The forest gave Raditz cover, but it was far from a long-term solution. Each passing day heightened the risk of being discovered by Kami or Piccolo. He needed a way off Earth and to Namek, fast.
Sitting on a large rock near the edge of a river, Raditz mulled over his options. His scouter was gone Bulma had likely disassembled it already. He didn't have the luxury of advanced tech to pinpoint Namek's location or even a ship to get there.
If I wait too long, Vegeta will get to Namek first. I'll lose my only chance.
Raditz clenched his fists. The key to his survival depended on his Saiyan instincts and the knowledge in his head.
Over the next few days, Raditz hunted, trained, and observed the movements of Earth's population. He used his ki senses sparingly, keeping his energy low to avoid detection while honing his ability to locate subtle power levels.
On the fifth night, he trudged through a remote, barren wasteland, his scouter long gone and his senses dulled by exhaustion. The past few days had been grueling, spent suppressing his power and evading human settlements. He needed a ship—his only hope to escape Earth and reach Namek before it was too late.
Then, by sheer luck or fate, he stumbled upon a massive, overgrown wreck partially buried in the sand. The craft was unlike anything he had seen on Earth, its sleek, alien design bearing scorch marks and signs of battle. Vines crept along its hull, suggesting it had been abandoned for years.
Raditz approached cautiously, his hand instinctively hovering near his side where his scouter once hung. He traced his fingers along the worn metal, the ship's surface cool despite the sun's intensity.
"This… this isn't Earth technology," he muttered. His Saiyan instincts prickled, sensing the faint energy residue of a long-dead crew. "An alien vessel. How did it end up here?"
After hours of prying open the ship's hatch, Raditz stepped into the dimly lit interior. The air was stale, the atmosphere heavy with the scent of decay. The controls were damaged but not beyond repair. Whoever piloted the ship last had left it functional enough to power up.
Drawing from Raditz's buried memories of interstellar travel, he pieced together the basics. The ship's navigation system sputtered to life, displaying a holographic star map. Raditz's eyes widened as he recognized one of the planets marked on the display.
"Namek…" His voice was low, almost reverent. "This changes everything."
The vessel's fuel reserves were limited, and many systems were barely holding together. Still, it had enough power to make the journey. Raditz rummaged through the ship's storage compartments, finding a few alien rations that were still edible.
Satisfied, he activated the launch sequence. The ship's engines roared to life, shaking the ground around it. Dust and debris flew into the air as the vessel prepared for takeoff. Raditz stepped back into the pilot's chair, his expression hardening.
"I'll reach Namek. I'll get my wishes. And I'll survive this cursed timeline."
The ship lifted off, its battered frame groaning under the strain. Raditz adjusted the controls, setting the course for Namek. The Earth shrank behind him, a blue-green marble fading into the void.
For the first time in weeks, Raditz allowed himself a small, triumphant smile. The stars ahead held the promise of power and survival, and he was determined to seize both.
Each day, he trained relentlessly, throwing punches and kicks at invisible enemies, honing his ki blasts until they were razor-sharp. He meditated, focusing on suppressing his energy further and sensing power levels from greater distances.
Despite the ship's poor condition, Raditz felt his strength growing exponentially. The Saiyan blood coursing through him burned with each challenge, fueling his progress.
But there was another challenge lurking in the back of his mind Frieza. Even from across the galaxy, the tyrant's shadow loomed over everything.
If he finds me, I'm dead. No second chances.
One day, as Raditz meditated in the cargo bay, his senses pricked at something strange. A faint power level flickered on the edge of his awareness. It wasn't strong, but it was… unusual.
He stood, his brow furrowed. "What is that?"
Moving to the cockpit, Raditz scanned the ship's sensors. The system was rudimentary at best, but it detected a small vessel drifting in the distance.
"Another ship?" Raditz muttered. His instincts screamed caution, but his curiosity got the better of him. Adjusting the freighter's course, he steered toward the vessel.
As the ship drew closer, Raditz's scouter-less senses began to pick up more details. The power level inside the vessel was faint, almost negligible. It wasn't Frieza's forces that much was clear.
Moments later, the freighter docked with the smaller ship. Raditz stepped into the airlock, his ki ready for anything. The door hissed open, revealing a lone figure slumped in the corner of the vessel.
It was an alien small, with blue skin and a frail body. The creature looked up weakly, its eyes widening in fear as it saw Raditz.
"P-Please… help…" it whispered.
Raditz stared at the alien, his mind racing. It was clear the creature posed no threat, but helping it was a risk. Yet something about its desperation tugged at him.
What's one more gamble? he thought, stepping forward.