I have been working on and off on this for a while, like the TItans thing. It might update slower, but it's something I have had in my head for a while. I am trying to keep a steady pace and, as such, these first few chapters might seem a bit slow, but they are the buildup to the Tournament and the Bojack arc. I am also planting some seeds for later down the line here and, as such, some things won't pay off right away.

Rest assured, there are some cool plans in store and I hope I can execute them well enough. Once more, I worry about pacing and characterization, as well as spreading myself thin, so if anyone has feedback, I greatly appreciate it. I do have to have more faith in my writing but feedback really helps.

Anyway, I decided to revamp Janemba a bit to fix something about the original Bojack movie that people, myself included, had issues with. As such, I ran the idea by some friends and it tested well. I can't wait to write more of the mysterious girl we got a small glimpse at. Once she wakes up, we'll be formally introduced to her. Stay tuned, Toonami faithful. I am excited.

Gohan flew to the grave site to investigate. Even if so many people had shown up at the funeral proper to show their respects, Gohan knew there would probably be offerings to his father. Sure enough, he found a small jar with senzu, which Gohan found thoughtful, if not a bit ironic. Yajirobe must have left them on orders from Korin. There was also a stone at the grave. Gohan wasn't sure of the significance but apparently, as he would find out later, it was from Master Roshi.

Gohan saw what he assumed were deer pellets on the grave. Or perhaps they were from a large rabbit. It could be hard to tell sometimes. Either way, it was as if nature itself didn't bat an eye. Gohan felt a presence behind him and turned around.

"You can rest easy, child. I am so sorry to startle you. I was just unable to make it to the ceremony proper. I suppose that's a tad of a poor excuse considering…" The alien man trailed off but bowed his head. "You are Goku's progeny, yes?"

"Oh, um…yes sir. May I ask who you are and how you know my father?"

"Oh of course, of course, child. My name is Elder Pybara. I suppose you can just call me Pybara. I felt it important to pay respects as…in some ways, I am responsible for your father's death…or rather his sacrifice."

Gohan took a defensive stance. The short alien did not seem to be in an attack position, but those words were too ominous to mean anything good. Gohan looked again. There was remorse in the old man's body language, and yet also an acceptance of things far beyond his control.

"What do you mean by that, Pybara sir."

"You remember your father speaking of Yardrat, yes?"

It hit Gohan. "You're from there? Did you-"

"I knew you would get it, my boy. Yes. I am the one who taught your father the Instant Transmission. I suppose the ability has been most beneficial. If only the toll had not been so hefty. I suppose Goku knew what he had to do.

Gohan bowed his head in reverence, This was the master that had taught his father Instant Transmission? He looked a bit different to how his dad had described the Yardies, and he had just assumed it was a group effort of the people. Still, Gohan supposed it made sense.

"You look rather different than what my father described."

"Hmmm…Yes, I suppose so. Much like your world, we do have variety amongst our peoples, and yet we have achieved a sort of unity, you might say. Even the Warrior tribes of Yaki and Soba are rather tranquil when they wish to be."

Gohan sat on a nearby rock, similar to the one he sat on when talking to Krillin. He was lost in thought over the whole situation. He didn't wish to be rude to the new guest. And yet, what else could he say?

Sensing this, Pybara placed two fingers to his "If you would like, my boy, I could teach you the technique. It could certainly save you some time and trouble, couldn't it? After all, it seems you had a form of transport that is no longer available to you."

Gohan thought for a moment. This was big. It was true that the Nimbus was resting alongside his father, retiring from action.

"I appreciate the offer. It is a useful technique and it would save me some travel time without Nimbus…"

"Yes, I should think so. But… the old man chimed in, expecting a caveat to the young man's thoughts.

I think I am good for now. With everything that went on, all we lost, I think I want to slow down, if that's alright. I want to take time to observe my surroundings and to appreciate what's still here. I also…I don't know. I just want to believe that maybe there will be some peace after my father's death and decision to…well, stay dead. I hope I can protect the world in his stead if it comes to it, but I'm not sure."

"I see. Well, that's quite a thoughtful answer, my dear boy. If you do change your mind, I can't say I will be sticking around long; However, I believe that in due time, You will do some amazing things. If you're anything like your father, your planet is in safe hands."

"But what if I'm not enough like my father?"

"Well then the Earth might be even safer. " Pybara chuckled. "I apologize if that sounds backhanded. Very rude to speak of the dead. And yet, I am positive he would be proud of you."

Gohan couldn't help but laugh softly, though he still felt sorrow in his heart.

"Do you wish to be Goku, my boy?"

"No. I mean, what if I have to be?"

Pybara shook his head and smiled, looking not much different than a novelty toy from a gift shop, though that sounded too rude for Gohan to say out loud.

"Goku was certainly different. I did not know him as intimately as his friends and family, and yet as a teacher, I can certainly say he stood out in his own way. I have no doubt, my boy, that you will blaze your own spectacular path, different than that of your father's"

"How do you know? We haven't met. "

"An old man's intuition. A master must be a good judge of character. Anyway, I must depart. I hope you find the answers you seek. May our paths cross again one day."

Pybara bowed with a flourish before teleporting away, leaving Gohan alone with his thoughts and so many questions.

"I hope so too."

X

After he got home, Gohan was greeted by his mother, who was preparing dinner.

"Let me get that for you mom."

"Gohan, really. I'm fine. I'm not that far along in the pregnancy and I was doing this for Goku before you were born," ChiChi fussed, trying to put her son at ease. She appreciated the help, but she also knew exactly what she wanted to do and would rather handle it herself.

"I will watch from the sidelines. I want to support everyone and cheer them on. If I'm not allowed to fight, I can cheer everyone on."

Chichi paused and considered. She was ready to be skeptical, to doubt her son's intentions. And yet she knew him well enough. Her son was not deceptive. Like his father he was not one for lies. Sure, Goku had been capable of feints and tricks in battle. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and Gohan, while more book smart, was not much different. She wondered if her new child would be the same. She was even tempted to style their hair the same way, but would that be unfair?

She knew through Vegeta that not all Saiyans were like her late husband. Some were even engineers. As for other characteristics, the Prince certainly had an appetite for battle, but from what she had gathered, none would have been able to outeat Goku. She wondered if Gohan and his new sibling would be any different.

"Gohan… I don't want harm to come to you. I want a better life for you."

"I know, mom. I thought as such. That's why I have decided on a compromise. I will go, but not as a competitor. I want to cheer the others on and give my support. I could stay here instead though, if you need company." The 11 year old stated calmly. Was it meekness? No. He seemed to be understanding but not a pushover.

Chichi sat silently. She wanted to yell, to lecture. But on what? He was being so considerate of her needs as a parent. He was offering to stay behind and support her if she needed it. Heck, she had checked this morning and he hadn't just been studying all subjects all at once. He had a focus. There were more biology books on his desk than literature. He had clear interests he was exploring and that was something, as a mother, she should have been fostering.

But she grew up very rural. Sure, it was as a princess, in a palace, with servants, but it was far more low key than the fairy tales made it out to be. They basically ruled a small hick kingdom and these days, her dad wasn't much of a king and the kingdom was ruled far more communally .

It wasn't like he was going to be his father. Goku was far better at reading opponents than books. She wasn't sure he even knew how to read. That was definitely an edge Gohan had over his father. He did have a better head on his shoulders and was sure to not be hurt by one little tournament. Plus, if there was a prize for winning, it would help.

The Son family wasn't that well off and while it was no stand-in for steady work in the long term, it would certainly help, especially with a baby on the way. Sure, the Ox fortune hadn't dried up just yet, but it was no Briefs money, that's for sure.

"I'm terrified, Gohan… Proud but terrified. You're growing up. Don't grow up too much, ok? Just… Please be careful. These things always end up happening right before an army or a Demon King or some giant bug monster show up. Promise me you'll be safe. Please?"

"Of course mom. Afterall. I have to be a scholar…or maybe something else…like a Park ranger. Apparently, 18's brother is training to become one and it would be a pretty fitting job."

Chichi breathed a sigh of relief, but grumbled a bit. Being a nature cop wouldn't pay as well as being like, say, a tenured professor. Plus if he went to grad school, he was guaranteed to make it in his field. Somewhere countless dawned souls cried as they were swallowed by student debt, but their cries went unheard on Mt. Paozu.

"Don't think this is happening without condition, young man. I have two asks of you. One, you better finish all of your studies before the tournament."

Gohan nodded and looked to his desk. There was still quite a bit left of his other subjects and it was going to be exhausting, but he could knock it out in time if he worked hard enough. "Yes, Mom. What's the second?"

"Please make some friends your age. You deserve to have other kids to play with and not just hang with the same crowd your father and I did."

"I mean technically, Piccolo is only a few years older than me."

"Not the point and he still fused with God. Please make at least one friend who didn't try to kill your father. Or succeeded at least once," the pregnant woman rubbed her temple, feeling like she was the one who was cramming for 24 hours. "Pet dragons don't count either."

Gohan sighed and smiled, hugging his mom, being careful with his strength as to not hurt her or the baby. Chichi froze up, feeling the tears well up. She had to be strong. She might not have been a saiyan, but she would be the mother of two half-saiyans and she needed to be just as strong.

"Thanks again, Mom. Sorry for disobeying and worrying you so much."

Chichi wanted to apologize for being harsh. She meant well but that didn't always fix things. She swore she would when she found the words. All she wanted was what was best for him. He was growing up but he was still so young. Was she putting too much on him? Did Goku put too much on him too? Questions for later.

"Well, if you're sorry, wash up and get back to your studies. I'm gonna tidy up a bit."

Gohan nodded and bowed, heading off to his room as Chichi sighed and headed to the chair near the bookshelf.

"Oh Goku… I miss you."

X

"There. Pre-registered. Now to focus on studies and exercise," Gohan sighed as he hit send. "Thanks, Bulma."

"Of course. Glad that the computer I gave you is getting some use. I thought it might help with those studies of yours." Bulma said over videophone. Both it and the computer took some space up on Gohan's desk but luckily he had space for some bookshelves Bulma sent along with the computer and videophone.

"Of course. Not exactly used to technology, but the notes you gave me really helped."

"Me too. I tried to explain it to someone who has never used a computer before, but you're a smart kid."

Gohan's mind returned to the tournament. It would certainly be nice to see his father's old friends and to train with them for something far less Earth shattering. Sure, he had heard that some things had never changed. He had heard enough stories at the funeral alone about how there would be some kind of goings on before and after tournaments where his dad was involved, sometimes even during.

It was a bit different than the past tournaments he had heard about, where one would show up and register at the gate. That was still an option for latecomers, but this also had early registration, for those who wanted to get everything squared away and focus on training. The current champion, Mr. Satan was the start of the show, but what was a champion without a worthy adversary?

"A blustering fool concerned more with celebrity and wealth than personal betterment." is how Vegeta would have answered if he were there. He had decided to sit the tournament out, which was quite a shock. It did spur Yamcha to enter.

Gohan smiled, shaking off the recent memories as he stepped out of his room. He could use some fresh air after being in his room, studying so much. He decided to stop by West City to see Bulma. Sure they had just spoken, but he felt like seeing familiar faces.

When he touched down outside the Capsule Corp building, he saw Bulma out front with a capsule plane.

"Gohan! Glad to see you in the flesh again. Perfect timing too. Mind coming with me on a little delivery trip?"

"Oh, um…sure?" The boy answered, not expecting to run errands. Still, it was good exercise, apart from sitting in a plane anyway. He could always fly.

"Hey, no need to be so unsure. I've known you since you were a Toddler. Anyway, Remember 16?"

How could Gohan forget? He still thought about the android who helped him break through that final barrier. If only they had gotten to know each other better. They could have been friends, perhaps.

"Well, we had a backup of his files. I had forgotten until just recently. It's standard protocol for us to back-up all programs, AI or otherwise, in case a full system wipe happens."

Gohan was shocked. Would he even be the same? Sure, 16 was a machine, but deep in his heart he hoped that the android had enough of a soul to be able to rest after all he went through."

"We call him square-4, since 4 squared is 16. He's not the same 16 we knew exactly, but he should have his memories and thought patterns."

"Bulma…I…Sorry."

"Yeah…it probably does feel a bit wrong, doesn't it? Still, it felt just as wrong to sit on this and I hoped it could provide both 17 and 18 with closure."

"You mentioned 17?" Gohan perked up.

"Yup. He's apparently studying to be a park ranger and I wanted your help delivering this watch to him. If anything it might help me brush up on bird calls."

Gohan ruminated, wondering more about the nature of AI and if sentient machines could have souls. More importantly, he couldn't help but think of second chances.

"I'll come with you. I heard 17 was studying to be a Park Ranger and I kind of wanted to ask about it anyway. Still thinking of what I want to do when I'm older, but I was thinking something Nature related. "

"Well what do ya know? This is the perfect trip then," Bulma climbed into the plane and beckoned Gohan inside. "Hop in the passenger seat."

"I can fly. Thanks."

"No way, Jose. If you're thinking of getting into the Stem field, I wanna hear all about it. Maybe I could help. After all, Capsule Corp does offer scholarships, and the way your mom has you hit the books, you're likely a shoe-in."

"Oh. Thank you. I couldn't impose."

"Man, you're too nice a kid for someone who saved the world. You really are his son."

Gohan bashfully walked up to the plane and sat in the passenger seat.

"Oh. Where is Trunks by the way?"

"His grandparents are watching him. I would have brought him with me but the other planes are in for repairs and there's no place for a babysat. Plus he's down for a nap right now.

The plane's thrusters roared to life as it ascended skyward before making a beeline for the mountains 17 currently called home.

"So Chichi actually let you compete?"

"She said to be careful but she didn't want to coop me up. I actually offered just to watch from the sidelines and cheer everyone on. She did say I had to finish the stack of books on my desk first and I'm halfway through. I also…"

"Yeah? What's wrong? Can't be anything harder than basically going through grad school before high school," the scientist teased.

"How do you make friends your own age?"

Bulma sighed as she kept her eyes ahead and piloted the plane. "For me, it kind of just happened because of the Dragonballs and searching for them. It might be different for you though. Do you have any hobbies besides studying and training?"

"I mean…I like whistling."

"Not exactly what I mean, kiddo. Still, music is a way to bond with kids your age. What kind of music do you like?"

"Mom had me listen to classical music to help increase my appreciation for the arts. She wants me to be well rounded."

"Do you like it?" Bulma asked. "It's not necessarily for everyone and it's ok if you don't."

Gohan looked out the window at the clouds just beyond their view. Below, the Earth looked so small. He thought of how vast it all was and how much he wanted to just enjoy the view. No cyborgs or alien tyrants or members of a dead warrior race, just nature and the endless horizon. He had wondered if he had made the right call rejecting Master Pybara's offer, but in this moment, he was glad he did.

"I don't know yet. It elicits emotions, but I never gave much thought about my favorite music. Mom used to sing to me sometimes though.," the boy reflected.

Bulma flicked a switch on the console and music blared from the stereo system. It was a sort of retro rock beat. Gohan wasn't sure how to feel at first, but he soon found himself bobbing his head to the rhythm, eliciting a smile from Bulma.

"I'll teach you how to have fun yet, kiddo. Then we'll get you some friends." The woman looked ahead. Gohan wasn't her kid, and Chichi was a fine mother herself, if not strict. And yet, Bulma knew Gohan for years and couldn't resist the urge to help. It felt like a boogie back through the years, a trip through nostalgia lane.

"I look forward to it. Thank you," Gohan smiled. He looked at the case containing the watch, thinking of second chances and the sacrifices that were made for peace.

"Any time, Gohan. It might take a while so take a nap if you need it. I'll take it from here."

Gohan gazed out the window at the clouds and the beautiful sky. He thought of how much calmer it was here, without the wind in his hair or the popping in his ears. "I suppose I can just rest my eyes…"

And like that, he was out. It would be another hour or two until they reached their destination. Little did he suspect, as he dreamed among the fluffy white clouds, that darker clouds would be on the horizon once more.

X

The Galaxy warriors flew for what seemed like eons. Time had lost all meaning here, on this plane of Gods and ghosts..

"How much further?"

"Not much further."

A large portly yellow creature greeted the group, repeating what was presumably its name.

In a flash; the creature morphed into a horned pink and red demon. Seeing this, Bojack grinned. "Now this might be interesting. I've been wanting to limber up a bit." The Heran pirate cracked his knuckles and lunged forward, aiming for the head. However, it broke apart into what looked like small multicolor blocks.

"This won't get old at all."

"Captain, we're getting nowhere."

"You're not wrong. This thing isn't a warrior. It's a security system…a bouncer…which means we're almost out. "

Powering down, Bojack wiped the blood off his mouth and looked the creature over.

"You. Janemba, is it? You have the wrong people. You're meant to keep dead souls in, right?"

"Janemba?" The creature asked, reverting to its bloody form.

"Well look at our heads. Do you see any halos?" Bojack grinned, pointing above his head. "And we certainly have physical forms so we can't be souls." The pirate pounded his chest for emphasis.

"..."

"So we should be free to go, right? We'll be on our way."

Breaking through the barrier, the four fighters ended up in Space, creating a barrier around themselves to keep from suffocating.

"There we go. Don't want to end up back where we just left, do we? Bido, analysis."

"We're in space, Captain. Not much to see but distant starlight…wait…I see something. A ship…yeah. It looks like it's intact."

"Then let's go say hi and ask nicely, boys."

Like targeted missiles, the four shot off towards the vessel, fanning out to surround it from the cardinal directions. The last thing the crew saw was a large bluish-green man flying towards them before another flanked the ship and blasted an entryway. The crew was sucked out and left for dead.

"Seal that hole back up. We need this heap to get to a planet," Bojack barked, climbing into the cockpit and sitting himself comfortably at the helm.

"According to the ship's records, this once belonged to something called the Cold empire. It's on the run from a Galactic patrol. It really is quite more advanced than we are used to, but it's been several millenia, has it not?"

"I'm sure we can make due. We'll show this sorry universe that the Hera race lives through its surviving sons."

"I was sure we were goners when that odd yellow fellow showed up. He was pretty similar to…"

"That Buu creature? I don't care for rumors and legends that aren't my own." Bojack grinned sinisterly before taking the helm once more and looking at his arm. Yes it was still there.

"For all knowing gods, those Kais sure are morons. They didn't even consider removing my arm. Not that it would stop me if I ever got free, but let's say a good warrior always makes sure to remember strategic locations." He smiled at the scars on his arm, forming numbers, specifically coordinates to a planet.

"Do you even think it's still there?"

"If I know my ex-wife, she would have picked some backwater place to hide the most precious treasure. Any pirate worth their salt can tell you to remember the women you bed, especially if they try to take your eye out. They're the keepers."

Elsewhere, on another world…

Tall buildings stood steadfast against a murky sky, ancient and having seen better days. Within one such building was an abandoned laboratory, without life yet still active as machinery forged ever forward with its designated purpose.

A young girl rested within a pod, inanimate and trapped in a moment. Here she rested for millenia in what felt like but a long night's sleep, stretched out endlessly. She saw herself, wandering in a field on a planet long lost, one buried in her memories, without name or context.

"Where am I?" The young girl asked, scratching her nose. She felt peculiar, as if she could not feel her arms, despite using them at the time. And was that her voice? She supposed it was. It's the one she heard in every other dream.

"You're in a dream," a voice answered, one both unfamiliar and yet recognizable at the same time.

The girl looked around. She was pretty sure she was a girl at least. She couldn't be sure. It felt like so long ago, she was not sure she had a sense of self anymore, if she even had one to begin with. She was but a dreamer under glass, frozen in time and preserved for an uncertain future, jettisoned from a foggy and unknown history.

"What is my name? Who am I?" The child looked down, seeing her bluish-green hands. She looked back up to see a glowing silhouette of a femine form, with large, poof hair and pointed ears. The form morphed and distorted, like TV static.

"That doesn't matter."

"Why wouldn't it matter?" She asked again

"You'll find out when you wake up."

"I'm waking up now?"

"Not yet, but soon. They're coming to retrieve you."

"Who?"

"Your father." The voice faded out, as did the silhouette. That word stayed with the girl, however.

Father.

It was a word not used often in the memory banks here. That was one thing she could be certain of in this dream. The other was the distant emotion that word elicited.

Dread.