Post by Krillin on Nov 3, 2010 2:46:05 GMT -5
Chapter 19: Final Transformations
"I don't know what it is," said Gohan, staring down at his mentor, "but there's something different about Piccolo. He'd never fight unless he knew he could win."
"Get it through your head!" shouted Vegeta. "'Piccolo' doesn't stand a chance!"
Down on the ground, Dende watched from where he was hiding. "I don't know what it is," he said to himself, "but there's something about Piccolo that reminds me of Nail."
Frieza laughed. "So, you think you're pretty tough, huh? Well, it won't take me long to have your face in the dirt, begging for mercy!"
"Give it a try." Piccolo charged at Frieza. The fight was on, and they were each blocking blow-for-blow, neither clearly on top of the other.
As the two were in a grapple hold, Piccolo shot a beam out of his eyes at Frieza. Frieza bent backwards, but Piccolo managed to get a shot in on the tyrant's head, knocking him backwards.
"Piccolo won!" shouted Krillin, thrilled.
"No," said Gohan. "It's not over yet."
Frieza charged back at Piccolo, forcing the Namek on the defensive. Piccolo was backed into a cliff, and Frieza blasted him point-blank range. When the smoke cleared, Piccolo was just getting up, nearly unharmed.
He launched himself back at Frieza, and the two resumed fighting.
"There's something different about him," said Gohan, staring at his mentor.
"You think he can take Frieza?" asked Krillin, watching in awe.
"Yes."
"ENOUGH OF THIS!" shouted Frieza. Calming down, he smiled grimly. "You weren't around to see my first transformation. I have several, each of which increase my power significantly. I don't really need to do this, but watch closely." Smiling he held up two fingers. "I still have two transformations left."
A bright light surrounded Frieza, and his head began to change. His shoulders elongated so they stretched out over his arms, his head elongated backwards, two massive spikes emerged from his back, and his face flattened out somewhat.
Looking up at the stunned fighters, he smiled. "Now, where were we?" His voice had gone back to his normal pitch, but now had a horrible effect on it.
Piccolo stared at Frieza in horror. We're still not strong enough. I hope Goku gets here soon.
Gohan stared at Frieza in anger. "No matter what we do, we're still not strong enough! We've got to do something!"
"You!" shouted Vegeta to Krillin. "Cue-ball! I need you to beat me within an inch of my life!"
"WHAT?" shouted Krillin, completely bewildered. "I can't do that!"
"WHY NOT?" shouted the Saiyan angrily. "Listen, if you do that, the green-bean child can heal me, and I'll be strong enough to defeat Frieza!"
"I- I can't!"
Meanwhile, Frieza and Piccolo continued in a stare off. Smiling, Frieza raised one finger, and sent a blast at Piccolo. A bit of blood and cloth from his gi came flying off. Frieza continued to launch blast after blast at the Namek, each time hurting him worse and worse.
"Piccolo!" shouted Gohan, his anger rising. "I've got to do something!"
Krillin felt as Gohan's power began to rise. Gohan charged directly at Frieza, launching a kick at the tyrant. Frieza moved out of the way, and Gohan shot into the air.
"Masenko-HA!" shouted the half-Saiyan, sending a massive beam of energy directly at Frieza. Frieza, confident, took the blast head on. He was barely able to stay where he was.
Gohan pumped additional power into the blast, forcing Frieza backwards. Frieza hit the ground, and the Masenko exploded directly on him.
When the smoke cleared, Frieza got up, a little burnt, but otherwise unhurt. "That was close. I'll have to watch that kid. He's stronger than any Saiyan I've ever met." Frieza thought. "I wonder who he is. I'm confident I destroyed all the Saiyans except Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa 20 years ago."
Frieza looked at Vegeta and Krillin. "Neither one of those misfits could be his father. No matter. In the end, they all must be expunged."
Vegeta and Krillin had ceased their argument to stare at Gohan. What I'd like to know is how did that kid become so powerful? thought Vegeta to himself.
"Maybe you're stronger than I thought," said Frieza to the fighters. "I'm going to show you my ultimate form." Frieza began his transformation.
"BALDY!" screamed Vegeta at Krillin. "IF YOU DON'T ALMOST KILL ME, I'LL KILL YOU!"
Krillin backs away in fear, raising his hands as a reflex. Vegeta raised up a hand to hit Krillin, and Krillin blasted Vegeta to an inch of his life.
Vegeta collapsed on the ground. "Now, just heal me," he said to Dende.
"No!" said Dende, running away. Sighting Piccolo, who was badly injured, he ran over. "I'll heal you!"
Unfortunately, Frieza looked over while Piccolo was being healed. He realized how Gohan and Krillin had both come back for more after they should have been dead.
Piccolo got up, completely healed. "Thanks, kid."
"I didn't do it for you," said Dende defensively. "I did it for Nail." He looked over at Frieza, fear gripping him.
"Dende!" said Krillin, coming over. "You need to forget about the past, and heal Vegeta. He's our only hope!"
"Dende," said Piccolo in Nail's voice. "Do it. Trust my judgment. We need Vegeta's help."
Dende looked at Piccolo. Nodding, he flew over to Vegeta, healing him.
Vegeta stood up. "I feel stronger than ever!" he said. He kicked Dende away. "I should say thank you. You're lucky you caught me in a good mood."
"I can see Frieza!" said Piccolo, staring at the tyrant. True to Piccolo's word, the smoke was clearing, and the outline could be seen. Frieza had returned to his normal size, but had white skin with purple splotches.
Frieza looked up at the fighters.
"He looks weaker than before!" said Krillin, getting a little more confident.
"Don't be an idiot!" said Piccolo. "He's far stronger than I thought he would be!"
Vegeta simply smiled. "So, this is the real Frieza." He walked forward. "Well, Frieza, unfortunately for you, I've finally become a true Super Saiyan. So, let's go."
Frieza simply raised one finger up. "Bang." A red beam shot out. The explosion was behind all four of the fighters. Turning around, they saw Dende laying there, charred.
"Frieza, you monster!" said Piccolo, remembering all of Nail's memories of Dende.
"One down," said Frieza. "And I didn't even break a sweat." Suddenly, the tyrant vanished.
Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan whipped around to face Frieza, who they sensed behind them. He was between them and Vegeta.
"How dare you!" said Piccolo, furious at Dende's death.
"It's time to pull back the curtains and let the third and final act begin." Frieza turned to face Dende's body. "I see you're all upset over what I did to your little friend. How touching. Oh well, what's done is done."
Gohan was gritting his teeth in anger. Frieza noticed this.
"You seem quite anxious to get things started," he said, pointing at Gohan. "Shall we begin?"
Gohan launched himself, throwing a punch at Frieza's head. Frieza simply ducked his head, the blow missing completely. Gohan threw a second kick, which Frieza dodged just as easily.
Piccolo and Krillin launched in, each trying to chop the opposite sides of Frieza's head. Frieza simply ducked his head again, the blows missing.
The three launched a massive flurry of attacks at Frieza, who dodged every one with ease. Finally, they drew back. Gohan flew into the air. "Masenko-HA!" Frieza simply phased out of the way of the blast.
Krillin and Piccolo each launched a blast at Frieza. There was an explosion, but when the smoke cleared, there was nothing there.
"BEHIND YOU!" shouted Vegeta, a horrified look on his face. The three whipped around, and saw Frieza standing there, two fingers pointed directly at Gohan.
Frieza shot a beam directly at Gohan, who would have been hit if Vegeta hadn't knocked him down at the last second. The beam continued on, hitting an island. After a massive explosion, the island was gone.
"Thanks, Vegeta," said Gohan, standing up and facing Frieza again. "I owe you one."
"I guess you guys just aren't up to my new power," said Vegeta, grinning.
"So, you think you can take him on yourself?" asked Piccolo.
"You bet," said Vegeta.
"He's crazy!" shouted Krillin, completely confused. Gohan simply stared at Vegeta, sensing his power, and comparing it to Frieza's. He's nowhere near strong enough, he concluded. But it'll at least buy time for dad to get here.
"Your words are tough, Vegeta," said Frieza, "but can you back them up?"
"You're thinking of me as I used to be. I've changed, you know. And now, I'll show you the new me." Vegeta shook a fist in front of him. "Vegeta, Super Saiyan!"
Frieza's eyes widened slightly.
"At last, the power is all mine, Frieza."
Frieza started laughing. "Forgive me if I don't tremble in fear, Super Saiyan."
"You don't believe me, do you? Then I'll wipe that grin off your face, Frieza. Get ready to fight." He began powering up.
"Where did Vegeta get all of this power from?" asked Piccolo, a little concerned.
"Vegeta told me that his power is at it's peak right after he recovers from a mortal wound!" explained Krillin.
Gohan stood, staring at Vegeta, sensing his power. "Krillin, Piccolo, we should get to safety."
The two looked at Gohan and nodded. They flew into the air, getting away from the danger zone.
"It's still not enough," said Gohan. "Frieza's still holding back. And if Vegeta's approaching his max, then he still doesn't stand a chance."
"So should we help him?" asked Piccolo.
"Our best bet is to wait until my father is back on his feet. Then, with his help, we should be able to beat Frieza."
Krillin and Piccolo nodded.
Finally, Vegeta threw his arms out, and with a blinding flash of light, he was finished.
"That's all?" asked Frieza, laughing. "I was expecting more out of a 'Super Saiyan', but if you're finished I guess I'll just have to deal with you quickly."
"Is that really all the power Vegeta has?" asked Krillin, confused.
"No," said Gohan. "He's still holding back some, but not much."
"Still, he's the strongest out of all of us!" said Krillin. "He has the best chance of beating Frieza right now."
Gohan just stared at the fight. Piccolo noticed how Gohan wasn't agreeing with Krillin.
"No," said Piccolo. "Gohan's a little stronger, but not by much."
"What?" asked Krillin, surprised. He turned to Gohan. "Is that true?"
Gohan nodded. "You remember when I got angry and launched waves of attacks at Frieza? I managed to keep control of some of that power."
Meanwhile, Vegeta and Frieza had joined in combat. Vegeta launched a flurry of punches at Frieza, who managed to dodge every single one without effort.
Finally, Vegeta locked both hands in a fist over Frieza's head, attempting to hammer the tyrant into the ground. Frieza disappeared before the blow could even hit.
Vegeta turned around and saw Frieza standing there, arms crossed, laughing at him.
"No, no, NO!" shouted Vegeta, not able to believe it. Even with all his new strength, he was still no match for Frieza.
"Well, it looks like you're not a Super Saiyan after all, are you?" asked Frieza, laughing. "So sorry. I guess that makes you the loser."
He's too fast! thought Vegeta.
"Vegeta, face it. Your fight with me is futile and useless! Just wake up: you're blind and delusional. You keep going on about being a Super Saiyan. But it's just a myth, Vegeta. I've never seen one. Have you? You're such a chump."
What if he's right? What if I'm not a Super Saiyan? That would mean I don't stand a chance against Frieza! And that means... I'm pretty much a goner!
"You're wrong!" shouted the Saiyan defiantly. "I am a Super Saiyan!" He threw a massive bolt of energy at Frieza, who simply moved out of the way at the last second.
Vegeta continued to throw blast after blast at Frieza, who moved out of the way.
"MOVE!" shouted Piccolo, grabbing Krillin. He dragged Krillin away to safety, Gohan right behind him. The blasts moved over where they'd been watching the fight. They landed a good distance away.
Frieza appeared directly in front of Vegeta, who backed away in surprise. "I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET, LUNATIC!" shouted the Saiyan Prince, flying into the sky.
He brought his arms in front of him. "I'll show you! One Super Saiyan does exist! Gallic Gun, fire!"
The massive beam of energy soared directly at Frieza.
"WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, DESTROY US ALL?" screamed Piccolo.
Frieza kicked the blast back at Vegeta, who barely managed to move out of the way in time. The blast exploded in midair, lighting the entire sky up.
"Frieza defended himself with just one kick!" said Piccolo, shocked.
Krillin was shaking in fear. Gohan was watching closely, beginning to get a bit worried. I don't even know if dad'll be strong enough to defeat him, thought the half-Saiyan. But he's our only shot.
"Vegeta's all out of power," said Krillin.
Frieza shot into the air like a cannonball, smashing into Vegeta's chin. Moving ahead of the Saiyan, Frieza kicked him downwards into the water.
Frieza used his energy to push the water away, exposing where Vegeta lay on the ocean's floor.
"Vegeta, you disappoint me," said Frieza, picking the Saiyan up by his hair. "After all that Super Saiyan talk, I thought I should give you a sporting chance. While you did put up a good fight, you're just as stupid as those other half-wits."
Frieza kicked Vegeta into the air, then flew up and kneed him a few times, sending him flying to where Krillin, Piccolo, and Gohan were watching.
"Get up, Vegeta!" said Krillin, worried.
Frieza flew over and wrapped his tail around Vegeta's neck. Picking him up, he began strangling him, delivering punch after punch to the Prince's back. After a few moments of this, he turned his head to the others. "Feel free to jump in at any time, my little friends."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Goku sensed the battle from where he rest in the regeneration tank. I don't think Vegeta's going to make it, he thought.
Suddenly, the tank's controller beeped, and a green light came on. Goku opened his eyes. I'm healed! He took the breathing apparatus off, and blasted the tank's viewing window open. He leapt out, and powered up, knocking the water off.
He blasted through the roof, landing outside the ship. I can't believe how strong I am! This is incredible!
He took off into the air, flying towards the battle. I'm on my way, Gohan!
-DBZ: SGTW-
Is Goku strong enough to help the others defeat Frieza? Why do I even bother trying to imitate the ending of every Dragon Ball Z episode? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior! (not why I imitate the ending of every DBZ episode... it would be kind of stupid for me to try and rationalize that. Like, this one time... (slapped with fish into unconsciousness)
Chapter 20: The Return of Goku
Gohan and the others continued to watch in horror as Vegeta was brutally beaten by Frieza.
Gohan felt his anger begin to rise. Why am I just standing here when I could be helping Vegeta? he thought angrily. I've got to help him!
Just as he began to dive forward, Piccolo grabbed his shoulder.
Gohan looked at his mentor, who simply shook his head.
"But- Piccolo-" But he knew Piccolo was right, and it angered him that even him darting forward wouldn't help Vegeta. It seemed like his eyes momentarily flashed green.
Frieza finally got tired of using Vegeta like a punching bag. He whipped Vegeta against the cliff. Vegeta was far too injured to entertain any remote hopes of getting up.
Frieza walked over and grabbed Vegeta's armor, raising him slightly off the ground. He raised his hand to prepare for the killing blow.
Suddenly, there was a burst of power from behind Piccolo and the others. Turning around, they saw Goku, fully healed, staring at Frieza.
"Good to see you guys are in good health," said Goku, walking forward. "This is the first time I've made it to the battlefield without you guys being all beaten up."
"How are you feeling, dad?" asked Gohan, watching his father.
"Better than ever," said Goku. "I'll take care of things from here."
"What are you saying?" asked Piccolo. "It'll take everything we've got to beat him."
"Are you nuts?" asked Krillin, concerned for his friend's health.
"I'm fine," said Goku.
Frieza dropped Vegeta and watched Goku walk forward.
"You must be Frieza," said Goku. "The one responsible for the horrible chain of events that have taken place on this planet."
Frieza smirked. "The proof is in the pudding, don't you think?"
Goku looked at Vegeta. "Any problems you had with Vegeta, you can take them up with me."
I'm sure I've seen him somewhere before, thought Frieza.
Vegeta rolled his head over at the sound of Goku's voice. "Hey, Kakarot. You made it."
"Kakarot?" asked Frieza, looking at Goku more closely. "But that's a Saiyan name, isn't it?" Suddenly, he recognized the hair as being the exact replica of that of Bardock, a Saiyan who had stood up to Frieza after King Vegeta's failed raid. He'd died along with the rest of the Saiyans when Frieza had destroyed the planet.
"Yes, I was in a skirmish with a Saiyan who looked just like you. You're his offspring. The resemblance between you is unmistakable."
"I don't care," said Goku.
Kakarot's different than before, thought Vegeta. Maybe his last battle pushed him over the edge. Maybe he did what I cannot. Vegeta's eyes widened. He IS a Super Saiyan.
"Well, shall we proceed?" asked Frieza.
"Your call," said Goku. Frieza phased out, then back in launching a kick at Goku. Goku vanished, reappearing behind Frieza, kicking Frieza in the head.
Frieza flipped in mid-air, landing. He rubbed his head where Goku had kicked him.
"I couldn't follow it!" said Krillin, stunned.
"Nice move, but your shoelace came untied," said Frieza.
"I'm not going to fall for that one," said Goku, never taking his eyes off the tyrant. "I don't even have shoelaces."
"Darn." Frieza pointed a single finger at Goku.
"Don't try to block it, Goku!" shouted Krillin, recognizing what move Frieza was about to use. He and the others got out of the way.
Frieza launched the beam. Goku didn't try to block it-he did block it. He simply slapped the beam away.
Frieza barred his teeth in surprise. He launched a flurry of attacks at Goku, who blocked every single one like it was nothing.
"One hand?" asked Frieza, shocked. "Not only was he able to block them, but he was able to aim them away from his friends!"
Vegeta began to laugh. "Who would have thought?" said the Prince. "A lowly soldier like you Kakarot. I commend you." He looked at the tyrant. "Frieza, you fool! Don't you get it? Kakarot's not an ordinary Saiyan! He is a Super Saiyan!"
Frieza's eyes widened.
"That's right," continued Vegeta. "You heard me. If there is a God, he must be good for letting me live long enough to see this day. How great. This is a dream come true, to see you beaten by a Saiyan!"
Frieza blasted Vegeta through his chest. Vegeta collapsed onto the ground.
"Enough," said Frieza, staring at Vegeta. "Loudmouth. On and on like a broken record."
"What's your problem?" asked Goku, staring at Frieza. "He wasn't even able to defend himself. There's no honor in that."
"It was the only way I could shut him up. He insists on babbling about that foolish legend. There is no such thing as a Super Saiyan."
"K-k-Kakarot," said Vegeta in great pain. "Don't be so soft. There's no honor in any of this. It's just a game. Play to win. There are no rules. Just finish him off."
"He's nothing more than a corpse and he still talks," muttered Frieza.
"I can't change who I am," said Goku. "Everybody deserves a chance to change their ways, just like you had."
"You don't know what you're dealing with... He killed our whole planet... He took me from my father when I was just a little boy. He made me... what I am. Don't let him do it... to anyone else..." These last words had drained Vegeta of his last strength, and he dropped, finally passing.
"Vegeta," said Goku, staring down at his rival's body. After a moment, he blasted a hole in the ground. Picking up Vegeta, he buried him. "Thank you for saving my son's life, and buying enough time for me to recuperate."
"Something just occurred to me," said Frieza, staring at Goku. "You defeated the Ginyu Force. Not those other little runts."
"Part of the truth," said Goku. "I defeated two of them. One ran off. One was killed by Vegeta, and Gohan defeated one."
Frieza launched a blast at Goku. When the smoke cleared, there was no sign of him.
"Looking for me?" asked Goku, reappearing above Frieza. The two began to exchange blows, neither landing one.
"Wow," said Krillin. "Goku's really improved. He's going head-to-head with Frieza!"
"Yeah," said Gohan, watching his father fight.
Meanwhile, Goku got hammered under water. Creating two Kamehameha orbs, he let them sit there. He sent one up, distracting Frieza. The second one confuses Frieza even more. Goku came flying out of nowhere and drop kicked Frieza in the head, sending the tyrant into a mountain.
"Clever," said Frieza, getting up. He began to levitate rocks around him. "Can you dodge this?" He sent a massive wave of rocks flying at Goku, who managed to dodge them. All the rocks began flying every which way, trying to hit the Saiyan, who kept dodging them.
Goku finally got tired of dodging the rocks, and simply releases his energy around him, blasting them into rubble.
Frieza simply laughed and pulled a massive rock out of the ground. "Can you dodge this one?" He sent the rock flying at Goku. Goku tried to catch it, but it pushed him backwards into a cliff.
Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and Goku comes darting out, the rock completely cut in half. He looked around for Frieza.
"HERE I AM!" shouted the tyrant, appearing above him. He shot a blast at Goku, trapping him in a ball of energy.
"What the?" asked Goku, struggling. "I can't move!"
Frieza kicked the ball into the sky, flying up to catch it. "You'd better hope I'm fast. If this ball touches anything but me, it's KA-BOOM!"
Frieza began kicking the ball in a triangle, each time catching it. Finally, with one energy blast, he sent the ball straight to the ground. The explosion decimated the island it touched.
"Guess that's the end of him," said Frieza, turning away.
"That was way too close," said a voice. Frieza whipped around. Goku was right behind him.
"What- how did you escape my attack?"
Goku smiled. "I didn't. I simply outran the explosion."
Frieza stared at Goku. Shoot, where did this guy come from? How did a Saiyan get this much power? So many of them have tried, and even the greatest of them have been child's play. But this one's different. He's fantastic!
"I have a proposition for you," said Frieza. "Let's get down to business. No more toying around."
"All right."
"Just look at them," said Piccolo. "It's hard to believe, but the outcome of this fight will influence the fate of the entire universe."
"And we're the only ones who get to watch it!" said Krillin.
"Hopefully we'll get to do more than that."
"I've been holding back far more of my power than you know," said Frieza. "But before I end this fight, I have an offer. Join me. You have so much potential. It would be a pity to see it snuffed out and gone to waste."
"Sorry," said Goku. "I have this nasty habit of following my heart."
"And what does that get you? With me, you would live like a god. Or you could choose to suffer and die. Your call."
"No way. I have everything a man could want."
"All right. Die if you want. But it's only going to take 50 of my maximum to defeat you. With this power, your limitations will soon become apparent." Suddenly, Frieza vanished, reappearing with a blow to Goku's head.
He's not bluffing, thought Goku, catching himself. Frieza moved behind him faster than anyone could see, tripping him. On the way down, Frieza delivered a blow to Goku's stomach.
He walked away, his back turned. "Don't tell me the great Super Saiyan's down already."
Goku launched himself at Frieza, who dodged it and punched him in the face. He moved behind Goku, knocking him downwards, then appeared below him, kneeing him in the stomach.
Goku moved multiple times to hit Frieza, but every time the tyrant was gone before the blow hit. Finally, Frieza wrapped his tail around Goku's throat, throwing him off towards a cliff.
"What's wrong?" asked Frieza, appearing behind Goku mid-flight. "You don't seem to be having any fun. Loosen up. Nobody likes a sore loser." Frieza punched Goku into the ground.
Goku wasn't given any rest, however, as Frieza suddenly shot up from under ground, then kicked him into the water. Goku hopped out of the water, facing his enemy.
"It won't be long now, will it?" asked the tyrant. "But I commend you for surviving this long."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, on King Kai's planet, the four were keeping a close eye on the battle, King Kai acting as a commentator.
"It's not looking good, guys," said King Kai. "Goku's just not powerful enough. Frieza's kicking him around like it's nothing."
"But Goku hasn't used the Kaioken attack, has he, King Kai?" asked Tien. "He still has that up his sleeve. He'll set Frieza straight once he uses it."
"Yeah, that's right!" said Yamcha, smiling.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" said King Kai, turning to face the others. "Goku has been using the Kaioken attack the entire time. But Frieza's still picking him apart."
-DBZ: SGTW-
"We may have to step in, guys," said Piccolo, watching Goku get the beating of his life at the hands of Frieza.
"Right," said Gohan, patting his sword, reminding himself of the training he'd done.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Frieza was ripping Goku to shreds. The Saiyan wasn't even able to fight back, so quick and sudden were the attacks.
"Where's the fun if you don't fight back?" asked Frieza, giving Goku a moment. Goku landed and caught his breath.
"You might be a hundred times stronger than me, Frieza," said the Saiyan, gritting his teeth. "And you may have me down. But I am not about to give up now!" He clenched his fists together. "And even if it destroys me, I will do whatever it takes to destroy you!"
He thought about all that would happen if he lost this battle. His friends, Earth, everything he loved would be destroyed by the tyrant.
"The future of the entire universe depends on ME!" shouted Goku, defiant. A flaming red aura surrounded him. "And I don't care if you're a million times stronger than me! Mark my words, I'm not going to let them down!" Goku launched himself at Frieza, delivering a blow to the head.
Frieza was sent flying, unable to block the blow. Goku moved to hit him again, but Frieza dodged it. Goku turned to face Frieza.
"Kamehameha!" The beam of blue light shot directly at Frieza, who held up one hand to block it. Goku poured more and more power into the blast.
Suddenly, there was a colossal explosion. When the smoke cleared, Frieza was a little burnt, but otherwise unharmed.
"Why you little!" said the tyrant, staring at Goku with hatred in his eyes.
"You're mine, Frieza!" said Goku.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Here I go again. Does Goku have a plan up his sleeves, or is Frieza just too powerful? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Son Gohan the Warrior
Chapter 21: The Spirit Bomb
"The 20x Kaioken didn't work!" said Krillin, staring at Frieza.
How does a Saiyan have such incredible power? thought Frieza, staring at his burnt hand. I need to take him out now.
Frieza shot down and landed on the island with Goku. "It is time for your demise," said the tyrant. Goku said nothing, still trying to catch his breath after that last attack.
"IT'S ALL OVER, SAIYAN!" shouted Frieza, launching himself at Goku. Goku had no time to react as Frieza head butt him in the face, knocking him backwards.
"We've got to do something!" shouted Gohan. He couldn't just stand there and watch his dad fight Frieza anymore.
As he prepared to charge in against Frieza, Piccolo grabbed his shoulder, stopping him.
Frieza walked up to Goku, who was on all fours panting. "You weakling." He kicked the Saiyan in the face, sending him flying backwards.
Goku got up. He looked at Frieza. Then he smiled, raising his hands in the air.
"What is he doing?" asked Frieza, confused.
"LOOK!" shouted Gohan from where they were watching. "What's he doing?"
"He's trying to form a Spirit Bomb!" said Krillin, recognizing the move.
"What?" said Piccolo. "Spirit Bomb?"
"The ultimate attack," explained Krillin. "Goku learned it from King Kai. It draws it's energy from every living thing around."
This planet doesn't have nearly enough energy, thought Goku. But maybe if I concentrate hard enough, I can draw what I need from the stars of Planet Namek.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, on King Kai's planet...
"What was that?" shouted Tien, hearing a noise from inside the house.
"It sounded like Bubbles!" said Chiaotzu, hearing the monkey.
Sure enough, Bubbles came out, a huge lump on his head. Gregory came out right behind him.
"Who did that to them?" asked Tien, angry. He, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha looked into the house, spotting five figures.
"Who are you?" shouted Yamcha.
The five looked over and came shooting out the door.
"Recoome!"
"Burter!"
"Jeice!"
"Guldo!"
"Captain Ginyu!"
"All together we are- THE ONE AND ONLY GINYU FORCE!"
The three looked at their enemies in confusion. "They're complete and total wackos!" said Yamcha, scratching his head.
"Wasn't the Ginyu Force the band of low-life mercenaries hired by Frieza to defeat the others?"
"Oh, so you're friends of those little punks," said Captain Ginyu. "Well, we just had a little bit of bad luck on Planet Namek. Nothing that will happen again."
King Kai walked out the door to his house. "What's going on out here?"
"We have company," said Tien to his teacher.
King Kai walked to face the Ginyu Force. "I don't have time to deal with intruders, so I'd suggest you leave."
"Oh, funny guy," said Recoome, bending over and getting face-to-face with King Kai. "And I suppose you're gonna make us get out?"
"Yes," said King Kai.
Captain Ginyu, in the meanwhile, was using his powers of observation. He looked at the symbol on King Kai's clothing. I swear I've seen that symbol before. "Hey, you!" he shouted at King Kai. "Do you teach martial arts?"
"Yes, I do," said King Kai, smiling. "You've already met Goku, one of my students."
"WHAT?" shouted Ginyu. "YOU TAUGHT THAT GUY?"
"Oh, man!" said Jeice. "Now's the opportunity to get some revenge!"
Just then, King Kai sensed something. "Goku's using the Spirit Bomb!" he said, thinking out loud.
"What?" asked Ginyu. "Spirit Bomb?"
"Yeah, Goku!" said Tien. "Show Frieza who's boss!"
"That guy's actually fighting Frieza?" asked Burter. "Oh, man, that's gotta be one good fight."
-DBZ: SGTW-
"Quit stalling," said Frieza, angry. "Or are you just taking a break?"
"You'll find out soon enough, Frieza," said Goku, smiling.
Frieza launched himself at Goku, knocking the Saiyan backwards. "Nobody mocks me!"
"We need to help my dad!" said Gohan. "If Frieza doesn't give him enough time to complete the Spirit Bomb, we're finished!"
"Gohan, Krillin!" said Piccolo. "We need to surrender our powers to Goku. Give me your hands!"
Frieza kicked Goku into the water. "Once I'm finished with you, I'll deal with your bratty son and the universe will be rid of your kind once and for all!"
Just then, he noticed something in the water. It was the reflection of the Spirit Bomb. Looking up, he spotted the massive orb of energy Goku had created.
"He's noticed it!" said Gohan, who had been watching Frieza.
"Gohan, come with me!" said Piccolo. "Krillin, you stay here!"
"Right!" Piccolo and Gohan shot off towards Frieza.
Frieza placed a finger in Goku's face. "Now it ends."
Fortunately, Gohan and Piccolo both kicked Frieza in his side, sending him flying far away into the water. "Dad," said Gohan, turning to his father. "Finish collecting energy! We don't have much time left!"
"Right," said Goku, standing up and putting his hands back into the air.
Frieza shot out of the water into the air. "Well, well. What do we have here? The last Saiyan's brat and the last Namek."
"How much more time, Goku?" asked Piccolo, staring at Frieza. "Frieza's about to go on the attack again!"
"No!" said Goku. "I need a little more time!"
"We can hold him off, Piccolo," said Gohan, staring at Frieza. The two flew into the air, facing against Frieza.
"Are you two really in that much of a hurry to die?" asked Frieza. "I would have given you your turn after I dealt with the Saiyan, but if you're that anxious, I guess I can let you cut."
The two began throwing energy blast after energy blast at Frieza. But when the smoke cleared, Frieza was a little more scratched than he had been, but still unhurt.
"I'm tired of playing these games," said Frieza, disappearing and reappearing behind the two. He punched Gohan to the ground, and kicked Piccolo up into the air.
"Now die." Just as Frieza was about to finish them off, a blast came flying out from nowhere, hitting Frieza, and forcing him on the defensive.
Gohan and Piccolo looked over at Krillin, who had fired a Kamehameha wave at Frieza. "All right, Krillin," said Gohan. "I didn't think he had any power left."
"I forgot about him," said Frieza. "No matter. This entire planet is about to be reduced to rubble!" He flew into the air and lifted one finger, charging an energy ball. His veins throbbing, he looked like he was insane. "THIS WHOLE PLANET IS GOING TO DIE!"
Just then, Goku felt something. "It's complete! The Spirit Bomb is complete!"
"Throw it, Goku!" shouted Piccolo.
Goku lowered his hands. The Spirit Bomb plummeted towards Namek.
Frieza heard the roar of the energy approaching. Looking up, he freaked out, seeing the massive orb of energy coming directly at him. Abandoning his attack, he raised his arms, attempting to block it.
Gohan and Piccolo each grabbed on to Goku, and they flew to safety, Krillin joining them. They turned to watch the scene unfold.
"I CAN'T STOP IT!" screamed Frieza in panic. The Spirit Bomb was pushing him towards the ground, and he was unable to stop it. The attack smashed into the sea floor, sending out a colossal explosion.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, back on King Kai's planet, the Ginyu Force and the others were all staring at King Kai.
"It... it finally happened!" shouted King Kai, jumping up and down. "Goku defeated Frieza! Goku defeated Frieza!"
"You're nuts!" said Ginyu. "Frieza is unbeatable! Nobody can defeat him!"
"If Goku's won," said Tien, looking at the Ginyu Force, "then so have we."
The three shot into combat against the Ginyu Force.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Has Goku really managed to do it? Is Frieza gone for good? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Word Count: 6,038
"I don't know what it is," said Gohan, staring down at his mentor, "but there's something different about Piccolo. He'd never fight unless he knew he could win."
"Get it through your head!" shouted Vegeta. "'Piccolo' doesn't stand a chance!"
Down on the ground, Dende watched from where he was hiding. "I don't know what it is," he said to himself, "but there's something about Piccolo that reminds me of Nail."
Frieza laughed. "So, you think you're pretty tough, huh? Well, it won't take me long to have your face in the dirt, begging for mercy!"
"Give it a try." Piccolo charged at Frieza. The fight was on, and they were each blocking blow-for-blow, neither clearly on top of the other.
As the two were in a grapple hold, Piccolo shot a beam out of his eyes at Frieza. Frieza bent backwards, but Piccolo managed to get a shot in on the tyrant's head, knocking him backwards.
"Piccolo won!" shouted Krillin, thrilled.
"No," said Gohan. "It's not over yet."
Frieza charged back at Piccolo, forcing the Namek on the defensive. Piccolo was backed into a cliff, and Frieza blasted him point-blank range. When the smoke cleared, Piccolo was just getting up, nearly unharmed.
He launched himself back at Frieza, and the two resumed fighting.
"There's something different about him," said Gohan, staring at his mentor.
"You think he can take Frieza?" asked Krillin, watching in awe.
"Yes."
"ENOUGH OF THIS!" shouted Frieza. Calming down, he smiled grimly. "You weren't around to see my first transformation. I have several, each of which increase my power significantly. I don't really need to do this, but watch closely." Smiling he held up two fingers. "I still have two transformations left."
A bright light surrounded Frieza, and his head began to change. His shoulders elongated so they stretched out over his arms, his head elongated backwards, two massive spikes emerged from his back, and his face flattened out somewhat.
Looking up at the stunned fighters, he smiled. "Now, where were we?" His voice had gone back to his normal pitch, but now had a horrible effect on it.
Piccolo stared at Frieza in horror. We're still not strong enough. I hope Goku gets here soon.
Gohan stared at Frieza in anger. "No matter what we do, we're still not strong enough! We've got to do something!"
"You!" shouted Vegeta to Krillin. "Cue-ball! I need you to beat me within an inch of my life!"
"WHAT?" shouted Krillin, completely bewildered. "I can't do that!"
"WHY NOT?" shouted the Saiyan angrily. "Listen, if you do that, the green-bean child can heal me, and I'll be strong enough to defeat Frieza!"
"I- I can't!"
Meanwhile, Frieza and Piccolo continued in a stare off. Smiling, Frieza raised one finger, and sent a blast at Piccolo. A bit of blood and cloth from his gi came flying off. Frieza continued to launch blast after blast at the Namek, each time hurting him worse and worse.
"Piccolo!" shouted Gohan, his anger rising. "I've got to do something!"
Krillin felt as Gohan's power began to rise. Gohan charged directly at Frieza, launching a kick at the tyrant. Frieza moved out of the way, and Gohan shot into the air.
"Masenko-HA!" shouted the half-Saiyan, sending a massive beam of energy directly at Frieza. Frieza, confident, took the blast head on. He was barely able to stay where he was.
Gohan pumped additional power into the blast, forcing Frieza backwards. Frieza hit the ground, and the Masenko exploded directly on him.
When the smoke cleared, Frieza got up, a little burnt, but otherwise unhurt. "That was close. I'll have to watch that kid. He's stronger than any Saiyan I've ever met." Frieza thought. "I wonder who he is. I'm confident I destroyed all the Saiyans except Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa 20 years ago."
Frieza looked at Vegeta and Krillin. "Neither one of those misfits could be his father. No matter. In the end, they all must be expunged."
Vegeta and Krillin had ceased their argument to stare at Gohan. What I'd like to know is how did that kid become so powerful? thought Vegeta to himself.
"Maybe you're stronger than I thought," said Frieza to the fighters. "I'm going to show you my ultimate form." Frieza began his transformation.
"BALDY!" screamed Vegeta at Krillin. "IF YOU DON'T ALMOST KILL ME, I'LL KILL YOU!"
Krillin backs away in fear, raising his hands as a reflex. Vegeta raised up a hand to hit Krillin, and Krillin blasted Vegeta to an inch of his life.
Vegeta collapsed on the ground. "Now, just heal me," he said to Dende.
"No!" said Dende, running away. Sighting Piccolo, who was badly injured, he ran over. "I'll heal you!"
Unfortunately, Frieza looked over while Piccolo was being healed. He realized how Gohan and Krillin had both come back for more after they should have been dead.
Piccolo got up, completely healed. "Thanks, kid."
"I didn't do it for you," said Dende defensively. "I did it for Nail." He looked over at Frieza, fear gripping him.
"Dende!" said Krillin, coming over. "You need to forget about the past, and heal Vegeta. He's our only hope!"
"Dende," said Piccolo in Nail's voice. "Do it. Trust my judgment. We need Vegeta's help."
Dende looked at Piccolo. Nodding, he flew over to Vegeta, healing him.
Vegeta stood up. "I feel stronger than ever!" he said. He kicked Dende away. "I should say thank you. You're lucky you caught me in a good mood."
"I can see Frieza!" said Piccolo, staring at the tyrant. True to Piccolo's word, the smoke was clearing, and the outline could be seen. Frieza had returned to his normal size, but had white skin with purple splotches.
Frieza looked up at the fighters.
"He looks weaker than before!" said Krillin, getting a little more confident.
"Don't be an idiot!" said Piccolo. "He's far stronger than I thought he would be!"
Vegeta simply smiled. "So, this is the real Frieza." He walked forward. "Well, Frieza, unfortunately for you, I've finally become a true Super Saiyan. So, let's go."
Frieza simply raised one finger up. "Bang." A red beam shot out. The explosion was behind all four of the fighters. Turning around, they saw Dende laying there, charred.
"Frieza, you monster!" said Piccolo, remembering all of Nail's memories of Dende.
"One down," said Frieza. "And I didn't even break a sweat." Suddenly, the tyrant vanished.
Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan whipped around to face Frieza, who they sensed behind them. He was between them and Vegeta.
"How dare you!" said Piccolo, furious at Dende's death.
"It's time to pull back the curtains and let the third and final act begin." Frieza turned to face Dende's body. "I see you're all upset over what I did to your little friend. How touching. Oh well, what's done is done."
Gohan was gritting his teeth in anger. Frieza noticed this.
"You seem quite anxious to get things started," he said, pointing at Gohan. "Shall we begin?"
Gohan launched himself, throwing a punch at Frieza's head. Frieza simply ducked his head, the blow missing completely. Gohan threw a second kick, which Frieza dodged just as easily.
Piccolo and Krillin launched in, each trying to chop the opposite sides of Frieza's head. Frieza simply ducked his head again, the blows missing.
The three launched a massive flurry of attacks at Frieza, who dodged every one with ease. Finally, they drew back. Gohan flew into the air. "Masenko-HA!" Frieza simply phased out of the way of the blast.
Krillin and Piccolo each launched a blast at Frieza. There was an explosion, but when the smoke cleared, there was nothing there.
"BEHIND YOU!" shouted Vegeta, a horrified look on his face. The three whipped around, and saw Frieza standing there, two fingers pointed directly at Gohan.
Frieza shot a beam directly at Gohan, who would have been hit if Vegeta hadn't knocked him down at the last second. The beam continued on, hitting an island. After a massive explosion, the island was gone.
"Thanks, Vegeta," said Gohan, standing up and facing Frieza again. "I owe you one."
"I guess you guys just aren't up to my new power," said Vegeta, grinning.
"So, you think you can take him on yourself?" asked Piccolo.
"You bet," said Vegeta.
"He's crazy!" shouted Krillin, completely confused. Gohan simply stared at Vegeta, sensing his power, and comparing it to Frieza's. He's nowhere near strong enough, he concluded. But it'll at least buy time for dad to get here.
"Your words are tough, Vegeta," said Frieza, "but can you back them up?"
"You're thinking of me as I used to be. I've changed, you know. And now, I'll show you the new me." Vegeta shook a fist in front of him. "Vegeta, Super Saiyan!"
Frieza's eyes widened slightly.
"At last, the power is all mine, Frieza."
Frieza started laughing. "Forgive me if I don't tremble in fear, Super Saiyan."
"You don't believe me, do you? Then I'll wipe that grin off your face, Frieza. Get ready to fight." He began powering up.
"Where did Vegeta get all of this power from?" asked Piccolo, a little concerned.
"Vegeta told me that his power is at it's peak right after he recovers from a mortal wound!" explained Krillin.
Gohan stood, staring at Vegeta, sensing his power. "Krillin, Piccolo, we should get to safety."
The two looked at Gohan and nodded. They flew into the air, getting away from the danger zone.
"It's still not enough," said Gohan. "Frieza's still holding back. And if Vegeta's approaching his max, then he still doesn't stand a chance."
"So should we help him?" asked Piccolo.
"Our best bet is to wait until my father is back on his feet. Then, with his help, we should be able to beat Frieza."
Krillin and Piccolo nodded.
Finally, Vegeta threw his arms out, and with a blinding flash of light, he was finished.
"That's all?" asked Frieza, laughing. "I was expecting more out of a 'Super Saiyan', but if you're finished I guess I'll just have to deal with you quickly."
"Is that really all the power Vegeta has?" asked Krillin, confused.
"No," said Gohan. "He's still holding back some, but not much."
"Still, he's the strongest out of all of us!" said Krillin. "He has the best chance of beating Frieza right now."
Gohan just stared at the fight. Piccolo noticed how Gohan wasn't agreeing with Krillin.
"No," said Piccolo. "Gohan's a little stronger, but not by much."
"What?" asked Krillin, surprised. He turned to Gohan. "Is that true?"
Gohan nodded. "You remember when I got angry and launched waves of attacks at Frieza? I managed to keep control of some of that power."
Meanwhile, Vegeta and Frieza had joined in combat. Vegeta launched a flurry of punches at Frieza, who managed to dodge every single one without effort.
Finally, Vegeta locked both hands in a fist over Frieza's head, attempting to hammer the tyrant into the ground. Frieza disappeared before the blow could even hit.
Vegeta turned around and saw Frieza standing there, arms crossed, laughing at him.
"No, no, NO!" shouted Vegeta, not able to believe it. Even with all his new strength, he was still no match for Frieza.
"Well, it looks like you're not a Super Saiyan after all, are you?" asked Frieza, laughing. "So sorry. I guess that makes you the loser."
He's too fast! thought Vegeta.
"Vegeta, face it. Your fight with me is futile and useless! Just wake up: you're blind and delusional. You keep going on about being a Super Saiyan. But it's just a myth, Vegeta. I've never seen one. Have you? You're such a chump."
What if he's right? What if I'm not a Super Saiyan? That would mean I don't stand a chance against Frieza! And that means... I'm pretty much a goner!
"You're wrong!" shouted the Saiyan defiantly. "I am a Super Saiyan!" He threw a massive bolt of energy at Frieza, who simply moved out of the way at the last second.
Vegeta continued to throw blast after blast at Frieza, who moved out of the way.
"MOVE!" shouted Piccolo, grabbing Krillin. He dragged Krillin away to safety, Gohan right behind him. The blasts moved over where they'd been watching the fight. They landed a good distance away.
Frieza appeared directly in front of Vegeta, who backed away in surprise. "I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET, LUNATIC!" shouted the Saiyan Prince, flying into the sky.
He brought his arms in front of him. "I'll show you! One Super Saiyan does exist! Gallic Gun, fire!"
The massive beam of energy soared directly at Frieza.
"WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, DESTROY US ALL?" screamed Piccolo.
Frieza kicked the blast back at Vegeta, who barely managed to move out of the way in time. The blast exploded in midair, lighting the entire sky up.
"Frieza defended himself with just one kick!" said Piccolo, shocked.
Krillin was shaking in fear. Gohan was watching closely, beginning to get a bit worried. I don't even know if dad'll be strong enough to defeat him, thought the half-Saiyan. But he's our only shot.
"Vegeta's all out of power," said Krillin.
Frieza shot into the air like a cannonball, smashing into Vegeta's chin. Moving ahead of the Saiyan, Frieza kicked him downwards into the water.
Frieza used his energy to push the water away, exposing where Vegeta lay on the ocean's floor.
"Vegeta, you disappoint me," said Frieza, picking the Saiyan up by his hair. "After all that Super Saiyan talk, I thought I should give you a sporting chance. While you did put up a good fight, you're just as stupid as those other half-wits."
Frieza kicked Vegeta into the air, then flew up and kneed him a few times, sending him flying to where Krillin, Piccolo, and Gohan were watching.
"Get up, Vegeta!" said Krillin, worried.
Frieza flew over and wrapped his tail around Vegeta's neck. Picking him up, he began strangling him, delivering punch after punch to the Prince's back. After a few moments of this, he turned his head to the others. "Feel free to jump in at any time, my little friends."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Goku sensed the battle from where he rest in the regeneration tank. I don't think Vegeta's going to make it, he thought.
Suddenly, the tank's controller beeped, and a green light came on. Goku opened his eyes. I'm healed! He took the breathing apparatus off, and blasted the tank's viewing window open. He leapt out, and powered up, knocking the water off.
He blasted through the roof, landing outside the ship. I can't believe how strong I am! This is incredible!
He took off into the air, flying towards the battle. I'm on my way, Gohan!
-DBZ: SGTW-
Is Goku strong enough to help the others defeat Frieza? Why do I even bother trying to imitate the ending of every Dragon Ball Z episode? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior! (not why I imitate the ending of every DBZ episode... it would be kind of stupid for me to try and rationalize that. Like, this one time... (slapped with fish into unconsciousness)
Chapter 20: The Return of Goku
Gohan and the others continued to watch in horror as Vegeta was brutally beaten by Frieza.
Gohan felt his anger begin to rise. Why am I just standing here when I could be helping Vegeta? he thought angrily. I've got to help him!
Just as he began to dive forward, Piccolo grabbed his shoulder.
Gohan looked at his mentor, who simply shook his head.
"But- Piccolo-" But he knew Piccolo was right, and it angered him that even him darting forward wouldn't help Vegeta. It seemed like his eyes momentarily flashed green.
Frieza finally got tired of using Vegeta like a punching bag. He whipped Vegeta against the cliff. Vegeta was far too injured to entertain any remote hopes of getting up.
Frieza walked over and grabbed Vegeta's armor, raising him slightly off the ground. He raised his hand to prepare for the killing blow.
Suddenly, there was a burst of power from behind Piccolo and the others. Turning around, they saw Goku, fully healed, staring at Frieza.
"Good to see you guys are in good health," said Goku, walking forward. "This is the first time I've made it to the battlefield without you guys being all beaten up."
"How are you feeling, dad?" asked Gohan, watching his father.
"Better than ever," said Goku. "I'll take care of things from here."
"What are you saying?" asked Piccolo. "It'll take everything we've got to beat him."
"Are you nuts?" asked Krillin, concerned for his friend's health.
"I'm fine," said Goku.
Frieza dropped Vegeta and watched Goku walk forward.
"You must be Frieza," said Goku. "The one responsible for the horrible chain of events that have taken place on this planet."
Frieza smirked. "The proof is in the pudding, don't you think?"
Goku looked at Vegeta. "Any problems you had with Vegeta, you can take them up with me."
I'm sure I've seen him somewhere before, thought Frieza.
Vegeta rolled his head over at the sound of Goku's voice. "Hey, Kakarot. You made it."
"Kakarot?" asked Frieza, looking at Goku more closely. "But that's a Saiyan name, isn't it?" Suddenly, he recognized the hair as being the exact replica of that of Bardock, a Saiyan who had stood up to Frieza after King Vegeta's failed raid. He'd died along with the rest of the Saiyans when Frieza had destroyed the planet.
"Yes, I was in a skirmish with a Saiyan who looked just like you. You're his offspring. The resemblance between you is unmistakable."
"I don't care," said Goku.
Kakarot's different than before, thought Vegeta. Maybe his last battle pushed him over the edge. Maybe he did what I cannot. Vegeta's eyes widened. He IS a Super Saiyan.
"Well, shall we proceed?" asked Frieza.
"Your call," said Goku. Frieza phased out, then back in launching a kick at Goku. Goku vanished, reappearing behind Frieza, kicking Frieza in the head.
Frieza flipped in mid-air, landing. He rubbed his head where Goku had kicked him.
"I couldn't follow it!" said Krillin, stunned.
"Nice move, but your shoelace came untied," said Frieza.
"I'm not going to fall for that one," said Goku, never taking his eyes off the tyrant. "I don't even have shoelaces."
"Darn." Frieza pointed a single finger at Goku.
"Don't try to block it, Goku!" shouted Krillin, recognizing what move Frieza was about to use. He and the others got out of the way.
Frieza launched the beam. Goku didn't try to block it-he did block it. He simply slapped the beam away.
Frieza barred his teeth in surprise. He launched a flurry of attacks at Goku, who blocked every single one like it was nothing.
"One hand?" asked Frieza, shocked. "Not only was he able to block them, but he was able to aim them away from his friends!"
Vegeta began to laugh. "Who would have thought?" said the Prince. "A lowly soldier like you Kakarot. I commend you." He looked at the tyrant. "Frieza, you fool! Don't you get it? Kakarot's not an ordinary Saiyan! He is a Super Saiyan!"
Frieza's eyes widened.
"That's right," continued Vegeta. "You heard me. If there is a God, he must be good for letting me live long enough to see this day. How great. This is a dream come true, to see you beaten by a Saiyan!"
Frieza blasted Vegeta through his chest. Vegeta collapsed onto the ground.
"Enough," said Frieza, staring at Vegeta. "Loudmouth. On and on like a broken record."
"What's your problem?" asked Goku, staring at Frieza. "He wasn't even able to defend himself. There's no honor in that."
"It was the only way I could shut him up. He insists on babbling about that foolish legend. There is no such thing as a Super Saiyan."
"K-k-Kakarot," said Vegeta in great pain. "Don't be so soft. There's no honor in any of this. It's just a game. Play to win. There are no rules. Just finish him off."
"He's nothing more than a corpse and he still talks," muttered Frieza.
"I can't change who I am," said Goku. "Everybody deserves a chance to change their ways, just like you had."
"You don't know what you're dealing with... He killed our whole planet... He took me from my father when I was just a little boy. He made me... what I am. Don't let him do it... to anyone else..." These last words had drained Vegeta of his last strength, and he dropped, finally passing.
"Vegeta," said Goku, staring down at his rival's body. After a moment, he blasted a hole in the ground. Picking up Vegeta, he buried him. "Thank you for saving my son's life, and buying enough time for me to recuperate."
"Something just occurred to me," said Frieza, staring at Goku. "You defeated the Ginyu Force. Not those other little runts."
"Part of the truth," said Goku. "I defeated two of them. One ran off. One was killed by Vegeta, and Gohan defeated one."
Frieza launched a blast at Goku. When the smoke cleared, there was no sign of him.
"Looking for me?" asked Goku, reappearing above Frieza. The two began to exchange blows, neither landing one.
"Wow," said Krillin. "Goku's really improved. He's going head-to-head with Frieza!"
"Yeah," said Gohan, watching his father fight.
Meanwhile, Goku got hammered under water. Creating two Kamehameha orbs, he let them sit there. He sent one up, distracting Frieza. The second one confuses Frieza even more. Goku came flying out of nowhere and drop kicked Frieza in the head, sending the tyrant into a mountain.
"Clever," said Frieza, getting up. He began to levitate rocks around him. "Can you dodge this?" He sent a massive wave of rocks flying at Goku, who managed to dodge them. All the rocks began flying every which way, trying to hit the Saiyan, who kept dodging them.
Goku finally got tired of dodging the rocks, and simply releases his energy around him, blasting them into rubble.
Frieza simply laughed and pulled a massive rock out of the ground. "Can you dodge this one?" He sent the rock flying at Goku. Goku tried to catch it, but it pushed him backwards into a cliff.
Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and Goku comes darting out, the rock completely cut in half. He looked around for Frieza.
"HERE I AM!" shouted the tyrant, appearing above him. He shot a blast at Goku, trapping him in a ball of energy.
"What the?" asked Goku, struggling. "I can't move!"
Frieza kicked the ball into the sky, flying up to catch it. "You'd better hope I'm fast. If this ball touches anything but me, it's KA-BOOM!"
Frieza began kicking the ball in a triangle, each time catching it. Finally, with one energy blast, he sent the ball straight to the ground. The explosion decimated the island it touched.
"Guess that's the end of him," said Frieza, turning away.
"That was way too close," said a voice. Frieza whipped around. Goku was right behind him.
"What- how did you escape my attack?"
Goku smiled. "I didn't. I simply outran the explosion."
Frieza stared at Goku. Shoot, where did this guy come from? How did a Saiyan get this much power? So many of them have tried, and even the greatest of them have been child's play. But this one's different. He's fantastic!
"I have a proposition for you," said Frieza. "Let's get down to business. No more toying around."
"All right."
"Just look at them," said Piccolo. "It's hard to believe, but the outcome of this fight will influence the fate of the entire universe."
"And we're the only ones who get to watch it!" said Krillin.
"Hopefully we'll get to do more than that."
"I've been holding back far more of my power than you know," said Frieza. "But before I end this fight, I have an offer. Join me. You have so much potential. It would be a pity to see it snuffed out and gone to waste."
"Sorry," said Goku. "I have this nasty habit of following my heart."
"And what does that get you? With me, you would live like a god. Or you could choose to suffer and die. Your call."
"No way. I have everything a man could want."
"All right. Die if you want. But it's only going to take 50 of my maximum to defeat you. With this power, your limitations will soon become apparent." Suddenly, Frieza vanished, reappearing with a blow to Goku's head.
He's not bluffing, thought Goku, catching himself. Frieza moved behind him faster than anyone could see, tripping him. On the way down, Frieza delivered a blow to Goku's stomach.
He walked away, his back turned. "Don't tell me the great Super Saiyan's down already."
Goku launched himself at Frieza, who dodged it and punched him in the face. He moved behind Goku, knocking him downwards, then appeared below him, kneeing him in the stomach.
Goku moved multiple times to hit Frieza, but every time the tyrant was gone before the blow hit. Finally, Frieza wrapped his tail around Goku's throat, throwing him off towards a cliff.
"What's wrong?" asked Frieza, appearing behind Goku mid-flight. "You don't seem to be having any fun. Loosen up. Nobody likes a sore loser." Frieza punched Goku into the ground.
Goku wasn't given any rest, however, as Frieza suddenly shot up from under ground, then kicked him into the water. Goku hopped out of the water, facing his enemy.
"It won't be long now, will it?" asked the tyrant. "But I commend you for surviving this long."
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, on King Kai's planet, the four were keeping a close eye on the battle, King Kai acting as a commentator.
"It's not looking good, guys," said King Kai. "Goku's just not powerful enough. Frieza's kicking him around like it's nothing."
"But Goku hasn't used the Kaioken attack, has he, King Kai?" asked Tien. "He still has that up his sleeve. He'll set Frieza straight once he uses it."
"Yeah, that's right!" said Yamcha, smiling.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" said King Kai, turning to face the others. "Goku has been using the Kaioken attack the entire time. But Frieza's still picking him apart."
-DBZ: SGTW-
"We may have to step in, guys," said Piccolo, watching Goku get the beating of his life at the hands of Frieza.
"Right," said Gohan, patting his sword, reminding himself of the training he'd done.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Frieza was ripping Goku to shreds. The Saiyan wasn't even able to fight back, so quick and sudden were the attacks.
"Where's the fun if you don't fight back?" asked Frieza, giving Goku a moment. Goku landed and caught his breath.
"You might be a hundred times stronger than me, Frieza," said the Saiyan, gritting his teeth. "And you may have me down. But I am not about to give up now!" He clenched his fists together. "And even if it destroys me, I will do whatever it takes to destroy you!"
He thought about all that would happen if he lost this battle. His friends, Earth, everything he loved would be destroyed by the tyrant.
"The future of the entire universe depends on ME!" shouted Goku, defiant. A flaming red aura surrounded him. "And I don't care if you're a million times stronger than me! Mark my words, I'm not going to let them down!" Goku launched himself at Frieza, delivering a blow to the head.
Frieza was sent flying, unable to block the blow. Goku moved to hit him again, but Frieza dodged it. Goku turned to face Frieza.
"Kamehameha!" The beam of blue light shot directly at Frieza, who held up one hand to block it. Goku poured more and more power into the blast.
Suddenly, there was a colossal explosion. When the smoke cleared, Frieza was a little burnt, but otherwise unharmed.
"Why you little!" said the tyrant, staring at Goku with hatred in his eyes.
"You're mine, Frieza!" said Goku.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Here I go again. Does Goku have a plan up his sleeves, or is Frieza just too powerful? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Son Gohan the Warrior
Chapter 21: The Spirit Bomb
"The 20x Kaioken didn't work!" said Krillin, staring at Frieza.
How does a Saiyan have such incredible power? thought Frieza, staring at his burnt hand. I need to take him out now.
Frieza shot down and landed on the island with Goku. "It is time for your demise," said the tyrant. Goku said nothing, still trying to catch his breath after that last attack.
"IT'S ALL OVER, SAIYAN!" shouted Frieza, launching himself at Goku. Goku had no time to react as Frieza head butt him in the face, knocking him backwards.
"We've got to do something!" shouted Gohan. He couldn't just stand there and watch his dad fight Frieza anymore.
As he prepared to charge in against Frieza, Piccolo grabbed his shoulder, stopping him.
Frieza walked up to Goku, who was on all fours panting. "You weakling." He kicked the Saiyan in the face, sending him flying backwards.
Goku got up. He looked at Frieza. Then he smiled, raising his hands in the air.
"What is he doing?" asked Frieza, confused.
"LOOK!" shouted Gohan from where they were watching. "What's he doing?"
"He's trying to form a Spirit Bomb!" said Krillin, recognizing the move.
"What?" said Piccolo. "Spirit Bomb?"
"The ultimate attack," explained Krillin. "Goku learned it from King Kai. It draws it's energy from every living thing around."
This planet doesn't have nearly enough energy, thought Goku. But maybe if I concentrate hard enough, I can draw what I need from the stars of Planet Namek.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, on King Kai's planet...
"What was that?" shouted Tien, hearing a noise from inside the house.
"It sounded like Bubbles!" said Chiaotzu, hearing the monkey.
Sure enough, Bubbles came out, a huge lump on his head. Gregory came out right behind him.
"Who did that to them?" asked Tien, angry. He, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha looked into the house, spotting five figures.
"Who are you?" shouted Yamcha.
The five looked over and came shooting out the door.
"Recoome!"
"Burter!"
"Jeice!"
"Guldo!"
"Captain Ginyu!"
"All together we are- THE ONE AND ONLY GINYU FORCE!"
The three looked at their enemies in confusion. "They're complete and total wackos!" said Yamcha, scratching his head.
"Wasn't the Ginyu Force the band of low-life mercenaries hired by Frieza to defeat the others?"
"Oh, so you're friends of those little punks," said Captain Ginyu. "Well, we just had a little bit of bad luck on Planet Namek. Nothing that will happen again."
King Kai walked out the door to his house. "What's going on out here?"
"We have company," said Tien to his teacher.
King Kai walked to face the Ginyu Force. "I don't have time to deal with intruders, so I'd suggest you leave."
"Oh, funny guy," said Recoome, bending over and getting face-to-face with King Kai. "And I suppose you're gonna make us get out?"
"Yes," said King Kai.
Captain Ginyu, in the meanwhile, was using his powers of observation. He looked at the symbol on King Kai's clothing. I swear I've seen that symbol before. "Hey, you!" he shouted at King Kai. "Do you teach martial arts?"
"Yes, I do," said King Kai, smiling. "You've already met Goku, one of my students."
"WHAT?" shouted Ginyu. "YOU TAUGHT THAT GUY?"
"Oh, man!" said Jeice. "Now's the opportunity to get some revenge!"
Just then, King Kai sensed something. "Goku's using the Spirit Bomb!" he said, thinking out loud.
"What?" asked Ginyu. "Spirit Bomb?"
"Yeah, Goku!" said Tien. "Show Frieza who's boss!"
"That guy's actually fighting Frieza?" asked Burter. "Oh, man, that's gotta be one good fight."
-DBZ: SGTW-
"Quit stalling," said Frieza, angry. "Or are you just taking a break?"
"You'll find out soon enough, Frieza," said Goku, smiling.
Frieza launched himself at Goku, knocking the Saiyan backwards. "Nobody mocks me!"
"We need to help my dad!" said Gohan. "If Frieza doesn't give him enough time to complete the Spirit Bomb, we're finished!"
"Gohan, Krillin!" said Piccolo. "We need to surrender our powers to Goku. Give me your hands!"
Frieza kicked Goku into the water. "Once I'm finished with you, I'll deal with your bratty son and the universe will be rid of your kind once and for all!"
Just then, he noticed something in the water. It was the reflection of the Spirit Bomb. Looking up, he spotted the massive orb of energy Goku had created.
"He's noticed it!" said Gohan, who had been watching Frieza.
"Gohan, come with me!" said Piccolo. "Krillin, you stay here!"
"Right!" Piccolo and Gohan shot off towards Frieza.
Frieza placed a finger in Goku's face. "Now it ends."
Fortunately, Gohan and Piccolo both kicked Frieza in his side, sending him flying far away into the water. "Dad," said Gohan, turning to his father. "Finish collecting energy! We don't have much time left!"
"Right," said Goku, standing up and putting his hands back into the air.
Frieza shot out of the water into the air. "Well, well. What do we have here? The last Saiyan's brat and the last Namek."
"How much more time, Goku?" asked Piccolo, staring at Frieza. "Frieza's about to go on the attack again!"
"No!" said Goku. "I need a little more time!"
"We can hold him off, Piccolo," said Gohan, staring at Frieza. The two flew into the air, facing against Frieza.
"Are you two really in that much of a hurry to die?" asked Frieza. "I would have given you your turn after I dealt with the Saiyan, but if you're that anxious, I guess I can let you cut."
The two began throwing energy blast after energy blast at Frieza. But when the smoke cleared, Frieza was a little more scratched than he had been, but still unhurt.
"I'm tired of playing these games," said Frieza, disappearing and reappearing behind the two. He punched Gohan to the ground, and kicked Piccolo up into the air.
"Now die." Just as Frieza was about to finish them off, a blast came flying out from nowhere, hitting Frieza, and forcing him on the defensive.
Gohan and Piccolo looked over at Krillin, who had fired a Kamehameha wave at Frieza. "All right, Krillin," said Gohan. "I didn't think he had any power left."
"I forgot about him," said Frieza. "No matter. This entire planet is about to be reduced to rubble!" He flew into the air and lifted one finger, charging an energy ball. His veins throbbing, he looked like he was insane. "THIS WHOLE PLANET IS GOING TO DIE!"
Just then, Goku felt something. "It's complete! The Spirit Bomb is complete!"
"Throw it, Goku!" shouted Piccolo.
Goku lowered his hands. The Spirit Bomb plummeted towards Namek.
Frieza heard the roar of the energy approaching. Looking up, he freaked out, seeing the massive orb of energy coming directly at him. Abandoning his attack, he raised his arms, attempting to block it.
Gohan and Piccolo each grabbed on to Goku, and they flew to safety, Krillin joining them. They turned to watch the scene unfold.
"I CAN'T STOP IT!" screamed Frieza in panic. The Spirit Bomb was pushing him towards the ground, and he was unable to stop it. The attack smashed into the sea floor, sending out a colossal explosion.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Meanwhile, back on King Kai's planet, the Ginyu Force and the others were all staring at King Kai.
"It... it finally happened!" shouted King Kai, jumping up and down. "Goku defeated Frieza! Goku defeated Frieza!"
"You're nuts!" said Ginyu. "Frieza is unbeatable! Nobody can defeat him!"
"If Goku's won," said Tien, looking at the Ginyu Force, "then so have we."
The three shot into combat against the Ginyu Force.
-DBZ: SGTW-
Has Goku really managed to do it? Is Frieza gone for good? Find out in the next chapter of DBZ: Son Gohan the Warrior!
Word Count: 6,038