Dragon Ball ZGX
Rated T: Blood, Cursing, Suggestive themes.
Description: The conflict between Bardock and the Elite Assassins is over, and Turles has met his end at the hands of his most trusted ally, Tundra. With the knowledge that Gine is still alive, Bardock is bound and determined to find her. But how? Without any clues, Bardock feels the search could take years. However, he receives a willing hand from an unexpected ally. The adventure continues, now.
Act 4: Reunions Saga
Chapter 38: Announcement
xXxXxXx
Earth: Desert Southeast of West City
Standing alone on top of a desert plateau was the Namekian warrior, Piccolo. Arms crossed, eyes closed, cape fluttering in the wind, he stood in silence, waiting. He was radiating some ki, resulting in a very thin, white flame-like aura surrounding his body.
I know he's here, but why? Thought Piccolo. To finish the job maybe?
He sensed a familiar ki signature coming his way, and based on the direction it was heading, he knew where it's destination was. So he stood there radiating ki in hopes that it would draw the person to him instead. He could've simply cut him off forcefully, but without knowing the intentions of said person, he wanted to avoid any conflict if at all possible. And luckily, his plan worked. He felt the ki signature approach him, and heard footsteps in front of him, signaling that this person had landed on the plateau.
Piccolo opened his eyes, and before him stood the assassin responsible for killing Bardock during the Cell Games, Tundra. "So you followed my ki after all. I wasn't sure that was going to work."
Tundra stood across from Piccolo, staring at him blankly. "I know what you're trying to do, Namekian." He said. "I had a feeling you'd be the first person I came across."
Piccolo stared back at Tundra, nerves very slightly touched since he knew he was no match for him. "What are you doing here? Plan on killing Bardock again?"
Tundra closed his eyes and smirked. "Rest assured, I've come here with no ill intentions."
xXxXxXx
West City
"Hey!" Exclaimed Gohan while pointing up the street. "There's Bulma's place!"
Capsule Corp was dead ahead. Gohan and Bardock had gotten into the hover-car at Chi Chi's recommendation before entering the city. Most normal people couldn't fly, and she didn't want any attention drawn to them in such a populated area. And to be fair, since the Cell Games, attention was definitely something they didn't want; Especially Gohan.
During the fight, when Gohan ascended beyond Super Saiyan, his immense power output destroyed the camera and the equipment that was used to broadcast the Cell Games. There was no visual or audio proof that Gohan was the one to save the world, and thus, Mr. Satan fraudulently took credit for it. That was just fine for Gohan. Peace is something he always wanted, and not having reporters and journalists crowding his humble mountain home and bothering his family was fine by him. He didn't want to be a celebrity, he just wanted to be Gohan.
A few minutes passed, and the car-full arrived in front of Capsule Corp. Once everyone was out of the car, Chi Chi enclosed the vehicle in its capsule and pocketed it. Passed the gate and inside the courtyard they went, and ahead of the front door, Bulma was there to greet them.
"Heeeey guys!" Bulma said gleefully, holding baby Trunks to her side. She had on a red dress that went halfway down her thighs, an orange vest, red flip flops and toe and fingernails painted to match. Her hair didn't change much, just a little bit longer three months later.
"Bulma!" Gohan said excitedly. He jogged up the walkway to them. "It's good to see you!" Gohan stopped in front of her, looked at baby Trunks and smiled. "Well hi there, Trunks!"
"You look handsome today, kiddo." Bulma said. And handsome he was, wearing his white dress-shirt, black pants and black shoes. He smiled, and she looked up at the rest of the group. Chi Chi, Ox-King, and Bardock.
Chi Chi was in her usual garb, and Ox-King was in a similar outfit to Gohan, except he was wearing a suit-jacket overtop. Bardock was dressed in a black leather jacket, green shirt underneath, black jeans and black shoes. He was lacking the headband he normally wore. His hands were in his jacket pockets, and his head was turned to the left as he was zoning out.
"And here I thought you Saiyans couldn't clean up nice." Bulma said with a chuckle. "However, this is a party."
"Yeah, but the boys wanted to look nice." Chi Chi explained.
"Well hey, let's go join the others out back." Bulma said, gesturing with her thumb towards the back of the building.
Together, they made their way around the building towards the back where the festivities were taking place. They passed the smaller domes on the property and soon were in the backyard. There were tables set up all around, each with an umbrella to shade those sitting at said tables. At one of the tables, the group of Master Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, Puar and Oolong were sitting together with plates of food and bowls filled to the brim with soups and stews. Roshi had on an orange tropical button-down shirt and blue shorts, his signature shades, and sandals, Krillin was wearing a red tee shirt, tan pants and sneakers, and Yamcha was wearing a white button-down shirt and black pants with black slip-on shoes.
"He-he-hey!" Master Roshi drunkenly exclaimed, raising a whole pitcher of booze in the air as he saw the Son family arrive.
Gohan waved at him and the rest of his friends. "Hey guys!" He said excitedly before jogging over to the table they were at.
Chi Chi watched gleefully as Gohan greeted their friends at the table, and could hear the laughter shared between Gohan and the others. Ox-King placed his large hands on his daughter's shoulders and smiled widely. Bulma looked at the two, happy that her friends had finally arrived. Though she knew that Chi Chi had something specific that she was happy about, it was nice to see them carry on so happily after Goku's death and subsequent decision to stay in Other World. Bulma then noticed Bardock beyond them, hands in his jacket pockets, staring into space.
Bulma tilted her head curiously. I wonder what's eating him. She thought. She then looked around at the yard and spotted her mother sitting at a table with a few Capsule Corp employees.
"Hey mom." Bulma said as she began walking across the yard towards her. "I thought dad was with you."
"Oh, he was, dear." Bulma's mother said. She looked nervous and concerned, and slightly turned her head towards the main building. Bulma narrowed her eyes and turned her head towards the building as well. What she saw instantly struck her with rage, and the scowl that grew on her face was the indication. Her father was backed against the building by Vegeta, who was yelling at him.
Dressed in a blue training top, darker blue sweatpants and gym shoes, Vegeta had the lab jacket clad Dr. Brief pressed up against the exterior wall of Capsule Corp by the back door.
"So you're telling me that the Gravity Room you said would be done by last week still isn't done? And you're just gonna sit around keeping me waiting?" Vegeta said angrily with a menacing scowl as he leaned towards Dr. Brief.
"Oh come now, Vegeta, this is a party. Lighten up, enjoy yourself a little!" Frantically replied a defensive Dr. Brief.
The veins in Vegeta's forehead became swollen and he gritted his teeth as his scowl grew deeper. "I would be enjoying myself if the gravity room that you said would be done by now was actually done!"
"VEGETA!" Bulma exclaimed sternly. All the noise from the party goers ceased, and the guests quietly watched.
Vegeta stopped and glanced back to see Bulma standing behind him, still holding baby Trunks on her side. "What do you want?" Vegeta said rudely.
"For you to leave my father alone and go away." Bulma said, softly but powerfully.
Vegeta scoffed at this. "Your old man promised me my gravity room by last week."
"And he's been working on it nonstop for over a month. He deserves a break from it, so just leave him alone. You'll get your damn gravity room when it's done." Said Bulma. Vegeta simply stared at her with a scowl, he didn't say a word. She took a deep breath and momentarily closed her eyes.
Vegeta went to retort, but it was at that point he realized that everyone in the yard was looking at him and Bulma. He growled, huffed, then backed away from Dr. Brief and headed towards the back door. "Fine, whatever." He said spitefully.
Bulma glared at him as he walked away. "If you're just gonna be a jerk, then go away. Your miserable attitude isn't gonna ruin my party." Vegeta didn't further acknowledge Bulma and simply went inside Capsule Corp. Bulma sighed, then looked at her father. "You okay, Dad?"
"Oh, I'm fine darling." Replied Dr. Brief cheerfully. "Thanks."
Bulma smiled and turned towards her guests in the yard. "Let's go join the fun then." She said to him happily. Dr. Brief nodded, and together, they rejoined the party. As they walked, Bulma noticed that Bardock had moved and was now sitting by himself against a tree in the shade. He still had a far away look on his face, and didn't seem interested in joining the party itself. Chi Chi and Ox-King had joined Gohan with Roshi and the others, but Bardock opted to sit by himself.
The leaves split the sunlight into multiple beams shining down on Bardock. He sat quietly against the tree trunk staring into the sky. The only thing on his mind was Gine. He knew she was out there somewhere, and he was determined to find her. No matter what it takes, I'll find you Gine.
After some time passed, Bardock's focus on his wife was broken by an approaching Bulma. He curiously looked up at the approaching blue haired beauty.
"Hey you. Why don't you come join the party? We have tons of food." Bulma said with a hand on her hip, other hand gesturing towards the food tables and guests.
Bardock immediately felt like he was being rude. He sighed and looked up at the sky. "Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."
Bulma tilted her head slightly. "What's wrong? Talk to me."
Bardock shifted his eyes back to her and gave a half smile. "Thanks, but I don't wanna bother anyone with my problems."
Bulma blinked a few times, then sat down against the trunk next to the Saiyan, and he looked at her in confusion. She smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "I've known your son for practically his whole life. So if there's anyone you can talk to, it's me."
Bardock briefly glanced at her, then looked down at his hands which were clasped together. He sighed. "Ever since I found out my wife's alive, she's all I've been able to think about. I've hardly slept in months, and no matter what I do, I can't get my mind off of her."
"And you have no idea where she is?"
"Not at all." Bardock ran his hands through his hair and looked up at the sky again. "When I asked Kyodaina where she was, Turles attacked us and critically injured King. The dragon disappeared before I could find out. I've been stirring over it ever since, and I just don't know where to look. Space is enormous, she could be anywhere. It could take years for me to find her."
"Hmm. Normally, I'd suggest summoning Shenron to ask him, but it hasn't even been close to a year yet. We won't be able to use the Dragon Balls again until next May."
Bardock lightly huffed. "I hadn't even thought to ask."
Bulma caressed his shoulder and smiled at him. "Well, you have two of the foremost scientists on Earth right here at Capsule Corp, so if you need help, we'll help."
Bardock looked at her and smiled, then looked back up to the sky, as did she. They sat quietly for a few moments, then Bulma stood up and looked down at him.
"Alright, now come and eat something before it's all gone." She looked back where everyone else was eating and visiting. "Goku may be gone, but his son definitely has his appetite."
Bardock looked over at Gohan, who was stuffing his face with a grilled dinosaur leg. He chuckled and stood up as well. "Alright. Thank you, Bulma."
Bulma nodded at him, and together they walked back over to the seating area. Bardock sat down next to Gohan at the table. They exchanged a few words, then went to town on the spread before them. Bulma went to sit down with her family, but her attention was drawn away by the backdoor of her compound opening. She saw two people walk through; one was her front desk receptionist, and next to her was a thin blonde girl with a navy blue sweater, black rolled up jeans, and white sneakers. Instantly, she recognized her.
"Hey, Android 18's here." She said.
Immediately, everyone went silent, their collective attention shifted towards the building. The receptionist was walking her across the lawn over to the tables, and everyone was curious as to why she was there. Krillin became nervous right away, and he sat quietly while trembling as his crush approached the area. However, the first person to acknowledge her presence after Bulma did wasn't very welcoming.
Before they could reach the tables, Vegeta landed in front of them from seemingly nowhere, arms crossed with a deep scowl on his face. "What the hell are you doing here?"
The receptionist screeched and took off running back into the building. However, 18 just glared at the Saiyan prince. "Hi Vegeta." She said.
Vegeta's eyes twitched at her irritating tone. "Leave, or I'll blast you to pieces."
"What's wrong? Still sour about me breaking your arms?" 18 antagonized.
Vegeta growled and grew more annoyed. "You may have beaten me then, but don't forget how much stronger I've become."
Android 18 cracked a devilish half smile at the prince. "You don't scare me, Vegeta. I don't care how strong you are."
"You must have a death wish to be talking to me like that."
"Vegeta! That's enough!" Bulma exclaimed as she approached the two of them. Vegeta half-turned around and went to say something, but Bulma stuck her hand in front of his face. "I don't want to hear it, Vegeta. If I have to say something to you again, I'll sick Gohan on you."
Vegeta froze and shifted his eyes to the son of his rival. And even though he looked harmless and goofy as noodles hung from his mouth, Vegeta knew that Gohan would mop the floor with him in seconds. Vegeta growled again, then took to the air and flew away from the compound entirely.
Bulma sighed and looked at 18. "Sorry about that, he's been a jerk all day. Gotta say, I'm surprised to see you here. What brings you?"
"Well uh…" She said as her cheeks flushed. She shifted her eyes away from Bulma and spotted Krillin, who was visibly nervous. "I'm actually here to talk to Krillin. I tried Kame house already but no one was there."
"Ooooh! Well you're more than welcome to join us, 18." Bulma said with a warm, welcoming tone.
Krillin's face was beet red. "Oh man, I wasn't expecting this." He said quietly.
Beside him was Yamcha, who nudged him with his elbow and leaned over. "This is your chance, bro. She's here to see you."
"I know, but I'm just…" Krillin stopped and looked over at his crush. She was walking with Bulma, and had a genuine smile directed towards him. Krillin stood up from the table and sighed. "You're right. What do I have to lose anyway, right?" Krillin then walked away from the table to meet up with her.
Gohan smiled at this. Krillin and 18 began talking, then they walked over to an empty table near the edge of the yard and talked privately. The Saiyan was happy for his friend, things were looking up.
The party continued, but would soon be interrupted again by another new guest. As everyone ate and conversed, a golden light appeared above Capsule Corp, drawing everyone's attention and caution. The spherical light expanded, and inside appeared a familiar ship that brought smiles to most everyone's faces: Trunks' time machine. The light faded, and the vehicle landed softly in the opposite side of the yard. Then, the top opened up and the man himself hopped up out of the time machine, landing directly in front of it with a wide smile.
Dressed in his signature attire, he gave a single wave to his friends. "Hey everyone!"
"Trunks!" Bulma exclaimed, jogging over to her future son and locking him in a tight embrace. "What a surprise! How are you?"
"I'm good, mom!" He said with a chuckle. He looked around as the guests congregated around him. "I don't see father anywhere."
"That's because he was being a jerk and didn't get his way." Bulma said.
"That's typical." Trunks replied with a laugh.
"How's it going bro? Good to see ya!" Krillin called out as he entered the group.
Trunks looked at him and smiled. "I'm good, I'm good." Trunks then noticed Android 18 a ways behind him. "Android 18!" He exclaimed, looking petrified.
"Hey hey hey!" Krillin said defensively as he frantically waved his hands. "It's okay, Trunks! She's not bad! I promise!"
Trunks looked at him briefly, confused, then looked at Android 18 again, who simply gave a half smile and a single wave. "Huh… sorry guys." Trunks said, feeling embarrassed.
"Hey, it's alright. We all know what you've been through." Krillin said.
"What brings you back, Trunks?" Gohan asked.
Trunks proceeded to explain the events that took place in his future after he returned home. He managed to destroy both of the Androids with minimal effort, and had been helping communities rebuild with Capsule Corp. after their eighteen year apocalypse was over. This news brought the mood up even more, and Trunks joined his friends and family. Games were played, food was eaten, Krillin and 18 talked endlessly; it was overall a really good day.
A short while later, Vegeta returned, landing by the festivities facing away from everyone. Bulma scowled at him, but Trunks had a smile on his face. Vegeta looked back, specifically at his son.
"I thought that's who I sensed." Vegeta said. Trunks gave a simple nod. "Did you kill them?" Trunks again nodded, and Vegeta looked away. "Good."
Vegeta then walked towards the house and went back inside, and Bulma breathed a long sigh of relief. Bulma then looked over at the table where the Son family was, and Chi Chi looked back at her and gave her a nod. Bulma smiled, then walked over to the walkway connecting the party area to the building itself. Chi Chi got up and followed her, which piqued Gohan's curiosity.
"Attention everyone!" Bulma called out as she waved a hand over her head, her guests turning their attention to the blue haired genius. "So, I wanna say thank you to all of you for coming on such short notice. And I wanna thank Android 18 and my son Trunks for showing up by pure coincidence. My son from the future, let's not get that confused." Everyone laughed a little bit before Bulma continued her speech. "Now, this may seem like a random party, but I've actually been planning this since before the Cell Games, I just didn't want to gather everyone together until things settled down. It's been a few months now, things are mostly back to normal, and Chi Chi has an announcement she'd like to make."
"An announcement?" Gohan said curiously to both of his grandfathers. Bardock shrugged, but Ox-King was smiling like he knew something. Gohan looked back to his mother and waited in anticipation for this announcement he knew nothing about.
"Hey everyone!" Chi Chi said joyously. "The last few months have been difficult. My husband, Goku, sacrificed his life to save the world. And while things didn't go his way at first, his sacrifice wasn't in vain. My son, Gohan, defeated Cell and saved the Earth. And Goku was in his ear and his heart the whole time. And Gohan, I know I can be strict, I know I can be hard on you, as I've been with Goku in the past. But son, I'm very proud of you."
Gohan smiled, and everyone else began applauding, even 18 clapped a little. Gohan blushed and chuckled, and soon the applause faded.
"Like I said though, life has been difficult since then." Chi Chi continued, "Ever since Bardock's been around, I've been living with two boys that remind me of Goku. In their appearance, in their behavior, and it can be difficult at times. But, every day leading up to today, I've had a smile on my face. 'With death comes new life' is a quote I've heard over and over again throughout my life, and that stands true. Goku isn't here in body, but I hope he's watching from Other World, because I know he'd be ecstatic to hear what I'm about to say." Chi Chi paused and took a deep breath, then looked directly at Gohan and tears started welling up in her eyes. "You're going to be a big brother, Gohan."
Applause and cheering erupted from everyone, and Gohan stood up out of his chair and leaned over the table, staring in awe at his mother. "M-mom? Is that true? I'm going to be a big brother?"
Chi Chi, with tears flowing from her eyes, nodded affirmatively. "Yes, Gohan."
Gohan then cried out in excitement, jumped over the table and ran across the yard toward his mother. He grabbed her in a tight embrace and began crying. "I knew you were acting funny, mom, I had a feeling but I didn't know for sure, but now I do, and this is so awesome! I'm gonna be a big brother!"
Everyone was clapping, celebrating, and huddling around Chi Chi, giving her heartfelt congratulations. Meanwhile, Vegeta stood on the balcony overlooking the backyard, leaning over the railing and staring blankly. Another Kakabrat, huh? He thought.
Down in the yard, Bardock observed everything standing away from the group. He didn't want to be crowded, but he was definitely happy for Chi Chi and Gohan. Too bad you're not around to enjoy this moment, son. I'm so proud of you, and the family you've made. He thought, looking to the sky.
xXxXxXx
Other World: Grand Kai's Planet
"See, Goku? Aren't you glad I pulled you away from your training?" King Kai said.
Goku was standing behind him with a hand pressed to his former teacher's back and his eyes closed. "Yeah, King Kai. This is awesome!"
"Look at you, a father of two." King Kai said. He started snorting and placed his hands over his mouth to try and contain it. "Oh my, I'm a poet and didn't know it!"
King Kai continued laughing, but Goku ignored him. He could see his friends and family celebrating, and the smiles on Gohan and Chi Chi's faces warmed his heart. "That's so awesome."
"You know, you could go back if you wanted to." Said a recomposed King Kai.
Goku removed his hand from King Kai's back and opened his eyes. "They'll be a lot safer without me around. Besides, I'll be able to check on them whenever I want."
"Yeah, well don't get ahead of yourself. I'm a god, not a telephone or a TV monitor."
"I know I know. Sorry." Goku said defensively before chuckling awkwardly. He smiled and looked up at the pinkish Other World sky. "They'll be fine, I know it."
xXxXxXx
Earth: Capsule Corporation
Things started settling down back on Earth. The mood was high, and everyone was enjoying themselves and the company of friends, aside from Vegeta of course. Future Trunks was having fun playing with his baby counterpart, which Bulma found very amusing.
"It's almost like they're brothers." Gohan said as he watched with his head resting on a fist. "I can't wait, mom. Dad would be so happy."
Chi Chi smiled at her son and slung an arm over his shoulders. "Yes he would, Gohan. I just wish he could be here for all of it."
Bardock watched them with a smile as he leaned against a tree with his arms crossed. He was happy for them, but he couldn't stop thinking about Gine. He didn't want to come off as rude by sulking about it anymore, but internally, it was torture. However, as he stood there watching his family celebrate, he sensed someone in the distance approaching Capsule Corp. It was a familiar ki signature, one that was unexpected and irritating. Bardock pushed away from the tree and looked eastward. Moments later, Vegeta picked up the signature, then Gohan, and then Trunks. Soon, everyone that could sense ki was aware of the incoming entity. Gohan got up and walked over to his grandfather, then Trunks followed. Chi Chi became concerned, as did Bulma and the others.
"What is that?" Said Gohan as he reached Bardock.
"Typical, right?" Trunks added, considering it was a happy and peaceful day that was being interrupted by a potential threat.
Vegeta remained on the balcony, but kept his attention focused on the incoming ki. I've sensed this ki before…
Bardock kept quiet and just stared as the ki signature got closer and closer, and then, a figure appeared surrounded by a clear-white aura. As the figure got closer, it slowed down, and soon landed inside of the compound near the fence opposite Bardock and co. Breathing heavily, a red haired man wearing a black tank top, black pants with a yellow sash, black and yellow combat boots and black wristbands stood with his blue eyes locked with Bardock's, the man who saved Bardock's life when Frieza destroyed Planet Vegeta; Sheamus.
"Hey Bardock..."
To Be Continued…