CHAPTER 37

Gavis, Cortese, and the Queen were outside the ship watching as the Saiyans battled around them in a war that would conclude in one victor. Saiyans battling others, some falling from the sky as others were blown into dust. "Gavis, triage the wounded, Cortese and I will aid in this battle." The Queen was prepared to fight in this battle alongside those who risked everything to find them. She would risk her life for her people, and she would risk it for her King. Now was not the time to mourn the fallen, but to bring purpose to their death. Even with the aid of the freed Saiyan fighters the battle was still ferocious, but positively swaying in their favor. One side had nothing to lose, and the other had everything to gain. "Be safe my Queen." Cortese bowed quickly, and took off into the thick of war, remaining close to her as possible to ensure she would make it out alive. I failed protecting Bulma twice…I cannot fail again.

King Vegeta had his arm wrapped around Ginn's neck, but only for a short moment before Ginn was able to pull away and fire back in defense. The two Kings were left to fight each other without backup—this was their fight, and no one would dare intervene. "You will pay greatly for all of your transgressions." King Vegeta fired a blast at Ginn, who dodged it immediately as he laughed at King Vegeta's remark. "Don't tell me you actually give a shit about her? She was a pawn…" Ginn sped in and tackled King Vegeta midair driving him into the ground below as forcefully as possible, "…she was weak just like you." He fired a blast into the crater where King Vegeta had been thrown, but was able to evade the blast with minimal effort. Both men were well matched for each other, but there could only be one victor. They were back in the air going hands on for a lengthy period of time, King Vegeta landing blow after blow on Ginn. "Your death will not be by my hands…" He grabbed Ginn by the collar and pummeled him in the face until his nose cracked open in a gush of blood, "…you're going to wish it was." One last punch threw Ginn back several hundred yards, but he was able to right himself, and gather his composure. He wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand, "Oh, so you're gonna let your worthless boy play too? I can't wait to kill you both!"

Ginn let loose a blast that elevated the fight instantaneously. It pierced through the forest, and struck a nearby hill obliterating it to crumbs. He was holding back his true power, but his display didn't even phase King Vegeta. He cracked his neck smiling as he did, "I should be angry that your death won't come by my hand…but now I am looking forward to it." The battle ensued between Kings once more as the Saiyans around them continued the fight for their lives, until they were all distracted by a large concentration of energy emanating from around them. Briefly the battle stopped as they looked around to see what the source of this immense energy was.

Vegeta stood over Bulma's frail lifeless body as his vision blurred, a white light blinding him from his surroundings. The light wasn't physical—it was his mind and body cracking under the immense pressure he was under. Visions flashed before his eyes of his childhood, his abduction, and every evil moment he spent in Frieza's army. Memories of his terrible life surrounded by vile individuals haunted him like ghosts, screaming his name in his head, and grabbing at his psyche. Then, images of others flowed in…of Namek, the Z fighters, his trip to Earth with Nappa, and then one of his last memories before he died from Frieza's hand, that of Kakarot achieving Super Saiyan status. He could feel the fabric of his mental health breaking down, and the carnage craving monster within him bubbling back to life. There was no need for Vegeta to care about anything anymore…there was only the venom of his presence, and the obliteration of anything that stood in his way.

Then, in the deepest recess of his mind sparked a glimmer that halted his transition into the monster he'd once become. He was floating now, alone, as the voices and screams in his mind turned off, and the only thing left was her. Bulma…

They were alone now in the depths of his subconsciousness, just there, no noise, no outside stimulus, just him and her together. "Bulma…" His eyes traced her beautiful face as she remained there, stationary looking at him with those eyes—those damn accepting and forgiving eyes. He wasted no time to reach out and pull her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her with his eyes remaining open in fear of never being able to see her again. He could feel her arms wrap around him lightly, her hands on his shoulder blades as he nestled his face into the crook of her neck.

"Let go…"

He squeezed her tight as his eyes welled up again, but with tears that wouldn't fall, "I can't…" He could feel her push him away just far enough that she could look into his eyes. Her raised both her hands to cup his cheeks pulling his face forward, his lips to hers, "…Vegeta, you have to let go."

The kiss embodied everything he'd ever wanted, but felt that he was never allowed to have. The kiss symbolized that it wasn't fate that hated him so, but his own desire to never be hurt that created such misery in his life. He was his own true enemy, and this kiss was the gauntlet that would take it all away if he would just let go. His body was tense as the fear of this new emotion rolling through consuming him. His hands trembled as he held Bulma tight, but the echo of her words lingered in the vacuum of his subconsciousness, "…let go."

He released her as her form turned into a bright blinding ball of energy. He closed his eyes, and it burst around him, washing over him, enveloping him. He had let go. Not of Bulma, but of himself.

He was free.

The demons of his past were quiet now, and he was now in total control. He could feel the strength of his body unlock, his true power set free, his mind renewed. He inhaled deep for the first time feeling each molecule of air as it passed through his lungs, and into his body. His physique hardened, his stress gone, his psyche repaired. He slowly opened his eyes at the new world around him. His perspective was different in a way he couldn't pinpoint, but it felt like a second awakening. Then, he turned his head down to lay his eyes on Bulma, who laid on the table lifeless. This was his moment of truth.

He didn't have to look in any mirror to see that he had ascended into Super Saiyan status, he could feel it. His mental breakdown had led him to her, somehow, someway, even in death she was able to pull him back from the abyss of despair he was falling into. She was able to get him to allow positive changes into his life, and what an award he unlocked. He gently reached across the table and touched her cheek with his glowing fingers while bending over to place one last kiss on her lips, "Goodbye." He turned from Bulma, and walked out of the infirmary to make his way out of the ship, and down the ramp never looking back once. He had a score to settle.

King Vegeta and King Ginn watched as Saiyans from all around them began to voluntarily part away in the sky. The Saiyans would not resume fighting once they did, but instead drop low in the sky as if in fear of something near them. The Queen and Cortese had turned back to the ship when they felt the sudden wave of power in fear that it was Vegeta destroying it, but they were only half correct. They made it back to Gavis as all three watched as a blinding light emanated from the opening of the ship. "What the Hell?!"

Their eyes settled on the figure emerging from the dissipating glare, glowing brightly like a torch in the night. "Oh…my…" They had no words for the man they saw exit the ship. It was Vegeta, but he was different. His hair was golden, his eyes a piercing blue which no Saiyan had ever exhibited. His body was rife with power, immense power, and they took a collective gulp when the realization of what he was settled in. "I thought it was a myth…a legend…"

Vegeta was a Super Saiyan.

He looked over to the 3 Saiyans with their mouths dropped open wide, and smirked, "Where?" He didn't need to add any more words, they knew what he was after. All 3 pointed in the same direction, as his own mother spoke, "Avenge her." Vegeta didn't need his mother's approval, or her blessing, or even her direction, but that was his plan. He was going to enjoy this kill, and he would do it for Bulma. As forgiving as she was, even she knew this creep needed to be eradicated. He took to the air with no regard for those staring at him, watching him in awe as they all moved to get the fuck out of his way. Just the mere presence of a Super Saiyan was enough for King Ginn's army to concede once they figured out what Vegeta was.

Ginn and King Vegeta watched as the Saiyan Prince made his was effortlessly towards them taking his sweet time in the process. Ginn's expression when he saw the Prince headed his way was one that King Vegeta would never forget. "Looks like YOU'VE run out of luck." King Vegeta grabbed Ginn fiercely in order to keep him from fleeing Vegeta's wrath as Ginn fought hard to escape. "This can't be happening?!" Ginn watched as his army all surrendered to King Vegeta's, and none of them were coming to aid their fallen King. He screamed for his men and women to aid him, but it was useless. In moments King Vegeta and Ginn were now in the presence of Prince Vegeta in all his Super Saiyan glory.

Ginn stammered, "THIS IS A TRICK! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SUPER SAIYAN!"

Vegeta looked at his father, who was admittedly surveying his son while holding onto Ginn, "Release him. I want him to run." His father didn't hesitate to do as his son requested, and released Ginn in the air. He retreated a few yards, and then nodded, "I will not interfere." Prince Vegeta hovered in the air with his arms crossed, his body tight and firm as the sheer resting energy around him dwarfed every other Saiyan on the planet. "Stay if you must." King Vegeta blinked at his son's invitation to watch him destroy the tyrant, but he declined, "I know how this ends." King Vegeta bowed to his own son, and flew down to meet with the others leaving Ginn and Vegeta face to face midair. Ginn was horrified, reasonably so, but his fate was sealed.

King Vegeta landed back at the ship as the Saiyans imprisoned those that fought for the tyrant. His orders were to take no prisoners, but that was before hundreds of them surrendered at once at the sight of Prince Vegeta going Super Saiyan. He would imprison them all, and figure out their punishments later—death was still on the table—but maybe not today. He looked up at the sky to see the glow of his son, and the trembling tyrant in front of him. This was truly a day of victory. He turned, and made his way into the ship to investigate the whereabouts of his wife, and to check up on the status of Bulma.

He turned a few corners to stand just outside the doorway of the infirmary where the 3 Saiyans had reconvened after Vegeta had left the ship. Their backs where towards him, but each slowly turned when they heard someone approach. "How does she fare?" As he made his way in Cortese and the Queen parted to reveal Bulma's body laying on the cold table in the center of the room. They all watched as the face of their King went from hopeful enthusiasm to downright sorrow when his eyes fell upon to human whose life was taken before them.

"We had hoped that maybe Vegeta's new abilities might aid to change this outcome." Cortese moved away so King Vegeta could stand at the table, and look over the human woman that sacrificed so much for his people, and for nothing in return. He exhaled with sorrow, as he removed the red cape from his body clasped together with a golden crest depicting the Saiyan race. He draped it over Bulma, wrapping it around her, and pinning the front closed. "Her memory will not be forgotten, and we will lay her to rest with a ceremony fit for royalty." He placed his hand on her cold brow as the others could only stand and watch. Their hearts were tugged about with emotion on the most bittersweet of outcomes. The Saiyans were reunited and free thanks to her, and she paid with her life.

"Tend to her body. The medics outside will deal with the injured." The King turned from the others and walked away from Bulma, his compassion and fervor to honor her memory strong. He had a battle to watch, a kingdom to reclaim, and a son he'd hoped would spare them for Bulma's sacrifice. He didn't have to go far from the ship to witness his son's altercation with Ginn, and from the looks of it that's all anyone was watching at this moment.

The skies cleared up briefly as if they themselves were running away from Vegeta's sheer power. It was a standoff in the sky, neither men moving, and neither men retreating. The sound of the wind blowing the clouds over head was the only noise heard anywhere. Ginn grimaced with terror as his plans shattered around him. His men had found Bulma in the forest, and he chose to follow her close until she reached the command ship. He was positive when he eliminated her in front of them all as a show of his strength his men would be able to capitalize on their shock, attack, and overpower them. He was so, so wrong. A million thoughts ran across his head, but no outcome would ensure he'd survive this confrontation with the Prince.

"…I…"

That was the only word Ginn was able to get out before Vegeta reached out and smashed him in the face with his fist. Ginn attempted to right himself only to have Vegeta upon him again with an elbow to the gut sending him to the ground before. He never made contact with the terrain because Vegeta was there to greet his back with a kick so ferocious it sent him hurdling back to the clouds. Back and forth this went on as Vegeta took pleasure in throwing him around like a ragdoll. His abuse stopped short as Vegeta caught him midair holding him tightly by the throat. Vegeta leaned into Ginn, his grip tightening around his collar, "You were saying?"

Ginn stammered, "It doesn't matter does it…we both know you're going to kill me." Ginn pulled his hand out and fired with all the might he had, but his sad attempt was child's play to Vegeta. Ginn was no match for Vegeta even before he reached Super Saiyan, and he had nothing to lose. Ginn dove for the ground in attempt to use the thick brush as cover, but never made it before Vegeta intercepted him. He grabbed Ginn by the throat, and pushed him down to an open area where all the Saiyans could see his display of power. Vegeta liked to tie all his loose ends, and this seemed fitting. Every Saiyan would see this show, and it would be clear who the most powerful person was. He had no use to test out his newfound strength since there would be no equal to battle him here, but his mind was rather preoccupied with disposing of Ginn. He didn't draw out the battle, he didn't torture or maim him, but Ginn was going to die.

Vegeta grabbed Ginn by the arms and stepped on his feet, securing him to one spot as Ginn tried desperately to escape. He leaned in close to ensure the last words he heard were Vegeta's, "This is for Bulma." His hands began to glow bright and hot. The Saiyans surrounding him watched in horror as Vegeta began to slowly boil Ginn from the extremities—inch by inch he was being cooked. Ginn screamed in blood-curdling pain as Vegeta increased his power bit by bit, until finally it was all over. Ginn's body temperature was increased to the point where his muscles split open, his internal organs rupturing, and even his own eyes melting from his skull all while he was still alive.

His death was the crowning moment for the Saiyans that were brought to the planet, as well as the ones that were still left behind protected in the underground compound. Except no one cheered. His death was met with silence, the end of his tyranny whisked away into the night sky like a candle in the wind. The corpse hit the ground with a sickening thud, the only sound depicting the end of his reign. It was eerily quiet as those that looked on watched as Vegeta turned, and walked away into the forest out of sight.

The sky began to rumble with the sound of oncoming rain, as if waiting in respect for the end of the battle before drenching the battlefield with its cold tears. The Queen walked up to her husband, and grabbed his hand tightly with her own. He looked down into her eyes, and without words their gaze spoke volumes—it was over. It was all over now. They both turned to the direction in which their son has ventured, but dare not follow. "Come my love. We have so much to do." She nodded quietly as a rogue tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek. This was such an emotional moment, and she didn't know what to feel. The King reached out wiping the tear from her cheek, and whispered, "No more tears."

The next few days involved solemn rejoicing for the Saiyans as well as destroying the underground compound for good so it could never be entered again. Homes that were abandoned were now reentered, the marketplace getting a renovation, and many other projects occurring to rebuild the city back to its original intended glory. There was one day in particular that the Saiyans laid down their tools, and gathered together to honor the woman who risked everything for them to have this moment. King Vegeta did not mandate an attendance to Bulma's funeral because he knew that each Saiyan would be there without question. Each Saiyan there had a debt to her that could never be repaid, and each Saiyan arrived to honor her memory—well, all except for one.

She was laid to rest in a stone enclosure laid upon a large granite table dressed in the Saiyan battle uniform. The King's cloak was wrapped around her neck, pinned closed in the front with the Queen's ring remaining on her hand. One by one each Saiyan entered the tomb, bowed, and left in an assembly that was truly fit for royalty just as the King had promised. The King and Queen stood next to Bulma as they watched the procession of Saiyans enter and exit.

"Do you think he will come?"

The Queen whispered to her husband, and he could only shake his head, "I do not foresee that." She sighed, and looked over the body beautifully displayed inside the tomb. "Such a shame."

The last Saiyans to enter the tomb were her comrades, Shirazi, Malbeca, and Cortese with Gavis by his side. Cortese walked up to Bulma, and looked to the King and Queen. "May I?" He lifted a large broadsword, one that had been in his possession for quite some time. It was a beautiful sword, a symbol of strength and power. The King looked over the token, and nodded his head, "As you wish." Cortese placed the sword on Bulma's chest, and crossed her fingers over the hilt as the blade pointed to her feet, "Rest well dearest Bulma." He bowed, and walked out from the tomb with the others.

At the conclusion of the funeral the King spoke a small eulogy to the crowd.

"Her name was Bulma, and we stand here today because of her; whose courage and persistence granted our race the fighting chance to be together this day, and all days moving forward. Without her, there would be no us, and without Prince Vegeta there would have been no her. Our debt is to both."

He turned to the stone door of the tomb placing his hand upon the side, "May Bulma rest eternally in peace." He pushed the door closed, sealing the tomb, and sealing her memory for eternity. They slowly disbanded one by one leaving her mausoleum in peace and quiet, the inside dark & sealed away from the outside world. There was much to do now, and even death couldn't deter the Saiyans from rebuilding what was theirs even as bittersweet as it was.

Little did the Saiyans know that their tomb was not impenetrable, at least to forces outside the laws of the universe. From the inside of the tomb emerged a shadow standing next to the beautiful woman who laid in state on the granite table. The figure reached out and caressed her face with the back of his hand, sighing lightly, "Even knowing your outcome still doesn't make this easy to see." The figure looked across Bulma's body adorned with Saiyan armor fit for royalty, and chuckled, "I can't wait to see your explanation for this one." He took a step back, and disappeared into the darkness from hence he'd came.

The clock ticked back on Earth as Gohan, Krillin, and the rest of the gang congregated to summon the dragon. Two weeks had come and gone, and here they stood ready, eager, and excited to wish back their beloved Goku, and use the remaining wish to bring back Yamcha. It wasn't long before the Namekians arrived at the area where the dragon balls were placed, and Dende emerged from the crowd. They didn't waste a second before Dende reached out his arms, and summoned the dragon.

The sky turned black as clouds circled ominously above them. A flash of light, and the brilliant dragon emerged. Even though they were quite used to what happens when you summon the dragon the event was always still fascinating to witness.

Porunga spoke, "You have summoned me—make your wishes."

Dende stood with a smile across his face as Gohan cheered next to him almost hopping out of his shoes in anticipation for him to speak out, "Porunga, we wish for the resurrection and return of our great warrior, Goku!"

There was a cheer from the crowd as Porunga flexed his body, cracked his neck, and stretched. He spread out his arms as the collective breath of the entire group was held as they awaited the arrival of their Super Saiyan. Porunga took in a deep breath as his energy began to spike—the wind swirling around them all. Krillin shouted to Gohan, "This is it, buddy!"

Then Porunga stopped. The wind died down. He relaxed his body, and blinked.

"The one named Goku is alive…and he does not wish to be transported here at this time."

The crowd fell silent…at least until the voice of a woman rang out scaring all of them—even Porunga.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S ALIVE, AND THAT HE'S NOT COMING BACK?!" It was Chi-Chi, and she was pissed off. She had a point though. Krillin spoke up to the dragon, "So…you mean to tell us he's been alive this entire time, and hasn't come back because…?" Porunga could only shrug his shoulders, "He does not give reason. Continue with your wishes." Chi-Chi was livid. Knowing that her husband was out there—somewhere—and refusing to come home…what was wrong with him! "HE BETTER HAVE A DAMN GOOD REASON FOR THIS WHEN HE SHOWS UP!"

She muttered many other angry statements at the absence of her husband, but they needed to continue on. Dende turned to Krillin and Gohan, "So…what do I wish for then?" They looked at each other while Krillin scratched his head, "I guess that might mean that Bulma is alive also…so maybe let's wish her back? I bet she's with Goku, and if that's the case I bet she's ready to come home." They shrugged their shoulders, "It's as good a plan as any I guess." Gohan turned to Piccolo, and informed him of the change of plans, "Could you go get Mr. and Mrs. Briefs? I'm sure they'll want to be here when we bring back Bulma earlier than anticipated!" Piccolo nodded, and in a flash he was gone. It was only seconds later that he was back, and in the distance they could hear the hum of one of the Capsule Corp cars.

"Ok…then…we wish for the return of Bulma Briefs!"

The crowd got excited again as they watched Porunga tense up, and then…

"…I cannot bring back the one you call Bulma Briefs."

Krillin rolled his eyes, "Oh come on you can't tell me that she's with Goku having the time of her life!"

Porunga raised his brow with condescension, "I cannot bring her back because she is deceased. You must amend your wish."

The crowd fell silent again, and it was shitty timing as both Bulma's parents had arrived to hear him say that. "Oh, no my sweetheart!" Mrs. Briefs covered her mouth as Mr. Briefs put his hand on her shoulder, "Now, now, it'll be ok." The three stood silent as their worst fear was now confirmed. They had left Bulma on Namek, and she was killed when the planet exploded from Frieza's malice. If they would have wished her back correctly in the first place, they wouldn't be in this mess after all. Shame fell over their hearts, but now was the time to right a wrong. Dende eyed Krillin and Gohan again, but need not ask them what his next wish would be. "Ok, Porunga, please bring Bulma's soul back to Earth, and resurrect her here…please?" Everyone stood on pins and needles as Porunga nodded, and began to glow. "Your wish…"

They waited with baited breath…

"…is granted."

Meanwhile…

…where am I?

She felt as if she was floating on water across a sea of darkness, but there was nothing around her. There was no wind, or waves, or smell, or sound. It was a vast emptiness unlike anything she'd ever experienced in her life. She blinked slowly as the nothingness around her echoed its silence and void.

…is this death…

"You aren't exactly incorrect my dear, but you aren't quite right either." From out of the darkness came a light which took a form all too familiar with her, "Ary'on?"

His presence brought a warmth over her, a calming to her soul. "Where am I?" He waved his hand, and in an instant, she was standing in a open meadow of grass with nothing around her. "You are dead, my dear." She blinked, and brought her hands out in front of her revealing a perfectly intact body, "I remember perfectly. He killed me…Ginn…he killed me." Ary'on watched as the memories came to Bulma of her final moments of life, "What do you see, Bulma? Tell me." She closed her eyes, then opened them as she exhaled softly, "I remember…"

Vegeta's face. He was so frightened…like I'd never seen before…I let him down…I failed him.

Ary'on smiled, "You didn't let anyone down, my dear. Don't forget, where we are there are no differences between thoughts and words…I can hear them both." Bulma shook her head trying to get the image of Vegeta from her mind. It was painful, and she didn't want to spend her eternity reliving that moment over and over.

"I don't understand…why are you here? And…what is 'here' anyways? Is this the Check-In Station…shouldn't there be others?" He smiled as he sat upon the air weightlessly and eloquently, "So many questions!" He stretched out a bit, and continued, "No, this is not the Check-In that your comrades are familiar with. I brought you here myself, to save you from having to endure such a process, especially since your presence there would be short lived anyways." Bulma looked around, "You mean…the dragon balls?" Ary'on nodded, "Yes…I do."

"But…I just died…"

Ary'on chuckled, "My dear woman, time is but a man-made construct that has no grip in the universe…it's just an illusion, especially when you're dead!" She continued to touch her skin questioning what was real anymore.

"Yes, you may have 'just died' but it is time for you to go home." The air around them began to stir as the formation of clouds appeared around them. From the misty white plumes emerged Porunga, who looked over at Ary'on with great shock, but then respectfully bowed deep. "Your Infinite Greatness…I—I—I did not expect to see you here." Ary'on waved his hand at Porunga, "Was I to inform you of my whearabouts, Porunga?" Bulma watched as the dragon's eyes enlarged in fear as he stammered back, "Of course not, no, please Your Infinite Greatness…I plead for your forgiveness!" The entire exchange blew Bulma's mind. A great dragon is shuddering in fear over Ary'on—like the nicest guy ever?! What the Hell? Bulma forgot that Ary'on could hear her thoughts, but he let it go.

"Ok, wait…who ARE you? Are you a Kai?"

Porunga tensed up at Bulma's question, "A Kai?! Woman how dare you speak with such ill-respect to the—!"

"Porunga…it is fine." Ary'on looked at Bulma who wore a confused look across her face. "I am not a Kai…" He watched as Bulma released a breath, but continued, "…I am greater than any Kai in existence." Bulma blinked. And blinked. And blinked.

"Say wuuuuuuh…?"

"I came long before the Kai's, and I will be here long after they expire. I am removed from the order of the universe because I am the order of the universe. I am the Alpha—the Omega…and everything in between." If Bulma had a physical body she would have passed out. "Uhhh…"

"You are both wondering why a being such as myself even cares remotely about one single human life in the vast expanse of the universe, aren't you?" Bulma nodded with eyes wide open, and Porunga remained in the clouds just as awestruck. Ary'on laughed, "You see, every now and again I like to remind myself of all the splendid things out there across the infinite number of galaxies, so I peer out, and see what's there. The results are often the same, mediocre life forms performing mediocre duties until their mediocre death. But sometimes, there is a life form that does extraordinary things, and I find myself drawn to them. You are one of those life forms, Bulma. You have done such extraordinary things as a human that I would expect out of alien races leaps and bounds ahead of your race on the other side of the galaxy. You are a leap forward for your race, and it's so wonderful to witness the first one! It's like witnessing the birth of a new universe!"

Again, if Bulma could pass out, she would have. "But, I'm…I'm just…me. I just tinker…I make things…I'm not special at all." Ary'on smiled placing his hand on her shoulder, "Now, I think that if I was to ask a certain someone if you were special, he'd have a different answer—not that he'd admit to it." Bulma tilted her head down at the thought of losing Vegeta, but then began to question, "So, Vegeta…why did you put up with him like you did?"

He chuckled, "Do not worry yourself with such things."

Bulma understood what he meant by his vague answer. He didn't owe her any explanation regarding Vegeta, or why Ary'on would put up with such a character especially given his position. Bulma sighed, "…so, what does this mean for the future? Is my knowing you going to influence the Kai's? I don't want to cause trouble…"

"The Kai's are inconsequential to me…even Zen-Oh." He looked at Bulma, who didn't know who he was referring to. "Never mind. Well, look at the time…" He placed his finger on her forehead leaving a small glowing fingerprint, "…like I said, you are one of a kind, Bulma. Not many have come before you, and not many will proceed you. I give you this gift—I do not meddle in the affairs of many, however for those select few, I might make an exception." His fingerprint began to glow brighter, and then it faded away. He looked at Porunga, "She is all yours now." He stepped back, and began to slowly fade away as Bulma watched in sadness, "WAIT…!" She reached out with her hand—her face stricken with worry, "…Vegeta…will he be ok out there?"

Ary'on smiled, "He'll have a long rough road ahead of him, but I think in the end...he'll be ok." Ary'on was vague to Bulma—he knew exactly what was going to happen, but he need not worry her with the details. "We will meet again in your lifetime Bulma." He faded from her sight leaving her with Porunga in an empty field of grass. She looked to the dragon, who looked at her in awe from her association with Ary'on. "If you are ready…"

Bulma looked back at the emptiness where Ary'on has disappeared, "Yeah…I am ready…"