Dragon Ball: Governed


Chapter 54 - Hope


Sitting down in a cave as he ate on the native gigantic spiders that consisted of this barren world, Broly had been with a frown ever since he was somehow miraculously returned to home. The battle was over, though he had no memory of how he defeated Vegeta. Still, for him the cost was great; abiding by the orders of his father, he lost not only his dad, but his best friend, Zima, as well. The Saiyan grieved in silence, but he wasn't going to let his mourning hinder his survival on Planet Vampa.

As he paced himself to stand up to look at the sunlight rearing its searing face on the planet, he winced in pain. His body ached and his muscles wouldn't stop twitching from the moment he was able to come back to his senses. He had never felt this much physical pain before; he didn't think it was possible.

Ears perking up, Broly could hear the echoed roars of a familiar beast. His pupils widened and his heart dropped to his stomach, which began to fill with butterflies. Despite there being hundreds of thousands of dangerous oversized critters on this wasteland of a planet, there were also humongous dogs with long bodies with equal size of great apes. Over the years, Broly had heard of many of them constantly roaring, though from a young age, he was able to distinguish one from all the others. "Bah…" he muttered under his breath. Grabbing at the green fur wrapped around his waist, flashes of memories regarding his short friendship with Bah as a child drowned his brain. With another roar coming from the gigantic beast, Broly was able to note it was more than just a morning howl from him; the beast was in pain. The Saiyan's eyes narrowed as his nose twitched. It had been years since he seen him. Sure enough, Bah would more than likely remember Broly's face and how he was the reason that his ear had been shot off by his father. Still, Bah was in pain.

One thought crossed his mind: could saving Bah be a way to rekindle the friendship that they lost all those years ago?

There was only one way to find out.

Fighting through the excruciating pain his body felt, Broly shot off to go help him. Just maybe...maybe he didn't have to live the rest of his life alone.


Hours subsequent to the battle on Planet Vegeta, Gohan, Tarble, Bardock, Shin, and Kibito are all back in the Supreme Kai's realm. The Saiyans are eating the food provided to them while Shin and Kibito continue to observe the Universe. As for the old supreme kai, he's just ogling at the many fine women out there...filling his perverted desires behind a tree.

Bardock, filling his belly up, wiped his mouth of any left-over food prior to letting out a silent burp. Sighing, the seasoned Saiyan lied down on his back with his hands behind his head, staring at the light pink sky above.

His entire planet - gone. The people he grew up fighting alongside - dead. The only life Bardock was familiar with had erased before his eyes. Conflicted, he didn't know what to do. Yes, Gine was on Earth, but what after reuniting with her? The Saiyan couldn't stop to think about it. The fact of losing Planet Vegeta and the majority of the Saiyan race didn't start to sink in until now. Of all the things he had went through as a child, on Planet Vegeta, fighting for his king, and Freeza...for it all to be wiped out as it was made him feel like everything he had done was for nothing. It was disheartening and made him feel an emotion he never thought he'd experience so strongly - sadness. Still, he'd be damned if he allowed himself to be brought to tears. Though the thought of how his eldest son met the same fate as Planet Vegeta nearly did. Worst of all, Raditz's betrayal hurt more than him actually dying.

But maybe...just maybe it was for the better. Though Planet Vegeta was gone, he still had other family; Gohan, his grandson, who had a life of his own on a safer world thanks to Kakarot. Bardock didn't take Kakarot for the type to settle down considering the first time he met his son when he was full grown was just a young man striving along a path to power. Still, he was proud to know that his bloodline remained strong and rose above simplistic Saiyan standards.

"What are you guys' plans now that this is all over?" Tarble asked, sparking conversation.

Bardock didn't answer. He was still contemplating on that. As for Gohan, the answer was really simple. "I'm going home to live my life. Only bad thing is I'll have to break the news to mom about what happened to dad."

"Hmpf, yeah…" Tarble fell on his back as Bardock did, looking up. "Ginger and Gure won't be very happy once they find out what's happened. My brother's dead...and my nephew...my home is gone. I guess I know what it feels like to be on the other side when your world is being purged."

"Never thought of it like that," Bardock chimed in.

"I'm sorry that's happened to you guys," Gohan said. "I couldn't imagine the pain if that ever happened to me; I probably would just go on a rampage to be honest."

"Nah, kid, it's a pain so great that it just makes you numb. Once it registers and you internalize what's happened...you just might start to form a nihilistic point of view." Bardock scoffed at Tarble's comment. As cynical as his remark was, he was not lying. "But still having people you care about helps with that feeling."

"Just know that you are welcome to Earth anytime," Gohan told them.

"Wait, that's where you're from?" Tarble inquired. Gohan just nodded. Rubbing his chin, Tarble could have sworn he told a Saiyan of the past about the planet. "Did a guy ever try to come and purge your world a long time ago?"

"I believe so," Gohan said. "My mother told me his name was Onion or something like that; my father beat him."

"For being born a lower-class warrior, Kakarot sure was strong, wasn't he?" Bardock asked.

"The strongest man I've ever known," Gohan responded in a despondent tone.

For many people, being a father to your children meant that you were there for them; you taught them values, guided them when they were struggling, and did your best to have them grow up to be the best they possibly could. For warriors on Planet Vegeta, one was given the title of a true father only when their child was conceived. Many Saiyan men didn't care for their kids. For one, they weren't given much opportunity to spend time with them as they were constantly out in space, purging worlds and fighting. And for those who only lived for battle, couldn't care less about any sentiment regarding their own child or any other family. Bardock, despite, not being much around his own kids, often thought about them. Now that he had downtime and was speaking with his grandson, Bardock couldn't help but ask, "What was my son like?"

Gohan leaned back. He didn't even know where to begin. "Well…" he started with a sigh. "my dad was pretty easy-going. The only time we ever spent much time together was when we sparred and trained. Sometimes, me him, and mom would all train together; that was when he was most happiest."

"Of course," Bardock chuckled. "Father son bonding through fighting has Saiyan blood written all over it."

"Well, yeah, that was when we bonded the most. Because of that, I sought to train with them every chance we got. When father couldn't, then mother would train me - train me to better use chi and to hone my skills. To be honest, I really thought my father was a good man. He saved our planet a few times. But it wasn't until recently that he showed his true colors."

"What happened?" Tarble asked.

"To make a long story short, my dad allowed himself to succumb to the powers of a mind controlling warlock so that he could break his limits and become a Super Saiyan; in the mix of it all, he killed my other grandfather and almost killed me...he claimed to have did all this because there was another threat at hand between the warlock and his lackeys. My dad killed them and saved the planet before he left." Tears swelling up in his eyes, Gohan almost choked as his rage started to grow. "He left me to die after beating me to the edge...hadn't Kibito and Shin be a minute later, none of us would be having this conversation right now."

"Damn…" was all Tarble could say.

"Let me tell ya something, kid." Bardock leaned back up. "Saiyans like your father and I - we've grown accustomed to terrorizing worlds, pillaging planets, and destroying entire civilizations. The brutality that comes along with it desensitizes us so much that killing becomes second nature. On top of that, he's a Saiyan; growing up in our world with the deep hunger for battle makes it hard to fight against the militaristic ways we've grown up in. For Kakarot to go to Earth, settle down, and fight that off for as long as he did speaks volumes. Sure enough, he let his instincts consume him, but at the end of the day, the goodness within came out at the right moment; he didn't kill you...he left to save the world he's more than likely grown to love. Just think about that. Don't focus on the bad shit."

"Come to think of it, Kakarot probably would have been a great help on Planet Vegeta," Tarble suggested.

"With those two power houses we've witnessed fighting?" Bardock chuckled dryly. "Give me a break." Bringing his attention back to Gohan, he asks him a question. "Why not give your father a second chance? My son wished back his mother after she had been dead for so long, why not wish him back as well?"

Gohan scratched his head. "Don't know how my mom would feel about that."

"Let's do it."


With everyone together, Chi-Chi's house nearly erupts into total argument. Most of them, such as Krillin and Tien, go on to disagree, stating that they shouldn't let that monster come back just so that he can terrorize their home yet again.

Gine was visually upset by all the disgusting names that Chi-Chi's peers had been calling her son. Gohan was very uncomfortable as well and remained silent, as did Bardock. Sure enough, Kakarot's father was very used to this. Any Saiyan that's ever live a life remotely similar to his would have to grow used to being labeled every horrible name in the book. Still, he knew the truth.

"AHEM!" Roshi cleared his voice. Everyone quieted down and gave their undivided attention to the old turtle hermit. "I know I tend to be the one for unpopular opinions...but we should allow Kakarot to be given a second chance. I read his mind while he was there, fighting Boo; he had a deep, pained internal conflict inside for what he had done. He couldn't forgive himself...and he used his rage to beat Boo and rid this planet of evil for good. We also must not forget what he's done for us." Roshi looked to Bulma. "Kakarot saved your father and the president of this planet when they were both kidnapped for ransom. You should thank him for that. He saved this planet from two other Saiyans when they tried to purge this world for their own selfish reasons. He helped us all to try and defeat the androids that came back with vengeance to take over this planet. And recently, he beat Boo - a universal threat. He's done just as much good as he's done evil, but he wants to be good. I know he does."

Silence fell upon the house. They all had to let Roshi's words settle in. As silly as Roshi could be, his comments were often smacked away, unless they regarded serious matters. When it came to important topics such as these, he knew what he was talking about. In any case it would be practically impossible to debate against a man who's had over three centuries of life experience. Even those who didn't like Kakarot, such as Tien and Krillin knew that the old man had a really solid argument.

"I think we're all gonna need a therapist…" Bulma said, scratching the back of her head.

"Luckily, I have my own," Tarble said with a smile, "My wife." Looking over to Shin and Kibito, the two kept quiet as the Earthlings continued their own business. "I would like to head to Planet Tech Tech now; I have a wife and daughter waiting for me."

Everyone waves Tarble good-bye as he leaves with Shin and Kibito in a flash of an eye. This leaves Bardock, Gine, Roshi, Chi-Chi, Bulma, and all the others sitting there in the house. Everyone kind of stared at one another awkwardly. It wasn't every day you met the parents of the man who not only took part in the many horrors but also heroics that took place on Planet Earth. It was just too discomforting.

"Are we gonna go through with this or not?" Bardock asked.


The destroyed buildings and heap of smoke on Planet Tech Tech wasn't something Tarble expected to come to when he arrived. Initially, he believed that all the smoke in the air was due to the growing pollution that came from the planet's environment, but to see fire and dead bodies on the ground as they hovered in the air caused him to worry.

"Looks like this isn't all over yet," Shin noted.

Expecting the worst, Tarble wraps his tail around his waist. "It's Freeza's son!" Smacking himself on the forehead, the brother of Vegeta started to kick himself for forgetting that he even existed. "Damn it all." He shot forth higher into the sky, looking around. "I have to find Gure and Ginger!"

Shin and Kibito followed Tarble as he surveyed the area. Citizens of Planet Tech Tech had been mercilessly slaughtered, as well as the Saiyans that were sent there. His search wasn't very long though as he caught site of Ginger taking on a group of soldiers from Freeza's empire, which now belonged to Kureeza.

Springing into action, Tarble kicked one of the soldiers who tried to sneak up on Ginger from behind. Tarble's daughter was shocked to find her father right then and there, but they didn't have time to talk. More and more men continued to gang up on them. Working together, Tarble and Ginger had very little difficulty dispatching them.

Not having to worry about another gang of soldiers coming to them, Ginger interacted with her father. "What the hell is going on? Did we lose?"

"More like a stalemate. I'll have to explain later. Where is your mother?"

"Safe," Ginger told him. "What's the update on Planet Vegeta?"

"Gone. Freeza's dead, but so are all the Saiyans and the entire planet. I just got lucky."

Shin and Kibito arrive before Tarble. The former of the two spoke to the Saiyan, deciding to part ways now. "Freeza's son is still in power and he won't stop at anything to hold the same control that his father and grandfather has. Luckily, he's nowhere near an equal threat that Freeza or the two Saiyans were on Planet Vegeta. Our mission is done, but it's up to you now to take care of the rest."

"Thank you, really." Tarble stuck his hand out. "If not for you the-"

"Don't mention it," Shin cut Tarble off. "We're only doing our job." Taking a few steps back, Shin and Kibito stood beside one another. "See you around." The man clapped his hands together. "Kai Kai." With that, the two vanished.


The Dragon Balls were out and ready to resurrect the supposed dead Kakarot. All those that witnessed his merciless brutality were on the ropes when it came to bringing him back to life; they didn't know whether they should, or just simply let him be, for the thought of him doing something similar again would never leave the back of their minds.

Still, everyone acknowledged that he still saved the Earth from Boo. But could they so easily forgive him?

Bulma and Tights took center stage as everyone watched them summon the Dragon Shenron with the key words needed to bring him to their reality. The clouds begin to disperse as darkness takes over the entire planet. With the Dragon Balls glowing, Bardock and the others take their attention from the change in atmosphere to the glowing orbs that send a jolt of electricity upward hundreds of feet into the air, taking form of a humongous, green dragon with pure red eyes.

Of all their years, to think that something so majestical as this existed never occurred to them. Gine and Bardock had been witness to many odd things in their lifetime, but this took the cake.

"State your wish," Shenron boomed.

Straight to the point. Shenron could be in a slumber for a thousand years but just a few seconds from his own realm got him with thin patience; to keep this creature waiting would be most unwanted for those who desired a wish for he would simply leave.

But this was the moment of truth. They were to bring back the man responsible for the death of Gyumao, who died twice by the same man - the man also responsible for taking part in the resurrection of Majin Boo...who he also defeated. Gohan didn't know how'd he react, nor did anyone else for that matter. He was stronger than most by now. If he were to come back with an agenda, most wouldn't know what to do. Still, none had any idea of just truly how strong Gohan was now, though. If his father did try anything, it wouldn't be hard to stop him.

"Bring back the Saiyan known as Kakarot back to life!" Tights demanded.

Shenron left out a subtle growl, much to the displeasure of some of those surrounding him. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke. "I can not bring someone from the dead that is still living."

He's alive? was the same thought everyone had in perfect synch. Everyone looked over to Bardock, who appeared to be just as confused as they were - if not, more. Bardock was so sure that Kakarot was dead simply because of how confidently Raditz spoke of being the one to take part in his little brother's demise. Surely, if a mythical being with great knowledge such as Shenron knew of Kakarot still being alive, then Raditz's claims were nothing but false.

"Then bring him back to Earth!" Chi-Chi spoke up.

"You can't bring back someone who is already here." Kakarot, ascending from behind Shenron, showed his face to everyone. Looks of surprise was evident. He saw the appearances of uncertainty in the eyes of his wife, son, and their peers. But what truly got him was the presence of his parents. His attention turned from everyone else and to them two. Bardock looked on with a subtle smile as Gine was on the verge of tears.

From the moment Kakarot's feet touched the green grass below, Gine ran up to him and wrapped her arms around her grown up baby boy. She had not seen him since he was like four years old; the only memories she had of Kakarot was when he was so little that a hug from him meant his arms around her calves. Kakarot being taller than her had no meaning to Gine - he was still her son.

Though not one for extreme sentiment, especially in front of others, Kakarot still uncharacteristically reciprocated a hug with his mom. She latched onto him tightly and couldn't help herself anymore. Kakarot felt the tears streaming down her face and onto his neck. This even evoked emotion out of Bulma, who had much disdain for the Saiyan. As much of a tough, cocky guy Kakarot tended to be, he did care for his mom. The fact that he went out his way to wish her back to life knowing he'd probably never see her again showed just that.

"Never thought I would get to see you again," Kakarot mused.

Gine pulled back and gave him a light playful jab across the cheek. "Well, ya thought wrong, tyke." Kakarot just chuckled. "You know you don't have to act like such a tough guy like Bardock does, right? I know you've missed me just as much as I've missed you."

Bardock looked away from Kakarot and into the skies.

"I do not have all day!" Shenron spoke. "Are you going to make a wish or not!?"

"We'll make one," Kakarot responded. "Be patient, you oversized lizard." Shenron growled, but Kakarot ignored his frustrated behavior. Walking past his mother, he addressed everyone else before him. "I owe every single one of you an apology. It doesn't make up for what I did to you, Chi-Chi...Gohan; and me saving the world doesn't make up for me doing what I did, temporarily selling my soul just to accumulate more power. If you don't forgive me, I won't hold it against you - because I understand." By now, everyone had to understand why Kakarot did what he did. His methods were anything but ethical, but he still ultimately saved the world, and potentially the entire universe. It wasn't something that everyone could just gloss over, though he still needed to be held accountable.

Everyone was quiet. None knew what to say. Everything that had happened replayed in their mind. They wasn't looking at the face of the man who ripped out a man's heart or punched a hole in someone's chest - this was the face of a man who was holding those proclivities deep, down inside.

Chi-Chi didn't say a word. Walking up to Kakarot, everyone expected the woman to give him a hug, for she was always so defensive of her husband. Averting expectations with a smack to the face, Kakarot didn't do as much as retaliate; he knew he deserved far more than that, but Chi-Chi wouldn't bring herself to do harm to a man who was asking for forgiveness, especially the father of their only child.

"We'll talk about it," Chi-Chi told him. Backing away, she proceeded to leave the premises and fly back home. Kakarot had a look of disgrace on his face. Not for her, but for himself. It waso obvious he had regret what he had done. If the woman he's grown to love decided she didn't want to be apart of his life anymore, then those were the consequences he'd have to take. He was ready for it, but he didn't want that to happen. Still, he had a feeling she'd turn around.

Bardock reached his hand out and grabbed Kakarot by the shoulder. "Where we come from, that means she forgives you, son - don't think too much into it."

"I know." Turning around, Kakarot looked up to the Dragon. There was a way he made things up to Chi-Chi once before - back when they were on Planet Namek. Circumstances were different now, but he felt that he owed it to her. "I know a man who is dead that should be brought back!"

"Tell me," Shenron answered impatiently.

"My father-in-law: Gyumao."


"Everything has calmed...things can finally at least somewhat go back to normal." Shin, Kibito, and the old Supreme Kai were watching over different sections of the Universe. Their main goal was to get rid of two potential Universal threats coming together and fighting. Though they didn't prevent them from clashing, they did prevent the end times from casting itself upon the entire cosmos. It was much a relief for the young kai, who would hate to face repercussions from his superiors.

"Back to the people on Earth being peaceful as most of the Universe fall to servitude under Kureeza, huh?" The Supreme Kai asked, picking his ear. "I don't know much about this new age, but I'm pretty sure history is repeating itself."

"He is far from a Universal threat," Kibito told the old man.

"Yet."

"If worse comes to worse, he'll be taken care of," Shin assured the old kai. "The Saiyans on Earth coming together would be more than enough to handle a vile creature like Kureeza; he doesn't have remotely the same sheer amount of slyness as his father and grandfather did. He's just an egomaniac tyrant with worse childlike tendencies than his ancestors - Kureeza's desire for dominance will be his undoing as it were for Cold, Freeza, and the majority of the Saiyan species." Standing up, Shin started to walk away. "It's about time we flip a new page. The path that the Saiyans were going...their own destruction and death was inevitable. With most evil gone, they just may have a chance to flip it all around."

"Let's hope."

After all, that was what it came to: hope.