The girl stood before Gohan with her hands behind her back, inhaled to her lungs' capacity, and said, "Hello, I'm Kusu, but you can call me Cus. It's nice to meet you. I'm your daughter from the future."

His vision warped as his pulse drummed twice behind his eyes. He stumbled and would've fell over if 18's arms weren't looped around his. He choked, saliva in his airways. This wasn't happening. He must've misheard. He stammered, "My— My daugh— Daughter?"

She flashed perfect white teeth. "Just kidding. We have no relation. But your family drama sure is amusing." Her below-average energy bubbled in delight. She giggled and held out her right arm toward 18. Between her fingers was a glossy red and back card—a bank card. "I found this. Are you Lazuli?"

"I am," 18 said, pocketing the card. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Heart still skipping beats, Gohan found his voice: "Did you come all the way here just to give back a bank card?"

"Of course," she said happily, "because it's the only right thing to do in a polite civilization."

18 huffed. "I already blocked transactions on the bank's website. It would've been easier for you to hand it in to the police."

Cus rose the tips of her toes. Her sandals were of plain black leather. "I know, but I wanted to go on an adventure."

"All by yourself?" 18 asked.

"Yep."

18 slightly frowned. "Does your parents or family know you're here?"

"Errm, I think my father probably knows."

"Probably knows?"

"Yep."

Concern furrowed Gohan's brow. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yep." She giggled. "Are you feeling alright, Gohan? From what your mother said, it sounds like you've lost your mind."

From afar, Mother said, "He has, and this isn't over, 18. I'm watching you." She was helping Mr Popo, Grandpa Ox King, and Yamcha prepare a barbecue. Stacks of frozen meat were ready to be grilled. Jars of colorful spices lined the table. An exotic aroma wafted over.

Gohan's mouth watered.

"Oooo, a barbecue! I can't wait!" Cus said with too much excitement.

Bulma then approached. "I was saying we were held up by Cus. She insisted that she should come to return that card. I think she's a refugee from a distant planet, and she might have severe PTSD. Babidi may've attacked her home. I've already offered accommodation."

Gohan asked, "Is this true, Cus?"

Her smile suddenly flipped into trauma and gloom. "Don't remind me. Everything was erased. All my friends are gone." She sniffed. "Can we not talk about it anymore?"

"See what I mean?" Bulma said in a soft motherly voice, laying hands on Cus's shoulders. "It's going to be alright. If Gohan here doesn't stop Babidi, then Goku and Vegeta will."

Gohan remembered Dende had mentioned that Porunga could now revive multiple souls with a single wish, and Porunga could revive souls years after death. But now clearly wasn't the time. Gohan said in an uplifting voice, "Sure, we won't bring it up again. You'll feel much better after a bite of Yamcha's grilled beef. Just take a sniff of those spices. Yummy, isn't it?"

That did help. Her smile returned, although not as lively. "It's tickling my nose."

"Yamcha does go overboard on the spice," Bulma said. "I'll make sure he controls himself this time. Would you like a milder plate, Cus?"

"Yes, please." She followed Bulma to the barbecue.

Bulma said over her shoulder, "And Gohan, don't think I've forgotten about the lies you fed me. I can't believe you did that. Of all people. Hmph." Her fair flipped. "If 18 dumps you, don't come crying to me."

He stayed quiet. One day he was going to make it up to her, and this wasn't that big of a deal. She'll get over it.

18 murmured, "What do you think Cus meant by erased?"

"Babidi's magic?" Gohan shrugged. "He must've taken all the energy he could from her home world. Her father has to be on her spaceship, injured."

"Dende can heal him. We should tell her."

Gohan's head swayed in indecision. "It doesn't seem like she's worried. Let's just let it drop."

"Fine." Her eyes rolled. "I'll put up with her for now."

"Why do you want her gone?"

"I'll be straight, Gohan. I don't like how you stare at her as if she's the cutest thing in the world. You've been with me for a whole day and you're already looking at other girls."

He rubbed the back of his head. "I can't help it. I'll try not to."

"Then stop ogling her."

"Sorry." He looked away from the barbecue, at Piccolo and Vegeta and Tien, who were still talking strategy, albeit much more calmly. Gohan didn't hear Father's voice among their hushed tones… because Father was telepathically speaking to them and no one else. Not so interested in that discussion, Gohan didn't mind that he was being left out, and he could assertively join in any time; it was in his place to know. They were counting on him, counting on his Super Saiyan Two transformation.

Bleak reality punched his gut; he was in no shape to fight a being far stronger than Cell.

I need to train, intensively.

There wasn't time, but there was a place where time wasn't an issue. This situation was dire enough to warrant it.

Mother called, "Gohan, eat up before it gets cold!"

But training could always wait for a good meal. "Coming!" He dashed over, grabbed his plate of sliced steak flame-grilled to medium-well—just the way he liked red meat. He forked a slice, and one bite unleashed an explosion of spicy, juicy, smoky flavor. He barely had to chew the tenderized, juicy meat. Two by two, a dozen slices and five clumps of grilled broccoli disappeared from his plate. Licking smeared sauce, he was already waiting for seconds.

So was Vegeta and the half-Saiyan boys.

18, for once, ate a share. "This is really good." She swallowed a second slice, then another. The spices reddened her whole face and neck.

Mother was glowering at her. "Did I say you could have any?"

"Come on, Chi-Chi," Yamcha said, "there's more than enough for everyone, including psycho killer androids."

18 said, "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Yamcha nervously chuckled. "I meant beautiful, kind-hearted androids."

"Much better."

Behind Yamcha, Cus ate her first slice. Her eyes widened as though she had never tried spicy barbecue before. Pure delight illuminated her face; she was practically glowing. She swallowed and chirped, "Mmmm, delicious! Your world has the best food in the universe! Your cities are quite pretty too. So is this tower."

Krillin asked her, "How many worlds have you been to?"

She errantly blinked thrice. "Too many to count."

"How old are you?" Yamcha asked.

She pouted. "I thought it's rude here to ask a girl's age. Hmph." She bit a larger slice off her fork, chewed slowly.

"It is very rude," 18 said. "You don't have to answer."

"Good, because I don't feel like saying. How old are you, Yamcha? Hmmm?"

Bulma said matter-of-factly, "He's thirty-nine, and he still acts like a kid."

"Thanks for reminding me, Bulma."

Vegeta yapped at him, "Hurry up with the beef!"

"Yeah, I'm still starving," Goten said.

"Me too." Trunks.

Gohan politely kept his lips closed.

Yamcha chuckled and picked up the tongs. He adjusted a dial, the grill's flames flaring up and radiating much-needed heat for Gohan, who was still in his pajamas. Dense clouds again covered the sun. Stronger winds blew in, and Mother noticed his shiver. She said, "I brought a change of clothes for you. In the plane."

"Thanks, Mom, but I'd like another plate first." He refrained from igniting his aura.

"Another three for me," Goten said.

Krillin remarked, "You Saiyans are like bottomless pits."

"Heh," Cus snickered, "sounds about right." She then ate a broccoli clump; she didn't like it as much. "This plant is bitter." She tried another clump smothered in sauce. "Mmm, I guess it's not too bad. I like the texture."

Vegeta asked her, "You know about us?"

"Yep. It's a shame what happened to your home planet. I heard your people were starting become much more nicer."

Vegeta had nothing to say. Was it shame? Or was it simply regret that he hadn't been able to save his planet and people? It looked like both.

At that, the feast continued with little chatter. Gohan took his time with his second serving, eating more like 18. Small bites. Plenty of chewing. No savage shovelling. Honestly, eating slowly with self control did make the food taste better; it was like sex, drawing out the pleasure instead of rabidly going for a short-lived climax. There really was a point to being civilized.

18 was looking at him suspiciously. "What are you thinking?" she quietly asked.

"Nothing." He managed to keep a blush off his face.

"Hmmm."

Then as Cus finished her second plate, she said, "I'm a bit tired after the long journey. Is there anywhere I can rest for a bit?"

Dende said, "Yes, there are plenty of rooms. You're welcome to stay here while we deal with Babidi."

"My, you're as generous as Bulma. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome, really. Mr Popo, can you show her to a room?"

"Certainly. Please, this way."

Cus hummed a tune as she followed into the temple. When she was out of sight, Piccolo broke his silence: "Do not be fooled by her childish act. She has chosen to come here. There is a reason that she has not told us."

Mouth full, Vegeta said, "That is ridiculously obvious, Namek. She is suppressing her true power. The question is how much."

Tien nodded as well as Dende. So did 18, subtly.

Krillin said, "You guys think so? She seems innocent and, quite frankly, pretty cute to me."

"Same here," Yamcha said.

Gohan admitted, "Something does feel off about her. If she knows about Planet Vegeta, then she's in her twenties at least."

Bulma and Gohan's mother had disapproving looks. Bulma said, "Gohan, she's an alien. Not every species ages like Humans. And she's clearly been traumatized by Babidi. How can you all be so judgmental?"

Trunks said, "Yeah, she seems alright. Dunno what you're talking about."

"Yeah," Goten mumbled.

Vegeta slowly shook his head. "Bulma. Trunks. Be careful around her."

She was taken aback. "Vegeta?"

"I'm only going to warn you once. Don't do anything foolish—or you may find yourself at Earth's check-in station." He downed a cup of water, then wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "For starters, how did she know she had to find you in order to find Android 18 to return a bank card of all things? Her story makes no sense. For all we know, she is one of Babidi's minions, and your naivety led her straight to us. You may have endangered our whole operation."

"I…" Bulma's posture weakened. "I… I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

Dende said, "I don't sense any evil intention in her, so we should give her a chance. Maybe she's here to help."

"That," Vegeta said, "is the only reason why I didn't attack her."

Piccolo grumbled and looked like he was about to say something. He closed his eyes and walked to the far edge of the Lookout. He sat mid-air, cross-legged, meditating.

Gohan floated over to him. "Hey, Piccolo, what is it?"

"I have the feeling that I've seen her before, but I can't place my mind on it."

"Did you see her during your time as guardian? She said she's travelled the universe. Maybe she's been here before."

"It is possible." He inhaled through his nose, exhaled through his teeth. "Gohan, after you're finished eating, you should go into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

He immediately agreed, nodding. "Are you coming with me?"

"I would only slow you down."

"But—"

"I am not a Saiyan. We both know the rate at which my power grows can't be compared to yours. You will go alone. One day. One year of intensive training." He reached into his cloak, then threw him a brown bag. Senzu beans. Seven beans. "Take them. We have enough for ourselves."

Gohan expression hardened. "Alright, but on one condition: 18's coming with me."

"Why?" Piccolo growled.

"I have a feeling she can become thousands of times stronger."

"How can you be sure? And within a year?"

"Trust me, Piccolo."

His nose wrinkled. "Very well. You've earned at least that much, kid."

Author's Notes: Chapter lengths will stay short, sorry to say.

Credit to X3Runner for giving the idea of Kusu joking about being Gohan's future daughter. I actually considered changing up my outlined plot, but I ultimately decided I don't like it.