Goku awoke having a hard time remembering what happened. He looked around to see he was in line for the check-in station at Otherworld. He looked up and saw a halo floating above his head. Despite his lack of intelligence, it didn't take Goku long to figure out he was dead. He also remembered how it happened. Vegeta had pieced his heart, killing him instantly and leaving Gohan and Piccolo as Earths final defence.
Goku wasn't one for cutting in line, but he felt this was urgent. He jumped and flew to the front.
"Goku?" asked King Yemma as Goku entered the room. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon!"
"Neither did I. Look I know it's wrong to cut in line, but I need to know what's happening on Earth," pleaded Goku. "Please it's urgent."
King Yemma looked through his notes.
"Normally I wouldn't allow this to someone who cut in line, but it says here you died saving the Earth, so I'll make an exception," said King Yemma.
The ogre turned and switched-on a nearby television. He flipped through a few channels before it showed the battle on Earth.
Goku couldn't believe what he was seeing. Not only had Gohan seemingly won the fight, but he was now beating Vegeta to death. Goku could also see that Gohan was consumed by rage. He knew he had to do something before Gohan did something he would regret.
"King Kai?" called Goku telepathically.
"Yes Goku," answered King Kai.
"Look I know I'm not there right now, but it'll take me too long to fly down Snake Way. Is there any way you can help me contact Gohan?" asked Goku.
King Kai could see Gohan's rage so knew it was best for Goku to intervene.
"Yes, I normally wouldn't allow this, but I can transfer your thoughts directly to Gohan even though you're not here," King Kai raised his antennas so Goku could speak to his son. "Hurry Goku, he's out of control!"
"I know," Goku closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Vegeta was hanging on by a thread. If Gohan's attack didn't stop soon, he would die.
Gohan meanwhile had lost all awareness of what was happening. The only thought on his mind was avenging his father.
"Gohan!" called a voice in Gohan's head.
"Dad?" The colour returned to Gohan's eyes, and he ceased his attack.
He looked to see he was still strangling Vegeta. Gohan dropped him, horrified by what he was doing.
"Dad, where are you?" asked Gohan. "I can't sense you."
"I'm in Other World. I didn't survive the attack!" explained Goku. "But I'm alright and you can still wish me back with the Dragon Balls."
"Right, but Dad what happened? I remember you dying but everything after that's a blank," stated Gohan. "Next thing I remember was hearing your voice and I realised I was strangling Vegeta."
"You lost control of your anger after I died, and you started attacking Vegeta without mercy. You won, but your anger is something we'll have to work on," said Goku.
"I'm sorry Dad," said Gohan.
"Don't be Gohan. You ensured the Earth will live to see another day," stated Goku.
Meanwhile, Vegeta was doing his best to put some distance between himself and Gohan. This wasn't easy. Vegeta had no energy left to fight and he'd been beaten so badly he couldn't stand.
"How? How could I be overpowered by both Kakarot and his half-breed brat. I've brought disgrace to both my race and blood line," coughed Vegeta.
Despite his wounded pride, Vegeta was determined to get out of there alive. He pulled a remote out of his armour and pushed a few buttons. Before long the space pod he'd arrived in landed in front of him and the door opened. Vegeta crawled for the pod.
Gohan spotted Vegeta and was about to fire a blast that would kill him, but Goku knew they were better than that.
"Gohan no," interjected Goku. "He's beaten! There's no point fighting anymore. Let him live."
"But Dad?" questioned Gohan.
"Listen, I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but we need to let him live. We need to show him we're better than that. Don't forget we're Saiyan's as well. We're living proof that we don't have to go around space killing people! I showed Piccolo mercy, and it gave him the chance to change. He proved he could. Maybe Vegeta can change as well, but only if we show him mercy," pleaded Goku.
Gohan thought his father was crazy for wanting Vegeta to live, but he also knew he made a valid argument. Over the years Gohan had heard many stories of King Piccolo who at the time was believed to be the biggest threat to the planet. In the time Gohan had known Piccolo however, it had been the opposite. While Goku and Piccolo were enemies when Gohan first met him, he'd never seen them fight. Gohan's first interaction with Piccolo involved him helping them to defeat Gohan's evil uncle. After that Gohan had seen nothing but heroic actions from Piccolo who had done his best to defend the Earth. During this time Piccolo had also given up on his ambitions to control the world, all because of the kindness shown to him by Krillin.
Maybe Goku was right, maybe Vegeta could change if they let him live. Gohan stopped his attack and lowered his arm.
This message however hadn't reached the other fighters.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Piccolo landing behind Vegeta. "After everything you've done do you really think we'll let you leave Earth alive?"
"Yeah," said Yajirobi running over now that the danger had passed. He drew his sword and pointed it at Vegeta. "You've still got the world's greatest defender to deal with."
"World's greatest defender?" questioned Piccolo. "You barely did anything."
"That's not true. I cut off his tail. If I hadn't done that, you'd all be dead," stated Yajirobi.
"I don't have time for an argument," said Piccolo turning back to Vegeta. "You said you couldn't believe you were defeated by Goku and his son. Well now you're going to be killed by the same technique that killed Goku's brother."
Piccolo put two fingers to his forehead and started charging the Special Beam Cannon. Vegeta looked in horror as he was about to meet the same fate as his subordinates.
Goku asked King Kai to connect him to Piccolo so he could pass on the same message.
"Piccolo wait," called Goku telepathically. "He's defeated, let him live."
"Goku are you crazy?" asked Piccolo. "This guy is responsible for the deaths of four of your friends. One of whom was Krillin. How can you possibly expect me to let this piece of garbage live?"
While Piccolo was distracted, Vegeta continued crawling to his pod.
"Because we need to show him, we're better than that," stated Goku. "I'm living proof that he doesn't have to go around space killing people. You proved you could change, who's to say this guy can't?"
As much as Piccolo hated to admit it Goku made a decent point.
"Please, show him mercy, like I showed you mercy the last time we fought," begged Goku.
Piccolo still thought Goku was crazy, but he did as instructed and let the evil Saiyan live.
Vegeta crawled inside his pod and sat down.
"I'll be back and when I return, don't expect me to show you the same mercy you've shown me," gasped Vegeta. "In fact, I look forward to seeing the look in your eyes when you beg for it."
Vegeta's Pod took off and flew into space. The battle was over, the Earth was safe. The remaining fighters still wondered if they made the right choice in letting Vegeta live. They knew only time would tell.
"Well, now what do we do?" asked Yajirobi with crossed arms.
"What else?" asked Gohan. "I'm going home and telling Mum we need to start searching for the Dragon Balls."
"Won't do you much good," said Piccolo. "Even if you wish for everyone killed by the Saiyan's to be revived, it'll only revive those who haven't died before. Krillin and Chaiotzu won't be revived!"
"As Dad said, we'll just have to look for another way to revive the dead," stated Gohan.
"And how do you propose we do that?" asked Piccolo.
"I'm sure we'll think of something," answered Gohan.
Gohan looked to the sky as he sensed a few life forms approaching. He saw one of his mother's airships.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways," said Piccolo.
"Aren't you coming with us?" asked Gohan.
"No. While I have gained the trust of Krillin and your father, it might take a while for others to trust me. I think it's better we go our separate ways," stated Piccolo.
"What will you do now?" asked Gohan.
"Same thing you and your father did when you needed answers. I'm going to speak to Kami," answered Piccolo.
"You think he'll know of a way to revive Krillin and Chaiotzu?" asked Gohan.
"That's what I'm hoping," stated Piccolo.
Piccolo took off just as the airship landed. Bulma was the first to step out.
"Gohan," she called happily
Gohan ran to his mother and embraced her.
"Oh, sweat heart I'm so glad you're ok," cried Bulma.
Bulma looked up hoping to see Goku.
"Where's your father?"
Gohan stepped back and looked up at his mother.
"I'm sorry Mum. I wasn't strong enough to save him."
"You mean he's…" Bulma couldn't finish her sentence.
Gohan nodded.
Bulma was about to break down when Master Roshi came out of the air ship. He was followed by a flying cat called Master Korrin.
"It's alright Bulma. Don't forget Goku has only died once. All we need to do is gather the Dragon Balls and he'll be back with us in no time," stated Master Roshi. "Assuming of course Piccolo survived."
"Don't worry. That big green monster is alive and well," interjected Yajirobi. "After I did all I could to beat the Saiyan I didn't have enough strength to fight him."
"Beat the Saiyan?" asked Gohan. "You were hiding most of the fight and you don't have a scratch on you."
"Stop saying I did nothing. If I hadn't cut off the Saiyan's tail we'd all be dead," declared Yajirobi.
"Keep telling yourself that," said Gohan crossing his arms.
Yajirobi was about to retort when Korrin interjected.
"Yes Yajirobi we should all be eternally grateful you were here to save us."
"That's better," said Yajirobi with crossed arms.
"At any rate are you alright Gohan?" asked Korrin. "I haven't got any Senzu Beans left."
"Don't worry about me. I ate half a Senzu Bean a few minutes ago and Vegeta didn't land a single punch on me after that," stated Gohan.
"Regardless, I want you to see a doctor before we do anything else. Just to be sure you're alright," said Bulma.
They got in Bulma's airship and took off, but not before putting Goku's body in a refrigerated coffin to preserve his body. They stopped at the place where the other fighters had died so they could do the same for Yamcha, Krillin and Tien. Sadly, they couldn't do the same for Chaiotzu who's body had been completely obliterated.
They flew back to the city to get Gohan checked by a doctor.
"Mum, we should start looking for the Dragon Balls as soon as we can," stated Gohan.
"Agreed, I just wish there was a way we could tell your father what we're doing," replied Bulma.
"Don't worry about that. Something tells me he already knows," said Gohan.
Sure enough, he did. Goku continued to watch his family until Gohan had instructed Bulma on what they needed to do next. He knew it would only be a matter of time before he was back amongst the living.
"King Yemma?" asked Goku.
"Yes?" the ogre replied.
"Did you see a group of fighters called Tien, Yamcha, Chaiotzu and Krillin pass through here earlier?" asked Goku.
King Yemma looked through his notebook.
"Yes, they all died fighting the Saiyan's. They wanted to get the same training you did so I permitted them to cross Snake Way," he said.
"Well, at least I know where they're headed," said Goku. "Do you mind if I follow them? I have a feeling half of them will be wished back before they have a chance to get there."
"I guess that'd be fine," said King Yemma.
"I'm happy to get back in line if I have to check in first," offered Goku.
"Don't worry about it. I know you're here and how you died, checking you in shouldn't take too long," stated King Yemma.
"Thanks," Goku waved and took off down Snake Way.
Due to the great speed he'd obtained over the last year. Goku quickly made it to Snake Way and started flying down the path. Considering they'd only been dead a few hours, Goku had a feeling it wouldn't take long to find them. Sure enough, he spotted the four of them running down Snake Way after a few minutes.
"HEY GUYS," called Goku.
The four stopped and looked up just as Goku landed in front of them.
"Goku? What are you doing here?" asked Krillin.
They looked up and saw the halo above Goku's head indicating that he'd died.
"Wait, so did we lose?" asked Yamcha.
"No far from it. After I was killed Gohan beat Vegeta to within an inch of his life," answered Goku.
"So is the Earth safe?" asked Chaiotzu.
"Yep, and the others are already planning on gathering the Dragon Balls to wish us back," stated Goku.
"But not all of us can be wished back," stated Krillin.
"I know, but we're already planning on finding another way to bring people back. We're not sure how yet, but we're determined to find a way," said Goku.
"Then what do we do?" asked Tien.
"Well, I guess you and Yamcha come back with me while Krillin and Chaiotzu continue down Snake Way," suggested Goku.
"Actually Goku," interjected Tien. "I think it's best that I stay dead for now."
"What, why?" asked Goku.
"I don't feel right leaving Chaiotzu, especially considering he sacrificed himself trying to save me," said Tien. "Besides, I want to undergo the same training you did, especially if it'll help me beat you one day."
"Well, if you're sure," said Goku. "What about you Yamcha? Do you want to come back, or would you prefer to go train with King Kai?"
"Nah, I think it's better if I come back," stated Yamcha. "While I'd like to train under King Kai, I have a family back on Earth and they should be my priority. Besides, something tells me if I wait too long to be wished back Chi-chi will just kill me again."
"Yeah, I think it's best to not test her," interjected Krillin.
With that they said their goodbyes. Tien, Krillin and Chaiotzu continued down Snake Way, while Yamcha and Goku headed back to the check-in station.
Meanwhile on Earth, Piccolo was flying towards Kami's lookout hoping to see if there was another way to wish people back. Piccolo landed on the lookout only to find Kami and Mr Popo waiting for them.
"Welcome Piccolo, we've been expecting you," said Kami.
"Listen, I know this might be hard to believe, but I'm not here to fight," stated Piccolo.
"We know you aren't," interjected Kami. "We observed the entire fight from here and saw that not only did you do your best to defend the Earth, but you have also found a reason to follow another path."
Piccolo knew Kami was referring to the friendship he had built with Krillin.
"Then I guess you know why I'm here?" asked Piccolo.
"Indeed, you want to see if there's another way to bring people back to life. Even if they've already died once before," answered Kami. "I'm sorry Piccolo, but I'm afraid that is not an ability I can grant the Dragon."
"So, there's nothing we can do?" asked Piccolo.
"Not necessarily," interjected Mr Popo.
"You may recall that those Saiyan's stated that we are Nameks from the Planet Namek," stated Kami. "I can't say for certain, but I have a feeling there are other Dragon Balls out there created by our people. Dragon Balls that might possess greater power then the ones here on Earth."
"Do you think they'll be able to bring back people who've died more than once?" asked Piccolo.
"I can't say for certain, but it's the best option we have," answered Kami.
"How would we even get to Planet Namek? Do you even know where it is?" asked Piccolo.
"I'm afraid I don't, but Goku knows someone who might," stated Kami.
It didn't take long for Yamcha and Goku to return to the check-in station. They were surprised to see Piccolo and Kami waiting for them.
"Piccolo, Kami?" Goku was confused. What were they doing here? "I thought you guys survived the Saiyan's attack!"
"We did," grunted Piccolo. "Didn't you notice that we don't have halos like you guys?"
"I'll be honest I'm still getting use to them," Goku looked up at the ring floating above his head.
"Where's Krillin?" asked Piccolo looking around.
"He didn't come back with us," stated Goku. "Since he can't be wished back with the Dragon Balls, he decided to continue down Snake Way to reach King Kai's planet."
"Tien and Chaiotzu decided to do the same," interjected Yamcha.
"A wise move. It'll help them become stronger for the next time the Earth is in danger," stated Kami. "Now all we need to do is find a way to wish everyone back."
"Actually, that's why we're here," interjected Piccolo. "It's a long shot, but we believe there might be other Dragon Balls out there on our home planet. We're also hoping they possess power greater than the ones on Earth."
"So, we're going to your home planet?" asked Goku.
"That's the basic plan. Problem is neither of us know how to get there," stated Piccolo.
"How exactly are we supposed to get to Planet Namek if we don't know where it is?" asked Yamcha.
"That's where Goku comes in," stated Kami. "We're hoping King Kai might know the location of Planet Namek and if there are any Namekians still alive."
Goku wasted no time telepathically contacting King Kai, hoping he could provide them the coordinates they needed to travel through space and find planet Namek. He also made sure to ask King Kai to pass on a message to Gohan and Bulma. That message being that only Goku and Yamcha wanted to be revived.
With that, the Saiyan Saga ends. It is at this time that I must announce that this story will be going on hiatus for a while. I've decided to re-watch most of the Frieza Saga, before I adapt it with this scenario. I'm doing this as I feel the Frieza Saga will be quite different here compared to what happened in cannon and I feel it's best I refamiliarize myself with the material, so I can decide where changes should be made.
Nevertheless thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the ending of the Saiyan Saga. Please let me know what you think. All feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks again and I'll be back at a later date with the beginning of the Frieza Saga.