CHAPTER 13: There and Back Again

The air was stagnant as the only female in the area watched with wide eyes at the events unfolding in front of her. Her hand was grasping tightly onto the small hand of young Gohan, both of them watching intently. Never had she been filled with so much anger, and the feeling was bubbling up inside of her. There were no tears to be found in her eyes, even though her normal reaction would have been to feel extreme sadness. Things were much too horrible to be sad though, no she would not waste time with such an emotion, instead a fiery rage burned inside of her. She wanted to wipe that smug look off of the short Saiyan's face, who was thoroughly enjoying the pain everyone was being put through. His name was Vegeta, and there he sat, no emotion playing on his face, as if he didn't even care what was going on, and this alone infuriated Keiko. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, taking in all of the devastation.

Blood lined the soil, the only thing left of some of the fighters. Yamcha lay in the deep crater; face down, his body covering in blood. The Saiyans had unleashed small fighters called Saibamen, which had all been destroyed, but not before one clung onto Yamcha and self-destructed. Yamcha's body was still there, but Chiaotzu had nothing remaining of him, no sign of his struggle and of his brave deed. He had sacrificed himself in order to try to stop the Saiyan named Nappa, but his honorable move got turned into a mockery by the two Saiyan warriors- because it didn't do anything. Chiaotzu had latched onto Nappa's back and self-destructed, but this barely did anything to hinder the large, burly Saiyan. Tien was so overcome with emotion that he had it in his mind that he would avenge Chiaotzu, but he was no match for the warrior, and now his body lay on the cold ground, lifeless. His arm had been cut off by one of Nappa's attacks, and after seeing Chiaotzu's sacrifice he put the rest of his life force into one last attack.

Three. Three of her friends dead, and it had all happened right before her eyes. Simply recalling the events that led to her death sent her over the edge, her body began shaking in anger, and her grip tightened on Gohan's hand, causing him to pull it away for the fear of it being crushed. They stood in the back of the battlefield, Krillin standing by their side, having had his fair share of a beating. His gi was torn at the knee, a gash running through the fabric over his chest. All three of them stood in complete silence as they watched Piccolo take on Nappa, who had blood smeared on him, from himself and those who he had slain.

"Piccolo can't beat him, he's unstoppable!"

"Stop it Krillin," her voice sounded strange, it had never been filled with so much rage. She turned to look at Krillin before turning her gaze down to Gohan, helping Krillin realize that he shouldn't be talking about Piccolo's loss with Gohan standing right there. Keiko could see the fear in Gohan's eyes as he watched his mentor and his friend going up against Nappa. Piccolo was one of the strongest fighters he knew, in fact he was one of the strongest fighters any of them knew, and to watch him struggle was almost too much to bear.

"Sorry Gohan, I'm sure things will be fine," the lie came seamlessly out of Krillin's mouth, but the words did nothing to ease the fear.

"I can't let him do this alone," the small boy sounded so old as he said this, his hands balling into tight fists, his gaze focused on the ground beneath his feet.

"Gohan-"

"I just wish there was something I could do!" he cut Keiko off, a hopeless feeling residing deep in his chest as he watched his mentor struggle against an almost unstoppable force.

"There is always something you can do Gohan, never doubt yourself, never." The young boy could tell when someone was lying, but he knew that Keiko was telling the truth. That was one of the reasons he so admired her, she had always believed in him, even when he had no strength or courage. She had seen the great heights he could reach, and she never put him down for anything he wanted to do. She was a wonderful support system, and as he gazed up at her he knew that if need be he could help Piccolo- if only he could find the courage he so desperately needed.

"I think we need to get you out of here," Krillin said as he watched Piccolo hover above Nappa before diving down towards him, landing a harsh kick into his shoulder.

"I can't just leave," Keiko turned away needing a break from watching the fight, hoping that by diverting her gaze she would calm down.

"They aren't going to stop Keiko! They will go after all of us, that includes you, and I'm not about to let you get killed."

"No Krillin, I'm staying," she said lowly, gritting her teeth, ready to stand up for her right to be here for her friends.

"Goku, hurry up," Krillin looked away from her and towards the sky. It had been a couple hours, and Goku was still nowhere in sight, and although they knew he would be here soon they feared it would be too late, or perhaps it already was too late.

"He'll be here Krillin, right Keiko?" Gohan's dark brown eyes yearned for her to assure him that his Daddy would be here soon. He knew he could believe Keiko, even her lies were truth to him.

"Right. I'm sure he is already on his way," Keiko smiled down at the half Saiyan, only half believing her words. She knew that Goku would not leave them to face this great evil alone, but she wasn't sure when he would be here.

"I hope you're right Keiko," Krillin wasn't about to be fooled by her words, he wasn't about to believe it until he saw it, and right now the only thing he saw was a grim future.

Krillin's prediction was beginning to look right the more Piccolo took on Nappa. The once feared fighter was now breathing heavily, purple blood running down his face, his clothes torn, and his energy low. The Saiyan looked badly beaten, cuts, scratches, dirt covering him from where he had been slammed into the earth, and his Saiyan armor had cracks in it, but he was ready to keep fighting- Piccolo was not. For every good hit Piccolo would land on him, Nappa would land two more on the newly found out Namek. Perhaps the only good thing to come from this all is that Piccolo discovered that he was in fact a Namekian, coming from a planet known as Namek.

"Gohan!" Piccolo shouted out as a hard fist made contact with his jaw, sending him skyrocketing down towards the hard earth below. The small boys body tightened, his muscles contracting as he heard his name being called.

"I-I have to help," he stuttered as he watched his mentor slam into the ground. The whole purpose of this last year had been for Gohan to become strong enough to face the Saiyans, and he hadn't even fought yet. He was filled with fear as he saw the pain Piccolo was enduring, but he wasn't sure what could be done. Nappa flew down to where Piccolo landed, and with one strong hand lifted the Namekian high above his head.

"Just finish it Nappa," Vegeta said nonchalantly, as if Piccolo's life was meaningless. Nappa grinned wickedly, raising his free hand and placing it merely inches from Piccolo's face. An intense glow began to radiate from his hands as he was preparing to hit Piccolo with a Ki blast at point blank range, which would surely kill him.

"No," Gohan whispered, his body beginning to shake as his small hands balled up into fists, "No!" his voice rang out as he hurled his body into the air, moving so quickly that it cause a gust of air to blow- nearly knocking over Keiko.

"Gohan!" she called out, unable to see where he had gone, until she heard a loud grunt of pain and saw Nappa lying on his back on the ground.

Piccolo had fallen from Nappa's grasp, and was now on his hands and knees, trying to regain his strength. Gohan stood near him, his body still racked with anger as he looked at the fallen Nappa. Unfortunately Nappa did not stay down long, and as he stood up he let out a low laugh. "You've done it now kid," he smirked before suddenly appearing right in front of Gohan, lifting him up from his shirt and tossing him like he was a rag doll.

Gohan's back collided with one of the numerous cliffs, his body sliding down until hitting the ground. He was shaken up, and the hit had caused him to lose the courage he had built up. His eyes looked around, he was far away from all of his friends, and no one would be able to help him now. He stood up on shaky legs, unable to figure out where Nappa had gone, until something hard hit his side, the force not enough to break anything, but enough to send him flying yet again until he fell onto his back onto the dirt.

"Nappa! What are you doing! Stop toying around, we don't have all day!" Vegeta shouted, his voice carrying over to where Nappa and Gohan were.

"Don't worry Vegeta, I'm done with this one," the bald headed Saiyan replied, stopping a good distance away from Gohan, who was still trying to stand up. Nappa set his feet into the ground, and raised his hand as he charged an attack.

"Gohan!" Keiko yelled, about to go and intervene but Krillin grabbed her by the waist and refused to let her go.

"You'll get yourself killed!"

"I'm not going to let him hurt Gohan," she was enraged, her whole body flailing as she tried to get Krillin off of her. Finally she hit a snapping point, the anger bringing her to a whole new level of power. She pushed off the ground, her body soaring upwards, Krillin still holding on, begging her to stop. With one quick movement she was out of his grasp and her hands latched onto his gi before she threw him down to separate herself from him.

"Piccolo!" she heard Gohan's voice call, and as she turned she was stunned at what she saw. There stood Piccolo, standing in front of Gohan, protecting him from the oncoming blast. His arms were spread wide, his body ready to be sacrificed to save Gohan's life. His yell echoed through the area, bouncing off of the cliffs and into everyone's ears. The blast caused such a bright light that Keiko had to close her eyes, but although it felt like a lifetime it was only an instant, and before she knew it- it was over.

"Piccolo?" Gohan asked as his whole body shook from fear. There was his friend, lying on the ground, badly injured, and it was all because of him. Piccolo did this to save him, and as he ran towards his friend the hope he had was dwindling.

"I'm proud of you Gohan," the Namekian whispered, the pain making it hard for him to speak. Gohan didn't know what to say; instead he just kneeled there until Piccolo took his final breath, his sacrifice complete.

"Hey Vegeta! I got the Namek!" Nappa shouted before setting his eyes back on Gohan, "Don't think you got out of it just yet kid," he set his feet yet again, charging up another blast.

"Stop!" Gohan's view of Nappa became obstructed, and as he looked up he was surprised to see Keiko standing in front of him.

"Huh? What do you want?" Nappa asked her, lowering his arm.

"You," she sneered and using the element of surprise managed to move quick enough to land a hard punch on Nappa's face. His face jerked from the impact, but his body did not move a muscle. "Gohan, get out of here!" she yelled as she soared up in the sky, looking down at the now furious Nappa. She looked over her shoulder, seeing that Gohan was too filled with fear to move. "Krillin!" she yelled, and in an instant Krillin flew over and picked up Gohan, taking him back to where he had been standing.

"We can't just let her fight him," Gohan objected as he was being carried away.

"I know Gohan, we will figure something out."

"That was a lucky hit," the large Saiyan was now utterly infuriated; he couldn't believe that this woman had landed a hit on him. It didn't hurt his physically, but it was enough to seriously impair is pride.

"Do you want another one!" she called from her spot up in the air, watching him carefully. She knew she couldn't win, and she knew that she shouldn't have gotten herself into this mess, but she couldn't let Gohan get hurt. All she had to do was hold out until Goku came, but she knew that that wouldn't be easy.

"You're going to regret this," he snarled before flying up in the air, heading straight towards Keiko. The punch left a whoosh of air smoothing over her face, her breath was hitched in her throat as she stared at the fist that had almost hit her right in cheek. She had managed to dodge it, but only because Nappa's anger was messing him up. He was becoming sloppy, but he would fix that soon, especially now that his first attempted hit had missed. "Why you!" he shouted, trying to land another hit, but Keiko stopped focusing on flying so her body quickly descended to the ground, dodging his punch.

I can't keep dodging him, he's gonna wise up eventually. She refocused her energy right before she was about to hit the ground, allowing herself to hover for a second before gracefully landing on her feet. She had let her attention wander though, and as she felt the back of his hand whack across her face she realized that she had never felt pain like this before.

"Ugh," her body forcefully hit the ground, landing on her back and skidding a few more feet until she came to a stop. Her hand instinctively reached up to her face, the swelling already setting in. She didn't have time to assess the damage now though, she wasn't out of danger. The adrenaline coursing through her body helped in her efforts to stand back up.

"You're not talking so tough now," Nappa appeared in front of her, sending chills down her spine, and he could see the fear in her eyes. She didn't have time to be scared though, and with a quick move to her right she raised her leg and landed a kick into his side, but it did nothing. His hands wrapped around her ankle, lifting her up brutally from the leg and flinging her even further.

She tried to land on her feet, or focus her energy so she could fly up instead of falling down, but she couldn't do either of the two. Instead her body landed on its side, skidding to a stop yet again. A breathless cough came from her mouth, her whole body aching. She knew that it was over, and in fact she lasted longer than she thought she would. She wasn't about to go out lying on the ground, so with an extreme effort she brought herself back up onto her feet. The pain had been clouding her mind, so much so that she didn't notice that Nappa hadn't followed her, instead he was standing far away from her. Her eyes widened as she saw the Ki he held in his hands, another blast like the one that killed Piccolo. She wanted to run, but her whole body was frozen in fear, like a dear stuck in the headlights. She closed her eyes tightly as the blast was about to be released, and she prepared for the impact that would surely take her life.

The impact never came though, instead she could feel this immense heat wrap around her body. The bright light could still be seen, even though her lids were closed. Her eyes opened up to see the Ki surging on both sides of her, heat radiating from it and an awful noise that sounded like an explosion ringing in her ears. Her dark hair was being whipped around by the wind that blast was causing, and her mind couldn't process exactly what was going on, until she looked in front of her. She couldn't believe her eyes, because there standing in front of her was Goku. His arms were crossed over his chest, deflecting the blast like it was nothing, causing him no pain and protecting Keiko.

"Goku," she whispered as the blast began to fade away, her hair falling back down onto her shoulders and the world becoming quiet yet again.

"What are you doing here?" he spun around, a look in his eyes that Keiko had rarely seen.

"I'm…I'm sorry?"

"You could have been killed; you need to get out of here!"

"Goku, but, you're, you're," she couldn't stop the tears from beginning to well up in her eyes. She wanted to give him a hug, but she knew he was angry with her, and he had a right to be. She was being foolish, she had no chance up against Nappa, yet she still tried but to no avail.

Electric shocks coursed through her body as his arms wrapped around her shoulders. His scent filled her nostrils, nostalgia taking over as she rested her forehead on his chest, "I'm sorry Goku," she whimpered, and the pain she had been holding inside this whole time beginning to show.

"It's okay, I'm just happy I got here when I did Keiko," his voice was gentle, all signs of anger fading away. He just couldn't believe that she had almost been killed; the thought caused a pain to course through his body. He didn't even want to think what would have happened if he hadn't gotten here in time, "You need to get out of here," he said sternly, holding onto her shoulders and pulling her away as he stared into her crystal blue eyes.

"I can't," she shook her head. He had just come back, and now she would have to leave him here with these two powerful Saiyans.

"You have to. I won't be able to fight with you here, I will be too worried."

She had missed his voice, and as she stood there looking up at him she felt torn inside. She knew she should leave, for him. But she also didn't want to go and leave him here to face an unknown fate. She wouldn't be able to help though, and for that reason she had to go. "Be careful," she whispered, and he just gave her a grin, as if nothing would be wrong.

"So Kakarot has finally decided to show up, a little late I'd say," Vegeta mocked as he looked at the bodies of those who had been slain. Goku took a moment to look around, his eyes resting on Piccolo, Yamcha, and Tien, and in his heart he knew that Chiaotzu was gone as well.

"C'mon," he said as he swooped Keiko off of her feet to fly her towards Krillin and Goku.

"Hey, where ya goin?" Nappa called, about ready to chase after them.

"Give him a minute Nappa, I want him to hear of the wonderful things we've done here," Vegeta flew over towards his fellow Saiyan, his short stature standing next to the large Nappa.

"Daddy!" Gohan cried out as Goku landed, placing Keiko gently down onto her feet, "Oh Daddy, I tried but I couldn't! Piccolo had to save me," he ran into his Father's arm, overwhelmed with a mix of emotions ranging from sadness to joy.

"I know son, and I'm proud of you, I've missed you," Goku hugged his son, realizing that he had missed a year of his sons life, and for that he was sorry.

"It's good to see you again Goku," hope had reappeared in Krillin's voice as he looked at his best friend, trusting that if anyone could defeat those Saiyans- Goku could.

"You too Krillin, I just wish it was under better circumstances," Goku stood up and looked around him, not able to believe the destruction that had been caused.

Keiko simply stood there and stared at him, not able to believe that here he was, in the flesh. She hadn't seen him in a year, and right now he was standing right in front of her eyes. He looked the same, yet different. He was obviously stronger now, having gained more muscles, but there was something else that was different- something that could not be seen. He had a different air about him, this new found knowledge that his training had brought to him. A much more mature Goku stood before her, and she was beginning to regret her decision to go back to the Kame House.

"So I take it those are them?" the newly revived Saiyan asked, turning his head to look over at the two fighters standing a distance away.

"Yeah, their names are Nappa and Vegeta. Nappa's the big one, Vegeta's the other one, and let me warn you Goku- they are way more powerful than anything we have seen before," Krillin's gaze was set on the two brute forces, and just looking at them made him feel sick to his stomach.

In the midst of the conversation, a sudden gasp came from Gohan, everyone turning their attention to him, "Piccolo's gone…which means Kami is gone…which means the Dragonballs…"

"Are gone," Krillin finished the boy's sentence, and the realization that they would not be able to bring their friends back began to set in.

"We will figure it out guys, don't worry," Goku wasn't sure how they would manage to bring all their friends back to life, but there was no time to stress about that right now. Where there is a will there is a way, and Goku knew they would figure something out, "Keiko, can you make it back to Roshi's by yourself?"

"What? Keiko, you're not going are you?"

"I have to Gohan," she tried to explain as she kneeled down so she was more at Gohan's level. She could see the hurt in his eyes, a worry that she knew all too well.

"But-"

"Listen," her hands reached up and took his hands in hers, "I believe in you Gohan. You'll be fine, but if I stay I won't be. I know this is hard, but you are much stronger than you realize Gohan. I love ya kid," she could feel tears building in her eyes as she pulled the boy in, her arms wrapping around him.

Goku stood there speechless, watching as his son was held in a tight embrace by his best friend. He knew that he had been gone for a year, leaving his son alone and going through the trials of training with Piccolo. He would ask King Kai to tune into Earth and tell him how his son was doing. He knew of the struggle his son faced, but he was so proud of him, but he wished he could be there for him, but now he realized that Gohan was never alone. As long as Keiko was around his son would have someone on this planet that would do anything for him. He couldn't believe he was so lucky to have someone like her in his life, and how lucky Gohan was as well.

"I'll see you later okay?" Keiko smiled as she stood up, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to stay strong for Gohan who was about to face one of the toughest moments in his young life, "You be safe," she turned her attention to Krillin, pointing her finger at him.

"I will, I will," he laughed, knowing that she would be ridiculously angry with him if he let anything happen to himself.

"You too Saiyan," she gently punched Goku in the shoulder, trying to stay as positive as possible before she had to leave.

"I don't know if I want to be the same as them," Goku said bitterly as he looked at the other two Saiyans in the vicinity.

"But that's the thing mister, you aren't," Keiko shrugged, Goku looking back at her to see a smile lighting up her face, "You're a Saiyan Goku, but you aren't like them, not at all."

In the same way Gohan believed the words Keiko said, so did Goku, and he had since they were children. When he was just a thirteen year old boy with no idea of what his future would hold, and no cares in the world, he was always on the move and always meeting new people and experiencing new things. He would forget names, places, events, because his brain couldn't hold all of the things he did, yet one small, timid girl standing in front of a yellow house caught and held his attention. She was always there to talk to, and had a way about her that made her irresistible to be around. Her words were gold, and as he listened to her now he felt so foolish for forgetting just how much he cared about her. Being apart from all the ones he loved for a year made an impact on his life, opening his eyes to the blessing he had in front of him, and his friendship was Keiko was something he took for granted. But seeing her almost get killed, watching her with his son, and now listening to her back him up like she always did, he felt so grateful to have her in his life.

"Good luck," her small frame moved towards him, her arms wrapping around his waist as she gave him one of her signature hugs. He couldn't count the number of times she had attacked him in a hug, but now there was something about such a small action that let him know that things would be alright.

"Come here you," she released Goku before lunging at Krillin, laughing as she smothered him in a hug, "And Gohan, one more hug," she knelt down yet again, giving the boy a short hug before she stood up and faced all three of them.

"Be careful Keiko," Goku said, hoping that she would be able to fly back to Roshi's without any trouble.

"You too," she whispered.

It took all of her strength to push herself up into the air and turn her back on three people that she cared about so much. She flew quickly at first, wanting to get away that way she wouldn't be tempted to turn back. She understood why she needed to leave, she would just be a hindrance, but she still wished she was standing there with them. Eventually she was forced to slow down though as she began getting tired, her body aching from the hits Nappa had landed on her. She felt her face to feel the swelling was getting worse, and she figured it was beginning to bruise. She could only imagine the things Bulma would say when she saw her; she would probably plead for all of the details and then insist on helping Keiko cover up the bruise with makeup and scolding her for getting involved. How will I tell her about Yamcha? The thought made Keiko feel nauseous. She wasn't coming back with good news; instead she was the one who would have to tell them that most of their friends were dead now. She didn't feel so badly about flying slow anymore, the thought of what she would face when she landed at the Kame house was almost too much to bear.

Keiko wasn't sure how much time had passed, but eventually the Kame house came into view, and an instant feeling of exhaustion began taking her over. She was so close yet so far, and her body was aching and her energy spent from flying for so far. Once her feet hit the soft sand her body collapsed, her arms spreading wide, one arm laying in the cool ocean water. No one seemed to notice her arrival at first, giving her a moment to catch her breath, but she wasn't going to be able to get herself up anytime soon.

"Keiko!"

"Huh?" she raised her head to see Turtle slowly making his way towards her, "Hey Turtle," she mumbled before her head fell back.

"Guys! Guys come out here! It's Keiko!" That was all it took for a rush of people to burst out of the house and towards Keiko's aid.

"Oh my gosh what happened!" Bulma yelled as she looked down at the exhausted and beaten Keiko.

"Nice to see you too," she tried to joke, but Bulma wasn't having it. Bulma knelt down and slung Keiko's arm around her shoulder and tried to get her up.

"Let me help," Master Roshi said, getting Keiko's other arm and combined they lifted Keiko up onto her feet.

"How's Gohan! How's my baby! What happened!"

Oh dear Kami I already have a headache. Keiko thought sarcastically as a frantic Chi-Chi ran out of the house and attacked her with a barrage of questions.

"We need to get her inside," Bulma said, ignoring Chi-Chi just like Keiko was trying to do, she didn't have the patience right now to deal with an overly concerned mother.

"Who's this?" a strange small woman asked from her perch on a crystal ball.

"This is Keiko," Roshi responded to her, "And Keiko this is Fortuneteller Baba, my sister."

"Someone else here to watch the fight?" Baba asked as her hands roamed over the ball, a picture appearing on the glass.

"Have you been watching this whole time?" Keiko's body was being carried over to the couch, her eyes glued to the crystal ball.

"Yes except when that stupid piece of junk ball decides to go out of service!" Chi-Chi complained as she ran over to the ball and put her face right up to it.

"So you-"

"We know," the somber tone in Bulma's voice said it all, and soon the whole room became quiet as they all remembered their fallen friends, "Let's get you fixed up, Roshi help me carry her to the spare room." The two of them picked her up yet again before taking her back into the spare bedroom, placing her gently on the bed, "You can leave now," Bulma said, agitated as Roshi stood there, staring at Keiko.

"You all are no fun," he grumbled, exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

"Ow," Keiko flinched as she sat up and peeled the shirt off of her back. Her eyes scanned her body to see purple bruises forming all over her torso. She felt a piece of clothing softly hit her arm, and she looked next to her to see a blue t-shirt that Bulma had tossed towards her. She gently put it on, but not without some pain, and when she took off her gi pants she saw even more bruises and a few cuts lining her legs. She slipped on a pair of comfy grey sweat pants before lying back on the bed, unable to move anymore.

"Here you go," Bulma had left to go into the bathroom, and came back with a mirror, cotton balls, band aids, a small bowl of warm water, a washcloth, and some disinfectant.

"Thanks," Keiko placed the bowl and washcloth on the nightstand next to her and put the rest of the supplies on the bed.

"You're welcome," Bulma politely said before pausing, and Keiko knew what was coming up, "Now do you mind telling me what you were thinking!"

"I had to help," Keiko tried to stay calm in order to not instigate anything with Bulma, but it was already too late.

"You could have been killed! You shouldn't have even gone! I mean, I know you were trying to help, but you're lucky you're okay!"

"This is gonna take a while to heal," Keiko said to herself as she held the mirror up to her face to see a green bruise spread all across her swollen right cheek.

"Are you even listening to me!"

"Yes I am," she continued looking at herself in the mirror, truthfully not hearing much of what Bulma was ranting about.

"Well, you obviously need to rest," Bulma crossed her arms over her chest, "Do you want to go watch what is going on?"

"I don't know if I can handle Chi-Chi right now," her voice was soft, to make sure that no one outside the room heard her, but her words also could not help but make Bulma roll her eyes.

"You have no idea how bad it's been," Bulma looked behind her, just to make sure that no one would hear her, "Gohan! Oh my Gohan! My poor baby!" she imitated Chi-Chi, causing a laugh to come from Keiko even though it hurt her body to do so, "All. Day. Long."

"She has a right to be worried," Keiko tried to stick up for her, even though she knew how insane and ridiculous that woman could get, but it didn't feel right to put her down so much.

"Well, whenever you're ready you can came out and watch with us," Bulma left the room, closing the door behind her and leaving Keiko alone with her thoughts, and her aches and pains.

She took her time bandaging up her wounds, washing them with the warm water before putting disinfectant on them. There wasn't much she could do for the bruises, besides run the washcloth over them and pray they would go away soon. Her face was in pain, so once she had finished with her other injuries; she placed the wet washcloth on her swollen cheek and held it there. She wanted to go out and watch with the others, but she had already seen enough. She needed a moment of silence, a moment to collect her thoughts and process all that had happened in such a short amount of time. Her body felt weak, drained from all of the emotions of the day as well as the physical exertion. She couldn't help but worry about Krillin, Gohan, and Goku, but there was one uplifting thought that brought her back to sanity- Goku's back. She recalled the feeling she had when she saw him again, and as her eyes became heavy and her mind drifted off into a deep sleep, she could feel that immense joy radiate through her body.

Author's Note: Sometimes I feel like such a broken record in my author's notes! So here we go again- thanks to everyone who left a review and read the last chapter. I love hearing what you all have to say, so keep on letting me know your thoughts about the story, and I hope you liked this chapter. I'm trying to move things along because a big part of the story is coming up.

Also- some people have been leaving requests in their reviews, so I feel I should address those. I do have two DBZ stories I plan on writing, one is going to be the sequel to this story (get pumped! there is gonna be a sequel!), and another DBZ story with an OC. Other than that, I have my mind focused on this story, but I do take the requests into consideration for possible one shots, so I do like hearing requests but just know that any one shots I make from those requests may not be out anytime soon.

And for the last part of my broken record speel- check out Ardikani4's story No Matter What. It is a DBZ story with an OC, and you will not regret checking it out.

So that's all folks, hope you enjoyed the update!