the tree to try to find some cover but the sword cut through the trees like they were butter, so Gohan came back into the clearing.
The cyborgs had not taken their eyes off of the others. He had been hoping that they would drop their guard, but they hadn't.
Romulus walked towards him and stopped. "You're holding back Gohan."
"What makes you say that?" Asked while trying to sound out of breath.
"I know when I'm being humored. Your like Remus. Playing nice because you don't want to really hurt anyone. You are but a child, playing at war. You still think this has a happy ending don't you. That being good is good enough. Look where that got your mother. The only way to change anything is by force. Our father proved this. To change the future, you have to kill the past by any means necessary. Your no killer but I am that is why I'm going to win this fight."
Romulus pointed his finger at Gohan and dodon ray shot out. Gohan easily deflected it. Gohan "What was that?"
Romulus said as he shut off his blade "Just checking." Romulus hands came together to form a triangle pointed at Gohan.
Chi-Chi's eyes went wide she knew this move all too well. She yelled out "Don't let that blast hit you."
Romulus yelled out "Tri-beam!" As he fired. Gohan used the Kaio-Ken to dodge it in time. Only to find Romulus waiting for him. Before the attack even exploded Romulus managed to laid Gohan out flat having used him as a punching bag then knock him in the dirt.
"Your move makes you weak and slow after you use it. I might be weaker than you but your no warrior."
Gohan disappeared and appeared he tried to hit Romulus, but his punch was caught. Gohan was forced away and Romulus said "Fool me once as they say. I saw it coming."
Tarble was shaking his head at the mistakes Gohan was making. Gohan looked neverous like he wasn't too sure of the outcome anymore.
Videl yelled out "The fog!"
The attention was drawn. Hurrying the group all joined hands and Tarble said "Little girl. Ki like an angel crying because her King hasn't returned. She's been trying to reach me with her mind."
Everyone disappeared as 17 fired at them only to hit empty space. Videl yelled "Everyone up don't let it touch you."
They flew up leaving Romulus and Gohan staring at each other as the fog rolled in. Gohan then disappeared too leaving Romulus with the fog.
They all arrived at a shack on a hill side. It was crowd camp full of millions possible a billion refugees. On a very industrial planet. The smells of the place were what first struck them.
In this shack there was a group of Tech-Techens who had been all scared at first of their arrival but then had smiles on there faces when they saw Tarble.
Tarble looked at them and then the group "These are my orphans. Sorry but I have a feeling that its going to be awhile until this madness will be over. They seem to think I'm their hero."
They all charged him hugging him as some of them cried calling him 'Father King' soon the cry went out and the community at large showed up all wanting to see him.
Bulma could help but smile as she saw Tarble get treated by them as their hero. The title just made sense he was not Saiyan king he was a Tech-Tech king who had saved all these people.
Soon more militant looking Tech-Tech came over and kneeled before him. They came ask about comrades and supplies. They had a list which he began to look over and ask for details as he took his step apparently this shack was his palace and that seat his throne.
Then the crying began the families of those dead on Yardrat were told the what had happened, and a somber mood took the crowd.
Soon some in chains were brought in and the wanted Tarble to judge them.
Hours flew by as the group were left of to the side. The few that noticed them gave them dirty looks. It should have been guessed after all that humans weren't super popular around here.
Finally, at night the commotion was over and Tarble could attend to them. He came to them with a small Tech-Tech girl in his arm who was hugging him.
"Welcome to camp 152 little Tech-Tech. Now tomorrow Super Saiyan school begins."
Chapter 84: Come Together
Chapter Text
Romulus stood in his spot. He could no longer feel Gohan or anyone else for that matter. He went to tap his helmet to radio his ship but suddenly found his helmet gone.
His black mask and armor disappeared, and he was left naked. His scarred and bruised flesh brought to the open air. His face looked a little panicked. He was very unsure of what was happening.
A voice he had never heard before but knew rang out behind him "Son." It was soft and sad. Romulus turned his head and looked at man who spoke those words.
He was a three-eyed man with black eyes. He was bald and wearing a green crane school gi. His face was white like the man was nervous or scared to have this meeting. He was the same height as Romulus. Compared to Romulus his skin was flawless, he had scars but nowhere at Romulus level.
Romulus faced showed no emotion as he stated, "I think I've seen you before or at least your skull."
"You know who I am?"
Romulus shook his head "No not really. I don't even really have a name for you. You're just a skull in his collection."
"Then you knew you weren't his…"
Romulus cut him off "I have three eyes like you. I'm not blind. I figured it out many years ago. Practically confirmed when he forced me to marry Livy."
Tien confused "You follow him even though he killed me? What he did to our family?"
Romulus coldly "Our family is it? Who are you? He is my father not you. Your skull wasn't in the trophy room. No, you were in the betrayer's pile in a chest hidden away. Few people truly understand my father, but I think I have better look then most into his mind. He wanted few to see your skull. He won't wax nostalgic about killing you. In a way you're like a failure that made him doubt his instincts. It's not so much guilt but something else. You made him question his judgement. A friend that turned on him."
"He was a monster who needed to be stopped."
Romulus was trembling with rage "He was your friend. He would have sparred you but no you had to get yourself killed on some sort of principle. You probably got her killed too. You thought you were a hero but No, you were just bump in road. I heard the name Bulma yelled 'Kunlun'. Is that who you came here to meet ghost? Your dead son that I killed. But I can't give myself all the credit for you truly made it happen. I'm Romulus Gero the son of god of war, Kakarrot Gero's son not Kunlun Shinhan. I'm a killer and I'm death's hand in the universe. Don't weep ghost for your dead son for he would have be weak like you and died just as pointlessly. You came here for tears and I will glad give you all that I care to shed, but my eyes are dry. Leave for you were never with me."
Tien shook his head he could feel the hate in his son's heart that made him feel unreachable. "Your wrong my son. Your mother and I are always with you and apart of you."
Romulus pointed to his scars "Then you can see my hard work to cut you out of me."
Tien had no response to him but to simply fade back into the fog.
Romulus spat his eyes filled with rage "See it was the only thing I gather you were good at. I will not be turned by you or this world. I'm Romulus Gero future Emperor. If I kill Bulma and Chi-Chi all traces of Kunlun will disappear forever, and I will be what I wish to be." Said as his armor, cape a helm came back upon his body.
He tapped his helmet and said back in his robotic voice "Alert all commands they escaped but with Tarble. Use every resource available to find them. NOW!"
Gohan did his best to sleep on the mats provided but it wasn't happening not with the smells of the camp and children rolling around next to him or Bulma's snoring.
They where in one room but Tarble. Gohan had never really thought about who shelter he was in this one moment. Not once did he not sleep on mattress before now or share room with non-family. It never occurred to him that he hadn't suffered any sort of hardship while in this shack in the middle of a refugee camp.
His mother and even Bulma seemed adjust but he knew he wasn't. The only other person managing was dad. He had elected to be the guard for the night. He watched out of the hole that made up the window.
There wasn't a light in the house but the nearby city blinding light lite the area out to the point that day and night were very hard to distinguish.
Gohan had wanted to ask his mother a question but there had been no time in all of this. Softly and quietly he asked Bill "Whose Kunlun?"
Bill equally as softly "Couldn't sleep huh?" (Gohan nodded not that Bill could see him.) "Son of her friends Tien and Launch. Tien was Kakarrot's ally until he grew a conscience poor him and fell in love with Launch one of Chi-Chi fellow students at the Turtle school. The two had a kid and here he is. Calling the man who killed his family father. Probably better I told you. It's a sore wound I'm sure."
"Like Videl."
"I see the way you look at her. I get it son, but you understand right? That just because you want her to be something better than she is right now, won't mean she will be."
Gohan frowned "Dad why don't you have any faith anymore?"
Bill smiled "Alright my bad. I should remember that the last thing any child wants to hear is a parent talking bad about there their paramour, lord knows I hated when…" He trailed off as his smiled turn to an empty sort of look.
"You know dad if you every want to talk about that I'm here and if not me I'm sure Mai will talk about it with you."
"Wounds don't always heal nor should they. Somethings are never going to going to be alright. I don't think talking about will help or make me feel any better."
"Mom said talking about problems makes you feel better."
Bill snapped back "And how did that turn out?"
It stung a little but Gohan got the point he didn't want to talk about it.
Bill quickly said "Sorry." Gohan knew his apology was genuine. His dad had rarely raised his voice or even had a mean thing to say to him, but this was a bridge too far.
"No, I am. I shouldn't have pushed it."
"Just try to get to sleep."
Gohan tried to get to sleep but failed sort of. His sleep was interrupted. His dreams that night was rough and filled with Videl and this Romulus. Videl was suffering and in trouble but Romulus was in the way somehow stopping him even though he was weaker. It made no sense.
Morning came and Tarble came in "Alright time to get breakfast."
Trunks rubbing his eyes asked "What?"
"What? Do you see any refrigerators or freezers? No, we got some hunting and gathering to do."
Gohan despite being tired jump up at this excited his tail wagging "Really!?"
"See I knew there was some more Saiyan in you boy then just the tail." (He looked at Chi-Chi.) "You are coming along?"
Chi-Chi while getting to her feet "Of course. At uncle Gohan place there wasn't much else to do but hunt and forage."
Gohan turned to Bill and asked him "Dad are you coming?"
"Nah. I'm sticking around here with Mai and Bulma. Besides Gohan I don't think he'll be using a rifle, so I don't think I'll be needed."
"Good less dead weight we need to carry." The two men glared at each other.
Bulma rolled her eyes at the exchange "I don't have time for you boys and your emotions. I think it's good too I need you and Mai to help me with my little project. Tarble? Can you point me in the direction of a spot with plenty scrap metal and room to place the ship?"
Tarble nodded "Yeah I can do that. Provided that you guys watch the kids."
Mai stretched her arms "I can do that."
"Good. Kiddos it looks like my friend Mai here will be watching you instead of auntie Terla."
Tarble shows them to the junk yard that is close to his house were waste of the city ends up where their refugee camp was built. Bulma throws down the capsule at an open spot,
Bill looking around out loud states "I can see why the former slaves hate this UPA. They treat the needy like this?"
"Better than in the city when my people get spat on and told to go home. To the natives we're the same as the vermin. I learned that it isn't just the Empire that bigoted and cruel."
"More things change… Same shit happened on Earth. We have a bright and shining future to look forward too after this. Killing him won't be enough."
"True but it'll make me feel better." (To Bulma.) "Use anything you want. I'd please like my arm sooner rather than later."
Tarble group took off. In mid-air Tarble "Okay non-Saiyan's I'll show you a grove where you can pick some fruit while me and Gohan are going to go and hunt some on the local wildlife."
Trunks indignant "We're going to pick fruit?"
"Yeah, and get ready to make multiple trips too. We have got an entire camp to feed. You'll find some baskets. Normally this would take a while but thanks to you guys I'll have some more time for training today." He pointed down and Chi-Chi lead Trunks to the grove as he was hesitant.
Tarble landed on a mountain overlooking a herd of some bison looking creatures. Gohan landed right next to him.
Tarble looking over the scene "So you hunted with rifles."
"Well yeah."
"Even with your power?"
"Yeah."
"But you missed."
"Yeah."
Tarble smiled "You weren't that bad of a shot, were you."
Gohan sighed and nodded "Well yeah."
"Didn't want to kill anything but wanted to spend time with your dad."
"Yeah, but why do you ask."
"Nostalgia, I think. Just sounds familiar that's all."
"Why was I having a hard time with Romulus?"
"You mean how you lost to him."
"I didn't lose to him."
"But you were losing. It's simple you're not half as experienced as Romulus. You haven't spent every single moment like him thinking about battle like he has. You were stronger than him, but it didn't matter. Your mom may have trained you, but you are no warrior." (Tarble pointed his finger, and a beam went through one of the creature's head.) "You see an animal and you see a living being. I see food enough to feed a hundred of my people or one of me. You see stormtroopers and you see a man with a family with children, a mother and father with a wife. I see a man trying to kill me and my people. You don't kill, I do. Sorry to tell you this but you count more than that animal of the four-legged or to legged variety. If you want, you and your mother to live you going to have to pull the Kami-damn trigger."
Romulus in the 'Faith' was kneeling at the feet of the holographic Emperor. Kakarrot was sitting in his throne as he stared at him. Kakarrot's face was resting at the side on his fist.
"So, I'm to understand that you countermanded my orders and lost the targets."
"Father I…"
Kakarrot smashed his other fist breaking the steel arm rest he yelled "Did I say you can speak! I've entrusted you with this important task to make sure that in the future a man with a claim to our empire isn't lose in the galaxy. To tie up all the loose ends right before we finish a twenty-year war. And you chose to ignore my orders. Your ordered you people to kill Chi-Chi my wife and kill Bulma an important resource to the war effort. I would expect this from Remus or Gracchus not from you. I trusted you, but you betrayed that trust. Should I be giving this to Livy? Now you can speak."
"I'm sorry..."
Kakarrot rolled his eyes and interrupted him "Take off that mask and look me in the eyes when you give me a me-damn apology."
Romulus took off his mask this blue hair on display to the room not to Kakarrot. Romulus was glad of the lack of color as he didn't want his father to see his crying red eyes. He looked less a terror of the universe and more like a crying child scared of his father. His head turned up to look at Kakarrot.
"I'm so sorry father. I never meant to undermined you or our goals. I acted rashly and in hast. It was a temporary lapse in judgement father it will never happen again."
Kakarrot practically spat out his words "Temporary lapse huh! Perhaps you wish to kill another one of you brothers that was stronger than you out of spite." (Romulus shook his head but didn't speak as it would only make the situation worse.) "No this is too important for you to handle on your own. I was considering send you Livy and put her in charge of this but that would be too cruel for this situation. No instead I'm punishing you by sending you Remus. Perhaps the two of your old bonds will come in handy. Now know this, one more fuck up and I'll make Livy your better in my will."
The transmission ended, and Romulus collapsed to the ground and crawled at the floor in a mix of sadness and rage. He knew someone had told his father about this incident.
Gohan was sitting cross-legged as Tarble circled around. It was afternoon after they had gotten done feed the people. Super Saiyan training had now begun.
"Now Gohan this power I have comes for a need not a desire. I gain it because I needed to save my people from him, and it came out. Now I think both of us to prefer that you aren't brought to that point in that way. So, what I'm going to need you to try and image it and feel it. You got to try and believe in your mind that your seeing Romulus or Kakarrot killing your mom, your dad everybody. I can train you but your stronger than I was when I changed. So, I think you can change now you just need to focus."
"One question sensei?" (Tarble sighed at that but he continued.) "How did you compare to him when you transformed."
Tarble shook his head "I did stand a chance in hell. He was far beyond Super Saiyan at that point. I scratched him; I think. His smile is what got to me. It was just so damn funny to him that they were dying. All of it was one big joke to him as he ripped them apart. I looked in his eyes and I saw empty blackness. I saw him play the screams of children as if it were a laugh track. There's nothing there. Nothing just blackness and promise that nothing would stop him from continuing. He is just pure kami-damn evil here to make others suffer Gohan who will hurt everyone you know or care about for a laugh. Can you try and visualize that?"
"I can try."
Tarble shook his head "There is no try here Gohan do or experience it for real like I had to."
Gohan closed his eyes and nodded his eyes try to image the man that had done all of this to Tarble and Chi-Chi.
Now as a response to everyone last time. Gohan hasn't been in a desperate fight since he was a child before all of this and Romulus was trained by Kakarrot who trained with both Shen and Tien, and has been fighting all of his adult life.
Chapter 85: Kill The Past
Chapter Text
Gohan with all his was trying to bring out his rage on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city. His aura was turning gold as Tarble yelled at him.
"Don't you see it Gohan! They're killing you dad and Trunks. He's hurting Videl and raping your mother!"
Gohan was screaming but then the aura broke, and he collapsed to the ground panting he said, "It was too much."
"Damn you were really close too." (He yawned trying to aggravate Gohan.) "You ready to give it up yet Bulma says that she needs to take some measurements for my arm."
Gohan was sweating profusely sat down with a thud "So Sensei you think aggravating me will get me to turn."
Tarble sighed "Worth a shot, but I suppose you need a break. My first student dying on me won't look too good."
There was a pause as simply Tarble looked at the city and Gohan got that same feeling that he got from his father sometimes. It was like he was a million miles away.
Gohan mulling things over "Would he hurt Videl and well…?"
Tarble looked at him with intense eyes and cut him off "Absolutely. I've seen it."
Gohan knew he was in dangerous waters, but he had to push it further. "Sensei I'm having a hard time seeing it. Feel free to say no but I…"
"You want to hear the whole story I get it. Fine! If it gets us closer to killing that monster."
I was a more whole man back then, I worked as a farm hand growing turnips. It was the only work I could really get. Tech-Tech was a nice place that harbored some dark truths. I got stares all the time. Never did they call me 'Monkey' to my face. But as enlightened as they pretended to be, I was an outcast.
I looked odd and I was from what they considered a primitive culture. I was an oddity that children stared at and that was for Tech-Techs was freaking large. Funny I'm a dwarf to my people and humans but I'm a giant to them.
It was fine though because I was a freak to my own people too. They liked to fight, I didn't. I was weak they were not. Funny too because compared to the Tech-Techs I was unthinkably strong.
I suppose I have that in common with Kakarrot. To my own I was a weakling but to them I was friggin superman, but while he looked like his adoptive culture I didn't.
No other jobs that required my brain ever came to me. They would say nice things, but the message was 'We think your too stupid to do this job. You're a monkey, stick to lifting things and breaking things.'
Some days I woke up angry. I wasn't a person; I was a tail to them. Some days I just wanted to find my brother and take some of this out on someone. That changed though when me and Gure feel in love.
She was different from them. I actually was a person to her not just a tail. We may have not been compatible as it were, but she cared about me and I wasn't a freak to her. We got married despite lots of angry from my adoptive parents and her parents. They kicked us out by we managed to not live in the streets. We were mending ties until one day. When all of what I just said stopped coming close to mattering.
It was a warm summers day. It was going to break records. I was working the fields as she worked her desk job. When the shadow came overhead. It was the 'Malice'. His flagship.
Tech-Tech nor its people have any importance strategically. They were like the Tuffles in retrospect. Lot of kinds words without any meaning to them. They were vegetarians, hadn't gone to war in generations and stayed out of most galaxy politics.
They were neutral and like to stay that way. They payed tribute to whomever asked and was willing to kiss whatever ass was ended to stay out of it.
Unfortunately, they made one wrong move accepting me. In a way, I caused what happened.
Malice just started dropping its army down as the fleet arrived everywhere. Everyone was screaming. They just started slaughtering them all. No demands were made. They never asked for anything they just started killing.
I never liked fighting or training. Didn't like to get hurt or hurt someone else but that went out the window that day.
First one I killed a Terran with a flamethrower burning a school down with them still inside. All of my training from family seemed to just come to me then. I ripped him apart then his squad then another. Can't say I remember all of that day.
I wasn't really thinking, I was just doing. I killed maybe a thousand of them and managed to find Gure, but my success didn't last.
I was hugging her having saved her from them along with her co-workers when he showed up.
His kami-damn smile I see it every fucking night. He landed his words were 'Well I have been misinformed. I was under the impression that you we're a weak coward, but here you are cake in my men's blood. It actually quite relieving to tell you the truth. I thought that this won't be any funny but you 've managed to prove me wrong.'
In a blind rage I charged him. I guess I figured that hey I killed all of guys why not him? I was soon proven quite wrong on that fact. In two moves I was smashed against a metal building unable to move my entire broken body.
'Well, isn't that a shame you really haven't been working out have you?' His eyes found her and he grabbed her pulling her off the ground. 'Sorry girly. Your man seems to not have this one at all. He tried…' He shrugged 'but he failed.'
He looked at me 'You know I know your angry right now. You're have a bad day to put it mildly. Nothing is going right. Everything around is burning, including the people. But I have a philosophy I would like to share with you right now. Why so serious? You think any of this shit matters? Someone was going to come along and do this. Everything is going to burn. Everyone going to die. If you want proof look no further, then what I'm about to do.' (He put his and on her head.) I tried to move tried to get up, but it was all for not. 'Think of it like this. For the rest of your life I'm give you a purpose.'
I couldn't look away. I was staring into her eyes as he crushed her skull like it was a… watermelon.
Very thing went black in that moment. It was like I lost myself completely. I don't even know if I knew my own name. I was purely an emotion right then and there. Rage. That's all I was. I was pure. Every part of me was just here to kill him.
It all snapped, and the power came like that. I needed to rip him apart. I needed to kill him after that who cares.
The power that my brother and father sought all their life. I got, and I didn't even notice it.
Kakarrot looked shocked for a second but then looked like my people excited at a good fight. I should have known that he was playing with me he didn't even transform at first.
He was allowing himself to get pummeled by me for shits and giggles, but I was in a blind rage. I put everything into those kicks and punches, but it wasn't enough.
He got free of me then transformed, then he began to demonstrate how fucked I was. He was faster, stronger and better trained. Soon enough I was on the ground laid out unable to stand. He broken my armor and my face.
He stood over me with his fucking grin. I was a mouse that the cat wanted to watch die. I with what I assumed was my last act breath was to raise my left arm as my right was too broken to move and I flipped him off.
It was childish and vulgar but hell what else could I do. I wanted to do something to him and that's all I had.
He laughed saying 'It's good that the last of us are this defiant in the face of the death. I'd like to tell you that you were a challenge, but that would be a lie.'
I felt the planet shake and his hair stood straighter, lightning came from him. I couldn't sense power levels at the time, but I knew he was far beyond just Super Saiyan. A hundred of me might not be able to match him.
He powered down then grabbed my left hand. He said 'Funny I bet you'd be willing to give your left arm to make this day just end. Let's see if we can't help you on that account.'
I screamed as he ripped my arm off. I lost Super Saiyan. He had it in his hands and chuckled as he stripped it of my armors spandex he said 'Farewell to Arm.' I think it was a reference or something then he started eating it. He proclaimed it to be quite tender. I was on the verge of passing out when he picked me up and threw me.
I don't remember anything after that. I woke up in a ship in the medical wing. Apparently, I had distracted the empire long enough for a great deal of people to escape. They told me that I had saved them. That an army of them had distracted Kakarrot sacrificing themselves to rescue me.
They proclaimed me King of them. I attempted to resist but I couldn't say no. Everyone else in authority was dead. They needed me as broken as I was. I was the outcast of two worlds but now I was hero. Who was proclaimed king by the masses.
Not for a second did I except to be King of anything. I may have been a Prince but my brother was the man made to be king. He was a warrior I was a coward still am. I piss myself before each battle. I shake like a leaf. Every time I kill one of them I end up puking my guts out afterwards.
I talk a big game Gohan but truth is I'm scared to die. It sounds every liberating but if I die, they'd die. Anger keeps me going but its fear that makes my decisions. It's the same with your 'dad' I'm sure. Fuck my arm. Nothing more precious in this life than others. I do care if I don't like killing, I'm do it if it buys them even a second.
Your going to have to kill even if you don't like it if you want your family to live. Dying is easy Gohan, living is the challenge. They're going to need you. You may not like your origins Gohan but you're Gohan son of Kakarrot. You have the blood of a true killer in you. You're going to need it to keep them alive.
Romulus stood in attention next to him was Cobalt and Videl both in full dress uniforms. Videl was the closest to him. The hangar was full of troopers. The typical greeting that all Princes and Princesses would receive.
Romulus said out loud to her in his robotic voice "Captain I know it wasn't you that told my father but one of your men. When I find out who I will kill them for this outrage."
Videl broke a sweat. "I swear it was me Prince."
Romulus coldly stated, "You're poor liar."
The transport came and landed. The ramp came down and Remus was the first one out followed by the various staff. Thankful it appeared that he had left his many girlfriends behind. But there were a few faces that Videl didn't expect.
Naval intelligence was there. They were the people that had the job of working with the Naval and MO to make sure everyone was on the same page. It was a thankless job that involved them all being desk jockeys. It also was were most loyal families put their bastards and craven children.
Romulus and Videl quickly notice however that Remus was sober. A rare sight these days. His onyx eyes were bright and full of awareness. His tail was not limp but tightly wrapped around his waist. His armor was polished and shiny.
Remus rushed forward and hugged Romulus. Romulus cringed but it was hard to see under the armor. Remus was all quick with a hug.
Romulus only allowed this for awhile before he pushed him off. Remus always hugged him which never made sense to him. His mother and father never felt the need to do this.
"I'm sorry brother that he asked me to come. But it was either me or…"
"Our sister I know. Its fine. I'm glad it's you not her."
"Well you should be glad to know that we have the entirety of the Intelligence working on finding them."
Romulus unenthused "I can't wait to hear what they have to say brother."
Remus chuckled and pulled him along followed by their staffs including Videl who found herself next to one of the Naval intelligence men that had only a black suit on instead of a uniform. They took the train to Romulus's area and everyone but Videl and this man were allowed in but the guard.
The door practically closed in her face and the man almost gave a chuckle. That he quickly stifled but still looked quite giggly about what had happened. He had greyish hair a single cut scar on his face. His skin was an odd almost pinkish color. He was not fully human most likely a bastard between an officer and a slave he rescued.
Videl incensed "Find something funny soldier?"
"He hasn't forgiven you yet for making him look bad."
"You know about that…?"
"It's Nogea… No matter my middle name is Noj. Terran's tongues seem to find just calling me that easier than my full name."
"Well Noj you don't seem to be in their either."
Noj sighed "Well I already know about what is going to be said but mostly it's because I have three strikes. Forgive me Madame I know your not used to this world of office politics due to who your parents are. I assure you I meant no disrespect or dishonor."
"I've never been a part of this sort of things and it sure didn't sound like you respecting me."
"Forgive me Madame but you're. You may not think it, but you are quite privileged. For instance, you can't take being laughed at. Was there ever a 'commander' that you 'served' that didn't agree with what you said or sent you were you wanted to go? Besides the other Royal's? Both your parents are Moff's and you call the house of Gero cousin. Your future husband will have a tail I guarantee you Madame. Fret not you're not the only one here because of their parents."
"So your father?"
"He's an Admiral. I'm not in that room because I have three strikes, I'm a bastard, I'm only half-Terran and well the third thing… that you father throws people into ovens over. So, you can see why I'm nervous with the idea that I've insulted you."
Videl sarcastically "You seem it. Why would you say something like that to me? And why would you be on…"
"Our side? I exist because of my god the Emperor and my father. My mother was a seer in her tribe she spoke with the gods and had a vow of celibacy. A vow that the slaver and her master took from her. She prayed to her gods to save her. They said nothing, but the Emperor answer her prays along with my father. My father was once just another RRA officer with a wife in kids. Now he owns a planet and has a mistress. His honor keeps me in his house. His love made it so that my issues on birth and life are known but not acted upon. His connects got me a job to which I can be out of sight and not in that room. They earned my loyalty already. Do you know where your loyalties lie dear Captain? Because call this a hunch but even asking a question that you were trying to ask sure sounds a lot like treason to me."
Videl clenched her fists as she got ready to fight.
Noj laughed "No my silly Madame I'm spy, and what your father and MO calls a degenerate. I'm a friend with nothing to hurt you with or even oppose you with. You are stronger in every sense. Killing me won't even earn you a slap on the wrist. I'm not valued like you are. I'm a pawn. Your one of the better pieces that can actually change the game by your movement. You are going to have to decide that for yourself which side you are really on. The side of what you know or what you don't. Gohan or Romulus. Which honor, I wonder? The side that was willing to let you go or the side that you have always known. My superiors' decisions are always interesting. So, world changing. Billions love the Emperor and thanks to our money making strategies. Plenty are on our pay role we will find them soon you best forget the wayward Prince. He hasn't long for his freedom. The tentacles are simply too wide and too many. The strongest always wins Madame."
Chapter 86: Jump Into The Fire
Chapter Text
In a dark hot room two men were listen to their headphones.
There was a litany of conversations going on. Imperial garrisons were asking for men and materials. Colonies were asking for more colonists. Officers were giving status reports on their conquests. MO agents were giving culture war updates. MO's job was also to find the hominids untouched by the rest of the universe. To find the ancients roots of the people and explore the myth of the supermen. Along with their tasks of killing resistance, spying on the entire population, and exterminating degenerates.
In all of this chatter they finally found what they are looking for.
"Can we confirm that they aren't in any of our territory."
"Yes, my lord we can confirm that fact. We also confirm that all seven are still together. Gohan I guess Ox, Chi-Chi Ox, Mai Tenhoe, William Stryker, King Tarble, Bulma Briefs and Trunks Briefs are…."
One of the men pressed the pause button. "That's it! Our man has hit pay dirt. The Doc is going to want to hear about this. His grandson and his daughter have been found."
Another got up "I'll go tell him immediately."
"Are you sure of this information?" The pink jelly fish like general asked his subordinate.
The two where in an office that was filled with trinkets and bobbles that the general had collected over his years of service. He had medals and ribbons that showed his history of honorable exploits.
"It came from the human resistance Sir. Their information is typically reliable. The monkey king might never have wanted to deal with us, but this monkey Prince might be more agreeable." Subordinate said.
"Yeah, but we should use human resistance agents rather our people. Monkey's respond better to other monkeys rather our own people. Now I want this man to be their future Emperor. If we win this war a Gero will be needed to get the rest of the tribe in line. He will be a useful tool in this endeavor. Hopefully, he'll inspire more fifth columnists and be able to stand against the main emperor monkey himself."
"Sir this sounds well and good and all but what will stop him from turning on us? Will the humans and the slaves really give up their conquests? Their culture seems to be ruled by violence will they stop just because they were told too? I see no peace sir after we have won."
"Who cares about tomorrow we have to win this fight before we can get to fighting the next war."
Tarble and Gohan feet landed on the ground next to a crowd that had formed around capsule. The Tech-Techs rushed towards Tarble having apparently been looking for him. All at once they started begging him.
It was hard to tell but Tarble pieced it together from what he could understand. The yokel law enforcement dress in their finest military riot gear had shown up announced that the camp was to be liquated, started tearing down homes and took some pot shots at some people. Some of his people tried to stop them and got shot and killed at for trouble, then Chi-Chi intervened, and the cops left after a good beating. Even still the crowd was frightened that they would be back and in greater numbers.
Chi-Chi made her way through the crowd along with Mai. Tarble looked at her at said "Thank you." As soon as he saw her.
"Don't thank me yet, I might have made things worst. I've got Trunks watching them, but the leader said they would be back."
Tarble shook his head "The situation ways already shit you couldn't have made it worst." He clapped his hands and got the crowd to quiet down he spoke to them "I understand your concern. I will talk to the President. I assure you we will not be leaving this planet. We have no real way to leave they know this. The UPA promises have been broken before. This is however, different I won't let them break this promise."
Tarble's speech seemed to calm the crowd. Mai nodded and said, "I'll help with the rebuilding efforts."
"Thank you. Alright so is Bulma's new arm that she kept talk about ready? So I can see the President with to strangling hands." Chi-Chi and Mai nodded 'yes'.
Gohan begged him "I want to go with you."
Tarble shook his head "No Gohan. I really don't see you in politics. Just help your mom and Mai with my people. See the people, get to know them. Know how you're fighting for that might help you."
The three took off as Tarble made his way to the ship only for him to find Bill waiting, he was looking off into the distance.
Tarble sarcastically "Glad to see that you weren't disturbed by all the commotion."
Bill looked at him from the side "Chi-Chi punch a giant planet destroying ape once and broke a bone before blowing him up with a massive energy ball. These dipshits only had blasters. I was more than sure that she had the situation under control."
Tarble nodded "Yeah I suppose your right, for a human she's pretty strong. I can see why that monster mated with her. She looks Saiyan and kind of acts…"
Bill spat at him "Screw you she doesn't act at all like you demons, and it was humans that killed your Tech-Techs in the first place."
"Careful now cowboy your racism is showing."
Bill looked at him fully "Wouldn't it be speciesism?"
Tarble bobbed his head "I suppose."
"You know they're not going to let you stay right?"
"Ye halt little faith. You haven't seen who charming I can be."
"Oh! So, you going to threaten him into letting you stay."
"These people tend to change their tune when I offer to rip their spine out of their throats. Having a species wide reputation for cruelty and violence is useful sometimes."
Bill in a knowing way "Right because you wouldn't do it in reality?"
"Sure. Whatever you say."
"Right neither of us would do that sort of thing… We're running out of time. I've accepted this whole Super Saiyan business but the longer we linger the far more likely there's going to be supercarriers overhead."
"I'm well aware of the imminent end of everything I hold dear. I don't need you reminding me of the oncoming storm."
"Well, you're not playing with only your own cards but with mine know too. Your I don't frankly care about, but mine are worth everything. I might not threaten you, but you do have to sleep sometime."
Bill walked off leaving him while leaving Tarble shaking his head. Tarble walked into the ship and straight to the med bay.
Bulma was waiting for him with a smile. She looked set up with the new arm and a ton of tools. She pointed to the seat.
Tarble when to the seat while talking "Well I got to hand it to you. It took a team of Tech-Techs to make me a new arm. But you do it by yourself in an afternoon it feels like." Tarble sat down.
"I am the smartest, most beautiful woman alive."
Tarble grinned "I won't argue with the second point, but Dr. Gero tech seems to be all over the place."
Bulma scoffed "That guy he's a theft or at least a cheat according to my dad." She tied a strap around his shoulder tightly.
"Okay are you going to knock me out or at least give me something to bite down on?"
Bulma rolled her eyes "I would think a tough guy like you would be worried about a think like a little pain, but no. This is just so you don't move around and screw this up. It's going to take a little while."
Tarble sighed "Terrific, but at least I have company."
"That you do." She began to work on his arm.
"Your father knew Dr. Gero?"
"Yeah. They were roommates in college and colleges in the field co-wrote some papers together. Well then things went down the drain. Gero got married and had a kid but his wife got real sick. Gero sunk his money into my father's company and ended up needing money. Dad at the time wasn't a billionaire so Gero stole the work and started to sell it to the Ribbons. He ended up falling in with a man named Green, I think. Well, my dad found out and told the Government. Gero then became a Ribbon himself and escape with his friend. He's been causing misery ever since."
"Well shit."
"Yeah, all of it was strange. His wife then his son died soon during all of this. Army said his son died in training accident and wife from complications. Dad said he changed the moment she got the cancer diagnosis."
Tarble shook his head "Take it from me. People change the moment things go sideways and something they love is in danger. I guess he found out who he really is. By the way been meaning to ask you how my brother went?"
Bulma voice became a little shaker "Oh you know?"
"The Emperor list him as dead in the war with Frieza. Gave him, his brother and Nappa a state funeral and everything."
"Funny those two hated each other."
"I think he just wanted martyrs."
Bulma nodded her head "Bravely, Trunks said. He was beaten and Frieza was about to kill my son, but Vegeta shielded him with his body."
Tarble looked dumbfounded. He had no idea of how to respond to what she had just said.
"Guess we found out who he was at the end."
Videl was still in her full-dress uniform as she walked back to her ship having been dismissed by Romulus. She found Erasa waiting for her.
"How'd it go boss?"
Videl snarled "Poorly. I'm not trusted enough to be at the meetings. I was locked out and had a disturbing chat with one of the people that the MO normally kill."
"Ain't that a bitch."
"Now he thinks that one of us gave the full accounting of that last battle unedited."
"Well of course I did."
Videl looked at her best friend with a mix of a million emotions "What did you just say?"
"Well that I…"
"Shut up! Don't say it again you idiot!" Erasa didn't seem to comprehend what she had just said to her.
Videl whispered "What you just said is going to get you killed. Romulus looks stupid and failed to follow orders."
"We're supposed to tell them what happened. Romulus isn't god until Kakarrot dies. He needed to know."
Videl saw in her friend all the blind certainty that she knew not all that long ago. Her friend she suddenly realized she was like a child that never thought for herself. She was just incapable at the moment to doubt her superiors.
Videl "Listen keep that fact to yourself. Make sure everything is in order. We could be leaving at any moment. I want the ship ready for then. Keep the cyborg warm the two are prone to action not inaction. I don't want them restless."
Erasa nodded "Yes boss." She left to go inside but as he left Arnold came up behind Videl.
"Careful now Faulein you're starting to whisper and plot like us schemers."
Videl swung around and looked ready to fight. Arnold to this merely chuckled "Your first and only instinct in action. Save it. the moment you crack my skull is the moment her death is assured."
Videl growled and Arnold continued "Her transmission was saved by the AI and the AI is loyal to me."
"Why are you doing this."
Arnold shook his head "Faulien I have been watching you for a while now and I notice something after your little captivity. Your filled with doubt. That look you gave to Erasa was most interesting. It was like you didn't understand the point of view of a true believer. You weren't hurt by them and maybe even have the hots for our wayward Prince. Now my theory is you may have forgotten whose side your on. I don't know why this happened" (He waived his hands.) "but it doesn't really matter. Just remember whose side your on from now on and it will all be good. Daddy won't have to hear of any of this."
Videl sneered "You think you can threat me?"
"No not really but I think you have a price or a breaking point just like everyone else."
The attendee a small yellow colored Ericama with four legs walked into his boss's office and said, "Sir the Monkey King has arrived."
The door to the room smashed open with Tarble and his brand-new robotic arm fist clenched, and he marched to the desk of the President pushing aside the aide.
"We have to talk Mr. President!"
The President in his sarcastic way not bothering to look at Tarble with his chair back to him "Well then I guess we have to talk."
"You're going to call your troopers off. My people aren't going anywhere."
"Your people are nothing but a bunch of jobless flea-bitten monkey lovers. That steal and contribute nothing bigly."
"We're refugees you asshole. We'll glad go back to Tech-Tech however there are gas chambers waiting for us back there."
"I don't care. The people have spoken. They want you gone majorly."
"I could tear this build down with the flick of my wrist." He picked up the desk and threw it through a wall to the dismay of the aide who cowered.
The desk when into the next room but either by design or chance hit nobody just scaring.
President scoffed "Monnkeys filled with threats but fail to 'really' back them up. Fine the police will stop hassling your people, but you owe me a desk and a wall."
Tarble spat on the ground "Bill me asshole." Tarble fly up smashing threw the roof of the building.
The President got out of his chair and smashed the arm rest while he did. President "He just bigly fucked up. He just does know it yet. UPA have done nothing but force these poor weak losers on us. Its high time we stop looking to our allies for allies and to our enemies for allies. That'll show the tiny loser and the lying jellyfish."
"Oh, sir that doesn't make much sense."
"It doesn't have to make sense I won the college and the popular (if you don't count the illegal aliens of which I'm sure there we're many voting) so get the fascists on the phone I want to make them an offer that they can't refuse."
"Aw? Sir this sounds like collusion and treason…"
"Neither of those things exist if I don't want them to exist. Now contact the Empire and tell them about our infestation problem."
Chapter 87: The Man Comes Around
Chapter Text
As cliché as this might sound, I used to think I was like an old west character. Dad's westerns and mom's book all suggested that there was a black hat out there that I would meet. He would be everything I wouldn't be. The same movies that I showed you son. Everything seemed simple back then, but I realize they weren't. My dad sat in front of the TV all the time and drank when he wasn't on mission. I always assumed that he was a white hat. Then, I learned about the things he did and his father and his father before him. It wasn't until after I had a UNIT uniform on of course. Maybe that would have changed things? He said he did them for me and my mom, but I did want to hear it. I wanted to believe in the dream of the man not the real him. I suspect that you want to hear something similar that I was a white hat a good man who died pure and noble. I really wish Gohan, I could have been that man for you. Truth is I'm not who you think I was. I killed people, whether they were armed or not. Women and children in a village that was going to give us up to the Empire. I also killed a man who trusted me. I've done wrong, very wrong. Things that you can't take back. Worse yet I don't really regret my actions nor am I asking for your forgiveness in this. It isn't a son job to make up for his Father's sins. Mine are my own not yours. The unfortunate truth is I would do these things again even if you hated me for it. In a way we are doomed to be who we are. Doomed by fate and chance. Doomed by genes and luck. Angry and broken beyond repair. You're going to want to make excuses for me but don't. Don't lie to yourself like I did. I was a bad man that did bad things for good reasons sometimes. I was a murderer and not worthy of veneration. I've been told that children follow your example not your word. God, I hope that not true because here is what I have to tell you. Don't be like me, a murderer like me. Now I'm not your real father genetically speaking. That might be a shock, but you're a smart boy. I had the draft for this letter in my mind for ages and I finally decide it was right to tell you this at the end. Now that I'm dead I guess I'm less fearful of your mother disappointment. She was the strong one of us. She'll take it hard but not as hard as Mai might. But don't worry their getting their own letters. Now this is the most important thing I've got to tell you. You're going to be angry and fully of rage I'm guess. Now hear me please. Don't hate him. My guess is it would be some kid that had been lied to about what was right and wrong his entire life. The emperor nor Teal would probably kill me but if they did well their fucking animals and don't deserve you going down to their level. But it is more than likely going to be as I described. As hard it is going to be, I don't want you to kill him because you don't owe me revenge. I've spent my entire life dreaming of revenge but I long since realized that it won't make me feel better. It may even just feel like justice, but truth is I don't think justice is a thing anymore. Killing him is not what I want you might feel you need; truth is it'll just haunt you. Now take what you need from me and my life. Trash what needs to be trashed. Burn my body and scatter the ashes to the wind. I'm dead don't keep me hanging around. I know your angry and sad, but truth is I'm sort of happy that you're reading this. I never wanted to outlive you. Find your future. Be the white hat I couldn't be. Find someone. Live just live.
The black gauntlet that held the blood-stained grip it a little tighter. It considered just crumbling it but didn't as he behold the dead body in front of him.
Earlier…
Tarble was yelling at Gohan "Keep pushing…" Gohan had a gold aura his fists were clenched as he was screaming out. The clouds were shifting above. The planet was trembling as he went. "Keep the images in your mind. Your family is dying Gohan! You have to do something about it! He's killing them! He's raping them! You have the power!"
Gohan's scream got louder as the yellow light came to his hair and in a blind light the power came to him. The energy nearly knocked Tarble to the ground, but he managed to hold it. Tarble beheld his work.
Gohan was standing their looking at his fist and he glowed yellow with his hair up high. His eyes were a greenish blue.
Tarble clapped and walked over to him "Well congrats you've made your papa eagle proud my boy, you're a Super Saiyan. How does it feel?"
"It's… well… powerful."
"A lot ain't it."
"Yeah!"
Tarble thinking about the power he was sensing "Shit! I think your actual stronger than me know. It's disappointing."
"Well, you wanted me to surpass you right?"
Tarble put up his hands "Yeah but not this quickly. Now we have to work on getting you passed this point."
Gohan blurted out "Passed This Point!?"
"Yeah, both him and some of his children like Remus, Livy and Gracchus have gone this point. Not too meant whatever weirdness King Kai was telling me about."
"Weirdness?"
"Something about Towa, demon god, Beerus, Supreme Kai, blah, blah, blah. The only thing I got from it was that your bio-monster was looking at a way to get stronger through demon powers or something. That's why he hasn't been directly going after us he's been a busy man by sounds of it."
"None of that sounded good."
"No, it doesn't but focus on this. Try turning Super Saiyan it off and on. I want you to get use to the feel…" He stopped mid-sentence as he saw a ship landing off in the distance. He sorts recognized it at an old Galactic Patrol vessel of the UPA it was saucer shaped.
"Never mind turn it off and come with me I think the President actually sent someone who could fight." Gohan power down.
In a rush the two came to the spot where the ship had landed. Chi-Chi and the other were waiting for.
Tarble landed right next to Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi "I don't sense any one really powerful. By the way was that."
"Your boy is golden Cheech." (Then he yelled at the ship.) "Alright enough waiting. Come on out of there or we'll blast you out."
As he said this the door to the ship opened out and a man dress in a Galactic Patrol uniform came out. He was short with yellow bug like eyes a light blue face and purple hairless scalp. He looked positively beaming with happiness. He somehow gave of the aura like he was a small child having been given a mission to save the galaxy and was about to succeed.
He put his hands up in the air like he was scoring a goal or something and said out loud in a sing-song way "Mission accomplished. 100% completion. Total success. Winning!"
The group was a little stunned not sure what to say. That was when the rest started coming out.
The first one out was a short blonde haired dark eyed woman who Bulma gasped at seeing. She was quite irate about something until seeing Bulma the two ran at each other and hugged each other as hard as they could.
They didn't really talk so much as cry together which only got loud and joined in when the doctor came out of the ship. Old doctor Briefs looked as though he were ninety now. He was thin the bags around his eyes were black. He looked frail but that didn't stop him from running and joining in with his daughters.
Trunks who was standing right next to all of this was pulled into the family hug by Bulma and managed to get the idea of who these two were to him. There was a mixture of sadness and happiness in all of this.
Tarble asked out loud "Wait what's going on."
Bill watched this shook his head like a smiled for a second and said, "Family reunion."
Two more human figures were emerging as Chi-Chi asked "Wait? That's doctor Briefs but who's that?"
Bill took a swig then looked far more serious as he saw two men approaching him and said as an afterthought "Tights, Bulma sister."
Everyone Chi-Chi, Gohan and Mai all three shouted out "SISTER?!" at the same time. This was the first time they were hearing this.
"She had a sister all this time."
"Yeah, I know right you figure that would have come up right?"
Mai was nonplused "If this were a work of fiction, I'd call it bad writing on the authors part."
Tarble shrugged "Yeah I know right a random unmentioned sibling showing up out of the blue its odd."
The two men stopped, and saluted Bill and he knew their faces instantly "Captain Willard and Lieutenant Colby. Your two faces are not what I was expecting to see ever again. I guess UNIT isn't fully dead yet."
Willard "We weren't expecting to see you either Colonel Stryker."
"Colonel?"
"Before General Corman was killed by the MO he made you a Colonel sir. Lucas is dead so I guess that makes you the highest ranked one left."
"Colonel Stryker huh… same rank as my dad. I guess I turned out just like him."
"Sir?"
He waved his hand "Nothing. How did you know we were here and how did you find us?"
In the sky above an Imperial supercarrier the 'Order' appeared soon followed by the 'Faith' and the 'Sloth' along with a massive imperial fleet.
Colby sighed "Sorry Colonel but we learned it from them. They have orders to kill everyone on this planet if you run."
Willard continued "The UPA is sending a fleet and reinforcements but they won't arrive for a good hour or two."
Gohan panicking touched his father shoulder and said, "Dad we can't run."
Bill looked at Gohan like he was seeing him for the last time "Your right I guess we can't run from this anymore. We will stand and we will fight."
The doors to the meeting room on the 'Faith' opened up. Teal and Videl marched in with his black guard behind him. Teal had a smile on his face. The officers hieled him as Romulus stayed seated along Remus.
"Uncle why have you come to us?"
"Its simple Nephew. I just got a call from the orange imbecile of a certain planet that told me exactly the location of Tarble, our wayward Prince, the smartest woman in the universe and our runaway bride. And he also didn't even ask me for anything." (He chuckled.) "Fucking idiot, art of the deal my ass."
Romulus knowing the answer "Then why aren't you telling us it?"
Teal shrugged "I haven't been shot at for a while now. I know I'm getting up their but I'm not ready to give up on the fun of killing shit yet. You kids have been having all of the fun and I want in. I didn't become a soldier and swear my undying fidelity to Kakarrot Gero to die of old age. More importantly me and Bill have a score to settle so I'm in. Its why me and your father get along so, well we both know what we want out of life that is brutality, savagery, glory and a violent end to cap it all off. It's what any truth warrior in this universe wants." Teal smashed his black gantlets together and sat down opposite Romulus.
Romulus sat motionless then put his black gantlets together nodded then said, "Fine Uncle. You have a deal."
Teal smacked the table "Great I love it when shit comes together. Pumpkin…" (Videl looked at her sort of father like she had seen a ghost. Teal didn't seem to notice.) "I'm riding into battle with you. Oh, and my Prince… Make sure they know what will happen to the population if they run. I figure a massacre will get them to stick around. They do have big bleeding hearts. Ericama." He grinned at him then left with Videl.
The two were marching down the hallway as Videl was sweating a bit "Are we really going to kill everyone on the planet if they run?"
Teal still grinning shook his head "No. Whether or not they run were killing everyone on that planet. What's with you? You damn well know how this works."
"They invited us."
"I made no promises. We owe them nothing and they are scum that the universe with be cleaner once rid of. We are cleansing the universe. That's our job you know this."
Videl hesitating "I…know that but… Well, I need to ask you if there is something important you need to tell me?"
Teal sighed "Like what?" he stopped and looked at her questioningly. He seemed instantly frustrated.
"You know something big and important that might be really important to me. Like about my life or something."
Teal shock his head "Uh maybe you been unmarried for too long. I mean I've must have been too absent or something. Once we're done with this, you'll be married like a good girl to like Remus or Gracchus or one of them. I'm guessing I've given you too much freedom. It's time that you start breeding and shit. I've my children become odd. You being a commando and you're brother is just too soft and feminine. Getting shot might fix him. You know, he is now just Livy's plaything, and he enjoys it. Its time I get you both on the right track."
Videl eyes had gone dim as she heard his words and knew he was never going to tell her willingly. Videl "Is that all father?"
"Yeah. I think we figured out how things are going to go."
Videl nodded thinking deeply said to herself "Yeah, I think we did."
Chapter 88: Free Bird
Chapter Text
Jaco screamed emphatically "ARE YOU NUTS!? WE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
Bill staring with his one eye seeing death before him "No. We run then they have nothing to distract them. Their going to kill everyone here but if we are here, they have a primary target to engage. It might buy them sometime. Tarble…"
"Yeah?"
"Get your people to that ship you 'don't' have that I found earlier. No sense in an entire race of people getting wipeout here."
Tarble shook his head "We practiced this enough damn times. I'm the distraction to buy time. Same as you."
"Okay. Bulma, Doctor and sister get to the ship. Get us ready for dust off. If its hopeless and we can't run, you three run. If you're in the ship they won't blow it up. I image that the Empire is very eager to get the three of you alive. You three can keep the hope alive."
Bulma shook her head "I'm not leaving you all to die."
Bill shook his head "I'm not asking you to leave us. I'm giving you an order to leave us." (Jaco was in the background having a panic attack.) "Chi-Chi, Trunks your defense. They might try and snatch our brain trust. So, you kill anyone that gets close." (Both nodded.) "But you run if and when it collapses, you leave with Bulma." (Chi-Chi hesitating nodded but Trunks didn't. Bill sensing this.) "I just gave you an order son. What do you say?" (Trunks frustrated said, "YES SIR!") "That's what I wanted to hear soldier! Gohan and Tarble I want you drawing their attention your both on offence." (They nodded.) "Mai you're our sniper stay close to the ship but stay hidden. Give us covering fire and its your call when the situation requires us to run. Take no risks and keep it objective. Now the three of us are the back up for Gohan we try and follow them and play the nats. If they start to lose, we draw attention to our self's."
Jaco finally losing his shit screamed out "I'm leaving. This is too much."
Bill looked at him "I never asked you to stay officer. You do you. We are about to be hit by a million plus guys with overwhelming firepower. This is a suicide mission clear as day. If you need to run any of you, do it now but keep in mind that these people only have us at the moment, billions are about to die. If you leave, you life with it, if you stay you life with it. So, I'm not ask you or telling you. I'm giving you the facts."
Jaco calmed down and bobbed his head he looked off into the distance to see the ship and heard the screams. He shook his head and in frustration "Well what kind of super elite would I be if I ran."
"Welcome to the fireteam officer."
"This is the dumbest thing I've ever done and probably the last at my reckoning." Bill nodded in agreement.
A massive hologram appeared above the city of a sitting Kakarrot with a blue skinned, white haired, well-endowed, scantily clad woman in red and black with point ears on his right. She was holding a scepter and looked like she was having a lot of fun.
Kakarrot grinning "Citizens of Ericama. My name if by chance you didn't know is. I am Emperor Kakarrot Terran Gero of the New Saiyan Empire god of war, vengeance, brutality and death. I'm speaking to you today because your president told me that some people, I've been looking for are on this planet. However, he did ask me to make any promises or anything. So, what I'm about to do is legal as after as I'm concerned. My people are about to kill all of you. So, make your peace with whomever you worship. But I just felt it was fair to tell you the reason why, your all about to die. As it would be rude otherwise. And sweetie if you can hear this don't worry, I forgive you. I've even got a nice party planned for when you captured and brought back to me. I'm anxious to see my boy. Whether you like it not your mine. Which I plan to demonstrate to you when you get home and don't worry even if you leave, I'll find you… Now where was I oh right genocide. Hey hot stuff would like to do the honors?"
Towa nodded "Kill'em all boys!"
The hologram cut out and a beam came from the 'Order' that hit the city and blew up the large buildings downtown as landing craft came down from the ships. The rumble fell and even at distance they group could hear the screams and sounds of the nightmare going on.
Bill looked over to Gohan who was trembling with rage "Stay focused. Get angry but don't let it control you. We need to be smart about this." Gohan golden aura was visible, he nodded but was sort of lost in his rage.
In the distance Bill could hear a familiar song getting closer with the landing craft. It was 'Ride of the Valkyries'. In a second, he realized who was with the invasion… Teal.
The Briefs made it inside as the crafts landed in front of them. The stormtroopers pile out of the craft and surrounded them. Thankfully Mai was already in position in the shacks behind them.
The led craft painted black and red then landed. Out of it came fourteen blood guard and finally Moff Teal, with the cyborgs in front of him and the princes behind him. He was wearing a black power armor with no helmet. Teal looked ready for war.
Teal clapped his hands "Well looky what we have here boys and girls. Just about everyone in the universe that our god-emperor wants in one handy dandy convenient location."
To the side closer to the ship Videl, Erasa and the rest of the Commandos decloaked, hands pointed.
"Billy boy my old friend how long has it been! I feel like we haven't seen each other in ages. Remember that time I shot up that police station, killed Frank and of course your brother. Man, good times huh… small universe isn't it."
"Yeah, too small for the two of us."
"Yeah. Well, I'd like to catch up, but you know I got a job to do and all. So, I'm not going to bother in asking you to surrender. Because number one you wouldn't do it and number two I wouldn't want you to anyways. So, I will just ask this, cremation or burial?"
Bill's hand moved closer to his revolver "I could ask the same of you."
"Never wanted to linger as a corpse stinking up the place."
"Me neither."
"Alright boys take'em."
Both Tarble and Gohan went Super Saiyan to Teal's surprise, but they didn't rush forward because a blue glow of armor lock came around the commando team to all but Videl. Who turned around and pointed her glowing hands at the soldiers around her.
Teal yelled out seeing this "What the Fuck? Pumpkin what do you think you're doing?"
Videl shouted back "The right thing for a change! You've lied to me my entire life and I'm done with it."
Gohan had a big grin on his face he looked like the happiest looking idiot in the universe at this turn of events.
Teal was flabbergasted. He almost unsure on how to proceed until he blurted out "Neutralize my daughter. Will talk about this later pumpkin. Open fire!"
The cyborgs rush forward as the soldiers opened fired. 17 found Gohan and 18 found Tarble. Their fists meet and the ground shook.
18 kick Tarble into the air and the two clashed. 18 "Well, Well, Well Tarble you gotten a bit stronger by my guess."
Tarble block her punch to the face "Oh you know us Saiyan's, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Allow me to demonstrate this fact."
He surged forward and grabbed hold of 18 tossing her into the air and shouted "Galick Gun!" As he fired a tremendous blast into the air enveloping 18 above him.
He grinned as he looked into the dust then said "Give me a break. You think I'm an idiot. Stop play possum."
The smoke clear and 18 was hovering above him she chuckled "Oh Tarble I guess you're just too smart for me."
"Laugh now monster but I'm not done yet."
18 "Neither am I short stuff. Neither am I."
Gohan dodged 17's punch then grabbed him by the arm and threw 17 at a building. The shack collapsed and 17 quickly emerged. 17 fired off some blasts at Gohan who easily deflected them into the air.
17 shook his head "Well damn copying 18 hair color has really worked for you Jr. you can actually put up a fight."
"I'll do more than that murderer." Gohan charged and the two swiped at each other with neither hitting one another.
17 retreated back as Gohan was on the offensive. They two took to the air. 17 stopped grinning as he realized that Gohan punches and speed seemed to be increasing as time went on.
The two ended up in the city where it was pandemonium. The stormtroopers were attacking, people were screaming, building were collapsing, and fires were raging.
17 got back from Gohan and threw some ki at him that Gohan easily brushed aside. He kicked 17 to the ground. He caught himself before he smashed into the ground. 17 looked up only to see Gohan fist coming at his face that he couldn't dodge. Gohan's fist sent him face first into the pavement making a crater.
Gohan getting angry while standing over 17 in his crater "How many have you killed monster? A hundred, a thousand, a million, a billion? Well no more. Its time some once beats you! Does it feel bad being helpless unable to defend yourself? That's how they all felt! I hope you enjoy it!"
17 got to his feet and dusted himself off. He looked a little angry but also amused. "Interesting. I guess I should have known if anyone one was going to give me trouble it would be one of the Emperor's brood. This is going to be a lot of fun. I can just tell."
"Enough 17 go help your sister with Tarble." Remus said. He looked serious to 17 who normally saw the drunk. His onyx eyes were sharp. His black spiky hair was now golden standing up in Super Saiyan.
17 "My Prince. I have the situation well in hand…"
"Did I ask your opinion soldier? You're taking too long, and Uncle wants this finished sooner rather than later."
17 heiled then took off. Leaving Remus and Gohan to face off.
Bill, Jaco and the UNIT members all attacked the horde of stormtroopers as the charged. Their shield barely holding of the blasts.
Bill and the other three hoped went for cover in a shack as they fired back. Bill keeping his revolver holstered instead using his blaster rifle. In between firing back, he saw that the Prince's had left Teal.
"Teal's lost the Princes. He's vulnerable."
"Yeah, and so are we!"
"Give me covering fire! I'm going after him!"
"What…?"
The UNIT men opened up soon followed by Jaco with Mai picking off the various troopers that attempted to gun him down. Bill jumped up and took off running head long at Teal.
Bill was dodging explosion and gunning down stormtroopers as he went. He was forced to duck threw a shake, but he got close to Teal who appeared to be waiting for him.
"Well you took long enough."
Bill in a calm rage merely said "Teal."
Teal chuckled "Bill… See I can do it too. I figured you'd still be sore about the well… everything I done to you."
"You're going to die today."
Teal shrugged his shoulder "Maybe see were the fun takes us. Tell me are we going to do this with guns or…" (He takes out knife.) "the old fashion fun way."
Bill looks at his rifle and sees that it's broken. He tosses it away "Old fashion way I guess." He takes out his knife and the two got in stance.
Videl killed the ten or so stormtroopers that tried to tackle her and fell back to Chi-Chi's and Trunks's position. The fourteen guardsmen rushed toward the three, with seven taking on Videl and Trunk. While the other seven took on Chi-Chi
Trunks sliced a guardsman in half but was nearly stabbed in the back by another who was given a hole in his chest by Videl. Trunks turned and the shared a look. Five surrounded them and the two were forced back to back.
"You know just because you helped us does mean I think your any good. You got that?"
"Believe me I don't think I'm any good either. I'm a dummy that just declared war on my family and signed up to fight with people that still use steel swords again an Empire who have rifles!"
Trunks chuckled "Yeah that sounds pretty stupid when you put it like that. Welcome to the team fellow idiot fighting for a lost cause."
Videl smiled "I'm just glad to be on the team."
"Good now duck!" The blood guard with their ki blades charged and Videl duck as Trunks went red and fired off the Kamehameha in a spinning move that vaporize four of the guardsmen.
But the fifth made it to Trunks's before he could blast him. However, Videl sprung up and use her right to block the blade. She grunted in pain but put her left hand to his mask and fired leaving him without a head.
The staff lost power and Videl now had a very large hole in her hand.
Trunks looked at it and shook his head "Damn!"
"Don't get weepy on me now. It hurts like hell, but we only killed seven of them and there are roughly a billion of them left." The blue glow around the commandos terminated and Erasa got to her feet her gaze locked on Videl.
Chi-Chi was surrounded by the seven-blood guardsman their ki sabers were steady. The rest of the war around them was easily tuned out at they looked for weakness in Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi grinned "Nice toys boys. I hate to tell you this but your all horribly outgunned here. I suggest if any of you want to keep breathing." (She waited but they of course said nothing in response.) "Huh normally they talk back."
"They couldn't even if they wanted too Cheech." (Romulus landed in front of her.) "Their tongues are removed when they become guardsmen." (To the guardsmen.) "All of you stand down, she's mine."
Chi-Chi with softer eyes "How are you doing Kunlun?"
Romulus coldly stated "Never use that name again. I am Romulus Gero of the New Saiyan Empire. I'm made steel, blood and fire like my father before me."
Chi-Chi shook her head "No. Your Kunlun Shinhan. You only think your Romulus. Your real father had hate in his heart too but he got better. I know you can get better too."
Romulus didn't flinch "Kunlun Shinhan is dead, I killed him. His supposed father killed him too when he betrayed the Emperor. My father and god is just. I'm as he wishes me to be and I'm stronger for it."
Chi-Chi shook her head again "Not from where I'm standing."
"Then I'll prove it to you." He charged forward and the two's fists met.
Romulus punches were bone crunching, but Chi-Chi was dodging them. Romulus got a punch in but as he did Chi-Chi kicked him in the mask sending both to the ground. A ribbon of blood came from Chi-Chi's nose while it was hard to tell with Romulus.
He got up quickly and sighed "If you're planning on not taking me seriously, you're not going to be able to help anyone else. And I'm sure they're going to need you. So, I suggest you fight me for real or I'm just going to blow up that ship behind you and make you fight me for real."
Chi-Chi getting to her feet nodded "Okay… for real then."
"Man. You look a hell of a lot like him then most of my siblings." He said looking at Gohan tail, his spiky black hair and onyx eyes.
"How unluckly of me."
"All the two of need to do is get our hair to make that palm shape and we could be body doubles for our father."
Gohan hearing and feeling the horror around him "I suppose this is what you wanted. Tell me what's honor and nobility in killing helpless people."
Remus shrugged "None. Normally I don't stick around for this shit but my brother needs me so here I am."
Gohan very confused "WHAT?! You don't even believe in this horror show?"
"Our father will, will be done no matter if I do it or not. These people are sadly doomed, with luck they shall die quickly and not suffer. I've learned freedom is an illusion. We are just puppets of fate and chance."
Gohan was dumb founded "You literally have the power to stop all of this!"
Remus shook his head "You've never met him. You don't know him. He always gets his way."
Overhead the UPA fleet arrived, and a massive space battle began. Explosions lit up the sky as Gohan was getting angry.
Gohan "You kill people and say you have no choice. Did these people have a choice? You coward!"
Remus nodded again "Yeah probably."
Gohan charged him and the two's fist met breaking all the windows in over a mile from them. Gohan opened up on him managing to get a ton of hit on Remus and sunk his fist deep into Remus's gut. Gohan jumped back realizing that he had done no real damage to Remus who just stood there.
"Your truly one of us, but your not strong enough yet."
Tarble was put everything he had into his attacks on 18 and the cyborg was feeling it. He was punching her into submission and with each hit he felt like he was getting more of the upper hand.
Tarble "Its finally time bitch! You get what been coming to you." Tarble was then kicked in his side to the ground. He looked up to see 17 right next to 18.
18 smiled "How rude 17 don't you know he was about to beat me?"
17 also smiling "Sorry sis. The Princes are in a mood. Today isn't the day to play games."
"But it was so funny for him to think I was on the ropes and everything."
"Yeah but killing him will be funny too."
Tarble started to get up as he clutched his side. He spat up blood as the two landed in front of him.
"I'm not dying here monsters I'm going to kill you then your bosses."
Both cyborgs shook their heads.
17 said to him"Sorry man but it's over. We had some fun but come on. I don't expect you to cry but maybe accept a little reality. Your about to die. Having done nothing more than be an annoyance to him. You never really accomplished anything."
Tarble smiled at that "You really think that don't you, toaster? I lived that was something. I helped others that was something and it was more than you two ever did."
The cyborgs charged him.
Trunks and Videl were side by side as Erasa and the Commando's were approaching. Videl couldn't see her eye, but she knew that Erasa eyes were burning with rage. Her stance was brimming with fury, and she was stomping loudly.
Videl knew her father must have taken them out of armor lock. She had hoped to face Erasa later but that was apparently not on the table today.
"Trunks you take the others I've got a best friend to deal with one on one." Trunks nodded and he led the others away.
Videl and Erasa had a stare down as Videl braced herself for the harsh words and punches that she knew were coming from her friend and family. But there was silence even as all around them there were explosions.
Videl got tired of waiting for the slugging so just decided to get the ball rolling "Erasa…I…"
Erasa shook her head violently "No! Not another damn word Traitor!"
"I'm not…"
Erasa shouted interrupting her "Oh yes you are. Sharpener, Jeff, Angela, James, Kalvin, and Maxine they all died for us. They all died for the Empire. They all served as we did. You just pissed on all of them. You just defiled their sacrifice and betrayed everyone of them! And for what a mixed-up Prince?!"
Videl shook her head "I didn't do it for anyone but me. Erasa they killed my parents then they lied to me my entire life. Erasa when have we been on the defensive? All we do is go to worlds that can barely defend themselves and slaughter them to the last. The Empire isn't noble or righteous. It is murderers leading the blind. We are the villains. We kill innocent people for their stuff. We are butchers craving up children and planets. We were taught as kids to kill not to think. Nothing about any of was honorable or moral. I'm done. I'm done with it all. I can't stomach all of this damn killing anymore! I want peace damn it!" Videl said lastly while shaking in frustration.
Erasa calmly "Good because I'm about give you your peace." The moment the words left her mouth she was over to Videl.
Erasa went right after Videl's right hand that still had the big hole in it. Videl grunted out in pain. Erasa used the distraction to punch as hard as she could at Videl's helmet breaking the visor and sending its shards into Videl's face.
Videl yelped in pain as Erasa forced her to the ground and continued to wail on her with a clear rage. Videl could barely defend herself but finally fought back. She smacked Erasa on the side of her head as hard as she could.
It knocked Erasa off her as well as broken the seal off Erasa's helmet. It practically launched the helmet off her head, and Erasa headfirst came to the ground smacking off a metal shard that easily cut into her.
Videl ripped her broken helmet off. Her face was all cut up with shards of visor in her checks and dangerously close to her eyes. As quickly as she could she was pulling them out of her face grunting and clenching her teeth. Her face was gushing with blood to the point it was hard to see.
Videl looked at Erasa to see her getting up she had a gushing wound in her head from the ground that must have puncture her skull. Erasa used one hand to keep pressure on her wound as she got out a knife with the other.
"Time to die Traitor." As Videl back way towards the sounds of battle.
Chi-Chi glowed red as she appeared behind Romulus both managing to block each other's attacks. Until Chi-Chi managed to knee Romulus in the stomach then kick him to the ground.
Romulus quickly leaped up and his ki blade showed in a hiss. He lunged forward as Chi-Chi was forced to dodge it. Chi-Chi now sideway managed to kick Romulus feet out from under him, but he punched her in her face.
Both managed to catch themselves and were standing tall again. Romulus was enjoying himself, but this was taking too long. He signaled his blood guard this time he wouldn't be alone.
Chi-Chi charged him only to realize they were attacking from behind. She turns to face them, but Romulus appeared and blasted her in the back sending her forward to nearly get cut down by the guardsmen.
She managed to dodge all their swipes and got to the ground as she saw her eight opponents in front of her.
"You know I'm starting to see the family resemblance. You like to fight dirty like him."
"Yes, and your way of fighting as worked so well, consider your situation."
Chi-Chi nodded "You may have a point there but you're still a lousy cheater."
"There are no rules to this game only winners and losers."
"Well, I know what you are."
Teal and Bill were standing off their knife's gleaming as the battle raged around them. Both were looking for their openings.
"Isn't all this amazing. We've come a long way from a troubled angry teen and a strait-laced daddy's boy. Now I run a death cult and you well don't follow the rules. How much did it hurt to kill that village I wonder?"
"Do you wake up every day and ask yourself how can I be more of a bastard today?"
Teal nodded "Yes actually and my maybe daddy taught the technique to my Emperor too. It's really worked out for me. It makes it all a nice game like see how many orphans you can make today, see how many orphanages with them still inside you can burn down. The fun stuff. You see your problem is you take murder, rape and war way too seriously and it shows. I've aged nice and slow. I've still got some green hairs a baby face and a can-do attitude. You on the other hand look seventy and well spent a lot of time drinking and crying. Over my dead pregnant wife, best friend and family."
With that Teal had managed to goat Bill into charging him. The knifes scraped up against one another as the two were just trying to brute force their knives passed each other. Bill headbutted Teal as he loudly grunted, then just repeatedly did it until Teal was forced back.
Bill tried to stab right at Teal's heart, but Teal managed to block it with his arm. Bill in the process managed to stab himself in the gut with Teal's knife.
Both men were grunting in both in rage and pain as the two twisted their knives. Teal free hand came to Bill's face and grabbed hold and he tried to crush it. Bill yelling in pain then bite the hand as hard as he could to the point, he was breaking the skin and taking of it piece in his mouth.
They both pushed off one another. Bill face was cracked, and his stomach was gushing as he pulled the knife out. Teal right arm still had a knife in it, and it had sunk so deep that he was unable to get it out while there was a chunk missing from his left hand.
Bill spit out the chunk and in a primal scream charged the nearly helpless Teal. Teal used his left hand for defend block the knife. It sunk deep probably to his wrist as Teal staggered back falling to the ground.
It was all over Teal was virtually help on the ground as Bill was preparing to finish it when Chi-Chi fight for her life landed next to them along with Videl and Erasa.
Bill in what seemed like slow motion could see what was about to happen. Videl was stepping in the way of Romulus attack as he was charging sword drawn at Chi-Chi back. Chi-Chi may have sense it coming but Videl didn't and Romulus wasn't stopping.
As he flipped of Teal he stated "I'm better then you. You don't get to change who I am."
Bill forced himself back and took the ki blade to the chest. He was surprise that it didn't hurt even as Romulus was pulling it out. Time just seemed to slow down. He could her his wife voice and felt his unborn son as he hit the ground. His body grew distance along with the rest of the world.
He chuckled at how lite he was feeling his one working hand fished out of his pocket his letter then looked at Romulus how was standing over him the letter.
Romulus hesitantly took the letter. Bill could tell the boy was confused by this act. Bill's eye them closed never to open again. While high above them Gohan feeling a sudden emptiness looked down to see Bill dead. He had been getting kick around by Remus but upon seeing sight below him the cloud above a grew dark and the planet began to shake, as his aura now sparked with lightning.
So that was one long chapter, but this battle isn't over yet.
Chapter 89: Tomorrow Never Knows
Chapter Text
Gohan mind was blank of words instead it was like a raging inferno. A rage that he felt lost in suddenly.
He saw his father dead there on the ground. Romulus was just standing over him, reading the blood-stained letter. He suddenly then could also sense that the rest of his friends and family.
He saw Videl get distracted by Bill taking the sword to his chest. She got nearly punched out by Erasa who were soon punching each other to death, blood pour out of their wounds.
Gohan could feel Tarble getting kicked around by the cyborgs. They were beating him to death. He was soon going lose Super Saiyan.
His mother was being surrounded and running out of time along with Trunks. Both were exhausted by the shear amount of the Imperials being thrown at them.
Mai had been protecting Jaco and company, but she had been spotted and now she was hold up about to be over run.
Jaco was hit and the other two were pinned down. He was bleeding and couldn't move.
The stormtroopers were seconds away from breaking into the ship where the Bulma and her father were unarmed and helpless.
Gohan's vision went red. He found himself lost in his rage. The moment came as the clouds were dark and the lightning swirled around him. His aura grew and got slightly redder while his hair stood up straighter. Gohan began to scream causing Romulus to shove the letter into his suit pocket the letter intent for Gohan.
Remus, who was behind Gohan, could feel him ascending beyond Super Saiyan. Remus had done it himself along with his father and two of his eldest siblings, but this was different. Gohan was suddenly on par with him and then far past him.
Remus attempted to rush him, but Gohan's aura prevented him from getting closer, he was knocked away by it. Gohan for a time became brighter than the sun and then it calmed. All the parties had stopped and looked.
Romulus could barely raise his hands in his defense when he found Gohan right in front of him. Before Romulus knew it, he was on the ground with Gohan punching him as hard as he could to the point that his mask was broken into pieces.
Nothing Romulus tried did anything in his defense. Bits of metal stung his face as he felt the punches from Gohan broke his face. He couldn't see with the blood and metal in his three eyes. He could hear the unbridled rage in Gohan's and knew it was all over.
Gohan hands rapped around Romulus throat and began to squeeze. Romulus screamed out in pain which was quickly gagged by Gohan's hands around his throat. Romulus could feel Gohan's eyes above him. He felt water coming from them. Gohan was in tears of sadness and rage. He no doubt wanted to watch him died. Gohan was going to crush his windpipe slowly so he could see it all.
Blackness was over taking Romulus; he was feeling himself slip away. He stopped struggling if anything he was begun to want the end. He knew they would be waiting for him, all those he wronged and his faux father along with Launch.
The hands on his throat were removed though and he felt Gohan removed from his person. Remus had in a rage had kick Gohan off his brother. Remus was practically foaming at the mouth as he screamed "DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM MOTHERFUCKER!"
Remus and Gohan were both well beyond Super Saiyan as the world began to feel far less stable. Gohan while jumping to his feet punched the ground with such as fury that almost everyone fell to their feet who wasn't Remus.
Gohan flew at Remus tackling him and both men in a fury began to fight less like men and more like animals. They were punching, biting, scratching and kicking one another with little regard for themselves or those around them.
Chi-Chi having got back to her feet concluded that it was time to leave. She burst through the blood guard and made her way to Videl. Videl was on the ground as Erasa was getting but Chi-Chi landed on her chest making sure that the commando wouldn't interfere.
Chi-Chi offered her hand to Videl and she took it "Are you okay Videl?"
"It all hurts like hell, but I can still fight if that's what you're asking… Did? Bill just...? And Gohan just...?"
Chi-Chi eyes were red she looked on the verge of tear but she and the adrenaline in her blood wasn't going let her break down. "Look there be time for that later. We need to get to ship. We need to leave. This fight is over we need to run!"
Videl nodded "You go get the others. I'm staying…"(She looked over at her father who was getting to his feet nearby.) "I'll get us a way out of here."
Chi-Chi disappeared and Videl's determination return as she got a blaster off the ground and staggered over to Teal. Teal was limping away towards his ship when he heard her behind him.
He sighed and muttered 'fuck me' as he turned to face her the blaster pointed at his head. "Pumpkin. How nice it is to see you."
Videl's only open eye was burning red from blood on both ends "WHY?"
Teal shrugged "Your 'daddy' was an enemy of our future, so I did him in. You managed as a little girl to bend steel. You were strong and it seemed wrong to just kill you right then and there. Not with all that Kakarrotdamn fire in your eyes. You were a useful asset and despite this one hiccup you can still be."
Videl grinning her teeth "You stole me. My life and who I was."
Teal chuckled at that "I made you stronger. I made you better. I gave you the tools to be a fucking survivor. I made you royalty. You would have been weak and spineless if you were one of them. You became the only thing people should be a survivor. You became free of chains that 'they' call morality. You slaughtered worlds because it suited you. Everything in this fucking universe kills to survive whether for food, space or comfort. I taught you how to be a killer and it made you better as a result. Time is a flat circle; it only exists to kill things. I didn't take or stole anything from you, I made you better." He seemed at the end in hysterics.
Videl took these words in she still wasn't sure what she wanted to do until the ended of his speech. She shook her head "No you didn't make me better. I survived in spite of you, not because of you. I deserved the right to kill you right know, but I'm not. Because you're not worth it. So, I'm letting you live with the knowledge that I was better than you and so was Bill."
Bill name was like a flame in Teal's eyes. Videl turned from him, but he in a rage took the knife out of his arm. He was looking to throw it at the back of her head, but she turned before he could throw it and blew his head off. He was nothing but a headless corpse that collapsed to the ground.
Videl looking at his lifeless corpse shook her head again and muttered 'Some survivor.' She turned to find Erasa standing blocking her path to the ship.
Videl nodded "Okay I guess we still need to talk then." Videl looked at the blaster and tossed it away then shook her head "I don't want to fight you E."
Erasa hissing as she clenched a knife in her blood hand "I don't fucking care traitor."
Videl tried stifling back tears "You're my damn sister E and I just killed my dad… fine I'm done kill me. My entire life was a lie anyways and I'm fucking tired. If killing me will make you feel better, then go ahead… You think I wanted any of this! That I wanted you to be my enemy. I can't be blind E. The empire is evil. The emperor is evil. All our comrades, our family died for nothing more than a sick joke and I can't be a party to that anymore. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore. But if me breathing is hurting then well fuck it, do it." She out stretch her arms like a cross.
Erasa looked perplexed. She didn't know what to do. She seemed that she was about to say something but then she collapsed from blood loss falling on to the cold hard ground.
Chi-Chi appeared before Mai who was underneath some rubble crying there was a pile of dead stormtroopers around her. Chi-Chi pulled her from the rubble finding her leg was pierced and she couldn't walk.
Mai while sobbing "They killed him."
A single tear came from Chi-Chi's eye. "Yeah, they did and were going to make them pay for it. But we need to move, crying about it right know won't help him or us. And I have a feeling that what Gohan just reached won't go unnoticed."
Chi-Chi picked Mai up almost bridal style and transported her to the ship. To the equally teary visage of Bulma. Bulma was shaking. Chi-Chi "Well get them now take her I'll get Trunks and the others. I need you to be strong again and help Mai with her leg."
Bulma nodded and took Mai by the arm and helped her to the medbay. Chi-Chi disappeared.
Chi-Chi grabbed the UNIT agents and Jaco without much trouble. Chi-Chi then got Tarble who was beaten up and was easily whisked away.
Chi-Chi appeared in front of Videl who was trying to keep pressure on Erasa's wounds. Chi-Chi "Videl we got to go."
Videl shook her head "No take her. I'll see if I can talk some sense into your son."
Chi-Chi nodded and took Erasa and appeared into the med bay then disappeared again leaving Erasa for Bulma to help.
Lastly, she went for Trunks. Trunks looked in the same mood that Gohan was in. Chi-Chi appeared behind him "Trunks we got to go."
Trunks loud screamed out "I'M GOING TO KILL THEM ALL!" He continued to attack, and Chi-Chi knocked him out with a chop to the neck.
Chi-Chi apologized deeply to him "I'm sorry. It had to happen to you again."
She reappeared with him in the ship. Tarble was waiting, he could barely stand. "What about your boy and Videl?"
Chi-Chi "I don't think I could stop him and Videl seemed to have a plan."
Tarble "Well any moment they are…" Both of them just felt who had appeared.
Chi-Chi breathlessly said with a blue face "You got to be kidding me."
"When it rains it pours. We got to go."
Chi-Chi nodded and ran to the cockpit to tell Dr. Brief to launch the ship.
Remus and Gohan had been tearing each other apart with Gohan clearly gaining the upper hand the longer this went. Gohan kicked him away determined to finally end this and fired the largest Kamehameha he could at Remus.
Remus was still there when the smoke cleared but most of his armor was gone, he was smoking still, and he collapsed. So, he dropped like a rock falling not too far from where Romulus was lying still unconscious.
Rain began to fall as Gohan landed next to Romulus who awoke. Remus begged him "Please for love of Kami don't kill him."
Gohan eyes were filled with murder as he raised his foot and was prepared to stomp as hard as he could down on Romulus when Videl appeared limping.
"Gohan if your still in there please think about what you're doing. Are you just going to kill an unarmed man like that?"
Gohan shook his head her voice seemed to calm the scream ape inside his head. His mind started working again and he saw what he was about to do and wasn't nearly as certain as he was seconds ago. He let out a primal scream before stomping down on the ground right next to Romulus head.
Remus muttered out a prayer, but Gohan wasn't listening. Gohan turned from Romulus and was walking towards Videl when he appeared.
A hole of purple and black showed up. Out of it came Kakarrot with Towa.
Gohan and Kakarrot eyes locked. Gohan was still angry, but he felt how one sided any fight was about to be by merely feeling his base form.
Kakarrot smiled then looked around and the carnage around. He sighed at the dead body of Teal and his mangled sons.
"Well, Well, well and here I was thinking there wasn't any of me in you. That is some premo rage you got their son. I suppose its genetic or something as I understand it my bio-dad was angry all the time too."
Gohan didn't respond he merely glared at him, too that Kakarrot merely chuckled "Alright I'll get to the point surrender and maybe…" (In the distance the capsule ship was taking off much to Kakarrot surprise. Kakarrot then looked at his son and grinned.) "No way… No way would she leave without you unless you have a way to just jump to her." (He shook his finger.) "But why haven't you left yet? (He looked to Videl.) "Oh wonderful. My boy has good taste. All my other children seem to be misfits and poor taste in lovers. Despite what I think happened here I approve."
"I don't give a damn what you approve."
Kakarrot "Careful now my boy. You're not the one in charge here… I am."
Towa getting bored "Can you please get to punching? We have Supreme Kai we need dealt with. If we want sleeping god cats to remain sleeping permanently. We have a entire universe to corrupt."
Kakarrot not taking his eyes off Gohan "Calm down hot stuff we just needed a good father-son talk."
"Mister I had a father and he died a truer hero and more of a man then you'll ever be."
Kakarrot sighed "I saw. It's a sad day when you can't get the revenge that you've been craving. Oh well, time to show you my party trick."
The planet yet again began to shake but this time an unearthly glow began to show. Things became darker as a blackish purple aura surrounded the emperor. His palm hair stood up and took a near flame shape. His hair turned purple for a second but then returned to its black. His eyes though turned purple and stayed that way.
Gohan felt the air and something about all of this was unnatural. He couldn't feel the power that seemed to be resonating from Kakarrot. However, he got the idea that he didn't stand a can against this power as he was.
"Allow me to introduce you to the power of the demon world combine with that of the Saiyan race. I'm truly a demon and a god now. I'm have become death the destroyer of worlds. I ride a pale horse son and I'm the instrument of time in this flat circle."
Gohan had no idea what he was talking about, but he knew he and Videl needed to run. So, he used the transmission to get then as he was firing took off.
Kakarrot blasted missed them and when shooting off into the distance creating and blast in the horizon that took up the sky. The bomb went off and in seconds a continent was gone. By the time the fireworks were over a fourth of the planet was gone.
Kakarrot lower his hand. He had not broken a sweat. "Just what I thought."
Towa "Finally we're getting closer to what we want or are we?"
Kakarrot turned to looked at Towa "You got to follow the plan. Soon enough hot stuff you'll be Kai and the nightmarish human and demon infested universe we both want will come to pass. The throne will be vacant and a million years from now you'll still be running this show after I've long since crossed over." (The cyborgs, commandos and surviving troopers rushed over to their Emperor as he powered down.) "Right. Get my sons to some tanks and get me Teal's and Bill's bodies. My chosen brother needs a state funeral and I want Bill's skull. Give the rest of Bill to the cook however, I'm hungry for lunch." (Said as he turned from them and headed off to Teal's ship.) "Towa I would like to test out the strength of my bed in my son's ship care to join me?"
Towa nodded smiling and walked beside him.
In the background the world was ruined the bodies piled up. It was a hellscape billions were dead as the planet itself was dying and the atmosphere leaving. The blue skies were no red. The UPA fleet was long gone having done what it could.
Kakarrot as he made his way to the ship in his sing-song voice said "Ain't no rest for the wicked."
Gohan and Videl popped in but found themselves not on the capsule but on some weird planet an idyllic world with green fields and a little purplish sky.
Gohan was looking out over the scene and power down scratched his head "Okay, where are we?"
Chapter 90: Gimme Shelter
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi blinked as her minded felt around. Her son and Videl just disappeared. She had expected them to reappear right onto the ship, but they didn't. She gulped and then calm herself.
Chi-Chi patted the elderly doctor on the back and said, "Get us far away from them, then find us a place to hide."
Dr. Briefs said to her "Will do. Thankfully my daughter has kept this baby in good order."
"Yeah she good for that. I want you to tell me all about the Earth when we're safe."
"You won't like it."
"I can imagine. He probably made the statue of freedom heil."
Dr. Briefs shrugged "Yeah he did."
Chi-Chi shook her head "Typical. How about everyone else?"
"Oh you mean survivors from the planet?"
"Yeah."
"Been listen in. Sounds like billion plus made it. Along with a Tech-Tech refugee ship."
"Great! At least I have some good news for Tarble." The two nodded at each and she then left for the Medbay.
Everyone was in the Medbay. Tights was with Jaco who was still unconscious. The two UNIT agents weren't all that banged up and helping Bulma. Trunks had woken up and was brooding in a corner. Mai had been bandaged up and was sobbing on her cot but despite her better nature, Chi-Chi knew she need to talk with Tarble.
Tarble was on the floor he had been keeping his eyes on Trunks and the situation. His eyes turned to Chi-Chi "So you felt it too. I'm sorry but, I have no more answers than you do. He definitely didn't die in that attack but other then that… I don't know."
"How's everyone hold up?"
Tarble said back "Bulma and her helpers are in the surgery ICU station dealing with our Imperial tag along. By the sounds of it its quite serious and the three of them are going to be busy for a while."
"Well, I have some good news for you, your people have survived."
Tarble grinned at that "Good to hear. Much better then hearing the news that my people survived because Kakarrot sucks. So, what are we going to do with the Imperial? Because I favor the airlock, but I doubt that you'll be into that."
"Well Bulma right now is desperately trying to save that girl's life. It would be rather stupid just to kill her. We have no Videl right now, so she's our best bet to know what the Empire is going to do next."
Tarble still grinning "Oh, I love gambling with our skins. It always a hell of a lot more interesting than playing it safe."
"Well when has any of us played it safe. We keep getting knocked down, but we keep getting back up. It's a safe bet that were just too damn stupid to just lay down and die."
Tarble nodded his head "I hear that. Motto of my kind."
Chi-Chi sighed "I noticed."
Tarble sighed "Well then where? As much as I would like to meet back with the others. It highly likely that the Empire will just wipeout that planet too. There's always an uninhabited planet but that would be hiding, and I get the feeling we're well past that." (Chi-Chi nodded in agreement.) "Wait… You know how stupid that idea is right? The MO is looking for us. A majority of your people, you know are brainwashed proles? And won't hesitate to turn us in."
"It doesn't have to be an Earth colony. Bill told me that a ton of slave world were given over to the former slaves who made their own governments."
"All fiercely loyal to the Empire for freeing them, organizing their militias, setting up their governments and rebuilding them."
"Yes, but what about the worlds that consider themselves allies and not former slave worlds like Mandalore."
"Mandalore? Why?"
"Dr. Briefs had an informant in the highest levels of the Empire. That was the only way for them to know where we were. That means there is a chance that we can help stage an uprising. Gohan is alive I just know it and I think it has something to do with the Kais. But I'm not going to sit and wait for divine intervention. Their hast to be millions of billions on that side that know what they are doing is wrong. For far too long I been to focus on the man but what about the Empire? He relies on his people. He rules them with fear and terror."
Tarble interrupting "Except for the people he rules with prizes and loyalty."
"True, but I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the people that hate him, that fear him, that wish every night for a government that doesn't murder billions and eats people live on television. If we can rally them, maybe then we can do something."
"Something huh? That's um… well better then what I got." (He had put his hands up in a shrug.) "You know there is a good chance that Kakarrot will predict this move. Hell, there's a chance that the informant is just a double agent looking to trap us. He knows you can just 'poof' away and he's a clever son-a-bitch."
"Believe me I know but this is our only play at the moment."
Tarble he mocking says "I always wanted to be a revolutionary. Well fortune favors the bold. Viva la Revolution."
"Great now, I'll try comfort Mai. She did just lose someone very important afterall."
Romulus's eyes slammed open he found himself breathing. He didn't think that he would be breathing.
A very familiar and hated voice said, "Well look who's up?"
Romulus realized who it was and where he was. He was in a sterile white room in one of the medbay of an Imperial Supercarrier. A sheet was over him, but he was naked underneath. He as quickly as he could sat up even if it hurt. To look at her.
Livy was looking at him and she was their smiling her cruel smile at him. In her hands was Bill's letter to Gohan that she must have been reading. Her blue eyes he figures one day would become lines like a snake's to better reflect who she really was.
"How's Remus?'
Livy smiled wider like the Chester cat no even being subtle "I knew that would be your first question."
Romulus snarled "Well?"
Livy was fainting concern with a far shorter voice "Oh I hate to tell you this but…" (she paused the began with a far more thud of a voice.) "He's alive and well. He's actually was in better shape then you." She took great pleasure in dragging that out that.
Romulus hissed "I should have known he would be fine. Why are you here then?"
She returned to her issolent softer voice "Husband, I can as soon as I heard you might be dying but here you are."
He turned his refusing to look at her "Glad to disappoint you."
"Glad. No, I'm overjoyed that your carrion is still breathing. After all, what would I do the moment your no longer second to the throne, especially considering how well you've done to handle Gohan and the Resistance."
Romulus sighed "Always a pleasure. If you've come to chide me save it."
"Chide? While admittedly you are a small boy deserving of it but no. I've come to inform you that Father has placed me in charge of the hunt for the Resistance and placing you under me." She said with a lot of pleasure.
"I suppose the tales of father's cruelty where not without a great deal of truth behind them."
"Three fuck ups in a row is more than generous brother. If anything, it shows our father is far too forgiving. But enough about that, why did you keep this letter?"
Romulus was unfazed by this question "Because I did what of it?"
"A letter from a dead traitor to our brother that you deemed necessary to keep on your person. Forgive me brother but I've never known you to be very sentimental. You don't even keep a picture of your mother despite how much you used to need her to kiss your boobos and tell you that you would be at me and Remus level one day."
"So, what I'm not calling Yurin enough?"
Livy snickered "No. I just find this latest version of you interesting. You always get on these 'oh poor me' binges times like this. Are you crying that our other brother has a dad that sympathetic or simply angry about it I wonder?"
"I guess I'm going to leave you wondering."
"Don't worry I are ready know the answer just by looking at you. The demon bitch been making more requests of us. The MO has been searching for artifacts across the stars. My friends tell me she isn't look to be another one of his wives but who knows."
"You must spend your entire day with either men or your friends are you that insecure?"
"This is a game you idiot, a game you can't lose and live. Everyone a threat to me and you should be worried too. She gave him access to powers he couldn't dream of. Even with our laws if they are compatible maybe his demon child you be better than his human ones? We already have a thousand or so siblings that will all be vying for the throne but at least they're from human mothers. This creature if it comes to be, will have her sorcerer powers."
"For someone so obsessed by her own greatness you certainly seem nervous about this. Maybe you're not as strong as you think you are?"
Livy somehow became colder then and said "One day I'm going to need a child to prove that I'm the future of this Empire. It'll have green hair and three eyes whether you want it too or not and I prefer not." She said with a hiss and a predator grin.
She tossed the paper onto the bed at his feet then marched off leaving Romulus alone in his room.
Mai sighed "Well if it's our only option." She said at her crutch beside her feet. Her eyes were still puffy.
She was in the conference room with the UNIT agents, Tarble, Chi-Chi, Dr. Briefs, Bulma and Trunks. Tarble was relaxing on a couch. While the rest of them were standing looking very tense.
Tarble shrugged "Me and Chi-Chi already talked it over and we don't see another way."
Bulma scoffed "This sounds insane my dad just managed to loss them and you want us to go right at him."
Chi-Chi interjected "Not at him his people. Doc has confirmed it. We have a chance to disrupt the system."
The doctor included "I know your all beaten up, but I do have a man in the Empire. Due to the nature of this relationship however, I don't know who he is. I know he's a Grand Admiral and that he has access at times to MO secrets but for reasons that must be obvious he is not eager to share much else. I can tell you, that what he's giving has been right more often than not. He is no double agent. The times he has saved the entirety of the Resistance cannot be counted."
Bulma questioned her father "How do we meet somebody we don't know?"
Dr. Briefs "I'll find a way."
Trunks aggravated asked them "What about our guest?"
Mai "We can't kill her. No matter how foul we feel about the situation right now."
Bulma "She won't be able to do anything for a time."
Chi-Chi seemed to order them "Well guard her and since Trunks is so impatient with this, he gets first shift. Mai. Doc and our UNIT friends will get us a meeting with this Grand Admiral. Bulma how is Jaco doing?"
Bulma "I fixed him up okay but like the Imperial he won't be getting up for a while. My sister is refusing to leave his side."
Chi-Chi "Nor should we ask her. We need to get to Mandalore and we need to stop them before they place their jack boots down on the throat of the rest of the universe."
Tarble grinned at that and said "Aye, Aye Captain."
Gohan and Videl found themselves on an alien world of green grass and purple skies.
Videl said while looking around "A planet that has moons and light yet I'm not seeing any sun around here."
Gohan nodded "No I'm not either. I was sending us to my mother but I can't sense her."
Videl asked with a bit of trepidation "We're not dead, are we?"
Gohan said like if his words were something a normal person would say "No King Kai said we'd face King Yemma. No this is different but the way this light that comes out of nowhere reminds me of his planet. I think we're in the otherworld."
Videl collapsed but was quickly caught by Gohan. Gohan "They really messed you up." He said with a mix of worry and sadness.
"Oh, its nothing just some broken bones and knife wounds. I've had worst" (She grinned.) "But I suppose I need a doctor." She had said in a way that Gohan wasn't sure of it's sarcastic status.
Gohan grinned back "I guess you're lucky that Bulma was teaching me medic."
Videl blushed a bit "Well I guess your hired considering the situation."
He itched the sided of his face and said "Yeah." Gohan pick her up and carried her to a barren rock outcropping.
As they landed with a far more sullen expression as she said "I'm sorry about your dad Gohan."
Gohan sighed and looked away "I don't know if I want talk about that right now. I'd rather focus on you."
Videl nodded "Yeah I get that. Alright let's change the subject." (She open up some of her broken armor slowly as it hurt a lot. She was still bleeding quite a bit and handed him a blood-stained capsule.) "Medical supplies. Enough bandages and equipment for a squad."
He tossed it and it the crate of supplies appeared. He was going threw it as she applied what pressure she could on her wounds.
She said weakly "Hey, Gohan I don't want to get you worried but I'm feeling a little lightheaded."
He came with an arm full of materials. He looked a hell of a lot more nervous now as soon as she said those words which she instantly regretted.
His voice cracked a bit as he said/asked "I'm going to have to remove some of your armor?" Videl nodded in agreement. It'll hurt like hell, but it needed to be done.
Videl smiled a bit "We might as well talk so you won't feel as awkward when staring at my breasts."
Gohan blushed and cringed at that "I wasn't going to."
She smirked "I know but it got you thinking about me instead of freaking out about my blood. and your dad, so I figured I'd go with that."
"Okay, so making this more awkward will help?"
"It'll make you less tense."
"Well then while I'm fixing you up…was that just a plan or a scheme on the ship when you were like seducing me right?"
Videl "Oh it was a plan, but I wasn't really faking anything if that's what you're asking?"
"Wait what do you mean by that?"
Videl "Well it's as I said. I wasn't thinking of anyone else when I was getting myself all hot and bothered. Even for the guys I normally go for a night don't have your sort of amazing looking."
Gohan smiled "Well that's good to know?"
"My turn. I realize I'm like one of the only women you've ever meet that wasn't a relative or close enough to that, but why is it that every time I look at you, I get the feeling that your imagining a house and a kid. Not that I think, you're not thinking about the fun part to make that kid but why is that not where that fantasy ends?"
"Well I… I aw." He just had nothing to reply with.
"I'm kind of consider nobility but you didn't know or care about that. I'm a fun night but even to my own kind my scars are a little too much. You must know that I'm a murderer Gohan. Nor are you even the tenth guy that wanted and got that night with me, so why me?"
"Because I like those scars! You did wrong but all of this has proven you're a better person then you make yourself out to be. Those other guys don't matter. Your scars are you. You know how to fight. I like that. Your pushy and I like that. I knew I was being tricked on the ship but I kind of liked that you were tricking me. You're a warrior and that's what I want."
He said as the last of the bandages were being place onto Videl. His hand and arms were covered in blood. They were staring into each other's eyes. Gohan's blood felt like it was boiling, her smell was everywhere and it was beckoning him.
Videl grinned at him and nodded. He slammed down onto her face and into a kiss. His tail made itself known as it wrapped itself around her right leg while his hands cupped her face. He pulled away from her face and then spied her shoulder. With one hand she pulled his from one of her breasts and led it down her. Gohan with his mouth lick and nipped at her shoulder until he found the spot that he wanted.
Videl got hand to finger her as he started to bite her lightly. She moans and was quick to remove his fingers as she wanted a lot more than them. She and him both removed his belt. She moaned a bit a nearly gave it a double take wondering to herself whether if it would even fit. It was in, in seconds as Gohan bite down harder on her shoulder.
Twenty minutes later the two were exhausted at each other side.
Through his panting said, "So aw yeah."
Videl was panting "I an hour or two we can do some more."
Gohan smiling but dazed "Sounds amazing."
Two figures appeared right in front of them. One was a short purple man with pointed ears and white hair. The other was a large red man with the same kind of pointed ears with white hair. Both had on a sort of uniform merely colored the same as their skin color. They also were wearing earrings. The two of them looked quite formal.
Gohan was quick to cover himself, but Videl was merely raising herself up to look at the Kais.
The two had appeared to be arguing and were not looking in either of their direction. "Kibito I don't know why your so concerned about them being here. Whis might not have wanted to help but we need this boy to help us save the universe. Once we train him then we can go back to such rules but until then I do see how…" (The two of them turned to see both Gohan and Videl.) "Well…" The supreme kai looked mortified his cheeks had turned bright red and so was Gohan while Videl looked merely aggravated.
Kibito at first was shocked but then uttered "Told you so." Take this as some sort of victory of him being right.
Chapter 91: Spirit In The Sky
Chapter Text
The kai averted his eyes as Gohan was quick to put his pants on. Gohan was giving a stammering apology, but the Kai interrupted "I'm the Supreme Kai and this is Kibito and this is the Scared world of the Kai's. This is a world that even the Grand Kai is not allowed to go to."
Kibito hissed "Because there was a fear that he would defile the place with his presence. I guess we don't need to worry about that anymore."
Videl who was not moving on account of her exhaustion and wounds scowled at the attended "If you were here to make your pitch and told us what's going on and maybe this won't happened."
"Sorry my master gave you mortal's too much credit that you won't give in to your lust the minute you were left alone."
"You mean 'twenty' or more by my count."
Supreme Kai clicked in tongue in frustration "Alright enough from both of you. The fate of the mortal realm is at stake, and I won't have you two arguing. Kibito heal our new friends and let's forget about this unpleasantness. Also, they are not dressed properly give them some proper clothes."
Kibito sighed and walked over to them. He healed Videl and her new clothes appeared. She was now dressed more like a kai. She had a grey vest and white alternative color. Gohan was then healed and given kai clothes. His was an orange vest with blue alternative.
The Supreme Kai finally looked at the two and Gohan bowed to him. Gohan far calmer now "I'm sorry and I'm thankful for you bring us here."
Supreme Kai bowed back "Your welcome. Now I brought you here because I need your help, Gohan. You have seen the power your sire now possesses. He has achieved this due to the aid of a princess of the demon realm. Her brother Dabura is the king of that realm. They are seeking to destabilize the natural order of things. The only way now I can figure that the balance can be restored if you beat Kakarrot. To beat him you must achieve divine ki. Now I tried to get you a better teacher, but he was in the middle of a month-long food festival in a different universe so we're on our own."
Gohan looked puzzled "A food festival?"
Supreme Kai sighed "Yes… well he said that since his master will be waking up in the near future, so he wanted to get the most out of his vacation. Now the best we got is the Z-sword it has mystical powers and you wielding might give you those powers."
Videl with obvious bile in her voice "So, a sword is going to beat a man who can blow up world and has demonic superpowers."
"Videl…"
She said with frustration "Fine! Far be for me to tell you how idiotic this sounds. That the most power being in the universe is going to be stopped by a piece of metal."
Kibito spatted out "What a shock the murderer and sadist mortal is also fool and a non-believer."
Videl chuckled "Won't argue with you on the murderer part big red but non-believer. Oh, I'm a believer, I'm a believer in the man that I've seen eat people on TV for most of my life is the toughest bastard alive. I also a believer that I've never seen either of you two saving the billions that he, I and the empire have killed over the years. I'm a believer that one of your friends cares so little for us that he's off on vacation, his boss is asleep and you're only getting involved because your opposites are making a power move. I'm a believer that big red here cares more about the fact we 'defiled' your clubhouse then our lives or anyone else's for that matter. I spent my entire life worshiping the unworthy and I ain't going to do that ever again. Gohan these guys don't know and don't care about what they're doing. We're better off with your mother."
Gohan was exasperated "Videl we…" He paused as the Supreme Kai bowed again and kneeled to the surprise of all present.
"I was once told by my elders that it is a wise and good Kai that admits his faults. I'm sorry to you and the rest of the universe at large. I've been absent from the worldly affairs of the universe for too long. My grip was too lite, I see that now. You have every right to be frustrated with me but understand me by the hour is late. I brought you to this place against all I have been taught because I will not see the light die under my watch. I plan to do everything I can to save these unique gems. I was not truly suited for this position. I doubt Daikaioh would have allowed all of this to go this far. It should have been one of them that made it, but I did. I did not slay Bibidi to allow the universe to die. Please stay, help me right this wrong and save those how are left."
Gohan smiled with soft eyes "There was no need for your apology, but I accept it anyways. I'm here because my mother and my real father believed in my people's freedom, liberty and love. To secure these things I would be glad to give up my life. Videl I know that you have been wronged but these men inaction was not the source of your injuries. You yourself are seeking a better world from your own part in this war. Would you keep them from writing this right when you want to yourself want to right your wrongs?"
Videl nodded in agreement "No… I suppose that would be hypocritical of me. I trust no god but you Gohan, I trust. You say this is the way then this is the way."
Gohan smiled and gave her a nod then turned back to the Supreme Kai "Show us to the sword please."
Trunks was angrily tapping his foot in the medbay. He was sitting there with his sword in his lap watching Erasa. He was cleaning his sword and found a fracture while doing so. He could not recall when it had happened during the battle, but he knew what it meant. The curved sword of his father was broken. It would fall apart next time he tried to use it. It was merely another thing that had been taken from him.
In a burst of rage, he stood up and threw the sword at the wall and stomped his foot. His eyes were red and bloodshot. In a rage filled silence he sat back into his seat still fuming.
A weak voice came from Erasa "Boy… and here I thought I had issues cutie." Her eyes opened as Trunks shot a glance at her.
Trunks nearly hissing "Mom said you won't be up for days."
"I suppose I'm still knocked out then, good to know"
Trunks nodded and said sarcastically "Oh that's real funny."
"You know I'm not one to talk, but I suggest angry management classes."
"Sure… I would suggest keeping your mouth shut murderer unless you want me to show you how angry I can get."
"Nah I like to play the odds. You're not going to kill me. Your morals will keep you from doing it." (Trunks stood up at that and walk over to her as she kept talking.) "High command was so right about you people. I helped kill the man that help raised you and all you can give me is idol threats. You don't have the balls to kill me." (Trunks hand came to her throat but didn't not squeeze and she continued to taunt him.) "Well then do it pussy or are you just going to let me get away with it."
Trunks exhaled then removed his had from her throat and when to her ear "Nice try but I'm not stupid." He walked back to his chair and sat down.
"So that's all you got for me? You know I bet Bill would be ashamed of how much of a coward you turned out to be."
Trunks sighed "Give it a rest. You're living whether you want to or not. All of you, imperials lack decency, but I have it and you're not taking from me."
"I'm escaping the moment I heal."
"No, you're not."
Erasa spat "Val-halla awaits me and you're keeping me from it."
"Oh, right that bullshit that your dear leader has been feeding you. You think that killing, and hurting people entitles you to anything?"
"My honor does."
"Right the true 'honor' that comes from burning planets, slaughtering children, kicking unarmed people to death. You have all the 'honor' lady of bandit and a serial killer. You can lie to yourself all you want but don't throw it at me, because I'll tell you the little fact that animals are better than you. At least when they kill it for food. You just kill because you like it."
"Our species needs room they are in the way."
"Your god blew up a good fourth of the planet. No one will live there ever again. Your god just wants to kill people and take things. Didn't your mom every tell you not to hurt people?"
"No. I don't remember much of them."
Trunks hesitantly said "Oh."
"I'm not a damn orphan if that's what you think. My parents were non-party members they had view against the party pre-revolution. So, when I was like three, I was taken from them and raised by the state. I can't say I'm unique millions are like me. I could have meet them when I grew older but that would be considered a mark on my record."
Trunks shook his head "Well your more screwed up then I thought. I lost my dad and every single day of my life there hasn't been a moment that I did want to see him again. You could see them both at any time and you chose this shit instead. That's a level of stupid that I can't even fathom."
"I'm as different from them as you are too me. Everyone has choices, theirs got them interned."
"Thinking ain't a choice it's a right no matter how much you people try to punch it out of people. Now let me ask you this I get you were all for killing Videl for treason but why didn't you go kill you parents?"
"Because it was already decided…"
"No that's not what I mean. Your god hates traitors you hate traitors your parents thoughts are treason so why didn't you kill'em?" (To that she had no response.) "Well great you finally shut up. Maybe you'll even start to think for yourself for a change too."
Romulus arrived in the throne room. He was not wearing his typical attire. The armor had been too badly damaged. He had no helmet on him. The armor he wore was that of a drab grey regular officers' suit. He had the handled trident on his chest in black with a white circle however with a cape mirroring the front.
At first, he noticed that no one else was here but himself along with Livy, Cyan, and the demon sorcerous next to his father atop his throne.
Cyan was not looking his same cool assured self. He looked a bit shaken. Either about his father, his traitor sister or something else.
Livy said to him "We have a traitor in our midst brother."
Romulus snidely said, "You don't say."
"Don't pretend that you know what's going on brother."
"Dr. Briefs magically knew about our plan and was there to warn them. One would be quick to name Videl but that doesn't explain it. This is not the first time this has happen or the tenth. All of which Videl won't have been privy too, also there is the little fact that Videl was with her father the entire trip and couldn't have leaked it. Someone in the high command gave them the tip off not her."
Livy smirked "So fighting isn't your strong suit, it figures considering how weak you are."
Romulus stared daggers at her but before choice words could been thrown around, Kakarrot loudly yawed "This bickering is getting boring you two. If you want to do it, do it on your own time. I could be fucking, eating or sparing right now or all three at once and this isn't any of those things. Romulus you are correct. Livy already has a plan in place to deal with this. My wife is a vengeful woman. He is over…" (He picked up a skull that had signs of a scrapes at one of the eye sockets. It was obviously Bill's, Romulus founded himself cringing a bit at its sight.) "…But she is not. Dr. Briefs and this revelation will no doubt inspire her to seek this traitor out to lead the Resistance into open rebellion. Which is what we want of course but still traitors need to be dealt with. Chi-Chi is a smart woman, a good fighter and is very determined, but I always have that woman's number. You could even say were on the same wavelength. Blood demands blood."
Livy nodded "Exactly we will be sending the family to meet with nearly every one of our allies. They will pack lite and give them a chance to strike a blow at us. Only some commanders will be told certain things. They will think its last-minute prep for the offensive but in reality, just way of ferreting out the traitor. At which time we will eliminate him and pose as him to lure them in to a trap. Cyan will go and make sure that the Mandalore of Mandalore is on for the plan. We will make it seem like he is to defect."
Romulus questioned "This is all well and good but what of my people?"
Livy smirked "The cyborgs were requested by grandfather. A long-term project is about to be ready, and he needed them back for it. In their place you'll be given 13, 14 and 15, fresh off their success on Gaela four. You'll stay on the planet and we'll send for you when we need you."
Romulus noticed his sister tail was twisting on her hips. She had few tells but this must have made her close to orgasm. His gaze turned to his father for such an eccentric seeming man the truth was that man had mysteries and goals. One would not think that a man that drank wine often from skulls collected from men he had eaten himself would be a man hard to read but you would be wrong.
The game his sister spoke of was his game from the start. Romulus knew this well and true. He knew that he was but a piece on the board. A piece that might have truly lost favor.
Romulus heiled to his father then turned on his heel and march out of the throne room only to find the figure of Noj waiting for him who heiled him then walked beside him.
"Such a stroke of bad luck my Prince it would seem that you're on the fist of your father as you were before."
"It is no concern of yours degenerate and you shouldn't know of what was spoken."
"My Prince this the seat of ultimate power in this universe, everything spoke here is heard and known to those how truly listen. But don't fret my prince, my dreams still see you up there on that throne all in white."
"Someone should have killed you long ago."
"My stepmother threw me in a river and once tried to poison me. I simply learn to swim and didn't not drink the juice. My mother's people called it the 'sight'. A gift from my old gods. My mother came to worship a new god and his children as I do. There is going to be a lot more of your name ruling after you my prince. The moment will come, and you will see who you truly are my prince. In that moment you will know your place that fate has devised for you. You are doomed my prince to be yourself whether you want to or not."
Romulus "Remove yourself from my presence or I'll cut your head off."
Noj bowed to him and left Romulus alone with his thoughts. Romulus got a chill down his spine as he felt the truth that the creature had just spoken to him.
Gohan and the other landed next to the spot where the Z-sword lay. Gohan examined it as Supreme Kai explain.
"The sword is far older than I or even the Kai's before me. Not even the strongest have been able to nudge it."
Kibito hissed "Which is why this is a waste of time. Master if the Kai's can't move it then surely this mortal will not be deemed worth and rejected."
Videl spat back "Said by the man that has not even seen a Super Saiyan. For an angel or whatever you are you certainly lack faith. Don't you worry Gohan will pull the sword here from this stone and I'll guess this'll mean he's the King of England or something, whatever this magic crap will do."
Gohan scratched his face and blushed "Geez I didn't realize you had that much faith in me Videl."
"Sure I do. Now hurry up and prove me right."
Gohan placed his hands on the ancient hilt of the sword. It felt like he was holding on to the weight of a planet. He gained a firm grip and started to pull in base form. He was pulling with all his might but nothing was happening.
"See this was a waste of time."
Gohan then became a Super Saiyan and then promptly and without much effort pulled it from the stone to the amazement of Kibito and the Kai.
Videl merely grinned and stated, "I guess that makes him the one true king."
Chapter 92: Whole Lotta Love
Chapter Text
Gohan stood there clutching the Z-sword as he was a bit wobbly as the sword seemed to him to weight the same as a planet might. The Supreme Kai's and Kibito's jaws were still on the ground as Videl looked at the blade and Gohan's struggling.
"Damn you're having a hard time keeping balance with that thing, aren't you?"
Gohan gritting his teeth nodded in the affirmative. "This is the heaviest thing I've ever held!"
"Wow. That must be like made of white dwarf matter or something?"
Supreme Kai shaking off the surprise "No, it's just magical. I can sense it."
Videl smirked "Well then… I guess we better test it."
Gohan looked beyond stressed "Let me get used to it first." Said as he took a swing with it and he sort of stumble in his footing as a result but didn't fall.
Kibito coughed and tried to pretend he wasn't surprised earlier "You don't seem to be in control at all of Z-sword. You're going to need to better with it if you want to beat Kakarrot."
"Said by someone that didn't take it out of the stone and isn't wielding it right now."
Kibito growled at that, but Videl didn't even look at him instead she was focused on Gohan.
"Gohan did Trunks ever teach you how to use a sword?"
"No. It was more his thing. His dad gave it to him and well my mom didn't use a sword."
"Well then this is going to be harder than I thought. Can you power down and wield it?"
Gohan nodded and turned off the gold. It looked like a lot more work.
"Good if we can get it right in this form it means you be expending a whole lot less energy from what I gather. Let's try this in a field rather than on the edge a cliff."
All four left and found a field nearby. Gohan immediately got to work as Videl went up to the Kai.
"Could you magic me up a sword?"
Supreme Kai questioned "Huh?"
"A sword. A big medieval long sword. Gohan doesn't know how to fight with a sword. He's just swinging it around like it's a baseball bat. If he knows the forms, he might do a lot better."
Supreme Kai face brightened up "Right! Of course!"
"And you better make it out of the strongest metal in the universe just to be safe it is all magical after all."
"Good idea. But I wonder. Why do you not seem so surprised by all of this?"
"Seen a lot of strange things even before I ran into Gohan and Company. Planets of magic and psychics. The MO has an occult division. They belief some strange things. I've seen it in action. It's not news to me that they want to summon demons and ancient evils. They are nuts about it. They worship Kakarrot and death. The green man I met call himself a demon and believe him. He called himself our guardian."
Supreme Kai made the sword appear its blade was jet black and gave it to Videl. She took it by the handle and strolled over to Gohan. Gohan stopped and looked at her he was panting a bit but smiling.
Videl smiled back "Good news. I can teach you how to sword fight, but you have to make a deal with me."
"I'm listening."
"You got to teach me how to go red like you, your mother and Trunks did."
"Oh, you want to learn Kaio-ken?"
"If that's want you call it."
Gohan smiled "Well I don't see why not."
Videl nodded "Good. Now see my footing?"
Gohan looked and took it.
"Good remember that but don't be so stiff. You got to be firm but not too firm. You can't hold it too tight or too loose. One will get your wrist broken the other it knocked out of your hands…"
Kibito said to the Supreme Kai while watching this "Somethings wrong master… The sword is supposed to give whoever wields it mystical properties. I sense nothing really abnormal coming from this Gohan. No god ki at all."
"It's still early, there is a chance he just needs to get used to it before the powers start to manifest."
Videl louder "Alright Gohan the moment I swing, you meet me as hard as you can. We'll see how much this magical sword can actually take."
She flew at him, and the two's blades met as hard as they could. In one swipe Videl's cut right through the Z-sword. To the stunned shock of all involved. Videl looked at her sword "Well it's the strongest stuff in the universe for a reason. So much for our magic sword."
Kibito was panicking "This can't be happening!"
"But it was magic from the Kai's!"
Gohan brought the broken hilt to look at closer and scratched his head "Well that's disappointing."
A gust of wind picked up and a sort of energy came from the broken sword. It to their amazement swirled around and took form. An old looking Kai appeared with a long face. He had a tiny rectangularly mustache, purple skin and large bugy but mostly closed eyes. He stood there with a smile on his face.
"Wow. Man, my back is stiff." The Old Kai began to stretch as to the confusion of all present.
Gohan itched his face "Um sir who are you."
"I'm the Supreme Kai of course boy or at least I used to be." He said as he cracked his back and yelped in pain. "Oh, boy that smarts. I think I've been in that sword for maybe 50 generations.'"
Supreme Kai and Kibito in shock and confusion yelled out "50 GENERATIONS?!"
"That's right. You'd think I'd go mad in all that time but nope so thanks for freeing me. I was hoping it was going to happen soon but what can you do."
Both Gohan and Videl said "Your welcome?"
"Oh, it was you two I'd thought it would have been a Kai that rescued me."
"Well, I tried!"
"Don't sweat it. Now I image I've been freed for a reason?"
"A mortal has gained demon powers and is threating the nature balance of the universe."
"So… that's what I'm feeling. So, much for Kai supremacy. He on par with gods and demons. So that jerk Beerus is still asleep, and I see no Whis so I gather we're on our own?" (The younger nodded.) "Well then I guess you guys really need me then."
Videl raised her hand much to the irritation of Kibito. Old Kai grinned amused by this and pointed to her. "So, I get that you been in the sword for a while but probably not by choice, so you know how are you going to help us? I mean really?"
Neither Kibito nor Supreme Kai were very amused. Old Kai chuckled "Now there's a smart lady. Yes, I'm an old man and not really a fighter myself but I can unlock it in other. Many years ago, a witch took one of my earrings and I fused with her gaining her abilities."
"Wait our earrings can do that?"
"Yes, but I won't try it if you don't want to get stuck that way forever. But thanks to it I can unlock the power of whomever I do a ritual for. Now the normal version would work for normal circumstances, but this is past that. Now what is your name boy?"
"Gohan… sir Gohan Ox."
"Well Gohan your old man seems to have found a way to godhood."
"I've felt it. The power was unreal it wasn't normal."
Old Kai darkly "Scary is the word you're looking for. Keep that power in your mind. You will need to recreate it. I have a means to give you the strength to face him, but it will take time days and it will have a terrible cost that few men bare to think rather than pay."
Gohan said as resolutely as possible "Whatever the cost I will pay it."
Old Kai inquisitive "Are you sure?"
Gohan determined "Positive."
"Okay then your girlfriend over their will give me a kiss." He said like the old perv he was.
Gohan falls down while Supreme Kai face blushed with shear embarrassment. Kibito smack his face and Videl became suddenly a ball of rage. Videl's teeth were grinding as she turned to an angry red.
"Ancestor surely your joking?"
"Of course… not. I get these two are a thing, but I've been trapped for a very long time…"
Videl growling "How bout I feed you your teeth old man! My fist needs a good kiss after all! I'd rather take an acid bath with rusty nails then kiss your old man!"
"Man, Gohan you got a violent one."
Gohan got back to his feet and his face was beet red with embarrassment and anger "Please let me and Videl talk this over please."
The two flew away and met. "Gohan you better not about to tell me to go through with this shit."
"I get it and I want to spit at him too. I'm not tell or even asking you. This is up to you, but we sort of really need him if we want to save the universe."
"This isn't happening right now. I want to barf. "
"I don't like this either, but you know we can get him to agree to certain rules maybe this be easier."
"I want the universe to die right now. How do we know he can even do it? These Kai's don't really seem to impress me in the helping department."
"They have powers you seen them. A Kai taught my mother and me Kaio-ken also the Spirit Bomb."
"You owe me big time for this!"
"Yeah, I do."
The two flew back and Videl spoke "Okay this is the deal. I'll give you one. No hands, standing up, clothes on, no tongue and only after you do your voodoo not before."
Old Kai scratch his chin "Okay I agree to all but tongue bit."
Videl skin was crawling she didn't have the strength to speak without curses, so she merely nodded in agreement.
"Okay its deal then." He reached out his hand and they shook hands. She was very tempted to break his, but she managed to stop herself. "Now boy you stand there until I say otherwise while I dance around you."
Trunks smirked "Go fish."
Erasa threw down her cards in frustration. She was still in bed, but it was clear that she was getting better over the last few days.
"Why do you insist on playing this children games with me."
"Because I'm not going to do this silently and I knew eventually I'd find a game I could beat you at."
"You play chess like a three-year-old, you never think ahead."
"Don't I? I've gotten a pretty good picture of the Empire from you."
"I've told you nothing that'll help you traitors out."
"I didn't mean tactical crap. I mean everything else. You know your world is corrupt. You have mob bosses running cities. You have people that just go missing without explanation. Face it you're just a drone to them, your just cannon fodder."
"That's the regulars but either way that's the job. Death is inevitable in this life. It's also better in combat then when I'm old and grey."
"You think very small. What's the point of making this short time, more miserable with death and destruction?"
"It's the way of things."
'That's a copout."
"Why just couldn't you just torture me it be a lot more pleasant than this crap. You know it'll be funny when you people try to go to Mandalore and get caught."
"How did you know about Mandalore?"
"I didn't until just now. How are you people going to be rebels if you don't know not to conceal things. MO will spot the moment you land."
"Maybe you could teach us?"
"I would rather get roasted alive."
"Really?"
"Your very arrogant you know, that right?"
"Maybe but you seem to like it."
"Don't push it."
"If we get it a fight we'll fight to the death. You'll fail your mission to capture us."
"You want me to help you get to Mandalore?"
"Just give us codes will not get us blown up and on the planet where they can get us if you're so sure that we're bad at this."
Erasa sighed "I'll think about it."
The door to Romulus's room opened he was now all clad in grey. He was surprised to find Remus who was in his armor. Remus had been clearly looking around and had found the letter. Remus looked perturbed by this room. He had clearly been drinking a little with a shade of pink on checks.
"So, this is how you live?"
Romulus clicked his tongue "Unlike you I don't need booze, drugs, women and fancy shit."
"This is a prison cell. You live like a prisoner."
"I live the way I wish too as do you."
"All these years and I still struggle to understand you. She was such a bully to you, he made you marry her, and you didn't even protest it at all."
"His orders are law you know this."
"Why brother do I have to go to you? I was willing to die for you."
"I didn't ask you to… and now Livy is running things. It would have been better if you hadn't interfered."
Remus shook his head in disbelief "So, you'd rather have died, then lived having failed."
"Death before dishonor you know that."
Remus frustrated snapped "Your so damn selfish. I rescue you from her all those times and all you can ever seem to do is brood about how you couldn't do it!"
"All you do is drink and ask for thank you."
Remus teared up a bit "You know it is real damn hard to be your friend."
"You never wanted to be my friend. You want a pet that you could spare with. You want a bird that you could nurse back to health and make you feel better about yourself. You want green hair."
Remus crying dropped the letter and marched past him out the door. Romulus was once again left alone in his dark room.
Mai was standing in the cockpit behind Dr. Briefs. Chi-Chi, Willard and Colby were in the room too.
Chi-Chi "So can we trust the codes."
Willard huffed "It's an older code but it's still valid."
Colby "They might want visual confirmation. That would be a problem considered who we are."
Mai shrugs "We'll need Erasa for that."
Dr. Briefs "My grandson seems to be warming up to her."
Chi-Chi "She still our enemy until otherwise proved."
Mai "We still have some time."
Dr. Briefs "Not a lot of time."
Chi-Chi "There never is. If Trunks trusts her, I choose to trust him. Mandalore awaits."
Chapter 93: Welcome to The Jungle
Chapter Text
The Commodore in his bridge was pacing back and forth while the men below him continued to studiously work. He was a small man very slight, and skinny. And at this moment he was tense. The space station they were on was high above Mandolore. It was a massive structure made to build ships and shield the planet. The Commodore was pacing because he was well aware of Cyan's arrival.
Commodore to his com officer "So any request of my presence?"
"No my Lord, the Grand Admiral has not requested your presence. However, Grand Admiral Byzantine has been requesting a visit to the planet. I approved it of course but Princess Livy rejected it."
Commodore nervous barked "Well you should have cleared it with her first."
"Sorry Lord but I had no idea that I required the Princess's approval for a Grand Admiral's movements."
"Well normally you don't but we are a week from now the Grand Offensive is going to start. Billions are going to go off to glory." He thought to himself, 'If I can impress the Grand Admiral, I might just be a part of that glory as opposed to being left on guard duty.'
Coms officer tapped his ear "Lord we have an unscheduled ship approaching the planet."
Commodore to another one of his officers "Can we get a visual?"
An Imperial transport ship appeared on their screens. "Interesting do they have code clearance?"
"Yes Lord. It's an older code but it checks out."
"Hail them, whatever going on is important and I don't want any slip ups on our end."
On the screen in from of them appeared a pilot in gear.
Commodore said top the person "Shuttle Tietyrion your codes have check out, but you are unscheduled for this sector. I demand an explanation for your presence here."
A heavy filter voice came from the pilot "My Lord we are here at the request of the Grand Admiral."
Commodore very suspicious "Is that so? Why is your cargo unlisted?"
"By order of the Grand Admiral the cargo of this ship is classified."
Commodore asked "Surely the Grand Admiral would have informed me of this?" (To his first officer.) "Engage the tractor beams and prepare a boarding party."
Coms officer spoke up "Lord we just received a message from the Grand Admiral. He asked that there would be no delay in his transport's arrival."
Commodore was still suspicious but barked out "Cancel that last order! Open the protective screens and allow the ship to land."
The images cutout and the ship made its way to the planet.
Mai took off the pilot helmet "Man that was a close one." She got out of the seat and let Bulma take control again. Chi-Chi, Tarble, the UNIT agents and Dr. Brief was there.
Bulma giggled "I'd new it'd work."
Mai sighed "I'm just glad they didn't ask me to take my helmet off."
Chi-Chi interjected "I'm just surprised that they didn't learn about ship being stolen."
Bulma smiled "That's what happens when you doubt me, you get disappointed."
Tarble reminded them "We're not out of the woods yet but thanks to Bulma we do have a shot."
Dr. Briefs "My source told me he was going to meet us on the planet."
Tarble nodded "He must have called off the watch dogs."
Bulma "Now we get to see if your acting is up to par."
Tarble sighed and nodded "Yeah I'm honesty curious about that myself. But don't you worry I've got a good impression of my brother ready to go."
Chi-Chi "Let's get dressed."
The ship landed as in the large bay stormtroopers, and officers came out to stand in attention. The ramp came down and a cadre of minor officer came to greet the visitors. Tarble walked out first wearing an Imperial version of Saiyan armor in dark red with black secondary. On his face was a look of disgust.
Emerging behind him was a single file line of five bloodguards they all had staffs. They were quickly followed by Mai who had on a black officer's uniform with an eye-patch over her right eye. She had on blood red lip stick and heavy black eyeliner. She was carrying herself like she was a pissed Bulma with a hand on her hip and a cigarette in her mouth.
Behind Mai was Bulma. She looked far less sure of herself then she normally was. She had no makeup on. She was wearing glasses and was carrying luggage. Her hair was tied up and messy. She was in a brown uniform very thing about her screamed beat down attendant.
The moment that the Imperial's saw Tarble and his tail their hand went straight to heiling.
Mai yelled out "Gentleman you have the honor to be in the presence of prince Lucius Gero."
They yelled out 'seig heil' Tarble in a snarled at them and yelled "Go Fuck yourselves! I've been struck in that crap transport for too long. Mom I'm bored when do I get to kill things?"
Mai chuckled in her deep but fake voice "Soon my Prince." (She walked up to the lead officer blew smoke in his face.) "I'm sure Captain that that the Grand Admiral requested us to go straight to him?"
He gentle coughed from the smoke "Yes madame. I would be more than happy to give you an escort."
Mai hissed "No Captain that would not make me happy as I don't anything you could give me would make me happy." (She blew more smoke into his face.) "I don't want to be bothered by any of your men or women for that matter."
She walked past him with the others following. The captain was left there a bit dumbstruck and annoyed. One of his fellow officers came out to him and whispered into his ear "Aren't their supposed to be seven guardsmen? Not five?"
Captain "There are. The other two are dead. The bulletin said to be alert for Resistance attacks. Though I can see why someone might want to kill those two."
The group made it out of the hangar and came to a turbo-lift where they were now lone. The group collectively sighed in relief.
Erasa definitely in one of the suits "Good work you three. Mai your complete bitch officer was amazing…"
Mai smirked evilly "Yah it actually felt really good to verbally smack that guy around."
Continuing Erasa said "Tarble I can see that you have a lot of dealings with up their own ass royal"
Tarble devilishly grinned "Runs in the family."
Erasa then said "Bulma I'm going to need more desperation. Your an attendant and an old one at that too. You need to seem more like you're willing to 'do anything' for advancement. You've seen yuppies in your dad's company."
"I'm not old I'm merely in my 50's that's the new 30's and why do I have to be bitch girl shouldn't I have been in one of those suits?"
Erasa sniped "As I said. You need at least a token amount of strength to use these suits besides it would make no sense if a consort and a prince were to arrive without bloodguard and with just officers alone."
Trunks in a high pitch voice "Believe me mom you don't want to be in one of these. It might not bother you but it's quite tight in the crotch region." The UNIT agents nodded in agreement.
Chi-Chi whimpered "The tightness in the chest region is kind of painfully too."
Erasa sighed "You're just not used to armor like I am, but I must admit its tighter than my commando gear."
Mai said exhausted "Can everyone stop complaining we're almost at the roof. Dr. Briefs said that instead of the Citadel the Grand Admiral will be with the Mandolore the Prince and the ambassador."
Trunks in his slightly higher pitched voice but still trying to sound cool "The leader of this planet sure has a stupid name. It would be like if we called our leader Earth or something."
Mai shrugged "Hey I didn't think of the name. This was thought of long ago in a galaxy far far away. They do say they might be from a different universe, so I had no input. Now everyone shut up."
The door dinged and it open. They were on the roof of the massive skyscraper. They go to the edge. They were high above a massive city. It was filled with fly cars. The number of lights was blinding.
Chi-Chi "Maybe we should have gotten directions?"
Bulma "Nah my dad already gave me them."
Trunks "Well mom I guess I'll carry you."
Bulma blushed "Nah, I'd like it if Tarble were to carry me."
Tarble shrugged and signaled for her to hop on. Bulma got into Tarble's arms and Mai into Chi-Chi's arms. All of them flew into the air going for the Palace off into the distance.
Videl awoke with a yawn. She immediately itched her shoulder as she got up to see Gohan still just sitting there as the Elder Kai was sleeping while sitting their pointing his hands at him. It had felt like days since off of this started she thought.
Gohan eyes went to her and all she did was give in a shrug. All of this had been embarrassing and lounging around hadn't helped. Gohan turned his eyes back at the source of his frustration. A bubble had formed as the old Kai slept.
The bubble popped and the Old Kai awoke then looked at Gohan "You're not staying focused Gohan."
Gohan visible frustrated "Sorry the sound of your snoring was distracting me."
Old Kai chuckled "I must be really getting under your skin kid. You must think that this is ridiculous."
"The thought had crossed my mind."
"Kids always think they know more than they actually do. Do you know why your sire wants my descendant dead over there?"
"No. I figured he kind of just wants all good people dead."
"He is that last of this generations Kai's. It would means that the line is cut and Beerus dies. This world will no longer have oversight and the demons and their realm can take over."
"Then why are we just sitting here?"
"We nearly have you at your maximum then we can work on you getting God ki."
Gohan jumped up and in a rage yelled "YOU MEAN THIS ISN'T EVEN GOING TO GET ME ON HIS LEVEL!" He said as he powered up and his hair didn't turn golden but is eyes greenish-blue. He looked at himself feeling his knew found power. He was league of what he had been. It was still no match for what Kakarrot had shown but he saw that the gap was closing.
Videl, Kibito and the Supreme Kai were all stunned. While Old Kai merely seemed frustrated that Gohan was kicking up dust into his face.
Gohan returned to normal as he looked at the Kai. Old Kai shook his head "Are you done having a tantrum?"
"I'm sorry." Said as he got back into a crossed legged position.
"It's okay. Your just young, stupid and in love. But you're are right on one count I really don't have much of an idea how to get you to that level. I suppose we are going to need help on that front maybe from a Saiyan?"
The team made it to the Palace the ancient, scarred thing that had seen a great deal of battle over the years.
They were quickly let in and met by a woman in silken robes. She had muscles underneath her robes. Her face was flawless with a tan to it. It was not clear of her role in this place by either her appearance or mannerism as she walked like royalty.
Cheerfully she said to them "Welcome my guests. Your friend is waiting for you." She signaled them to follow her which they did.
The walls and halls that they found themselves in were rich with alien art and artifacts. Only of few of the pieces looked at all Mandolore and appeared to have been stolen from planets the Empire and them had conquered.
Mai "I'm Queen Scarlet Gero who are you Miss…?"
She chuckled and put her had to her chest "Oh I'm Madame Lys the Mandolore's chief consort."
"Oh."
"My dear you sound a little shocked?"
"I didn't image that would you'd be so… open about that fact."
"Well unlike your Emperor mine can't have so many wives such as yourself, but he wished to emulate him, so he is forced to merely have concubines and consorts such as myself."
"I suppose my husband has truly has that kind of an effect on people."
"You have no idea. Before the King Cold PTO, we're the galaxy's best warriors. We reaved the stars. We were a great power once. Now we are again. We are even blessed with having two princes on the planet of the Emperor's blood. Commodus is Mandolore's ward after all."
They were led to a massive study where they found the Mandolore a man clad in armor. The Ambassador in red officer uniform. The sixteen-year-old Commodus with his black hair and tail was present with his bloodguard. But finally, there was Grand Admiral Cyan in his white officer uniform with his green hair, green eye and purple eye.
He was sitting there watching them with a grin on his face. In the moment he looked a lot like his father. The team was immediately taken a back.
Cyan itched his shoulder "I'm sorry everyone but I need a meeting with the Queen and her son."
There was no argument, but Commodus flashed a dirty look at Tarble as he walked passed. The door shut to the room leaving the group alone with Cyan.
Cyan smile went away "The door our soundproof you don't have to worry."
Mai immediately pointed a blaster at him "Good then they won't hear the shot."
Cyan threw his hands up "I'm you contact."
Mai "Yeah right you think we're stupid."
Cyan "I won't call it smart to kill the only man that could help you overthrow the Emperor."
Erasa she walked into Mai way "Wait Mai let's hear him out!"
Mai "I've seen this snake's father. His family is one of the reasons why there is an Empire in the first place."
Trunks joined Erasa sided he was unsure of what to do but she was afraid he might pull her out of the way.
Erasa panickily said "Videl extremely dislike him maybe it was because she sensed deceit."
Willard "He's Livy's pet, this is a trap."
Cyan teared up and yelled "I'm terrified of her! I've been her doll a plaything for so long. Her favorite plaything but toys can break and are eventually set aside. She is like her father. She eats people in front of me. She's even gotten me to eat people for her bloody pleasure. She cheats and is a jealousy woman. She paranoid and her whims are like the wind always changing. She laughed when she heard the news of my father's death in my face. Her father is a tyrant that has enslaved my people. I have firsthand seen the horror of this Empire. My reasons are indeed selfish, but they are my reasons. If things go on longer I'm afraid she'll eat me or worse."
Mai lowed her blast as Erasa said "Like I said let's hear him out. Trust me."
Cyan "I guess my sister had good taste in friends after all. Now I'm guessing Dr. Briefs is in the ship that you took?"
Mai "Yeah we figure we need someone in the ship if things went south."
Cyan "Well he can confirm that it was I that was his source. I had access to most of my dead father's information. I warned you about the latest attack and many others. I read about freedom and I want it. There was a time before all of this when my skills could have been placed elsewhere if not for the Empire and my family. I can get on a ship to Earth. I know plenty of disaffected officers that will join our cause. We poison the Emperor, seize the palace and get most of the family while their sleeping. We can get Moffs under control and declare a republic before any of them others can mobilize. It won't be a bloodless coup but much better then a civil war."
Mai and Chi-Chi looked at each other than Mai shook her head at him as she put away her blaster.
Mai "That sounds very evil."
Cyan "They're mass murders. What's a few dead babies and children against the fate of mankind? Your Gohan aside, tyrant spawn rather regularly turn into tyrants themselves when given the chance."
Bulma tilted her head "Starting a government with the stain of innocent blood on our hands doesn't sound any better."
Cyan "Look we need a plan. I need Dr. Brief for that. I don't know how many fighters from the that side we can expect and the same goes with Jaco. We're going to need UPA support as well. It'd look strange for anyone else to come from your ship today. So, I'm going to have you spend the night. Tomorrow we can get in the details right now though I know this is going to start to look suspicious if we go on any longer. I have a wing secured for you all. No one will be going there, and we can talk more rational about what needs to be done."
It was agreed and they went off to their quarters for the fast-approaching night.
It was late when Trunks came to a door to knock only to see it open and Erasa there with very little on.
Erasa "Oh. Trunks just the man I kind of want see." Said as she opened the door to let him come in.
Trunks blushed "I wanted to talk."
Erasa smirked "Oh talk."
Trunks got closer to her and said, "Maybe I'm not."
She kissed him on the lips, and he grabbed her. She easily began to disrobe him as they broke off. He began to disrobe her, and they headed to her bed.
"Thank you for not pushing me out of the way today."
"Well, I was going to do to save you, but you seemed very determined."
"It was still nice."
They were talking as they groped with one another. She slid down him to engulf him and he chirped out "Any time Erasa."
Meanwhile in his quarters Cyan got out of bed. He was wearing very little and didn't have a shirt on which showed a scar of a bite mark on his shoulder. He pressed a button on a console. He itched on his shoulders and knelt before it as a Hologram of Livy appeared before him.
Cyan grinned "My Princess everything is going as planned. They aren't sold but I'm about to have them all in one room. Soon we'll know exactly who and where our enemies are. Thought we should be glad my sister wasn't here I'm sure she would have seen right through my performance."
"Good you've done well."
"I know I will have some reinforcements, but Tarble will beat the prince in combat if it comes to that."
"Oh, my poor little doll you really think I would leave even a chance of you dying up to chance? You see grandfather just laid another 'perfect' golden egg. That has already arrived. It's a good thing that he knows how to hide his energy, or they would go running."
Cyan heard a noise behind him and saw the creature. It was tall, taller than most men and it had insect like features. He had a human like face but had yellow eyes. It was green with black dots over its exoskeleton.
"What is that thing Livy?"
It spoke with a calming but dark voice "Please not thing, my Lord call me Perfect."
Chapter 94: Season Of The Witch
Chapter Text
Chi-Chi was the first to awake in her room of the group. The room was made for Royalty from the moment she walked into it she was reminded of her father and Earth. She remembered what it was like in those early days so young and stupid, dreaming of a Prince and her happily ever after. She remembered the blue skies and birds chirping. She wanted to go to her window and look out and see her home, but she knew better. Dr. Briefs had told her the village and her family castle were gone. Kakarrot had it all demolished just for fun.
She got into her gi and then into the bloodguard uniform. She went to wake the other only to find that Trunks wasn't in his room then she came to Erasa's room. She opened the door to find Erasa and Trunks naked sleeping next to one another.
A blush took over her face as she slowly closed the door. She muttered to herself 'Well good for them.' Then she loudly knocked on the door like she concluded she should have done originally. Loudly she said "Erasa its time. I'm going to go get Trunks." She said smirking playing dumb.
Trunks had jumped up in placed and was relieved that Chi-Chi as far as he knew she didn't open the door.
Erasa was slower and groggier like she had been up longer than Trunks had been. She knowingly asked him "A bit jumpy, are we?" Her fingers danced on his leg.
He blushed looking quite embarrassed "I'm sorry but I'm afraid of my family's response to all of this."
Her face soured "I don't think my family or anyone else for that matter would like this either."
Trunks nodded "You're right your former comrade's response minus Videl would rather be more extreme than mine family." (The two of them were getting up and started to get dressed.) "Do you really believe him? That this guy's going to help us I mean I got a bad feeling about this."
"I told you trust me. Videl told me all about her brother and what he's like." She said facing away from him.
Trunks smiled "Don't worry I trust you Erasa." He hugged her.
She nodded "I'm starting to see that."
Old Kai put his hands down "Well that's its sonny that's all I could do."
Gohan looked at the Old Kai with big eyes. Old Kai gave him a nodded and Gohan stood up and tried to go Super Saiyan like last time. Gohan felt himself surge with more power than he ever dreamed of as neither his eyes nor his hair changed. His hair stood up like he was a Super Saiyan. His aura was white, and he might haven't looked it, but he was leagues stronger then he had been.
Videl said marveling at the power she was feeling "Wow. That amazing Gohan!"
Supreme Kai and Kibito were starry eyed at this development.
Supreme Kai exclaimed "I knew my ancestor was a genius and not just a perv!"
Old Kai pouted "Shut your mouth youngster. Now I believe you owe me a kiss from your girly."
Videl smile and joy died in seconds as she trembled in a fury. "Hey now! You said that this would make Gohan strong enough to beat the Emperor! This isn't not strong enough to beat him!"
Old Kai frustrated "The deal was for me to do it, not to beat him!"
Supreme Kai sighed "Elder that may be true, but this isn't a time for this. Regardless of the fine print the spirit of the deal this was about beating the Emperor."
Old Kai spat out the word "Traitor."
Supreme Kai put his face into his hand "Gohan you and Videl go train while we try to find a solution to your whole god problem."
Gohan and Videl meet in the field while the Kai's meet underneath a tree with a crystal ball.
"So how was the nap?"
She yawned "Good. Better than just sitting there like you honey."
"At least I got a bathroom/lunch break."
"See there was positives to this experience. Now I remember you said something about teaching me Kaio-ken?"
Gohan chuckled "I do recall something to that affect but there has been something that's been bugging me…"
"Let me guess the fact you bit my shoulder?"
Gohan blushing the reason the mark for some reason was personal "Right. When my dad and mom gave me the lesson on the birds and bees, they sort of never said anything about that. I really sorry if I hurt you…"
"Gohan, I was kind of expecting it actually."
"Really?" Gohan was intrigued.
"It's not a human thing it's a Saiyan thing. My asshole of a brother got that from Livy when he was like sixteen. Livy gave him some story of sort of a mating ritual of your alien half. So, I really wasn't surprised."
"Well okay. It's kind of weird that you knew more about my body then I do."
"Not only me… Okay now onto Kaio-ken."
The Kai's were looking into the crystal ball. The Supreme kai felt compelled to ask.
"Ancestor can Saiyan even reach god ki?"
Kibito "I've never heard of any mortal never mind them reaching that kind of power."
Old Kai "He didn't ask you. And yes, I don't remember where, but I do remember that mortals can indeed achieve god ki. We just need a Saiyan that knows a few things."
Kibito "Well considering there are maybe two pure Saiyan's left. One who isn't going to helpful obviously the other who doesn't know a whole lot about his people."
Supreme Kai "He's right Tarble can't help him with this."
Old Kai "You youngsters have no imagination do you. We're in the otherworld. We don't need a living Saiyan to tell us. We have access to the dead. Remember? We can have one of them tell us what we need to know."
In the ball appeared the image of a female Saiyan with droopy spike hair. Her hair at a glance looked like Kakarrot but well removed but if anything, she looked a lot more like Tarble. She had bags under her eyes she look nearly middle aged which meant that she was a very old Saiyan on the cusp of old age and soon after that death.
Supreme Kai arms folded "Ah. I don't think she'll help."
Old Kai "You know her?"
Supreme Kai "I know every Guardian of every world even if they killed their predecessor to get the job. She was trained by the Guardian of Plant until the war between the Saiyan's and the Tuffles, she turned on him. Her son the King and her first grandson turned out as big of monsters as she was."
Old Kai "I suppose it might be a tough sell, but that would mean Tarble is also one of her grandsons. Maybe that would convince her to help. These mortals have strong family bonds after all."
Kibito "I suppose but I doubt she will be very helpful."
Old Kai "Yeh have little faith. She was a Guardian chosen by originally by another. There must be a reason for it. Now bring her here. We can find out whether or not she will be of any help and let's hope that nothing between now and then interferes with our plans."
The door to the executive office opened. It was large room with a big desk that Cyan was sitting behind. He had a bottle of champagne and two glasses, one of which he was drinking from. He had a grin on his face. The other couches in the room were filled by a bunch of officers from many different branches of the Imperial military.
Cyan with his glass raised in a jovial tone "Welcome all of you and don't be worried these our fellow conspirators. All loyal to me and our cause of freedom."
Chi-Chi's team enter warily as they took their helmets off. Behind Chi-Chi came Dr. Briefs, the old man was quick across the room. He had been hidden in a trooper's uniform. The old doctor seemed oblivious to the tension in the room between the two sides. Cyan and Dr. Briefs shook hands. Cyan offered him a glass and Dr. Briefs gladly took it.
Dr. Briefs "Thank you my boy."
Cyan "A toast to new friends."
They tapped glasses together. The Doctor seemed quite at ease.
Erasa came behind Trunks. He whispered to her "You know I've got a bad feeling about this."
Erasa whispered back "Yeah I'm getting poor vibes myself. Don't worry I got your back."
Trunks blushed and whispered back, "Good to know."
Dr. Briefs and Chi-Chi took chairs right in front of Cyan. Chi-Chi was not having any of this. "If you intended to put me at ease with all of this Cyan, you have failed."
Cyan's hand went to his chest "You realize none of these men are armed? If wanted to betray all of you it would have been better to try it the moment you took your rooms. I assure you the plan is to kill the Emperor and destroy the royal family Gero."
Dr. Briefs "As much as I would like to believe you. She does bring a good point. This isn't what we agreed."
Cyan "Situation has changed. Fortune smiles on us. Dr. Gero is dead. Died peacefully in his sleep having given the universe yet another monster I'm told, with this the Emperor will be quite busy. If there was a single thing in this universe that bastard cared about it was that man. Now their nothing he cares about, but the funeral will have him call in all the family. Commodus has already been recalled for this reason. My agents tell me that similar orders have been given. This will be the perfect opportunity to strike."
Dr. Briefs "That does sound tempting but giving you any of our people requires a great deal of trust on our part."
Cyan "I would hope so. If you would be stupid enough to hand that kind of information over to someone wearing this uniform, there wouldn't be a Resistance in the first place. I misspoke early I merely meant that I need you people to rise up with mine when the time comes. I give you the names of mine so you can tell yours who to trust when the shooting starts. Not everyone is here but I can hand you the rest."
Dr. Briefs "If that is the case how many soldiers do you have?"
Cyan sighed "Million plus. Tiny, I know but most of the loyalists are sheep. They follow orders and rarely question said orders. However, if we take out leadership its highly unlike that they will know enough to react. In the future there might be resistance but by then they will hopefully be disarmed."
Chi-Chi "Well that's rather optimistic. I dare say it's a fantasy."
Cyan "True. It's likely that it won't go as smoothly as planned. Most battle plans don't survive first contact with the enemy. But the important point this is we have a golden opportunity. Jaco, can you get us in contact with the high command of the UPA?"
Jaco stepped forward. He looked nearly recovered from his experience, but Tights was at his side anyways "Yes I can get you in touch with them. They may need some convincing, but if they are then we'll have the entirety of UPA on our side."
Cyan "That's very reassuring after all, I know for a fact that we are quite numbered. However, I do wonder if your side could be trusted after all it was one of your that gave up the Resistance on Ericama."
A bead of sweat came down Dr. Briefs's brow "Wait what about Ericama?"
"Ericama oh I was there at meeting for that invasion."
Dr. Briefs suddenly nervous and hiding it badly "Oh right. I… Chi-Chi and I need a second to discuss matters if you don't mind."
Cyan sighed "Oh damn. You know, don't you?" Said as he pressed a button under the desk and the doors slammed open to reveal a horde of troopers as Cell appeared next to Chi-Chi. In one chop he took out Chi-Chi before she could react.
Tarble turned Super then charge Cell only to be easily knocked aside. Trunks raise his blaster to shoot Cyan only to find a sharp pain hit the back of his neck. He fell to the ground with Erasa standing over him stone faced. She had knocked him out.
Cyan grinned "Alright you know it's over. Throw down your weapons or we'll start killing you all."
Mai looked over to Erasa staring bloody daggers at her. Erasa walked over to her and took the blaster out of her hand. Erasa looked her dead in the eyes "I guess I'm more loyal than you realized."
Mai "I should have known."
Erasa coldly stated "Yes you should have."
Bulma next to Mai tried to take a swing at her that Erasa easily caught and push Bulma into the hands of an officer that easily restrained her.
Cyan taking great pleasure in all of this chuckled. "Oh, did the ruthless elite commando hurt your feelings. You people are fools. You really thought that a soldier like her would so easily turn because of a few board games and polite words?"
Mai in a calm rage "They knew we were coming. You told them."
Erasa nodded in agreement then spun on her heel "Take them away." She said while not looking at any of them.
Erasa marched up to the desk as the group was being cuffed and led away. Erasa smashed her fists on the desk. "I don't enjoy being used Cyan."
Cyan a little miffed at her tone "That's Grand Admiral to you Commander."
Erasa frustrated "I told you the night was perfect opportunity to seize them, yet you seemed will to go on with this farce until they found out."
Cyan laid back a bit into his chair "I sense an accusation in there."
"These are yours and the Princess's men. They are all your dogs."
Cyan coyly "So what. Are you saying that this was some sort of wild plot to seize the Empire, kill the Emperor, and put my mistress on the throne? I hope you have a lot more proof than wild claims Commander."
Erasa growled "I suppose not. Where are you taking them?"
Cyan smirked "Since plans changed again, Earth like before but to present them to the Emperor, along with yourself. You got yourself an iron handled trident. Your bravery and loyalty in this matter has been above the call of duty. You'll be Captain after this I assure you and in the future a position in the admiralty and later the Moffs,"
"If you think your trinket and title makes me like you Grand Admiral then I'm glad to disprove you of that fact."
"You mistake me, I encourage you to say something."
Erasa looked far more unsure "Why?"
"You were getting that trinket and title no matter what. But I do wonder what your parents must think of you?"
"Are you bringing my parents into this? After all if I recall it was their disloyal that took me away from them."
Cyan chuckled some more "Are you worried about them Commander and what might happen to both your new friends and your old family? Well don't worry your new friends will live mostly likely. He wants them alive after all. This is a great day in the Empire. This is the victory of order over the Resistance."
Erasa hissed "You don't have Videl or Gohan yet."
"We have his mother and the rest of his family. The moment he hears of this he will be forced to try and get them back. He will face the Emperor and he will lose, and it is as simple as that. It will be a checkmate."
Chapter 95: Everyone Plays The Fool
Chapter Text
Videl took her stance while being watched by Gohan. She clenched her fists as the energy came to her. Red covered her aura as she shined. Gohan stared clapping as she then let it go. Videl was panting as he came over to her.
Gohan smiling "You did well."
Videl nodded "Yeah, but I didn't keep it for long."
"That's how it worked for me, and besides you don't want to stay like that for too long it'll take too much from you."
"It does already feel like I just got out of the gravity chamber."
Gohan's ears perked up "The Empire has those too?"
"They have tons of those, just about every ship I've been on had one. They have us in their all the time. Either because we're going to a planet with high gravity or because it makes exercise/training quicker and more effective."
"You know the funny thing is, that your world doesn't sound all that strange at times."
"Well, that's because I thought it was normal."
"No I mean… All this training and fighting. Mom's been training me all my life, some of my favorite moments with Trunks, hunting with my dad. I never liked killing things, but your world doesn't sound all that foreigner."
"Well your…Sire said to us once in one of his many speeches that 'Inside every human is a Saiyan waiting to get out.' He's reworked us to be more like him."
Gohan looked wounded "So maybe there is a monster in me too."
A strange woman's voice "I won't say that young one."
Gohan looked over to see that the Supreme Kai had come back with a woman. She had a black hood over her head connected with a cloak of the same color. She had a tail around her waist. She was rather shorter but that may have been her slumped posture. In one of her hands was a wooden staff it looked ancient. There was a halo above her hood, she was dead. Gohan could sense weird energy coming from her. This woman was a Saiyan, but her energy felt like the Kai's and he didn't get that empty feeling like he did with the Emperor.
Witch asked, "So this is the one you want me to teach?" (The Kai nodded. She sniffed the air.) "Hmph. He's Saiyan but not fully. Half-breed his mate's kind. Why should I help you, Kai?"
Supreme Kai "You've committed a lot of sins. If you help us, then your sentence could be reevaluated by Yemma."
Witch "Ha… And would do the same for my sons and grandson?"
Supreme Kai unsure "Well…."
Witch "That's what I thought. Youngster who's your Saiyan parent? Are they third, second or first?"
Gohan didn't know the answer. So Videl interjected "His sire was a third class Kakarrot Gero Mam."
Witch "Hmph… I asked your mate not you. Why didn't you know the answer youngster?"
"Well… I… Mam"
"Enough." (She waived her hand as she spoke to the Supreme Kai.) "The feckless one told me that my grandson was in danger. This is getting us nowhere. He has power I can tell just by looking at him, but I can also tell he is unwilling to use it. This is pointless. He will not be able to stop any great evil.
Gohan got frustrated his hands tightened into fists "Who even are you monster? I bet your exactly like him!"
"Well now there is a spark of something at least. You want to know who I am youngster? I was the Guardian of Vegeta, I was Queen to Vegeta the second. Mother to the third and Grandmother to the fourth. I saw my first world died when I was, but a child and it was my own world. We went from many clans to but one clan. Sadala I remember it well. I was an orphan and a feral. I was raised by the Guardian of Sadala the man who stop the last Super Saiyan. I was trained by the Guardian of Plant when I came to that planet with my people. The Tuffles killed my mate, so I kill them all. I was the last of us to truly know our history. Before we merely became puppets of the PTO and Cold. I lived to see my people died. Killed by whim of a tyrant. I have seen the rise and fall of my people. Now child who are you?"
Gohan seemed at a loss of what to say back so the old woman came up to him.
"Fine! This will be easier anyways." She placed her hand on his head. Gohan felt his thoughts being read. While this was happening, he got a better look and her face. She had smelled old and her eyes confirmed it. Her black eyes looked less shiny. She had big bags under them. A human would have said she was in forties or fifties but his Saiyan senses were telling him she was much older than that.
Witch removed her hand "I thought you looked familiar. Your mother I think I know her somehow maybe? I dream perhaps. One that tired to tell me the future. Those dreams are the worst they never make any sense and always hard to recall. So, this is all that is the legacy of my people?"
"Well, I never was really raised…"
"Not you, him both of them and I suppose you too but more them. Kakarrot's mutilated our memory and these humans. Tarble hates us and he has turned us into some sort of shrine made of lies. We're so much more once. I'm to blame too but still."
The witch looked so sad like she had been destroyed in but reading Gohan's mind. Gohan "What's wrong?"
"Our people… I think I found something worse than death. We have become a slogan. Did they think he summed us up or does he think that? This is a bad joke. All of this is." She became weak at the knees and Gohan helped her to a rock where she sat down.
"It's not that bad."
"You know nothing Gohan. We weren't the best, but this is cruel. Our bodies dug up and used for a marionette show. Our graves have been defiled. This can't stand I will help you, Gohan. If nothing else, then to give us peace in our death."
The door to the cell block opened up. Trunks woke up. He had on the ki-blocking cuffs and worse, yet he found himself suspended above the floor due to an energy field. He found that Tarble and Chi-Chi next to him and were in the same predicament.
He looked and saw Mai and the others in cells cuffed. Tons of troopers were present along with Cell. The Imperials all heiled as Cyan and Erasa entered. Erasa was now dressed in her brown uniform.
Cyan heiled back "At ease men…Perfect. Everyone but Perfect leave we have things to discuss with the prisoners."
The troopers began to leave. The group was giving dirty looks at the two, but Trunks was staring in a rage at Erasa. Erasa could sense the stare but didn't acknowledge it. Cyan with a wine glass in his hand was smirking at the tension in the air.
Cyan "Well ladies and gentlemen I hope you've all been enjoying my hospitality. It's so rare that I get to do this sort of thing. But then again, it's not every day that the entire heads of the Resistance is in Imperial hands. I suppose even now as we speak there are tons of people waiting with bated breath for Dr. Briefs to tell them how to oppose us. But will hear nothing until they see him on TV. Can you imagine the looks on their faces? The hope what little was left of it erased from them."
Chi-Chi "You can shove it up your…" Cyan took out a remote control as Chi-Chi was talking and pressed a button shocking her. She screamed out in pain.
Cyan shook his head and made a sort of clicking noise "No. No. No, you speak when asked a question girly and I don't like being yelled at. You see I'm in control here, not you. None of you ever had someone standing over you did you. News flash you've lost." (He took his finger off the button and Chi-Chi stopped screaming.) "Now be a good little bitch and listen up. We're taking you to Earth. My lovely paramour tells me that the Emperor is more then happy to host you all."
Dr. Briefs shouted at him "All of that shit you spewed was lies."
Cyan looked at him then shocked Trunks who screamed out "Didn't I make it clear that I don't like being shouted at old man?" He took his finger off the button.
Chi-Chi looking saw that Erasa looked quite uncomfortable with all of this. Erasa was sweating a bit at both her and Trunks torture.
Cyan looked sideways at Erasa because he had sensed her unease. He looked at Dr. briefs then and said "Any good 'lie' has a kernel of truth in it. Oh, she a is ruthless, power hungry, unfaithful and brutal bitch without any redeemable (by your people definition of course) value. Of course, I love all those things about her. She's my ticket to the big time. And if she gave a shit about anything but herself then she wouldn't be as interesting."
Chi-Chi calmly "Then you know she will probably turn on you one day."
Cyan "See! How nice it is to not scream at each other. Your right she probably will, but hell nothing lasts forever. We're all dying so I'm acting accordingly. This is the fun route to power, full of sex, wine, and torture. Case in point." He pressed a button and Trunks, Chi-Chi, and Tarble all started screaming in pain as they were being electrocuted.
Cyan turned to look at Erasa who was cringing "Grow a spine woman." He tossed her the remote and Erasa quickly turned it off. "You betrayed these morons and whatever hang up you have, you should probably kill in you because their lifespans are rather short. You're going to be an Admiral one day act like it."
Cyan started to laugh walked away leaving Erasa with them and Cell.
Cell darkly chuckled "He has a point."
Erasa shoot the monster a dirty look "I don't take orders from you creature."
Mai yelled at her "Gohan is going to come for us!"
Erasa "I'm sure he would like to. But at the moment he would discover that he can't get a read on you. The shields now do more then just stop attacks. He can't read your ki and he won't be able to until we reach Earth, when you are in the Emperor's presence. Now I didn't ask to be a spy. You people force me to be one. You can all think what you want about me, but this is reality. I'm loyal to my people and to my race. I'm a soldier and this was fucking war. In a couple of days, we will be at Earth enjoy your time till then."
She signaled the troopers, and they came in her handing the control to another officer before leaving having made sure not to look Trunks directly in the face.
Gohan interested "How will you help me?"
"My mentor was the Super Saiyan God. He was the Guardian of Sadala and he taught me how to do it. Unfortunately, there has not been a descent amount of Saiyan left when I was in the mode to try it to make it work. I knew if it could stop the Legend, it could stop Frieza. We need six Saiyans of honor and heart to send the energy to you so that you could ascend. The power won't last for long enough, so you'll have to absorb the god ki and keep it. However, it won't be a huge challenge you already have mastery over your own given ki after all."
"Okay that sound good. What will it be like?"
Witch "I'm not sure. The idea was always alien to me accepting another strength instead of your own. He was beyond pride, truly enlightened."
"Well, your right that does sound odd."
"We have our pride. Don't let them take it from you. We must tell the kai's what I need."
She got up helped to her dismay by Gohan. "Boy, I'm not a cripple."
"Yeah, and I'm not a boy."
Witch nodded "True. Is it mad that you might be the true last of us?"
"What?"
"Your sire as an image of us distorted by his own hate and rage. Tarble see us as butchers and apes. You didn't even know us. We got worse but the best of us is in you and maybe Tarble. We were better once. We killed only when we needed to. We were explorers. We had cultures. We had ideas and made things. We were more than just parts we were the sum of those parts. We were people now as I said we are a slogan… a curse on the lips."
"Maybe I can do better."
"Perhaps you can… before you go, I will give you all I know."
The two made their way to the Kai and found them all to have dower faces.
"What's going on?"
Supreme Kai "Gohan I have something bad I have to tell you."
On the magic ball was an image of his family in the ship on their way to Earth.
Chapter 96: End Of The Line
Chapter Text
Gohan panicked "We got to go and get them." He immediately put his hand to his head.
Supreme Kai "I don't think that's going to help Gohan."
Gohan snarled he wasn't really listening "Why can't I find them!"
Old Kai sighed "For starters you're in the otherworld, for second's they have a shield around them. That battlecruiser is built with you and Chi-Chi in mind."
Gohan thinking quickly "Wait does that mean Kibito and Shin can get me over there."
Supreme Kai and Kibito both began itch their heads and made a sort of 'aw' sounds.
Gohan frustrated "Well, can't you?!"
Witch shook her head "They can, but they shouldn't."
Videl had come up behind Gohan. She looked just as pissed at what was being said.
Gohan was now red with anger "Well why shouldn't they!?"
"Why do you think they didn't come in person to save you last time?" (She sighed.) "The young never paying attention at where they are, or what they are doing. You remember the demon lady that he was with, right?" (She poked him with her staff.) "The moment they come into the range she'll be able to follow them. This place will no longer be safe. You don't understand that this place is the center of the otherworld, the center of cosmic stability in the universe. If they do what you suggest they will play right into her hands. She will come with Kakarrot, they will kill them and this planet. The demon realm will be able to merge with ours and well then things will go to shit. As bad as you might want to help them, the universe takes precedence. I won't pretend to know how you feel but I've lost my entire race and family mostly. Your family is still alive. If they wanted to kill them, they would've done it already. They want them alive. Your monster of a sire wants to gloat and showoff. They have time Kakarrot wants them."
Gohan calmed down "Okay but we got to do something."
"Something hmph? Always what must be done. I've meet plenty like you. You are reckless. This is not a game; the fate of the universe is at stake here. We get you god ki then we do something. Do you think that Bill would want you to sacrifice yourself in vain?
Gohan said deeply in thought "No."
"Good. I think we've seen enough dead heroes." (She turned to the Kai's.) "Shin, I need you to bring the original six that helped my… mentor become the first Super Saiyan God."
"Why not just bring him?"
Witch sighed, she looked uncomfortable "I have failed him in every sense of that word. I doubt that he has any wish to see me. It would be better for us to not involve him."
"Well I'll get them but the papers to get them here will take a while, now tell me their names."
The super carrier 'Pride' appeared out of hyperspace with its escorts above the Earth. The door slammed open to the cell block and Cyan walking with Erasa behind him.
Cyan "I hoped you enjoyed your stay. Congratulation everyone that isn't Jaco you have finally come home. Welcome back to the pale blue dot."
They were taken from themselves and marched single file to the hangar with Cyan in lead the rest behind him. At the hangar they were meet by another Grand Admiral Byzantium. His hair was purple and his eyes violet.
Cyan a little shocked heiled at him and he heiled back "Byzantium? Why are you here?"
Byzantium spoke like a gentleman "Emperor's orders. He wanted me to help you escort them to the planet."
Cyan turned to his Admiral "Is this true?"
The Admiral looked at his pad "Yes my Lord, the message just came in."
"Very well."
They all got into the ship with the prisoners stuffed into cells and the Imperials up front. Byzantium sat right next to Erasa.
Byzantium "You've done wonders for the Empire commander. You should be most proud of your work."
Erasa irritated "I don't need to be reminded of it."
Byzantium "Faulien you sound disappointed in your work. Is it that you have seen the true mechanics behind the Empire?" (She looked at him funny and he whisper into her ear.) "You think I don't know what the snakes were planning? The Princess and him are not as careful as they think. Don't worry when the time comes your family will be safe. They are already in my custody, just say the truth when you are called upon if you are asked."
Erasa sighed and shook her head, she whispered back "Oh, so my family is in your hands. I suppose you want the Moff seat too and if I don't say anything, they are dead."
Byzantium still whispering "No you paint a wonderful picture of anyone else in my seat but not me. I wish to be one of the Moffs but not for the reason you think. The only thing you have to do is keep with my men when he orders the Brief's to be taken away."
Erasa still whispering "Why?"
Byzantium "Because you've seen who runs this show and I hope you realized that there is no honor in any of this."
Erasa nodded. She suddenly felt she had just agreed to something, she just didn't know what yet.
Dr. Briefs whispered into both Tarble's and Chi-Chi's ear. "I think that guy is my contact."
The two looked at the doctor then at Byzantium. Chi-Chi shrugged "Maybe we're not dead yet."
The ship landed and soon they were brought out. Chi-Chi looked at the extravagance on display. The walkway of the landing pad led to an entrance to The Palace. In front of the Palace was statue of Kakarrot. It was made all of gold. In his right hand was a sphere made to look like the Earth. The statue was gripping the globe, its fingernails digging into the sphere.
On the doors and the wall was a mural that seemed to depict his triumph on Earth. Everything about it was seemed to be made to offend her. On it showed the dead that she had long mourned. Krillin sliced open by Kakarrot ki. Yamcha with his heart ripped out of chest. Roshi with a hole through his stomach. Chiaotzu blown up by his mouth blast. Launch with her crushed throat.
The only one that was missing was Tien. He must have been airbrushed out of history. He hated failure and perhaps that was what Tien represented.
The doors were opened, and they were marched into the Palace. The halls were filled with paintings. They ranged from many time periods and even many planets. They had all been stolen of course. Everything that was this place was stolen down to the very Earth it laid on. It had all been well organized but not by him.
She doubted he viewed this stuff the Palace included as anything more then trophies. He hoarded it the same reason dragon hoard gold in fairy tales. Because the stuff is shiny, and people might come and try and take it from him one day. The monster probably only needs a cave to himself, but this was what rulers did, so he must too.
The hair on the back of her neck stood up. She knew he was behind the next door. She just prayed that she would die before Kakarrot did anything to her or that Gohan would make his appearance.
She came through and saw him up there on his throne of twisted metal made of the instruments of war. His black eyes were shining as she knew they would be. At his sides were Yurin and Tanman on his left on his right was Towa.
They were all smiling. On the steps leading to (the would-be god) was his children the four oldest. Romulus on the top followed by Remus, Livy and Gracchus. To the left side of the throne somewhat hidden in shadows was Piccolo holding that Guardian staff grinning. Behind Piccolo were three cyborgs 13, 14 and 15. Lining the room was a horde of blood guard.
Kakarrot clapped as loudly as he could as Chi-Chi and the other were led in and made to go on their knees like a this was an execution. There was a silence as orbs swirled around them which must have been camera's showing the universe that they had been caught. Then Kakarrot snapped his fingers and the orbs flew away.
"You know it's funny. It kind of feel's like I just killed trillions right there. A galaxy, no a universe's hope dashed in a few frames. You know I was afraid you'd come in here and you would look like a defeated army, broken lifeless, ready to die and not resist. But like always you didn't disappoint. Instead, you come to me like I always knew you would. Eyes burning with steel and fire. Plotting, scheming and full of determination. Beaten but still looking like your about to rip me apart. Your what I have always wanted a nemesis. One that would fight me still the stars all turned black and faded into the night. It's so hard to put my feelings into words. Who hates me more then you? Who breathes like every breath is an insult to me? Who but you? Chi-Chi. Fucking hell, I think you complete me, to tell you the truth. I'm only sad that this shit after all this time it has come to an end. I might had enjoyed it, if I were on my death bed and you were still out there. You're a Sand mandala finely done with work and care put into it telling a beautiful story of rage and revenge, that I'm about to pour down the drain. Here I am about to make my Empire complete but looking at you I realize that nothing will ever be as fun as all of this. I will have no more obstacles, no more foes for me to beguile, outsmart and overpower at all at your level."
Chi-Chi snapped "I'm no one special you only say that to make yourself feel bigger. You only say that because I eluded you for so long. You couldn't stand that a mere human was your truest enemy because it wasn't just me it was all of us. Most of us without power. We weak humans defied you. You'll never be safe because you can't kill freedom. We might die but it will live on."
Kakarrot looked quite amused "Who said anything about killing you?" (He paused.) "You know my orders were to destroy humanity and I think I have been doing a pretty damn good job at it. There're more human then there has ever been before but instead of human they think more like my people or at the least their ancestors. They 'exterminate', they don't go to war. They hate, they don't fear. They breed, they don't love. They live to kill, not kill to live. They are strong, not weak. I have taught them like a good father should. I have beautifully mutilated them like I did to you. Cut in off pieces of them as they screamed and cried out in agony." (He licked his lips.) "The sounds they have made. Byzantium can you step in front of the throne?"
He nodded, heiled and came forward "You wanted to talk to me my Emperor?"
"I've been wondering has Cyan and my sweet daughter been ploting against me?"
Byzantium smiled "Undoubtly as you thought my Emperor." (Cyan and Livy looked stunned as both were seized. Remus and Gracchus turned Livy to face the Emperor.) "They were plotting to use the resistance to assassinate you and take the throne."
Kakarrot said very creepily "My sweet, sweet girl. You must think me an idiot. You might have intelligence, smoking hot good looks that would have easily made you one of my wives. But this is me were talking about. Never try to backstab the guy that made it into an art form. Now I could just spank you here and now but that seems a little harsh so I'm going to put you into a timeout for a little while."
They we're hang cuffed and about to be led away by Gracchus. Livy screamed out "I made this moment happen father!"
Kakarrot raised his hand and they stopped "Grandfather this is your funeral what do you think?"
To the right of the throne out of the dark shadows came Dr. Gero. He had on a yellow and black pin striped with a black odd hat tall with the handled trident above his face. He had on a black vest, brown pants with white and black tennis shoes. The ancient man looked younger. Everyone seemed a bit confused at his presence as all believed the man to be dead.
Kakarrot chuckled "The rumors of my grandfather death were greatly exaggerated. Now they were true but I'm the god of death. So, I willed him back."
Dr. Gero "More accurately my tech brought me back. I need never die. My heart stopped, but it was replaced. Now I can live as long as I wish. Son your girl has betrayed you. You have the right to teach her a lesson but what is more important is what to do with this Grand Admiral."
Kakarrot sat back "You are right, like in most things." (He appeared in front Byzantium.) "You've done me as great service, but you have also lie to me."
Byzantium tried to move but he was grabbed by Kakarrot by the shoulder and prevented from even turning.
Kakarrot darkly "You see. I'm all seeing. You wanted to go to Mandalore because you were their source. You were the one warned them about us on Ericama. You got Teal killed and you had the gall to come here and ask for his seat. While you were planning to free them!?"
A steel look came to Byzantium eyes as he spat out "Long live the Resistance. Long live freedom and liberty. There will be a free humanity again, tyrant!"
Kakarrot nodded "Better final words then most."
Kakarrot open his mouth and his face rushed towards the man's throat. In a split second he took a chuck out of it and he swallowed it. Blood came shooting out of the hole as the man tried to scream but no longer had vocal cords. Kakarrot teeth dove back in as he was covered in blood. The scene was like one out of a nature documentary. That of a scene of a lion diving its head into the body of a still living prey. He was taking bites as the prey whips about trying to defend itself until it suddenly stops as its dead.
Chi-Chi and her group barely held themselves together as they were turning green and blue. The scene didn't end when he stopped moving. Kakarrot was eating his way through the man. After a painful minute Kakarrot head emerged from the man's torso, the man's liver or kidney unclear in his teeth as he chewed.
His hair was slicked back from the tons of blood holding it down, but the hair took its shape quickly. His right hand ripped off the man's head with ease and he shoved the man's head into her face.
Kakarrot "Sorry sweetie but he ain't helping you out now." (With his left hand he moved the man's mouth and pretended to be him.) "'Sorry Cheech but my dumb ass got caught. Better hope Gohan shows up soon.'"
Chi-Chi her lip trembling with rage "Hell is too good for you."
Kakarrot tossed the head away were it caught by one of the many bloodguardmen. "You know what to do with it." (His attention back on her.) "Sweetie they never made a hell for me cuz they never saw me coming. Now I wonder which of your friends do I have to start eating before your boy decides to show up. I know a way to get him here in an instant, but I hate being interrupted in that sort of thing." (He angled upwards. Talking to Erasa and the men.) "Take the Briefs away. Torture her kid until they agree to start working for us. Take Cyan and my Princess to their cells."
Erasa picked up Trunks. The soldiers the Doctor, Tights and his mother. They were marching down the halls. Trunks wanted to throw up because of that scene and the fact Erasa was touching him. He decided he was going to look at her in her eyes but found she was looking elsewhere.
The men were a collection of Cyan's and Byzantium's. Their eyes were darting back and forth. There was an icy tension in the march. All of them had reason to be unhappy with all of this and then Trunks realized some of these men were of the Resistance they had to be.
They came to a place in the hall right before the room. The group stopped and Erasa cracked her neck. She whispered to herself "Okay." She raised her blaster and shot Cyan's Admiral. Cyan's and Byzantium's men took each other out in a hail of blaster fire. Erasa meanwhile, shoved Trunks and his family to the ground.
Byzantium's men were the only ones left standing as Erasa picked up the Briefs and smashed their cuffs.
All of the Briefs were stunned. Bulma "What do you think your doing?"
Erasa hissed "Something really stupid."
One of the soldiers "What's the plan?"
Erasa shrugged "Don't know haven't thought that far ahead yet…"
Trunks grabbed her by the hand and looked her in the eyes. Neither seemed to know what to feel.
Erasa "I'm not asking you to forgive me."
Trunks "I don't know if I can."
Erasa "Good…We got a job to do, and I can't have you all moppy."
They stopped as they suddenly felt him appear in the throne room.
"Well, there's the cavalry. Boss late as usual and your bro. Looks like we have a real fight on our hands."
Earlier
Gohan was nervously tapping his foot as he waited for the ancient Saiyan's to arrive. Videl was below watch the magic ball.
The witch was in front of him as sighed "Relax."
"My family is in danger, and you want me to relax?"
"Better then panicking… You need to focus. If it'll calm, you down. I'll give you, my knowledge."
She placed her thump on his forehead and Gohan mind was suddenly bombarded with knowledge of the past. Gohan frustration turned to amazement. It was like he had read a million books.
"That was intended to be my parting gift but that tapping was just so annoying."
"What is this?"
"History, to the best of my knowledge of the Saiyan race. It's filled with heroes, villains, normals, brave people, cowards, brilliance, stupidity, dreams, and nightmares. Same as your humans. We're all gone now. Violence took everything from my people."
"No, it didn't. I can do better."
"Perhaps, you can."
The Supreme Kai appeared with six Saiyan's in toe. Gohan knew them now. They we're all the Super Saiyan's God's friends all from clans different he realized from the Saiyan that survived. The lead was Snip he was from the clan Root. His skin was pale. His face weathered. He was a giant towering over even Gohan. He wore not armor but thick furs. His people lived in the cold in the north.
Next was Zuc of the Frit clan. His skin was of a tanner color. He was dressed lighter; his armor was thin more made for show then fighting. He seemed cultured. He been in fights, but he had also read a book once. He was the same size of Vegeta. He was very happy almost bubbling with excitement.
Then Shal of clan Bulb. She was a tiny woman. Her skin was nearly orange. Her armor was elaborate with what were good luck charms. It was brightly colored and flashy. It was also not made for show. It was well worn merely repainted and maintained.
Celt of Stem Clan. He had fair skin like Snip but his was covered with freckles. His armor was thick and cover too in symbols but his were simply like cave drawings. The same symbols marked his skin as well. His left eye was missing but not covered over.
Cassa of clan Tuber. She had a dark brown skin color. Her armor was thin but very worn. Her skin was marked with symbols of battle and culture. They were tattoos. That must have indicated achievements and beliefs.
Spina of clan Leave. She was dressed the most oddly. Her armor was a single thin chest plate. She barely had on anything. Her skin was a tan one. She was mostly dressed in leaves. She never looked like she had fought once in her life.
Gohan knew what Saiyan's looked like but none of them really fit what he had seen.
Witch sensing his confusion "Clan Veg may have been the only survivors from Salada but they weren't the only kind to have ever exist. Even this is only a hand full of what once was. We might have all had onyx eyes and jet-black hair in youth but otherwise we were varied like your human's."
Spina walked towards both her and Gohan. "So, this is who you wanted us to give our power?"
Witch bowed to the six "My elder spoke of you all and his friendship with each of you. You all gave your lives to save our people and our world I humbly ask you to help his daughter do it again.
Snip sniffed "You smell nothing like him."
Witch "He was not my true sire but my savior when I was but an infant." They're attention turned to Gohan
Shal "He's a strong one. Not that he's seen many battles."
Snip "He mated too. Maybe that make him too cautious."
Cassa looked at Videl who had come to see this "You're looking for problems. She's more a fighter then him."
Zuc looking them both over "He has great taste and so does she. I like them."
Celt "The gods do seem to want us to help."
Spina "His heart is pure."
Supreme Kai looking ragged barked "Can we just do this already! I never want to see another piece of paper in my life, and I just want to get to the part where you give him god ki!"
Old Kai came up to him and put his hand on his shoulder "It was really that much paperwork?"
Supreme Kai "It was nearly a week of me just signing and reading legal forms. It was hell!" He said tearing up a bit.
Old Kai patted him on the back "Yeah it sounds like it."
Gohan flabbergasted "That's why it took so long!"
Witch "Universe is run by paper pushers. It's a soulless bureaucracy, that only also the most incompetent succeed in running. Case in point the Kai and Beerus." (Neither of the Kais heard her as they were too busy feeling sorry for themselves.) "Maybe Kakarrot isn't as power as I thought if these three represent the greatest threat to his rule. Gohan its time."
Videl and the Witch stepped away as the Saiyan's from the distance past surrounded him and held their hands. They glowed with yellow energy as a power flowed from them to him.
Witch "Feel the energy. Hold onto it. And make it yours."
Power swirled around Gohan as his hair turned red and glow unearthly. It was not the blinding light of Super Saiyan but a calmer odder supernatural glow. Gohan looked surprised as he felt himself this was enough yet. The power seemed to go but Gohan had drawn it inwards.
Witch "Good now make it your own."
It was like an explosion as his hair went from red to a blue. His aura was more like a Super Saiyan. It was blinding and brimming with power. The ancient Saiyans were blow away. For a second, he was almost turning orange, but it stayed at blue.
Everyone was stunned as they felt the power on display. Gohan checked himself over.
Witch "Well you are the strongest Saiyan I can think of."
"It's time I'm ready."
The Witch nodded "Agreed." Videl rushed over to him, as he powered down.
Supreme Kai "Wait a second, I'm coming too."
Kibito "No that would not be wise. I will go with Gohan and help him. You stay. She will come here you will need to stop her." (The Supreme Kai nodded. Kibito came forward.) "It will be an honor to deliver you to your enemy. You may have been worth of my master's trust."
"I'm guessing that'll be as close as I get to a compliment?"
Kibito nodded and put his hand on Gohan shoulder as he held hands with Videl. And then they were gone.
Kakarrot grabbed hold of Mai and held her by her throat as he looked into Chi-Chi's eyes. He had decided his way of making Gohan show up the moment the Briefs had left.
"The suits aren't important enough. Your too much fun and Tarble gets the royal treatment, so you go first. Any last words?" (Mai was choking and couldn't respond.) "Okay will go with 'stop choking me please.'"
Just then Gohan, Videl and Kibito appeared in front of Chi-Chi. Gohan eyes meet Kakarrot's. They were surrounded by enemies.
Kakarrot merely smiled "Well… took you long enough kiddo."
Chapter 97: House Of The Rising Son
Chapter Text
There was a tense silence in the air after Kakarrot had last spoken. No one had moved a muscle. Towa was the only one that seemed at all nervous as most had on their poker faces. She had the feeling that the kai had managed to pull a fast one and actually done something to interfere with her plans.
Kakarrot was grinning as he gripped Mai's head. "You finally bother to show up."
Gohan with icy determination in his voice "Let her go."
"Make me…" Before Kakarrot could even finish he was sent upwards into the air by a punch from Gohan, who had upper cut him in the face. Gohan had grabbed Mai and broke her cuffs. He put her feet on the ground then broke everyone else's cuffs.
Kakarrot surprised "Well I'll be a monkey's… Color me impressed." (He whistled.) "Boys and girls go show him whose boss."
Cell, Piccolo, Romulus, Remus, Gracchus, 13, 14, 15, Yurin and Tanman appeared around Gohan.
Piccolo barked out "Come on! He might be tough but the lot of us should be able to deal with him."
The ten at once charged the Demi-Saiyan and where at once repulsed by his energy. Cell recovered faster than the others and charged Gohan again.
Cell found that Gohan had raised his hand and had pointed it at his face. Gohan fired at Cell and the creature screamed out as it was turned to dust by Gohan.
Piccolo looked panicked "How in…?"
Kakarrot stood before his seat and began to clap loudly, he whistled "Bravo. Magnificent… My seed is certainly strong. You just proved yourself the second strongest in the universe. My word this is a nice surprise. Grandpa are you seeing this?"
Dr. Gero who was below looked frightened. His long-term project had just vaporized like it was nothing in an instant. Then he looked and saw that demon-witch had gone. She had no doubt abandoned them because she hadn't liked the odds. Now he feared she might have been onto something.
"Son… perhaps it would be best if we come to some sort of arrangement with them?"
Kakarrot looked at his Grampa confused "What? I think you're overestimating their chances." (Kakarrot appeared in front of Gohan and the two stared into one another's eyes.) "Time to play catch with old man, boy."
Gohan shook his head "I didn't come here to play. I came here to kill you."
Kakarrot shrugged "'Play', 'Kill' same thing."
Every window at once broke in the palace as both men powered up. Kakarrot went to knee Gohan but Gohan caught it and the two shot upwards easily breaking through the ceil above.
Chi-Chi panting "My boy… it's like he's become a man."
Videl chuckled next to her "Yeah… kind of."
Chi-Chi heard her and felt like she was missing something but her focused turned on Dr. Gero who may have been a cyborg, but he was sweating bullets.
Chi-Chi "All of this is that man's fault."
Tarble "Yeah. You got a point there."
Mai "Killing him might be too good for him."
Tarble "It'll make me feel better."
Videl "Same here."
Kibito "Aren't we forgetting about something?"
The two UNIT agents at the same time "What?"
Kibito pointed at the villains that were getting up and the tons of the bloodguard that had come out. Not to mention the rest of Kakarrot's minions.
Mai chuckled "Right I forgot… Murphy's Law."
Chi-Chi "Mai you don't have a suit neither of you do two either. Get out of here."
Mai "How can you ask me to do that?"
Chi-Chi "Because Major Mai I sort of need to find one and you won't get one here."
Mai "Yeah but we're going to need a distraction…"
The door behind them opened and Erasa and Trunks appeared. Erasa in her battle armor and Trunks with a sword made of burning hot plasma.
Trunks "Sensei, I figured you could use some help."
Chi-Chi "Well there you go."
On the sacred world of the Kai's Towa appeared. Towa "Well that might not go so well but now…"
The Demon Witch found herself face to face with the Supreme Kai the ancient Saiyans and the Saiyan Witch. They we're all in stance.
Towa broke out into a laugh "Really…!? You all think you can stop me."
Supreme Kai "As the protector of the universe I must tell you… You shall not pass!"
Towa twirled her staff her aura became presence its dark shade of purple. Towa "This is going to be fun."
Out of portal that she had made came Mira. He was a demon with the same hair and eyes as Towa. He was a muscular creature dressed in the same sort of material as Towa.
"Sorry for putting you in moth balls baby but I have need off you again. We have a planet to poison and a Kai too kill." (Mira nodded.) "Tell me. How do you think this is going to end old witch?" Towa pointed her staff at the Saiyan Witch looking to unleash the evil in her heart but found that nothing was happening.
The Saiyan Witch her eyes red as she removed her hood to show her now red hair. "I'm afraid it's not going to be that easy demon. We saw you coming, and you can't go any further."
The sky around the Earth was black and bleak. The beautiful Earth that had become far more gray over the many years that Kakarrot had ruled it. Turning forest, jungles, prairies into cold steel sparling wastelands. Was now covered in black clouds as the planet had begun to feel the god and demon powers now on itself.
Kakarrot and Gohan were up in the air high above the Earth. They stared at one another both looked ready to kill the other.
"So, my boy you really think you can take on your divine father?"
"I don't think…I know."
"We shall see." The purplish aura came around him. His eyes turned purple, and his hair stood up. Light seemed to bend and absorb around him.
Gohan powered up as well his eyes turning blue along with his hair. He gave off his unearthly glow.
The Earth was trembling, earthquakes were happening everywhere. The oceans were churning, tsunamis smashing onto the land.
"Feel that… Feel all the people dying before we even punching each other 'hero'. This is power junior the world is dying, and we haven't even done anything yet. I can slaughter them, and they will see me as god. That's what real power is to be above question."
Gohan shook his head; he wasn't going to let him get him get in his head and charged. Kakarrot then did the same. Their fists met in an explosion of purple and blue that wiped the cloud way from them.
Reality seemed to stutter as for a second the colors inverted as they were putting everything into this struggle of fist on fist. They both jumped back and then disappeared as they began to fight in hyper speed. They were jumping all around and the Earth jumped each time they hit one another.
They appeared again in a wasteland with them both on a plateau. Kakarrot his arms folded grinning. Gohan in his stance, determination in his eyes.
Kakarrot "Well I'll grant you this you can keep up with me. Even when you're still holding back."
"I could say the same for you."
Kakarrot put his hands together as he rose into the air. His hands made a triangle as the triangle focused in on Gohan. Gohan cupped his hands as he said the words in his head. The energy swirled as both men's hands glowed.
"Let's see how much damage you can really do! TRI-BEAM!" He screamed out as Gohan screamed out "KAMEHAMEHA!"
The plateau dissolved below Gohan. A crater formed below them as the energy field push everything away. The beams met in a blinding and dazzling light show. Nothing stood for at least a hundred miles from them as the wave off wind coming from them was knocking everything down.
The two were screaming as they were pushing more and more into their attacks. Gohan was being pushed down as Kakarrot was being pushed up. In a split second the power became too much, and it exploded.
It sent both men flying. Gohan was tossed down into the Earth smashing into some great lake of lava. While Kakarrot was catapulted into space smashing into one of the many massive satellites of the empire which exploded on impact probably killing hundreds.
Gohan in an eruption emerged from the Earth as he seemed to have triggered volcanic activity. Kakarrot came back down from orbit with steel wings he must have molded to look like angel wings. A satellite exploded above him with a white glow.
Kakarrot grinning completely unharmed "Looks like we switched roles."
Gohan also unharmed "You planned that."
The metal wings fell away "Maybe… Tell me junior how are you going to kill me without killing the Earth because at the moment, I'm not so sure you can?"
Gohan sighed as he felt around thousands just died because of that opening series of attacks. Neither of them were going at it in full yet so, this was bad. If he held back this guy was going to take advantage, if he went all out the Earth was going to get demolished. Gohan was going to have to try and get him off the Earth.
Kakarrot seeing into Gohan eyes chuckled "Let me guess you just had the brilliant idea to get me off the Earth, didn't you?" (He pointed to his heart.) "After all I have so many victims here that you are so desperate to save. This is my planet junior understand. I'd blow it up before I'd leave it. So, you're just going to have to come up with a new plan."
Mai took off running as Chi-Chi disappeared. Doctor Gero tried to run but found Chi-Chi blocking his path.
Chi-Chi "Going somewhere?" The doctor broke a sweat but was soon backup by Piccolo and Romulus.
The rest of the villains and henchman charged the others. Tarble went super as the cyborgs charged him. Trunks and Videl glowed red. It was a massive brawl as everyone picked targets and went after them.
Chi-Chi went red and shook her head "Figures you'd be the two that would try and stop me."
Piccolo grinned "Been a long time Cheech. I think the last time was when the day Kakarrot killed you friends."
"This day will see them avenged demon." (She changed her attention.) "Kunlun glad to see that you've rediscovered your face, even if my son turned it to pulp. Bill will also be avenged today."
Romulus face twitched unnaturally it was like the grey suited man was trying grin but couldn't. His life had made him incapable of smiling. He relaxed "So, you given up trying to reach me?"
Chi-Chi shook her head in disgust "It's sad… You could have been more than this. You've let the man who killed your real family warp you into this man."
Rage filled Romulus's eyes. She had just pressed a button in his head. It was just more questioning of his heritage,
He clenched his teeth, and, in a rage, he charged her. She easily dodged his thrust then grabbed him by his arm and tossed him away into a wall. She spun back to face Piccolo.
Piccolo chuckled "You've gotten a lot stronger Cheech but so have I."
Tarble grinning kicked 14 away, caught 15's punch and back handed 13. He grabbed hold of 15 and tossed him. He laughed "Ha! Compared to 17 and 18 you lot are like tin soldiers."
Gracchus landed next to him his flame red hair having not bothered to go to Super Saiyan yet. His red-brown eyes fixed on the fellow Saiyan "It would appear that you are in need of a more substantial challenge."
Tarble yawned as he half heartly asked "It would appear so… why are you here? I have an idea of your backstory."
Gracchus spoke like a philosopher "My Father is a cruel man, but his vision of the universe is better then what came before. When he dies my siblings will all vie for the throne. I will claim it and purify the revolution.
"So, all you have to offer is more slaughter… good to know."
Gracchus jumped up to Super Saiyan "You talk too much." The two men charged at one another.
The bloodguards was charging at Videl and she was taking them on. She was like water wading through them dodging their attacks and smashing their masks. One however, got behind her and was looking to stab her in the back but was spin kicked way then blasted by Erasa.
The two didn't even look at each as the got back-to-back. They were surrounded by Guardsmen.
Erasa "So boss what's the plan?"
Videl chuckled "Oh you know…"
Erasa sighed "So no plan…like usual."
Videl shook her head "Now that's not true… I have a plan it's just ah…"
Erasa "Improvise?"
Videl "Yeah!"
Erasa "How did you survive that month I was transferred temporarily?"
Videl "I got by. May have run out of food but that's what ship officers are for."
Erasa chuckled "Just like old times."
Videl smiled "Good to have you back."
Erasa "Hey I would miss seeing you die because of something stupid."
Videl laughed "Like what you're doing now?"
Erasa "Hey don't changed the subject. Now what hurts is that you were planning such a stupid move without tell me, so I had was a littler butt hurt, but now were even. I did something equally stupid and when we both die, I can say 'Told you so' like normal."
Videl "Bitch what math are you using?"
Erasa "My kind… Now you take the ones on your side, and I'll take the ones on my side."
Videl "There are twice as many on my side."
Erasa "Yeah, I can count. Why you think I chose this side?"
Videl "With friends like these…"
Erasa "Quit your bitching the natives are getting restless."
They all charged them as the women were still back-to-back.
Remus was looking down at the commandos and raise his hand looking to snuff them out when a plasma spear was chucked at him. He easily dodged then caught it. He looked at the sender. It was Trunks who had sliced a bloodguard in half then used the guards spear to get the Prince's attention.
Trunks rose to be at level with Remus "Time to fight someone your size."
Remus was stone faced at him "You're not even a challenge like this."
Trunks asked him "Let me ask you since you could have ended this and them a second ago…What's holding you back? I mean this shit's easy pal, but you were up here staring. Weird thing is, I feel like I know you and you don't want to be doing any of this."
"Maybe but what choice do I have?" The raven-haired man asked. Their was a deep look of hopelessness in his eyes at all of this slaughter.
"Spoken like coward… If doing the right thing was easy everybody would be doing. Your father is evil and so his empire but where are you?" (There was no rebuke from Remus. Trunks then pointed his finger at Livy who was walking towards the opening were Romulus had been tossed through.) "How about you start there."
Remus looked and his blood went cold, he knew what she was planning to do, and Remus took off.
Livy came through the opening in the wall she was smirking. Romulus was in a pile of rubble. He was most likely unconscious.
Livy's blue eyes were icy looking they were filled with cold intent. She chuckled to herself "First I get sprung from prison now this…" (She clenched her fist.) "You don't know how much I'm going to enjoy this."
Remus landed with a loud angry thud "Get away from him!" He growled out the order.
Livy pointed her hand at Romulus as she spun to lock eyes with Remus. "Make me."
"I should have broken your arms all those years ago."
Livy "Should've, could've, would've… That's all you've ever had. You always play the hero brother, but you suck so badly at it. You're just a worthless drunk."
"I may have but today is different. Today you're not getting your way this time."
"Brother I always get my way. You should know that more than anyone. Case and point I easily bribed my way out of jail. My little Cyanide and I already got an escape plan ready, and I get everything if daddy dies. The galaxy will be mine. The empire will be mine and when I'm done, I'll be an only child." (Her hair turned golden.) "Now I get to kill two of my brothers. I always get my way."
Gohan smirked "Not like you're going to have much of a choice in the matter." He said as explosions from the new volcano erupted below them."
Kakarrot "Neither do you I suspect." (Gohan smirked faded. Kakarrot pressed a button and talked to his suit.) "Gramps activate 'Ragnarök' protocol." (The suit in a robotic Gero voice said back 'Affirmative'.) "See the Earth is mine junior. I claimed it before you were even born. It's been really good to me. It's been my own 'Val Halla' but all things do come to an end. If I go too far from the Earth now the AI will simply blow the planet up with all the power plants and super weapons I have here."
Gohan spat out "You're a coward!"
Kakarrot wagged his finger "That might have been true if I said to the AI if I die… No. I knew you were coming. I know death comes for me junior and I'm glad. Nothing would've been worse than dying of old age in a soft bed with my wives and family around me. No. I'm a Saiyan. I got to die violently, but I'm not going to make it easy or let you do it without taking as many of them with me as I go. You're going to have to live with all of their blood at your feet. All the people you couldn't help…"
Before Kakarrot could say more Gohan charged him in a rage with a redish glow surrounding his blue aura. He upper-cutted the monster in the chin with all his might. Kakarrot gave a loud grunt blood flew from the monster's mouth along with a tooth or two.
Kakarrot hadn't moved only his head had any recoil to the attack. His head lowered back into place to give him eye contact with Gohan. Kakarrot jaw was broken it was loose as it fell to gravity. His mouth was a bloody mess some of his bottom teeth were missing and it looked like the tip off his tongue had been bitten off. Blood poured from his mouth as his hand came a in a move slammed his jaw back into place.
Kakarrot spoke with hiss that spat blood into Gohan's face "TTTHHAT hurt."
Gohan retracted his fist and Kakarrot swung at him, which Gohan managed to catch. Gohan tried to bring his elbow down to break it, but Kakarrot kicked him away and that separated the two of them.
Gohan panting "You think that hurt? Well get ready, because I've not even begun to start to hurt you."
Mira charged the Saiyan witch only to find the now god ki granted woman easily dodged his punch and delivered kick to his head which sent his head to the sacred dirt. Mira jumped up in an explosion and charged right at her. He looked to blast her as he did but she easily deflected it, then sent a punch to his face that walked him back.
Towa snarled. She hadn't worked on her project in quite some time, and it was apparent that this wasn't going to go well.
Mira stopped and looked to try again but instead the witch appeared in front of him and sunk her elbow deep into his gut. Towa disappeared looking to go straight at Shin but found her in the way. Mira fell to the ground in the background.
Witch "Didn't you hear what the man said, 'you shall not pass'." Mira tried to get up, but the Witch blasted the homunculus away sending him flying with her energy.
Towa scowled "If anything you should be on my side… Your heart is dark. You hate these Kai's. You hate the universe as is. You hated the Tuffles you help exterminate them. Your life is a tale of cruelty and violence. You are Saiyan a creature of murder and mayhem. You should be on my side."
Witch "Hate has held sway in my heart for too long, but violence begets violence. I forgive but I'd won't forget. If my people were nothing else, we're our own people, not Frieza's, Cold's or yours. Call it pride if you want… I would. You're not welcome here your slavery to hate isn't any less slavery to us. Your dark vision is merely that a vision a nightmare that will go unfulfilled."
Towa scowl became a smile, and she patted her stomach. "Silly mortal. You are just a leaky dam in the way of the flood. I have all the time in the cosmos. Come Mira. We'll just have to try again sometime."
With that the two disappeared into a portal.
Shin sighed "They will try this again."
Witch "No doubt. You're probably going to need plans of your own."
Old Kai emerged from hiding frustrated "Well finally! Now can we get back to watching the other fate of the universe."
All of them gather round the crystal ball to watch.
Chi-Chi was smashed up against the wall held by her chest as she gave out a yelp of pain. She moved her head to dodge the knife-like blow coming from Piccolo. She kneed him in the stomach, and he let go while backing away. She hit him as hard as she could as she stumbled forward.
Piccolo spat out some of his purple blood as Chi-Chi popped her left shoulder back into its socket. Both were panting. Dr. Gero seeing that this fight was uncertain started moving quickly disappearing behind a door.
Piccolo grinning "It's been far too long…"
"I'm going to rip you apart."
She jumped forward looking to knee him again, but he swung to bash her. She blocked his side wipe and the two grabbed hold of one another. She tried to shove him to the floor, but he had more leverage and shoved her to the floor.
Her back smashed into the floor with a hiss as she punched him again in the face. He responded with a hard punch to her face that broke her nose. She took it was a growl and kicked him off her. She jump-pushed herself back to her feet.
Piccolo fired a blast right at her that she deflected as she charged forward tackling the demon-prince. He was shoved to ground, and, in a hiss, she said while punching him repeatedly in the face turning his green face into purple pulp "This was for Yamcha! Krillin! Master! Chiaotzu! Tien! Launch!"
In desperation and frustration his aura sort of exploded to get Chi-Chi off him. Piccolo got up and his hand came to his face.
Piccolo growled "You're going to pay for that."
Chi-Chi still in rampage mode yelled out "Not this time! This time you people lose!"
She charged forward once more he swung but she dodged and got up close as she cupped her hands. She screamed out the words as she was inches from him. "KAMEHAMEHA!" The blast expanded from her hands as she glowed red.
Piccolo screamed out as he was pushed back and ejected through many of the wall and send a way. In the distance it exploded as Chi-Chi watched and panted. She turned and growled "Gero." As she moved her very wounded body.
Gracchus looked surprised as he was thrown into a column in a distance part of the palace. He had made gone a mile through many steel and concrete wall of the building. He easily got to his feet and was knock the dust off him as Tarble appeared.
Gracchus "I'm actual impressed. That stung a little. Sure, I'm not at ascended yet but still. You couldn't even hack the twins before but now you're owning the trio and standing up to me… What changed?"
"A week or so of non-stop torture mostly."
"That'd do it. However, you do realize that this is already over, right?"
"I would disagree. Today is a red-letter day. Today is the day when you people finally get what's coming to you. I hated fighting still do. It was everything my family and my monster of a people were. I never enjoyed it or that's what I told myself." (Lightning struck the ceiling making it collapse. Which was barely notice by neither party. Tarble aura grew as he pushed forward. He pointed to his face with his thumb.) " But sometimes you can deny your own nature. I've found my pride and my power. You see I'm the Prince of all Saiyans you wanatabe phony prince and I'm going to show you who is King."
His power unfurled in a flash. Gracchus got to his feet and with little fanfare he when to full power. They stared at one another then charged their power swirling around them. In an explosion they punched at one another, and it leveled the building around them.
It was clear that Tarble had the edge as he began to smack the Imperial around. Tarble wailed on him cracking the armor he was wearing and breaking his jaw forcing the Imperial to retreat.
The Imperial Prince hissed as put thinks back into place power came from his fingers as he rose up into the air. He said with venom in his mouth "That's it! I'm done."
Tarble cups his hand as the power comes to them. Gracchus yells out "DODON RAY!" and a massive beam comes from his hands aimed at Tarble. The beam comes right at Tarble but then in a yell Tarble screams out "GALICK GUN!"
The beams meet and the ray is quickly overtaken by the gun. Gracchus screams in pain as the attack overtakes him and he is shot straight up. In the air there is an explosion that Tarble turns from as he looks to help the others.
The horde of guardsmen is thrown back due to the explosion that Trunks unleashed much to the surprise and irritation of the two commandos. He lands right next to the two as he knocked away Tanman and Yurin.
Videl "What are you doing?"
Erasa "Cutie we had that."
Trunks "Yeah I know but you probably don't got that…" He pointed to the three cyborgs that had lined up and had been unfazed by the explosion.
Videl "Oh… right."
Trunks "Dips on the big guy."
Erasa "I call trucker hat!"
Videl hissed "I guess I get purple shortie."
13 in his southern American accent "Ha! Like you meet bags can take on us. 14, 15 let's kill them!"
The groups met with Trunks and Videl clearly out surpassing the cyborgs while Erasa had a lot more trouble with 13.
13 raced towards Erasa and punch her in the stomach taking the breath out of her then kicked her aside. While 15 was sliced from hip to shoulders by Trunks sword and Videl grabbed hold of 14 and ripped his head from his shoulders.
13 looked to see his comrade's dead. Neither Trunks or Videl looked happy, but they knew he was screw as they planned to end this but an explosion rocked the ground distracting as parts of the fellow rose from the other and came to him.
13 smiled as the parts entered him, his skin absorbing them. In moments his size grew as the skin changed from white to blue. His pupil disappeared as his eyes turned orange with his hair. He a foot or two taller than Trunks when he was done.
Trunks in shock said out loud "Well that's new…"
Super 13 was at him in seconds and kicked him away and Trunks went flying. Videl rushed to attack but easily backhanded away and sent into a wall. The creature pointed his hand at Trunks who was still airborne and fired a red ball at the young hero.
Trunks looked about to die but the blast was intercepted by a different attack. The creature looked to see Tarble standing in a hole in the wall. In an instant Tarble was over to Trunks and caught him before he landed.
Tarble smiled "Your hair looks ridiculous."
Romulus woke up and started to move a saw the standoff. Remus was edging around towards him while Livy was watching. Romulus realized what must be happening. He was about to say something but then Livy fired.
Remus lunged forward using his body to block the attack. Remus screamed out in pain as he was thrown back smacking into Romulus who was ejected with him. They were thrown a ways before the stopped by friction and Remus's power.
Remus looked a wreck his left side was shredded. He was bleeding and panting as he got to his feet. Romulus looked shocked that his brother had nearly killed himself for him as he got up.
Romulus "That was really stupid!" He said in a panic seeing the damage.
Remus chuckled in blinded pain "Yeah it was."
Livy appeared and clapped her hands while looking at them "Well that was just the pinnacle of your two's idiocy. Tell me brother? How are you going to help him now?"
Remus still chuckling "I don't know… I'll adlib it."
Gero was rushing to his ship as his sensors were telling him how badly this was all going. He spoke to himself "This is insanity. How is this happening? Damn it we should have open that ball that that wizard was so intent on acquiring or those music boxes that we found! Earth blowing up is a step back, but we have billions elsewhere. It'll take a while to get the numbers up, but we'll manage. He'll be mad that I interrupted him, but I get him to see…"
The cyborg was interrupted as he was shot in the back, but the blast did nothing to him. Dr. Gero twisted first his head then this body to see who it was. It was Dr. Briefs with a blaster staring at him with deadly intent.
Gero grinned "Was that the best you could do old friend?"
Briefs "Damn you!"
Gero "Is this about well… You know I guess about everything?"
Briefs "Panty died!"
Gero "So did mine wife but did you care?"
Briefs "I had nothing to do with that."
Gero "I sunk every it to your company. It was mine."
Briefs "You stole from me and helped fascists! Is what all of this was about?"
Gero shook his head "Not anymore. I've gone far past that. Humanity I've realized need this. We need to be like the Saiyan's and my machines. Perfect killers in a universe of killers." (Down the hall he saw Chi-Chi bloodly and battered coming down it. Gero smiled at Briefs and said before firing.) "Goodbye old friend."
Gero fired beams from his eyes that sliced through the old doctor and went straight at Chi-Chi nearly hitting her. Chi-Chi dived to dodge them. Gero took off for his ship.
Chi-Chi in tears scrambled over to Dr. Briefs to find him very dead. She gripped her hand in a fist as she in a scream "NO MORE!"
Gero entered the hangar he saw that Cyan was there with his men waiting for Livy to make their escape. He looked to go forward but the wall and door exploded behind him. He tried to turn to defend himself but was grabbed by the throat. She now had the monster in her hand.
Gohan looked down as he was firing at Kakarrot the two beams meet. But Kakarrot beam managed to suddenly slid pass him and hit his arm.
Gohan let out a scream as is right hand felt where his left arm used to be. It was cauterized by the heat of the beam. Gohan was all kinds of mess up. His gi and flesh were all cut up. The blast had taken the arm clean off. He looked at the still somehow grinning and alive Kakarrot as the dust cleared to reveal him. Kakarrot was missing a chunk out of his side, his right leg was spun around. His armor had been cracked and crushed.
"Not winning so easily junior are you… need a hand?"
Gohan charged him grabbing hold of his head but the pure blood kick up. Both lost control and were in free fall. They both fired blasts that exploded in midair sending Kakarrot faster towards the ground.
In a massive crater Kakarrot landed at what was the throne room of his Empire. The throne still stood but the rest was ruins. He got up slowly to see the remains of 13 and the others. His daughter was in a crater not all that far away. His grandpa was in Chi-Chi's clutches. Next to Tarble, Trunks, Videl, Erasa, Mai in armor.
His grandpa was sparking. His insides were now coming out a mix of human and machine parts. He was now dead.
Kakarrot looked at this scene with utter confusion that was quickly followed with blinding rage. He raised his hand as Gohan land in complete control. He had lost an arm but was not even close to done.
Kakarrot felt the wounded Romulus come up behind him. A loyal dog as always.
However, then a panting an almost dead looking Remus itched his way from his sisters crater with only one functioning legged.
"Father it's over… it's done! The war is over! You've lost! Just surrender."
Kakarrot suddenly looked quite calm as he stood up straight. He chuckled "Surrender." (He opened a fold in his armor.) "You know I kind of saw this moment coming. Cheech you remember you remember your cat friend from tower?"
Chi-Chi face when sour as Gohan was just confused as before either could do anything the senzu bean was in his mouth. In an instant he was healed.
"Now that's what's I call a rainy-day fund." He laughed cruelly as his gaze turned on Remus. "Surrender huh?" He raised hand and everything seemed to go in slow motion for Romulus.
Romulus looked at the face on his brother as the blast ripped threw him. The light seemed to die in his eyes as he stared at his father back.
"Well, that's one less traitor in this world." He turned his hand to the injured Gohan and his family. "That was a fun game but I wi…"
A red lightsaber ripped through Kakarrot chest where his heart and lungs we're. Confused Kakarrot looks back to see its Romulus who is stabbing into him.
Kakarrot lightly chuckles as he weakly states "Oh? That's kind of funny if you think about it."
With that Romulus pulls out his saber then decapitates the cruel tyrant. The palm haired head is sent rolling away. The body gives way to gravity and falls to the ground. Romulus who is shaking collapsed backward until he falls at the feet of the throne.
Gohan and the others are stunned. None of them had been prepared for this moment. Kakarrot Terran Gero the terror of the universe was very, very dead. The moment would seem to demand more fanfare but none came evil had died and that was that.
Gohan rushed over to Romulus who was somewhere in the murky land of stunned shock. He looks a ghost somehow like everything was dead or dead to him. Romulus opened his armor and took out the letter from Bill and not looking, he gestured for Gohan to take it as twilight took the stage.
Only one chapter left. Welcome to our journeys end.
Chapter 98: Tuyo
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The pen dug into the paper in front of it. Its line swerved and curved until it finishes and came up as Romulus Augustus Gero The First. The pen lifted and it read as the header of the paper said, ‘Peace Treaty’.
The pen was pulled back and clicked into itself as it went into the pocket of the three-eyed man holding it. He smiled at the group of people before him. The group included Bulma, Mai and a bunch of various diplomats from around the universe.
He said to them with a tepid smile “And with that the War is over.”
The Room and the universe in general erupted in cheers and joy. Bulma reached her hand over and shook Romulus’ hand as pictures were taken of them smiling at each other for the cameras.
Bulma leaned into his right ear and whispered into his right “Your father would be so proud. Kunlun.”
He nodded his head in approval and began to shake other hands as the joy of the moment made everyone want a piece of him. Bulma was practically pushed out of the way by the shear amount of people wanting to shake her and his hand as soon as they were free.
Mai managed to push through the crowd to get to her. “I figured Mrs. President you need a hand.”
“No kidding.”
She pulled Bulma to her side and the two exited the massive hall that was filled to the brim with people.
Romulus was still shaking hands as he saw them leave. He suddenly stopped a smile faded from his face as he took a flask out and began to drink from it deeply He did his best to get through the crowd following after Bulma and Mai. He shouted out to them “I’ll be sending you, my messenger.”
To that Bulma and Mai were puzzled. They tried to ask what he meant but they were basically carried away along with him by the crowd.
Bulma was kissed on the cheek by some random man. To which she was thrilled by. She smiled and kissed him back. She laughed and looked to Mai who was also about to be kissed by the same man, but he was rebuffed.
Bulma smile faded she push the rando away and took Mai hand and led her away from the crowd. They found a bench as they sat down tears rolled down Mai’s eyes.
Mai’s voice cracked a bit as she sobbed out “I’m sorry. I’ve not been myself all day and seeing Kunlun…”
She was quickly interrupted by Bulma who embraced her. Mai’s head now rested on her shoulder.
“You were there when I lost Yamcha. It’s only right that I’m here for you. We didn’t get to bury either of them. I could tell you’ve been thinking about it all day. There has never been the right moment lately to cry about it but now’s a good time.”
“It’s just I miss him so much.”
“I know.” At this point Bulma herself was in tears.
The two cried in each other’s arms as the rest of the planet around them was still in celebration but they were not alone as in nearly every corner of the galaxy there were people crying over those who had failed to live to see this day. All of them had those how had cared for them and couldn’t be here.
Many years ago…
Shrieking could be heard as protesters and police clashed in the streets of Central city. Sirens were blaring as people acted more like ants as they pushed, shoved, and climbed all over each other.
The protesters were a mishmash of people, some with swastikas others with handled tridents on their clothes. Others were wearing pro democratic symbols. The two groups were fighting with each other and the police.
On screen there was an image of police in the streets holding down protesters and viciously beating them. While not that far away a police officer in his riot gear was being swarmed and enveloped by protesters about to be curved stomped.
The TV that the images were playing on was revealed to be news footage. It said the tagline for the footage was ‘Days of Rage’.
The footage cut out on the TV and it began to play King Furry’s speech evidently condemning the violent. The TV was turned off as the Colonel turned to look at the still Captain Stryker.
“We want you to be in charge of the evacuation plan.”
Stryker looked confused. He was a younger pale shadow of a man. He had a sort of pathetic longing gaze the was empty. He was thin and disheveled. He was no longer eating or probably bathing. In contrast to his older stronger superior. He weakly questioned him.
“Sir?”
“You were right about King Piccolo. Frank was right about the threat posed by Kakarrot. I think you’re the best officer for the job despite everything you’ve been through. You know these people. They are the only ones’s that may be able to stop this freak from destroying everything we hold dear…” (He’s stopped and coughs realizing the poor choice he had had.) “I want you ready for the moment of truth when the time comes.”
“Sir… I can’t anymore. I can’t sleep. I can’t function. I don’t know how to continue.”
“Well, you’re just going to have to function. Chi-Chi and the Briefs are the hope of the Earth. And you are going have to defend the future of humanity one way or another.”
Later, on a planet far away…
Bill controlled as night began to fall as he snuck into the village that Chi-Chi and the others had saved earlier that day from a monster. The computer had messed up when it had said there was no one on this planet.
He had been doing his best to erase messages from the resistance, the empire from everyone. He had been steering his family since Frieza to uninhabited worlds. He didn’t want them leaving a trail. Like they had today.
These people seemed grateful but who knows what would happen if the empire were to show up and torture them into talking. His family seemed to insist on playing the hero. Helping these people despite his objections.
In their nature he knew to be heroic. Once upon a time he might have tried to join in on that kind of foolishness, but that time had long since passed. These people were a potential source of intel that needed to be silenced.
He had taken with him some gas grenades that would end these people quietly in the night and he would simply need just make sure that the others never came back here. An easy enough task considering the sheer size and scope of the universe.
He had hoped the village would be asleep this late on this planet’s night cycle. But he missed seeing he had been mistaken he could see fire and hear talking from the central building that made this places meeting hut.
Since he heard talking, he creeped up on the alien hut so that he could listen in after his attention was caught by the word “Empire”.
He could listen in “The Empire has a bounty on these people. If we give them up, we might be spared the slaughter that’s taken place across the stars. We could get new farm equipment. Improve our lives. We don’t owe them anything. All in favor say aye.”
Suddenly Bill’s ears went deaf as all he could hear was static. He was without his power armor and just an all-black skulking outfit. In a blind rage his fingernails dug into his palms. He ripped his blaster out of its holster, and he felt now like he was outside of his on body and he kicked down the door to the hut.
What happened next was from a nightmare that he couldn’t wake up from until sunrise. He could remember something. Screams, blood, a child’s eyes staring at him, but it was all very blurry.
His eyes were blank as he sat on a rock overlooking the burned down village. He was a mess of blood spatter and cuts. Some of the blood was his but most of it wasn’t. He had been blind up to now of all the pain his body had been racked with. However, this pain came as a relief from the numbness he had felt before.
A voice began to talk to him.
“We had to buddy. They were going to turn on us to the Empire and even before that they were a lose end.”
Bill looked around but couldn’t find the source of the voice. Then he realized was some combination of Teal and Kakarrot voices melded together.
Bill sighed “I’ve lost my mind.”
“Sorry to break this to you but that ship sailed a long time ago.” A figure that hadn’t been then a moment ago was now right next to him.
Bill couldn’t bear to look at him. Bill was shaking as he attempted to turn his head away, but his arm and head were grabbed by the figure. “We’re not that easy to forget about.”
Bill grunted “It’s like I’m losing myself.”
The voice chuckles “You thought you were a white hat but here you are. You stop at any time but were would that leave Gohan, Mai and the others?”
“At his mercy…”
“Haha, he has no mercy. So, neither should we. Bad man like us keeps worse men from the door. We’re a ronin, a warrior without any master without a country to call our own. We have no honor to lose only a family to lose again. Now calm down and let’s get our story straight to the others before we lose them to your incompetence.”
Before the Peace Treaty was signed…
Romulus steps into a dark room then closes the door behind him. He was in armor but without a helmet.
A red hologram emerges before him. It is the hologram of Kakarrot Terran Gero. He has on his face that same grin that Romulus has seen a million times before that empty soulless grin.
“So, you killed me…”
Romulus eyes went wide, he stepped back. He was on the verge of panicking because he knew who his father was.
Kakarrot rolled his eyes “Oh, stop it. If I wanted revenge, I would have already blown up the planet the moment my heart stopped beating. If I planned on living forever, I would have used the dragon balls in the past when I had the chance to. No death was always the plan boy. Better I die than let this get boring. You came here because you wanted answer’s me boy. Well, here you go. My last will and testament on this planet. (He raised his hands up like he was priest giving a sermon.) ‘The aristocrats.’
The tyrant began to chackle. He ceased “It’s all yours my broken child. You can do with it as you please. You see my legacy is like your scars deep. It will maybe all heal sort of one day but never really. I was ordered to destroy this planet’s people but that wasn’t good enough. I decided to hurt these people and this world. Hurt them in a way that they could never forget or forgive or at least the smart ones. I was the Saiyan race’s last big ‘Fuck You’ to the universe. By showing them that my kind is infinite. After me there will be others. Humanity loves a challenge. I wonder who if any could out do my terror and mass murder. You can give it all up if want. I’m sure Chi-Chi and the others will try and pressure you to do so, but can you? You have been witness to everything for the most part. You’re a smart boy you know in your heart the truth. You are the centerpiece of my empire’s continuation. Of all the things that exist you are my bag man. Put simply I put you in an impossible position you are destined to be the follow up act to my antics. I was the headliner. If you give up everything you will be the ‘Great Traitor’. If you don’t, you’ll always be in my shadow. Either way they will kill you for it my son. Your brothers and sisters, my brood of vipers, will have your head. I’d kill all of them if I was you or at least older ones. Not that it will matter, everyone wants what you now have and will do anything for it. I was indispensable you are not. You turned this hologram on because you wanted something. You wanted closure, you wanted me to tell you how much I cared about you. Some sort of vindication of your (he chuckled) feelings. But I must burst your bubble. You were a joke from the beginning. Just revenge against a man that spurned me. Your loyalty was pathetic. Now I leave you to your fate. You have my pity” (grinned from ear to ear nearly laughing) “for what it’s worth.”
The hologram abruptly ceased, and Romulus was left just standing there without any words in his mouth. Romulus turned away from where the hologram was, and a murderous look took over his eyes. Something must have broken once and for all.
In a rage that overtook him he took out his red ki blade and went berserk smashing and slicing everything in the room. He was like an animal having a mental breakdown.
He emerged from the room to a waiting crowd of officers and officials of the Empire waiting for their crown prince’s presence. He snarled at them “Bring me Cyan. I’ll be in the throne room.”
He was soon standing in front of the ruined throne room. It had become an opened aired place with its marble and opulence it looks like the before picture right before the weeds took and a thousand years made it white. Cyan in cuffs was led to him then abandoned by his guards as they had been told by their prince.
Romulus looked at him with menacing eyes and said to him “I want their names; I want their families, and I want their friends. You are going to give me them and anyone else against me. To begin my reign, I need loyalty from my people and anyone who isn’t needs to die screaming.”
A smile came to the face of Cyan. He might have thought that this was the end of the road, but this moment had proven it was not “I have very detailed files on your sister’s allies. I can guarantee you Cousin that nothing has happened without my friends seeing it.”
“Good now give me a reason not to just take those files.”
“Because of my friends. You need someone like me to make sure this all goes smoothly. Also, I was in charge of a special android project that you can count on stopping Gohan and those other like my sister.”
“Explain.”
He grinned much harder “Death is a privilege in a way. A privilege that not all of our enemies are allowed to enjoy. Your father wanted him to suffer badly painfully for helping steal his property. He wanted to torture Chi-Chi and the rest of them. He wanted a nice surprise for the final battle to tip the scales in our favor. He will be of use to you my lord as he should already be online. I’m just curious of the nature of their reaction to him.”
On Neo Earth new home of what was the Resistance…
Gohan was wearing a black suit as he looked at the headstone it said on it “Here lies Colonel William “Bill” Striker. A beloved Father, Soldier, and Lover. A complicated man in troubled times.” In front of that was a vacate hole.
Around him in black is the rest of the family along with Tarble and many members of what the resistance was once now soldiers of Neo Earth. It’s a bright summer day on this planet. They didn’t quite have birds chirping. So, the reptile like fliers inflating their throat pouches would just have to do.
Chi-Chi came up to her son in her black dress. She had been talking to her old friend Suno who had been in the Emperor clutches for all this time.
She put her hand on the metal arm hidden behind his suit “Don’t worry. You’ll did good, you’ll made him proud.”
“Well, I didn’t actually stop Kakarrot. Some hero I proved to be.”
“I don’t think he ever wanted you to face him in the first place. What I think he wanted from was to live peacefully. I think that it’s time we started doing that. Am I wrong?”
“Shouldn’t Mai well… go first in the eulogy.”
“You aunt loved him deeply but you’re his son. You should be the first to say the first to say your goodbyes to him.”
“I still don’t know what I’m going to say.”
“Speak from the heart.”
Gohan took the stage. “I’m here today to talk about my father. A man as it turns out had secrets…”
Gohan was interrupted as an Imperial shuttle came down from the sky not far. They all looked up at it descending onto the ground next to them. The legs came out to meet the ground as the ramp began extending to the ground.
Out of the ship came a bunch of Imperial troopers holding a casket. They were still in a well-disciplined march towards them when a figure wearing an imperial officer uniform came out of the shuttle behind them.
The figure was wearing a skull mask of sort. He was holding a scythe.
The crowd gasped Chi-Chi’s eyes narrowed. Mai tears dried up as she took out a blaster. Trunks took out his new curved sword made of sort of white metal. While Tarble, Videl and Erasa took battle stances. Gohan growled.
Bulma in this yelled at the skull masked man. “This isn’t what we agree on at all. You were to bring the remains…” As she spoke the masked man removed his mask and her words got stuck in her mouth.
It was him.
His face was now younger in certain places. One could see the skin line around the new oddly blue eye that didn’t match the color of the other original eye. It had been the first time in ages that he was clean shaven but there he was. Bill was standing before them. It was obvious that he had cybernetic parts and a shade of skin that was ghostly white. No color had come back to his skin after death. He was patchy and odd.
“Like eight.” Chi-Chi mumbled to herself. “Made of a dead body.”
He grinned and began to speak in a far more casual tone then anyone “So what happened? Everyone acting like a ghost just showed up this funeral.” (He waits then chuckled) “My word after all this time Bulma Briefs the new President of the Neo Earth shuts up. A miracle has happened people.” (He slightly bows then lazily heils) “The name’s Colonel William ‘Will’ Stryker or twenty-two. Think of me as Sheriff of these here parts. Here to deliver a message from his royal majesty Crown Prince soon to be Emperor Romulus Terran Gero the first. His message if you hadn’t figured it out yet is a bit well just looking at me can tell wasn’t too positive. But we are prepared to continue with a different deal than the one signed. Mainly that you stay here, and we won’t expand any further or come after you. There is a new order to the universe and the Neo Saiyan Empire is a part of it. You will not be interfering with that fact or the emperor himself. These are the terms accept them and we won’t have a problem.”
Trunks suddenly charged at Will sword drawn screaming “You’re not Uncle Bill!”
Will smiled and then sighed as Trunks approach “Yeah, you always lose your cool first.”
He easily grabbed Trunk’s sword before it hit his head, he snapped the sword and kicked Trunks up into the air to be caught by Will who then tossed Trunks onto the ground. The ground cracked apart, attesting to how hard he must have hit it. Will began to float to the ground but was halted by the appearance of Gohan, Chi-Chi and Table below him.
Meanwhile Erasa and Videl attended to Trunks who looked quite beat up. Will was clearly very powerful.
Will looked at his hands “You know Bill was always in awe of you guys’ strength. All he had was the power of a weak fragile human. I must admit it’s fun to test some of this strength and speed. I hope you’ll indulge me in testing it out further.”
Gohan looked Will straight into the eyes one machinal and alien the other so damn familiar. He grits his teeth as this monster was wearing his father’s face. ‘It was just a machine’ he thought to himself ‘not him’.
“Gohan, do you remember that we’ve been to this planet before?”
Gohan was curious by what he meant but in a second, he spit out a bit of blood as he looked down to see Will fist in his gut.
“Tssk, Tssk. Your smart son but way too easy to get off guard. Even knowing I’m your opponent. I still look like your daddy and it’s throwing you off isn’t. If I was serious, I’d be pulling out your guts and showing them to you right now.”
Gohan clutched his belly as he fell to the ground. He lands on the ground on two feet but quickly got to one knee. Chi-Chi charged at Will, but he quickly avoided. He sneaks up behind her while she was charging and getting her arms behind his arms in a full nelson.
“Haha. Chi-Chi my old friend you just saw your Super Saiyan God son just take a punch to his gut that laid him out and you think that you can really stop me? You know Bill was always amazed with how damn pie in the sky optimistic you are.”
Gohan exploded off the ground now in his blue form. He growled at Will “Let my mother go now.”
Will chuckled “Sorry but I remember Bill and her teaching you the magic word. After all, it would be easy for me to kill her right now. I’d figure you’d have enough of deaths in the family by now.”
Gohan powered down “Please let her go.”
Will then let go of Chi-Chi and then pushed into Gohan’s arms. “See Gohan what happens when we use our words.”
Just then Will kicked backwards at a Tarble that had been sneaking up behind him in his Super Saiyan form. Tarble was sent flying back hitting a bunch of trees.
Will smirked as he looked towards the ground “I can’t blame him for that. It’s what I would have done. The clown prince forgets I’m a cyborg. It’s a lot harder to sneak up on me. Though I’m glad he tried. Bill hated him after all he spilled the beans on who your other daddy was. He was also the Vegeta’s brother, and he was quite the dick.”
Suddenly he appeared before Mai. He had tossed her blaster before she could even react and, in a moment, she was in his arms.
“You know I have wonderful memories of us… him and you. Would you give me a kiss for old times’ sake?”
Her response was direct and quick as she slapped him as hard as she could on the face. Will face turn as a hand of his went to his cheek. He seemed quite perturbed by this one slap as he stepped away from her.
He hissed “This wasn’t what I was here for anyways. Look I’ve had fun playing with you idiots, but I’m needed for his coronation. I trust ya’ll will respect our new arraignment considering the knowledge here of what I could have done. In the casket there is a paper that Romulus thought you should have back. As well a hologram from Kakarrot to Chi-Chi. Oh, and you should really look where the tribe on this planet that ya’ll met all those years ago they might not be around anymore…” (He gave a cruel smile) “You know it wasn’t the empire that killed those yardrat monks or even Hicks.”
With that he turned about spin on his heel marching towards the shuttle. He was followed by the troopers with him. As he steps into the shuttle, he takes out a flask of liquor and begins to down it all as he takes his seat. On his face is a look of confusion and frustration. That hadn’t gone to plan.
“They never got it this ain’t no place for no heroes. The fools.”
The z-fighters focus then turned on to the coffin left by the ‘Will’ creature.
Notes:
Sorry taking so damn long
Chapter 99: Live Forever
Chapter Text
On Earth
Romulus with his helmet off stares at the dead body of the mighty Emperor of the Neo-Saiyan before him. The smirk that he's seen all his life on his face behind the glass before him. His father's red tinted sunglasses on him along with all his various gold rings upon his fingers and his self-given medals on his armor. They had done well to hide the staples that had reattached his head to his body. He was the image of a conqueror the man that had took the Earth
He looked at peace to Romulus which clearly pissed him off. The snarl on his face was apparent. His father had always enjoyed the idea of the final laugh. He could practically hear the man laughing at him from Hell. But he relaxed as he felt two men behind the door to the mausoleum.
It was fast approaching to show the crying and hysterical masses their god lying before him. This funeral had been planned out to the minute. For a man that didn't take anything too serious this was cruelest thing of all. His victims would now weep and cry for him.
Not that Romulus cared at this point. These people were sheep, he thought. They deserved this nightmare of Emperor. They all deserved to suffer, and he intended to make them suffer. His eyes wandered to the shadows of the room where he could feel her approach now that she appeared.
"So, you're finally here to 'bargain' with me demon. I was wondering when you were going to show up?"
Towa chuckled "You make it sound like you're 'not' going to listen and give me what I want for the same power your father got. After all you listening to me proves you're afraid of your family and just as power hungry."
"So, what do you want?"
"A deal with the same blood pack that he made with me. His with his blood…" She moved into the light to show her bulging belly "Yours will be a pact with my daughter that you will marry and have children with."
Romulus looked horrified at this "Won't that take a long time? And how you're not..."
She was still smirking "Not compatible. I'm a demon with black magic dear and with that she is going to grow up quite fast. She'll be in your bed soon, warming it before long." If you were expecting me to take your soul, don't I think you already sold that to your true love the blood throne."
Romulus cringed at this, visibly it was clear he was not a fan of this new reality. He is holding back a gag. He grits his teeth "If I had a soul at this point, I would vomit and violently reject your proposal." He looked at his hand as it went forward slightly over his father's smiling severed head. "Very well you have deal."
He shook her hand as she took him close and whispered with her tongue in his ear "She be able to transform when you wish to a form more suitable to your tastes my lord (She licked his ear) my love." She had spoke with a man's voice, specifically Remus's voice at the end.
It sent a chill down his spine. He pulled back in haste as hit had rattled him to his core. She cackled like the witch she was into his face. "Don't worry I love possessing secrets like this. I'm a demon and no stranger to such repression you hold onto in your heart. Your love's truth is mine and only my daughters to know provided you can keep the secret yourself."
"We will never speak of this again do understand me." He said between grit angry teeth clench so tight that one might think he might break. His eyes were wild with angry malice filled pools that seem to wish to stab at her."
She lightly chuckles "That's it. That's your father festering in there that delicious black hate in your heart. It's why you're You do 'love' your family after all. We both know that my poor misbegotten child and I'm going to be your mother-in-law now." (She her right index finger over her mouth) Fine 'mum's' the word."
And with that she disappeared into a portal leaving Romulus alone.
Outside the room where Romulus was…
Cyan had out a communicator what showed a hologram of a uniformed man. That he was menacing staring at. Nearby was a black cloak man waiting for Romulus to leave his father's resting chamber.
Cyan hisses out "What do you mean he rejected the self-destruct protocol?"
"I'm sorry my lord but Will only technically is meant to follow the emperor's command. Despite your now higher status he is allowed to not follow instructions that would damage him or that he feels is counter to his given orders."
Cyan practically spites out with venom "That bot should have killed them all with the surprise and destroyed. Leaving those pieces on the board is moronic."
"The emperor said to intimidate and demoralize them so that's what he did and only what he did."
"I want a full readout of his brain activity, full conformation of his status under our control. The new semi-organic AI must be reinforced. All trances of Bill must be further purged."
"His memories are a useful asset. To fully destroy Bill, we need to purge them too my lord."
"Your team needs to find a solution. We need to find out if it is Bill we are dealing with and not just an exclusive order he was following. It's no good if he's just a sleeper agent of the Resistance. Deal with it or you with find yourself with a kakarrotdamn hole in your head." He says as he puts two fingers to his head and then snaps his wrist way in a violent motion.
He bowed to Cyan "Yes My Lord." With that the hologram terminated.
He looked over to the black cloaked figure. He snickered "Always a pain when weapon systems you've worked on aren't working like you intended." ( He looks over to the cloaked man) "Tell me Platinum has another monkey blown up one of your science vessel's?"
"Ebola, Rabies mixed with the black water mist was simply too unconstructive for our 'super' soldier program and human testing was equally unconstructive. We patched this problem with our new 'super' virus. All thanks to the boy from the future."
The door to the chamber opened and an irate Romulus emerged from it. He was taking a very long drink from a flask, as he looked over to Cyan and the cloaked Platinum. He removed the now empty flask from his lips and looked jadedly at the officers before him.
"What is it?" he coolly asks.
Cyan gives a quick bow. "Sorry my Lord. The good doctor general has news of this 'Prometheus' project that neither I nor you were privy to. And I have an important matter that needs to be addressed as well."
The two follow the future emperor as he easily finishes off his flask as they find an office. The office is a grand room with gold trim and vaulted ceiling. The desk is a clearly ornate hand-crafted piece as is the chair behind it.
Romulus grouses as he takes a seat "Whatever you have to say you'd better make it quick! Cousin you are first."
"It's a small matter but on Inatk Prime. The government there has voted in a petition to ask you to rescind your father's policy on mandatory meat consumption despite your proclamation that there shan't be any changes in government policy."
"So, they are challenging me huh?"
"It would appear so yes."
He gave a cruel smirk to him. "As soon as I'm Emperor I'll deal with this problem. Now what do you have for me Platinum?"
To that Platinum held up a vital that was locked to a syringe. It looked oddly bulky but advanced.
"What is that?" Romulus, puzzled, asked him.
"It's Prometheus mine Herr. This is a part of the great project that I and your loyal servants have worked on, first for your father and now for you. This is the triumph of mankind and its end. This was made by tirelessly used Crispr gene edited technology from hundreds of years ago. Along with your Great Grandfather's cellular technology used to make Cell. And combining virus manipulation that Bulma made to cure the heart virus Goku your father parallel universe self. To make a new self-replicating virus that will alter human cells with Saiyan genetics to turn them from human to a hybrid organism that will have all the benefits of the Saiyan race but keep a human majority. No tails, no mating rituals or weird sexual habits. We will all be black eyed supermen, stronger and faster. We will be able work longer, go super Saiyan, survive harsher conditions, heal faster and live harder. And you my Lord will have what you have all of what you wanted. This needle is special, this has only your father's genetic material. You will have more Saiyan in you than the others. You will be like your sibling's fifty percent of him. You will have what you have craved all your life, you will be his son, it would be any sort of lie. Your father is loving and caring. He ordered me to give this to you, my god."
Romulus stared at the vital he with dark eyes chuckled and he did not hesitate. Then came the screaming as metamorphoses are rarely painless.
On Earth in the chambers of the Daughter's Emperor wing
A raven-haired woman with a tail was standing there. She was a tall woman with black eyes and mediterranean colored skin. She had viable muscles with her armor on. She looked pensive as she watches her maids get together her clothes as she decided what she want. She hated dresses
Her apartment was massive in size it ancient Roman/Hellenic in design. It fits a princess of NSE. Said Princess was getting ready for her brother coronation. She was examining them in disgust.
A well dress man came into the room manage show to sneak up on the princess and laid his back on one of the stone white marble walls behind her but not for long. He took out breath spray and took a puff before she barked out.
"What the hell are you doing in my room without my permission Cyan?" She turned her head and snapped her fingers. In an instant all the maids who had been around were gone have run for their lives.
She looked at him and snarled a bit. He was in his white uniform with gold and jewels adorning his fingers, along with a gold necklace and gold-colored sunglasses. His uniform had a short cape on it and a snow leopard print to it on the inside. His gloves were purple hanging out his jacket pocket. He seemed quite happy with his hair slicked staring at her as if she were a delicious meal he could eat.
"My dearest Agrippina. Is that how you greet your loving cousin. Who happens to be the New Grand Moff of the Empire. The second most powerful man in the universe. Who is now the acting head of the party."
"Pff …I can't believe Romulus made a weird perv like you his second. All your good at is being a creep and a bootlicker as I recall."
He strutted up to her smiling. "Have you ever wanted a command of your own."
"What?"
He rolled his eyes and began walking towards her "I shan't repeat myself. I know you heard me. You were the second most powerful woman I've ever met but you've never had your own command. I don't really think that is right so I'm giving you one."
Put his hand on her to which she grabbed said hand and, in a fluid, motion folded his hand behind back while slamming him against wall.
She hissed "Let me guess you want something from me!"
He breathlessly sighs in pleasure "I love Saiyan women their just so violent."
"Give me a reason to not just snap your neck."
"I think you already know the reason why you can't otherwise you'd have done it already. Let me give a guess that you're trying to doll yourself up so that you might have a shot at the being his second wife."
"What do you care?"
"Oh, I care in the sense that you don't stand a snowball's chance in hell. You know him enough it wasn't just he didn't show any affection for anyone. Our new emperor lives like a monk or at least he used to. You show be smart enough to know that you ain't getting anything from him. Me however, I've always liked you…"
She scoffs "You've always liked all of my sisters. It's just that Livy liked you peeping on her in her room and obsessing over her in that creepy way unlike me."
He faints offence clutched his chest "Hey I was one of the only boys allowed into these chambers. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was just so young, I just intended to take full advantage. I mean you guys left your underwear everywhere (in the laundry room) back then and I stopped that childish behavior a while ago (mostly). But my point still stands he's not going to change if you want power or say in empire, you're going to need a man on the inside especially considering the purge that's coming up."
"Purge" She nervously muttered out as she let go of him.
He dusted himself and grinned as he looked at himself noticing the tent in his pants. She backed away from him in a bit of disgust.
"You know I like how disgusted by me you are Agripina. It just works for me." He coughed and looked her back in the eyes. "Yes, the purge. Well, you see a lot of people don't like or respect your brother and as Grand Moff I'm now the head of the II and boss of MO, so it'll be my job to decide as it were who lives and dies as it were. Your brother thought about putting on the kill list, you know but I talked him out of it. I got you not killed and a fleet of star destroyers. So, you know you're welcome."
He gets closer to her again. "Surely you have something to say to me."
"Thank you, Cyan, I appreciated it." Said with burning eyes and a monotone voice.
He cruelly smiled at her. He moaned a bit. "You know I like how you didn't mean it." He lifted his feet on his tippy toes to sniff at her hair as his hand grabs ahold of her tail. He stroked her tail as he whispers out "That's a good girl. You may never love me, but I promise that you'll get everything you ever wanted if you stick with me."
She grabbed hold of his neck. He gasped. She growled in his face. "I'm no whore you cretin."
She grinned at him as he was turning blue. He gasped out "Partnership!"
She opened her hand, and he fell onto the floor into a heap. He coughed a ton as he got to his feet whilst rubbing his throat.
"You have quite the temper there. I hope it doesn't improve. Look, we both know that I'm just a weak human and I need a bodyguard capable of defending me. The new android 22 needs some additional modifications and you're a true blue super Saiyan with all of the potential of getting way stronger with my help after all I have the resources of the empire to call upon. The occult division can get you super Saiyan Black."
"Won't that piss off my brother."
"That's the wonderful thing if you want it won't matter anymore because you'd be The Empress if that happens, you'll have quite the useful consort at your side."
She flicked up her hand in disgust "Fine you win. I guess we're partners then. Now you'd better get on the bed if you want this before I change my mind on all of this and kick you out of here."
Neo Aquitaine Home of former Grand Moff Grey
Cyan is wandering around Grey's house looking at his art collection as he is followed by Grey himself and Cyan's attendants. Grey looks at his sort of nephew with suspicion as he thinks he knows why he is here and it's not to look at his art collection.
"My, my uncle you sure have gotten a lot of art from all your conquests. So many planets, so many different styles. It's a dare I say a simply priceless collection"
The older man said in a sigh "Are you going to continue to waste my time going over my collection or are we going to discuss business?"
"You're acting so cold to me. Is it because I stole your job uncle."
"I can't say I'm particular happy about it but no. Because you see I'm in mourning," (He pointed to his black armband) "First your father dies and now my beloved Emperor is dead. They were both my best friends despite everything. The country is in mourning but not you it seems."
"You mistake me. I loved our Emperor far more than my own father, that is for sure. I figured you of all people would know that yourself. The fact that my father was killed by my golden sister was an nice ironic twist. All my life I have been compared to her. He said she was more of a man than I would ever be. That I would never amount to much while she would be a great leader. But here I am now master of the colossally powerful Imperial war machine. My only wish is now to rub that in her smug bitch face."
"I won't pretend to understand your family dynamic. She did betray us, and she should die for it."
"I agree. Too bad she's got protection. In the end she ended up with a prince of the empire after all."
"Are you here to invite me to the crowning and party meeting."
"Sorry no. I feel as though we should find seat where we can talk."
They found a place in one of this mansion's many kitchens. As the two sat down Cyan took out of his overcoat's inner pocket a vial with a clear liquid inside of it and placed it before Grey.
"It won't hurt uncle. Neither of us wish you to suffer. You were a friend to us both as you were to our fathers."
"But I have too much influence. Too many victories too my name."
"And have a reputation that needs to be erased. A homosexual can't have been the greatest of our empire's leaders. Death will wash everything away."
"So, my staff." In the background popping could be heard.
"All of them. This is the empire your male fag secretaries were doomed to die to begin with in our camps you just saved them up until something happened to you. Their ashes will be buried with you in the great mausoleum. You will have an honored place next to my father and the emperor. All rumors will be strangled in the crib by the II (Imperial Intelligence)."
A bloody scream could be heard then suddenly silenced with a pop.
Grey sighed "Once upon a time I was a poor child growing up in the same town with your dad in a poor town. I couldn't afford shoes, so I wore tissue boxes sometimes. I relied on charity sometimes to eat. I was the poor kid in town which said something, and I was bullied relentlessly for it. My home was no respite my father beat me for not being enough of a man because I was gay, when he wasn't beating my mother or five siblings. I barely dreamed that I'd be here. In charge of a military that spanned a galaxy. Life has been quite strange for me."
He took the vial, knocked off the cap and drank it like he was dying of thirst.
"It tasted like nothing. I guess that's what death tastes like."
"I figured you won't care about taste."
"I worked my entire life to make this empire work properly, while your father and the emperor partied. Please don't let it fall apart on your watch."
"I plan to make it work. Don't worry about that. Now when you get to hell tell my father of my position won't you. I won't get to rub his nose in it for quite some time…"
"I will. I suspect that I'll have a special place for me there considering all I have been party to and done. More importantly Emperor has no doubt taken the place by now, knowing him."
He starts to chuckle but stops then collapses suddenly onto the table dead. Cyan takes out a cigarette and lights it. He takes smoke and waves for his attendants to pick up the dead body.
"For I plan to live forever."
On Earth right before the coronation…
An alien face stares back at Romulus. Where once he saw Kunlun face a scared three-eyed waist of space now he saw the new face he had. Black spiked hair now took the space where once his blonde or blue or even green hair took up. His face was milky white smooth and unblemished. His new skin that they gave him covered his third eye and the new eyes colored a more uniform black.
On him was his black, white and red armor made for the ceremony. He stared in disbelief at his own visage. It was everything he had ever wanted. No longer was his face a traitor's face but that of his father's. His face finally looked at the part he all.
A wolfish grin took his new face. He felt his face with his hands feeling unfamiliar surface. But as he felt his new flesh his imagination took over as he thought of Remus touching him. At that thought he quickly ripped his hands off and then smashed the mirror in front of him.
He turned around as he jumped to feet kicking the chair away as he did so. He looked at the skull that he had placed earlier behind him.
He huffed with anger and maybe fear "Funny. I think…"
He started chackling, it was an unhinged spectacle much less of a genuine laugh and more like uncontrolled spasm and abruptly it stops
"Doesn't matter. None of that matters now. He was God and now I've taken his place as a god, and you get to watch it all and judge me like you always have. Always on about a better world about how we could be better. So much misplaced optimism. Look at me now brother, I'm on top of the world. The ignorant masses are about to scream out my name and I only wish I could slit all their throats at once. Finally, this black feeling in me is free. I can do whatever I want and yet it your fault I feel this way. It's all ash in my mouth. My face, my skin, my hair all perfect as it should be. I write the history. I chose what reality looks like not you not anyone else anymore. If I don't I make it disappear and you're just going to have to watch that happen."
He when over top skull and went over his hands contorted in a way to crush the skull but before he touch it he pulled his hand away.
"No, you don't destroy symbols of your victory after all he did kill father with their help then I slew him and chopped his head. That's reality and that's what they'll say happened and I kept skull for a trophy that's it and nothing more. It was better that way."
He looked over to the armor all white not far way and in black the symbol of the handled trident on the cape next to the armor.
He whispered to himself "Showtime".
Chapter 100: I Don't Want To See Tomorrow
Chapter Text
On Earth Earlier…
A boy's head was dunked underwater for a while now. He was still struggling but his movements slowed his lungs ready to burst down his mouth trying for air. His jaw loosened until he opened his mouth and water rushed down to his lungs. He was now drowning. He was struggled in vain as he started to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
But suddenly all the pressure holding him down released him suddenly. The head of a three-eyed boy came bursting out of the water of the pond on to this sunny day with idyllic rolling green meadows around them.
He coughed up water he simultaneously desperately gasped for air. The pain was projecting from his purple red skin with all the deoxygenated blood in his skull. Suddenly he realized he was being held in someone's arms. As soon as he was able to look, he looked up. It was the crying sad face of his brother.
It was like it was plenty of times in his short life Remus had come to his rescue yet again. Livy had tried to kill him yet again and he was unable to do a damn thing about it. 'Kakarrot damn it' he thought 'I wish I had a tail. Then I'd be strong.'
Color was returning to his skin as he spoke to Remus "Please let me go." Remus holding him had always made him feel weird even at this young age.
"Okay." He said as he rose to his feet. He laid Romulus down slowly and delicately onto the ground so that Romulus could be comfortable.
He looked across the beach of the pond towards four standing figures. There were the equally young figures of Cyan, Gracchus, Agrippa and another Imperial princess.
Remus marched over to them in a rage and barked at them "Why didn't any of do anything?" He long since stopped bothering to ask why his cratered sibling did things she did it was a moot point.
Three of them look away. Of her fan club all but Cyan stood his ground despite being the littlest and weakest of them. He saw through this Cyan knew he wasn't in any danger from the crybaby. He was just going to lecture him.
"What do you expect me to do about it?" He said with a snake's smile and a shrug.
"Cousin Remus how could I ever convince you gods to do anything that you didn't that you didn't want to do already…"
Cyan stopped pure fear and took his face. His body tense and his hand to his face. Remus was very angry and looked to do something nasty to him.
Cyan panicked "I didn't do anything or say thing." Remus was about to grab him by the throat, but he was stopped by a chuckle from Livy.
"I suppose you think that fair. I break your toy and now you think you can break my toy on me." She was covered in dirt having climbed out of a crater.
Romulus growl's as he gets up coughing awhile holding his throat "I'm not broken."
The dark voice of Kakarrot pipes up. "Not broken, are we?" He's on a hill overlooking the group of children. It's unclear about how long he's been standing there but what is clear is how fresh that human blood is on his face and black armor. The red shines off his face making his face seem pale in comparison.
His black eyes stare directly at Romulus who freezes in place. The boy closes his eyes. Romulus feels like a predator has seen him because a predator had seen him in truth. He feels the weight of those eyes on him. He feels so small like he has always felt under this microscope of his father. At one he forces his eyes open. He knowns that cowardice will be noted on this evaluation that he is being subject to.
He looked only to realize Kakarrot was now behind him circling around him like a wolf sizing up his prey.
He spoke to him in a cool calm tone. "You let her beat you up again."
"Yes, father." He said in a defeated tone. He wanted to cry but couldn't. That would be a true black mark.
"Letting women beat you up is not in a crown prince's wheelhouse child. It's not a very masculine thing to do. A lot like women thing what with being overpowered and all. Should have it been Romula instead of Romulus."
In a burst Remus blurted out "She surprised him!"
Kakarrot stared menacingly at Remus who had just spoken out of turn. A mad rage stared at Remus that chilled him to the bone. No one in his life terrified him like his father. You never knew where you stood at any given moment.
Calmly Kakarrot questioning him. "Did you see it son? Did you see how it started?" There was a pregnant pause as Remus's courage faltered before the might of Kakarrot gaze. Remus wanted to say that he did, but he knew the emperor would see right through it. He wasn't a good liar. He had just had sensed Romulus was in trouble and had come to save him.
"No. I just arrive I didn't see it."
"Then let's start with someone who did." Kakarrot looked down with his reddened dilated eyes. It was fair to say he was on something right now and Romulus knew better.
"It was a fight father I lost but I refused to surrender even if it that meant death."
Kakarrot ruffled Romulus's green muddy wet hair. He said "That's my boy. You should never surrender to a woman. But you know that free hit from Remus was cowardly so..." He looked over to Livy, "You get one free kick to his head. Make it as hard as the one you got hit with so that everything's far."
She smiled and blew a kiss towards him "Thanks daddy, I love you."
She turned towards Romulus looking to get a running start when she is interrupted as Remus speaks up.
"That's not fair. I was the one who kicked her. I should take the hit not him."
With the Kakarrot turned towards made his finger into a sort of gun shooting a Remus who wasn't even able to react until after the beam blew by his head slamming deep into the ground and most likely exploding deep underground.
Remus was frozen as Kakarrot spoke again now tower over him. "Fucking fair! When has life even been fair. You see I can do whatever I want like. You think your worthless life of luxury has been fair. The universe runs on inequality. Fairness doesn't exist. The game of life was always rigged you imbecile."
His right black gloved hand on top of his head. "Now get real. Fair is fair when I say it is. That's how just how works…" (He encircled Remus while still holding him.) "Now open your eyes and take your fucking medicine boy." He yells out "Anytime this year."
Livy cringes at the sound of him yelling. She takes off like lightning. She dashes forward, jumping midair and kicks Romulus right on his head dead center. He went flying into the air and then falling back onto the earth easily with his limp body making a crater.
Remus screamed out "Romulus!"
Kakarrot feigned concern "Well I better get a medic." He let go of Remus who goes flying off to see his brother in a panic.
He lands right next to where Romulus had landed. He looked to see him now bloodied, battered and covered in dirt seemingly unable to move. It was most likely a spinel damage. Remus was crying again misery masked the boy's face. He grabbed hold of his brother holding him tight.
He said between his sobs, "Don't worry. They'll be able to fix this. Like they always do."
"Why do you do this? Why did you save me yet again?" Romulus sort of weakly breathed out.
Confused Remus muttered out "Because I've got to save you."
Romulus coughed "You should only be looking to save yourself. I'm just weak I don't deserve life."
"But I love you. I've got to save you."
"Love doesn't exist. Haven't you got that, yet everyone is out for themselves including me. He teaches this all of the time. Why can't you see the truth?"
"But I want to save you more than anything."
"Well, you're a little too late now aren't you." At that Romulus' eyes completely collapsed as he gave into his exhaustion and fell into complete utter darkness.
Earth
The Sun beats down on the palace of the Neo Saiyan Empire. Massive crowds have come out that have surrounded the palace. This mass represents a myriad of people from all walks of life. Children are on the shoulders of their parents, their hands waying in the air. It's a cheery atmosphere for them and the rest of what used to be humanity. Their hair is now turning black along with their eyes. But it's not just them it's all over the NSE all major cities to small towns and military outpost all this Homo Superiorous stand in attention watch their screens.
In the throne room white flower pedals fall from the ceiling on to the uniformed of well-groomed mostly men in the room. The place now looks like a church ready for a wedding. The sun comes through the stained glass. In the stained glass plays out the doctrine of their imperial faith.
It shows everything. It shows Kakarrot landing and being adopted by Dr. Gero bathed in bright light coming from him. Until it finally shows an image of Kakarrot being struck down Remus being cradled in the arms of Romulus until Romulus in the next panel strikes down Remus and was bathed in holy light as a result.
But the missing bits were curious, no images of any other Saiyans were present. It would seem they had been written out of history as Tien much like any image of Romulus's original form. Or it would seem any of Cheech's victory over him.
It was a clean version of history allowing him to be the last Saiyan in existence and undefeated at that. A liberator, a champion of mankind and most certainly a hero-God for all time.
Inside is a horde of Imperial officers, Bureaucrats and Party members. They are all in their parade best uniforms. All in black, white and red. The blood guard stand watching along with androids at every pew. They stood like statues waiting for the ceremony to begin.
A trumpet sounded and everyone rose to their feet. It was time for the show to begin.
The large white painted door to the throne room opened in magnificent style. White doves flew in the air as red rose pedals fell from the ceiling. All began to clap minus the guards as the white armored Romulus emerged from the black darkness off behind the door.
His gold accents on his armor shining it the bright sun. In his arms was his helmet as his face was for all to see. He had on a smile that few had ever seen in was big and wolfish not unlike his father's.
If you had seen him at any point before you would not have known him. He finally looked and now seemingly acted like the son of Kakarrot Terran Gero the first. The man that destroyed mankind at least most of it.
On the outside crowds cheered and wept across the imperium. This had been time they had since their prince as he had never been seen by the common citizen before. They marvel at his beauty he was suddenly their beloved prince about to be their beloved Emperor.
Romulus marched forward his white cape dragging behind him accumulating the rose pedals on its back. The song of the Empire the Imperial March played from an orchestra hidden from sight but pipped in through the walls.
Romulus's arms are stretched out like he was a plant reaching out to absorb the light of the sun. However, instead he is absorbing the energy of all those watching and cheering.
His eyes are closed as he feels the power of their worship encapsulate him. It is all the love he never truly felt but from his brother. It was an intoxicating experience. It felt better than liquor or drugs. It was the mob that his father tended to bask in. That he had never experienced the glory of.
Romulus had never felt this powerful before. It was simply a rush. Something to get drunk on for all of eternity.
He opened his eyes as he continued to march forward. His black eyes were now more determined than they had ever been. He marched to a podium before the throne of blood rusty with blood. It was time to address the Empire and tell the universe. Meet the new boss, the same as the old boss.
Romulus put his hands on the podium. He traces its triangle shape from the side. He huffed and puffed look as if he was so filled with emotion that he might pop. Until he stands in front of its face.
There are thousands in the cathedral in front of him. He smiled staring at them and at the drone cameras. He looked at the front pews. There he saw Cyan in his ridiculous military get up. Next to her is his sister Agrippina. Cyan couldn't keep his hands off her, especially her ass.
His cousin had looked at him too. It told him that Cyan had complete control of the room for Romulus, and it made him secure.
It was nice he thought. Livy's puppet was on his side now. He was his man now and everyone who opposed was soon to be dead. They had a nice plan to show the party the new type of leadership he had in mind.
Next to them was the high priest Benidict a square jawed man with his pole with smoking incense. He was with the cultist they had once served Piccolo but now with his death they served the high priest. They worshiped the demons and the bloodline Gero.
Romulus mouth grew into a wolfish grin as he further inspected those assembled them to see their Prince become an Emperor. Finally, he was getting everything he ever wanted. He was no longer hiding behind shadows; he could show his new face to the world. His voice came on quite but firm. It got louder as he went on.
"My children. I come to you this day in both joy and sorrow. I defeated my heretic brother. I killed kill him. I spilled his blood as any loyal son would do for their beloved slain father. What anyone would do for their love." (A single tear emerged and ran down his right eye.) "My beloved father may be gone but his life work is eternal. His empire, my empire still lives, and we have now ascended. Our lord who now rules in heaven has made this ascension possible as his parting gift to us. We are of new flesh and souls all remade in his image. We are the reborn Saiyan race made manifest on a reborn galaxy. We are supermen, a Homo Superior here to rule the stars and bring down our furious judgement down upon the cosmos. There is no question of our divinity now. It is now manifest upon our faces, our eyes, our hair and with our newfound power. Homo Saipen is no more, and we should rejoice for we are truly of the divine and prefect. You are all supermen, and I like my father before me I am a god your god. And as your god I tell you that the time are only going to get better. Though traitors might be in our most have fled from us. My expulsion of them has improved our society. From now on, however, there will be order in this Empire. Nay sayers, blood traitors, mutants, abominations all are our enemies from within and without will be terminated with extreme prejudice. I propose a Great Terror to our enemies, the impure like a cancer will be cut out of us. Parasites will be crushed. Vermin will be poisoned and left to rot out in the sun. The cleansing power of fire will clean our blood and keep our soil fertile with their corpses." (In a trance like state, drunk on power and the pills he had taken earlier he shouted out with spit coming out of his mouth like it was venom from a snake.) "Sieg Heil!"
The room jumped to their feet and repeated after him 'Sieg Heil' as did the worlds of the Empire.
He turned around marched to his throned and sat as high priest came to him and presented him with his crown. It was a small thing. His father may have had it made but he never wore it. Sure it had a red ruby at its center, but it was mostly just gold. That had been shaped into daggers at the top pointed towards the top of the skull. It was martial to remind the wearer that swords are always pointed at one's head.
He took the crown and placed it upon his head. Then he took the gold scepter there was a cheer from the crowd it was now official. Romulus Gero was now the second Emperor of The New Saiyan Empire. Imbued with the full power of the state to act as he wished.
Not Long after on the planet Inatk Prime
A not quite human is covered in his red blood looking up to the sky. The sky is red and orange and burning. His once beautiful land is now on fire, the flames reaching into the heavens above. The glasses on his face cracked and pieces fell off it as he attempted to rise to see the man that had done this to him.
He rose to see the frightening sight of his friend being ripped apart. The man right arm being ripped as body and his right arm tossed aside like they were so much refuse. Out of the smoke a white figure emerged his armor was white with gold accents. He looked like a white night despite that smear of red blood staining its surface. The gold crown fused onto the white skull like a helmet told him who this was.
It was the emperor. It was Romulus. It was his god that was doing this to his people like Frieza had before.
Quietly he chirped as the smoke cleared further "Why?" There were tears in the minister's eyes as the smoke cleared. It further revealed that behind the emperor was the blood guard, Grand Moff Cyan, Agrippina. They were highlighted by the bright lights of burning hell and Imperial ships glassing the planet.
Romulus removed his helmet revealing his grinning face. His wild hair that's half flowing, half spiky. He would look beautiful with his red lips if not for the clear malice and hatred coming from his black cold eyes.
"I'll tell you why." (He pointed at him accusingly.) "You thought I was weak."
"What! No! It was our culture."
"You have no culture…" (He shrugged.) "Not anymore you don't. Unlike Frieza the Empire is through. There won't be any of your people after I'm done."
"But we were loyal."
"Loyal? Is it loyal to make demand of your Emperor before he was even in his position? Is it loyal to try and undue my father's laws his will while he was still warm. Is that loyalty to you?"
"We merely asked!"
"It doesn't matter. You showed no respect. You showed entitlement to the thing that saved you. To even question the laws of the Empire at such a time is treason."
"Not everyone signed the petition."
"And yet they went along with it without killing their traitorous fellows. You think I would excuse that?"
"But they were your father's laws not yours…"
"And because I'm weak or so much of a pushover that'll go along with anything you want. You think I'm a woman and can be told what to do? I'm no slave."
"No of course not!"
"No, you merely implied it with your actions. This he held up his bloody hands up to be highlight by the burning nightmare behind."
"I don't think get it. I can do what I feel like now. I'm beholden to no one. I saw treason in the fact you fucking plebs think you are entitled to and sort of autonomy. I'm the empire you sad fuck. Before I let myself care. My father proved to me why I should never have cared. Love is a poison, and I learned my lesson finally. He was a great teacher because now I feel better than ever before. Now that I can unleash this poison in me unto the universe. You see I hate you and your people. I hate Gohan and Chi-Chi, my traitor cousin. I hate my people and the heavens above. I hate my old man and I hate…" (He hesitated.) "My brother and boy does this hate feel good. It makes me free you see. I now have freedom that I've never had before now. I finally feel powerful…" (He powered up to Super Saiyan.) "I'm a God little man and you have displeased me."
With a swipe of Romulus's hand, a fourth of the planet was gone along with the man's body. In the background Cyan and Agrippina began to clap for their overlord. Cyan walks over and hands him over a bottle of expensive looking whiskey. The three seem ready to have some but Romulus rips off the top and then proceeds too in one gulp, down the bottle. He tosses it to the side.
In a groan the wild-eyed overlord croaks out "I'm going to need more liquor."
Agrippina in a look of concern matches eyes with Cyan who waved off her concern.
"Your absolutely right my lord." Cyan smiles at his overlord. "We have plenty more bottles on the ship."
He bowed to his Emperor as the blood splatter tyrant passed him. Cyan stepped up staring at the tyrant's back cover by his cape. Cyan smiles with cruel intent. That is one unguarded back. Romulus began to walk more uneven as the group went. They walked to the shuttle to leave this doomed world.
Back on Neo Earth right after 'Will' left
Trunks was taking his sword and swinging his sword at the trees nearby, the cemetery with a vicious abandonment as Bulma looked on with hesitation. Erasa was at her side nervously looking on at Trunks. Trunks was clearly in rage. He was screaming and venting. He was going on about that wasn't the 'real' Uncle bill.
Gohan had now collapsed onto the ground. In his hand was a child's skull that he must have found checking out Will's story. Videl and Chi-Chi are at his side above him. He was crying though he was trying to hold back the tears. Chi-Chi put his hand on his shoulder saying. "It's alright you can cry my sweet baby." To which he began sobbing.
Bulma turned from looking at Trunks to focus on Mai whose gaze was trained on the casket. Bulma came out to the stone face Mai and asked her like she was trying to calm a horse "How are you doing Mai?"
Mai said nothing but stormed off towards the casket and passed by Tarble who was sitting on a rock with a little unsure look on his face. He seemed to spit out a tooth mutter "I hated you too."
He looked at Mai and said to her "It's probably a trap you know?"
She stopped for a second then hissed "Not a chance in hell." She marched forward and swung the casket open to see inside a holotape that said on it 'For Cheech'. She mutters "Just more Kakarrot bullshit and not a word from him that coward."
Tarble cocked it head hearing her words "Nothing from him? Maybe he is gone"
She hissed "Bill ain't gone. If he was just a killer cyborg, he would just killed us all. No, that coward is hiding under this 'Will' character to get out of facing us for what he did. I don't believe any of that 'acting' he just showed off. The man I love is still alive and I'm going to kick his ass after I'm done giving him a piece of my mind kamidamit."
She picked up the holotape then held it words Chi-Chi "Hey, Cheech your psycho stalker is trying to gloat at us again."
Chi-Chi in anger at this fact hissed out "We're making a fire then."
Bulma stared at the holotape as Mai passed her. Something had caught her eye about the tape, but she said nothing.
They collectively got together picked up the wood that Trunks had cut down. The group made a massive pile of woods then tossed the tape on the top like it was a 16th century witch. After some lighter fluid they lit the pyre. The fire quickly expanded. It over taking the holotape it disappeared behind hues of yellow, orange and red.
The group held hands at they stared into burn fire. It had been a long road and the last thing they wanted to hear from was the man that had been the architect of that road. They stared in silence as they now had a home after all these years of wandering, but it still felt wrong. They had survived but hadn't won or had they.
They turned to see in the distance the city the former resistance member and civilian defectors were making. A human and tech-tech civilization was now growing. The survivors of an apocalypse making their home on a new world.
But long after the fire had dyed down a certain Bluenette hand cover by a special glove entered the coals and pulled from the ash very much intact holotape that she had noticed was heat resistance earlier.
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