Tell me that this place is safe
and all the good will remain.
Tell me that the word you gave me today
will not loose credibility tomorrow

The world is so fast
unlearning steadiness
If I asked for certainty,
would you leave the 'now' untouched?

Im full of worries,
dwelling, unentwined awefulness
If I ever requested
would you slow down for me?

''You couldn't steal my food after all..And what was with that monster you brought with you..it was weak..''

I wasn't aiming for your food and Goku, you know very well it was a car! Do you even have one by now?

''You..looked so slim and puny...I couldn't believe you was human! I mean, I even thought I was human..'

I was and I am you jerk! A feeeemale!- Did that get through that thick skull of yours in the meantime?

''I had never met any girl before you, how was I supposed to know Bulma?''

Oh Goku, I figured. But you still have no clue, do you?

''Bulma, remember when you freed that other thing? my first encounter with such a house. I'll never get used to those Capsules you use though..''

Well it was a transportable house and I think the main new feature for you was a BATH!..come to think of it..ugh u smelled so bad! Hope you can take care of that by yourself nowadays, ha!

''Still can't get used to Shampoo.. Hm, smells wierd to me! Well at least I know now that I was really the only with a tail..''

AS IF THAT WASN'T CLEAR IN THE FIRST PLACE!

'Haha ..Okay, seems fair to me that you say so...'

Wha..whats with that look on your face? I really thought you weren't for real, I mean... I had never met anyone that carefree...

'Bulma look..was you always so sure you'd find the Dragon Balls and get your wishes granted?'

Goku..I honestly did. But also I always wondered what you would wish for if they were all yours. I gathered you'd want your grandfather back, but then suprisingly you didn't.
What..kept you going..?

...But I was never able to find that out, you was gone..and I lived my life without you, until that clouded rainy day..

''There you are Bulma!''

I remember that one! I didnt even recognise you when you handed me the rabbit-baloon.. Did you ever wear that turban again by any chance? But oh well, thanks god the 21st Tournament wasn't a fashion show!

''Hehe I suppose so! But back then it didn't seem that odd to me..''

Oh gosh Goku you really have no care in the world, it's hard to believe you even survived till that day. But then again...I never doubted you'd win the tournament!

''Hehe, thanks for the compliment!...You know Bulma..that was good times wasn't it? But I fear we have to get serious once more.''

Eehh? What are you talking about Goku? Don't scare me like that! Why..why are you this way, whats with that look in your eyes Goku? I'm sure we'll make it against the Androids- I mean we have you, there's nothing to worry about!

''You've heard most of it from Piccolo, but there's some other things he hasn't mentioned to you. I ..will die from a heartdisease and there's not much we can do about it. But don't worry, I'm sure that by some miracle I'll make it back to earth in time.''

A heartdisease?! You must be kidding, Saiians don't get affected by that, do they? Goku stop smiling, this is serious news!

''Take good care of them Bulma. They'll need you, even if they don't want to admit it.. You know, you've always been the smartest person I ever met and we'd be nowhere near to where we are now without your inventions and brains. Thanks for that.''

Goku no, stop making this a farewell adress, we'll get you healthy for sure! Now don't meet trouble halfway and rather explain!..G-goku..

''It's okay Bulma. Im leaving this to you for now. There's something I need to do in the other world, but trust me, the earth will be just fine.''

Stop smiling as if everything is okay you idiot! If YOU die WE will all die! The androids will come and theres nothing we can do, how can you leave us with this fate you imecile! Wh..whats with that chuckle?! Oh God Goku I'm going to kill you -seriously!

''Bulma you know you aren't alone..you'll never be''

Stop smiling..Goku..we won't be able to win this, I'm sure, there just no way without you..

''There is and you know it very well''

But Goku..

''Bulma..''

'Bulma hello?' , Krillin muttered, his arms crossed behind his head as he headed his attention towards the bluehair in confusion.

It was very close to winter already and the breeze brushed their bodied in a hard move, leaving goosebumbs on their skin.

Yamcha, Krillin, Oolong, Puar and Bulma had gathered together on the familiar balcony once more, discussing their next moves just the way they had done half a year ago. That famous day before the mysterious boy from the future had appeared, predicting all those vicious events.

'Ehh..sorry guys, I'm totally nervwrecked and tired at the moment', she sighed, hovering her hand over the table in search of her drink. The cold soda's carbon dioxide underlined the sore boiling of her stomach, not exactly making it any better.

Wh..what on earth, stupid memories coming up now..

'You certainly seem so. Now..', Krillin agreed nonchchanantly, taking another sip of his coffee before continuing,'explain to us why you believe that Vegeta would eventually even -consider- holding on to his word. The rest of her guests joined in the questioning look Krillin expressed, obviously expecting an extraordinary good reasoning.
Bulma sighed, inwardly deliberating the report she had given them on her encounter with Vegeta the day before, leaving out the part that had intrigued her.

'Well, to put the actuality on the table, we really have no other choice.I never stated that I'd trust him, but as matter of fact we have to rely on him beating the androids. Besides, you guys even worked together on Namek, didn't you? So you should know best if he's the promise -keeping or -breaking type'

Krillin checked her face, wondering if that was sarcasm, but she seemed to ask genuinly.

'Ehm..', he scoffed nervously, grasping thought. His instincts clearly voted against the insane Saiyan, stating that he was the very last to bestow any hopes upon. Yet to be fair, he couldnt recall any incident where Vegeta had actually given his word for something at all. So he eventually didn't break a promise ether.

'I don't remember such stuff, at least not right now, but I am not eager about finding out how loyal he is ether.'
He should be damned if Vegeta was actually someone to care about promises of such kind...

'You shouldn't think like that anyways Bulma. We can't count on Vegeta, did you forget what he was capable of when he firstly visited earth? As if he'd hesitate to do it again! Moreover, there's still the other Z-fighters..Krillin, me, Tien, Piccolo, Chaotsu. We can do it without Goku AND without Vegeta.'
Yamcha had bend one finger down for each fighter he had named before proudly showing her his full palm, acting as if that was actually reassuring their victory.
'No need to worry!'

'Did they forget to restore your brain in heaven Yamcha?! You guys could barely beat Vegeta alone, not even talking about Freeza -and the Androids are even worse!', she groaled, viewing him in fury while Yamcha braced his back deeper at the cushion of his chair, gulping

'You know what they say, it all starts with a positive attitude..plus..we still have much time to train, we can ca-'

'You'll do nothing like that! We are just human, or are you telling me that YOU will become Superman soon?!', she shouted while glaring in his frightened eyes.

'But Bulma..'

'Ehm..I'm afraid she's right..but..what about Gohan anyways? He's been a tough guy, you saw it yourself Bulma! Don't tell me you forgot about his actions on Namek ', Krillin interrupted, trying to calm the tension. Bulma put her soda cup down before falling back into her fluffy yellow spotted cushion, sighing. She was wearing a big white nappy waistcoat above her longsleeve shirt and to her disappointment, it didn't even keep her warm when she was angry.

'Of course I considered that Krillin, but I don't think that'll work. You see..', she aspirated, sudden worries flashing in her eyes, 'he inherited lots of Goku's traits and his powers can't be denied. But we could also witness plenties of his weaknesses.'

Krillin and Yamcha tensed visibly, focusing on Bulma's words.

'He has no control whatsoever over his real power. Surely he has progressed, but nowhere enough. I mean he does good at combatting, but what makes me doubt him is his attitude.'

'Whaddo you mean attitude?', Oolong interposed, a tear of sweat running down his pignose

Everyone's attention was focused on Bulma once more and slowly but surely the atnosphere thickened, revealing worries an doubts that had been carried secretly inside.
Bulma crossed her arms tightly, looking around in numerous careworn faces.

'Well, don't you remember what Goku always used to say? That Gohan should unleash his fury in order to regain his true powers?'

The guests nodded and slowly it became obvious what Bulma hinted at.

'I'm sorry guys, but I think that's an obligation he can't provide. It seems like Sayians need that specific feature in their personalities to actually become capable of uterlizing the Sayian power and quiet frankly: Gohan lacks it. It's as if..the human genes took over that part, making him a peaceful person.'

Bulma's eyes travelled along the table, making sure her guests could enfollow her train of thoughts, but there was still huge questionmarks written on some faces.

'Haven't you noticed yourself that Gohan has a way smaller drive to train and push himself? Not even speaking of fighting. He isn't like Goku and Vegeta, aiming to confront and battle..he can surely, but there's just not that endless desire to fight.'

The bluehairs voice dwelled for a moment before an silence took over the soundscape.

Though Gohan was said to have even greater powers than pureblood Saiyans, Bulma was right with her course of explanation. Plus, since Goku had passed away once more, the distress must've impacted the child greatly; most likely driving him to depression.
Who knew if he was even capable of training and preparing? Nobody had heard of him ever since Goku's death.

'Okay guys, lets switch topics, this isn't leading anywhere. What else could we do, there has to be something!'

Oolong was fluttering and twisting his arms as if he could waggle the worries away with it.

'Well, thats why I sort of hoped we could get Vegeta to take care of the Android-topic. Even if it means having a great past-Androids- threat close by, it's still better than being tossed around by some bots..', Bulma exhaled in a way that implied she had already made her mind up on it.

'Ah yeah, awesome... No seriously, I'm not sure if I choose the same..'

'Oh Yamcha please, realise once what you are saying! We can't deal in grief, we have to do it in facts and so far, I didn't hear any valid arguments against my suggestion. Moreover, I have another reason why I want him around.' Bulma crossed her arms in front of her chest, covering her face in shadows as she looked down on her bulky blue mechanic trousers.

'What are you waiting for, spit it out...' Krillin muttered, unsure if there was good or bad news coming up.

'Well we can sit tight and hope for Vegeta to be able to defeat the Androids ORRRR...use the information we are granted and give it an attempt to stop the Androids to come into existence in the first place. Now, from what Piccolo told us, silverhair has specified that this is all due to Goku not killing the founder of the Red Ribbon Army and guess what- I know him and I did research. He's a famous scientist called Dr. Gero, but he has went missing years ago. I guess after the destruction of his army he should still be floating around in space, recovering.'

The guys' faces had lit up just to turn to shadows again.

'Wait does that mean we still can't prevent his plans?', Puar shrieked, grabbing hold of his fluffy head with both hands.

'He's in space, how are we supposed to locate him?', Krillin asked, stating the obvious question.

'Bulma clicked her tongue, a small smile on her lips.

'Well now you see what we could need Vegeta for. He was Freeza's henchman, walking around in space for decades. He may not know where exactly Dr. Gero is, but it'd be the best to start with if we had a map of existing planets and some information on their living conditions. He may have been a genius, but he's still limite by his own human body. In other words, I'm sure he had to land on another planet that was offering good living conditions. Also,' Bulma furthere, 'he doesnt have the technology to design a ship from the scratch Goku left him, so he should be around somewhere close.'

'Really?!'

Puar had revealed his happy face, grabbing onto the muscly shoulder of his best friend. Bulma smiled back at the little creature, nodding.

'How is it then, did you get the information from Vegeta yet?'

Krillin was leaning forward just the way Oolong did, placing half of his torso on the big terrace table in front of him as if he had suddenly turned profoundly deaf.

'Hello, don't make this look easier than it is! Who knows if he's willing to give it away at all, I dont wanna be blasted away just because I asked his Majesty in the wrong moment!', Bulma scoffed infidely, shrugging her shoulders in defense.

'Wh..what if we collected the Dragon Balls once more?'

Bulma's and Krillin's head turned towards Yamcha simultanously, both sharing the same baffled expression.
'What would you wish for?', Puar interrupted, slowly popping up behind Yamcha's back once more.

'Look..I do know we cant wish Goku back another time, but uhm..maybe we can come up with another wish instead? Isn't it always good to have a spare set of Dragon Balls in your pocket?'

'You are right, but..Shenlong wont be able to remove the Androids from this planet, so it doesn't really help us with the main problem.'

'To be honest..I'm still kind of fond of Goku coming back..I thought maybe we could gather some thoughts on this, I mean it's always better to have 5 heads than one?' Yamcha laughed, but seemed to actually dwell in a frustrating tension. He folded his arms tighter while furiously footing his fingertips on his upper arm, making it seem as if he played an invisible piano which music only he could hear.
Bulma narrowed her eyes, slowly biting the top end of the straw when she snapped out of her faineance.

'Okay guys, this..this might seem akward as hell, but I do have an idea what we could do.'

The bluehair lowered her back as she unfolded her arms on the table, leaning right into Krillin and Oolong.

'So we can't wish Goku back for now, I mean his body is gone and it's not allowed a second time. But what if we wished his soul back on earth, replacing another one?'

Her voice had subsided at the the end of her sentence, leaving even bigger questionmarks on everyone's mugs.

'But his powers aren't only due to his soul you know..He had kind of explained that on Namek when one of Freeza's henchman called Ginyu had changed body's with him...it's about the combination of Body and Soul..'
Krillin's voice was cracky and thin. He had no intentionso of taking Bulma's idea down, but it was true after all and they had to be realistic.

'..and thats where we reach the potential 'Vegeta-Plan C'', she ushered her new idea, lifting one finger to get the least bit of attention. ' Imagine if we could..replace Vegeta's soul with Goku's? It'd be wierd, but Goku would have plenty of time to get used to Vegeta's body. And most of all- since Vegeta is a fullblooded Sayian, he could maybe ascend Super Saiyan with that body as well!'

'I dont think Shenlong would actually do that..I mean its like..cheating'

Everyone turned around to Puar who in reaction fled under the copious tresses of Yamchas hair.

'He's right..it is kinda..', Yamcha commented while waggling with his finger to lure Puar out of his cranny.

'Hmm', Krillin puled in nervousness, slowly glancing at Bulma before continuing, 'what about wishing Goku to be reborn? As in..now?'

'You are funny, how should he fight them at such young age?! Also..if he was to be reborn here, he'd most likely be a usual human's child, so there wouldn't be any special powers present. Besides, I dont see anyone close by that is pregnant', Bulma scolded while Krillin gulped, still gazing at her ina wierd manner. His eyes went up and down, scrutinising her physique.

'KRILLIN CUT IT OUT IM NOT GOING TO GIVE BIRTH TO A CHILD ANYWHERE SOON!'
The bluehair had smacked her palms on the table in fury, more or less rooting that topic up.

'Okay okay I got it, hahaha.., the boldhead laughed, lifting his forearms in conciliation.

'So, any more brilliant ideas? I can't believe we actually have this conversation right now, this jerk Goku could've found a better way to deal with his illness than wait for it arrive and do it's job! Instead, he just passes away, leaving us in this crappy situation!'

Bulma kept groaling inwardly. She knew she had no right to blame an unwanted future on Goku, but this wasn't like him. He may be a complete dullard at times, but this had been no time for fooling around and she refused to believe that Goku would die just like that, without even trying.
The bluehair kept having the memories of their last talk, which was about 1.5 months ago, skyrocketing in her mind, but it didn't calm her at all.
It did, however, haunt her, making her realise he was gone forever, uncapable of being revived.

Bulma threw her head back to take a glimpse at the dark, clouded sky. It was merely afternoon, but the weather implied that it was a winter's evening already. The weren't allowed to resign, no matter what. But what did Goku mean with his words, which way was the right way?

'Its unlike Goku anyways. He nether talked to anyone for a month before he died, nor did he ever approach us via King Kai since then. He just..vanished from earth.'
Krillin had move backwards a bit, shifting his weight from one ellbowto another while cupping his chin with both hands. His voice was giving away a hint of anger, but what Bulma mainly heard was sadness.

'I still support the idea of gathering the Dragon Balls. Even if all our wishes are forbidden or seem in vain now, in a month of two our perspective may change. Or maybe we are simply wrong and Shenlong will grant one of our wishes? Anyway, I'll go for them, it'll be another 7 months till we should be able to reuse them, so whoever wants to join me is free to do so.'

It had been long since Bulma had heard Yamcha so determined and she started to slowly fancy the idea as well. Beside her two 'proper' plans, there was not much she could do but wait.
Or well, there was one more thing she could think off to do with the Dragon Balls, but she quickly dismissed it.

'I'm in', she stated scanty, scratching the left side of her neck with her right hand.

'Uhm.. if you guys think that'll help us, then you can count me in as well.'
Krillin blinked confusingly, wondering if that was halfway going to get them anywhere.

Then again this time it'd be at least on a familiar territory.

'Bulma can I get a sec?'

The light male voice was filled with predictions and Bulma just gave Yamcha a quick nod while waving Krillin and Oolong goodbye.

She had gotten used to having Yamcha around after being beamed back from the adventurous experiences she made on Namek, but somehow their relationship had proceeded right into a big bunch of nothing.

'Whats the matter?', the bluehaired asked, passing him leisurely while holding onto her famous 'Bulma'- coffee cup. Her footsteps lead into the kitchen and ended at the big, filled dinner table.

'I just wanted to tell you..', he started, quickly following her into the warm room, 'that I'm actually really looking forward to searching for the Dragon Balls with you. I know we have all the right reasons, but it's been some time since we went to do something exciting together and I'm kind of happy that I get to spend this phase with you.'

He smiled at her genuinly, eyes wide open with that hint of youth spirit she had liked about him since she met the ex-bandit back then.

'Thats great to hear, but-'

'I'm actually ..also excited about something else', he interrupted nesciently of her attempt to answer. His cheeks blushed a little and Bulma gathered for a second that he had dirty thoughts.

'You see..', he aspirated once more, tipping the top ends of his pointing fingers against one another, 'we really havent been out much and I really actually wanted to do so. I kind of..want to deepen things a little more..you know Goku even wished you a healthy baby back then, maybe he has some psychic fortune-telling abilities..haha..'

Bulma's jaw dropped for a second.

'Eh Yamcha, you are really bringing that up in a wierd moment!', she muttered in honest confusion. This was pretty much what every woman of her age dreamt of- a MAN that actually digged this whole romantic love/family relationship topic, but to Bulma the timing couldn't have been worse.

'Yamcha, it's really sweet of you, but you know we are dealing with a serious matter at the moment and I'm not having the head for such..stuff. Please, be a little patient with me.'
The look on his face disclosed that it affected him deeper than it was meant to, but Bulma hadn't lied, she just didn't have any capacity in her brains left to deal with love at the moment.

Whatever love meant in this context.

'Its okay.'

She looked up after gulping when suddenly a caorse palm brushed her cheek, holding it softly.

It felt warm.

'I didnt mean to push you, I know things dont go easy on you. But don't forget im still around', he exhaled softly, much sincerity nerving his words.

Yamcha's eyes lingered on hers while his fingers embraced her face, sending small jolts through her pores.

It had been an unfamiliar feeling to Bulma to be treated this way after all this time and something inside her was trying to inform her on something, but she couldn't recognise what it was.
All she was able to o was smile greatfully.

'Thank you'

Bulma's eyes felt so incredibly heavy that evening, it was as if they were made of magnets that enjoyed being attached to one another, exchanging opposite charge.

She hadnt slept for 48 hours now and it was could nearly sense the refreshing feeling of the soft cotton that her newly changed bedsheets provided. She sunk in the comfortablness, fresh lavender smell caressing her nose as she braced herself into the quilt, enjoying how the heavyness of her body faded into lightness.
In fact, it wouldve been the perfect night if it wasn't for the raving thoughts in her head. Hell, she couldn't even tell WHAT she was thinking about, she felt like a spectator of a thoughtrace, unable to tell who's first and who's last and God, who participates at all.

But there was a reason to all.
Bulma gave in to her workaholic mind, trying to differ between the streakks of thoughts that were weaving in her head. Her eyes were focusing in the shiny halfmoon that was sending it's cold rays into her room, nearly creating a sentimental mood.

It had been an eventful day again. Neverthless, there wasn't only the worries that kept her mind busy, she also noticed that there was some untreated feeling inside her that claimed attention by crawling their way up into her conciousness over and over again.
Everyone spoke so casually of Goku's death and Bulma honestly wondered if that was about it. They all had a special relationship with him, knowing him for ages, decades. But so, he was gone..and now everything continued.

To her as well, he had been a close friend. Despite the dark circumstances, it had spread a very gentle feeling inside her remembering the displaced memory of her last talk with Goku; even though it was definitley a wierd one.

Everthing started to cluster in her mind, uncapable of seperation.

Bulma placed her palms on her cold cheeks, seeking for a relief of the burdensome thinking.
He wouldnt come back this time. It was final and they all knew it, but it felt good to fool onself in times like that.
Nonetheless.

Searching for the Dragon Balls was unevitable; not for the intentions of bringing Goku back, but for her very own recondite plan. The humans had to do this on their own and she would be on front lines. They had to try out all their options, had to push through to the edges of the possible, take everything in consideration, free themselves of their own unnotice limits.
If in the end, and that was her estimation, Shenlong would deny all the wishes they named, she would step in and do it; she'd really wish for 'it'.

Bulma had never seriously stated that she was pure at heart, in fact, she was a sneaky, deceiving individual that sticked at nothing but herself.

Turning around, she struggled to wipe the ensaguined imagination that was at the cusp of existince away.

Bulma burried her head in her pillow, holding on to it as tight as possible while digging each fingernail into the down feathers. It felt as if the darkness inside her was so much bigger than the darkness of her room.
She didn't want to die, she just didn't. It was not the time for it, not hers and not the earths, the afterlife wouldn't welcome them yet. She'd pay the price, no matter how high it was.

Slowly opening her eyes, the memory of Goku's reassuring words started to surface her mind once more and all her feelings, the good, the bad and the vicious, suddenly narrowed more and more, ultimately peaking in just one person.

Vegeta.