Disclaimer: I still need one of these? What loser would think that this
show is mine? *Looks around at lawyers surrounding her* Oh, THOSE losers.
^__^;; Well, it's not mine. There. Ya happy?
*~____~____~*
Bulma wiped her hands on her oil-stained cloth, looking upon her latest work with a proud smile. Before her stood the large remodeled Saiyan spaceship, nearly ready for its journey across outer space. With her hands on her hips, she walked around it, taking in the results of her latest project. After completely circling it twice, she squealed excitedly and clapped her hands. She turned her head after hearing an amused chuckle come from behind her.
"A marvelous piece of work Bulma. I'm very impressed." Dr. Briefs strode up to his daughter's side, his lighter flickering in attempts at igniting the cigarette resting in his mouth. Once it was lit, he put the lighter away in the front pocket of his lab coat, immediately moving his free hand to pet the black cat perched atop his right shoulder. It began purring softly under his attention. "So what do you still have left to do, dear?"
Bulma sighed as she pulled a strand of teal hair out of her eyes. "Well, I need to study up on those Namekian words that Mr. Popo gave me. I've got it down pretty well, already, but I want to be sure that if we actually run into any of the natives, I can actually tell them 'we come in peace'," she chuckled. "I only hope that they're all not like that Piccolo guy," she added as an afterthought. Hooking her thumbs in her dirtied overalls, she started walking again, talking back to her father as she did so. "I really hope they appreciate what I'm doing to get them back. I'm not saying that I deserve all the credit, but well," she paused for a moment, "I deserve all the credit!" she huffed.
An amused smile played across Dr. Briefs' face as he stared at his daughter in admiration. Even after all that she had been through, she still had the courage to hope for the best, already having assumed that everything would go according to plan. He remembered that day she and the others had returned from the battlefield. Bulma had brought everyone here to Capsule Corporation, bringing any of the bodies they could find. There were no survivors.
~~*Flashback*~~
They made their way back towards Capsule Corp. in the hover cargo, with the few bodies they could recover in specially made compartments in back. The entire trip back was eerily silent, the passengers quietly reflecting on how everything went wrong. There was one positive thing about the whole deal, though. Even though the battle was lost, Earth's forces put up a good enough fight to weaken the Saiyan to the point where he could no longer inflict any more damage to the planet. Earth was spared thanks to their efforts, although it came at a high price.
Bulma was running the scene between her and the Saiyan over and over again in her head. She could have died right then and there. A small smile slowly crept across her features. But then who would go find these Namek Dragonballs without her? She giggled. Chi Chi's head snapped up at the sudden noise.
"What the hell do you find so funny, Bulma?! " Chi Chi leaped up and grabbed Bulma by the collar of her shirt, furiously shaking her back and forth. "Are you MAD?! We just lost everyone! EVERYONE!" It looked somewhat comical, with the knowing smile never leaving Bulma's face. She finally decided to reveal her plan. After all, being at the hands of a furious Chi Chi was never a fun place to be.
"Have you ever heard of a place called 'Namek'? I hear it's a great vacation spot. There's also a rumor going around about some 'wish-granting globes' in that particular area." Heads turned their attentions towards the scientist. She was up to something...
"What are you trying to say?" Roshi inquired. Everyone's interests were suddenly peaked.
"What I'm saying is that according to the Saiyan, there's another planet with Dragonballs! I heard him saying it to himself over the scouter. They're in a place called Namek." All eyes around her went wide. Was it true? Did hope still exist in this bleak-looking situation? Chi Chi dropped her hold of Bulma's shirt.
"You mean, there's still a way to wish back my Gohan? And Goku, too?" Chi Chi asked slowly. Bulma grinned and furiously nodded her head, her bangs floating in the air around her.
"All I need to do is find out where it is, find a way to get there, and we'll be all set!" Bulma soon lost her cheery disposition and frowned, though. "The only thing we have to hope for, though, is that it's not too far away. Even my father's ships have their limits, and if it exceeds those, then we're gonna have to figure out another way to get there."
Oolong spoke up. "How do you plan on finding this 'Namek'? It's not like anyone around here has any idea on how to get there or anything, so why're y'all so hopeful? Just face it, enjoy what's left of life, 'cuz once that Saiyan guy gets back, he's not gonna give us long to grovel at his feet before he blows us to smithereens, you know," he said positively. It wasn't long after that Bulma and Chi Chi's fists smacked him across the other side of the car in unison. "Ow..."
"I was getting to that, porky!" Bulma rubbed the bridge of her nose, irritation finally settling in place of her once good mood. Sometimes she wondered how well that pig would roast on a spit. "That, as Oolong so kindly brought up," she shot a smoldering glance at the incapacitated swine, "is our only other problem. I have no idea where this planet is, and it might take me quite a while to figure it out."
All of the once hopeful faces took a look of thoughtfulness once again. The entire car was silent, save for the soft "thump" of Korin's tail against the floor.
*I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP IN THIS SITUATION* roared a booming voice throughout their minds.
Surprised gasps resounded throughout the vehicle, the passengers sending questioning looks to one another.
"What in Kami's name was that?!" exclaimed Roshi. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who heard it!"
Korin looked around, his ears flopping around as his head spun, searching for the source of the voice. "No, I heard it too! What is it?"
The voice gave a humored snicker, little snorts following at the end.
*I AM THE ALMIGHTY DEITY KNOWN AS...* he paused, trying to add a dramatic affect, *KAIO-SAMA! YOU MIGHT KNOW ME AS THE ONE WHO TRANED SON GOKU AFTER HE DIED THE FIRST TIME. * Oolong could be heard snorting something about what a fine job he did, but was soon silenced by a whack from Korin's staff.
"Quiet," the little cat hissed. "Do you realize who you're talking to? He's the Lord of the Worlds! Higher than Kami himself!"
"How can you help us, oh Kaio-sama?" squeaked out Puar.
The Lord of the Worlds went on to explain about a climatic cataclysm long ago that once took place on Namek, supposedly wiping out the entire population. After checking for any energy signals, however, he found a small population alive and thriving. Bulma then asked him if he knew the coordinates of the planet so she could make some calculations. Kaio-sama then pulled out a tiny universal address book, looking for Namek's listing.
*NOW ABOUT NAMEK'S POSITION... IN EARTH TERMS, LET'S SEE... IT'S BEARING SU83... 9045YX...*
A look of terror crossed Bulma's face. "N-9045...YX...! Hey, Turtle boy! Take over for me! I've gotta do some calculations," she directed towards Master Roshi. As he made his way to take Bulma's place at the wheel, he silently questioned himself. "'Turtle boy'?"
Bulma tapped at a small calculator. "I have a bad feeling about this..." she muttered under her breath.
As she worked away at the coordinates, the group continued their conversation with the Lord of the Worlds. They learned of Kami's origins, and how he escaped the cataclysm many years ago. He also explained how the bodies of their deceased loved ones would disappear from their world in a moment so that they could train in the other world. The moral was steadily building, and the group was getting excited. That was until Bulma spoke up again.
"We have a little problem, guys. I calculated the time it would take to reach Namek on a spaceship with the fastest engine my dad's made... which would be the fastest in the world. Anybody want to take a guess?" She pointed at the numbers in the calculator. "No? Try 4339 years and 3 months! Hope nobody's in a hurry." Mouths gaped around her.
"F-f-four-THOUSAND?!" Puar exclaimed.
"Lord of the Worlds, do you have any ideas?" Korin asked.
Kaio-sama stood on his tiny planet, completely stumped. *WELL... HMM... UH...* he stuttered. *THAT'S AN AWFULLY GOOD QUESTION*
Bulma shrugged. "Guess I'll have to use plan B then." She pulled out a tiny remote from her pocket. "I think this thingie calls the Saiyan spaceship. I saw it blinking when Vegeta left the atmosphere. I can examine it and then use his big buddy's ship. It's got to be still here, after all." Everyone around her sweatdropped. She noticed this and sent them questioning glances. "What?"
"Er, nothing. It's just that you made it sound like we had no hope left or something. You scared the shit out of all of us," Chi Chi said.
Oolong looked confused. "I never knew you cursed, Chi Chi." The woman shrugged.
"I only keep a clean mouth so that my baby doesn't grow up to become a delinquent." The other passengers facevaulted.
"So, does that mean that we have a way of getting there? Is there really a way?" Roshi asked.
Smiling, Bulma replied. "Namek, here we come!"
~~*End flashback*~~
Stuffing her hands in her pocket, Bulma began heading for the door. "Well, I think I'm gonna go take a shower. I'll just do the finishing touches tomorrow, then I'll call the others."
"You don't plan on going alone, do you?" Dr. Breifs asked of his daughter. "Things could get dangerous for you."
"Naw. We already talked it over. I've got Puar and Oolong coming along for the ride. After weighing the downfalls, they seemed to be the best choices to bring along."
Dr. Briefs scratched his head. "Why on Earth would you bring those two, dear?"
"Well, Korin is the highest being left on Earth, so I really shouldn't bring him. Bringing Roshi would just add needless danger, and Chi Chi would probably scare all the Namekians off. Puar and Oolong have those transforming abilities, and they're probably the best company to bring along. It just adds up, dad."
Her father shrugged. "Alright dear, whatever you think is best," he said as he continued scratching his cat.
With one last glance at the ship, Bulma continued out the door, making her way to the bathroom.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Ten days after Vegeta left the earth, the group was gathered outside Master Roshi's island, next to the large spherical spaceship that would take them to Namek. After saying their final good-byes, the crew of three, Bulma, Puar, and Oolong, boarded the ship and took their seats.
"Thirty seconds to lift-off. You guys alright back there?" Bulma called out to the two behind her.
"Uh-huh. We're fine. Is there anything we - er - need to know?" Oolong asked.
"Not really. Just... I wouldn't stand up during take-off, if I were you," she replied.
Five...Four...Three...
Puar tilted his head questioningly. "How com-"
Two...One...
The trio was plastered to their seats. Well, all except Oolong, who had been sneaking to the back to get a peek at the panties in Bulma's luggage.
"Ow."
*~____~____~*
Well, there it is. Sorry it's a little late. I intended on getting these things out about a week apart, but I got a little held up. Let me know if you enjoyed it in a review. I'll try to get the next chapter posted as soon as I can, but now promises! ^__^;; But don't worry, I won't keep you hanging for too long!
Random shoutout: KamalaKali! Thanks for bringing that chapter problem to my attention. I tried to fix it, so we'll see if this new chapter screws anything up, as well. Lol. ^__^
*~____~____~*
Bulma wiped her hands on her oil-stained cloth, looking upon her latest work with a proud smile. Before her stood the large remodeled Saiyan spaceship, nearly ready for its journey across outer space. With her hands on her hips, she walked around it, taking in the results of her latest project. After completely circling it twice, she squealed excitedly and clapped her hands. She turned her head after hearing an amused chuckle come from behind her.
"A marvelous piece of work Bulma. I'm very impressed." Dr. Briefs strode up to his daughter's side, his lighter flickering in attempts at igniting the cigarette resting in his mouth. Once it was lit, he put the lighter away in the front pocket of his lab coat, immediately moving his free hand to pet the black cat perched atop his right shoulder. It began purring softly under his attention. "So what do you still have left to do, dear?"
Bulma sighed as she pulled a strand of teal hair out of her eyes. "Well, I need to study up on those Namekian words that Mr. Popo gave me. I've got it down pretty well, already, but I want to be sure that if we actually run into any of the natives, I can actually tell them 'we come in peace'," she chuckled. "I only hope that they're all not like that Piccolo guy," she added as an afterthought. Hooking her thumbs in her dirtied overalls, she started walking again, talking back to her father as she did so. "I really hope they appreciate what I'm doing to get them back. I'm not saying that I deserve all the credit, but well," she paused for a moment, "I deserve all the credit!" she huffed.
An amused smile played across Dr. Briefs' face as he stared at his daughter in admiration. Even after all that she had been through, she still had the courage to hope for the best, already having assumed that everything would go according to plan. He remembered that day she and the others had returned from the battlefield. Bulma had brought everyone here to Capsule Corporation, bringing any of the bodies they could find. There were no survivors.
~~*Flashback*~~
They made their way back towards Capsule Corp. in the hover cargo, with the few bodies they could recover in specially made compartments in back. The entire trip back was eerily silent, the passengers quietly reflecting on how everything went wrong. There was one positive thing about the whole deal, though. Even though the battle was lost, Earth's forces put up a good enough fight to weaken the Saiyan to the point where he could no longer inflict any more damage to the planet. Earth was spared thanks to their efforts, although it came at a high price.
Bulma was running the scene between her and the Saiyan over and over again in her head. She could have died right then and there. A small smile slowly crept across her features. But then who would go find these Namek Dragonballs without her? She giggled. Chi Chi's head snapped up at the sudden noise.
"What the hell do you find so funny, Bulma?! " Chi Chi leaped up and grabbed Bulma by the collar of her shirt, furiously shaking her back and forth. "Are you MAD?! We just lost everyone! EVERYONE!" It looked somewhat comical, with the knowing smile never leaving Bulma's face. She finally decided to reveal her plan. After all, being at the hands of a furious Chi Chi was never a fun place to be.
"Have you ever heard of a place called 'Namek'? I hear it's a great vacation spot. There's also a rumor going around about some 'wish-granting globes' in that particular area." Heads turned their attentions towards the scientist. She was up to something...
"What are you trying to say?" Roshi inquired. Everyone's interests were suddenly peaked.
"What I'm saying is that according to the Saiyan, there's another planet with Dragonballs! I heard him saying it to himself over the scouter. They're in a place called Namek." All eyes around her went wide. Was it true? Did hope still exist in this bleak-looking situation? Chi Chi dropped her hold of Bulma's shirt.
"You mean, there's still a way to wish back my Gohan? And Goku, too?" Chi Chi asked slowly. Bulma grinned and furiously nodded her head, her bangs floating in the air around her.
"All I need to do is find out where it is, find a way to get there, and we'll be all set!" Bulma soon lost her cheery disposition and frowned, though. "The only thing we have to hope for, though, is that it's not too far away. Even my father's ships have their limits, and if it exceeds those, then we're gonna have to figure out another way to get there."
Oolong spoke up. "How do you plan on finding this 'Namek'? It's not like anyone around here has any idea on how to get there or anything, so why're y'all so hopeful? Just face it, enjoy what's left of life, 'cuz once that Saiyan guy gets back, he's not gonna give us long to grovel at his feet before he blows us to smithereens, you know," he said positively. It wasn't long after that Bulma and Chi Chi's fists smacked him across the other side of the car in unison. "Ow..."
"I was getting to that, porky!" Bulma rubbed the bridge of her nose, irritation finally settling in place of her once good mood. Sometimes she wondered how well that pig would roast on a spit. "That, as Oolong so kindly brought up," she shot a smoldering glance at the incapacitated swine, "is our only other problem. I have no idea where this planet is, and it might take me quite a while to figure it out."
All of the once hopeful faces took a look of thoughtfulness once again. The entire car was silent, save for the soft "thump" of Korin's tail against the floor.
*I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP IN THIS SITUATION* roared a booming voice throughout their minds.
Surprised gasps resounded throughout the vehicle, the passengers sending questioning looks to one another.
"What in Kami's name was that?!" exclaimed Roshi. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who heard it!"
Korin looked around, his ears flopping around as his head spun, searching for the source of the voice. "No, I heard it too! What is it?"
The voice gave a humored snicker, little snorts following at the end.
*I AM THE ALMIGHTY DEITY KNOWN AS...* he paused, trying to add a dramatic affect, *KAIO-SAMA! YOU MIGHT KNOW ME AS THE ONE WHO TRANED SON GOKU AFTER HE DIED THE FIRST TIME. * Oolong could be heard snorting something about what a fine job he did, but was soon silenced by a whack from Korin's staff.
"Quiet," the little cat hissed. "Do you realize who you're talking to? He's the Lord of the Worlds! Higher than Kami himself!"
"How can you help us, oh Kaio-sama?" squeaked out Puar.
The Lord of the Worlds went on to explain about a climatic cataclysm long ago that once took place on Namek, supposedly wiping out the entire population. After checking for any energy signals, however, he found a small population alive and thriving. Bulma then asked him if he knew the coordinates of the planet so she could make some calculations. Kaio-sama then pulled out a tiny universal address book, looking for Namek's listing.
*NOW ABOUT NAMEK'S POSITION... IN EARTH TERMS, LET'S SEE... IT'S BEARING SU83... 9045YX...*
A look of terror crossed Bulma's face. "N-9045...YX...! Hey, Turtle boy! Take over for me! I've gotta do some calculations," she directed towards Master Roshi. As he made his way to take Bulma's place at the wheel, he silently questioned himself. "'Turtle boy'?"
Bulma tapped at a small calculator. "I have a bad feeling about this..." she muttered under her breath.
As she worked away at the coordinates, the group continued their conversation with the Lord of the Worlds. They learned of Kami's origins, and how he escaped the cataclysm many years ago. He also explained how the bodies of their deceased loved ones would disappear from their world in a moment so that they could train in the other world. The moral was steadily building, and the group was getting excited. That was until Bulma spoke up again.
"We have a little problem, guys. I calculated the time it would take to reach Namek on a spaceship with the fastest engine my dad's made... which would be the fastest in the world. Anybody want to take a guess?" She pointed at the numbers in the calculator. "No? Try 4339 years and 3 months! Hope nobody's in a hurry." Mouths gaped around her.
"F-f-four-THOUSAND?!" Puar exclaimed.
"Lord of the Worlds, do you have any ideas?" Korin asked.
Kaio-sama stood on his tiny planet, completely stumped. *WELL... HMM... UH...* he stuttered. *THAT'S AN AWFULLY GOOD QUESTION*
Bulma shrugged. "Guess I'll have to use plan B then." She pulled out a tiny remote from her pocket. "I think this thingie calls the Saiyan spaceship. I saw it blinking when Vegeta left the atmosphere. I can examine it and then use his big buddy's ship. It's got to be still here, after all." Everyone around her sweatdropped. She noticed this and sent them questioning glances. "What?"
"Er, nothing. It's just that you made it sound like we had no hope left or something. You scared the shit out of all of us," Chi Chi said.
Oolong looked confused. "I never knew you cursed, Chi Chi." The woman shrugged.
"I only keep a clean mouth so that my baby doesn't grow up to become a delinquent." The other passengers facevaulted.
"So, does that mean that we have a way of getting there? Is there really a way?" Roshi asked.
Smiling, Bulma replied. "Namek, here we come!"
~~*End flashback*~~
Stuffing her hands in her pocket, Bulma began heading for the door. "Well, I think I'm gonna go take a shower. I'll just do the finishing touches tomorrow, then I'll call the others."
"You don't plan on going alone, do you?" Dr. Breifs asked of his daughter. "Things could get dangerous for you."
"Naw. We already talked it over. I've got Puar and Oolong coming along for the ride. After weighing the downfalls, they seemed to be the best choices to bring along."
Dr. Briefs scratched his head. "Why on Earth would you bring those two, dear?"
"Well, Korin is the highest being left on Earth, so I really shouldn't bring him. Bringing Roshi would just add needless danger, and Chi Chi would probably scare all the Namekians off. Puar and Oolong have those transforming abilities, and they're probably the best company to bring along. It just adds up, dad."
Her father shrugged. "Alright dear, whatever you think is best," he said as he continued scratching his cat.
With one last glance at the ship, Bulma continued out the door, making her way to the bathroom.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Ten days after Vegeta left the earth, the group was gathered outside Master Roshi's island, next to the large spherical spaceship that would take them to Namek. After saying their final good-byes, the crew of three, Bulma, Puar, and Oolong, boarded the ship and took their seats.
"Thirty seconds to lift-off. You guys alright back there?" Bulma called out to the two behind her.
"Uh-huh. We're fine. Is there anything we - er - need to know?" Oolong asked.
"Not really. Just... I wouldn't stand up during take-off, if I were you," she replied.
Five...Four...Three...
Puar tilted his head questioningly. "How com-"
Two...One...
The trio was plastered to their seats. Well, all except Oolong, who had been sneaking to the back to get a peek at the panties in Bulma's luggage.
"Ow."
*~____~____~*
Well, there it is. Sorry it's a little late. I intended on getting these things out about a week apart, but I got a little held up. Let me know if you enjoyed it in a review. I'll try to get the next chapter posted as soon as I can, but now promises! ^__^;; But don't worry, I won't keep you hanging for too long!
Random shoutout: KamalaKali! Thanks for bringing that chapter problem to my attention. I tried to fix it, so we'll see if this new chapter screws anything up, as well. Lol. ^__^