Post by Krillin on Oct 30, 2010 2:08:45 GMT -5
Chapter 5: The Real Training Begins
Piccolo watched Gohan begin going through his morning exercises with the sword Piccolo had left him. In the months in the wilderness, the kid had gotten better at managing his power. Now, though, it was time to teach him how to use it in a combat situation.
Piccolo descended rapidly from the sky. Gohan, sensing someone nearby, immediately whipped around and raised his sword to fight. When he saw it was Piccolo, he lowered it. "Mr. Piccolo!"
"It's time to start the second part of your training, kid."
"Alright. When?"
"Right now." Piccolo raised a blow to hit Gohan. But Gohan had been expecting Piccolo to pull something, and jumped backwards, then jumped off a rock back at Piccolo. He launched a flurry of punches that Piccolo dodged or blocked. Piccolo smashed Gohan in the head, knocking him down. Gohan recovered quickly and launched himself at Piccolo, this time his sword ready. Launching a flurry of swipes at Piccolo, he forced Piccolo backwards.
Piccolo raised his hand and knocked Gohan backwards. "Not bad, kid. Your dad taught you well. But your technique is still a little sloppy. From now on, you're gonna be sparring with me for training. Got that?"
Gohan nodded. Within seconds, the fight was on again.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"YES! I made it!" screamed Goku. He'd been running for a month and a half straight down Snake Way. Leaping happily, he almost fell off Snake Way again. He managed to propel himself into the air, and returned safely onto the road.
"Where is it?" he asked, seeing nothing around. Looking upwards, he saw a small planet. "That must be it!" Goku leapt towards the planet. When he got near, the planet's gravity took over and pulled him to the ground. Getting up was noticeably harder than it had been before.
"Wow. I feel much heavier." Getting up, he looked around. He spotted a monkey staring at him. "A monkey! Wow!"
The monkey walks towards Goku, who notices that the monkey is walking like the gravity is nothing. "Oh, wow, you're really strong, King Kai."
The monkey starts walking around stupidly. Goku starts imitating the monkey, trying to get used to the gravity.
From inside a house, a small blue man with antennae wearing a martial arts uniform is watching Goku. He lets it go on for a few minutes, attempting to suppress laughing, then says, "Excuse me, but what are you doing?"
Goku turns to look at King Kai. He looks back at the monkey, and then looks back at King Kai. "Oh, you must be King Kai. I'm Goku. I came here to train with you."
"Yes, I'm King Kai. And you want me to train you, hm? Well, from what I was watching with you and Bubbles, you don't need my help. You're funny enough monkeying around as it is. Get it?"
Goku just stares at him. King Kai turns away from him. "Well, I only accept students with a sense of humor."
Goku starts laughing. Hard. King Kai smiles. "Yes. But I need to ask you- why do you need my training?"
"Well, it's kind of a long story..."
"So you see, King Kai, I really need your training so I can help my friends. If I don't get back, we're doomed."
"I see." King Kai got up. "I guess I'll train you."
"Thanks King Kai! What should I do first?"
"Well, for your first test- make me laugh."
"WHAT?" shouted Goku, completely bewildered. "Alright, let me think. Here's one. What's the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? One sells watches and the other watches cells!"
King Kai stares at Goku. A few moments later, King Kai cracks down, falling back on the ground laughing so hard. "You pass, you pass!" He got up.
"I just have one question, King Kai. Why is everything I do so harder here?"
King Kai looks at Goku. "I see! I bet you're from Earth! Am I right?"
Goku nodded.
"That explains it! I'm surprised you're even up and walking around. This planet is very small, and the gravity is so severe. I'd say that your body weighs at least 10x more here than it does on Earth!"
King Kai gestured at Bubbles. "Bubbles is used to the extreme gravity here. I want you to try and catch him."
Goku began sprinting after the monkey. Bubbles easily evaded him, leaving Goku far behind.
A few hours later, Goku was still no closer to catching Bubbles.
Goku sat down. "This oughta help!" He removed his weighted shirt and boots.
King Kai nodded. "He's already been using weighted clothes to increase his weights. Excellent."
A few more hours later, Goku was doing better, but still couldn't catch Bubbles. He fell to the ground, panting for breath.
King Kai turns to him. "Goku, you know those weights you took off earlier? Put them back on."
Goku is flabbergasted. "But it's twice as hard to move with those things on!"
"Yes. But the planet the Saiyans are from has the same gravity as my planet. And they train with weights, too. You need all the strength you can get. From what I can tell, we have 130 days before the Saiyans arrive on Earth."
"I guess since I am a Saiyan, it won't be that weird." Goku puts his weights on.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Gohan narrowly dodged an attack Piccolo threw at him. In the week and a half since Piccolo had started training him, Gohan had improved noticeably. He switched between his father's techniques and those Piccolo had taught him flawlessly, and had even started to develop a few combinations between the two. Add his training with his sword into equation, and Piccolo was hard pressed to keep Gohan away.
"Not bad, kid," said Piccolo, after dodging a few of Gohan's punches. He punched Gohan in the stomach, and knocked him down to the ground.
Gohan hopped up, leapt backwards, then leapt again with a kick aimed at Piccolo's head. Piccolo barely managed to get out of the way.
The kid's getting pretty fast, thought Piccolo. Taking advantage of Gohan's momentum, he grabbed him and threw him down, then blasted him with energy.
Gohan hopped up. He charged back at Piccolo, only this time he had his sword ready. Taking a swipe at Piccolo, he got a nick in on his mentor's shoulder. Piccolo turned and backhanded Gohan into a river.
Gohan pulled himself out. Piccolo came and flew down by him. "You did well, Gohan. Let's call it a day."
Gohan nodded, breathing heavily.
That night, the two were sitting around. Gohan was yawning pretty heavily. "You know, Mr. Piccolo, you're not as bad as my dad always said you were."
"Oh, really?" scoffed Piccolo. "I suppose you think I'm doing this training for your benefit. That's where you're wrong, kid." He walked away. "Go to sleep. Tomorrow I'm not going to be so nice."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Goku looked around, trying to find where Bubbles had gone. In the three weeks since he had arrived at King Kai's, he had gotten much more used to the gravity.
Looking forward, he saw the monkey running directly away from him. Goku, knowing from experience how hopeless his situation was, turned directly around and began running away from Bubbles.
Sure enough, he leapt forward, managing to grab the monkey as he came all across the planet.
"Very good Goku," said King Kai from where he was watching. "You're ready to begin Phase 2 of the training."
Goku approached King Kai. "What do I do?"
King Kai laughed to himself. "You'll see. Gregory!" A cricket came running over. "Gregory is the fastest runner around. Now, your job is to hit Gregory with this mallet." King Kai handed Goku a massive wooden mallet. When Goku took it, he nearly fell over.
Gregory took off running, Goku lugging the massive mallet after him.
He's progressed much faster than I thought he would, thought King Kai. He might even be able to master the Kaioken.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will Goku be able to complete King Kai's training? And how about the other warriors? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 6: Final Preparations
Goku took a moment to catch a breather. It'd been two weeks since he started chasing Gregory. It'd gotten far easier to carry the mallet, but Gregory was way too fast for it to be easy.
Looking forward, Goku saw Gregory running. Suddenly, he gets an idea. Heaving the mallet, Goku throws it directly away from Gregory, then takes off after the cricket.
Gregory looks back and realizes that Goku is right on his tail. Goku gets directly alongside the cricket, then catches the mallet and finally manages to hit Gregory.
"Very good, Goku," said King Kai from his usual position. "Your progress is amazing. Now, you're ready to be trained by me personally. We only have 80 days before the Saiyans arrive, so we need every day we can get."
"Right," says Goku.
I was right, thinks King Kai. He's very skilled. I really think he can learn the Kaioken.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Gohan launched a furious flurry of attacks at Piccolo. Piccolo managed to block most of them, but a few blows managed to get through.
The kid's improvement is amazing, thought Piccolo. I knew the kid had potential, but he's managed to surpass me in strength and speed.
Gohan launched a kick directly at Piccolo, making contact with his midsection. Piccolo shot backwards.
"Masenko, ha!" screamed Gohan, shooting the blast his mentor had taught him. Piccolo had no time to defend himself. He took the blast head on.
Piccolo stood up. This wasn't the first time Gohan had managed to land a serious blow. With the kid having practiced with his sword constantly, Piccolo had been forced to regrow a limb or two more than once since the boy had caught on.
"Gohan, come down here quick," said Piccolo.
"Are you alright, Piccolo?" asked Gohan, who actually thought of his mentor as a friend, despite being his dad's greatest enemy.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You've done well, Gohan. You're powerful. You've done everything I've asked of you and more. But we only have a week until the Saiyans arrive, so I think we should start taking it a little easier so we can give ourselves time to recover."
"We only have a week?" asked Gohan, befuddled. Where did the time go? We've been training so hard it seems like only yesterday we were fighting Raditz.
"Yeah, unfortunately. So we're going to give our bodies time to heal, to make sure we're in perfect condition for the fight."
"Right," said Gohan, nodding. "Piccolo, do you think we have a chance?"
"I do, kid. We're both far stronger than Raditz was. And, knowing your dad, he's been training harder than either of us."
"I hope so," said Gohan.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"You have all progressed extremely well," said Kami to Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu. "I think, depending on how far Goku has come in his training, that we have a fighting chance to protect the Earth. But remember- we must not underestimate the Saiyans."
"Right, Kami," said Krillin. Boy, I hope Goku's been training hard. If not, we don't stand a chance.
"I have taught you everything I can. You are as ready as I can make you."
"We appreciate everything you have done for us, Kami," said Tien. "We think we can hold of the Saiyans."
"I hope so," said Kami. "I truly do. But do not hold anything back against the Saiyans. They will destroy the Earth without hesitation. Do not let them. Do not let our training here be in vain."
"We'll make you proud, Kami," said Yamcha.
"I know you will. You should go down and train on Earth for a few days. Rest, and be ready. You are not alone in this fight. When the Saiyans arrive, meet up with Goku's son, Gohan, and Piccolo. Only united do you stand a chance."
"Thank you for everything, Kami" said Tien. The four took off into the sky and descended to Earth.
"Good luck, brave warriors," said Kami.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"Alright, Goku. I think you've got the hang of it!" said King Kai to his pupil. "Now, as a final test- catch Bubbles."
Bubbles took off, but Goku was too fast. He dived forward and grabbed the monkey.
"Not bad. That's a new record," said King Kai, looking down at a stopwatch. He tossed a mallet to Goku. "Now hit Gregory."
In half a second, Gregory was smarting from a blow on the head.
"Excellent. Now, put your hand on my back, and we'll contact your friends on Earth."
"Right."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Master Roshi was sitting in the bathroom, reading one of his magazines.
"Master Roshi, can you hear me?" The old man practically jumped upon hearing Goku's voice from the bathroom.
"Goku, is that you?"
Outside, Bulma, Oolong, and Puar all hear Master Roshi talking. "Is he talking to himself?" asked Bulma.
"Yeah, it's me. Listen, I need you to wish me back right away."
"Alright. I'll get right on it."
Master Roshi rushed out of the bathroom and gathered the Dragon Balls. "It's time to wish Goku back."
They all gathered outside. "Arise, Shenron!" said Master Roshi.
The sky went black as a huge golden streak shot into it from the Dragon Balls. The streak took the form of a huge, curving dragon, and solidified into Shenron, the Dragon.
"I will grant you one wish," said the dragon, his voice booming over the island.
"Hey! Wait a minute!" yelled Oolong. "Shenron, can you destroy the Saiyans that are on their way to Earth for us?"
"That is beyond my power," said the dragon.
"Oh, darn. That would have made things so much easier."
"Shenron," said Master Roshi. "We wish for Son Goku to be brought back to life."
"Your wish is granted. Fare thee well." The dragon vanished in a golden flash, the seven Dragon Balls scattering across the world again, to wait for the next time.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Back at King Kai's planet, Goku and King Kai watch as his halo disappears. "All right! I'm alive!"
"Goku, I messed up," said King Kai guiltily. "The Saiyans are going to arrive in one day, but it'll take you two to get to the check-in station."
"I'm sure the others will be able to hold them off for that long," said Goku with his traditional smile. "In the mean time, I'll see you guys around. I better get going." Goku leaps off the planet and heads at a tremendous pace along Snake Way.
"I think he may be even stronger than you, King Kai," says Gregory the cricket.
King Kai got a little red in the face and screamed, "Yeah, but I'm still funnier than he is!"
-DBZ: SGTW-
The next day, it's a normal day for citizens of an ill-fated city. Suddenly, two space pods come crashing down, smashing into the city. Two Saiyans get out. One is large, bald, and muscular, wearing armor extremely similar to that of Raditz. The other is short, with flame-like hair. He, too, wears armor like Raditz, but with noting below the waist, gloves, and a blue body-suit beneath.
The taller warrior raises his fingers and sets off an explosion, destroying the city.
"Nice going, Nappa," says the shorter Saiyan. "One of the Dragon Balls might have been nearby."
"Sorry, Vegeta," says the taller Saiyan. "I was just having some fun."
"In any case, let's find the strongest power levels. They'll be the ones who killed Raditz." Vegeta hits a button on his scouter. "The two strongest power levels are together. Let's go." Both the Saiyans shoot into the air, rocketing towards the two power signatures.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will the Earth's defenders manage to hold the Saiyans off long enough for Goku to arrive? Or will his arrival be too late. Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 7:
The Battle Begins
"They're here, Gohan," said Piccolo, turning to face from where he sensed the Saiyans approaching. "Get ready. Take your weights off."
"Right," said Gohan. He removed the weights from underneath his gi, which was orange like his father's with a purple undershirt to represent Piccolo. The over shirt also had Piccolo's seal on both sides. Strapped to his back was his sword, which he always carried into battle.
Just then, they sensed another power approaching. Krillin landed moments later. "Hey guys. I guess they're here." Wow. Gohan's holding back, and he's almost as strong as I am fully powered up. Guess he's been training hard.
Piccolo looked Krillin up and down. Wow, thought Piccolo. He's definitely been training hard. But will it be enough?
"Yeah. They are." said Gohan. Turning to see where he was facing, they saw the two Saiyans approaching. All three of them could feel the power radiating off of them.
Incredible! thought Piccolo. After all our training, I can still tell we're outclassed. I hope Goku arrives soon.
"So," said the shorter of the Saiyans. "You must be the ones who killed Raditz. I should have known a Namekian would have been involved. And I'm guessing the boy is Kakarot's son."
"That's right," said Gohan defiantly.
Piccolo looked surprised. "I'm... an alien?" he asked. His mind was sent reeling from the revelation.
Nappa laughed. Clicking a button on his scouter, he said, "The Namek's at 1,817. The midget's at 1,234. And the kid's at 2,134."
"Don't trust that thing too much, Nappa," said Vegeta. "They showed that they can conceal their power level when they fought Raditz."
"You're right! Still, we can find out how powerful they really are."
"Let's find out now. Get out the Saibamen. There should be six of them left right now."
Nappa smiled. "You're too much. You really know how to party."
"Huh?" said Krillin, confused. "Saibamen?"
"I don't see any men," said Gohan, looking around.
Nappa got out six seeds. He planted them in the soil, and then poured some liquid on them. Within minutes, six small green creatures with red eyes had come out of the soil, running around like idiots.
The three warriors took up a defensive stance.
"Krillin!" yelled a voice from above. Looking up, they saw Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu dropping in.
"Hey guys," said Krillin. "Glad you could make it."
"Looks like the Saiyans brought some of their friends," said Tien, looking at the Saibamen.
"No, they grew them here," said Krillin, with a small smile.
"Who's the kid?" Tien had just noticed Gohan. "He must be Goku's son."
"Yeah. His name is Gohan. He was trained by Goku, but ever since Goku died, Piccolo's been training him."
"He's bold, like his father."
"Enough chatter," said Vegeta. "How about we make a contest of this? There's six Saibamen, and six of you. How about we have a little one-on-one competition. Make this a match worth watching."
"We'll take you all on at the same time," said Piccolo.
"Wait, Piccolo. Goku's not here yet. We can buy some more time if we do a one-on-one."
Piccolo turned and nodded. "You're right."
"I'll go first, then," said Tien. "I'm all warmed up." He stepped forward and assumed a fighting stance. The Saibaman charged at him. Tien dropped it with one blow then blasted it out of existence.
"An interesting performance." said Vegeta. "Your power has increased significantly since you fought Raditz. These Saibamen are just as strong as him." He turned to Nappa. "Now do you see my point?"
"Yeah, I do," said Nappa.
"I'll go next," said Gohan. "I'm ready."
Piccolo nodded his approval. "I know you are, kid."
Krillin and the others watched as Gohan stepped forward. Vegeta and Nappa looked him up and down.
"This shouldn't be much of a challenge," said Vegeta. "The kid's got Saiyan blood in his veins."
One of the Saibamen charged at Gohan. Gohan stepped out of the way, and faster than anyone could see, drew his sword and sliced through the Saibaman in one slash.
"So much for killing time," said Krillin.
"Great job, Gohan," said Yamcha. "Guess I'll go next."
A Saibaman charged down Yamcha. They phased out, moving faster than most people could see, but all the other warriors were watching them.
"Wow, look at Yamcha go," said Krillin.
Moments later, the Saibaman was lying on the ground, and Yamcha walking away, wiping his hands off. "Looks like we're out of your little guy's league."
Just then the Saibaman jumped up and latched onto Yamcha. "Hey! Get off of me!" The Saibaman detonated itself, taking both it and Yamcha out of the fight.
"NO!" yelled Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and Gohan. Piccolo simply stared at the underhanded tactics. "He had no way to defend himself."
Vegeta smiled.
"That's it!" yelled Piccolo. "We need to finish this now." Tien, Chiaotzu, Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan all charged in. Gohan sliced through one of the Saibamen. Krillin blasted another out of existence. Piccolo punched through a third. Gohan then doubled around and removed the head from the fourth and final one.
"Most impressive," said Vegeta. "You've eliminated the Saibamen without even breaking a sweat. But we're much stronger than they are."
"I'll take care of them all myself," said Nappa.
"Very well. Just don't kill the Namek. We need him to tell us where the Dragon Balls are."
"Alright, you rodents," said Nappa, turning to face the five remaining warriors. "I guess I should show you my real power."
Nappa began to power up.
"You've got to be kidding me!" shouted Krillin as small objects nearby started to raise into the air. "How are we supposed to beat him?"
"We've got to try," said Piccolo. "We all need to attack together. That's our only chance. Alright, let's power up."
All the five remaining warriors powered up to their full power levels. Vegeta clicked a button on his scouter. "Three-eyes is at 2,751. The clown's at 921. Baldy over there's at 2,831. The Namek's at 3,643. And the kid's at 3,976. Unfortunately, Nappa's power level is 6,000."
Gohan's still holding back some, thought Piccolo. Well, it does pay to have a surprise waiting for them.
Nappa walked forward. "Now, who shall I take on first?" He looked all of the warriors up and down. "I guess I'll go with you, three eyes."
Nappa charged at Tien, who barely managed to block the blow Nappa sent. Pulling his arm back, it was surging with electricity and singed a little bit. Nappa leapt into the air and brought his arm down on Tien, cutting one of Tien's arms off.
Tien fell to the ground.
"Tien!" yelled Krillin, running across the battlefield to Tien.
"Filthy rodent!" yelled Nappa, launching a blast at Krillin. When the resulting smoke cleared, Krillin had managed to evade it, but Chiaotzu had vanished.
"Oh no!" said Krillin, looking around. "Chiaotzu must have gotten hit!"
"My aim was a little off," said Nappa.
"Nappa! You're being careless!" yelled Vegeta.
Chiaotzu had flown up behind Nappa, and darted down, latching onto his back. Within moments, he'd blown himself up, enveloping Nappa in the explosion.
"Chiaotzu!" yelled Tien, mourning his lost friend.
"You see, kid," said Piccolo to Gohan. "Size is no indicator of strength."
"Yeah," said Gohan. "Wait- look!"
The smoke from Chiaotzu's kamikaze attack was clearing. In the middle of it was Nappa- completely unharmed.
"They almost got you with that one, Nappa," said Vegeta.
Tien got up. "I'm ready to fight now!" He was furious that his friend's last action had no effect. Tien launched a massive assault at Nappa.
"I can't take it anymore!" shouted Krillin. "I'm going to help Tien!"
"Wait, Krillin!" shouted Gohan. "We need a plan."
"I have one," said Piccolo. "Soon, the Saiyan will have an unguarded moment. That's when we attack."
"An excellent plan," said a voice from behind them. It was Vegeta. "Nappa's too strong to fight head on."
All three were staring at Vegeta. "Don't take your eyes off Nappa," said Vegeta, grinning. "You'll miss your opportunity."
"Big-shot, huh?" said Piccolo. "You just wait until Goku gets here."
"Goku, huh?" said Vegeta, curious. "Is he very strong?"
Piccolo smirked. "You just wait and see."
"There!" yelled Gohan, who had been watching the fight. Nappa was hovering in the air over Tien.
They heard him yelling, "Now I'm going to give you a one way trip to another dimension!"
"Gohan, come with me!" yelled Piccolo. He and Gohan darted towards Nappa.
Nappa was charging at Tien. Piccolo darted from the side and smashed Nappa towards Gohan, who hit him towards Krillin. "Krillin, now!" yelled Piccolo.
"Kamehame-HA!" yelled Krillin, shooting the beam directly at Nappa. Nappa managed to raise his arms and block the blow from damaging him too much.
"That was a pretty nice try," said Nappa once he'd landed. He walked over to where Tien was lying and stomped on his head, killing him. "But I'm too powerful for you."
Suddenly, out of nowhere Gohan came shooting from the side and smashed his foot into his head, knocking Nappa down.
Vegeta was intrigued. I wonder if that kid was holding back earlier. Clicking a button on his scouter, he saw Gohan's power level had risen to 4,821.
"Nappa, be careful. This kid's more powerful than we thought."
"Why you little runt!" said Nappa, furious. "I'm going to pound you into the next dimension!"
"I'd like to see you try," said Gohan. He was brimming over with anger at not being able to save Tien. He drew his sword from his back and launched himself at Nappa again.
Nappa dodged Gohan and grabbed his wrist, forcing the sword from Gohan's grip. Gohan turned around and kicked Nappa in the face, knocking him backwards. Gohan launched himself into the air.
"Masenko-HA!" The blast launched itself directly at Nappa, who simply knocked it back towards Gohan. Gohan barely managed to dodge, but Nappa was there within seconds, and punched Gohan in the stomach, grabbed him, then threw him to the ground.
I've got to help Gohan thought Krillin. "Destructo Disk!" yelled Krillin, launching his attack at Nappa. Nappa made to deflect it.
"Don't touch it, Nappa!" yelled Vegeta. Nappa dodged out of the way, and the disk smashed into a mountain, slicing the top off.
"Not bad, baldie."
Krillin fell to the ground after his attack failed. "Goku!" he screamed to nobody in particular. "I wish you were here! We need you!"
"Tell me," said Vegeta, getting an idea. "Is this Goku the one we call Kakarot?"
"That's right," said Gohan, getting up. "He's my dad, and he's more powerful than you."
"Interesting," said Vegeta. "Nappa! Stand down."
"Why, Vegeta?" asked Nappa. "I was just having fun."
"We'll wait for Kakarot to arrive," said Vegeta. "But in three hours, regardless of if Kakarot's here or not, we'll resume the battle, and this time I'll be fighting too."
Nappa nodded. "Alright."
-DBZ: SGTW-
In an unexpected turn of events, the Earth's heroes have been given a break from the action. But will Goku manage to arrive before the three hours are up, or will he still be too late to save his friends? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 8: Goku's Return
"So, what are we going to do if Goku doesn't show up in time?" asks Krillin.
"We make a plan," said Piccolo.
"Do you have an idea, Piccolo?" asked Gohan. He was a little bruised and had a few open cuts, but was otherwise relatively unharmed.
"That other Saiyan, Raditz, couldn't move whenever somebody grabbed his tail," said Piccolo. "So, when the three hours are up, we each have to do our part. Gohan, you're the strongest, so you charge him head on."
"What will that do?" asked Gohan, a little confused.
"While you charge him head on, I'll sneak around and grab his tail. Then, Krillin, you hit him with everything you've got. That should bring him down."
Vegeta was watching them closely. An hour had passed since he'd decided to wait, and Nappa had gone off to entertain himself. Patience had never been Nappa's strong suit.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"There it is!" shouted Goku, spotting the check-in station up ahead.
"Goku! Take my hand!" yelled Kami from where he was waiting. Goku grabbed on, and they vanished.
"I guess he made it to King Kai's after all," said King Yemma.
Back at the Lookout, Goku and Kami arrived. "Thank's Kami, but I gotta go!" yelled Goku, jumping off the side of the Lookout.
On the way down, Goku passed by Korin's tower. "Hey, Korin! Got any Sensu beans?"
"Here are my last two!" yelled the cat, throwing the beans to Goku.
"Thanks, Korin! Flying Nimbus!" The yellow cloud Goku used for transportation shot out of the sky. Goku got on it, and sensed the battlefield.
I can only feel five power levels left, thought Goku. Two are incredibly powerful. That must be the Saiyans. I'm guessing two of the others are Gohan and Piccolo, and the third one is one of the others. I better hurry. He threw one of the two Sensu beans into his mouth, the long journey down Snake Way having drained him. He knew he'd need to be at his best.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Nappa came down for a landing. "Has it been three hours yet, Vegeta?" he asked.
Vegeta checked his scouter. "Yes, it has." Getting up, he turned to Gohan and the others. "It's been three hours, and there's no sign of Kakarot. Our fight is going to resume."
Nappa moved forward. "This time, none of you are going to live," said Nappa, positively grinning with delight.
"Alright, you two, remember the plan," said Piccolo.
"Right," said the other two.
"Alright, let's DO IT!"
Gohan shot forward and charged directly at Nappa. At the last moment, he shot a blast directly downward and propelled himself into the air. Piccolo moved behind Nappa and managed to grab his tail. "NOW, KRILLIN!"
"DESTRUCTO DISK!" yelled Krillin, sending another disk of energy at Nappa. Nappa simply punched Piccolo off and moved out of the way.
"What- how?" asked Piccolo.
From where he was watching, Vegeta laughed at the dumbfounded look on the three's faces. "That tactic may have worked against Raditz, but Nappa and I have evolved beyond that particular weakness."
Nappa sent a powerful blast of energy at Krillin, knocking him down and draining most of his remaining strength. But as he moved forward to finish Krillin off, Gohan comes flying out of nowhere and kicks Nappa in the face, sending him flying into a mountain.
Nappa climbs out. "YOU LITTLE RODENT! HOW DARE YOU!" Nappa kicked Gohan in the face, sending him flying into a different mountain. "SO, HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?"
Piccolo is staring in horror, wondering what to do. Just then he senses something. "I sense an incredible power! It must be Goku!"
"It is," says Gohan, climbing out. "It's my daddy! He's here!"
"You little imps are just bluffing," said Nappa.
Vegeta, however, was not so convinced. He clicked a button on his scouter. Seconds later, a reading poped up. "Nappa, finish them off quickly. I'm getting a reading of a power level of 5,000 coming this way. And these fools can suppress their power, so it may be even higher than that."
"Right, Vegeta," said Nappa. "I'll deal with the kid first." Charging up a powerful blast, he sent it right at Gohan.
Just as Gohan thought it was all over, Piccolo leaps out of nowhere and takes the full brunt of the blast.
"PICCOLO!" screamed Gohan, watching his mentor take a shot there was no possibility of surviving.
Filled with a rage beyond his control, he charged full on at Nappa, who launched another equally powerful blast at Gohan.
Nappa, thinking he had won, was shocked when the blast missed. Looking around for his target, he saw Gohan on top of a yellow cloud.
"It's Nimbus!" said Gohan, in awe. "But that means..."
Vegeta looked directly upwards, and saw Goku floating there in the sky. "It's Kakarot!"
Nappa looked up. "It is him."
Goku descended. Walking over to Krillin and rolled him over. "Hey, Krillin. You ok?"
"G-Goku," Krillin coughed out. "Glad you made it."
"Daddy!" yelled Gohan, running over to where his father and Krillin were.
"Hey, Gohan," said Goku, smiling at his son. Pulling out the remaining Sensu bean, he broke it in half and gave one half to each Gohan and Krillin. "Here, eat this."
"But Goku!" protested Krillin. "You might need it."
"I took one earlier. I'm fine."
After they'd each eaten their half of the Sensu bean, both Gohan and Krillin were healed of most of their injuries. "I feel stronger than ever!" said Gohan.
"I see both of you have been training hard," said Goku. "You're both extremely strong. Now, let me take care of business."
"B-but Goku!" sputtered Krillin. "We gave that big guy everything we had and it still wasn't enough! You need our help!"
"Just watch me and then say that," said Goku.
"So, it's the almighty Kakarot," said Nappa. "You're a fool if you think you can beat me."
Goku simply smiled and began to power up. Rocks nearby began levitating into the air, and the ground started shaking.
"His power level... it's over 8,000," said Vegeta in disbelief. "No.. wait, now it's over nine!"
"Vegeta!" said Nappa. "What does the scouter say about his power level?"
Vegeta took his scouter off and held it in one hand. "It's over 9000!" he screamed, crushing his scouter in disbelief.
"WHAT! 9000! There's no way that can be right!"
"I think it is," said Goku. "After all, I have been trained in the art of the Kaioken."
"What?" said Vegeta, not understanding. "Kaioken?"
"It doesn't matter what you've been trained in," said Nappa. "I'm still going to wipe the floor with you."
Goku simply moved forward faster than Nappa could react and kicked him in the head, sending him flying. Nappa got up, furious.
"I'm going to make you pay for that!" Nappa screamed, blinded by rage. Charging forward, he launched punch after punch and kick after kick at Goku, who dodged every single blow. Finally, he punched Nappa in the stomach, hard. "That one was for Chiaotzu."
Nappa collapsed to the ground in pain. Goku kicked him in the side, sending him flying again. "That one was for Yamcha."
Nappa flew up into the air and sent a beam at Goku. Goku easily deflected it, then moved forward before Nappa could launch another one, and knocked him towards the ground. "That was for Tien." Moving faster than Nappa could even fall, Goku got below him and kicked him into a mountain. "And that one was for Piccolo."
Nappa climbed out of the rubble, furious. "I'm going to slaughter you! When I'm done, there won't be anything left!"
"Nappa!" barked Vegeta. "Calm down. You need to keep your cool, or else you'll lose the battle."
"But he-"
"Never mind, Nappa. I've realized you're too weak to finish him off yourself. Stand down. I'll finish him off."
Nappa sighed. He knew Vegeta was right. "Fine." He saw Gohan and Krillin still watching the battle. At least I get to deal with the other two. He flew at Gohan and Krillin.
I'll never catch him in time, thought Goku. "Kaioken!" A red aura shot around Goku, who then passed Nappa, punched him in the back. Nappa dropped to the ground like a rock.
Goku walked over to Nappa, picked him up, and threw him by Vegeta. "You may want to take him off planet for some help. He's hurt pretty bad."
"Vegeta... help me," groaned Nappa.
"Goku, that was amazing!" yelled Krillin. "How did you do that?"
"It's a technique I learned called the Kaioken," said Goku. "It increases my speed and strength."
"Why didn't you just use it earlier?"
"Because there's always the risk in this realm that my body could be ripped to shreds by the power."
"You mean it could kill you?" Krillin was in awe.
"If it wasn't done right, yeah. But I've had extensive training in it."
Vegeta bent down and grabbed Nappa's hand.
"Thanks... Vegeta."
Vegeta laughed. "No problem." He then threw Nappa into the air and sent a massive energy blast, killing him instantly.
"He just killed his own partner!" yelled Krillin, completely shocked.
"Guys, I want you to leave here immediately," said Goku. "Head back to Master Roshi's."
"But I can't leave!" protested Gohan.
"Gohan, your dad's right. He and the other guy are in a completely different league than us. Vegeta could even use one of us against your dad if he threatened to hurt us."
"Alright," said Gohan. "But after this, we'll start training again, right daddy?"
Goku smiled and rubbed Gohan's hair. "Right. I'm looking forward to it."
"Oh, Goku," said Krillin. "Don't try grabbing his tail. We tried that already. It didn't work."
Goku was rather surprised. "Well, thanks for the tip, Krillin. Now, get going."
Krillin and Gohan set off. Goku landed and turned to face Vegeta. "I know of a much better place to fight than this one. Follow me."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will Goku manage to defeat Vegeta? The fate of the entire world rests upon the shoulders of Goku. Will he succeed? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Word Count: 6,264
Piccolo watched Gohan begin going through his morning exercises with the sword Piccolo had left him. In the months in the wilderness, the kid had gotten better at managing his power. Now, though, it was time to teach him how to use it in a combat situation.
Piccolo descended rapidly from the sky. Gohan, sensing someone nearby, immediately whipped around and raised his sword to fight. When he saw it was Piccolo, he lowered it. "Mr. Piccolo!"
"It's time to start the second part of your training, kid."
"Alright. When?"
"Right now." Piccolo raised a blow to hit Gohan. But Gohan had been expecting Piccolo to pull something, and jumped backwards, then jumped off a rock back at Piccolo. He launched a flurry of punches that Piccolo dodged or blocked. Piccolo smashed Gohan in the head, knocking him down. Gohan recovered quickly and launched himself at Piccolo, this time his sword ready. Launching a flurry of swipes at Piccolo, he forced Piccolo backwards.
Piccolo raised his hand and knocked Gohan backwards. "Not bad, kid. Your dad taught you well. But your technique is still a little sloppy. From now on, you're gonna be sparring with me for training. Got that?"
Gohan nodded. Within seconds, the fight was on again.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"YES! I made it!" screamed Goku. He'd been running for a month and a half straight down Snake Way. Leaping happily, he almost fell off Snake Way again. He managed to propel himself into the air, and returned safely onto the road.
"Where is it?" he asked, seeing nothing around. Looking upwards, he saw a small planet. "That must be it!" Goku leapt towards the planet. When he got near, the planet's gravity took over and pulled him to the ground. Getting up was noticeably harder than it had been before.
"Wow. I feel much heavier." Getting up, he looked around. He spotted a monkey staring at him. "A monkey! Wow!"
The monkey walks towards Goku, who notices that the monkey is walking like the gravity is nothing. "Oh, wow, you're really strong, King Kai."
The monkey starts walking around stupidly. Goku starts imitating the monkey, trying to get used to the gravity.
From inside a house, a small blue man with antennae wearing a martial arts uniform is watching Goku. He lets it go on for a few minutes, attempting to suppress laughing, then says, "Excuse me, but what are you doing?"
Goku turns to look at King Kai. He looks back at the monkey, and then looks back at King Kai. "Oh, you must be King Kai. I'm Goku. I came here to train with you."
"Yes, I'm King Kai. And you want me to train you, hm? Well, from what I was watching with you and Bubbles, you don't need my help. You're funny enough monkeying around as it is. Get it?"
Goku just stares at him. King Kai turns away from him. "Well, I only accept students with a sense of humor."
Goku starts laughing. Hard. King Kai smiles. "Yes. But I need to ask you- why do you need my training?"
"Well, it's kind of a long story..."
"So you see, King Kai, I really need your training so I can help my friends. If I don't get back, we're doomed."
"I see." King Kai got up. "I guess I'll train you."
"Thanks King Kai! What should I do first?"
"Well, for your first test- make me laugh."
"WHAT?" shouted Goku, completely bewildered. "Alright, let me think. Here's one. What's the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? One sells watches and the other watches cells!"
King Kai stares at Goku. A few moments later, King Kai cracks down, falling back on the ground laughing so hard. "You pass, you pass!" He got up.
"I just have one question, King Kai. Why is everything I do so harder here?"
King Kai looks at Goku. "I see! I bet you're from Earth! Am I right?"
Goku nodded.
"That explains it! I'm surprised you're even up and walking around. This planet is very small, and the gravity is so severe. I'd say that your body weighs at least 10x more here than it does on Earth!"
King Kai gestured at Bubbles. "Bubbles is used to the extreme gravity here. I want you to try and catch him."
Goku began sprinting after the monkey. Bubbles easily evaded him, leaving Goku far behind.
A few hours later, Goku was still no closer to catching Bubbles.
Goku sat down. "This oughta help!" He removed his weighted shirt and boots.
King Kai nodded. "He's already been using weighted clothes to increase his weights. Excellent."
A few more hours later, Goku was doing better, but still couldn't catch Bubbles. He fell to the ground, panting for breath.
King Kai turns to him. "Goku, you know those weights you took off earlier? Put them back on."
Goku is flabbergasted. "But it's twice as hard to move with those things on!"
"Yes. But the planet the Saiyans are from has the same gravity as my planet. And they train with weights, too. You need all the strength you can get. From what I can tell, we have 130 days before the Saiyans arrive on Earth."
"I guess since I am a Saiyan, it won't be that weird." Goku puts his weights on.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Gohan narrowly dodged an attack Piccolo threw at him. In the week and a half since Piccolo had started training him, Gohan had improved noticeably. He switched between his father's techniques and those Piccolo had taught him flawlessly, and had even started to develop a few combinations between the two. Add his training with his sword into equation, and Piccolo was hard pressed to keep Gohan away.
"Not bad, kid," said Piccolo, after dodging a few of Gohan's punches. He punched Gohan in the stomach, and knocked him down to the ground.
Gohan hopped up, leapt backwards, then leapt again with a kick aimed at Piccolo's head. Piccolo barely managed to get out of the way.
The kid's getting pretty fast, thought Piccolo. Taking advantage of Gohan's momentum, he grabbed him and threw him down, then blasted him with energy.
Gohan hopped up. He charged back at Piccolo, only this time he had his sword ready. Taking a swipe at Piccolo, he got a nick in on his mentor's shoulder. Piccolo turned and backhanded Gohan into a river.
Gohan pulled himself out. Piccolo came and flew down by him. "You did well, Gohan. Let's call it a day."
Gohan nodded, breathing heavily.
That night, the two were sitting around. Gohan was yawning pretty heavily. "You know, Mr. Piccolo, you're not as bad as my dad always said you were."
"Oh, really?" scoffed Piccolo. "I suppose you think I'm doing this training for your benefit. That's where you're wrong, kid." He walked away. "Go to sleep. Tomorrow I'm not going to be so nice."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Goku looked around, trying to find where Bubbles had gone. In the three weeks since he had arrived at King Kai's, he had gotten much more used to the gravity.
Looking forward, he saw the monkey running directly away from him. Goku, knowing from experience how hopeless his situation was, turned directly around and began running away from Bubbles.
Sure enough, he leapt forward, managing to grab the monkey as he came all across the planet.
"Very good Goku," said King Kai from where he was watching. "You're ready to begin Phase 2 of the training."
Goku approached King Kai. "What do I do?"
King Kai laughed to himself. "You'll see. Gregory!" A cricket came running over. "Gregory is the fastest runner around. Now, your job is to hit Gregory with this mallet." King Kai handed Goku a massive wooden mallet. When Goku took it, he nearly fell over.
Gregory took off running, Goku lugging the massive mallet after him.
He's progressed much faster than I thought he would, thought King Kai. He might even be able to master the Kaioken.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will Goku be able to complete King Kai's training? And how about the other warriors? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 6: Final Preparations
Goku took a moment to catch a breather. It'd been two weeks since he started chasing Gregory. It'd gotten far easier to carry the mallet, but Gregory was way too fast for it to be easy.
Looking forward, Goku saw Gregory running. Suddenly, he gets an idea. Heaving the mallet, Goku throws it directly away from Gregory, then takes off after the cricket.
Gregory looks back and realizes that Goku is right on his tail. Goku gets directly alongside the cricket, then catches the mallet and finally manages to hit Gregory.
"Very good, Goku," said King Kai from his usual position. "Your progress is amazing. Now, you're ready to be trained by me personally. We only have 80 days before the Saiyans arrive, so we need every day we can get."
"Right," says Goku.
I was right, thinks King Kai. He's very skilled. I really think he can learn the Kaioken.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Gohan launched a furious flurry of attacks at Piccolo. Piccolo managed to block most of them, but a few blows managed to get through.
The kid's improvement is amazing, thought Piccolo. I knew the kid had potential, but he's managed to surpass me in strength and speed.
Gohan launched a kick directly at Piccolo, making contact with his midsection. Piccolo shot backwards.
"Masenko, ha!" screamed Gohan, shooting the blast his mentor had taught him. Piccolo had no time to defend himself. He took the blast head on.
Piccolo stood up. This wasn't the first time Gohan had managed to land a serious blow. With the kid having practiced with his sword constantly, Piccolo had been forced to regrow a limb or two more than once since the boy had caught on.
"Gohan, come down here quick," said Piccolo.
"Are you alright, Piccolo?" asked Gohan, who actually thought of his mentor as a friend, despite being his dad's greatest enemy.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You've done well, Gohan. You're powerful. You've done everything I've asked of you and more. But we only have a week until the Saiyans arrive, so I think we should start taking it a little easier so we can give ourselves time to recover."
"We only have a week?" asked Gohan, befuddled. Where did the time go? We've been training so hard it seems like only yesterday we were fighting Raditz.
"Yeah, unfortunately. So we're going to give our bodies time to heal, to make sure we're in perfect condition for the fight."
"Right," said Gohan, nodding. "Piccolo, do you think we have a chance?"
"I do, kid. We're both far stronger than Raditz was. And, knowing your dad, he's been training harder than either of us."
"I hope so," said Gohan.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"You have all progressed extremely well," said Kami to Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu. "I think, depending on how far Goku has come in his training, that we have a fighting chance to protect the Earth. But remember- we must not underestimate the Saiyans."
"Right, Kami," said Krillin. Boy, I hope Goku's been training hard. If not, we don't stand a chance.
"I have taught you everything I can. You are as ready as I can make you."
"We appreciate everything you have done for us, Kami," said Tien. "We think we can hold of the Saiyans."
"I hope so," said Kami. "I truly do. But do not hold anything back against the Saiyans. They will destroy the Earth without hesitation. Do not let them. Do not let our training here be in vain."
"We'll make you proud, Kami," said Yamcha.
"I know you will. You should go down and train on Earth for a few days. Rest, and be ready. You are not alone in this fight. When the Saiyans arrive, meet up with Goku's son, Gohan, and Piccolo. Only united do you stand a chance."
"Thank you for everything, Kami" said Tien. The four took off into the sky and descended to Earth.
"Good luck, brave warriors," said Kami.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"Alright, Goku. I think you've got the hang of it!" said King Kai to his pupil. "Now, as a final test- catch Bubbles."
Bubbles took off, but Goku was too fast. He dived forward and grabbed the monkey.
"Not bad. That's a new record," said King Kai, looking down at a stopwatch. He tossed a mallet to Goku. "Now hit Gregory."
In half a second, Gregory was smarting from a blow on the head.
"Excellent. Now, put your hand on my back, and we'll contact your friends on Earth."
"Right."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Master Roshi was sitting in the bathroom, reading one of his magazines.
"Master Roshi, can you hear me?" The old man practically jumped upon hearing Goku's voice from the bathroom.
"Goku, is that you?"
Outside, Bulma, Oolong, and Puar all hear Master Roshi talking. "Is he talking to himself?" asked Bulma.
"Yeah, it's me. Listen, I need you to wish me back right away."
"Alright. I'll get right on it."
Master Roshi rushed out of the bathroom and gathered the Dragon Balls. "It's time to wish Goku back."
They all gathered outside. "Arise, Shenron!" said Master Roshi.
The sky went black as a huge golden streak shot into it from the Dragon Balls. The streak took the form of a huge, curving dragon, and solidified into Shenron, the Dragon.
"I will grant you one wish," said the dragon, his voice booming over the island.
"Hey! Wait a minute!" yelled Oolong. "Shenron, can you destroy the Saiyans that are on their way to Earth for us?"
"That is beyond my power," said the dragon.
"Oh, darn. That would have made things so much easier."
"Shenron," said Master Roshi. "We wish for Son Goku to be brought back to life."
"Your wish is granted. Fare thee well." The dragon vanished in a golden flash, the seven Dragon Balls scattering across the world again, to wait for the next time.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Back at King Kai's planet, Goku and King Kai watch as his halo disappears. "All right! I'm alive!"
"Goku, I messed up," said King Kai guiltily. "The Saiyans are going to arrive in one day, but it'll take you two to get to the check-in station."
"I'm sure the others will be able to hold them off for that long," said Goku with his traditional smile. "In the mean time, I'll see you guys around. I better get going." Goku leaps off the planet and heads at a tremendous pace along Snake Way.
"I think he may be even stronger than you, King Kai," says Gregory the cricket.
King Kai got a little red in the face and screamed, "Yeah, but I'm still funnier than he is!"
-DBZ: SGTW-
The next day, it's a normal day for citizens of an ill-fated city. Suddenly, two space pods come crashing down, smashing into the city. Two Saiyans get out. One is large, bald, and muscular, wearing armor extremely similar to that of Raditz. The other is short, with flame-like hair. He, too, wears armor like Raditz, but with noting below the waist, gloves, and a blue body-suit beneath.
The taller warrior raises his fingers and sets off an explosion, destroying the city.
"Nice going, Nappa," says the shorter Saiyan. "One of the Dragon Balls might have been nearby."
"Sorry, Vegeta," says the taller Saiyan. "I was just having some fun."
"In any case, let's find the strongest power levels. They'll be the ones who killed Raditz." Vegeta hits a button on his scouter. "The two strongest power levels are together. Let's go." Both the Saiyans shoot into the air, rocketing towards the two power signatures.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will the Earth's defenders manage to hold the Saiyans off long enough for Goku to arrive? Or will his arrival be too late. Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 7:
The Battle Begins
"They're here, Gohan," said Piccolo, turning to face from where he sensed the Saiyans approaching. "Get ready. Take your weights off."
"Right," said Gohan. He removed the weights from underneath his gi, which was orange like his father's with a purple undershirt to represent Piccolo. The over shirt also had Piccolo's seal on both sides. Strapped to his back was his sword, which he always carried into battle.
Just then, they sensed another power approaching. Krillin landed moments later. "Hey guys. I guess they're here." Wow. Gohan's holding back, and he's almost as strong as I am fully powered up. Guess he's been training hard.
Piccolo looked Krillin up and down. Wow, thought Piccolo. He's definitely been training hard. But will it be enough?
"Yeah. They are." said Gohan. Turning to see where he was facing, they saw the two Saiyans approaching. All three of them could feel the power radiating off of them.
Incredible! thought Piccolo. After all our training, I can still tell we're outclassed. I hope Goku arrives soon.
"So," said the shorter of the Saiyans. "You must be the ones who killed Raditz. I should have known a Namekian would have been involved. And I'm guessing the boy is Kakarot's son."
"That's right," said Gohan defiantly.
Piccolo looked surprised. "I'm... an alien?" he asked. His mind was sent reeling from the revelation.
Nappa laughed. Clicking a button on his scouter, he said, "The Namek's at 1,817. The midget's at 1,234. And the kid's at 2,134."
"Don't trust that thing too much, Nappa," said Vegeta. "They showed that they can conceal their power level when they fought Raditz."
"You're right! Still, we can find out how powerful they really are."
"Let's find out now. Get out the Saibamen. There should be six of them left right now."
Nappa smiled. "You're too much. You really know how to party."
"Huh?" said Krillin, confused. "Saibamen?"
"I don't see any men," said Gohan, looking around.
Nappa got out six seeds. He planted them in the soil, and then poured some liquid on them. Within minutes, six small green creatures with red eyes had come out of the soil, running around like idiots.
The three warriors took up a defensive stance.
"Krillin!" yelled a voice from above. Looking up, they saw Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu dropping in.
"Hey guys," said Krillin. "Glad you could make it."
"Looks like the Saiyans brought some of their friends," said Tien, looking at the Saibamen.
"No, they grew them here," said Krillin, with a small smile.
"Who's the kid?" Tien had just noticed Gohan. "He must be Goku's son."
"Yeah. His name is Gohan. He was trained by Goku, but ever since Goku died, Piccolo's been training him."
"He's bold, like his father."
"Enough chatter," said Vegeta. "How about we make a contest of this? There's six Saibamen, and six of you. How about we have a little one-on-one competition. Make this a match worth watching."
"We'll take you all on at the same time," said Piccolo.
"Wait, Piccolo. Goku's not here yet. We can buy some more time if we do a one-on-one."
Piccolo turned and nodded. "You're right."
"I'll go first, then," said Tien. "I'm all warmed up." He stepped forward and assumed a fighting stance. The Saibaman charged at him. Tien dropped it with one blow then blasted it out of existence.
"An interesting performance." said Vegeta. "Your power has increased significantly since you fought Raditz. These Saibamen are just as strong as him." He turned to Nappa. "Now do you see my point?"
"Yeah, I do," said Nappa.
"I'll go next," said Gohan. "I'm ready."
Piccolo nodded his approval. "I know you are, kid."
Krillin and the others watched as Gohan stepped forward. Vegeta and Nappa looked him up and down.
"This shouldn't be much of a challenge," said Vegeta. "The kid's got Saiyan blood in his veins."
One of the Saibamen charged at Gohan. Gohan stepped out of the way, and faster than anyone could see, drew his sword and sliced through the Saibaman in one slash.
"So much for killing time," said Krillin.
"Great job, Gohan," said Yamcha. "Guess I'll go next."
A Saibaman charged down Yamcha. They phased out, moving faster than most people could see, but all the other warriors were watching them.
"Wow, look at Yamcha go," said Krillin.
Moments later, the Saibaman was lying on the ground, and Yamcha walking away, wiping his hands off. "Looks like we're out of your little guy's league."
Just then the Saibaman jumped up and latched onto Yamcha. "Hey! Get off of me!" The Saibaman detonated itself, taking both it and Yamcha out of the fight.
"NO!" yelled Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and Gohan. Piccolo simply stared at the underhanded tactics. "He had no way to defend himself."
Vegeta smiled.
"That's it!" yelled Piccolo. "We need to finish this now." Tien, Chiaotzu, Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan all charged in. Gohan sliced through one of the Saibamen. Krillin blasted another out of existence. Piccolo punched through a third. Gohan then doubled around and removed the head from the fourth and final one.
"Most impressive," said Vegeta. "You've eliminated the Saibamen without even breaking a sweat. But we're much stronger than they are."
"I'll take care of them all myself," said Nappa.
"Very well. Just don't kill the Namek. We need him to tell us where the Dragon Balls are."
"Alright, you rodents," said Nappa, turning to face the five remaining warriors. "I guess I should show you my real power."
Nappa began to power up.
"You've got to be kidding me!" shouted Krillin as small objects nearby started to raise into the air. "How are we supposed to beat him?"
"We've got to try," said Piccolo. "We all need to attack together. That's our only chance. Alright, let's power up."
All the five remaining warriors powered up to their full power levels. Vegeta clicked a button on his scouter. "Three-eyes is at 2,751. The clown's at 921. Baldy over there's at 2,831. The Namek's at 3,643. And the kid's at 3,976. Unfortunately, Nappa's power level is 6,000."
Gohan's still holding back some, thought Piccolo. Well, it does pay to have a surprise waiting for them.
Nappa walked forward. "Now, who shall I take on first?" He looked all of the warriors up and down. "I guess I'll go with you, three eyes."
Nappa charged at Tien, who barely managed to block the blow Nappa sent. Pulling his arm back, it was surging with electricity and singed a little bit. Nappa leapt into the air and brought his arm down on Tien, cutting one of Tien's arms off.
Tien fell to the ground.
"Tien!" yelled Krillin, running across the battlefield to Tien.
"Filthy rodent!" yelled Nappa, launching a blast at Krillin. When the resulting smoke cleared, Krillin had managed to evade it, but Chiaotzu had vanished.
"Oh no!" said Krillin, looking around. "Chiaotzu must have gotten hit!"
"My aim was a little off," said Nappa.
"Nappa! You're being careless!" yelled Vegeta.
Chiaotzu had flown up behind Nappa, and darted down, latching onto his back. Within moments, he'd blown himself up, enveloping Nappa in the explosion.
"Chiaotzu!" yelled Tien, mourning his lost friend.
"You see, kid," said Piccolo to Gohan. "Size is no indicator of strength."
"Yeah," said Gohan. "Wait- look!"
The smoke from Chiaotzu's kamikaze attack was clearing. In the middle of it was Nappa- completely unharmed.
"They almost got you with that one, Nappa," said Vegeta.
Tien got up. "I'm ready to fight now!" He was furious that his friend's last action had no effect. Tien launched a massive assault at Nappa.
"I can't take it anymore!" shouted Krillin. "I'm going to help Tien!"
"Wait, Krillin!" shouted Gohan. "We need a plan."
"I have one," said Piccolo. "Soon, the Saiyan will have an unguarded moment. That's when we attack."
"An excellent plan," said a voice from behind them. It was Vegeta. "Nappa's too strong to fight head on."
All three were staring at Vegeta. "Don't take your eyes off Nappa," said Vegeta, grinning. "You'll miss your opportunity."
"Big-shot, huh?" said Piccolo. "You just wait until Goku gets here."
"Goku, huh?" said Vegeta, curious. "Is he very strong?"
Piccolo smirked. "You just wait and see."
"There!" yelled Gohan, who had been watching the fight. Nappa was hovering in the air over Tien.
They heard him yelling, "Now I'm going to give you a one way trip to another dimension!"
"Gohan, come with me!" yelled Piccolo. He and Gohan darted towards Nappa.
Nappa was charging at Tien. Piccolo darted from the side and smashed Nappa towards Gohan, who hit him towards Krillin. "Krillin, now!" yelled Piccolo.
"Kamehame-HA!" yelled Krillin, shooting the beam directly at Nappa. Nappa managed to raise his arms and block the blow from damaging him too much.
"That was a pretty nice try," said Nappa once he'd landed. He walked over to where Tien was lying and stomped on his head, killing him. "But I'm too powerful for you."
Suddenly, out of nowhere Gohan came shooting from the side and smashed his foot into his head, knocking Nappa down.
Vegeta was intrigued. I wonder if that kid was holding back earlier. Clicking a button on his scouter, he saw Gohan's power level had risen to 4,821.
"Nappa, be careful. This kid's more powerful than we thought."
"Why you little runt!" said Nappa, furious. "I'm going to pound you into the next dimension!"
"I'd like to see you try," said Gohan. He was brimming over with anger at not being able to save Tien. He drew his sword from his back and launched himself at Nappa again.
Nappa dodged Gohan and grabbed his wrist, forcing the sword from Gohan's grip. Gohan turned around and kicked Nappa in the face, knocking him backwards. Gohan launched himself into the air.
"Masenko-HA!" The blast launched itself directly at Nappa, who simply knocked it back towards Gohan. Gohan barely managed to dodge, but Nappa was there within seconds, and punched Gohan in the stomach, grabbed him, then threw him to the ground.
I've got to help Gohan thought Krillin. "Destructo Disk!" yelled Krillin, launching his attack at Nappa. Nappa made to deflect it.
"Don't touch it, Nappa!" yelled Vegeta. Nappa dodged out of the way, and the disk smashed into a mountain, slicing the top off.
"Not bad, baldie."
Krillin fell to the ground after his attack failed. "Goku!" he screamed to nobody in particular. "I wish you were here! We need you!"
"Tell me," said Vegeta, getting an idea. "Is this Goku the one we call Kakarot?"
"That's right," said Gohan, getting up. "He's my dad, and he's more powerful than you."
"Interesting," said Vegeta. "Nappa! Stand down."
"Why, Vegeta?" asked Nappa. "I was just having fun."
"We'll wait for Kakarot to arrive," said Vegeta. "But in three hours, regardless of if Kakarot's here or not, we'll resume the battle, and this time I'll be fighting too."
Nappa nodded. "Alright."
-DBZ: SGTW-
In an unexpected turn of events, the Earth's heroes have been given a break from the action. But will Goku manage to arrive before the three hours are up, or will he still be too late to save his friends? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Chapter 8: Goku's Return
"So, what are we going to do if Goku doesn't show up in time?" asks Krillin.
"We make a plan," said Piccolo.
"Do you have an idea, Piccolo?" asked Gohan. He was a little bruised and had a few open cuts, but was otherwise relatively unharmed.
"That other Saiyan, Raditz, couldn't move whenever somebody grabbed his tail," said Piccolo. "So, when the three hours are up, we each have to do our part. Gohan, you're the strongest, so you charge him head on."
"What will that do?" asked Gohan, a little confused.
"While you charge him head on, I'll sneak around and grab his tail. Then, Krillin, you hit him with everything you've got. That should bring him down."
Vegeta was watching them closely. An hour had passed since he'd decided to wait, and Nappa had gone off to entertain himself. Patience had never been Nappa's strong suit.
-DBZ: SGTW-
"There it is!" shouted Goku, spotting the check-in station up ahead.
"Goku! Take my hand!" yelled Kami from where he was waiting. Goku grabbed on, and they vanished.
"I guess he made it to King Kai's after all," said King Yemma.
Back at the Lookout, Goku and Kami arrived. "Thank's Kami, but I gotta go!" yelled Goku, jumping off the side of the Lookout.
On the way down, Goku passed by Korin's tower. "Hey, Korin! Got any Sensu beans?"
"Here are my last two!" yelled the cat, throwing the beans to Goku.
"Thanks, Korin! Flying Nimbus!" The yellow cloud Goku used for transportation shot out of the sky. Goku got on it, and sensed the battlefield.
I can only feel five power levels left, thought Goku. Two are incredibly powerful. That must be the Saiyans. I'm guessing two of the others are Gohan and Piccolo, and the third one is one of the others. I better hurry. He threw one of the two Sensu beans into his mouth, the long journey down Snake Way having drained him. He knew he'd need to be at his best.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Nappa came down for a landing. "Has it been three hours yet, Vegeta?" he asked.
Vegeta checked his scouter. "Yes, it has." Getting up, he turned to Gohan and the others. "It's been three hours, and there's no sign of Kakarot. Our fight is going to resume."
Nappa moved forward. "This time, none of you are going to live," said Nappa, positively grinning with delight.
"Alright, you two, remember the plan," said Piccolo.
"Right," said the other two.
"Alright, let's DO IT!"
Gohan shot forward and charged directly at Nappa. At the last moment, he shot a blast directly downward and propelled himself into the air. Piccolo moved behind Nappa and managed to grab his tail. "NOW, KRILLIN!"
"DESTRUCTO DISK!" yelled Krillin, sending another disk of energy at Nappa. Nappa simply punched Piccolo off and moved out of the way.
"What- how?" asked Piccolo.
From where he was watching, Vegeta laughed at the dumbfounded look on the three's faces. "That tactic may have worked against Raditz, but Nappa and I have evolved beyond that particular weakness."
Nappa sent a powerful blast of energy at Krillin, knocking him down and draining most of his remaining strength. But as he moved forward to finish Krillin off, Gohan comes flying out of nowhere and kicks Nappa in the face, sending him flying into a mountain.
Nappa climbs out. "YOU LITTLE RODENT! HOW DARE YOU!" Nappa kicked Gohan in the face, sending him flying into a different mountain. "SO, HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?"
Piccolo is staring in horror, wondering what to do. Just then he senses something. "I sense an incredible power! It must be Goku!"
"It is," says Gohan, climbing out. "It's my daddy! He's here!"
"You little imps are just bluffing," said Nappa.
Vegeta, however, was not so convinced. He clicked a button on his scouter. Seconds later, a reading poped up. "Nappa, finish them off quickly. I'm getting a reading of a power level of 5,000 coming this way. And these fools can suppress their power, so it may be even higher than that."
"Right, Vegeta," said Nappa. "I'll deal with the kid first." Charging up a powerful blast, he sent it right at Gohan.
Just as Gohan thought it was all over, Piccolo leaps out of nowhere and takes the full brunt of the blast.
"PICCOLO!" screamed Gohan, watching his mentor take a shot there was no possibility of surviving.
Filled with a rage beyond his control, he charged full on at Nappa, who launched another equally powerful blast at Gohan.
Nappa, thinking he had won, was shocked when the blast missed. Looking around for his target, he saw Gohan on top of a yellow cloud.
"It's Nimbus!" said Gohan, in awe. "But that means..."
Vegeta looked directly upwards, and saw Goku floating there in the sky. "It's Kakarot!"
Nappa looked up. "It is him."
Goku descended. Walking over to Krillin and rolled him over. "Hey, Krillin. You ok?"
"G-Goku," Krillin coughed out. "Glad you made it."
"Daddy!" yelled Gohan, running over to where his father and Krillin were.
"Hey, Gohan," said Goku, smiling at his son. Pulling out the remaining Sensu bean, he broke it in half and gave one half to each Gohan and Krillin. "Here, eat this."
"But Goku!" protested Krillin. "You might need it."
"I took one earlier. I'm fine."
After they'd each eaten their half of the Sensu bean, both Gohan and Krillin were healed of most of their injuries. "I feel stronger than ever!" said Gohan.
"I see both of you have been training hard," said Goku. "You're both extremely strong. Now, let me take care of business."
"B-but Goku!" sputtered Krillin. "We gave that big guy everything we had and it still wasn't enough! You need our help!"
"Just watch me and then say that," said Goku.
"So, it's the almighty Kakarot," said Nappa. "You're a fool if you think you can beat me."
Goku simply smiled and began to power up. Rocks nearby began levitating into the air, and the ground started shaking.
"His power level... it's over 8,000," said Vegeta in disbelief. "No.. wait, now it's over nine!"
"Vegeta!" said Nappa. "What does the scouter say about his power level?"
Vegeta took his scouter off and held it in one hand. "It's over 9000!" he screamed, crushing his scouter in disbelief.
"WHAT! 9000! There's no way that can be right!"
"I think it is," said Goku. "After all, I have been trained in the art of the Kaioken."
"What?" said Vegeta, not understanding. "Kaioken?"
"It doesn't matter what you've been trained in," said Nappa. "I'm still going to wipe the floor with you."
Goku simply moved forward faster than Nappa could react and kicked him in the head, sending him flying. Nappa got up, furious.
"I'm going to make you pay for that!" Nappa screamed, blinded by rage. Charging forward, he launched punch after punch and kick after kick at Goku, who dodged every single blow. Finally, he punched Nappa in the stomach, hard. "That one was for Chiaotzu."
Nappa collapsed to the ground in pain. Goku kicked him in the side, sending him flying again. "That one was for Yamcha."
Nappa flew up into the air and sent a beam at Goku. Goku easily deflected it, then moved forward before Nappa could launch another one, and knocked him towards the ground. "That was for Tien." Moving faster than Nappa could even fall, Goku got below him and kicked him into a mountain. "And that one was for Piccolo."
Nappa climbed out of the rubble, furious. "I'm going to slaughter you! When I'm done, there won't be anything left!"
"Nappa!" barked Vegeta. "Calm down. You need to keep your cool, or else you'll lose the battle."
"But he-"
"Never mind, Nappa. I've realized you're too weak to finish him off yourself. Stand down. I'll finish him off."
Nappa sighed. He knew Vegeta was right. "Fine." He saw Gohan and Krillin still watching the battle. At least I get to deal with the other two. He flew at Gohan and Krillin.
I'll never catch him in time, thought Goku. "Kaioken!" A red aura shot around Goku, who then passed Nappa, punched him in the back. Nappa dropped to the ground like a rock.
Goku walked over to Nappa, picked him up, and threw him by Vegeta. "You may want to take him off planet for some help. He's hurt pretty bad."
"Vegeta... help me," groaned Nappa.
"Goku, that was amazing!" yelled Krillin. "How did you do that?"
"It's a technique I learned called the Kaioken," said Goku. "It increases my speed and strength."
"Why didn't you just use it earlier?"
"Because there's always the risk in this realm that my body could be ripped to shreds by the power."
"You mean it could kill you?" Krillin was in awe.
"If it wasn't done right, yeah. But I've had extensive training in it."
Vegeta bent down and grabbed Nappa's hand.
"Thanks... Vegeta."
Vegeta laughed. "No problem." He then threw Nappa into the air and sent a massive energy blast, killing him instantly.
"He just killed his own partner!" yelled Krillin, completely shocked.
"Guys, I want you to leave here immediately," said Goku. "Head back to Master Roshi's."
"But I can't leave!" protested Gohan.
"Gohan, your dad's right. He and the other guy are in a completely different league than us. Vegeta could even use one of us against your dad if he threatened to hurt us."
"Alright," said Gohan. "But after this, we'll start training again, right daddy?"
Goku smiled and rubbed Gohan's hair. "Right. I'm looking forward to it."
"Oh, Goku," said Krillin. "Don't try grabbing his tail. We tried that already. It didn't work."
Goku was rather surprised. "Well, thanks for the tip, Krillin. Now, get going."
Krillin and Gohan set off. Goku landed and turned to face Vegeta. "I know of a much better place to fight than this one. Follow me."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Will Goku manage to defeat Vegeta? The fate of the entire world rests upon the shoulders of Goku. Will he succeed? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
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