Killer King, Beauty Queen

8

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The Eldest Namek's home stood atop a tall, spiral rock formation. It looked really impressive, to be honest. As soon as we landed, I collapsed onto my knees and slouched on the ground. My entire body was shaking violently. "C'mon, Mara, I'll carry you." Krillen hummed softly and curled his arms around my shoulders. I gave him a grateful nod and stood on my shaky legs. Krillen grasped at my hip gingerly and wrapped my arm around his neck as best he could, given his height.

"You-- You sure he's here?" I ask tiredly.

"Yes, I'm sure," Dende nodded.

"It's so quiet, though..." I murmur. The door opened slowly, and an older Namekian stepped out.

"Hey, Nail! Am I ever glad to see you're all right!" Dende exclaimed.

"Oh, wow!" I gasp. "He looks just like Piccolo!"

"Yeah, you're right," Krillen agreed.

"It's good to see you again, Dende," Nail greets Dende with a friendly smile. "You and your friends are most welcome. Guru has been expecting you for some time now."

"So, then Guru knows about everything that's been going on?" Dende asks.

"Well, that's some good news, at least." I sigh.

"There is much to discuss. Come with me." Nail urges and we follow him inside. "I will take the three of you to Guru now."

"Wait, Nail! If Guru already knows about what's happening, well then, shouldn't he try to move to a safer place?" Dende asks worriedly.

"Guru is very old," Nail explains. "He knows his time is drawing near, unfortunately. He's too weak to move. There is little more I can do for him, than stay by his side and protect him until the end."

"Oh, no," Dende whimpered. "I knew he was old, but... I-- I never thought he'd be leaving so soon."

"Please, come, Dende," Nail urged again. Following the two upwards, Krillen and I gaze upon an older, much larger Namekian sitting in a large throne. "Master. I 've brought Dende and his two friends from Earth."

"Welcome, friends," Guru hums gently. "It is my great honor to be in your presence. And I thank you for taking care of young Dende. Is there something I can do to repay your kindness?"

"Y-You don't really need to thank us..." I mutter shyly.

Guru starts snoring. "Um... Do you think he fell asleep?" Dende asked.

"I... have no clue, to be honest..." I mutter. "Excuse me?"

"Great evil has come to Namek," Guru hums softly, seemingly awake. "Frieza and his wicked men... Because of them, nearly all of my children have..." Guru lets out a soft cough. "Have been murdered. It seems they will stop at nothing until they have gathered all seven Dragon Balls..." Krillen and I nodded. "To Nameks, the Dragon Balls symbolize wisdom and power." Guru let out a scoff. "But this Frieza sees them only as a tool to serve his greed."

Krillen groaned a little. "Forgive me for being blunt, Mister Guru, but that's exactly why we came here... To ask for your Dragon Ball, so we can hide it from Frieza!" Guru hummed in thought. "I won't let him get his hands on it, and that's a promise!"

"I see... So, then you, too, are collecting the Dragon Balls?" Guru inquired.

"Yes sir," I hum politely. "But our motives are for good, and not evil, like Frieza's."

"Krillen and Mara lost several of their friends. They want to wish them back. They died fighting these evil men on Earth, and if they return, they may be able to help us drive them from our planet." Dende explained.