Silence filled the air as Bulma, Roshi, Nam, and the Ox-King gathered around the Dragon Balls. Gohan and Borra's bodies lay rigid nearby. They shuffled, each waiting for someone else to make the first move. After a few minutes of silence, Bulma sighed and spoke up.
"Rise Shenron, and grant me my wish." she said flatly. The Dragon erupted from the Dragon Balls, its body wrapping around Korin Tower. The wind chilled them all to the bone as the Dragon loomed over them. Seeing Shenron gave Bulma a momentary flutter of hope.
"Speak your wish!" Shenron spoke.
Bulma looked back at the men huddled together, for any indication that they would step forward to take things from there, none did. She sighed and spoke, 'We wish for Gohan and Borra to be brought back to life!"
She looked over to the bodies, half-expecting them to spring back to life. Nothing happened. She stood there for what felt like ages, but again, nothing happened. What gives? She thought to herself.
As if responding to her question, the Dragon boomed, "That wish is beyond my power, I can only bring back one." Her skin began to buzz with electricity as she tasted iron in her mouth. The air seemed to get thinner as her throat dried up.
She looked over at the others, but they were all looking down, the impact of Shenron's words heavy on their shoulders. She gulped but was finding it hard to swallow. Her palms were sweating, and a low growl seemed to come from Shenron as if the Dragon was impatient. She looked up at the tower and thought about Yamcha, Krillin, and Chi Chi, then she got an idea.
"Then I wish for two more wishes!" she said, pleased with herself. Why didn't I think of that before? She mused to herself as she crossed her arms triumphantly.
"You may only have one wish per summon!" Shenron's voice shook the tower. Smoke blew from his nostrils as if huffing at this request.
"Then before I make my wish, can I ask you a question, you big meanie?" Bulma said aggressively. Don't take that tone with me! She angrily thought to herself.
Shenron responded, mildly annoyed, "Fine, make it quick!"
"Is there a limit to the amount of time it takes before we can revive someone?"" Bulma said, hoping to revive Borra the next time they gathered the Dragon Balls.
"A person can only be brought back within a year of their death, unless their soul moves on before then. At my current power, I cannot provide any more time." Shenron said, his voice reverberating through the Sacred Lands. "Now state your wish, or I will leave!"
The gravitas of the situation was beginning to sink in. Bulma looked to the ground as she felt Upa's eyes on her. She clenched her fist, refusing to look over. Her eyes closed; she took a deep breath and began to speak.
"We wish for…." but before she could utter another word, Roshi interjected.
"...you to bring back Borra." He said, shambling forward. "Oh, great Shenron, please bring back Borra from the land of the dead."
Bulma looked at him, feeling both shock and sadness welling up within her.
"Your wish has been granted! Farewell!" He said as he and the dragon balls disappeared.
"But...but…" she began to stammer, as fresh tears started to fall down the paved tracks on her face. Her hopeful heart flutter turned into a sinking pain. Roshi placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I know. I know." She pulled away from him as she choked back sobs. She never met her grandparents, so having Gohan around, felt like she had a grandpa. He taught her how to fight, and he was so sweet and generous, so caring. He can't be gone! He just can't! She thought to herself. She wanted to rush over and wake him up. She tried to punch Borra for dying. It was his fault, she thought, if that bg oaf didn't die too, they could have brought Gohan back! She screamed in her mind as she collapsed silently to the ground.
Upa ran over to his father, tears of joy streaming down his face. "Oh father, I'm so glad you're back!" he said, burying himself into his father. Borra smiled down at his son as he wiped the tears from the young boy's face. Upa then turned around and ran towards Bulma.
"Thank you Ms. Bulma! Thank you for helping save my father!" He said through tears. "I'm sorry we couldn't bring back your grandpa too!" He cried harder, his tiny arms squeezing her tight.
She felt guilty for having thought what she just did. She turned around to Master Roshi, and his face said it all. That's why she thought to herself. If Gohan were here, he would have rather we wished Borra back because of his son. As if reading her mind, Roshi nodded.
Just then, Yamcha and Krillin landed on the ground.
"What's going? Why did you use the Dragon Balls? Did we hear the Dragon say that people died?" Yamcha was talking very fast, and panic was spread over his face. Krillin's eyes were wide with fear as he looked around to try and see what happened. Bulma ran over and hugged Yamcha, crying into his chest. He panicked and stammered out, "What's going on?" as he held his arms up in shock. As Bulma continued sobbing, he finally wrapped his arms around her, holding her.
"Where's my Chi Chi?" the Ox-king said, through a sniffling nose. He wiped his eyes, and his face was red from crying.
Krillin spoke up, "Uh she refused to come down. She said that whatever happened, she was going to train harder than ever,so that no one had to die again." Krillin shuddered, thinking of the intense look that Chi Chi had her eyes before they parted ways.
The Ox-King sobbed some more.
Master Roshi filled Yamcha and Krillin in on what happened. Nam came over to pay his respects to his friends and offer them comfort. Yamcha's eyes were trained to the ground.
"GAH!" Bulma jumped back, startled. "If only we were here!" Yamcha yelled out angrily, his aura beginning to bubble.
Roshi replied in a somber tone. "Even if you were here, there is no certainty that you could have made a difference. That Mercenary Tao is a sneaky one, and his power rivals mine in my prime."
"I don't care!" Yamcha barked angrily. "Where is he? Come on Krillin let's go find this low-life and teach him a lesson!"
"NO!" Roshi said forcefully. "I know how hurt you are right now, trust me! Gohan was my friend. I've known that man for hundreds of years. I too, want to make Tao suffer, but revenge is not the way boys." He paused, seeing that his words were falling on deaf ears. He sighed, then added. "It's not what Gohan would have wanted." Yamcha and Krillin softened. They knew this was true.
"So then what do we do now?" Krillin asked through tears.
"We honor him by moving forward, and living and how he would want us to live." As he said this, he sighed and turned to Bulma. "I guess that means, I should apologize." Without another word, he turned around and started to gather logs to place around Gohan.
Everyone helped, and soon they had enough to build a pyre. They gathered around and shared good memories of Gohan. Of how he made them feel, and the great man he was. After the body was cremated, they gathered the ashes in a tin and began spreading them across the Sacred lands of Korin. Farewell, my old friend. Roshi thought to himself as the birds started to chirp, and the nature around them began to bloom with life.
A month passed before Chi Chi had grabbed the sacred water from Korin. After learning of Gohan's, she decided to stay another month to train.
"You've really improved since you first arrived, Chi Chi." Korin said, impressed by her growth. Chi Chi said nothing as she continued practicing her kicks. Her thinking was starting to change, her priorities shifting. She had watched Gohan's death in the water barrels and decided that she would get revenge on Tao. She would make him rue the day he killed Gohan. Despite the slight shift in priorities, she still clung to her dream of getting married and having a family.
Korin looked on as Chi Chi continued to practice her moves. She's an interesting one, he thought to himself. She was clearly adept at fighting and was very capable. Still, he was constantly reminded of how young-minded she was. When she talked to him about her dreams, he could tell there was a bit of naivety there.
She was determined to fight Tao; it was written all over her aura. Korin sighed as he wondered if she was strong enough to do so. I don't want her getting herself killed, but this kid is stubborn! One thing's for sure, if her strength was as great as her determination, then Tao better be careful. He chuckled at this thought. The sun began to stream into the lookout, and he heard the hissing of the tea kettle down below. He shuffled down to grab them both a cup and then returned to the top and motioned for her to sit as he poured their tea.
"Listen kid, you've gotten stronger, but don't overestimate your abilities, understand? I know what your planning, but Tao is ruthless, he'll kill you without hesitation. I suggest you test your new strength with Baba. She's Roshi's sister and she has some pretty strong fighters to test your strength against." He said this all between tea sips. Chi Chi said nothing. Plus, if anyone can get through to you, it'll probably be her.
"Does that mean my training is over Master Korin?" She said, still looking down at her teacup.
"This chapter, but your training is never over. You will always be learning and growing in life, got that?" Chi Chi nodded. "Okay kid, I'll see you later." He said as he stood up.
Chi Chi bowed to him and thanked him. "One more thing." She said, her eyes closed. "Thank you Master Korin for the tea party, it was like if Mr. Fluffy Whiskers was talking back to me!" She ran over and hugged the cat. He blushed from embarrassment.
"Okay, kid but don't ever call me that." He said, straightening his fur. They said their goodbyes, and Chi Chi departed.
I don't think Master Korin thinks I'm strong enough to beat Tao up yet, so maybe I'll visit that Baba lady he mentioned. I'm sure Yamcha and Krillin would be willing to help me with Tao, too. I should probably go tell Daddy I'm okay, though! She made nimbus change course to take her to her dad.
She landed near the village, and instantly a commotion started. People scrambled around anxiously as she heard one say, Hurry and get him she's back! She looked around, confused when the ground began to shake. Her dad was barreling towards her, tears streaming behind him, arms outstretched. He scooped her up and hugged her tight, crushing her.
"Daddy, you're squishing me."
Through sobs, the Ox-King spoke, "You had me so worried, thank goodness you're okay!" Chi Chi blushed, as her dad told her how much he loved and missed her.
"Sorry daddy, I was training with Korin….and" She stopped when she remembered that Gohan was one of her father's childhood friends. Tears began to well up in her eyes. "I'm sorry about Gohan!" she said, crying and hugging him back.
"I know honey, I miss him," They embraced for a few minutes. She then informed her father that she would get revenge on the man who killed his friend, but he urged her not to. She sighed and let him know that she was going to Roshi's to continue her training and left without another word.
Once at Roshi's, she explained her training and asked Roshi to take her, Yamcha, and Krillin to Baba's to fight.
"So Korin told you about my sister." Roshi squawked as he smoked his pipe. "And you want to face off against her fighters?" Chi Chi nods. "I see. Well she has some tricky fighters, so we'll have to be on our toes. We'll get Bulma and head out to my sister's place." Yamcha calls Bulma, and with that, they take off to meet Fortune Teller Baba.
They arrive and are greeted by a tiny old lady riding on a crystal ball. Following behind her is a pink ghost. The lady looks over them all and then stops at Roshi. She closes her eyes and pinches the part between her eyes as she takes a deep breath.
"What can I help you with?" She said in a quippy and annoyed tone. Everyone turned to Chi Chi for her to take the lead. She cleared her throat.
"Ms. Baba…I um…."
"You were wondering who your future love will be?" Baba asked dryly. She looked over at Roshi and rolled her eyes. "Since you brought my brother, I'll give you a discount…..2 million zeni."
"20 Million Zeni!" they all gasped out.
"How much is it usually?" Bulma asked reluctantly.
"10 million zeni." The ghost replied cheerfully. At this, Bulma turned and shook her head. Of course, Roshi would make it more expensive.
Chi Chi finally spoke up. "Well although that would be nice to know. That is not why I am here. We would like to face off against your fighters!" Baba raised an eyebrow and looked over at Chi Chi, surprised. She then turned back to Roshi.
"So you think your group of fighters is stronger than mine hugh brother?" she cackled with laughter as Roshi grumbled under his breath. "Very well, I shall accept this challenge, but be careful what you wish for….," she said as she cackled maniacally. She began to fade back into darkness as smoke appeared around her. Soon she was gone, and the gang was left confused.
"Yeah my sister has a flair for the dramatic." Roshi said as he urged them on to the fighting arena.
They arrived at the arena to find Baba waiting for them. She motioned to a door behind her, and a blueish looking man with boxing gloves marches out. "This is Fangs, now call out your first fighter." Baba said with a smile.
Chi Chi stepped forward to fight.
The match began with Fangs dancing around the ring. Chi Chi watched his movements, waiting to strike when suddenly he turned into a bat. She sighed as she tried to trace the bat's flight pattern, but it was moving incredibly fast. She lost sight of him for one moment, then heard a poof, from behind her. She whipped around really fast and kicked Fangs out of the ring.
Baba grumbled and then asked if Chi Chi will stay in the ring or if someone else is going to enter. Before she could answer, Yamacha hops up, eager to fight.
"I'll give it a go!" He says, smiling. "After seeing Chi Chi decimate the first guy, I'm all pumped up to fight!"
Chi Chi glares at him, and he chuckles nervously, "Of course, Chi Chi can jump back in for the next match!" He says as she stomps out of the ring. He waits for a minute and notices no one is coming out.
"So uh...haha….umm….where is this other guy?" He asks, confused.
"Oh he's in the ring now." Baba answers, matter-of-factly. As she says, this Yamcha feels a series of punches hit him. He tries to grab the air in front of him but grabs nothing. He dances around the ring for a while, trying to think of a way to see the invisible man. He shakes his head, and dust and dirt fall off. He then gets an idea. He turns and tells everyone to shake off the dust from their hair, which they reluctantly agree to. The dust kicks up into the air and clings to the invisible man's body. Yamcha is able to see him and knock him out with ease.
He stepped out of the ring, as he agreed to do, but Krillin rushed up instead. A mummy walks into the ring, and Krillin roars with laughter.
"We had a vampire guy, an invisible man, and now a mummy, what's next…" before he could finish his thought, he was knocked out of the ring.
Chi Chi entered the ring and made short work of the mummy, eager to prove herself. She rushed at him with all her might and landed a hard kick to his gut, knocking him out of the ring. Winded, she walked out of the ring to let Yamcha continue the next match.
Yamcha's opponent was a wolfman, and he struggled to get an upper-hand. He locked the wolf into a full nelson and jumped out of the ring with much regret, knocking them both out in the process.
Bulma looked on in surprise at this monster mash. She sighed, took off her power gloves, and tried to hand them to Chi Chi, but was instead scolded by Baba.
"No! I do not accept those, she must fight on her own." Baba then turned and yelled out, "Spike!" and a man in a blue devil costume strolled out. Baba looked into Chi Chi's eyes and noticed something. She looked into her crystal ball, and her suspicions were confirmed. She shook her head as the match began.
Chi Chi was fast and took the fight to Spike the Devilman, or so it seemed. He smiled as he knocked Chi Chi back and launched his Devilmite beam. Chi Chi began to grow feral, snapping at the air, as she screamed out angrily, against Spike's laughter. Just as soon as it started, it stopped.
Fortuneteller Baba floated over and woke up Chi Chi, who had passed out from Spike's attack.
"That is what will happen if you allow revenge to consume you, go it!" Chi Chi nodded, still reeling from the fight. She sighed and turned to her friends.
Roshi spoke first. "I see, so that's why you wanted to come here and fight." He sighed and looked over to his sister. "Did Korin reach out to you?" he asked, curious as to how she knew. She cackled and said nothing.
Bulma spoke up. "What's so wrong with her wanting revenge for Gohan?" She rubbed her temples as she tried to calm her annoyance.
"Listen, girls, I too wish I could do something, and I want to make that Tao fool pay for what he's done. But that is not the way of Martial Arts. We will face him again, and we will defeat him, but to try and seek him out now….we just aren't ready." Chi Chi sighed. She didn't like being scolded and was getting annoyed that she was being scolded for something she felt. She sighed and waited for them to leave, choosing to stay behind. She said she would catch up with them, but decided to stay back and talk to Baba for a bit.
"Can you tell me if I'll ever get married and have a family?" Chi Chi asked in a hushed tone.
"Child, that stuff is overrated, I think it's great that YOU are one of the earth's strongest fighters…"
"Do you have a husband and kids?" Chi Chi asked.
"It was never my wish to have that life….but look….." Baba sighed as she saw Chi Chi's sad face. "...we can check." Baba looked into her crystal ball and saw a litany of potential futures for Chi Chi. There was one in which she married Krillin, another where she married a stranger but left him because he didn't support her fighting, and another where she married some alien. There were plenty of futures of her saving the earth along with Roshi's other students. She paused and turned to the girl, who was eager to receive some news.
"I see a future, where you get to grow into one of the strongest fighter's earth has ever seen, AND you get to have the family you so desperately crave. However, the family will come when you least expect it. All the others I see, only one mate will make you happy." Chi Chi smiled and said goodbye, excited about her potential future. She went home to fill her dad in on what she had learned and vowed that she would defeat Mercenary Tao and avenge Gohan's death by getting stronger than any of her friends. She went over to Master Roshi's to inform her friends that she would be training with them for a while, but she wanted to train out in the world, maybe pay a visit to Nam and Borra. She had a new goal in mind. First, she would become the strongest fighter in the world, then she could worry about her family.
