Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Written by: Feraligreater328

Edited by: StevenBodner

Chapter 77: The Hyperbolic Time Chamber

A small town, northeast of South City...

A fearful man ran down a back alley, out of breath and terrified. He tripped and briefly smashed against a dumpster, but didn't lose his footing. He continued to flee, seeing light at the end of the alleyway. "Come on! We can make it! We can make it!"

He leapt out into the apparent safety of the Sun and called out. "Someone help me! It's a m-"

The man was met by a street full of empty clothing. He flinched back. "What the hell?!"

And then, something pierced into his back and he fell to his knees. As he gargled and moaned in pain, his killer stood over him. The monster put his hand onto a wall and, with some clear discomfort, a fifth finger grew onto his hand.

At Kame House...

The door to Kame House swung open ad Ox-King lumbered in. "Hey Chi-Chi! Sorry I'm late!"

Chi-Chi turned and waved. "Hey Dad. Thanks for coming, but we're out of the woods for now. Goku should be waking up soon, hopefully..."

Ox-King scratched his head. "So...what do I do?"

Chi-Chi shrugged, rubbing her pregnant stomach. "Master Roshi is outside with his turtle and Oolong, why don't you go and catch up with him?"

Ox-King nodded. "O-Okay, just call me if you need me..."

Chi-Chi smiled. "Sure thing, Dad~"

Once Ox-King was gone, Chi-Chi turned back to Suno and Launch. Eighter, Yamcha, and Puar were sitting next to the TV, distracting themselves with some generic action movie. Suno called over to him. "Hey, Yamcha! How's your leg feeling?"

Yamcha sighed, putting on a kind smile. "It's fine, Suno! Thanks for the concern~"

Suno smiled and blushed as Yamcha turned back around, looking down at her glass and taking a sip. She looked up and saw Chi-Chi and Launch both giving her that same look from before. She flinched. "Wh-Why do you too keep looking at me like that?!"

Chi-Chi smirked. "It's like when I met Goku back when we were kids..."

Blonde Launch smiled, cradling Baby Ranch in her arms. "It's like all of the mushy feelings and crap that my and ol' blue used to feel when we first met Raditz..."

Chi-Chi finished her drink and sighed at the empty cup. "One moment. I need to go and fetch another drink..."

The pregnant woman tried to stand and her legs turned to jelly. "Ooh! Ooh ooh ooh..."

Suno sprang up. "P-Please, Miss Chi-Chi! You're in no condition to being moving around right now. Let me fetch you a new drink!"

Chi-Chi grumbled, sweating pouring down her face. "I'm pregnant, not helpless. But...thank you..."

Suno got up and walked to the fridge to pour a new drink. As she did, Chi-Chi smiled. She looked to Launch and Launch smirked at her. Once Suno returned, Chi-Chi took the glass with a thankful nod. She took a big sip and sighed. "Hey, Suno."

Suno turned to her. Chi-Chi winked. "You can cut it out with that 'Miss' nonsense. There's no need to be so formal, especially since we learned that I'm younger than you~"

The girl was flustered. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry. I...I never meant to-"

Blonde Launch elbowed her. "Relax, Red, Chi-Chi's just messing with ya~"

Suno nodded. "So...you think Goku will be up soon?"

Chi-Chi nodded. "Knowing my Goku, he should be back on his feet soon. Nothing keeps him down for too long."

Suno chuckled. "The tundra sure didn't put him down for good~"

Launch nodded. "And neither have my bullets! And I've shot him a ton!"

Chi-Chi sighed. "So did Bulma~"

Suno glanced out of the corner of her eye. "Everyone is so durable. If someone shot me...or tore off my leg...I'd probably just keel over and die..."

Blonde Launch shook her head. "I doubt that."

Suno flinched. Chi-Chi and Launch both smiled at her. Chi-Chi chuckled. "Suno, dear, you seem like a strong-willed girl. Assuming you don't just disappear back to Jingle Village once we fix everything with the Dragon Balls, you're going to fit in just fine around here~"

Launch leaned in close. "And besides...you gotta be strong-willed. Yamcha might be a goofy son-of-a-bitch, but he's still a kickass martial artist in his own right. He's going to need a strong-willed chick to fill in the hole that Bulma left~"

Suno's face turned as red as her hair. "H-Hold on now, let's not get carried away!"

Suddenly, a massive yawn and the sound of a good stretch erupted behind the red head. "Suno?! Eighter?!"

Both the red-haired girl and the Android turned towards the slightly unfamiliar voice. And they both gasped at who they saw. He was bigger, and much more muscular, but it was apparent just who the source of this voice was. Suno hopped to her feet. "Goku!"

Standing in the stairway that led upstairs was Goku, clad in his signature orange attire. The Saiyan from Earth looked confused, but he still gave his signature hand gesture, smile, and greeting. "Yo! I gotta say, I wasn't expecting to see you two, of all people~"

Suno and Eighter both sprinted across the room, collectively grabbing Goku into a tight embrace. It was a touching moment that was doomed to be brief.

In spite of the strain on her legs, Chi-Chi was on her feet. She sprinted across the room with tears streaming down her face. "GOKU!"

Bulldozing through Suno and Eighter, Chi-Chi fell into her husband's arms and he cradled her as she pressed her face against his shoulder. "Goku! Oh Goku! I'm so glad you're awake! I was so worried about you!"

Master Roshi, Ox-King, Oolong, and Turtle all poured into the house. Launch stood up with a smirk. Goku glanced across the room at all of his gathered friends and then down at his crying wife. "It's okay Chi-Chi~ I'm fine, I promise~!"

As Chi-Chi sniffled, Yamcha stood using the crutch that Piccolo had given him. "H-Hey man! It's good to see you awake!"

Goku glanced over at Yamcha and frowned, unhappy to see one of his oldest friends in such a state. "I thought I had heard something about someone losing a leg while I was trying to recover. Man, that sucks Yamcha..."

Yamcha chuckled. "Yeah, it does. But, hopefully a Senzu Bean or the Dragon Balls might be able to fix it..."

Goku cocked his head. "The wound isn't fresh anymore. So, a Senzu Bean probably won't help. But we'll get you the Dragon Balls soon, bud! I promise~"

Yamcha chuckled. "Thanks, Goku. Now, Piccolo wanted me to tell you-"

Goku spoke up. "17, 18, 16, and Cell, right?"

Yamcha flinched. "H-How did you know that?"

Goku sighed. "Piccolo shut Kami out, so Kami spoke to me in my sleep. He told me what was going on and, together, we came up with a plan for how we're going to beat these guys. So, no one has to worry, everything will be fine and all fixed up soon enough~"

Eighter was amazed. "E-Even Jingle Village...?"

Goku smirked and shot Eighter a thumbs-up. "Yep! I guarantee it!"

Master Roshi stepped up. "So, you and Kami have a plan then? What is it?"

Goku chuckled. "We're going to get an entire year's worth of training in, and then we're gonna beat these Androids once and for all! But...I'm going to have to borrow Raditz and Gohan for a little while. Is that okay with you, Launch? Chi-Chi?"

Blonde Launch shrugged. "Raditz is a free man. He can do whatever he wants so long as it don't get him killed."

Goku glanced down at Chi-Chi, Chi-Chi looked up and stared into his eyes. After a moment, she sighed. "Does this have to do with that secret you told me about Gohan, back when we fought Zoonama?"

Goku nodded. Chi-Chi smiled. "Then I trust you to do the right thing, Goku~"

He chuckled. "Thanks, Chi-Chi~"

And then, the two of them kissed. Suno blushed at the sight of this. Goku knelt down and rubbed Chi-Chi's stomach, feeling a kick and knowing that his second child was coming soon. Finally, Goku walked over and ruffled Baby Ranch's hair, making his little niece giggled with delight. He went to boop her nose, but the little one quickly seized his finger and held firm. Goku chuckled. "Already pretty strong! That's great~!"

And then, Goku bid everyone farewell. "Later~"

And finally, with an Instant Transmission, Goku was gone from Kame House.

In the plane, headed towards South City...

The Cell Hunters were flying in the direction they felt Cell's killing spree proceeding. Although this method was much slower, it allowed them to keep their power levels suppressed. Hopefully, this would allow them to get the drop on and end the monster for good.

Although, Piccolo was not less angry. "Dammit! This is way too slow! Why aren't human vehicles any faster than this?!"

Krillin sighed, behind the controls. "Don't let Bulma hear you say that. This is a model that she personally developed, from what I've been told."

Gine frowned. "It's not ideal, but it's what we have to work with. We'll just have to hope that the majority of Cell's victims haven't been revived once already..."

Both Future Ranch and Future Daikon were grim. Tien and Chiaotzu were equally as sullen in the face of what they were being forced to allow to happen. Gohan frowned. "I wish my Dad was here. He might have some sort of idea what we could do..."

Raditz gave his nephew a reassuring pat on the back. "No need to worry, Gohan. I'm sure that Kakarot will be back with us in no time."

And then, in a flash, Goku appeared before everybody. He smiled. "Yo~!"

This left everyone dumbfounded. All of a sudden, there he was. Raditz cleared his throat. "Speak of the devil and the devil comes to you, I suppose..."

Goku shot a sideways look at Raditz. "Hey! I'm not King Piccolo! Don't be mean!"

Suddenly, Goku was accosted by a hug from both sides. From the front, Gohan leapt up and embraced his father. From behind, Krillin grabbed his best friend into a tight hug. "Dad!" "Goku!"

Goku gave a lighthearted laugh as embraced Gohan and Krillin back, lifting them both onto his shoulders. Tien and Chiaotzu both smiled at the return of their longtime friend. Future Ranch gave a wistful smile. Future Daikon glanced away, down at the floor. Gine and Raditz both stood and walked up to Goku, each of them with a smile. Raditz gave his brother a punch to the arm. "Why must younger siblings always be such a bother to their older siblings?"

Gine simply smiled, happy to see her youngest back to his old self. She sprang up and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad you're okay, Kakarot~"

Goku rubbed his cheek and smiled back. "Thanks~ I appreciate it, guys~!"

He turned and glanced at Future Ranch and Future Daikon. "So, you two are Trunks' fellow time travelers I've heard about, right?"

Future Daikon was silent, but Future Ranch stood up. "That would be us~"

She walked up and offered a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Uncle~"

Goku smiled wide and grabbed her around the shoulder, pulling her into a hug. "Nice to meet you too..."

He looked confused. "Or...I did just give you a pat on the head earlier...so is it nice to see you again...?"

A sweat drop trailed down Future Ranch's face and she gave a nervous shrug. "I'm not really the one to explain that. Ehehehe..."

But, after a moment, Future Ranch melted into the warmth of her Uncle's embrace with a content smile on her face. It felt safe with his arm around her.

Finally, Piccolo spoke up. "I assume, because you have the time to jape about, you have some sort of plan. Right, Goku?"

Goku turned, setting Gohan and Krillin onto the ground. He offered Piccolo a hand and Piccolo took it, standing up. Goku sighed. "I think I might, yeah. But it's going to require tearing apart your search party..."

Piccolo silently glared at Goku. Goku smiled. "I'm going to take Gohan, Raditz, and both of the future guys. You can come too, if you want~"

The Namekian was blunt. "I know where you're taking them. So, hell no. I have no interest in going back to that place, not unless it means life or death..."

Goku sighed. "Yeah, I figured you'd say that. Does, uh...does anyone know where my Dad is?"

Raditz shook his head. "Nope."

Gohan shook his head. "Nope."

Gine shook her head. "Nope."

Goku groaned and bent over at the waist. "Damn it, Dad..."

Gine stepped up. "Well, I might not be the most striking example of a warrior. But, I'm willing to step up for whatever this is we're going to do, Kakarot."

Goku turned to her. "Really? I didn't think you wanted to be involved in fighting anymore, Mom."

Gine shrugged. "I really don't. I'd prefer to just retire and call it a day. But, my Saiyan blood is aching for a good spar. So, I could at least help out with training and the like~"

She sarcastically chuckled. "I assume we're all going to hold hands and try to summon a new power boost?"

Goku smirked. "Something like that~ We've just got to gather two more people first~"

All of the Saiyans gathered up: Raditz, Gohan, Future Ranch holding Future Daikon's hand, and Gine alongside Goku. As Goku prepared to leave, however, Krillin's phone rang. Everyone gave pause and Krillin answered it. "H-Hello?"

He nodded. "Hey Bulma..."

A bit of talking, Krillin silently nodding as Bulma spoke on the other end. Krillin's face seemed to drain of color. "R-Right. Sure thing..."

He nodded a bit more. "Okay. Later..."

Krillin hung up his phone and stared at the floor. Goku stepped over to him. "What's wrong, Krillin?"

The monk looked up to his friend. "O-Oh. Sorry. Bulma was calling to give an update on her shutdown remote for the Androids. She says it should be ready in under a day..."

Goku nodded. "Okay then. Then, why don't you and Tien and Chiaotzu go and stick around Bulma until it's ready. I wouldn't want Cell getting any funny ideas."

Krillin nodded back, still looking down. "Right. That's a good idea, Goku. We'll go and do that..."

Goku stared down at his friend, seeing that something was clearly wrong. Goku smiled. "Hey, Krillin..."

Krillin looked up. "Huh?"

Goku knelt down, getting to eye-level with his best friend. "I always trust you to do the right thing, bud. I know, as long as we leave that remote in your hands, everything will work out just fine. So, just, follow your heart and do what you feel needs to be done. Okay?"

A small smile spread across Krillin's face. "Y-Yeah. Thanks, Goku. That means a lot..."

Goku nodded. And then, he stood up and walked to the party he was taking. They all joined hands and then Gine placed her hand on her son's shoulders. Goku pressed his fingers to his head and smiled. "Later guys~"

And then, they were all gone.

Krillin, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Piccolo were the only ones left. Krillin, still lost in his own thoughts, went back to the controls and landed the plane. Once the four of them exited, Krillin re-capsuled the plane and but it into his shirt. Tien turned to Piccolo. "Sorry to just leave you like this, Piccolo..."

Piccolo was annoyed, but he shrugged. "It's fine. It's better to focus our attention on something other than chasing a ghost. You three head to Capsule Corp. I'll just...go back to Kame House and wait for Cell to slip up, I suppose..."

The Namekian then took off. And, left alone, the three humans took off as well.

In the hills near West City...

Sonic booms echoed across the West City countryside as Vegeta and Future Trunks sparred with one another. Vegeta and Trunks classed back and force. Trunks lunged in with a massive haymaker. Vegeta sneered as he saw caught the punch, twisting his son's arm behind his back.

Trunks was cringing in pain. "Seriously, Kakarot's son taught you well... for a tournament bout! But this is life and death. You're attack patterns are painfully predicable. Even your Grandfather would have saw that coming."

Not waiting for Trunks to respond, Vegeta kneed Trunks in the face, following by a blast that launched his son into the ground. Trunks quickly flipped back to his feet and charged his father. They exchanged blows again. This time, Trunks came out on top, slipping past Vegeta's kick and getting him into a Full-nelson.

Trunks smirked. "Still too obvious, Father?"

Trunks was answered with a strong strike to the face from the back of Vegeta's head. "No, just too basic."

Vegeta quickly spun around and side-kicked Trunks away. He launched a barrage of blasts at Trunks that the boy dodges with little difficulty. Trunks then launches a Kamehameha at Vegeta. The Prince frowns. He powers up and brings both his hands together, hammering the blasts away.

"Relying on that old move? Try a technique worthy of Saiyan royalty!"

Vegeta then launched a massive Big Bang Attack at Future Trunks. At first, the boy was taken aback, but then he met the oncoming attack with his Finish Buster. The explosion was powerful enough to make the surrounding trees bend over. But that wasn't enough for either fighter. Within the smoke cloud, blows were exchanged back and forth between the two. Finding an opening, Trunks ducks in, and uppercuts Vegeta hard.

As the two part, Vegeta spits out a bit of blood smirks. "Well, it's nice to see Gohan taught you to take a punch."

Both of them landed out of the cloud with very little physical damage. Vegeta frowned. "Now then, explain what happened to your tail! Do it now, boy!"

Vegeta launched forward and threw a punch, but Future Trunks blocked it. "Nothing much to say. Android 18 beat me up and tore it off. And...it just hasn't grown back yet..."

Future Trunks shoved Vegeta back and sighed. "I'm starting to think that she damaged it too badly for it to grow back. She did blast the place where it used to be, after all. I still have a scar there and-"

Vegeta tackled into Future Trunks. "Bullshit!"

Future Trunks flinched, Vegeta gaining the upper hand and shoving him to the ground. "While it is possible to sustain enough damage to permanently lose a Saiyans tail, I doubt that's the case here. The problem isn't the fact that you're injured, boy, it's that-"

Suddenly, Goku and the others arrived. Future Trunks looked over at them and gasped. Vegeta glared at the group. Future Ranch, seeing her boyfriend on the ground, immediately rushed to his side. She scowled at Vegeta. "You piece of shit! What did you do?!"

Future Daikon ran up and calmed her. "Hey now! Calm down, Ranch!"

Vegeta blew her off, instead turning to the most surprising member of this little group. "You're on your feet again, Kakarot. Did you get over your little case of heartburn?"

Goku nodded. "Yup. Now it's time to get stronger so that we can finish things with the Androids once and for all!"

Vegeta grunted. "Well whatever you have planned is unnecessary. Whatever training you're offering is nothing that I can't get done with him as my sparring partner."

The Prince sneered. "He might be limiting himself, but he's still enough of a challenge for me to make gains in power..."

Goku smiled. "Well that's good, Vegeta! Bonding with your son is something you should do! That's why I brought Gohan along~"

Vegeta was blunt. "Then take your son and piss off!"

Raditz rolled his eyes. "Ugh..."

Gine rubbed her face. "Vegeta..."

Goku smirked. "But Vegeta, you should come. I mean...where else are you going to be able to get in a whole year of training in one day other than where I'm taking everyone else...?"

Everyone flinched in shock at the bold claim that Goku had just made. Gohan's jaw had dropped. "Wh-What did you just say, Dad?!"

Future Trunks was stunned. "A whole year in one day?! How is that possible?!"

Goku didn't pay anyone else any mind, instead focusing squarely on Vegeta. The Prince had stopped dead in his tracks. Goku chuckled. "So, Vegeta, are you gonna come...?"

Vegeta turned, and annoyed glare on his face. "This had better not be some sort of practical joke, Kakarot."

Mt. Paozu, Goku's House...

Android 16 and Android 17 stood in the den of Goku's house, patiently waiting. Android 16 was stern and silent. Android 17 was utterly pissed. He stared at the pictures on the wall of Goku with his family and friends. Especially one that seemed to be all of them posing on the beach at some resort.

And, although he would have admitted that all of those pictures were quaint...and wouldn't have as readily admitted that he wished he could have been there just to relax and have fun...17 was too consumed by fury to care. "That green bastard pulled a sneaky on us..."

"He certainly did, huh?"

17 and 16 both turned their attention to Android 18, marching down from the second floor of the house. She was now dressed in a white cotton button down with a paired black vest. She also wore a pair of denim jeans, a golden bracelet, a pair of black driving gloves, and a pair of yellow ankle socks with shiny, black mary-janes. She smiled and did a spin. "How do I look?"

Android 16 nodded. "You look more comfortable. I apologize for my previous, cumbersome fashion choice for you."

18 waved him off. "You're fine. You were just trying to be a good friend~"

And then, with a smile, 18 pulled out her gold, deputy's badge from Kumagoon National Park and pinned it onto the vest. "There! Outfit complete!"

Android 16 smiled. As did 17. But, as they exited Goku's house, 17's smile faded. Without a care in the world, he stuck out his hand and blasted the pink delivery van they had arrived in to pieces. "Piccolo lied and now I don't want to play anymore! Where would the next place they'd take Goku be?!"

18 rolled her eyes. "How should I-"

16 chimed in. "Kame House. The home of Master Roshi. The house, itself, can be moved. However, I have the coordinates to where it is most commonly situated."

17 nodded. "Cool. Let's go there, find Goku, kill Goku, maim Piccolo, and then we'll find another national park to go and explore. Sound good?"

16 nodded. "Indeed, less the part about maiming Piccolo."

18 shrugged. "Whatever."

And then, the three Androids took to the sky, their next target quite clear.

Kami's Lookout...

Kami and Mr. Popo both stood in front of Kami's Palace, waiting for their guests to show up. Kami had his staff gripped tight. Mr. Popo was holding a small bag in his hands. After a few moments of waiting, in an instant, the expected group of visitors arrived.

Kami greeted his guests. "Welcome back Goku, Gohan, and Gine. And I bid you a warm welcome Raditz, Daikon, Ranch, and Trunks. Also, Vegeta."

Vegeta scowled. "Oh, I see. This Namekian is just as much of a smartass as the other one."

Future Ranch smirked. "I like him already."

Goku chuckled and stepped forward. "Heya Kami~! Is everything how we discussed it in my dreams?"

Kami nodded. "Indeed. I have adjusted the chamber accordingly and received the bag of Senzu Beans from Master Korin. Although, he did ask me to pass along the warning that there will be quite the long waiting period for more Senzu Beans. He has advised that it will be, at least, two weeks."

Goku nodded. "Right, I figured as much."

Kami nodded. "And may I say, Goku, it is nice to see that you have made a full recovery."

Goku chuckled. "Thanks, everyone keeps saying that~"

Vegeta growled. "Can we get to the point?!"

Kami glared at Vegeta, but then nodded. "Follow along, I shall grant you the same explanation I have given Goku in the past."

The entire group followed and Kami continued. "You see, the room I am taking you all to was once known as the Room of Spirit and Time. However, when Goku was last here upon my Lookout to train, he referred to it as the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Because time flows within it at an exaggerated rate."

Vegeta cut in. "No way in hell Kakarot knows a word as big as 'hyperbolic'."

Raditz, surprisingly enough, agreed with Vegeta. "Nope."

Goku flinched. "H-Hey! Do you guys think I'm an idiot or something?!"

"YES."

Goku turned to Gine. "Mom...?"

Gine nervously chuckled. "Oh Kakarot, sweetie. I'm not saying that you're dumb...just a little...behind on your studies..."

Gohan flinched at the sight of his father slumping over. Quickly, he spoke up in his defense. "It's okay, Dad! I-I believe you!"

Goku crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled. "Master Roshi made me sit for hours and read those boring books. I had to learn something..."

Kami cleared his throat. "Anyway...the room was once a place set aside for those holding the title of Guardian to spend years gaining knowledge and wisdom in solitude. Back when I had auspices of Goku retaining my title from me, I increased the capacity of those allowed within at once to two people so that myself of Mr. Popo would be able to help him train for his battle against Piccolo Junior. But now, upon Goku's request, I have increased the capacity once more to four."

The old Guardian turned. "I would have increased it to eight, but Goku made it clear that the chamber would be needed fairly quickly. So, I had to go for the smaller number to expedite the process."

Goku smirked. "That's just fine. Instead of just one group, we'll split into two groups and train that way~"

Kami nodded. "Indeed."

Goku turned to the others. "So... we have Vegeta and Trunks, me and Gohan, Raditz and his two kids, and my Mom. So, I guess that'll be me, Gohan, Vegeta, and-"

Vegeta chimed in. "Hell no!"

Goku flinched. "W-Why?"

Vegeta smirked. "I want to get the most out of this training Kakarot! And you a just too damned soft! Furthermore...I won't have myself piggybacking off of your progress, nor vice-versa. We will each undertake our training separately in order to see who is better able to find a way to ascend beyond the mere level of a Super Saiyan~"

Future Trunks gasped. "A-Ascend beyond Super Saiyan?!"

Vegeta smiled wide. "My heir and I will be going in first. And anyone but you is welcome to join us!"

Goku smirked. "I gotcha. Okay then, how about..."

Vegeta grabbed Raditz by the arm. "Raditz. I'm also taking Raditz!"

Raditz was confused. "Why me?!"

The Prince smirked. "Because I have no desire to use Gine as a punching bag. And, furthermore, because you apparently need someone to beat the concept of turning Super Saiyan into you!"

Raditz flinched, but then he gripped his fists tight and developed and angry scowl. "Fine then!"

Goku frowned. "But...I was gonna let Raditz have time with both of his kids..."

The Saiyan from Earth shook his head. "Nevermind. Okay then..."

Goku turned to Future Ranch and Future Daikon. "Okay...how about...Ranch! You go in with Raditz! That'll let you have a year with him!"

He leaned in closer and gave her a sly wink. "And with Trunks~"

Future Ranch blushed bright red. Goku turned to Future Daikon. "And you can join me, Gohan, and your Grandma for a year! It'll be fun! We can get to know each other and-"

Seeing the instant discomfort on Future Daikon's face, Future Ranch sighed. As appealing as a year with her Dad and Future Trunks sounded, she quickly spoke up. "D-DAIKON NEEDS TO SPEND TIME WITH OUR DAD!"

Goku flinched. Future Ranch stood there, looking at a loss for what to say next. But she soldiered on. "B-Besides, we want to get the best training results out of this. Right? Trunks and... Daikon...have been training together for years. They know how to get the best out of each other. Th-They'd become stronger~!"

Goku cocked his head. "Are you sure...?"

She nodded. "Yep! Positive~ And besides, I've never gotten to hang out with my grandmother! I'd love a chance to get to know her! She, uh, she knows what it's like to be a female Saiyan. And I'm going through puberty and such, so..."

Everyone stared at Future Ranch for a moment, but then Goku nodded. "Okay then. We can do it that way."

She smiled wide. "Thank you~"

Vegeta rolled his eyes. "If we're done discussing the trials and tribulations of the Saiyan-hybrid aging process, can we get to the chamber already?!"

Kami nodded. "Indeed. Keep following myself and Mr. Popo. We are almost there."

The guardian and his attendant rounded the corner, followed by Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Raditz, and Gine. Once they were out of sight, the Future Trio all stopped to look at one another. Future Daikon sounded guilty. "Ranch, I-"

Future Ranch bowed her head, wiping her face. "No. Don't say anything, it's fine..."

She looked up; tears still built in the corners of her eyes. "Besides, it's a year I don't have to spend with Vegeta. I might be crying...but they're tears of joy, ya know?"

Future Daikon placed a hand on her shoulder. "But, are you sure? You and Trunks could spend some quality time together. And this is your chance to-"

Future Ranch covered his mouth. "Shush. My mind is made up. B-Besides, I wouldn't be able to get up to anything romantic with Trunks anyway. Vegeta and my Dad would both be right there~"

Future Daikon sighed. "If you say so..."

Future Trunks, who had been remarkably silent during this, reached over and wrapped his arm around Future Ranch's shoulder. He kissed her on the forehead. "I love you; you know that?"

Future Ranch nodded. "I love you too, Trunks..."

As they had their meeting, however, the three of them didn't seem to notice that they weren't quite alone. Just on the other side of the wall that rounded the corner, Gine stood with her arms crossed over her chest. She nodded to herself. "Mhm..."

Deep within the Lookout...

As the Future Trio rounded the corner, they joined their other fellow Saiyans near a grand, wooden door. Kami nodded. "This, my dear guests, is the entrance to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. You may enter, you may train, but you may stay in it for no longer than one day worth of normal time. Doing so would have undesirable side effects on your lifespan and your mental health. The internal clock of mortal beings is not meant to undergo such rigors as these, so I do advise caution going forward."

Mr. Popo spoke. "The structure within the chamber will alert you with a chime when your time is up. It is at that point that you should exit the room."

Vegeta smirked. "Well then, I certainly did not expect such a blessing to be laid at my feet today. Let's see how much more powerful a year of training with no distractions will make me..."

Once Vegeta was out of sight, Future Trunks removed his sword and handed it to Future Ranch, giving her a loving kiss on the lips before walking in as well. Future Daikon shot her a wistful look and handed her his Power Pole. Finally, Raditz walked towards the door. He turned and smiled at Goku and Goku shot him a thumbs-up. Gohan and Gine both waved goodbye; and then Raditz turned his attention to his daughter. "It's...not too late to throw Vegeta out and you take his place~"

Future Ranch put on a smile and waved at him. "I love you, Dad. Make sure you get stronger in there~"

Raditz sighed and turned to the bright, white light in front of him. "Right..."

And then, the door closed shut.

Kami nodded. "Now then, while we wait for them to emerge from their time within the chamber...we shall wait atop the Lookout. Mr. Popo, would you kindly prepare afternoon tea?"

Mr. Popo nodded. "Certainly, Kami~"

Goku chuckled as he followed along, Gohan happily sticking to his side. "We're pretty hungry too, Mr. Popo! Could we get some of that good, Popo cookin'?!"

Future Ranch sighed. "Maybe it's just the Saiyan in me, but I could go for some good, Popo cookin'..."

Gine stepped up next to Future Ranch with a smile. "Same, my dear. Same~"

But then, to Future Ranch's surprise, she felt something gently wrapping around her tail. She turned and saw that Gine's tail was tenderly gripped around hers. She flinched. "G-Grandma? What's up...?"

Gine smiled. "Sorry. It's a tradition from back on Planet Vegeta. Parent Saiyans would often pick wrap their tail around their offspring's tail when traveling together so that they wouldn't get lost and they would feel safe. For a society so bereft of affection...it's something that I had always enjoyed about the traditions of home..."

Future Ranch smiled, scratching her cheek. "W-Well you don't have to worry about my, Grandma. I'm nearly an adult, I'm fine~"

Gine's smiled didn't fade. "Agree to disagree."

Future Ranch flinched. Gine glanced up at her. "We'll join the others for tea and a meal in a few minutes. I'd like to take a slow walk and talk with you, if you wouldn't mind..."

The teen girl flinched. "Wh-What about...?"

Gine sighed. "About what the three of you are hiding...and why you would hurt yourself to keep it secret..."

West City, Capsule Corp...

Tien stood on high alert as he occupied a place in Bulma's workshop. He knew that, should Cell happen to pay them a visit, they would be able to feel him until he was right on top of them. And so, Tien was prepared to start fighting at a moment's notice.

Off in the back corner of the workshop, Bulma sat at her desk and continued to punch coding into her computer. Making sure just the right frequency was transmitted, right down to the millionth degree of accuracy. Anything other than that would result in the remote having no effect of the Infinite Energy Engines.

As she worked, Chiaotzu sat in a chair nearer to her and made funny faces at Baby Trunks to entertain the little one. The baby's joyous laughter rang out and spread to every corner of the workshop.

That included the corner where Krillin sat, his head pressed against his knees. The monk's thoughts were buzzing around like a swarm of bees in the back of his head. Goku had told Krillin that he trusted him to make the right choice...but how could Krillin make the correct choice when he didn't even know what the correct choice was?

A little less than a full day later, at Kame House...

It had been nearly 24 hours since Goku had woken up. In that time, everything seemed to slow to a stop for Piccolo. The Namekian was left sitting at Kame House, forced to watch on the television as Cell's list of victims grew and grew and grew.

As Piccolo stared at the television, the others carried on without a care in the world. Chi-Chi, Suno, and Blonde Launch blathered on and on about nothing. Baby Ranch giggled and played with Puar as if there wasn't a bloodthirsty predator stalking about. Roshi, Ox-King, and Oolong all fawned over a magazine. And Eighter sat outside, watching the ocean waves lap across the shore.

As Piccolo sat there, watching the television taunt him, he was joined by Yamcha. Yamcha was nervous at first, but he eventually spoke. "Th-Thanks for the crutch..."

Piccolo snarled. "It was nothing."

Yamcha quietly nodded, turning his attention to the television. "We'll be able to stop him eventually, right Piccolo? That monster that took my leg, I mean..."

Piccolo growled in frustration, watching as the reporter on the news listed name after name after name. Finally, he had grown too fed up. Piccolo stood and turned to the door. "I don't care if it's pointless! Sitting here is killing me! If all I can do right now is chase after Cell, then that's what I'll do! Eventually, he'll be too tired to run anymore!"

Yamcha called out. "Piccolo! Wait!"

Piccolo turned to Yamcha and snarled. "What?!"

Yamcha swallowed a lump in his throat. "Just...be careful. Okay, man?"

Piccol didn't respond. He turned back to the door and started to march towards it, only for Eighter to burst in with a shocked look on his face. Piccolo snapped at the Android. "What now?!"

Eighter stammered. "Th-There are people here! And... they...they have...t-two of them have the Red Ribbon insignia on their clothes!"

Piccolo flinched back in shock, his eyes going wide. And then, a voice behind Eighter confirmed his worries. "Hey! Green guy! I told you I'd whoop your ass if you lied to me! So, get out here!"

The Namekian growled, clenching his fist. "Get inside. And the rest of you stay inside!"

Piccolo barged past Eighter and marched outside, finding three face waiting for him: Android 16, Android 17, and Android 18.

17 looked genuinely upset as he glared across the sand at Piccolo. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the big, green liar himself! So, tell me, guy, where is Goku?! Cuz he certainly wasn't at his goddamned house!"

Piccolo sneered. "Have you tried every buffet on the planet? He could be at any one of them..."

17 cocked his head. "Oh, he's trying to be cute! He thinks he's cute, 18!"

Piccolo's glare focused as 17 continued to taunt him. He thought to himself. 'Okay...a slight set back, but this could work in my favor. I might not be able to catch Cell, but I might be able to stop his plans in their tracks. All I have to do is take out 17 and 18 before he can meet up with them...'

Suddenly, to 17's shock, Piccolo stepped forward and cast aside his cape and turban. "Let's take this elsewhere! I've been waiting for you brats to show up! I still need to show Vegeta what an idiot he is by crushing both of you at the same time!"

17 and 18 were both dumbfounded for a second. But then, the two of them started to laugh. The entire time, 16 stood behind them in silence. 18 shook her head. "He can't be serious..."

17 smirked. "You'd be lucky to be a match for one of us, dude. What makes you think you're man enough to handle both of us at once! We'd trash you!"

Piccolo snarled. But then, to his surprise, another voice joined the conversation. "You know, I can't help but agree!"

Both of the younger Androids and Piccolo looked around, unable to find the source of the voice. Android 16, meanwhile, looked upward. He glared at the roof of Kame House. "The father of Son Goku..."

17 and 18 both looked up. Piccolo did as well. And, sitting atop Kame House in a tattered orange gi, tattered orange pants, and with his tail waving free was Bardock. The older Saiyan glared down at the Androids below, the twin tails of his head bandana fluttering in the wind. "I see I came back at about the right time..."

Bardock leapt down to the sand below, marching forward. His bare feet sunk into the white grains and he glared at 17 and 18. "You know, Piccolo, it's nice to see that nothing gets done when I'm not around..."

Piccolo snarled. "Shut the hell up! Who asked you?!"

Android 18 blinked twice, and then she laughed out loud. "Oh man! I get it now! You're that scar-faced scrub from before~!"

Bardock's eye twitched. 18 smirked. "I was confused when 16 called you the 'father of Goku', because you're dressed exactly like him! But I guess that you're just cosplaying as someone who's actually strong, am I-"

The older Saiyan lunged forward, burying his fist into Android 18's cheek and sending her flying through the air and into the ocean. 17 gasped and turned. "18!"

He glared at Bardock. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

As 17 ran to the ocean to retrieve his sister, Bardock grabbed the tattered remains of his orange gi and tore them off, leaving him barefoot and bare-chested. Piccolo glanced over at him. "I see you've gotten a bit stronger. Off doing some private training, I take it?"

Bardock cracked his neck. "Something like that. I wanted to learn a couple of things from that old, pervert bastard seeing as I had a spare minute."

Piccolo and Bardock both glared at Android 16. 16 stared back at them stoically. Quickly, 17 returned with a water-logged 18 slung over his shoulder. "These guys are getting haughty! What do you say, 16? That guy looks like Goku! That's enough for you to step in, right?"

16 glanced down at 17. "I have no-"

"HELL NO!"

17 was brusquely shoved back and 18 stood in front of him. Her fists were gripped tight and she was trembling with anger. 18 turned and glared at Bardock, a large scuff mark on her cheek. "17! Let's crush these guys!"

Android 17 was slightly taken aback, but then he chuckled. "Alright then. A tag-team battle. I can get into that~"