Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ, nor do I own "Low Man's Lyric" by Metallica

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A/N: I guess I'm not allowed to respond to you reviews, but I would like you to still send them

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The New Empire Ch 13: Low Man's Lyric

Gohan used his Instant Transmission to teleport Videl and himself to Planet Namek. Even though they had been there for a while, neither could let go of the other. It wasn't until the village Nameks came to greet them that they let go of each other.

Murri, the Namek Elder greeted them, "Welcome King Gohan and company! What may we do for you, the dragonballs perhaps?"

Gohan rubbed his neck and laughed sheepishly like he always had, "Well, yes. For what, I have no idea. However, Videl here tells me she has a couple wishes that she says is important. Is that alright Elder?"

Murri looked over to the embarrassed Videl, who bowed deeply. Murri bowed back, returning the politeness. Looking back to Gohan, he nodded, "Of course. I'll have some of my children go collect them real quick. You may make yourselves comfortable in the meantime."

Both Gohan and Videl nodded and walked to one of the fields near the village. They sat down in a patch of grass, relaxing on the alien planet.

Gohan looked at Videl, "What are you going to wish for Videl?"

Videl shrugged her shoulders playfully, "I'll tell you later."

Gohan was about to protest, but couldn't seem to argue with Videl. For a moment, they sat in silence until Gohan noticed the box that was still in his hand, "I forgot to give you this. Here, it's yours."

Videl took the box slowly, looking at the box almost like she was afraid of it. Instead of opening it, she just put it in her pocket, telling him that she wasn't ready to wear it just yet.

Gggg

My eyes seek reality

My fingers seek my veins

Theres a dog at your back step

He must come in from the rain

I fall cause I let go

The net below has rot away

So my eyes seek reality

And my fingers seek my veins

Gggg

1 Hour later

Gggg

Gohan and Videl were snuggled against each other, almost asleep, when Murri returned, "King Gohan, the dragonballs are ready." Gohan and Videl snapped wide awake as the glowing dragonballs were laid out in front of them.

As Gohan stared down at the dragonballs, Videl nervously leaned in towards his ear, "Gohan, I need a favor. I really want to surprise you. Can you return back to Planet Vegeta? I'll use the third wish to take me back to the palace, okay?"

Gohan looked at her hesitantly, "Okay, I trust you."

Giving Videl one last hug, he waved to Murri and disappeared.

Now alone, Videl and Murri scooted closer to the dragonballs and Murri brought forth Porunga, the Namekian dragon, to grant Videl's desires

Gggg

Gohan

Planet Vegeta

Throne Room

Gggg

As soon as Gohan returned, he decided to hand out the other stones to pass the time until Videl was back again. Rearranging the stones, he took one final look at them before he called on all the people who were to receive a gem, who were Zasha, Domtres, Piccolo, Bardock, Chibi, Demon, and Vegeta since Trunks was not yet of age.

Gggg

30 Minutes later

Planet Vegeta

Demon's room

Gggg

Demon awoke to a new message on the intercom. Lazily, he got up and walked over to the intercom and pressed play on the messages.

The computer voice clicked on, "You have a new message."

Demon slapped his forehead, "Duh!"

Demon focused back to the message. It was a message from Gohan, "Demon, you need to come down to the throne room. I've got some power-enhancing stones, and I'm giving them to people. If you get this message soon, hurry and you might get to pick yours before some of the others. Bye."

Demon had a confused look on his face, "Power-enhancing stones? Where have I heard that before?"

As if on cue, Demon remembered, then he raced to his bookshelf. Flipping through various books, he finally found the one that he was after.

Demon cursed as he looked for the pages that was stuck together. Finding it, he read through the page, his eyes widening the whole time.

"Two separate and same beings, yet different, shall come upon two stones whose first impression seems useless. Once linked , new power shall be unveiled to thee who holds the stone that Strengthens the aura, attracts compassion, and protects against negative influences.

To thee of the black stone, full potential shall be released."

Demon groaned. He should have realized it sooner. The black stone was Gohan's. The king had the powerful stone the entire time, yet never knew what it was.

Grabbing a shirt and throwing it on, Demon raced out of his room and towards the throne room. Hopefully, there were still enough stones left for him to tell which one was the one he needed.

Gggg

The trash fire is warm

But nowhere safe from the storm

And I can't bare to see

What I've let me be

So wicked and worn

So as I write to you

Of what is done and to do

Maybe you'll understand

And won't cry for this man

'Cause low man is due

Gggg

As Demon raced through the palace, he went over the prophecy in his mind. Halting suddenly, he shouted, "I remember now. The stone believed to strengthen the aura. It's amber!"

Bursting through the doors, Demon ran to Gohan, who laughed, "It's about time, Demon. Everyone else already got their pick. There is only one stone left. No one picked it because they all said it was ugly. Tough luck."

Demon bowed his head down in defeat. He was too late. Surely, the amber stone had already been picked. Noticing Gohan's hand outstretched, he lifted his own to receive his stone. At least he'll get a power-up.

The gem dropped out of Gohan's hand, and Demon looked with amazement as an amber stone landed in his outstretched hand. Pure joy raced through his mind for a moment. After that, all he could think about was activating the gem.

However, Demon did not do what was needed to activate the gem. Wisely choosing, he decided to wait until the opportune moment to activate his ultimate power.

Gggg

Planet Earth

Capsule Corp

Living Room

Gggg

Tien and Krillen were taking a break from their training, when, out of nowhere, a small hole blasted out of thin air. Looking at the hole, they determined that it was a portal of some kind.

As if that was amazing, what came next downright shocked them. Climbing out of the portal, Goku looked around the room and smirked when he saw Tien and Krillen staring with their mouths wide open. Goku moved forward, letting Kakkarot emerge. As the two earthlings looked at two versions of Goku, Yamcha walked through the door.

Yamcha stopped dead in his tracks, "Goku…times two?"

The older-looking Goku shook his head, "Almost! I am Kakkarot, the true saiyan."

There were three responses of "oh" before three thuds were heard as Tien, Krillen, and Yamcha passed out.

Goku looked over to Kakkarot and smirked, "They took it better than I thought they would."

Kakkarot laughed, "Yes, they did. I'm going out for a while. When they wake, hand out the remaining gems and start their training. It's almost time for us to go to Planet Vegeta."

Goku nodded, then proceeded to lift his friends onto the couches as Kakkarot left.

Gggg

Please forgive me

My eyes seek reality

My fingers feel for faith

Touch clean with a dirty hand

I touched the clean to the waste

The trash fire is warm

But nowhere safe from the storm

And I can't bare to see

What I've let me be

So wicked and worn

So as I write to you

Of what is done and to do

Maybe you'll understand

And won't cry for this man

'Cause low man is due

Please forgive me

Please forgive me

Please forgive me

So low the sky is all I see

All I want from you is forgive me

So you bring this poor dog in from the rain

Though he just wants right back out again

Gggg

Gohan

Planet Vegeta

Palace

Throne Room

Gggg

Gohan was again bored once more as he waited for Videl to show up. He would go check on her, but she would most likely bite his head off if he interrupted her wishes or what ever she was doing. It had been an hour since he left her. Surely she was finished with her wishes, so why was she being so late?

His thoughts were interrupted as the door to the throne room opened. Not even bothering to see who it was, he told them rather rudely to buzz off.

The person spoke, "You frustrated much, rude ass?"

As soon as the insult towards him came out, Gohan jumped up, "Supreme Kai, it's you. Sorry, just worried about someone."

Supreme Kai nodded, "Yes, I know. However, Videl is perfectly okay. It's just taking her longer than she figured it would take."

Gohan sighed in relief, "Well, that's good. That's not what you came here to tell me, is it though? You could have told me telepathically, so why are you here?"

"Yes," Supreme Kai paused, "Actually, I came here for another reason than to talk to you, even though I have very important matters to talk to you about."

Gohan frowned, "All you come to me for is bad news. No offense, but the less I see you, the happier I feel."

"Oh, now I'm just hurt. I though you cared," joked Supreme Kai, "Well, after I talk to you, I have to go visit Vegeta."

Gohan laughed, "Good luck. He's been banging his woman ever since she got here."

The kai sweat dropped, "Well, anyway, I have to talk to you about your father. He's…"

Gohan interrupted, "I know, him and Kakkarot are training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

"No," corrected Supreme Kai, "They've left the chamber and they're training the other fighters right now."

Gohan laughed, "Let them. I'll destroy them all."

The kai shook his head, "No, I need you to do something else. I'll have Vegeta fight Goku. You have to go protect someone from Kakkarot. That will be in one week."

"A protection? They must be pretty important. Who?"

Supreme Kai hesitated, "Leader."

There was total silence as Gohan raised from his chair. Supreme Kai slowly backed away as Gohan stalked towards him with pure fury on his face. Backing into the wall, Supreme Kai raised his hands in defense, "Listen Gohan. There's a reason."

Gohan stopped momentarily, "And what reason is this."

The kai noticed that Gohan's glare never left his face, "Imagine what Kakkarot would do with Leader's resources. Kakkarot would be way more destructive than Leader could ever be. That's Kakkarot's plan. After killing Leader, he would head strait her and attack Planet Vegeta. At least Leader won't attack for the next few years."

Gohan turned his back to the kai, "Fine, I'll do it. Now leave!"

Supreme Kai hesitated for a moment, before walking out of the throne room.

Gggg

Planet Vegeta

Vegeta's Bedchamber

Gggg

Vegeta and Chibi had decided to give Bulma a rest before they started again, which left them on the bed, and Bulma in the bathtub.

There was a knock on the door, to which Chibi answered, coming face to face with Supreme Kai. Chibi looked at the kai for a moment, before stepping aside, allowing the kai to enter.

Seeing Supreme Kai, Vegeta got out of bed and put on his clothes, "What brings you here, shrimp?"

Supreme Kai disregarded the insult and tossed two objects at Vegeta, which was caught, "Look at them."

Vegeta looked down at two earrings, "What are they?"

"They are called the Potara Earrings. Once one person puts one on their left ear, and the other person puts the other on their right ear, the two beings will fuse together."

Vegeta looked up at the kai, "The Fusion Technique?

Supreme Kai nodded, "Exactly, but this is permanent. Goku will come here soon, demanding a fight. Gohan can't, since he will be fighting someone else, so I need you to fight him."

Vegeta's eyes went wide, "A fight? With Goku? Well…why would I need these?"

Supreme Kai sighed, "He's been in the chamber for close to three weeks. He's insanely strong. I'm sorry to insult you, but he's much stronger than you."

Vegeta frowned, "None taken. Of course he's stronger. Three weeks in the time chamber could make anyone stronger than me, especially that baka. Who would I fuse with?"

Supreme Kai smiled, "Well, to make a difference, I'm not sure, but I wonder how a fusion of two of the same beings would turn out…"

With that, the Supreme Kai left, leaving a perplexed Vegeta and Chibi behind.

Gggg

Gohan

Planet Vegeta

Gohan's Bedchamber

Gggg

Gohan was too bored to stay in the throne room. Now he was back in his bedroom. Over the last couple weeks that he had brought everyone from earth, him and Zasha had switched back to having separate rooms. Zasha didn't complain, which surprised Gohan. All she said was that she understood his reasons and left back to her room.

Right now, he was pretty happy with the new arrangement. It meant he had more time to just think about everything. However, since when has anyone ever given Gohan enough time alone to think?

Gohan's door slowly opened, and a small figure entered the room. Gohan turned, seeing Videl. Something seemed different about her. Just when he thought he'd never find out what it was, he noticed it. Her smirk. She looked so confident. Why?

Gohan slowly started to rise, but Videl pushed him back down onto the bed. Gohan looked at her confusingly, but he got nothing in return. After a few uneasy moments on Gohan's part, Videl leaned in by his ear.

"Do you think Erasa and Sharpner hooked up by now?" Videl whispered.

Gohan laughed loudly, "I have no idea. They might…"

Something clicked in Gohan's mind, making him jump backwards over the bed and to the other side of the room. He never told Videl about Erasa and Sharpner. It was one of the things that he forgot to mention.

Videl looked up at Gohan, giving him a chance to figure it out. He did, finally, letting her see his face look at her in horror.

"Videl?" Gohan asked, "I mean…Videl?"

Videl nodded, "Yes, Gohan. It's me. The OLD me."

Gohan was at a loss of words. Finally finding them, all he could say was said, "How?"

Videl smiled softly, "Well.."

Gggg

Flashback

Videl

Planet Namek

Gggg

Videl stood before Porunga, who was waiting for her wishes. Finally getting up her nerve, she stepped up, "Dragon, I wish that my memories would merge with the Videl that Gohan was mated to."

For a second the dragon said nothing, "That wish cannot be done. That set of memories have been lost. Please make another wish."

Videl wanted to cry. She needed those memories in order to be happy, let alone for Gohan to be happy. How could she do it now?

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. Videl wasn't the only one who had all of her memories, and they were complete as well, "Dragon, I wish that my memories would merge with all of the memories that Gohan received from his bond with the Videl from the past."

Like before, it took a moment before the dragon answered. Videl was as nervous as could be as she bit her lip and waited for the answer. However, it eventually came, "You wish has been granted."

Videl gave out a sigh of relief, then gasped in pain as her head throbbed in pain. It wasn't quick, either. Over the next thirty minutes, Videl cried out in pain as memories burned into her mind, one by one.

Once the process was complete, Videl stood shakily, "Wow. I can't believe it. Gohan know my whole life. This is amazing. I'm not even confused with all the memories. It all seems natural. I'm almost completely the old Videl. The new Videl is gone, only her memories are here."

The dragon coughed, "Second wish welcome."

With new confidence, Videl looked up, "My second wish is for my body to turn saiyan once again."

The dragon's eyes lit red, "Your wish shall be granted."

With another surge of pain, Videl yelled as her body and senses changed. This process only lasted for a few moments, however.

Videl flexed her new muscles with a smirk on her face, "Ah, that's much better. Now, dragon, for my third wish, I wish that I knew the Instant Transmission Technique."

Porunga's eyes glowed, "Your wish shall be granted."

With that, the dragon disappeared, and the dragonballs disappeared into the sky. And as they streaked the sky, Videl sighed as the new information passed into her mind.

Murri waved good-bye to her and began walking back towards the village. Videl waved back, and then used Instant Transmission to get back to Planet Vegeta. Now Gohan was going to get what he deserved, her love.

Gggg

And I cry, to the alley way

Confess all to the rain

But I lie, lie straight to the mirror

The one I've broken, to match my face

The trash fire is warm

But nowhere safe from the storm

And I can't bare to see

What I've let me be

So wicked and worn

So as I write to you (yeah)

Of what is done and to do (yeah)

Maybe you'll understand

And won't cry for this man

'Cause low man is due

Please forgive me

Please forgive me

So low the sky is all I see

All I want from you is forgive me

So you bring this poor dog in from the rain

Though he just wants right back out again

My eyes seek reality

My fingers seek my veins

Gggg

End Flashback

Videl and Gohan

Planet Vegeta

Gohan's Bedchamber

Gggg

Gohan stumbled over to Videl. He stopped right in front of her, looking at her in disbelief, "So, you're the old Videl completely?"

Videl smiled and nodded, "Yes, my love, it is me. After so long from being apart, we're back again. That is, if you'll have me…"

Gohan looked at her for a small time long, then fell onto his knees and pulled his head onto her stomach in a tight hug. Tears sprang from his eyes and they wouldn't stop. He sobbed for a long time, before he could finally talk, "V-Videl, I've missed you so much. You left, and I-I felt so alone!"

Videl looked down at him with a soft smile and ran her fingers through his hair, "I know, Baby. But I'm back. You don't have to feel alone any longer."

As quick as he could, Gohan raised to his feet and pulled Videl in for a kiss. Videl giggled as she kissed him back. As something unspoken, it was as if they were trying to make up for all of that lost time in that one kiss.

Gohan pulled away and looked at Videl, "Videl, what about Pan?"

Videl sighed, "We can try again, Love. First, let's just get our bond back, if that's okay with you…"

In a blink of an eye, Videl was on the bed, with Gohan above her, which made her giggle.

Gggg

Bulma

Planet Vegeta

Vegeta's Bedchamber

Gggg

Bulma was soaking in the bathtub, trying to get rid of all the soreness, when she noticed a bright light coming from the crack of the bathroom door.

Quickly getting dressed, Bulma rushed into the bedroom. As soon as she saw what happened, she fell on the ground and backed up against the door, "What happened?"

The person smirked, a dragon tattoo going up the side of his face, "We are one now. My name is Vegeta, but am no long that of either past or present. Complete I am now. Power flows through me, never touched. Perfection…"

With that, the new Vegeta passed out. Bulma quickly got up and rushed beside him. Looking over his body, all she could determine was that Vegeta had just needed rest. Once he woke up, she would ask him what happened.

Gggg

End Chapter

Next Chapter: Voodoo