Authors Note: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this story. It's been awhile since I've watched DBZ, but I remember it for the most part. So if there are some inconsistencies I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

This is also AU, set after the Freiza Saga.

Second Chance for Something

Chapter One: Considering the Wish

A crack of thunder preceded the black sky as Shenlong was summoned from the dragon balls. Below the dragon stood a cluster of both humans and saiyans. Son Goku stood at the head of the group with Vegeta close behind. The rest of the gang held their distance, unsure of the wish Goku wanted to make.

It had been a long and tiresome task to collect the dragon balls, and an even more difficult task to convince everyone that this wish was worth the trouble. It had weighed Goku's conscience since returning from space, and had been scrapping the back of his mind even longer. Raditz had been the starting point, and Freiza had been the finishing. He had been given a marvelous opportunity, a life not fraught with cruel and, most often, pointless violence. He had never come into his saiyan heritage as he should have, and he had wondered if the others would have lived such a life if given a chance. Not just Raditz and Freiza, but Zarbon, the Ginyus and any others that had graced Freiza's ship.

Goku had presented this notion to Vegeta, who remained noncommittal, a year before.

"Kakarrot, do you know what could come of this? What stupidity this is," the shorter saiyan had replied to his question.

"I know you think it's stupid Vegeta, but I know how to fix this. I have it all in my mind. They won't be a problem once their wished back. Don't you enjoy life on Earth?"

The question had struck Vegeta by surprise, and the scowl that was etched into his face became deeper. "This puny planet will never replace Vegetasei."

A wide smile had spread over Goku's face at this statement. "You see? You enjoy it, don't you want the same for your men? Nappa? Raditz? I just want to give them a second chance."

"They have no need for another chance because they failed so miserably at the first! If you make this wish then it will be on your head!" Vegeta had blasted from beside Goku and flown into the night , most likely back to Capsule Co. where he was staying with the Briefs.

Goku had mulled the prospect over and over in his mind that night. Had thought about it as he tucked Gohan into his bed and after he had lain next to ChiChi. That night had been sleepless, possibilities roaming in his head both good and bad. When the sun rose, golden rays blurring his vision though the curtains, he had reached his resolve. He would gather the dragon balls and make the wish.

Now Shenron floated before him. The dragon was magnificent with its endless rolling coils and ember eyes. A throaty growl rose and Shenron spoke, "Who has summoned me?"

"It is Son Goku. I have a wish."

"Speak your first wish."

Goku felt the energy behind him tense, his friends. "Dragon, I wish to bring back those that I have fought. To bring them to Earth."

"It shall be done. What is your second wish?"

"That those coming back would have their powers weakened so that they won't cause any harm."

"It shall be done. And what is your third wish?"

"I wish that those who are not saiyan to become human."

"It shall be done," the dragon hissed. Thunder sounded and the wind began to whip Goku's unruly hair about his face. Shenron began to glow eerily in the gloom, a roar sounding deep within its gut as the three wishes were fulfilled.