Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 4: A New Reality

Vegeta's battle cry pierced the air as he rocketed towards Goku, his fist cloaked in crackling blue energy. The ground trembled beneath his feet, rocks lifting into the air from the sheer force of his charge.

Goku's eyes widened. Something was wrong. Her body felt... different. Heavy. Slow.

She raised her arms to block, but they moved like they were underwater. Too late. Vegeta's fist slammed into her chest, sending her flying.

"What's the matter, Kakarot?" Vegeta sneered. "Finally realizing you're outmatched?"

Goku struggled to her feet, gasping. Her center of balance was all wrong. She wobbled, nearly falling.

What's happening to me?

"I'm just getting warmed up," Goku shot back, forcing a grin. But inside, panic clawed at her chest.

She lunged at Vegeta, aiming a punch at his face. Her fist moved in slow motion. Vegeta dodged easily, laughing.

"Pathetic! Is this really all you've got?"

Goku's mind raced. Her Saiyan strength, her speed - it was all gone. She felt... human.

Weak.

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, taking in her altered form. "What trickery is this, Kakarot? Think you can fool me with some transformation?"

"No tricks," Goku panted. "I don't know what's happened to me."

Fear gripped her heart. For the first time in her life, Goku felt truly vulnerable.

----

Vegeta's fist crashed into Goku's jaw, snapping her head back. Another blow followed, driving into her stomach. She doubled over, gasping.

"What's wrong, Kakarot?" Vegeta snarled, landing another crushing punch. "Where's that Saiyan pride now?"

Confusion rippled across Vegeta's face as he rained down blows. This was too easy. Goku's defense was nonexistent, her movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Yet with each strike, a thrill of triumph surged through him.

"I've waited years for this," Vegeta growled, his eyes gleaming. "To finally prove I'm the strongest Saiyan!"

Goku stumbled backward, her legs trembling. She raised her arms, trying to ward off the relentless assault, but her body refused to cooperate.

"Vegeta, wait!" she gasped. "Something's not right—"

Her plea was cut short as Vegeta's knee slammed into her chest, sending her sprawling.

Goku hit the ground hard, her breath knocked from her lungs. She struggled to rise, her mind reeling.

What's happened to my body? Where's my strength?

She clenched her fists, searching for that familiar well of power within her. But there was nothing. Just... emptiness.

"Get up, Kakarot!" Vegeta roared. "Face your defeat like a true warrior!"

Goku gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand on shaky legs. "I'm not... done yet," she panted, though doubt gnawed at her.

For the first time in her life, Goku felt truly outmatched. And it terrified her.

----

Vegeta paused, his eyes narrowing as he took in Goku's altered appearance. The fierce determination that usually blazed in his rival's eyes was replaced by confusion and... fear? He blinked, disbelief etching across his features.

"What trickery is this, Kakarot?" Vegeta demanded, his voice a low growl. "You think changing your appearance will save you?"

Goku shook her head, struggling to find words. "I... I don't know what's happening, Vegeta. My body, it's different. I can't—"