'As I sit here on the edges of my island where my family's home has been for the better part of a half century, I think back to how it all came to be, realizing my life is not all that far away from coming to its natural end. As a Saiyan, I have had the honor of fighting with and alongside the greatest of warriors in the form of a pair of Saiyans named Vegeta, and Kakarrot, most known by the name of Goku. That is not to mention that there are not other warriors or beings who do not deserve my notice. Others have made themselves known. The Half Saiyan known as Gohan, for instance. Always had the potential to be the greatest of us. His daughter Pan by this point has even started to fade from fighting in a sense.The Namekian, known as Piccolo. Strong in his own right, but I know I could've done right by him. The Human warriors known as Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and Yamcha. They too had alot of power and potential in them. From what I have learned in my time and travels in this alternate multiverse, The Kais had manipulated a lot of different gene pools but kept some basics primarily the same. Humans and Saiyans are not that far different on the external. Humans too, could very well transform, if given the right motivation and hunger to succeed. However, the Humans here had gotten far too comfortable with the idea of myself, Goku or Vegeta coming to save the day. I had one simple job. Just one. I have doomed this universe because of my lackadaisical ways. I allowed so much to happen that could've been prevented, or at the very least changed. I could've broken the whole thing, be damned with the Time Patrollers and what Chronoa would think! It was my job. The only thing I could even do is go back, to Before. I may have to deal with... Him (Shit) but we have one shot to get it right. I need to set aside time, to write down a list of everything that'll need to be known. If He comes here like I believe He will, like I also did, then I have time.'
"Honey, are you going to sit out here all day?" An elderly woman, still with a somewhat youthful face, hair a whitening short blonde. As she approached the cliffside, the being sitting out on the edge turned to greet her. He stood up with a stoic but gentle look on his face, looking down at the woman.
"Tights, you know I love you, and I have had so much on my mind lately, with our grandkids running around no less, but with the looming threat of the Grand Zenos wiping Universe 7 away, I feel helpless, and for me, that is something I rarely have had to admit since I've been here."
The Saiyan turned back out to the horizon, looking at the sunrise with a calm he had not felt since fighting Majin Buu nearly 35 years ago. "Goku or Vegeta could never understand Tights, they could fight the Grand Zenos but they can be destroyed in an instant. I was given a gift, and if I squander it and let all of this be destroyed, then what was the point of any of this?!" Kicking a rock off the cliffside, the Saiyan looked out once more to the ocean, deciding to walk back with his wife to the beautiful house that overseen the view. He knew that he had to prevent this, Universe 7 did right! It was only because of mortal level garbage and The Grand Zenos inability to see the bigger picture. 'So it would appear I need to break one of the most sacred of laws'
The Saiyan, who stood 6'2", had black, spiky hair that went in all directions (think Xenoverse 2 men's hairstyle 1) wearing a black gi (opposite Gokus orange) and a non weighted blue shirt underneath, black pants, tied with a blue sash that hung just above his knee, walked into the dining area to see Tights preparing a capsule with what appeared to be an abnormal amount of food, even for a Saiyan. Looking at her with a puzzling look, he finally got her attention picking up one of the packages of meat.
"Damn Tights, you weren't kidding" shutting the refrigerator, Tights turned and slapped his hand.
"47 years and you still can't leave the food alone before it's even out of the package. Look you're going to have to grab all the katchin downstairs, I know you wanted to build the outer casing for a gravity room for Brax and Leela, but Axel called and told me that he can give them his old one. It's really not necessary Shepard, it just needs to be locked so they don't try to go too high so early." Grabbing an apple out of a basket, the Saiyan ate the whole thing in one bite, eyeing his wonderful wife, who he still couldn't believe was at Capsule Corp on a day so very long ago, decided then and there, that it had to be done.
"Go ahead and pack up everything in here please, don't forget the Gravity Bracers and the special capsule that Bulma finally got to work." Shepard said. Grabbing his final item, a hammer forged from Kachi Katchin and blessed with the ancient magics of the Elder Surpreme Kai, as well as reinforced by Whis. The grip being more then long enough to swing with 2 hands, he headed out to the other half of the house, feeling out the powers of the planet, he noticed that a certain Namekian was going to be there quite soon. 'Damn, I forgot he would hear Tights an I's conversation, perhaps he won't be too mean spirited about it'
As Shepard walked towards the eastern part of the Estate, a being landed only 15 feet away, long white cape blowing in the wind. "Couldn't help but hear that you were planning a trip." Piccole spat, not at all impressed with the Saiyans actions. "The only reason why I don't get Vegeta or Goku to come knock you out of this crazy idea is because it may be all we have left. Do you realize just what will happen if you go back and break everything? You know that this will be far worse then what Trunks did-"
"YOU DON'T THINK I DON'T KNOW PICCOLO?" Shepard boomed, angered at the Namekian's sound, but needless logic. "I failed everyone Piccolo, yourself included." Piccolo didn't know what to say to this, he narrowed his eyes, waiting for Shepard to continue. "I let everything happen the way it always did, I let Goku die and didn't bother to talk him out of coming back for his family. I let Vegeta become nothing more then a hateful, prideful shell of his former self. I let our next generation be lead by a human who doesn't even have a clear understanding of Divine power. I let Gohan, who you know as well as I, had the potential that exceeded us all at his calling, become weak enough to rely on his own child to defend him. I let YOU, Piccolo, bully Kami into merging with you, instead of fusing with him fully, and tapping into every bit of your potential, I kept my big mouth shut. The only way this plan works is if I can get back and catch everyone off guard. Yes it is unhonorable, I don't give a shit anymore. I believe I can save our universe and I can bring our Mortal Level back up. It won't be easy, but I have figured out exactly what I need to do. The Saiyans were destroyed ruthlessly. It starts with them Piccolo. I don't need them to survive, but I need their children to. Without Frieza's influence, yes they will still be ruthless, but it can be curved with the right nurturing. The Saiyans of old were not like Vegeta or even Goku. They had villages, communities even. Look, I don't plan on throwing a bunch of Saiyan babies head first into rocks, but I believe I can save our universe old friend." Piccolo by the end of the speech was astonished and shocked, but also very cautious.
"And just how do you get something like time travel, defy Lord Beerus' wishes, and get out of this alive? Have you thought of that you damned genius?" In truth, Shepard had thought of all of those things, but did not care one bit. He could take Beerus, it was Whis he needed to be careful with. With the special protection placed upon him, the Hakai was a useless weapon, and he and Beerus knew it. If there was any being in this universe that could cause him an issue, it would be the Angel.
"I'll make it work. To be honest Piccolo, I don't think I will be coming out of this alive. I have a lot of work to get done. All the training I've done, it's all about to pay off. I know I've reached incredible heights, do not worry, this will work." The skepticism rolling off of Piccolo was obvious. He knew Shepard could give Beerus a run for his money, but that wasn't the point. What if the Zenos just outright destroyed the Universe because of Shepard's actions? As Piccolo prepared to lift off to fly back to the lookout, he looked at his longtime friend and couldn't help but feel empathy. "Good luck, Shepard. By all rights, you will surely need it"
2 Hours later
"Alright, got the Kachi Katchin, damn near every single slab of it, got the BanHammer, got the letters to Him. Got all the food I could ever need. I suppose all that is left is to get other training equipment and go see my kiddos. Hopefully Bulma hasn't let the Time Machine acquire to many mothballs, I would hate to eat cobwebs and dust, not to mention that special prototype Ki capsule. I hope that fucking Worm didn't destroy it."
By the time Shepard had capsulized the last of the equipment, he grabbed his Hammer, and a few cases that contained over a dozen different capsules for various other things, he headed back to the main part of the estate, before he could open the door, a familiar sound that made him smile and turn around had gotten his attention, seeing the palm haired Saiyan was always an interesting deal. "Heya Shep, Piccolo stopped by, told me you were leaving soon, do ya wanna spar before ya go? I'm really gonna miss having ya as a sparring partner," Goku said, scratching his head with his right hand and grinning away.
"I need to save my strength for this trip Goku, as much as I want to get a fight in before I go, I'm already on a time crunch." Goku looked disappointed for a couple moments, but no doubt his grin was back like nothing happened.
"Yeah I guess your right, I just can't help but feel like I may not see you again for a while, you always came by for a spar, I just wanted to return the favor before you left, not to mention you'll miss Chi Chi's cooking, she has started to get pretty wrinkly lately, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to get good amounts of food out of her."
Shepard boomed with a loud laugh. Goku was childishly endearing, even if he was not a young man anymore. 'I'm going to make sure I do right by you Goku, no missing out on your youngest sons life, or putting the Universe at risk for a fight. I won't be able to save your parents, but I can at least restore your younger selfs memory of them, and even of Raditz.'
That was a whole other can of worms that Shepard didn't even want to open. From his memories, Raditz had become the ruthless Saiyan like he was always meant to. But again, Shepard also didn't try to save him. 'I could've tried harder, but would he have even listened?'
"You do realize she could probably still knock you out with the P-O-D if she heard you say that right?" Shepard asked, knowing Goku would get their little name for Chi-Chi's infamous weapon of choice, he had seen Goku, and even Goten get knocked out cold, Gohan always was innocent enough to avoid that sinister fate. Even Shepard had high tailed it once or twice, not wanting to share that fate. "I know I know hehehehe, but seriously, do you really have to go so soon? I hope the Zennies don't destroy you, it wouldn't be fair." For someone who was as smart as a rock about everything involving more then a sentence, Goku was particularly bright at pointing out the obvious things people would miss, but Shepard had thought of this, and with a snicker, tapped Goku on the shoulder.
"It'll be alright Goku, I'm going to fix this mess. This is on me. Don't worry about the Zennies or the Grand Priest, I will handle this, worse case scenario everything will just, I dunno, kind of go... kaboom? I need to head to Capsule Corp and pick up a couple final things and go see the kids before my journey. I'm going to make sure that everything works out Goku, I know you want to get involved, but I have to ask that you stand down on this. I'm going to tell Geets the same."
Goku was worried for his longtime rival. With a somber look, Goku put his arms around Shepard, having a gut feeling he may not be seeing his good friend again, he hugged him. Shepard, though initially surprised, hugged him back, if only to send reassurance, it was also acceptance and even slight resignation.
"Shepard, I hope wherever you go, you get stronger. Maybe someday we will see each other again." With those words, they parted.
"So long Goku, live well, and take care of your family." As Goku teleported away, Shepard's thoughts ran rampant. 'Maybe I'll get your alternate self to battle you someday, as a final gift for everything you've done for me, Son Goku.
An idea started to form in his mind, it would be an extra trip in the time machine but if he could alter 1 or 2 small details, he knew that it would benefit the universe as a whole. As he zipped the last capsule container, his wife had set another capsule container next to the one he almost had finished packing up. "All the food, the notes you wrote down for yourself, the list of the planets you had found, you should be about good to go. Don't forget to see Axel and Ragna before you go alright?"
'Axel, my son, so much like me, but then has the patented Briefs arrogance, but has stayed dedicated to his training. It has made me proud to say that my daughter Ragna takes after her mother, albeit looking like a natural super saiyan. It seems the saiyan hereditary traits of the youngest child looking like one of their parents is not a far off estimation. She takes so much after Tights, but has a strong warrior spirit. To find Super Saiyan 2 is quite an impressive feat-' a snap of the fingers drew his attention back down to his wife who was looking at him with an eyebrow raised.
"Well?" She growled.
"Yes yes of course, please don't hurt me. I've just got my mind on things. This trip is really going to change so much, I can only hope that... well, that dumbass does what I tell him and goes to Capsule Corp, otherwise, Axel and Ragna may not be born." Shepard was concerned about his family, however Tights just shrugs.
"You give yourself so little credit, I'm sure He will figure it out." With that said, it was time for Shepard to head over to Capsule Corp.
"I love you Tights, I'll always love you, no matter where or when I may be." He kissed her passionately, and as she returned it, she slipped something into his pocket without his knowing, something she knew he would need but never ask for, only because they had never had it 'officially' done. The pictures of their children were something he never carried into battle in all his years, for fear of him potentially losing them or they being destroyed. But with him never coming back, it didn't matter this time, they would go with him wherever or whenever he may go.
"I love you too Shepard, I called Bulma, even though Vegeta picked up, I'm sure he told her that you're stopping by, say hi to my nephew and niece and little Junior for me." Tights, with a bright smile and a look that belied her many decades, looked upon the face that she had grown to love for nearly a half century. All the fights, the near cataclysmic fights that ended their world on so many occasions, the peace they had found, meant little to how her heart felt. Deep down, she knew, as he used Instantaneous Movement to vanish, that this was the last time she had seen her husband. 'I will miss you so much Shepard, I will not cry for your loss, because as a warrior that is not how you want to be remembered, but I will most certainly celebrate you for the rest of my life. Goodbye my Husband, I love you, may we meet again.'
———————————————————————
Capsule Corp
In an extravagant kitchen, seated 5 individuals, each barely able to see each other due to the massive pile of food stacked on the table.
"You know Bra, since you've officially taken over Capsule Corp, the sales have gone up nearly 73 percent, have you been reconfiguring the calibrations for the heavy military training equipment?" Bulma asked, munching on a salad and seeing her 2 children and husband inhale food in a typical Saiyan manner.
"Good, now it means Trunks and Junior can finally start using the Gravity Room more." Vegeta in mid bite criticized his oldest son, who in his mid 40s,had not taken training as seriously as he did in his youth. "Dad, Junior is more then capable of using the gravity room. He's at the age I was when I started going serious with it" Trunks countered, grabbing a piece of toast. "Bra pass the butter and plate of bacon please." A plate was placed in front of him and looking over, he could tell Bra was only half listening, very busy setting up a meeting at the Capsule Corp Headquarters.
"Grandpa when are you going to let me have at the higher settings of the gravity room?" A boy, looking like a split image of his grandfather with the exception of blue tint to his eyes, cockily asked.
"When you're strong enough to not need super saiyan at 200 times gravity boy." The boy looked disheartened but didn't get the chance to counter, when a sudden whoosh of energy sprung from behind him.
"Well, well. If it isn't the reject Saiyan. I assume you're here for that blasted time machine clown? You could at least stand to have a go in the gravity room, if not for send off's sake." Vegeta smirked at his rival, daring him to accept.
"Geez Geets, can't you lighten up, you're not 30 anymore, we almost need our walkers to get around." Vegeta nearly coughed up a rice ball he was trying to eat. Vegeta sneered, clearly bothered by Shepard's retort. Shepard however, was smirking in his own way.
"Hey Bulma did you prepare the time machine and that Ki capsule? It's time. I'm not going to take it just yet, but I am going to capsulize it and get going." Bulma looked up, knowing what time it was, she put her head down. Taking a breath, she looked into the eyes of a man she has trusted, a man who is married to her older sister and has stayed devoted to her.
"It's ready Shep, I just wish you could stay for a bite to eat." Shepard was heartbroken, looking at his sister in law, the very woman who gave him a chance and listened to his, at the time, insane ideas.
"I wish I could, but time is running out, you all may very well be erased today, the way the Zenos are, it is an unpredictability that I can't in good faith leave alone. I'm going to say goodbye to my kids and that is about it." Bulma got up from her chair and walked over to her desk near the entrance to the kitchen and pulled out a red and silver colored capsule and handed it to him. She also handed him a blue one. Curiously, Shepard held the red one up, looking at Bulma. "So, this is it?" The capsule looked unremarkable but appearances were always deceiving when it came to the Capsule Heiress.
"That, Shepard, is a one of a kind Ki Capsule that will only open when certain increments of power are reached. You can store more meaningful equipment the further in you go. Vegeta made sure to test it and it definitely works."
Shepard was surprised to hear that, narrowing his eyes at the Heiress, he asked "Did you have to bribe him? You know he's not doing it out of the graciousness of his upbeat heart." Shepard and Vegeta had a long standing rivalry/hatred/mutual understanding between one another. It wasn't a surprise to Bulma that Shepard showed distain towards her husband. Considering the many attempts Vegeta had made in taking Shepard's life, he never succeeded, but the fights had left more bad blood then understandings.
"I know you two don't like each other, but I think even Vegeta understands the severity of the situation, he didn't argue about it." In the time Bulma was getting stuff ready for Shepard, Vegeta had cleared his throat and went to stand with his wife.
"I need to see you in the gravity chamber immediately Clown." Vegeta, sneering at Shepard, walked towards the room.
'This close to getting fucked up Vegeta, this better be important!' With a sigh, Shepard followed the Prince to the room, ruffling Vegeta Jrs hair as he walked by. 'See you my little grand Nephew. "So Vegeta, one final fight to settle all fights?"
"Hmph." Vegeta didn't rise to the bait. Instead, arriving at the door. Opening the door and walking in, Vegeta wasted no time in turning off all the settings that he had had customized over the years for specific scenarios, opponents, gravity timed sessions.
"Hard to believe how far technology has come on this backwater mud ball, of course it's mostly thanks to Frieza of all people." Vegeta said.
After Trunks killed Frieza and King Cold, and attempted to blow up their ship, Shepard had deflected the blast, allowing Bulma to ransack the ship. Dr. Briefs had also done a thorough run through before the ship was finally destroyed. In the process of cataloging the many useful pieces of technology, Bulma had found an imagery scanning 3D device, combining it with the gravity room controls she had been steadily mastering, she was able to devise a series of programs, which Vegeta later dissected and customized to further his use in later years, to change the scenary and settings to other planets and their conditions. However, like all things, even this could not satiate Vegeta's need to improve, and he eventually stopped improving the programs. Now however, for his grandson's sake, he had miniaturized the whole series, dividing them into many sets of programs to keep Jrs attention and to continuously challenge him. Despite being 8 years old, the boy could already handle 125 times gravity through his katas and hasn't had to transform into Super Saiyan.
"Well, Frieza didn't exactly create it either. As far as I'm concerned, we stole from the universal thief and we benefited and made it most useful. Man, the humans these days are getting stronger by the average. I wouldn't be surprised by the next generation, if the average power level isn't 100. But anyway Vegeta, you brought me in here, what did you want to talk about?"
Vegeta turned to look at Shepard, and charged. Without thinking, Shepard threw up his left hand to catch Vegeta's right fist. "What the fuck man!" The strain was difficult but manageable, but Shepard managed to push and throw Vegeta back 15 feet. "You don't even have any gravity on, what's your deal Geets?"
Vegeta crossed his arms and started walking back to the center of the room. Turning around he leveled a glare at his hated rival, hating himself for what he was about to reveal.
"As you know, my father was killed off planet, before it was destroyed. He had given me to Frieza to satisfy the lizard's wishes, in doing so he believed his planet would be safe. Of course, the fool was wrong, and Frieza destroyed planet Vegeta anyway. As you are also aware, my father had more then 1 child. Tarble was far too weak and soft hearted to ever be a true Prince of our great Warrior race. So he was sent to the far reaches, where he has since made absolutely no difference in the universe."
"Yeah I'm aware of your little brother Tarble. Definitely not spectacular by any means, those 2 dipshits he brought with him here really weren't that strong in the long run either. Whatever happened to him?"
"That's not why I brought you in here Clown. My brother is of no significance. He's too soft and never had a desire to grow stronger. No. What I've held in for most of my adult life. What I had only assumed was hearsay, I have proof and reason to believe they are facts. Back before I had come to Earth, I was involved on a mission to a planet that would eventually be destroyed, by my hand. Upon finishing the last of the warriors, whose minuscule power levels of barely 500, were barely worth my notice, I came across one of their captains. A cut above his soldiers but Raditz was able to dispose of him, but before he did, the man pointed at ME, and told ME that, and I quote, '"You look just like the little whore that tried to sell Cooler's services to Planet Keemchu 4 cycles ago."' Now, mind you, obviously, I was offended, deeply by this supposed insult. Cooler had been... prospecting, trying to gain footholds in Frieza's territory. For years! So it was no surprise to me that Cooler's name would pop up every now and again. But the whore? So I proceeded to ask him what this 'whore' actually looked like. And he said it again, just like me. But smaller, had my similar hair style, spoke of Cooler and his Armoured Squadron like they were going to be invading and providing 'true aid' to the many planets Frieza had conquered. Not to mention that she had a tail, there was no doubt she was a Saiyan. Said she was one of several of Cooler's 'Overseers'. Apparently these soldiers would scour the galaxy, especially Frieza and Cold's territories, looking for overlooked and potentially valuable planets that they may have missed. Frieza was never very thorough, he did skip some planets that he felt were beneath him or held no value of any kind. And Cooler knew this. I hate all the Colds, but Cooler was particularly of the vicious and thorough sort. This 'Overseer' left me quite puzzled. Could I have possibly had a sister?"
Throughout the explanation, Shepard was starting to really get uneasy. This was not a personal mission. No matter how much he may want to save a fellow Saiyan, ONE Saiyan wouldn't make a whole difference to the universe. 'How the hell could I have predicted this? At all. This opens up a whole other can of worms.' "A sister Vegeta? Really? I can understand your Dad telling you of Tarble, but why would he hide another sibling from you?"
"Believe me, I was not happy when this Captain told me this. I had Raditz kill him. I didn't have a name, but I knew I could find out more when I got back to Frieza's main ship. When we did get back, I immediately pulled out every trick I could, hacking into the Planet Trade database. The only information I had found was a Saiyan name, Sarada. But no other information. I didn't want to be discovered so I never looked it up again. I held onto that name for years. Knowing my Father must have withheld the information from me for a specific reason. I had come to believe that he didn't want me to know of her, in his reasoning that if we did come across each other, it would be as enemies, and that I may kill her, or even in the rare circumstance, she, may kill me, in battle. Fortunately, we never came across each other in those regards. But when I had died fighting Frieza, and you and Kakarot were able to become super saiyans and defeat him, I was in too much of a Limbo at the time. It wasn't until I died fighting Majin Buu that I had time to process things. I knew I was going to Hell. I was far too bloodthirsty, and greedy in life. I had slaughtered so many innocents, and didn't even feel sorry for it. To this day I still in my mind feel like I was destroying and killing merely to avoid that same fate. Survival and my pride in my lineage was all I had in my heart back then and what else was I to do other then to work for the monster that took me in as a child. Anyway, after my initial fate was decided, and I was sent to Hell, I met with my Father, and my Mother, and Sister. It was bizarre at first, but it was definitely them. Sarada was sent off in opposite direction of Tarble. They were twins. Tarble was never discovered. Sarada was picked up almost immediately by Cooler's troops. She was sequestered and fed improperly, trained like a dog and beaten as bad as one at times. But when it came time to fulfill her overseeing missions that Cooler, or in most cases, Salza would put her on, she often would come back late, because she loved exploring what she couldn't see inside a room barely big enough to house her and her meager belongings. And she would be further beaten for it. Her final mission was that mission to Keemchu, she had failed to report in after nearly 3 years. When Salza did find her, and brought her back to Cooler, by that time Frieza and Cold had been destroyed by the, as she called it, 'trio of legends', Cooler was incensed. He beat her to death. His anger at his brother being defeated by a Saiyan as well as his father and brother later being destroyed, let alone by 3 of them no less, had pushed him over the edge. Her power level at the time was barely 20,000."
Shepard winced. That was sick. If he could, he would bring Cooler here before him right now and beat the living shit out of him. When Cooler had came to Earth, Shepard and Goku were already training fervently to break through beyond Super Saiyan. Vegeta would seldom watch from a distance, awestruck and uncomprehending the power before him. Cooler never did mention a Saiyan female. Then again, they weren't talking about anything other then killing the other. It wasn't a pleasant fight to watch, for Cooler's sake.
"Her life was never given a chance to do anything more then be controlled by that fiend. Looking into her soul and seeing all that pain, it snapped something within me. I thought my life, which was going in that same direction under that bastard lizard Frieza, was actually worth living. And yet she didn't have a life at all. The only time she did was when she was amongst the stars. I know her fate is sealed Shepard, but I am asking... No.. NO. I AM DEMANDING, that her fate be changed. Somehow. Destroy me in the past you go back to. Do something. She... She deserves to live, somehow. Please." A drop had been heard falling onto the hard worn tiles of the gravity room.
"Vegeta, I—" Vegeta had grabbed Shepard by the front of his garb, slamming him back first, denting the Kachin structure before he could even react. It didn't hurt, but Vegeta had moved far faster then Shepard anticipated.
"I don't care Shepard, kill me in the past if you must but SAVE HER! She didn't deserve her fate. Dammit I am forsaking my pride, asking of all things, that you save my little Sister from an unjustified death. Are you telling me that—oomph" a hard knee to the gut knocked Vegeta back a few feet but he straightened up quickly, eyeing the Saiyan, no, a Man he has despised for decades. The sheer repugnance of this Man staring at him in anger.
"Dammit Vegeta will you fucking calm down? I get it. Really I do. I'll have to talk to your Father about her, see if he will even open up. I don't know if I can honestly save her. But I've been brewing up a plan that will shatter every aspect of what a Saiyan CAN become. If your sister happens to find her way into that plan, she will grow stronger. Far stronger then she could have ever been. But it depends upon quite a few variables. She would be an anamoly in the timeline. I'll have to ensure the Time Patrol won't just go and destroy her should she play a role greater then destiny would grant her. Also, she's a Saiyan Princess, and I'll have an idea of someone I can pair her up with, so that she may experience what family can truly be. You'll hate me for it. So I'll keep THAT part of the plan to myself. Nonetheless Geets, I will ask about her."
Vegeta had visibly deflated and relaxed by the end of Shepards statement. "Pair her up? What are you planning Clown?" Walking towards Shepard, flexing his fist, Shepard fazed to the other side of the room, wagging his finger. "Uh uh uh bud, perhaps if the two timelines ever coalesce, you'll see the fruits of the Plan. Until then Vegeta, I understand what you want, and I'll do what I can, you take care, Worm." Growling in anger, Vegeta threw an energy blast where Shepard fazed out of view from.
"Blasted Instantaneous Movement." With a smirk, Vegeta walked out of the Chamber. He knew Shepard would follow through with his wishes. He believed his death and nonexistence in the past would pay for his sisters survival and existence. But just maybe, everything could work out.
Fazing back into Capsule Corp, Shepard was walking back to the dining area when Bra came around the corner. Bumping into him and falling on her butt. "Crap. Bra I'm sorry, you alright?" Holding out his hand, he lugged her back up.
"Dende Shep, watch where you're going huh, I'm already late for a meeting at the office. Now I have to go and fix my hair again." Walking away in a huff, Shepard looked back and caught her going around another corner, probably back to her room to fix her done up hair. 'You may not have to worry about that issue if I can convince Vegeta to train you in the past.' Smirking and heading back to the kitchen, Shepard seen Bulma piling up the last few dishes to put in the sink.
"I sure miss Mom for this kind of stuff. Anyway is there anything else you needed before I head back to the lab? With Trunks heading off with Jr. to Mount Paozu for the day, and Vegeta brooding around NOT working as usual. I can help with anything you need before you leave." Bulma wanted to keep Shepard around for as long as possible, but she knew that time was closing in.
"I have the Time Machine and the Ki Capsule. I plan on going back and destroying the Time Machine when I get to my final destination. Not to mention the many slabs of Kachi Katchin that I'll show the younger you how to properly forge into useable training equipment. As well as the prototype for the 'Senzu Drink' as you call it." After the fight with Beerus the Destroyer, Shepard had devised a plan to synthesize Korin's senzu beans to be utilized in a drink form that tasted better, and also the potency was only so strong because of the magic behind the restorative nature of the beans. Bulma with the technology at her disposal, was able to devise a formula that would in all essence heal someone from the brink of death, however the knowledge was only exclusive to Capsule Corp. Korin had kindly allowed the Heirs of Capsule Corp to license the formula, in which turn had introduced Korin to a new crop of fighters every few years, wondering of the legend of the being who could heal even the most barbarous of injury. It was the most excitement the centuries old teacher and his portly lifemate Yajirobe had experienced in decades.
"Well I think that is everything Shepard, I guess it's time to go see Axel and Ragna and you'll be off?" Bulma was starting to cry. Shepard hated crying girls.
"Don't cry Sis." Putting a finger to her eye, he wiped her tear away and encompassed her in a hug, lifting her up to his level. He kissed her forehead, putting her down.
"Just go about your day, I don't know if it will happen immediately. Or even if it will. But I know the Zenos are tired of the Mortality Rate, the Tournament just seemed like a big waste of time. You probably won't feel a thing. Goodbye Blue. " Stepping back and waving a 2 finger salute her way, he vanished. 'Bye Shepard, Thank you so much. For everything.'
———————————————————————
Orange City
"That's it Brax, put both hands together, bring your energy in front. Remember to focus it to that point." Inside a Gravity Chamber in Orange City, a man standing 6'4" with black hair spiking much like his friend Goten's did when they fought the Shadow Dragons, was coaching a boy no older then 10 under 175x gravity. This man was wearing a dark green tank top, hanging loosely over a pair of black pants. "Brax your energy is going to bottom out, you've put enough energy into the Flash Point, now just let it go towards me." The boy, though quite small for his age, made up for this with a strong desire to make his Dad proud. He would not fail this time.
"YAHHHHHHHHHH, FLASH POIIIINTTTT!!!" A yellow beam, bigger then the boy itself, came flying at the Man. 'Not bad Brax, though your control needs a bit more work.' Preparing to turn the beam into nothingness, the man wasn't prepared for the influx of energy and the sudden WOOSH to appear in front of him, forming into a man he had idolized for as long as he could remember.
"SHIT DAD WATCH OUT!"
"Huh, what's up Axe-" A blast exploded right in Shepard's face, shutting him up for a moment.
"Wooooow BRAX that was incredible!" Brax could hear through the smoke cloud.
"GRANDPA! ARE YOU OK? Please don't be mad." As the smoke cleared, Shepard was unharmed, but had soot and a spot on his face where the blast connected. "Wow Axel you've really been putting him through the ringer huh? I'm not mad at all Brax. In fact, I think I'm going to make time for an impromptu sparring match. You two against me. How does that sound?"
Axel looked at his Dad in surprise. Shepard had not sparred with Axel in a number of years, stating that since Shepard had attained God hood in his training, it would take Axel going Super Saiyan 3 just to give Shepard a proper work out.
"But what about your whole "Being a God means sparring is kind of a no no deal." Axel pointed out. Shepard forgot about that. In all honesty, he really didn't care anymore.
"To hell with that son. Come on you two, show the old man what ya got!"
"Brax, go Super." Not needing to be told twice, the boy bellowed and within seconds, a golden aura had encompassed the boy. Axel meanwhile, had starting shouting as soon as Brax had changed. Lightning started flowing around him and his hair spiked up. "Come on you two!" Shepard didn't change stances, nor did he power up.
Charging from two different sides. Axel's fist caught in one hand. Brax's leg caught in another, Shepard flung Brax away and threw a punch at Axel. Catching it with his forearm, Axel started throwing punches and sweeping kicks. None connected, as Shepard was casually dodging them. A beam of energy came flying at Shepard and he ducked, seeing Brax coming, he dodged the incoming punch.
"I know you both are holding back, come on Axel, let go. Brax, let this be a teaching moment. Stand down and watch your lineage, aspire to be stronger then I. Live well, eat well, play well, rest well, and sleep well. That is the Turtle way. Never forget it, the both of you. Am I clear? Axel, let go of your power. SHOW ME WHAT I AM LEAVING BEHIND!!"
With a roar, Axel's power started climbing. The lightening getting more fearsome, the pain in his face evident. His hair started getting longer, after nearly a minute, the transformation was done. There standing in front of Shepard was a son that any Father would and should be proud of. 'His power is truly astounding. Stronger then both Goten and Trunks, I wish he had pursued further training with Whis, but I understand his reasoning of not wanting to follow in my footsteps.'
The Super Saiyan 3 looked at his father, who had yet to power up. And something within him became unsettled. 'Dammit Dad, are you that arrogant with your power that you need not transform at all?' Charging as fast as he possibly could, he threw a punch at Shepard, only for him to catch it again, the difference this time being that Axel grabbed Shepards wrist with his other hand and went to knee him in the stomach. Shepard caught the knee and pushed it back down and with a push of his ki, forced Axel back to near center. Coming in with a high kick, it was dodged, and Axel was forced to catch up, missing his father only by inches. "Stand STILL!" Punching out, Shepard took the punch to the jaw, letting it hit him full force. His head barely moved.
"Son as long as you always try to attack from the front, those from the front will always see you." Axel backed away, using the Afterimage to faze in and out in many different places.
"DODGE THIS!" Proceeding to fire a litany of energy balls all over the Chamber, Axel had copied this move from Piccolo, believing in the near impossibility of one to get away. "HELLZONE GRENADES!" Shepard was impressed. Axel had changed the technique subtly. Using the energy to latch onto any dissipating ki, he could home it in on certain places, should his opponent move. And move he did. 'Good try son!' Dodging the blasts was not an easy feat, but he had also had to dodge Super 17s rapid fire, and that was insane compared to this.
Brax was standing off to the side, wishing he was strong enough to sense the movements of his father and grandfather. This is so freaking awesome!!! I wish Vegeta Jr was here!' His Dad had always prided himself on his ability to think under pressure. But Grandpa Shepard always got under his skin.
Many punches and kicks were being exchanged between the two warriors. Lightening coming off of Axel in arcs everywhere, Axel enhanced his ki in his fists and tried to catch his Dad off guard. Shepard was blocking what was coming in too fast, and dodging what he could see telegraphed. Finally after a punch got just a bit too close to his face, Shepard went on the offensive. A palm to the chest sent Axel back about 20 feet. Just as he recovered, Shepard was already behind him, kicking the back of his knee and buckling it. Axel turned, throwing his other leg out. Shepard caught it, picked Axel up, and threw him to the other side of the chamber.
"That's enough Ax." Putting his hand up to stop the charging Half Saiyan, Shepard smiled. A genuine smile. "That was very good son, I would say you'd probably be able to beat Majin Buu on your own now, it would take a lot of willpower from your part. But you can do it."
Axel was put off. He wanted to prove he has ascended to new heights. Powering back down to base, he walked over to the gravity resistant cooler, grabbing 3 big bottles of cold water. These bottles had been made to resist extreme gravity pressures. Tossing one to his Dad, he opened one and handed it to his son, who greedily started drinking from his bottle.
"So I guess this is it huh Pops? End of everything as we know it, and you're just gonna go off on some grand adventure. Do you even give any kind of damn about what you're leaving behind?"
Visibly tense, Shepard knew Axel was rational enough to see through the distractions. "Hey Brax, why don't you head out to Mount Paozu? I heard Trunks and Junior are going to be there." Brax perked up immediately. "OH REALLY? Can I please go Dad, can I can I can I can I?"
"Yes son, before you take off, freshen up. You may spar over there, you may not. No need to be beaten up and sweaty looking for no reason." Faster then both could predict, Brax was out of there.
"Axel I know that you hate the idea, but I'm not going into it half measure. It's all or nothing. I love you and Ragna so much, and little Brax and Leela too. I'm doing what I have to do for all of your sakes." Walking up to his father, Axel put the water bottle down, put his arm around Shepard, just to feel the closeness as he did in his youth. It was refreshing for the old Saiyan. Axel and Ragna both use to use him as a climbing apparatus when they were kids.
"Make sure you tell Rag that you're gonna try to make sure we're born." Shepard turned a little red at that statement.
"Hey now, your mother and I will do what needs to be done, just make sure you be the good son you were the 1st time around." They chuckled at the statement. Sensing that their time was drawing near, Axel faced his father, and put his other arm around him. In his years, he had sprouted and grew into a large man, standing tall over his other family members. He was the big 'Axel Bear' as his Mom Tights would call him. Shepard put his arms around his son, always encouraging hugs with his children. He always felt stronger when they showed him support. Hugging his son for the last time in his opinion was not a bad way to go.
"I love you Dad, you kick ass for all of our sakes." Shepard closed his eyes, trying to remember this feeling.
"I love you too son, send Brax my farewells." Backing up, with a moment of concentration. Honing in on his daughter was not difficult, he vanished. 'Goodbye Dad, I hope the Gods will listen.'
———————————————————————
Satan City
At the Satan City Playground Center, sat a woman on a bench, watching 16 children running around, some on monkey bars, others sliding down the many slides. Looking at her, she seemed ordinary. One would not assume this woman was the daughter of one of the most powerful aliens in the universe, thus making her a strong half alien half human hybrid in her own right. This woman stood 5'5" with blonde hair falling past her shoulders. Black eyes that had just a hint of the patented Briefs mischievousness. This woman was Ragna, daughter to Shepard and Tights Brief. Her daughter Leela was at school for the time being. 'Why doesn't Axel just put Brax through school already? This training thing has gotten so ridiculous. I only ever see them at family functions and their house in Orange City. There has not been a threat in- huh? Why is Ax putting off so much energy right now?' As the woman went to stand, putting her forefingers on her head, preparing to use the Instant Transmission her father taught to her when she was 12, she heard a WOOSH behind her, and the calming and overpowering presence that followed stopped all her needs to use the technique.
She turned and seen the man she had and will always see as her hero. "Dad! What the heck is goin on with Ax?" Shepard smiled and walked around the bench and sat down, a look in her direction and she was by his side sitting down in an instant.
"Everything is fine Ragna, is Leela doing well in school? I heard she had to defend herself from a bully. And that the bully, and I quote, "had a crush on her so he picked on her to make her like him." Ragna giggled. Shepard had a way of drying things up and pouring an ice cold glass of water over it, giving it a freshness that was always entertaining.
"Well she punched him in the nose, broke said nose, the boy then came to her the day after and said he had only bullied her because he could see her aura and it stood out unlike the others. Then went out of his way to buy her chocolate ice cream. It was rather sweet. She's already forgiven him and considers him a friend. I don't think she's going to want to train Dad." Shepard was sad but understood.
"Well fighting is not everyone's cup of tea. But she is a quarter Saiyan, so she is going to be stronger then a lot of, if not all those guys in school. The only guy who will really catch her attention is someone who can impress her with strength. If not physical strength, then strength of character. That boy, the fact he could sense auras. That is a gift, and should he decide to work on said gift, it may help him with her in the future."
"Oh and are you already setting her up for dates Daddy?" Smirking and looking out into the field and watching the children run around, Shepard slowly let the realization dawn on him that this was it. Looking over at his daughter, a spitting image of Tights Brief, perhaps with more of his eyes and strength, this was what he was leaving behind. 'I have to convince Him that they are worth going through the Struggle for. Everything that I am about to change, please don't let it change them.'
Sitting on the bench, basking in the beautiful day, arm around his daughter. He just soaked it in. Finally, he stood up, Ragna standing with him. "Well you know, today is the day Rag. It's best if we don't bother Leela in school right now. I love you so much. I want you both to continue to live. No matter what comes, if all you see is shining light, just cherish those final seconds. I wish I could've changed so, so much. But I was so stupid." Ragna was tearing up, she knew this day was coming. She had been preparing for it mentally. But deep down, nothing could prepare her for never seeing her hero again.
"Daddy, please. Don't go. Please." Shepard wrapped his arms around her, shushing her. He hated seeing his girls cry. He had to be strong for their sakes.
"I know Baby I know. But this has to be done. Vegeta and Goku can't. I know I can. And I will. I will do whatever it takes to make sure you and Axel exist, I promise Ragna." Stepping back, he drank her in one last time. 'Almost 50 years here on this planet, and there will still never be a prettier sight, she looks so much like her mother. I wish I could've saved her innocence. All the fights. If I had broken what needed to break so much earlier. Dammit...'
"Goodbye Ragna, I love you." As he vanished, Ragna was visibly shaking. 'Goodbye, Daddy. I love you too.
———————————————————————
Dende's Lookout
Arriving on the Lookout, Shepard was not surprised at the somber mood. There stood Dende, who had grown to just a bit shorter then himself, and his faithful and loyal servant, Mr. Popo.
"Hello Shepard, I see it is time to go back." The black genie, after many years and serving many guardians, wore a stoic mask, but he was not fooling Shepard.
"Hey guys, I'm going to pop this Time Machine out and start the checklist and rundown everything. I have a few stops I need to make. I will arrive in this exact location. I will inform Kami of what I will need to be doing. I'll definitely need to go off planet for a few things. I can keep ahead of Beerus and Whis as much as possible so long as I have the element of surprise." As Shepard was speaking, Dende walked just inside the Lookout Entrance and pulled out a bag that could fit it one hand.
"Hey Shepard, give this to Kami when you get back, I had the bag made it for him. Tell him it is from his successor and that he should savor it because it is authentic." Opening up the bag, what was presented was a clear liquid inside a glass vial, it looked to be enough to fill a liter, perhaps 2.
"Is this water?" Shepard casually asked. Dende looked aghast.
"Hey! That's not just any 'water', I've been looking at a certain pure glacier that's only formed in the upper continents of the planet since before I even came here. I'm sure Kami has eyed this glacier too, waiting for the perfect time to cultivate this water from it. I had Popo go two weeks ago when a lone piece finally broke off, allowing him to gather more then enough to savor and enjoy for a lifetime. A sip will be all Kami needs. Trust me Shepard."
"Well I'm skeptical but I'll give it to him. The check up is almost done. A couple more minutes and I'll be going back. Hopefully Kami doesn't kick me off the planet right away." After another 5 minutes, Shepard had checked the Electro Blue fluid lines, satisfied at seeing 'Full'. He had enough for a few jumps and some extra just in case. He was ecstatic when Bulma told him that Beerus could never destroy what was in her head, and therefore perfected her Time Machine Theory. In going back, he will affect this timeline. Where He showed up.
"Alright Fellas. It's time. It's ready." Shepard couldn't hesitate and put it off any longer. Jumping in and running through the final check outs. Setting a time, he already knew exactly when he needed to go. '2 days before planet Vegeta's destruction should be my first jump. I'll make sure Goku becomes Goku so Kakarot doesn't get involved in my plans. So long as I don't interfere with anything involving the time Goku gets sent, everything should happen accordingly. I can't come too late, less Frieza destroy the planet before I can even set anything up.'
Pressing the final buttons and waving to the onlookers, there were no more delays. The machine started to spring up, lights flashing all around him. A vortex started to open up around him and before he knew it, he was in the Time stream...
