Dragon Ball: Governed


Epilogue


The dazzling stars that illuminated the ocean of Earth's current and calm ocean made it appear as if the body of water below was sprinkling. Though Bulma would usually come awake early in the morning with sunshine rays beaming through her window, she awoke to the moonlight instead. Yawning as she stretched out on her bed, she looked outside. Realizing it was night, the half-dressed woman jerked out of bed.

"Just how long did I oversleep?" She spoke aloud as if she was asking someone right beside her. Rubbing her eyes, the woman stepped out in what she considered pajamas, which consisted of a simple pair of panties and a cut tank top. She wasn't in West City anymore. She had to get out of the constant reminder of where her mother died a long time ago; she resided on Omori's island with her sister, father, and old family friend and now retired government official: Katayude.

She expected everyone else to be asleep, so Bulma made sure to walk quietly through the hallways and into the bathroom where she brushed her teeth and washed her face. She was walking so quiet that if anyone had spotted her, they would have believed her to be passing by on her tippy toes. Making her way down-stairs, Bulma made her second destination for the kitchen area. Passing through the living room and into the kitchen where she hoped to get a fresh glass of water, Bulma stopped briefly prior to taking a few steps back. There, the front door was wide open. The cool, windy breeze hadn't been brought onto her attention until she realized the entrance to her home was practically allowed for anyone to just step right on in. Curious, she made her way outside.

Outside on the shore, sitting on a walkway made of planks just by the ocean, Bulma spotted her father and older sister sitting side by side, looking out. It was total silence; they didn't share a word with one another as they appeared to be star gazing.

Tights and Dr. Briefs could hear Bulma's footsteps approaching them but they didn't turn to face her. The quietness out in the night worried Bulma, but she didn't want to make it seem like she felt as if something was wrong with them, so she remained with a casual attitude. "What's going on, guys?"

"Just reminiscing in silence," Tights answered. "Finally up, sleepy head?"

"Heh, something like that...still tired - work can be draining sometimes." Warming herself to join in on the star gazing, Bulma sat down by her father, bringing him to the middle of his two only daughters. The man proceeded to light up a cigarette as he handed both Bulma and Tights one to smoke as well. Taking her first drag of the cigarette, Bulma felt her mind go a bit at ease as the nicotine travelled through her bloodstream. "What are we reminiscing about?"

"Mom," Tights said. "Today's her birthday."

Bulma could feel herself going grey in the face and covered her mouth. "D-Did I really forget?"

"Don't beat yourself over it." Tights took a puff of her cigarette. "I almost forgot, too...but dad's been quiet all day - so I caught on early."

"I really miss that woman," Dr. Briefs said as he exhaled smoke, finally breaking his silence. "I know it didn't seem like we were all that close, but you two have no idea how much I loved that woman; you know how many times I thought wishing her back would feel the void? There came moments where I was so close to doing it...but I was scared. I'm not scared anymore, though." He took another puff. "I think I've accepted it some time ago but was afraid to admit it to myself - still gonna miss her, though."

Not doing so intentionally, Bulma and Tights wrap their arms around their dad's shoulders. It had been hard on all of them, but Dr. Briefs appeared to take it in stride the best, but there was so much beneath the surface. His daughters never witnessed him spending nights crying himself to sleep in silence and he appeared strong for them - so they could have the emotional that they needed.

But leaning on one another was the only way to truly propel them to moving on forward.


Early the next day, with the early morning fog blinding most of the area, Tien had found it within himself to get up extra early and to tend to his farming duties by himself. Asides from training, he and Chaotzu took part in their own farm for the time being, growing plants, breeding animals, all of the sort.

Farming wouldn't be an easy task for any regular old joe, but Tien and Chaotzu were beyond the average person. The tri-clops utilized his superhuman strength and abilities to accelerate his progress. By the time the sun was out and about, beating on his back with the misty fog starting to leave his sights, he had completed an entire day's work.

"Tien?" Chaotzu called out, rubbing his eyes.

Wiping sweat off with a rag, Tien greeted Chaotzu with a good morning. Chaotzu looked around and saw that everything appeared to be in order for the entire day. Grass was cut and the energy signals around him from the animals indicated that they had been taken care of. "Why'd you get started without me today?"

"I was thinking we take a little break today," Tien said. Walking over to a shed, Tien grabbed a White T-Shirt that he placed on top of a rake before he started walking. "I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise? Really?"

"Mhm." Tien crouched down and pointed to his shoulder. "Hop on." Chaotzu didn't have to be asked twice and did just that. "Make sure you close your eyes - no peeking, Chaotzu, I'm serious."

"Okay, okay…" Chaotzu covered his sealed eyes with his hands.

"Now...hold on tight." With that only warning, Tien rocketed off into the sky.

Chaotzu felt the cool winds constantly smacking him in the face. The further they flew away, the more Chaotzu could feel a plethora of energy signals from afar. It was obvious to them both that they were approaching a large group of people, but only Tien was aware of where they were headed. The fresh smell of them at sea also came apparent to Chaotzu, though he still hadn't managed to put two and two together yet.

Once Tien finally descends down in a spot where they went by unnoticed, he put Chaotzu down and told him to open his eyes. Chaotzu did just that. Around him were people chatting, eating, and just having a good time - on a boat. It didn't take long for Chaotzu to register where they were at as his eyes lit up.

"A cruise boat, Tien? Really?"

"Mhm."

Tien felt as if they had a comfortable lifestyle as farmers and honing their Martial Arts skills but he could tell that from time to time Chaotzu just wanted to have fun. Both of them were grown men but at heart, Chaotzu was a kid. Tien was so focused on discipline and duties that this fact slipped his mind many times. Chaotzu never bothered him about doing any other activities, but Tien knew Chaotzu than Chaotzu knew himself. After all the things they went through, Tien came to realization that they ought to appreciate life just a bit more.

Blending in, Tien and Chaotzu managed to get a seat inside and a table full of food. The two ate to their hearts' content with no push-back from anyone, simply enjoying a time of leisure. Out of the corner of his eye as he sipped on juice, Chaotzu pointed out a family hanging out and eating together; wife, husband, and kids all smiling and making memories together as they laughed.

"Have you ever thought about having a family of your own?" Chaotzu asked. "Like them?"

Tien chuckled. The thought had come to him a few times over the years, but Tien knew deep down that he was no man to settle and start being a husband or father. If he were, he would do his best to love and care for them, but he was a warrior at heart who only focused on bettering himself, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Almost nothing else mattered to him.

The tri-clops chuckled off at Chaotzu's question. "Nah, Chaotzu, we make up our own family. I don't need or want any of that stuff; everyone has their own thing just like we do."

"Right." Chaotzu took another sip of his drink and let out a refreshing sigh. "We're best friends."

"Brothers, Chaotzu," Tien corrected. "Remember that."

Chaotzu smiled. "Brothers."


With life going back to normal, Kakarot hoped to get things right back on track for himself. Questions were raised after his sudden absence. Luckily for him, none were able to recognize the Saiyan at the World Tournament as a Super Saiyan when he fell down back to his animalistic impulses. It was rather hard for him back home at first with Chi-Chi. Despite forgiving him, there were times where she would just space out. Every time he caught notice of this, his stomach would turn inside. He knew that she even doubted her decisions for believing in him and he hated it. Over all, it only brought further motivation to the Saiyan to better himself. Not just for himself or her, but for everyone he's ever wronged - especially his son, who didn't even ask to be brought into this world.

Returning back to his work, Kakarot could be seen entering the police station with a subdued and unconscious criminal - a wanted man. Many greet the Saiyan and he just nods at them. Approaching him was a familiar face - Krillin. The midget, in his new uniform, walked to Kakarot with a grin on his face. "Ah, back to work, I see."

"Long overdue," Kakarot responded.

"Follow me," Krillin told him. Kakarot, already knowing where Krillin was headed, walked alongside the man. As the two were headed to a set of bars to put the criminal behind, Krillin initiated small-talk. "How's the family?"

"Everyone's fine; Gohan moved out with his own little gig, leaving me and Chi-Chi to ourselves. Gyumao is doing his own thing and so are my parents."

"Gohan moved out? Already?" Krillin then laughed. "Can't say I'm not surprised even though I shouldn't be. If he's out in his new apartment now, then how is he sustaining himself?" Krillin waved at a fellow officer as they continued to walk.

Stopping by a prison cell, Krillin gets a guard to open it up before he just throws him inside. Kakarot looked around and saw the only person near them was the guard, though he wasn't paying much attention to them. He made sure to speak in a low voice as to not incriminate someone close to him.

"Gohan and Videl participate in underground fights," Kakarot answered. "Everyone has a chance to make money, making bets, as my son likes to say. Videl has a friend from their school who bets on them. Gohan and Videl say they go in looking weak and timid - like fresh meat. When the fights start, they win, their friend gets the cash, and they all split it up. Of course, they go in under different disguises and names - keep their tracks clean."

Krillin softly shoved Kakarot to a corner so nobody could overhear them. "Not only is that illegal, but dangerous...won't they eventually get caught up? I mean, disguises and alias', sure...but people are bound to catch on."

"Hah, no. My boy's smart enough. I've seen a few of his fights. He keeps them entertaining and distinct. He and Videl know what they're doing."

Krillin shrugged his shoulders. "What the hell - out of sight, out of mind, am I right, hehe. Anyway, I was just about to clock out, Kakarot." He started to walk off. "See ya around, yeah?"

"See ya."

Krillin made his way into a locker room where he took off his uniform and put on plaid clothing. Subsequent to exiting the police department, the midget hopped in a small car he owned and started to drive off. He made his way through traffic and decided to stop by a mall before heading back home. Despite having the ability to just fly and get to his destination in a matter of seconds, he appreciated the simple things in life more. After all, he was still human. It was a thing he did that could just make him feel apart and also as a way, detach him from all the messed up shit he's had to go through.

Walking through the mall, everything appears normal. There are police guards in different sections, but the citizens don't mind them. Folk all walk around, go to different stores, and socialize like nothing's wrong - a completely safe environment. Krillin wasn't meeting up with anyone, but hoping to get something to decompress himself with before he made it back home.

Walking into an X-rated shop, Krillin ignores the eyes he catches that spot him along the way and goes to the very back section. The woman at the register, reading a magazine, doesn't as much as greet him as typically most people who entered the store were freaks who tried to hide their ways with charismatic smiles and small talk - none of which she was interested in.

After picking up some nice comics, Krillin walks up to the register with a pleased smile. The only employee in the shop remains unbothered, reading as she chewed on bubble gum. Krillin didn't get a good look at her when he first came in, but he got one once he was ready to buy; she was pretty damn attractive. Despite all the tattoos and piercings, she was really cute - her bright blue eyes bringing out the color of her face. Krillin approached the brunette at the register and laid the comics down before her.

At first she thinks nothing of what Krillin has to buy, but after scanning a few comics, her eyes dazzle. "Damn...you've got to be the first person to come here with some actual taste - good stuff these comics. I read them a while back when I was younger."

"Really?" Krillin asked, almost blushing. This was the closest thing to a compliment he had received from a woman his entire life.

Nodding her head in approval, she smiled. "Yeah. This is the kind of stuff virgins come to read when they want to learn something new." Krillin's heart nearly fell through his feet at the remark. Looking around, he didn't see anyone nearby, but he swore he could hear someone laughing at him in the distance. "How old are you?"

"Thirty-six," Krillin answered honestly.

"A thirty-six year-old virgin?" She gasped. "I'm amazed, truly." Krillin, almost in shock, stood there with his mouth wide open. The sheer audacity of this woman to say this out loud was nothing short of embarrassing. Did she really have to do that? She leaned over the counter and raised Krillin's jaw as she pressed down on his upper lip, closing his mouth for him. "Don't be ashamed," she whispered. She leaned back and put the comics in a bag. "But if you're really gonna learn a thing or two, a comic's really not going to help; you're going to need the real deal, which takes real life experience."

"H-Ha...y-yeah, right…" Krillin is handed his bag and awaited the receipt that is to come from his purchases.

With the receipt paper drawn out, the woman grabs a pen and starts to write on it. Handing it to Krillin, she watches as he looks at it before looking back to her, who gives him a "call me" gesture.

The humiliation he felt just mere seconds ago had all but vanished. The entire world could have witnessed this for all he cared now - he was probably gonna get laid!


Out in the city, Gohan is leaning on a red convertible vehicle, staring at a mansion across the street from them. Once Videl gets out, she approaches him and kisses him on his hot cheek. Never did she think that this man could ever let his nerves start to get the best of him in any given situation. It turned out that she had a lot more to learn about her boyfriend than she thought. "Don't think, Gohan...just do."

So the two walk over to the mansion, getting access through the gate. The closer they get to the door, the more Gohan's chest starts to pound. By the time they make it to the door-step, neither of them are even given a chance to knock as the door is opened up by Videl's father, who greets his daughter with a smothering hug.

"Oh, babygirl, it's been way too long!" Once pulled back, he shakes Gohan's hand and urges them both to come inside. The mansion was nothing short of luxurious. Mr. Satan made it a point to himself to buy all the most expensive things that his earnings could buy, which only raised his ego to unsalvageable heights. Retying his silky robe, he asks them if they want drinks. Gohan and Videl respectfully decline.

The couple take a seat on the couch and look over to Mr. Satan, who enters the kitchen to fix himself a drink. "So," he yells from the kitchen, "what's going on with the family!? Are ya'll going to enter the next upcoming tournament?"

"All good," Gohan answered. "I appreciate you asking. And nah, we won't be."

"Good!" he shouted. "I was praying to God that you didn't." Mr. Satan came around the corner with a glass of whiskey in hand. "I have a reputation to uphold, ya know?"

"Yeah, we know, dad," Videl sighed. Getting up, she approached her father and grabbed him by the shoulder. "We didn't come to really catch up, though. Gohan here has been wanting to ask you something."

"Oh?" Mr. Satan takes a sip of his drink and puffs out his chest. "Well, what can I do for you, young man? There's nothing for you I can't make happen with alla money I got, hehe."

"Well...here goes," Gohan mumbled. He just wished he had a few more minutes to give himself a mental pep talk before carrying out with this, but life wasn't always fair. The son of Kakarot and Chi-Chi stood up on his two feet and cleared his throat. "Mister Mark," Gohan started. "I've come here to request your blessing to take Videl's hand in marriage."

Mr. Satan goes quiet and stares at Gohan. As if drinking his whiskey was on par with the amount of time needed to internalize the words that just came out of his mouth, by the time he took an entire sip, the old man fell over on his back, glass breaking and getting drenched in whiskey.

Both Videl and Gohan look at one another, wide-eyed.

"Think he'll say yeah?"

Gohan just shrugged.

Personally, Videl expected a worse reaction. With her hands on her hips and a concerned look on her face paired with a subtle smile, she made a joking comment that only shot at Gohan's nerves once more. "We're going to need to make sure that we have the couch behind him next time when I tell him we're expecting a baby."

Gohan's eyes popped. "WAIT, A WHAT!?"


The first thing to catch Kakarot's attention when he came back home was the sweet aroma of his wife's cooking. The Saiyan made a straight path to the kitchen, where he spotted Chi-Chi stirring the pot.

"Smells like fish stew," Kakarot pointed out.

"Mm, how'd you know?"

"A dog couldn't smell better than me," Kakarot joked. "Smells good, though."

"You know my food always does." Kakarot just chuckled.

"Kakarot," Gyumao called out from upstairs. The Saiyan turned around to see his father-in-law making way down. The Saiyan didn't as much as pick up an energy signal from the man when he entered his home. Perhaps it was the food that distracted him, but it was no point to think on that. "May I speak to you outside?"

Ever since Kakarot brought Gyumao back to life, the man had pretty much kept his distance. It was one thing being killed by a kid who was indoctrinated into the Saiyan lifestyle by a controlling, diabolical pirate, but it was an entirely different thing to being killed again by the same person years later on his own accord who you believed to genuinely turn over a new leaf. It was awkward seeing one another, but the two remained casual on the surface. Following Gyumao outside, the two made sure to get out of earshot of Chi-Chi. She already knew that her father intended on just getting everything out the way so that the past normal could at least catch up to the present - if not, then just a little bit.

"Long time no talk," Kakarot started off.

"I didn't come to make small talk or to catch up," Gyumao told the Saiyan honestly. "Despite everything that's happened in the past, the only reason I allow you to breathe to this very day is because you put a smile on my daughter's face and you've given me another great gift in the form of a grandson. Of all the things she's been through because of our history and you, you still, despite casting darkness on her life, also shine the light in it, too."

Kakarot nodded. There was absolutely no point in arguing this and the two men knew this. "I understand. I respect you for coming to me - takes a lot of will to not rip my head off in the process. I wouldn't be able to do the same as you if I were in your current situation."

"That's where you and I differ, son. I see that you can change so I suggest you take it into consideration that others can, too; whether it be for the better or the worst, it mainly falls on you to be the catalyst into how things shift forward from now on."

"I see…"

"Chi-Chi once told me and everyone else that she hoped to help you find your purpose in life; she explained that after you spilled your story out to her, she put herself in your shoes and realized just how much of a tragedy your life truly is. So for you to do her a kind gesture on Namek when you could have gotten what you wanted and left her behind shows that you had at least a little light. We all realized it and saw it with our very eyes when you reunited with your mother for the first time in years after wishing her back, not thinking you'd ever get to even speak to her again. Asides from my daughter helping you find purpose in life, do you know what turned out to be hers once I was brought back?" Gyumao didn't allow Kakarot to answer as he poked his finger into the man's chest. "You."

Kakarot remained speechless.

"Thanks to being under the tutelage of Kami and Mister Popo, my daughter was taught the value of life and how even the worst of us deserve a chance. Ever since her training with Kami, she had been willing to see the glimmer of light within everyone. Regardless of the pain and conflict she had suffered, the good within her was coming out, looking for the good in others that could have possibly gone through the same pain that could have easily taken her down a bad road without the proper guidance - the guidance that you lacked growing up. Seeing it in you, she made it a personal life choice and long-term goal to bring it out of you...knowing you could do so much more good than evil."

"I can imagine she had her doubts along the road," Kakarot mused.

"She has no regrets. Do you?"

Looking through the window as Chi-Chi's back is turned to put the food on the table, Kakarot smiles. Initially, it was just him using Earth and the people, her included, for his own benefit. But with time spent, he grew to care for her fondly. As much as he loved fighting, there was a delight in having a peaceful life. "No. I wouldn't trade my family for anything. Never again - not even for the Universe."

Gyumao smiled. That was more than what he needed to see and hear. A simple pat on the back was enough to tell Kakarot that all was forgiven and that they could put the past behind them.


By a river stream in Mount Pazou, Bardock and Gine are sitting on big rocks in silence. This scenery reminded them much of their past - how they would sit and decompress after carrying out an assignment in Lord Freeza's name. It came only after bringing about death, terror, and destruction on the lives of countless innocents. Now? It was just peace and serenity. Bardock loved fighting, but he'd pick this life over the life he had over Vegeta in an instant - as long as it was with Gine.

Bardock got up and crouched down just before the water, staring at his reflection after he wet his face. The scarred Saiyan touched his grey five o'clock shadow. "I really am getting old," he scoffed.

"Oh, it's nothing," Gine chuckled. "In the shape you're in, you'll make it to one hundred no problem."

"I'm not making it that far, Gine."

"Is that so? I don't see us going out to put our lives on the line for someone else's cause anytime soon, Bardock."

"Well...as long as you're still here, then maybe." Standing up, he walked over to Gine to run his hands through her hair. Yanking at it, Gine winces slightly and gets in his face, annoyed. Bardock was laughing, dangling a string of grey hair, which shocked her enough to sit right back down. "I guess I'm not the only one getting old now, hahaha."

"Well, if I weren't dead for over a decade, you and I would be looking alike right now...except for the face hair."

Bardock let the strand of hair flow with the wind and turned around. Thinking much on the past compared to now, everything felt like a dream. "A lot has changed since then."

Putting her arms around Bardock's waist from behind, Gine rested her chin on the man's shoulder. "Ever thought that we'd end up here - like this? Free?"

"No, not in a million years. But I can't complain. I'd rather this life than one of constantly fighting any day."

"Really?"

"Dead serious. Don't get me wrong, Gine, I love to fight; that's a part of me that as a Saiyan that won't go until the day I take my last breath. It's just that over time, I realized something. It's not as serious as it used to be - or as I thought it was. It never was. The only thing I wanted, deep down inside, was to fight to my own personal content - not for someone else's. I also wanted to have more time with you, but I had to leave out, for weeks, and sometimes months even."

"Now we have all the time in the world."

Bardock nodded as he couldn't agree more. With all the spare time on their hands, they now had more than enough to figure it all out.


With the attack on Planet Tech-Tech, Tarble and everyone else had to move out discreetly, to a different world that was also in association with the inhabitants of Gure's people. Tarble sat, looking at the beautiful horizon as a small sun rises, alongside his wife and daughter.

"Now this...this is real art." Ginger smiled. "Those people back home don't have any idea what they mean when they speak about it."

"Better than any planet I've ever been on," Tarble commented.

This was what Tarble primarily dedicated his life to at this point - to spend time with his family. Fighting was something he never felt compelled to do growing up, but he had to live with it for a portion of his life after going back home. With everything done and out the way, he wanted to focus on actually having a life - like normal people; family time, moments of happiness, little ups and downs, triumphing through bad experiences...just living life. This meant way more to him than anything else.

Yes, he missed his brother and a part of him even missed his home. He had time to come to terms with what's happened, though. Just maybe it was all for the best.

Unbeknownst to the three, minuscule bugs fly around them, remaining closeby. At first glance, one could easily mistake them for being small, sentient creatures in their own right, but they were far from it.

On the other end, Tarble and his people are being spied on by Kuni and Nion, both of whom are on a little ship far, far away.

"And after all this time," Kuni said, "we've finally found them. We ought to pay them a visit, don't you think?"

"No," a voice speaks up. Before them appears a rare breed of a kind. He was tall and his physical appearance was made up of pure exoskeleton. His dark yellow eyes were devilish. The once kind soul within him was repressed the day he lost his people...and forever lost once he joined forces with Kureeza. "From the data Miss Nion appears to have on this young female Saiyan, it would be within our best interest to not act full of haste. We must not underestimate her power, nor her father's for that matter. We will need to strategize before we many any move that could potentially give away our cover."

"Ipu's right, Kuni," Nion agreed.

"You ought to listen to the Zoonian," Kureeza spoke as he entered the room. "One can never design a simple machine or plan that works to perfection if there is even one minute flaw. Anything that can go wrong...will go wrong, unless preventative measures are taken."

"That just may be why my daughter's plan didn't work out," Kuni said.

"You can't just shift all the blame to Nion," BeriBlu chimed in. "Both of you had been planning for a while now, only for it to fall flat on its face and lose Lord Freeza in the process. You both get equal amount of blame and accountability for failure."

Kureeza chuckled as he shook his head. "I was not taking that into consideration, nor was I referring to it. However, the gracious times and peace that are currently being so very much cherished by these insolent, treacherous, inept cretins will soon be put to an end; THAT is what I've been getting at. It shall be saw to utter perfection."

Though the written story ends here, it wasn't over in their reality - not by a long-shot.

The main thing to takeaway from all this is that despite there being evil ready at any given moment, there is always something to balance it out; the same goes vice versa. Everything used to be one-sided...but no more.

No longer was the Universe in jeopardy.

For those in power grew greedy.

And those that grow too overzealous...will be their own undoing.

The cycle goes on.

End.


I really can't believe I've gotten so far with this story. Before I get any kind of reviews saying that I could have kept on, which I know, I didn't want this story going to a point where I would inevitably be rehashing all the original story arcs from Dragon Ball into this one with these big changes. I wanted everything to be as original as possible, with an ending that you readers ultimately know that the main characters will prevail, which they have. Best assured that more tragedies and challenges will occur in their future, but at the end of the day, they find a way. They always do, don't they? I really appreciate every single review, favorite, and follower. You all are the very reason I pushed on to write this story. Now to move on to the other long-fic I intend to finish; Project Cloud. Thank you all once more.