The ground had taken quite a beating. Multiple craters and the rubble of shattered boulders lay strewn across the landscape, the aftermath of a fierce and unforgiving battle. Wind swept over the lifeless bodies of Chiaotzu and Nappa, their sacrifices now silent witnesses to the chaos that had unfolded.
Goku and Vegeta stood tall, the only two left alive on the battlefield. The serene sounds of birds chirping could be heard, a stark contrast to the devastation around them. It was the calm before the storm, a momentary lull that seemed almost surreal given the destruction.
Goku glanced at Chiaotzu's body from the corner of his eye. The sight weighed heavily on him, and he didn't want to fight here any longer. "What do you say about a change of scenery?" he asked, his voice calm but resolute.
Vegeta chuckled, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "As you wish, Kakarot," he replied, his tone filled with both amusement and anticipation.
Goku smiled, feeling a strange sense of relief. "Follow me," he said before igniting his aura and blasting off into the sky, a trail of energy following in his wake.
Vegeta smirked and took off after him.
...
Goku flew ahead, carefully monitoring Vegeta's ki as he followed behind. Goku's eyes scanned the area below, searching for the perfect spot. 'I need space—somewhere far enough that Chiaotzu's body is not affected by our fight.' His heart ached as he remembered the old friend.
The wind rushed past as they flew through the clear sky. This should be far enough, he thought, eyeing the landscape beneath them. Jagged rocks and an open plain stretched out, untouched by civilization.
"Here. This is the place," he said aloud, as much to himself as to Vegeta.
With that, Goku descended and landed atop a rock formation.
Vegeta landed on a rock formation opposite him, slightly taller than Goku's, the height giving him a slight psychological edge. He wanted it to be known who was the superior here.
The two last full-blooded Saiyans stood tall, sizing each other up, their eyes locking in a silent challenge.
Vegeta broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Before the fight begins, I have an offer for you, Kakarot."
"I'm listening," Goku replied, his tone measured and curious.
"Good," Vegeta continued. "I have to tell you something. You may not know this, but both of us are the last of the Saiyans left. The last members of a proud race of warriors. It would be a shame for us to be on the verge of each other's blood."
Goku remained silent, listening carefully, his mind racing with possibilities.
"That's why I'm willing to give you a chance. Team up with me."
"Huh?" Goku looked surprised, his brows knitting together.
"Yes. I'm willing to spare your child and perhaps your woman as well. But the rest of Earth's inhabitants shall perish. This planet is going to be sold for billions, Kakarot! Together, with our combined strengths and the money we get from this planet, we will be unstoppable! Nobody in the universe would be able to stand up to us! And besides all of this, you will have the honor of serving me, Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans."
Goku looked on, saying nothing, his mind processing the enormity of Vegeta's proposal.
"After selling this planet, you could have anything you want, Kakarot. Fame, wealth, power, women—you name it."
Goku looked down, his expression hidden by his hair, a shadow passing over his features. "I'm sorry. But I'll pass."
Vegeta looked startled, his confident demeanor faltering. "What?!"
Goku looked up, revealing a smirk. "I have everything a man could want right here, on this planet."
Vegeta clenched his fist, his anger flaring. "You are an imbecile, Kakarot," he spat. "If you wish to die, then so be it. But remember, I won't make this offer again."
Goku fell into his battle stance, lowering his body with one hand extended in front of him and the other raised behind him, his eyes locked on Vegeta. "Nah, I'm fine."
Vegeta assumed his own battle stance, a clenched fist raised in front of his forehead and the other hand poised at his side, ready to unleash his fury. The tension between them crackled in the air, the prelude to an epic confrontation.
The two stood in their positions for a few seconds, the tension between them palpable. A breeze blew by, rustling their hair and clothes. Then, suddenly, Goku took off.
The Saiyan from Earth lunged at Vegeta with a punch, but the Prince easily dodged it by tilting his neck, his movements fluid and precise.
A kick from Goku was blocked by Vegeta's forearm. Goku repeatedly began to throw punches, but they were effortlessly dodged or parried away, each strike becoming a blur of motion. The battle was gradually moving into the air, their auras flaring as they clashed.
Vegeta now went on the offensive. His kick aimed at Goku's gut was expertly dodged, Goku's agility matching Vegeta's aggression.
Vegeta then tried to punch his opponent in the chest, but Goku deflected it to the side with a swift motion. Finally, a left hook from Vegeta connected, sending Goku staggering back, the impact resonating through his body.
Goku winced, recovering quickly, but when he looked ahead, Vegeta had disappeared.
Goku gritted his teeth and scanned the area. "There!" he exclaimed, spotting Vegeta atop a rock formation. He dashed towards him at full speed, but Vegeta vanished at the last moment, leaving Goku's kick to collide with the structure instead, causing it to crumble into pieces.
Goku immediately dashed towards where Vegeta had gone. His kick missed its target again, destroying yet another rock formation with explosive force.
Goku's eyes widened as he sensed a ki blast approaching him. He jumped up just in time, but Vegeta's kick connected with his back, sending a shockwave through his spine. The prince then reappeared in front of him to punch him in the jaw, the force of the blow sending Goku reeling.
Goku was pushed back, but he managed to descend and land atop the rock formation where the battle had started.
Vegeta too landed, a confident smirk spreading across his features, his posture relaxed and arrogant.
Goku was panting visibly, his breath coming in heavy bursts.
"If that's your best, Kakarot, then I am truly disappointed. I will have you know that I am just getting warmed up," Vegeta taunted, his voice dripping with condescension.
Goku smiled to himself, despite the odds. 'If what he is saying is true, then I am in big trouble,' he thought. 'It's strange though... Even though things look grim, I'm having the time of my life.' Maybe battles like this were what his Saiyan blood yearned for.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow as he saw Kakarot smile. 'What is he smiling about? Is he holding back? Or has he finally lost it?' he wondered, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
Goku widened his stance, deciding to reveal his trump card. He didn't want to use this technique, but it looked like he had no choice. "Kayo-Ken!" he shouted as a crimson aura enveloped him, his power surging dramatically.
Vegeta's eyes widened in shock as, in a flash, Goku was upon him.
BAM!
Spit flew out of Vegeta's mouth as Goku's fist connected with his cheek. Before he could recover, however, Goku slammed a roundhouse kick into his side, sending him flying across the rocky landscape.
Goku brought his hands to his hips, preparing his signature move. This was his chance. "Kamehameha!" he shouted, a brilliant blue beam of energy forming between his palms and then surging towards Vegeta.
Vegeta recovered mid-air, his teeth gnashing together. He saw the blue beam of energy approaching him. "HAA!" With a yell, the Saiyan prince punched at the beam, deflecting it away with sheer force.
Goku was shocked by this, his eyes wide with disbelief.
BAM!
Goku groaned as Vegeta's punch connected with his chin, the blow coming out of nowhere.
Goku recovered mid-air, steadying himself. Vegeta floated in front of him, a confident smirk on his face.
.. ... . .
Vegeta stood there with a smirk, a mark of injury on his face where Goku's punch had landed but otherwise looking perfectly okay. "I must admit, I am impressed, Kakarot. You are the strongest Saiyan I have ever encountered besides myself! It's commendable, really," he said, his tone almost mocking.
Goku smirked back. "Well, thanks," he replied, his voice steady.
Vegeta chuckled darkly. "Too bad all of your potential is going to be wasted, fighting for a lost cause. You know, Kakarot, the fate of your planet was sealed the moment we heard about its abundant supply of Ragon in space."
Goku didn't reply, his expression serious and focused. He could sense his opponent's ki beginning to rise, the air around them crackling with energy.
"Now, behold," Vegeta shouted, tensing himself as his power level skyrocketed. "The power of Vegeta!"
A dark purple aura enveloped the Saiyan prince. He gritted his teeth, his body vibrating as wind kicked up from his aura, swirling the dust and debris around him in a fierce cyclone.
Goku looked dazed, eyes wide with a mix of alarm and amazement. 'Oh God,' he thought, his heart pounding in his chest.
Dark clouds floated ominously above them, casting long shadows across the battlefield. Beneath the clouds, Vegeta's aura was shining brightly, illuminating the landscape in a sinister light. The prince was shouting with effort, his power level continuing to rise exponentially, his muscles bulging with the strain.
. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Master Roshi sat, his face etched with concern, as the reading on the scouter continued to climb. "The Saiyan's power is rising dramatically!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry.
Khami, Mr. Popo, and Korin stood nearby, their faces mirroring Roshi's anxiety. The air was thick with tension. Even the normally stoic Mr. Popo seemed unsettled.
. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
Goku hovered mid-air, sweat pouring down his face as he stared at Vegeta. The prince's power surged to terrifying heights, his aura a violent, pulsing storm of energy that distorted the air around him. Waves of heat rolled off Vegeta's body, the atmosphere shimmering with intensity. Every crackle of electricity that danced through the sky made the air heavier, more suffocating.
Then, with a final, earsplitting roar, Vegeta's power spiked—and abruptly halted. He leveled a wicked grin at Goku, eyes gleaming with cruel anticipation. The air still hissed with static, and despite the sweltering heat, a cold shiver crawled down Goku's spine.
His heart pounded. He knew what was coming.
BAM!
Vegeta's foot slammed into Goku's gut before he could react. Blood burst from his mouth as he doubled over in agony, the force of the blow like a sledgehammer driving deep into his core. Before he could recover, Vegeta's fists came down like twin meteors.
"Say goodbye!" Vegeta bellowed, hammering Goku downward.
The impact triggered a massive shockwave, rippling across the landscape as Goku plummeted, crashing into the earth with a thunderous boom that carved a crater into the ground.
Dazed but determined, Goku stumbled upright, gasping. "Kaioken times two!" he shouted. A crimson blaze erupted around him, flickering wildly as raw energy surged through his body. He launched himself into the air, fist cocked and aimed at his rival.
But Vegeta twisted aside with ease, Goku's punch slicing through empty air. The sudden miss sent him hurtling forward, wind roaring past his ears. He growled in frustration, wheeling back around.
This time, he charged again—only to meet Vegeta's palm. The Saiyan prince blocked the blow with a smirk, then countered with a brutal punch to Goku's chest that sent him reeling.
A flash of light—then DISHOO!
A searing ki blast slammed into Goku's shoulder. He spiraled away, twisting helplessly in the sky. The blast's heat licked his skin, the acrid stench of scorched flesh filling his nostrils. Grimacing, he managed to steady himself mid-air, but his body was failing. Smoke rose from a charred wound across his chest, flesh blistered and raw. Every breath came ragged and slow, pain flaring with each inhale.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hundreds of miles away...
Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan arrived at the hospital in Wolver City. Tien and Yamcha, who were unconscious, were admitted urgently, their injuries severe.
Piccolo and Krillin had decided that they wouldn't be having any treatment before the battle was truly over. They were hoping that Goku's newfound strength would be enough, but just in case it didn't prove to be, they knew they would have to jump in again.
Gohan had refused treatment as well. He was adamant about helping his dad if need be, his determination shining through his young eyes.
The three warriors jumped into the air, heading back to the battlefield. Their plan was to stay low and keep their energies hidden until the going got tough.
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back to the battlefield...
Goku stood, panting and trembling with pain and exertion. The Kaio-Ken technique was beginning to take a toll on his body, every muscle screaming in protest.
'No....I can not....lose... Gohan… Chichi… everyone… they're counting on me.. '
To be continued. . .