One Namek Day at a Time

by Lammchen

Summary:

The battle on earth is finished! Now it's time to heal and plan my next- what you do mean Frieza's left for Namek already?! Now I have to follow him. I may not have time to plan, but that doesn't mean I don't have a plan! It just.. hinges on convincing Goku's friends that I want to help them find the Dragon Balls...

Hopefully it won't be too difficult. Isn't there an Earth saying about 'my enemies' opponents are my friends'? What will be difficult is trying to get a few of the Dragon Balls out of Frieza's hands!

I would recommend reading the first story in this series for context. This story may be slow to update because I have to re-watch the Namek arc.

Notes:

Sorry for all the people that have kept checking my first fic in this series or got confused when they saw it was part of a series, but there was nothing to read. I'm having to re-watch the Namek Arc for this part and it's going to take a while to get through.

So, I forgot to change the publication date before I posted. Whoops! I posted it on May 3rd, not May 1st. My bad!

Chapter 1: This is the start

Notes:

Sorry to all the people that have been looking at What Kept You Alive? expecting the sequel after I put the first story as part of a series a week or so ago. It took a while to type up the first chapter. Mainly because I have to rewatch the Namek Arc again and that takes time.

Anyway, this is the sequel to 'What Kept You Alive?'! It will be covering the Namek arc of Dragon Ball Z. This is going to take a while since unlike the first story, I don't have this all typed out before posting.

This is the start

I can't really remember landing on that Frieza planet. But, I do remember when my injuries finally healed. The blue liquid of the healing pod has always been memorizing to me for some reason. Perhaps it's the path of the bubbles as they wander upwards that catch my eye? The healing tank's liquid that's absorbed into my body was specifically engineered by the brightest of Saiyan scientists hundreds of years ago to amplify a Saiyan's natural healing ability*. It just so happens that the technology developed to accelerate the Saiyan's recuperation from battle is also compatible with pretty much every other race in the galaxy. It's one of the few things that the Cold Empire (which included the now retired King Cold, and his two sons Frieza and Cooler) 'adopted' from the Saiyan race*.

The beeping to signal the tank being drained may have been muffled by the liquid I was surrounded by, but I could hear it all the same. I could also hear the muffled voice of Dr. Nusvara*, no doubt he was preparing for the worst case scenario when I step out of the tank. There have been… incidents in the past of my mind not quite catching up with my body that I'm safe and away from the battlefield. I should apologize to Dr. Nusvara for all the trouble I've caused him over the years... The liquid is fully drained and I don't even try to hold in the sigh of relief that escapes me when I pluck the sensors off my face. The breathing mask that was covering my nose and mouth swiftly follows.

"You are fully healed now, you can open your eyes." Dr. Nusvara's raspy voice rings loud and clear in the medical room. I had always found the fact that Dr. Nusvara belongs to a bipedal reptilian species that grows red hair on their head fascinating.

I blink and resist the urge to wipe my eyes. The healing tanks' liquid always makes my skin feel slightly itchy when exposed to air for the first time. There are showers literally attached to the armor room. I have to be patient. I also don't want to irritate my favorite doctor that Frieza has. Maybe I should recruit him when Frieza dies? I stand up carefully and plant my left foot on the 'lip' of the edge of the tank.

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to reconstruct your tail." Dr. Nusvara stated.

"It doesn't matter." I huff and ignore the note of sympathy in his voice. No doubt he thinks I'm devastated at losing a 'limb'. I flex my arms a few times and smirk at being one step closer to my goal. "I don't need a tail to fulfill my 'mission'."

Dr. Nusvara nods and steps aside to get out of my way. I step down and manage to only flinch slightly at feeling the cold floor under my bare feet. I blame my reaction to temperatures on my human memories, as Saiyans are very resilient in most extreme environments*. I had long since grown accustomed to waking up in my 'birthday clothes' when in the healing tank. Doesn't change the vulnerable feeing that always settles in my stomach when I step out of the tank after waking up. I once complained to Dr. Nusvara about it, and he explained that any article of clothing left on the patient's body meant some of the healing liquid was lost. Also, there was potential for the clothing to 'react badly' to exposure to the liquid. Thus, the patient was stripped of all clothes so the most money could be saved, and no clothing would be potentially damaged from exposure to the liquid.*

Once I had voiced my complaints, Dr. Nusvara always seemed to ensure that as few people as possible were in the room whenever I came out of a healing tank. Which, I was and am grateful for. I mean, being part of the army quickly desensitizes you to nakedness amongst others. Especially if you have to share your quarters with other beings, like I do- did with Nappa and Raditz. It still made me a little uneasy to have no armor or weapons on hand after being in such a vulnerable (wounded) state… even though I could dispose of any scientist that works on this base in my sleep if I needed to. It's one of the reasons why Dr. Nusvara is one of my favorite doctors that I've had to interact with over the years.

I nod to him and he leads me to the armory (which is the room attached to the healing pods). I take a five minute shower, dry off, and wander back into the armory to find Dr. Nusvara inspecting my damaged armor.

"Care to tell me what happened, Vis?" He glanced at me, then at what was left of my bloody armor. "Or is the wound to your ego still too raw to be examined?" He turned said armor over in his hand, the soft 'clack' of his claws softly hitting the cracked armor cut through the silent room. "Judging by these stress fractures and cuts in your protective armor, you must have received quite a beating. And that's putting it lightly."

I know that he wouldn't say my preferred name if another was in the room. But I use my new ki sensing ability to check anyway, and am relieved when we are truly the only people in the room. I withhold any remarks at his.. scolding and start to put on my blue body suit and boots.

"I hope you're not entertaining any ideas of revenge." He ignores my snort at that remark. "I might not be here to put you back together next time."

"You don't have to worry about that." I scoff at his warning and tap my boot on the bench to ensure it fits properly. "I won't have to search for that Clown to get my revenge." Just the thought of fighting Goku again brings a giddy feeling to my chest. I take a breath and grab new armor to put on.

"Oh? Do you know something I don't?" He asks with open curiosity. "Is it one of your 'feelings'?"

"Hmph, as if I'd tell you that!" I put on the gloves and turn to smirk at him. "By the way, is Frieza here? I need to speak with him."

"He left. I don't know where he is."

"Are you sure?" I narrow my eyes at him, and am satisfied at the nervous expression that flickers across his face. I tap my boots and tug on my gloves in the familiar pattern of a long forgotten melody*. Perhaps if I remembered the name of the song... I mentally shake those thoughts away and hum in satisfaction once I have ensured that they are secure on my hands and feet.

"Perhaps Cui can help you find him. I saw him make his way to the training center earlier. You can probably catch him there before he leaves, if you hurry?"

I snort and shake my head at the suggestion.

"I have no use for that cowardly fool! Tell Frieza when you see him that I'm looking for him." I wave goodbye and start to walk out of the room when Dr. Nusvara calls out to me.

"But, Vi- er, Vegeta! Sir, you're leaving your scouter behind!" He hurries after me with said device in hand.

I turn towards him and try to reign in my annoyance at the situation. He's trying to do his job, nothing else. Scouters are a part of the Organization's equipment, after all.

"Keep it, it's of no-" Wait, I just learned how to sense ki. Perhaps I should keep it, just in case? "Forgive me, I suppose my mind is still a little… scrambled from the healing tank." I put a grateful smile on my face and take my scouter back.

Dr. Nusvara tilts his head to the side in a silent question. I don't know what he's trying to ask, but after a moment of searching my face he hands me the scouter. He mutters something under his breath and slowly nods. I attach the scouter to my ear, nod in thanks and turn to leave.

"May your next mission be successful, Vegeta." Dr. Nusvara says in his own version of goodbye.

"May your next patient survive under your care." I respond in kind. It was time to hunt down Cui - I wasn't going to waste time twiddling my thumbs waiting for Frieza to come back!

* * *

I'm walking down the halls towards the training rooms, when I happen upon Cui. Well, I suppose it would be more accurate to say that Cui was blocking my way. He started spouting comments about how 'I'm weaker than a third class Saiyan', and 'Frieza isn't too happy with my performance in the field'. Then, he has the gall to put his hand on my shoulder when I try to walk past him! I barely suppress the sudden violent urge that tries to take hold of me and manage to wait it out by gripping my forearms.

"I don't want to hear from you what Frieza thinks! He can tell me in person how disappointed he is in my performance." I take a breath and turn towards Cui. "If you don't get your hand off my shoulder, I will end your pitiful existence." I glare at him, satisfied in the knowledge that even if some regard me as 'Frieza's bloodthirsty attack monkey', I wouldn't have to work very hard to kill Cui. In fact, maybe I should. Cui no doubt has been tasked with keeping an eye on my after that failed mission on earth…

"Y-you don't know what you're talking about!" Cui lets go of my shoulder and takes a step back. "Having a 'talk' with Frieza about failed missions never goes well! Besides, no one's ever won a fight against him!"

The longer Cui talks, the more appealing murder is. And why is he expositing to me about Frieza's strength?! Frieza has beaten me within an inch of my life numerous times for 'failure' ever since I was a small child. Why is he bringing up fighting Frieza to me? I didn't mention wanting to fight Frieza, did I?

"You're biting off more than you can chew! Frieza is utterly indestructible." Cui continues.

"Enough! I am aware of how 'indestructible' Frieza is. Now tell me where Frieza has gone!" I growl.

"The planet Namek" Cui smirks. "That's where Frieza has gone."

I expected Cui to say something like that, but I'm somehow still surprised at Cui's answer? Whatever, I finally have the chance to start the beginning of Frieza's demise! I can't shout for joy or pump my fist right now! Especially since I have an audience… And, I need to hurry so I can stop Frieza from getting all of the Dragon Balls! If I can't do that, then Frieza will truly become unstoppable!

"-never get the Dragon Balls. Believe me, Vegeta, Frieza has no doubt started to find them. And he'll destroy the planet Namek-"

The impatience, anxiety and elation of being so much closer to my goal finally breaks my restraint and I punch Cui in the stomach. His gasping wheeze and shocked face as he doubles over in pain is very satisfying. It's not enough. If I stop with this, then Frieza will be alerted at my 'rebellion' sooner than I'd like. I grip Cui's shoulder.

"Oh, you're bowing to the Prince of all Saiyans? So you finally know your place." I can't help the grin that has stretched across my face. I pull back my fist and gather some ki in my hand. "I'd tell you to grovel and lick my boots, like the dog you are.." I tighten my grip on Cui's shoulder and fire the ki attack as I strike him in the stomach again. "But why would I waste such words on a corpse?"

The ki blast created a hole not only in Cui, but also through the walls protecting the base from the harsh atmosphere of whatever Frieza planet I was currently on. I grab Cui's scouter and hastily run down the hallway back the way I came. I nod to Dr. Nusvara, who is running past me, and jump inside my space pod. I quickly input the coordinates for planet Namek and take off. Most of the soldiers will be busy with the 'hull breach' and won't be able to stop me from my destination until it's too late.

Notes:

Thank you for reading this story! Take this time to drink some water. Even if it's just around the house, it's good to stretch your legs! It's not fun to have your legs fall asleep on you.

*I don't know if this is ever stated to be why the healing pods work the way they do. It just makes sense a warrior race would do everything in their ability/power to perfect healing as fast as possible to get back into the fray. Especially since the Saiyan race seemed to value strength pretty much above everything else.

*Again, it makes sense that the Cold Empire would take 'useful' things and adopt them for the whole army. The Saiyan armor became the standard because it was cheaper to produce armor that could literally fit almost any body type than having to manually adjust armor to fit the wearer. Why not the same for the healing pods?
*I did some research and the lizard alien with hair that treats Vegeta's wounds after his battle on earth doesn't have a canon name. I decided to come up with my own. His name, Nusvara is Varanus switched around. Varanus is part of the scientific name for the Komodo Monitor lizard (aka Komodo Dragon).
*Pretty sure this is true for Saiyans. However, in the Super Broly movie Goku is shown wearing a coat when he's in the arctic. So, I could be wrong about this?
*To my knowledge, it's never explained why Vegeta and others put in the healing tanks are stripped of their clothes, so I just made up one.
*The song he's thinking of is : 'The Knuckle Song', it's called that because you only have to use your knuckles to play it on the piano.

Chapter 2: I am trying to be NICE.

Summary:

All I am asking for is ONE Dragon Ball! That's it! But do these people want to give me one? NO THEY DO NOT.

*sigh* In the end, I got what I wanted. With minimal injuries to all involved no less!

Notes:

I have made sure to pay attention to the publishing date this time! So, it should be accurate, haha!

I am trying to be NICE.

As the years have gone by, my knowledge of Dragon Ball Z has dwindled into only a handful of things. One of them being that Goku turns Super Saiyan on Namek, and kills Frieza. Another is that a 'Fusing Dance' can be used to literally combine two people into one being. There's also a ring(?) that can do that same? But I've never told either Nappa or Raditz this, mainly because Frieza can easily hold these methods of gaining power over our heads. And I'd rather lose my arms than give him the satisfaction of that. The last thing I can remember is that Vegeta fights Goku on earth and loses.

But, I'll have to prepare myself for Namek. Specifically, the fact that I'll have to 'team up' with the Clown's friends to find the Dragon Balls… I mean, they lost a good number of 'friends' in the battle with Nappa and me on Earth. They will no doubt go to Namek to use their Dragon Balls to bring them back to life. So, I will have to persuade them somehow that I want to work with them. Or, perhaps it will be as easy as 'we have mutual enemies'?

I make sure that any recording devices are off, and decide to do a few vocal warm ups. The range of my voice hasn't expanded as much as I would like, but that is life. I first started to do these 'voice warmups' to get used to my 'new' voice. But, I ended up also practicing them to remember and engrain songs in my brain. I can't forget the words if I memorize them! I first do the 'Do' scales. Then, the 'chocolate cookie'* song, as well as the 'I wonder' song from that one story. The one where the woman falls asleep*. The only irritating thing is that I can't hit the high notes of the lady's singing. So, I have either have to go as high as I can… or go low and sing 'from my chest' to create a similar effect.

I don't know how much time has passed since my departure from that Frieza Planet, but I'm soon entering the atmosphere of Namek! It's strange trees and somewhat barren landscape greet me upon landing. My space pod opens and I don't hesitate to stretch for a few minutes after I get out. I close the door, and secure the scouter to my ear before I sigh in relief. Feeling the ground under my feet settles the ball of anxiety that's taken root in my chest. I close my eyes and expand my ki sensing as far as it can go.

A huge power level- no, ki is nearby. It.. feels like a black hole of hatred… I glance at my scouter screen, and the power level indicated on its screen confirms my suspicion - that ki I'm sensing is Frieza. Not only is Frieza on this planet, but he's already on the hunt for the Dragon Balls. I squash my irritation at my former boss' progress, and focus on anyone else I can sense. It seems two people are flying together in a certain direction. Perhaps I should follow them?

I check that my space pod is closed and I have the extra remote for it, then after some debate I start to fly in their general direction. My scouter indicates that a group of power levels are farther off in the distance*. Is that a Namek village? One that Frieza isn't at or heading towards? The two I was following are very weak. Goku's spawn and his bald friend can take care of them easily. And if they can't, well, they haven't trained hard enough. I really hope they are strong enough, mainly because it will make my goal easier if I have two people to help with the fighting. The… inventor(?) with them wasn't a fighter. I follow my scouter's reading of the cluster of (weak) power levels, and leave the other weaklings behind.

* * *

It didn't take me long to fly to the cluster of power levels. And to my relief, it is a village! It was currently only occupied by a handful of people. From the feel of their kis, most of the people are children. Which means it should be very easy to get the Dragon Ball of this village.

I land to confirm that my ki sensing is accurate and can feel a few kis spiking before disappearing (dying) from the direction of Frieza's current position. No doubt he's making an example of a few villagers to get the rest to cooperate. It would probably be easier to kill everyone here after I obtain the Dragon Ball here… But, since I am finally openlyrebelling against Frieza… I have half a mind to not kill them. In fact, maybe I should just-

An elderly villager walks out of one of the houses and speaks in what can only be their native dialect. The scouter's translation scrolls across the tiny screen and I only glance at it before addressing the elderly Namekian.

"Namek may not be a popular destination in the galaxy, but you have had visitors in the past*. I know that at least some of you understand Galactic Standard*."

I narrow my eyes at the elder Namek, who thankfully is smart enough to switch languages.

"H-hello, what brings you to our humble village?" He asks.

"Good to see you have a brain." I grin and resist the urge to form a ball of ki for intimidation. "I'm here to collect the Dragon Ball that resides in this village." I straighten my posture when the elder starts to open his mouth. "And don't even try to claim that you don't have one!" I tap the scouter's screen. "This scouter can sense energy and is telling me that you have one here." Despite logic screaming that I'm being foolish in revealing my hand, I decided to at least inform these poor Namekians of that weakness before I leave. They will still die, but at least they will be informed.

Sure enough, I could see the elder Namekian's look of confusion change to one of hope, then fear and suspicion. No doubt he is confused as to why I just said that. Perhaps he thinks I am a fool? I may have to show him the folly of that line of thinking.

"I see. Why do you want the Dragon Balls?" He asked.

I shift my gaze from the old man to the houses, and catch glimpses of what is no doubt the children hiding in the shadows. One thing that will never change is the curiosity of children. I sigh and stop myself from shaking my head.

"I don't know why you're asking me this. But,' Why not a grain of truth? 'my boss goes by the name 'Frieza'. He is searching for the Dragon Balls to obtain immortality. I am of the mind that only the weak minded would think immortality is a good wish. As living forever takes a heavy toll on your mind and heart…" I mentally shove those philosophical thoughts aside. "There is also the fact that I don't want him to get the wish from the Dragon Balls. So, I plan on taking one of the Dragon Balls, and if I end up getting a wish out of my trouble?" I shrug in faux indifference and grin. "All the better for my efforts. As to what my wish would be…?" I hum in contemplation, and before I can answer my own question the elder poses one of his own.
"Why are you telling us this?" He asks with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

'Us'? Ah, Namekians have ears good enough to 'hear across the world', right?

"My former boss Frieza doesn't know this yet, but his arrival on this planet is the start of his downfall." I don't even try to stop my grin from turning into a smirk. "I can't say when he will die. But he will die before he can leave this planet." My grin flattens into a frown as I glare at the elderly being. "Now, where is the Dragon Ball."

"D-didn't you want to think of your own wish?" He asks, an aborted motion of his hands.

A nervous habit perhaps?

Irritation at this being's obvious attempts at stalling threaten to overwhelm the patient mindset I've tried to create for myself. I will not kill them, I will not! I will only strike if they decide to attack me. And if I do anything, it will be to knock them out. I take a short breath and start walking towards the houses.

"My wish is to breathe. To get his foot off my throat. But killing my former boss with a wish is.." My lips curl in disgust at the mere thought of doing so. But my irritation is soothed at seeing the elder's flinch when my canines are bared. Of course he'd be intimidated at the threat of my teeth! "..unsatisfactory. No, my wish-" I press my lips together and breathe out my nose. He's trying to distract me, isn't he? Maybe he's hoping to stall so one of the other villagers will get the Dragon Ball to safety? "-is none of your concern."

I step to the elderly Namekian and walk around him. He tries to grab my arm, and I don't even have to look at him to break his hold. I walk into the house my scouter is indicating has the highest energy and the Dragon Ball is sitting on a pedestal. Out in the open! I grab the Namekian Dragon Ball (which is no small feat considering they are almost as tall as my torso), and turn to walk out of the house. I take a step, only to feel the grip of two different sets of small limbs wrapped around my legs. My eye twitches, and I am very tempted to break a few limbs in retaliation. Do not kill the children. Do not punt the children!

I lift my leg slightly off the ground and glare at one of the limpets. The child's face that was once grinning in triumph at 'slowing me down', is now full of fear. I would be happy at this, except I am trying to be NICE. It's almost like these Namekians want to die by my hand!

A growl rumbles in my throat, I scowl, bare my teeth and grip the back of the child's neck. The child… squeaks and becomes limp in my hands*??

I blink twice.

"Does this make Namibians cats*?" I don't even try to stop the chuckle from escaping my mouth. Motion from my peripheral makes me turn, and upon seeing the elder running towards me, I do the only logical thing. I cock my arm back and throw the child towards the elderly being. The shocked look on his face almost makes up for how annoying this 'visit' has been so far. Almost. "If Namekians are cats, you would think they'd look like one…"

I almost don't catch the weight on my other leg leaving because I feel multiple power levels spike in the far distance. What is going on? How are there still Namekians left to resist Frieza's demands? I snatch the child that had let of my leg, and only half listened to his protests. No doubt he's either cursing me or calling for his caretaker. I shake my concern for what Frieza is doing to the side and walk out of the house.

"You will allow me to leave, and I will give you the child." I state in a calm voice.

"You said that Frieza was your boss. How can I know that you will keep this promise?" The elder demanded.

"I see." I hum in contemplation*. "I promise on my honor and pride as Prince of the Saiyan race to leave this child in your care alive. Will that suffice?" I ask in a leading tone. Thankfully, the elder catches on quickly to what I was expecting in response.

"Yes, I promise on my duty as village elder that you may leave this village neither harmed nor pursued." He stated confidently. The child in his arms didn't look very convinced that I would stand by my word, and normally he would be right!

"Perfect! It's always a relief to talk to people that actually use their brains." I walk to the elder, smirk at his nervous expression and start to walk past him. He starts to protest. I jump into the air to start my journey to find the Clown's friends, twist around and (gently) toss the child to the Namekian. "Perhaps if you reduce your energy to that of a bug and hide underground, you will survive Frieza's 'visit' to your village." I call down to him, and start to fly away.

Notes:

Thank you for reading my story! Take this time to drink some water and get up to move around. Your legs falling asleep are annoying!

*The 'Do' scales, as well as the 'Chocolate Cookie' song are both vocal warmups to practice range as well as diction when singing. The 'Do' scales even have hand signs that go with them! It helps with keeping on pitch when practicing. The song 'Doe, a dear' from the Sound of Music is actually a reference to this specific vocal warmup. It's just a way to remember the words used.

*Vis is thinking of Aurora's 'I wonder' song from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. The one she sings to a pair of birds about how she's looking for the prince of her dreams. That song has been stuck in my brain ever since I was a child. Specifically since Aurora's voice actress also did her singing voice and went on to become an Opera singer after the movie!

*SO, I can't tell if the village Frieza visits is close to the one that Vegeta visits. So, I took some creative liberties.

*From what I can tell, Namek doesn't get any visitors. But, there has to be a reason why the Namekians aren't immediately defensive or try to hide at the sight of non-Namekians.

*So, my limited understanding is that the deities of Dragon Ball passed down their language to their creations. And planets are created by dividing up existing planets, so most races have a distant ancestor. Which may explain why Saiyans and Humans can have children with each other! Again, this is my limited understanding!

*I don't know if this is true for Namekians. I just thought it would be funny/easier if Vis had a way of handling the children without harming them too badly.

*Namekians, in fact, look nothing like cats! They look more like a bipedal slug or perhaps a reptile. Especially since Namekians have 'antenna'.
*He's humming the 'thinking' song from Jeopardy.

*There is a cool story called 'Gifts from the Sea' by Raberba girl (https://archiveofourown.org/works/19183363/chapters/45600277). It's a Batman fanfic about Bruce interning at the local aquatic zoo. There, he meets an orphaned merboy. In other words, it's a an AU where the Batkids are various merfolk and Bruce is their human adopted parent!

Chapter 3: Vegeta vs Dodoria! And some negotiating I guess?

Summary:

I finally have acquired a Dragon Ball! Now I have to find where Goku's kid and his friend are- What is Dodoria doing? I suppose I need to take care of him so he doesn't get in my way later....

Notes:

Warning: there is description/depiction of someone drowning in this chapter. The description is more the person drowning someone else, but if you don't want to read it, it starts at the brackets [ ] before the line 'Wait! I don't have to be stronger than him to kill him!'. The scene ends at the asterisks for the next segment of this chapter.

 

Also thanks to a_rainbow_girl_detective and thefreakoutsideyourwindow for their help!

I'm flying away from the village when my ki sense picks up those kis again. Is that.. the bald one and Goku's spawn? No, there's someone else there too! Or is there? It feels as if they are suppressing their power levels, so it's hard to tell...

I stop in the middle of the almost canyon-like landscape when another ki distracts me. I don't know who that is, but considering the bald one and Goku's spawn seemed to be running away from them…. I gently drop my precious cargo in a nearby pond, and-

Whas that a ki blast??? What looked to the naked eye like a shooting star, 'fell' from the sky and caused an explosion that evaporated the landscape in the space of a blink of one's eye. The near eternal green sky of planet Namek briefly turned orange and red as the fire exploded outwards. I try my best to shield my eyes, but the light from the 'comet' dances across the back of my eyelids.

After I gain my bearings, I start to fly towards the explosion. It doesn't take long to hear Dodoria's laughter. And soon, I see his spiky, bald head. Oh, and the rest of his ugly pink-skinned self. How Dodoria missed the clown's friends' (whose presence is behind him) is a mystery! Best not to warn him of their position. I have to show them in some way that I want to help them in their quest! This can be the start of my 'mission'. I ignore the two earthling's obvious panic at the sight of me and focus on what will soon be my 'punching bag'.

"Dodoria! I thought I smelled something foul in the air." I cross my arms and smirk at my former 'coworker'.

"Vegeta?! What are you- I don't care why you're here, Frieza will be very happy that I found you! He's been wanting to 'have a chat' about you causing that hole in the base." He gives a gleeful laugh for some reason.

"Oh? You think I care if Frieza is looking for me?" I laugh- no, cackle at his obliviousness to his demise. I feel the kis of the bald one and Goku's spawn finally leave the area and barely restrain a sigh of relief. I can find them later! Right now, I have to deal with a pest. "I've been waiting to 'have a talk with him' for some time. Perhaps I can practice my conversation with 'Lord Frieza' on you?" I say Frieza's title in a mocking tone and don't even try to keep my disgust for him out of my voice.

"The only thing you'll be 'practicing' is your wails of agony as Frieza breaks every bone in your body! Serves you right for acting like your better than everyone else!" He spits in my direction and I snort at his attempt at an insult. "Maybe if you hand over your scouter and leave the planet immediately, I'll 'forget' I ever met you here!"

After running for so long the 'finish line' is finally in sight! Even if I could leave the planet without repercussions to myself, there would still be the Clown and his friends to consider in all of this! I can't just leave them to suffer- to struggle against Frieza on their own. My pride as Prince and duty to my people - dead and alive rest in avenging their deaths! I subtly shift my stance in preparation. We shall see who will be wailing in agony after my fists are done with his face! I kick off towards Dodoria, and twist in the air to land a kick to his rotund side. His gasping wheeze is the only response I can hear before he rockets towards a nearby pond. I start to follow after him and the resounding splash his body makes can be seen and heard very clearly from my spot in the air.

It takes a minute or two, but he finally breaks the surface of the water and starts to climb out of the water. Well, 'start' being the key word here. As once he starts to claw at the rock filled bank, I don't hesitate to stomp on his fingers. He starts to cry out in pain, and I bare my teeth in response.

"Who did you say was going to be 'wailing in agony?" I lean forward to be better heard, which 'accidentally' causes the heel of my boot to grind against his fingers. "I can't remember. Perhaps you need another 'bath' to clear your head?" I ask, feeling ever so gleeful at the panic on Dodoria's face.

"W-wait! I can help you! I know what really happened to your home world!"

I tap a tune on my scouter when a thought enters my mind. I have no doubt he's trying to stall for time. Perhaps he's even trying to get my scouter? It's probably one of the few functioning ones left on the planet…

"Oh?" I feign interest in what he's saying as I take my scouter off and drop it on the ground. I pretend not to notice how his beady eyes dart towards the scouter's position on the ground. "And what really happened to planet Vegeta?" I lean ever so slightly backwards, and Dodoria does a terrible job of hiding his smug grin at my 'foolish' behavior.

"If you kill me now, you'll never find out the truth!" He proclaims as his eyes dart towards my dropped scouter.

"Hmph, fine." I take my foot completely off of Dodoria's hand. I don't have to count the seconds very long before Dodoria starts to reach for my scouter. And when he does, I stomp my foot hard on the precious equipment. "Actually, I don't need you to tell me the truth."

Dodoria yelps as his fingers are almost crushed again. In fact, he jerks backwards so hard that he falls back into the water. I chuckle and crouch down on the bank to wait for him to resurface.

He breaks the surface again, only to yell in surprise and pain as his nose connects with my fist. He starts to bob in the water, and my patience with this buffoon snaps. I grab the front of his armor, haul him out of said water and throw him behind me. I spin on my heel and stomp on his stomach. His gasping wheeze is the only thing I can hear for a moment.

"In case you didn't hear, I don't need you to tell me the truth." I lessen the pressure on his stomach, and immediately regret it when he starts to sputter about how I'm a 'total fool for refusing to listen to the truth' and 'those two brats sent you to distract me' blah blah blah. "I've known for a long time that Frieza was responsible for my home planet's destruction." I nearly burst into laughter at his dumbfounded face.

"B-but how?!" He demanded.

"Who could have possibly guessed that the lizard in charge of the Planet Trade Organization* would destroy my home planet?" I raise an eyebrow at him. "Frieza is more than capable of making planets into space dust. He can even survive in the void of space! Saiyans grow stronger after every battle we survive, and some of us were very strong at the time of Planet Vegeta's destruction." I sigh and shake my head. "Really, only a fool would believe that 'meteor shower' story he tried to tell us. And it was only a matter of time before Frieza would get paranoid at the Saiyan's potential for rebellion anyway. The Saiyans made up almost half of the Frieza's army, did they not?"

I wait a moment for Dodoria to respond. Then, when he doesn't, I encourage him with a little more pressure on his stomach.

"Urgh! F-forty-nine percent*! The Saiyans made up forty-nine percent of Frieza's army!" He responded.

"That's very good, Dodoria! I'm surprised that you can remember numbers that high." I debate on whether to draw information out of him, but remember the Dragon Ball I had hidden before this whole encounter. I should probably wrap this up as fast as possible.

I lift my foot up and stomp hard on Dodoria's stomach. Dodoria let out another wheeze, and upon trying to get my leg off, his grip not only hurt but actually started to move my leg?! Worry started to stir in my stomach at the thought of being weaker than Dodoria. Yes, he is one of Frieza's elite fighters, but I /should/ be stronger than him at this point in the story!

[ ]

Wait, I don't have to be stronger than him to kill him. I let out a (fully maniacal) laugh as the thought forms in my mind. Dodoria tries to demand that I explain something, but I pick him up and drag him back to the pond. He barely has time to protest before I force his head under water.

He starts to struggle, and even tries to hold his breath! He tries to push his head out of the water, but a simple tug on his armor makes his whole torso fall into the now murky liquid. A small, gathering of ki to coat my hand and burn his neck where I'm holding his head underwater speeds up the water accumulation in his lungs. I imagine the spark that I use ignite my fists in battle, and the fire that coats my hands makes his struggle for air even more panicked.

His limbs flail uselessly at the water's surface, and become sluggish once they are drenched in water. His stumpy legs try to move side to side against the soft ground. I don't have a clock or timer of any kind with me, but I know from experience that drowning feels like an eternity when it's happening to you. But in reality after water fills your lungs, it doesn't take long to die from it*. Eventually, his form stills, as his ki has weakened significantly. After a minute or two more, I can finally feel his ki sputter and completely disappear.

I count to twenty slowly, and lift his corpse out of the water. I charge up a ki attack and fire it full force on his body. It certainly created a dent in his torso, but not enough to atomize him. What am I doing focusing on this? I have more important things to do than getting rid of a corpse. I drag his body over to the water again and throw it into the water. The fishes can have what's left of that useless Wormtongue*.

* * *

I start to fly back the way I came, and thankfully I don't have to search long to find the Dragon Ball I stole- er, was given. With Namekian Dragon Ball in hand, I start the search for the Clown's friend and child. They went this way! I can feel their kis so- Wait, where did they go?! Minutes pass and my irritation grows stronger. Why can't I find them?

'Perhaps if you reduce your energy to that of a bug....'

Of course! They would first think to reduce their ki signature to hide from an enemy! And they still see me as an enemy. I sigh and land on a rock column that has sparse grass growing at the top. I take a moment to spread my ki sensing as far as it can go and think for a moment.

Hm, maybe if I can't find the bald one and Goku's kid… I'll find the inventor? He, she… They(?) don't have the same skills as Goku and co do. So they can't hide their ki! My train of thought is interrupted at sensing something nearby. But, the ki signature is tiny and not the bald one or Goku's kid. So, it's probably an animal of some sort. I scan the area with my ki sensing one more time, and when the only 'being' that shows up is the tiny ki I sensed earlier, I stand up to stretch my legs. So much for finding them immediately after getting the Dragon Ball. On to plan B, it is!

I reorient myself to the direction the bald one and Goku's kid was flying in, and start to head in that direction. Only, so sense a familiar ki in the direction I had been looking! I knew they were hiding my ki senses! My annoyance at the situation causes me to fly faster than usual back the way I came. Which wouldn't be a problem, if I didn't almost fly head first into a whale-like animal that decided to jump out of the water! I have to 'backpedal' from hitting the animal hard enough that I almost fall into the water! I curse the stupid whale-fish in a few alien languages, take a breath to regain my bearings and readjust my grip on the Dragon Ball.

"I will hunt you down and fry you into my next meal when I've finished getting the Dragon Balls from Frieza!" I growl at the rippling water, then start my journey towards where I think the two earthlings were headed.

* * *

Enough time has passed that I feel my doubts at this decision start to creep in. Why do I need those fools help in doing this? I can do this by myself! The thought tries to burrow into my mind, but the knowledge that Frieza has five of those dammed balls in his possession already makes my lungs constrict with fear. NO! I need their help in this! Not only will two other fighters at my side help in defeating Frieza's men, but they can also aid in distracting the Kelvician* tyrant so I can obtain the Namekian Dragon Balls! My pride keeps rebelling at the thought of asking for help from another - but for my freedom? I will force my pride into a box and throw it into the sun if it means I can rid this universe of Frieza's presence!

My eye catches the light off the water, and I can't help but pause to look at it. My eyes see shadows dancing- no, swimming in the depths, and to no one's surprise my stomach starts to protest it's lack of sustenance. Of course, those earthlings have more resources than I do at the moment. Including food no doubt! I readjust my grip on the cumbersome Dragon Ball and expand my ki sensing once again. I will make 'share your food with me' as part of the deal! They will no doubt comply, as a hungry Saiyan that is denied food is your enemy. NO ONE meddles with a Saiyans' food, unless they wish to die! I'm snapped out of my musings when I sense a few ki signatures in another direction. I reorient myself towards the kis, and start my journey towards them. When I get to those fools' base, I will demand a meal and then propose an alliance!

It took more time that I am happy with, but I see a cave in the distance! This planet's terrain is made up of water, rocky canyon-like structures or 'grassland' like ground. A cave in the middle of this planet sticks out like a bruise on an otherwise unmarred face. Sure enough, the bald man and Goku's kid walk out of the cave to 'greet' me.

"Hello, earthlings! I have come to propose an alliance!" I set the Namekian Dragon Ball on the ground and grin at the two.

"Why would we want your help? And how do you know we're searching for the Dragon Balls?" The bald one demands.

I chuckle at his silly attempts at acting tough.

"You just confirmed my suspicions." My grin threatens to spread from ear to ear at the bald one's look of panic and embarrassment at his misstep. "Also, I have worked for Frieza since I was a child. I am the only one on this planet besides Frieza's men that understands how his mind works. Why waste the opportunity to have an ally that can.. /manipulate/ your enemy into making mistakes? Or even find ways to distract him long enough to obtain the other Dragon Balls?" I flick a speck of imaginary dust off of my uniform, tilt my head to the side and raise an eyebrow at the bald man.

Wait, didn't I hear his name before? Ah, I can just ask him to introduce himself and Goku's kid again..

"Yeah, we all know the sob story you told Goku! Well I'm not falling for it! You fed my friend lies so you could beat him to a pulp! And then, you threaten to kill him and Gohan-" Krillin stops his rant only because of Gohan's grip on his arm.

I can barely hear Goku's kid- no, Gohan murmur to the bald man. Ah, I think his name is Krillin? Regardless, Krillin manages to calm down after a few words from Gohan.

The anger in his voice and body language is understandable. I did threaten to murder two people that he cared about to escape earth. But Goku told them my backstory?! I force myself to inhale slowly, and can feel when the other two realize my urge for violence has emerged. He probably did so to explain why he had… acted strangely in the middle of our fight. I mean, who hugs their opponent in middle of punching them in the face?! I somehow force those thoughts away before my face feels like it's on fire from embarrassment. The hurt I feel from something personal told to those who I have yet to deem worthy is shoved to the side for now.

"Whether you think the destruction of Planet Vegeta is true or false… the fact is is that Frieza is on this planet. He is looking for the Namekian Dragon Balls, and if I were to guess what his wish would be…" I don't even try to stop the smirk from spreading on my face. "He will wish for immortality, like the weak minded fool he is."

"IF Freiza is so weak, why haven't you stopped him yet?" Gohan asks.

"I said he's weak minded, not that he's weak! If I was stronger than Frieza, I would be grinding his bones to dust with my boot! If I thought I had a chance at defeating Frieza by myself," I snarl as my frustration with this situation wells up inside me. No doubt if I still had my tail, it would be lashing out behind me in anger. 'I wouldn't be here, asking for your aid in this, would I?" I resist the urge to grip my forearms and idly twirl the Dragon Ball resting beside me. I let out a breath and look at Krillina and Gohan.

Krillin looks more unhappy with this situation than Gohan does. Perhaps it's because Krillin was more offended at my 'victory' on planet Earth? He did almost kill me with that last attack.

They request a few minutes to talk it over, and I have no choice but to agree. I pretend to not hear pieces of their conversation. Mainly because the parts I do hear don't make any sense. What information am I supposed to gleam from 'I think… want… cake…'? If either the child or the man wants sweets, then they can consume them later. When we aren't on a time limit!

"Have you made a decision?" I ask, proud that I don't sound like an impatient child. Because I'm not a child! "We don't have time to work at a slow pace."

"I heard you the first time." Krillin huffs. "We've decided to accept your help." Krillin states. "But on a few conditions!"

"How amusing! I have two of my own!" I chuckle at their annoyed and apprehensive expressions.

"What are your conditions?" Krillin asks through clenched teeth.

"Oh, it's such a small request." I chuckle at his anger. "I have no doubt you will agree to it." I swat away the temptation to kick the Dragn Ball towards the two, and press my hand onto it's cool surface. "My conditions for allying with you are: One wish from the Dragon Ball will be mine to request. And-"

"One wish?!"
"You can't have our wish!"

I frown at Krillin and Gohan's protest of my first request.

"Enough!" I growl. "Did I say 'the first wish' will be mine?" My scowl turns into a smile at their acknowledgement of my words. "Then the first condition is 'a wish of the Dragon Balls' will be mine. The second, is a meal per day we have to work together."

"You.. want food?" Krillin asks, visibly confused.

"Did I stutter?" I ask, ready to insult his intelligence more.. When my stomach interrupts my train of thought.

Laughter cuts through the sudden silence and I open my mouth to reprimand Krillin for interrupting me. But my mouth slams shut at seeing Gohan be the culprit.

"Why are you laughing?" I ask. "Is your stomach crying for sustenance a strange concept to you?" I huff at this child's odd behavior. My reluctance to be harsh at the child has nothing to do with the fact the child witnessed me being weak* in front of the enemy.

"N-no." Gohan shook his head. "I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing with you-"

"Hey! What's taking you guys so long?" The feminine voice echoes from the depths of the cave, and with it comes a spark of memory. "You said something was-"

I find myself ignoring the woman inventor's angry lecture toward Krillin and Gohan. If only because her hair has me more baffled than it should be. Her hair is shining in the suns (because this planet had three suns!) a soft purple. The shade of which brings to mind budding flowers that have helped chase the cold and ice from the land. A sign of the year yet to come… And yet, why do I feel like the sky was supposed to be in her hair? I'm pulled out of my musings at the scent of flowers, combined with the a metallic tang (that's not blood) in my face.

"Hey! What makes you think you can come in here and make demands, huh?" The blue- no, purple haired woman demands, as she points her finger in my face.

My first thought was to bite her finger off in the hopes that it would teach her to stay out of people's personal space. The second thought, was to shove the first thought to the far reaches of my mind. Because biting a potential allies' finger off, does not a good argument make for you being their ally. The third thought, was 'why is this woman acting like she is more than a head taller than me, when she is at most a few fingers' width more than mine height*?'. I frown at her and push her hand to the side.

"If you don't want a similar wound to the one I gave Kakarot on his neck, you will keep your hands out of my face." I growl and bare my teeth in warning at her. Thankfully, the woman takes a step back.

I brush aside the fleeting feeling of regret as fear flashes across the woman's face, and step around her.

"I discussed this already with them,' I gesture towards Krillin and Gohan. 'they have decided to accept my aid on finding the one Dragon Ball Frieza doesn't have,' I bat the Dragon Ball I brought with me towards the woman. 'so there is no need for your input, woman." I walk into the cave with the confidence that is my Birthright, fully intent on eating the first meal I've had in what feels like days.

Unfortunately, the woman doesn't understand that the conversation is over. As I can hear some commotion behind me the farther I walk into the cave. I soon come upon a sort… of dwelling? My eyes sweep over the door and wall that seems to have been shoved into the confines of the cave only once before I open the door. I am met with a set of tables and chairs to the left*, and what looks like a kitchen farther in. Luckily, there seems to be a plate already on the table! The plate is rectangular and its sides rise up to form a 'box'. There is even smaller 'compartments' within the plate!* I sit down and pick up the utensil to eat, when the sight of a Namekian child inside this house makes me pause.

"Hello." I nod in acknowledgement at the child as I start to eat. "I may be wearing armor of Frieza's Army,' I tap at the armor adorning my chest and shoulders, 'but I have decided to defy my boss' orders." I take sip of the orange drink, which is has a sweet and slightly acidic feel on my tongue.

By the time I swallow the sweet drink, the woman has burst into the house.

"Where did he-" Her eyes sweep the room, only to freeze when her eyes meet mine.

I idly wonder what is running through her head. Has she decided to postpone yelling at me until I'm done eating- I don't even realize I had grabbed her hand until after I had done so.

"Try to take my food, and you will know my wrath." I narrow my eyes at her, and to my relief she sheepishly nods in agreement. "Good. Now, what did you want to talk about? Because your hair is strange." The comment leaves my mouth before I can stop it leaving my lips. And I have to fight the urge to slap my hand over my mouth. As if doing so will physically grab those words and shove them back in my chest!

"I want to talk about how your eat- what did you say about my hair?! I'd say your hair is more strange than mine!" She points at my face, or rather, at my hair. "How much gel did you have to put in your hair to make it that spikey!?" She demands.

I count to ten as I chew my food, and find it does help me have a clearer head when I think of a response.

"Um, actually,' Krillin interjects, 'food was part of the deal." He says, his eyes flickering from me to her.

"What deal?! Oh, you mean the one that 'didn't need my input'?" The woman asked, clearly very angry at my comment.

I… should not have said that. In that way… I want to apologize, but a part of me that is equal to the part that wants to apologize… Refuses to bow down to her demands. I am a Prince! That prideful part of me yells. Others will bow to me, not the other way around!

"I did not word that correctly." I concede. "I meant, that even if you had been involved in the discussion, they,' I gesture towards Krillin and Gohan, 'already agreed to ally with me. If you had objected, you would have been outvoted." I gather another bite of food on my spoon. "The deal that we agreed upon is that I would aid them in finding the last Namekian Dragon Ball to keep it out of Frieza's hand. As well as get the other Dragon Balls out of Frieza's grasp." I point my spoon full of food at the woman. "And, a Saiyans hair does not change shape from the day they are born. There is no,' my lips curl in disgust at the thought, 'substance in my hair that is creating the 'shape' you see on my head." I huff and take a bite.

"Bulma,' Gohan interjects, 'part of the deal was that he'd get /a/ wish from the Dragon Ball."

"N-not the first wish!" Krillin adds. "/A/ wish from the Dragon Balls. He's willing to wait for his own wish.. r-right, Vegeta?" Krillin laughs nervously and looks at me.

Ah, the woman's name is Bulma.

"The bald one is correct." I swallow my food and nod in agreement. As filling my belly with food (even though it's not enough to satiate my appetite) has helped put me in a better and more forgiving mood. "I am willing to wait to get my wish from the Dragon Balls." I smirk at the woman, who seems surprised(?) at my statement. "The other condition on my part was a meal per day that I'm helping you." I down the last of the contents of the glass, and sigh. "That is why I'm eating right now."

I glance at the woman, who is sporting such an angry expression that I have to wonder if it is her specialty. I start to gather the plate and glass with the intention of bringing it to the kitchen, when I hear an animal nearby. I adjust the grip on the plate to block a potential attack and start to bring it up to shield my face-

That growl is feminine!

I bring the plate away from the table, and just in time! Bulma slams her hands down on the table and scowls at me. So the sky was in her eyes, not her hair! No wonder I was confused*. I can only stare at her eyes for a moment, before my brain catches up to what my ears are hearing.

"-ology! And saying 'I'm sorry' just won't cut it!" She leans back and crosses her arms. "You insulted the one person on this planet that can get you off it."

Her personality is as infuriating as her hair!

I growl, put the plate on the table and stand up. Bulma nods to herself and looks expectantly at me. I could insult her more instead of apologize… but that would lead to friction and potentially a breakdown of this 'team' down the line. A team is only as cohesive as it's singular members, after all. That's it! I'll think of this as a 'battle unit' that I am a leader of. Something on my face must have changed, because Bulma's face flickers with uncertainty for a moment.

"When I had first arrived at this cave and sensed the ki of everyone dwelling here, I should have mentioned it to them." I gesture with my head towards Krillin and Gohan. "Upon noticing that the other two… people here did not emerge, I did not comment on this. And for that.." I take a short breath and force myself to relax. They are not my enemy here! They are my allies! "..I am sorry. I am unused to-" I press my lips together as heat starts to crawl up my neck. This should not be that hard! "-unused to addressing people with requests instead of demands." I huff and frown when I see Bulma's face had not changed since I began. "You are either the pilot of the ship that brought the three of you here or have some ability these two,' I gesture to Krillin and Gohan again, 'don't. Therefore your input is equal to theirs when it comes to making plans and decision making."

Bulma is smiling and nodding along to my words and I have to hide my grin. I'm almost done with this tedious speech! I ignore the way Krillin's eyes seem to narrow at me, and cross my arms.

"I am sorry for insulting you upon our first meeting, and hope we can start anew." I hold out my hand. "I believe this is a way of… greeting?" I ask, hoping that my faded memories of my past life haven't failed me in this.

Bulma studies my face, which I manage to keep neutral except a hint of a smile. All those years of schooling my features in front of Frieza have some use outside of his presence! Her gaze seems to bounce from my facial features to my outstretched hand. I force my hand to stay open and my irritation away from my face. After what feels like an eternity, she finally grasps my hand and gives it a shake.

"Apology accepted! See, Krillin,' Bulma looks towards the man with a smile, 'this is how you apologize to a lady!"

"Er, yeah. Definitely the way." Krillin nods, a reluctant and annoyed expression on his face.

It takes all my will power to not snort at Bulma's 'lady' comment. The longer I stand here, the more difficult it will be to keep a straight face. I grab the plate and glass, then walk towards the kitchen. I slip my gloves off and tuck them into the shoulder strap of my armor and push up the sleeves of my suit. I take a moment to glance at the bite wound that stands shiny-white on my forearm. I take the plate and glass, then do the tedious work of cleaning the dishes with a soap- soaked washcloth.

I put the dishes to the side in the 'tub' compartment that already had a few other dishes drying in it. I wash my hands (because I had been handling diry plates), and wipe my hands dry with a cloth hanging on the handle of the food preserving machine (it was cold inside of the machine and held food and drinks). I look over to the earthlings and Bulma has a… confused(?) expression on her face. I decide to walk back over to the group-

"-and females! So for example, you have brothers, and you have sisters!" She tries to explain to the Namekian child.

Even if I could have held back the laugh, I wouldn't have tried. Does she think every race in the universe has male and females?

"What are you laughing at?!" The woman's angry voice finally got through my ears.

"It's just-' I walk closer and cross my arms. '-do you really think every sentient race is like Humans and Saiyans?" I smirk at her flushed face. No doubt she is embarrassed at her assumption. "Namekian,' I turn towards the child, 'does your race produce offspring when two of you come together? Or is your race capable of doing so without another's help*?" I catch the woman's fuming expression out of the corner of my eye, and my smirk grows wide enough that I could feel my crooked tooth fit into the scarred groove on my lower lip.

"Yes!' the child nods, relief plain on his face. "Elder Guru is the father of every Namekian* on the planet! But,' he tilts his head slightly to the side 'there are races that need two of them for children? Do they also spit eggs out of their mouths?"

The child looks at me with… innocent curiosity, and I am suddenly filled with triumph (because I was right) and also panic (because I did not expect a child asking about reproductive methods of other races). I start to look around at the others, and happen to catch the gaze of Krillin. I don't know what expression was on my face, but his scrutinizing gaze softened when our eyes locked on each other.

For some reason, this change in his expression filled me with confidence? My smirk softens somewhat as I turn back the child.

"Hmm,' I pretend to think of an answer, ' I could tell you what I was told by Nappa…" I see Bulma and Krillin tense out of the corner of my eye, and have to resist the urge to smile. "But from what I have learned in my years of being alive, is telling such things to a sentient too young causes confusion instead of answering questions. You should ask your elders when they can answer such questions*." Bulma & Krillin relax & I resist the urge to chuckle. Did they really expect me to traumatize a child with such things?

"I'm too young?" The child asked, disappointment plain in his voice.

I nod and open my mouth to reply, only to have Krillin speak first.

"That's right, your too young! You don't need to know that kind of stuff until your way/ older!" He glances at me, then at Bulma.

Some sort of unspoken conversation goes between them. While they have a silent conversation, I spot the Namekian Dragon Ball and idly spin it around. The child sees me spinning the ball, and becomes excited.

"You brought the Dragon Ball to us! That means you passed the tests of wisdom, right?" He asked, enthusiasm in his voice.

"Yes, I was certainly deemed.. worthy." I chuckle. The child is so naïve it's almost nauseating.

"I took the Dragon Ball so my-' I clench my jaw as 'my boss' almost leaves my mouth. 'former boss can't get them."

All four of them look at me in confusion. They clearly had no idea who Frieza is or what his presence here on this planet means to these silly earthlings. I physically sigh. A tedious explanation turns into a conversation, as everyone has things they need to explain. Once everyone has spoken, it is agreed to go to Elder Guru's place. Elder Guru is the oldest Namekian* on the planet, and holds the only other Dragon Ball on the planet that Frieza hasn't found!

Krillin and the Namekian child (whose name is Dende) get ready to leave for Elder Guru's home, when I can't help but comment.

"So, you want me to stay here with Gok- Gohan and Bulma?" I tilt my head and raise my eyebrow at Krillin.

Krillin looks at me, then at Bulma and Gohan. Seeing the reluctant expression on his face sparked the irritation and unease that has been simmering under the surface since I decided to ally with the earthlings.

"You think I am waiting for you to leave so I can kill either of them?!" I growl and gesture towards the boy and woman. "I am not a fool or a coward!" I snarl, then take a breath. "I will not harm either of them, if you prefer to go alone with the na- Dende."

"Lies spill from your lips as easily as breathing."

The silence from my frustrated outburst is broken by Gohan's hesitant voice.

"What?" I turn to Goku's kid and his flinch causes my eyebrow to twitch. "How do you know that?"

He mumbles something and I only catch 'told me…" before I sigh.

"If I can't hear you, then neither can anyone else! Speak up, boy!" I state firmly.

"Hey, you're being a bit harsh on him." Krillin states.

I turn to Krillin and open my mouth to give some scathing reply, only for Gohan to interrupt me.

"You told dad that 'lies spill from your lips as easy breathing'." Gohan said some confidence in his voice.

"That was because your father was being a fool!" I sigh and shake my head. "He tried to have me promise to 'leave the planet and never return', pah!" I said in a mocking turn. "The fool thought holding my tail would make me obey his demands." I pause to really think about what would endear me to these people. And the only logical option is leaving a bitter, burning taste in the back of my throat. "Will this…" I grasp the strap of my armor and start to take it off. My breath hitches and I force the spike of fear that tries to constrict my throat back down into my stomach. I ignore the urge to look at the earthlings' reaction to my weakness, and take the armor off. "Will this suffice?" I set the armor on the floor and kick it towards Krillin.

Krillin catches the armor as it skids across the floor, and his eyes flick from the armor to me. Irritation outgrows the anxiety in my chest.

"Wear my armor to ensure I don't leave!" I snarl. Krillin tries to protest, but I have lost the patience to deal with his ignorance. "The P.T.O's* armor is based on Saiyan armor. Saiyan armor is made to literally fit the wearer at any size. My armor can fit you as easily as the clothes you are wearing now!" I give his clothes a quick glance. "In fact, my armor will protect you better than that flimsy, garish clothes your wearing." I gesture to the eye-searing orange 'suit' he's wearing.

"Fine! I'll wear the armor." Krillin tries to put on the armor and somehow gets his head stuck in the shoulder strap?!

I growl at the bald man's stupidity and stomp over to him.

"How have you survived this long without being able to put on a single piece of-" I grumble and curse in several alien languages. "I will shove my tail down your throat and pull your stomach out of your body if you try to grab the armor again!" I yell after the third time Krillin tries to 'help'. He puts his hands up in surrender, and I quickly slip the armor on him. A few tugs on his clothing so he isn't choking from the fabric stretching, and I'm done!

I stand back to admire my work, only half listening to what the others are saying.

"The armor fits you, as you can no doubt feel." I nod to the armor. "So, go visit this 'Elder Guru'." I make a shooing motion towards the entrance. "I expect the armor to come back in one piece!" I frown at Krillin.

"OK, I'll go visit the guy with Dende and come back! There won't be a dent in your armor, promise!" He chuckles. "So, you guys ok with him staying…?" He glances at Gohan and Bulma, who are behind me.

I am suddenly aware how more vulnerable I am without my armor. I try to stamp down the unease and need to be alert that comes with that knowledge. I take a breath and go to the kitchen for some water. I hear them agree to stay in the cave /with me/ as Krillin calls out a 'goodbye'. I wave a hand in acknowledgment.

I will finally have some peace and quiet with him gone!

Notes:

In case you didn't read the drowning scene: Vis drowned Dodoria when he realized that he may be weaker than in canon at this point. Vis is kind of on a time limit at the moment, so he went with the fastest option of taking Dodoria down.

 

If you notice any inconsistencies in what the gang's knowledge of Frieza is supposed to be, no you didn't. /jk. WHEW! I'm glad to be finally done with this chapter! Do I care at the moment that the chapter ends technically in the last 3/4ths of episode 51? No, I don't. I'm just happy for this chapter to be WRITTEN!

Anyway, take this time to drink some water! Get up and stretch your legs, even if it's just a walk around the house. It's not fun to realize your legs have fallen asleep when you try to get up.

 

*Planet Trade Organization (sometimes called Frieza's Army) is the organization run by King Cold and his two sons, Frieza and Cooler. The planet trade organization employs and enslaves powerful races, such as the Saiyans to take over suitable planets so they can be sold to the highest bidder. Basically, Frieza, Cooler and King Cold are space real estate brokers. But instead of homes, they deal with planets.
*I couldn't find an exact number for the percentage of Saiyans that made up Frieza's army. So, I just picked a number that was close to half.
*Death by drowning can take roughly ten minutes from start to finish. But the last stage of drowning is unconsciousness, so unless you have someone nearby to rescue you - you're up a creek.
* Wormtongue - a Lord of the Rings reference. Grima Wormtongue is the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan and henchman of Saruman (big bad of Lord of the Rings). Vis doesn't remember the context of calling someone a 'wormtongue', he just thinks it's an insult.
*Frieza's race doesn't have an official name. His race is only referred to as 'Frost Demons', or 'Frieza's race' in official material. So, I just looked up the names for temperature and decided that it'd be interesting to have Frieza's race be named after the 'Kelvin' scale.
*When Goku said 'next time we meet, I can call you 'friend'', and Vis' brain could not compute that word. So his brain had to 'reboot' for a minute before he could respond.
*I looked up official height comparision of all the main Dragon Ball characters. Bulma is indeed slightly taller than Vegeta! His eyes look like they are level with her lips/chin.
*I don't know if it ever shows the layout of the capsule house that Bulma uses in the Namek arc. So, I'm just flying by the seat of my pants on this, haha.
*Bulma's hair in the manga is purple, while in the anime her hair is blue. This is why Vis is confused at Bulma's hair. And also why Vis easily accepts he 'misremembered' Bulma's hair color.
*Asexual reproduction can occur in plants, animals and fungi. Examples of animals: some lizards (some species of Cnemidophorus or 'Whiptail lizards'), snakes (Brahminy blind), and sharks (Bonnethead, Blacktip and Zebra shark species).
*Namekians only reproduce asexually. They spit the eggs out of their mouths.
*He is going to regret phrasing the question like that! : )
*There was a great catastrophe on the planet Namek centuries ago that drastically changed the environment and wiped out all but one Namekian.
*P.T.O is Planet Trade Organization
*Read this really cool Mandalorian crossover. It's called: Tinman and Batgirl by Thousandsmiles (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26647153/chapters/64982875). Basically, Stephanie Brown ends up in the Star Wars universe. Then, she becomes a babysitter for a cute green baby!

Chapter 4: Vegeta vs Zarbon! And tending to wounds.

Summary:

Broken glass, a busted hand and broken ribs. These three are not necessarily caused by the same things.

Oh, and Zarbon is here to be his ~beautiful~ self.

Notes:

Man, it doesn't feel like it's been two weeks since I uploaded a chapter! It feels more like a month or so. Anyway, I had to watch Vegeta's first fight with Zarbon multiple times for this chapter, and that's why it's taken so long to write it.

Edit: Corrected some typos. Zarbon's name kept being autocorrected to Carbon.

Vegeta vs Zarbon! And tending to wounds.

I turn the knob on the sink to fill my glass with water. At least that bald fool is gone. I tilt the glass to take a drink and the glass is vibrating. No, my hand is shaking. I set the glass on the counter with a little more force than necessary. The weight my armor (which covers my chest and shoulders) has been a constant weight on my chest ever since I was on my first mission at the age of four. The memories of those first battles fill me with pride and sorrow. I mentally shake those thoughts away, only to realize that my fingers have been digging into my chest.

I unhook my fingers from my blue suit and let out a breath.

"Mr. Vegeta, are you hurt?"

I will later deny that I nearly put a hole in the ceiling, but hearing the brat's voice… did startle me. The sound of a fist's impact on a surface, followed by shattered glass delayed my answer. It wasn't until I looked at the counter that I realized the slight pain in my hand was from the glass I had been drinking from.

The boy had run off muttering something about bandages. Another sigh leaves my lips and I open the small door on the wall to grab a bowl. I gather the broken glass into the bowl and, after some reluctance, slowly take my gloves off. The glove on my uninjured hand comes off easily when I loosen the glove's fingers with my teeth. I sense someone behind me, and scoff around the fabric.

"How long does it take to find band-"

I turn to scowl at the boy… only to be met with the woman standing behind me.

"-ages." The surprised expression on her face shifts to something else as her eyes flick from my face to the glove in my mouth, then my injured hand (that is hovering over the bowl). "Have you never seen an injured hand before?" I scoff and tuck my glove in the strap of my armor.

Only, it's not fitting- keeps falling out of the strap?! I pat at the strap-

It's not there???

I look down, only to see the blue fabric of my blue body suit. Right, Krillin is wearing my armor. I set my glove on the counter with an aggravated growl. A snort, followed by (poorly muffled) giggle filled the silence of the kitchen. The sound seems to bounce around the space, and fills me with an emotion I refuse give any other name except 'anger', as well as a strange.. happiness.

"Well?" I scowl and try to loosen the glove fingers on my injured hand. "With how weak Kakarot was on Earth, surely you know what an injured hand looks like." I snap at her, then hiss when glass somehow cuts through the fabric of my well-worn glove.

"Goku is not weak!" Bulma states firmly and steps closer. "He is the strongest man I know- Let me help you! You're cutting that glove to ribbons!"

I internally frown at her response. Her voice had a strange tone to it when she mentioned Kakarot's strength. If Nappa had said such a thing, I would have labeled that tone as 'envy'*, but surely she wouldn't be jealous of Goku's strength?

I'm brought out of my musings at the feel of slender fingers grabbing my injured glove. I resist her attempt at pulling the glove towards her.

"I have my glove over the bowl for a reason." I motion with my head towards the bloody shards of glass in the bowl. She glances at the bowl and huffs. "If my glove is cut to ribbons, I can just.. acquire another from Frieza's base on this planet." I tug my hand towards the bowl, and don't even try to hide my amusement when she stumbles towards me. "I would clean my hand by myself.." I don't even try to stop my eyes from wandering to how her fingers are trying to gently tug the glove off my hand. "…but, such injuries are more… troublesome when cleaned without the help of another."

"How would you even get another set of gloves?" She asks as she tugs the thumb off of my glove. "It's not like you can just knock on his door and ask." She says in a sarcastic manner.

"What makes you think I would ask Frieza for anything?" I tilt my head, curious as to what her answer would be. I grunt at the feel of the glass moving in one of my wounds. I meet her look of disbelief with a smug grin. "It would be fairly easy for me to get another set of gloves from him without being caught!"

She shakes her head and goes to loosen the next glove finger from my hand.

"You're crazy if you think you can actually-" She lets out a sound of triumph as the next finger is loosened. "Three more fingers to go!" She grins at me, then averts her eyes to the side.

I look at my injured hand in contemplation. Perhaps she should help me get the glass out-

"Gohan! I was wondering where you were!" Bulma interrupts my train of thought.

I look over to Gohan, who is clutching a white box with a red mark- my past memory throws a 'first aid symbol' at me- that looks like it hasn't been used before. The boy shuffles forward and mumbles something before he thrusts the box towards me.

"Did you catch some lightning bugs on your way to find this?" I ask as I grab the box and put it onto the counter behind Bulma.

The boy flinches at the annoyance in my voice, and Bulma scowls at me.

"Why are you being rude to Gohan? He's a kid!" Bulma reaches for the white box, and tugs on the next glove finger a little too hard.

"I was four* when I fought in my first battle." I glance at the boy, who had his head bowed. "Saiyans are born and bred t-" I grunt in pain. "-to fight. Stop!" I grab the woman's hand as she tries to yank the fabric loose. "Let Gohan help me get the glass out. And then,' I can't help but see my reflection in her angry blue eyes. 'you can help me get the glove off my hand."

"Why do you want Gohan to help you get the glass out?" She demands. "I can help you with the glass better than he can." Her grip tightens on my remaining fingers.

"Saiyan eyes are better than a humans." I state with pride and turn to Gohan. "Tell me, have you ever noticed things before other humans?"

Gohan's eyes widen in surprise at being addressed, and nods.

"Yeah, I'm the best at finding plants and mushrooms! I can see them before…" He tilts his head to side, his tail sways lazily behind him. "...I got my eyesight from my dad?" He asks, his voice filled with wonder.

"Yes, and you will help me get the glass out of my hand." I gesture towards my hand, as the blood has finally stopped flowing from the wounds.

The boy nods, eager to help, and… walks away from us? I turn as much as I can to watch him, confused as to what he's- Ah, he's getting a chair. He can't reach the counter without aid. He picks it up and carries it over, and I shift my position so Gohan can have access to my hand. He walks back into the kitchen and starts to set the chair against the counter, but pauses?

"Um, Bulma. Can you move? I can't help if you're standing in the way.." He says, his tail is twitching behind him with a nervous energy*.

I blink in confusion, only to see that the woman's- Bulma's hand is still holding onto my own. I look at her, only to see her face flush with embarrassment. I chuckle and she yanks her hand away from mine.

"Ugh! As if I want to be near someone as smelly as you!" She complains as she steps towards the entryway.

I turn my face away from her so she can't see the smile on my lips. She wasn't complaining about how 'offensive' my scent was when she was holding my hand... But it would be nice to wash the grime off my body when this wound is cleaned and bandaged. I cough, and turn to Gohan. He glances at me, then to Bulma. I roll my eyes and gesture with my head towards my hand.

"Are you not going to help me, boy?" I raise my eyebrow at him, expectant.

"O-oh! Yes, Mr. Vegeta!" He takes the chair and sets the back of it against the counter. He scampers onto the seat of the chair and reaches for the white- the medical box. "So, we need…" He mumbles.

"Vegeta the fourth." I state. Gohan blinks up at me in confusion. "My full name is 'Vegeta the Fourth. If you are going to use 'Mr' in front of my name, then address me by my full name." I curl my lips in disgust. "However, my full name is reserved only to be used in either my coronation or when I am seated on the Saiyan Royal throne." I glance around, and note that Bulma has stepped closer to us. No doubt she wants to keep an eye on me in case I decide to 'become violent'. "Therefore, only call me by 'Vegeta'. None of this 'Mr' nonsense." I wave a hand in the air, and raise my eyebrow at Gohan.

"Erm." He looks closely at me, and nods in determination. "Yes sir! Sorry if I offended you, M- Vegeta!" He grabs one of the tools that looks like they are made to pick up tiny things*. He starts to take the pieces of glass out of my gloved hand.

For a time, there was silence except for the 'clink-tink' sound of the glass shards falling into the blood filled bowl. Bulma slowly gravitated towards my right side and leaned on the counter. Her proximity set the hairs on my neck on end, and the knowledge that my armor was gone made me feel… vulnerable. I did not like it! I felt-

"-king?"

The boy's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"Erm,' Gohan focuses on my hand, 'you said your full name was 'Vegeta the Fourth'. Were the Saiyans ruled by a monarchy? And, did they dress like you do?"

"Well,' I hum and tap a tune as my thoughts briefly wander. 'Most Saiyans dressed for battle similar to how Nappa and Raditz did. The leaders of each team wore pants to denote their role." I gesture to the blue body suit I'm wearing*."However, my father, King Vegeta the Third, wore a uniform almost exactly like mine. My father's status meant he wore a cape, and the Saiyan Royal Crest was etched onto his armor." I am content with the idea of giving whatever knowledge I have on my dead people. "The Saiyans were ruled by a king. From my father to Vegeta the First, the planet we renamed to Planet Vegeta was ruled by my ancestors." I see Gohan's curious gaze, and my mouth twitches. "The Saiyans were born on Planet Salada, but as that one died, they migrated to another. Our… passion for strength overwhelmed the native peoples and eventually we were the only sentient race left there. Thus,' I shrug, 'it was renamed to 'Planet Vegeta'."

" 'Passion for strength' ?" Bulma scoffed. "You mean the Saiyans killed the natives."

"Correct." I hum in acknowledgment of her comment. "We did, as we have always been this way. For the Saiyans, strength is the most important aspect of life. There were outliers to this belief, of course." Goku comes to mind, as well as his father… Whose name started with a 'B'*, if I remember correctly? "Strength decided what missions you could partake in, as well what you could learn after you knew what writing and language system your parents and teachers taught you."

"There were separate writing systems?" Gohan asked, the tweezers suspended in the air.

"Yes, there are three languages and writing systems of Saladin*. One is used by the Third Class and is so simple that children can easily learn it. The second is more complicated and is used by First and Second class exclusively. The third is spoken only within the Royal Family. The third language is the only one that technically doesn't have a written language." I glance at the tweezers that still have not moved. "Are you going to use that thing to help me or not?"

"Yes sir!" Gohan moved my hand in such a way that I had to move from leaning my arms against the counter, to leaning my back against the counter. "So, you said technically the third writing system doesn't have a written language?"

"The third written language is only taught to the royal family, and is forbidden to be taught to anyone else*." I carefully adjust my non-injured arm so it's resting on the counter. Bulma is so close to me that I feel as if my body is absorbing her radiant body heat. "Are you almost done?" I ask with barely restrained annoyance.

Gohan turns my hand every way he can and pours a sharp smelling solution* on my hand. The pain is minimal compared to what the glass did, but it did sting a little. He nods and grins at me.

"I got all the pieces of glass out!" He announced.

I put pressure on the bloody wound with a spare bandage. At this point, the blood had stopped flowing from the various shallow cuts. Only one of the cuts was deeper than the others, but it had changed from a river to a moderate flow. It looked like the vein had just been barely touched, not completely severed open.

I count to one hundred and fifty, and am satisfied when the blood flow has been reduced. I nod and look towards Bulma. One swift motion and my hand is free from the shredded piece of fabric. I sigh in relief, and put the bandage back on the wound until the blood has stopped flowing completely. I give Gohan my approval to start sewing the wounds up.

"Bulma, can you hand me the needle and thread?" He asks.

Bulma hands him a curved, pointed object with a tiny hole opposite the sharp end*. He dips it into the bottle of sharp smelling solution, as well as his hands and tries to 'sew' my cuts closed. I stop him, and after some back and forth, I convince him to let me direct the needle and he holds the thread out of my way.

When the last stitch is sewn, I hold the needle away from my hand and allow Gohan to tie the knot. The next few days are going to be.. annoying. And that's not even considering I'll have to get a replacement for my glove. I probably should pay Frieza's base a visit…

Bulma hands me a bottle of water, and I take a few swallows. I was more tired than thirsty, but the water was appreciated none the less. I turn to Bulma.

"I would like to wash the grime off me. Is there a place I can do that?"

"You just got your hand bandaged! You can't take a shower." Bulma protests and crosses her arms.

"Then,' I scowl at her, 'what can I do to get clean?" I find myself also crossing my arms, despite the twinge of pain in my hand.

"Um,' Gohan interjects, 'maybe a wet rag and some soap*?"

"I suppose,' I hum in contemplation. 'it will do for now."

* * *

The wet rag laying on my knee has long since gone cold from lack of hot water. In contrast, the stool I'm sitting on has been made warm from absorbing my body heat. My injured hand aches in an irritating way, not because the stitches were sewn wrong, but because I had kept accidentally trying to hold the rag to better wash the grime off my body!

I resist the urge to look at my hand. As it would only make my frustration at this situation worse. You would think only using one hand to wash yourself would be EASY! But it's not! I kept reaching with that hand to grab something - only for it to get wet. Pain in my hand kept flaring at every movement, no matter how minimal. I should've ask for something to protect the bandage! Did I? No, I did not. Now, the bandage is barely clinging to my skin, and I have half a mind to just dry off right now!

But, I don't have to look at my body to know that I didn't wash the soap off properly. I can feel the patches of dried soap clinging to my skin.

I briefly think of asking Bulma for help in washing my back. But, if the situation was reversed? Visions of different ways to kill a person - ways that I have killed sentient beings in the past, from 'silent' kills to some more painful methods flash through my mind. It would be easy for her to attempt such things when I'm in such a vulnerable state. And if I were to ask her for aid? Well, I really would be the 'stupid monkey' Frieza thinks I am. And it has nothing to do with how irritating her hair is! I lean forward to turn the water on-

My mind flashes to seeing my reflection in her angry sky eyes and- My body suddenly feels a little too warm, with most of that warmth pooling in my lower stomach. I can't help the aggravated sigh that escapes my lips and reach for the cold water knob. Apparently my body decided for me what the answer to my dilemma was. I twist the knob so the water starts to flow and sigh again. Let's get this over with.

I wash my back as well as I can, and reach for the drying cloth beside the sink. My injured hand aches from accidentally moving it too much and the bandage is finally peeling off.

It really is the best that I didn't ask for either of their help. I manage to dry off as best I can (with minimal amount of cursing no less!).

"You need help Vegeta? You don't sound happy in there…" Gohan's voice breaks through my thoughts.

I stare at my injured hand and it takes an eternity to swallow my pride.

"I would… appreciate some assistance." The words feel like I had to reach down my own throat so they would spill out of my lips. I wrap the drying cloth around my hips and tuck it secure against my side. "My injured hand-"

I want to finish the sentence, but the words make my tongue feel stuck to the top of my mouth! Before I can attempt to try again, the door opens slowly to Gohan's curious and worried face. His gaze flits around the room, before they settle on me. He slips into the room, and the 'click' of the door closing seems unnaturally loud in the small room.

"Is the thread coming loose?" He asks, his voice somehow confident but cautious. His tail twitches slightly.

"NO." I thrust my injured hand towards his face. "The bandage is already coming off!" I snarl. The boy flinches at my hand near his face, and it makes an unpleasant feeling in my stomach. "I… regret not asking for something to protect my hand from getting wet…" I can feel my face getting hot, and take a slow breath to calm myself.

Gohan glances at the bandage peeling off my hand, and gives me the most unimpressed look I've ever seen on a child's face (besides my own, that is).

"Can you help me or not?" I ask through gritted teeth.

"Yes." His tail opens a drawer under the sink. "but you need to help me dry your hand and bandage it again*."

I withhold a sigh and nod. I follow his instructions, and in no time my hand is bound with a clean and dry cloth.. The boy keeps hesitating, the questions are just written on his face. But the thought of answering anything right now, when sleep is starting to settle in my bones? I wave him out of the room and fall onto the bed. How is this fabric so soft?

* * *

I'm pulled into the land of the living by wisps of a dream- no, nightmare chasing me. I force myself to take slow breathes, it takes more time I want to admit… And in the time it takes my stuttering breaths to even out, for my blood to stop pounding in my ears - I found myself focusing on how soft the cot I'm sleeping on is.

The quarters Nappa, Raditz and I shared were small and cramped. Our sleeping cots were better as rocks to walk on than rest. Frieza only had the best for his soldiers, after all. And what were we, as Saiyans, if not the best? The soft fabric of the sleeping cot catches on my thumb - it's almost fascinating to see the lines (finger... lines?) that run along my hands resist gliding on top of the thread. This cot is comfortable in a way that makes me feel almost unworthy to be sleeping on it. The sound of my nail ripping through the fabric barely registers as my mind wanders. If Planet Vegeta had survived - if I had been crowned King, would I have a cot, no- bed such as this in my Royal Quarters? I release my nail from the frayed fabric, and sigh. At least it wasn't my crooked tooth. I absentmindedly wipe my lips to check for drool, as my lower lip has a tendency to trail it in sleep.

I press my hand into the surface of the fabric and can't help but wonder at such a luxurious sleeping place. I inhale and try to erase the… morbid thoughts clouding my mind. The scent of the lather- soap I used on my body almost overwhelms my nose at first. Then, what I can only describe as a false floral scent follows. It's so unpleasant that it feels like it's burning my nose, but it seems to permeate the fabric that encompasses the cot I'm sleeping on. The last, is a hint of sweat - no doubt from my own troubled sleep. With that thought, I finally push myself off the bed.

It was only after I planted my feet firmly on the floor that I remembered I only had a towel wrapped around my hips. I readjust the soft yet slightly harsh cloth, and step towards the door-

-only for it to open to and the boy walks through. He seems surprised to see me awake, and smiles?!

The smile irritates me for some reason, and I meet his smile with a scowl.

"Hi, Vegeta! Did you have a good nap?" He asks, and shifts a bundle of fabric under his arm.

"Yes.' my gaze lingers on the bundle of fabric. That shade of blue- "Is that my uniform?" I ask, eager to put it back on.

"Yeah! Bulma washed it, and I cleaned the boots!" He hands the bundle of blue fabric out to me.

I reach out to grab it, but the boy's words finally register. Should I accept this when she cleaned it? Who is to say she didn't tamper-

"Vegeta."

I reflexively yank the blue suit to my chest and the boots fall to the floor. I frown at the boy, who has a strange expression on his face. I can't help but notice that his tail is wrapped around his leg.

"I made sure that your suit was clean after Bulma took it out of the wash." He picks up the boots and holds them out to me. "Your boots are really worn, you need to get some new-"

"I am aware that my boots need to be replaced." I manage to state in only a firm voice. "And…' I take a breath and look at the boy- Gohan in the eyes. "Thank you for ensuring my uniform is properly clean. Now,' I motion towards the door, 'leave so I can change." I take the boots and set them on the bed.

"Ok!!" He nods and walks out the door. His tail is now freely swaying behind him.

I close the door, and shake my head. That boy needs to be taught how to properly protect his tail. With how his tail is moving all over the place, anybody can reach out and grab it. And a Saiyan's biggest weakness is their tail. I subconsciously place a hand on my waist for to feel my own tail, only to remember that it's gone. I sigh and quickly get dressed.

I open the door with my gloved hand, and expand my ki sensing to its limits. The ki of the boy (which is bigger than it was on Earth) and woman (which is typically low for an Earthling) become noises in the background. The sleep had put energy back into my body, but my years on the battlefield has honed a sense for danger. And now? That feeling of danger has settled in my stomach and made my blood sprint for battle.

I find myself a few paces from the door that opens to the cave-

"Where do you think you're going?"

-when Bulma calls out to me.

I briefly debate on ignoring her and going towards the 'source' of danger. But, doing such a thing would do the opposite to endear myself to either of them.

"I feel-" I shut my mouth and breathe through my nose. I need to word this carefully. If I say whatever I want, it could spell death for our efforts to gather the Dragon Balls and kill Frieza. "I need to breath. To feel the sun on my face." I press my injured hand on door and force my shoulders, which had been climbing towards my neck, downwards.

"I can go with you." Gohan offered.

I didn't have to look at him to feel his cautious… hope? At my acceptance of his offer. I am still new to sensing ki, and don't know much of feelings beyond my distance memories from my first life. Most people's ki has a certain feel to it when it comes to some base emotions*. It's the reason why I was able to identify Frieza's ki once I had sensed it. Well, it also helped that Frieza doesn't know how to suppress his ki, and is extremely strong. Well, I feel like I have no choice. I open the door and turn to look at Gohan.

"Well,' I gesture the open door. 'are you following me?" I chuckle at Bulma's angry expression. "We will not be gone long." I promise.

She walks over to Gohan and has a short conversation with him. I pretend to not hear their words, and managed to only show a smirk when Bulma agreed to allow Gohan to follow me on my 'walk'.

He follows me out of the cave, and I start to fly in the direction that my intuition is telling me is dangerous. But, seeing the boy's tail flow freely behind him irritates me so much that I land on a nearby patch of ground. Gohan looks around and gives me a confused expression.

"Wrap you tail around your waist." I order.

"My tail?" Gohan questions. "Why?" His tail moves so the tip of it is on the right side of his body.

I crouch down and grab his tail faster than he can comprehend. I stamp down the urge to gloat at Goku's brat lacking any knowledge of basic measures to protect one's tail. Instead, I hold it up for the boy to see. And I do smirk when I see the fear enter the boy's eyes. When he finally realizes what I have in my hand.

"Wh-why do you have m-my tail?" He asked.

"This is what happens when you leave your tail to move like a scrap of cloth in the wind." I snap. His form is shaking just enough that I almost feel bad at being so harsh about this. Almost. "A Saiyan's biggest weakness is his tail." I squeeze the boy's tail, and predictably he cries out in pain and goes limp on the ground. "Now,' I let go of his tail and put my foot on his back. 'can you hear and understand me?"

"Y-yes sir." Gohan says in a pained voice.

He sounds like he's about to cry. Not my problem if he hasn't built his pain tolerance.

"Good, now if you don't want that to happen ever again…" I lean forward slightly and bare my teeth at him. "…you will wrap your tail around your waist. Saiyans have practiced this since we have existed amongst the stars." I step back from the boy and spread my ki sense as far as it will go. I hear a quiet sniffle and the words leave my mouth before I process them. "Tears are for the weak who cannot change the path before them. And you are not weak, are you, boy?"

My battle sense tells me that we are headed in the right direction, but the silence and sniffles behind me just cause me to be more irritated. I turn to the boy, who is wiping his eyes.

"I said,' I frown at the boy, who jumps and looks at me with wide eyes. 'tears are for the weak. And you are not weak, are you?" I narrow my eyes at him.

"N-no. I'm not weak!" He glares at me through a tear-stained face.

"Good." I don't even try to stop my body from relaxing at Gohan's determination. "Now, wrap your tail around your waist." I smile when he does so. "Let us be off for some 'fresh air'." I glance behind me at Gohan, and take off in the direction I'm being pulled towards.

I fly slowly until Gohan catches up to me. And when he does, I fly faster until I sense the stronger ki - one that feels similar to Frieza's. The sight of green hair in a long braid and blue skin-

Zarbon. Of course it's him.

I grab Gohan's shoulder and drag him behind a rocky outcropping.

"Go back to base." I order him.

"Wh-what? No, we're supposed to-"

I cover Gohan's mouth and snarl at him.

"Quiet! That is Zarbon over there." I gesture towards Zarbon's direction. "He has twice my strength! Only one person is dying today, and it will not be you!" I uncover Gohan's mouth and look him in the eye. "I will not have that irritating woman kill me because I allowed you to aid me in this fight." I turn him towards the way we came. "Go home, boy. You will not of use to me now."

He tries to protest, and I hold his face in my hands.

"If it's the last thing I do today, I will not allow you to die." I look him in the eyes and am relieved when he nods.

"Yes, Mis- er, Vegeta." He gives me one last look, and something flashes in his eyes before he turns away.

I'm briefly reminded of my fight with his father back on earth. He starts his journey back towards the base, and I try my best to shake the mental image out of my head. Of course the son would be as irritating as his father! That look - as if he knew or understood something I didn't. I can dwell on what that look in his eye meant later! I take a breath and try to ignore my unease at the situation. I have to distract Zarbon from the boy's departure. I flare my ki and fly towards the person who is Frieza's right hand man.

Apparently, neither of us were paying attention, because I almost collide with Zarbon.

"Vegeta?!"

"I was wondering when I would meet you on this planet, Zarbon. I'm amazed that you have kept your hair in place, what with all the running around you've had to do." I smirk, and revel in the glee that comes from the anger that crosses his face. "And if you're looking for Dodoria, well I'm sure the fishes can tell you how happy they are to have company." I gesture for Zarbon to come closer. "Which is what I'm going to do to you!" I declare and bare my teeth.

"What?! There is no way you beat Dodoria by yourself!" Zarbon exclaims.

"You think I'm lying?" I gesture to myself. "Then find out yourself if I was able to defeat- no, kill Dodoria." I chuckle and keep my face as neutral as I can.

"You are a fool if you think Frieza won't punish you for this little rebellion of yours." Zarbon states with surprising calm. "Being Frieza's favorite won't save you from his wrath, you know."

I take the panic that tried to grip my throat about Frieza's 'punishment' for me, and dragged it to the side. I can't have a clouded mind right now!

"My 'little rebellion' is just the start of Frieza's demise." I shrug and tilt my head to the side. "And unlike you, I've never been one to follow like a 'mindless dog', eh, Zarbon?" I can hear Zarbon grind his teeth, and I smirk. "Frieza will not by groveling at my feet. No,I will be grinding his bones into the dust after that wish has been used." I snarl.

"You mean from the Dragon Balls?" Zarbon asks.

"That is correct! With the wish from the Dragon Balls, I will end Frieza's reign in the Cold Empire. And with that, his name will become nothing more than a memory." I cross my arms and my injured hand aches.

"With no armor and a missing glove?" Zarbon shakes his head in disbelief. "You're dreaming. Besides, Frieza already has five of the Dragon Balls. It won't take us long to find the rest." He scoffs.

"You are the one that's dreaming,' I scoff, 'how long will it take you to find the next Dragon Ball without your scouter? Days? Weeks?" I laugh, gleeful at how blind Frieza and his forces are now. "Because it wouldn't take me that long. In fact, my powers have improved since my time on Earth!"

"So you've learned some new tricks." Zarbon shrugs and chuckles. "It doesn't change the fact that a blood-bathing monkey can't disobey his master. Your abilities don't hold a candle to Frieza's, no matter how much you boast."

"Dodoria learned just how strong I've become. And I know for a fact that Frieza fears the Saiyans. That means he fears this 'blood-bathing' monkey." I give a smug grin and ignore the pain in my injured hand. If I don't grip my forearms, I feel like the shame and anger that horrid nickname brings up will overwhelm my sense of logic.

"Don't fool yourself. Frieza feared the whole Saiyan race rising up against him. Alone, you are a threat to no one." Zarbon states confidently.

The way his cape and hair is billowing in the wind behind him is making me mad for some reason.

"We shall see who is a threat after today." I chuckle and lunge forward.

* Fight! *

I land behind Zarbon, who throws a punch. I manage to grab his fist, give a (slightly maniacal) laugh and throw him into the air. He manages to stop his momentum, and after a few attempts to trade blows with him (and failing), he sends an attack my way. Any sane being would have dodged the blast. But me? Well, Vegeta never considered himself 'sane', and neither do I. I raise my ki so it's visible around my body, and I manage to redirect the blast with a short burst of power towards the ground. The blast created a spectacular explosion.

It was so 'impressive' that debris was flying towards Zarbon and I. I could hear Zarbon comment about something being 'impressive', and I had to agree. It had been some time since I had seen an explosion that big. I feel like I used up more energy than I should have, but there is no time to be concerned about that! I tried to take advantage of his distracted state to land a few hits. The only one that landed was an elbow to the face. He retaliated with a series of kicks to my face.

I dodged them all, and laughed at how angry Zarbon looks at his (currently) useless efforts. One last attempt at a kick to my face, and I flip out of the way. His shocked face was very satisfying to see, right before I landed a powerful kick on his shoulder! He fell towards the ground like a stone dropped in water, and I didn't hesitate to follow after him. He managed to stand on his feet, only to tumble across the ground courtesy of my foot landing on his backside. I take a moment to chuckle in delight at how the tables have turned in my favor.

I probably shouldn't get too confidant. My fight with Dodoria has shown that I may be weaker than Canon Vegeta would be now.

I slowly walk towards Zarbon as he's starting to stand up. A few paces, and I can't help but hesitate. Is he laughing??? Why… is he laughing?! I take a breath and scowl at the pretty faced bastard.

"I will admit,' he turns to look back at me, 'you do impress me, Vegeta." He smiles and doesn't even try to wipe the green blood dripping from his mouth. "You're fighting skills have come a long way since the last time we met. But not quite far enough." His smile changes into a smirk, and a wicked gleam enters his yellow eyes.

Doesn't he have a… 'secret form'? But he hates it because it's 'ugly and unbecoming of someone as beautiful as me', or something like that…?

"Not strong enough to beat you?" I scoff. "Funny, I thought that's what I doing." I brush some dust off my shoulder and chuckle. Those earrings he wears look somewhat familiar and it's been bugging me for so long. Do they have a similar shape to-? "Unless you've been holding back in this fight?" I ask, even though I'm very confident that I know the answer.

"That's right! You figured it out. I knew you would." He finally turns toward me and brushes the back of his hand across his mouth.

Ah, so it is that other form. Wait, his earrings look like the Fusion Earrings! …I think? Wait, why am I focusing on this right now?!

I chuckle and mentally push that train of thought aside. I can think about fusion methods when I'm not in a literal life-or-death situation! I only half heard what he was saying, but I have no doubt it was some variant of 'wipe that smile off your face'. He adjusts the 'compression sleeves' he wears on his arms. Ah, he made a comment about 'beauty being skin deep', right?

"I've been aware of that phrase ever since I met you, Zarbon." I cross my arms and chuckle. "How else would you hold the position of Frieza's right hand man, if you weren't as ruthless as you are… appealing?" I spit the word out in disgust. His attitude soured his 'attractiveness' to me long ago. That, and the fact that he never had any qualms about treating me and mine like we never had brains to begin with.

"I would say the same for you." He chuckles. "But you really are as ugly as the monkeys you Saiyans turn into with moonlight. Besides, you don't want to miss the surprise!" He grins and a wind full of dust and debris blows across the landscape.

"Well, go ahead and show me!" I yell in frustration. Wait, why did I say that?!

"Alright, then. So be it, but consider yourself warned." Zarbon states, before he starts to transform.

Zarbon's muscles literally grow as his skin becomes textured similar to a lizard. His objectively good looking face changes shape to be wider, his canines longer, and his nose has somehow been reduced to two nostril holes. His face has also become more triangular.

Despite have a spark of a memory of this 'ugly' transformation, I do take a few step backwards from how fast the transformation is. If I had blinked, I would have missed seeing most of the change!

"As I said,' Zarbon stated with a now gravelly voice, 'you only saw the 'beauty' side of me before. Now with great pleasure, I introduce you to the beast!"

A sense of foreboding barely starts to register in my mind, when Zarbon runs foreword and pain explodes in my stomach. It's after pain blooms on the side of my face, and I have the taste of dirt in my mouth that I realize he kneed me in the stomach. He's not going to allow me to breathe, much less throw a punch! I need to- Pain in my jaw and I'm thrown up in the air-

A hand around my ankle and I'm yanked downward and slammed into the dirt. I see Zarbon looming over me. If I don't move-! Before I can even try to roll out of the way, he has my face in his hands. Our heads connect, and my brain feels like it's being knocked around in my skull.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Times my skull is impacted before Zarbon throws me in the air. His laughter dimly echoes in my ears, and I feel like I barely have time to breathe before I lock eyes with him. I don't care if I'm weaker than Canon! Zarbon will be a bleeding mess when I'm done with him! I fly towards Zarbon and he meets my challenge.

We meet in a clash of fists. Zarbon elbows me in the face, and I retaliate. I feel almost out of breath after we finally break apart. The rage in my chest feels like it's working in tandem with my burning lungs. I try to take a steady breath, and Zarbon is flying towards me! I try to pivot to the side, but he grabs my arm to hold me in place.

And instead of a knee to my stomach, it's my ribs! Goodbye steady breathing until this fight is over!

Another impact and I'm falling towards the ground this time. I hit the dirt and try to stand up. The pain in my ribs overwhelms me for a moment, and I'm on my hands and knees. I grit my teeth, and look up to see Zarbon slowly flying down towards me. A growl escapes my lips and I stand up to face Zarbon, who has picked up speed.

"I won't lose! Least of all to you!" I brace my legs and jump to meet Zarbon head on. The only person I will maybe accept defeat to isn't here yet!

I blink the blood out of my eyes, flare my ki and meet Zarbon's fists with my own. Our fists and feet are flying so fast that I feel like I can't blink, lest my body be subjected to another bone-shattering blow. Zarbon jumps forward in the air, and I have no choice but to jump backwards if I don't want to be trampled on. We resume trading blows in the air, and it probably would have continued until one of us collapsed from exhaustion. Except Zarbon decides to do a flashy backflip - where one of his feet just so happens to connect with my chin.

My body naturally flies backwards with the blow. I have little time to collect my senses before I'm hit with a ki blast that sends me hurtling towards the ground. Why does my ki sense tell me now that Zarbon was charging an attack?! I manage to break the momentum of my fall and force the blast away from me! Only for my efforts to nearly be in vain, as I land on my hands and knees again. The heat from a blast burns the sweat off the back of my neck, and I can only stumble away before my brain registers that Zarbon is barraging me with ki blasts. My stitched hand aches and no doubt will need to be re-bandaged after I finish this fight.

I run a short ways and jump into the air. I hurl a ki blast towards Zarbon, and he bats it to the side like a child would a toy ball. The sleep I stole earlier was rejuvenating, but every part of my body now feels on the brink of collapse. I should not have given that bald fool my armor! Zarbon throws an attack my way, and I jump up to dodge. I chuckle, despite the pain it brings my ribs. Is that all he can do? Throw ki blasts at me? Zarbon flies to me and /knees/ me in the stomach again. Why did I think that?! I fall towards the ground and Zarbon's grating voice barely registers in my ears past the rushing wind.

He probably made a remark about my boasting at 'not losing to him'. I will wipe that smirk off his face! Maybe not today-

I manage to stop my fall in the air and blink back tears of pain. I grit my teeth, put the pain from my ribs to the side and flare my ki. NO! I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE PATH THAT WAS 'CHOSEN' FOR ME BY STUPID FATE! I fly towards Zarbon and roar in anger. I bare my teeth as we clash again.

Fortunately, this clash didn't last as long as the others.

Unfortunately, it ended with Zarbon 'clotheslining' me.

He took advantage of my stunned state to wrap his arm around my neck, maneuver himself behind me, and wrap his other arm around my left bicep. The only thing I can /do/ is uselessly claw at Zarbon's arm around my neck and endure the pressure of his left forearm braced against my upper back. My left arm is stuck straight out, unable to bend properly because of Zarbon's arm on my bicep. I bare my teeth and growl in a desperate warning.

"Enough of this! I'm through toying with you! It's time to end this little game once and for all!" Zarbon yells.

I grit my teeth and brace my right arm. Biting his face would be so satisfying, but it will not solve my problems! I elbow Zarbon repeatedly in the side. But his cries of pain make up for not ripping his stupid face to shreds! I don't know how many times I elbow his side, but I'm relieved when he finally lets go. I slowly start falling in the air, and the pain in my ribs flares with my sputtering coughs. My stuttering descent towards the ground is halted by another blow to my face courtesy of Zarbon's foot.
I take a breath, and of course Zarbon kicks me in the stomach. I wheeze and before I can attempt to gain some distance from him, he digs his clawed hand into my hair and yanks. He punches me a few times, let's go of my hair- I need to keep my guard up and not be relieved-! Sure enough, Zarbon has his hands fisted above his head. A blow to my head and I can't help but wonder why only now the familiar metallic taste of blood is entering my mouth.

I'm once again plummeting towards the ground, but this time Zarbon has me entrapped in his arms. No doubt he is planning to force my collision with the ground! I flare my ki and manage to shake Zarbon off of me somehow. My relief at being free is short lived, because I still collide with the ground. I press my forehead into the dirt, and do my best to swallow the screams of frustration and pain that have been building up in this fight.

I take in as big a breath I can and manage to slip into the water before the dust fully clears.

The buoyancy of the water makes me want to sleep, but I force my ki sense to 'read' for what's happening above the surface. After what feels like eons, Zarbon finally leaves. I blink, and find myself half out of the water? The bandage on my hand has moved from firmly wrapped around my palm to laying on my fingertips. Brat will be disappointed… I blink. Ground is… moving? No, the ache in my hand… My eyes sting from the water dripping down and the pain in my ribs has traveled to my throat. I will mar Zarbon's face… when we meet again…

Notes:

Whew! Zarbon's first fight with Vegeta is brutal! Of course, you can't expect anything less from Frieza's right hand man! Anyway, take this time to drink some water and stretch your legs! Even if it's just taking a walk around your house, it's not fun to stand on legs that have fallen asleep!

*There is evidence in the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai (23rd Martial ArtsTournament) arc of Dragon Ball (the one where Chi Chi fights Goku and they end up getting married afterwards) as well as the Namek arc that Bulma had feelings for Goku. She even laments at one point that she 'missed her chance' with Goku.
*Vegeta's age when he takes his first mission is never really stated. But, the fact that Raditz was mentioned to be 'too old' for his first mission at the age of around seven-ish? I'd say that Vegeta, being a prodigy as well as Prince, meant that he was subject to getting out on the battlefield earlier than perhaps seen normal.
*I need to look up tail behavior in monkeys or just animals in general.
*He's talking about tweezers.
*Bardock is shown to wear a kind of pants/leggings with his armor in the original manga and anime special.
*Bardock and Gine, Goku and Raditz's parents, where rare amongst Saiyans in that they actually loved and cared for each other. Saiyans only came together to 'meet their basic needs' and didn't keep track of their family tree... for some reason.
*Loosely basing this off of the Japanese Writing system, with some changes. I may end up regretting making up these 'head canons', lol. Also, there is no 'canon' language that the Saiyans speak/write.
*Emperor Hirohito spoke in Classical Japanese when he gave the announcement of Japan's unconditional surrender in WW2. This announcement was given over a radio broadcast. This speech was the first known instance of a Japanese emperor speaking to the common people (indirectly of course), but most people didn't understand what he was saying because Classical Japanese has many pronunciations that were unfamiliar to the common Japanese person at the time. I figured that something like that would make sense for the Saiyan Royal family to have.
*Gohan is using rubbing alcohol.
*This is what Suture needles look like. They are similar to needles that are used to sew leather goods together.
*He's talking about a 'sponge bath'.
*According to google and other sites, if a wound that is stitched up gets wet from any liquid within the first 48 hours, the bandages must be changed. You carefully remove the old bandage, gently clean the wound and then apply a fresh bandage. It is mainly to keep the wound from getting infected.
*It's not really explained how ki is felt or 'experienced' by ki sensors in the series. At least, as far as I know! Actually, after looking it up, apparently it's difficult to describe what ki feels like to someone who can't sense ki. Mr. Popo described it as 'trying to describe sight to a blind person'. But ki sensors have mentioned feeling someone's ki across large distances, and even their emotions.

Chapter 5: Escape! And Vegeta vs Zarbon: Round 2!

Summary:

Vegeta wakes up and escapes! Round two of Vegeta Vs Zarbon! And, the Dragon Balls are almost completely collected!

Notes:

Was not expecting to take this long to get the next chapter up, but I did it~!

Warning: There is description of Zarbon getting part of his ear ripped off. Just so you know! It happens right after the line 'You're power is pathetic!' in Vegeta's second fight with Zarbon.

Just let me know if I need to do any additional warnings, I would appreciate it!

Escape! And Vegeta vs Zarbon: Round 2!

After falling unconscious, my dreams are filled with jumbled images and sounds. Most of which upon waking up, don't make any sense. Like the dream where my arm is grabbed by a giant metal 'claw' like from those Earth games were you win prizes if you put money in them. In the dream, the 'claw' drags me through the air, and I can hear Zarbon's voice faintly on the wind.

Later, that claw comes back and pokes my injured hand and ribs for some time. It's only when I come back to awareness, that I realize those dreams about the metal claw… had some truth to them. The feeling of tiny bubbles gently tickling my face and neck aroused my suspicions, but the slightest movement of my arm confirms that I'm in the buoyant liquid of a healing tank. I try to strain my ears to hear what's going on, but I can't help but marvel at my injured hand feeling almost healed. The tanks work fast, and with good reason! I wonder if.. Bulma would be able to take one of these with her, just so there is a method outside of those sweets(?) that instantly heal you.

I can't stop the twitch in my injured hand, as I can practically feel the flesh knitting back together. But my fingers brush… fabric? I try to slowly brush the 'fabric' again, and I can't help but feel… conflicted at still having my clothes on. Does Freiza not care about the efficiency of the healing tank? Hmm, with how 'rebellious' I've been, I suppose he doesn't care if my clothes are ruined. In fact, he'd probably find me wearing rags… fitting or even humorous for my attempts at a defying him. No doubt he'd make a comment about me finally 'looking like the monkey I am'. I try to keep my breathing slow, as I need all the healing I can 'steal' from this machine before I make my escape.*

On a whim, I use my ki sensing to 'see' who is outside of the healing tank. Someone is outside of the tank, no doubt monitoring my condition. I expand my senses, and I can feel Zarbon and Frieza somewhere near what feels like the outside of the ship he's using as a base on this planet. The person monitoring me pauses in front of the tank holding me. He feels… happy(?) about something. And something about this person being happy - no doubt at my expense - makes me angry.. I inhale, and attempt to remain calm. I must have failed at calming down fast enough, because the person's ki turns alarmed and confused as they walk back to the machines displaying my vitals.

Why can't anything go right today?!

"If you ever need to get out of the healing tank and there is no one in the room, there is a switch on the floor that you have to press on it in a specific way. It's designed so it can't be pressed accidentally and leave an injured patient laying on the floor."

Right, he told me that once. If you look at the floor, the switch is almost indiscernible from the rest. But, there should be a faint outline… After slowly maneuvering my foot around, I manage to find and press the button! The liquid starts to drain, but it's at such a slow pace. Sorry, Dr. Nusvara. I have to destroy one of your favored machines! A quick burst of ki, and the glass explodes outward. I would love to stay and gloat… I barely hear a shout of surprise from the purple skinned soldier that was monitoring me, before I turn them into atoms. But I have to act fast, if I don't want to get caught. I climb out of the tank, and barely stop myself from tripping over the soldier's body. Irritation rises in my chest, not at the fact I had to kill one of Frieza's men. But because I didn't have has much time in the healing tank as I wanted to.

That explosion was certainly loud enough- My eye lands on the opposite wall, and I can feel Frieza and Zarbon approaching. Perfect. One ki blast later, and I slip behind one of the still intact machines. The footsteps approach and I lower my ki as much as I can. I know that they don't have scouters, but it doesn't hurt to practice such precautions. I lean forward to hear what Frieza and Zarbon are saying, and I can't help but notice a sealed container of some sort is almost touching my feet. I glance at Frieza and Zarbon.

"Go now! Do you hear me, Zarbon?!" Frieza yelled.

If I'm quick, perhaps..?

I grab the sealed and empty container, loop some rope around my arm and quickly gather some of the healing liquid still left in the tank I broke out of. Sorry, Dr. Nusvara. You would be very disappointed in my actions today. But, I'm sure you'd understand that I don't have time-!

"-you'll wish you'd never been born!"

It was very satisfying to hear Zarbon being berated and threatened by Frieza. But, I have places to go and allies to get back to! I seal the container, and slip out of the room. When you are in the army, you get used to doing things while on the move. And I use my knowledge of knots to create a kind of net to put the container in. I tie the ends of the rope together, and loop the 'pouch' across my body. Ideally I'd want to grab a fresh pair of gloves and armor while I'm here… I quickly move in the direction of where Frieza was, and am relieved when I find the room I was looking for!

The Namekian Dragon Balls are resting in the middle of the room. Of course Frieza wouldn't hide them! Who would be so bold as to dare to steal them? I can't help but smirk as I walk towards them. Well,I would dare to be so bold. And this is just another step towards your downfall! I take a moment to admire how they gleam in the light of the Namekian suns, as the room has a window in it. I look around the room some more, and realize that it's the room Frieza usually occupies when he's not sleeping. I believe the humans would call it the 'captain's chair'*? It feels like Zarbon is above the recovery room. Probably trying to see if he can spot the direction I was going. I would love to steal some armor and gloves, but I don't know how much time I have until someone discovers my location. This is a very big window, after all. I glance at the Dragon Balls, and then the window. Well, I still have the element of surprise on my side. That should be all I need to escape!

I quickly scan the area with my ki, and before I can fully think my plan through, I find myself slipping into a nearby room. A room that just so happens to have one soldier in it. It's only after I broke the alien's neck and am slipping on their gloves (that are a little big) that I realize I could have waited until he had turned his back to me. He's dead, and that's what matters. I slip on the armor, then loop the pouch through one shoulder strap, and the opposite rib strap. Now, to create a distraction.

I go back into Frieza's room, and am relieved when all five Dragon Balls are still there. I step out of the room, and do probably the most foolish thing I could do today. I charge a ki blast and lean out the door.

"ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMEONE?" I yell, and fire the blast down the corridor. It curves along the circular halls. The building- er, ship shakes from the resulting explosion.

I leave the door open, and charge another ki blast. I can feel and hear the heat of the backdraft from the explosion as it roars back towards me. I have to be precise about this. I fire the ki blast at the window, and it melts into a decent sized hole. I pick up the Dragon Ball closest to me, and throw it out of the melted glass. Good, now for the rest! I can feel both Zarbon and Frieza running towards me.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

I put as much power I can into throwing the rest of the Dragon Balls. I barely catch a glimpse of some of them skidding across water before I throw the last one. They're almost here! How did they-?! I shove my frustration aside and leap into the air. One moment's hesitation more and Frieza and Zarbon would have been able to grab me!

I take a quick breath, hold the sealed container against my chest to ensure it doesn't slip away, and slip partially into the water behind a rocky outcrop. My ki sense is telling me that Zarbon is hovering in the air above the ship. I don't need my ki sense to hear Frieza yell at Zarbon, however. The knowledge that Zarbonhas Frieza's ire filled me with glee. I almost want to let him live long enough to suffer the consequences of not finding me… However, I need to fulfill my promise of marring Zarbon's face and repay him for leaving me to die in the water.

I submerge myself fully into the water. Now, if I just maneuver around the islands close by… I swim deeper while using my ki sense to keep track of Zarbon in the air. I am very glad that I have trained myself to hold my breath for a long period of time. Zarbon will have a harder time finding me! Now, where did those Dragon Balls land?

* * *

I don't know how long I've swum for, but the various aquatic life giving me a wide berth makes me want carve their outlines into the rocks that now surround me. The various shades of blue that paint this underwater world are certainly… mesmerizing More time passes, and I finally resurface. Apparently, I almost waited too long, because I found myself gasping for breath once my head was above the water. I fill my lungs with air a few times, and climb out of the water. Once again, I am weighed down by water. I will be happy to finally have one day where I am only on land! I take a breath, and stretch to loosen my muscles. Now, where did they land?

"Vegeta! You're alive!"

I am taken out of my thoughts by a familiar voice. But, before I can process who that voice belongs to, a small body rams into me. Dirt starts to coat the inside of my nose, but my ki sense tells me what my brain is finally piecing together. If Kakarot's brat can find me so easily, then is Zarbon nearby!?

I prop my upper body off the ground, and thankfully the boy gets off of me. I adjust my gloves, and wipe some of the dirt off me. Unfortunately, because I'm still wet, the dirt has clung to my suit. I scowl at the mud clinging to my body, and turn to the boy-

Has he been talking this whole time?!

I can't help but stare for a moment at the boy's seemingly boundless energy. Has he even taken a breath during this speech-?

"-then you got out of the water and I saw you!" He takes a breath and smiles so wide I fear his face will split in half.

"Yes, you did." I reply, unsure if I should mention that the last sentence is the only part of his… monologue that I heard. Probably shouldn't mention it. I don't want to be subjected to that explanation again. "Now, the Dragon Balls should be over there." I point in front of me. "Will you help me-?"

"You have the Dragon Balls?! I thought Frieza had them." He looks up at me in confusion. "How did you get them?"

"Zarbon defeated me in battle." I smirk, start to walk forward and motion for him to follow me. "I-"

"Did you get hurt? What about your hand?" His voice is laced with concern, and in no time he is running to catch up to me.

I feel the boy's fingers brush my injured hand and on reflex I press said hand to my chest. The sound of smaller feet stop, and I can barely hear an apology on the wind. I force my own feet to stop, take a slow breath and count to ten. Kakarot's child does not know the Saiyan way of life. Some things will need to be explained to him. Also, children cannot control their brain-to-mouth function as well as adults can. I stretch, let out a breath and walk back towards Gohan.*

His head is bowed, so I can't fully see his face. But, as I crouch down so I am level with him, I can see that he is frowning. His tail is curled around his legs, and I force a lecture on the 'dangers of tripping over your own tail' back down my throat. I lay my hands on my knees, and clear my throat.

"Gohan." I pause to see if he will look at me, but he almost flinches away? Did he think I… rejected him in some way? "The way you and I have… learned, erm, grown is different-" I huff and shake my head. Why is the words I want to say not transferring to my tongue?! "The Saiyan way of life is… not the same as an Earthling's." A sound- a giggle reaches my ears, and I scowl at Gohan. "What is so amusing about what I just said?" I demanded.

"You're not very good at this, are you?" Gohan tries (and fails) to hide his grin behind his hand. His tail is now freely swaying behind him, and the sight soothes the… concern I had.

"A Saiyan apology is taking the blows of the one you wronged. The only words exchanged between the two are usually insults. And that,' I point at Gohan and look him in the eyes so he knows I'm serious. 'is only if the one you wronged decides to let you live, and not kill you where you stand.*"

"That's so sad." Gohan's hand almost touches my injured hand, but he retracts it at the last moment. "Saiyans don't try to talk to each other when they get mad? Or give a hug when someone is scared?" His eyebrows are furrowed, and his eyes hold too many emotions for me to decipher.

"I am not the one to ask about that." I snort and shake my head. "If you want to hold my hand, you must ask first. I will not always… allow you to do so, but I do not like… not being warned before something grabs my hand." I tug the glove off my injured hand. "But, that's not why you reached for my hand, is it?" I offer Gohan my hand to inspect.

He looks at my offered hand, and then me. I raise an eyebrow at his sudden hesitancy. After a few moments, he finally takes my hand and turns it to inspect my mostly healed palm. The corners of my lips tilt upwards, and… I find idea of forcing my mouth into a neutral line unappealing.

"Wow! How has your hand healed so much? It's not a Saiyan thing, right? Because daddy was in the hospital for a month after his fight with you! And the only reason why he got out after a month is because Yajirobi gave daddy a senzu bean*!" He bends my fingers fully so each touches the base of my palm. "Does that hurt?"

I shake my head, then realize he's not looking at me.

"I was put in a healing tank. Healing Tanks are used in tandem with the sensors attached to the patient's body to monitor their healing progress. Once the patient is fully healed, they are free to leave the tank. Because of the Saiyan's nature, these tanks are a boon to our survival, as it decreases the time between battles*. You are correct, in that a Saiyans' healing rate does not warrant the injury to my hand healing in such a short time. And,' I chuckle, 'no, your manipulation of my fingers is not painful." Should I ask what a Senzu Bean is? Eh, probably not that important right now.

He nods, and then his eyes… stare at my chest? I glance down, and… there is nothing out of place. I should probably check the sealed container-I force my hands to stay still, so Gohan isn't startled.

"Are you-"
"What's that-"

I blink at him, and somehow both of us are laughing? How is this kid able to set me at ease so, well, easily? Must get this ability from his father…

I release the knots holding the net in place and lift up the sealed container.

"You are asking about this, yes?" I offer it for him to inspect. He takes the container and puts a hand on the top. "Don't open it unless you want the healing liquid spilling out." I manage to swallow the panicked order and use a stern tone instead.

"Oh, sorry." He grins sheepishly at me, and continues to tilt the container to look at the liquid inside. "So this healing liquid… how do you use it?"

"It is the liquid used in the healing tanks to, well, heal the patient. I thought the wo-" I huff. "Bulma would be able to create a version of this to use on Earth." I hum in contemplation and shift slightly towards the direction we were walking. "Can you carry that for me?"

"You want me to carry this?" He looks up at me in surprise, then grins. "Yeah! I can do that!" His tail whips through the air, not from agitation, but from excitement. "And if Bulma can recreate this liquid, then it can help a lot of people heal faster!" He jumps up and holds the ends of the rope to me. "Erm, can you help me-?"

I can't help but chuckle at the kid's excitable nature. It didn't even occur to me that the liquid could be used for common earthlings' ailments… At least I will be able to move faster with the extra weight off me.

"Yes." I take the ends, wrap one end around the kid's belt, and create a loop with the other. I thread the loose end through the looped end, and tie it so it rests over Gohan's shoulder and is anchored to Gohan's belt. "That should keep the container in place. And I'm sure Bulma can recreate liquid, as easily she can pilot a ship?" I ask in a leading way. I don't really feel bad getting answers out of him. Probably because the answer is obvious (to me) who piloted the ship to Namek.

I tug at the knots, and motion for him to follow me when I'm satisfied they are tight.

"Yeah! Bulma piloted the ship all the way here! She's so smart she learned the Namekian language in a month!* And she makes really cool inventions!"

There was a pause, but sure enough the sound of small feet follow my lead. I put my glove back on, and start to scan the area. Gohan runs up alongside me, and after shyly asking for permission, I allow him to hold my hand. Gohan managed to fill the air with his own excited chatter, and I was content to just listen.

Luckily, we didn't have to walk far to find the Namekian Dragon Balls. Gohan is the first to move forward, and predictably is amazed at how they are all in the same place. I chuckle, and my chest feels lighter at the sight of the keys to our victory in front of me.

"Gohan.' I call out when I notice he is moving the magic orbs around. 'Why don't you start with the farthest one, and I, with the closest?" I gesture towards the scattered objects. "So we will move them closer together."

He nods and runs a small distance away to start the task. I nudge the closest Ball towards the rest, and the motion itself reminds me of a certain… Earth game(?)* from my past life. All of them are gathered together, when I sense a somewhat familiar ki.

"Krillin!" Gohan shouts in happiness.

Ah, so the bald one's back! I flare my ki and fly towards him, with Gohan quickly following behind.

He is apparently NOT paying attention, because he doesn't even try to slow down when I fly towards him. My battle sense has awakened, and I resist the urge to look behind me. A fight in the air will be disadvantageous for the three of us.

I slow down so I can talk to Gohan.

"We will follow Krillin to your base, and you will go inside the moment your feet touch the ground."

"What? But we need to explain where the-"

"We are being followed." I snap. Gohan flinches, and I shove the sudden feelings of guilt to the side for now. "If we stop to talk, then whoever is following us will reach us. I want you inside the base, away from the oncoming fight."

"But I can help! And you got hurt last time!" Gohan protests, concerned.

"Saiyans become stronger after every battle. Especially if they recover from near death. That's called a Zenkai Boost. I may have lost the last battle, but I will win this one! And,' I smirk at thought of beating Zarbon into the ground, 'I know the person following us will want to fight me first."

Gohan frowns, glances at Krillin in the distance, then nods.

"Ok, I'll go inside when we get back to base."

I pat Gohan on the shoulder, grab his belt, and speed up. Gohan shouts in surprise, and I motion with my head towards Krillin. He nods and grabs onto my shoulder strap for support.

* * *

We follow Krillin at a distance back to the base. I can feel Bulma is… sitting outside??? What is that woman thinking?! It is far safer inside the cave (no matter how much said cave sticks out) than being out in the open! Krillin talks with Bulma, and we finally land.

Well, I landed. Gohan had let go of my armor strap once my feet had touched the ground, and I tossed him towards the entrance. Krillin was certainly surprised at the sight of us! Until Gohan was flying through the air, that is. He dropped the Namekian Dragon Ball in an effort to catch the child. And he probably would have succeeded! …If the Dragon Ball didn't hit his foot, that is. He was hopping around with his face contorted in pain, and I would have laughed if the situation wasn't so dire. I was more relieved when Gohan, true to our agreement, ran inside the (relative) safety of the cave. Bulma looked torn between helping Krillin, and running after Gohan.

"Stay in the cave until he's been dealt with!" I yell after him. The feel of Zarbon's ki coming ever closer is making me want to confront him before he arrives.

No, a fight in the air-

Zarbon's ki is right behind me, and I tug off my gloves and tuck them in my armor shoulder strap. My gloves will get in the way of this fight. I push up the sleeves of my suit, and turn towards the oncoming ki signature.

Zarbon's entrance to the scene involved a few flips, and landing feet first with his cape fluttering behind him.

I will wipe that smug grin off his face!

Zarbon chuckles at my scowl, and-

"Wow! He's cute! I bet with his brawny good looks, he's come here to work with us!" Bulma's voice cuts though the silence-

Did Bulma just call Zarbon CUTE?! And wonder aloud if he was going to become an ally based on his 'good looks'?!

I take a measured breath, but the thought of Bulma fawning over Zarbon has left me appalled.

Anyone can paint their face and lips to make themselves more appealing! Doesn't she, as a woman who clearly does the same, know that being attractive does not equate to good intentions?!

The thought of her ignoring her sense of logic for a pretty face - Zarbon's face makes me burn with anger. I will do more than just beat him into the ground! I flex my fingers and press my nails into the palms of my hands. I will show Zarbon how a Saiyan fights. Teeth and nails are weapons just as capable as fists and feet! And I will relish using them against that bastard!

Zarbon smiles confidently at me and crosses his arms. I can hear Krillin say something along the lines of 'we're in trouble', and I silently laugh at his worry. Bulma decides to enthusiastically proclaim she is in love. A short conversation between Krillin and Bulma follows, and I am very tempted to start the fight now.

"Vegeta, did you think you could escape me for long?" Zarbon asks in a sardonic tone.

My eyebrow twitches, and before I can respond Bulma calls out to Zarbon. His face tilts slightly away from me, focuses on the two behind me and he grins.

"Ah! Another dragon ball! How nice of you to track it down for me." He glances at me and scoffs. "Don't tell me you've joined forces with them." He said with disdain.

Bulma again calls out to Zarbon. She sounded like she was thanking him for… coming here?! I can't help but glance backwards and growl at her actions.

"Idiot." I sneer.

"I'm not interested in those two. All I want to know is where you hid the rest of the Dragon Balls. You can tell me, or tell Frieza. You're choice."

His dismissal of Krillin and Bulma soothed my anger somewhat. That didn't mean I would surrender such hard earned information upon 'request'!

"The only way you will get such knowledge from me,' My smile is wide enough that I can feel my crooked tooth attempting to cut through the scar on my lip. 'is after you break every bone in my body!" I adjust my stance and lunge forward.

If he thinks this fight will be easy, then he hasn't learned anything about Saiyans after all these years of I and mine working for Frieza!

* Fight! *

He dodged, as expected. I was a good distance away from him. He retaliates with a kick to my head, which I duck under. He tries to kick my head again, and I jump up and away from the entrance to the cave, so I'm out of Zarbon's reach. I coat my fists in ki, then I 'ignite' them. Seeing my opponents panic at the sight of my fists on fire is always amusing. Unfortunately, it won't work on Zarbon, as he's already seen me do this a few times. I would love to use Red Hawk* against Zarbon, but that requires me to be within kicking distance….

"Hotarubi.*" I murmur, and cup my hands close to my mouth as if I'm going to call out to someone.

I inhale through my nose and blow through my mouth at the fire coating my hands, and small balls of fire spread out in front of me. I can admire how they look like lightning bugs later. I send a pulse of ki in the air, and the balls of fire rain down towards Zarbon.

"Ryusei-gun.*"

He managed to dodge most of them, but the ones he didn't left burns in their wake. He flies above and behind me, attempts to hit me with a ki blast (which I redirect towards the ground with my own ki), and punches me in the face! I can feel and hear the heat of the blast I redirected as it hits the ground, and I can't help but respect how serious he's taking this fight. Goes to show why Zarbon was considered for Frieza's right hand man in the first place.

I can feel Krillin and Bulma… running somewhere? What are they-?

"Nice try Saiyan!"

He shoots another ki blast at me, which I dodge. I use his shoulder armor as a stepping stone to get above him, spin around and kick him in the back. I'm faced with a familiar sight, as Zarbon is once again falling to the ground like a stone dropped in water.

I won't let you get another hit on me!

I land next to Zarbon and grab his arm. I see surprise flash across his face, before I pull him closer to me. This naturally causes him to be off balance and-

"Your power is pathetic!" I taunt.

The sight, scent and taste of blood in the air paired magnificently well with Zarbon's screams of pain and anger. I make sure to dig my fingertips into Zarbon's skin as I slash his face from lower right side of his jaw towards his nose. Biting his nose off would have been more satisfying, but scarring his face will work, too. I backflip away from him to gain some distance. My eyes land on the product of my work, and Zarbon's… clutching his ear? Blood is running down his face from three diagonal scratches. While a fourth is only visible from the small trickle of blood running down his neck.

I glance at my hand, and a somewhat familiar piece of jewelry is laying in my palm. I tilt my hand slightly, and-

Of course! The earring was attached to his ear when I ripped it off!

I chuckle and hold up the bloody body part.

"Missing something, Zarbon?" I taunt, thoroughly enjoying the look of rage on his bleeding face.

"YOU-!" Zarbon growls, and his 'beastly' transformation passes over his body in an eye blink. "I WILL ENJOY BREAKING EVERY BONE IN YOUR BODY!" The fresh scars warp to fit Zarbon's new 'face', and the blood changes paths to flow down his 'muzzle' and into his mouth. His 'snout' wrinkles in what I would call disgust, and he shakes his head. "You will be begging to tell me where the Dragon Balls are when I'm done with you!"

"He changed into a monster!" I hear Bulma scream in horror at the sight of Zarbon's new 'look', and I am satisfied. She's finally going to let her logic rule her decisions!

"I would say that you look even more beautiful than before." I say in a mocking tone, and dodge a few swipes. I throw the earring behind me, and hear Krillin and Bulma's make sounds and screams of disgust. Right, they wouldn't want to have a bloody ear lobe thrown at them. I keep forgetting how soft they are… I still want to keep that earring. I'm sure I can fashion it-

If you serve under Frieza, and you're not seeing eye to eye*

A song enters my mind, and I don't even try to hide my grin. It's one of the few songs that I have managed to mostly remember the lyrics to. It probably helps that the lyrics (even when slightly adjusted) apply to fighting, and the instrumental is fast paced.

Zarbon leaps into the air, and I follow.

"Congratulations! You're the first to see this form a second time!" Zarbon laughs.

A problem in the Army you know that words won't solve. When there's nothing left to say, you've got to let your fists reply!

We trade a few ki blasts, and I slip in some Hotarubi among the barrage I send his way. …He still somehow dodges most of them?! It continues for a time, until Zarbon manages to grab my hand. He flings me farther into the air, and shoots another ki blast at me. I counter with my own, even though I'm thrown off balance. It's the familiar feeling of my stomach leaping into my throat that makes me realize I'm falling. Again.

Zarbon's laughter chases me, as well as his marred face. I hope his wounds sting from all the dirt being thrown in the air! I reorient myself and land on one knee in the dirt. Speaking of… I try my best to hide my grin, as Zarbon tries to take a swipe at me. I drop to my hands and feet, so my body is practically in a push-up position. He tries to punch downwards at me, and I leap into the air.

I turn myself so I'm facing him as he pursues me. I don't want to miss seeing his reaction, after all.. I let go of the dirt encased in my hand, and watch as it drifts on the wind… right into Zarbon's eyes! Predictably, he cries out in paint as his eyes are blinded by tears.

One of the oldest 'tricks in the book', and he fell right into my hands!

Someone's gonna die!

He was so distracted with trying to clear his eyes, that he didn't notice me positioning myself behind him! I gather my strength, and punch him in the back. I hear and feel a crack in his armor, and the sight of the fist-shaped hole leaves me slightly disappointed.

I should have put more ki into that blow…

He turns around and growls at me, and it would have been effective! If I wasn't already behind him again! He barely has time to turn around to face me, when I bring a double-fisted blow onto his head. He falls towards a nearby body of water, and I take a moment to decide the next course of action. The sound of a stone (or body) falling into the water breaks me out of my focus, and my decision is made.

Looks like lizard's on the menu*!

I fire a barrage of ki and fire blasts at the lake, and the resulting explosion sends a giant wave towards the shore. I take a moment to breathe, and Zarbon flies out of the water. Of course he's not dead! I fire another barrage of ki blasts (this includes some fire), he manages to dodge and he tries to escape?! I dart after him, and the fact we are exchanging blows upside down doesn't bother me as much as the fact he. Isn't. Dead. Yet!

Zarbon lands feet first on the ground, and I, in front of him. Bulma and Krillin have… somehow? Managed to find themselves standing to the side of our positions.

"Vegeta. You're dead!" Zarbon growls.

I burst into laughter at how ridiculous his threat is. Him? Defeat me??? After I've healed from my wounds??? Once I regain my breath, I bare my teeth and grin.

"You? Kill me?! You are no match for me now! I am far stronger than our last encounter!" I let out of a maniacal chuckle. "Even if you begged me to spare your life,' I cross my arms and give my best evil grin. "I won't. In fact, I will happily dance upon your corpse. And that's after I've ripped your heart out!"

Movement out of the corner of my eye makes me tilt my head slightly in Bulma and Krillin's direction. Krillin… looks worried and frightened? And Bulma is glaring at me like I just threatened her. Her form is shaking so much that I can see it from here. Ah, I probably shouldn't have said that last part…

"Begging? You killing me???" Zarbon laughs at his (perceived) victory. "You won't be making such confident threats after I've crushed your skull!"

"You're first and last mistake was to underestimate the power of a Saiyan warrior." I sneered at Zarbon.

Zarbon growls in frustration.

"Saiyans grow stronger the more we fight." I smirk. "You can bleed us to the brink of death, or crush every bone in our bodies. It only makes us stronger! It's why Frieza thought the Saiyan race was a threat!"

Zarbon's surprised face almost makes me chuckle.

I hear Krillin make a comment comparing me to Goku. Which… I guess is true. Since we ARE the same race, after all.

"I don't care how powerful you think you've become!" Zarbon widens his stance and growls. "You'll never defeat me while I'm in this form, Vegeta!"

I chuckle at Zarbon's foolish pride, and he charges towards me.

"Wrong. I can kill you in any form, Zarbon!"

Blows are exchanged fast enough that one half-breath of distraction could cost me the 'rhythm' of blocking his fists. It goes on for what seems like ten minutes, but was not doubt shorter in reality. Finally, I manage to land a blow to Zarbon's stomach. Not just on his armor, either! I could clearly hear the 'crack' that every warrior fears when his armor finally fails him. My fist had broken through his armor and had sank into his stomach! Zarbon tries in vain to stop me by pushing on my head, and his claws lightly dig into my scalp. Victory is so close, with the scent of blood in the air. And the blue liquid spilling from Zarbon's insides confirms it!

I can barely hear Bulma making a sound of either distress or horror, when Zarbon starts pleading for his life.

"V-Vegeta!" The words barely manage to croak out of Zarbon's lips. "I was j-just following orders. Please don't kill me."

His form is shaking ever so slightly. I don't know if it's from fear of death or fatigue… And I really don't care. This ends now.

"What did I tell you earlier, Zarbon?" I ask in faux curiosity. "Because it sounds like your begging for your life!" I narrow my gaze at him. "And I-"

"Vegeta, spare me-" Zarbon attempts to speak, but my patience has snapped.

I charge my ki and fire a blast through him. Zarbon's ki, which had already become embers in his body, flickered in a desperate struggle to stay alive, and finally went out. Zarbon's lifeless body goes flying through the air, as pieces of his clothes and armor start to trail behind him.

Zarbon is now a sweet! …Just like Cui. I shake such silly thoughts away, and sigh through my nose.

Zarbon's body lands in a nearby pool of water, and it makes a spectacular splash. I stand tall and take a slow breath.

'Settle it with a ki blast', indeed! And one less obstacle in my- er, our way to make the wish on the Dragon Balls!

* * *

"Once all of the Dragon Balls are assembled, I-' I turn to see Krillin and Bulma nervously glancing between me and what I assume to be the lake in the background. '-I mean, we can make the wish on them." I roll my shoulders and start to walk towards them, when a somewhat familiar sound reaches my ears. Wha- I barely hook my arm around the boy's, and pivot. When I finally release my hold, he stumbles back towards the earthlings.

"Hey!" Gohan turns and frowns at me. "That wasn't very nice. I was trying-"

I hold up my hands, one of which has flecks of blue blood on it. The other is covered in gore and sticky with drying blood. I tilt my head to silently ask 'did you want to finish that question?', and Gohan sheepishly shakes his head 'no'.

"I wish to clean my body… Again." I glance from Krillin to Bulma. "Is that acceptable?"

"Wait a minute!" Bulma sputters. "What happened to you? You go on a walk, and force Gohan back here. AFTER you grab his tail and threaten him!" She snarls. "THEN, you disappear completely and- and then that!" She gestures angrily to the pond in the distance. "I'm not going to let you in the cave until-"

"Woman, all of your questions will be answered after I am clean." I state firmly.

"Wait, you let him out of the base?!" Krillin yells in surprise.

I take a breath to reign in my temper, and it partially succeeds. They continue to bicker for a short while, until my wish to wash the grime off my body outpaces my patience.

"Enough!" I bark at the two. "Gohan can answer most of your questions while I'm cleaning myself!" I glare at one, then the other after they nod in agreement. "I will need my clothes cleaned again…" I grumble and march into the cave.

"Hey! Don't take your shoes into the house!" Bulma yells after me. "I don't want blood all over the floor!" Her lighter footsteps echo in the cave as she tries to catch up to me.

I roll my eyes, and wave a hand in the air so she knows I heard her. I can feel Gohan's presence beside me, and keep my hands close to my body. I step to the side of the door, and slowly take off my shoes.

"I will leave my shoes…" I glance behind me, only to see Gohan stepping inside the doorway.

"So you don't have to touch the doorknob!" He says proudly.

Why is he proud of that? I nod, and walk inside towards the sink in the kitchen. I reach said sink, only for Gohan to insist to get me a soap-lathered cloth for my hands. I sigh and wait for him to assist me in this. At least it will save time when I wash off. I can feel Krillin and Bulma's gaze on me, and when I finally look their way… their eyes are conveniently in every direction except mine.

"I'm done! Now you can wash your hands!" He runs to the sink, and turns it on.

I make a sound of agreement, and turn to lather my hands. I get the sudden urge to reach for… Gohan's hair? I don't know if this urge stems from wanting to acknowledge his efforts to help or encourage the others to perform such teamwork… But their gaze is burning into my back, so I resist the urge to touch or mess with his hair. Once I've dried my hands, I walk back into the same room I slept in.

"I will leave my clothes-" I call out.

"Wait, leave them in a box!" Krillin runs after me, with a box in his arms.

I can't help but stare at him for a moment. Why is he insisting on a box…? I gesture for him to follow me towards the bathroom, and start to transfer my gloves and armor to the requested box. Krillin makes a surprised sound once I start to take my suit off, and I scoff.

"I was in the Planet Trade Organization, serving in Frieza's Army. Not Cooler's." I glance back at him, unimpressed with his embarrassment. "In the army, you either become accustomed to other's nakedness when changing in the same room…" I pull my arms out of the sleeves and roll the top down to my hips. "…Or, you change in separate rooms." I nudge the door mostly closed, and position myself directly behind it and out of his sight. He is obviously not used to such things, might as well be 'nice' and save him from whatever is making him embarrassed or uncomfortable… I slip my legs out of the suit and lean around the door.

"Here." I fling the suit into the box. Next is my undergarments, of which I only had what my past life would have called… 'under shorts(?)'. It would be nice to have some upper garment to wear under my suit. "And the last thing." I fling the undergarment into the box and shut the door. "If none of you are comfortable washing my boots, I will do it myself." It would be nice to have help with that, but I doubt any of them would be eager to do so… Even more so with the soles of the boots.

I hear Krillin's muffled reply through the door, and start the task of getting clean. So thankful that my hand is healed this time! It will make this task less frustrating!

* * *

I keep my ki sense active throughout washing myself. Bulma and Krillin's ki's felt somewhat concerning in the beginning. Krillin's ki read to me as distrustful and protective, no doubt the first towards me and the second to Gohan. Bulma's ki felt like a mixture of emotions, most I would be hesitant to name. Not because I wouldn't know what word to use to describe them! But, because some of them… left me appalled that a woman would be feeling those emotions at this moment. The one that left me the most appalled is the feeling of… some sort of want emotion mixed with pain? I would call it greed… But it doesn't… feel like the correct description? One I know the feeling of is anger, which was still prominent after I dried myself off.

At least all three of them seem calmer after Gohan has explained his version of events…

I peek out the door. Upon not seeing my newly cleaned suit in front of it, I securely wrap the towel around my hips and lay face down on the bed. At least the fabric smells more like me this time. That false flower scent would be even more unbearable right now…. I feel my body relaxing into the soft cot, and in no time I am unconscious.

Notes:

Author's Notes:
*I may end up switching to the manga as the reference for writing this chapter. My computer is reminding me how old it is, so I have to use the manga before I get the anime set in the mail. Edit: Nevermind, I figured out a way to watch the anime! Did you know that there are full color editions of the Dragon Ball Z Manga? It only goes to the end of Frieza Saga, but they are really cool!
*Star Trek reference.
*So, the event of Vegeta getting out of the water is shortly followed by him finding the Dragon Balls and fight with Zarbon. However, time is… fluid in Dragon Ball at times. And I'm taking some liberties with events because Gohan decided to look for Vegeta and find him. I mean, he wasn't going to just stay at the base while Vegeta potentially died fighting Zarbon!
*This is kind of expanding on that infamous manga panel of Vegeta saying 'Saiyans kill anyone they don't like. You Earthlings are weird/soft.' At least it's something like that, and now I can't find the manga panel to make sure I remember that quote right!
*looked up healing tanks- sorry, medical machines for this! Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
*Bulma and co reach Namek roughly 34 days after they left earth. Bulma contacts Earth shortly after she lands on Namek, and then Goku leaves for Namek around two hours after Yajirobi gives him the Senzu bean.
*Senzu beans are magic beans that can heal all physical damage to a person's body. This, however, does NOT include healing viruses or mental illnesses.
*He's thinking of Football, or as the U.S. calls it, Soccer!
*A slight exaggeration. Bulma learned what Mr Popo could teach her of the Namekian language he learned from Kami before the battle between Nappa, Vegeta and Earth's defenders.
*Red Hawk is Luffy's attack that is a tribute to his brother Ace. He coats his fist in fire and punches his opponent.
*Hotarubi is Japanese for 'firefly', and is the name for one of Ace's attacks.
*Ryūsei-gun is Japanese for 'meteor shower', which is the effect this move has.
*The lyrics to 'Settle it with a Sword Fight' by Johnathan Young from the album 'Galactikraken'.
*A Lord of the Rings reference.

Chapter 6: Gaining Ground

Summary:

Vis takes a nap, compares notes with Bulma and Krillin, and takes a trip to see an old dude.

Notes:

*Checks last update* I can't believe it's been three, almost four months since I've updated this fic! Wait, after checking the date again, it's only been around a month. I misread the publication date of the last chapter, haha! It feels like it's been months! It has taken so long to write this chapter, mainly because of my computer not wanting to cooperate with me! And life. Life is always good at throwing stuff at you, ya know?

Gaining ground

I don’t know what pulled me out of sleep… But the softness under me combined with the comfort of my own scent enveloping me almost lulled me back into unconsciousness. Need to get up! Frieza won’t take my want to be ‘lazy’ in good humor… I inhale, sit up and stretch-

Pain sparks up my spine from the base of my tail-

What’s left of my tail!

-and my attempt to cover up a strangled yelp of pain with a hiss… was futile. I manage to almost steady my breathing, when I hear a knock on the door. I grunt in reply, and Krillin steps into the room.

“Hey, I felt your ki flare- Ar-are you ok?” He glances around nervously, and sets a box on the end of the bed.

My eyes gravitate to the box, and I’m made acutely aware of the blanket that has pooled around my hips. I don’t remember wrapping myself in this? I bring the edge of the blanket closer to inspect, and hum in acknowledgement at Krillin’s comment.

“I’m fine.” I reply and wave him out of the room.

I take a breath and manage to pack the pain radiating from my tail away until it’s a dull ache.

It’s only after I walk over to the box, that I realize Krillin had informed me that Gohan had given me the blanket. I… don’t remember him doing that? Was I so tired that I didn’t wake up when Kakarot’s kid came in? I start the process of getting dressed, when something shiny catches my eye. I lift my suit up to see… Zarbon’s earring? It’s hooked on a piece of paper. I open the piece of paper after taking the earring out, only to see… what my eyes read as random lines on the page. Right… I may have knowledge of Earth’s languages courtesy of my past life… But I also haven’t read or written in my past mother tongue for almost twenty years… I sigh and put the earring on the bed. I can figure out what I’m going to do with it later.

I was so focused on getting my limbs inside my suit, that I wasn’t aware of the ki approaching until a knock sounded on the door.

“Hey, I don’t know how you got that healing-“

I jumped, and my foot caught on the edge of my suit leg. I was aware that I was falling, but it wasn’t until I blinked and saw the woman’s black clad legs that I processed that I was sitting on the floor. I eyes traveled up to her surprised face, and irritation bubbled in my chest.

“Sorry,’ she chuckled, ‘did I scare you?” She walked over to the box and set my boots (which still look dirty) down in the box.

I inhale through my nose, and swallow the first few retorts that come to mind. If I reply in anger, it will make cooperation from her and the others more difficult. Wait, did no one really try to clean my boots?! It’s not that hard-

I grip the end of the bed and stand as I feel my face start to become hot.

“No.” I growl. “You did not scare me.” I slip my arm into the freely hanging sleeve of my suit, and brush out the wrinkles. I can feel her eyes on me as I lay a hand on top of my boots. “Do you have something else to say? Because if you’re expecting a reward for bringing me my still dirty boots,’ I bare my teeth, ‘you will be disappointed.” I chuckle at the look of rage forming on her face. “If fact, if you had actually cleaned my boots, perhaps I would have-“

“Why would I want a reward from a- a self-absorbed ass like you?!” She yells and points at my face. “In fact, then next time you want your shoes, you can find them yourself!” She slams the door behind her.

“I wasn’t interested in receiving your help in the first place!” I reply, and a wordless sound of anger is her only response.

I try to keep a stoic face as I hear her stomping around the base, but eventually I burst into laughter. If I had known it was that easy to make her mad- A spasm runs through my chest and I end up choking on my spit. I force that thought into the corners of my mind. I will NOT be distracted. Not now. Frieza’s death first. Anything else is SECOND. I take a closer look at my boots, and my anger is lessened at seeing the top layer of grime was cleaned off. I’ll still have to use a ship-grade hull cleaner to get them blinding white again! I take a breath, and the weight of my boots in my hands lessens the… worry about the equipment that Frieza allows me to use- no, I’m worried about MY equipment. My equipment that is supposed to be clean and ready for use at a moment’s notice!

I take the boots into the bathroom, and try my best to clean more of the grime off. How hard is it to wipe some dirt and blood off of boots?! I growl, frustrated at my allies not trying to clean my things.

I idly trace the creases running across my left boot and take a breath. OK, so I know from experience that my boots are sometimes not that easy to clean. I take my gloves off, tuck them in a shoulder strap and start to attack the creases in my boots. In fact, Frieza would intentionally let the blood and grime dry on my boots before giving them back after… unsuccessful missions. “To show how disappointed he was in my performance.” And then the only choice is to either allow my boots to become more bloody and/or dirty before cleaning them. Or, (my favorite and easier option) I steal someone else’s boots and leave mine in their place. Still, the fact that these boots are being difficult-!

“I protect them, even gather all but one all the Dragon Balls and what do they do? Refuse to clean my shoes!” I grumble and throw curses in multiple tongues at the soles of my boots. How can something designed to grip the ground be so difficult to-

I try my best to scrub the bottom of the boots for another moment, then use a damp cloth to wipe away the lather. I wash my own hands, dry them and put on my gloves. I wipe my boots dry, pull them on, and grab Zar- my earring from the bed. Where to put this for safe keeping?

The door in the main room opens, and I barely have to use my ki sense before I sigh and hum in greeting.

The door closes, and hesitant footsteps come forward until they stop behind me. I glance at him, then at the note my earring was attached to.

“Why are you being mean to Bulma?” Gohan asks, the curiosity in his voice at odds with the frown on his face. He shifts from foot to foot, with barely contained energy.

Right, he is a child. I sigh and put on my ‘new’ armor.

“Remember when I said you and I have learned differently?” I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow.

“Yeah. You said ‘the Siayan way of life isn’t the same as a human’s’.” Gohan recited back to me, then his face broke out into a grin? “Hey! You found my note!”

“I did…” I hand the note to him and push my reluctance for aid back down into my stomach. “Can you tell me…” I loosen my clenched jaw and force the rest of the words out of my mouth. “What this says..?”

Gohan cocks his head to the side and looks at me with a confused expression.

“You can’t-? Oh yeah!” He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re an alien! That means you can’t read the paper…”

“Correct.” I nod and gesture towards the note. Being ‘rude’ will not solve this problem. I inhale and cross my arms. “And you would interpret…?” I ask in a leading tone.

“Yeah!” His tail briefly waves around before it settles to a ‘resting’ state. “The note just said ‘I heard you say something about an earring. And when I mentioned it to Krillin, he insisted on cleaning it. And I gave Bulma the healing liquid’ !” He grins and hops from foot to foot. “She’s really excited to see what it can do!” He laughs in happiness, then frowns. The excitement once bursting out of his body suddenly disappeared, and an emotion that I would call ‘disgust’ crosses his face. “Why did.. you want the earring? You ripped it off that guy’s ear.” He puts a hand to his ear, no doubt thinking of Zarbon’s injury. “And you killed him-“

I sigh, sit on the edge of the bed, and move the box so it’s not trying to fall onto my legs.

“I want to keep it. Are you familiar with-“ I hum in thought. “-I believe you would call it a ‘war trophy’. This is a reminder of my accomplishment.” A soft ‘tink’ resounds throughout the room as I lightly tap the earring. “He beat me into the ground and left me to die.” I snarled and tightened my fist until I could hear the creak of the fabric straining. “So I returned the favor.” I chuckle and knew from the boy’s look of unease, my smile is not kind. “Also, Zarbon was Frieza’s right hand man. An accomplished warrior and enforcer in his own right. But, he is also responsible for part of my…’ I inhale and shove those memories to the side. ‘…training since I was small.”

“Back in the old days, Saiyan warriors would wear their kills as bracelets, rings, or other jewelry. They would even fashion them into decorations around their home! Don’t just take a piece of bone and put it on a string!”

“But bones are made to be beads!”

“Quiet! Watch me work, and you’ll know what to do…”

Why did I remember that? Mother… started to show me how to make them. But father was livid when he discovered my ‘escapades’. He gave quite a lecture about ‘ignoring my studies to learn such archaic traditions’ and ‘Hon’zu* were for declaring your allegiance and showing off your success in battle! But that was before the clans united, and such objects have no place in Frieza’s army*.’ I think even Nappa has mentioned a few times that certain bones were best for pendants? I hum and glance at the earring freely rolling in my palm. The swirls of gray danced across the purple surface of the gem attached to the hoop that is designed to cling to the ear.*

The thought of searching for Zarbon’s body so I can carve a pendant from one of his bones flits across my mind. There would be no time to do such a thing. Besides, I’d have to carry it everywhere until Frieza is dealt with*. This armor also doesn’t have pockets… unlike my own. I glance at Gohan, and his body is shaking, almost in tandem with the spike in anger I can feel in his ki.

“If I had not been there,’ I lean forward as Gohan’s eyes snap to mine. ‘Zarbon would have taken the Dragon Ball and killed all of you.” I hold up a hand when Gohan starts to protest. “You asked why I killed Zarbon.” I shrug. “It was in part to repay his efforts to kill me in our previous battle. And also to ensure he would not cause… problems for me and mine in the future.” I twirl the earring around in my hand. “So, I-“

“Mine?” Gohan asked, rudely interrupting me.

“What?” I tilted my head and scowled.

“You said ‘me and mine’, what…” he shifts the weight from foot to foot. “does that mean?”

I stare past him towards the door as my mind processes his question. Does the words not explain what I mean?? Wait- This base is too quiet. In fact- I scoff, and stand. -no doubt one of them are listening-

“You and your friends are my allies, yes?” I glance at him, and smile when he nods. “So, ‘me and mine’ refers to myself and my allies.” I walk over and am slightly disappointed that no one fell to the floor when the door opened. I do smile at Krillin’s nervous posture when he steps from the side of the door frame and towards me. “Hello, bald one.”

I offer my earring to Gohan, and step back to allow the man inside the room.

“Would you mind carrying this for me?” I ask Gohan, and drop it into his palm.

“Hey, Vegeta-“

Krillin starts to say something, and I resist the urge to interrupt. It will not help to be rude. I blink and he’s looking at me expectantly. Wait, he was saying something! …I’m going to have really do this, aren’t I? I inhale and clear my throat.

“Would you…’ I can feel my face start to feel hot and I clench my teeth. ‘repeat that?”

Krillin blinks, and tries to hide a laugh with obviously fake coughs. I don’t even realize I had stepped forward, until I feel a.. weight(?) on my leg. I look down to see Gohan has attached himself to my calf?! My hand is resting- gripping his hair before I even think of what to do. I’m shaking, and force the air out of my lungs. I release my hold on his hair.

“Why..' I force my mouth shut to think a proper question. “have you not released your hold on me, yet?” I look down at Kakarot’s brat.

“Because you were going to hurt Krillin!” He glares at me with an angry frown.

A frown! Such a thing should cause me irritation! And yet, I have not forced this brat to let go…

“I was going to.. ask if you were unwell.” I cross my arms and look at Krillin. “That was a significant amount of coughing, was it not?”

“I’m f-fine.” Krillin chuckles, glances down (presumably at Gohan), then straightens. “You, uh, wanted me to repeat what I said, right?”

My eyebrow twitches and I nod.

“That is correct.”

“W-well…”

* * *

“So, you plan on leaving this base to escort Gohan to gain power from this ‘Elder Guru’.” I sigh and shake my head. “That will leave the woman with me.” I make sure Krillin sees how disappointed I am. “Are you sure that is a wise decision?”

“I don’t follow-“ Krillin gasps. “Oh! Is this because you and Bulma don’t get along?” His gaze shifts from Gohan and me. “I mean, you wouldn’t kill her while we’re gone… right?”

A worried look flits across his face, and I resist the urge to give my best bloodthirsty smile for my own amusement.

My leg feels strangely light? …When did Kakarot’s brat let go of my leg?

“As tempting it is, no.” I grit my teeth. “Bulma is the weakest of your group. And you plan on leaving her in my presence.” I growl and bare my teeth. “I will be spending all my time ensuring she won’t be killed instead of killing our foes!” I tilt my head as a thought flits across my mind. “Unless-?”

“W-we are allies right?” Krillin asks. “And you want the Dragon Balls out of Frieza’s hands as much as we do. So-“

I open my mouth to make a retort.

“Did you want to go with us?”

Gohan’s question gives me pause. Not because I was leading up to that, but because I did not expect the child to bring it up.

“Because that’s what it sounds like…” His head swivels from me to Krillin.

I chuckle and nod at Gohan.

“That is correct. It would make more sense for both of us to go with you. This base is obvious to anyone that pays attention to the land of this planet.” I tap my left forearm and move past Krillin into the main room. “It would help if everything is prepared for departure as well.” I turn to the bald man and scowl. “Well, are you not going to prepare?”

“R-right!” He jumps, then motions for Gohan to follow him.

I turn towards the room I have been sleeping in, and start to fold the blanket on top. Wait, I have no idea how this base is… prepared for travel. I fold the blanket one last time, then set it on the end of the bed. I walk out the door, ready to search for one of the earthlings to ask-

“WHAT?!”

-when the woman’s voice points me in the right direction. Perhaps I should-?

A seething human shaped figure stomps out of one of the other rooms. I’m still processing the angry shouting coming from her lips before I realize I’ve stopped her attempt to slap me.

“Let go of me!”

“Why would I allow you another attempt-“ I catch her other hand with mine. “Stop! Your ki is proof enough that you are physically weak!” I shift out of the way of a kick. My patience for this woman snaps, and I spin her around, pin her arms, and bring her shoulder blades level with my chest. I would be more happy at her being immobilized, but our height difference means I am being bombarded with her hair in my face. Any movement and I will get it in my mouth! Bleh! “You are embarking with us!”

“Like hell I am!” Bulma snarls and tries to twist out of my hold.

This woman-!

“You have one Dragon Ball, and I have the rest.” I state confidently, and shove her away from me. She whirls around and I meet her surprised expression with a smug smile. “I have all but one of the Dragon Balls.” I repeat, and… she looks angry?

Wait, didn’t Gohan explain…? I glance at Gohan, who looks suspiciously nervous as he shifts from foot to foot.

“Did you not,’ My eyebrow twitches in irritation, ‘inform them as to where the wish granting orbs are?” I cross my arms and scowl.

“He helped you with finding the Dragon Balls?!”

“Why didn’t you say that earlier!?”

Bulma and Krillin turn towards Gohan, who looks at me for some reason?

“I told them I know where they are.” He chuckles and I sigh. “But Bulma got so excited about the healing liquid, that I didn’t get a chance to explain…”

“I can show you their location-‘ I shake my head, and pause when a thought occurs to me. I didn’t hide the Balls’ from view! I sigh and grip my forearms. “-I just realized that we should have at least put the Namekian Balls in the water or underground to hide their position.” I turn to Bulma, who still looks angry. “Which can be done after this base is prepared for travel.”

“Who do you think you are to tell me-“ She begins, irate.

“NO!” Everyone jumps at my shout. “I refuse to stay here and watch your every step so you don’t die from stepping on a rock!” I barely contain a snarl behind clenched teeth. “OR,’ I look her in the eyes and mostly succeed in containing a smirk. “you can travel with us and help make sure we don’t accidentally offend the natives.” Bulma frowns as her posture starts to relax. I intentionally relax my own posture and shrug. “Your brain and… skills with steering a ship are better Krillin or Gohan, correct?” Perhaps I should add that she wouldn’t be alone when traveling with us? Hm, I don’t know if it would make her agree or angry..

“Yeah!” She suddenly forgets that she was mad at me, stands up straight and jabs her thumb at her chest. “I piloted the ship that got us here, and that ship had Namekian voice commands to boot. And I’m the best when it comes to making and fixing machines!” She says in a voice filled with pride. “All of that is on top of being a delicate and beautiful young lady.”

Krillin scowls and mumbles something, of which I only hear ‘laying it on thick…’.

Delicate? I refrain from snorting at her boasts. There is nothing delicate about her, but her ability with machines will prove to be useful… I keep my thoughts to myself, and smile.

“So, you will prepare this place for-“

“Wait, are you trying to butter me up?!” She shouts, her face now red. “How dare you-!” I have no doubt she was about use all her breath to tell me exactly what she thought of me trying to manipulate her and tell her what to do.

However, I was saved from this ‘lecture’ by Krillin pulling her closer to him and whispering- encouraging her to agree. Gohan even interjected a few times, as his tail flicked back and forth from either irritation or nervousness. After much deliberation (and forced patience on my part), Bulma agrees to come with us!

I try to offer my assistance, but one swift refusal leads me to ‘guarding’ the outside of the base. As if the mere entrance to this living quarters needs to be guarded! It’s the start of the cave that needs- I shake those thoughts away and do a full body stretch. I shouldn’t only use my eyes to guard the base! My ability to sense people’s ki may be new, but it’s my most useful at the moment. I take a breath and spread my senses as far as they can go, and wait for my allies to be ready to leave.

* * *

After some time, everything is packed and ready to go! I leap into the air, ready to follow Krillin to this ‘Elder Guru’, when that woman’s voice cuts through the air.

“Hey! How am I going to get there?! I can’t fly like the rest of you, ya know!” She glares up at me and Krillin.

I glance at Krillin, who looks annoyed and perhaps reluctant to land on the ground. I look at Gohan, who is still on the ground. His gaze is swiveling between Bulma (who is beside him) and both of us. Krillin does not seem to be eager to carry her, and Kakarot’s brat would have trouble (even if he does have Saiyan strength) whether Bulma rested in his arms or clung to his back. I sigh, land in front of her, and try to relax my suddenly tense body.

“I will carry you there.” I state in a (mostly) steady voice.

“What?” She scowls. She opens her mouth to argue-

“Bulma, remember what we talked about?” Krillin interrupts.

“Y-yeah, Bulma!” Gohan puts his hands together. “Please?”

Her face turns red, she mutters under her breath and stands up to her full height. I start to scowl at her look of defiance, then I grip my forearms so I don’t do or say something to irritate her more.

“Fine! If your hands start to wander at any point-“ She glares and points at me.

“Why,’ I scoff, ‘would I want to touch you any more than necessary? Or do anything with you, for that matter?”

She takes a step backwards and the expression on her face rapidly flows from surprise to hurt to anger. I hear Krillin mutter ‘oh no! why did he have to say it like that?!’, and Gohan’s own expression of fear gives me pause. Why are my questions being-?

“Well, I don’t want to touch you either! But I have to get to Elder Guru’s place somehow! And you’re the only one that volunteered.” She crosses her arms and throws a frustrated glance above my left shoulder. No doubt she’s looking at Krillin, who from his ki is feeling relieved, yet slightly guilty. “Not that you’d have any idea what a pretty woman looks like, anyway.” She sniffed in a dismissive way that grated against my very thin patience.

“Pretty-?” Is that really what she’s focused on right now?! If I acknowledge that she’s attractive?? My eye twitched, and I could feel my patience finally snapping. “Do you really think I came to this planet to bed someone?!” I snarl and march towards her. “Frieza,’ I spit his name in disgust, ‘is on this planet to wish for immortality! And if he succeeds then I will die with his foot on my throat!” I find myself suddenly out of breath, and my throat feels… strained? I cough, and catch a look of pity flit across her face. The sight of which causes my blood to boil, but a short inhale through my nose helps me keep focused. “The only reason I am helping you three is because I don’t want Frieza to have his wish granted. So,’ I take a breath and hold out my arms. ‘arms or back?”

“I- what?” She asks, visibly confused.

“Do you want me to carry you with my /arms/,’ I tilt my head down towards my arms, ‘ or cling to my back?” I gesture over my shoulder and raise an eyebrow at her frown.

She stared at me for a moment, her gaze flitting between me and above my shoulder (presumably at Krillin). She huffs, and nods.

“You can carry me in your arms. But, if you try anything-’ she scowls and points at me, ‘- and I don’t care if you’re not interested in me or think I’m ugly! If you try anything while we are flying to Elder Guru’s, then I will make you wish you had never set a pinkie toe on Earth!” She puts her hands on her hips and looks at me expectantly.

My eye twitches once again and I can’t help but sigh. I already told her that I’m not interested in her (which I know is a lie because of… feelings, but I’m not telling her that), but I understand why she would still give me this… threat. Your decisions have results – good or bad, after all. I walk up to her, nod, and look her in the eyes.

“I understand. If I do try anything… which I doubt will happen, you are free to break my nose.” Not that she’d be able to, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I nearly smirk, I even feel my lips start to curl upwards! But, I refrain from doing so. I think I understand her well enough now, that smirking after making such as statement would only incite her wrath.

She squints at me while still looking me in the eyes, then searches my face for… something? She must have found whatever it was, because she nods and smiles.

“Good. At least you understand what’s at stake here.” She makes a waving gesture with her hand and claps her hands. “Now, let’s get to Elder Guru’s place!”

Two sighs and mutters of ‘finally!’ follow her statement, and I would have followed their example… If I wasn’t focused on correctly holding Bulma in my arms. If she doesn’t stop fidgeting-!

“If you keep moving about in my arms, I will drop you!”

“Wha-? How daaaAARRRE-?!” she shrieked, and her arms flailed briefly before gripping my armor, as her legs had started to fall out of my now uncurled arm.

I meet her glare with a raised eyebrow.

“Fine! I won’t move.” She grumbles and finally settles in my arms.

“Thank you.” I curl my arm back around her legs, then make sure my arm around her upper back is stable. I can’t grip her shoulder too tight, because she isn’t as durable as Krillin or Gohan. She inhaled sharply, and I could hear her heartbeat quicken as I leapt into the air. I refrained from commenting on how her death-grip on my armor transferred to my neck, because we were finally on our way to Elder Guru!

* * *

The trip was long, perhaps a few hours*? Regardless, after a certain amount of time into the journey, Krillin and I got into a small argument. I wanted to fly as fast as I was able, but Krillin wanted to fly slower. Gohan as well as Bulma managed to convince both of us to take a break. It would not shorten the flight time if we ended up fighting each other, after all. During this break, Gohan started to ask me something. But, after some hesitation, Gohan said that he ‘forgot’ what he wanted to say..? I did my best to put aside my frustration with indecisive children, and waited for the rest to fill their bellies with some rationed food and water. Once everyone was satisfied, we started the flight again. This time, our pace was not as fast I would have preferred, but it was faster than what we were going previously.

The only thing interesting that happened on the way there (besides the argument), was several energy beams that shot out into the sky in seemingly random directions. The earth moving explosions were certainly spectacular, but not worth wasting the time to admire the ‘fireworks’. My guess, was that Frieza was throwing a tantrum at how all his subordinates have failed him (and died). Or, perhaps the fact that I damaged his ship in my escape? That ki blast was sent in the direction of the power core… He’s probably the most angry about having to finally do things himself… Why am I suddenly worried at the Dragon Balls just laying out in the open?

The sight of the Elder Guru’s place was.. fascinating in the fact that his house(?) was built on a column-cliff, and it was somehow still intact after all this time.*

Never the less, I take a moment to let my feet touch the ground and assess the situation. The white house at the top of the cliff was in the shape of a dome, and had two spikes sticking out like… I think the Earth term is ‘Teevee wires’? Near the top. The windows were green domes that were spaced at intervals around the structure, as well as near the top of the building.

After I have noted the details of the house, I make sure Bulma’s feet are on the ground and I pivot around her. I don’t have to look back to hear the brief stumbling of her feet, or her angry cursing towards my back. I ignore her complaints and accusations (I may not remember what ‘manhandling’ means, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t do it!), and walk towards the Namekian that was standing outside said house to greet us.

The Namekian frowns and narrows his eyes at me, then nods to Krillin.

“Elder Guru has been expecting you.” His gaze flits back to me, and a grimace crosses his face. It was almost like he was…. reluctant to speak to me? “You… are with the Earthlings?”

“Yes.” I give a closed smile, as I feel someone (Bulma) trying to drill a hole in the back of my head with their glare. /The feeling is mutual. I don’t want to be here anymore than /you/ want to talk to /me/./ “I am here to ensure /she/,’ I gesture towards Bulma, ‘got here safely.”

The Namekian nods, and walks back in the house. Bulma marvels at the door floating out and upwards when it opens, but… I suppose such technology wouldn’t be /known/ on an ‘isolated’ planet like Earth. Such technology isn’t /common/ on most of the planets I’ve been to, but I /have/ come across it from time to time*. I refrain from rolling my eyes, and step inside the home. The Namekian stops under a hole in the ceiling-

-and the floor he’s standing on can move like a Ros-Viofron platform*? I am both surprised, and yet not at this revelation.

Anyway, we all gather on the platform and take the short journey upwards to see Elder Guru. Who I assume is the green being that is sitting on the large chair in the center of the room. The Namekian, who is apparently named ‘Nail’, introduces Elder Guru to me and Bulma. I take a step back, and gaze out large window to contemplate my- I mean, our next move. We are here to allow Kakarot’s brat to gain power. And given Nail’s reaction to me when we got here, I highly doubt Elder Guru would want to talk to me.

I am snapped out of my musings by a power level that-

That can’t be Kakarot! He’s not here yet!

Even though I can feel the Kakarot-like ki in front of me, I still find myself looking frantically around the room. My eyes finally rest on Kakarot’s- on Gohan, who is standing in front of Elder Guru. Is that power level Gohan’s? How-?!

Gohan’s ki surged into a white aura around him briefly before dissipating. He laughs, thanks Guru, and turns around with a grin on his face.

“I feel so much stronger!” He punches the air a few times. “I feel like I can beat up Frieza now!”

I snort and my laughter is echoed by the other adults in the room.

“I’m glad you feel confident about your new power! But uh… Don’t do that, ok?” Krillin chuckles nervously and pats Gohan’s shoulder.

I would add my own opinion about how foolish such an endeavor would be, but…

I find my eyes can’t look away from Guru, and even though I can’t see his eyes from this distance… Looking at him makes me feel as if I’m not wearing armor or clothes. I grip my forearms and tap a brief rhythm with the toe of my right boot against my calf in an attempt to calm down. I want to ask for that same power, but something has made my tongue feel stuck to the roof of my mouth. Failure is not an option! My stomach churns at the thought. I need that power so I can breath! To fail now-!

“-saved my children from Frieza’s violent search for power. And for that, I am grateful.”

I’m wrested from my thoughts by the sound of Guru’s cough. I glance around to see what I had missed, only to notice Nail and Dende (who is standing near Guru’s seat) move closer to him out of concern.

“Did you say something, Elder Guru?” I straighten my posture, and look at him. “And, that power- that method to gain power, give to me too.” I barely contain my emotions, and state my demand calmly.

“Elder Guru decides who is worthy of his aid, not you.” Nail’s antennae twitches in what I think is an expression of displeasure. If it wasn’t, well, his frown directed towards me for my ‘disrespect’ towards Guru certainly was.

“Calm yourself, Nail.” Guru raised a hand, as if to sooth Nail’s anger. “I was thanking you for saving my children from being killed by Frieza. So many have died by his hand already…” His voice, which was filled with pain, held an undercurrent of determination in it. “It is natural to want power, and you,’ his head shifts towards me, ‘want this power to be free from Frieza, yes?”

Those villagers survived? Or at least some of them did? I try to shake off my surprise and scowl.

“I don’t want your thanks.” I scoff and wave his ‘praise’ away. “There was no way to know if my suggestion would work. As far as I can see, Frieza’s very presence on this planet means that everyone here is a warm corpse.” I shrug and sigh. “But you are correct. I do want you to unlock my power.” I can wonder how he knows my reasons for why later. Although considering Gohan’s ki feels… unstable? Perhaps embarrassed? The child is probably the reason why.

“Do you really think that?” Bulma demands. She marches over to me, and puts her hands on her hips. “That everyone here is a ‘warm corpse’? Or do you exclude yourself from being one?” She gives me a look I can’t quite place.

“Yes.” I bite out my reply with barely restrained annoyance. “I consider myself while I am on this planet a warm corpse.” I offer my open hands to her. I will not push or smack her! “My efforts here are an even weight of failure,’ I barely stop my voice from breaking at the thought, ‘or success.” I bare my teeth, stand straight and look her in the eye. “If I am to die, it will be in this effort to stop Frieza from gaining immortality. Not,’ I press my lips together and take a short breath. ‘as his slave.” I spit out the word, because it was the truth of what I was to Frieza. I can’t ignore what I am while I am under his foot anymore..

Bulma takes a few steps back. Several emotions flash across her face, the prominent one being surprise.

“I-I see.” Her eyebrows furrow together as she rubs her arm and looks at her boots.

The tone of her voice was strange, and it made my heart feel like it was being squeezed. Why did I bare my teeth at her anyway? She isn’t a physical threat to me, nor is she doing anything that is truly angering me. You only bare your teeth if you’re ready to bite, after all.

“Vegeta,’ Elder Guru’s voice cut through my contemplation, ‘come to me, so I can see if you are worthy of my aid.”

I stare at him for a moment, then barely restrain myself from running up to the old Namekian. I stand before him, and take a deep breath.

“I am ready.” I state and stand at attention.

“Before I see if you are ready, I would like you to answer one question.” He lays his hand on top of my head, and the weight of it is not as heavy as I would have expected-

“Of Course.” I answer in as respectable tone as I can manage. I will not embarrass myself with excitement!

“Thank you for telling Dende to ask his elders if other races spit eggs out of their mouths, or why other races would need two of their kind to create a child. But,’ he frowns, ‘why did you tell Dende such a thing in the first place?”

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Ah, at least the kid asked an adult-

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Wait.

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Why does Elder Guru’s tone sound like he’s disappointed-?

.

.

.

IS HE SCOLDING ME FOR TELLING A CHILD THAT NOT EVERY RACE PRODUCES CHILDREN LIKE NAMEKIANS DO?!

I can hear choked laughter behind me, both masculine and feminine! I take slow breaths as my face becomes warm, and the weight of Guru’s hand is somehow calming amongst the rage and embarrassment that is trying to overwhelm me. I take a breath, and concentrate my anger into my clenched fists.

“This… discussion started with her,’ I explain through gritted teeth and gesture behind me with my thumb, ‘assuming that Namekians are the same as Humans and Saiyans.”

“Wha- Hey! Don’t blame me for you getting scolded! I mean, you almost explained how Saiyans make babies!” She yells. Her ki spikes in anger and embarrassment, and I can feel my lips twitch upwards. “It’s just weird that Namekians don’t have two genders, is all. I mean, Namekians look like men!” She huffs and I hear her feet move slightly across the floor.

Her defense at her actions is laughably weak. And is she pouting?

“I wasn’t going to actually explain Saiyan methods for… creating children. I may not know how old Dende is, but he is clearly too young to understand such things, anyway.” I take a breath to calm my emotions. “And according to Gohan, not every animal on your home planet has two genders. So you should not have assumed that races who live on another planet amongst the stars would function like that.” I start to turn to face her, but the weight on my head reminds me of my purpose. “So, the reason why I told Dende such a thing was to correct Bulma’s question of ‘aren’t there Namekian women?’.”

“I see.” Guru nods, and smiles. “Dende told me something similar.”

My eyebrow twitches. At least he sounds pleased at my answer?

“I will now see if you are worthy of my aid.” Guru states, and I feel something prodding my mind.

I try my best to relax and not throw up a barrier to block the mental intrusion. My worries of the future come to mind, and- Do I.. show him what I know and remember? The image of the last pose in the ‘fusing dance’ comes to mind – two people standing side by side, leaning towards each other at an angle with their hands(?) touching, then the fusing earrings (which look similar to Zarbon’s) sparkling yellow, no, green(?) in the light. Goku with his hair a burning blonde-

“It’s over-!*“ Part of a memory from my first life briefly breaks through, then leaves in a trail of scouter transmission static. A blurry afterimage of burning blue eyes full of rage flits across my mind’s eye, then vanishes.

I shove those thoughts to the side, and try to focus on the vastness of space… But that only reminds me of what will happen to Namek if Frieza succeeds. No, I can’t think of that! Goku is on his way! So we have to stall and ensure Frieza doesn’t get his wish! I would love to be the one responsible for the final blow! Regardless, his death will mean my freedom, but after? …I suppose Earth wouldn’t be the worst place to live until I figure out what I want to do…

Carving out the horizon line of any place I choose? Without any shame or attempts to hide what I’m doing? Singing and hearing new songs? Do humans do similar things for entertainment? The mere thought of doing what I want fills me with want… and a strange fear.

“You have heard of the Metamoran Fusion Technique*?” Guru’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts. “Hmm, I have not seen that kind of earring before. Considering how faded your memories are, it has been a long time since you have learned of either of these methods, yes?” His next words are quieter, as if he was thinking to himself. “You have seen the Super Saiyan legend*? If you can use it, I’m sure Frieza can be stopped-“

“The WHAT technique-?! It has a name?” The questions leaves my mouth before I can form a proper sentence, or control the volume of my voice. I try to wrangle the mixture of emotions that have burst to the surface. “I mean, I have only heard of those methods-“ Elder Guru knows of the Super Saiyan legend?! “I-“ I grit my teeth as I register the absolute silence that feels like a yawning void at my back. “I don’t know how to achieve the Super Saiyan legend. What I- and you saw, was from a- a dream.” My voice feels like I tried to swallow a lump of dirt filled with shards of metal. If I knew how to do it- “That’s why I need- would like you to aid me in unlocking my potential, Elder Guru.” I suddenly feel drained, as if I had been fighting for a week without sleep or rest.

“The evil in your heart would normally mean you are not worthy of my help.” Guru states in a solemn tone. “But.. even as a dream, you have seen the Saiyan Legend*. And for that, I will unlock your potential.” He smiles at me, and my surprise is enough that I can only nod in thanks.

“Lord Guru! You’re going to help him?! I can feel the evil in his heart from here!” Nail protests with frustration in his voice.

“Nail,’ Guru’s antennae twitch and contract in an almost circular pattern, ‘I have made my decision.” His voice is firm, and yet I don’t feel any malice from him?

“Yes, Lord Guru…” Nail replies, and from the feel of his ki… is that an undercurrent of amusement? Happiness? “Forgive me for speaking against your decision.”

What is he happy about?

“Do not apologize for voicing your concerns, Nail.” It may be my imagination, but is there an undercurrent of regret in Guru’s voice? “Now, I will unlock your potential.”

The weight on my head hasn’t changed, but it felt heavier all the same. Would he-

A feeling like electricity shot through my body. No, not just electricity! It felt like insects had buried under my skin, and at the same time I had the energy to run from one end of the universe to the other. This power! Is this what Gohan felt when Guru unlocked his potential? I don’t realize I’m sitting on the ground until I register the dull pain in my backside. I wave off Gohan’s concerns and stand up.

“Thank you, Elder Guru.“ I turn to Guru and hold my fist against my chest in a Saiyan salute*.

“Th-there is-“ Guru coughs, and Dende grabs onto Guru’s arm. “An incredibly powerful force approaching our planet.” Guru looks at me, then everyone else in the room.

“What are you talking about?” I ask. Even though I don’t want to see if my suspicions are correct, I still stretch my ki sense as far as it can go. “Is Kakarot-“

A powerful ki is coming closer to Namek! Not as half as powerful as Frieza, but-

No, it’s more than one person. What group of people would be coming here-?

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No!

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It can’t be! Why would Frieza summon them?!

My chest freezes. I try to take a breath, but my body decided it would be one the rare moments that I would feel fear. My limbs try to lock up, but I somehow force a stuttering breath. I distantly hear Krillin foolishly state that it’s Kakarot’s arrival. I want to scoff at his optimism, but the only thing I can think- can do is clench my fists. I do find some solace when I hear Gohan confirm what I could feel.

“Why are the Ginyu Force coming here?!”

Notes:

Thank you for reading! Take this time to stretch your legs and drink some water. Even if it’s just walking around your house. Having your legs go numb on you is not fun!
* Hon’zu – bone to fasten (to string). Inspired by the Japanese words ‘Hone’ meaning ‘Bone’, and ‘Tsuke’ meaning ‘to fasten’. I just took the words and threw them together, then swapped the ‘ts’ with a ‘z’.
*Completely making this up! But it makes sense that the Saiyans wouldn’t be completely united under one ruler since the beginning. I imagine that the Saiyan race went through a sort of ‘warring states’ period before being ruled under a king. Or, at least there was a lot of inner conflict amongst the Saiyan people before they ‘united’ under a king.
*Just started to read the first volume of the Frieza arc. And Zarbon’s jewelry is silver and gold! And the gems are PURPLE! Where in the anime, his jewelry and the ‘gems’ are silver/grey! I was a little disappointed when I saw the manga panels and realized that the anime made his jewelry bland (to me).
*Inspired by The Last Survivor by BearstarSeraph. Really cool idea where Vegeta gets picked to be on a Survivor type of show. In it, Vegeta mentions that Saiyans create bone jewelry from their kills- animal or otherwise.
*I couldn’t find an answer for how long it takes to fly to Elder Guru’s house, but I would think it takes at least a few hours.
*I am once again faced with technical issue as to HOW I am going to use Dragon Ball Z as a reference for this fic! I figured something out, but it took some time to get it all figured out and situated.
*I am making this up. As it’s never explained how the floating doors/platforms used on Namek are created or how they work. Nor, if this kind of technology exists in other parts of the universe.
*Again, making this up. But I feel like ‘elevator’ wouldn’t be a universal word for ‘moving platform for transport between floors’. So, I just took some words from the scientific classification names for blackberries and stuck them together - ‘Rosids’, and ‘violaceifrons’. Thus, ‘Ros-Viofron Platform’!
*When Goku and Vegeta successfully fuse into Gogeta in the Fusion Reborn movie, he says ‘It’s over Janemba! I’ve come for you!”. It’s a really cool scene! The music in that scene is really cool as well!
*It has just occurred to me as I'm editing this and getting ready to publish this new chapter, that neither Dende nor any other Namekian states when they gain their knowledge of the Metamorans (or Metamoran Fusion for that matter). It could be before Frieza's trip to Namek or after Frieza is dealt with. So, I've decided that Namekians (or at least Guru) knows of the Metamorans for some time before Frieza arrives on planet!
*The legend of the Super Saiyan goes along the lines of: a Saiyan with a ‘pure heart’ will gain exponential power, and has not been seen in a thousand years. I can't find any mention of whether hair/eye color change is know in the legend (if someone has a reference for IF it is mentioned then by all means point me to it!), as it mostly states 'gaining power'. OSP has a great video on the Super Saiyan prophecy, by the way.
*I can’t find any evidence of the Saiyans having a traditional salute. So, I just went with the first thing that came to mind, haha.
*Thanks to vonigner, thefreakoutsideyourwindow, and a-rainbow-girl-detective for helping me with figuring out how to deal with Guru’s decision of unlocking Vis’ potential!
I felt the chapter was getting too long, so I split it up this way. So if the ending seems odd, that's why.
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Ok, so I’m going to try something new. I’m going to pose two questions for the readers.
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Question 1: What was your favorite line from this chapter and why?
Question 2: To the writers, do you have your new chapters as new documents? Or do you have all the chapters in one big document?

Notes:

*I don't know if this is ever stated to be why the healing pods work the way they do. It just makes sense a warrior race would do everything in their ability/power to perfect healing as fast as possible to get back into the fray. Especially since the Saiyan race seemed to value strength pretty much above everything else.
*Again, it makes sense that the Cold Empire would take 'useful' things and adopt them for the whole army. The Saiyan armor became the standard because it was cheaper to produce armor that could literally fit almost any body type than having to manually adjust armor to fit the wearer. Why not the same for the healing pods?
*I did some research and the lizard alien with hair that treats Vegeta's wounds after his battle on earth doesn't have a canon name. I decided to come up with my own. His name, Nusvara is Varanus switched around. Varanus is part of the scientific name for the Komodo Monitor lizard (aka Komodo Dragon).
*Pretty sure this is true for Saiyans. However, in the Super Broly movie Goku is shown wearing a coat when he's in the arctic. So, I could be wrong about this?
*To my knowledge, it's never explained why Vegeta and others put in the healing tanks are stripped of their clothes, so I just made up one.
*The song he's thinking of is : 'The Knuckle Song', it's called that because you only have to use your knuckles to play it on the piano.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of What Kept You Alive?