The pods surged forward through the void of space. Rykon slipped into one, and Kakarot into the other. No coordinates were set. They simply launched into the unknown, propelled by raw instinct and the instinct to survive.
Outside their windows, the remnants of Planet Namek burned and shattered, exploding in a catastrophic bloom of fire and debris that swallowed the horizon whole.
Rykon's fingers brushed over the console, landing on a button marked microphone. His form softened as he powered down to base, exhaustion and relief mingling in his chest.
"Can you hear me, Kakarot?" The voice was steady but heavy with disbelief.
"Loud and clear," came the reply. "Did you see that...?"
"Yeah. It was terrifying. If we hadn't spotted these pods... we'd have gone up with the planet."
A faint laugh passed between them. We're alive. Yet, the unknown stretched before them—a vast silence filled with questions.
Neither had set their course. The screen flickered, revealing two words: Planet Yardrat.
Where is this place? Rykon wondered silently, a mix of curiosity and unease swirling in his gut.
A year and a half had slipped past since the battle with the monstrous Frieza. The world had tasted peace—a fragile, fleeting calm—but the absence of Goku and Rykon gnawed at those left behind.
The Z Fighters, desperate, had called upon Shenron to bring them back. The Dragon's reply was clear: they were alive but chose not to return.
Gohan sat alone at the dinner table, the meal his mother had prepared untouched before him. His mind wandered through memories and doubts.
Has it really been that long? When will Dad and Uncle Rykon come home? What could they possibly be doing so far away, lost among the stars?
His thoughts shattered as a sudden, piercing sensation sliced through the calm—a surge of dark, ominous energy hurtling toward Earth.
"Mom?" Gohan's voice was tentative.
"Yes, Gohan?" Chi-Chi looked up, sensing his unease.
"I think I need to get some fresh air. Just for a moment."
Her eyes softened with understanding. "Of course, but don't take too long. And remember, you have to study after."
"I will! Love you, Mom." The door closed behind him, and with a burst of speed, Gohan flew toward the source of the malevolent energy.
Gathered near the outskirts, the familiar faces of Earth's defenders assembled. Tien, Vegeta, Yamcha, Bulma, Puar, and Chiaotzu—all were drawn to the same foreboding power.
Gohan's eyes widened. Everyone's here.
Krillin landed beside the group, his face grim. "You felt it too, right? It's Frieza... and someone else. Their power—it's massive."
Tien's voice trembled with concern. "Could it really be him?"
Yamcha swallowed nervously. "It sure seems like it."
Vegeta's gaze sharpened, irritation flaring. "Keep your power levels low! They'll detect us if you don't. Scouters are watching. The Namekian has already lowered his. At least one of you has sense."
Eyes flicked to Piccolo, standing atop a distant cliff, his aura barely noticeable.
Piccolo's power is hidden well, Gohan thought, surprised.
A shadow darkened the sky. The enemy's ship descended, landing with thunderous force.
Krillin's voice was barely above a whisper. "There. That's Frieza. I can't believe he's alive."
Gohan swallowed hard, watching the power that accompanied the tyrant. "And there's someone else with him..."
Vegeta's warning cut through the tension. "Do not fly toward the ship. We avoid detection by approaching on foot."
Yamcha's anxiety grew. "You fought someone with this much power before?"
Piccolo's voice was calm but sharp. "Would you rather stand here and rot? No one's forcing you to come."
Vegeta's words were grim. "Earth is finished if we don't stop them."
A heavy silence settled. Gohan's heart hammered in his chest. This can't be happening.
The group began their cautious approach, steps deliberate, breaths shallow.
Frieza stepped from the ship, disdain etched into every line of his face.
"So this is Earth?" His sneer was cold. "I've seen worse."
King Cold's voice echoed behind him. "The two Saiyans—Goku and Rykon—will arrive in three hours. Do you intend to wait for them?"
Frieza's eyes glimmered with malice. "Of course. They will suffer for what they did to me. I'll slaughter every last one of their precious Earthlings."
King Cold shrugged. "I care not for the Earthlings. But those Saiyans must be eliminated—by any means."
Suddenly, a figure landed a few feet away, silence wrapping around him like a cloak.
Frieza's lips curled. "And who are you, Earthling?"
The stranger's voice was steady, icy. "I'm here to kill you."
Frieza's guards charged, but the newcomer's sword sliced through them effortlessly. They crumpled, lifeless.
King Cold's eyebrow rose in surprise. "Well now, you do have some skill."
The youth's grin was cold. "Come at me with everything. Unlike Goku, I don't hold back."
Frieza's eyes narrowed. "You're an ally of his?"
The youth shook his head. "Never met him. Only know the name."
Frieza's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Killing my men is a mistake."
The youth's tone hardened. "You're about to meet a real Super Saiyan. Not Goku—there's another."
With a sudden blaze, the stranger's hair turned golden, eyes flashing teal—the unmistakable mark of a Super Saiyan.
Frieza's face drained of color. "Those eyes... I've never seen this one!"
King Cold's voice was grim. "Is this the second Saiyan you spoke of? Rykon, was it?"
Frieza shook his head. "No. There were two on Namek—now there's a third."
The youth laughed, challenging. "You're delusional. There are only two Super Saiyans—me and Goku. Prepare to die."
The battle erupted, energy crackling like lightning in a storm.
The youth's strength overwhelmed Frieza. "I'm going to kill you both. Not a threat—a fact."
Frieza snarled, launching a massive energy sphere—only to have it kicked into space.
"Curse you, Super Saiyan!"
The youth closed the distance, slamming Frieza into the ground before slicing him in half with his sword.
Frieza's screams echoed as the warrior carved him into pieces, then blew the fragments into the wind.
King Cold stammered, disbelief breaking his voice. "Impossible...!"
The youth appeared before him, destroying him just as effortlessly, then reduced the ship to rubble before powering down.
The youth called out to the watchers hidden nearby.
"Hey, you! Yes, you are spying on me. I'm heading to wait for Goku. You're welcome to join."
Gohan's brow furrowed. How does he know about Dad? Does he know about Uncle too?
In his mind, the youth wondered, "Raditz died? Uncle?"
"Goku will show up here soon," the youth said. "If you're coming, follow me."
Yamcha glanced uncertainly. "So... what do we do?"
Gohan's decision was firm. "I'm going to follow him."
Vegeta's voice was cold but curious. "I'm in. I want to find out who this creep is."
One by one, the group followed into a quiet, grassy field.
Gohan broke the silence. "So... how do you know my dad?"
The youth shrugged. "I've only heard stories. Never met him."
Bulma's curiosity was sharp. "How do you know when Goku's coming back?"
The youth's voice faltered. "I can't say. Sorry."
Gohan pressed on. "You were a Super Saiyan when you fought Frieza. How did you do that?"
The youth shook his head. "Can't tell you. Sorry."
Bulma tried again. "What's your name?"
The youth hesitated. "That too…"
Bulma raised an eyebrow. "No name? How about your age?"
"Seventeen," he said quietly. "That's all."
A nervous chuckle slipped from the youth. I'm definitely in the wrong timeline...
Three hours passed.
In the distance, two space pods descended, crashing near the group with a shower of dirt and rocks.
The first pod opened to reveal Goku, confusion flickering in his eyes.
"Why is everyone here?"
Rykon's smile was tired but genuine. "Feels good to be back."
Krillin's voice cracked with relief. "GOKU! Rykon!"
They landed beside their friends, the tension breaking like a dam.
Gohan's legs carried him forward, arms wrapping tightly around them both.
"Dad! Uncle!"
Rykon chuckled. "Sorry for the wait."
Goku's eyes scanned the crowd. "How did you know we'd be here?"
Bulma pointed. "This young man helped us out."
Goku's brow furrowed. "Who is he?"
Bulma's gaze sharpened. "You don't know who this is?"
Rykon shook his head. "Never seen him."
Goku glanced at the youth with curiosity. "So, who is he?"
Bulma smirked. "You'll find out soon."
The youth's eyes gleamed with a strange fire.
"I need to speak with you... Goku. And Rykon."
Goku nodded slowly. "Sure. Alone?"
Rykon agreed. "I don't see why not."
As the others watched warily, the three moved apart into the field's shadows.
The youth's voice was calm but probing. "Can you both turn Super Saiyan at will?"
Rykon's voice was proud. "Yes. I mastered it five months ago."
Goku nodded. "We trained hard. We can control it pretty well now."
The youth's gaze sharpened. "Show me."
Without hesitation, both warriors flared with golden light. Their hair shimmered, eyes blazing teal—even Rykon's tail shone gold.
Goku grinned. "Like this?"
The youth's smile was genuine. "Now, I'll become a Super Saiyan too."
In an instant, he transformed, radiating a power that filled the air with electric tension.
Goku's breath caught. "Whoa..."
Rykon's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "I admit, I didn't believe Piccolo when he said you could transform. But now... this is fascinating."
The youth's challenge was clear. "Goku, I want to test your reflexes."
Goku chuckled. "Alright, let's go."
The youth lunged, sword flashing—but stopped short.
"Why didn't you stop me?"
Goku's smile was calm. "I felt you wouldn't really strike."
The youth's eyes gleamed dangerously. "This time, I will."
Their blades clashed, sparks flying.
"You're incredible," the youth praised. "No wonder you defeated Frieza."
Goku grinned. "You're not bad yourself."
Turning to Rykon, the youth's eyes narrowed. "And you—I want to test your strength in a real fight."
Rykon's smirk grew. "I've been itching for a fight other than Kakarot for a year."
Goku teased. "What's wrong with fighting me? I thought you liked it."
Rykon laughed. "I do, but after so long... you understand."
The youth spread his arms, ready.
"Alright. Show me everything you've got."
They soared into the sky, golden light blazing as the battle for Earth's future began.
End of Part 1.
Stay tuned—the next chapter drops soon.
POWER STONE!!!?
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