Saiyan Might
The ground had taken quite a beating. Multiple craters and the rubble of shattered boulders lay strewn across the landscape, the aftermath of a fierce and unforgiving battle. Wind swept over the lifeless bodies of Chiaotzu and Nappa, their sacrifices now silent witnesses to the chaos that had unfolded.
Goku and Vegeta stood tall, the only two left alive on the battlefield. The serene sounds of birds chirping could be heard, a stark contrast to the devastation around them. It was the calm before the storm, a momentary lull that seemed almost surreal given the destruction.
Goku glanced at Chiaotzu's body from the corner of his eye. The sight weighed heavily on him, and he didn't want to fight here any longer. "What do you say about a change of scenery?" he asked, his voice calm but resolute.
Vegeta chuckled, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "As you wish, Kakarot," he replied, his tone filled with both amusement and anticipation.
Goku smiled, feeling a strange sense of relief. "Follow me," he said before igniting his aura and blasting off into the sky, a trail of energy following in his wake.
Vegeta smirked and took off after him.
...
Goku flew ahead, carefully monitoring Vegeta's ki as he followed behind. Goku's eyes scanned the area below, searching for the perfect spot. 'I need space—somewhere far enough that Chiaotzu's body is not affected by our fight.' His heart ached as he remembered the old friend.
The wind rushed past as they flew through the clear sky. This should be far enough, he thought, eyeing the landscape beneath them. Jagged rocks and an open plain stretched out, untouched by civilization.
"Here. This is the place," he said aloud, as much to himself as to Vegeta.
With that, Goku descended and landed atop a rock formation.
Vegeta landed on a rock formation opposite him, slightly taller than Goku's, the height giving him a slight psychological edge. He wanted it to be known who was the superior here.
The two last full-blooded Saiyans stood tall, sizing each other up, their eyes locking in a silent challenge.
Vegeta broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Before the fight begins, I have an offer for you, Kakarot."
"I'm listening," Goku replied, his tone measured and curious.
"Good," Vegeta continued. "I have to tell you something. You may not know this, but both of us are the last of the Saiyans left. The last members of a proud race of warriors. It would be a shame for us to be on the verge of each other's blood."
Goku remained silent, listening carefully, his mind racing with possibilities.
"That's why I'm willing to give you a chance. Team up with me."
"Huh?" Goku looked surprised, his brows knitting together.
"Yes. I'm willing to spare your child and perhaps your woman as well. But the rest of Earth's inhabitants shall perish. This planet is going to be sold for billions, Kakarot! Together, with our combined strengths and the money we get from this planet, we will be unstoppable! Nobody in the universe would be able to stand up to us! And besides all of this, you will have the honor of serving me, Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans."
Goku looked on, saying nothing, his mind processing the enormity of Vegeta's proposal.
"After selling this planet, you could have anything you want, Kakarot. Fame, wealth, power, women—you name it."
Goku looked down, his expression hidden by his hair, a shadow passing over his features. "I'm sorry. But I'll pass."
Vegeta looked startled, his confident demeanor faltering. "What?!"
Goku looked up, revealing a smirk. "I have everything a man could want right here, on this planet."
Vegeta clenched his fist, his anger flaring. "You are an imbecile, Kakarot," he spat. "If you wish to die, then so be it. But remember, I won't make this offer again."
Goku fell into his battle stance, lowering his body with one hand extended in front of him and the other raised behind him, his eyes locked on Vegeta. "Nah, I'm fine."
Vegeta assumed his own battle stance, a clenched fist raised in front of his forehead and the other hand poised at his side, ready to unleash his fury. The tension between them crackled in the air, the prelude to an epic confrontation.
The two stood in their positions for a few seconds, the tension between them palpable. A breeze blew by, rustling their hair and clothes. Then, suddenly, Goku took off.
The Saiyan from Earth lunged at Vegeta with a punch, but the Prince easily dodged it by tilting his neck, his movements fluid and precise.
A kick from Goku was blocked by Vegeta's forearm. Goku repeatedly began to throw punches, but they were effortlessly dodged or parried away, each strike becoming a blur of motion. The battle was gradually moving into the air, their auras flaring as they clashed.
Vegeta now went on the offensive. His kick aimed at Goku's gut was expertly dodged, Goku's agility matching Vegeta's aggression.
Vegeta then tried to punch his opponent in the chest, but Goku deflected it to the side with a swift motion. Finally, a left hook from Vegeta connected, sending Goku staggering back, the impact resonating through his body.
Goku winced, recovering quickly, but when he looked ahead, Vegeta had disappeared.
Goku gritted his teeth and scanned the area. "There!" he exclaimed, spotting Vegeta atop a rock formation. He dashed towards him at full speed, but Vegeta vanished at the last moment, leaving Goku's kick to collide with the structure instead, causing it to crumble into pieces.
Goku immediately dashed towards where Vegeta had gone. His kick missed its target again, destroying yet another rock formation with explosive force.
Goku's eyes widened as he sensed a ki blast approaching him. He jumped up just in time, but Vegeta's kick connected with his back, sending a shockwave through his spine. The prince then reappeared in front of him to punch him in the jaw, the force of the blow sending Goku reeling.
Goku was pushed back, but he managed to descend and land atop the rock formation where the battle had started.
Vegeta too landed, a confident smirk spreading across his features, his posture relaxed and arrogant.
Goku was panting visibly, his breath coming in heavy bursts.
"If that's your best, Kakarot, then I am truly disappointed. I will have you know that I am just getting warmed up," Vegeta taunted, his voice dripping with condescension.
Goku smiled to himself, despite the odds. 'If what he is saying is true, then I am in big trouble,' he thought. 'It's strange though... Even though things look grim, I'm having the time of my life.' Maybe battles like this were what his Saiyan blood yearned for.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow as he saw Kakarot smile. 'What is he smiling about? Is he holding back? Or has he finally lost it?' he wondered, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
Goku widened his stance, deciding to reveal his trump card. He didn't want to use this technique, but it looked like he had no choice. "Kayo-Ken!" he shouted as a crimson aura enveloped him, his power surging dramatically.
Vegeta's eyes widened in shock as, in a flash, Goku was upon him.
BAM!
Spit flew out of Vegeta's mouth as Goku's fist connected with his cheek. Before he could recover, however, Goku slammed a roundhouse kick into his side, sending him flying across the rocky landscape.
Goku brought his hands to his hips, preparing his signature move. This could be it! "Kamehameha!" he shouted, a brilliant blue beam of energy forming between his palms and then surging towards Vegeta.
Vegeta recovered mid-air, his teeth gnashing together. He saw the blue beam of energy approaching him. "HAA!" With a yell, the Saiyan prince punched at the beam, deflecting it away with sheer force.
Goku was shocked by this, his eyes wide with disbelief.
BAM!
Spit flew out of Goku's mouth as Vegeta's punch connected with his chin, the blow coming out of nowhere.
Goku recovered mid-air, steadying himself. Vegeta floated in front of him, a confident smirk on his face.
Vegeta stood there with a smirk, a mark of injury on his face where Goku's punch had landed but otherwise looking perfectly okay. "I must admit, I am impressed, Kakarot. You are the strongest Saiyan I have ever encountered besides myself! It's commendable, really," he said, his tone almost mocking.
Goku smirked back. "Well, thanks," he replied, his voice steady.
Vegeta chuckled darkly. "Too bad all of your potential is going to be wasted, fighting for a lost cause. You know, Kakarot, the fate of your planet was sealed the moment we heard about its abundant supply of Ragon in space."
Goku didn't reply, his expression serious and focused. He could sense his opponent's ki beginning to rise, the air around them crackling with energy.
"Now, behold," Vegeta shouted, tensing himself as his power level skyrocketed. "The power of Vegeta!"
A dark purple aura enveloped the Saiyan prince. He gritted his teeth, his body vibrating as wind kicked up from his aura, swirling the dust and debris around him in a fierce cyclone.
Goku looked dazed, eyes wide with a mix of alarm and amazement. 'Oh God,' he thought, his heart pounding in his chest.
Dark clouds floated ominously above them, casting long shadows across the battlefield. Beneath the clouds, Vegeta's aura was shining brightly, illuminating the landscape in a sinister light. The prince was shouting with effort, his power level continuing to rise exponentially, his muscles bulging with the strain.
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Master Roshi sat, his face etched with concern, as the reading on the scouter continued to climb. "The Saiyan's power is rising dramatically!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry.
Khami, Mr. Popo, and Korin stood nearby, their faces mirroring Roshi's anxiety. The air was thick with tension. Even the normally stoic Mr. Popo seemed unsettled.
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Goku was sweating profusely as he hovered in the air, watching Vegeta power up. The sheer force of Vegeta's energy was almost overwhelming; he could feel the intense heat radiating from the prince's aura, which shimmered violently. The atmosphere crackled with energy, making the very air around them feel heavy and oppressive.
With a final, ear-piercing yell, Vegeta halted his show of strength. He looked at Goku with a devious grin, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. The air crackled with electricity, and Goku could feel a cold shiver run down his spine despite the oppressive heat.
Goku's eyes widened in alarm. He knew what was coming. Vegeta was going to attack.
BAM!
Blood sprayed from Goku's mouth as Vegeta's kick collided with his gut, the impact nearly doubling him over in pain. The blow felt like a sledgehammer, driving deep into his abdomen and forcing the air from his lungs.
"Say goodbye!" Vegeta shouted, raising his arms and hammering Goku down with both of his fists. The force of the blow sent Goku hurtling towards the ground, the shockwave spreading out and leaving a crater upon impact.
Goku barely managed to correct himself, landing shakily on his feet. "Kaioken times two!" he shouted, the crimson aura enveloping him once again. The energy surged through his veins as he dashed back into the air towards Vegeta with his fist extended.
Vegeta dodged the attack easily, Goku's momentum carrying him past his opponent. The wind rushed past Goku's ears as he narrowly missed, frustration mounting within him.
Goku rushed towards Vegeta once again. This time, the prince blocked the punch with a smirk and retaliated with his own, pushing Goku backward with a powerful blow.
Vegeta then threw a ki blast, which collided with Goku's shoulder.
DISHOO!
Goku was sent spiraling away, helplessly spinning in the air. The intense heat of the ki blast singed his skin, the acrid smell of burnt flesh filling his nostrils. Once again, he managed to recover in time to stabilize himself in mid-air, but he was visibly injured now. The last blast had caused a large burn wound on his chest near his shoulder, the flesh charred and smoking. Every breath he took was labored.
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Hundreds of miles away...
Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan arrived at the hospital in Wolver City. Tien and Yamcha, who were unconscious, were admitted urgently, their injuries severe.
Piccolo and Krillin had decided that they wouldn't be having any treatment before the battle was truly over. They were hoping that Goku's newfound strength would be enough, but just in case it didn't prove to be, they knew they would have to jump in again.
Gohan had refused treatment as well. He was adamant about helping his dad if need be, his determination shining through his young eyes.
The three warriors jumped into the air, heading back to the battlefield. Their plan was to stay low and keep their energies hidden until the going got tough.
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Goku stood, panting and trembling with pain and exertion. The Kaio-Ken technique was beginning to take a toll on his body, every muscle screaming in protest.
...
Yajirobe peeped from behind a rock, his heart pounding in his chest. This was bad! Goku was looking worn out, his usual vigor nowhere to be seen.
Yajirobe still didn't know why he was here in the first place. Maybe it was his guilty conscience that while his friends fought and Chiaotzu was martyred, he had done absolutely nothing to help them. (Besides that one Senzu bean, of course.)
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Yajirobe was still finding it hard to believe that Chiaotzu was no longer with them. The little guy was always so cheerful. In the months they had trained together, Yajirobe had begun to have a liking for him.
"Poor guy," Yajirobe sniffed, wiping a tear from his eye. "We didn't get to have a goodbye hunt even..." He remembered how he had taken the little guy out for hunting with him once. Chiaotzu had actually turned out to be a fantastic cook, much to his surprise. Yajirobe's breath caught in his throat as he realized he wouldn't ever be able to have a taste of Chiaotzu's company or cooking again.
Yajirobe now looked at the tired figure of Goku. "Maybe I should do something to help..." he muttered to himself, steeling his resolve.
...
Goku was still panting audibly, his body aching with every breath.
Vegeta scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "You are beginning to bore me, Kakarot. Don't tell me you are done already."
Goku forced a grin, his determination unyielding. "Far from it," he said, though his body language said otherwise, his stance wobbly.
Vegeta laughed out loud at Goku's reply, his amusement echoing across the battlefield.
Goku gritted his teeth and widened his stance, preparing himself for what came next. He didn't know if he was going to survive this, but he had to try.
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On a distant green planet, amidst the tranquil scenery...
King Gai sat on his rocking chair, reading a newspaper. The serene environment was a stark contrast to the turmoil Goku was facing.
The blue master lowered the paper and looked to the sky, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and hope. "I wonder how Goku is doing. I just hope he doesn't overdo the Kaio-Ken attack," he murmured, his voice tinged with worry.
Beside his master, Bubbles was hopping energetically, making his usual sounds. "Haa-haa-oo-oo-ee-ee," he chirped, seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation.
Gregory, the diminutive, cricket-like creature, floated near. "Don't worry, King Gai. Goku will be fine. All of our prayers are with him," he reassured, his voice calm yet resolute.
King Gai nodded, but his furrowed brow betrayed his inner turmoil.
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...
Back at Mount Paozu, inside a secluded room in Goku's house...
Gohan's mother, Chi-Chi, sat on the floor, her hands raised in prayer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pleaded silently. 'Oh God, please, protect them. Surely you are the best of protectors.'
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..
..
Goku glared ahead, his teeth clenched tightly as his body trembled with the effort of containing his growing power. Agony ripped through his muscles, each one screaming in protest, but he pushed through the searing pain.
Steam began to rise off his skin, swirling around him like smoke from a wildfire, his body radiating heat and energy.
Vegeta's confident smirk faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief. The air around them shimmered with the force of Goku's energy, the very ground seeming to tremble beneath their feet. The power Goku was unleashing was unlike anything Vegeta had expected.
Goku's screams grew louder, his muscles bulging unnaturally, veins standing out like thick cables under immense pressure. His entire body seemed to vibrate with raw, untamed power, each second pushing him further beyond his limits.
Vegeta's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock. This was no ordinary power-up. Kakarot wasn't just stronger—he was tapping into reserves Vegeta hadn't thought conceivable.
'How is this possible?' Vegeta's mind raced, his disbelief etched across his face. How could he have been holding back all this time? The prince, who had always prided himself on being the superior warrior—the elite—was watching in awe as Kakarot shattered every expectation, surpassing limits that Vegeta himself had never breached.
Suddenly, a fiery crimson aura ignited around Goku, engulfing him in a blazing halo of energy. "Kaio-Ken... times three!" Goku shouted, his voice booming across the battlefield, the force of it sending shockwaves through the air.
Vegeta's astonishment deepened as the rock formation he stood on began to crumble, the ground violently shaking from the sheer intensity of Goku's power. The energy pouring off his opponent was overwhelming, suffocating.
In the blink of an eye, Goku was right in front of him, his fist pulled back, brimming with unstoppable force.
Time seemed to freeze for Vegeta. His wide eyes locked onto Goku's clenched fist, realizing—too late—the devastation that was about to hit him.
And then—BAM!
Goku's punch slammed into Vegeta's cheekbone with an earth-shattering impact, the force sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
The prince was sent flying at high speeds, but Goku was even faster. The Saiyan from Earth reappeared below his opponent and kicked Vegeta's lower back with both legs.
Vegeta was sent upwards by the blow. The prince used all his willpower to stop himself mid-air, his face an expression of pure rage.
With a scream, he ignited his aura around him and dashed towards Goku with a kick. However, Goku dodged the attack and used his knee to hit Vegeta in the chest.
"Argh!" Vegeta gasped in pain, his breath knocked out of him.
Goku then punched Vegeta on the forehead, sending him flying and crashing into a rock formation. A hole was left in it from where Vegeta had entered.
Goku's crimson aura disappeared as he waited for Vegeta to come out. A few moments passed by. Goku could still clearly sense his opponent's energy.
"RAAAAAH!"
A huge explosion erupted from the rock formation, reducing it to fragments and revealing an enraged Vegeta. Vegeta's face was contorted with pure fury, his forehead bleeding from Goku's last blow.
Goku reignited his aura and dashed towards Vegeta once again.
Vegeta pulled back his fist to attack the oncoming Saiyan, but Goku changed course to come from behind and kicked him on the back.
Vegeta fell onto his face, the impact cracking the ground.
The prince slowly got up, still trembling with pure rage. With an expletive, he hurled a punch at Goku, only for it to be caught. He then threw another punch, but it was caught too.
Goku then squeezed his opponent's fists, causing Vegeta to howl in pain, his head pulled back in agony.
It was then that Goku released Vegeta's hands and implanted his fist into Vegeta's abdomen.
Vegeta's mouth dropped open. He clasped his abdomen with both hands, doubling over in pain. Blood flew out of his mouth, splattering onto the ground.
Goku stood, panting visibly with exertion as he watched Vegeta take steps backward, his legs trembling.
Vegeta turned and fell on his side, his back facing Goku. The prince was still holding his abdomen, his face contorted in a mixture of agony and disbelief. 'How?! How could Kakarot, a low-class Saiyan, do this to him?! Him! The Prince of all Saiyans!'
Vegeta coughed, blood dribbling from his lips.
Goku looked on, his own body barely holding together. He didn't know how much longer he could sustain the Kaiyoken attack. This was a much-needed respite, but he knew it wouldn't last long.
Vegeta gritted his teeth. The prince suddenly spun to his feet and propelled himself into the air. His eyes blazed with fury, and his voice ripped through the sky like thunder.
"KAKAROT!" he roared, the name laced with venom. "IF YOU ARE TRULY YOUR FATHER'S SON, FACE THIS ATTACK HEAD-ON!" His entire body pulsed with raw, untamed energy, a violent purple aura erupting around him. The power surging through him felt limitless as the prince of Saiyans screamed, his voice echoing like a war cry across the battlefield.
On the ground, Goku's heart raced. He wasn't ready. He needed more time, but it was clear he wasn't going to get any. The air crackled with tension as Goku, his face tight with pain, knew the moment had come. There was no running away from this. He ignited his own crimson aura which swirled around him like flames. Every muscle in his body screamed in agony, but he forced his hands to his waist.
"Kamehame..." Goku grunted through gritted teeth, feeling the strain of his energy, barely holding it together. Around him, the ground appeared to shake violently. Rocks levitated, as though the landscape itself was holding its breath in anticipation.
Above him, Vegeta's aura crackled like lightning, growing darker, more intense. His face twisted into a snarl. 'This ends now.'
"NOW SAY GOODBYE, KAKAROT! GALICK GUN…FIRE!" Vegeta screamed, his voice tearing through the heavens as he unleashed a massive beam of violet energy. The blast was enormous—larger than Vegeta himself—tearing through the sky and obliterating everything in its path.
"HA!" Goku cried, releasing his Kamehameha wave, the brilliant blue energy exploding from his palms with enough force to shake the air. The two beams collided mid-way, the shockwave of the impact sending cracks across the ground and blasting apart the battlefield in a blinding flash of light.
For a moment, the world seemed to stand still.
The sheer force of the energy beams crashing against one another was unbearable, pushing out waves of power that rippled through the entire area. Yajirobe, who had been watching from a distance, was thrown violently backward, tumbling like a leaf caught in a storm.
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Master Roshi's scouter beeped wildly, the numbers spiking beyond comprehension. The old man's face went pale as the device trembled, then exploded into pieces. His voice was barely above a whisper. "What in the world? "
Khami wiped sweat from his brow, staring into the distance where the battle raged. "It's... unimaginable," he muttered, awe-struck.
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Above the battlefield, Vegeta grunted, pouring every last drop of his power into his Galick Gun. He could barely comprehend it. His attack, meant to utterly destroy the entire area, was being met and matched by Kakarot, a low-class warrior!
"This is impossible!" Vegeta growled, his muscles screaming under the strain as he pushed harder. "Kakarot, you... YOU'RE NOTHING!"
With a primal scream Vegeta poured the last of his reserves into the attack, his beam swelling in size.
On the ground, Goku's body trembled with the effort. The tremendous force of Vegeta's power was beginning to overwhelm him. His Kamehameha was losing ground. Desperation clawed at his chest. 'I can't lose... everyone's counting on me!'
Suddenly, Goku's eyes snapped open. There was only one thing left he could do. He had held this one back, hoping it wouldn't come to this, but now... "KAIYOKEN... TIMES FOUR!"
With a scream that shook the air, Goku's body erupted with a surge of power far beyond anything he had tapped into before. His aura exploded into a blinding red inferno, and the force of his Kamehameha wave doubled in size, roaring back against Vegeta's attack.
"NOOOO!" Vegeta screamed, his face twisting in terror as his Galick Gun was consumed by Goku's overpowering wave of energy. The prince tried to hold his ground, but the force was too much. In an instant, Goku's attack slammed into him, engulfing him in a torrent of searing blue energy.
Vegeta's scream echoed as he was launched high into the sky, his body flung like a ragdoll, carried away by the unstoppable force of Goku's Kamehameha. He disappeared from sight, swallowed by the clouds and the light of the attack.
On the ground, Goku staggered, panting heavily. His body ached from the exertion, every muscle trembling with fatigue. The fiery crimson aura of the Kaioken flickered and died out around him. He had nothing left.
The battlefield fell into a deafening silence, broken only by the soft hum of the lingering energy in the air. The rocks that had been floating around slowly drifted back to the ground.
Goku, breathing hard, looked up toward the sky where Vegeta had disappeared. He had survived... but for how long?
...
Yajirobe lay flat on his back, staring at the sky when he noticed something— something distant and fading—shooting upwards and disappearing from view. He squinted, his mind racing. Had Goku's attack really overpowered the Saiyan's?
With a sudden burst of excitement, Yajirobe scrambled to his feet. A wide grin spread across his face as he rushed forward to congratulate his friend.
"Hey, Goku!" he called, his voice booming with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
Goku, still catching his breath, blinked in surprise as he saw the rotund swordsman approaching swiftly. "Yajirobe?"
In an instant, Yajirobe was at Goku's side, clapping him on the back. "Great job dealing with that Saiyan! I almost thought he had you back there." His hand landed with a hearty slap, only for Goku to cry out in pain.
Startled, Yajirobe froze, his expression bewildered. "What the—?"
Goku grimaced, forcing a strained smile. "That last attack took a lot out of me... I'm still feeling it."
Yajirobe chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. "Well, hey, at least you got rid of that Saiyan."
Goku's expression shifted, more serious now. "Actually... I didn't. I'm afraid the last attack wasn't enough to finish him off. He's hurt, but he'll be back soon."
Yajirobe's face drained of color, his earlier confidence evaporating in an instant. He chuckled nervously, backing away. "W-Well... I just remembered something, Goku. Something real important."
Without waiting for a response, Yajirobe spun on his heel and took off, running as fast as his legs would carry him, his retreat almost comical.
Goku stared after him, utterly confused. 'What could he have possibly remembered?' He scratched his head, wincing from the lingering pain. 'Maybe he left something in the oven.'
...
High above, Vegeta was yelling in agony as he continued to be pushed upwards by Goku's Kamehameha wave. His body was battered, and his armor cracked and broken in several places. With a final, desperate effort, he broke free from the energy beam, veering off to the side.
"Hah... ha... ha..." Vegeta panted heavily, his chest heaving. The once proud Saiyan prince was now a tattered mess.
He clenched his fists in fury. "WHY?! WHY?! HE SHOULD BE NOTHING COMPARED TO ME!" Vegeta screamed at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the twilight sky.
He looked around frantically, searching for a solution. 'What can I do to defeat him?' The sky was darkening into dusk, casting long shadows across the battlefield. If only it were a full-moon night. 'Blast it!' he cursed. It wasn't.
Then, a memory surfaced. Vegeta remembered something he had learned years ago, a wicked grin spreading across his face. Yes! This should work! Kakarot didn't have his tail anymore!
The prince began to descend, heading back towards where he expected Kakarot to be. His descent was slow and calculated, his mind racing with plans.
...
Goku stood, still panting for breath, his body aching with exhaustion. He sensed Vegeta's approach, the energy signature growing stronger. 'Great,' he thought wearily.
Vegeta landed in front of Goku, a confident grin spreading across his features. He clenched his fist in front of him. "Any hopes you held of defeating me are about to be sent flying out of the window."
Goku remained silent, his eyes narrowed. He had become accustomed to the boasts of his enemies over his past twelve years or so of fighting.
Vegeta laughed maniacally. "Now watch the true power of a Saiyan warrior! Something a tail-less mutant like you could never hope to achieve!" With that, Vegeta threw a ball of ki into the sky.
Goku huffed, his mind half-wondering if he should tell Vegeta that he wasn't a mutant. His tail had simply been removed multiple times when he was young, and now it refused to re-grow.
Vegeta's gaze was fixed on the orb of energy he had thrown, his heartbeat increasing by the second. The orb began to glow brighter, illuminating the darkening sky.
"What?!" Goku was startled as Vegeta's eyes turned pure white, his muscles bulged, and his teeth elongated into fangs.
A pang of fear shot through Goku as Vegeta began to increase in size, hair sprouting all over his body. This was unlike anything he had ever seen.
Vegeta howled loudly, his deep voice echoing across the landscape. The ground shook beneath his massive form, his eyes burning with a savage fury.
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Piccolo, Gohan, and Krillin arrived at the battlefield where they had fought Nappa earlier. The ground was still scarred from the intense battle, craters and scorch marks littering the landscape. However, Goku and Vegeta were nowhere to be seen.
Both Gohan and Krillin trembled with fear.
Gohan's mouth hung open. "D-did you hear that, Krillin?"
Krillin was shivering, eyes darting around nervously. "Whatever it was, it didn't sound good."
Piccolo gritted his teeth, scanning the horizon. Could it be? No. The moon wasn't up. The Namekian's eyes widened as he spotted something just over the horizon. "Gohan... Krillin... I think Goku may be in trouble."
"What?" Gohan's worry was palpable as he clenched his fists. "No. Dad..."
Krillin was still shaking. "It couldn't be that, Piccolo. Could it?"
Piccolo forced a smile, sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'm afraid it is."
Krillin looked pale, fear gripping him.
"What is it, Krillin?" asked Gohan, his voice quivering.
Piccolo grinned nervously. "You'll find out when we get there, Gohan. Your dad needs our help."
Krillin gulped and nodded, composing himself as best he could.
"Let's go," said Piccolo. The three blasted off towards the glowing object on the horizon, their speed increasing as they sensed the escalating danger.
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Goku's mouth hung open in disbelief as a massive shadow fell over him. Before his eyes, Vegeta had transformed into a monstrous Great Ape, his body towering above the landscape, his presence staggering.
The stories Goku had heard as a child flooded back to him—tales of a giant ape that appeared under the light of the full moon. It all made sense now. 'I was the one who wrecked the martial arts tournament, I was the one who destroyed the Pilavv castle and... I was the one ..who crushed my Grandpa!'
Vegeta's deep, booming laughter echoed across the battlefield, his transformed body radiating sheer dominance. To him, Kakarot looked like a mere insect. "How would you prefer to die, Kakarot?" Vegeta's voice was filled with twisted amusement. "Stamped flat into the ground? Impaled on my finger? Or turned to mince-meat between my jaws and eaten? The choice is yours."
Perhaps for the first time in his life, panic seized Goku's chest. Without a second thought, he dashed backward, attempting to put as much distance between himself and the terrifying creature as possible.
Vegeta, his massive form barely needing to exert effort, stalked after him with terrifying calm "Look at the brave hero! The protector of his planet, running away like a frightened child! HAHAHA!"
Goku's teeth clenched as he kept moving, desperately trying to formulate a plan. He needed distance. If he could just gain some space, he still had a trump card. "Kayoken!" he shouted, his body instantly enveloped in the familiar red aura.
Vegeta grinned as he saw the crimson glow flare around Kakarot. 'That trick again.' He knew this wouldn't save him.
Goku glanced over his shoulder as he sped through the air, hoping his Kayoken would give him the edge in speed. But just as relief started to creep in, he froze. Vegeta was already ahead of him.
BAM!
The ground cracked beneath him as Vegeta's massive fist smashed Goku from the sky, sending him crashing down with a sickening thud. Goku's body screamed in pain as he lay sprawled across the shattered earth, gasping for breath.
Before he could react, Vegeta leaped into the air and brought his enormous foot crashing down on Goku's leg.
"AAAAARGHHH!" Goku's scream tore through the air, filled with raw agony.
Vegeta's laugh rumbled like thunder. "Oops. Looks like I stepped on your leg, Kakarot. Or was it your toes?" The mockery in his voice only deepened Goku's torment.
Goku's vision blurred. The world around him swam in and out of focus. His body was failing him, his mind teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. He had to fight. Had to survive.
Vegeta, towering over him, pulled back his enormous finger, aiming it like a spear. "Since you couldn't decide, Kakarot, I'll make the choice for you. "I'll impale you on my finger!"
Just as the death blow was about to strike..
DHISHUN!
Vegeta howled in agony, staggering backward as his massive hand shot up to cover his injured eye. Goku, using every last bit of his strength, had fired a desperate ki blast straight into Vegeta's eye.
A small, tired smile crossed Goku's face as he let his head fall back. His body was wrecked, but he had bought himself a moment—just a moment.
Vegeta, blinded by rage, gnashed his teeth, the pain from his eye fueling his fury. He lowered his hand, his injured eye swollen and bloodshot. "You..." he growled, his voice trembling with hatred. "I've changed my mind. I won't kill you quickly. First, I'll break every bone in your body!"
The Great Ape's massive hands reached down, grabbing Goku's limp form. With both fists, Vegeta began to squeeze, crushing Goku with terrifying strength.
Goku's entire body felt as though it were being torn apart. Bones creaked under the pressure, and his mind was consumed by a pain like nothing he had ever known.
"AAAAAAAGH! AAAAAAAAANGH!" His tortured screams filled the battlefield, each one as desperate and terrifying to shake the coldest of men..
He could no longer think, no longer comprehend, his entire being engulfed by sheer pain.
To be continued...
Can Goku survive long enough for help to get to him or is this the last we have seen of our beloved superhero. Find out, next time on DBZ: ONE!