"Now Miss Raimi, be reasonable. You can't lift your arms with those broken ribs! We have to cut it off!" A huge orderly said soothingly. She eyed him and shook her head. She pointed at him and hit him with a tiny Ki blast. He flew across the room, and slid up against the wall. She turned to the doctor, who looked terrified.
"Look, just get Roshi and Chi-Chi in here for a second! They can stretch it enough to get it off! Please, this thing is two thousand years old! I can't let you hurt it!" The orderly got up, staring at her, not understanding how he'd fallen and slid so far. She threatened to pull it off herself and the doctor who was hiding behind the orderlies and nurses sighed, giving up. These two were a lot of trouble, but they knew the name of Son Goku as the man who'd won the Tenka'ichi Budokai a few years ago. If he was hurt like this, something bad must have happened, though the doubted it had anything to do with aliens. This girl had fought with Goku, and so deserved respect. Best to give into her for now.
"Alright, you two, do as she asks. How do they pull it?" Raimi told them to just grab it at the waist and the neck and pull. Amazed, they stretched it until it went nearly across the room. Raimi neatly folded her arms, and ducked under the stretched plates as they let it go. It shrank down to Gohans size, and she grabbed it from them.
"Ok, give it to Bulma or Chi-Chi please." She said, just before the orderlies jumped her and the nurses began to cut her stretch suit off to prep her ribs for bandaging.
Out in the waiting room, Gohan and Kurilin had winced and jumped at each yelp from Goku. Now Raimi was squealing too, and cursing in Saiya-go as well. Chi-Chi eyed the door blandly, and then turned to her son and Kurilin.
"You two are next, and Gohan has to give some blood for Goku... Gohan?" She said as the pair jumped up and ran off. She and Roshi ran after them, and brought them right back, and hustled them into the treatment room. Two more sets of voices joined the yelps of the Saiyans.
~~~~~~~~~
Later, Goku lay in a "healing" bed, wrapped head to toe in bandages, only his face and a small shock of his hair visible. Raimi was in a sort of bodice, a shell cast to hold her ribs in place and help her support her back, which was mildly injured as well. She was lying in a normal bed, next to Gohan's. He was bandaged as well, with many small band-aids on his cute face. Kurilin had his left arm in a sling, and a halo of bandages around his head, but they were all going to be fine soon enough. Well, Goku was supposed to be out of commission for four months, but Raimi had assured him he'd be better faster than they thought.
"So, we have no permanent damage, and we can go home in a few days!" Kurilin gushed happily. Goku smiled, and congratulated them.
"I'm here for a while, I guess. But I'm glad for you guys. Hey, Raimi how 'bout you?" He said.
"Oh, I just lost a lot of blood, but other than a punctured lung, I'm ok." She smiled and winked at Kurilin, who had winced at her mention of the injuries Vegeta had inflicted. He could hardly believe they had made it in such good shape. He turned and looked at the grouchy Yajirobei, who was bandaged as well; he was no where near as hurt as they were, but he seemed proud of himself for his tiny part in the fight.
He was growling about all the abuse he suffered at the hands of Vegeta, and that he still wasn't being admitted, even for an overnight observation despite the pain he was in. He might have internal injuries, you know...
"You are that desperate for hospital food?" Karin said sarcastically. The tubby samurai ignored his sensei, and pouted like a child. Kurilin turned to Goku and smiled broadly. Goku knew he was up to some thing, and grinned back as Kurilin winked at Raimi too.
"Hey, Goku, you should have seen Yajirobei fight!" He said. He spread his arms out and waved them, despite the sling and binding on his left hand. His face was set in a fearful grimace.
"'Hey hey! I was just foolin' wit' yah, Mr. Vegeta! I didn't really hurtcha did I? Heh, I know!! You could let me into your team! I'm pretty good, ain't I!?' He really said that!" Kurilin said imitating the fat mans voice, only in a falsetto tone. Everyone laughed, and the samurai growled.
"Hey, that was just a stratagem to trick 'em. I was throwin' him off!"
"Hmmm, it looked to me like you were the one getting thrown!" Raimi drawled dryly. Chi-Chi and Gohan went into peals of laughter as he blushed with embarrassment. Just then, Bulma burst into the room. Her hair was swept up in a far more cheerful style than the severe pony tail she'd worn this past year, and she was dressed in jeans and a tight Capsule Corp. t-shirt. She looked very pretty, and not like her normal grumpy self.
"Guess what guys!" She chirped. Roshi stared at her and then chuckled.
"Oh, it's you, Bulma! I thought they'd sent in a new nurse for these three!" The nurses were in fear of Raimi and in despair over Goku. Neither wanted to keep still, or follow the orders of the doctors. And lugging food up for them was a full time job also. Three of them had refused to take care of the Saiyans so far. Bulma sighed in exasperation at him.
"Oh be quiet! Turn on the TV!" She ran over to the TV, and turned it to the news station. They watched as a reporter stood outside a room with one thick window in it. Through the window, Nappas' space pod could be seen. The reporter was talking about the devastated city and the discovery of the pod, as Bulma waved the keypad at them.
"But this isn't good! If the scientists have found it already..." Roshi commented.
"That just adds to the fun. Think of how silly they will look when I send it soaring away! See! I only have to point this thing at the screen and punch in some buttons... "
"Wait! Bulma, give me the..." Raimi called, but too late. The pod swelled and blew up, leaving the reporter stunned and the others gaping in horror. He signed off, and they stared at the TV worriedly. Bulma was in shock.
"Ahhh! No no! I told myself NOT to touch the SELF DESTRUCT BUTTON!!!" She shrieked, making the windows rattle. Kurilin was floored by the enormity of the situation.
"The last hope, is now gone, it's over... " Karin sighed sadly. Even Goku had lost his optimism.
"Man, even Kinto'un couldn't go fast enough... " He said. Kurilin and Bulma were yelling at each other, blaming the other for the big goof up. Then Bulma broke off and began to pace madly up and down the room, waving her arms in self-recrimination.
"Oh no! Now we'll never get to Namek! Never never!" She groaned over and over. Raimi slipped out of her bed and went to the window. She leaned against the wall, and then smiled as she saw Mr. Popo suddenly appear. He smiled at her brightly, though she thought she could see his grief for Kami-sama in his broad black face.
"Hello, Mr. Popo!" She said, bowing slightly, wincing at the pain her ribs caused. She turned back to the bed and stood against the wall, waiting for them to notice him. Bulma noticed first, and screamed in surprise as she saw the short pitch-black man floating outside the window. She fell over in the classic anime face fault and saw everyone staring either at her or Mr. Popo with wide eyes. Raimi stood over her and smiled wanly.
"You'd think you've never seen a man fly, Bulma!" She said. Bulma stood and blushed as Kurilin introduced the caretaker of Kami's Tenka to them. Mr. Popo began to explain about remembering Kami talking about a ship, and would one of them come with him to see if it really was one please? Bulma was elected, by virtue of both her technical know how, and being healthy. Raimi offered to go, and found herself facing both Chi-Chi and Kame-sen'nin. By virtue of her face and his prowess, Raimi rescinded her offer.
Bulma warily crawled onto the carpet, and after a moment of panic when it waved in the wind, was off with Mr. Popo. Kurilin watched them disappear worriedly.
~~~~~~~~~~
In only an hour, Bulma was back, raving about the ship, and how fast it was. She was shaking with anticipation to modify it.
"Oh, its so perfect! With it, we'll be at Namek in only one month! Of course we have to remodel the interior a little... But we can take off in three days!" She said, out of breath.
"That is right!" Mr. Popo agreed.
"Wow, going to Namek in Kami-sama's old ship! Isn't that kinda ironic?" Kurilin said. Raimi nodded, smiling at the optimism of her friends. Oh course this was a Dragonball hunt, and Dragonball hunts rarely went well. But why bother reminding them of that? She was going to go with them, and maybe she could stop some of the mayhem she knew to happen...
"So Mr. Popo, we'll leave the navigation to you!" Bulma said. Mr. Popo's already comical face got even funnier as he shook his head.
"What? Mr. Popo cannot go."
"What? But, you're the only one who understands Namekian that we know of! And you look like you can handle it, you're a martial artist too, right? The only way it can happen is if you go!" Bulma said, her voice a dry squeak of fear. Mr. Popo shook his head, and refused again.
"Nope. Can't go. No one would be at Kami-sama's palace for two months; can't have that. But, not to worry! I'll teach you the Namekian, Bulma." He smiled, pleased with his solution.
"You have to go, Bulma. Besides you're the only one who could fix the thing if it goes haywire." Kurilin pointed out. Bulma pouted, reduced to a simple mechanic in a few words.
"Man! All right, I'll do it; it doesn't sound too dangerous... I'll have to add a shower, and a more comfortable bed, and a stereo, and maybe a DVD... But I'm not going alone. Someone has to come with me." Her face was set determinedly, though she seemed glad to hear that Yajirobei refused to go.
"Well, two months round trip!? Oh, I suppose I can go... " Roshi said, looking delighted.
"That will just add needless danger... to ME! Lesse, Son's in no shape... Kurilin, you'll come with me, won't you?!"
"Um, me? Well, alright, I'd wanted to train, we aren't sure when the Saiyan will come back... " Kurilin said, forgetting what Raimi had told them earlier.
"Man, you're so lucky, I want to go too. I'd like to see Namek's Shenlong... "Goku said wistfully. Suddenly, Gohan sat up, eyes hard in his little face.
"Take me with you! Please?!" Instantly, Chi-Chi was at his side, petting his bandaged head.
"G-Gohan... What kind of silly little joke are you making?" She said soothingly.
"It isn't a joke, I seriously want to go." Gohan said calmly. Chi-Chi began to get pale.
"Don't be ridiculous! Two months, on top of all this I just went through... "
"I, I'm sorry. I want to go, no matter what. I need to bring Piccolo back. I want to do it myself, with my own hands." Goku smiled as he heard his son's small dignified voice.
"I see. Good for you Gohan." He said. Even though the decision was made already, Chi-Chi didn't seem to realize it yet.
"What the! What are you two talking about? There is no need for Gohan to do that!! What if something happens? Two months after an entire YEAR of worrying! What about your schooling? You are enrolled in cram school, and you are way behind all the other kids already! I won't allow it, I absolutely FORBID IT!!! Who cares about Piccolo? You are a child, you should act like one!!" Chi-Chi was screaming now, really worked up. Everyone was backed up to the walls, and Goku looked ready to get out of his bed bandages casts and all, and get into it for his son. But, Gohan surprised everyone.
"BE QUIET!!" He roared, fists clenched with fury at his mother's dismissal of his beloved sensei. Everyone went "OOOOOOOOOOOOOHH!", and Chi-Chi froze in shock, eyes wide. There was silence.
"My little boy... he's become a defiant delinquent... " She whispered, stunned. Gohan sighed and shook his head slowly.
"Mom. This isn't the time to be speaking of such things. Everyone, all of us fought for the whole world. We have to bring those who died back. And we WILL have to fight Vegeta again. We need everyone back that we can get." He stared up at Chi-Chi intently, looking far older than his five years.
"I can fight too, help out if there is trouble. I have to do something. I have to." He said. Gyu-Mao rested a hand on Chi-Chi's shoulder gently as she sagged dejectedly. A warrior himself, he understood Gohan's determination.
"You lose, Chi-Chi. You should do the right thing. Let Gohan go with Bulma, with your blessing."
"Hey, what am I, chopped liver? You think I'm gonna miss this?" Raimi said brightly. Goku smiled at her.
"Nope, I figured you'd go!" he said, eyes showing his pride for his small son. Bulma sighed in relief.
"Good, I'm glad there will be another girl going along. But, aren't you supposed to be in the hospital for two more weeks? I hoped to go in ten days... " Raimi smirked at that, and everyone laughed, feeling sorry for anyone who tried to stop her from leaving the hospital.
"Oh, I'll be out in five days, no problem. But, where will I be staying?"
"Oh, with me of course! Now let's see I'll work on the Namekgo, and revamp the ship, and we will meet at the Turtle House in ten days. Agreed?" They all nodded, and Bulma left with Mr. Popo for her lessons in Namekian language. Karin and Yajirobei left for the Tower, and Roshi went to eat. Raimi and Kurilin wanted to leave the Son family alone, but Chi-Chi was resigned. She shook her head and came over to Raimi, resting one hand on the younger woman's shoulder and squeezing with incredible strength.
"Raimi? I was wondering, would you look out for Gohan for me again? I, well, I know you will protect him for me, and you did help him here... " Chi-Chi asked. Raimi nodded and smiled gently.
"Of course, Chi-Chi. I had planned on it. He'll be fine, I swear. And I know you were just being protective of him, he's your son; will you forgive me for my words yesterday?" Raimi was trying to keep from alienating the other woman, but she was surprised.
"No need. I was wrong. I shouldn't blame Goku, or you, or anyone if Gohan gets hurt. He's... he's growing up already, and he... I wasn't thinking rationally." She turned to Goku, and they smiled at each other in a sweet way that made Raimi and Kurilin wide eyed with wonder. Neither would have ever imagined that Goku or Chi-Chi could ever be so... loving, especially to each other. Chi-Chi bent and kissed Goku on the cheek and whispered something. He nodded and winked at her, and she left with her father. Goku closed his eyes, as did Gohan, and they both fell asleep instantly.
Kurilin looked at his old friend with envy. He couldn't believe that what he'd just seen was between the man who didn't know boys from girls, and the worst tempered woman ever. He realized that Goku had changed more than anyone had realized in the last five years. He turned to Raimi and saw her smile.
"Could you hear them?" he asked bluntly. She nodded, and sighed.
"She said, 'Eienno Koibitotachi?', and he said, 'Hai, Aishiteru Chi-Chi' . Goku said that! Man, I think have cavities now from hearing that, but it was nice to see, wasn't it Kurilin?" He nodded sadly. As if she read his mind, Raimi lifted his chin and looked into his eyes.
"How would you feel if I told you that you will get the girl in the end? The most beautiful girl at that? Some said she was prettier than Bulma, and she chooses you." She said softly. Kurilin blinked and then shook his head.
"I can't believe it. Me? Nah, you're just being nice... He saw her smile wickedly, and she shrugged.
"Hmmm. Well, when it happens, I'm gonna pinch your cheeks so hard, it will hurt for days! Oh, do you like blondes?" she chuckled as she went to her bed, and settled down, asleep almost as fast as Goku had been. Kurilin stood for a moment and then went to his own bed, but sleep eluded him as he imagined this blonde beauty that chose him as the man she wanted to marry...
~~~~~~~~~~
The doctors were amazed at Raimi's progress after three days, and allowed her to check out with Kurilin and Gohan, albeit on the condition she avoid strenuous activity and extreme movement (which she had no intention of keeping). Goku was stuck for the duration, it seemed. Still, the day before they left the hospital, Raimi had a long talk with Goku, alone. He was the only one she felt safe in discussing the future with. He was so simple, so innocent, that unless he was actively in battle, she knew he'd keep his own counsel and not think about it too hard.
"So, you know there will be trouble, hmmm?" He said, reading her face.
"Yes, of course. When is there ever an easy Dragonball hunt? They must be cursed or something, they seem protected by being so hard to get."
"Nothing found easy is appreciated." Goku quoted incorrectly. Raimi raised an eyebrow at him. He smiled. "Master Roshi taught me that one!"
"Yes, and I guess it's correct in this case. There are at least three parties who want them this time. And the Nameks will of course hide them from everyone. So, it's gonna be a scramble for the Dragonballs, just as dictated by tradition." She shifted uncomfortably. Her ribs hurt far worse than she let on, but she did feel up to this trip. She didn't want to miss one moment of the action on Namek, and she'd lie and cheat to get there with her friends, rather than wait to go with Goku when the time came.
"Who else wants them?" Goku asked innocently. Raimi wasn't fooled. She shook her head.
"Oh, no. You'll just have to find out for yourself. But, we will get them, and our wishes too. Hold that in your mind instead of worrying about us. The news will seem bad, but I have a few ideas of what I can do to make things a little easier. So, be strong. We need you to be your old unbeatable self. Got it?"
"Yep! You can count on me! Um, I'm not gonna die again, am I?" He asked very low. She leaned down and kissed his cheek.
"No... not this time... "
~~~~~~~~~~
The ship was coming along nicely, although Dr. Briefs was still trying to find a space for the cappuccino machine. Bulma wanted to refurbish it some more to make it comfortable for a one-month voyage. She needed a DVD with a DVD library, and a stereo with CD library. Gohan and Kurilin wanted a space to work out in, and Raimi needed lots of food to help her recover; there was enough capsuled food for a large army, courtesy of Mrs. Briefs.
Raimi also gave Dr. Briefs Nappa's scouter, which she had picked up on the way home. He was delighted with this new technology, and it wasn't even broken, like Raditz's had been. He even promised her half the revenues from whatever Capsule Corp made off this new stuff. Raimi wasn't sure if he'd remember to do so, or even be able to use it, but she was touched by his good intentions. She really liked both of Bulma's parents. They seemed to like her too, and Mrs. Briefs took Raimi shopping for her space trip, and helped design clothes to go with her back-brace.
So, Raimi was ready when ten days after the fight, they all met at Kame-house.