Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Dragonball Z. The amazing Akria Toriyama does. I only own the plot and my own characters

Absalom

Chapter 2

As the events on Absalom unfolded, there were people who realised this special planet was under threat. High up on his little planet with his faithful pets, King Kai was minding his own business watering his plants when his antennae picked up a strange disturbance down in the living realm. He scanned across his quadrant of the galaxy to find the source. It didn't take long to find Absalom and to spot Ponzi and his pals beating up Kayla in front of the terrified Mirsux village. The kai sat and watched in horror at what he was seeing. He had heard about Absalom and was pleased that such a special planet existed in his quadrant. But now these three evil aliens were threatening everything that the planet stood for. Whoever this Hollo man was, King Kai just knew something worse was coming for the delicate planet. The species on Absalom were nowhere near strong enough to protect themselves from these aliens. Kayla was their most powerful inhabitant but she was already out for the count.

"They need help," He told Bubbles and Gregory, "And fast!"

Luckily, King Kai knew of one man he knew would be more than perfect to help.

Far away from Absalom and oblivious to the horror happening there, Goku was with his family and friends enjoying a picnic in the countryside. Both Krillin and Vegeta had brought their families along and Piccolo was close by as ever. Chi-Chi, Bulma and Videl were eating and talking. Gohan, Goku and Krillin were fishing in the nearby lake, Goten, Trunks and Marron were playing while Android 18, Vegeta and Piccolo chilled in the sun. It was a great time for all the Z Warriors to relax and let nothing bother them. The sun shone brightly, warming up everything it touch and the air was filled with the sound of running water and birds singing.

"This is so nice," Gohan sighed deeply, "Glad you found time for us, Dad."

"Yeah," Krillin agreed, "It's makes a change to see you actually relaxing."

"Well, I like to rest as hard as I train and this is the perfect way to do so." Goku explained, lying on his back

With a smile, the Earth's saviour took a deep and enjoyed the heat of the sun on his face. Little did he realise, his life was about to meet a new twist. As Goku closed his eyes, his mind was suddenly filled with a shouting King Kai.

"Goku! Goku, can you hear me? Goku!"

Goku's eyes flickered open as he sat up suddenly. The motion caught the attention of Krillin and Gohan. They watched tensely as Goku spoke to his mentor.

"King Kai?" He replied, "What's the matter? You sound anxious."

"That's because we're running out of time! Goku, I need your help."

King Kai told Goku about the sanctuary planet that needed help to defend its people from a mob of pirates. Goku was intrigued by a planet that was occupied by refugees of saiyan attacks but he was also keen to lend his power to help the helpless people. Gohan and the others watched as Goku's face became serious and determined. Finally, once King Kai had explained, Goku agreed to help. Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta (not wanting to be out shone by Goku) and Krillin agreed to join him. Goten and Trunks were keen to go to but Bulma and Chi-Chi refused to let them go. This was not a chance of an adventure. There was no way of telling how powerful the enemy was. The warriors returned home, changed in to their Gi or armour then boarded a spaceship. Without knowing anyone on the planet Absalom, Goku couldn't lock on to a signal to use instant transmission to go to there. So instead, they had a long and anxious flight ahead of them.

As the Z-warriors set off, King Kai checked in on Absalom. This time, he took an interest in the planet's leader. By now, Kayla was in her bed, with her injuries being tended to by Shinto and his apprentice, Gem. Kayla was unconscious and weak and, without the machines back on Planet Vegeta, her recovery would be a long road. Her saiyan genes would help speed up the healing process but it would take many days. But, as he watched, King Kai realised that he was looking at someone with a greater significance than he first thought. Using his antennae, he was able to look through Kayla's past life. He followed her memories through the developing of Absalom, travelling through the galaxy to find the planet and to the destruction of her home planet. That's when things got interesting for the Kai. The scene before him was the final moments of Planet Vegeta's existence. There, he saw a scared and confused looking Kayla with a scarred and bloodied warrior who looked eerily like Goku. It was clear that Kayla shared a close bond with this saiyan warrior. King Kai looked a few hours earlier and, finally found what it. What he was looking for, the reason Kayla was so significant. There was the saiyaness in her younger days, holding a familiar infant.

"Ahh! Goku's Mother!" King Kai exclaimed, "that Kayla is Goku's mother! How did I miss that?"

"Are you going to tell Goku?" Gregory asked.

For a silent moment, King Kai considered it. But he decided not to. Goku would discover in his own time. Kayla was nothing like the saiyans Goku had encountered previously so any conflict was unlikely. It was about time that both mother and son found each other.

However, it wasn't just King Kai that had been watching Kayla and the plight of Absalom. King Yemma had seen the action and was joined by one person with a vested interest. Feeling his rage build as his mate fought for her own life, Bardock had also been watching. When the attacks began, Yemma knew Bardock needed to see this and summoned him from Hell. Thanks to his life destroying other planets for Freiza, the saiyan warrior had been sent to Hell, despite his final selfless act. But Yemma was willing to let him keep tabs on his family. He had seen Goku defeat Freiza and turn super saiyan and he watched Kayla build a new life for herself. When he witnessed aliens attacking his mate and her work, Bardock was desperate to save her. His rage was building and King Yemma could see he was tense.

"Stand down, Bardock." The ogre warned.

"No!" Bardock barked, "I should be down there! Kayla needs my help!"

"There is little point in you getting angry. You are dead. There is no way for you to save Kayla now. I know how much she means to you but there is nothing you can do."

The scarred warrior wanted to argue and tear the check-in station down but he knew it was pointless. All he could do was watch as Kayla fought for her life.

Now, Bardock was sat on the ground, legs crossed, arms folded and eyes closed, trying to remain calm. All he could see in his mind was the battered mess Kayla was in. Her beauty still shone through but she was lucky to still be alive. Even though he missed her, Bardock didn't want her to come to the other world. He wanted her to live a full life first. She wasn't ready for the afterlife yet. The image of Kayla, critically injured, frustrated him that he couldn't be there to help her. If he had been alive and there with her, he'd have ripped Ponzi, Sichuan and Anise apart and Kayla, along with everyone else on Absalom would be safe. He'd be able to hold that beautiful saiyaness in his arms again.

However, as Bardock tried to regain his composure, a strange noise approached him. It was like a faint popping noise. Knowing what it meant, Bardock slowly opened one eye. He was greeted by the sight of the fortune teller, Baba, floating over on her crystal ball. She too had heard about Kayla and Absalom. However, she wasn't someone Bardock liked very much and the feeling was mutual

"What do you want, Old Woman?" Bardock grumbled.

"Well, hello to you too, Bardock," Baba replied, sarcastically, "You always make me feel welcome.

Bardock just huffed. Baba could tell instantly that he was angry. It didn't take her long to realise why.

"It's such a shame what Kayla is going through, isn't it?"

"And I can't do a damn thing about it."

Baba just stared back at Bardock with a smirk. He spotted the look and immediately closed his eyes.

"So, have you come to tell me something important," He growled, "Or are you just going to mock me for not being there for my mate?"

"Actually, I believe that I can help you."

Now Bardock had both eyes opened and starred in disbelief. Baba smirked then explained what she had planned.

Next chapter: A unexpected family reunion and what is Baba's plan for Bardock?