Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

I'm back with another chapter for the requested story from CoreyPeters on DeviantArt. Also, a special thanks to Over8000 for acting as a beta for this chapter ^_^

Remember, the only differences are that Goku returned after Cell and Bulla is three years younger than Goten. This story starts during the Buu Saga.

Be sure to follow me here, on Tumblr, and on DeviantArt.

Enjoy!

Bulla hummed happily as she worked with her grandmother in the kitchen. The little one had taken a fascination whenever her grandmother was baking. She had taken to helping, though usually she made quite a mess. Slowly but surely, Bulla was getting better at it, but Panchy still wouldn't let her near the stove.

Her grandmother sent her off one the cookies were lining the tray, so the princess went outside to find her brother and Goten. She figured she could play with them. Of course, when she did spot them, they were in the middle of sparring.

Bulla's eyes lit up at the sight. She always loved watching others fight. It helped her to learn, and sometimes she learned moves from watching her brother and Goten that her father couldn't anticipate in their training. She wondered what kind of things she could learn from them today.

Happily she skipped over to the area, Trunks and Goten exchanging punches and kicks. They were jumping around, both trying to use their speed to their advantage. The boys were evenly matched, but Trunks had a bit more power behind his hits. It made sense. He was older, after all.

Goten managed to get the drop on Trunks at one point after jumping up, aiming a kick as he descended, and the only thing Trunks could think to do was fly up into the air. He readied himself to defend against Goten, expecting his friend to follow him into the skies. But an attack never came. Trunks chanced looking down to see Goten looking a bit upset. His mouth was open wide in shock, eyes full of hurt, and his whole body was shaking. Trunks's raised a purple brow before he landed in front of his friend.

"W-When…" Goten started to ask. He closed his eyes and swallowed before he glared to the lavender-haired hybrid without any heat. "When did you learn to fly?"

"I don't know, a while ago," Trunks replied a bit defensively, crossing his arms. He looked off to the side and noticed his sister. "Oh, hey, Bulla. Were you watching?"

Bulla nodded and stepped forward, looking to Goten. She could see the Son boy was surprised to see her. He wore a frown on his face, probably still upset about the whole flying thing. "Do you know how to fly, too?" he tested.

The princess sighed. "Yeah, I do."

"Our dad taught us," Trunks explained. "It's easy."

"Oh," Goten responded a bit sullenly. Disappointment filled him at the fact that his dad hadn't even tried to teach him to fly in all their training. Was there something wrong with him that his dad didn't think he could do it?

As if hearing his thought, Bulla made a suggestion. "You could always ask you dad or even your brother to teach you." Goten blinked at her in surprise. "I'm sure Gohan is a good teacher, too."

Goten smiled as he said, "Thanks, Bulla. That's a great idea. You're really smart."

Bulla had to turn away, the little girl blushing over the compliment Goten paid her. "O-Of course…"

Gohan kept trying to avoid Videl as the Great Saiyaman when they weren't in school. Even though he had helped her fight crime, she still seemed hell-bent on unmasking him. The teenager just wanted to be left alone and keep his secret. It was a small price to pay for saving the world, right? He should be allowed some peace in his life.

But Videl was pushy, actually kind of reminding him of his mom. He had to find a way to discourage her. Apparently, placing her jet on top of a building wasn't incentive enough. Just what did he have to do to get her off his case? Gohan had managed to get her to think he wasn't Saiyaman at one point after taking a punch to the face. Still, there were times she wouldn't let up.

They went through so many ordeals together including the fire and taking on that gang. That was a day Gohan would always remember. Videl had been determined to take on the gang leader without Saiyaman's help. Gohan managed to deal with the other men, and he was about to run to her rescue when he saw her caught by the leader. Videl surprised him by finishing off the large man with a sharp hit to his gut. Gohan had been so amazed by her. She even thanked him for coming to her aid, but she was still persistent when it came to learning who he was.

Gohan thought he was out of the woods when their friends at school told Videl how he disappeared after she did. Her suspicion was renewed, and Gohan managed to hide, but he felt a strange sense of satisfaction when Videl and Erasa both defended him to Sharpner.

If it wasn't for a terrible circus owner taking Goten's dinosaur friend, Gohan's identity probably would have been spared.

Gohan promised Goten that he'd rescue Chobi.

He tried to reason with circus owner, but it did nothing. Gohan decided that he would return to the circus as the Great Saiyaman and rescue Chobi on his own. Videl was called to the scene to take back the stolen dinosaur. It was the first time that Gohan was on the wrong end of the law. It couldn't be helped. Chobi needed to go back to his parents or the city would be in even more danger.

When Chobi's parents attacked the city, Gohan tried to get them to hear the sound of his voice, and he almost slipped his name. Videl figured it all out from there. She was the only one who knew, and she was ready to go public with his secret. She even found out about how his dad had won the World Martial Arts Tournament before her father. She was determined to face him there. Gohan managed to convince her, though, to keep it, but she had to blackmail him first. He was going to enter the WMAT like his father before him. Not only that, but Videl wanted to learn to fly.

"Man," Gohan sighed. "Blackmailed again. How do I do it?"

Gohan told his family all about the tournament, and of course his mother wasn't thrilled. They managed to placate her, telling her about the prize money. The teenager was the one who suggested he could use it for school in the future.

All that was really left to do was train. Goten had asked Gohan to teach him to fly. It actually worked out since Videl wanted to learn too. Their dad was just as eager for the tournament. He got started on his own training right away.

The day Videl came to Mount Paozu was certainly interesting. Already, Chi Chi hadn't been the welcoming sort, and Videl was just as fiery. Before introductions could even take place, the two women were at each other's throats. She seemed overly concerned that Videl was there looking to distract her son from his goal. Goku and Gohan watched in both horror and awe, gaping at the two nervously. Goten was confused by the whole thing. He was the one who cut the tension after Chi Chi had called the teenaged girl a hussy.

"My mom and dad got married at the World Championships, didn't you mom? Maybe that's why she's worried. I guess kissy-kissy stuff and fighting do mix sometimes."

Chi Chi got that dreamy look in her eyes as she remembered. "In our case, yes. I competed. I fought your dad and married him in the same day."

"Oh yeah, we did. That was after I turned down Kami when he asked me to be guardian."

Gohan sighed in relief now that his mother had cooled down for just a moment. He took the opportunity to introduce his friend before his mother could get worked up again. "Mom, this is Videl. She's the one who convinced me to participate in the tournament in the first place. I never even would have considered it if it weren't for her."

Goku jumped up from where he was sitting and stretched his muscles. "Oh man, just thinking about the tournament is getting me excited. I'll have to tell all the others. This is gonna be awesome!"

Videl was in shock as Goku took to the skies like a light. He waved down to all of them. "Later, Gohan! Bye, Goten! I'll see you later, Chi Chi!"

Chi Chi sighed but smiled up at the sky, her husband no longer hovering over their home. "Oh, Goku," she mused. Her eyes shifted to the kids. "I haven't seen your father this excited in a while. I guess it's going to be all training here all the time again, huh?"

"Pretty much," Gohan replied before looking to Videl and Goten. "Ready to learn?"

"Yeah, alright!"

Videl just stared at the sky, still completely astounded by how the eldest Son had practically disappeared. Her eyes shifted to Gohan. He was acting like this was so normal. Just who were these people?

"Whoo hoo!" Goku bellowed.

The Saiyan flew as fast as he could, causing waves to splash over a huge lake. Water sprayed his face, and Goku reveled in the feeling. He was still thrilled about the World Martial Arts Tournament. He hadn't participated since the year he defeated Piccolo. That really had been a big year.

His whole life had changed after that. He and Chi Chi had married, and they had Gohan pretty soon after. With everything going on at home, Goku had skipped the next tournament. Everyone else had as well, all training harder than ever. Then, Raditz had shown up, and they were introduced to a whole, big universe. The battles grew more intensive, but it was nice to take a break and have some good, clean tournament fun.

Goku's mind immediately went to Vegeta. The Saiyan prince had become a good rival and buddy. He was probably one of the only ones who could understand his love of fighting. Maybe he'd want to be in the tournament too!

He took a quick detour on his way to the wasteland, veering off into the direction of the West City. He spotted Capsule Corp. easily. Not surprising, Vegeta was outside practicing some punches and kicks. Goku grinned and landed quickly, meeting Vegeta's fist with his own.

Vegeta was momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure and smirked. "Kakarot, come for a spar?"

The two exchanged a couple of punches, each blocking the other. "Not exactly," Goku replied, his voice sounding serious but eager. "I've got a question for you."

The prince snickered, swinging into a kick. Goku managed to phase out of sight. Vegeta twisted to block the third-class's punch. "All this way for a question? I'm surprised you didn't use that instant transmission of yours for something like that."

"What can I say? I had some extra energy. I'm excited!"

A dark brow quirked in interest before coal eyes narrowed. "For what?"

"The World Martial Arts Tournament is coming soon," Goku told Vegeta pushing back, the two of them falling into their fighting stances. "I used to participate in it every three years when it was held. Gohan decided he wanted join in the fun. I wanna go again, too. I wanted to invite you."

Vegeta scoffed. "You'd really go through a whole tournament full of weaklings?" A dark chuckle escaped him. "I'm the only fight that's worth your time."

"Hey, now," Goku chided with a laugh. "You don't know that. Besides, I'm going to tell the others too. Come on, Vegeta. It could be fun!"

"Eager for some real competition, hm?" Vegeta jabbed arrogantly. "Fine. Perhaps it will be fun."

"Great!" Goku cheered, falling out of his stance and stretching. Vegeta was actually surprised that he started to walk away. He turned to smile at the prince saying, "I've gotta tell the others. See ya later, Vegeta!"

"Hold up!" the prince shouted, stopping Goku before he took in the air.

Goku noticed that Vegeta looked irritated. "What?"

"If you start a battle, finish it, even if it's a training exercise."

The spiky-haired Saiyan smirked and turned back to face him. "Alright, then. In that case, I've got time."

About an hour later, both Saiyans were in the infirmary, Bulma patching them up. "I swear," the woman huffed. "Can't you two ever go easy on each other?" Goku laughed and Vegeta huffed, crossing his arms. Bulma already knew the answer to that one. This actually was taking it easy. "What's this all about?"

"I was telling Vegeta about the WMAT," Goku told her.

Bulma, who had been wrapping bandages around Vegeta's arm, froze. She looked to her friend. "Are you serious? I thought you lost interest in that after you won."

"Gohan's gonna join," Goku said, beaming with pride. "I thought some nice, leisure fighting would be great!"

The woman laughed. "Only you two could put 'leisure' and 'fighting' in the same sentence. Well, I guess it's okay. Just try not to hurt anyone, Vegeta."

"Hmph."

"Can we join?"

The three adults looked over to see Trunks and Bulla standing in the doorway. "Trunks?" Bulma called out in surprise. "I thought you kids were in your rooms."

The siblings exchange a glance before they looked to their mother. "We were hungry," they said together. Bulma couldn't help but smile.

Honestly, Bulma had no problem with Trunks participating. Though Goku had been much older than him when he first took part in the World Martial Arts Tournament, he had been far weaker with less experience. Still, Bulma's eyes landed on her daughter. Bulla was still so young. She had only begun real training with her father not too long ago. Most of her learning was in the form of watching fights. Bulma wasn't sure if her baby girl was ready for that. "Mama, can we fight?" the little girl asked, her blue eyes full of hope.

"Well," Bulma sighed, "you're still learning, sweetie. You're a little young for the tournament anyway." She could already see the disappointment filling her child and looked to her husband who seemed to be mulling over the ption in his head. Well, he'd probably be no help. He probably want to see his daughter fight, regardless. Bulma was sure he was keener on the idea than her, so she needed to think of something. Then, an idea hit. "Besides, you wouldn't want to leave Marron alone during the tournament, would you? She isn't training to be a fighter like you."

This seemed to have the effect Bulma wanted. Bulla's facial features smoothened out, the child no longer disappointment. "Oh, okay. I won't fight this time," she told her mother. Her expression then turned to one of determination, and Bulma fought a smile at how similar she looked to her father in that moment. "But I want to fight next time."

"That sounds like a plan, sweetheart," Bulma encouraged, noticing the delighted simper of her husband.

The woman looked down to her first aid kit. Looks like I'm going need more bandages.

Later that night, despite all of the day's training, Vegeta was once again cursed with the same nightmare. After having the recurrent dream for over a week now, every night, it was getting to the point where he was over exhausted. Still, he couldn't ever fall back to sleep, haunted by the awful images of his family dead at his feet.

This pushed him to train more.

In the early hours of the morning, he finally came inside. It was still dark out indicating that there were but a few more hours before sunrise. Vegeta quietly made the trek up the stairs, his muscles aching and body pushed past its limit. Bulma would surely be lecturing him in the morning. Oh well, it didn't matter. She would just have to deal with it.

As he walked passed his daughter's room, he felt the child's energy rise and heard her crying. Quickly, he went inside, the girl tossing and turning in her sleep. He refused to let her suffer from her own nightmares, whatever they were. Gently, he shook her, catching her fist as she reacted to being woken up. Her blue eyes were pools of tears, and the proud, Saiyan prince felt an ache in his chest. "Eschalot," he called softly, saying the name he had wanted to give her…her Saiyan name and a secret between them. "What's wrong?"

"Papa?" the girl weakly greeted before she threw herself at him, trying to wrap her tiny arms around him. Vegeta hugged his daughter close, his heartbeat thumping rapidly against his chest. He couldn't only wonder what had his little princess so hysterical. After a few minutes of crying, she finally said, "I had a bad dream about a scary monster."

Vegeta felt like the ground shattered beneath him. She couldn't possibly have dreamed…no! "A monster?" he questioned coolly, trying to force himself to not show any inkling of nervous energy around the child.

Bulla nodded mumbling "mm-hm." She looked over to her closet and told her father, "He was scary with horns and he was in there."

The full-blooded Saiyan felt overwhelmed by her words and managed to muster up the courage to go to the closet. Reaching very slowly, he touched the doorknob. He whipped the door open, nearly off its hinges, and he felt his muscles relax the moment he saw there was nothing in there.

He was pathetic. Mentally, he cursed himself for the inane fear that Frieza would have been behind the door.

Vegeta turned to his daughter and stepped away from her closet to show her it was simply full of clothes and toys, nothing more. "You are safe," he told her, returning to the bed. "Go back to sleep."

Bulla shook her head, still scared from her dreams. "Papa," she weakly murmured, "can you stay with me?"

The prince bit back a sigh and then took his place beside his daughter. Bulla nuzzled against her father's chest ignoring that fact that he had just come from training. Normally she'd tease him for being sticky and sweaty, and when she didn't Vegeta grimaced. He didn't care what she dreamed, if it was as awful as Frieza or as simple as some inane boogieman. He mentally promised to always protect no matter what the cost. She was the light of his life.