A.N.: Here's another update of Book 3 of my Different Upbringing Series.
No reviews = No updates.
Well…I have no words for the 2nd accidental hiatus. There have been family and financial problems lately, of which include the amount of online classes that I'll be taking this semester; which turned out to only be one class, so I'll have a lot more time than expected. Really, I am sorry about the hiatus. Everything is back into a normal order for me, so I hope to be getting back to normal updates. I am still in a writing mood, so after I post this, I'll be starting to write some more of the next chapter. Please forgive me!
Anyway, the RQ this chapter isn't related towards the story/stories in any way. Instead, it is related to the drawings on the characters that I've mention, so be sure to answer!
kitsunelover300: It's relieving that you liked the way I wrote the whole father/daughter moment between Vegeta and Vitani. I tried to make it sound realistic for him while also making it touching at the same time. It was short and sweet, but I liked it none the less. Katsu as a father figure will probably be a slow-ish process, but I'm excited to write it. As for your PM (I really meant to reply to it before), but it would add a bit of humor to the next book and definitely sounds like something Vitani would do. Wouldn't it be funny if Vitani's actions turned out to not bother Laise as much-causing Vitani to be irritated in return. Hehe, there are so many possibilities. Thanks for the review! :D
dream lighting: Arata and Gohan both will be on the Kai planet. It may be next chapter to the one after…I don't know yet. Anyway, thanks for the review. :D
James1996: This chapter didn't come as fast as we expected, huh? Anyway, thanks for your review last chapter! :D
Heseltine: Vitani is Vegeta's daughter and, I mean, who wouldn't be suspicious of Vegeta after witnessing him knock out the boys? Hehe, she's a sarcastic spitfire and it'll be fun to write her when she's older. Katsu is a bit protective of her and I hope to show the growing bond between him and Natsuki since Arata isn't in the picture at that moment in time. Arata and Katsu married human style? Hehe…I can totally see Gohan and ChiChi hounding both of them to do so, how about you? Hehe, that'll be fun. Thanks for the review. :D
LostLonelyLies: Natsuki and Vitani will fuse and I have a funny scenes planned (hopefully) to write into that part. It's no problem about the review (although I do appreciate them), thanks for the review
Guest: Hehe, hi again. I don't mind you saying, naturally, I like hearing it in return. As usual, love the little scenes, hilarious. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for the review. :D
Anony: The bond between Katsu and Natsuki will definitely have to increase for a father/daughter type of bond to form and with Arata out of the picture for the moment, it'll give them more time to do so (I'll hopefully be showing some bonding moment next chapter)
C4tloverr: Natsuki and Katsu have a bond, though I guess it would be more of a friendly one right now. I mean, Katsu hasn't really ever been protective of her until they came to Earth. Natsuki has had to grow on him and Arata being "dead" will affect Katsu when it comes to Natsuki (hopefully be showing that next chapter). Thanks for the review. :D
Enjoy the Chapter.
Different Upbringing (Book 3): Adjusting
Summary: 16 years ago, Son Arata was taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous and unfamiliar world. Now, thanks to Mirai Natsuki, Son Arata is coming back home. However, 2 months after the rescue, the return becomes bittersweet from the emergence of a new enemy. Son Arata isn't exactly the strongest among the Z-Fighters and this new enemy will change just that.
By: Givihe
Chapter Twenty Four
-Change of Plans-
-Katsu's POV-
"Hey, what's up with the rush you guys?" Yajirobe questioned as Krillin, Piccolo, and Katsu all holding the kids just arrived at the top of Korin's tower. Katsu briefly remember Yajirobe from when Gohan had taken them up to meet Piccolo, Dende, and Mr. Popo the first time. It wasn't long, just enough time to say hello with a few introductions.
Krillin and Piccolo stopped with Katsu doing the same with a couple second delay. "Hey, do you have any more Senzu Beans?" Krillin questioned, not answering Yajirobe's question.
"We're not running a bean factory here." Yajirobe said as he held up three fingers. "You just took our last three. We're going to have to start charging."
Krillin, Piccolo, and Katsu hovered upwards a bit, eager to get to the lookout. "I'm surprised you haven't started charging, knowing you." Krillin replied.
"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Yajirobe yelled, clearly not amused by Krillin's comment. "I live like a monk up here. I don't even have a TV set."
Krillin gaped at Yajirobe. "You don't have a TV? Wow, you really are roughing it up here!" he said before looking at Piccolo. "Let's go, Piccolo."
Krillin took off faster while Yajirobe continued yelling. "That's right! All I do is grow beans for you ingrates. I can't even get a pizza delivered up here!" he complained.
"Maybe if you weren't so lazy, you could learn how to fly!" Krillin yelled as Piccolo and Katsu took off after Krillin in the direction of the Lookout.
Katsu shook his head at the obese man. "What's the deal with that Yajirobe guy anyway?" he questioned.
Krillin chuckled. "Yajirobe is another friend of Goku's, as Gohan probably explained to you. Basically, Yajirobe was the one that cut of Vegeta's tail during the later parts of Vegeta and Goku's battle." He explained.
A smirk came across Katsu's face. "The all-mighty prince must not have liked that." He stated in amusement.
"Not one bit." Krillin shook his head. "Yajirobe high tailed it out of there the moment Vegeta's anger turned towards him."
"Hello, up there!" Mr. Popo greeted as he and Dende both ran up to meet them.
Dende was slower behind Mr. Popo. "How are you doing it? It's good to see you again." He said. Dende turned serious at the sight of the unconscious children. "Uh oh. It looks like the kids are injured."
Mr. Popo looked on in worry. "Please, don't tell me the little ones are hurt?" he asked.
"No, they're fine. Vegeta just knocked out Trunks, Goten, and Vitani so they wouldn't interfere. They just need some rest for a little while." Piccolo answered.
"Oh, thank goodness." Mr. Popo said, relieved.
Dende immediately noticed how Natsuki wasn't mention in that sentence as his gaze rested on the sleeping girl. "And what about Natsuki?" he questioned.
"Fell asleep on the way here." Katsu answered, looking down at Natsuki, who was curled up towards his neck.
Dende smiled a bit at Natsuki. "Poor thing. Gets out of one dangerous situation and then get put directly into another. Must have been a trying day, especially after her fight with Vitani." He said before changing the subject a bit. "We should get them all to bed. Popo?"
Mr. Popo looked over at Dende. "Yes, sir. I just changed the sheets yesterday and I put fresh pillowcases on them this morning." He informed before motioning towards Piccolo and Katsu. "Let's see, they can use Kami's old quilt. Yes. That's the softest one we have. This way, please." Piccolo and Katsu immediately began walking behind Mr. Popo as he walked back inside. Dende and Krillin followed behind as they listened to Mr. Popo's rambling while they made their way to the bedroom that the kids would be sleeping in.
"Thanks for that, Mr. Popo." Dende said after they put the kids in the bed. Trunks and Vitani were put on one side while Goten and Natsuki were put on the other. As they walked back outside, Dende continued talking. "So, I take it we haven't made any headway against Buu and Babidi?"
Piccolo raised his head towards his fellow Namekian as they arrived outside. "Hmm. I'm afraid not." He answered the guardian. "We've been pounded so far. Even Goku."
"Yeah, I know it's been hard. I've been sensing the whole battle." Dende informed.
"He can do that?" Katsu muttered, getting a light grunt from Piccolo as confirmation.
Krillin jumped forward with a wide smile on his face. "You have? Then you can tell us how Goku's doing! Is he okay?"
Dende looked over at Krillin and smiled. "Well, it is difficult to kill a man that is already dead." He joked.
"Yeah, I guess you've got a point there." Krillin laughed it off.
Piccolo's glare towards Krillin ceased his laughing and Dende continued. "A little while ago, Vegeta's energy signal completely disappeared." He said, stating an unspoken question.
"Yeah, he's gone." Krillin confirmed. "Yeah. His attack has Buu in a million pieces, but Buu just reformed."
"How do you beat an enemy that can do that?" Dende exasperated. "It doesn't seem possible."
Katsu crossed his arms. "More importantly, where are Gohan and Arata. That's what I want to know." He demanded, not caring if he sounded rude or not.
Dende looked as if he was suddenly interested in the ground beneath his feet. "Hmm…I can't sense either of them. I'm sorry." He said, still not looking up.
"Gohan, Arata…" Krillin sighed.
"What does that mean…when you can't sense them?" Katsu questioned slowly.
Krillin raised his eyebrows at Katsu. "You mean Gohan never told you?" he asked.
Katsu shrugged. "It never came up." He stated.
"It means that they're dead." Piccolo said gruffly.
"What?" Katsu nearly gasped in shock.
Dende sighed. "If you can't sense a life force of someone, no matter how small, then that mean they're not alive. No life force equals no living person or thing." He explained sadly. Dende looked up at Katsu. "I'm sorry. I know how close you were to her."
Katsu's hands clenched his hands and teeth as he tightly closed his eyes. Anger pulsed through his veins. That damn monster. A fucking pink, childish blob! Getting rescued from Frig means nothing with this to occur. Damn it. I should have sent her off with Natsuki when I had the chance. She may have been pissed off at me, but at least she'd be safe. He ranted mentally.
"Y-You alright?" Krillin questioned nervously.
"That blob will be dead…even if it's the last thing I do." Katsu growled.
Mr. Popo shook his head sadly. "Natsuki will be devastated." He murmured.
"Dende. What about the Supreme Kai? Can you still sense him?" Piccolo asked.
Dende looked up with wide eyes. "Oh on, I forgot about Supreme Kai. I'll try to find him." He said quickly before concentrating.
"Good. There's no way to make a plan until we find out who we all have left to work with." Piccolo said.
After a few seconds passed, Dende looked back up with wide eyes once again. "I sense him! You can sense him too, just look with me." He instructed.
"Yes. I feel it. It's faint, but it's still there!" Piccolo exclaimed with wide eyes as well. "Buu's power must have been masking it."
Dende relaxed. "Piccolo, tell me. Do we have a chance?" he asked, turning serious.
Piccolo looked down once again. "Given what we have and what we're up against, I'd say no. But nothing certain. Ever since I saw Goku transform into a Super Saiyan, I don't rule anything out." He answered, getting a nod from Dende.
"I understand. You're saying we need a miracle to win. That you've seen one happen before." Dende reiterated while Krillin walked over to the side and sat down on the ground.
"Yes." Piccolo confirmed.
Krillin sighed. "So, will someone tell me what the heck we go from here?" he questioned.
"If I were you, I'd do what Goku would do." Mr. Popo spoke up. "He'd eat the meal I just pulled out of the oven rather than fight on an empty stomach."
Krillin chuckled a bit. Katsu crossed his arms again. "So…we're just going to sit and eat, when we could be thinking of a plan? The hell?" he questioned.
Piccolo looked about ready to comment, but Dende smiled. "Why not? It's not like we can't do anything at the moment. Let's eat! We can build up our strength while we wait." He said.
Krillin sullen mood suddenly turned happy at the idea. Mr. Popo had set up the meal he had pulled out of the oven and they say down to eat it, minus Piccolo and Dende who settled on some water instead.
"We're in a real dilemma here." Krillin said as they walked back outside after they finished eating the meal. "Vegeta, Gohan, and Arata are dead or suspected dead, and Goku is nowhere to be found! How could it get any worse?"
"We've been in tough situations before." Piccolo pointed out.
"Yeah, I know. But Goku showed up when things got really bad. Like they are now." Krillin groaned. "Sorry, guys. I should be more positive. That's the way Goku would be."
Katsu grunted. "So, in your mind, we can't do anything with Goku? Very convincing." He said in an angry and sarcastic tone.
"Goku knows that to win, you have to believe that you're going to win." Piccolo informed.
"Yeah, he's like a little kid. Thinks he can't do anything." Krillin said before his attention shifted to another topic. "Hey, speaking of kids. Do you think it'd be alright if I bring my family up here, Dende?"
"I'm not sure." Dende said hesitantly as he looked towards Piccolo. "What do you think?"
"You're the guardian of the Earth now. It's your decision." Piccolo said.
Dende smiled. "Well, technically speaking it's not proper, but if it wasn't for you guys, this planet even be here. So, I say, let's bend the rules." He granted permission.
Krillin smiled widely in return and held up a thumbs up. "Hey, great! Thanks a lot, Dende!" he said.
Piccolo gasped as Goku suddenly appeared in front of them. Katsu huffed out his annoyance at being lightly startled by Goku's sudden appearance. "Either I'm hallucinating, or that's Goku standing there." Krillin said, shocked. "Goku, is that really you?"
"Hi." Goku said simply.
"He's real! He talks and everything!" Krillin gasped happily.
Katsu wanted to pull his hair out from Krillin actions, it was annoying the hell out of him. Tears formed in Krillin's eyes as Dende laughed a bit as well. Piccolo and Katsu seemed to be the only once not showing much joy.
"Hey, what's the deal? Why are you so sad? I thought you'd be happy to see me." Goku said cheerfully.
"I'm not sad, you oaf!" Krillin said, smiling in relief. "I'm just so happy, I could cry. You're alive! You're alive!"
"Well, I'm about as alive as a dead guy can get." Goku joked.
Krillin ran forward to stand directly in front of Goku while the others followed after him calmly. Katsu kept his arms crossed, not exactly pleased by the happiness and joy that was taking place with Buu on the loose.
"Look at you. You look like you've been through a meat grinder." Krillin commented. "How about we get those injuries taken care of?"
"Ah, Senzu Bean, huh?" Goku said.
"Nope. We're out." Krillin said bluntly. "But, we can do better than that. That's if Dende's willing to do some healing. What do you say, guardian of the Earth?"
"Well of course. Certainly." Dende said as he stepped forward to get closer to Goku.
Goku sat on the ground. "Wow, thank you. I really appreciate it." He said.
Dende outstretched his hands at Goku before he began to heal Goku. "Don't mention it. I'm happy to help." He said.
After Dende healed Goku, the others, more specifically Piccolo, brought Goku up to speed to the situation at hand. "We unaware of the Supreme Kai's whereabouts. Though we faintly detect he's alive. We just brought the little ones back to recuperate when you showed up." He finished.
"Gohan. Arata. The Supreme Kai. Even Vegeta. All gone." Goku sighed out sadly. He growled before lifting his head from his downward position. "What kind of monster are we dealing with?"
"Majin Buu's power level continues to increase at a rate unlike any enemy we've encountered before. If we can't stop him from destroying this world, there will be nothing to prevent him from wiping out every last trace of life in the universe." Piccolo informed as Goku kept growling in frustration and anger.
"Don't be such a downer, Piccolo. Of course we can stop Buu now that Goku's alive." Krillin said before he panicked and gesture to the halo above Goku's head. "Sorry, halo. What I meant to say was that you may be dead, but at least you're not dead, dead like Vegeta, Gohan, or Arata." Krillin gasped a bit before he started hitting his head with his fists. "Ah! Stupid Krillin! Think before you speak!" Krillin took a confident breath before starting up again. "Goku, you're the only one left that can take on Majin Buu. So, what are you waiting for? Him to shove his pudgy pink face into yours? Come on, show that creep a little of the old Kamehameha."
"If Gohan, Arata, and I couldn't have laid a dent on the damn blob, what makes you think a single guy can?" Katsu scoffed as he leaned against one of the pillars.
"Krillin." Goku interrupted with a sigh. "Katsu is right, it's impossible. I just can't beat him alone."
Krillin gasped. "But, why not?" he asked.
"He's simply too powerful an opponent." Goku informed.
"Even for you?" Krillin questioned in a quieter tone.
"Look, when Vegeta and I were fighting, the two of us were evenly matched. He gave it everything he had, even his life and he still couldn't beat that thing." Goku said seriously. "So, what chance do I have against him?"
Krillin glumly looked down at his feet. "If you can't beat him, what hope do we have?" he muttered his thoughts out loud. "Goku…"
Goku clenched his fists tightly. "If only Vegeta hadn't been so arrogant! Thinking he could take on Buu alone. He'd still be alive. Then we could have worked together." He vented.
"No." Piccolo disagreed immediately. "Don't punish yourself like this. It wouldn't have made any difference. Not even an arm of Super Saiyans could have."
"I was going to say that if Vegeta or Gohan were still alive, we could have done a fusion." Goku expanded what he was originally trying to say.
"Fuchsia? Like the color of my shirt?" Krillin questioned. "Well, uh, sorta."
Goku briefly looked over at Krillin. "No. Fusion." He clarified.
Dende's eyes widened as he gasped. "Fusion? You mean a merger?" he questioned.
Goku stood up with a smile on his face. "Yeah. That's it, Dende." He said.
"Oh. I've heard of such a skill on Namek. A man from Metamor once told me about it. Their people are quite proficient in the technique." Dende said.
"That's true. The Metamories that I met in Other World are the ones that showed me how to do it." Goku explained.
Krillin smiled widely at the new glimmer of hope. "So what is it already?" he demanded to know.
"It's an ancient merger art that can be performed between two people of similar size and physical ability." Goku explained.
"You want to try that again." Krillin said, obviously confused.
"It's when two people combine to form an entirely new being that's able to do things neither could do alone. Like stopping an evil creature that's out to destroy the world and in it." Goku clarified.
Krillin gasped while Dende looked thoughtful as he looked towards Piccolo. "Now that I think about it, you and Nail were sort of a fusion, too, weren't you?" he wondered aloud.
"Yes, we were of a sort." Piccolo agreed. "Nail had been badly wounded by Frieza when I found him. He was dying and as his final act, he wished to impart his powers to me. I was reluctant to join with him at first, but his promise of greater power proved…quite persuasive. When it was over, Nail's body had vanished. Though I could still sense his presence in me. I felt his strength and wisdom, so fresh and invigorating, but familiar as if it had been in my fingertips all along. I stood up, reborn. Knowing I was fully capable of avenging Nail by taking on Frieza, or any other villain that dared cross my path."
"The Namekian fusion that you experienced is actually quite different from the Metamories variety." Goku said as soon as Piccolo was done. "Which is the process I learned in Other World. The way I know is only temporary and instead of one body playing host, a new hybrid is formed. Making up of characteristics of both people. They transform into a single warrior, capable of incredible power and strength."
Piccolo smirked. "Yes, that is different, but it seems the end result is the same. I know when I merged with Nail, by power increased exponentially." He said. Goku nodded. "So, if Gohan or Vegeta, were still alive, then you could have performed one of those temporary fusions with them, couldn't you?" Both Piccolo and Goku looked to the ground. "And then, in your new form, you could have been able to defeat Majin Buu."
"What about Katsu? I mean, from what I sensed, he's pretty close to Gohan. Wouldn't a fusion with him work?" Dende offered in thought, mildly earning Katsu's attention.
Goku gave a small smile as he looked up. "Nah. I probably wouldn't have worked out as nicely, even if Gohan or Vegeta were alive or even with you Katsu. It would take about a week to show them what to do, but I'm only here for this one day. Not to mention that, even though I know how these fusions work in theory, I've never taught someone else how to do it. And believe it or not, but I've never been able to try out a fusion in practice. No one in Other World is similar enough to me to be compatible." He stated, giving a light and half-hearted chuckle at the end. Everyone sighed as Goku scratched the back of his head in the same old Son fashion. "So, yeah. So much for that. It was just a crazy idea."
"Wait, Goku. No it's not." Krillin said, getting Goku to stop his nervous laughing.
"Huh, what are you thinking about, Krillin?" Goku questioned.
"You said you were about to go back to the Other World. Right? And if Vegeta and Gohan are really dead, then that's where they must be too. Correct? So you can do a fusion with one of them when you get back there." Krillin said.
Goku smiled at his long time best friend. "Oh, right. Now that's a great idea." He said.
Piccolo, however, didn't quite agree. "Impossible. Once Goku leaves this world, he won't be able to return. The fusion would still do us no good." He said, deflating their hopes.
Mr. Popo pointed towards the building, where inside, the kids were resting. "The young ones sleeping. Goten and Trunks are exactly the same size, aren't they?" he offered. "Couldn't they do a fusion?"
Everyone looked at Mr. Popo with shocked looks. "Uh, is that even possible?" Krillin asked.
Goku smiled widely, once again. "Yeah. Thank you Mr. Popo! You know, that just might work." he said excitedly.
"Really, Goku?" Dende questioned happily.
Krillin grabbed Mr. Popo's hands and begun dancing around. "Mr. Popo, I love you! You're a genius! Let's all give it up for Mr. Popo the genius." He said before stopping and facing Goku. "But, Goku. Do you there's enough time to teach them?"
"No. I'll work with them as long as I can, but they're going to need more time than I've got. Someone else will have to pick up the slack." Goku informed. He looked over at Piccolo with a smile. "Piccolo, do you think you'll be able to finish instructing the boys after I've gone?"
"I'll try." Piccolo said while Krillin cheered in happiness.
"Goten and Trunks will show Buu whose boss. He won't even know what hit him." Krillin said.
"Not so fast, Krillin." Piccolo interrupted Krillin's happiness. "According to Goku, it will take them some time before they master the art of fusion and are ready to make their attack. Meanwhile, many innocent people will be lost in the wake of Majin Buu's destruction. I'm talking about total annulation. Everyone and everything on this planet will be whipped out. It's a gamble. So, we must prepare ourselves for anything that may come our way until the boys have master fusion and are ready to go."
"You're right." Goku agreed as Krillin nodded seriously. "But I'm confident that they two can learn how to do this. And we can always use the dragon balls to clean up the damage at the end."
"Do you think we still have a chance?" Krillin asked.
Goku smiled confidently. "We can't ever give up hope, you guys. And right now, Trunks and Goten are the world's best hope. We should know by now not to underestimate the young. Especially when they're a couple of Super Saiyans."
"Don't forget about Natsuki and Vitani." Katsu spoke up, pushing himself off of the pillar and facing the others.
Krillin blinked while Goku turned thoughtful. "Do you really think it would be a good idea?" Krillin questioned. "I mean, Natsuki is just a 4 year old girl."
"Gohan was 4 when I started training him." Piccolo pointed out gruffly.
Katsu held back a growl. "Look, I'm just trying to save you the headache. Natsuki may be calm most of the time, but the moment she hears Arata is supposedly dead, she'll be adamant about helping out." He stated as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Vitani speaks for herself. Either let her help out, or you're going to have more trouble than we really need right now."
"Katsu has a point." Goku murmured before any other comment could be made.
Dende looked at Goku with wide eyes. "But, Goku, are you sure that it's a good idea? I mean, Natsuki isn't even a Super Saiyan." Dende asked.
"Just try and stop her." Katsu said. "She's just as stubborn as her mother." Katsu grunted and rolled his eyes. "Trust me."
"Besides, Natsuki won't be the only one demanding to fight." Piccolo added.
Goku laughed a bit at Katsu's comment. "Judging from the power the girls displayed back at the tournament, even not as Super Saiyans, they could provide some help. We need all the help we can get right now."
"I guess you're right." Dende sighed. He looked over at Katsu with a confused expression at his calm stature. "Katsu, there is something I'm curious about."
"What now?" Katsu answered gruffly.
"From what I understood, you and Arata were really close yet you aren't showing any form of distress." Dende stated.
Everyone looked at him with curiosity to his answer. Krillin came to stand beside a grumpy Katsu before he expanded on Dende's unspoken question. "I thought you would have gone crazy Super Saiyan at the sound of Arata being killed." He commented gently.
"Normally I would." Katsu agreed partly.
"But…?" Goku encouraged Katsu to continue.
Katsu huffed, not liking the amount of attention focused on him and his wonderings on Arata. "Something just doesn't feel right." He muttered. "When my father told me of the bond between mates, you know when they've died. No matter the strength of the bond, you feel it."
"You were unconscious when it happened." Krillin pointed out.
Katsu shook his head again. "That shouldn't matter. You'd feel a type of emptiness, for a lack of a better word, even after they've died. Mates usually follow each other into death because the emptiness eventually drives the surviving mate crazy. That's what happened to my father. Cooler killed my mother and left my father to suffer. He didn't last a week." He muttered the last part
Goku furrowed his eyebrows as he thought, but it was Piccolo who spoke up. "So there may be a chance Arata is alive?" he questioned.
"Right now, I have no clue." Katsu stated. "I've never felt what it was like to lose a mate and have the connection broken before."
"Can you connect to her bond now?" Goku questioned, hoping that at least one of his eldest children were alive.
Katsu shrugged. "I'm not feeling a thing from her right now. It may be in part to the bond maybe being closed after I went comatose." He said.
"What does that mean for us?" Dende questioned slowly.
"If Arata is alive, and that is a big 'if', then we'll have to wait until she wakes up. She was the one that closed the bond. She'll have to be the one to open it. And that's if she even can get the energy to wake up in the first place." Katsu stated.
"So, basically, we can't rely on the possibility of Arata being alive. Or Gohan for that matter." Krillin stated glumly.
Katsu grimaced. "Basically." He muttered.
Uncomfortable silence passed before Krillin changed the subject. "Alright. I'm going to go and bring everybody back here." He announced.
"Good." Piccolo said, agreeing.
"Take care, Krillin." Goku called after as Krillin began to run towards the edge of the lookout.
Before Krillin could even get close, to the edge, the sky turned dark as night. "Is it daylight savings time already and someone forgot to tell me?" he joked a bit while Goku took a couple steps with his eyes wide and looking around frantically.
"Oh no. Why has it suddenly gone dark?" Goku questioned, a bit panicked.
The other's eyes were widened as well as they looked up at the sky while Katsu had his eyebrows furrowed in plain confusion. "Not good." Piccolo muttered.
Goku turned his head towards Krillin. "Someone has released Shenron. Who and why?" he questioned.
Krillin turned his shocked gaze for the sky and looked at Goku with a serious expression. "My money is on Bulma. Who else could gather those dragon balls that fast? But she can't know that has happened, so why call the dragon now?" he said.
Goku gasped in realization. "She knows Vegeta slaughtered a lot of innocent people at the martial arts stadium today. Bulma must be trying to bring them all back to life." He said.
"Oh no. That'll ruin everything." Dende argued to no one in particular as he took a couple steps closer to Goku. "Once two wishes are performed, then we'll have wait a whole year to make another one.
Everyone, but Katsu, gasped. "So, wait. These dragon balls…they're like the ones on Namek?" he questioned slowly.
Dende nodded briefly at Katsu. "They're similar to each other. The ones on Namek are the originals. The ones here on Earth were created by the guardian before me." He explained before looking towards Goku. "Goku, we have to do something before it's too late."
"Alright." Goku said seriously while raising two of his fingers to his forehead. "I'll just have to go and stop her." Goku concentrated briefly. "Darn. Bulma's life force is difficult for me to trace. Everything feels just so clouded right now." Goku then suddenly smiled widely. "Ah, I've got her."
Katsu dryly looked over at where Goku had once stood. "And that must have been the instant transmission I heard about." He muttered.
"Yep." Piccolo, Dende, and Mr. Popo all answered at the same time.
It didn't take long for Goku to contact Dende after Goku's instant transmission. Goku informed that one wish had already been used and Dende replied that not using the second wish would only leave the dragon balls inactive for a shorter amount of time. Within minutes, the sky returned to his bright blue color. Following that change, Goku appeared with 10 others of which included: Bulma, Yamcha, Videl, Android 18, Marron, Ox King, ChiChi, Oolong, and Master Roshi.
Katsu started muttered unpleasant words and phrases under his breath at seeing Videl Satan. "Great. You're here." He grunted.
Videl turned her head in Katsu's direction. "What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded.
"Exactly what it is supposed to mean." Katsu sneered.
Krillin laughed. "Man, you two seem friendly." He said in a joking tone, earning dry glares from both Videl and Katsu. "Okay then…" Krillin, quickly changing the subject, looked over at Bulma. "So…Bulma what did you do with your parents?"
"They couldn't bring themselves to leave their stupid pets. They said that even if they meet their horrible, gruesome end at the hands of Majin Buu, I can bring them back with the dragon balls." Bulma said in an exasperated tone.
"Logic must be genetic." Krillin said with the undertone of sarcasm as he held little Marron.
Bulma's annoyance with her parents were forgotten at Krillin's comment. "You think so?" she questioned.
Krillin turned serious and placed his one free hand on his hip in the shape of a fist. "It's too dangerous down there. If only I knew where Tien and Chiaotzu were, I'd tell them to come up here." He said.
-Natsuki's POV-
Her eyes blinked rapidly as they adjusted to the light in the room. Said room was unfamiliar to her as she looked around. The only thing that was familiar were the Trunks, Goten, and Vitani; all of which were still unconscious.
"That's very interesting." ChiChi brushed off, obviously concerned of something else as she looked around herself. "Now, where did you say Gohan, Arata, Goten, and Natsuki were?"
Krillin gasped in nervousness. Natsuki peaked around the corner, seeing the gathering of people that she had been briefly introduced to. The amount of unfamiliar people made her anxious. Relief briefly flooded her when Natsuki spotted Katsu stiff frame. However, as Natsuki continued to look around, that relief she felt from seeing Katsu deflated at not seeing her mother.
Natsuki sneaked forward, hiding beside the raised platform that led into the building she had come out of. "And what about my Trunks and Vitani? And Vegeta?" Bulma questioned, looking around uselessly, causing Krillin to gasp in nervousness yet again. Natsuki, however, narrowed her eyes as she waited to hear the truth of what happened. She knew they'd try to tone it down for her sake, being a young as she was…it would be the first time.
"Goku, where are my children and my grandchild?" ChiChi demanded when she got no answer to her previous question.
The eerie silence brought tension that could obviously be seen on Goku, Piccolo, and Katsu's face. "Might as well say it." Katsu muttered.
"Come on, Goku." Krillin agreed.
Goku's muscles were tense as he pushed himself to say the news he didn't want to believe himself. "What I have to tell you isn't easy for me to say right now. But, the kids are going to be alright. But, Vegeta, Gohan, and Arata are dead." Gasping from people who didn't know sounded around the group. "Majin Buu destroyed them all."
Natsuki froze as she tried to comprehend what she just heard. It wasn't true, was it? Her mother was strong, had gotten stronger since they had gotten here. She had faced Frig and survived. Some fat bubble gum monster couldn't have killed her mother, could it?
ChiChi fainted, causing Ox King to fret over his daughter while Videl refused to believe that Gohan, the true defeater of Cell 7 years ago, had been killed. Bulma screamed out Vegeta's name before resorting to crying.
Natsuki grew angry, her power unknowingly rising. "You're a liar!" She yelled, hopping out from her hiding spot.
Goku's eyes widen. He hadn't expected his young granddaughter to be awake, at least, not for a while yet. "Natsuki-" He started, but was interrupted.
Bulma's crying had come to a quiet sob as she was watched along with the rest at the scene unfolding in front of them. Katsu sighed as he stepped forward and knelt by Natsuki in an attempt to comfort her. Natsuki, however, pushed Katsu away from her and came closer to Goku.
"You're lying!" Natsuki repeated. "My Mamma isn't dead. I know she isn't!" She looked over at Katsu. "He can tell you!"
Katsu placed a hand on her shoulder. "Natsuki, we have to go with facts right now. We can't feel her energy and I can't reach her through the bond right now. Until we're proven otherwise, we have to assume she's dead."
Natsuki glared at Katsu, expected him to at least be on her side. Goku didn't miss the look either. "Natsuki, I want her here just as much as you, but-" he started, but was interrupted again.
"Then why did you lie? You promised everything will be alright." Natsuki whimpered, tears in her eyes.
"And it will be. We've just run into a bit of a snag." Goku tried to reassure.
Natsuki glared at Goku, a look that many had seen from Mirai Natsuki. "You lied to me! Why should I believe it again?" She declared.
Before Goku could say anything, the sound of a cane hitting the floor of the lookout turned everyone's attention towards Korin. "Well, well. You know, it's never easy dealing with the loss of loved ones." Korin spoke solemnly.
Goku attempted to give a small smile, but Natsuki's words kept him from doing so. "Hey Korin." He greeted.
"But I'm afraid there is no time for morning Goku." Korin continued. "You have to take action. Even in this place, none of you will be safe for long. From what I've seen, Majin Buu's power could gobble up this whole world."
"Goku, what about the fusion?" Piccolo offered.
"Good thinking." Goku agreed. "Mr. Popo, would you wake up Goten, Trunks, and Vitani?"
"Evil of Earth!" Babidi's voice interrupted what would have been Mr. Popo's response. "Can you hear me? Testing one, two. I'm am the all-seeing, all knowing, all-powerful wizard Babidi, Son of the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful wizard Bibidi. Now, now, no peaking. There's no sense searching for me, I'm not even close." Natsuki, frightened from the sudden appeared of a unfamiliar voice, sunk herself back into Katsu's grasp. Katsu had his muscles tensed and his teeth gritted as he held Natsuki protectively, knowing exactly what that wizard is capable of. "I'm using my unprecedented magical abilities to transport my words directly to you: the people. I'm so sorry to bother you like this, especially if you're having an otherwise pleasant day. I too know what it's like to be pestered when you're having fun! You see, earlier today, four nuisances did just that. Now I'm simply looking to return the favor. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy my show. Please be courteous and remember that silence is golden, okay?"
"What's he up to now?" Goku questioned angrily.
"I now present the stars of my personal nightmare. These are the four Cretans that I'm looking for." Babidi continued as pictures of Piccolo, Trunks, Goten, and Vitani appeared before their eyes. "Get a good look at their ugly mugs, they're the ones to blame for any and all destruction that may come your way! Come out you cowards. Unless you're scared of little old me. I got a preview of what's in store for you if you refuse to show your faces. Oh, but wait. First, please allow me to introduce myself. The handsome devil you now see, is none other than me. The great wizard Babidi. And this is my faithful servant, Majin Buu. The heavyweight champion of the universe. He may not seem like much, but he's actually quite unstoppable. Just look at how he pumps his fists like that." The images of Babidi and Buu respectively were shown before everyone's eyes; Babidi with his fingers in peace signs and Buu pumping his fists up back and forth. A city then replaced the two images. "Now, you see this city? It looks like a lovely place, doesn't it? But, it's citizens are about to get a sneak preview of the high cost of your cowardice while you look on from your hiding place!"
Piccolo gasped. "Darn him."
"The following material is of violent nature and may be considered quite gratuitous. Enjoy. The program is sponsored by your fellows. Let the fun begin, Majin Buu!" Babidi said before Buu did as Babidi said.
"What's he doing? Not the people!" Goku said with his eyes closed.
Natsuki kept her eyes closed, unable to turn away, as she curled herself into Katsu, who was still kneeling at her level. After Buu finished following Babidi's orders, Babidi resumed his talking. "This is but a small taste of what will happen if you don't surrender."
Buu then continued to destroy the city to rubble with smoke coming from many places. "That's more like it." Babidi commented. "It's what I'll do to those four Cretans as well. So, one last reminder, its him, and him, and him, and her." The images of Piccolo, Trunks, Goten, and Vitani respectively appeared before them once again. "There's really no point in protecting them. They are not your friends. They are spineless cowards. If they valued your lives at all, they would have already have turned themselves over to me. Obviously, they don't! Well, shame on them, I say! You now have the opportunity to teach these selfish brats a lesson. One chance to stand up for yourself worth and for Earthlings everywhere. It's simple really. Just tell me where they are! By the way, you have 5 days to measure the importance of your meager little lives. Take too long and I'll help Buu destroy you all."
Piccolo was growling in frustration and anger at Babidi's words and taunts when Goku placed a hand on his shoulder. "Piccolo. Stay calm. Don't let him get to you." He said with a confident smile on his face, bringing Piccolo back to a sensible sense of mind.
"Oh, yes. There's one more important thing. You will need to contact me, so I will tell you how you can. If you have some information for me, I can hear you. Start talking and I can hear you inside my head. I'm listening, so speak up now. If you tell me where those uncaring louts are, I may even spare you." There was a pause as one of the workers at the Worlds Martial Arts Tournament already contacted Babidi, but the information he gave was not up to Babidi's liking and the worker's head blew up like a balloon with too much air.
Goku had resumed to closing his eyes once again. "I can't stand this."
"No rest for the wicked. I got to keep you humans on your toes, so perhaps a bit more distraction will keep you all in line." Babidi informed before turning his attention elsewhere. "Majin Buu, it's time to go!" Majin Buu took off into the air with Babidi on his back. "You never now, the next place I visit, it may be your home town. Yes. You can consider this to be your last warning. Remember, you only have 5 days before we tear this planet apart. Come on, give me a call."
"Curse him!" Piccolo growled out as soon as Babidi's presence let their minds. "That demented wizard!"
"We got to stop them!" Dende declared.
"I don't know if they can be stopped." Mr. Popo said.
Bulma was shaking in anger. "So those are the ones that took Gohan, Arata, and Vegeta away from us?" she grunted in frustration and anger.
"Yeah." Krillin said quietly. "Vegeta, Gohan, Arata…all those people."
"And unless we do something, and quickly, in the next five day that list will only keep growing." Dende said.
"There's no way I can allow that to happen." Piccolo spoke up. "I'll show myself."
Goku walked in front of Piccolo as Katsu stood up, a quiet and upset Natsuki in his arms. "No. That won't help anybody and you know it, Piccolo." He disagreed, causing Piccolo to look over at him. "Babidi is going to wipe everybody out no matter what you do. Stay. Help me teach the kids the fusion technique. That is the only way we can truly put an end to this nightmare. We have five days until the Earth is history. Look, I know it's hard to sit here doing nothing while he's out there hurt so many people. You said it yourself. We have to be prepared with anything that happens. Don't worry, okay? We can still revive Majin Buu's victims with the dragon balls, so just hang in there."
"Yes. He's right, Piccolo." Dende urged.
"Don't leave! Not when you could still do some good here!" Krillin yelled.
Piccolo kept his eyes to the ground with a frustrated look still plastered to his face. "I'll stay." He said reluctantly.
"What I want to know is why Babidi didn't mention Katsu or Natsuki. From my understanding, both were there before Vegeta died." Dende wondered.
Piccolo grumbled. "Natsuki didn't jump forward to help Vegeta like Trunks, Goten, or Vitani. Much like her future counterpart, Natsuki doesn't jump into a fight she can't handle. And Katsu stayed back with her. Since they didn't get involved, Babidi didn't care to notice them. Especially since Babidi probably though he had killed Katsu in their previous fight." He explained gruffly. "And even if Babidi did see them, Katsu especially, Babidi didn't see the importance with them."
Katsu looked at Piccolo with a dry look on his face. "You are definitely similar to Daisuke. I don't know whether to be insulted or not." He muttered.
Natsuki tilted her head. "I don't see it." She murmured, earning laughs from Goku, Piccolo, and Yamcha. The crowd begun to disperse a bit as Mr. Popo went inside, heading for where Trunks, Goten, and Vitani's knocked out forms had been placed.
"Do you mind helping me with ChiChi?" Ox King asked Katsu, who sighed and placed Natsuki down before moving to help Ox King wake a passed out ChiChi.
Goku noticed the lost look Natsuki held on her face and knelt by her side. Natsuki looked up at him, tears still in her eyes. Goku picked her up before he spoke to her. "You're angry and I get that, but right now, I need you to focus that anger into fighting Majin Buu." He informed.
"Fighting Buu? But I'm not strong enough." Natsuki murmured. "I didn't even help the others when they rushed to help Vegeta."
"You are strong, don't get yourself down. As for the whole Vegeta thing, you just have a different way of thinking because of how you grew up with your mother." Goku reassured. "We will get Arata back, as well as Gohan and Vegeta, I promise. But, in the meantime, I need your help with Majin Buu. I have a plan that involves you and the others in a technique that could very well beat Majin Buu. Can you do that?"
"It'll bring Mamma back?" Natsuki murmured.
"If we can beat Majin Buu, then we'll definitely have your mother back." Goku informed.
A.N.: Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Likes? Dislikes? General Opinions?
How do you think Katsu is truly affected? Keep in mind that Katsu tends to put his emotions on the back burner, not showing them, not showing weakness because of what happened with his father. Also, Natsuki's little outburst at Goku. What'd you think? And, finally, how do you think Arata will react to the Kai planet?
R.Q.: Which character drawing would you like to see first? Let me know and I'll post it on deviantart within the week! Promise!
Next Chapter: Gohan and Arata awake on the Kai planet while the chibis are told of the situation at hand.
Stay tuned!