Disclaimer: I do not own DB or any of its characters, be it cannon or filler.
SOMEWHERE IN WEST DISTRICT
Videl and the others are on Bulma's airship headed back to Capsule Corporation. This time, it was Yamcha who is driving since Bulma still seems to be shaken at what happened in the World Martial Arts Tournament a while ago.
BULMA: (teary-eyed) I still... can't believe it... He just...
YAMCHA: Hey, don't worry, Bulma! All we need to do is to gather all the dragon balls and summon Shenron. Then we can bring back all those people who died because of that attack.
BULMA: I know! I know we can easily do that. I just... I just can't understand...
Yamcha remains quiet, but his grip on the steering wheel tightens.
BULMA: He has... He's changed. But then...
MASTER ROSHI: There's something odd about how Vegeta acted back there. You're right, Bulma. He has changed alright, but earlier, it seemed like he came back to how he was before.
Bulma turns to Master Roshi.
BULMA: What do you think is the reason? Did you sense anything?
MASTER ROSHI: Hmn...
Master Roshi falls into deep thought.
ANDROID 18: There was an evil energy surrounding him.
Everyone looks at Android 18.
BULMA: What could that be?
Suddenly, the air becomes shaky. The airship was almost swept away.
CHI-CHI: What was that?
ANDROID 18: (to Yamcha) Can you be careful? There's a small child on board.
Marron wakes up because of the turbulence.
YAMCHA: It's not me!
MASTER ROSHI: It seems like there has been an explosion, huge enough to cause that turbulence.
Bulma looks out of the window where Master Roshi is looking.
BULMA: (on her mind) What is this? Why do I feel like this…? Vegeta...
On the other side, Videl's heart also constricted.
VIDEL: (on her mind) Gohan... please be safe...
Despite the turbulence, the airship landed safely on its destination.
BULMA: I have the dragon balls inside.
YAMCHA: I'll help you get them.
Bulma and Yamcha goes inside the Capsule Corporation.
CHI-CHI: Bulma was collecting the dragon balls?
MASTER ROSHI: Whatever the reason is, it's good that they are available right now.
VIDEL: Excuse me... What are those dragon balls?
CHI-CHI: They are wish orbs.
VIDEL: Wish orbs?
CHI-CHI: Yes. There are seven of them, and you have to collect them all to summon Shenron. He will grant you three wishes.
VIDEL: Wow...
Once again, Videl is astounded at this new information.
Bulma and Yamcha goes out with the dragon balls, together with Dr. Brief and his wife Panchy.
PANCHY: Oooh! Everyone is here. It's a good thing I have prepared some cookies and sweets a while ago.
BULMA: Mom, this is not a time for snacks.
Videl sees the dragon balls. She was fascinated at the shiny orbs that Bulma and Yamcha put in the ground.
YAMCHA: Okay, let's do this.
Yamcha extends his arms to the dragon balls, as if concentrating on them.
YAMCHA: Mighty Shenron! By your name I summon you!
Suddenly, the sky turns dark. The dragon balls start to glow, then a beam of light springs up from them up to the sky. The light eventually turns into a huge dragon.
VIDEL: Oh... my god...
Shenron stood up the sky, towering the group.
SHENRON: Who summon me?
YAMCHA: Uh... me?
SHENRON: I shall now grant you three wishes. What is your first wish?
YAMCHA: (to himself) How do we do this? Ahm... (to Shenron) I want you to bring back all those who died today, except the bad people... (looks at Bulma) I guess that's it?
BULMA: Yeah, that will do.
SHENRON: I have granted your first wish. Now, tell me your next wish.
BULMA: That was fast.
GOKU: Oh no! They already said the first wish!
All of them turns to Goku.
EVERYONE: Goku!
GOKU: I'm too late!
Chi-Chi comes to her husband.
CHI-CHI: Goku! What is happening? Where is Gohan and Goten?
GOKU: Chi, I'll explain later.
Goku points his finger on his forehead.
GOKU: Dende, can you hear me? They already made the first wish.
At the Lookout, Dende is at that spot where he stays to look at the Earth below.
DENDE: I see. Tell them to stop there and ask Shenron to leave. Then we can summon him again after 4 months.
GOKU: Okay. By the way, everyone is already here so tell the others I will bring them all there at the Lookout.
DENDE: Okay.
Goku speaks to Shenron.
GOKU: Mighty Shenron! That's all we have for now. We'll just see you later, okay?
SHENRON: Then I should leave. Farewell!
The mighty dragon disappears, and the sky turns into a bright sunny atmosphere.
VIDEL: He's... gone...
YAMCHA: Okay, Goku. I think you should explain everything now.
GOKU: How do I start? Hmn... There is this magician called Babidi. He's not here from Earth. His father created a monster called Majin Buu.
CHI-CHI: We already know about that.
GOKU: Huh?
CHI-CHI: Videl told us everything about Babidi and how he is trying to revive Majin Buu.
Goku looks at Videl. Videl goes closer to Goku and Chi-Chi.
VIDEL: I came with Gohan, but he told me I should come back instead.
GOKU: I see...
VIDEL: Were you able to prevent Majin Buu from being revived?
GOKU: We did not.
All of them gasp in horror.
GOKU: That is the reason why I stopped the wishes because we might need to make them again for the others who might die because of Majin Buu.
BULMA: Is he really that... evil?
GOKU: I don't know yet. I haven't seen him. Right now, I'm taking all of you to the Lookout. It might be safer for you to stay there. Just hold on to each other, and I'll use Instant Transmission to transport you all there.
All of them do as Goku instructed, except for Dr. Brief and Panchy.
BULMA: Dad! Mom!
PANCHY: It's okay, Sweetie. We're staying here.
BULMA: Mom?
DR. BRIEF: We cannot leave our pets alone. Besides, if we die you could revive us using the dragon balls.
Bulma looks at her parents but decided to just let them be and leave them there.
BULMA: Alright, if that's what you want.
PANCHY: Take care everyone! Next time we will eat the cookies I prepared.
Goku holds Chi-Chi's hand, and on the other side, Yamcha held on to him. Then instantly, they were transported to the Lookoout.
LOOKOUT
The group arrives at the Lookout. Krillin, Piccolo, Dende and Mr. Popo all come to greet them.
MARRON: Daddy!
Marron rushes to Krillin, followed by Android 18.
ANDROID 18: Were you hurt?
KRILLIN: Nah! I'm fine, don't worry.
PICCOLO: Is everyone here?
GOKU: I took everyone, except Bulma's parents.
BULMA: They said they can't leave their pets behind. Dad said they can be revived by the dragon balls anyway.
KRILLIN: If I know where Tien and Chiaotzu are, we could have brought them here as well.
CHI-CHI: (looks around) Where's Gohan and Goten?
BULMA: And Trunks? And... (looks at Goku) Vegeta?
KRILLIN: Oh no...
Chi-Chi's instinct made her look at Goku, worry written all over her face. Goku looks at his wife, trying so hard to control his emotions.
GOKU: There is no easy way to say this, but you have to know anyway...
CHI-CHI: Goku...
Chi-Chi's voice is shaking. No, her whole body is shaking. Her eyes are tearing up. Goku wants to hold her, console her on what he is about to tell her. But if he does, he might not be able to deliver the news properly because he himself might break down.
GOKU: Goten and Trunks are fine. They're inside, sleeping.
CHI-CHI: And… Gohan?
Goku looks away. He takes a deep breath before he continues.
GOKU: Gohan and Vegeta... they're dead.
Chi-Chi was dumbfounded. Her tears flowed instantly to her face. She gapes at Goku, catching her breath as her whole soul grieves.
GOKU: They were killed by Majin Buu.
BULMA: No way!
Bulma is getting hysterical. She's shaking her head, as if forcing Goku to tell her that what he said is not real as her tears started flowing on her face.
BULMA: Tell me that's not true! Goku, that's… that's not true!
Yamcha goes to Bulma and try to console and control her.
GOKU: I'm sorry...
BULMA: No, he can't be dead! Vegeta! No!
But as Bulma cries her heart out, Chi-Chi is starting to become dazed.
CHI-CHI: Gohan...
Chi-Chi closes her eyes, slowly pass out.
GOKU: Chi-Chi!
Goku rushes to her, catching her. He holds her in his arms, worried about her being unconscious.
GOKU: Chi-Chi! Chi-Chi!
Videl is just standing there, not knowing what to do or say or even think. Everything went blank on her. She's looking at the commotion in front of her - Bulma being hysterical and Goku trying to wake up the unconscious Chi-Chi. Everyone else is grieving.
VIDEL: (to herself) Is this... is this really how it is?
Panic is starting to come to her. Her breathing starts to shallow. She breathes faster to catch it. A sob suddenly escaped her mouth. Tears started flowing after.
Dende comes to Chi-Chi and checks her up.
DENDE: She's unconscious, but she'll be fine. Put her inside for her to lay properly.
Goku takes his wife and puts her on a bed on one of the rooms inside the palace. The Ox King follows them.
OX KING: It's okay, Goku. I can take care of her. Do whatever you have to do.
Goku nods at the Ox King. He looks at his wife, then touches her face. He leans forward to kiss her temple. He then stands up and leaves, only to find Videl at the entrance of the room, with silent tears flowing through her face.
VIDEL: Is it really...
Goku nods at her. With that confirmation, Videl cries more. Goku looks at her sympathetically, but there's only so much he can do.
GOKU: Let's go outside.
Videl looks at Goku. She can feel the sadness he has on those big dark eyes. Those eyes that look oh so familiar because they are the same eyes that Gohan has. It made her feel more bad.
Goku looks away. He walks away not knowing if Videl will follow her. But she did. She did follow him.
He takes her on that side of the Lookout where there are palm trees. On the other side, Bulma is still crying out loud for the demise of her husband. The others are all trying to console her.
Goku sits on the planters. Videl follows and sits down as well, hugging her legs as she continues to cry.
GOKU: This might be very unusual to you. This life that we have. But you'll get by. You'll get used to it.
VIDEL: This might be the last time.
GOKU: Why did you say that?
VIDEL: Gohan... Gohan is...
Videl tries to stop herself from crying once again.
VIDEL: He's dead and... he's my only friend here.
GOKU: That's not true.
Videl was surprised. She looks at Goku, gaping at him.
GOKU: You're a friend to Chi-Chi as well. And the others.
VIDEL: I don't know. (looks away) I don't even know how they feel about me. My dad took all the credit about defeating Cell, when in reality, it was you who did it.
GOKU: I'm not sure about that.
Videl looks at Goku.
VIDEL: What do you mean? You're the one who killed Cell, right?
Goku shakes his head.
VIDEL: Vegeta?
GOKU: No.
VIDEL: Piccolo?
Goku shakes his head once again.
VIDEL: Don't tell me it's really my dad?
Goku laughs, shocking Videl.
GOKU: I thought you're smart enough to guess it. Oh well, I guess it's unbelievable enough for you to not figure it out.
Videl realizes what he's saying, and it makes her more surprised.
VIDEL: No way...
GOKU: So you finally figured it out.
VIDEL: Gohan?
GOKU: That's right!
VIDEL: But... he was just nine!
GOKU: Yes he was, the strongest nine-year-old that time. He defeated Cell and saved the world.
VIDEL: That's unbelievable…
GOKU: I know... But you know? A lot of unbelievable things happen in this world. Remember the dragon balls?
Videl nods.
GOKU: They can bring Gohan back. You just have to wait for another four months, but I guess that's better than seven years!
Goku laughs again. His optimism is starting to rub onto Videl.
GOKU: But, you have to find the dragon balls first. Maybe you can help in finding them.
VIDEL: I will... Whatever it takes to revive Gohan.
Goku looks at Videl, making the latter blush.
VIDEL: I mean... everyone and Gohan...
GOKU: Then after, maybe you can tell him to train a little more because you see, he has become a little bit rusty.
Videl looks at Goku, and his positivity has completely infected her.
VIDEL: I could try.
GOKU: I'm counting on you on that.
Goku stands up and is about to leave.
VIDEL: Goku!
GOKU: Hmn?
VIDEL: What are you going to do now? How do you think you can defeat Majin Buu?
GOKU: There is this technique that I could teach Trunks and Goten. I'm hoping it will be enough to defeat Majin Buu.
VIDEL: I'm counting on that technique.
Goku nods and smiles. He then returns to the others.
VIDEL: We're all counting on that.
Videl looks forward. She dries her tears and starts to compose herself.
VIDEL: I'm going to find those dragon balls. I'm going to bring Gohan back. I promise!
BABIDI: (voice over) People of the Earth, can you hear me?
VIDEL: (stands up) Huh?
At that moment, Babidi and Majin Buu are above a certain city.
BABIDI: I am Babidi, a powerful wizard and this is my slave, Majin Buu.
MAJIN BUU: Buu!
BABIDI: He's very powerful and he does anything that I tell him. You might be wondering where I am and how can I speak to you. Because of my magic I can talk to you like this through your heart.
VIDEL: So this is...
BABIDI: There's these three idiots that I'm looking for. You can see them when you close your eyes.
Videl closes her eyes and sees Goten, Trunks and Piccolo.
VIDE: No way...
BABIDI: Come to me! I know you can see yourself. And if you don't come, then this is what will happen. Buu!
MAJIN BUU: Hmn?
BABIDI: Show them what you can do to this city.
MAJIN BUU: Buu!
Majin Buu casts his magic to the city, turning all the people into candies.
VIDEL: What?
Buu then siphons all the candies, then eats them.
VIDEL: He ate them!
Videl is furious just by watching what is happening. Her fists clench as Majin Buu chew all the candies on his mouth.
BABIDI: And since no one is here anyway, let's clean this mess up. Buu!
MAJIN BUU: Okay!
Buu blows unto the city, so strong the entire city is wiped out.
BABIDI: That's better. Now, if you don't want that to happen to your city, better tell me who they are. I'll give you five days, then I'll blow the entire planet so you better hurry up! By the way, if you want to talk to me, then just call me mentally. Concentrate a little. For sure I will be there... Oh wait... I think someone is talking. Ha! This is quite fast. Who are you?
The guy that was talking to Babidi is one who handled the registration for the World Martial Arts Tournament.
MAN: I work at the World Martial Arts Tournament.
BABIDI: Oh! So you know these three?
MAN: Yes, they participated in the tournament earlier. The green one is Ma Jr. The spiky haired kid is Goten and the last one is Trunks.
BABIDI: Why don't you tell me where they live?
MAN: I'm sorry, but their addresses are not here in the information sheet.
BABIDI: What's the use of knowing their names if I can't go find them? That's useless!
MAN: But you didn't tell us you need their address.
BABIDI: And you are a fool!
The man's head suddenly exploded.
BABIDI: Remember this, Earthlings. I don't want useless information. Try to supply me with crap and you will end up the same fate. I'm very busy destroying some cities. Oh! Who knows who I will visit next? Buu!
Babidi rides onto Majin Buu's back.
BABIDI: I'll be waiting. The longer, the more cities we will destroy. I tell you, Buu has a very big appetite. (laughs wickedly)
The telepathic message ends. Videl opens her eyes.
VIDEL: He's a monster!
She looks forward.
VIDEL: Gohan... are you really...
She remembers their last conversation before they separate earlier.
GOHAN: (voice over) When I come back, we'll talk. I'll tell you everything you want to know about me. I promise.
Tears start to flow on her face again. But this time, she's not feeling sorrowful. She's feeling spirited.
VIDEL: You're the strongest person on Earth, so I know... I know you can't be dead! You once saved us. I know you can save us again!
She wipes all the tears on her face.
VIDEL: Go back now, Gohan. Please go back soon.
She runs towards Goku and the others.
SACRED WORLD OF KAIS
Gohan wakes up feeling a surge of energy through his body.
GOHAN: Huh? (sits up) Supreme Kai?
SHIN: How are you feeling?
Gohan looks at his fist, closes it then opens it again.
GOHAN: Like my strength is fully restored.
SHIN: That's good!
Gohan stands up, then looks around.
GOHAN: Where am I?
SHIN: This is the Sacred World of Kais, my planet.
GOHAN: What? Then... I'm dead...
SHIN: You're not.
GOHAN: Huh?
SHIN: You were badly hurt when Buu attacked you. I took you here and Kibito revived you.
KIBITO: Not even the guardians and Kais are allowed at this place.
GOHAN: Really?
He suddenly remembers what happen a while back on Earth.
GOHAN: (to Kibito) I saw you die... Does that mean you can bring yourself back from the dead?
KIBITO: No, I don't have that ability. I also don't know how it happened.
GOHAN: But why did you bring me here? Is the Earth... is it gone?
KIBITO: No. I also don't know why the Supreme Kai brought you here.
SHIN: Gohan, I have this feeling that you could be the one who can defeat Majin Buu.
GOHAN: But... how can I do that? I almost died with just a single blow from him.
SHIN: By using the Z Sword.
KIBITO: The Z Sword?
GOHAN: Huh?
KIBITO: Are you sure you about that, Supreme Kai? No one has ever used that sword. Not even me or any Kai can budge the sword from the rock.
SHIN: You were dead, so you weren't able to see the immense power that Gohan has.
KIBITO: But he can't possibly...
SHIN: It won't hurt to try. Follow me.
GOHAN: Okay.
The Supreme Kai flies in the air, and Gohan and Kibito follow suit.
GOHAN: Wow! This place is so nice. It kind of reminds me like our home.
KIBITO: Those clothes you're wearing, it does not suit this place.
Kibito changes Gohan's clothes, making him look like their clothing.
GOHAN: Whoa!
SHIN: It suits you perfectly.
GOHAN: Really? (on his mind) I feel like Kibito's twin...
They arrive at a tall rock formation with a flat top. On it was a sword buried until a few inches from its handle.
SHIN: This is the Z Sword. I have never heard someone being able to pull it up.
GOHAN: So, you want me to try it?
SHIN: Yes.
Gohan holds onto the sword's handle.
GOHAN: So, what happens when I pull this out?
KIBITO: It is said that the one who can pull that sword will be rewarded with a great power. So immense it can be used to defeat Majin Buu.
GOHAN: Really? It's that sharp?
KIBITO: Don't worry, you won't be able to pull it, so you don't have to know.
SHIN: Have a little faith, Kibito. Now Gohan, try to pull it out.
GOHAN: Okay.
Gohan tries to pull it out, but however he tries the sword will not budge.
GOHAN: (panting) This is harder than I thought!
KIBITO: I told you.
GOHAN: Alright. Let's try it again.
Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan.
KIBITO: Do you think turning into Super Saiyan will work? It won't make no difference. A lot of Kais have tried, but no one was able to pull it off. How can a mere human pull that off?
Gohan pulls harder, and when nothing happens still, he powers up, turning himself to a level beyond Super Saiyan.
KIBITO: Huh? What is this power?
Gohan puts all his strength into achieving the goal. Soon enough, he slowly pulls the legendary Z Sword. He pulls hard that he flies up due to the force he exerted.
KIBITO: It can't be!
SHIN: I knew it! Gohan, you pulled the sword!
GOHAN: (panting) Yeah... you can say that, Supreme Kai.
Gohan looks at the very long and heavy sword, making him feel hopeful of defeating the abomination known as Majin Buu.
A/N: On this head canon, Bulma has he dragon balls already that is why they were able to call the mighty Shenron immediately. I'm not sure if that's the case with the anime/manga. For me it's just more realistic given the fact that the dragon radar (spoiler alert) is hidden in the Capsule Corporation, meaning the dragons have been found long before that day. If they only looked for the dragon balls after the incident with Vegeta, then the dragon radar must be in the airship. Aside from that, they will take some time searching for the dragon balls, which I think will contradict with the whole story since everything happened simultaneously.
I've added some emotional scene on the part where they found out about Vegeta and Gohan's death. I just wanted it to feel more realistic, especially with Goku. I feel like that's how he would react with the news of his son passing, and also being worried at how his wife is reacting with the news.
As for Chi-Chi, I want to establish the rule that she might be loud and very vocal but when it comes to emotional moments, she is that type that is easily overwhelmed and becomes speechless and in some moments, passes out.
