Capsule Corp Compound
December 24, A762
"So, you are the Grand Elder of Namek," Kami said.
"And you are the child of Katas," Guru said, smiling, "It is good to meet you."
"Was that my parent's name? It is good to know it. I am...In awe, I won't lie, to be among my people," Kami said. He smiled as Dedne and Cargo tugged at his robes and introduced themselves.
"You have worked so hard to protect this world, and maintaining your Dragon Balls all on your own is impressive. I am proud to call you my brother, Kami," Guru said. Kami's eyes widened, and he nodded.
"Thank you, Grand Elder. You honor me," Kami bowed.
"It is good that we have met on my final day. I would like to see your Dragon, as well. Moori should be here with the last Dragon Ball soon," Guru said, "But before he arrives, I wish to share with you their true power. For us the Dragon Balls are more than wish-granting orbs. They hold the memories and history of our people. Ours are so much larger than yours because they have been used for that purpose for so long. As you and your successors modify your Dragon Balls for the same purpose, your Dragon Balls will be prized for more than their wishes, but their wisdom, as well."
"I see. I always felt that the Dragon Balls were somehow incomplete. I would be delighted to learn from you, Grand Elder," Kami said. Guru rested his hand upon Kami's head, and Kami had visions of the history of Namek, its people, and how they constructed the Dragon Balls from fragments of holy space stones they had found when the Namekians were a Galaxy-travelling people. Kami, himself, had made the Dragon Balls from such materials on his vessel. Now, he understood how to not only tap into their full potential, but grow them over time as they gathered more memories and more power.
"I see. I will share this information into our Dragon Balls, and do what I can with Tsuno to store Earth's history with your Dragon Balls, as well, after you pass," Kami vowed.
"We welcome all the wisdom you have for us," Guru said.
"I'm here!" Moori called out, holding the Four-Star ball.
"He's no Porunga, but Shenron is still impressive," Kami said to Guru. A dozen Namekians lifted Guru's sedan, and brought him to the field where the other Dragon Balls had been gathered. Moori placed the Four Star ball in its place.
"Please, Moori. You were the one to gather them; it is your wish to make," Kami said. Moori nodded, and held up his arms.
"Eternal Dragon, by your name, I summon you forth: Shenron!" Moori shouted. The sky grew dark, the Dragon Balls glowed golden, and the long, fierce Shenron covered the sky.
"Are we sure we should be doing this in the city?" Lemo asked Bulma.
"It'll be fine, West City is used to weirder things than this coming out of dad's lab," Bulma assured him.
"I am the Eternal Dragon, Shenron! Why have you summoned me? State your wish, so I may grant it!" the Dragon ordered.
"A bit grumpier than Porunga, it seems," Tsuno chuckled.
"He always has been, but he's got a good heart," Kami said.
"Eternal Dragon! I wish for all those slain on Namek in the attacks and aftermath with Freeza and his forces to be brought back to life!" Moori said.
"You ask for much, but it is within my power nonetheless, as you have gathered those dead here before me. It is done, but the one known as Roshi cannot be resurrected this way; I have already resurrected him once, this cannot be done twice. Your wish is granted, and I rest, once again!" Shenron declared, his red eyes glowing. Lightning struck all around the city. The Eternal Dragon glowed gold again, and exploded in a flash of light, with the seven Dragon Balls shooting off into the distance.
"Wait, they scattered? That didn't happen last time!" Lemo said.
"Of course they scattered, why wouldn't they? Every time the Dragon Balls are used, they find new hiding spots, so they have to be rediscovered," Bulma explained.
"Not the ones on Namek," Lemo said, "They just turned to stone and landed where they'd been when we summoned the Dragon."
"Another difference between yours and ours. Our Dragon Balls are used to record memories and histories. Yours are not quite as advanced," Moori explained.
"They're alive!" Dende called out, "Everyone is alive again!"
Dozens of Namekians walked out of the building, many of them cradling where they'd been injured. Dende and Cargo charged at their fellow children who had been slain by Freeza. They danced and cheered around one another, embracing and chatting with each other in Namekian.
"Oh! Wait!" an idea struck Bulma, "The Dragon didn't mention Goku! He'd been brought back to life with the Dragon Balls once, too! If he was "
"Huh? You're right, it didn't! He must still be alive!" Moori said.
"I knew it! That kid's the toughest in the universe! No jerk Freeza could take him out!" Bulma cheered, hugging Moori, who was surprised, but hugged her back.
"My children...I am so happy to see all of you back. You are on Earth, and the monsters who attacked our world have been dealt with by the warriors of this world. We owe them a great debt. Soon, you will be able to return to Namek...But I am sorry to say, I will not be joining you," Guru said.
"Guru, no!" a Namekian held the Grand Elder's hand.
"I have been ill for some time, and the stress of losing you all has been too much for me. But seeing you all together, healthy and ready to tackle the future, my heart swells with joy and pride. I have prepared you all as best as I could. Please, take care of each other, of Earth, and our world. Do not fear the future, but do not forget the past, either. We have conquered another great tribulation that has threatened our way of life. It is time once again to change. Tsuno will take my place as Grand Elder. I love you all," Guru said, "Goodbye, my children, and my brothers."
Guru's form faded, and he disappeared, leaving the Namekians behind to mourn the loss of their Grand Elder.
"I feel like a voyeur," Lemo admitted, "Like going to a stranger's funeral."
Moori patted him on the shoulder, "You did your part to help us, Lemo. Guru was honored to have you here for this. I am, as well."
Lemo smiled, and nodded.
"I know we all have gone through so much," Tsuno said to his brothers, "We have long relied on Guru to lay brothers for us. But now the responsibility lays upon all of us. If you are interested in having children, please, consult with your Elder, and have the discussion within your village. The next generation of Namekians is ours to parent."
There was a general murmur of agreement and even cheer among the Namekians.
"Next, we honor our debt to the Earthlings, and we bring back their champions. Though we will have to wait a year to return home to fulfill this honor, the warrior Slug defends our world from intruders in our absence; Namek is in good hands. Please, bring the Dragon Balls, so I may bring back Porunga," Tsuno instructed.
The stone Namekian Dragon Balls were rolled out, and Tsuno began to concentrate Ki into the staff he had received from Guru. When the light was too much for anyone to bear, Tsuno slammed the staff down into the center of the arrangement of stones, and when the light faded, the Dragon Balls were once again active.
"Takkaraput pop Porunga pupiritt paro!" Tsuno called out, and once again, the sky grew dark. Lightning flashed, and the Dragon Balls glowed orange.
"This never gets old," Bulma admitted, "Oh wow! He's huge! I should have guessed, but the Namekian dragon is so much bigger!"
Porunga appeared, looming over the city. It spoke, this time in English.
"I am the Eternal Dragon, Porunga! Make your wishes, so that you may share in Namek's wisdom!" Porunga said.
"Mighty Porunga! There are three warriors of Earth, who have died in a great battle! Please, using each of our Three Wishes, restore the warriors Yamcha, Yajirobe, and Meys to life!" Tsuno called.
"A simple matter; they have been restored. Your wishes have been granted, and now I return to my slumber. Until Namek needs me again," Porunga stated, and the Dragon disappeared. The sky returned to normal, and the Dragon Balls returned to stones, dropping to the ground around Tsuno. The different Elders retrieved their Tribe's respective Dragon Balls. Tsuno gestured to Cargo.
"Yes, Grand Elder?" Cargo said.
"Master Roshi had begun to train you and your brother Dende, is that correct?"
"Uh huh!"
"Do you wish to continue that training? With Nail now fused with Piccolo, I will need a new bodyguard, and it is past time we restore the Warrior caste properly," Tsuno said. Cargo smiled, and nodded.
"Yes, Grand Elder!"
"Then I will have the warriors of Earth train you, until you are ready, and you will take your place by my side, Cargo," Tsuno said.
Moori beckoned to Dende, "I know you are young, but I would like you, too, to stay on Earth, and learn all you can from their Grand Elder, Kami. And you, in turn, will teach him. One day, you will return to Namek, and be a greater elder than I."
"Are you sure, Elder Moori?"
Moori nodded, "I find myself pulled to the Galaxy, now that my potential has been unleashed. One day, you will have yours unlocked, as well, and I hope you will join me, until our people need us on Namek."
"If the stars call to you, Moori, then they call to us all," one of Moori's tribesmen said, "You will not go alone."
"Yes, it is time Namek returned to the stars," Tsuno said, approaching them, "You are wise to leave Dende in the care of Kami. Is that all right with you?"
Kami nodded, "I have already chosen an apprentice, but I am comfortable taking a second."
"Well, if your whole tribe is going to space, I've got the perfect vessel for you," Bulma said, tossing a capsule. The Namekian starship pomfed out of the capsule, and the Namekians all gawked at it.
"This...This is a Star Urchin!" Moori said, rubbing his hand against the hull, "Guru had only told us stories of them!"
"Yep! We've made a few modifications, but there are more changes we can make. We'll fix it up for you, and we'll teach you all you need to know," Bulma said, "Before you know it, you'll be building these babies by the dozen!"
"Star Urchins are not built, they are grown. It takes a century to grow one big enough to molt a shell of this size. They are found deep in the oceans of Namek, and our people used to find their molts to build our starships," Tsuno explained, "As we have lost the art, I can only imagine the size of the shells in our seas."
"I would be honored to relearn the art from you," Moori said.
"So, these are the Namekians!" a new voice called out. They all turned, and saw a dog-man approaching with guards dressed in the uniforms of the Royal Guard. The Dog Man approached Kami and Tsuno, and offered his hand.
"I am King Furry, leader of Earth. It is my pleasure to formally welcome you to Earth," he shook Tsuno's hand.
"The pleasure is mine. Thank you for offering us refuge, your Highness," Tsuno said. King Furry smiled.
"Please, do not hesitate to ask for anything. The people of Earth, for all our faults, are nothing if not generous to our friends. We are happy to help our neighbors rebuild their world. If Namek ever needs refuge, or even if any of your people just need a friendly port, Earth is always open to your people," King Furry said.
"Thank you so much, Sire."
"And you! The Guardian of Earth. I never thought I would have the pleasure, and yet here you are! My goodness, it is an honor, sir," King Furry shook Kami's hand.
"I have heard and seen nothing but good things from you, King Furry. You have led the people of Earth well," Kami said.
"And you, um...Sir, I don't believe I've been told your name?" King Furry turned to Lemo.
"Huh? Me? I'm nobody, you can just call me Lemo, don't worry about it, Your Highness," Lemo said, rubbing his neck.
"Don't be modest," Moori said, "He's the reason we were able to recover the Dragon Balls. Without him, the whole universe may have been in danger."
"Then we owe you a great debt, mister Lemo," King Furry said, shaking Lemo's hand enthusiastically.
"Yes, of course, your Highness," Lemo said, his arm being shaken much too vigorously for his comfort.
"Bulma, your father told me everything about what's happened. You and your friends have done a great thing for Earth. You have my thanks," King Furry shook Bulma's hand, too.
"I didn't know you and my father were acquainted," Bulma admitted.
"Recently, yes. He's been keeping me apprised of the goings-on since the attack on Orange Star City. To think such horrible things were happening, just next door to Earth! I am grateful for you and your friends. To all of you! The Earth owes you a great debt for your sacrifices," King Furry said.
"Well, I'm glad we could help," Bulma said.
"Those fellows who died, that you'd brought back. When you see them, please, present them with these. It's the least we can offer them for their sacrifice," King Furry offered Bulma a box. Inside were three Royal Medals of Honor.
"Oh, wow, okay, yeah, I'll make sure they get them."
"Thank you all for your time! I was an honor meeting you all," King Furry waved to them, and was escorted off the compound by his guard.
"Wow...So dad's been talking with King Furry, huh? I wonder what he's really up to…" Bulma wondered, holding the box.
