Part 2, Chapter 2: A United Front

Now, then. Shall we discuss those naughty soldiers of mine and how you're going to help?

I'm not taking any orders from you! ...They're the FRIEZA Force, aren't they?!

Just give them the order and they'll GIVE BACK BULMA!!

My, my... What tempers you Saiyans have. I don't believe you've thought this through, have you?

Let me simplify it for you. If you refuse to be of use... I shall kill you.

Wha?!

Oh ho ho! Just a joke... A joke! Ho ho ho...!

(Th-that was supposed to be a joke?!)

(He'd kill me just for talking! How did Goku win against this monster?!)

We both wish to reunite with my troops as soon as possible. As this is impossible, we're having this little... discussion.

Now, if you remember, the Frieza Force is not under my control at present.

From the time I arrived in this era, my troops were already operating independent of myself.

...Excuse me? So just who's dishing out the orders, then?

Who knows...? That remains unclear.

It does seem, however, that they are taking orders from someone other than myself.

"Someone else," huh? But you're not from this time either, right?

Hah! Did you think that another you might be having their way with "your" forces?

That's not possible. No version of myself would hinder another.

Any version of Frieza would know to cooperate... We would use each other to gain an advantage. Ho ho!

Friezas using each other... This guy's got a screw loose.

Ahem. Anyway, if we get close to my troops, we will discover who has usurped them.

However, there is one problem...

E-Enemy attack!! Enemy attack!! It's those guys following that impostor!

Over there! It's that fake using Lord Frieza's name!

Ack! It's just like they said... He looks just like Lord Frieza!

Idiot! That's what they want you to think! You're falling right into their trap!

Right, this is why the REAL Lord Frieza ordered their obliteration!

T-True! And this backwater dump is proof that this guy's a fake!

*sigh* So they've finally found this place, have they?

They may not be able to recognize their true master, but I suppose their work ethic is something to be proud of...

And yet, to call their master a fake! ...I think they need to be taught some manners!

What a perfect opportunity. Go teach them some manners, Shallot.

If you do that, I believe you will understand why I have not approached them. Ho ho ho.

Woah! Those guys really are stronger now...!

You understand now? This is why I have not been able to approach them alone.

They possess something which is drastically increasing their power.

W-What a power boost...!

Under me, you can attain the power you crave.

(Is this the power he was talking about?!)

Of course this paltry boost in power is not enough to get me in trouble...

...But this power boost intrigues me.

It would be a chore to obtain this AND my army at the same time. ...On my own.

You're telling me that's why you wanted help...?

Precisely. I want to regain control over my army and gain use of this power boost.

You, on the other hand, want to free the companion they're holding captive.

It's only logical that you assist me.

(Hey, this is getting kinda complicated, Beerus!)

Now, I believe we need another little helper in addition to Shallot.

Of course that hooded man would have been ideal...

...But I guess I'll have to settle for this look-alike.

Y-You...!!!

Well now, if you don't like the comparison you'll just have to demonstrate your own power! Heh heh!

For now, we will need to look for a useful second recruit.

Understood, Appule? ...Get moving!

Yes, my lord...

*sigh* Just how am I expected to find someone out here on my own?

I've been getting the grunt work of two since Lord Frieza went and killed Raspberry...

Seems you've got it rough too, huh?

Nggh!? L-Lord... Sh-Sh-Shaallot!

P-Please accept my apologies for the delay! I'll work faster!

Cut it out. Think I care how fast you work? It's not like I joined up with you lot.

Also. I'm not your Lord... so stop the formalities.

Y-Yes, sir! I-I mean... yes... *sigh*

Phew! What a relief! You're pretty strong though, huh? You really saved me back there!!

Your personality sure changed...

But... Why'd you come all the way out here if you're not here to scold me?

You know... Change of pace...

(Damn, I was gonna contact Jaco out here... but this guy looked so down in the dumps that I just started talkin'...)

So. You're looking for somebody strong, right? Any leads?

I wouldn't be out here suffering if I did, would I?

Though I guess Lord Frieza would be happy enough if I bagged him that mysterious hooded man.

Man, more with this hooded guy. He's nothing but my impostor!

Your impostor, huh? ...You know, to me all Saiyan faces look exactly the same. No difference!

No way!? We're obviously different! You sure your eyes are working?

You're one to talk. I bet you've been calling everyone of my race, "Appule". Am I wrong?

H-Huh?! I... I guess you're right!

Anyway, I need to find somebody strong like you...

Heh. Looking for another sidekick, are we? Fake Frieza Force sure has it rough!

Geh?!

So that monkey is Sidekick #1, huh? He's nothing but a fly against us!

...Tch! Say that again! I'll squash YOU like a fly!!

Grngh...?!

Heh! How's that? Feeling squashed yet?

Hmp! ...Heh heh! Keep talking tough while you still can!!

Its "effect" should be kicking in about now...!

Huh...? Talk some sense, will you?!

It's here...! It's. Finally. HEEERE!!

The hell's going on?! Their Ki... it's skyrocketing!

H-Hrrrhgh?!

Geh heh heh... Hah hah! You're finished!

Rgyaaaah!

Rrrgh...! No doubt about it. Just as Frieza said. Their Ki just suddenly shot up...

...But what are you doing down there?

Ah... Ngh... Agh...! You took down everyone in that fight... Including me!

Gah! S-Sorry, my bad! I just... I couldn't tell you guys apart!

D-Don't sweat it... If it weren't for you, I'd have died in that last battle.

I'm just relieved to see that you're more than a match for small fry like them.

Well, yeah... But why'd those chumps get so strong all of a sudden?

Who knows? They said something about some "effect". Let's see... Take a peek through their stuff...

...Hm? What's this?

Some kind of fruit? Were they going for a picnic?

...Fruit...?

Under me, you can attain the power you crave.

How about some fruit if you're still hungry?

(No way... THAT'S what's giving them their power...?)

Oh? So you fought my troops?

Y-Yes, my lord! It's as you said. They seem to have something that increases their power.

...And? Did you obtain it?

N-No. Unfortunately.

*sigh* How tiresome! Go make yourself useful and find me another warrior. Quickly, now!

...Yes, my lord.

...

Dear, dear! No new warrior... No new information... What a pain it is to have such incompetent underlings...

Show a little respect! He almost DIED for you... Against your own damn troops!

...Respect? For Appule? Heh heh heh!

It's only natural that the superior triumph over the weak.

You Saiyans believe the same. Your race is renowned for trampling over the weak...

Let's make this clear. Born victors have no need to respect the defeated.

The blood of the defeated... The blood of the tainted...

Both will be expunged from existence! By me! Balance WILL reign once more!

...So weakness and defeat are guilts...?!

Oh? You don't seem well. Is anything the matter?

Tch! It's nothing!

You left it all up to that Appule guy... and I'm dead bored! I'm gonna go nab somebody strong, too!

Please. Go right ahead.

Saiyans. They're always the same. No patience.

...Damn! What a scumbag! Once I get Bulma back you're next!

Guess I should tell Beerus and let everybody know what Frieza said...

Alright! Communicator...

...Erm...

How do I get this thing work...?!

Hm? You're...

Hey...! You guys again!

So you've managed to survive! What's up?

What, so you and Krillin know this guy too?

Perfect timing! Teach me how to use this communicator thing...

Heeey! Master Shallot!

Wha?!

H-He's from the Frieza Force!

Could he be up to no good here too?!

H-Hey! Don't tell me you're working with Frieza?!

N-No! It's not like that...! Sorta...

Hm? What's going on? Who're they, Master Shallot? Are they picking a fight?

Fools! You don't know Master Shallot! He's Lord Frieza's most powerful defender!

H-Hey! Shut it!

I knew it! So you HAVE joined him!

Rrrgh! How'd it end up like this!

...FINE! Bring it on then!!

Master Shallooot! Go get 'em!

...Tch!

Whooops! I-I...can't tell which is the enemy! My hand slipped!

...Here ya go!

Huuunnggh?!

?!

*exhale* That should do it! Now shut up and listen!!

I... I see. So that's what happened.

Indeed. It's no wonder I couldn't feel any evil intent in your punches.

I... I knew it had to be something like that!

Liar! You were super serious when you came at me!

Hah ha ha ha! Sorry, sorry!

...Just tell me how to use this thing! While Appule is still out!

...Or else I won't be able to do what I gotta do at this rate...!

But... Why are you playing spy when you can't even use a communicator?

...Okay... So I push this button here?

This is Jaco speak, Oh, Shallot. What's wrong?

F-Finally! This thing's finally working! Is Lord Beerus around?!

What? What's the racket...? Ah. So, did you find anything out?

...That's about it.

Someone else is controlling the Frieza Force?! Wh-Who could be doing something so outrageous?!

So Frieza wasn't the one who took Bulma. Someone else did...

This is getting complicated. However, we at least know what Frieza is after now.

Hey, B! Can't I help too? I'm soooo bored!

I said no...!

How about this? You can keep a close watch on Shallot's Ki from afar...!

M-My Ki?!

And if anything happens, Goku can let us know and we'll come join you.

If we approach them carefully and time it just right, we should be able to get Bulma out of there with an Instant Transmission.

Got it! And... What about taking down that boss guy controlling Frieza's army?

No! No fighting him!

What?! B-But that's boring!

You're a warrior, aren't you? Tough it out! Leave things to Shallot for now!

So, Shallot. Continue cooperating with Frieza and sniff out his plans.

Yeah, you say that, but what do I do next?

I gotta bring back somebody strong to Frieza if he's gonna help get Bulma back!

Hmph. All you need is someone strong to join you?

What's up with you, Jaco? It's not that easy, finding someone strong to bring back.

I can think of one...no, make that two, examples.

Huh? Who...?!

You're well acquainted.

Oooh! I see. I'll go and wait nearby and escort Shallot to "them".

...Huh? Wh-Who's "them"?

Frieza will become suspicious if I approach you...

...So we should meet somewhere a little further away.

Perfect! Meet in the wasteland a few kilometers from here.

Yeah, alright. But why there?

There's fighting in the wastelands that the Galactic Patrol can't overlook. You can stop them while you're there!

Hey! I'm not here to do your dirty work!

Grr... Jaco! Why do I?!

What are you complaining about? This should be a piece of cake compared to the Frieza Force.

Grr... You're gonna regret it when I get back there!

...So, Whis. Around here look good?

Quite! This should be far enough from Frieza's location for our purposes...

Okay! Let's head out.

So just who is this powerful fighter I'm bringing back?

Oh? You haven't caught on yet, Shallot?

Ho ho! Let's leave that as a surprise, shall we?

...*sigh*...Ain't nothing to do out here.

Hey, Vegeta. Could I just go and blast that town to pieces real quick?

Out of the question, Nappa. Not unless you want to be blasted to pieces yourself by that God of Destruction.

Then again... I didn't come to this planet for peace and quiet.

...The real tournament will begin once the warriors start coming together.

And when that happens, it will be useful to have Shallot close at hand...

Well, this is your big chance!

Nrrrrngh?!

Wha?!

V-Vegeta?! ...And that knucklehead Nappa too?!

Shallot...! Where did you come from?!

...Have you decided to join me?

Ho ho ho... Half correct!

Actually, we've come with another request for you both.

O-Orders from Beerus, again?! We're not your maids you know!

Oh my. But I do believe you'll enjoy this task in particular...

This might be your chance to get lots and lots of that power you've been wanting.

...What?

Bullcrap! You better stop spouting that trash if you know what's good for you!

Nappa! Stop!!

Ngh?

Tch! It's not like we're being given an actual choice! Let's hear it!

Hey, Vegeta! Why're you chickening out?! We'd squash these!

Nappa! You said you were bored. Go and test Shallot's newfound strength!

Huh?! WHAT?!

...Well, guess I AM bored...

Alright! Let's see it, Shallot boy! We've been growing some special Saibamen near here!

Let's see whatcha got! Follow me!

N-Now?! I just fought my way here...

*sigh* No use telling this lump!

Show me your strength against these guys! ...Catch!

Phew! Worked up a real good sweat, there! Gotten stronger, have you?

Of course! You better prepare yourself... 'Cause I'm not stopping here!

Oi, Vegeta!! You done talking with that beanpole yet?

...Just about.

So what do you say, Vegeta? Frieza's rebellious forces...

...If you join Shallot to get them under control, you could be their leader if you play your hand right.

It's not that simple.

No?

There's no doubt that Shallot and I have both grown stronger.

...However. It's still not enough to defeat Frieza.

(I should have expected as much from Vegeta. Flattery isn't enough to win him over.)

Still. His defeat is not entirely out of reach.

Ooh? Please explain.

The one controlling the Frieza Force likely has the same level of power that Frieza himself has...

How can you be so sure?

Frieza's army is made up of a bunch of hot-blooded ruffians...

...They're not so well disciplined as to follow orders from just anyone who comes along calling themselves "Frieza".

But if this usurper was more powerful, he wouldn't have needed to steal Frieza's name...

...He should have been able to use his own strength to gain followers of his own.

Quite an analysis... Your diligence shows, Vegeta.

Tch! Cut the condescending crap!

Still, if my assumptions are correct...

There should be a way to induce Frieza and fake Frieza to destroy one another!

And if that happens... our chances of winning this tournament increase drastically...!

That's some thinkin', Vegeta! Good plan!

Hey! Whis... Isn't this tournament rigged?

...Let's keep that a secret from THIS Vegeta, hm?

Huh? We're just gonna trick him like that?!

Yes. If he loses the goal of the tournament, there's no telling what trouble he'll get up to.

What are you two whispering together about?

Ho ho ho! Shallot was wondering what I was having for dinner tonight.

Hmph... Playing dumb, eh?

No matter. I'll join you. Take me to Frieza!

Wow, Master Shallot! You're really something else!

I never thought you'd find such a strong ally, and all while I was knocked out!

Heh heh... Well he is my ma, I mean, he's a Saiyan like me!

Ga ha ha! He's embarrassed! Just say it straight, Master!

Shut it! I don't remember you ever being my master!

Hmph... And I also don't recall becoming Shallot's ally.

I just heard that Lord Frieza was here in this era. So I came. That's all.

H-Huh... Seems like one complicated relationship to me... Oh well.

Well, what about you? Did you bring back somebody strong?

Ah! Of course! I couldn't leave it all up to you, Master Shallot!

...

Oh? Let's hope he found more than just a useless pile of muscle...

(Wh-What is he?! Even bugs and beasts have a scent. But this guy's got nothing... at all!)

Hey. Hurry up. Take me to Frieza.

Alright, alright already! We're almost there! Also, it's "Lord Frieza", I'd remember that if I were you... unless you have a death wish!

...Understood. Lord...Frieza.

What's up with him? He's of no use if he's not all there in the head...

(Can we trust this guy? He smells suspicious...!)

Hoh... So you're both here, too, Vegeta and Nappa?

Lord Frieza. Please accept my apologies for our late arrival.

(Tch. Don't tell me we've come all this way just to bow down to Frieza...)

(I-I didn't think Vegeta could be so polite! ...It's giving me the creeps!)

Hmph. How shameless.

Perhaps you thought I was not here... and were out enjoying some destruction for yourselves?

It's not unprecedented, after all. I've felt the backlash from your, shall we say, unauthorized activities before...

...

Let's let bygones be bygones, shall we? I AM in need of some excellent soldiers, at the end of the day.

...And Appule. You also seem to have brought a new warrior with you.

My lord! Here he is!

You... Are... Lord Frieza...?

Yes, that is correct. Let's hear your name as well, shall we?

My name is not required... Your location... Has been sent to the laboratory...

...?!

No...! He can't be...?!

A spy sent by the enemy...!! You fool, Appule!

Tch...! Shallot! Nappa and I will take that white one!

You clean up the rest of those small fry!

Vegeta! Watch out!

Galick Gun!

Tch! He dodged it!!

You're not getting away, marshmallow man!

Leave him!

The damage has already been done! He has already reported our whereabouts.

Hunting him down will make no difference!

You've outdone yourself, Appule!

...Eep! I-I apologize, my lord!

I have no use for such dead weight...

Eek?!

H-Hey! Cut it out! It's not like he brought the enemy here on purpose!

Hmph. How tender-hearted you are, Shallot.

...However...

W-What?! Frieza! Stop it!

...N-No... Lord... Frie...za...

I have no use for incompetent fools.

...

Damn you!

Now then. Shall we go? We can't have my army discovering us, after all.

Wait a second, Frieza! You're gonna pay for what you did!

...!! No, Shallot!

This is for Appule!!

Ungh...!

V-Vegeta...!! You...

Know your place!! You don't defy... Lord Frieza...!

What?!

Appule put us all in danger! It's only natural he should pay!

Th-That's just stupid!! Appule was loyal...

...And Frieza's gonna pay for what he did! I'll show him who's tender-hearted!!

Tch! Nappa! Get hold of this idiot!

Graaaah!

Agaaaah!

Think, Shallot! What use is fighting him now? Calm yourself!!

SHUT UP!! Out of my way, Vegeta!!

Y-You...!

...Utter fool!!

Agh?!

*pant* *pant*

Woah! Shallot's got some power!

...Is playtime over, now?

I apologize for my...friend. I'll make sure he's learned his lesson.

Hmph. Very well, then.

Still... We can't have him running amok at every sign of cruelty...

Be sure to keep a tight rein on your pet, Vegeta...

...I expect that's not too difficult for the Saiyan "prince"? Ho ho!

...Ngh...!

Bear in mind I will not be so lenient next time.

Time to leave now! Chop chop!

...Frieza!