Far away from Earth's skies, in the dark void of Universe 7, a small planet burned in its final moments. The red atmosphere of Planet Pandora shimmered with fire and smoke as Frieza's fleet hovered above it like vultures circling their prey.
Columns of plasma beams rained down, ripping apart towers, forests, and seas. The planet's inhabitants cried in terror, their cities reduced to rubble within minutes. The Pandora warriors had resisted fiercely, but in front of Frieza's might, resistance meant nothing.
Inside the command deck of the lead ship, Lord Frieza stood at the large glass viewport, one hand clasped neatly behind his back, tail swaying lazily. A satisfied smirk tugged at his lips as he admired the carnage.
"Such a shame," Frieza said in a calm, almost mocking tone. "Another civilization wiped away… but I suppose they should feel honored. Not many get to perish at the hands of Lord Frieza himself."
Behind him stood Zarbon, his elegant green hair flowing like silk, and Dodoria, massive and brutish with his tusked grin. Both bowed slightly, waiting for their master to finish speaking.
It was Zarbon who finally broke the silence, his voice smooth but careful.
"Lord Frieza, may I report something of interest?"
Frieza turned his crimson eyes slightly toward him, still smiling. "Oh? Do go on, Zarbon. It better be worth interrupting my… entertainment."
Zarbon adjusted his stance and continued, "My Lord, we've received intelligence from our outer scouts. It concerns the legendary artifacts you've long sought—the Dragon Balls. We know of their existence on Planet Namek, but… there is word of another world where they may also be found. A world known as Earth."
For the first time, Frieza's tail stiffened, then coiled excitedly. He turned fully, his smirk curling wider.
"Earth, you say? How… intriguing."
Dodoria blinked and scratched his head. "Earth? That's just some backwater planet, isn't it? I thought it was useless."
Zarbon shook his head. "It appears we underestimated it. Reports confirm that the magical orbs—similar to those of Namek—are indeed there. Seven of them, capable of summoning a dragon that grants wishes."
Frieza chuckled darkly, placing a finger against his lips.
"My, my… what delightful news. How careless of the Kais to scatter such power across so many worlds. And here I thought only Namek was blessed with such treasures."
He tilted his head slightly, pretending to ponder, though his eyes gleamed with greed.
"And tell me, Zarbon… our dear Prince Vegeta. He's on Earth now, isn't he? Hunting for these magical baubles?"
Zarbon bowed. "Yes, Lord Frieza. He, Nappa, and Raditz had been dispatched earlier to handle Earth. However…" Zarbon hesitated briefly.
Frieza narrowed his eyes. "However…? Speak, Zarbon."
Zarbon lowered his gaze. "Forgive me, my Lord, but reports indicate that Vegeta and his Saiyan companions are… struggling. The fighters of Earth are proving more formidable than expected. I doubt Vegeta will be able to secure the Dragon Balls for you."
The silence in the chamber thickened, broken only by the faint hum of the ship. Frieza's smirk faded into a cold sneer.
"So… Vegeta dares to struggle against… Earthlings?" He gave a chilling laugh, though it carried venom. "How disappointing. And yet, not surprising. That little monkey prince has always been too proud for his own good. Perhaps he believes himself strong enough to betray me someday."
He turned sharply, his voice dripping with cruel amusement.
"Hmph! Very well. If Vegeta cannot secure these Dragon Balls… then I shall send someone who can."
His red gaze landed on the hulking Dodoria.
"Dodoria!"
Dodoria instantly perked up, thumping his chest. "Yes, Lord Frieza!"
Frieza's smirk returned. "You will take a squad of my finest soldiers and head directly to Earth. Retrieve the Dragon Balls at any cost. As for Vegeta and the rest of his monkey brethren…" His eyes glowed sinisterly. "Kill them. Crush them. Erase them along with that planet if necessary. I have no further use for disobedient pets who can't follow simple orders."
Dodoria grinned wide, his tusks glinting. "With pleasure, Lord Frieza! I'll blast that miserable rock to ashes if I have to. The Dragon Balls will be yours."
Frieza leaned back slightly, amused by Dodoria's eagerness.
"Do not underestimate Earth, Dodoria. If Vegeta is struggling, then clearly the planet hides some interesting surprises. Be thorough. I want no mistakes."
Dodoria pounded a fist to his chest again. "Understood, my Lord!"
With that, Dodoria barked an order to the soldiers stationed outside the chamber. Within moments, a squad of armored Frieza Force warriors assembled, saluting in unison. Dodoria stomped toward the docking bay with his entourage, already fantasizing about the slaughter awaiting him on Earth.
As the doors slid shut behind them, silence fell again. Zarbon, ever the cautious observer, folded his arms.
"My Lord… do you truly intend for Dodoria to kill Vegeta? He is, after all, one of the strongest Saiyans left. Couldn't he still serve us, perhaps as a useful pawn?"
Frieza chuckled, low and menacing. "A pawn that believes he can one day become a king is of no use to me, Zarbon. Vegeta's pride will be his downfall. Better to snuff him out now before his rebellion festers."
He turned once more to the burning sight of Planet Pandora below, his reflection cast in the glass.
"And besides… I don't need Vegeta. Once I have these Dragon Balls, the very concept of power will bend to me. I'll become immortal. Unstoppable. Eternal."
The thought alone made Frieza shiver with delight, his tail swishing like a predator tasting blood.
"Immortality, Zarbon… do you know what that means? The universe itself will kneel to me, not just in fear… but forever. Not even time will dare to defy me."
Zarbon bowed his head respectfully, though unease flickered in his eyes. He had seen Frieza's cruelty firsthand countless times, but the thought of his master gaining immortality was enough to chill even him.
"Indeed, Lord Frieza," Zarbon said softly. "No one will be able to challenge you."
Frieza smirked again, tapping his scouter.
"Now then… let us prepare a course for Namek as well. If Earth disappoints, I'll ensure no stone on Namek is left unturned. Between the two worlds, the Dragon Balls will be mine."
He pressed a button on his throne's armrest. "Helmsman! Set our secondary course toward Namek. And maintain communications with Dodoria's squad. I expect regular reports."
"Yes, Lord Frieza!" a soldier's voice replied through the intercom.
The ship rumbled softly as its engines shifted, plotting the new path through the stars.
Frieza leaned back, eyes narrowing with excitement as the flames of Pandora continued to engulf the planet below. His laughter echoed in the chamber, cold and merciless.
"Hahaha… the universe doesn't even realize it yet. But soon, all life, all worlds, all destiny… will belong to Lord Frieza!"
And with that, the ashes of Pandora scattered into the void—another world consumed, another prelude to the storm gathering toward Earth.