Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty
Written by: Feraligreater328 and StevenBodner
Edited by: StevenBodner and SparkerLightning
A/N: Whoops. I guess I did get out one more chapter before the New Year. So, let me just announce right now that I'm taking a two-week break. I want to recharge my batteries, beat Age of Calamity, and reread all 26 volumes of Dragon Ball Z. So, I need a bit of me time.
I'll see you all when the Bojack Arc starts~ :)
Chapter 106: Brighter Tomorrows
In Bulma's workshop, Capsule Corp...
Bulma leaned back in her workshop chair and sighed. Wreathed in her work overalls, Bulma crossed one leg over the other and began to sip her cup of evening tea, staring up at the twinkling stars in the night sky through her ceiling hangar. As she leaned back, Giru sprinted around the workshop and tidied up. Hearing his little, metallic footsteps, Bulma eventually spoke up. "Hey, Giru, don't worry about it. I'll just sweep up when I wake up tomorrow..."
Giru jolted, turning and staring up at his cruel taskmistress. "Are you sure, Master? Giru is ready to clean until his little arms fall off!"
Bulma sounded annoyed. "I said take a break! Now sit down!"
Giru shuddered, but then did as he was told. He ran towards Bulma's desk and hopped up onto the surface. The little robot reached into a can of rusty screws and pulled out a handful, graciously munching on them. Once he was done, Bulma reached into one of her drawers and pulled out a small, audio recorder. She tossed it to Giru and Giru shrugged, opening his mouth. Bulma quickly corrected him. "If you eat my goddamned tape recorder like you did my goddamned Dragon Radar, I'll bust you apart with a crowbar..."
Giru cried out. "I-I am so sorry!"
Bulma sighed. "Look. I have a headache. Just, please press the record button. Okay? I want to record my diary..."
Giru nodded and pressed the red "record" button. Bulma nodded. "Dear diary. It's...been a crazy couple of weeks since Cell got defeated..."
Week's earlier, on Dende's Lookout...
Dende was heaving breaths, doubled over as Gohan gripped his newly restored fist. The boy looked over to his friend with concern. "Are you okay, Dende? I know that it was a lot to fix..."
Dende was wheezing. "I'm...fi...ne..."
Meanwhile, Yamcha reached down and offered Vegeta a shoulder. "Okay buddy, take it slow. New legs can feel awkward..."
Vegeta sneered. "Who in the hell gave you permission to call me 'buddy'?!"
But the Prince didn't shy away from Yamcha helping him get his leg beneath him. As all of the injured Z-Fighters got back to their feet, they looked towards their number that were not so fortunate. Chiaotzu, Future Trunks, and Future Ranch's bodies all laid dead on the ground. Android 17 sighed. "So, the Dragon Balls'll bring 'em back? That's what Gero's data always told us."
Piccolo nodded. "They should."
Tien, meanwhile, was sullen as he crouched next to Chiaotzu's body. "...for the most part."
Everyone gathered around the Dragon Balls. Krillin turned to Dende. "Hey, Dende, are you ready to get things going?"
Dende nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yes. Let's do it."
The little guardian made his way through the crowd of onlookers. He held out his hands to the Dragon Balls. Dende took in a deep breath, and then he cried out. "Eternal Dragon! Lend us your power to make our greatest desires come true! Come forth! Shenron!"
Erupting like a volcano, the energy of the eternal dragon rose up high. Very quickly, the energy took the shape of a familiar figure and Shenron was left looming over the Z-Fighters. Android 17, Android 18, and the insectoid form of Android 16 all stared up at the dragon in shock. Android 18 muttered to herself. "Holy shit..."
Shenron roared. "I am the Eternal Dragon! Name any three desires you have and I shall use my power to make them so."
Dende turned to the Z-Fighters. "In my redesigning of Shenron, I was able to maximize the amount of wishes we could use. However, I was unable to give him the capability to resurrect people who had been ressurected before. I did, however, leave him with the ability to speak common tongue, even if common tongue isn't exactly my first language. So, I'm sorry if he has trouble understanding some more colloquial sayings..."
Gine smiled and patted the boy on the head. "You did fine, Dende."
Piccolo crossed his arms. "Our first wish should be to bring back every good-natured person killed by Cell. Or, rather, every good-natured person killed since Dr. Gero began his assault on Amenbo Island."
Everyone else seemed to agree. Piccolo nodded. "Alright then."
He turned towards the towering dragon. "Shenron! Our first wish is to-"
Goku chimed in. "Hold on!"
Everyone paused. Piccolo sighed. "Yes, Goku? Do you have something you'd like to add?"
Goku shot back. "Yeah! We can't forget that we have to wish those two guys, Caroni and Pirozhki's bodies back to Earth. Otherwise, they'll come back to life in space and they'll be forced to die a painful death all over again..."
Vegeta rubbed his hand over his face. "What an absolute waste of a wish..."
Piccolo seemed reluctant. "Are you sure they'd even be covered under 'good-natured people'? If they're anything like that Mr. Satan fool..."
Goku sounded like he was smiling wide. "Then they aren't bad, they're just dumb~!"
Vegeta mumbled under his breath. "Stupid pot calling the stupid kettle..."
Goku sounded quite offended. "Hey!"
Piccolo rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright..."
The Namekian turned towards Shenron. "Shenron! Our first wish is to...bring the bodies of Caroni and Pirohzki back to Earth from their current location, floating in space..."
Shenron's eyes glowed bright red. "Your first wish has been granted. State your next wish."
Vegeta scowled. "Happy, Kakarot?"
Goku chuckled. "Yeah~"
Vegeta shook his head. "Hey! Dragon! Our next wish is to bring back every good-hearted fool that has been killed since Dr. Gero's Androids became active! Hurry up!"
Shenron narrowed his eyes at Vegeta. Vegeta glared right back. Shenron's eyes glowed bright red and he spoke. "The asshole's wish has been granted. State your final wish."
Everyone turned towards the three corpses laid out on the Lookout. Sitting up like a bolt, Future Ranch was the first to come back to life. "Pfft! Pahahahaha! Oh man, even Shenron thinks you're an asshole~!"
After another moment, Future Trunks sat up as well, rubbing his forehead as the massive gash on it sealed shut. He looked up at Shenron and gasped. "W-Wow...so that's what Shenron-"
Future Goten tackled into his two friends, knocking them both down and hugging them tight. "Guys! I..."
The poor teen's voice cracked as he sobbed into his two best friends' shoulders. They both held him tight. Future Bulma walked up to her son and future daughter-in-law and wiped a misty-eyed tear away. "It's been so long since I've been able to feel this sort of relief..."
Above Snake Way...
King Kai looked upward and watched as his halo disappeared. Then, he looked down and watched as Bubbles and Gregory's halos disappeared too. The deity sighed in relief. "Man, what a relief. I thought I was going to stay that way forever..."
He turned and looked behind him. "But jeez, what are we gonna do with you guys?"
Bardock, Goku, and Chiaotzu all floated behind King Kai with various looks on their faces. Goku has an innocent grin, Bardock had an annoyed scowl, and Chiaotzu had a worried look. The little warrior tapped his fingers together in anxiety. "W-We aren't permanently dead, are we?"
Goku rubbed his chin. "Hmm..."
King Kai cocked his head. "Are you maybe considering that offer that I made you?"
Goku flinched. "Oh! Uh...sorry, King Kai. But, I'm gonna have to pass on that~ I can train just fine on Earth...with my kids~"
King Kai chuckled. "And what about you being a danger magnet?"
Goku thought about Gohan, his strong, eldest son, and he smirked. "We can handle anything that comes our way!"
Back on the Lookout...
Yamcha pressed his fists into his hips. "Hm... maybe if we begged Shenron and used an entire wish, he'd let us use it to bring Goku, Bardock, and Chiaotzu back."
Piccolo shook his head. "Optimistic, but very doubtful."
Goku's voice chimed in from the afterlife. "And not really necessary. After all, we have Porunga on Planet Namek. If Shenron can't do anything for us, he can~"
Bulma nodded. "Yeah, I figured that was where this was going. No need to worry, Goku, I made sure to pack along a spaceship just in case. It'll take us about a week and a half to get to Namek!"
Goku chuckled. "Thanks, Bulma! Talk to you then! Me, Dad, and Chiaotzu are going to train while King Kai calls his boss and asks for a new planet!"
Bulma smirked. "Later, bud~"
Once the call through King Kai disconnected, the rest of the Z-Fighters turned their attention back to the waiting Shenron. The dragon seethed at the mere mortals beneath him and they could all tell he was becoming impatient. Bulma scratched her head. "So... we still have a third wish, eh? What do you think we should use it for?"
Tien looked up from Chiaotzu's corpse and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "I mean, the only real option is to benefit our friends who might have no other avenue. So, I say we use the wish to bring back everyone who died in the future timeline."
The Future Trio all flinched. Future Bulma pressed her hand over her mouth. "Oh, Tien..."
Tien looked to the four of them with a small smile. "I mean, you've all sacrificed so much to help us. If we didn't return the favor, what kind of friends would we be?"
The three-eyed warrior turned to all of the others and received no objections. So, he gazed up at Shenron and spoke. "Shenron! We would like to use our third wish to restore to life all of the people who were killed by Android 17 and Android 18 in the future timeline!"
Shenron let loose a low growl, appearing to mull over the wish. After a few moments, Shenron spoke. "I am unable to grant such a wish. The limitations of space and time are bounds which a being such as I am forbidden to cross. My apologies."
Tien flinched. "I... oh, I..."
Future Bulma walked up and put a hand on Tien's shoulder. Tien frowned and looked down at her. She smiled. "It's the thought that counts, Tien. I'm grateful that you even thought to ask~"
Future Trunks stepped forward. "But, at the same time, that still does leave a wish..."
Future Goten nodded. "It's so overwhelming, seeing Shenron for the first time. He's capable of doing so much..."
Future Ranch stroked her chin. "Maybe we could use the wish for-"
Finally, Yamcha spoke up. "You know, I know we don't usually use him for things like this...but would it be wrong to just ask Shenron to make us filthy rich?"
Dead silence. Yamcha looked around. "Huh? Come on, guys..."
Everyone remained mum. Vegeta, Piccolo, and Tien all looked especially unimpressed with Yamcha's suggestion, but they didn't have anything better to use the wish on. Seeing no resistance, Yamcha smiled and turned to the dragon. "Okay, Shenron! Here's my wish!"
Android 18 rolled her eyes. "What a pathetic thing to wish for..."
But then, to the surprise of 18, Yamcha, and everyone else, Krillin suddenly called out. "Shenron! I want to use the final wish that you're giving us to wish away the shutdown switch within Android 17 and Android 18!"
17 and 18's eyes both went wide. They both turned their attention to Krillin. Krillin gripped his fists tight. "I know you aren't fond of wishes involving technology! But this is something that can't just be ignored! 17 and 18 can never be truly free of Gero's influence with those shutdown devices still functional! So, please...please deactivate them for us!"
Shenron growled under his breath and his eyes began to glow a dull red. After what seemed like an eternity, Shenron's eyes glowed bright and 17 and 18 were wreathed in a mystical aura. After a few moments, the aura faded and Shenron spoke. "I have removed the shutdown devices. No such device will ever be effective on these two again."
Krillin smiled wide, jumping up into the air and pumping his fist. "Yes!"
17 and 18 were both speechless. 17 pressed his hand over his heart. 18 was shaking in place. Shenron roared. "And thus, your wishes have been granted. Farewell!"
And then, in a blinding flash of light, the Dragon Balls rose high into the air and blasted off in seven different directions. Piccolo nodded. "Okay then. Now that that's done..."
He slapped his hand to his chest and a new cape and turban appeared. "...I suppose it's time we started making our way to Namek. You said you brought the ship, Bulma?"
Bulma nodded. "Uh-huh. I have it in my Capsule Case."
As Bulma fiddled with her case, Krillin walked up to Yamcha. "Hey, I'm sorry man. In a year, we can go hunt the Dragon Balls if you really need that money."
Nervously, Yamcha chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "O-Oh! Come on, Krillin! D-Don't you know a joke when you hear one?! H-Heh heh..."
As those two spoke, the Future Trio and Future Bulma all looked to one another. Genuinely, they had accepted that the Androids of this time were not the same as the Androids of their time. Unlike those two monsters, these two were well-deserving of the kindness and compassion that Krillin had chosen to show them. So, with only good will in mind, Future Trunks turned to the two and smiled. "Hey Lapis. Lazuli. Congratulations on finally being free of Dr. Gero's influence. I hope you both live a long and happy-"
Gritting her teeth, Android 18 charged a Power Blitz and shot it at Future Trunks' feet. The warrior leapt back and instinctively grabbed the hilt to his sword. "H-Hey! What the hell is wrong with you?!"
As Future Goten and Future Ranch both stepped up, ready to fight, Android 18 snapped at Future Trunks. "Listen here, boy! That name is not a name for the likes of you to use! Don't you ever call me Lazuli again! We aren't friends, you bastards!"
And then, before anybody could say a word in response, Android 18's power flared and she rocketed off of the side of the Lookout. A stunned silence overtook the Lookout. And then Future Bulma motioned towards Android 17. "What the hell was that?!"
Krillin frowned. "Sh-She just got upset and ran off. Did I... go too far...?"
Android 17 sighed and chuckled. "Nah."
Everyone turned toward him. He smirked. "Look, take it from a guy that's known her for her whole life...she has trouble with this sort of thing. If I had to translate what she just said into something everyone could understand, it would be...'Look, I appreciate what you did and I'm glad we're friends, but this is too much to process and I need time alone'. Or, ya know, something like that..."
17 placed his hand atop Krillin's shiny, bald head. "And you, my friend, you should know what a sugar-and-ice bitch she can be by now. She's not mad at anybody, especially you~"
The raven-haired Android gave Krillin a couple head slaps and then shoved his hands into his pockets. "Well, it's been real, my dudes. I guess I gotta go wrangle her and find out what she needs. So... we're probably going to miss the wedding."
He smirked and shot a thumbs-up to Future Trunks and Future Ranch. "But you two make a great couple, so I'm sure it'll be a wedding that lasts a lifetime~"
Future Trunks flinched. Future Ranch smiled and nodded. "Thanks, bud. Make sure you hold that shotgun close."
17 grabbed the strap to the shotgun slung over his shoulder and readjusted it. Reaching into his own holster, he pulled his ki pistol free and tossed it to Future Ranch. "Take this as a wedding present. Tell everyone in the future you killed me for it. And make sure you guys take care of 16 for us while we're gone~!"
Android 17 did a front flip off of the Lookout with a lighthearted smile on his face, and then he went flying downward at top speed. "Adios, tomodachi~"
On Krillin's shoulder, the insectoid form of Android 16 ticked its little antennae as it watched 17 disappear into the cloud. Krillin sighed and shot his reduced friend a sad smile. "It's okay, buddy. I'm sure they'll be back one day..."
Krillin's tone made it pretty clear that he was trying to pep himself up more than he was 16. In response, his friends all gathered around him. Vegeta groaned. "Enough of the damned sentiment. If we're traveling to Namek, we need to go already!"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Quit being so impatient, you big baby. I'm working on it!"
She pulled a Capsule out of her Capsule Case and gave it a click, throwing it out and making a massive spaceship appear. This new model spaceship was near identical to the one Frieza had used to invade Planet Namek, but it was fitted with Capsule Corp branding. Bulma smirked. "I've been working on this bad boy non-stop! She might not look any different from when you guys stole it from King Cold, but I've made her at least ten times faster! It should only take us a week and a half to make it to Namek using the coordinates King Kai gave me!"
Bulma pressed a button on the side of the ship and the door opened, followed by a ramp extending down. "Well, let's not stand around with our thumbs up our butts! All aboard who's going aboard!"
Bulma adjusted Baby Trunks on her hip and began to climb up the ramp. Chi-Chi, holding onto Baby Goten and Baby Chika, was right behind her. "I imagine everyone is hungry! I'll make a nice, big lunch~!"
Launch followed behind them, holding Baby Ranch tight. "I'll help! I imagine that Raditz and the older Ranch are both starving!"
Future Ranch chuckled, putting her arms over Future Trunks and Future Goten's shoulders and all three of them walked aboard. "I could eat. What about you, Dad~?"
Raditz's voice was quiet, his eyes glued to the floor as he walked. There was a genuine distress in his voice, but he spoke so low that barely anyone could hear it. "Y-Yeah..."
The people who did notice, however, were Vegeta, Piccolo, and especially Gohan. Even as Yamcha, Krillin, Tien carrying a small Capsule Casket, Suno, and 16 rushed into the ship ahead of them, the three warriors could tell that there was something out of sorts with Raditz. Gohan looked to Piccolo and then to Vegeta. The two of them both shot the boy unsure looks and then they looked at one another. And then, all three of them ascended into the ship as well.
Finally, having watched all of this, Gine herself stepped onto the ramp. "It seems like the moment one storm ends another starts..."
But, in spite of how tired her voice sounded, the Saiyan mother was indeed worried about her oldest child. She turned to the rest of the party on the Lookout. "Are the rest of you staying behind?"
Dende, Mr. Popo, Master Roshi, Oolong, Ox-King, Turtle, Bulma's Parents, Eighter, Puar Korin, and Yajirobe all stood firm in their places on the Lookout. The lot of them had no interest in taking a trip to Namek for one reason or another. Dende sadly smiled. "I would love to head home again, but I only just came to this planet a few days ago. I need to stay and begin my training to really grasp the requirements of this burden I've chosen to bear~ So, I need to spend as much time with Master Korin and Mr. Popo as I can."
Eighter chuckled. "And I need to head back to Jingle Village to explain to everyone what happened to Suno. And... maybe to set up our little home for two additional occupants."
Puar landed on Eighter's shoulder, hearts rising above her head as she watched Suno grasp onto Yamcha's arm. "I'm thinking that's the case too~"
Gine smiled a warm, motherly smile. "I'm thinking you're right. Well then, we will see you in a few weeks. Try not to let the Earth explode while we're gone~"
And so, the Saiyan mother made her way into the ship and the loading ramp retracted into it. The legs receded into the ship as well and it rose into the air, bursting through the Earth's atmosphere with a sonic boom and flying deep into space.
On the way to Namek...
The trip to Namek was an easy and expedient one for the Z-Fighters, a well-deserved respite after having to deal with the madness of Dr. Gero. The trio of Future Trunks, Future Ranch, and Future Goten not only found the time to bond with themselves, but Future Goten was allowed the time to spend with the twin sister whom he had never been allowed to meet in his own era.
While that bonding was going on, a different type of bonding entirely was happening between another pair. Yamcha and Suno grew closer and closer as the days of space travel wore on, Suno's bunk eventually being left empty every night when the time for rest came upon them. The red-haired girl was entranced by this dashing, roguish fellow that had entered her life. So much so that she was almost thankful for the advent of Cell. Eventually, she and Yamcha grew so close that she would openly kiss him on the cheek in front of his friends, or the two of them would lose themselves staring into one another's eyes. Even to the point that aromantic people like Tien and Android 16 were able to recognize that the spark of true love had lit between the two.
As for Android 16, it did not take the fully-robotic being long to begin his recovery process. A single insectoid robot quickly became a swarm, which soon coalesced into the familiar shape of Android 16's head. Krillin chuckled and joked with his friend that this had happened again, and Android 16 dryly wished to himself that this wasn't the start of some humorless trend in his life.
The training room on the ship received quite a bit of use from the more raucous passengers on the ship. Vegeta, Piccolo, and Tien, all in the search of greater strength, threw themselves at Gohan and his new power with wild abandon. And, although the sinister hands composed of black ki never made themselves apparent during these sessions, the three warriors were still pushed to the edge as the monstrously strong pre-teen manhandled them throughout the day.
As this went on, much to the consternation of both his wife and his mother, Raditz sat alone. The older brother's attitude could best be described as sullen and depressive. And he proved rather unwilling to even begin a discussion on what the matter was. In spite of this, however, Launch and Gine rarely left his side, trying to provide him comfort as best they could.
After a week and a half went by like a flash, the Z-Fighters arrived on Namek and were greeted by cheers from the Namekian people. Having sensed the battle with Cell, even so far away, the Namekians treated the Z-Fighters to a hero's welcome, having already gathered the seven Dragon Balls for use. It took but a single wish from Porunga to return Goku, Bardock, and Chiaotzu back to life.
Goku emerged from the blinding light at Porunga's base with a few fresh lumps on his head, courtesy of King Kai. To the surprise of both of them, Goku's little stunt with Cell was not so easily repaired. And, with Porunga revealing that he was incapable of dealing with matters relating to the Kai, King Kai was left homeless and furious on Snake Way, shouting that Goku would be paying him back for this one way or another.
A second wish was made on Porunga to drum up a giant feast and then the Namekian God of Peace and Love was allowed to rest. The Z-Fighters graciously enjoyed their meal and, after a short time on Planet Namek, the ship took off to head back to the Earth!
On the way back from Namek...
Gohan shouted and unleashed the full breadth of his might as he was rushed at from all sides! Goku, Vegeta, Bardock, Piccolo, and Tien all were hit by the massive wall that was Gohan's power, but they all surprisingly managed to push through.
Krillin rained down from the ceiling, a blast in hand, but Gohan shot up and dealt with him with a lightning-quick uppercut. Krillin fell back and Gohan brought his arms in, defending against a combo attack from Goku and Tien. The boy sent his father and one of his honorary uncles crashing into the walls of the training room, and then crashed down to meet a kick from Vegeta with a kick of his own.
The two of them struggled against one another, with Vegeta clearly on the downslide. However, as Gohan was about to overpower the Prince, Piccolo came rushing in and went for a chop on the side of the boy's head. Gohan smirked and hooked the front of his foot behind Vegeta's, pulling with all of his might and yanking the Prince into the air, smashing him into Piccolo. Gohan chuckled, watching everyone below recover. "Come on, guys! I'm not that much faster in this form! One of you has to at least hit me before your turn ends and the Future Trio gets a crack~"
Bardock appeared behind Gohan in a flash, going for a massive punch. Gohan chuckled and turned, matching Bardock's fist with his own and shoving the older Saiyan into a wall. Gohan smiled as all of his opponents on the ground stood for Round Two. But then...
*BZZT!*
Android 16's head sounded the buzzer, meaning that this training session had come to an end. Gohan sighed and let his new power disperse, landing on the ground and scratching the back of his head. "It's becoming less of a strain to turn that on the more we train. I think, if we keep this up until we get home, I might be able to get a full handle on this power of mine and activate it without having to think about..."
Gohan shuddered and scowled. "His smug face."
Bardock slapped Gohan's back. "Calm down there, killer. You'll never have to see that lime green piece of shit again. We had King Kai ask King Yemma, Cell is locked away in one of the deepest pits of Hell where his soul never has a chance of escape. Just like Frieza and his Dad."
Gohan nodded, looking utterly humorless as he thought about his hated foe. Goku chimed in. "Okay, okay! No reason for everyone to get all stiff. We should all be focused on just how friggin' strong Gohan has become! This isn't just some new take on the standard Super Saiyan formula, this is something entirely new!"
Goku got giddy. "And I want it~ I want it real bad~"
As Goku swooned over the thought of unlocking the power his son had, Vegeta leapt up to the ledge Android 16's head was perched on. He leaned over and whispered to the Android. "Anything?"
16 glanced up at the Prince. "Nothing. There is no sign of that hellish power that Son Gohan used to brutalize Cell."
Vegeta scowled. "Blast it all."
Down in the sparring pit, the rest of the warriors spoke to Gohan. Piccolo stroked his chin. "So, have you decided what you're going to name it yet? That other power is apparently called Alpha Saiyan, so what is this less extreme form to be called?"
Tien cocked his head. "I mean, the standard gold form is called Super Saiyan. So...Ascended Saiyan? Power Surge Super Saiyan? Super Saiyan Rage to go along with the clear anger you feel in the form?"
Goku chuckled. "Super-Duper Saiyan~!"
Bardock slapped Goku hard in the back of the head. Goku groaned in pain as another large bump emerged from his hair. Gohan sighed. "I've actually given that some thought. I know it sounds boring, but I discovered it so we're going to name it what I want. I just want to call it...Super Saiyan 2."
Upon mention of Gohan's rather uncreative name, all of the older Z-Fighters cringed with an offput face. Gohan flinched. "You all look like you just smelled a fart! What are those faces about?!"
Bardock was blunt. "That name sucks."
Gohan looked annoyed. "Well screw you! Did you kill Cell?!"
All of the fighters flinched. The cheek and the sass from that one sentence was enough to make them all take pause. But then, they all smiled and began to laugh. It took Gohan a moment, but he soon began to laugh as well. Tien sighed. "I guess the kid has got a point. Might as well call it Super Saiyan 2..."
Goku nodded. "Yeah. But I get to name the next one. I'm sure I'll think of something more creative before we find that level of power..."
As the fighters all began to walk out of the room, Vegeta leapt down from the perch. He and Bardock shared a look and Bardock sighed. The older Saiyan reached out and grabbed Gohan by the shoulder. Gohan and Goku both turned and Bardock waved his son off. "Just go ask Chi-Chi to make lunch, Kakarot. We won't be long. I just need to talk to Gohan about something."
Goku shrugged. "M'kay."
The Saiyan from Earth leapt up and grabbed 16's head off of the perch, carrying it out with him to go find his wife. Once they were alone, Gohan faced down Vegeta and Bardock. "What's up, Grandpa? Is there something I can do for you?"
Bardock knelt down to get eye-level with his grandson. "No, nothing in particular. I just...I haven't gotten a chance to ask you how you're feeling since I was wished back..."
Gohan smiled. "Oh, is that all? I'm feeling fine, Grandpa! You and everyone else said I did a good job handling Cell and everything, so I'm feeling great~"
Bardock nodded. "And that's good, but that's not what I meant. You...you had a really bad moment there, what with that black aura and everything. I just want to make sure that you're okay after all that. You know...emotionally, or whatever..."
Gohan chuckled. "Oh, you're worried that what I went through with Alpha Saiyan left some mental scars! Well, no. Honestly, it's the exact opposite. I was upset about what Cell did to you, Grandpa. But, otherwise...Alpha Saiyan kinda felt great, ya know? It felt...warm...inviting...it felt like I wasn't alone in a moment where I really felt alone..."
Vegeta and Bardock silently looked to one another, both clearly concerned about this revelation. And then, as Gohan turned and began to walk towards the exit, he said something that sent chills up and down Vegeta and Bardock's spines. "Honestly, I don't think I'd mind having to deal with Cumber again. He was so nice~"
Vegeta stared at Bardock wide-eyed. "C-Cumb..."
Bardock finished the thought, equally wide-eyed. "Cumber..."
The two Saiyans were dead silent as they stared at one another. Words weren't needed. They both realized that they had heard that name before. Not from history, not from Saiyan propaganda, but from the mouth of a single person they both knew.
Bardock pictured her face dirty and streaked with grime, uttering that name in the low-light of a tent in the dead of night. Vegeta pictured her face pristine, but twisted and tormented, lying next to him in his princely crib. The two of them hadn't thought about it in so long that the memory seemed miles away, but they both recalled it clear as day as Gohan said it. They both pictured the face of Cassava, the former Queen of All Saiyans, as she uttered that single word: Cumber.
On Earth, three weeks after the Cell Games ended...
The ship landed back on the Capsule Corp lawn and the ramp came down, allowing the various passengers to exit the spacecraft and take their first steps back onto the Earth. The Z-Fighters were finally back home and they were happy to be there. Goku basked in the warmth of the Earth's sun. "Oh man~! That feels so good after so long~!"
The fully recovered Android 16 stepped out of the ship, his hulking frame casting a long shadow. He smiled. "Yes. It certainly does."
Bulma took in a deep breath of fresh air. "Okay! Now that everyone is alive once more, we have one more thing on the agenda, ladies and gentlemen! Let's all head in and get ready for the wedding of the century!"
Almost everyone cheered in response, and even the more reserved people like Vegeta and Piccolo still had smiles on their faces. They all filed back into Capsule Corp ready to have a good time and celebrate. They made their way into the living room to find Bulma's parents sitting and staring at the television. Bulma called out. "Hey Mom! Hey Dad! Get up and let's get to it! Your grandson is getting married and we have to get things set up!"
Dr. Briefs was only half paying attention. "Getting married, but he's only a year old..."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Not that Trunks, Dad. The older Trunks."
Panchy, somehow paying even less attention than Dr. Briefs, giggled. "Sweetie, I threw out all of your old trunks when you decided you were old enough to wear bikinis~"
A vein popped out of Bulma's head. "Okay! Earth to Boxer Briefs and Panchy Briefs! What's so important on the television that you're ignoring me...this...ha...rd...?"
A small silence, and then Bulma cried out. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"
The rest of the Z-Fighters all quickly rushed over to look at the television as well. And they were all met by a sight that made their collective jaws drop. On the TV, wearing his brown gi, a rhinestone cape, and an even gaudier belt, was that Mr. Satan guy. And, on the banner scrolling just below him, was a headline that made the Z-Fighters all do a triple take. "MR. SATAN! THE MAN WHO DEFEATED CELL!"
On the television...
With a nervous smile on his face, and with Caroni, Pirozhki, and Miss Piiza all silently agreeing with him, Mr. Satan spoke at length about his apparent triumph. "And so, once I realized that that filthy cheater was going so far as to even use his underhanded tactics on a child, I stepped in and said that it was time to let the adults handle matters! But then, of course, that bastard had to use one of his hidden guns to execute that poor, old fella who was just trying to look out for his grandson! And, and you all know this, Mr. Satan just doesn't stand for that sorta crap!"
Caroni shook his head. "Nope."
Pirozhki shook his head. "Nuh-uh."
Miss Piiza shook her head. "Not even a little~"
Mr. Satan continued. "And so, with my martial-artist's will spurred on by the tragic wailing of that poor, helpless young man, I said enough! I accidentally crushed the camera under my foot when I charged at Cell, but I rushed in and you all felt it! We had a martial arts contest so mighty that the Earth shook in awe!"
Caroni nodded. "Yep."
Pirozhki nodded. "Uh-huh."
Miss Piiza nodded. "Even the Earth is in awe of Mr. Satan~"
Mr. Satan stood on the chair, drawing his fist back. "And then, with my mighty Megaton Punch, I obliterated that Cell in one, single hit! And that's how I, Mr. Satan, won those wretched Cell Games and saved the Earth!"
The interviewer immediately asked a question. "And what about that poor boy that lost his grandfather? We've been trying to reach out to him for comment, but we've had no luck. Your thoughts, Mr. Satan?"
Mr. Satan scowled. "What a shameless thing to do! You see a boy has been traumatized and you're trying to reach him for a comment. You vultures have no respect for a young man with such a noble heart. If you're real men, you'll just let the boy have his space to grieve! And, if he ever wants to give you an interview, then I suppose, uh, it would be his choice to come out and give one..."
The interviewer nodded. "Bold words from a true hero. We here at Z-TV will make sure to take them to heart, Mr. Satan!"
He turned to the camera. "Now, coming up next, the Ember Island Players are going to put on a special rendition of Blazing Hearts, Blazing Souls, Blazing Justice: The Mr. Satan Story! A heartfelt stage play detailing the life and times of Mr. Satan, from his humble beginnings to-"
Back at Capsule Corp...
"RARRRRRRRRRRRGH!"
A coffee table went flying and crashed through the screen of the Dr. Brief's 200-inch plasma screen. Chi-Chi was in a deadly rage, thrashing around so violently that even the likes of Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo were flopping around like ragdolls trying to hold on to her. She was seething, frothing at the mouth even. "Someone get me my kitchen knife, I'm going to filet that sonovabitch!"
Gine was trying to be placating as Dr. Briefs and Panchy, fully transfixed onto Chi-Chi's rage, sat back and watched in enraptured awe. Gine begged. "Chi-Chi, honey, calm down! Gohan doesn't care that Mr. Satan took the credit for beating Cell, right Gohan?!"
Gohan nodded. "It's okay, Mom. I'm just happy that all of you are proud of me. So, what if I don't constantly have the paparazzi and everybody else on my case? Who cares about stuff like that?"
Chi-Chi snarled, flames shooting from her mouth. "I CARE!"
And then, with the force of some sort of malevolent goddess, Chi-Chi grabbed onto Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo, yanking the three of them off of herself and heaving them all through a window. Chiaotzu gasped in terrified shock and went to hide behind Tien, only to find a quivering Yamcha and Suno already huddling behind him.
As Chi-Chi continued to rampage, Bardock and Gine turned to Dr. Briefs and Panchy. Bardock scratched the back of his head. "So, not to sound like a cheapskate, but are you going to...uh...make us pay for this?"
Dr. Briefs laughed. "Oh, heavens no!"
Panchy giggled. "The poor dear is upset. Better she bust up our easily repaired house than break her own and be put in a hard financial spot~"
Gine nervously rubbed her cheek. "Still, she did just body-slam Kakarot, Vegeta, and Piccolo through a window...We might wanna stop her before she-"
Krillin and Android 16 both cried out in fear and shock as Chi-Chi lunged onto them. Gine cringed. "Oh dear...16 just regrew that arm too..."
Bulma and Future Bulma both stepped up. Future Bulma looked worried, but Bulma herself was non-plussed at best. Forcefully, she pressed a syringe into Bardock's hand. Bardock scowled. "What the hell is this?!"
Bulma sighed. "That's the tranquilizer we used to put 18 down for her surgery. Go calm Chi-Chi down so that we don't have to work around her rampaging."
Bardock had a skeeved out look on his face. "You want me to...drug...my daughter-in-law?"
Bulma glanced up at him. "Have a better idea?"
Bardock shuddered as a red aura surrounded the rampaging housewife. "I... guess not. Just...uh...tell my wife I love her."
Gine adopted a gentle smile and blushed. "Aw~ I love you too, babe."
Bardock nodded, took a deep breath, and then lunged at Chi-Chi with a primal scream and with syringe drawn. Gine's pupils followed her husband, quickly shooting up and flinching as the sound of Bardock crashing into the ceiling rang out. And then falling as he body-slammed Chi-Chi to the ground.
As the sound of Bardock and the furious Chi-Chi struggling rang out, Bulma took a deep breath. "Okay, everyone, get your shit together! We have a wedding to put on~!"
The scientist turned and shot a large, beaming grin towards the absolutely stunned Future Trunks and Future Ranch. "Are you two excited?"
Their attention snapped away from the troubles with Chi-Chi, Future Trunks and Future Ranch both smiled at Bulma. And then, they turned and looked deeply into one another's eyes.
Days later, on the Capsule Corp lawn...
Future Trunks and Future Ranch both leaned forward and passionately pressed their lips together, sealing their eternal bond with a kiss. The entire crowd of onlookers cheered at the top of their lungs, and Dende watched the two with a smile.
Mr. Popo leaned forward and whispered into Dende's ear. Dende nodded and proclaimed at the top of his lungs. "By the power vested in me, as the Guardian of the Earth, I pronounce you two happily married~"
As the two young warriors held one another tight, their best man off to the side was in tears. Future Goten pressed his hand to his face as the tears streamed down his cheeks. "So...so beautiful...~"
Standing to the other side, Future Bulma was the attentive bridesmaid. But, in spite of her attempts to keep composure, even she shed a happy tear as she watched Future Trunks sweep Future Ranch off of her feet. The newlyweds shared one more kiss, and then Future Ranch graciously tossed her bouquet into the crowd, smiling as she watched Suno catch it and immediately turn her gaze to the blushing, shocked Yamcha. Eighter and Puar both grabbed their friends into a tight hug and smiled wide, knowing that yet another relationship was in full bloom.
And then, Future Ranch leapt out of her new husband's arms and shouted out. "Alright, ya bunch of bastards! Let's party! Cell's dead and I'm hitched! It's celebration time!"
And so, the wedding party went into full swing with the Z-Fighters having a full-on party! The drink and the food was on full display as all of the weary warriors finally got to cut loose and relax. It wasn't long before Vegeta and Future Ranch got completely knackered on booze, meeting in the middle of all of the wedding tables and engaging in an utterly baffling display of dance moves with one another.
This was only broken up by Future Bulma cutting in, begging Future Ranch's forgiveness and asking Vegeta if he would be up to dance with her one last time. Future Ranch politely bowed out and allowed the two to have their moment, watching as Vegeta pulled Future Bulma close and the two began to share a slow dance under the spotlight.
Right next to them, Goku and a drugged-up Chi-Chi shared a dance as well, Goku looking upon his wife within a gentle smile. "See? Isn't it nice not to be angry about nothing, Chi-Chi?!"
Chi-Chi giggled like a schoolgirl. "If I ever get my hands on that motherfucker I'm going to punch him through a wall~ Hehehehe~"
Goku sighed. "Sure thing, Chi-Chi, sure thing..."
And finally, the final dance of the night was one that Future Ranch had been looking forward to since she decided she was going to marry Future Trunks. Gently, the larger woman walked up and placed a hand on her dance partner's shoulder. "Hey...Dad..."
Raditz, still utterly sullen, looked up at her. He spoke in a tired voice. "Oh...hey Ranch..."
She spoke calmly and soothingly, in spite of being pretty drunk. "I know that you haven't been feeling the best, lately...but would you be willing to share a father-daughter dance with me?"
Raditz sluggishly stood. "Of course, Ranch. I...I wouldn't miss it for the world..."
And so, the music started. Everyone stood around in a circle, watching as Future Ranch and Raditz held one another tight and slowly danced around. Future Ranch was over the moon, holding onto Raditz tight with a warm, pink blush on her face. Raditz, meanwhile, was dancing competently, but it was clear to everyone watching that his mind was elsewhere.
Raditz placed his chin on Future Ranch's shoulder, and those same words that had been echoing in his head for the past three weeks suddenly became even louder: "Do you not love your own daughter~?"
And, in his heart of hearts, Raditz knew the answer to that question. But still, Cell and the lack of a Super Saiyan transformation put the doubt there. Raditz danced with his grown, adult daughter a broken man, not even able to hide his tears as they began to bitterly stream down his face. Feeling the sudden wetness pooling on her shoulder, Future Ranch briefly paused. But then, she pulled her father even closer, making sure to end the night with him held tight in her loving grasp as an immaculate firework display, prepared by Dr. Briefs, went off in the background.
The next morning...
And thus, after a trip packed with heartache, closure, new understanding of those they had once lost, and even new reaffirmations of their own relationships, the Future Trio and Future Bulma decided that it was finally time to return home. It was time for them to go back and build their own timeline back up from the brink of utter ruin.
The four of them were confident. They knew where Planet Namek was now, so going and wishing back all of their lost loved ones would be a cinch. After everything that had happened during this trip to the past, the four time travelers had nothing but hope in their hearts going forward.
And so, each of the four gathered with their newly won friends and said their final goodbyes.
Future Goten flinched at the sight of it presented to him, Goku's Power Pole. The future teen had long since accepted that his trusty weapon was gone, but now he had a new one so casually offered up to him. "D-Dad...I can't. What if you need it...?"
Goku chuckled. "Aw, come on. Let your old man do one last nice thing for you. The me in your time is gone for good cuz of the heart virus, so I want you to have something from me to let you know that I care~"
Future Goten got misty-eyed. "Dad..."
Goku smiled wide. "I just want you to know, no matter where you go, that I always carry you, your mother, and your siblings in my heart and soul. And I hope you do the same for us in turn~"
Unable to hold back anymore, Future Goten stumbled forward and grabbed onto Goku, hugging him tight. "Dad...thank you. I love you."
Goku gave him a gentle pat on the back. "Love you too, son."
Meanwhile, Future Trunks and Vegeta traded their final respects. Vegeta crossed his arms over his shoulder, looking his son up-and-down one last time. The first time Vegeta had seen this version of his son, he was scrawny and meek. And yet, now, here he stood. A true warrior with his Saiyan tail proudly displayed for all to see. Vegeta chuckled. "You know, I doubled back on myself. I... I'm not ready to be the King of All Saiyans in this timeline. But you, Trunks, I definitely think you're ready..."
Future Trunks chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I'm sure that when we wish you back in my timeline, you'll probably want that title back for yourself..."
Vegeta scoffed. "Knock that idiot's teeth out! He probably deserves it."
The two men looked to one another and Future Trunks offered a handshake. Vegeta eagerly accepted. And then, Future Ranch interjected. "I'm sorry, did you just give us permission to knock your teeth out...cuz..."
Jokingly, the young woman began to crack her knuckles. Vegeta scowled. "Oh yes, that reminds me. I have one last thing to say to you..."
She cocked her head. "Oh, really?"
Immediately, Vegeta flipped her off, never breaking eye contact. Future Ranch nodded. "An affectionate gesture, I see~"
And she too, while not breaking eye contact, flipped Vegeta off. They just stood there, glaring at one another for a minute. And then, Future Ranch spoke. "Trunks. You're my husband. I swear you to secrecy on this..."
Future Trunks flinched. "H-Huh...?"
Future Ranch didn't waste a moment. She stepped forward and, with genuine care, she wrapped her arms tightly around Vegeta. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually gonna miss you..."
Vegeta smirked. "Only until you have to deal with me all the time..."
But, without hesitation on his own part, Vegeta uncrossed his arms and wrapped them around Future Ranch, giving her a tight squeeze. Future Ranch whispered. "Take care of my Dad..."
Vegeta whispered back. "Take care of my son..."
And then, the two broke apart just in time for Raditz and Launch to walk up. Raditz was still sullen. Just as he had done with Future Goten earlier, he walked up to Future Trunks and Future Ranch and embraced each of them, and then he walked away without a word. Future Ranch frowned, but then she felt a hand slip into her jacket pocket. She looked down to see her mother right next to her. Blonde Launch smiled and grinned. "Don't worry. Next time you come back here; he'll be better. I promise~"
Future Ranch was confused. "C-Come back...?"
Blonde Launch smirked. "Of course, come back! I had better get to see you again, you little brat! Don't make me come to the future to kick your butt for not visiting!"
Future Ranch smiled and chuckled. "O-Of course, Mom..."
And finally, Future Bulma stood behind the Time Machine, loading the storage compartment full of Capsules containing various supplies the Future Androids had made scarce. Once she closed that compartment, she turned and took one last look at everybody. She watched as Gohan and Krillin made jokes, as Piccolo stood stoically in the background, as Tien and Chiaotzu made conversation with Yamcha, and as her parents fed their pets. She sighed. "I...I forgot how much I missed all of this..."
Bulma chuckled. "It's not too late to change your mind~"
She shot her future counterpart bedroom eyes. "Vegeta and I could clear a space for you~"
Future Bulma shook her head with an exasperated sigh. "Don't be lewd. I'm too old for that sort of stuff anyway. Unlike some people, I haven't had the Dragon Balls to use as a crutch every time I see a wrinkle in the mirror~"
Bulma scoffed. "Bitch."
Future Bulma smirked. "I'm you."
Bulma sighed and hugged her future counterpart. "Just stay safe, okay? You know as well as I do that there's always something new around the corner."
Future Bulma chuckled. "Don't I know it..."
And finally, with all of their goodbyes said, the Future Trio and Future Bulma climbed into the Time Machine. The vehicle rose high into the air, giving all of the time travelers one last chance to tearfully wave farewell, and then it was gone.
In the present, in Bulma's workshop...
Bulma leaned back in her chair and took the last, long sip of her tea. Giru, meanwhile, seemed rather confused as he watched her. "Query?"
Bulma glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Yes?"
Giru continued to speak. "The statements you have made here and now seem to imply memories with a positive connotation. And yet, your voice seems to carry a negative tone in describing them. The frequencies of the tone suggests neither sadness nor anger but...concern? Perhaps even worry? Giru is confused..."
Bulma groaned, setting her tea cup down and rubbing her hands over her eyes. "Everything is perfect, isn't it Giru...?"
She pictured Piccolo on the Lookout, helping Mr. Popo and Korin train young Dende in being a Guardian. "There's new hope in the world..."
She pictured Yamcha, Puar, Suno, and Eighter all living together in Jingle Village, Suno pouncing onto Yamcha and tightly locking her lips onto his as the former bandit brandishes a golden ring. "People are moving on and finding their peace in life..."
She pictured Tien and Chiaotzu training in the monastery. "People are returning to their norms..."
She pictured Krillin sighing and collapsing onto the couch of his East City apartment, tossing a Police Academy handbook to the side and staring at a picture of Gohan's birthday. The monk's eyes locked onto a certain person who looked like she didn't want to be there, even though she was having the time of her life. Meanwhile, Android 18 and Android 17 were off somewhere in the wilderness. 18 took several hits from her brother but got back up and continued to spar. "Some people are even out there trying to be better for one another..."
She pictured Vegeta sitting on the floor in their den, playfully teaching Baby Trunks to throw a punch. "I should be happy that life is just becoming boring again..."
She pictured Bardock tilling the soil of the vegetable fields as Gine studiously examined the syllabus to the class she was taking on her laptop. "I should be happy that people are just living day-to-day again..."
She pictured Goku and Android 16, both of them smiling as they hiked through the lush forests of Mt. Paozu together, no longer enemies and with a strong friendship building between them. "And I should be happy that, once again, thought-to-be-deadly enemies have become people whom we can share smiles and laughter with..."
Bulma frowned. "But I'm not a teenager anymore, Giru. I can't just look into the unknown and carelessly welcome whatever may come..."
She pictured Raditz downcast and gloomy, facing away from a concerned Launch and she cradled Baby Ranch. "There are still wounds that have yet to be healed. Wounds that...might not heal..."
She pictured Gohan trying his best to reach a toy that had slid under the refrigerator for his mother as his two baby siblings wailed in her arms. The boy became so annoyed at his inability to find the toy that, for a brief moment, a black tendril shot out from his fingertip and dragged the missing plaything towards him. "There's still dark unknowns in our midst that we aren't sure whether to fear or not..."
Bulma pulled her legs down from the table. And sighed.
Somewhere, on some unknown planet...
"It's hard to rest easy when it feels like something is festering out there, waiting for a chance to strike..."
An alien thug fell to the ground, dead. A tiny, blue hand reached down and ripped off the dead man's cloak, twisting it over itself to hide its form. The little, blue demon tromped away with metallic, clomping footsteps. The wind blew the cloak up to reveal the beginnings of a stinger growing between its little, black wings.
Back on the Earth...
Bulma stared down at her desk, glancing over reports from her expedition teams. They all reported the same thing: there was no proof that Dr. Gero's Site Delta had ever existed in the location he listed it being located at. Bulma sighed. "And it's hard to rest easy when you know that a job hasn't been completely finished..."
Shaking her head, the scientist closed the file on Site Delta and stood. She gave Giru a gentle pat on the dome and took her audio diary. "But...I guess you're right, Giru..."
?
"Maybe for now...it's better to just leave these worries for another time..."
A glowing pod, wreathed in shadows, glowed an ethereal, bluish-green within some unknown bunker. On the front of the pod, there was a timer with several slots.
9 years, 4 months, 26 days, 15 hours, 38 minutes, 10 seconds.
9 seconds.
8 seconds.
7 seconds.
And within the pod, floating deep within the glowing fluid, was what appeared to be the shape of a woman, a flurry of bubbles rushing out from the mask over her face.
In the Future...
Ranch stared down at the note in her hand, an envelope from her mother and father from the past labeled "To Me, in the far-off Future & To My Wife, in the far-off Future". Holding up the envelope, it felt like the heaviest thing that Ranch had ever been asked to carry before. But, as she looked to her cousin, to Miss Bulma, and to her brand-new husband, Ranch felt as if she might be prepared to confront her mother after all of this time.
The Time Machine exited the time stream and hovered above a much less pristine Capsule Corp. Bulma looked down and sighed. "I have so much work to do..."
She adopted a content, little smile. "How tiresome~"
As the Time Machine got closer to the ground, however, all four occupants immediately realized that something was amiss. Peering through the glass dome, they saw two figures laid out on the lawn. As they got closer, they quickly realized that these two figures were people they recognized: it was Pilaf and Shu!
The dome slid open and all four travelers leapt out of the pod. Bulma checked Pilaf and Shu's pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt they were alive. Goten, meanwhile, came upon a horrifying realization of his own and cried out. "Mai!"
The teen ran up to Mai, collapsed against the wall near the Capsule Corp entrance and gave her a gentle shake. "Mai! What happened, Mai?!"
Trunks and Ranch ran up as well, watching as Goten frantically shook the injured young woman. Eventually, Mai's eyes cracked open and she looked up. "Goten...thank goodness...~"
Goten was quite worried. "Mai! Who did this to you?! Who?!"
Mai painfully gripped her side. Going by the dent, her ribs had collapsed inward. She coughed and wheezed. "M...Monster..."
All three of the trio flinched, but then they all came to the same realization at the same time. Ranch scowled. "Aw, son of a bitch..."
Goten gently helped Mai lay down. Trunks turned and called to Bulma. "Mother!"
Bulma looked up and watched as her three kids all went Super Saiyan. Trunks spoke again. "Do not come into Capsule Corp until we come and get you!"
And then, without another word, the three young warriors drew their weapons and ran into Capsule Corp.
It was a straight shot through the building and into the atrium, and the sight that met the three warriors was one that filled them with rage. The graves had been desecrated, torn asunder and tossed aside with careless abandon. On Gohan's grave, there was a single spot of blood.
Ranch, holding the pistol that Past 17 had given her, knelt down next to the grave and picked up a single tooth. She held the little morsel between her fingers and got a pretty clear picture of what had happened. A certain monster had come in and tossed Launch into Gohan's gravestone, knocking out one of her teeth.
Meanwhile, watching from above, hellish pupils stared down on the trio. In this beast's grip, Launch helplessly mewled past the three fingers rammed into her mouth. She watched, unable to intervene, as this beast raised its sharp, stinger tail and aimed it directly at Ranch's back.
On the ground, Ranch continued to stare down at the tooth. And then, without letting on that her gaze had shifted at all, Ranch stared at the shining outer finish of Past 17's pistol and nodded. "I see..."
The tail stinger thrust down and Ranch immediately turned to face it head on. She took the stinger harshly into her shoulder, feeling the syringe-like needle plunge into her shoulder joint. But the girl took it in stride. She hooked her arm around the tail, pulling it taught and making the creature above her stumble, and then she aimed her pistol high up and pointed right between the beast's eyes. "Hey Cell. Missing something~?"
Imperfect Cell's eyes went wide and Ranch fired five shots right into the monster's forehead. Cell howled in pain and released his grip on Launch. Watching her mother fall, Ranch sprang into action. First, she pulled out her knife and sliced Cell's tail stinger clean off. And then she lunged forward and caught her mother right before she hit the ground.
Cell snarled, raining down to take a strike at Ranch, only for the Power Pole to suddenly extend out in front of his face and battered him right across the beak. Cell went flying back and crashed into the wall hard enough to dent it. And then he was shoved through by a kick from a familiar, yellow boot.
Cell tumbled hard and came to a stop in front of the doors to Capsule Corp, the intense sunlight shining through serving to wreathe him in shadows of debris. These shadows, however, were quickly melted away by three towers of shimmering, golden light standing over him. Cell looked up to see a very angry-looking Trunks, Goten, and Ranch looking down upon him. He hissed. "How do you know the name Cell? I haven't told anybody that I was considering that name yet..."
Ranch nodded. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Android 22."
And then, she unloaded another shot into Cell's hand, blowing it clean off. Cell gripped his new hand stump and stumbled back. He stared at his injured tail and sneered as he thought to himself. 'If I can just grow back that stinger, I-"
A quick slash sent Cell into a screaming frenzy as a length of his tail was butchered off. Trunks continued to march forward, lopping off chunk after chunk, before planting the tip of his blade into the ground between Cell's legs. Cell yelped and Trunks leaned over his sword. "Forgive me, I just figured that you didn't need that anymore now that 17 and 18 are dead. No perfection for you, monster."
Cell shuddered. Goten stepped forward and thrust the tip of the Power Pole down, pinning Cell harshly against the floor. "But I suppose you could just kill us, right? Kill us and take the Time Machine to the past? Maybe you'll get your perfection there, eh?"
The monster gurgled. "H-How do you know all of this...?!"
Trunks yanked his sword from the ground. "That's a chapter of history that's already been written, and we have no plans to allow such events to repeat themselves. Your perfect form was a nightmare designed by a psychotic old man with a grudge. We will never allow that to come into existence again!"
Goten twisted the Power Pole. "No chance in Hell!"
Cell snarled. "Damn you..."
His claws scraped against the ground and Ranch suddenly was on edge. She looked down at Cell's stump of a tail and came to a horrific realization. He was bleeding acid all over the place. As the floor began to buckle beneath the beast, Ranch cried out. "Shit! He played us!"
The floor collapsed and Cell cackled, turning over and rapidly burrowing a hole into the ground. The trio watched in consternation as they heard Cell's laughter get farther away. Goten scowled. "Damn it! Where do you guys think he went?!"
Trunks thought for a moment, and then it all hit him at once. "No! The Time Machine! Mother!"
His power swelling, Trunks' body was wreathed in lightning and his Super Saiyan 2 power came forth. The warrior speed through the door so fast the glass shattered and he came upon an awful sight. Cell burst from the ground, his stinger at the ready, and he shot it down towards Bulma. Trunks screamed. "No!"
Thinking quickly, the boy raised his sword high into the air and then tossed it as hard as he could towards Cell. The monster cackled. "Too little, too late! I'll drink Bulma right up and then, I'll use the knowledge I glean from her to escape to the past and-"
"Baphomet Gale!"
A ki-based razor wind attack shot forward and, in an instant, Cell's arms, legs, and tail were sliced off. The monster was left stunned and in shock, having no defense as Trunks' sword pierced through his heart. The Super Saiyan 2 lunged in at Cell, grabbing the sword by the handle and running his ki through it.
Trunks swung the sword around at high speed, making his ki balloon around Cell and catching the monster ablaze. Cell screamed and Trunks shouted. "Neither the past timeline, nor this one has any need for Dr. Gero's madness any longer! Burn away, Cell!"
The boy swung his sword through the air, making sure to slice and incinerate each of the beast's limbs as well as his tail. Once those were gone, Trunks charged even more ki into his blade and then thrust it into the sky. "NOW DISAPPEAR FOR GOOD!"
The ki orb on the blade swelled, and then it shot high into the sky. Cell, forever stuck in his Imperfect form, went screaming high above the clouds before burning away entirely. The monster was doomed to an eternity in hell, with his precious Androids suffering a similar fate an entire timeline away.
Trunks breathed a sigh of relief and placed his blade back into the scabbard. He allowed his Super Saiyan 2 form to disperse and smiled over to his mother. "It's all over, Mom. They're all gone."
Bulma, too, breathed a sigh of relief. "Hallelujah for that..."
Goten, Ranch, and Launch ran up, all relieved to see that both Trunks and Bulma were okay. Goten cried out. "Holy crap, Trunks! That was so cool! What kind of wind attack was that?!"
Trunks looked confused, standing there with a stunned look on his face as Pilaf and Shu both slowly got to their feet, and as Mai came limping up. He shrugged. "I...I don't know, I thought one of the two of you shot out that attack..."
Ranch shook her head. "Not me."
Goten shrugged. "Me neither."
Trunks cocked his head. "Wait a minute. Then who-"
"That would be me."
Trunks, Goten, Ranch, and Bulma all shuddered at what was a distressingly familiar voice. Not one of the four of them wanted to turn and confirm the source. Pilaf gasped. "Whoa! Look at the size of the muscles on that one!"
Shu gasped. "He looks like he could tear down a building barehanded!"
Mai was taken aback. "And look at that afro! My word!"
Launch was stunned, not sure of how to react. So slowly, creaking like a rusty hinge, the four time travelers turned around to meet the face of their mysterious helper. And, very quickly, they were all flabbergasted to see that their worst suspicions were indeed true. A burly man stood before them, his hairy chest and massive afro billowing in the wind. He was an older guy, but with an impressive moustache. He was wearing a much different outfit, a pair of bright red pants and a bright red handband, but it was clear who this man was. All four of the time travelers cried out in unison. "YOU'RE THAT MR. SATAN GUY!"
The man let loose a tired sigh. "I haven't been called that in years."
He looked towards the group with gentle eyes. "Look...I don't know how you know me, but I'm not here to make trouble. I spent the past ten years workin' myself to the bone, tryin' to get strong enough to kill those monster's that took my wife and daughter from me..."
The man closed his eyes. "And then, once I master the techniques of my former dojo and train to the point where I think I'm strong enough...I come back to find that both of them have been defeated, and apparently even killed off, by some relative unknowns. Which...I guess that isn't to say I'm bitter or upset, just..."
He sighed. "My name is Mark, and the one thing I've been living for this past decade is gone. So, if nothing else...may I please request a spar with the fella who avenged my family?"
A long, pregnant pause. And then, Trunks finally spoke. "Oh...oh boy..."
Finally, Bulma stepped up. "Okay, okay. We all apparently have a lot to discuss, so why don't we head inside and I'll brew us some tea to drink. Okay?"
She looked over to the burly fighter. "What do you say, uh, Mark?"
He nodded. "I would be honored to share a cup of tea with you guys."
And so, with Cell defeated, the group began to head inside. Trunks and Bulma lead the way, followed by Mark, followed by Pilaf and Shu and Mai nervously trying to hold Goten's hand. And soon, the only two people left outside were Ranch and Launch. The two of them looked towards one another and there was another long silence. Eventually, Launch spoke for what was probably the first time in years. "You...you saved me. Thank you...Ranch...?"
Ranch didn't speak. Launch frowned. "I... watching you turn to fight that monster and seeing how...how big you've become...all of the time I've let slip away due to my own mistakes and failures. I... I've lost so much that I could have had with you..."
Launch gripped her fists, all of the guilt seemingly hitting her all at once. "I've been a terrible mother to you, haven't I Ranch...?"
Slowly Ranch stepped forward. She didn't say a word, she simply wrapped her arm around her mother and pulled her close to her chest. "Mom...we can't keep living in the past. We'll never have any sort of life unless we move forward. I... I got to meet Dad in the past and, well..."
Ranch's lip quivered. "You know that a guy like him, who loves us both so much, wouldn't want you living in constant grief like this...right?"
Launch tried to speak. "I-"
Ranch spoke again. "And neither would Gohan! No matter what hurtful thing you said to him, Gohan wouldn't want you to live a miserable life like this! He wouldn't, Mom!"
Launch bit her lower lip, pressing her face into her daughter's chest. "R-Ranch, I..."
Ranch sighed. "We just need to live on, Mom. The Androids are gone. The sun is shining. It's...it's a brighter tomorrow that we have to look forward to, ya know?"
Silently, Launch nodded. The tears streamed down her face and she wiped them on her sleeve. And then, Ranch held out the envelope. "But, here. One last memento from the past. Past Mom...and Past Dad...they had some things they wanted to say to you...for you to read in your own time, okay?"
Launch's cheeks burned bright red as she clenched the envelope. Tears welled in her eyes and streamed down at she read the writing on the letter, recognizing it as both her own...and as his. Ranch began to walk towards the entrance to Capsule Corp. "Take all the time you need...but make sure you come in for tea, okay? It's been a while since we sat at the table together...and I miss it..."
Once Ranch disappeared into Capsule Corp, Launch pulled the envelope close. She held it under her nose and took a deep breath, recognizing the scent of her husband after so long. Her fingers gripped tightly around the envelope and she whispered to herself. "Raditz..."
But, as she went to open the letter, Launch suddenly paused. She looked towards the door and saw the silhouette of her daughter rounding the corner. The woman pulled her finger out of the envelope and slid it into her pocket. And then she looked up to the shining sun in the sky. "A brighter tomorrow, eh...?"
As the sun shined down, Launch adopted a small smile. "My beautiful Ranch...I..."
She sighed. "I promise I'll be better..."
And then, Launch looked forward and marched into Capsule Corp, truly ready to move on.
Hovering above Capsule Corp...
High above the familiar, yellow-domed building, a single being spoke into a stone ring wrapped around his index finger. "Gabriel Squad – Bishop 24-08S reporting in. Incursion Protocol is proceeding on schedule. Planet Namek has been eradicated, but only after making sure that every Namekian in this reality was extinguished. Furthermore, Planet Earth has been sufficiently anchored for arrival. I will remain on standby until the Incursion begins."
The stone ring let loose a low hum. In response, the green-skinned man smirked. He brushed his pristine, white mohawk out of his face and stared down at the ring on his finger with cold, gray eyes. "Oh yes, I nearly forgot. May his lordship, the Alpha, forgive me. This...is another Trunks timeline~"
