Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama does and created it. My fan character Tomic, and any others not part of the series belong to me. This story means no harm to the anime or manga
Second Chances for Bardock's Sons Chapter 1
By Trynia Merin
Beta read by Sarah Slutz January 2008
A/N: This is a rewrite of this story for improvement in flow and plot.
Light years away from Alvegasei where Brolli tried to continue breeding the Saiyan race, other events were unfolding that would soon affect the destiny of four travelers bound for a distant corner of the universe. On one such little blue planet orbiting a main sequence G star, life continued as it had for countless years. Chikyuu in this universe was much like its twin, but an observer would notice that many of the inhabitants were under the rule of one king. Those that weren't were subject to occasional raids by marauding political factions. Among the humans lived animals that spoke and walked upright, some of them even citizens of the many countries on this world.
Reports of the Red Ribbon Army were circulating North and West Cities, two huge population centers. Central City dominated the main continent, and was the home to the world's ruling King. Not to be confused with the crazed Emperor Pilaf, who had been defeated years before. Ever since the latest great power had threatened this world, things had settled down into a mundane drone. Powerful forces had risen to protect their world from the menace, and peace had been bought at a terrible price.
They were most known as Earth's Special forces, and by many other names. One of the members of this powerful group now was retreating to his hideout to train; having left behind the woman he loved as she got on with her life in something called college. While he occasionally visited her during the four elapsing years, he had drifted away into a life of training in the minor baseball leagues and whatever prize fighting tournaments he could get in.
Within the vast desert, stood a tall tower inscribed with Chinese and Japanese characters. Its heart was hollowed out to provide a perfect vantage point from which an occupant could survey the surrounding country. Winds whipped up dust, scattering it around the spires of rock. High atop the ledge, a figure peered out the rough sewn rock window with a hand over his eyes. He raised a pair of binoculars to his face, brushing back long black locks from his face.
"Looks about the same as yesterday," he mumbled.
"Master, mail call!" squeaked the voice of his sidekick from far below in the main chamber.
The Desert Wolf set down his binoculars and turned from the ledge. He sighed, realizing that old habits died hard. When he had last left this place, he had been assured that his greatest challenge had been overcome. A beautiful princess had landed into his life and he had been terrified. Now, five years later he was back where he started, peering around his hideout with fond memories.
Yamcha hadn't stolen anything from a passing traveler in that same period of time. He tried to remind himself that he was only using his hideout as the perfect place to train free of interruptions. Life had been far too good for him lately, and he sought the refuge of the wilderness and the wolf spirits that gave him his strength.
A fresh scar marred one eye, while an x shaped scar graced the opposite cheek. He caught sight of his now imperfect features in the silver mirror framed in gold that hung high on the second level of his hideout. Climbing down the ladder to the levels below, he sought the source of his companion's interruption. A blue furred cat bounced in on her hind legs, trailing envelopes behind her as she reached the main sitting area.
Despite the heat and roughness outside, this room in the inside was lavishly furnished with a set of chair and table. A queen-sized bed dominated the highest level with a mahogany bed set and closets filled with fine suits from many countries. On the next few levels down he had hidden other treasures bought with the ill gotten gains. Even though he hadn't stolen since he met his girlfriend, he saw no need to return the items he'd purchased. Who knew when he might need to sell them for a few thousand zenni for a gift or other purpose?
"Anything interesting come in Puar?" he asked, leaning down to pick up the stack of letters his shape-shifting companion carried.
"Bills Yamcha. I don't know why you left this place as your forwarding address!"
"Convenience, my furry feline friend," Yamcha chuckled, scratching her behind the ears. She rolled over and purred. He crossed over to sit down in one of the fine brocade covered sofas and flipped on the wide screen television in his living room area.
"How long are we going to remain here for training?" asked Puar. "You know that you're due back in West City anytime now for tryouts. The season isn't that far off."
"I know Puar," said Yamcha, leafing through various letters while he flipped to something bearable, namely the twenty-four hour video rock channel. He had to thank his girlfriend for insisting on the best amenities in his desert hideout. It was his true home away from home.
Yamcha chuckled, glancing at the set of pictures he sent away for. A frown marred his face when he pulled out snapshots of himself in the arms of a blue haired beauty. Bulma Briefs was her name, and she was the most beautiful woman in the world. At least in his world. There was a time, years ago, he would have done anything for her but now, he wasn't so sure.
"I dropped this important looking envelope in the corridor Yamcha. It looks like an invitation!" Puar said, handing it to him. Gold wax sealed the velum cream colored paper.
"Huh, What's this?" Yamcha mumbled. "The address says West Province 439… who do we know who lives there…"
"Didn't Son Gohan live there at one time?" asked Puar.
"But who would… I don't think Goku knows how to write…at least THIS Well. I know Bulma and I taught him, but this handwriting's too pretty," he mused. Yamcha ripped open the white envelope that Puar handed him, gasping in surprise. Puar levitated up and squeaked, "Yamcha, what does it say?"
"I'll be! Goku's getting MARRIED!" Yamcha laughed, brandishing the ivory card with the Chinese style writing engraved inside.
"Oh my, who's the lucky woman?"
"Chichi! The daughter of the Ox King, who else?" Yamcha chuckled. "Son of a bitch! I figured he'd eventually tie the knot. Nice of him to tell me when it's only in six months!"
"Are you going to go?" asked Puar.
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world," Yamcha smiled, sitting down in his recliner. He propped up his feet, picking up the remote control to flip on the TV.
"Shouldn't you call Bulma and see what she's been up to lately? She's been ever so cross you haven't called her in a month!"
"Bulma's busy at college. She hardly has time for me anyhow," Yamcha sighed, mumbling something about college guys stealing her away. "All those handsome men there... why does she need me?"
"Don't sell yourself short Master! You know that she still cares about you! Just because she's going to graduate soon doesn't mean she doesn't still want to get back together! You've just accepted that application to try out for the major leagues!"
"True, but should I even try being a professional ball player? I rather like living on the edge. I'd hate to go soft," Yamcha said as he glanced around his desert hideout. Although he had an apartment at Capsule Corps, for the past few months he'd been hiding out here to train. Away from the bustle of West City.
"Maybe it's time to go home," said Puar. "You know how much you love living at Capsule. Bulma's going to be home from college for spring break!"
"Oh yes," Yamcha smiled. "And maybe that's the time I can give her the present I bought her…"
"You could have given it to her at the spring fling," said Puar.
"Are you kidding? I saw her there with Pete Grignot! You know that guy who's the heir to the biggest wine manufacturer this side of the ocean!" mumbled Yamcha. "I'm no fool, Puar. She doesn't need her desert bandit anymore!"
"You'll always be her first, Yamcha," Puar said quietly, settling into her master's lap. He scratched her behind the ears, sighing.
"Damn, I wish I could show her I'm someone of substance! I'm just as rich as THEY are, and when I become the best damn ball player they'll all be sorry," Yamcha grunted.
"That's the spirit! You could always surprise her at graduation, and you can always tell her you'll be at Goku's wedding! And you don't KNOW for sure that Bulma no longer wants you! Didn't her parents call you quite a few times?"
"Yes that's true! They must be on my side. I'll meet Bulma with a BIG surprise at her graduation, and then we can be together in the wedding party. Goku's asked Krillin to be the best man, but Chichi's picked Bulma as the maid of honor. I bet Capsules' footing the bill."
"Actually Chichi's father's paying for it, according to the newspaper article here," said Puar, pointing to the scrap that fell out.
"Ah, so Capsule doesn't own the world," Yamcha grinned.
"You know very well that the Red Ribbon Army is STILL not completely off the map, Yamcha. You of all should know that after having crossed swords with them only last month," Puar sighed.
"True. If they had any idea of the crap I've seen… damn it, I probably SHOULD win Bulma back, because I've a bad feeling if I don't, I'll never have another chance," said Yamcha.
"I never really understood why did you two broke up... this time."
"College dance Puar. And the fact that training for the 23rd Budokai was more important to me then hanging around Capsule. I think she resented that. But I hope once I meet up with her again before the tournament, we can clear this all up," Yamcha expressed hopefully.
"I know how much you miss her. Even though with the money you'll make as a ballplayer, you could have any woman you wanted," said Puar.
"True, but I want Bulma," murmured Yamcha softly, fingering a silver locket he pulled out from his shirt. Opening it he saw his picture opposite Bulma's. Softly he kissed the back, remembering when Bulma had given him the expensive piece of jewelry. Did she still wear the matching one he had given her?
He flipped channels, seeing the local news. The ads for the 23rd Budokai flashed through, and he sighed again. Then a newsflash caught his eye. "A late breaking story from ZTV news! Today in North City, a detachment of terrorists held up a local bank today. Several hostages have been taken. The King has issued a proclamation that his troops will handle the mater so everyone is to stay calm. So far the Red Ribbon army has claimed responsibility."
"Damn, it's started," Yamcha gasped. "I've got to do something."
"There's nothing you can do Yamcha. Without help," said Puar.
"Yeah. I gotta tell the other guys. We'd better stop by and visit Master Roshi at Kame house. This is not good," complained Yamcha.
"What about the wedding invitation?"
"There won't be a wedding if the Red Ribbon army's back in business. The first thing they'll go after is Goku!"
"Oh dear, I forgot!" Puar squeaked. Yamcha quickly got up, and started hunting for his gear. In a manner of minutes he had changed into a set of red martial arts gi that he saved for such an occasion. As he buckled a pair f china flats Puar bounced over with a long scimitar in its sheath.
"Thanks Puar, but I don't think I'll be needing that," he said.
"Your lucky sword has ALWAYS been Kami sent in the past. You NEVER go on an expedition without it Master," Puar said.
"You know Puar, I've known you for years. The master thing is so not like you anymore. Just call me Yamcha OK?" he groaned.
"As you wish," Puar nodded.
"C'mon let's go find the old pervert," said Yamcha, grabbing his items and binding them to his transport. Before long, he rocketed off across the desert in the location of the sea, and Kame House, his next stop.
"You really COULD fly there, Master, I mean Yamcha," pointed out Puar.
"Why waste energy? I'm gonna need it if a fight breaks out," Yamcha said grimly.
While Yamcha had received his wedding invitation, at the home of the Ox King the actual preparations were in full swing. Even though the wedding of his daughter and son in law was to be was months away, the Ox King had called Chichi's friends for assistance. Bulma Briefs and her mother had been working nonstop since the younger woman had come home from college. In only a few weeks, Bulma would graduate, but she was more thrilled about participating in her best friend Son-kun's special day in mid summer.
In this reality, Goku had indeed trained for three years under the 'guardian of the earth' in order to bring Master Roshi, Krillin and Chiaotzu back to life. But because of the horrendous mood caused by the conquering of lands by King Piccolo, the next tournament was delayed by an extra year. Yamcha had continued his training for this next event, knowing it was to take place in a month.
In the course of his training, Goku had run across an old childhood friend he had not seen in years. The two had fought during one of his small missions, and he realized it was Chichi. Fortunately once they had sparred, they had come to the mutual realization that their old promise was still valid.
Ox King had given Goku food and shelter. In turn the younger man had acclimatized himself to entering the normal world once more. In under six months, he would be married to Chichi, and in just hours he would reunite with his friends who had individually been training for this event for the past three years.
In the Ox King's home, the entire living room was littered with piles of bridal catalogs. Dressed in a tube top, jeans and a white jacket, the heir apparent to Capsule Corps paced with Goku's fiancee picking the best floral arraignments. They had already decided on a dress the week before, and now all that remained was the reception.
"I'm paying for this wedding, so don't worry, Miss Bulma!" the Ox King said as he saw Bulma Briefs flitting about.
"Well your daughter insisted I be part of it, so why can't I have a say in it?" asked Bulma. "You'd be lost without my mom planning this shindig!"
"She's right Dad," Chichi said, biting her nails. "Oh Bulma, my hair, what if the stylist…"
"Pierre does the BEST work, don't worry," Bulma said, rustling about as she dumped a dozen catalogs on the table.
"Well you ladies do what you do best. I'm gonna go pay a visit to my old master to see if he's coming or not," the Ox King said.
"I don't want that pervert there!" Bulma snorted.
"He IS like family," Chichi reminded Bulma. The young bride to be was anxious because her wedding was approaching far faster then she ever imagined. To think that she would finally marry the man of her dreams, her destined soul mate filled her with both excitement and fear.
"I'm still amazed you got Son-kun to go through with it," Bulma commented.
"These flowers look so pretty. Birds of paradise… do you think that they're in season?" asked Chichi.
"Don't change the subject, Hon," Bulma clicked her tongue. "I'm just glad he remembered who you were before the upcoming Tournament! He's the nicest man on the planet! To think that all these years he thought a bride was a sort of food!"
"Thanks for your help setting him straight. Even though I DID kick his butt when he unceremoniously ran into me!" said Chichi with a blush.
"Would you call it romantic embarrassing or spring break embarrassing?" Bulma asked, flipping pages till she came across the order form.
"A bit of both," Chichi sighed.
"I remember. He'd been gone for three years on that special training he did with Kami. I recall you calling me out of the blue, asking if I'd heard anything from Goku, because people everywhere had gone on about him defeating King Piccolo," Bulma said.
"I tried to search for him myself to see if it was true that he really had finished his training, and if he still wanted to marry me, and that's what brought me to Master Roshi's to see if he was there," Chichi nodded.
"You were pissed beyond belief he didn't recognize you. Luckily, he realized his mistake when I almost kicked his butt at Master Roshi's place!"
"I'm grateful he agreed a promise was a promise. But he wanted to do things the 'right way'. I was so angry. But then my daddy came and found me and explained Son-kun wanted to date me first and go steady because Yamcha and Krillin told him that's how it was done," said Chichi. "So he's been staying close by our house for the past few months!"
"Yamcha? Sheesh," sighed Bulma.
"By the way, aren't you two still…"
"We broke up sort of," Bulma whispered.
"You never said THAT," Chichi groaned.
"Well, I DID get a call from him when I was at college. I saw him at the spring fling, but that stupid Pete Grignot had his hand on my ass, and Yamcha ran out before I could explain!" Bulma lamented. "Luckily my Dad called him and set him straight that I punched Pete soon afterwards.But that didn't help much."
"Wow," Chichi mumbled.
"Because then he ran away to train for the upcoming World Tournament. I wonder if it was a good or a bad thing it was postponed till FOUR years after the last one instead of three," she said.
"Goku and everyone were away for three years training, and then when they heard he was back six months before the tournament and seeing me, they all are going to meet up with us here for a reunion," Chichi nodded.
"You mean he's coming HERE? He probably hates me!"
"He'd never hate you! You two are destined to be together, just like Goku and I! Right?" Chichi said. "Or am I just being too hopeful?"
"I wish I could believe that. I wish he'd just come and whisk me away like Prince Charming," the blue haired beauty said.
"You and that 'Prince Charming' thing, honestly! Bulma, you know that the only princes around here are the sons of the King of the World, and they're all hardly anywhere near as handsome as Yamcha!" Chichi stuck her tongue out.
"True," Bulma shuddered. "My parents want me to get married! They keep pushing me to lean on Yamcha to propose. My dad says he's the only one who won't take advantage of me for my money. After all I'm the CEO to be of Capsule… and I'm getting my freedom in before I gotta take the reigns."
"When's that?"
"My dad will make me the Vice President when I graduate," she said with a chuckle. "I'm excited, and I know I can do it, but I'd really like someone to share it with. I guess I'm just expecting TOO much. A Capsule Corps Princess does want a Prince, but not someone who I can't stand!"
"We're all too addicted to fairy tales," Chichi giggled. "I'm a Princess too, but Goku's hardly prince charming. But he's a hunk!"
"You're lucky. He's one of my best friends you know. If you two weren't destined for each other, and I wasn't hopelessly in love with Yamcha…"
"You and Son-kun? I think you'd kill each other the first week!" Chichi giggled.
"You've been really good for him, Chi," said Bulma with a smile, holding her friend's hand. "Ever since he started taking you out, he's actually had manners that haven't gotten him thrown out of a restaurant."
"Amazing, huh?" Chichi grinned. "Sometimes I wonder what his parents were like…"
"Well, Son-kun doesn't know. He says his grandpa found him in the forest. So for all we know… they could be anyone!"
"Well he didn't just drop out of the sky Bulma. He had to come from somewhere," said Chichi with a chuckle.
"Knowing Goku, anything is possible," Bulma giggled back. "Now, let's see if we can get some orchids to go with those birds of paradise."
Watching his daughter and her best friend, the Ox King grinned. His daughter's dream was only months from coming true. She would finally marry the man she loved since they first met all those years ago. He exited the large house that had been built years after the fire had claimed their castle on Mt. Frypan. Crossing the vast meadow he noticed a distant cloud whirling past, and a very familiar ki.
"Hey there!" came Goku's voice soon afterward.
"Goku, I didn't expect to see you today? Come to see Chichi your bride to be?" he asked.
"Well actually," Goku said, bringing his cloud to levitate nearby. He hopped off, landing easily on his booted feet. As always, he wore the orange and blue martial arts gi given to him by Master Roshi. It was neatly patched in some places by Chichi. Since they'd been officially dating for a year, she often made clothing for her fiancée.
He still lived alone on Mt. Pauzo, miles away. Often, he'd stop by for dinner and a sparring match. When he wasn't frequenting their home he was training in the mountains or hunting for food with his friends. Krillin and he were always trading stories on the days Goku wasn't at his grandpa's home. Today however, something twisted Goku's features into a worried frown.
"What's wrong my boy?"
"Something bad's going on. I haven't told anyone this since I came back from training with Kami, but considering what's been going on, I've got to tell SOMEONE," said Goku, lowering his voice.
"You were away for three years. I've no doubt it was for some greater purpose," said Ox King.
"Since the tournament was postponed for a year later, I thought there would be time to spar with the other guys. Krillin and Yamcha have met back at Master Roshi's from their own training. They got the wedding invitations, and they're coming here today. I've got to think of what to say to them," he murmured.
"Has your mind changed?" Ox King asked him.
"I had promised to Kami I wouldn't reveal the true reason for my training, but he sent me a message in a dream that I have to. Apparently Piccolo had a son, and he's been spotted causing trouble these last four years. Kami knew he'd be at the Tournament and so I was training to be as strong as he was to challenge him," said Goku.
"Terrific," Ox King shivered. "No wonder you were away. But what good was it hiding that news from us, I know you promised Kami."
"I wondered if I should tell the others."
"You should," said Ox King. "They deserve to know."
"But that's not the worst thing," said Goku. "Something ELSE is happening that could cause an even GREATER threat. Yamcha's been staying with Master Roshi, and Krillin and him have been training. They called me to come join them, and had some terrible news."
"What? What could be worse?"
"Red Ribbon army's back to their old tricks," Goku frowned. "And if anything they're gonna be after me."
"Damn," Ox King mumbled. "So how much has been going on?"
"I've seen them in their bases and forts. An' I've been tracking them. Seems like so far they're hiding away. But I bet anything they're coming up with something NASTY. And there's something WORSE."
"Kami told me that the Red Ribbon Army was working on something nasty. He said something about weird things falling from the sky, and huge monsters. An' there were robots that the Red Ribbon army made back when we last fought them. So she figured I'd better tell you what's going on…"
"This won't stop the marriage I hope," mumbled Ox King. "She's waited a long time for this. It would break her heart to…"
"That's what I need to talk to you about. I still wanna marry her… but…"
"Maybe we should have the wedding as soon as possible then. In case something awful happens. I can't stand thinking of my only daughter not being married when the worst happens. She needs a strong man to take care of her when I'm gone," Ox King reminded him.
"Mm hmm," Goku nodded. "If you think that's a good idea, then we probably should have the wedding soon. But I bet Bulma's gonna flip cause she's been working so hard to get things just right!"
"What was that? Are you out there, Goku?" called Chichi, rushing out to see him standing there with her father. Both had serious looks on their faces.
"Hi Chichi!" he smiled as she rushed over and caught him up in a hug. He clasped her close, giving her a tight squeeze that she loved so much.
"What's going on? Are you two up to something?" Chichi asked suspiciously.
"Well, it's nothing," Ox King said.
"Don't try and play games, dad. I can smell that you're keeping something from me. What's going on Goku?"
"Um how would you like to um… have the wedding sooner than later?" Goku asked quietly.
"Ohh, are you teasing me?" Chichi gasped.
"Nope. Your daddy and I figured why wait! Anything could happen," Goku shrugged, as he gave her his most cheerful smile.
"What's going on, Goku? I know you're playing games. Am I gonna have to tickle you to death?" Chichi said, digging her fingers into his ribs. He yelped and fell over under her assault.
"Hey, stop it! I can't STAND that!" he squealed, rolling over with her brushing her hands over his ribs and sides.
"C'mon, give in, will ya? I know the spots that make you squirm, so tell me!" Chichi told him sweetly, panting as her hair fell around her face.
"Maybe you should tell her Goku. I'm going to go indoors and leave you two alone," said Ox King as he slipped away.
"No, come on, that's not FAIR!" Goku laughed, panting from the sensation of her fingers sliding up and down his sides. She pinned him flat, straddling him as she slid her fingers under his gi. He glanced up at her dark hair falling messily from her bun, her dark eyes twinkling.
"Are you gonna tell me?" she teased.
"You win, you win Chi!" he panted, hugging his sides. "I can't… whoa. Breathe!"
"Good boy," Chichi grinned, leaning down to remove her hands. Goku stared up at her, as she suddenly felt shy, freezing in place.
"Chi, are you OK? You're looking at me awfully funny," Goku said as he noticed the faint blush across her cheeks.
"You've been training a whole lot since we last saw each other…" she trailed off. "I guess I forgot how big and strong you are."
"Well I HAVE been putting in extra time at Master Roshi's," he blushed. "You sure you're OK?"
"You're not the only one staring," she panted as he suddenly blushed profusely.
"You're uh… your shirt's unbuttoned," he murmured, afraid to reach up and touch where several inches of skin were showing a nice view of her cleavage.
"I don't mind," she said.
"Jeez, I thought you were gonna flip out. Whenever Bulma has things unbuttoned and master Roshi points it out, she flips!"
"I'm not Bulma, silly!" Chichi huffed. "And you're certainly not Roshi." She grabbed his hand and placed it on her buttons. "And if you wanna button my shirt you can do it. Unless if you want it unbuttoned…"
"You um… you look different Chichi," he murmured. "And you smell really nice."
"My new perfume. You like it?" she asked. Goku's dark eyes looked up at her as he sat up partly, trailing his hand down over the curve of her breast. She gasped her eyes fluttering closed.
"Oops I'm sorry, I'm so damned clumsy," Goku cursed.
"No, I don't mind you touching me there. In fact, I liked it. It tickles," she said, grasping his large hand and putting it back on her breast. Goku blushed, then saw her slight smile. Whatever he was doing she liked, so why shouldn't he continue touch her?
"Is that okay?" he whispered, leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips.
"I liked it a lot," she smiled, pressing her forehead to his.
"I want to… I want to do something but not here," he gasped.
"I know. Why don't we go over into the bushes there and you can show me," Chichi said. "I promise I won't laugh."
"You sure you want to see?" he stated meekly.
"I want to see. I want to know everything about you because you're the man I love," Chichi told him, nipping his ear. Goku felt her twist off his lap, and then grab his hand to pull him up.
A long time later, Bulma heard Chichi shriek. She raced quickly outside to see what was wrong. Heart pounding, she raced out to see Goku and Chichi both concealed in the bushes. A loud laugh followed by kissing sounds from Goku radiated full of something that made her tingle.
"Wait a minute," she gasped. "How in the hell could it…"
She tiptoed to the source of the noise, and peered through the bushes. Her jaw dropped when she saw her best friend locked in a passionate kiss with the Ox Princess. Their hands roamed over clothes, shyly exploring with gasps and murmurs. Chichi sat on Goku's lap, her lips moving over his, one hand buried in his mop of hair.
"I SO did not see that!" Bulma yelped as she rushed away as quickly as she could. Although they were only making out, she hardly expected a naive and innocent Goku to know anything about girls or kissing!
"What was that?" Goku asked, glancing up. "I thought I heard Bulma…"
"It was your imagination," Chichi laughed, pulling him back down. Goku shrugged, and returned to claim Chichi's lips in a kiss. He loved how this felt, one of the happiest sensations, like a good fight. Chichi was also happy, and it was something that felt good to both.
"Kami, they need to get a ROOM!" she lamented, trying to chase the mental image of an amorous Goku in the arms of Chichi out of her head. Yet it caused her to tingle with hunger of her own.
So intent was she that she crashed into something hard. "Yow!"
"Bulma, there you are!" laughed a familiar voice.
"Yami… Yamcha? What the HELL are you doing here!" she stammered, turning in his arms to glance up into his smiling face.
"That's a nice greeting for someone who hasn't seen you for a long time!" Yamcha pouted.
"You mean you're not mad at me?" she asked, stepping back.
"I can't be mad at you, babe," Yamcha said with a slow smile. "Damn you look so pretty… just like a princess…"
"You know just what to say, you flatterer," she groaned. "Oh damn…"
"Why are you panting, you OK?" he asked.
"I… it's just I never thought I'd see you again… I wanted you to know it wasn't my idea to…"
"I know babe, I know," Yamcha silenced her with a finger on her lips. He captured her in his arms, pulling her close to his body. Under his gi, she felt hard muscles.
"What happened to your face," she gasped, fingering the scars over his eye and cheek.
"I ran into a little problem a few months ago," he cringed. "Sorry it looks gross."
"It makes you look rugged, actually," Bulma licked her lips. "I missed you so much you stupid jerk! Why didn't' you WRITE ME!"
"Because somebody sent my letters back," Yamcha pouted; handing her a whole stack tied in a red ribbon.
"Oh Kami, I can't believe it! I forgot that I had told the post office to do that. Yamcha, I don't know HOW to tell you I'm sorry. I got so angry when you ran away to train, that I thought you'd forgotten about me! Now to see you here... I feel so lousy!"
"It's OK Bulma, I'm here now," Yamcha said as she hugged him tightly.
"Yamcha, I did miss you," she said, stroking his cheek.
"Same here. Nice to be missed. Where's Goku?"
"Uh… I'd rather not answer that. Can we um… take a walk?"
"Sure babe, there's so much I have to tell you," Yamcha said, taking his arm and wrapping hers around it. "But first…"
"What?" Bulma asked, nestling her bosom in her blue tube top beneath her jacket.
"Something I should have done a long time ago," Yamcha breathed, leaning down to cup her cheek. She gasped as he covered her lips in a soft kiss that made her weak in the knees. While they had certainly kissed before, the touch of his lips on hers was like an electric shock. He fingered her blue hair, soft as silk, but now cropped around her cheeks like a boy's cut. It suited her, but he preferred it long and flowing and styled in the braid she had first worn it in so long ago.
"Wow," she mumbled, rubbing her lips where he had kissed them.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, stroking her soft blue hair. A loud cry alerted them, and Bulma flushed bright red.
"Was that Goku?"
"Yamcha, I um… I don't think we should go over there… I saw MORE than enough for one day…"
"What's going on…"
"Um… you know how Goku always seemed so clueless, well I think that he's learned a few things since we last saw him," Bulma yelped, tugging Yamcha away.
"Oh… Oh yeah, I see now," Yamcha chuckled, hearing something like two people giggling. His eyes traced the discarded clothes in the nearby bushes. Lightly, he grabbed Bulma's hand and followed her toward the Ox King's house.
Hours later, the Special Forces gathered in Master Roshi's home, on a small island they all knew well. Rather than stay in the wilderness, it seemed simpler to use Kame House as a central meeting point. Everyone knew how to get there, and it was a potent reminder to many of those who had trained there, that they meant business. Master Roshi and the Ox King had talked seemingly for hours over beer and the occasional interruptions from Goku and Krillin. Then Yamcha and Bulma arrived in mid evening, completing the group.
"Goku told you, didn't he?" asked Yamcha as he sat down in the living room of Kame house. He had taken Bulma with him, following the Ox King.
She sat down next to Yamcha, holding his hand tightly as she saw Goku and Chichi nearby, their faces fraught with worry. Master Roshi was trying to keep his eyes off both girls to the chagrin of Yamcha, who glared at the martial arts master.
"What are we up against?" asked Bulma.
"The Red Ribbon Army," said Master Roshi. "Very powerful, and very dangerous."
"I thought I'd wiped them out, but I was wrong," Goku pipped up.
"Wait a minute, how's this possible?" inquired Bulma.
"You've been out of it for a while babe. I've seen them pass through my desert when I was training with lots of strange equipment. But I didn't wanna worry you at college while I was training for the Tournament next month," said Yamcha.
"Oh man," Krillin groaned, hugging his knees. "I thought they were history. What happened, Goku?"
"That's what we'd ALL like to know," said Master Roshi. "Somehow they've survived, and it's up to us to keep an eye on things."
"And that's not all that's bad," interjected Goku.
"I'm not sure I'm liking ANY of this. What could be worse?" Bulma breathed. Yamcha squeezed her hand tightly, swallowing hard.
"That's just it babe. There have also been sightings of King Piccolo… but he's keeping himself in the desert. I didn't want to think it was possible…"
"Piccolo! Oh hell!" Bulma gasped.
"He's able to hide his true power, even from me," Master Roshi said, turning to face them all. He lifted his eyes from the level of Bulma's chest, then stared at the Ox King.
"I've heard rumors," the Ox King nodded grimly.
"You said Baba told you this?" said Krillin. "Are you sure?"
"You heard it yourself," Master Roshi glared at him. "She's rarely wrong."
"What did she see?"
"Terrible things. A big battle with King Piccolo and the Red Ribbon army, side by side fighting with terrible things. Strange new inventions and warriors we haven't even seen," Master Roshi said.
"She's more right then she knows," Goku told them. "I had been sworn to secrecy by Kami, but last night he told me that I have to tell you."
"What Goku?" asked Krillin.
"Why I've been away training for three years before this," said Goku. "I've been training to fight Piccolo's son in this next Tournament. Kami knew that this would happen but he swore me to secrecy till now because he didn't' want to cause panic. But because of the Red Ribbon army, he figured we all should know the truth."
"That monster had a SON?" gasped Bulma.
"Looks like it," said Yamcha grimly. "Just when things couldn't possibly get worse."
"Piccolo's bad enough. Now how could they come back?" asked Chichi quietly.
"Androids," expressed Bulma darkly. "They might have built some sort of robot like they did before. Remember number 8?"
"Yes," Goku nodded.
"Oh man, you mean more tin cans?" Krillin yelped.
"There might be more than one. All this was going to happen very soon, according to Baba," Master Roshi frowned. "And that means we've got to be ready for anything…"
"What about the wedding?" Bulma asked.
"That's another thing Bulma. We need your help to get Chichi and Goku married as soon as possible," said Yamcha.
"Oh… but it's not going to be easy," Bulma swallowed hard.
"You know people in town. I figured your parents could help get someone to perform the ceremony," said Ox King. "Don't' worry about the expense…"
"But all the plans we made!" Bulma wailed. "My mom's gonna flip!"
"You could get married at Capsule, right?" Yamcha demanded.
"Yes, but so much to do," Bulma sighed. "I've gotta call my mom. But…"
"Have we told Tenshinhan and Chiaotzu?" asked Krillin. "Maybe they can help!"
"They're not far away," Master Roshi nodded. "They'll stay in the mountains and see if there's anything suspicious there. And Krillin and I will keep an eye on the coast."
"I'll keep an eye in the desert," said Yamcha. "When I'm not protecting you, Bulma."
"That's very sweet of you, but there IS a security system at Capsule," said Bulma with a sigh.
"He's right. You should keep close to Yamcha," said Goku. "I don't want you hurt."
"How close?" teased Oolong, who had been sitting in on the conversation but was too afraid to chime in.
"Shut up you pervert!" Bulma yelled, bopping him on the head.
"Um," Yamcha blushed.
"I guess you could stay at Capsule. We still have your old room," Bulma told him.
"OK," he nodded. "But who's going to watch the desert?"
"My dad can build spy bots, silly," Bulma squeezed his hand. "And there's Puar and Oolong…"
"Don't forget Yo-yo brain," put in Krillin.
"Yaijerobe? No way. He's just going to run the other way!" Yamcha groaned.
"How soon is the wedding to be?" Bulma asked.
"How about this Sunday?" asked Goku.
"We've got lots of work to do. You'd better come and stay with us at Capsule Chichi, Son-kun. I'm not chasing you down for a tuxedo fitting," Bulma glared at them.
"OK, no problem," Goku nodded. Chichi agreed, laying her head on Goku's shoulder. His arm draped around her comfortably, prompting Bulma to snuggle closer to Yamcha. To her delight, the desert bandit gave her shoulders a squeeze with his arm sliding around them.
"We'll get you married, no problem Goku," said Yamcha.
"Well, I was thinking maybe it would be better if you were the best man," Krillin said.
"What?" Yamcha asked.
"It works out well, since Bulma's the maid of honor… if you don't mind Goku," said Chichi.
"Are you sure Krillin?" asked Goku.
"Hey, shucks I don't mind. Besides, you guys look better up there," he chuckled. Bulma nodded, and saw Yamcha's blush. Something jingled around her neck, and Yamcha saw the gold locket hanging between her breasts with a joyful skipping of his heart.
"Still, we'll take all the help we can get," said Master Roshi. "So, are we agreed?"
"Goku, do you think you should ask Kami what he thinks, again?" asked Chichi quietly. "If he knew this was going to happen?"
"He says that we all must do what we think is right. It WAS my choice to tell you of the threat of Piccolo Jr. And that we have to stand together to face him, but also whatever might come," Goku stated.
Everyone nodded. A silent agreement was forged, and the warriors all parted to make their various arrangements. Yamcha followed Bulma outside to where her hovercraft was parked. She didn't let go of his hand, and felt happy that he was there again.
"Just follow us on nimbus, and we'll get you there in no time," Bulma said to Goku and Chichi. "Do you want to ride with us?"
"I'll be there soon, don't worry," Ox King nodded. "I just have to get a few things together. Go ahead kids…"
"OK," nodded Goku, helping Chichi to climb onto Nimbus. The two youths knelt side by side, waiting for Yamcha and Bulma to prepare the hovercraft. Krillin tugged his backpack, throwing it into the cargo hold as he jumped in to the rear seat behind Yamcha and Bulma.
"We'll call later!" he shouted to Master Roshi, waiting there with Ox King. Soon the hovercraft shot off to West City, followed by the golden shimmer of Nimbus.