#and goku needs Raditz in his life he can’t imagine life without him

[dragonballer1]

favorite Raditz and goku dynamic: they fight and are annoyed with each other constantly (Goku eats all of Raditz’s food, Raditz is always taking up space and lounging around in the best spots etc) and most of the time they don’t understand each other, but there’s a deep love underneath that. Raditz doesn’t understand why Goku calls himself that and his connection with his friends, but wants him to be happy and supports him, trying to be there for him in his own way. Goku doesn’t understand why Raditz hangs out with Vegeta so much and why he is so harsh on the world, but he knows Raditz loves him and is comforted by his presence. And he loves Raditz too. He knows Raditz would kill for him and that’s love.

To people on the outside they seem strained, but it’s their balance. They’re trying.

[elisajdb]

Life With You: XXII

Part Twenty-Two:

 Namek: Part One

 Goku exhaled as he tried to steady himself. His closed eyes flew open at the sudden pull. Pace yourself Goku told himself. Get control. His body grew taut at the sudden force. Whoo. He was so out of shape. A year ago he could pace himself, draw it out but now his out of shape body was giving up way too easily.

 A sudden jolt forced him to bury half his face in the pillow. His cast covered hands were useless. They momentarily flailed as he couldn’t get a firm grip on anything. To be this vulnerable, Goku would hate it if he was with someone he despised or didn’t trust. With someone he loved, Goku absolutely loved it.

 Hips thrust up but firm hands forced him down as relief came. Goku’s lower body felt like jelly but the rest of him felt like a satisfied cat getting that elusive itch scratched. He wasn’t completely satisfied but it was enough to tide him over until he could go there.  

 ChiChi’s petite body slid up from under the covers. She rest her head against his still rapidly rising and falling chest. “Feeling better?”

 “Yeah…. that last one did the trick.” As much as he needed some relief, Goku knew ChiChi needed it, too. It’s been a year for both. Also…. he could smell her. “Your turn.”

 “My turn?”

 His cast covered hand poked a breast. His hands couldn’t do anything but his mouth could offer some relief. “If you open your dress I can do something. If you wanna lay down or sit on me….”

 ChiChi laughed into his chest. “No. I had to hide under the covers to do this here. I’ll be too vulnerable any other way. It’s not home, Goku. Besides, you’ll be out of the hospital soon.” She snuggled against him. “It’s a couple more weeks. A month at the most. I’ll… manage.”

 During the day, Goku received visits from Master Roshi, Dr. Briefs, Gyu-Mao, Aki, Mr. Olitz and Mr. Lupp. With frequent visitors and check-ins by the nurse and doctor on staff, there wasn’t a chance for Goku and ChiChi to really talk to one another. Those moments were saved on the nights ChiChi stayed over. Tonight, a few kisses and touches led Goku to desiring something he hadn’t felt in a while. It was ironic since Goku didn’t see tonight leading to this moment after the tense talk he had with ChiChi earlier. 

A soft pillow slapped Goku across his face. “You let Vegeta go?!”

 At least it wasn’t Master Roshi’s staff. “Uh, yeah. I’ll defeat him before he hurts anyone on Earth. I promise. It’s me he wants a rematch with, ChiChi.”

 “Oh, Goku,” ChiChi groaned. “I know you’ve been hungry for a fight with a strong opponent but this is too much.”

 “I know it’s selfish but I can’t help it. I want this fight. I thought I was invincible after King Kai’s training and Vegeta showed me I wasn’t.”

 “Maybe if you didn’t spend six months running to King Kai’s place and if you had that extra month training, things would’ve been different.”

 “I don’t know,” Goku disagreed. “Vegeta was really strong.”

 ChiChi fluffed Goku’s pillow. As long as he didn’t say anything else ridiculous, ChiChi wouldn’t smack him with it again. “Look at what you’ve accomplished in five months. Imagine if you had an extra month or two. Maybe it wouldn’t have been a strain on your body to push it to Kaio Ken times four.”

 ChiChi had a point. While he lived with King Kai, even he wondered how much more training he could’ve gotten in eight months or even eleven. It took him a day to get from King Kai’s planet to the check in station with King Yemma. If he had a whole year with King Kai, his friends wouldn’t have died. He would’ve been on Earth waiting for Vegeta and Nappa.

 “Goku, did you also spare Vegeta because he’s a Saiyan like you?”

 That question threw him. “No. Why would I do that?”

 ChiChi shrugged. “After Gohan was born, you started wondering about your family. There were times you questioned your parents and where you came from. Raditz didn’t live long to tell you anything. Maybe deep down you’re hoping Vegeta will.”

 Goku snorted. He wasn’t thinking that deeply when he spared Vegeta but now that he had time to think about it, maybe he could ask Vegeta about the Saiyans. Who was he kidding? So far the Saiyan race he’s come to know were evil, blood thirsty people. There wasn’t anything redeeming about them. “Maybe it’s a good thing that meteor destroyed my birth planet. Maybe the universe is a better place without Saiyans.”

 “Maybe but you have to come to terms to what your people were.” ChiChi caught Goku’s curious stare. “Oh, you can say you’re a Saiyan raised on Earth to distance yourself from them; to exclude yourself from what Saiyans have done but you still have to accept your people, Goku.”

 “How can I accept people who were ruthless murderers, ChiChi?” Goku argued. “My brother kidnapped our son. Even when I showed him mercy, he double crossed me.”

 “I’m not saying you should condone what they’ve done but because of their ways, you were sent to Earth. You came into my life and we created a family. Everyone has a past they are not proud of or have that family skeleton in the closet you want to ignore but we have to accept it. My father wasn’t always a good man. I was very angry, embarrassed and guilty when I learned all the wicked things he did. It took a long time for me to accept my heritage.”

 “Guilty?” Goku questioned. “But you didn’t do anything.”

 “I know but I still felt guilt for what he did. Maybe you don’t feel guilt for what Saiyans have done but you do feel anger you come from a race that have done so many wicked things when you have spent your life doing the opposite. Why else do you say you’re a Saiyan raised on Earth if not to distance yourself from what they did?”

 ChiChi and King Kai were the only ones he talked to about being a Saiyan. With King Kai, Goku expressed curiosity in Saiyan culture but he always emphasized he’s happy to have grown up on Earth. Leave it to ChiChi to pierce the heart of the matter. “You know me well. But I can’t accept myself as simply ‘Saiyan’ right now. Maybe some time in the future but not now.”

 “I know,” ChiChi understood. Going through a similar experience herself, she knew time was needed. With that settled, ChiChi moved on to another topic. “I still think it’s foolish you let Vegeta go. Didn’t going soft on Raditz teach you anything? You lost your life and year from your family.”

 “I know but it was worth it that I met King Kai.”

 ChiChi slapped him across his face with the pillow again. “It’s not worth it you lost a year from us!”

 “No, but I did get stronger. I thought I reached my limit but King Kai pushed me further. Now that I fought Vegeta, I know I can go even higher. I’m probably nowhere near my limit, ChiChi. I need to keep training until I reach it.”

 Reach his limit? “You’re already the strongest in the world, Goku. What are you trying to prove?”

 “Being the strongest on Earth ain’t enough, ChiChi. I need to be stronger.”

 “As in the universe?” What unattainable goal was Goku trying to reach? “That’s impossible, Goku.”

 “It’s not impossible if you think it can happen and I know it can, ChiChi.”

 This was madness, ChiChi thought. “It can’t, Goku. We’re now discovering there’s life on other planets. That means there are people different from us; there could be people stronger than you.”

 “Then I’ll get stronger than them.”

 “But, Goku—”

 “I have to be stronger!” Goku snapped. “I can’t protect you and Gohan when I’m weak like this! That fight with Vegeta shouldn’t have ended like it did. I should’ve defeated him without breaking my body! I wasn’t strong enough to defeat Raditz on my own and he took Gohan! I wasn’t strong enough to defeat Vegeta on my own! I’m still stuck in this hospital because I’m weak, and since I’m weak, Gohan has to go in space without us. Bulma and Krillin will look out for him but I should be with him! I hate feeling weak and no one’s gonna stop me from getting stronger!���

 It wasn’t often Goku yelled and ranted but when he did, ChiChi listened. She heard everything he said; understood his helpless. She had similar feelings when her husband and son were away from her. She understood Goku’s need to be stronger but he was desiring for the impossible in her eyes.  

 “To be the strongest in the universe, that’s almost godlike status, Goku. That’s not you. You’re not an Earthling but you are still a mortal. You can bleed, get hurt and die like us. This desire to be the strongest, this thirst for a fight is the Saiyan in you. Maybe you’re getting closer to accepting your heritage sooner than you thought.”

 Goku wasn’t sure about that. He still saw himself as a ‘Saiyan raised on Earth’ and not ‘Saiyan.’ ChiChi was worrying over nothing.

 Goku poke his head outside his hospital room. He spotted a couple of nurses sitting at the nursing station. He couldn’t leave this way. He thought with it being five in the morning they wouldn’t be here. He closed the door, leaned against it and sighed. He had to get out of here. Thirty days in the hospital. Goku knew he healed enough for a real training session. Since walking out of the hospital was no good, he’ll sneak out the window with Nimbus.

 It was the sound of the phone ringing that woke ChiChi from her sleep. She went to bed late after spending hours preparing meals she will take to the hospital. Her face pressed against the pillow as a hand slipped out of bed to answer the ringing phone. ChiChi pulled the receiver to her ear. “Hello?” she mumbled. ChiChi listened to the woman on the other end spoke. “Mm-hmm,” she sleepily responded.  

 ChiChi’s eyes flew open. She immediately sat up. “How long has he been gone?!” ChiChi’s hand tightened on the phone. “I’ll find him and I’ll bring him back!”

 ChiChi slammed the phone down so hard it bounced. “That foolish man,” ChiChi snarled. “Breaking out of the hospital so he can train? He’s gonna need those dragon balls after I’m done with him!!”

 Dawn broken over the horizon an hour ago. He should’ve returned to the hospital but Goku refused. Initially, he enjoyed the freedom of being out but after testing his body, Goku was also disappointed.

 “This is pathetic. I know I’m still recovering but I should be stronger than this.”

 Without his bandages, he was flexible but slow. His bones weren’t broken but his body was still sore. There were spasms that flared up but the pain was temporarily. After thirty days in the hospital, Goku expected to be in better shape than this. He wasn’t going back to the hospital until he got a proper workout.  

 “Goku!”

 Uh-oh. That voice. Goku looked up to see ChiChi flying down on Nimbus. He was a dead man. ChiChi got upset with him when she caught him exercising in the hospital. Breaking out to train guaranteed his death.

 “How did you find me?”

 ChiChi stepped off Nimbus. She smirked as she patted his cloud. “Your friend brought me here.”

 Goku slapped his forehead. He didn’t think ChiChi would use Nimbus to find him. He didn’t think Nimbus would betray him.

 “Goku, are you crazy?! You escaped the hospital! You’re not recovered from your injuries!”

 “I’m going crazy lying in bed all day, ChiChi. It’s been a month! Bulma’s Dad should have my ship ready any day now. He told me it will get me to Namek in six days so I need to be ready to go when he’s finished.”

 ChiChi knew all about that but it wasn’t justification for Goku to break out of the hospital. “Then wait for the senzu beans to be ready! You’re only making your recovery longer training while you’re still hurt.” She grabbed his arm. “Come on! We’re going back!”

 Goku broke from ChiChi’s grasp. “No! I can’t leave yet, ChiChi. Just pretend you didn’t see me. Give me an hour or two to test myself out. Please!!”

 Goku expected ChiChi to yell at him, force him on Nimbus and drag him back to the hospital kicking and screaming. Instead, she smirked again and crossed her arms over her chest.

 When ChiChi smirked, Goku knew he was in serious trouble.

 “All right, Goku. I’ll make a deal with you. If you can defeat me, I’ll let you train.”

 Wait, what?

 Goku blinked. Surely he heard wrong. “You want me to spar with you?” ChiChi nodded. “You’re not joking. You mean it?” ChiChi’s second nod left Goku laughing at her. “That’s not fair, ChiChi.”

 His laugh annoyed her. “Think you’ll defeat me?”

 “Well….” Wasn’t it obvious? “Yeah.”

 “You’re still weak,” she pointed out to him, “and I’ve gotten stronger in the last year. I’ll be more of a challenge than you think.”

 Goku laughed again. ChiChi was overconfident as always. It reminded him of their first fight. “So, once I defeat you, you’ll let me train? You promise you won’t stop me?”

 “Yes.”

 This should be fun. He and ChiChi haven’t sparred together in a year. Sure, he was still injured but he was confident he had enough strength in him to defeat his wife. He can measure where he stands in terms of strength with this match. This was a win in more ways than one.

 “On three.” Goku prepared himself. “One… two…” As expected, ChiChi started before he said three. She always did that; jumping a second early in hopes of getting the upper hand. It never worked.

 This time was different.

 ChiChi’s speed was unexpected. So were the string of slaps across his face with the final one sending Goku flying back several feet. Before he could get his bearings, ChiChi was hot on his tail, using Nimbus to fly to him.

 Goku blocked her punch but not her kick to his gut. Either he was weaker than he thought or ChiChi really did get stronger. Maybe it’s a combination of both. That kick to his stomach rattled his entire body.

 Though slow in his reflexes, Goku quickly picked up ChiChi’s strategy. ChiChi relied on a distraction to get the upper hand and speed with the rest.

 It worked. With his weakened strength and slower reflexes, he wasn’t moving fast enough to block all of ChiChi’s strikes and ChiChi wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down. A flurry of punches and kicks struck his chest, legs and back. Goku jumped in the air using a familiar tactic during their first match. Goku expected ChiChi to jump in the sky. Unlike her, he could maintain flight. ChiChi could get a few hits in but she’ll have to come down while he stayed in the air. When she jumped again, Goku would use the same technique he used to defeat her. From his height, he will create enough wind in his punch that’ll slam her to the ground. It’ll hurt and he hated that but it will be enough for submit ChiChi to defeat.

 Once again, Goku underestimated ChiChi. Instead of jumping in the air, ChiChi used Nimbus to fly to him.

 “What the….” He blocked what would’ve been a direct punch to his face but missed the kick to his side. How did she learn to move so fast? How did ChiChi enable herself to use Nimbus so fluidly? He helped her fly Nimbus but ChiChi was still timid at times. Now she used his cloud as a weapon. She circled him and slipped in sneak attacks. He blocked a few but the hits she got on him were painful. Raw instinct told him to strike back but Goku couldn’t. As many times as they sparred, as many times ChiChi told him to not go easy, Goku never hit her. He always won dodging and blocking ChiChi’s strikes or subduing her by pinning her arms, legs or body on the ground or against his.

 Fighting in the sky was more of an advantage for ChiChi and not him so Goku returned to the ground. At least the playing field was even. ChiChi must’ve thought so, too, for after a round of blocks from him she nailed a high front kick that perfectly hit Goku’s chin and sent him soaring in the sky. The blow was painful and left Goku feeling he had no choice but to strike back. He’ll go easy. One hit will daze her enough for him to pin her down until she gave up.

 “…..hame…..”

 What? Goku caught himself in midflight. ChiChi was flying towards him on Nimbus. Her hands. No. She couldn’t be.

 “Ha….me…..”

 A ball of energy formed in ChiChi’s hands. She knew how to create one but this wave was the biggest he’s seen from ChiChi. He could also feel the Ki behind it. It was never this strong from her before. ChiChi wasn’t bluffing. She really did train hard in this year alone!

 “HA!” ChiChi thrust the Kamehameha Wave on Goku at full force.

 “Oh, sh—”Goku put his hands out to catch the wave. He pushed back to revert it but ChiChi wasn’t budging. Dammit! His competitive blood was stirring. He could not lose this match! He summoned his hidden reserves. If he lost, then he couldn’t train until the senzu beans were ready. Thirty days already passed. How much longer would he have to wait?  

 Yes! Yes! He could feel it! ChiChi was falling back. She exerted herself with that speed attack earlier.

 “Give up!” Goku didn’t want to her hurt. He didn’t want ChiChi attacked by her own Kamehameha Wave.

 “You give up!” ChiChi yelled back. “You’re too injured to fight. You’re gonna hurt yourself!”

 Oh, she was stubborn. He was, too. He pushed back harder showing ChiChi he had the upper hand in this. As soon as ChiChi felt the power of the wave, she pull back. She’ll give up. At least he hoped so.

 ChiChi refused to give up. Catching her own second wind, ChiChi shoved the wave back at Goku. The wave edged closer to consuming him. This woman. She was frustrating him but boiling his competitive blood at the same time. It was exciting but infuriating to think he might lose. Digging deeper, Goku scraped the bottom of his reserves and retaliated. Yes. He could feel ChiChi falling back again. Victory was his.

 The first spasm shot up his right arm. The second went up his back into his neck. It was paralyzing; his strength dropped enough for ChiChi to gain victory and push her Kamehameha Wave on him in a direct attack that swallowed him whole.

 Goku felt the Kamehameha Wave burn through his body. His screamed echoed over the mountainous terrain as his skin and insides burned. ChiChi had full control of the wave. She used enough of the power from the wave to hurt him but not kill him.

 Goku’s body plummet to the ground. There was nothing he could do to stop himself from slamming against the rocky pavement hard. Luckily, ChiChi jumped in the air, caught him in her arms and brought him down for a smooth landing.

 ChiChi held Goku in her lap as she waited for Goku to recover. Even though the fighting was over, Goku wouldn’t admit defeat. He pulled himself out of ChiChi’s grasp and stepped away from her. “I’m….not giving…up…” he slurred and stumbled. He couldn’t admit defeat. Losing meant he couldn’t fight anymore. Losing meant he will have to wait for the senzu beans. “I will…..” He fell forward and crashed into ground face first.

 ChiChi was at his side immediately. She turned Goku over and rest his head in her lap. “I’m sorry,” ChiChi apologized in a whispered apology, “but it was for your own good.”

 Seeing ChiChi’s soothing gaze, feeling her fingers caress his face, Goku’s exhausted and frustrated face turned into a smile. Oh, well. It was an uncontested defeat. He couldn’t be angry. ChiChi was right. He was pushing himself too far. Perhaps, he should feel embarrassed his wife defeated him but he felt the opposite.

 He was proud and aroused.

 His hand cupped the back of ChiChi’s neck. He pulled her down to press her lips against his. ChiChi allowed the kiss but pulled back before he wanted her to. “You’re so strong,” he slurred while caressing her neck. “How did ya…..”

 “Without a husband and son to care for, I had a lot of time on my hands,” ChiChi was happy Goku wasn’t angry at his loss. “I remembered our lessons and applied myself. I trained and pushed myself when I wanted to stop. I even climbed Korin’s Tower. I thought if I found Gohan I would use my new strength on Piccolo.”

 Goku pulled her down again for another kiss. “Korin’s Tower,” Goku repeated when ChiChi broke from him. “You climb…?”

“I did.”

 Goku grinned. “I like it. My wife is so strong.”

 Goku pulled ChiChi to him for a third kiss but she stopped him. Goku was delirious and needed treatment. ChiChi retrieved a capsule from her pocket and tossed it. An airship appeared from the puff of smoke. “Come on, Goku.” ChiChi picked up her husband. She carried him inside the ship. “Let’s get back to the hospital.”

 The sofa of the airship was reclined. ChiChi thought it would be more comfortable for Goku to lie here than on the floor. As she prepared to strap Goku in, Goku grabbed ChiChi by the collar of her dress and yank her down on him.

 “Goku! What…..” Her lips collided with his; one arm came around her waist while the other gripped her backside to massage her front against his. ChiChi’s eyes grew wide, her cheeks flush as she felt what Goku wanted. What was Goku thinking?!

 ChiChi broke the kiss. She pulled up only to have Goku pull her down again. “Goku,” ChiChi froze as she caught the raw need in his eyes. That look. She knew that look. When he looked like that… No! No she told herself. They couldn’t do this. “Have some decency!” she gripped his chest and pulled up. “You’re still recovering!” One hand reached up to open her cheongsam. ChiChi slapped his face. “Stop that!”

The slap aroused Goku even more. Such fiery spirit in his wife. “Ah, ChiChi, you know how I get when we spar.” He tugged the front clip of her bra. Her breasts bounced free. “Let’s fool around before we go back. We haven’t in a year.”

 ChiChi’s eyes shut close. Her hand gripped the sofa as Goku grabbed a teat and suckled hungrily. “Wait….” ChiChi panted. This wasn’t right. It felt so good to be touched this way after a year but it wasn’t right. Goku was hurt now and needed a doctor… despite his need for intimacy. Ooo. He was pinching and squeezing the other one. Maybe it could work. Goku was eager and if she was careful on top of him. Maybe…

 Teeth sank in her breast as Goku suddenly grunted in pain. Those damn spasms. Grimacing in her own pain, ChiChi pushed Goku’s face from her breast and jumped off the sofa. She spotted Goku rubbing his lower back while she rubbed her tender breast. “Damn spasm,” Goku grumbled. When the pain subsided, he noticed ChiChi adjusting her bra. “What are you doing?”

 “I’m getting dressed and taking you back to the hospital.”

 “No, wait,” Goku whined. “We can still do it.” He rose but the pain flared up again. He settled back on the sofa. “We’ve done it with you on top.” He waved her over. “Come on.”

 ChiChi buttoned up her cheongsam. Her breast still stung. The mood was gone. “Goku, we’re not gonna have our first time in a year like this. Don’t you dare pout after what you did!” She left him to sit in the pilot’s seat. “The senzu beans should be ready in a few days.” She rolled her eyes at his whining. “Oh, stop it. It’s not like we have to wait another year.”

 Goku felt he was in time out. Ever since his escape from the hospital, ChiChi kept a sharp eye on him. The hospital staff didn’t argue against ChiChi moving into Goku’s room. At night, ChiChi made sure Goku didn’t escape. During the day, ChiChi got a break from the doctors and nursing staff and also visits by Aki, Mr. Olitz and Mr. Lupp.

 Goku was growing impatient. Korin told him the senzu beans would be ready in a month. It’s been forty-four days. What was taking so long? Was Yajirobe sneakily eating them behind Korin’s back?

 “I really can’t work on this now.” ChiChi had been knitting all morning. Yesterday, she knitted a scarf and gloves for Gohan. Today she worked on a set for Goku. ChiChi dumped the round yarn balls and needles in her knitting basket. “My mind can’t concentrate. I can’t stop thinking about Gohan.”

 “Gohan?”

 “It’s been thirty-four days. We should’ve heard something by now.”

 “Yeah.” Goku kept up with the days, too. Master Roshi told him Bulma left him with a radio. She promised to radio in once they’ve landed. Each passing day, Master Roshi visited with no news and Goku grew increasingly worried.

 “I wish there was a way to contact them.” ChiChi got up and went to the window. “Even if they haven’t reached Namek yet, they should call in to say they’re fine.”

 Goku kept from ChiChi the knowledge of the radio. He knew ChiChi would visit Master Roshi’s island everyday trying to talk to Gohan. Given the tension between his former teacher and wife, Goku thought it wise to keep them at a distance. Even when Master Roshi dropped by, ChiChi made an excuse to leave the room. Goku wasn’t sure if the two would ever get along.

 “You’re bored,” Goku told her. ChiChi was getting stir crazy being in the hospital most of the day and all night. If he could get her to leave, ChiChi could relax and he could exercise. “Why don’t you go shopping? You like doing that.”

“I know what you’re doing.” She turned to him. That innocent look. She was onto him. “You’re trying to get me to leave so you can escape again.”

 “I promise I won’t escape.”

 Maybe not, but ChiChi knew Goku will do something she didn’t approve of. “But you’ll sneak in some exercises.”

 “That’s better than escaping.” ChiChi rolled her eyes. “I’ve been really good, ChiChi. I haven’t exercised since I came back. I’m growing soft because of it.”

 “You’re healing.”

 “Take a break, ChiChi,” Goku suggested. “An hour or two. Get out of the hospital. Breathe some fresh air.” Goku tried to think of something that will appease ChiChi. “Shopping!” Yes, ChiChi liked that. “There are shops here you can go to. Come on. I know you’re bored. I hate seeing you unhappy.”

 ChiChi sighed. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to leave for an hour or two. She’s never shopped in West City. There were nice things here. Maybe it will take her mind off Gohan and Goku for a while. “There’s a mall near the hospital so I won’t be far away.” It was a warning to him in case he did try to escape the hospital.

 “I’ll be here when you come back.” He was almost bouncing watching ChiChi pick up her purse. Finally, he’ll exercise again! “Whatcha gonna get?”

 ChiChi shrugged. “I don’t know. I might window shop.”

 “Get something for me?” Goku requested hopefully.

 ChiChi chuckled. “What do you want?”

 “Food.”  

 ChiChi laughed. “Why did I ask? All right. I’ll be back soon.” With a quick kiss on his lips, ChiChi departed.  

As soon as ChiChi left, Goku sat on the floor to do sit-ups. Goku only had an hour alone before his doctor and nurse checked on him. They didn’t approve he wasn’t following orders again. Master Roshi dropped in as he was carried back to bed.

 Master Roshi looked around cautiously. “ChiChi, isn’t around, is she?” When Bulma explained what was happening on Namek, she made it very clear to him ChiChi shouldn’t be told what’s going on. Master Roshi had his doubts about following Bulma’s orders but the closer he got to the hospital he realized Bulma was right. ChiChi didn’t need to know. She was already upset with Gohan going to Namek. Last thing he needed was an ‘I told you so’ or an angry ChiChi attacking him Gohan was stranded on Namek with Vegeta.

 “She stepped out for a while,” Goku told him.

 That was good to hear. After frisking the nurse, Master Roshi informed Goku of the dreadful news. “Bulma, Krillin and Gohan made it to Namek safely but they’re not alone. Vegeta’s there, too.”

 “Vegeta?!” Goku echoed. “He’s recovered already?!” It was always a possibility but Goku hoped Vegeta’s recovery would take longer than his.  

 “He’s not alone,” Master Roshi warned Goku. “There are at least ten comrades with him. They destroyed our group’s spaceship and they’re stranded.”

 Gohan. Dammit. I should’ve let Krillin finish off Vegeta when he had the chance. If my recklessness cost Gohan his life…..

 “Among the ten there’s one who’s Ki exceeds Vegeta.”

 “No…” The bad news wouldn’t stop coming. Master Roshi had to be wrong. Gohan can’t be stranded on a planet with Vegeta. There can’t be someone stronger than him. “No…. no….” I can’t stay in the hospital. I don’t care if my body is still broken, I’m going to Namek now. Dr. Briefs better have that ship ready.

 Hope came in the unexpected arrival of Yajirobe. Korin’s senzu beans were finally ready. After popping one in his mouth, Goku’s body immediately heal. He jumped out of bed and broke out of his cast, shocking his doctor and nurse of his quick recovery.

 No time to waste. Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta go. Goku ripped off his hospital gown and dressed in a fighting gi King Kai sent him. As he dressed, Goku felt himself brimming with excitement. He was on his way to Namek to rescue Gohan, Krillin and Bulma but he also felt a twinge of excitement in seeing the one stronger than Vegeta. What would it be like to fight him? “Namek, here I come!”

 After swiping the remaining bag of senzu beans from Yajirobe, an explanation to Master Roshi how Dr. Briefs built him a second ship, Goku summoned Nimbus, jumped out the window and headed for Bulma’s house.

 Halfway to Bulma’s house, Goku slapped his forehead as he suddenly remembered. “ChiChi!” She was at the mall. She should know what’s going on. ChiChi’s Ki wasn’t far away but he needed to get to Namek now. As much as he wanted, he couldn’t drop off at the mall and tell her what’s going on.

 “Master Roshi will tell ChiChi,” Goku told himself. “He wouldn’t keep this from her. Not after our talk.” Goku was sure of it. ChiChi would be worried but she will take comfort knowing he’s on the way to save their son.

 Master Roshi remained in Goku’s hospital room waiting. Yajirobe called him nuts and left after learning why Master Roshi remained after Goku left. The baffled doctor and nurse left to resume their rounds checking on the other patients on the floor. Master Roshi thought he was fool, too, but he rather handle this now than have an angry ChiChi coming to his island demanding answers like she did a year ago.

 “I’m back, Goku!” ChiChi cheerfully announced as she entered the room with a few shopping bags in her hands. “I got you something from the food court and----“ she froze. The door swung shut behind her. ChiChi spotted Goku’s empty bed. With eyes darting around the room, her husband was nowhere to be found. The only one here was Master Roshi.  

 The betrayal! He told her he will be here. ChiChi balled her fists. How dare her husband lie to her so he could run off to train again! ChiChi marched to the old martial arts master, grabbed his tie and yanked him forward. “Where’s Goku?!”

 “He left.”

 “I’ll find him!” ChiChi snarled, releasing Master Roshi. “I’ll drag him back to wherever he’s training and chain him to the bed! How dare he lie to me! He sent me away so he could fly off to train!”

 “Actually, he’s on his way to Namek.”

 “Namek?”

 “Yajirobe dropped off the senzu beans. Goku healed and didn’t waste time flying to Bulma’s house. He said Dr. Briefs built a second spaceship. It will get to Namek in six days.”

 “I know that!” ChiChi shut him up. She knew about the ship and the updates Dr. Brief gave Goku. ChiChi knew Goku will leave but she hoped to convince Goku to take her with him. If the trip was as safe as Bulma projected, ChiChi didn’t think anything wrong in her tagging along. “He could’ve waited until I got back to let me know this. Goku knew I wasn’t gonna be gone long. Why was he in such a rush to leave?”

 “No reason,” Master Roshi lied. “He just wanted to get to Namek. Oh!” he snapped his fingers. “Bulma, Krillin and Gohan have arrived safely on Namek, too. The Nameks are helping them. They’re nice like Kami. Since Goku’s ship will get to Namek in six days, they’ll ride back with him. They’ll be home in two weeks.”

 “How long has Goku been gone?”

 “About thirty minutes.”

 “Goku will need Dr. Briefs to teach him how to fly that ship. He could still be there.” ChiChi rushed out the room so fast the door nearly flew off its hinges! “Hold that elevator!!!”

 “Wait, ChiChi!” By the time he reached the door, he saw ChiChi slip in the elevator at the last second. “This isn’t good!” Master Roshi rushed to the phone at the nurses’ station. “I need to make a call!” he screamed at the nurse at the desk. “It’s a life and death emergency!” Ignoring the irate nurse, Master Roshi dialed the direct number to Bulma’s house.

 After a couple of rings, Dr. Briefs answered the phone. “Hello, Dr. Briefs? It’s Master Roshi. Is Goku there? Five minutes ago?” Master Roshi listened as Dr. Briefs rambled how Goku was in a rush to leave and didn’t want to wait for him to install the speakers. “Goku’s wife is on the way to your house. No, it’s not a good thing! Whatever you do, don’t tell her Gohan is stranded on Namek and the Saiyan Vegeta is on the planet, too.” Master Roshi listened as Dr. Brief responded. “No! She shouldn’t know! This is your daughter’s order! She told me to let everyone know what’s going on Namek but Goku’s wife!” Master Roshi rolled his eyes. The old scientist wasn’t listening. “Didn’t Bulma tell you what happened after Goku died last year? No? Goku’s wife can’t handle the truth. So, when she gets there, let her know everything is fine on Namek. Okay. Got it. Good.” Master Roshi hung up the phone.

 He exhaled. That was too close.  

 “And once again, I’m without my husband and son.” ChiChi shook her head as she sipped her tea. “I swear someone likes to play cruel jokes on me.”

 Gyu-mao didn’t agree but admitted it was a terrible twist of fate for Goku and Gohan to be gone again. Father and daughter were in the courtyard of Gyu-Mao’s castle drinking tea after dinner. ChiChi came here after speaking with Dr. Briefs. She just missed Goku by half an hour.

 “The good news is Goku and Gohan won’t be gone for a year. With the Nameks helping, all the dragon balls will probably be collected by the time Goku arrives. They’ll wish our friends back and return home. It’s another two weeks, ChiChi. You can wait that long.”

 “I suppose.” ChiChi stared at the setting sun and sighed. “Two weeks. It’s gonna feel like another year.”

 They’ve been on Namek for a few hours and Krillin saw nothing was going as planned. Last thing Krillin expected to find on Namek were Vegeta and beings stronger than him looking for the dragon balls they needed to bring their friends back. If their ship wasn’t destroyed Krillin would’ve joined Bulma and returned to Earth. Gohan would want to stay but the child was naïve. This was Gohan’s first adventure. He was full of idealism and hope. Krillin and Bulma had a few more adventures under their belts. They knew when to throw in the towel and wait for Goku. Even with the news of Goku arriving in six days, Krillin worried if they could hold out that long.

 Right now, all three were taking a break in Bulma’s capsule home. Krillin and Gohan returned from a Namek village where all were killed except a Namek child called Dende. Right now, Gohan and Dende were currently exploring the capsule home while he and Bulma were in the kitchen gathering lunch for everyone.

 Bulma pulled out three microwaveable lunch trays from the refrigerator. “Will this be enough?”

 “Those three may be enough for Gohan. He is Goku’s kid. One tray should be enough for me and Dende.”

 “Right. Sometimes I forget that kid has Goku’s stomach.” Bulma placed two trays in the microwave. While they heated up, Bulma pulled out two more lunch trays for Krillin and Dende. “I’ll be so glad when Goku gets here.”

 Goku. Now they had a moment alone, Krillin thought to bring up something that bothered him since Bulma called Master Roshi. “Bulma, why did you tell Master Roshi to tell everyone but ChiChi what’s going on here?”

 “She’ll overreact as usual. Besides, why get her worried when there’s nothing she can do? Sometimes ignorance is bliss.”

 Maybe but Krillin didn’t think ChiChi should be kept in the dark again. “You remember what happened the last time we kept something from her? Remember how Goku reacted in the hospital?”

 “It’s different this time. No one’s gonna be away for a year. Goku’s on his way and instead of two months, we’ll all be home in a couple of weeks.”

Krillin insisted, “ChiChi should still know.”

 Bulma rolled her eyes. “Well, if you want to get yelled at by her, then by all means tell her everything when we get back.”

 The microwave dinged. Krillin eyed Bulma suspiciously as she took the two trays out and placed two more in. “You’re not doing this because you’re jealous you didn’t get Goku first, are you?”

 Bulma slammed the microwave door shut. “Where the hell did you get that idea?”

 Krillin jumped back, fearful of the fire in Bulma’s voice. “Just a theory.” It was only a theory but there were things he knew he didn’t feel inclined to speak about until now. “Oolong told me you wouldn’t stop talking how attractive Goku grew up to be when we reunited at the 23rd Tournament. Even after Yamcha showed up, you kept talking about Goku.”

 Bulma scoffed. “You believe that panty stealing pig?”

 “It’s not only that. That night we all ate at the restaurant, you pushed me out of the way to sit next to Goku. I thought you just wanted to sit down. You kept trying to talk to Goku while he ate.”

 Bulma blew off Krillin’s suspicions. “I wanted to catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in three years. Goku is my oldest friend you know.”

 Krillin wanted to catch up, too, but he wasn’t trying to monopolize Goku’s time like Bulma. There was something else, too. “Master Roshi confirmed what Oolong told me.”

 “What?”

 “It makes sense you would feel that way. You were always drooling over attractive guys. Remember Commander Blue? But you always yelled at Yamcha being unfaithful.” Krillin could never remember Yamcha looking at another girl but Bulma’s eyes did wander. “I guess it makes sense you will be drawn to Goku once he grew up.”

 “You’re insane!” Bulma protested. “That has nothing to do with it and that was years ago!”

 Krillin noticed Gohan and Dende suddenly looking their way. He made a gesture telling Bulma to keep her voice down. Gohan did not need to hear this. “After Goku left with Chichi, you did question if Goku made the right decision.”

 “That’s because he was marrying a person he didn’t know. Marriage is a big deal and Goku didn’t know what he was doing.”

 “It’s not the first time Goku left on his own to do something. He left to find his grandpa’s dragon ball. He left us to train on his own without Nimbus. Each time we thought Goku was insane. Face it. We’re wrong. He’s still married; whatever Goku has going on with ChiChi is working for him to be happy and snap at us for how we treated her. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

 Bulma nearly yanked the microwave door off its hinge as she pulled out two more trays and shoved the last one in. “Believe whatever you want. I know better and you’re making something out of nothing.”

 Gohan approached the two looking concern. “Is everything all right?”

 Bulma kept her back to Gohan while Krillin forced a smile. He grabbed three of the hot trays and passed them to Gohan. “Go eat. We need to keep our strength up to what’s going on around here.”

 “Oh.” Gohan looked from Bulma to Krillin. “Okay.” Whatever was going on, it was clear to the five-year-old they didn’t want him to know. Sometimes his parents became quiet when he entered the room, too. Perhaps it was one of those situations.

 Krillin waited until Gohan join Dende on the lounge sofa before speaking again. “That kid has too much of his Dad in him.”

 “That’s a good thing, Krillin.”

 Krillin half shrugged. “You wouldn’t have said that if you were with us. He almost got us killed saving that Namek child. He exposed us to that Freeza character. Now he knows there are other people here besides the Nameks. It won’t be an easy six days waiting for Goku to get here.” Krillin sighed. “I don’t know. I admire Gohan’s bravery but I think ChiChi was right. We shouldn’t have brought him. We should’ve waited until Goku got well.”

 It was clear to Bulma Krillin lost his mind. “Are you crazy? What do think the situation will be if we waited? Vegeta or this Freeza character might have all seven dragon balls by the time we got here. We’ll have to wait a year to bring Yamcha and everyone back.”

 “We all can be dead in six days, Bulma. You weren’t out there with me and Gohan. Freeza and his gang are ruthless. They killed the adults and children. How do you think Goku will feel if Gohan is killed? What do you think ChiChi will do to us if we survive and Gohan doesn’t?”

 Bulma blew off his concerns. “You’re worrying over nothing. Goku will be here in six days and he will take care of everything as usual.”

 Krillin gave up. There was no convincing Bulma. Krillin grabbed his and Dende’s lunch trays while Bulma carried a tray of cups and juice for everyone. Krillin wished he had Bulma’s optimism but he had a terrible feeling the next six days will be the hardest in their life.  

 During lunch, Dende learned more about Krillin, Gohan and Bulma. When he discovered the three strangers could help his people, Dende offered to take Krillin to the Grand Elder. While Krillin and Dende were on their way to the Grand Elder’s home, Gohan was on a mission of his own. Bulma spotted a lone dragon ball not far from them. Realizing the dragon ball’s in the same spot they felt Vegeta’s Ki earlier, Gohan investigated. It was possible Vegeta never found the dragon ball. With the one Krillin will bring from the Grand Elder’s home and the one Gohan expected to find, this will bring their collection of dragon balls to two.

 Gohan’s heart dropped at the grim site of the Namek village. Namek homes were damaged; several men and children laid dead. No mercy was given to these poor people. Necks were broken; burn marks reveal where Ki blasts proved fatal. Gohan shut his eyes seeing an adult Namek unsuccessfully shield his body over a child’s.

 So much death and violence of peaceful people. Just like Dodoria, Vegeta was ruthless in killing innocent people. Gohan felt the least he could do for these people is give them a proper burial.

 “It wasn’t suppose to be like this,” Gohan talked to himself. “It was suppose to be an easy trip. Get the dragon balls and wish our friends back. No one else was going to die.” Gohan dropped the shovel and placed a Namekian in the hole. After he was buried, Gohan dug another hole. He sniffed as he fought back tears. “These people shouldn’t have died. All the Nameks except for Dende and the Grand Elder are probably dead.”

 Gohan wondered about the person named Freeza. Gohan never imagined anyone’s Ki being as high as what he felt from Freeza. It was impossible. After their ship was destroyed, Bulma and Krillin wanted to go home. Gohan wanted to stay but after feeling Freeza’s Ki, Gohan wondered if they all were in over their heads.

 His father’s impending arrival gave Gohan hope but he was still scared.

 Gohan buried the next Namekians. An adult male and boy. Covering their bodies with dirt, Gohan thought of his mother. Mom said the trip will be dangerous. She forbid him to go but Gohan was too determine to come here to listen. He had to bring Piccolo back.

 “I wished I spent some time with Mom before I left.”

 On the journey here, Gohan spent more time thinking about his Dad than his mother. He was annoyed she didn’t approve of this trip and found her fussing over him overwhelming. He didn’t even hug her before he left. What he will give for his mother’s hugs now.  

 “Don’t think about that,” Gohan told himself while digging another hole. “I need to keep alert for Vegeta or any of Freeza’s goons. Dad would want me to be strong. So will Piccolo. Focus on the mission,” Gohan told himself. “Focus on the mission.”

 After burying all the Nameks, Gohan found the dragon ball in the lake nearby. Returning to Bulma, Gohan ran into Vegeta. Even though he deceived the Saiyan he had a dragon ball, it didn’t stop Vegeta from kneeing him in his stomach and pressing his dirty boot on his head while saying disparaging things about his father.  

 Gohan had the last laugh fooling Vegeta the dragon ball radar in his hand was a watch. When he reunited with Krillin and Bulma, they moved to a new hiding spot. It wasn’t a cave. It was too cramp to open a capsule home which angered Bulma but it was a safe spot to leave her while he and Krillin went to the Grand Elder’s home to awaken his inner power.

 For four days, Gohan and Krillin flew with their Ki suppressed to avoid Vegeta’s detection. They weren’t at the halfway point but with Goku’s impending arrival and thinking they were too far for Vegeta to detect them, Krillin and Gohan increased their Ki and flew full speed to the Grand Elder’s home.

 Though far away, with a handful of living creatures on Namek, it was easy for Vegeta to pick up the high Ki of Gohan and Krillin. He hunted them down within an hour’s time. Krillin stalled Vegeta while Gohan flew the rest of the way to the Grand Elder’s home.

 The Grand Elder obliged Gohan’s request to increase his power. Gohan thought now that his power matched his father’s, he and Krillin will team up against Vegeta, take the dragon ball in his possession and hide out until his father arrived. That was the plan until Dende warned them of an unknown power coming to the planet.

 The irony of it all.

 Four days ago, Vegeta cheap shot him, threatened to return to Earth to kill his father and everyone on the planet. Now he and Krillin were joining forces with Vegeta to stop the Ginyu Force. Whoever they were, they even scared Vegeta.

 That alone frightened Gohan on who they were facing.  

 Gohan shook in the presence of the Ginyu Force. All five had enormous Ki and were very fast. Two captured the dragon balls Vegeta and Krillin possessed before they could get rid of it.

 With all seven, the leader, Captain Ginyu, left to take the dragon balls to Freeza. The remaining four argued who will fight. It was decided the tall red head named Recoome will fight Vegeta and the short green one name Guldo will fight Gohan and Krillin.

 Guldo was weak but his ability to control time put him on even ground against Gohan and Krillin. If Vegeta hadn’t intervened to cut off his head, Guldo would’ve killed them.

 With Guldo perished, Recoome stepped up to fight Vegeta. Before the fight Recoome warmed up with a strange yet animated pose that infuriated Vegeta and confused Krillin. It puzzled Gohan, too, but he also thought there was something appealing about Recoome’s odd posing.

 This is just fucking great! Of all the members of the Ginyu Force he had to battle first, why did he have to fight Recoome? Fighting Burter or Jeice wouldn’t be easy but he rather start off with them than the brute Recoome. He was a monster.

 It was a long shot but going after Recoome with all his strength and speed was the best way to defeat him. Maybe with his new power he could put a dent in Recoome before Recoome retaliated to pummel him senseless. That could give the bald one and Kakarrot’s son a shot in finishing him off.

 Like hell. Recoome is gonna beat all our asses but if that jackass Kakarrot is on his way, then all four of us can beat him together.

 Speed and strength was Vegeta’s strategy. One mega punch knocked Recoome off his feet. Vegeta retaliated with more punches to his face and body until he cracked Recoome’s armor. Another strike sent Recoome to the ground. Vegeta dived on Recoome like a missile before swinging him around and tossing him into a mountain. Not finished, Vegeta fired off one massive Ki after another that was a direct hit on Recoome with the final one resembling a mega bomb. Krillin and Gohan dived to the ground to avoid getting in the crossfire.

 That assault took out a lot of Vegeta and only to the surprise of Gohan and Krillin, it had little effect on Recoome.

 Shit.

 Smoking, with tatter clothes, Recoome chuckled at the weak assault. “That was a good warm up, Vegeta. Now let’s get started.”

 Fuck, this is gonna hurt.

 “Recoome Kick!!!” Though bulky, Recoome’s speed was too much for Vegeta. In a blink of an eye, Recoome’s knee smashed into his neck. Vegeta soared but flipped himself on a rock. Flying back to Recoome the two engaged in a battle of punches.

 Asshole is toying with me. He’s blocking all my punches. I can’t land any on him.

 An elbow to his back knocked Vegeta down but he was fast on his feet again until Recoome knocked him into the water. This, Vegeta cockily thought, was Recoome’s error. Swimming until he gained enough momentum, Vegeta rocketed out of the lake.

 I’m putting everything I got into this.

 Vegeta plowed into Recoome’s stomach. Hearing Recoome’s scream ringing in his ears, Vegeta knew he broke through the barrier of Recoome’s strength. Vegeta smack punch after punch against Recoome. He’ll keep pounding until that steel stomach of Recoome’s gushes with blood.

 Recoome grabbing his waist stopped Vegeta in mid punch. The brute Ginyu force member flipped Vegeta so he hung upset down. With a steel grip on him, Recoome plunge them both to the ground. Vegeta tried but he couldn’t break free from Recoome. He knew in moments, he will plow head first into the ground.

 Oh, shi---

 The impact created an earthquake. Vegeta felt half his body submerged into the ground with his legs dangling lifeless like a dead insect. His entire body ached. He couldn’t move. His head throbbed, his ears rung. He didn’t have a chance to gather himself before Recoome pulled him out of the rubble. Vegeta blast a ball of Ki in Recoome’s face. It was all he had but it was enough to knock Recoome away from him.

 For Recoome, it was a tickle.

 He put everything he had into this fight and it was for nothing. He killed Dodoria. He killed Zarbon and now he will soon meet his end as Recoome’s plaything.

 Krillin and Gohan watched from the sidelines. Both couldn’t believe the beating Vegeta took. How was he still alive? “We’re gonna have to step in, Gohan. Vegeta doesn’t have anything left.”

 “Okay,” Gohan shakily agreed.

 Krillin hated this. There was no way they could beat Recoome. As soon as they get involved in the fight, they were as good as dead. Sorry, Goku. ChiChi. I can’t protect your boy. We’re gonna die but we’re going out fighting. “We’re not gonna beat him, Gohan. I doubt Goku can stop this guy.”

 While Recoome showed off with another ridiculous pose, Krillin prepared himself to strike. “Vegeta can’t move, Gohan. When Recoome attacks, I’ll create a distraction while you get Vegeta.”

 When Recoome fired his Eraser Gun technique at Vegeta, Krillin slammed his knee on Recoome’s head while Gohan grabbed the defenseless Vegeta and carried him away from before Recoome’s Eraser Gun technique struck him. Instead of the massive explosion of Ki hitting Vegeta, it hit a mountain and reduce it to rubble. Gohan shielded Vegeta as the explosion created another earthquake over the area.

 “Get out…. of my way,” Vegeta snarled at Gohan as he rose. He gripped his broken left arm. “Did I… ask for your help?”

 Gohan wasn’t expecting a thank you but he thought Vegeta would be a little appreciative he saved his life.

 Instead the Saiyan Prince cursed Gohan. “Idiot!! If you had… time to save me… why didn’t you attack Recoome?! Sentimentality,” Vegeta gagged. “Makes me sick.”

 Recoome rose and dusted himself off. Except for missing teeth, he was unharmed again. With one kick, Recoome took down Krillin. Gohan flew to his side, begging his father’s friend to say something. Krillin’s body was completely broken. One kick and he couldn’t move. Even with his power heightened by the Grand Elder, it was nothing against Recoome. Krillin saw this as their end but Gohan still had hope.

 Daddy was coming.

 Last one standing, Gohan faced off against Recoome. His anger rose; his power rose. Krillin gave up but Gohan refused to. They needed the dragon balls to revive their friends. His father was on the way. Even if it’s only him, Gohan vowed to hang on until his father arrived.

 You’re gonna have to stand in for me, too. When I looked for dragon balls with Bulma and Krillin, they depended on my strength to get them out of tough situations. That falls on you now. I know it’s a lot but can you handle that, Gohan?

 I won’t break my promise, Daddy. I’ll hold on until you get here.

 Recoome standing with his hands on his hips left Gohan to attack first. His kick to the redhead brute felt as if he struck a steel wall. Recoome caught Gohan’s fist and flung the five-year-old in the air before flinging multiple Ki blasts in his direction. Gohan retaliated with Piccolo’s Masenko attack.

 Nothing. Not even a dent on this behemoth.

 As Recoome approached, Gohan prepared himself. He saw what he did to Vegeta and Krillin. Recoome’s blows will be painful but Gohan was ready for it. Piccolo beat him down every day. He was ready for this.

 Or so he thought. None of the kicks and punches from Piccolo hurt this bad. Three strikes including an ass smack left Gohan writhing in pain. His entire body ached but Gohan refused to give up. Piccolo needed him. His father was counting on him. He wouldn’t let them down.

 Rising, Gohan fired a massive Ki at Recoome only for him to blow it back on him like a boomerang. Gohan jumped to avoid his attack which left him perfectly open for Recoome to chop at his throat. Gagging, Gohan slammed into to the ground again.

 Gohan could hear Recoome’s laughs over him as he pushed himself to his hands and knees. Coughing, blood spurted from his mouth. It hurts everywhere. I can’t…..I can’t do this. No….. I can’t stay down. Piccolo wouldn’t want me to give up. Daddy wouldn’t want me to give up.

 “Daddy,” Gohan whimpered. Raising his head, Gohan looked at the green sky. Daddy was coming. He needed to give Daddy more time. Putting a hand on one knee, Gohan forced his shaky legs to stand.  

 Daddy wouldn’t give up. I won’t either! Gohan charged like a bull to Recoome before leaping and delivering a thundering punch. The giant toppled leaving Gohan to pounce with endless punches to Recoome’s face. Come on! Something’s got to break this guy.

 Recoome merely laughed at the child’s punches. It felt like feathers. “Is this the best you can do, kid?” One punch rattled Gohan’s bones as he bounced into a pit.

 His body told Gohan to stay down but his mind told him to get up. I won’t be beaten. Panting, Gohan crawled out of the hole. “I have to defeat you…. for Piccolo… for Yamcha…. Tien…. Chaozu. They’re counting on me.”  Gohan launched himself against Recoome again. “I will bring them back to life!”

 Recoome leapt from his seat on a boulder. The kid spunk. He was entertaining but it was time to wrap it up. “Recoome Bomber!!”

 An array of Ki blasts rained down on Gohan. Each exploding like bombs when they reached the ground. Gohan jumped, flipped and bounced around avoiding each one. Just as he thought he was in the clear, Gohan felt two massive blows on his back and stomach. Bones cracked, some were broken and more blood splattered from him.

 Still, Gohan refuse to give up. Bleeding with a broken arm, one eye shut while the other blurred, Gohan limped with each step. He could hear Krillin telling him to give up, to stay down. Gohan wouldn’t. It was not the Son Family way. It wasn’t in his Saiyan blood.

 “I’m the son… of Son Goku….the warrior…. I won’t…..” his body swayed. “I won’t…..” He could hear Recoome mocking him. Gohan let that fuel him as he tapped into the remaining strength left in him. This is for everyone!

 This was it Gohan told him as he drove to Recoome for one final attack. “I WON’T LET YOU BEAT ME!!” Recoome leapt out of the way, avoiding Gohan’s fist. He struck a fatal kick to Gohan’s neck.

 Gohan heard a snap and knew something was wrong. His body dropped to the ground with a thud. Gohan tried to will movement from his body but only his right leg, which twisted the wrong way, twitched. His arms and left leg wouldn’t move. He couldn’t even turn his head. Around him, Gohan heard the faint voices of Recoome talking to Burter and Jeice on delivering the final blow to him, Krillin and Vegeta. Their voices faded away as he focused on his own thoughts.

 I can’t move. I can’t…..

 I’m dying, aren’t I? I feel so weak.

 Piccolo…. Yamcha…. Tien…. Chaozu… I’m sorry. I tried my best….but I failed to bring you back. Forgive me.

 Daddy…. I’m sorry. I tried.

 Mommy. I want Mommy.

 Gohan’s eyes blurred. His sight was going but in his mind he could see his mother. She stood in the kitchen of their home smiling at him with open arms. “Gohan. Mommy loves you so much.”

 Mommy. I’m so sorry, Mommy. I should’ve listened to you. I’m sorry for I’m not coming home.

 Mommy. Daddy.

 A breeze brushed over Gohan. Did someone suddenly arrive? Gohan’s vision was foggy but he thought he saw black spikes standing over him.

 Did someone call his name?

 “Krillin, I’ll bring you some senzu right away!”

 That voice. Those black spikes.

 Daddy. Daddy, is it really you?

Part Twenty-Three: Namek: Part Two

 AN: Goku’s first day in the hospital, Korin told him the senzu beans will be ready in a month. Bulma, Krillin and Gohan left for Namek ten days later and it took them another thirty-four days before they reached Namek. Goku left the hospital the same day Bulma radio Master Roshi the news on Namek Makes me wonder if Yajirobe was snacking on some of those beans.

 Bulma did gush how attractive Goku grew to be in the 23rd Tournament and even in the Namek arc when Goku returned she wondered if she blew her chance with him. Very awkward considering Goku is married with a child. It’s interesting how it was never brought up even though some had to suspect like Master Roshi and Oolong.

 Sadly in the manga, ChiChi was unaware of the dangers of her family because Bulma told Master Roshi to let everyone know what was going on Namek except ChiChi. Ouch!

 Though it was never explained why Gohan did those poses as Saiyaman, I always thought the Ginyu Force subtly influenced him.

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball Z Movie 1: Dead Zone

All right, it’s time or the first DBZ movie.   Dead Zone premiered on July 15, 1989, right between epsiodes 11 and 12.   It wasn’t actually called “Dead Zone”, and it’s title was simply “Dragon Ball Z” until the other movies came out, and then it was known in Japan as “Return my Gohan!”     Personally, I think “Dead Zone” works better as a title although it doesn’t really come into play until the very end.  

I ran into some trouble with this one, because I own all the DBZ movies on Blu-Ray, and it turns out that I can’t take screen captures of Blu-Ray movies on my computer.   So my only other option was to log on to Funimation’s streaming service and get my images from there.   But the video quality was pathetic, so I’ll apologize in advance for the crappy screenshots.  

I’m not sure how I’ll proceed with the other films.   I can’t use Funimation.com for all of them, because the Bardock special, the Broly movies, and Fusion Reborn were all taken off the site, probably because they’ve been playing them in theaters lately.   I guess I could buy the DVD editions, but I’m not sure it’s worth the trouble.   Well, I’ll worry about that later.

We open on this shot of Piccolo screaming.   Right away, you call tell this is going to be a great movie.   Casablanca should have done this.  

I’m not sure what Piccolo is up to here, but I guess he’s blowing up rock formations as part of his training to beat Goku someday.  

Then he gets ambushed by three mysterious warriors, and they pretty much eat his lunch.   A fourth one orders them to kill Piccolo.

Piccolo screams, and there’s an explosion, and the bad guys seem pretty confident that he’s dead.   They also know that since Piccolo and Kami were once the same person, they’ve killed Kami along with Piccolo, which seems to have been the purpose of this attack.

Except Kami’s just fine.  We see him on the Lookout, sitting in what looks like a confessional.   He’s startled, but only because he can sense that Piccolo has been defeated.   He suspects Goku, but then he realizes that it must have been... him. 

From there, we move on to Goku’s house, where the Ox King just arrived to bring Gohan some presents.   It’s very much like the first few episodes of DBZ, only this time Gohan is actually home when Ox shows up.

But then Ox King collapses, and Gohan has to run away before his grandpa can fall on him.

Turns out some bad guy coldcocked Ox King from behind, and now he wants the Dragon Ball on Gohan’s hat.  Chi-Chi sends Gohan into the relative safety of the house...

...but this guy’s waiting inside, so that’s no good.   Also he eats three pears, just because.

Chi-Chi squares up to fight these guys, but there’s three of them and one of her, and she has to keep an eye on Gohan too.  There’s a lot of gifs out there of Chi-Chi’s desperate stance in this movie, because it’s just so well-animated.   Everything in this movie is well-animated, really.    It might not be the most innovative story, but the visuals more than make up for it.  

Chi-Chi can’t even land a blow, as it turns out.   The bad guys take Gohan and leave, and Goku’s out fishing.   Somehow, he senses it when Chi-Chi falls, and he runs back to the house to see what’s wrong.   Chi-Chi tells him that his son has been kidnapped by bad guys.   The question now is: Is Goku a bad enough dude to rescue him?   The answer is yes.  

Then we cut to the bad guys’ lair.   This shot looks amazing.   I love the weird architecture of the castle, I love the salmon-colored sky and the yellow clouds, it’s just really pleasant to look at.   I’d hang this up on my wall at home if I did that sort of thing. 

The leader, named Garlic Junior, plans to use the Dragon Balls to wish for eternal life.   With Gohan’s capture, they now have five of the Dragon Balls, and they seem pretty confident that they can locate the last two without much trouble.   I’m curious as to how they can find them so easily, but this is never explained.

Also, I don’t understand why they kidnapped Gohan when all they wanted was the Dragon Ball on his hat.   Gohan informs them that his father will come rescue him, and the bad guys seem mildly impressed to learn that Goku is his father.   Garlic even recognizes Goku as the man who defeated Piccolo at the World Martial Arts tournament.    On the other hand, they just got done beating Piccolo, and quite easily, so they figure they can handle Goku if he happens to show up.

Garlic senses that Gohan has a great power within him, and decides to raise him as his henchman.   This right here turns out to be a huge mistake.  Bringing Gohan here was a questionable move at best, but here we see Garlic decide to keep the kid, rather than kill him or send him back to his family.    It just isn’t worth it.   Yeah, Gohan might make a useful flunky, but does Garlic really need one?   Probably not, but he’s too high on his own success to hedge his bets. 

Meanwhile, Goku heads to Master Roshi’s place to get Bulma’s Dragon Radar.   Not sure how he knew Bulma was at Roshi’s place, but whatever.   Just like in the TV series, when Radditz kidnapped Gohan, Goku was able to track his son by the Dragon Ball on his hat.   And this seems like a good time to discuss the continuity of this movie.

See, the original Dragon Ball movies sort of functioned as a retelling of Goku’s early adventures, with different characters and plot elements tossed in.   It was readily apparent that they didn’t fit into the continuity of the TV anime or the manga, because they literally retold key moments, like Goku meeting Bulma for the first time, or Krilln meeting Master Roshi, or Tao Pai Pai’s murder of Bora.   But the circumstances were changed, so it was clear that those movie moments didn’t fit in with the original story.   The DBZ movies, on the other hand, sort of operate as side-stories to the manga and anime, ecxcept that there’s usually one or two plot holes that keep them from fitting into the mythos.   

In this case, the big problem is that Bulma, Roshi, and Krillin are helping Goku find his lost son, but they didn’t find out Goku even had a son until Episode 2 of DBZ, which ends with Radditz kidnapping the boy.    If not for this scene right here, you could make an argument that this movie works as a prequel to DBZ, and Gohan got kidnapped by a different supervillain right before Raditz showed up.   

So why not say that it’s set after the battle with Raditz?    Because Goku dies in that battle, and by the time he comes back, Piccolo is dead.    By the time Piccolo returns to life, they’re all on Planet Namek.    You won’t see all of these characters reunited on Earth until Episode 121.    By that time, Goku’s a Super Saiyan, and Gohan is a few years older, and far more capable than the timid little boy we see in this movie.  

Still, it’s a pretty subtle plot hole, which I think is why some fans cling to the idea that the movies are canon somehow.   It doesn’t help that Toei did a whole filler arc in the anime, where Garlic Junior returns and references the events of the movie, but it just doesn’t make sense. 

Back at Garlic’s castle, he’s sent two of his minions to gather the last two Dragon Balls, while the third has to look after Gohan.   He doesn’t care much for this, and he stops to take a break by eating fruit from a tree in the courtyard...

... But Gohan has the same idea.  

Turns out this is special fruit that gets you drunk.  

Gohan has a whole hallucination, complete with a musical theme.

Somehow he wanders into Garlic’s oversized novelty cuckoo clock.

And then he sleeps it off on Garlic’s throne. Garlic seems to consider all of this as a sign that Gohan is no ordinary child, so maybe a normal kid would just pass out or die if they ate that fruit. 

Doesn’t matter, because it’s wish time.  Garlic gets all seven balls, and he asks the Dragon to make him immortal, and it works!   Goku’s still on his way when this happens.    It’s kind of surreal to see a bad guy pull something like this off without a hitch.    Even King Piccolo had to fight a few people first.

The actual process of making Garlic Junior immortal seems to involve some sort of energy transfer.    It even looks a little uncomfortable, but Garlic is sure that it worked. 

then we get this whole scene of demons rising up from the ground and marching off to war.    I’m not sure if this is actually happening while Garlic is becoming immortal, or if he’s just imagining what he’s going to do now that no one can stop him.

Goku arrives soon after, demanding the release of his son, and then Kami shows up, all glowing yellow like he’s a big shot.  Garlic is shocked to see Kami, since he assumed he was already dead, but Goku is just annoyed that Kami is butting into his rescue mission.   This scene makes a lot more sense when you’ve seen Kami and Goku quibble over the fight with Piccolo in the original Dragon Ball.

From there, Kami starts explaining just who Garlic Junior is.   Turns out that Garlic Senior was Kami’s rival for the job of Guardian of the Earth.   The previous Kami recognized the evil ambitions in Garlic, Sr.’s heart, so he picked the guy we now know as Kami.   Garlic, Sr. was a sore loser about this, so he rebelled against Kami, only to be defeated.   According to Kami, Garlic Senior’s last words were that he would take his revenge 300 years later. 

Kami finds it tragic that Garlic would be so evil as to put his own son in charge of his vengeance, but that’s where things stand.    So let’s talk about this for a bit.

I guess this is one of the things that makes this one of my favorites.    The previous films really didn’t add anything to the lore or advance the story.   Mystical Adventure was pretty good and fun, but it basically rehashed the same ideas that were already established in the TV series.   My favorite part of that movie was the Mifan Empire, but it can’t exist outside of that movie, because there’s no Chiaotzu or Crane Hermit to run the place.    On the other hand, the villain in Dead Zone has ties to Kami, which means that we can learn some things about Kami that maybe fit into the canon as well?   Like, this movie isn’t canon, but Kami is, so maybe he really did have to compete with a guy named Garlic to get the job 300 years ago?

Anyway, Garlic Junior seems to be an amalgam of several Dragon Ball villains.  He looks a lot like Emperor Pilaf, to the point where Funimation cast Chuck Huber to play both roles.   Garlic always struck me as an attempt to make an Emperor Pilaf who could really cause trouble.    Beyond that, Garlic also resembles King Piccolo because of his wish on the Dragon Balls and his plan to conquer the world, and he resembles Piccolo Junior, in the sense that he’s been tasked to avenge the defeat of his wicked father.   I don’t know if the Garlics have the same relationship as the Piccolos, where the son is essentially a duplicate of the father, but it could be like that.   Garlic also resembles Raditz by kidnapping Gohan and using similar moves to battle Goku and Piccolo later, and finally, he resembles Vegeta in his desire to wish for immortality.   Put all of this together, and you end up with a pretty compelling movie boss. 

At his core, though, I think Garlic is sort of meant to be an evil version of Kami.   Garlic Senior failed to impress the previous Kami, so he went full-on evil.    The current Kami, on the other hand, succeeded because he purged himself of his wickedness, although he created Piccolo in the process.    The implication here is that it was kind of a no-win situation.    The previous Kami had to choose between two inadequate applicants.    One became a villain and the other created a villain.   Even when Garlic Senior was defeated, his son was left behind to carry on his vendetta. 

The story raises more questions than answers, though.    What was Garlic Junior doing for 300 years?   Training, I guess, but it never gets explained.   The Garlic Junior Saga will later establish that he and his father are aliens from the planet Makyo, so how does that all fit into this?    Was Garlic Senior always a bad guy, or was he truly sincere in his desire to become Kami until he was turned down for the job?    Where are the Spice Boys in all of this?

Anyway, Goku doesn’t care about any of this.    He’s just here for his son, and for some reason Garlic’s minions actually bother to stop him.   They introduce themselves as Ginger...

...Sansho...

... And Nikki.

Then they puff up their bodies to get stronger and faster.

The three of them give Goku a little trouble, but then Krillin and Piccolo show up and the odds are now even.   I guess Krillin followed Goku here from Roshi’s place, while Piccolo survived the ambush from the start of the movie, and now he’s here for revenge.

Turns out that Garic’s henchmen aren’t so tough when they can’t gang up on someone.   Piccolo crushes Sansho like it’s not even hard.

Meanwhile, Kami and Garlic fight.   This is kind of a big deal, because we never get to see Kami in action in the anime, even though he was supposed to be a very powerful character in the Piccolo sagas.  But this is DBZ, so he’s helpless against as DBZ villain like Garlic.  

But Kami still has some power to spare.

Meanwhile, Goku fights Nikki and Ginger at the same time, and while they give him a little trouble, he wins pretty handily.    This movie also marks one of the few times we see Goku use his Nyoibo as an adult.    I feel like DBZ never quite figured out what happened to the Nyoibo after Goku came down from Kami’s Lookout, but he’s got it in this movie, and he needs it, because Nikki and Ginger can pull swords out of their bodies.

This movie also marks the first time Goku actually kills a villain with a Kamehameha.   In the past he either misses or the bad guy survives somehow, but here he aims at Ginger, hits him, and then hits Nikki with the same blast.   That’s one of the nice things about the movies.    They’re very short and self-contained, so there isn’t time for plot twists like “The big finishing move didn’t work!” or “Goku lost!  What do we do now?”   If Goku loses in a movie he just has to get up and try again, or hope the bad guy is feeling merciful.

Kami is clearly overmatched against Garlic, so he tries to blow himself up to kill Garlic in the process.    Trouble is, Garlic’s immortal, so that trick wouldn’t work.

Fortunately, Goku and Piccolo want a piece of Garlic Junior, so Kami can sit this one out.   Garlic actually wonders why either of these dudes would come to Kami’s aid.    Isn’t it obvious?    Garlic kidnapped Goku’s son, and he ambushed Piccolo, so now they want revenge.   I mean, on top of that, Garlic’s plans for the Earth would make things tough for their own lives, but there’s plenty of reasons for them to want to beat him up.

So Garlic transforms into the big beefy guy we saw in shadow a the start of the movie.    I guess this makes him the first Dragon Ball character to transform?   Well, Goku and Gohan turned into giant apes, but still, this is kind of a big deal.

Like I was saying, Garlic sort of resembles Raditz here, in that he managed to get Goku and Piccolo to team up against him.    He even uses the same opening move as Raditz, rushing towards them, vanishing, and then hitting them in the back with his elbows at the same time.

So where’s Krillin in all of this?   Goku tasked him with looking after Gohan, but when the fight started, Krillin got clobbered by a falling pillar and dropped the kid. 

Outside, Goku and Piccolo shed their weighted training clothes, just as they did against Raditz.    Goku again expresses surprise that Piccolo even uses weighted training clothes, so once again, this episode just doesn’t fit in continuity.   They could have teamed up to fight Garlic and Raditz, but Goku can only find out about Piccolo’s weighted clothes once.

Anyway, shedding the wieghted clothes seems to do the trick pretty well, so I guess that means Garlic Junior isn’t quite as tough as Raditz.   

For some reason, they decide Garlic is beaten, so they move on to settling their own rivalry.   Did everyone just forget that he’s immortal?

Garlic Junior sure didn’t, since he’s back on his feet.    But instead of fighting again, he takes a different approach.

Here’s a great shot of the castle, by the way.

Then this black hole looking thing opens up in the sky and starts sucking everything into it.

Piccolo almost gets drawn in, but Goku manages to save him, which is pretty awesome.

I always thought “Dead Zone” was a dub-ism, but no, that’s what Garlic himself calls it in the original script.    He even says “Dead Zone” in English.   What is a dub-ism (I think) is that his father, Garlic Senior, was banished into the Dead Zone 300 years ago.   Of course, any living thing that gets trapped in the Dead Zone gets killed eventually, so we might as well call that an execution, but the Japanese dub never mentions this when discussing Senior’s fate.  

It would be kind of ironic, though, because Kami doesn’t have anything to do with the power of opening portals to the Dead Zone.   Garlic Junior can do it (obviously), so if Senior got stuck in the Dead Zone, then that sort of implies that he put himself there accidentally, just like Junior is about to... well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Turns out Gohan’s awake now, and he’s mad.

I mean really mad!

Garlic isn’t entirely surprised to see that Gohan can resist the suction of the Dead Zone, but he doesn’t seem to think Gohan can stop him either.  He prepares to attack him with all of his power...

But Gohan fires an energy blast that knocks Garlic off his feet, and sends him into the Dead Zone instead.   

Garlic proclaims that this won’t kill him, but I don’t know if he’s relieved or terrified by that prospect.

Now that the moment has passed, Gohan just sort of passes out.

And without Garlic to maintain the portal, the effect wears off.

And then the sky fractures?   I don’t know what this is supposed to mean.   I thought the yellow and red color scheme just meant that it was sunset at Garlic’s fortress...

But now it’s a clear blue mid-day sky.    So I guess it was Garlic Junior’s doing?   Anyway, Kami remarks that he’s trapped forever in the Dead Zone, without even death to relieve his suffering in that place.  

Ironically, Gohan thinks it was Goku who saved him, when it was actually the other way around.  

Piccolo watches the others leave, and promises to deal with Goku another day.

And then we find the shards of the orange sky on the bottom of the sea, and Garlic is inside one of them, desperately trying to get out.  

So yeah, this is one of my personal faves from the movies.    I dig the idea of a bad guy actually wishing for immortality, only to have it backfire on him so spectacularly.   It fits in nicely with the whole theme of greed in this story.   Garlic didn’t need to attack Piccolo or kidnap Gohan to further his plan, but he did it anyway because he saw no downside to it, and it all came back to haunt him.   Goku and Piccolo almost lost when they got too wrapped up in their own grudge, but they managed to get back on track before it got out of hand.   

Also, this movie is just a visual feast.    Even simple things like Nikki eating pears or Chi-Chi tossing her apron aside are really beautifully done.   

It’s a little light on characters, but after Mystical Adventure, I’d say that was a good move.   Yeah, it would have been nice to have more of the gang in this movie, but they would have slowed the story down.   Honestly, they could have left Krillin out of the mix and it wouldn’t have hurt anything.  

[mz-hide]

Trick of Might - Chapter 5

Aka: a Dragon Ball Z slash fic.

Chapter 5

Vegeta arrives on the planet and things might just turn for the worst... or the best.

Summary: An ancient enemy makes a sudden comeback into Goku’s life. Long-suppressed memories surface again and it’s no longer possible for the young saiyan to ignore them. Warnings: Dubious Consent, (because of drug use) Ships & Pairings: Bulma/Vegeta, Goku/Vegeta, Goku/Turles, Goku/Turles/Vegeta, Turles/Vegeta, Raditz/Turles, Nappa/Turles, Nappa/Raditz/Turles Contains: Threesome - M/M/M, Group Sex, Polyamory, Aphrodisiacs, Secret Crush, Confessions, Enemies to Lovers, Love Triangles, Oral Sex, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Gay Sex, Biting, Scratching, Boners All Around, Feral Behavior, (just a tiny bit), Resolved Sexual Tension, Sexual Content

You can find the rest on my AO3 page (username: originalmonkeyhydes)

The renegade crouched among the branches, surveilling the ground from a shadowy spot hidden among the foliage. Even as worked up as he was he was not going to forsake an adeguate degree of caution for impatience. He did want to get this disruption over with as soon as possible, but he also wanted to live long enough to make it back. If the Prince himself was truly on the planet, then his survival might not have been a given. Come on, where are you? Come out so I can see you, you bratty little cockblock. It didn’t take him long to catch sight of the uninvited guest. He’d barely just noticed a golden twinkle on the horizon that a figure clad in blue materialized itself on the ground below him. A gust of wind shook the heavy leaves. The renegade gritted his teeth. That’s some speed he’s got there… Damn. He now had the certainty things were not going to go as smoothly as he would have wished. I have waited for so long to get back to Kakarot, I’ll be damned if I will let anyone interfere with my plans again. I don’t care who I have to face. If he’d had any doubt about the identity of the short, muscular figure, they were all soon dispelled. “I know you’re here. Show yourself!”, roared the powerful voice from below. There was no doubt about who it belonged to. Turles had wondered what had become to the Prince after Freiza’s fall. Now he had his answer. And, given the circumstances, he was not exactly happy with it. The fact that the tyrant was rumored to be dead and the Prince was still alive and kicking definitely did not bode well for him in that situation. He had to think of something, and he had to think it fast, for he saw the Prince raise a hand towards the immense trunk. The palm of his gloves hand started glowing as energy gathered towards his palm. “Show yourself now before I blow this place to bits!”, was the harsh warning. “That won’t be necessary, Prince.” The beam was fired, directed at the spot he’d been wise enough to jump away from the second he’d stopped talking. A large branch creaked as it burned frightfully before crashing to the ground with a deafening roar. “A little jumpy, are we, young Prince?”, the renegade greeted him, landing softly on the ground at a safe distance from his opponent. “You haven’t changed a bit, I see.” “I could say the same about you, Turles”, Vegeta retorted, imperiously. “You’re still holding on this this nonsensical botanical hobby. Still the same old lowlife.” “I see you mind hasn’t changed either. Though I have to say, you still look more dashing than ever. Freedom from slavery sure suits you well. It pleases me to see you all grown up and out on your own, young Prince.” “Silence!”, Vegeta interrupted him, brusquely. “I did not come here to be insulted.” “That wasn’t my intention, my Prince. If anything, I wanted to flatter.”  “Cut the crap, traitor!”, the shorter saiyan spat out, venomously. “Now, let’s cut to the chase. You know why I’m here.” “Oh? Have you finally decided to take up my offer?” There was no need to specify which offer. Vegeta stiffened in rage, growling. “Enough with his nonsense!” The Prince’s roar was accompanied by a sudden shock wave that made the air around them ripple. Turles was invested by a powerful gust of wind. He didn’t need a scouter to know what had caused it. He could feel the scorching power of his opponent lashing his skin. I need to be more careful. If I piss him off too much this time I might not make it out alive. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Turles”, Vegeta resumed, looking at him with flaming eyes. “I am perfectly able and willing to end you here and now without a second thought. The only reason why I haven’t yet is because I need you alive to answer a simple question. Where is Kakarot?” “Mmmh, Kakarot… Kakarot… the name does sound familiar…” The dark skinned saiyan tapped his bottom lip with his index finger in a mock-thoughtful expression. “Isn’t that the name of Raditz’s youngest brother? The one he died tried to retrieve as per your order?” Obsidian eyes narrowed tauntingly. The Prince didn't miss a hint of bitter accusation in his voice. “The very same. Now tell me where he is.” “What makes you think I know where he is?” The renegade immediately regretted the taunt. A sharp pain scorched his cheek and he flinched. The air around the finger the Prince had raised against him crackled with electric sparks. “The next time I won’t miss”, Vegeta warned, lowering his hand. “Don’t make me waste my time and answer my question.” “There’s no keeping anything from you, is there, Vegeta? Very well, I will. But only after you answer a question of mine.” “And what would that be?” “Why do you want to know?” Vegeta scoffed, irritated. “That is none of your business, traitor.” “On the contrary, my Prince, it is entirely my business”, Turles replied, eyes narrowing. There was no trace of his signature grin on his face now. “I was under the impression that you never did care about low-rank scum. Am I mistaking?” The tense silence that followed was more eloquent than any spoken answer. “What did you do to him?”, Vegeta uttered, very slowly. He didn’t like what the renegade seemed to be implying. “What did I do to him?” “Don’t play the fool, Turles”, Vegeta hissed through his teeth. “The only reason I can imagine to find you still alive is because Kakarot is not in the condition to give you what you deserve.” Turles grinned, sardonically. “I think you’re mistaking, Prince. I was referring to Raditz.”

Rough fur tickled his nose, wafting waves of sultry fragrance right in his face. As if he’d been in need of further encouragement. His nostrils twitched in delight. He brought his hips forwards, resting his heavy, tumid erection on the cleft of his companion’s rear. The long, muscled back arched shamelessly, pushing back against his groin, trembling and pleading. “This is quite the display.” “Shut up… it’s your fault I’m like this”, Raditz whined. “Oh, you love it. You wouldn’t keep coming back for more if you didn’t like me slipping you some of my Ambrosia. Am I wrong?” “Shut up…” Turles’ hand cupped the base of the fluffy appendage swaying right under his nose, stroking at the base. The action earner him an earnest whimper. He felt the slickened pucker twitch against the underside of his sex. “What would your precious Prince say if he saw you like this?”, the dark skinned saiyan purred, voluptuously grinding against flushed flesh. “On your hands and knees, begging to nicely to be taken for the third time in a row?” “The Prince does’t care”, Raditz groaned his frustration, his fingers digging in the soft earth as his hands curled into fists. “Such a shame…. And you did such a good job in purging this planet too.” Bronze hands cupped the firm fullness of his lover’s buttocks, appreciatively. “Your good efforts definitely deserve to be rewarded, don’t they?” His thumbs dug into his flesh, spreading it. “And I think I know just how to reward you for your services.” Pearl-white liquid trickled down from the gaping entrance. Raditz shivered, impatiently. “Then do it”, the long-haired saiyan uttered, looking at him over his shoulder, dark eyes full of lustful anticipation. The renegade needed no further encouragement. He plunged into raw, throbbing flesh his in one smooth stroke. The thoroughly used hole allowed him inside almost effortlessly. Nevertheless, his entrance was accompanied by throaty groans of pleasure. No matter how many times he’d used his lover’s body, the fit was still deliciously snug. Turles looked down, admiring the creamed pucker wantonly welcoming him inside once more. He pulled out almost all the way, before plunging back deep inside, slowly, his passage causing more of his previous orgasms to overflow from their point of conjunction. “Oh Raditz… you’re so full”, Turles purred fervently as his hips started to thrust steadily, ”I can’t wait to see how much more I can fit inside you…”   The other warrior’s complaints were muted by his fervor. The dark saiyan rejoiced his lover’s breathlessness and the feeling of warm spilt frothing around his shaft as he started to buck more and more wildly. Raditz’s legs started to give in under the increased force of his thrusting. Turles grinned ferociously, slamming his hips downwards relentlessly until the other was pressed flat against the ground. The sound of flesh smacking wetly against flesh with every motion filled his ears, the scent of their fluids filled his nose. His hand fisted the other’s mane, keeping his head down too as he pounded him hard into the ground. “You’re squeezing me so tightly, Raditz”, he groaned into the other’s ear, twisting his head to the side to lick at the side of his face. “It feels like you’re begging me to fill you up more…” "You truly have a filthy mouth”, Raditz uttered, with some difficulty. His voice was hoarse and quivering, but the lurid grin on his lips was the same that bent Turles’ mouth. "You sure didn't mind when you soiled it." “You didn’t mind that I did.” The renegade laughed heartily. “You’re right”, Turles husked into the crook of his neck, “You taste as good as you feel.” The maned warrior arched his back against his speeding thrusts, pleadingly. His tail coiled itself desperately around Turles’ arm. The renegade knew what he wanted and was willing enough to oblige him. He slipped his hand around his hip and grasped his weeping erection, pumping in time with his motions until Raditz came, spurting and twitching in his palm. His own pleasure peaked soon after, bursting between delicious spasms of hot, pulsing flesh. Turles grunted, hilting himself into throbbing tightness, and sighed, spilling his release deep within his lover. His arms started to buckle and he let himself lay on top of the other spent, panting saiyan, bearing down on him. Ambrosia had a funny way to make the afterglow as pleasurable as the act itself. The languorous abandon that followed the outburst of their passion was something to be enjoyed in its own way. Turles hummed his contentment, feeling warm spilt escape the taunt stretch of Radiz’s flesh as he rolled his hips wantonly a couple more times. “Oh, Raditz… you wonderful bastard…”, he groaned, running his mouth against the other’s shoulder. “If the prince didn’t already own this tight ass of yours, you could bet it I would claim you without a second thought.” “The Prince doesn’t own anything”, the other panted, beneath him. “I’m just loyal to him.” “You’re right, you are”, Turles conceded, playfully nipping at his earlobe. “You’re a loyal subject that doesn’t side with traitors. All you do is spread your legs for them.” He grinned, feeling the other shake with a breathless chuckle. “You know, not that I share my Prince’s dislike for you, but I can tell you could never win him over like this.” “Your Prince is very stubborn.” “If you swore loyalty to him, he could be your Prince too.” The renegade snorted. “You’re suggesting I willingly submit to Freiza? I’ve never even recognized the authority of the king, you think I’m gonna start bowing to that giant alien prick now?” “Of course not. That’s not what I meant.” “What did you mean, then?” “I meant that’s the only way you could have him.” Turles glanced at him. “So you think I couldn’t have him?”, he asked, raising a brow. He gave a sharp thrust. Even if his sex was softening now, he found it useful to remind the younger saiyan of his qualities. He was pleased to hear him grunt. “I’m saying he won’t have you”, the younger saiyan continued, turning slightly to flash him an arrogant smirk. “Not that he wouldn’t, though.” “Oh?” The renegade slipped an arm around the other’s neck, playfully trapping his head into a chokehold. “So now you’re suggesting he fancies me?” “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Why are you asking? Have you got your eyes on the Prince, after all?” “Are you jealous?” Raditz scoffed. “Of you?” Taunt muscles flexed abruptly underneath him. In the blink of an eye, Turles found himself back to the ground. The younger saiyan hovered over him, his mane falling disheveled and wild around his body. “I have no reason to. After all, I’m much closer to the Prince than you’d ever be”, Raditz teased, sarastically. “You brat…”, Turles growled, reaching upwards and grabbing fistfuls of his dark, coarse hair to pull him down against his snarling mouth. “You’re much closer to me than you’d ever be to him.” He ground his hips upwards to reiterate his point, letting the other feel his hardening length, trapped against the cleft of his rear. “All this talk about the Prince, but it’s my ass that keeps getting you this hard”, the younger saiyan hissed, tail waving in the air behind his back, tickling the renegade’s inner thighs. Turles raised a hand, revealing a vial full of concentrated, crimson sap and twirled between his fingers, meaningfully. “Don’t overestimate yourself too much.” Raditz burst out laughing. He was too worked up to take offense to that. He snatched the vial from the dark saiyan’s hands and sat up straight, pouring the sappy essence into his open jaws. He swallowed and looked down at Turles, leering at him meaningfully when his own sex started to swell once again. “Remind me why I don’t take you away with me on my ship?”, the renegade hummed when the younger warrior positioned himself onto his erection. “Because we fuck too hard for it to last in one piece”, Raditz purred as he sank down, spearing himself on the dark, throbbing shaft. “Oh, yeah…” Raditz bounced above his lap a couple times before Turles reached down to hold his hips steady and started thrusting violently into him, hard and fast. A wild, satisfied smile pulled at his lips when he heard his whimpers. Yes, he thought, this is the feeling… this is the joy only a saiyan can give. It was a glorious, dangerous feeling. At times like those he ached to sink his teeth into the flesh of his lover. As appealing as the idea felt, he resisted. It was probably just the Ambrosia playing its tricks.

“Raditz?” The renegade was provoking him. Vegeta wouldn’t have even paid mind to such disrespect in any other situation. He could feel the other’s power. It was much greater than it had it had been in the past, but it was still nothing compared to his own. And yet, he found himself playing along. “What does Raditz have to do with any of this?” “That’s for you to tell me, Prince.” “Just what are you insinuating here?”, Vegeta inquired. “I’m not insinuating anything. I’ll tell it plain, Vegeta”, the renegade replied. “You’ve never struck me as a particularly caring lord. Since where do you care about the wellbeing of your subjects?” “Since when do you care?” “Considering our race is facing extinction, it’s more than reasonable for me to. What’s not so reasonable is for you to kill your own subjects.” “I had nothing to do with Raditz’s death”, Vegeta declared, drily. “I would have to trust your word on that”, the renegade replied, shooting him a sharp glance. “But I know Napa’s death is on your head. I’ve heard it. I was listening through your scouters.” The Prince ran his tongue across his bottom lip, thoughtfully. There was no point in denying. “I did. And I don’t have to explain myself to you.” “You don’t”, Turles conceded, “But I hope you’ll indulge me anyway.” “I didn’t have the impression you cared so deeply for my general”, Vegeta teased. “In fact, I didn’t. He was a handsome saiyan, but that was all he was to me. To you, on the other hand… He was a soldier, a general, a tutor, maybe a mentor, even-” “Don’t exaggerate”, Vegeta cut him short. “Mine is just legitimate curiosity, Prince”, Turles resumed, unfazed, ”Raditz and Napa were saiyans, just like you and me, but you’ve forsaken them or killed them. Why should you care for what I might want with Kakarot?” “Kakarot is different!” The reply came far too quick not to elicit suspicion. “So he is”, Turles agreed, giving him a knowing smirk. “He is far stronger than he has the right to be. But, in the end, he is a still third class. Like me. Surely, he’s not strong enough to interest the Prince in that way.” “I have a score to settle with him”, Vegeta explained, drily, “And I won’t let anything nor anyone stand between me and him.” Turles looked him over for a long instant. There was an arrogant glimmer in his gaze that said he wasn’t going to let that dismissiveness fool him. “Understood. That does sound reasonable. But you see, Prince...”, he paused, “I have a score to settle too.” “I have nothing to do with Raditz’s death, if that’s what you’re trying to imply. I sent him on a simple mission and he failed me. He died on the job, like the disappointment he was. I never had the chance to punish him after that. I had nothing more to do with his end than you did.” “I know. Kakarot’s to blame for his death on top of the demise of my crew. I have more than just one debit to score with him, after all.” Vegeta’s eyes hardened. “If anyone is going to kill him, that is going to be me.” Turles glanced at him from half lidded eyes, dark lips drawn back on sharp, white fangs. He looked, dark and dangerous, confident about a truth that laid secret behind his enigmatic smile. “Is that so?”, he purred low in his throat. Vegeta knew that look well. And he didn’t like it one bit. “If you laid as much as a finger on him”, the Prince uttered, drawing his words out, emphatically. “I won’t hesitate to kill you. Even if you were the only remaining saiyan.” That was the Prince he remembered, ever so patient. Then again, Turles wasn’t any different either. Two rotating orbs of energy blasted from both his palms, launching towards the Prince of saiyans at high speed. Rapid like lightning, Turles launched himself down the branch, and launching himself at the enemy. The Prince had just deviated his attacks when the renegade was on him, a powerful leg raised high to kneed him in the back and fists descending from above to get a shot at the head. For a second he was convinced he’d hit the mark. Instead, both his attacks met with nothing. The Prince had moved so fast he could have sworn he’d not moved at all. The wild joy that had taken over him washed away quickly when he realized the Prince had moved behind him. “If you’re eager to know how Zarbon felt when I blasted a hole in his chest, you only have to say so.“ Zarbon? Could he be for real?, he thought, feeling a chill run down his spine. He killed Zarbon? The dark saiyan spun wildly on himself, trying to land a kick. But the result was always the same. His blows met with nothing but air. “I have to admit, you’re far stronger than I thought”, he conceded, flying backwards to gain some ground to retreat.   “Oh, I’m still far stronger than you think”, Vegeta replied, staring at him, still in midair. “Trust me. There is no fruit in the universe that would give you a chance against me.” “Confidence is a good look on you, Prince”, Turles retorted, “But you always were far more boastful than  you have the right to be.” Vegeta’s lips curled into a nasty, cocksure smirk. The renegade knew it did not bode well for him. “Tell me, then”, the Prince wondered, bold and deliberate in the phrasing of his sibylline threat, “Are you relying on one of your fruits right now?” The renegade had to restrain himself from flinching visibly. “Why? Would it make a difference?”, he asked, with a smirk. He tried to keep up the facade of cockiness, but it was hard to when he was starting to realize just how unfavorable the power imbalance was for him. “You’re right.” Vegeta’s grin did nothing but widen. “It wouldn’t.” Turles didn’t see him move. All he knew was that one second he was far and the next he was right in his face. All he had the time to do was feel his heart skip a beat the instant before a devastating punch that never landed. His eyes darted downwards, seeing the Prince’s knuckles had stopped a breath away form his stomach. The fist hadn’t hit him, but the shockwave did. He felt air lashing against his skin so violently it took his breath away. He met Vegeta’s eyes and he knew he’d been holding back that entire time. Turles may have had his fun teasing and taunting him, but he was the one being mocked. Standing so close to his Prince, he could feel a wave of raw power scorch his skin, a dormant force, yet to be unleashed. He looking into dark irises and saw it simmer beneath the surface. A drop of cold sweat ran down his throat as he swallowed, drily. He felt fear, apprehension… and - no use to deny it- a profound, stirring pull of arousal. “Did you really stand up to Zarbon?”, was all he managed to ask. “Yes. But that is but a small feat for me now. And, to answer your next question…”, Vegeta begun, voice hoarse and low in his throat. “Not even Frieza could stand up to me as I am now.” The dark skinned saiyan didn’t have to think twice to know it was the truth. Then, finally, he was met with an unforgiving blow. A harsh jab threw him off his balance. He flipped backwards, bounced off his hands and launched himself backwards, barely avoiding an orb of energy that crashed at the ground, sending splinters of wood flying everywhere. Turles took advantage of the great quantity of dust that had clouded the air to shoot a rapid sequence of beams himself. He growled when he saw all the luminous trajectories being deviated. One bounced back directly aimed at his head. He managed to dodge that one by a thread. He turned his face sideways, seeing the beam miss his face by a few inches. He could feel the heat of it on his skin. It all happened in the blink of an eye. When his gaze turned forwards again, the Prince’s face was right in front of him. Turles had no time to react. A fist smashed against his stomach, making him double over as he was sent flying upwards and then sideways when a heavy kick followed. His back hit the tree trunk. “Enough playing around.” Vegeta landed silently in front of him, arms folded, staring down at him with commanding imperiousness. “I trust you understand the position you’re in right now.” Turles coughed a couple of times and then his coughing turned to a chuckle. “You’d kill me for him, Prince?”, the renegade insinuated, shooting him an irreverent glance. In response, Vegeta powered up abruptly, letting his power spike fearfully so fast he sent a pulse rippling through the air around him. “If you have any love for the race you deserted, show some respect to the saiyan who avenged it.” Oh Damn… It had been nothing but a warning, but it had been more than enough to send blood coursing hot through his veins. More than that, Turles felt the whole tree shake beneath him. The foliage rustled noisily. The renegade couldn’t believe his luck. The young Prince, so strong and proud… way too strong and proud to be ahead of his own arrogance. A heavy, crimson rain of thick, viscous drops feel down on them both, coating the ground with slippery sweetness. Turles saw his opponent’s pupils widen and his nostrils twitch. He closed his eyes, a victorious grin bending his lips as he inhaled the saccharine fragrance deeply. A low, hoarse chuckle rumbled in his chest. “What’s so funny, lowlife?”, came the harsh reproach. The saiyan who killed Frieza… The chuckle died out but the smirk was still plastered on his lips. I guess I have no way to talk my way out of this, after all. “You win, Vegeta. I’ll be honest with you”, Turles begun, opening his eyes and rejoicing the sight of a damp, panting Prince. The Ambrosia was starting to work. “I think it’s funny that you’ll still have me believe you truly wish to kill me.” “Do I have to give you another taste of my power?” “Only if you wish. Though, I can’t guarantee I won’t enjoy it.” The Ambrosia was accentuating the effects of their fight. Turles could feel himself stiffen in his spandex shorts. There was no reason to hide it. He was pleased to see his Prince’s eyes drift downwards to his crotch as much as he was to notice how the other warrior’s suit was growing tighter too. “You’re a sick bastard, Turles.” “Maybe so. But you never minded as much as you would have me believe, didn’t you?” The Prince scowled darkly at him. “I must have hit you too hard on the head. Or maybe not hard enough.” “Don’t play coy, Vegeta. You showed me your power. If you truly wanted me dead you could achieve that much with a flick of your finger. The good news is… you don’t have a reason to.” He glanced up at him, smugly. “You see… If I truly wanted Kakarot to be dead, he would be by now.” Vegeta’s eyes widened ever so slightly, betraying his relief. “That his good news. To you. I might go easy on you, after all.” “I had no doubt about it.” “Meaning?” “You always did have a soft spot for me.” Vegeta scoffed. “There’s little point in denying it. Especially now”, Turles continued, gazing downwards at the Prince’s crotch. “It’s your damn drugs’ doing and you know it well.” “Maybe. But nothing changes the fact that you could have killed me anytime and you never did, no matter how much I’ve angered you.” Silence followed. At any other moment, that condescending familiarity would have earned him a harsh lesson. Nevertheless, that confidence succeeded into eliciting the Prince’s sympathies somehow. “Fine. I’ll hand it to you”, the Prince granted, a slight smirk pulling at his lips, “You always were a handsome saiyan, Turles. But nothing more.” “Right back at you, Vegeta. I’ve never felt a strong sympathy for royalty and rulers but even my aversion couldn’t stifle the authority of your beauty. I only regret my looks weren’t enough to favor my leaning towards you”, the dark saiyan confessed him, letting his eyes feast on the figure of his Prince. “You always were a smooth talker,” the Prince acknowledged, “It’s too bad you fill your mouth with words bigger than your actions.” “And your actions speak louder than your words.” Turles could feel the heat radiating from him, a warmth much difference from his raw, electric aura. If he chose his words carefully, he could kindle a flame that could have sated his own. “Kakarot is quite handsome too. But there is more to it, isn’t there?”, he suggested, cautiously. “That is none of your business”, Vegeta growled. Turles winced when the shorter saiyan stomped his foot on the trunk, right next to his head. When he opened his eyes, however, the sight was more than rewarding. Vegeta was towering over him, his eyes burning into his own. “You’re getting too cocky for my tastes, traitor. Don’t push it.” “You say that, but cockiness got me pretty far into your graces”, the dark saiyan retorted with a tilted smirk. “Don’t make me regret it. ‘Cause then you will too.” “I better don’t give you any reason to regret it, then”, the renegade purred, casting his eyes downwards towards the strain in his Prince’s blue spandex that both of them had ceased to ignore. “You look pretty worked up, Vegeta”, he suggested, helpfully, glancing upwards, staring into a murky abyss of ill-concealed desire. “Maybe I could lend a hand… if my Prince permits.” For once, the epithet hadn’t been sarcasm and it all played in his favor. The dark saiyan tentatively ran his hands up his liege’s elegant, sturdy legs. A slightly tremor throbbed beneath his fingertips but no harsh words followed his offer. Obsidian eyes locked together, intensely. Turles could smell a promising scent in the air, the rich, dark notes of arousal, the leniency of willful indulgence… and the sweet, aroma of victory. He felt his mouth water. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Vegeta spoke. “Procede.”

[thedarkreichenbach]

Dragon Ball Super Broly Movie Review, How it should’ve been & Future Possibilities

DBS Broly movie resonates very closely & similarly with Android saga and Majin Buu saga, where the old guy in the room (Dr. Gero, Babidi, Paragus) gets killed one way or another and his not so innocent descendant/creation (Android 17, Buu, Broly) wreaks havoc only to be done with a miraculous climax by some saviours.

To be honest, it would have been great if there was an extended version of Bardock vs. Frieza fight scene & including murder of King Vegeta. They also skipped Beerus ordering Frieza to destroy planet Vegeta which was a disappointment. If that was the case, the plothole could've been probably solved in this movie and we could’ve got a Beerus vs. Broly showdown! It’s sad that Beerus was left out of the battle. Broly’s innocent persona is what makes him a different Saiyan than the rest of his kind, even with his father Paragus’s schemes. Gogeta was shown OP & savage than his uncanon SS4 counterpart.

It is remarkably weird that the introduction of a new non-Super Saiyan transformation, i.e. the Ikari or Wrathful form of Broly which utilizes the power of the Great Ape Oozaru by retaining humanoid form (even without the tail) exhibiting the true wrath of a Saiyajin, is shown to be stronger than Super Saiyan God form & on par with the Super Saiyan Blue. Maybe the training in the harsh atmosphere, ambience & savage beings & environment of the planetoid Vampa played a role in this, maybe with Broly being a lucky, one of a kind, Legendary Saiyan with untapped battle power. It’s funny how no one unlocked it in the history of DBZ, DBS. Maybe that’s what Gohan tried & wanted to achieve, an ultimate form without transforming into a Super Saiyan! But now we have some good possibilities based on this. In the future of the series, if Broly learns to control this Wrathful transformation (like Kale managed to do), and if he can combine it with both Super Saiyan & God-ki, that can be prove to be as strong as the Master Ultra Instinct or maybe Ultra Instinct Omen or Super Saiyan Blue Evolution at least. (depending how strong the future villain of the anime would be!)

Some animations were completely bizarre and weird, while some were very detailed. The plot of having revenge on Vegeta went off the rails midway into the fight as everyone realized Broly’s not in control. Gogeta should've used Big Bang Kamehameha instead of the God Kamehameha in the final climatic showdown. On a side note, I would’ve preferred Frieza reviving & training Cell to be stronger as his right hand man instead of that stupid wish to get taller by 5cms! Blizzard was lit AF to listen, both Japanese & English versions by Daichi Miura. Let's hope we see everything rectified in the DBS anime episodes in future.

This movie got somewhat spoilt already with the news of Toei re-releasing three old uncanon DBZ movies. They basically combined those 3 movies to form a great canon one. The plot could’ve been a little better and not had rushed at the same time by involving Gohan, Goten & Trunks in an active role instead of sidelining them.

One major thing which was rectified from the previous Broly movies was that he never called Goku for blood & not yelling ‘Kakarott’ every damn time. I think we get the difference between the two now. The earlier uncanon Broly was plain PTSD sadist psycho monster whose power level seems justified now. While the new enhanced canon Broly was innocent & full of potential and his whole wild life on Vampa not to forget. The rage which set him off to become a Super Saiyan was because of his father’s death. Either ways he can’t be controlled by the remote cause it got destroyed for good.

Frieza was once again left angry as a loser who's hell bent on taking his revenge on the Saiyans. Which leaves a few particular doors open for his brother Cooler to get canonized & team up with him next time. Abo & Cado make appearances as part of the Frieza Force & Tarble is once again referenced by Raditz. Imagine Abo & Cado troubling Tarble just for him coming down to Earth asking for help and Frieza scheming with his brother Cooler to strike back on Earth once again! This would be cool, making sense by canonizing both Tarble, Cooler/Meta Cooler by also combining the storylines of another 2-3 uncanon DBZ movies.

IMO they're bring these 4 Saiyans together to form unique fusions like Vegetarble (Vegeta + Tarble) and Karoly (Kakarott + Broly) some day hopefully. Giving Broly an Ikari or Wrathful transformation was really cool as a homage to the uncanon Super Saiyan 4 form from Dragon Ball GT. Let's hope he gets a new stronger form with God ki in the future.

But hey, remember the Old Kai saying he needs 25hrs to unlock Goku's hidden potential right before the Tournament of Power? And in the next movie we see Broly utilizing Oozaru's strength while retaining his humanoid form... Yeah maybe that's how Super Saiyan 4 will get canonized & maybe will get dubbed as a ‘Super Saiyan Ultra’ form which will combine Ikari/Wrathful with God ki/Ultra Instinct ki or both minus their tails maybe. Goosebumps right?

[dumpsterthot]

So after putting up the rest of the drabble I realized that I just have never shared ANY of my Nappa and Raditz fics (Two of which are Teen!AUs). I had a lot more pre-2005 but they went with my 2005 Harddrive Crash. So here’s 3 Raditz/Nappa fics. (One finished and two unfinished) for anyone who likes the pairing. There’s probably typos and grammar errors. I’m too lazy to finish them. 

Most of the are PG..13ish at best but the last one starts to get a little smutty.

FATE Rated: PG "Take this," Son Goku growled as he hurled the defeated saiyan warrior at Vegeta's feet, "and go back to where you came from." There was a groan of agony from the large saiyan as he laid sprawled before the prince. His ego crushed; his pride devastated -- and his back broken. He would never fight again. Let alone stand. "V-vegeta.. Vegeta. H-help me, Vegeta.... please..." Nappa had blood dripping out of the corner of his mouth. His black eyes flustered with pain as he gazed up helplessly at his prince. He raised a bruised and bloodied hand achingly toward the standing saiyan; the effort making his whole arm shake. "V-vegeta; give me your h-hand ..I-I can't get up...." The Saiyan Prince stood motionlessly; staring down at his life long battle companion. Those cold black eyes seemed so bored. Yet -- after a moment; Vegeta stretched his white glove down and grasped the bigger saiyan's hand in his own. Nappa gasped for breath several times before his mouth managed a small smile of relief. "T-thank you." Vegeta only smirked down at the fallen saiyan --- and gripped his hand tighter. ------ "Raditz -- the fool." Nappa blanky stated as he gazed into the campfire. "Humph," Vegeta tore off a chunk of the alien he was consuming; spitting out the inedible part; "Imagine killed by beings with such insignificant power levels." "Should we go and destroy all the Earthlings now?" Nappa asked looking over at the prince. "No, I don't think so," Vegeta replied - but then appeared to have a change of oppinion, "But then again - did you hear that one thing about the Dragonballs? Perhaps we'll go and make a wish of our own." Nappa raised his head a bit, "We'll go and wish Raditz back to li-" "No," Vegeta cut him off, smirking, "That would be a waste of a wish -- I have something so much better in mind, tell me, my friend...." -------- "Raditz -- you fool." Nappa chuckle from where he was sprawled out along the floor of his sleeping chambers aboard the icejin's ship. Upon his back with his arms behind his head - he looked past his own short black bangs up to the ceiling and grinned. "If Vegeta catches you in here -- he's going to have your head." He glanced over to the long haired saiyan who was stretched belly down along the floor beside him -- hands picking at the taller saiyan's tail idly. "I am hardly concerned with the wraith of an eight year old child, Nappa," Raditz wrinkled his nose with a smirk, "So he'll yell at me - there's not enough of us left to outright kill me because I'm laying about where I shouldn't be." "You do that a lot," Nappa gave another laugh, this one sounding slightly dirty and pulled his tail out of the other's hands so he could run it across the low level's face, "Trespassing. All the time, Raditz. Shame on you." "Like you've put up any warning signs," Raditz snorted and grabbed Nappa's tail again. He coiled it around his wrist and brought it to his mouth to snag teeth playfully against it. "If I hadn't known any better you'd been inviting me in since we first got stranded on this miserably ship." "Pffft - don't flatter yourself, low level," Nappa smirked across his chest at the other saiyan - the nibbling making his tail fluff and twitch in those brawny hands, "It wasn't like I got a lot to choose from on this ship. Besides.." Nappa narrowed his eyes and gave Raditz his warning he was teasing about, "I could easily kill you - Vegeta wouldn't have to lift a finger. You're right. You're only here because I've allowed it." Raditz wasn't intimidated by the taller saiyan's threatening eyes one bit -- he let go of Nappa's tail and bunched his muscles tightly. Growling, he gave a little pounce and tackled the other saiyan on the ground to worm his way to laying on top of him. Burly arms went about that thick neck and Raditz gripped his fingers into the short crop of hair Nappa had on top of his head. "Oh really? I suppose that may be the case -- but we all know if I didn't go sneaking around at YOUR approval you'd come chasing after me begging like the royal lap dog you are!" The elite saiyan refused to give Raditz the pleasure of fighting about it -- instead Nappa rumbled a deep laugh in his thick chest and snapped his teeth at the audacious low-level's nose, "You've got a lot of gull, Raditz." "You love it -- big stupid pet." The lower level licked at that brawny throat and then sunk his teeth into Nappa's flesh with a purr -- his knee's pushing at the other's legs to get them apart, "Do you want me to show you why you keep me around?" "I guess," Nappa grinned - the low pleased growl in his throat barely masked by his sarcasm, "Better than dying of boredom." "Oh go to hell, Nappa!" Raditz snorted with playful annoyance and began tugging that those ridiculous shorts the other saiyan wore. "I'll see you there, Raditz," the elite purred. "That better be a promise," Raditz smirked. He grabbed Nappa by his oversized ears and pulled him into a kiss. --- "...How would you like to live and fight forever?" Vegeta said with an evil grin as he climbed into his pod and crossed his arms over his chest. "That's something I could live with for the rest of my life," Nappa replied as he dropped into his own pod. As the door closed, the big saiyan sighed and rested his head against the back of his seat for the flight. Raditz ... that fool. --- Vegeta continued to squeeze his fallen comrade's hand for a moment longer -- then without warning; the grip tightened into a crushing one. Nappa screamed in pain as the saiyan prince suddenly flung him high into the air. "V-Vegeta what are you doing?!" His cry of utter betrayal only seemed to fuel the other saiyan's enjoyment more. As the prince powered up his attack -- his smile never faded from his face, "You've outlived your usefulness Nappa! Maybe you'll be less of a disappointment in the afterlife -- I'll see you in hell!" The blast made short work of the injured saiyan. Nappa would see someone in hell no doubt. But it wouldn't be the prince. He'd keep his promise after all.

Trash (Teen!AU)

Rated:

Having proven himself worthy enough in the sparring ring to be tested to see if he was any good at the art of command; Nappa had been assigned a small practice squadron. It was -- by no means, of the same caliber and training that he would face when he was finally ready to be a true Saiyan commanding officer like his father, but it would help school him. Still -- given the chance for such a rank at barely 16 was pretty impressive. (Or just lucky because of his good breeding and blood) and Nappa wanted to prove to his father and the rest of the elites that he COULD be a general one day. So on the first day of his new practice position - the elite stepped out onto the training field to greet his assembled squadron. They were a jumbled bunch of young saiyan men; mostly teens. Sons of top warriors who hadn't quite cut it close enough to be considered high class. They would never be the finest -- but on this particular day; they would make do to give Nappa the training he needed. The elite stopped in front of his 'men' and put his hands on his hips to address them, "I am Nappa. Son of Tamagi -- for the next three months; you are to follow my orders to the tee. Now..." Nappa was cut off by a whistle and he snapped his head toward the culprit who'd made it. "You bring enough TALL for the rest of us there?" Standing midway through the lineup with more hair then Nappa had ever seen on anyone was the sharp smirked face of the young man who'd dared to speak to an elite in such a manner. Snorting low, the elite stepped over to this loud mouth and bend down to get into his face -- lip dotted with the beginnings of a mustache twitched in irritation. Truth be told, Nappa was VERY tall for his age. Very lean and tightly muscled -- broad shoulders promising that he'd grow in bulk to match that height one day no doubt. "What was that, recruit? I dare you to say that again least I smear your smart mouth across the training grounds." "OOoo touchy." The recruit was about a foot shorter and stocky; already showing signs of being pretty bulky. He didn't balk from the elite's intimidating sneer. There was a tilt of that sharp smiled face, "I said you were TALL! I didn't know you were DEAF too! S'matter - getting space interference way up there?" Nappa snarled -- his eyes pinpoint with rage at the GALL of this stranger. The tail around his waist bristled and he drew back one of his fists, "I'll SEND you into SPACE for your disresp --- !!!!" The elite's fist unclenched in surprise. It had happened very fast. How he did not know -- but the recruit had reached down and snatched the puffed tail from around his very waist. He now held it tightly in his hands threatening to squeeze. "Psssst," the lower level tossed that heavily haired head at the taller youth in a 'come here' motion. And the elite obeyed in curiosity -- leaning his face closer -- not BELIEVING this saiyan's audacity. Their noses nearly touched when the other flashed a grin at him. "Got your tail." the recruit mused -- and then he snapped his fangs at Nappa's nose. The rest of the squadron gasped. In flustered -- rageful -- humiliation -- the elite gritted his teeth. "Tell me your name, dead man.." "Raditz - Son of Bardok." the other purred. "Raditz," Nappa growled, "You and I are going to have problems.." "Good, I like a challenge," Raditz smirked, tightening his hand on the grip he had for a second in utter defiance, "Just remember the first time we meet I had you JUST where I wanted you and there was NOTHING you could do about it -- elite." With that -- he let go of his 'commanding officer' and stood back with his arms crossed over his chest. "Fool," Nappa snarled, "and now YOU'RE going where *I* want you!" He then grabbed the lower level by all that hair and flung him across the training grounds. "Nobody says ANYTHING about THIS, EVER!" Nappa warned his squadron, "Now pair off for sparring! If that low level manages to get back up he's on clean up detail." The elite reached up and wiped at his face -- however; embarrassment didn't not rub away very easy. ".... I bet he'll never do that again." He hoped.

Ride (Au!Teen and this one is from 2003 be gentle)

Rated PG-13

"What is that?" Raditz, seventeen, stocky and with too much hair asked.

A finger was shot at the taller Saiyan's face.

Nappa, Nineteen and still growing, cocked an eyebrow in his normal confused manner at Raditz. He looked at the finger that was inches from his mouth. " What is what?"  

Raditz smirked rolling his eyes. This time that finger pressed forward. Trailing along the soft fuzz that dotted Nappa's upper lip. " This, idiot. What the hell is this?"  

It was Nappa's turn to roll his eyes. He bit at the finger that was poking at him. " Moron, it's a mustache."  

The long haired Saiyan made a face and then smacked the Nappa upside his short messly-haired head with that offended hand. " I was being sarcastic, idiot, I know it's a mustache. I just want to know why the fuck you are growing it."  

The elite Saiyan Sneered. Reaching out his flicked the low-level's nose. " Cause I wanted to. Cause I can. I don't need your permission, low-level." He smirked, cause he knew Raditz hated being called that.  

The other Saiyan snorted and then grabbed out with both gloved hands and tugged that long skinny frame against his own in a possessive hug. " Fuck that.. Yes you do. You need my permission to do anything. " And he pressed a hard kill to the fuzz dotted mouth. Mmm. Interesting feeling.  

Nappa rolled his eyes before he gave into the kiss. Their lips played hungrily for a few moments, before Nappa pulled back. " Fine Fine. I let you know when I have to scratch my nuts too."  

Gloved fingers were curled around the skinnier Saiyan ass, kneading playful. " You do that Cause I want to scratch them for you."  

The elite growled a bit. Arching forward. Clothed groins pressed together. " Y-you would." But another kiss was given. Tongues matched.  

"And you'd like it." The long haired Saiyan growled back, kneading harder.  

Even tho there really was no time for this. They had to leave for a mission in five minutes.  

It was Nappa who finally pulled away. Ignoring the ache the other had placed in his groin. A last kiss before he shoved Raditz into the nearest wall and he moved off; snapping the armor around his form.  

Raditz grumbled, pulled himself from the dent in the wall and did the same. He didn't really feel like going. But they had to. It was an important job. A Scouter was fitted around his eye and then he turned to look at his mate who was ready. Standing with his arms crossed over his chest plate. A smile etched the sneaker ones lips. Nappa looked hilarious in armor. It was always too short for him.  

Raditz walked a few steps behind the elite as social standards required. Not that the low-level minded. He was able to watch the idiot's ass, and playfully pull on Nappa's tail as the made their way to the pod base.  

"The trip to Fadimerk will take sixteen hours.  It's a big job so they are sending a hundred of us." The elite said as he sighed, before swatting at the other's hand. "Stop that.. you know what touching my tail does. I don't want to show up to the base with a fucking boner."  

"Fuck that long?" Raditz scowled as he gave one more tug to the other's tail. " I hate being in pods for more than a couple of hours. It boring."  

Nappa shook his head and wrapped his tail around his waist. " You can always talk to me over the com link. I'll try to keep you amused."  

" It's not the same. I don't like talking to you if I can't touch you."  A perverted smile played havoc on the long haired Saiyan's mouth.  

" You don't have to always touch me." Nappa rolled his eyes. But that was a losing battle.  

"Oh yes I do."  

They entered the pod base. Other Saiyan were already boarding the little round spheres and were being launched off into space. A low-level saluted Nappa as he entered and the elite nodded; coming to a halt as the pod was prepared for him.  

Raditz came to a stop right next to the elite. Nappa smiled and reached a gloved finger over to poke Raditz rudely in the nose. " I guess I'll see you on Fadimerk." He leaned over to place another kiss on the low-level's mouth.  

Raditz once more grappled him into a tight embrace.  A few other Saiyans gasped, but none said anything. Nappa felt his cheeks going hot and he fought off the urget to yell at everyone to mind their own business.

"Raditz." The elite snorted and locked eyes on the other. " You're not suppose to do this on the job."  

"Ride with me." The long haired SiayaJin smirked a dirty lil grin. " I won't be so bored."  

"Idiot." Nappa's eyes narrowed. "Both of us won't fit in a pod. Where the fuck would I sit?"  

It was a stupid question. And the elite already formed the answer before the other opened his mouth.  

"On my lap, of course. Where else would I want your ass?" Raditz snickered and he leaned forward and snapped at Nappa's nose.

"I don't like lumpy seats." Nappa hissed, feeling gloved fingers toy on his tail. Fuck. They really had to get going. And Raditz was still playing with his labido. " And my seat would have a big lump."  

Now those fingers were cupped and kneading on Nappa's ass; digging hard. Raditz growled softly. Eyes lusted over. " Yah, But I know just where to move that lump so that you'd be comfortable. Whadya Say? Comon.. it'll be fun. Huh?" A lick to that fuzz dotted lip.  

" F-fine fine. But just this once."  

The lower level pressed a hard kiss to the other mouth and then tugged him into the awaiting pod with a wanton growl. The door closed with a hiss.  

Raditz tumbled into the seat and tugged the elite onto his lap backwards; muscled pressed to his chest as the pod powered up.  

"Once were in space," A lick was given to the other's ear. " We're going for a little ride of our own."  

"Not that I have much of a choice. I don't even have a seatbelt." Nappa chuckled as surveyed his situation. Head touched the ceiling, Knees bend, feet against the door. If he was any older or bigger this would not have worked at all. It barely worked. It was sure tight fit.

But Raditz liked tight fits. He curled his arms around the other's waist. " There's your fucking seatbelt, baby. You ready?"  

"I guess," the elite answered as the pod shook and was launched. He knew Raditz was ready. That was evident by the dick he could feel pressing just under his tail. This was going to be interesting.  

They were going to have their own little adventure before the real mission even began.

There you go. Three Raditz/Nappa fics. Not the best but might as well share them with the world. 

[softgine]

I was reading your headcanons and answers and I missed them! If you have anything you want to talk about (possibly GoChi related?) I would love to read it!

gochi makes my heart v warm (so yes) 

can we start with the tournament/meeting again/the proposal? because that’s my favorite moment for them, like meeting as kids was cute but they both grew so much!! when it came to the tournament both mentally and physically. goku really grew to understand people/feelings better after his training on the lookout, whereas chichi learned how to stand up for herself and completely dropped her helplessness. like individually, it was a really good time for the both of them tbh!! 

(read more bc this is very long and i am a bit embarrassed how enthusiastic I am about them and all this genuine love is not helping my coolness lmao)

but alright!! let’s skip ahead to the actual proposal because I think it’s just so them. tbh I never really seen neither goku and chichi as big romantics, even young chichi was more idealizing the idea of a boyfriend than understanding what exactly that meant. like, they both were ignorant when it came to that department so I’m kind of glad that the proposal wasn’t this huge emotional thing? it was quick and sweet, but very genuine to them. 

like i could go on about how goku used to never stick with people or how chichi’s heart used to be fickle because she didn’t understand the implications of a boyfriend, and how beautiful it is that they were kind of just blindly loyal to each other but?? i think that wouldn’t emphasize how perfect it was for them to find each other??? like there’s no denying that both goku and chichi are extremely devoted people. like once they accept you in their life, you are a part of their life forever (looking @ you, piccolo) and that’s just about it. 

i know that doesn’t seem like a big deal (like it’s an obvious trait), but throughout DB, with very few exceptions to some side characters, we’re shown that good people with good actions can still have ill intentions. but goku and chichi? nah, they just really want to be together and that’s it?? it literally baffles me why people ask the reasons why chichi would want to be with a “battle hungry” man like goku and why goku would want to be with a “loud nagging” woman like chichi because it dismisses such an obvious thing: they like each other and they always have. 

and i don’t know. maybe because since i’m getting older, i finally understand why people say passion in a relationship doesn’t last long?? but their relationship just resonates with me because goku and chichi aren’t about having these heated fights or whatever. they’re really reserved when it comes to showing affection in public to the point where they shy away from it, but man, it’s just the little things that they do that make me understand why they work and have been working so well

if chichi asks for help/to run an errand, then goku does it 

if goku wants something, then he discusses it with chichi first 

chichi always makes sure goku eats something 

goku always makes sure chichi is taken care of before he goes off

if chichi doesn’t like something, she expresses that

if goku doesn’t like something,  he expresses that

if they have conflicting interests, they DISCUSS that??

it’s like woW??? HEALTHY COMMUNICATION??? and thoughtfulness to your partner??? keePS a marriage ALIVE even after death(s)???

like everyone brings up the cell games of how he told chichi he wasn’t going to let gohan fight but ended up relying on him is questionable (i’ll give you that) but?? god???? i hate saying that the ends justify the means but in this situation, it does because gohan was the only one strong enough to take on cell (remember that the adults were having immense trouble with just the cell jr’s). again, it could’ve been handled better but in their small time frame, goku took responsibility for an incredibly hard decision and tbh I respect him for that because he did the job that everyone bestowed on him to the best of his ability. like wow, that’s parenting!!! (even tho it is extreme, i give you that) 

but whatever, it was really nice to see him and chichi have opposing views to gohan’s future before letting him decide what he wanted to do because it really shows how they work as a real unit. gohan was a gifted kid in both aspects of education and martial arts, and it was really amazing to see two parents who wanted to nurture those parts of him. like they genuinely talk about it to see what they want to do without overpowering each other and sometimes one wins and sometimes the other does. (but you know, chichi and goku don’t see their “arguments” as wins/losses?? they just want to raise their kids the best way they can and that’s freaking beautiful???) (like yeah they’re just doing their jobs but not all parents are like that?? so let’s just praise them ok)

this is kind of getting long but one more thing i want to bring up is the fact how chichi isn’t allowed at the big fights but it isn’t because she’s weak (like no offense but if chichi can train goten to be almost on par with trunks who trains with a hard ass like VEGETA, she is in no way weak ok). but because we know that regardless of the situation, if chichi sees goku hurt, she’ll JUMP and RUN to be by his side to protect him??? like literally goku has to make sure she’s in a different part of the world so she doesn’t beat up his foes before he does???? like really, just imagine that

and if NOT that, then wow?? it’s like?? he cares a lot about her life to not put it anywhere near immediate danger???? (((let’s not forget that a big part of goku’s inability to control his strength throughout z is how his anger takes over his inability to think (which btw was such a bittersweet thing to add to gohan’s flaws like wow); if you need example, then see how hard he’s trying to compose himself honorably with frieza or how hard he can’t keep it together when raditz comes to take his son))) so goku probably needs chichi to be somewhere safe so he doesn’t lose it during battle because she affects him that much??????? wOW??? ITS LIKE HE LOVES HER????

[petite-neko]

Nexus of Time - 03

Fanfiction: Nexus of Time Story Summary: Gohan trapped with in the depths of time! Now, Trunks needs to save Gohan and allow him his three years of training… for yet unknown to both of them, Gohan is the future saviour of Earth! But how can Trunks save somebody whom he doesn’t know needs saving? Fandom: Dragon Ball Z Characters: Gohan, M!Trunks, M!17&18 Pairing: Gohan/M!Trunks, M!Gohan/M!Trunks Rating: T Warnings: Violence, Character Death, Angst, PTSD, Universe Alteration Author’s Notes: Here’s Chapter 3!

(I set up a ko-fi account guys! Feel free to donate! Link in blog description!)

(Check source for ao3 link!)

I am sorry to put this here, but due to people who have been stalking and harassing me for a certain type of content:

THIS WORK WILL NOT CONTAIN SHOTA.

NO, I AM NOT GOING TO WRITE YOU A SELF-INSERT FANFICTION.

Leave me alone, you are not welcome here.

Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4

Trunk hated waiting, he hated watching, and yet it was all that he did.

The Androids weren’t traceable, that’s why.

Radios, word of mouth… that was the only real method of tracking them. Sure, sure there was the ki disruption as well, but even that wasn’t reliable. He was always one step behind them, and he cursed himself for it.

More and more people were dying and he was doing nothing about it!

(And yet, for some reason, there was something niggling in the back of his mind, it was as if it was on the tip of his tongue and he couldn’t identify it.)

The only thing he could do was wait. Wait, because once he could go into the past again… But the time machine was taking too long to charge!

(No, not really, he was just impatient. A trait he got from both his parents, not that his mother would admit it.)

Often, he also thought back to when he went into the past. Will his killing Frieza change things? Will he have screwed things over?

Trunks knew all that he could do was wait and see how it turned out. Even if he hated it.

.+++.

The androids were particularly sadistic today, Trunks noticed as he concentrated on the disruption. However, there was that niggling again, but Trunks didn’t pay attention to it. Instead, he concentrated on where the androids were. If he could calculate their next move… he might be able to prevent some deaths. It was almost like meditation, what Gohan taught him, what Piccolo taught Gohan. Often would his mother come out to check on him, and just as Trunks was honing in, something flared, that niggling sensation burst into life.

What was Gohan’s ki doing here!

Trunks snapped his eyes open and charged towards the mountain city that was currently under attack. Something wasn’t right here!

.xxx.

Gohan’s aura flowed about him as he stared at Seventeen. He was still fearful of his life, but hopefully he could match up to their standards. Gohan couldn’t – wouldn’t – die.

Seventeen, however, seemed disappointed. “Aw, none of that yellow stuff? Ah, well you’re just a brat. Well, let’s see how much you can withstand. Come on, I’ll give you the first shot.”

They were mocking him, they were underestimating him, but Gohan already knew that he couldn’t defeat them as he was now. He had to give it all though, unless he wanted to die. So he took the bait and sent a leg towards the android’s head.

The reaction was more instinctual than a defence: an arm shot up to take his kick easily. “Hmm…Not bad for a brat.” Seventeen said before his hand wrapped around Gohan’s ankle and flung Gohan into the rock he hid behind. “Let’s see how long you can amuse me before you become a ragdoll. If you can last, then I’ll keep that promise. But you better turn yellow the next time we meet, because playing with you is like playing with those humans all those years ago… fun for a few minutes, but quickly boring.”

Gohan pushed himself up. This is child’s play to him… I’m nothing compared to him… The boy thought with dismay. But I need to hold on… I need to live… I need to warn everybody. He charged at Seventeen again, this time quickly shifting behind him and landing a blow at his lower back. Next, he swung around to the front and flew up, punching the mechanical thing in the chin. His feet kicked outward before he was grabbed in mid-air before tossed off to a mountain side.

From wincing eyes, Gohan could see Seventeen cracking his neck.

“He packs quite a punch.” He said with a smirk. “It’ll be interesting to see what he can do in the future.”

“Why wait?” Eighteen said, deciding to comment again. “Isn’t it stupid to let the kid grow up and challenge us?”

Seventeen laughed. “It’s not as if he can get stronger than his father. You saw how easily I defeated him. Although, I guess it was unfair to take off his arm beforehand.”

Gohan glared at them, fisting his hands. Was this all a game to them? Killing people? Torturing them? Terrifying them? Something untapped appeared deep within him, like that time when he thought Frieza killed Krillin, when his henchmen killed the Nameks, when Nappa killed Piccolo, when Raditz hurt his dad. Energy appeared at his hands and he shot it at Seventeen. He charged at him, throwing kicks and punches wherever there was a body. More energy blasts. How could somebody be so… so cruel!

Then he was plucked by his shirt. “Aww, did talking about your daddy make you mad Chibi Gohan?” Seventeen said with a sickly mocking tone. “But it does make you more powerful. How about I tell you how we ripped out his arm, scarred his body, how we killed him? Would that make you more fun to play with?”

Gohan was glaring at him, his breathing heavy from his recent exertion.

“Aw, isn’t he cute Eighteen? Look at that little glare, it’s as if he thinks he’s a threat to us.”

The girl turned her head. “I never get you sometimes Seventeen.”

Seventeen punched him in the stomach, and Gohan, even in the pain, knew that this wasn’t even half, perhaps even a quarter of his real strength. It was no wonder why everybody died fighting them…. His vision began to darken around the edges.

No! I can’t! I need to warn! I need to! Gohan said as he forced his consciousness to regain itself. Just as it did, there was another blow to his stomach – this time a knee.

“Look at him, clinging on, trying to remain awake.” Seventeen said as he shook Gohan.

All Gohan could do was groan. There were more stars in his vision than in the sky. (He knew that wasn’t the case, but logic really didn’t play a huge role in his mind at the moment.)

“You still awake kid?”

Gohan forced himself to blink and he winced and saw the man who killed his future self.

Seventeen was smirking maliciously again. “Heh, you’re pretty tough kid.”

“Seventeen, can you wrap it up? I’m getting bored watch you play with your boy toy.” Eighteen said and yawned.

The male android laughed. “Alright, alright sis. Guess it’s nighty-night for you brat. You got a passing grade. Have fun.” He said before kneeing Gohan in the stomach again. This time, to knock him out.

As Gohan’s world turned black he felt as if he were flying.

.xxx.

The time traveller landed down in the ruined city in the mountains. The damage was done, and there was no sign of the androids. “Fuck…” He cursed and wandered through the still-flaming city. He glanced from left to right, following the disaster. But, unlike the typical destructions, it moved sharply to the right, following a house that had been blasted through. Did they follow somebody they were playing with? Trunks thought and floated over the rubble.

He saw a man, kicked over on his side – as Eighteen tended to do once somebody died. There was damage here as well… the rock the dead man was reaching for had appeared as if somebody, or something, was smashed into it, and a circle of impact was blown into the mountainside. Were there more people here? Did the androids decide to vaporize them instead of leaving corpses for him to find? Yet, there was no sign of his mentor, no sign of where the androids flew off to. Nothing.

Was he being driven mad by these artificial humans? Were they pushing at his wits, making him hallucinate, making him imagine, making him hope? Trunks swore that he felt Gohan’s ki spike here, yet it couldn’t be. Gohan was dead, Gohan would have left more damage than a rock and a mountain side, Gohan would have went Super Saiyajin.

And Gohan would have been disappointed in him. He had failed humanity yet again, he let the androids go on a rampage, and he did nothing to stop them! He was always too late, always saw just the aftermath, the scared humans, the corpses littering the ground, and always failed.

“Damn it all!” Trunks yelled as he punched the rock, shattering it. Why did he have to be so weak? If only… if only Goku had still lived! If only his time had a miracle antidote from the future! Why did Piccolo have to go die? Why couldn’t he have had enough wisdom to stay away, to save his life for others! They would have had the dragon balls, would have had a chance! Then Gohan would have really been here again, instead of in the afterlife where he could do nothing but watch… watch as he failed over and over and over again.

“Agh!” He screamed in frustration, and his energy surged. He felt the transformation as his hair spiked, and his eyes took on a green tinge

Away. He needed to get away. Anywhere. Anywhere but here. Anywhere but a place that was ravaged by destruction and chaos… Anywhere but sorrow.

And he landed in a forest, where life seemed to go on as normal, where those creatures of lesser intelligence continued on obliviously.

Then Trunks laughed, it was dark, it was sardonic. The ant was fearful of those things bigger than it, and the chain continued. Humans were once at the top… but then came the androids. There was always something bigger, something badder out there, and humans had only just realized it. It shook them out of their comfortable life and it reverted them back to nature, fearing their predator.

Where would mankind be without the Saiyajins? Dead?

No… Goku was the start of this all. Without Goku, Dr. Gero would not have created the androids to defeat him, there would be no Raditz, no Vegeta, no Frieza… perhaps the world would have been run by the Red Ribbon Army…

But this was not the time for what-ifs. This was not the life with second chances, or even thirds. Trunks had one life, and he had to use it well. He could not die… even if it meant that he couldn’t meet Gohan until much later. Earth needed him… and even though he needed Gohan, he would have to do without. He had to deal with two enemies far stronger than he was. If only Gohan was here now… perhaps they could deal with the androids together.

“Damnit Gohan!” Trunks sobbed, his energy levels reverting to normal as he fell to the grass. “Why? Why did you have to die…?”

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball 061

Goku makes it to the top of Korin Tower!  This whole episode was surreal to me, because I knew this structure existed, and that it was located below Kami’s Lookout, but I never knew much else about it, other than the fact that Korin lived here.   For example, the weird thing about this tower is that you sort of have to hop up to one of four holes to get into the main building at the top.   To me, that sounds like the hardest part of this.   Imagine climbing all the way to the top, and then you have to do some bullshit double-jump thing, like a video game or something.  I couldn’t even screencap it correctly.  

Goku makes it inside though.  This is actually the lower level of the place.   Korin’s bathtub is back there.   I was about to ask where his toilet is, but... I mean, how could he not just go over the side?   I mean, Bora and Upa are down there, but what are the odds of actually hitting either of them?  

I’m just kidding of course.  Korin has a litter box.  

Goku notices some pots of waer, and inside he sees visions of his past, present and future.   Well, Korin actually describes them as “his world as it is, as it was, and as it will be.”  It’s kind of a semantic difference, but it explains why the “present” water showed him Bulma and Krillin in Master Roshi’s kitchen.  That’s their present.   Goku’s present in this moment would just be an image of him starting into a pot of water.

The “future” pot is naturally bizarre.  A giant centipede comes out of the pot and wraps itself around Goku like a snake, and then he sees visions of most of his friends, Mercenary Tao, and then two new faces, which will eventually be revealed as Fortuneteller Baba and the masked fighter she enlists to fight Goku in the next arc.  

Every time I see this, I always think it would have been awesome if Raditz had appeared in this sequence.

At last, Korin reveals himself.   Turns out he’s a cat.   Goku asks or the Sacred Water, but Korin isn’t too eager to give it to him.

Back on the ground, some villagers see a flier for Tao’s 20th anniversary sale.   I’m pretty sure he drew that himself.

A couple of men see Tao walking around town and try to shoot him, no doubt to avenge someone Tao killed.   Tao doesn’t even seem to notice them, but he kicks off one of his sandals just as the bullet reaches him.  This somehow deflects the bullet, not at the shooter, but through his turban, and into his partner.   The icing on the cake is that Tao’s sandal then floats over his shoulder, lands just in front of him, and he steps back into it without breaking stride.   It’s insane.   I wanted to gif it, but it’s too complicated a shot.   Just goes to show that you have to watch Dragon Ball for yourself.

Returning to his hotel, Tao orders a raw egg from room service and boils it in his bathtub.   That’s right, Tao bathes in boiling water.   I remembered this scene, and wondered how he got that much water to boil in the first place, but it turns out he stuck his arm in the water first and did some sort of ki technique to heat it up.

Stuff like this is where filler scenes really work best.   There’s no particular need to show what Tao is up to while he waits for his new clothes.   The whole point of this delay is that he refuses to do anything until he can be properly dressed, which gives Goku time to prepare for their rematch.  Toriyama wouldn’t have wanted to use precious pages on Tao eating dinner, but Toei could spare the time, and they found a way to depict these kinds of moments and make Tao look like an even more dangerous opponent than we already knew. 

As for Goku, he’s got to go through a bunch of hassle just to get a drink of water.  Korin reads Goku’s mind to find out what he wants the Sacred Water, then tells him he can’t have any.   Then he points it out and tells Goku to go ahead and take it if it’s so important to him, but as soon as Goku tries, Korin zips over and takes it away.

Goku is confused and outraged by Korin’s behavior.   He tries to take the water by force, but he can’t even get close to it.  Korin is just too fast and tricky.    On top of that, the air is very thin at this altitude, so Goku gets winded very quickly.

It’s hard not to feel bad for the little guy, even when you know what’s really going on here.   He got his ass handed to him by Tao, then he climbed up this tower just to get a chance of doing the right thing for Upa, and now he’s getting humiliated by a kitty, and he doesn’t even understand why.

But I like the moral here.   Goku’s a good person, and he’s determined to do a good deed here.   That alone won’t win him this battle.   He needs more than determination and a noble spirit to defeat Tao and wish Upa’s father back to life. 

Goku asks Korin if anyone has ever gotten the Sacred Water before, and Korin reveals that one one person has, and that was 300 years ago.   That man’s name was Master Roshi, and it took him three years to pull it off.   Goku’s got a long row to hoe...