Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 17: Identity Crisis

The sky erupted in a dazzling display of energy blasts, each impact shaking the very air. Bardock Jr. ducked under a searing beam of golden light, his wild black hair whipping in the turbulent wind. His eyes darted to Pan, who somersaulted gracefully over Freeza's tail swipe.

"Pan! The earrings!" Bardock Jr. shouted, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of battle.

Pan's gaze locked onto the cracked Potara earrings dangling from her cousins's fingers. Her heart sank. No fusion this time.

"We'll have to do this the old-fashioned way, Junior!" Pan called back, her fists clenching with determination.

Bardock Jr. nodded, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. He'd always been curious about how he'd fare in a real battle, without the crutch of fusion. Now was his chance to prove himself.

Pan launched herself at Freeza, her movements a blur of precise strikes and nimble dodges. Her fighting style was a mix of Son family and Satan Dojo – direct, powerful, relentless, but mixed with misdirection and fakeouts and the occasional trap. Bardock Jr. couldn't help but admire her spirit as she traded blows with the galactic tyrant.

Freeza's laughter cut through the chaos. "Is this the best the mighty Saiyans can offer? Pathetic!"

Bardock Jr. felt a surge of anger at Freeza's words, but he pushed it aside. Anger wouldn't help him now. He needed to think, to find a weakness in Freeza's defenses.

He circled the battle, his eyes scanning for an opening. There – a slight hesitation in Freeza's movements after each energy blast. Bardock Jr. saw his chance.

"Pan! Keep him distracted!" he yelled, gathering ki in his palms.

Pan grinned, understanding immediately. "On it, Junior!"

She redoubled her assault, forcing Freeza to focus entirely on defense. Bardock Jr. took a deep breath, centering himself. He'd only get one shot at this.

The energy in his hands pulsed, eager to be released. Bardock Jr. waited, every muscle in his body tense with anticipation. Just a little longer...

"Now!" he roared, unleashing a brilliant beam of energy directly at Freeza's exposed back.

The tyrant's eyes widened in shock as the blast struck home, sending him careening through the air. Pan whooped in triumph, flashing Bardock Jr. a thumbs-up.

"Nice shot, Junior! Grandpa would be proud!"

Bardock Jr. allowed himself a small smile, even as he readied himself for Freeza's inevitable counterattack. This battle was far from over, but for the first time since it began, he felt a glimmer of hope.

---

Amidst the chaos, Bulla stood firm, her blue hair whipping in the energy-charged air. Her fists clenched at her sides, trembling with barely contained power.

"I won't be left behind," she muttered, eyes narrowing. "Not this time."

A surge of electricity crackled around her body. Bulla's muscles tensed, her teeth gritting as she reached deep within herself. With a primal scream, golden light exploded outward, enveloping her in a brilliant aura.

Pan gasped. "Bulla! You're amazing!"

Bulla's now-teal eyes snapped open, a smirk playing on her lips. "Took me long enough."

Bardock Jr. nodded approvingly. "Nice work. But look—"

He gestured to where Goten and Trunks stood, perfectly mirroring each other's stance.