Vegeta slammed into the Void Eater, his golden aura burning against the darkness. The creature screamed as the pure Saiyan energy disrupted its form.
"I told you, freak," Vegeta growled, his eyes fixed on Luffy, "I'd come back stronger. And I have."
Luffy stared, his Gear Fifth form flickering with surprise. "Pointy-hair! You're all gold! It looks like my Dawn Star but... spikier!"
"This is Super Saiyan. The legendary transformation. I achieved it training in the depths of space, pushing past my limits, all so I could defeat you myself." He glanced at Frieza, who was staring at him with pure hatred. "And him."
Frieza's composure returned. "Vegeta. The Saiyan Prince. I should have exterminated your race myself when I had the chance."
"You should have. But you didn't. And now you'll pay for every planet you destroyed, every Saiyan you murdered." Vegeta's aura flared brighter. "But first..." He looked at the Void Eater. "This thing needs to go."
The Void Eater laughed. "You think your golden light can harm me? I am eternal!"
Vegeta grinned—a savage, warrior's grin. "Maybe. But I'm not alone."
From the dimensional tear, another figure emerged. Tall, with the same golden hair and green eyes, but a kinder face. He wore an orange gi with a blue undershirt and a symbol Luffy didn't recognize.
"Sorry I'm late, Vegeta. I had to convince King Kai to let me through."
Vegeta scoffed. "Kakarot. You're always late."
The new arrival smiled warmly, then looked at Luffy. "So you're the one who's been causing all this trouble. Vegeta hasn't shut up about you."
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "You're gold too! And your hair is even spikier! Are you brothers?"
"Cousins, sort of. My name is Goku. And from what I've heard, we have a lot in common."
The Void Eater screamed in frustration. "ENOUGH! I WILL CONSUME YOU ALL!"
It expanded, its darkness spreading across the sky, blocking out the sun. The ocean began to darken. The air grew cold.
Goku turned to Vegeta. "Think we can hold it off?"
Vegeta cracked his knuckles. "We'll have to."
Luffy stepped forward, his Gear Fifth form solidifying. "I'm helping too! That shadow thing tried to eat my friends! No one eats my friends!"
Goku grinned. "I like him. Vegeta, you didn't mention he was fun."
"He's annoying. But useful." Vegeta shot toward the Void Eater, his aura blazing. Goku followed. Luffy laughed and joined them, his rubber body stretching in impossible ways.
The three warriors clashed with the darkness. Golden light and joyful freedom against eternal void. The battle raged across dimensions, each blow creating ripples in reality.
Frieza watched from below, his expression calculating. He could flee. He could fight. Or he could wait for an opportunity.
His eyes fell on the unconscious crew floating on the ocean. A smile crossed his features.