CHAPTER 23: TURLES'S RISE

The cold air of night weighed heavily on Goku as he slowly regained consciousness. His body ached, each movement a battle as if his limbs were dragging through thick mud. His eyes flickered open to the dim, ethereal glow of the Eternal Tree. Its vast canopy stretched overhead, casting long, dark shadows that danced across the clearing. He tried to move but found himself pinned—roots of the ancient tree wrapped around his wrists and ankles, binding him like an offering. The Crusher Corps stood nearby, motionless, their faces grim. Avoca and Cumber watched from a distance, their expressions unreadable. And at the heart of it all stood Turles, his presence exuding quiet intensity as he prepared for something ominous.

Goku grunted, struggling against the roots that held him in place. “What’s going on? Why can’t I move?” His voice was weak, strained, but his defiance remained.

Turles turned to face him, his gaze cold and calculating. “You should have figured it out by now, Kakarot. I sealed your ki. You're completely powerless, just as I need you to be.”

Goku’s eyes narrowed. “Sealed my ki?”

Turles’ lips curled into a bitter smile. “A technique I learned from the very first Super Saiyan recorded in history. Your strength is no longer something I need to fight against. It’s something I can control.”

Goku, despite the throbbing pain, managed a glare. “What do you want from me, Turles? Why go this far?”

Turles took a step closer, his voice softening with a strange, mournful edge. “Long ago, I wanted to change the course of our race. To stop us from falling into decline, but instead of saving us, it led to war—a war that nearly wiped us out. My clan and I were left to die on Sadala, stranded on a dead world.”

He took a slow, deliberate step closer, his tone shifting, deepening. “But I did what you and Vegeta could never do. I brought the Saiyan race back from extinction. And when I did, I gave up everything for it. My own life, my humanity...all of it. I did it so we wouldn’t disappear.”

Goku clenched his teeth, his frustration mounting. “At the cost of others’ lives...How can you justify that?”

Turles’ smile faded, replaced by quiet bitterness. “The universe doesn’t give you a choice, Kakarot. You either fight for what you believe in, or you let it all slip away. The Saiyan race… we were born into a world of violence. That’s the only language the universe understands.”

Goku’s eyes flashed with disbelief. “But there’s more to life than fighting and taking from others! You can’t just kill and steal your way to victory and call it right.”

Turles met his gaze with cold clarity. "I know exactly what I've done. And I’m not ashamed of it. I sought powers beyond mortal limits, beyond legends. I did what I had to do to ensure the survival of my people, even if it meant sacrificing everything. I’m not interested in conquering the universe. I'm seeking something different—power. Power to change the hierarchy, to reshape the very foundations of our existence. What gives Vegeta’s bloodline the right to claim themselves royalty? Why them, when they’re no more capable of maintaining prosperity or ensuring the future of the Saiyan race than anyone else?"

Goku’s breath caught in his chest. He hadn’t expected Turles to have such a philosophical question. But Turles wasn’t done yet. 

Turles interrupted, his tone harsh, almost accusing. “You would have been a low-class Saiyan too, just like I was, if not for whatever made you different. But you, you achieved divine power—something unprecedented and only occurred once in our race’s history. You’ve unlocked a power no one thought possible.”

Goku’s brow furrowed. “You think you can just take my power and use it however you want?”

Turles shook his head, his face hard with conviction. “I don’t take anything. I forge my own path. I forged my own destiny. I broke free from the life I didn’t choose, and now I’m doing the same for our people. I will reshape the future of the Saiyan race. And the Tree...the Tree will be our salvation.”

He paused, his gaze sharp, as though reliving the struggle. “Before I found the Eternal Tree, I was just like everyone else. A Saiyan destined to live and die in obscurity. But I broke free from that life.” His fist clenched with resolve. “I won’t allow our people to remain shackled to old ideas, old bloodlines. And with this Tree... with your divine ki... I’ll lead the Saiyans to something greater.”

Goku’s face darkened. “You’re wrong, Turles. The way you’re going about it... it won’t bring prosperity. It’ll only bring destruction.”

Turles scoffed. “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t understand what it means to make sacrifices for the greater good?” He turned away slightly, as if deep in thought. “I once asked myself why I didn’t just wish for divine power... but divine power isn’t something you can simply wish for. It’s something that must be earned, through blood and sacrifice. Even you, as pure-hearted as you are, can’t just wish for it. It’s not meant for mortals—until you proved it can be.”

Goku was quiet for a moment. His mind raced, trying to make sense of everything Turles had said. It was clear now that Turles’ desire for power was much more than a thirst for dominance. It was about rewriting the order of the universe itself. But at what cost?

“Why...why not just bring back the Saiyans without all this?” Goku asked, his voice strained. “Why go through all this?”

Turles looked back at Goku, his expression grim. “It’s hard to understand, isn’t it? But the truth is, Kakarot, I had no choice. We were stranded on a dead planet, with no hope left. Everything seemed lost—until a space pod crash-landed. Inside, there was a survivor, weak and drained of life. We drained what little was left of them, using their energy to keep going.”

He paused, his eyes flickering with cold determination. “And that’s when we realized something. The spacepod wasn’t just some wreck—it still functioned. We used it, and I tasked Avoca with going off-world to find the nearest habitable planet. She returned with not just any ship—one that had been decommissioned, a Cooler Force vessel.”

He glanced away for a moment, the memory still lingering. “That ship was our ticket. It gave us a way off Sadala and a chance to start over. I learned everything about what had happened during our absence—the extinction of our race and the legacy of what King Vegeta had made of us. But I also uncovered things that helped me understand the powers behind the Tree. The Namekian Dragon Balls...I sought them out, only to find that the planet had already been destroyed. But I didn’t give up. I eventually found New Namek, and there, I discovered the Dragon Balls still existed. Then, I spoke to the dragon.”

Goku’s expression shifted, his voice laced with concern. “What did you wish for?”

Turles met Goku’s gaze, sensing the apprehension in his tone. A flicker of understanding passed through him, and he gave a soft but firm shake of his head. “I wished to know the truth. The truth about the Tree of Might, about Zalama, and how I could bring our race back.”

Goku’s heart skipped a beat. “Zalama?”

Turles nodded, his expression serious. “Yes. Zalama, the creator of the Super Dragon Balls, had his hand in all of this. The Tree of Might—it was a gift, meant to empower the gods and the chosen divine races. But it was denied to us. I've come to understand that the Eternal Tree could be the start of our legacy, our rightful inheritance. The Tree's power… it's the power of the gods. And I intend to claim it.”

He leaned forward, voice darkening. “I made three wishes. First, to learn the truth about the Tree of Might. The second, to find a world where it could properly grow. And my final wish… to understand the divine power that could nurture its potential.” He paused, his gaze sharpening. “At first, I didn’t seek power for myself. I wanted to understand the gods—their power, their control over the universe. That's when I realized the Tree’s true purpose. The power of the gods isn’t something we should be denied.”

Goku’s eyes widened. “But why me? Why do you need my divine energy?”

Turles grinned, a twisted, knowing smile spreading across his face. “Because, Goku, only you can unlock the true potential of the Tree. You’re the perfect vessel. With your divine ki, we can awaken the Tree’s full power. Together, we can reshape the universe, lead the Saiyans into a future worthy of them.”

Goku struggled against his restraints, but there was no escaping now. The weight of Turles’ words, his ideology, pressed down on him like a vice.

“I can’t let you do this, Turles. I can’t let you take my power and twist it into something it’s not.”

Turles stepped back, his hands outstretched to the glowing branches of the Eternal Tree. “Then I guess you’re going to have to try to stop me.”

With a final, swift motion, Turles began the ritual, siphoning away Goku’s divine energy. The roots pulsed with life as they absorbed the power, feeding the Tree’s growing strength. Goku could feel his essence slipping away, each pulse draining him further, but a single thought burned brighter than all the others: He had to stop Turles. Before it was too late.

But as his energy waned, he knew the fight was far from over.

___________

Writer’s Note:

Now, we fully understand the truth behind Turles. I wanted to frame him as more than just ruthless—I wanted him to be ruthless with purpose. In the original iteration, his motivation stopped at a simple thirst for power. It was a classic villain trope: conquer the universe, rule with strength. But what I love to do with characters is give them a reason that, while not necessarily right, at least makes sense.

When Turles described the lone space pod crashing on Sadala, this was a direct callback to the epilogue of Cooler’s Wrath. That moment showed Salza crash-landing on Sadala, only to have his life energy drained by starving Saiyans—while Turles stood by and allowed it. At the time, that scene sparked some controversy; it didn’t feel like Dragon Ball to some. But instead of retconning or altering it, I chose to stand by it—while giving Turles the chance to acknowledge that those were darker times, ones he now hopes to leave behind.

As for his new abilities, such as life-draining ki and ki-sealing—don’t worry. You’ll soon learn exactly how he gained those powers.

CHAPTER 22: THE RETURN OF A LOST RACE

The embers of the fire crackled softly, their glow casting faint shadows on the rocky terrain. Vegeta and Nappa sat on opposite sides of the flame, the desolation of Arlia's destruction still fresh in the air. The stench of burnt stone and ash clung to them like an unwelcome reminder of their ruthless efficiency.

Nappa broke the silence, leaning forward with a rare look of contemplation on his face. “You ever think about using the Dragon Balls to bring back Planet Vegeta.”

Vegeta’s gaze remained fixed on the fire, his face unreadable. “Don’t be ridiculous. Even if the Dragon Balls can grant immortality, reviving an entire race or restoring a planet destroyed by a meteor? That’s a fool’s dream.”

“But why not?” Nappa pressed, his voice tinged with uncharacteristic earnestness. “If they can make us immortal, why couldn’t they bring back the Saiyan race? Think about it, Vegeta—this could be your chance. You could finally be the king our people deserve.”

For a moment, the prince’s expression faltered. The title of "king" hung in the air, tempting yet hollow. He straightened his posture, his usual cold demeanor snapping back into place. “And what? Rebuild a kingdom that could be toppled by anyone stronger than me? A king who cannot defend his throne is a disgrace to his bloodline.”

“Disgrace to your bloodline…” Nappa repeated, leaning back as if weighing the words. “You know, your brother—”

“Don’t,” Vegeta cut him off sharply, his tone icy. “I haven’t seen Tarble since our father sent him to whatever forsaken planet. He’s irrelevant.”

Nappa shrugged, letting the topic drop, though his expression betrayed lingering curiosity. “Still…imagine what it would be like. A Saiyan empire reborn, the strongest race in the universe. We could start over. Hell, even mix with the Earthlings and produce a generation of half-breeds. That Gohan kid Raditz mentioned—he’s proof they’d be insanely powerful.”

Vegeta scoffed. “Half-breeds would be a liability. They might grow strong, but their emotions would make them weak. I won’t risk creating a race of potential traitors.”

“And yet, you’d risk bringing immortality to yourself and me,” Nappa retorted with a chuckle. “If we become immortal, what’s stopping us from wishing the Saiyan race back after? You’d have all the time in the universe to decide.”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed, the flicker of the fire reflected in their depths. He didn’t respond immediately, and the silence stretched between them. Finally, he stood, brushing dust from his armor. “First, we secure immortality. Then…we’ll see.”

Nappa smirked, satisfied with the small concession. “Fine by me.”

Vegeta turned toward the pod resting nearby, its sleek design gleaming under the faint light of distant stars. “The Dragon Balls are our priority. Leave the fantasies of rebuilding the Saiyan race for another time.”

With that, the two Saiyans extinguished the fire and climbed into their pods, their course set for Earth—and for their chance at ultimate power.

***

The metallic hum of Truffle’s ship thrummed steadily, a faint vibration running through the floor as the lush, green planet of Idun emerged into view through the wide observation windows. The sight before them was breathtaking—an untouched paradise teeming with life. Vast oceans shimmered under the sunlight, reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky. Rolling forests stretched endlessly, their emerald canopy broken only by rivers that sparkled like silver threads winding through the terrain. Towering mountain ranges jutted skyward, their peaks dusted with crystalline snow, while waterfalls cascaded down their sides, their mist forming faint rainbows in the air.

For a moment, no one spoke. The sheer beauty of the planet held them in silent awe.

“So, this is Idun,” Gohan finally murmured, his voice filled with wonder as his wide eyes drank in the scenery.

Meelo emitted a series of soft beeps, guiding the ship closer to the surface. As they descended, the view became even more detailed. The forests appeared alive, swaying gently as if breathing with the rhythm of the planet itself. Small flocks of colorful, winged creatures took to the skies, dancing gracefully above the treetops.

Even Vegeta, who prided himself on maintaining composure, couldn’t hide the glint of surprise in his eyes. He crossed his arms, staring intently at the planet below. “This place… It’s nothing like Planet Vegeta,” he muttered, his tone uncharacteristically soft. “And yet… parts of it remind me of home. The cliffs, the rivers...” His voice carried a subtle wistfulness, a trace of longing buried beneath his usual stoicism.

Truffle glanced at him, raising an eyebrow with a sly smirk. “Planet Vegeta? Or should I say...Planet Plant? You know, before the Saiyans claimed it as their own and gave it that charming rebranding.” Her tone was light but carried an unmistakable edge of teasing.

Vegeta’s gaze narrowed, the faintest twitch of irritation flickering across his face. He let out a low grunt but chose not to respond, keeping his focus on the view below.

“Look over there,” Broly said, his deep voice quiet yet tinged with curiosity. He pointed toward the horizon, where something truly awe-inspiring dominated the landscape.

It was the Eternal Tree of Might. Even from this distance, its sheer size was staggering, dwarfing the surrounding mountains and forests. Its massive trunk, seemingly carved from glowing, pulsating bark, stood like a pillar supporting the heavens. Its colossal branches stretched outward, intertwining like veins, their tips shimmering with an eerie, golden glow. The entire tree radiated a quiet, overwhelming presence, its energy palpable even within the ship.

“That’s odd,” Vegeta said, his sharp eyes narrowing as he analyzed the sight. His voice was tinged with suspicion. “The Tree of Might should’ve drained this planet of all its life. And yet, Idun is thriving. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Turles must’ve figured out a way to sustain it without destroying the planet,” Gohan theorized, his analytical mind already racing. “Maybe the planet’s natural energy is strong enough to balance the tree’s draining effects. If that’s the case, he could mass-produce the fruit without killing the land, making this place a perfect base for his plans.”

“That’s exactly what he’s doing,” Truffle said grimly, her gaze fixed on the glowing tree. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “If he’s perfected the process, then the Tree of Might isn’t just a weapon anymore. It’s a farming operation. He’s building an empire.”

Tarble stepped forward, his usually calm face shadowed with concern. “If Kakarot’s here, he’ll be near that tree. We need to get moving.”

“Then let’s go!” Vegeta barked, his sharp tone cutting through the conversation as his impatience flared.

“Wait,” Gohan interjected, holding up a hand to stop him. “If we head straight for the tree or the palace, we’ll give ourselves away. We need to figure out the situation first—especially where my Dad is.”

Vegeta’s jaw tightened, but he reluctantly gave a curt nod. “Fine. But we’re not wasting time.”

With agreement reached, Meelo beeped and guided the ship lower, breaking through Idun’s atmosphere. As they descended, the towering trees of the forest became clearer, their massive trunks stretching skyward like ancient guardians of the land. The sunlight filtering through their leaves cast dappled patterns over the terrain below. Strange, bioluminescent plants dotted the ground, glowing faintly even in the daylight.

Finally, the ship touched down in a secluded clearing deep within the forest. The team disembarked into the warm, humid air, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife surrounding them. The vibrant life of Idun was almost overwhelming, a stark contrast to the devastation Turles was thought to unleash.

For a moment, even Vegeta couldn’t help but pause, taking in the beauty of the planet. But his mind was already racing ahead—to the battle that awaited them and the race to find Kakarot.

***

The group disembarked, their boots crunching softly against the lush, moss-covered ground as they took in the sights and sounds of Idun up close. The forest was a vibrant tapestry of life, alive with movement and sound. Exotic creatures with shimmering feathers and iridescent scales darted between the towering trees, their calls blending into a harmonious symphony. Strange, bioluminescent plants sprouted from the forest floor and clung to the trunks of the ancient trees, their glow pulsating faintly, as though breathing in rhythm with the planet itself. The air was warm and carried a faint, sweet fragrance, a mix of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the forest.

Before stepping away from the ship, Truffle turned to Meelo, her spherical droid companion hovering dutifully by her side. “Stay with the ship, Meelo,” she said firmly, her tone softening slightly as she patted the droid’s metallic surface. “We’ll contact you if we need a quick escape. Keep an eye on things.”

Meelo beeped in acknowledgment, his lights blinking in a reassuring pattern. With a quick pivot, he hovered back up the ship’s ramp, disappearing inside to follow her instructions. The faint hum of the ship’s systems became muffled as the hatch sealed shut behind him.

Broly paused, crouching to observe a small, birdlike creature perched on a low-hanging branch. Its plumage was a dazzling display of orange and blue, its beady eyes sparkling with curiosity. It chirped softly, tilting its head as it studied the towering Saiyan before it, completely unfazed by his imposing presence. “It’s… peaceful here,” Broly said, his deep voice almost a whisper, as if he feared disturbing the tranquility around him.

Gohan stepped up beside him, his gaze sweeping across the thriving ecosystem. “It’s incredible,” he said, his voice filled with quiet wonder. “It’s like the planet is in perfect harmony—everything connected, everything alive.”

Truffle’s eyes flicked between the glowing plants and the creatures flitting overhead, her expression a mixture of awe and determination. She didn’t say it aloud, but the sight of this thriving paradise stirred a faint hope within her—a hope that perhaps her own people could one day experience something like this.

As the group moved deeper into the forest, the dense canopy overhead shifted, allowing beams of sunlight to pierce through, creating patches of golden light on the forest floor. Every step brought new wonders: pools of crystal-clear water surrounded by vibrant flowers, and towering trees whose trunks were wide enough to house entire families.

Yet, even amidst this serene beauty, the towering Eternal Tree loomed in the distance, its massive silhouette an ever-present reminder of the danger that lay ahead. Its glowing bark pulsed faintly, a stark contrast to the natural tranquility of the forest. It stood as both a monument to Turles’s ambition and a warning of the destruction that could follow.

***

After hours of navigating the dense forest, the group emerged into a wide clearing. Before them lay a Saiyan village, nestled harmoniously within the natural landscape. Homes were carved into massive rock formations, blending seamlessly with the terrain, while others were built high within the trees, their wooden frames perched atop thick branches and connected by sturdy rope bridges. A few of the larger homes stretched across the canopy, giving the village a layered, multi-dimensional feel. Smoke curled from stone chimneys, and the hum of daily life filled the air.

The Eternal Tree of Might and the looming palace were still visible in the distance, casting long shadows over the village. Though the palace was far off, it was a constant presence, an ominous reminder of the journey still ahead.

Saiyan children raced through the open spaces, their laughter echoing in the air. A few paused to glance curiously at the newcomers before resuming their games. Adults worked in the fields, sparred in small groups, or tended to their workshops, crafting weapons and tools with practiced ease. The villagers moved with a sense of purpose, yet there was a calmness to their way of life—a stark contrast to the fierce, battle-hardened Saiyan culture Vegeta had grown up in.

Vegeta's gaze swept over the village, taking in every detail. The traditional architecture and surroundings stirred memories of Planet Vegeta, but it was the differences that stood out. These Saiyans seemed... peaceful. Complacent. Their movements lacked the edge and intensity of warriors, and their eyes didn’t burn with the same fiery ambition he had once known so well.

“They’ve survived,” Vegeta murmured, almost to himself. “But…they’ve changed. To see them like this. Thriving, but so… different.”

Gohan stood beside him, nodding. “They’ve rebuilt something beautiful,” he said softly.

Broly, silent as ever, observed the villagers with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. Tarble's lips curled into a small smile as he watched children climbing the trees and running through the fields. “It’s strange,” he said. 

Truffle’s gaze lingered on the village, her expression softening. “If the Saiyans can come back from the brink of extinction,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with hope, “maybe my people can too.”

As they stood, taking in the scene, an elder Saiyan approached them. His tail swayed behind him, its fur weathered with age, and his features were marked with the wisdom of decades. His eyes, however, widened slightly when they landed on Vegeta.

“King Vegeta?” the elder said, his voice heavy with disbelief and reverence. “I thought you were gone...lost to time.”

Vegeta stiffened, his brow furrowing. “You’re mistaken,” he replied firmly. “I am Vegeta, but I’m no king.”

The elder paused, studying him for a moment before bowing his head slightly. “Forgive me. Your resemblance to the late king is striking.” He straightened, his tone softening. “Welcome to our village. It’s been many years since we’ve seen outsiders, let alone Saiyans from beyond the palace’s reach.”

As the elder’s gaze moved across the group, he took note of their missing tails. His eyes lingered on Gohan, Broly, Vegeta, and Tarble, his expression curious. “You…bear the resemblance of Saiyans, yet your tails are gone. How strange.”

“We’ve had different lives,” Gohan said, offering a polite smile, though he said no more.

The elder nodded slowly, seeming to accept the explanation without pressing further. “Come,” he said, gesturing toward the village. “You must be weary from your travels. Rest here for a while. Our people will offer you food and water.”

The group exchanged glances before following the elder into the heart of the village. As they walked, Vegeta glanced back at the Eternal Tree in the distance, its towering form framed by the palace. A mix of pride and unease churned within him. His people had survived, but they were no longer the Saiyans he remembered.

***

Night had fallen over Idun, and the twin moons hung in the sky like glowing orbs, bathing the forest canopy in a silvery light. The elder’s hut, nestled high above the treetops, offered a breathtaking view of the endless jungle below and the towering Eternal Tree of Might in the distance. The hut was simple but sturdy, crafted from thick branches and bioluminescent vines that faintly illuminated the space. 

The group sat in a circle around a small, controlled fire in the center of the hut. The flames flickered and danced, casting their shadows on the woven walls. Outside, the sounds of the forest hummed—a symphony of distant howls and the rustle of leaves carried by the cool night breeze.

Gohan glanced out of the open hut toward the moons, his brow creased with worry. “Both moons are full... What if—”

“You need not fear the Oozaru transformation,” the elder interrupted with a calm smile. “Here, even the youngest of our kind are taught to control their power from the moment they can walk. It’s as natural as breathing for us.”

Gohan exhaled, his tension easing. “I guess that’s... reassuring.”

Truffle, ever curious, leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “Elder, I couldn’t help but notice—Idun is beautiful, but it feels so isolated. Do you get many visitors here?”

“Rarely,” the elder admitted, stirring the fire absently with a long stick. “Outsiders come only for trade, seeking an audience with King Turles or delivering goods. Strangers like you? Almost unheard of.”

“Then I’m sure they’ve noticed us,” Gohan muttered, his tone uneasy.

The elder nodded. “Undoubtedly. Word of your arrival has already begun to spread through the village.” His gaze turned to Vegeta, whose expression remained cold and unreadable. “And your presence raises questions. What brings you here?”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his voice sharp. “What can you tell us about Turles? About his rule?”

The elder’s expression darkened as he turned his gaze toward the distant glow of the Eternal Tree. The faint hum of its energy seemed to resonate even here, high above the canopy. “Our king and his clan brought us from the brink of extinction. Long ago, during the Great Saiyan War, we were abandoned on Sadala, left to fend for ourselves. Life was harsh, and survival often came at great cost.”

“Abandoned?” Gohan asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

The elder nodded solemnly. “I was a boy then, but I remember the day our people were left behind. An internal war had broken out—Saiyan against Saiyan—fighting over the rule of the planet. In the chaos, many of us were stranded, left to perish in a dying world. But Turles... he saved us. He sustained us with the fruit of the Eternal Tree and eventually led us to this place, where we could rebuild.”

Vegeta’s scowl deepened, his tone thoughtful yet tinged with disbelief. “That’s...not the history I was told. My father spoke of Sadala being torn apart by infighting—a conflict so devastating that even the legend of a Super Saiyan played a role in its destruction. The survivors fled…” His gaze shifted to the elder, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. “He never mentioned stragglers—or that anyone was left behind.”

For a brief moment, Vegeta’s thoughts churned. The version of history he had been taught had always seemed so clear-cut, so definitive. It had always made sense: his people, warriors to the core, forged their destiny in the fires of battle, leaving behind their fallen comrades without a second thought. He had never questioned it—until now.

Was it possible that his father had only shared the parts of their history that suited his own pride? That the survival of the Saiyan race came at the cost of leaving others behind? The weight of these new questions hung heavy on Vegeta’s mind, the certainty he once had slipping through his fingers like sand. The history he had always known—his identity, his pride—was crumbling under the weight of this new truth. He had always believed his father’s version was the final word. But now? Now, that certainty was shaken, and he didn’t know what to make of it.

The elder’s gaze shifted back to Vegeta, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You are descended from King Vegeta II, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Vegeta replied curtly. “But I know little of him. My father spoke only of the legacy he believed was his birthright.”

The elder studied Vegeta for a moment, then asked, “If that is so, what brings you here? Do you intend to challenge for the throne?”

Before Vegeta could respond, Gohan spoke up, his voice calm yet resolute. “My father is somewhere on this planet. We’re trying to find him... we think he might be with King Turles.”

The elder’s expression grew thoughtful, his hand stroking his beard. “If that’s the case, you’ll need to go to the palace near the Eternal Tree. But be warned—Turles does not tolerate trespassers.”

A heavy silence settled over the group. They exchanged glances, the weight of the elder's warning hanging in the air. Vegeta’s eyes, however, remained fixed on the glowing silhouette of the Eternal Tree, visible through the open side of the hut. Its distant glow seemed to pulse with a quiet, ominous energy. He stared at it for a moment, his jaw tightening as he processed the path ahead.

Finally, he broke the silence, his tone steady but unwavering. “Then we’ll go.”

The elder nodded, his weathered face filled with both caution and respect. "Be careful," he advised, though it was clear he understood the urgency in their mission.

Truffle gave a mischievous grin and held up her foot, where a pair of sleek, metallic boots now rested. “Hold on a sec.” She fiddled with a small dial on the side, the boots humming quietly as she adjusted the magnetic soles.

"I’ve been working on these hover boots during the trip," she explained, her tone proud as she tested the boots again, causing herself to hover slightly off the ground. "Thought they might come in handy for keeping up with you lot when flying."

She gave a little bounce, the boots humming more firmly now as she hovered just above the wooden platform. “Pretty neat, huh? Should be able to match your speed with these.”

Gohan raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his lips. “Those are pretty cool.”

Tarble gave a quiet, skeptical look but nodded. “I’ll be curious to see if they can keep up with us.”

Broly, standing silently behind them, only offered a faint nod, his eyes lingering on the boots with mild interest.

Truffle gave a small smirk at their reactions. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

Vegeta, barely acknowledging the addition, turned back to the elder. “We appreciate your hospitality,” he said, his voice low but sincere.

The elder gave a solemn nod. “May the winds guide you.”

The group stood and made their way to the wide wooden platform surrounding the elder’s hut. The air outside was cool, the rustling of the trees below mixing with the distant hum of the Eternal Tree. It was a tranquil moment, but the sense of urgency pressed down on them all.

Tarble hesitated as they reached the edge of the platform, looking at Vegeta. His voice was softer than usual, uncertain. “Brother...What did you think of Father? I never really knew him.”

Vegeta’s expression softened, his usual hard edge replaced with a rare vulnerability. He turned to Tarble, then back toward the horizon. After a long moment, he spoke, his tone quieter than usual.

“I’m starting to have...mixed feelings about him, Tarble. He was ruthless, no doubt about it. But he wasn’t heartless.”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed, a hint of conflict in his gaze. “He cared for the Saiyan race, even if his methods, I came to realize, were...extreme. He believed in strength above all else, and in his mind, what he did was to ensure our survival.”

Vegeta’s tone grew more reflective. “I know you resent him for what he did, sending you away. He didn’t kill you, though. And that means something. He may have thought it was the best way to protect you. Put you on a path where you could grow stronger, survive.”

His voice grew harder, but there was a deeper understanding now. “I’ll admit, he wasn’t always right. A king’s duty isn’t just about survival; it’s about doing what’s right for the people. And... maybe he failed in that. But I still think he did what he believed was best. And that’s what I’m trying to do now, for the Saiyan race—to make sure we don’t lose ourselves in the process.”

Tarble nodded, but there was a slight pause as he tried to understand the weight of Vegeta’s words. Before he could say more, Truffle, now fully ready in her hover boots, grinned and hopped lightly into the air, her boots humming with a quiet energy. “Alright, I’m ready! Let’s get moving.”

With a final glance at the elder’s hut, the group took to the skies, the night air crisp against their faces as they soared toward the glowing silhouette of the Eternal Tree. The journey ahead was uncertain, but there was no turning back now.

___________

Writer’s Note:

During my revision process, one moment that really stuck with me was the flashback between Nappa and Vegeta. It served as a perfect segue between Vegeta’s past and present, highlighting just how much he’s grown since the Saiyan Saga. To make the scene work, I had to dig into deep lore and pinpoint the best timeframe for it—ultimately deciding that their year-long journey to Earth was the most fitting. After all, they weren’t just flying through space the entire time; they must have made stops, and this was one of them.

When Vegeta arrives on Idun, the planet presents a stark contrast to what we know of Planet Vegeta. There’s a familiar sense of home, yet visually, it’s strikingly different—lush forests and a lifestyle built around living in the trees. The Saiyans here have cultivated a new way of life, distinct from their war-driven past.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this arc was exploring what came before King Vegeta III. Since Vegeta is "Vegeta IV," it’s clear that a lineage existed long before the events we know. That gave me the perfect opportunity to dive into unexplored history—Vegeta’s grandfather, a figure never mentioned in the series. This allowed me to explore the idea that Vegeta’s father may have hidden key truths, not just from his sons, but from the entire Saiyan race.

I realize that giving Vegeta mixed feelings about his father—especially admitting it to Tarble—might feel controversial. But it’s not meant to diminish his respect or love for him. Instead, it’s a reflection of his growth. Tarble, having been exiled at a young age, never knew much about their father, and here, Vegeta is offering his honest truth. He acknowledges his pride in being King Vegeta’s son, but he also questions whether his father’s decisions truly served the Saiyan people—or if they only benefited his own rule. After all, King Vegeta did strike a deal with King Cold, which ultimately led to Frieza’s dominance over their race.

Now, standing on Idun, Vegeta sees a different reality—one shaped by Turles, where Saiyans live in peace. It raises an important question: Were his father’s choices truly the best for their people? Or has Turles, in his own way, accomplished what King Vegeta never could?

Stay tuned for what’s to come next!