The lookout held a handful of bodies, most of which were up and moving. Calina's was comfortably asleep on the Lookout's seemingly endless floor. Her right cheek and lips were pressed hard against the smooth, cool texture that each tile held. Her body was still, except for her back, which rose with every slow, deep breath she took. There were voices all around her, but she was too exhausted to even bother trying to figure out who they were. Instead she let her mind drift and body rest, being awake was overrated.
" She should probably be made aware of what happened."
" Let her sleep, she doesn't need to be bothered with that right now. " Piccolo's deep voice caught her attention and pulled her from the deep sleep she was slowly falling into. His voice sounded more worried than upset.
The more she grew into consciousness the more her senses began to pick up. She could smell certain individuals whom hadn't yet spoke, and she could sense energy that she hadn't felt before blacking out.
Calina's body let out an angry groan as her reluctant limbs begged her not to move. She pushed herself up and onto all fours, surveying the area and the people that inhabited it.
" Don't push yourself, you haven't had a lot of time to rest. " Trunks's voice was abrasively soft to Calina's ears until she remembered that he had died. His unpleasantly soft demeanor no longer mattered, at least he was alive. But how?
She was surprised she hadn't woken up sooner, the sky above her was a swirling mass of grey and black clouds. The clouds came together to form a very powerful thunderstorm that has bursts loud enough to shake the lookout's foundation. Everyone was looking up now, including her. She wasn't sure what had happened or how long she had been unconscious, but everyone was alive that was previously dead. At the center of the lookout was the largest group of people, followed by a large green swirling serpent demon that stretched into the heavens.
She had seen a creature like this once before, on Namek. This one, however, looked much leaner and had a longer physique.
" Your wish shall be granted.." Shenron's deep voice boomed and echoed over the entire lookout, and without warning his body began to glow as each of the Dragon Balls lifted into the sky and shot in different directions. Within seconds the sky began to clear and everyone's focus turned from the Dragon Balls to Krillin and Calina.
Calina was unsure what wishes had been made with the Dragon Balls, but she was later informed that they had brought Trunks back to life, and the people who Cell had killed, and Krillin had made sure that both Android 18 and 17 had become human in the process. Calina had noticed that Goku was missing and was given a lecture about how he wanted to stay in the after world to train. Something she was still a little confused about, but would touch on later.
" Out of my way, excuse me. " Trunks was pushed aside by a much shorter woman, who wasn't walking. Instead she road a large, crystal ball and seemed to be dressed for a costume party.
" My name is Baba, and I have news for you child. " The woman seemed much older now that she was closer to Calina, and as Calina fully stood up she was barely taller than her.
" Can't you save your nonsense for a later time, we're trying to celebrate! " Master Roshi spoke from behind the woman who had just introduced herself.
" Always going around, and bumming people out." He continued to mumble things about the woman, but Calina couldn't bother to pay attention. She turned and put her focus on the woman whom she'd never met. She could tell she was human, or perhaps was at sometime. Calina could sense an immortal feeling from her, as though she had lived a very long life.
" I have some news I think you'd like to hear.. " She paused and repositioned herself on her large crystal ball before speaking again. " I'm not going to sugar coat this, and frankly I wouldn't see myself helping someone like you in a million years, but you have helped save this planet so I believe you deserve to know."
" OH JUST OUT WITH IT YOU OLD HAG!" Roshi's voice shot at the woman again, and the small old woman turned and threatened to turn him into a chicken. She cleared her throat and turned to Calina, finishing what she was trying to say before she was interrupted.
" You're going to Hell. " Baba's voice was dry and simplistic, as though the words she spoke had little to no meaning to her. Calina's face shifted from concerned to upset, as she began to finally remember the dream she had while being held up by Cell.
" Wait, what are you talking about? " Gohan was behind Calina now, and the shocked half Saiyan stood by her confused. Calina had so many questions, and wanted nothing more than to turn around and throw herself at Gohan. She was still unsure how she had gotten to the lookout or what had happened to Cell.
Calina's unusual silence had begun to make everyone around her nervous. She had remembered having that dream that seemed far more real than fiction. The smell of the burning mountains and the way Zero looked, like he was real. She wasn't entirely sure how this old woman knew what had happened to her, but she was inclined to believe her. It would only make sense. How could nearly four years of doing good on Earth atone for the atrocities she'd done in her life before then. She began to remember the terrible things she had done, the things she'd begun to forget after starting her life here on Earth. The families and children she'd murdered, the planets she'd helped over throw, all of it was weighing against the little bit of good she had done. It would never be enough.
" It wasn't a dream, then?" Calina spoke, her daze starting to lift as she became more and more clear about the person she was. The murderous Saiyan warrior who traveled planet to planet, killing who ever she wanted, taking what ever she wished. She hadn't been dreaming, instead her heart had stopped for a few moments. It had stopped for just enough time for her to get a look at what her future entailed after life.
Calina didn't say much more, she nodded and thanked the woman for the warning. Everyone else however had questions, but she wanted hers answered first.
" You passed out after we defeated Cell, Dende said you gave too much of your energy and almost died.." Gohan's voice seemed to soothe her anxious mind, and the moment his hand touched her bare arm, she felt the anxiety begin to melt away. She briefly remembered lending Gohan her energy, but she was sure she had only given enough to power up his attack. Either way she was happy she was able to help in some way.
" We brought you here after the fight, and while we looked for the remaining dragon balls, you slept. " Calina listened as Yamcha joined in as well, everyone had come together to save the planet and bring back those they cared about. She smiled as she remembered how wonderful it felt to be included. After Yamcha spoke there was a silence that Calina knew was for her, so after a deep breath she spoke up.
" I think I stopped breathing for a few minutes, or my heart stopped I'm not sure. I just remember going somewhere else besides here, somewhere terrible." Calina tried to keep the description short, she didn't feel like explaining who Zero was or the way Hell made her feel.
" Wait, I thought you had to go through that boarding area, with.. Wait it's been so long what did Goku say he did when Raditz killed him? " Calina listened to a voice behind her, whom belonged to Tien. She was still a little confused, but did remember Gohan saying how his father had died once before when he was a small child.
" King Yemma! Don't you remember meeting him?! " Krillin spoke loudly, even though Calina had a hard time seeing him over the people infront of her.
" Right, I almost forgot we've both died! " Tien laughed and so did a few others, but Calina was still very confused.
" There's no way she could go to Hell that fast, she'd have to sit and wait to see King Yemma before he decides. " Tien spoke up again, but Piccolo was quick to follow.
" There is always the possibility that she's seen him and doesn't remember. If she's had a near death experience and already had her fate decided. "
" Precisely." Baba spoke again, still on her way out. She glanced at Piccolo as she spoke, agreeing with him before preparing to leave.
" It's okay." Calina's voice broke the tension as she smiled and let her shoulders relax. She was beginning to realize how comfortable the planet and its people had made her. The thought of ever going back to what she did before seemed so far out of reach.
" You must atone for what you've done before you die, otherwise you'll be spending the afterlife with the universe's most disturbing demons."
Baba stayed only a minute more before shooting a snide comment at Roshi, and evaporating in a puff of smoke. Within minutes of clearing up the issue, everyone was ready to leave the look out and rest, but not before plans were made.
" I'm leaving a week from today, so my moms going to have another small get together that day. " Trunks's voice was a bit awkward sounding and he seemed nervous. Calina was too tired to bother him with any more questions so she left it at that.
Piccolo stayed up and at the Lookout while everyone left, Vegeta went to Capsule Corp with Bulma and their son, and everyone branched out to take some time off from the end of the world.
" You're coming, right? " Gohan spoke and Calina's attention went from everyone around her to him. She turned the moment he touched her shoulder and couldn't help but smile.
His hair had returned to it's normal dark color, and his eyes were so much softer now than before. She didn't want to answer him right away, so that he'd look at her a bit longer. He was a completely different person now then when he was fighting Cell. She noticed how torn and bloody his cloths were, and that his broken arm was functioning. She assumed he must have had some treatment while she was unconscious.
Standing beside him she noticed that she stood just a few inches taller than him. It was something that she actually enjoyed, but wouldn't feel the need to bring up. Gohan tapped her shoulder again and finally Calina gave in to his verbal demand.
" Yeah. "
The Son household was very sullen for the entire week leading up to Trunks's departure, but Chichi still managed to pull herself together enough to come and greet everyone.
Calina had made sure she went with Gohan when he told his mother what had happened. Chichi didn't take the news very well, and Calina was thankful that both her, Gohan and Chichi's father were with her while she grieved.
" He just can't stay in one place for too long.. I've always known that. "
Chichi sat at a small round dinner table that was within her kitchen, flipping through a single photo album as a free hand rested on a small stack of them. Calina listened to her stories and enjoyed sharing a small look at Goku when he was a little boy.
" We didn't know he was from a different planet until his brother, or that alien guy came here and tried to kidnap my Gohan. Goku was killed and I was so distraught, but we finally understood where the strength and powers came from. He's always been so driven to protect people, that's why I fell in love with him in the first place.."
Chichi had poured them both some tea, making sure to add sugar to hers and matching eyes with Calina.
" You don't like sweet things, right? " Chichi spoke so softly, that Calina could feel the small hairs on her neck and back stand up. She was seeing a whole new person.
" Goku and Gohan love sweets, but I remember how I couldn't get you to eat any cake or juice the first time you came over." Calina listened to Chichi's words and smiled.
" That's right."
" How about a little honey then? "
Calina nodded to Chichi's request. She wasn't fond of sweets, but occasionally she would eat some. She loved or more or less craved protein. She liked grains and vegetables too.
" Are you going to come out tomorrow, to the party? I know everyone would love to see you."
Chichi paused for a moment, putting down her tea and looking forward. Calina locked eyes with her for a moment before the silence became uncomfortable.
" You're leaving, aren't you.. "
Calina couldn't believe what she had just heard, how did she know? She hadn't really told anyone yet.
" In a few days, I have some things I need to take care of, outside of Earth. " Calina shifted her shoulders nervously. Chichi didn't need to know about her brief run in with death and her inevitable end in Hell.
" Make sure you say goodbye to my son properly. He, would be so distraught to lose someone so close to him so soon."
Calina's gaze shifted from Chichi and down to her tea. The steaming dark liquid swirled and moved as heat lifted from it.
" Of course. "
Bulma had insisted that she help with Calina's trip, she'd fix up one of her larger ships and equip it with enough supplies for her to survive the entirety of her journey. Calina protested, but Bulma's aggressive attitude got the best of her.
Calina had ultimately decided to leave the day after Trunks left. She knew the earlier she left, the sooner she would be able to come home and see everyone. For this past week Gohan seemed fine with her leaving, but he was somewhat distant, Calina had noticed but didn't push him.
A growing infant was sitting in Calina's lap.
Trunks fit perfectly within her folded legs, his body resting on the ground below them. He bounced and laughed as he tried to stand up.
" He's already walking and holding himself up, what a big boy! "
Bulma's mother had brought in some beverages and was preparing for the eventual arrival of everyone.
" Do you need anything, sweetie? "
Her always cheerful voice made Calina smile, but the young Saiyan shook her head. She was saving her appetite for later at dinner.
Calina held her hands up infront of Trunks, and the infant easily grabbed onto them and pulled himself up. Calina carefully released his hands from hers and watched his body wobble for a moment before strengthening.
" When you get older Aunt Calina is going to show you how to properly- "
" Properly what? " Calina's attention was brought to a voice above her, as her small pep talk had been interrupted by Bulma. The beautiful mother reached down and picked up her son. For a few moments he hesitated, squirming and reaching down to Calina, but after a feeling Bulma's grasp for more than a few seconds he gave in.
" You know, normal things.." Calina smiled weakly up at her and Bulma laughed.
" I need to put him down for a nap before the party, could you help my mother set some things up? "
Calina nodded and instantly jumped to her feet. She rushed into the kitchen to where Mrs. Briefs was and asked her if she needed any help.
Most of the jobs she had were lifting and moving, Bulma's mother nearly had the entire kitchen ready, and soon Calina would retire upstairs and change before anyone arrived.
No one was dressed up as formally as the previous gathering, and the room seemed a little less bright without Goku's presence.
Trunks was leaving early in the morning, but he assured everyone that he would come back one last time for a quick check in within the next few months. Vegeta seemed unfazed, but Bulma was bugging him with questions every free chance she got. She wanted to know everything about the future, so Trunks promised he'd have his mother make a video to sum some things up.
Everyone from the past few years was there, along with a few new faces as well. Distant relatives, friends and Krillin had tried to bring Android 18, but she declined the offer.
Chichi seemed in much higher spirits, her father and Gohan both arrived with her and made sure she wasn't left alone to her own thoughts for too long. There was no formal dinner set up, instead the atmosphere was much more casual as everyone talked and browsed snacks.
The small lavender haired infant sat quietly in Calina's arms again, nodding off occasionally, as the loud noise and music slowly lulled him to sleep. She wanted to make sure she spent ample time with him, when she returned it was very likely that he wouldn't know who she was.
" Make sure you say goodbye to everyone, don't be a shut in! " Bulma softly bumped Calina's shoulder with her elbow.
Soon Trunks was taken from her by Bulma's mother, who cooed as the child began to snore. This forced Calina to have to interact with other people at the going away party.
With the threat of being killed finally over, a strange calm had taken over many of the people at the party. Some had eaten so much that that had fallen asleep, others had drank their limit and were also passed out.
" A lot of things have changed since you've been gone, I bet. "
Calina's voice had begun to get quieter, the more calmer the evening became. Trunks sat next to her and faintly smiled, thinking to himself about the trip tomorrow.
" Yeah, my mom is going to be so relieved to see me.."
Trunk's quiet demeanor and calm head were a direct result of growing up with Gohan and having limited exposure to Saiyans. Calina knew the young Trunks in this time would probably grow up to be a bit more boisterous and thick headed.
Trunks handed a photo over to Calina, and cleared his throat nervously as he did.
" So this is was when we got together before Cell's fight.. I already have one, so if you want.." Trunks held out the photo and Calina reached out and took it. She smiled warmly at him and looked at it briefly.
This was something that wouldn't diminish, a physical memory. She had seen some photos before, mostly of Goku and Gohan. This one in particular made her incredibly happy. No matter how far away she was, she'd always have this.
" Dinner's ready! Make yourselves a plate! " Bulma's mother spoke loudly to he group before disappearing with infant Trunks upstairs.
Most of the chatter was about Trunks's trip, hardly anyone knew she was leaving. She was terrible with saying goodbye or having attention focused on her. Deep down she didn't think anyone would really miss her. Maybe for a week, or a few months, but after that it'd become easier to let the memory of her go.
" So Calina, what time are you leaving on Wednesday? " Bulma spoke loudly and sneered at Calina. Fully knowing the storm she had started, Bulma sat down Calina was met with questions.
' When will you be back?'
' Where are you going? '
'What are you looking for?'
She didn't have a complete answer for any of them. She knew what she needed to do, but talking about the monstrosities she had committed, to humans, seemed distasteful.
" Not really sure. "
The most accurate thing she had said out loud the entire day was summed up into one short sentence. She wasn't sure of anything.
She wasn't sure she'd be able to make up for the things she'd done, or if she'd make it there in one piece. She wasn't sure if anyone would remember or miss her from Earth, or if she even belonged here.
She had a lot to think about.
" I'm sure it won't be that long, there's no need to worry about it.." Calina's soft tone caught the attention of Piccolo and Gohan. She'd noticed both of them give her hardened glances before quickly focusing down at the meal infront of them.
The party ran later into the night, and soon everyone began to leave the party. Calina spoke when spoken to, and she'd picked up on something useless humans had done to do.
Small talk.
Most conversations weren't blunt or to the point, they were often pointless questions and answers about things that weren't important. It was used to be polite or as a distraction from something else.
She'd tried to find Gohan after most of the people had gotten too drunk to leave and went upstairs or left. He'd left earlier with Chichi and Ox King, without saying a word.
Trunks's departure was less dramatic than Calina had expected, and saying goodbye to him proved even less. His goodbye was short, and as quickly as he had arrived, he was gone.
During the same hour that he'd left, Bulma brought Calina to the ship she was planning to send her out in. It took Calina a minute to adjust to the exterior of the ship, it was larger than she'd expected.
" This is, a little much Bulma.." Calina spoke and looked over to her bubbly friend.
Bulma smiled at Calina and laughed, playfully pushing her shoulder, she silently led Calina inside.
The ship was much larger than the Space pods she'd been so used to using while under Freiza's rule. There were multiple rooms and compartments, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to understand all of the controls before she left.
" You're going to have everything you need. There's a ton of food, a gravity training room, a bedroom and a shower. You can control the ship or set it on auto pilot.. Really this is nothing, just the basics to survive. "
Calina looked around her, bewildered. Why had she gone through so much trouble in such a short time for her?
Calina walked through the individual rooms and went over the general surface of each room.
" Did you say goodbye to him yet.." Bulma was leaning against one of the walls in the gravity room within her ship. Calina's body paused for a moment, the questions sitting with her. She should have chased after him last night, but she had a feeling that her departure was going to be as hard on him as it was on her.
" not yet.." Calina spit in a low voice, not wanting to continue the conversation.
Bulma sighed and let her head rest against the smooth curved surface of the wall. She mumbled and laughed to herself a few times before explaining how the directional system worked. Soon after both her and Bulma exited the ship and had lunch.
She didn't want a send off party, she was very specific about that. The past few months had been very stressful, and interacting with other people took a completely different strain on her body. She needed to have a set piece of mind before leaving in the morning.
" So, no one? " Bulma was pressing Calina for more answers, adding to her already growing anxiety.
Calina wasn't sure how to end her constant strain of questions, but she new if the earthling had known of the things she'd done, she'd be far less interested in her past explorations.
" Nope. "
Calina spoke into her palm, which was currently pressed against her face. Bulma would try to ask another question, but Calina would fake a yawn and retreat upstairs for a full nights sleep. She didn't need to avoid any more questions or be reminded how difficult her journey might be.
She had entertained the idea of sleep for a few hours, but her mind was actively reminding her how she needed to see him. Gohan had been so incredibly distant the past few days, he wasn't acting like himself at all.
She'd gotten dressed again, and had forgotten to put on any shoes. With a small reach, she opened her window and quickly exited her room and the Capsule Corp building. She'd tried to take off, but lost her balance and bumped into the railing infront of her window.
In the darkness of the night, Calina hadn't lost her balance after all, but simply bumped into someone who'd been waiting for her.
Gohan spoke in quick bursts, and Calina threw her body forwards, not understanding a thing he said. The moment she touched him, he lost his voice. The two of them stood on the small balcony outside her room without speaking for a few minutes.
Calina wasn't sure if Gohan had the Saiyan senses that she possessed. If he noticed how gentle and beautiful the flowers outside her balcony smelled, or how Gohan's distinctive scent brought calmness to her. She wasn't concerned with her trip tomorrow or what might or might not happen. This was the most important thing to her.
" You don't have to go.." Gohan's voice was clear and pleasantly gentle.
Calina rested her forehead on his and weakly smiled.
Leaving was going to be harder than she thought.
She didn't fully answer him, and the more time that passed the more Calina could feel the heat rise from him. He was getting impatient.
" Promise you'll come back. "
Calina silently answered with a nod, and let her skin soothingly rub against his. She wasn't sure how to act, but she didn't want him to move.
Gohan pulled away and Calina reached forwards and pulled him back. Her hands nervously grabbed at his shoulders and arms, she didn't want him to leave.
" Stay the night. " Calina's tone was frightened and desperate, she didn't realize how upset she'd become.
Gohan's shoulders relaxed and he smiled, nodding to her.
Her room was normally a mess, but everything was packed for her departure in the morning. They'd done this so many times, and still, every time she was nervous.
Unlike everyone else, Gohan's questions were nonexistent. He laid quietly next to her, and let Calina rest her weight and head on his chest. She took a deep breath and pushed her face into his cloths, promising herself to never forget his scent. Neither one of them moved much, and without realizing it they'd fallen asleep on one another.
Calina was woken up by Bulma yelling at Vegeta about something, and him proceeding to yell even louder back at her.
Gohan didn't wake up easily, so Calina got a few moments of him to herself. She let her cheek rest on his chest, and listened to him take deep breaths.
There was a loud sound outside the Capsule Corp building, and still Gohan slept soundly. She couldn't help but realize how much he was like his father.
She crept out of bed and peeked outside her window and over her balcony. A ways down, Bulma was working on her ship again and cursing. She threw a few tools at the Capsule Corp building and cursed Vegeta's name.
Calina had to wake up Gohan, and the sleepy Saiyan immediately smiled upon seeing Calina's face. She could feel her face begin to warm as his smile turned into a grin and he reached out to touch her.
" I only have a few minutes. " Calina's pained expression melted away as Gohan pulled himself off the bed and up to her.
Calina's neck got goose bumps as Gohan's face was within inches of hers. His soft lips and warm breath touching her chilled neck and skin. She leaned in and he pushed forwards.
Although brief, Calina enjoyed any physical contact with Gohan. Their kiss was a few moments too short for her, but the clattering from outside had gone from loud to destructive.
She was going to miss moments like this the most, she'd never felt a closeness like what she felt with Gohan. Being vulnerable was a whole new uncomfortable feeling for her and she loved every minute of it.
Gohan had helped her get her things down stairs and, to Calina's surprise, was left alone by Bulma. Whose only response was a strange squeal and a forced wink to Calina.
She'd eaten a light breakfast and had changed before her journey. Meeting her at her ship was the Briefs family, Piccolo and Gohan. Calina could tell Vegeta was within ears distance as well.
" Hurry back kid. "
Piccolo's stern attitude broke for a moment, as he smiled at her and gave her a small thumbs up.
Trunks reached out from his Grandfather's grasp towards Calina, who reached out towards him as well.
She held him for a moment and let him play with her hair and shirt. She enjoyed his company more than he would ever realize. He was the first Saiyan child she'd ever seen, a half breed at that.
" You're not going to remember me when I get back.. But I'll never forget you. " Calina spoke quietly and let Mrs. Briefs take Trunks from her grasp.
" Thank you so much for all of your hospitality.. " Calina looked at both Mr. and Mrs Briefs. She was shooed off and given a hug by Mrs. Briefs who insisted it wasn't a big deal.
Bulma pulled Calina from her mother's grasp and gave Calina a hug as well.
" Keep in contact, and be careful. Don't be reckless, I know how you Saiyans are. " Bulma spoke and immediately shot a cold look in the distance at Vegeta.
Vegeta scoffed at her, but remained silent.
The last goodbye was her hardest, and she wanted to say things to Gohan that were too personal to say infront of everyone. She hugged him and kissed his cheek softly. Hopefully he didn't forget her while she was gone..
Gohan wasn't expecting any display of affection and grew incredibly red with Calina's lips touching his cheek.
" I'll be back, I promise. "
Calina's promise was honest, if there was anything that might bring her home, it was him.
She sighed and said goodbye one last time before boarding her ship and preparing to take off.
She'd been thinking of the first place she'd like to visit, it would take her months to get there, but she remembered a small race of aliens Freiza had ordered her squad to kill. She knew there might have been some survivors and figured she'd start there.
Putting in the coordinates she fastened herself in and let the auto pilot track the Galaxy's location. Within a minute the ship was off the ground and shooting towards the sky.
Calina's chest seemed to be on fire, as her lungs overworked themselves trying to bring any oxygen around her into her body.
She tried to move her arms and legs, but her body was securely strapped down. Calina's frightened eyes scanned the area infront of her, which was a very small, enclosed dome that was barely big enough to hold her body. Strong straps held her down, and with every movement, seemed to become tighter.
Her body gasped again and again repeatedly and within each second she wheezed and choked, she could feel her conscious slip in and out. This was the worst nightmare she'd ever had.
" That's enough for today. "
A deep, male voice boomed from outside the enclosure she was in, and within moments of him speaking the dome opened and Calina took her first full breath of air in what felt like years.
" Don't try to get up, you're safe here.. "
The same voice seemed to boom from above her, and Calina immediately tried to get up, her lungs still struggling to replenish themselves. Each breath brought more and more confusion and lightheadedness. She'd collapse before she could get to her feet.