. A Story with No Name.

The Legend

AN – Ok, this chapter underwent major revision. Or, the end, at least. Crap-title, but meh, I did this at 2 in the morning, so gimmie a break. A major apology to my past readers (if they end up reading this before the update is complete), things changed a bit. But the reason I disappeared for so long was because I…I guess I didn't feel right with where the story was suddenly going. It felt rushed. Anyway, enjoy

The night had passed smoothly, and the three girls had been able to sleep in pleasant, albeit awkward, comfort. Gohan had healed perfectly, just as Nappa said, but his mother had to calm him down when he found himself in yet another strange location.

In all, the ship consisted of ten people. The four from Earth, Nappa, Takirhare, a 'shiper' (who, they soon learned, owned the ship and kept it in order while 'renting' it out for others to use), and three warriors. The final three were all of mixed nationalities, and each had their own unique personality.

One was of a strange race that had supposedly been destroyed by Frieza, much like the Saiyans. His name was Rickaron, but all the Earth-born people simply called him Rick (which he didn't understand). Rick was quite different from the other two. He was composed at first, but once you smiled in his general direction, he instantly cast aside his quiet facade and exploded with loud, boisterous questions and jokes. He was friendly and had an amazing sense of humor (although occasionally it was just a little 'dirty'). He was open and simple, and was constantly searching for verbal interaction. He was, however, ignorantly shallow and more rustic then most women preferred (treating physical interaction the same whether you were male or female).

Another warrior was part Saiyan and claimed to not know the race of his father. His name was Sarmock, so the Earthlings simply called him Sam. He was a sort of bounty hunter who had heard rumors concerning Prince Vegeta and the Emper's return to power, so he somehow managed to get himself dragged into the kidnapping mission. He was friendly, yet very quiet and shy. He had a genuine personality, but he had a tendency to be aloof and cold.

The final warrior's true name was hidden, yet everyone onboard had taken a liking to calling him Korta. He was the product of two warring races that had long since passed their prime. However, that was about as much as they had been able to learn, seeing as how he was a darker character who kept to himself with a cold satisfaction. Bulma personally enjoyed his company, but she warned everyone that he was a lot like Vegeta, just without as much physical control.

Bulma spent most of her time asking questions about space, which Rick usually answered readily, in hopes that she would answer all of his. The two would get lost in a world of questions (since asking someone about a planet's music would naturally lead to the reasoning behind it). Chi-chi ended up speaking more with Tak, seeing as how she enjoyed the woman's natural etiquette and respect. 18 mainly stayed to herself, but strangely enough, by the end of three weeks, she and Korta had fully enjoyed a complete conversation (an extreme rarity and treat for both). Gohan found a deeper connection with Sam, the two sharing equal shyness and both preferring to watch others from afar. However, due to his nature, Gohan tended to keep to those he had already known.

One day, while the large group rested in the main room (besides the shiper, who was too busy keeping his ship in order), Bulma looked up from the ground and gazed boredly at Sarmock.

"Hey, Sam?"

He looked up curiously, and she flashed a healthy smile.

"Well, I've been wondering. How'd you escape Planet Vegeta's destruction?"

He smiled and chuckled, shifting his gaze to the ground.

"Well, I didn't."

She paused.

"What?"

He looked up for a moment, yet quickly returned his gaze to the floor.

"I just…didn't."

She straightened up and narrowed her eyes.

"…So, you were brought back to life?"

He nodded meekly, as though fearing her sudden attention.

"Yeah, so?"

She blinked.

"How old were you?"

He looked up again and stared blankly at her.

"…uh, I guess I was about 23 or so."

"And how old are you now?"

"…uh…25. Why?"

"Wow, so…you all have been alive for like, two years, huh?"

He blinked and slowly nodded.

"Uh, yeah. I coulda told you that."

She smiled.

"Yeah, I know. I just wanted to see how old you were."

He stared at her blankly, and she laughed. Nappa suddenly stretched out and moaned.

"Damn, I'm bored. What'dya guys wanna do?"

He glanced around as the majority of the group shrugged their shoulders in response. It was quiet for a while when Gohan glanced over to Nappa.

"It's so strange being in the same breathing space as you."

Nappa glanced over curiously for a moment before a smile broke onto his face.

"I'm sure it is, but that ain't the first time someone I beat up ended up being my partner."

Gohan nodded softly.

"I can imagine. But I really didn't think of you like this."

Nappa laughed.

"A'course not, Kid. I was tryin' to kill you."

He snickered and Gohan laughed sheepishly.

"Yeah…but still. You were so evil. I really didn't expect for you to be so friendly."

He glanced up as Nappa's face softened.

"Yeah, well, business's business, you know?"

Gohan couldn't help but laugh. He called it business!

"Whatever you say."

Nappa grinned a queer smile that caused a knowing glint to slice across his eyes. Gohan caught the strange, reflective look Nappa gave him and turned his gaze elsewhere. It was quiet for yet another moment when Chi-chi suddenly perked up.

"You know, I've been wondering. If you were all brought back two years ago, wouldn't you know, by now at least, exactly how you came back?"

Rick straightened up.

"You'd think so, wouldn't you? But all I've heard are rumors."

All eyes turned to him, knowing well that these rumors came straight from the mouths of those working in Frieza's main base.

"Well, they say that Lord Frieza got his hands on those dragon balls again."

He paused and glanced towards the Earth group.

"Have you guys heard the story about Namek?"

They nodded absently, and Rick blinked.

"But…aren't you guys from Earth? I thought they didn't even know who Frieza was out there."

Bulma blinked.

"Well, most Earthlings don't, but me and Gohan were there."

Everyone snapped their heads towards her in surprise. Korta, who was leaning against a wall a ways off, suddenly straightened up, showing a sudden interest in the topic. Of course, he wasn't alone in his fascination, but it was unexpected from him. His dark eyes narrowed.

"You were there?"

She blinked and turned her head to him, staring blankly towards the normally antisocial man.

"Uh, yeah."

"And you've been alive all these years?"

She glanced around the other faces, feeling slightly unnerved by his sudden change of character.

"Of, course…"

His eyes widened to show nothing but awe-filled fascination, and he couldn't help but leaned forward away from the wall.

"…Why…?"

Bulma blinked at the soft voice that suddenly replaced his usually crude and rugged one. She glanced towards Nappa for a moment and saw that he too held a look of disbelief. She looked back to answer Korta's question with one of her own.

"What do you mean?"

He grunted softly but showed no sign of anger.

"Why were you there?"

"I…we were trying to get the dragon balls…"

"Whose we?"

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously as she answered.

"Me, Gohan, and my friend Krillin."

His eyes narrowed in thought.

"Is that all?"

She glanced towards Gohan, who seemed just as confused as she.

"Well, basically. We ran into Frieza and his guys, and I guess Goku heard about it. He came to save us since our ship had been destroyed."

Korta's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as the queer hope that had glimmered within his heart just moments before faded.

"…Oh…I see. So, you left before it was destroyed on the ship your friend brought?"

His voice slowly returned to its usual gruffness as the thought settled in. However, she shook her head and instantly gained a look of surprise.

"I don't really know the details, but after someone wished all the Nameks back to life, they transported everyone but Goku and Frieza to Earth. That's how we got back."

He blinked, confused suddenly.

"…wha-?"

His eyes suddenly snapped open and he sucked in a quick breath.

"Wait! Goku?"

She blinked

"Yeah, heard of him?"

"No, no, no. Is that his real name?"

She blinked.

"Uh, yeah."

She paused, remembering Vegeta's favorite little nickname for their beloved savior.

"Well, basically. On Earth, everyone calls him Goku, but according to Vegeta, his real name is Kakarot."

Korta's eyes widened the slightest touch. Sarmock gasped in a manner that seemed both shocked and overjoyed. He jumped to his feet and dashed to stand before Gohan and Bulma.

"The Kakarot? The single man who could destroy the universe with the flick of a wrist? The man who slaughtered Frieza, the Lord of the Universe, without a second thought? The man sent from the Gods themselves to destroy all the malicious beasts that roam the cosmos?"

Gohan pulled back in shock. He had always thought highly of his father, but it was to be expected. To hear someone else drown his father's existence with fawning adoration was…different.

"Uh…well, he defeated Frieza on Namek, if that's what you're talking about."

Sarmock laughed to himself and shook his head.

"Well, damn! It's a small universe, eh?"

Rick nodded faintly as he stared at Gohan.

"So, you're Kakarot's kid, huh?"

Gohan nodded meekly but said nothing. Rick laughed and shook his head, glancing to Bulma.

"Holy shit. I can't believe it. The Orange Angel himself, and his brat's been on our ship!"

Takirhare seemed just as flustered by the news.

"He's still alive…"

It was spoken as a statement, and meant as such, but she couldn't help to add a faint, questioning tone at the last word. Her eyes sparkled with a brilliant, warm hope at her words. Chi-chi coughed suddenly to bring attention to herself, and she turned to face Rick.

"What about these rumors?"

He looked up.

"Oh, right. Well, they say he got his hands on those balls and started going wish-happy or whatever. Supposedly he brought all his old workers back to life, and he wished for a buncha other shit. What exactly, no one knows. Or cares, really. As long as he doesn't come knocking on their door, they could care less if the guy destroys half the universe."

He paused to let the effect of his last statement settle in before he went on.

"Some say he found the Meron, which is a little fairy thing that's got unlimited power. Supposedly he captured the little bugger and carries her around with him so he can wish for whatever he wants, whenever he wants it."

Gohan blinked curiously.

"Well, which is it?"

Rick shrugged half-heartedly.

"To hell if I know. There's more, but most of what people are saying is just cow's lung, so I wouldn't fret about it."

Nappa scoffed to himself.

"I heard that he taught himself magic while he was in Hell with the Ala Zamerin."

He paused and glanced at the Earthlings.

"Uh, a really famous sorcerer who died a couple thousand years ago."

The Earthlings nodded thankfully, and Nappa continued.

"I also heard that it ain't even Frieza, and that the Big 4 are just using his image to scare the crap outta their competitors and get more money."

He chuckled.

"No one really knows, word is slow and Frieza's never been open."

Tak shook her head thoughtfully and smiled towards Chi-chi.

"You lucky little bitch. Man, to be the mate of the orange angel…"

Chi-chi laughed and waved her hand, finding knowing that Tak meant no offence with her use of the word 'bitch'.

"It's not that great. He's lazy, messy, and hardly ever listens to a word I say."

Tak laughed.

"Yeah, but he can kick around anyone who tries to hurt you. And if he's as good as people say I'd doubt he's anything close to a bad husband."

Chi-chi laughed.

"Well, he doesn't beat me, if that's what you mean."

Tak paused yet quickly brushed whatever bothered her aside.

"He must spoil you if you don't think he's a great husband."

Chi-chi smiled faintly and nodded behind a veil of humor.

"Whatever you say."

Tak's eyes glinted with a knowing look and she shook her head softly.

"Well, if you're his mate, then I'm guessing that he'll be looking for you."

Chi-chi's face fell.

"That's what I thought, but for some reason, he hasn't come yet."

Tak blinked.

"You have to give him time to get here, Girl."

Chi-chi rolled her eyes.

"He could come to me in a second with his little Instant Transmission, but he hasn't. I wonder if he's even realized that I'm gone…"

Gohan stiffened and smiled warmly at his mother.

"Mom, don't worry about it. He has to feel your chi to do that, and for some reason, none of us have any. I can't sense us at all."

Nappa blinked, suddenly remembering something.

"Oh, yeah. Ol' Turles gave yall that Sorenc…netootoot…"

Tak piped up cheerfully.

"Sorenkonet."

Nappa nodded and pointed at her.

"Yeah, that. It covers up the life force energy that scouters pick up on. Real handy. Frieza warned Turles about how Kakarot learned some new thing that takes him to people instantly by feeling that life force. He suggested that Turles give that new saron…kentoo…ta…"

Tak perked up again and cheerfully pronounced the name again.

"Sorenkonet."

Nappa pointed at her happily again.

"Yeah. Sarenkoonet. He told Turles to give it to the people they took, or something, so that Kakarot wouldn't be able to do that fancy move of his. That old fag told me he'd stop by the Black Market to buy that …sokrenonetootetoot

Tak piped in once more as cheerful as the first two times.

"Sorenkonet"

He threw a playful grin at her as he continued.

"Yeah…the drug thing. It lasts for 'bout a month in most cases, but it's still illegal, so no one knows for sure."

Chi-chi gasped and screeched angrily with her new information.

"What? That jackass gave me some illegal drug?"

Nappa withdrew with a pleasant smile on his face.

"Duh. He couldn't risk Kakarot coming after him."

Chi-chi fumed quietly, deciding it best not to shoot the messenger.

"Besides, the main reason why they haven't approved the drug is because people like Frieza don't want their enemies to have that advantage, and if Frieza wants something, he gets it."

Bulma nodded thoughtfully and focused upon the ground.

"Do you think they're coming after us, then?"

Nappa laughed heartily, shocking her enough to glance up.

"What's so funny?"

He contained his humor to soft chuckles and wiped a nonexistent tear from his eye.

"Damn you crack me up."

Bulma sent a cold glare, and he defensively lifted his hands in front of him.

"Ok, ok. Look, you're his mate, aintcha?"

Bulma blinked.

"Vegeta's, yeah."

He nodded and pointed at her.

"There ya go. If he got a new gall after all the shit he did, there ain't a doubt in my mind that he's beating his head on the dashboard, going insane with the thought that you might be with Frieza. And if yall are close to Kakarot, I don't have a single doubt that he's raring to find you guys too."

Chi-chi smiled, her early rage dissipated with the thought of Vegeta slamming his head on a computer console with Goku poking him with a dumb, innocent look on his face. Gohan snickered to himself, showing that he too had gotten a similar image in his head. Bulma glanced towards Nappa and narrowed her eyes.

"How will they find us if they can't sense us?"

Nappa lightly lifted his great shoulders in uncertainty and grinned.

"Not real sure, but if Vegeta's on-board, I'd give oh…what, two more days?"

He chuckled to himself thoughtfully as Bulma sent a half-hearted glare.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Vegeta's whip-smart. He knows space better'n anyone I've ever known. He can find anyone and slip out of anyone's clutch. 'Course, being a prince of something, you hafta be good at that."

He shrugged half-heartedly and grinned.

"If he puts his mind to it, he could find any planet in days, and get there as fast as possible. Even if you're looking for some uninhabited little planet in the middle of nowhere that no one's ever heard of, he'll find it. Donno how he does it…"

Bulma rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, well, if we're trying to keep away from people, how will they find us?"

He chuckled.

"He knows where we're going."

"But how?"

"He's smart, like I said. He's a fucking mind reader, I swear. Somehow he always knows what people are going to do."

Bulma glared.

"Well, I can see where he could have made a connection between Turles and Frieza, seeing as how he musta known him if you do. But what about you guys? How will he know about that?"

He shrugged lightly.

"He probably doesn't."

The Earthlings deadpanned the titanic warrior. Nappa ignored them, however, and closed his eyes.

"Hm…I wonder…"

He stood up and walked towards the door to the control room. He leaned in and shouted.

"Hey, Baren. You ain't gonna leave us in the dark if you get a transmission thing, right?"

A faint voice spoke back.

"Aye, Sir. I've been fighting off police transmissions all day."

"Aw hell, they don't give a shit about us. Just turn on the minimum blocky thingy and they'll stop. Tell me when Vegeta pops in to say hey."

"Will do."

Nappa pulled away and walked back. He plopped down onto the chair and threw a smile at Bulma and Chi-chi.

"Had te' make sure we weren't blocking all transmissions. Anyway, if he needs help finding us, he'll send out a message and we'll be able to get a hold of him."

Chi-chi suddenly perked up.

"Hey, I just remembered."

She looked at Tak.

"You called Goku the…what was it, orange angel?"

Tak nodded politely and her dark eyes glinted curiously.

"And?"

"Well, I was just wondering why."

Tak laughed softly and waved a hand.

"That's what they call him. Or, at least, it's what the legend calls him."

The earth group shifted and watched Tak curiously. She only had to glance across their eager faces before she knew what it was they wanted. She smiled sweetly once more and began.

"Well, you already know most of it. Kakarot was the Saiyan child born with a heart of gold. He wears an outfit made from the richest, orange silk, and upon his back, he bears the sign of the Gods in black lettering on a white circle. Proof that he was sent from Above. They say he has pure black hair and eyes made from the clearest, tranquil night.

"He became the legendary creature known as the Super Saiyan. He fought Frieza on the Namekian home planet in hopes of protecting the dragon balls and their godly power. He easily defeated Frieza, yet his power was so great that it destroyed Namek too. The legend says that he disappeared afterwards, never to show his face again."

She paused, watching the ground with a hopeful sparkle in her eyes.

"He's a symbol of peace for many, and a symbol of hope for others. They say that he appears above battles between good and evil, and if you see him, you can be sure that good will triumph. It's a great story, really. One that I've only heard a few times. I don't know if it's the same guy you know, but the universe took his image and molded it into just what we needed."

Gohan, transfixed with the story, uttered a soft question.

"What's that?"

She smiled warmly, closing her eyes with the simplicity of the answer.

"A hero."

A hero…

"Someone who helps those tortured and saves the weak."

I tortured the ones I love. I failed to save them from my Hell…

"Someone with a genuinely good soul and a sweet, loving heart."

What kind of man am I? To drown in burning lies…?

Bulma smiled fondly.

"Yeah, I guess that does describe Goku."

Goku…So many times, they called me by that name. But I'm not the one they see…

"He really is a hero. Without him, we would have all died years ago."

They want, so much, for me to be their savior, but I can't even save myself…

"A savior."

A murderer…

"A guardian shrouded in golden light."

A wolf in sheep's clothing…

Her eyes glinted the strangest way, and her lips purred with love.

"An Orange Angel…"

His eyes closed, and a darkness drenched his heart.

"A faithless demon, and nothing more…"