DRAGON BALL MASTER : Next Generation Saga

Episode 26 : Saiyan Invaders

Flashback: A Prince’s Reflection 

The warm light of the early evening sun bathed Capsule Corp’s sprawling gardens, where friends and family gathered to celebrate Vegeta's birthday. The Z Fighters, their families, and even some surprising guests enjoyed the rare occasion of peace. The laughter of children echoed as Trunks and Goten sparred lightly under the watchful eyes of their parents. Bulma had spared no effort, decorating the space with banners bearing a royal Saiyan insignia alongside Earth motifs—a testament to Vegeta’s dual heritage. 

Vegeta, however, stood apart from the festivities. His sharp, onyx eyes gazed into the horizon, arms crossed as the weight of his past bore down on him. For all the smiles and camaraderie around him, the prince of Saiyans couldn’t shake the memories of what had brought him here—the blood-soaked path he had walked before finding redemption. 

Bulma approached him, her usual smirk softened with understanding. “Don’t tell me you’re brooding again. It’s your birthday, Vegeta. Even you deserve a little happiness.” 

He didn’t answer at first, his voice low when it came. “Do you think any of them would celebrate like this if they knew the full extent of my sins? How many planets fell to Frieza because I carried out his orders? How many children lost their parents because of me?” 

Bulma placed a hand on his arm. “You’re not that man anymore. What matters is what you do now, and you’ve saved this planet—and all of us—more times than I can count.” 

Vegeta’s jaw tightened, but he gave a slight nod. As he opened his mouth to respond, his instincts flared. His head snapped toward the sky. A ripple in the atmosphere. A vibration in his bones. This was no ordinary disturbance. 

Goku landed beside him, his cheerful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. “You feel that too, Vegeta?” 

Vegeta grunted, his gaze narrowing. “It’s powerful. And familiar.” 

The Arrival of Zarak 

The sky tore apart with a deafening *BOOM*, splitting into crimson and gold as a massive ship descended, its engines roaring like the cries of a wounded beast. The air vibrated with the oppressive energy emanating from within the ship, forcing even the non-combatants to stop and stare in awe and fear. 

Gohan stepped forward, shielding Videl and Pan as his eyes darted toward the descending craft. “That energy… It feels like Saiyan energy, but there’s something twisted about it.” 

Piccolo’s antennae twitched as he analyzed the ki. “It’s Saiyan, all right. But it’s not pure—it’s corrupted, dark. Whatever’s coming out of that ship, it’s not here to talk.” 

The ramp of the ship extended with a hiss, releasing a burst of steam. From the shadows emerged a tall figure clad in armor that seemed to shimmer with an unholy glow. His crimson cape billowed in the wind, revealing a face that was both regal and scarred. His spiked hair stood tall, and his piercing eyes locked onto Vegeta with seething hatred. 

“Vegeta,” the figure growled, his voice a venomous mixture of disdain and mockery. “The fallen prince turned Earthling lapdog. How pathetic.” 

Vegeta stepped forward, his aura flaring instinctively. “Zarak,” he spat, his tone laced with equal parts contempt and recognition. 

The crowd murmured, and Goku tilted his head. “Wait, you know this guy?” 

Zarak’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Oh, he knows me well. I am Zarak, prince of a Saiyan colony long abandoned by Vegeta’s cowardly father. While your precious King Vegeta groveled at Frieza’s feet, my people were left to die on a barren world. I have spent my life rebuilding what was lost, forging my own empire. And now, I have come to claim vengeance against the son of the man who condemned us.” 

The First Clash 

Before Vegeta could respond, Zarak’s ki exploded around him like a thunderstorm, shaking the earth and scattering the gathered crowd. The ground cracked beneath his feet, and the force of his aura sent shockwaves through the air. 

“Fight me, Vegeta!” Zarak roared, his voice reverberating like a war drum. “Face the consequences of your father’s sins!” 

Vegeta’s lips curled into a smirk, his pride refusing to waver in the face of the challenge. “If you think you can take me, then come and try.” 

With a flash, the two Saiyans collided, their fists meeting with a deafening *CRACK* that sent shockwaves rippling through the landscape. Sparks flew as their auras clashed, blue and gold against crimson and black. Zarak’s movements were precise and brutal, each strike aimed to dismantle Vegeta’s defenses, but the prince countered with equal ferocity, their battle painting the sky with streaks of energy. 

Goku watched with a mix of excitement and concern. “Man, this guy’s strong. Vegeta might need backup.” 

But Piccolo shook his head. “Not yet. This is personal. Vegeta needs to face him on his own—for now.” 

The Younger Generation Steps Up 

As the battle raged above, smaller pods descended from Zarak’s ship, releasing a wave of Saiyan warriors onto the battlefield. Unlike the pure Saiyan bloodlines of old, these invaders bore strange mutations—enhanced by Zarak’s experiments to push their power beyond natural limits. 

Trunks and Goten immediately powered up, their auras flaring as they stood between the invaders and the civilians. “Looks like it’s our turn,” Trunks said, cracking his knuckles. 

Pan joined them, her fiery determination burning in her eyes. “Let’s show them what Earth’s defenders can do!” 

The younger fighters launched into battle, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Goten’s punches landed with thunderous impacts, while Trunks’ sword cut through enemy armor with ease. Pan’s energy blasts lit up the battlefield, her small frame a blur of motion as she fought with the ferocity of her lineage. 

The Turning Point 

In the skies, Vegeta’s battle with Zarak reached a fever pitch. The two warriors exchanged blows at a pace that even the most seasoned fighters struggled to follow. Zarak unleashed a devastating energy wave, forcing Vegeta to dodge with inches to spare. 

“Is this the best you’ve got, Vegeta?” Zarak taunted, his voice dripping with venom. “I expected more from the so-called prince of Saiyans.” 

Vegeta’s eyes burned with fury as he powered up, his aura exploding into a brilliant golden light. “You want my best? Fine!” 

With a roar, Vegeta transformed into Super Saiyan 2, his power surging as lightning crackled around him. He charged at Zarak, his punches landing with the force of a meteor shower. But Zarak only laughed, his body glowing with dark energy as he powered up to match Vegeta blow for blow. 

Foreshadowing the Need for Super Saiyan 4 

From the sidelines, Goku watched intently, his expression unusually serious. “This guy’s not just strong—he’s got some kind of dark energy fueling him. If Vegeta can’t take him down, we might need to take things to the next level.” 

Piccolo nodded grimly. “If Zarak is as powerful as he seems, then even Super Saiyan 3 might not be enough. You two may need to push beyond your limits.” 

As Vegeta and Zarak’s battle raged on, the younger fighters continued to hold their ground against the Saiyan invaders, but the tide of battle was clearly escalating. The stage was set for the Z Fighters to rise to new heights, as the shadow of Zarak’s vengeance loomed over the Earth. 

To be continued...