Time Heals
DBZ Fan fiction
(Bulma/Vegeta, Goku/ChiChi, Krillin/18)
AU/ Frieza's dead by Vegeta's hand and Planet Vegeta wasn't blown up. Goku was still sent to Earth as a baby but for a different reason. Starts out sad but gets better as you read but it will make much more sense as the story goes along. One thing that I wanted to point out that the reason they didn't use the dragon balls will be revealed in the coming chapters.
They say that time heals all wounds but what if the wounds were too deep to heal within the place you called home for all of your life. This is a tale of love the emerged from tragedy and the reuniting of a family that had lost all hope of being together again. Now let us begin with the tragic beginning to this tale.
West City Memorial on a gloomy rain filled day is where this story begins. There are no happy faces nor are there cheers heard by all who have attended this solemn occasion. For pain and sorrow are the only thing that any feels at the moment but none more than the orphaned Bulma Briefs. The words of the preacher are blocked out as she can only look at the caskets that hold both her parents who were taken away from her by an unknown force that not even the mighty Shenlong could fix. And while she was surrounded by her friends, she felt numb to everything. Well almost everything, for Bulma felt the gentle hand of the person who has been like a brother to her for so many years place a gentle hand on her back and pull her to shield her from the sorrow that surrounded her.
"It's going to be ok Bulma; you know we're all here for you." And true to his word the Z fighters were all there, even Piccolo who had put aside his hate of Goku came. It made Bulma feel somewhat better but in reality she was never going to be the same. Even with the warmth and love of her friends, Bulma still felt cold and empty inside. For nothing could replace the warmth and love she felt from her dear parents.
"And so Heavenly father we commend these souls to thy heavenly hand and pray that you find mercy upon their souls. And may you watch over the loved ones that are here today and guide them on the journey in life." As the preacher finished Bulma and the others watched as both her parents were lowered into the ground below and Bulma couldn't hold back the flood of tears that were held back and broke down. As Bulma fell to her knees she felt herself being held by both Goku and Chichi as she let her anguish flow from her. Goku for the life of him did his best to hold onto the girl who's been like a sister to him for so many years as she broke down and not go after her so called Aunt and Uncle who had the audacity to show up looking like they cared. It was a well known fact that that Larry and Flow Briefs weren't on the best of terms with Bulma's parents when they were alive and were told to never come near their family again so the main reason why they were there had to have been what was left in the will that would be read tomorrow. But that was another problem he could deal with later right now Goku was more concerned about Bulma now that her parents were gone she was all alone. Goku then turned to see his wife consoling Bulma the best she could.
"Bulma it will be alright, you're going to be okay honey. If you want to stay with us you know you're always welcomed." Chichi felt Bulma shake a little and decided that it was time to get her inside and out of this rain before she got sick.
Once inside Capsule Corp, Goku and the other made sure that Bulma was put to bed since she had turned deathly pale on the way from the cemetery. But what worried them more was how silent Bulma was the entire trip.
"Bulma's finally asleep and thank goodness her color started to return." Chichi then sat down next to her husband while he along with the others tried to figure out what they could do for Bulma.
"Goku what are we gonna do, I mean Bulma's all alone and her staying in this big house by herself is out of the question. I mean this place just feels empty without her parents here." Krillin then began to pet Dr. Brief's cat who had taken residence on his lap since his former master's demise.
"Krillin does have a point Goku, I mean besides the animals here Bulma has no one and to be frank I don't like the idea of her so called aunt and uncle staying here with her. There's something about those two that doesn't seem right." Tien saw Goku tense at the mention of Bulma's aunt and uncle and knew he felt the same.
"I have to agree with Tien, there's something off about them that makes my stomach churn and it's still churning or it could be that burrito that I had three days ago coming back to haunt me." Yamcha then rubbed his stomach hoping to settle his aching belly somewhat.
"I warned you about that place Yamcha now maybe you'll listen next time." Puar floated above his head as she glared at him the best she could.
"Beside's Puar being right there's that matter that Bulma can't stay here or at least not by herself. The girl has just lost both her parents and that alone could cause her to do something drastic. People tend to do dangerous and foolish things when tragedy strikes and the last thing we need is for Bulma to do something crazy." Master Roshi spoke to remind everyone that there was a girl down the hall grieving and knew that if something wasn't done they might lose her too.
"But we really can't do anything about it until we hear from the lawyer tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to that or being in the same room as the other problem." Everyone agreed with Goku and knew that they couldn't do a thing until tomorrow.
"True but for now let's sleep, we'll know in the morning but remember no matter what Bulma's well being comes first. Good night everyone," Master Roshi then went to one of the spare rooms that he used along with the others and decided that sleep was a good idea.
"Goku I'm going to call and check on Gohan and see how he's doing." Chichi then turned to the phone in the hallway and dialed a familiar number. Since Gohan was so young Goku and Chichi decided to keep Gohan home and explain everything once they got home to the best of their abilities. Which was going to be a challenge for both parents since the subject of death was something that no parent wishes to tell a child so young regardless of how smart they are.
Son residence
*Ring-Ring-Ring*
"Hello Son Residence?"
"Hi daddy"
"Hello Chichi I was wondering when you call. I take it you and Goku are staying the night huh?"
"Yeah, I'm just calling to check up on Gohan. Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine honey, Gohan's having a bit of trouble with one of his writing assignments but other than that he's okay. He's asking about Bulma too, I think he senses that something has happened to her. He's worried sweetie and so am I."
"I know daddy, but how do you explain death to a child Gohan's age without scaring him for life. That's one of the main reasons that Goku and I didn't bring him to the funeral."
"I know but you guys are going to have to have this conversation with him one of these days and I hope it's not soon. I want my grandson to keep his innocence a little longer. Another thing, Gohan's wondering when he and Goku are going to pick his training again? With what happened it kind of confused him."
"I'll talk to Goku in the morning about that after the reading of the will. Something tells me that Bulma is going to need all the support she can get. But what did you guys eat tonight, no junk food I hope?"
"Don't worry sweetie we had fresh caught grilled fish, roasted potatoes and carrots with a tall glass of milk to wash it all down. Give your dad some credit; he knows how to cook for his own grandson. Your mother taught me a thing or two before she passed, rest her soul and made sure I knew how to feed children or did you forget the strawberry cupcakes I made for you on your birthday?"
"No daddy I didn't but I just worry that's all. Is Gohan still awake or is he sleeping?"
"Out like a light after his bath and no trouble from him what so ever, like the good boy,"
"Thank you daddy, tell Gohan Goku and I will be home tomorrow and that we love him. Goodnight daddy,"
"Good night sweetie"
Chichi then hung up the phone and was about to head back in her room but decided to check on Bulma.
Once in Bulma's room she noticed the dried tear stains on her face and knew she was crying in her sleep. After wiping her face Chichi pulled the blanket up further upon her friend so she wouldn't get cold.
Once done Chichi turned to leave the room closing the door quietly behind her. After she left and returned to her room she saw her husband sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands and sat next to him as he thought. Chichi sighed in relief as she felt her Goku take her hand in his while he thought. But no matter what Goku thought, he couldn't think of anything to help his friend. Not even the dragonballs could help them even if they did find all seven. Since it was a natural death they couldn't be wished back. This was one battle that he was not going to win it seems.
*Next morning*
The sun seemed to shine upon West City as if to ensure that today was going to be a better day and after yesterday, that was all Goku and the others could pray for.
Everyone woke up early hoping to get a fresh start on the day and to be there for Bulma should she need anything.
As the guys got dressed, Chichi decided to make breakfast for everyone hoping to make everyone feel better. Chichi was surprised to see Bulma come into the kitchen but was happy to see the color back in her face. Even if it was tear stained.
"Moring Bulma, how you holding up sweetie," Chichi held her arms out offering a hug to the poor girl which she gladly accepted.
"Fine Chichi not better but fine though. I keep thinking that it was all a bad dream and yesterday didn't happen but it did and now I'm alone. What am I going to do?" Bulma felt Chichi wrap her arms around her and held her for the longest time trying her best to assure her that she's not alone.
"I know that you can't change anything that has already happened but know that you have people who love you." Chichi then turned back to the food she was preparing but not before turning back to Bulma.
"Did you want to try and eat something sweetie, you really didn't eat much yesterday." Chichi was worried for her friend and prayed that she put something on her stomach.
"Well I am a little hungry. Maybe a little food will make me feel better. But I'll eat after I take a nice long shower." Bulma saw Chichi smile after hearing that she was going to try and put something on stomach so while Chichi went about cooking Bulma went back to her room to take a shower.
While walking to her room she went past the hanger where her father had built a space ship for him and his family to explore the universe. It was then that Bulma remembered the conversation she and her father had months before his death.
*Flashback begins*
"Dad are you serious about this plan of yours to collect plant specimens and soil samples from other planets, it seems kinda dangerous. Besides we wouldn't know if the planet was inhabited with friendly natives or not. Are you sure about this daddy?" Bulma felt her father place a hand on her shoulder to try and ease her troubled mind.
"Bulma sweetheart don't worry about the negative and think about the positive. Besides I did say that one day I would take you and your mother on a trip to see the stars. So just consider this one of our big vacations that we have each year." Bulma just laughed along with her father and left the hanger to wash up before dinner.
"But daddy I know you better than anyone, the real reason why you want to go is to get out of meeting with your doctor about your high blood pressure again or the fact that you haven't cut back on the cookies like he told you to the last time you paid him a visit?" Bulma saw her father turn his head the other direction and heard him mutter something about her being too smart for her own good.
"Daddy you know you can't get out of that appointment any more than I can get out of going to my doctor each year."
"I know but why does he have to cut out the stuff that I love to eat. And is it my fault that my pastrami on rye taste so good along with your mother's chocolate chip cookies?" Dr. Briefs heard his daughter laugh before heading into the kitchen to see Bunny Briefs finish putting dinner on the table.
"Wow mom what's the occasion for all this food, you know Goku and the guys aren't here this week so why did you make all this food?" Bulma was amazed that her mother made what would be considered a feast by her standards. There was a roast, potatoes, steamed vegetables, pasta, buttery rolls and if Bulma had to guess around thirteen desserts.
"Sorry dear, I guess I went overboard with the cooking. I just felt so happy today I just felt like cooking and I couldn't stop myself. Silly me, but at least we'll have leftovers for the next few days. But enough about that, let's eat this good food before it gets cold."
After that Bunny sat down and began to eat with her family, laughing talking and just having fun. All and all it was a good day one Bulma would never forget.
*flashback ends*
After thinking about that wonderful memory Bulma decided that she was going to fulfill her father's wish of gathering plant and soil samples from other planets. She knew it meant a lot to him and had wanted to make a vacation out of it for all of them but now with him gone the ship was just sitting in the hanger gathering dust. Bulma knew what she needed to do even if it was a bad idea to her friends if they found out that is.
Meanwhile in the kitchen Chichi had just finished putting the food on the table and moved back a few feet and looked at the clock on the wall and gave her foolish husband two minutes to be up and at the table ready to eat.
"Now if I know my Goku it will take him two minutes tops to be up and in here at this table before anyone else and he should be here in three…two…and cue the hungry husband." Chichi smiled as she saw her foolish husband rush into the kitchen with a goofy smile on his face as he almost inhaled his food.
"Goku please remember to breathe honey," Chichi then went over to the coffee pot and poured a cup of coffee for Master Roshi who was behaving himself this morning. Of course Chichi had her hand next to a cleaver knife and Roshi didn't want to run the risk of having something chopped off by the deadly woman who had yet to have her morning coffee. Roshi was many things but not foolish enough to mess with a woman who hasn't had her morning coffee.
As everyone began to eat the food that wasn't being inhaled into Goku's mouth, one question remained in the air about what to do about Bulma.
"Now that everyone's had a good night's sleep I think continuing our talk from last night is a must. After the will reading we need to sit down and talk to that girl. Bulma smart, intelligent and above all else she's very emotional. And with what happened to her, it's bound to make her state of mind uneasy." As Master Roshi took a sip of his coffee he noticed the others nod in agreement.
"We know but we can't do anything until the hearing later this morning and hopefully Bulma gets more good news then bad." Krillin took a sip of his coffee before he had to quickly move his plate of pancakes from his loveable friend. Hey they were good friends but Krillin wanted to eat his own food.
"True, but let's not think about right now. Let's just try and cheer Bulma up and hope for the best." The others agreed and went about finishing their breakfast and preparing for whatever fate had in store for them today.
Meanwhile Bulma was stepping out of the shower and drying her hair when she realized that she would have to go to the reading of her parents will today. As much as she wanted to get that out of the way, Bulma just wasn't looking forward to seeing her estranged Aunt and Uncle. She really hadn't seen much of them in years. In fact the last time she ever saw them was when she turned ten and her father and mother surprised her with a trip to a tropical island and scuba diving lessons. It was not a pleasant day to say the least since her father and uncle were constantly going back and forth at each other with insults. Bulma had never seen her father so angry before in her whole life, it frightened her a bit but her mother assured her that everything was alright. And true to her word her father returned with a giant smile on his face and Bulma forgot about it but she couldn't shake the feeling she got when her uncle glared at her as he was leaving. That was one thing that she to this day never figured out.
"After today everything will be alright and so will I" Bulma then went about the task of getting ready of course she remembered that she needed to eat something before she left or else she really would make herself sick. That and she was really hungry.
"I guess this is what happens when you go without eating anything for a whole day. Hopefully Goku hasn't eaten all the food," Bulma then grabbed her stuff and went to find her friends.
To her surprise they were all waiting on her and were happy to see that she was looking a little better.
"Hey Bulma glad to see you're up and about today. How ya' holding up," Krillin and the others were somewhat relieved to see their friend eating again even if was bagel, banana and some juice as long as she was eating it was a good sign to them.
"Yeah I'm good, not ok but good. I'm sorry I worried you guys the other day." Bulma then took a sip of her juice before looking back at her friends.
"Hey don't be, we're all just glad that you're talking to us. After the funeral we got worried when you didn't say two words on the drive back here. It kinda freaked us out." Krillin along with the others were relieved when Bulma gave them a small smile and knew that Bulma was going to be fine as long as they stayed near her.
"I know but to be honest it might take a while to get back to my old self so all I ask of you, all of you is to have patience with me." Bulma knew her friends were going to go crazy when they found out she was leaving in secret to space but she had to do this on her own in a few days.
"Hey take as long as you need to Bulma, but enough chit chat we have to the law office in thirty minutes so finish your breakfast and let's get a move on people." Chichi then went over to Bulma and hugged her while she ordered everyone else to hurry and thanks to her they arrived with ten minutes to spare. This was a good thing since Chichi wanted to call home and check on Gohan and her father before talking to said lawyer and finding out the fate of their dear friend.
*Ten minutes later*
A man opened the door of the office and greeted Bulma and her friends with a warm smile and sad eyes; for he too was grieving over the loss of his dear friend.
"Ah Miss Briefs, right on time I see. I'm truly sorry for the loss of both your parents. In all my years on this Earth I've never met a more kind hearted and loving man like your father with the exception of Son Goku here. He was truly a great man and a dear friend of mine." The lawyer, Mr. Bamboo then escorted Bulma and her friends into his office on the other side away from Bulma's aunt and Uncle who somehow got there before they did. To say that the tension in the room was thick was an understatement. Goku literally took it upon himself to sit as close to Bulma as possible as if to protect her for whatever reason.
"Now that everyone is here let's get right down to the reading." Mr. Bamboo then pulled out a folder with the will and began reading. As he began reading Bulma noticed something off about her Aunt and Uncle. For some odd reason she couldn't shake this sense of dread as she looked at them and took Chichi's hand for whatever strength she could offer. Bulma was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Mr. Bamboo choke back a sob that rose in his throat as he continued to read the will.
"…and if my loyal and trusted friend Ralph Bamboo is reading this and both Bunny and myself are no longer upon this Earth then my wife and I leave these gifts to the ones we love the most. To my dear friend Ralph who's one dream was to give his ailing daughter a fighting chance I give to you the knowledge that her hospital bills and treatments will be paid for along with any child that suffers from similar diseases or any disease, my wife and I have started up the 'Shooting Star' foundation at every hospital on Earth so her along with other children will have a chance at life. To my daughters' loving and protective friends, words cannot express how much your friendship with my one and only daughter means to not just me but to her. Had it not been for all of you she would not be the wonderful person she is today even if she is a little on the stubborn side, to all of you I leave a lump sum of 20 million zeni for all of you. To Bulma my wonderful and beautiful daughter, the day you were born your mother and I knew you were smarter than the average baby, heck by the time you turned two you were reading at a fourth grade level. I know that your ideas and future inventions will continue to inspire and send this company and the world into a better future which is why your mother and I leave all of our assets, worldly possessions, wealth, business and welfare to you my daughter. And to my brother I leave this world knowing that you will never use my company for your own twisted pleasures but we are still family so to you I leave 20 million zeni to you and your wife. And in closing I leave this sealed envelope to my daughter with instructions for her to open within the period of five days."
Once Mr. Bamboo was finished speaking Bulma's aunt and uncle were in an uproar arguing about the injustice of it all and how could they do something like this, but that entire fell on deaf ears as Bulma didn't hear any of it. Heck she didn't notice when security came in to escort her aunt and uncle out of the room. Bulma was stunned silent at the thought of her father putting that much trust in her to run the company when she was just learning how run it a few months ago. To say that she was scared was an understatement. Bulma really felt lost at what to do. True she was happy that her Uncle and Aunt didn't get the company but she was scared that she would screw up worse than her uncle probably would. But Bulma knew her father had a reason for everything he did. And Bulma had to believe that she could do this but she had to take care of a few things first.
Everything was a blur after that; Bulma didn't even know that her and her friends left the building until she was once again back home in her room laying down on her bed. It was then that she realized that everything was up to her. She wouldn't have her mom and dad there to guide her physically but spiritually they would always be there for her.
"I guess this is a new chapter in my life. Starting tomorrow I'll have to call a few people that my father trusted more than anything. If I'm going to do this and run the company I'm going to need some help. But first I need to check that blasted ship." Bulma then got up and went down to her lab to work on a few things. Her friends had long since gone to bed had no idea of what was going to happen.
*The next morning*
The sun was shining down on the people of West City once again as a new day began. Everyone was out and about doing this and that but none more than Goku and his friends. For after the reading of the will Goku and the other agreed that Bulma needed to get away from her house for a few days and to make sure she doesn't do anything crazy.
"Are you sure she'll go for this Goku, I mean Bulma's still not herself so I don't think a camping trip is the thing she needs right now. Being surrounded by us yes, camping trip no." Krillin knew his friend was concerned about Bulma's wellbeing but knew that they really needed to get her out of that house.
"I know it doesn't sound like a good idea but it would take her mind off of things before she has to take over the company. Also I just want to make sure that she's not planning anything crazy. Remember what happened when she broke up with Yamcha she bought herself a plane ticket and left for Vegas." Goku heard his friends groan at that memory.
"Yeah but luckily she never made it to Vegas since the plane had a malfunction not to mention the flight was canceled due to weather. But here's the one thing I couldn't figure out; of all the places she could have gone to why did she chose Vegas?" Krillin looked to his friend hoping for an answer but remembered this was his friend he was talking to.
"I don't know but let's just shot this idea by Bulma and see what she says first. Hopefully she says yes." Both Krillin and Goku then made their way to Bulma's and was surprised when they opened the door and found Bulma talking to two people; one was her father's accountant and the other was a young man that they never saw before. He was young around his early twenties with long lavender hair and blue calculating eyes that made Goku and Krillin suspicious.
"Hey Bulma what's going on here? Why are these two here and who is this guy?" Krillin and Goku stepped close to Bulma not trusting this person for fear that he might be working secretly for her aunt and uncle.
"Oh hey guys I was going to call you later but since you guys are here; allow me to introduce my new assistant Mr. Mirai since Mrs. Cocoa is retiring by the end of the week. He's going to help me keep this company a float while Cindy here keeps track of finances and what not. You guys do remember Cindy right?" Bulma saw her accountant smile and wave along with Goku and Krillin and knew that they remembered her. I mean who could forget a woman who made twelve pound cakes for Christmas and not ask for anything in return. That type of woman is hard to forget.
"Ok so back to you wanting to call us, what did you need Bulma is everything alright?" Goku began to worry that something was wrong but was relieved when he saw Bulma smile and heard her giggle a little.
"Everything is fine guys I was just wondering if you guys wanted to take some pictures. I was going through some of mom's photo albums and I realized I don't have current pictures of any of you guys. So I was wondering if you all wanted to get together later to take some pictures and have a cook out you know just have some fun." Goku was relieved to hear that along with Krillin. They had feared that their friend was about to do something crazy and harm herself but getting together for a cook out sounded like a good idea. And hey who was Goku to turn down food.
"Sure that sounds like a great idea Bulma. Chichi has been meaning to update the family photos anyway and Gohan's been dying to see you as well. After what happened months ago he's been dying to see you again. It sounds like a great idea." Goku had the biggest grin on his face as he turned to his friend who also had a grin on his face.
"Yeah I can call Roshi and see if he can get Turtle and Oolong to come and I'll see if I can get a hold of Tien and Chiaotzu as well. Getting a hold of Yamcha and Puar shouldn't be that hard since his team is practicing in the city. So what do you say we meet back here in an hour Bulma?" Goku and Krillin saw Bulma smile and nod her head.
"That sounds like a great idea. I'll have the grill going by the time you guys get back and the camera ready for all of you. Just promise me that Roshi will be on his best behavior ok?" Bulma heard both Krillin and Goku laugh as they left to go get the others and knew full well how Master Roshi would behave.
Once the guys were out of sight Bulma turned back to her accountant and new assistant with a sad smile on her face.
"You're really not going to tell them about this trip you're taking are you? You do realize that they're going to flip when they find you gone in a few days."
"I know Cindy but I have to do this. This is one of my father's last wishes besides what's in that envelope and I want to see this through. Besides people grieve differently this will just be my way of grieving for them. I have to prove to myself that I can go on this trip and run this company without them. It's going to be hard but I know I can do this." Bulma then began to walk back to the space craft to do a final check to make sure everything was in order.
"Now have the monitors been set up that I can communicate with the company and send and receive documents as well as communicate with my friends in case something happens while I'm gone?" Bulma checked the fuel gauges and the back generators while going over the list.
"Yes ma'am and your food supply is filled to capacity, the first aid kit is filled with anything and everything that you might need. The water supply is at one hundred percent and of course the snack cabinet is over flowing with every kind of healthy and junk snack food you can think. Also the containment chambers are prepared for any plant and soil samples as well as a few fire arms as a precaution of course. Other than that everything is in order. Now ma'am have you finished packing yet?" Mr. Mirai turned to Bulma after reading the check list before him hoping his employer was in fact ready.
"I just have two things to take care of. Now you have everything you need to keep the house in order; the list of all the animals and what to feed them as well as the guide to the plants in the house. Just try and keep it standing until I return and I promise to return even if I don't know when I'll return myself. But for now we have a party to prepare for. Cindy do you remember where I put my camera at this morning?" As both Bulma and Cindy left back in the house Mr. Mirai stayed outside a looked at the bright sun above him with a smile on his face before whispering to himself.
"Oh you will and when that happens things will be set right once again" Mr. Mirai then went to go check on the ship for final preparations before returning to see Bulma smiling. For after tomorrow things were going to change for both the better and worse.
*To be Continued*