(As Beerus condensed a massive energy ball, Piccolo and Gohan's expressions shifted drastically.)
(In an instant, Beerus flashed forward, appearing right in front of Goku and Vegeta.)
(The sheer power of the being before them was overwhelming.)
(Super Saiyan 4, which they had believed to be their ultimate form, was utterly powerless against him.)
(Vegeta and his father had always carried an air of arrogance, yet both had fallen so effortlessly before Beerus.)
(His strength was unimaginable, far beyond anything they had faced.)
(Stopping him seemed impossible-but they had to try.)
(Just then, Krillin rushed over, quickly feeding Goku and Vegeta a senzu bean each.)
(Within moments, they regained consciousness, their stamina and strength fully restored.)
Goku: "Okay, that helps... but it won't be enough."
(Goku muttered, his face growing serious.)
Vegeta: "This guy is too strong!"
(Vegeta growled.)
Vegeta: "Even with both of us at Super Saiyan 4, fighting together, we couldn't even come close to matching him! What are we supposed to do now?"
(For the first time, Goku's face carried genuine concern.)
(So this was the true power of the God of Destruction.)
(King Kai and Supreme Kai had warned them about him, but even their descriptions had fallen short.)
(Beerus was far stronger than they had ever imagined.)
(And worse-Goku could tell he hadn't even been fighting seriously yet.)
(If Beerus unleashed his full power, they wouldn't just lose-they would be erased in an instant.)
(Vegeta clenched his fists.)
Vegeta: "Damn it, Kakarot! How are we supposed to stop him?!"
(His frustration boiled over.)
(He had believed in the invincibility of Super Saiyan 4.)
(The power he had achieved, the pinnacle of Saiyan evolution-it should have been enough to defeat anyone.)
(But Beerus had shattered that belief in mere moments.)
(The thought of losing-of being helpless-was infuriating.)
(And yet, if they did nothing, the Earth would be destroyed.)
(Vegeta's gaze flickered toward Goten, who was still eating, completely unbothered by the chaos around him.)
(The boy's calm, indifferent expression was aggravating.)
Vegeta [in mind]: 'Damn brat.'
(Vegeta thought.)
Vegeta [in mind]: 'Acting like this is nothing. Does he really believe he's stronger than Beerus? Ridiculous. Kakarot and I are at the peak of Saiyan power! There's no way this kid could surpass us. And there's no way anyone could defeat the God of Destruction that easily.'
(He quickly dismissed the thought.)
(No, if they wanted a chance at winning, there was only one option left.)
(One that Vegeta despised.)
(Goku, still deep in thought, suddenly spoke.)
Goku: "Vegeta, we're not finished yet. We still have one option."
(Vegeta's head snapped toward him.)
Vegeta: "What are you talking about?"
Goku: "Fusion."
(Vegeta's eyes widened.)
Goku: "If we fuse, whether it's Vegito or Gogeta, we'll gain a massive power boost."
(Goku explained.)
Goku: "If we reach Super Saiyan 4 after fusion, we might actually have a shot at defeating Beerus!"
(Though the idea of merging with Vegeta was never something Goku particularly liked, he knew it was the only way.)
(Fighting separately would only lead to their deaths.)
(Even together as Super Saiyan 4s, they had no chance.)
(Fusion was their best-and only-option.)
(During the battle against Majin Buu, they had fused into Vegito and surpassed even their wildest expectations.)
(Even Buuhan, who had absorbed some of the most powerful fighters, had been no match for them.)
(And that was when they were only Super Saiyans.)
(If they fused now and became Super Saiyan 4 Vegito, they could very well defeat Beerus and save Earth.)
(But there was a problem.)
(They didn't have the Supreme Kai's Potara earrings.)
(That left only one option:)
(The Metamoran Fusion Dance.)
(While it wouldn't create a warrior as powerful as Vegito, Gogeta would still be strong enough to compete with Beerus.)
(When they had fused in Hell, Super Saiyan Gogeta had annihilated Janemba, a foe that even Super Saiyan 3 Goku couldn't handle.)
(That alone proved the incredible power of fusion.)
(But Vegeta immediately recoiled.)
Vegeta: "Stop talking nonsense, Kakarot!"
(His voice thundered with rage.)
Vegeta: "I told you back then-I will never fuse with you again! Not in this life!"
(Vegeta's face twisted with anger.)
(The fusion against Majin Buu had been the most humiliating experience of his life.)
(Becoming one with Goku, sharing a body, sharing thoughts-it was unbearable.)
(The mere thought of doing it again was sickening.)
Vegeta: "Even if I die, I won't agree to something that disgraceful!"
(Goku sighed.)
Goku: "Vegeta..."
(His voice softened, but it carried weight.)
Goku: "It's not just about us. If we die, so be it. But do you really want to watch Bulma and Trunks die too?"
(Vegeta's body stiffened.)
(Goku could see the internal struggle in his rival's eyes.)
(He knew Vegeta-knew that despite his pride, despite his arrogance, he loved Bulma and Trunks more than anything.)
(And if fusing with Goku was the only way to protect them- Would he really refuse?)
[To Be Continued...]