A/N: As usual, I appreciate all of the support! The feedback is much appreciated! Also, my final semester starts on the 20th of this month, but I'll still keep chapters pushing out! If my chapters seem to slow down a bit, you know...not be back to back like this, don't be alarmed, okay? I'll let you know when I'm going to break this time if I have to.

.

.

Gamelover41592: Thanks! And yes, unfortunately, it's true; it was actually stated by Goku during the Fusion Saga. Now, I'm sure this has changed afterwards as the series progressed, but at that point in time, you could only enter the Time Chamber twice in a lifetime.

coldblue2015: Awesome review! Expect a PM!

Abyss Trinity: Definitely! I'm excited myself!

.

.

quick (tentative) outline:

Chapter 27...Goku vs Majin Buu/maybe some Tien and Launch again as well.

Chapter 28...Vegeta in Hell as well as other characters/ maybe some more Gohan

Chapter 29...Focus back on Earth

Chapter 30... Majin Buu and Hercule maybe

Chapter 31...Super Buu

Chapter 26: Delays & Ascension

Android 18 watched on in silence as Piccolo and Krillin continued the fusion technique with the boys; it seemed like they finally had the actual technique down packed and they were now practicing with their power levels and so forth. If anything, it would seem as if Piccolo was being extremely cautious with Goten and Trunks and making sure that they had the basics down packed and were working them quite hard as result. Then again, considering what happened with her and Zangya, 18 couldn't blame Piccolo at all.

All in all, Piccolo had all but realized that there wasn't any room for mistakes the next time around.

18's eyes lowered in just the slightest of ways, before ultimately diverting onto her SSJ3 husband further off to the side. The bomb shell blonde was seated atop of the staircase with elbows resting atop of her thighs and her chin atop her palm. To one that may be regarding her from afar, 18 seemed calm and collected but in actuality, 18 was dealing with a range of emotions within.

First and foremost, the blonde actually felt guilty.

Not only had she interrupted Raditz's and Tarble's training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but Goku was currently using up a huge chunk of his time on Earth to delay Majin Buu. That time was originally supposed to be spent with training her and Zangya and the boys, yet the second she and Zangya fused together, things took a sharp turn for the worst.

Their fusion time ended sooner than they thought and Zangya ended up dead before they could even attempt to fuse again - simply put, from then on, things seemed to have a nasty domino effect. Now, as a result, they were behind schedule, they lost Zangya and they were due to lose Goku soon, and Raditz was pissed with her. He hadn't even spared a single glance in her direction, nor said so much as a word to her.

And like she mentioned earlier, he had every right to be upset with her.

Raditz didn't even want her nor the kids fighting in the first place, but had accepted that they were training and learning in the event that something could potentially go wrong with their original plan. Instead, she goes out and attempts to bare things alone, completely disregarding his thoughts and feelings in the process. And, seeing as they've had this particular issue at least several times before, 18 had ended up learning that nothing irritated Raditz more than going behind his back or hiding something from him.

But even if things seemed to be continuously taking a turn for the worst, save for their desperate attempts to cling to anything but the worst case scenario along the way, 18 could honestly admit that she had the right intentions in mind. Besides, it wasn't her fault by any means that she grew up the way she did, so could she really be blamed for wanting to preserve the current lifestyle she has come to love and enjoy?

Granted, her and Raditz didn't really get off to a good start, but in the end, he gave her two beautiful kids and he ultimately spoiled her - making 17 completely right, to her slight dismay. But the point of the matter was that it was because of him, that they had this lifestyle together and she wanted to protect it just as much as he did. Was that so wrong of her?

18 didn't think the overall idea was wrong, but maybe her methods were wrong from time-to-time.

'Maybe he needs someone other than you; you can't even be honest with yourself at times and you're far from feminine.'

Lazuli's lips twitched slightly as she recalled Zangya's words. And as much as she couldn't stand the orange-haired woman, 18 couldn't help but wonder if Zangya had stated those words in regards to the memories she's seen of her and Raditz. But then again, what would Zangya know? Her and Raditz were mated, so they were obviously made for one another, and even if she didn't tell Raditz if things bothered her immediately at times, it didn't mean that she wasn't honest with him.

Or did it?

18 scoffed, diverting her eyes off of the back of husband and down onto the tiled design of the Lookout. Why even bother considering Zangya's words in the first place? Her and Raditz had been together for a little over seven years now and she has come a long way as an individual and a long way aside Raditz. And when Zangya wasn't being a pain to deal with it, it was quite obvious she was just lusting after her husband anyway.

"Mama?"

18's icy eyes diverted off of the floor and onto the source. Immediately, 18's eyes widened in just the slightest of ways at the sight her children, a light smile taking over her features. "Hmm? What are you two up to?"

Marise and Taro shared a glance, before sitting on either side of their mother. "Are you okay?"

18 cocked a blonde brow. "Of course I am."

Marise didn't look convinced and openly hesitated with how to continue the conversation.

Taro seemed to read the situation, "Marise thinks you're sad. Are you sad?"

"Taro!" Marise cried out in disbelief.

Taro shot his twin a confused look. Did he do something wrong? Maybe he was better off being quiet, after all.

18 diverted her icy eyes off of Taro and onto Marise, frowning slightly. "Is that true?"

Marise shot her mother a guilty expression. "It's just you came back really beat up earlier and Papa seems angry and...I just don't understand any of it. And it's not like anyone tells us what's going on. Is it because we're...three?"

18 closed her eyes and released a soundless sigh. How could she forget that Marise was extremely observant? The small three year old was equally smart as she was observant and 18 should have known that the wheels were turning rather quickly inside her daughter's head. Even to this day, it was still quite odd how Marise had her looks and was her carbon copy while Taro was Raditz's carbon copy yet he had her personality.

And while Taro wasn't nearly as outspoken about things as Marise turned out to be, he did take after her in terms of quietly dealing with things and watching what happened in silence. Her small year old boy seemed to have trouble with expressing himself and while he seemed content with just being present at times, 18 knew that it was more to him than what he was letting on.

All in all, 18 could tell that Taro was just as worried as his twin sister.

"Marise, Taro," Android 18 addressed lightly, encasing Marise and Taro with her arms and pulling either child into her, "I'm sorry to have worry the both of you and I can't imagine how everything must look to you right now, but Raditz and I will never let anything happen to you. And if you don't understand anything else, know that at least."

Marise perked up slightly, more or less reassured by her mother's words. "Okay, mama."

Taro seemed to relax as well, "Okay."

~0~

"What's the matter?" Raditz demanded with a frown, taking in Tarble's exhausted form with his teal eyes.

Tarble looked up at Raditz apologetically. Yet again, he managed to tap into SSJ2; however, he just couldn't maintain it. Where was he going wrong? He had done exactly as Raditz instructed and used his motivation to transform the first time and tried to apply that to his SSJ2 transformation, but to no avail.

No matter what he did, he could only briefly uphold the SSJ2 state.

"I'm really sorry, it's just that - "

" - Sorry isn't going to cut it anymore." Raditz cut in seriously, teal eyes narrowing.

Tarble's eyes widened, watching as Raditz squatted down so that they were eye to eye. "Don't you get it, Tarble? Time is really passing us by." The SSJ3 paused briefly as he searched Tarble's eyes with his own, continuing moments later once he was sure he had Tarble's full attention. "In case you've forgotten, Gohan's dead, Vegeta's dead, the Supreme Kai's dead, and even Zangya's dead; how many more people are going to have to die for you realize the severity of the situation?"

"W-What?" Tarble managed to stammer out with wide-eyes. "It's not that I don't realize the severity of the situation at all! It's just that I can't seem to hold on to the power of SSJ2. Before, a mere four days ago to be exact, I wasn't even able to do that! I'm making progress and - "

" - And simply making progress isn't enough." Raditz interrupted sharply, rising to his feet and frowning. "Once again, just like I stated earlier, you're failing to realize the severity of the situation; don't you want to protect Ranfan? Bulma? And even Trunks?"

Tarble somehow managed to rise to his feet as well, his exhaustion seemingly forgotten. "Of course I want to protect them! And now that Vegeta's...gone, I feel like I have to protect them now more than ever! That was the other reason I wanted to join you in the Time Chamber!"

Raditz remained silent and Tarble clenched his fists, brows furrowing in hurt. "You...don't believe me?"

"I can't say that I do." Raditz responded oddly calm, "Then again, what's to expect from someone that watched on from a distance as Vegeta died? At least Vegeta died to protect Bulma and Trunks, yet you can't even seem to find it within you to ascend to keep his efforts alive. If you can't even do that and honor his wishes, then there's no way you can protect Ranfan as you are."

Tarble's eyes widened, clenching his fists. "What did you just...say?"

Bulma, whom had taken to watching on as well, shot Raditz an incredulous look. "Raditz!" The blue-haired woman openly chastised. "Don't you think you're taking this thing too far?"

"Bulma's right!" Chi-Chi agreed whole-heartedly, her hands on her hips as she sent her brother-in-law a disapproving look. "Tarble's lost two people close to him and seeing as we lost Gohan, I figured you'd be a little more understanding!"

The SSJ3 turned his head in order to regard both women, his gaze stern. "Apparently losing Vegeta and Zangya wasn't enough for him."

And then he was diverting his attention back onto Tarble, ignoring the shocked and surprised faces of his sister-in-law and best friend. Meanwhile, Tarble, fists dangerously clenched, clearly had enough. The Super Saiyan was all but narrowing his eyes at Raditz. "...I-I can't believe you! I can't believe you said those things!"

Tarble was all but pissed and it certainly showed; then, as if throwing all cares and caution to the side, Tarble angrily lunged for Raditz and all but moved to slam his fist into Raditz's midsection. Easily, Raditz hefted up a knee and blocked said fist, but Tarble wasn't one to be deterred so easily, flipping backwards and slinging two huge ki blasts forwards with a growl.

Raditz's eyes widened slightly; nonetheless the male crossed his forearms over his face in order to fend against such an attack.

Relentlessly, Tarble took that instant to lunge towards the male and put Raditz on the receiving end of a fast barrage of punches in the midst of the smoke - of which was produced from his ki blasts exploding upon collision. He could feel Raditz sliding backwards with each punch and kick he was taking from him, but Tarble was so blinded by hurt...and by anger, that that alone simply wasn't nearly as satisfying for him.

Then, Tarble was pulling back, ending his fierce barrage, and harshly slamming his leg into Raditz's frame with bared teeth.

Raditz grunted, skidding backwards a great deal before doing a reverse somersault in order to get a hold of himself; though, Tarble wasn't quite done and all but moved to slam his foot into Raditz's back whilst he was on all fours. Narrowly, Raditz evaded it with a flip, taking in the damage done to the area he had been at mere seconds ago. With a mere stomp, Tarble had managed to cause numerous cracks to ripple out from the point of impact.

And to say that it spread out to almost the entirety of the Lookout was by no means an exaggeration.

Again, Tarble was undeterred, quickly phasing in behind Raditz and slamming his elbow into Raditz's broad back.

Upon direct contact, Raditz fell forwards; yet, Tarble had phased in before him again and this time, slammed his leg into Raditz's chin.

The long-haired Saiyan found himself skidding on his back yet again, spluttering up more blood.

What's more is that Tarble was currently heading for him again.

Looks like he really did piss him off.

Despite the situation, Raditz sent Tarble a proud smirk as he sat up. "There it is."

Tarble narrowed his eyes, scoffing slightly as he put Raditz on another receiving end of a fierce barrage of attacks. Then he was slamming his fist into Raditz's midsection afterwards, as if he wasn't nearly satisfied with previous attacking style. "What?"

The SSJ3 Raditz buckled over with a grimace as he spluttered up blood; nonetheless, his smirk remained. Was this what Krillin meant when he said that Gohan's anger back on Planet Namek turned him into a near different warrior? Back when Gohan tried to save him after Frieza gravely injured him and left him to die in the vast waters that covered Planet Namek? Was this what Krillin witness Gohan do to Frieza back then? Was this how Cell felt when Gohan was angered by him? Was this how he, himself, looked when he angrily ascended to SSJ and took on Frieza?

And while Raditz was internally musing to himself, Tarble pulled back and all but allowed Raditz to fall to his hands and knees.

"You've been a SSJ2 this whole time." Raditz finally revealed. "You're obviously able to uphold it for more than a few seconds now."

Tarble's teal eyes widened. "Wait, I'm what?"

The long-haired Saiyan was all but rising back up to his feet, wiping away the blood from his mouth before answering the smaller male. "I said you've completely ascended; in other words, you're officially an SSJ2." Then, Raditz was all but gesturing to the damage to the surrounding area, "Now, what do you say we work on our SSJ2 and SSJ3 states?"

Tarble opened and closed his mouth in several attempts to respond, but couldn't find the words to do so. A part of him wanted to still be angry for the things that Raditz said to him and the other part of him wanted to rejoice. Rejoice because he was one step closer to avenging Vegeta. Rejoice because he was a level stronger and more capable of protecting those he cared about. Rejoice because now he wouldn't be watching on the sidelines, but participating as a warrior - one that he could only hope would make Vegeta proud of him.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Tarble finally took note that nearly everyone was watching on.

How long have they been there?

And did they see...everything?

Did...Ranfan see everything?

Tarble closed his eyes. He couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed and he was still a little angry, but at the same time, he was stronger.

Then, as if finished gathering his thoughts, Tarble's teal eyes opened and he got sight of the lightning cackling around his arms. Was this "lightning" cackling all around his body too? Tarble realized that even if it wasn't, he felt amazing. The sheer power coursing within him felt astonishing. With this power coursing through him, he felt confident and like he could believe in himself for once.

"While I certainly don't agree with the method Vegeta or you used," Tarble finally began after observing himself in silence, "It looks like this is the most effective method and - "

" - And," Bulma cut in angrily, all but stomping towards Raditz and harshly grasping his ear, "completely uncalled for! I can't believe you said that to him!"

Raditz painfully grimaced, "Ow, damn it! Let go, Bulma!"

"Not until you apologize!"

Raditz somehow managed to divert his eyes over to Tarble. "I'm sorry I helped you ascend."

Bulma narrowed her blue eyes, relentlessly applying more force. "That's not the apology I meant and you know it!"

Raditz 'tsked'; nonetheless, he complied. "I'm sorry for what I said; I really mean it. And not just to you, but to anyone else I may have offended as well, but I did tell you I was going to be hard on you."

The blue-haired scientist harrumphed, roughly releasing Raditz before folding her arms under her bust. "I guess I'll accept that for now."

Meanwhile, whilst Krillin, Master Roshi, and Tarble seemingly had no problems with laughing at Raditz's expense, Piccolo awkwardly coughed into his hand. "Well, while there were a few rough bumps along the way, it looks like we're managing fairly well despite them."

"Yeah," Raditz agreed, diverting his eyes off of Piccolo and onto Goten and Trunks. The male had had a quick flashback to when his mother used to grasp his ear similar to how Bulma did, but quickly pushed it away and kept his focus on the two boys in front of him. "How's the training coming along, you two?"

Trunks shoved his hands in his pockets, a frown on his features. "It's not too bad. Piccolo's even more strict than before, but I guess I can't complain seeing as the method you used to get Uncle Tarble to get stronger was a lot harsher."

Raditz cocked a brow. "You're right, it was. And maybe you - " Raditz's eyes diverted onto Goten's eyes as well " - nor Goten understand why Piccolo and I are being so hard on you three, but it's for the greater good of the world."

Trunks and Goten shared a look, but said nothing more about the matter.

Well, at least until Trunks asked a question that has been in the back of his head for some time now.

"So," Trunks began with a cocked brow, "that SSJ3 form is the one that Goku is currently using against Majin Buu, right?"

"Yeah," Raditz answered easily. "What about it?"

"You think you could teach that to Goten and I? You know after we fuse and all?"

Raditz shot the boys an incredulous look, visibly lost for words. What? Was he...serious? Was it even possible for an eight-year old and seven-year old to master such a form? Sure, they both had potential given that they were both Super Saiyans at their age in the first place, but a SSJ3? Fused or not, it sounded near impossible. Then, the SSJ3 was all but exhaling soundlessly, before cracking a smirk. "I'll tell you what...how about when you're in the clear with Piccolo and Krillin, we'll see what you boys can really do?"

Trunks and Goten seemed to perk up at this, sharing a grin.

"Wait," 17 cut in with a cocked brow, "What are you saying? Are you serious right now?"

Raditz gave a curt nod. "Yeah. I mean given that Zangya's and 18's fusion did fail, what better way to make sure the same doesn't happen to Goten and Trunks then to push them to fullest extent in their fused form?"

Piccolo grunted. "When you put it that way, I guess it's hard not to see the logic in that."

17's brows cocked further. "Sure, I can see the logic in that as well, but for these boys to be a last resort...don't you think that a line must be drawn somewhere?"

"I kinda agree with 17 here," Videl chimed in, her purple eyes diverting onto Raditz. "I mean they are kids at the end of the day."

"That's true." Piccolo agreed, quickly coming to Raditz's defense, "But they're still Saiyans. While I'm not excusing the fact that they're children, they're not necessarily human. I'm certain everyone here remembers what Tarble stated earlier about how Saiyans generally operate?"

17 fell quiet as did Videl; however, Raditz was quick to tack on, "At the end of the day, we can't afford to do anything half-baked. If we're going to send out half-Saiyans to a battle and prep them as a last resort, then we might as well make sure they're as strong as possible."

"Well then," Chi-Chi surprisingly butt in, trekking towards her brother-in-law, "If that's how it has to be, then fine; but I won't be as willing to forgive you this time if anything happens to the boys on your watch."

Raditz fell silent as he took in his sister-in-law. Truthfully, he had been somewhat avoiding the topic of Gohan and what happened with Chi-Chi, but of course he knew he couldn't avoid it forever. For some reason, facing her with that just wasn't something he was ready to do at the time. And to be frank, it still wasn't something he was ready to do, but no matter how he looked at it, his promise to look after Kakarot's family was still intact and he had better do a damned exceptional job of making sure keep everyone else safe as well.

It was the only way he could make it up to Chi-Chi and his own family as well.

"Alright." He agreed.

Chi-Chi seemed satisfied with this and relented her stern gaze a bit. "Good."

"Well then," Piccolo interjected after a brief silence, "let's continue with training the boys and you continue training with Tarble for now, Raditz. I'm sure that since Tarble has ascended now, it'll be more beneficial for the both of you. Meanwhile, we'll wait for Goku to come back. I'm sure he won't burn out all of his time. Goku's no fool; he knows his limits."

Raditz smirked, seemingly agreeing with the Namekian before him. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

Piccolo smirked, eyes diverting onto the Goten and Trunks before flickering back onto Raditz's teal eyes. "Yeah. And who knows? Maybe we'll even be able to see the boys fuse for the first time as well."