Uub flew as wind blasted into his face. He mind began to fill with worry, and he started wondering, Are the people in my village okay? Is my family alright? A feeling of longing seized him stronger than it had before. It had only been a year since the last time Uub saw them. It had been his second year of being Goku's student. A whole year since they decided to train by themselves in the Tropical Islands.
Uub flew faster until he say a speck of green, slowly growing into an island shore. He saw on a wooden fishing dock on a sandy beach, which lead to a dirt pavement. Still flying, he followed it inland until he spotted what he was looking for. A collection of huts stood under him. Smoke bellowed from the chimneys. The late afternoon air filled with the scent of delicious dinners.
There it is, Uub thought to himself. There is my home.
He flew a flew farther and landed on the farming area. Uub walked around the field, observing all the different plants he would've never imaged would grow here 3 years ago. He recognized a few plants which grew wheat and oats, bringing back memories of the first time he tasted a slice of bread he baked himself. Eventually, Uub wounded up in a part of the growing farm he had never been to before. Uub stared intently at the what looked like grains growing in deep marshy water, wondering what were they doing there.
"Uub," said a familiar voice. "Is that you over there?"
He turned back and saw a young preteen boy with a dark complexion in a safari hat. The kid's face lit up as he saw his older brother for the first time in a year.
"Kamalo!" Uub went and embraced him. He felt at peace, knowing at least one of his younger siblings was there for him. Just seeing his brother assured him the rest of his family was fine.
Uub stopped hugging him. "Looks like you've grown a bit. Must be all the good food coming in here." he pointed at the mysterious grain. "Hey Kamalo, what is growing over there?"
"You'll never believe what it is," his younger brother smiled in glee. "It's rice! The type that city folk eat!"
This intrigued Uub. He had eaten normal rice, normal for him at least, but he only had city rice when Goku would take him to eat at a restaurant or his house. He liked it so much he ate 3 bowls, although it paled in comparison to the amount Goku ate. Uub had assumed similar rice was a luxury item. He thought something only city people could produce. But here, in his own village, he saw it growing in large quantities. He didn't feel hungry, though. The senzu bean had kept him filled.
"Wow all this talk about rice has made me realize something: I'm starving," said Kamalo. "Uub, can you come to our house to eat?"
Uub smiled at him. The idea of going back to his home and seeing the rest of his family made him almost overjoyed.
"Sure," he said. "Let's go."
Dende stood on his Lookout, watching all lifeforms go about their daily lives. A younger version of himself would've never thought being a god would be so peaceful. Having done a wide scan of the planet, Dende decided to hone in on a particular person; Son Goku. It wasn't hard for a being like him. Even with Goku suppressing his power, Dende could sense him as long as the Saiyan was on planet Earth. He located him down to a single house in the city; Son Gohan's residence. Dende's vision showed him the lively picture of a large and lively dinner. Many people whom Dende was familiar with were there.
Dende had little trouble recognizing all of them. Of course there was Son Goku himself and his wife Chi-Chi, whose hair had turned white with age. He recognized their eldest child Son Gohan, wearing his glasses. His side of the family, including his wife, Videl. She had gained a few wrinkles and styled her hair with a small ponytail. Their child Pan, who's hair had grown the last time Dende had checked up on her; and her other grandfather, Mr. Satan. A few of Goku's friends were also there, such as Krillin, whose hair was also graying; his wife Android 18; their child Maron.
Bulma's family was their as well. This included the woman herself, whose hair was in a chignon. Her daughter Bulla was also there, who had put her hair into a braid; and Vegeta, who's jet black hair had aged into a dark gray, now sporting a mustache. Dende did notice a few people were missing. Most notably Piccolo, Goten, and Trunks were not there. Of course, Dende knew they had other things to do. A majority of were talking and catching up to each other. But Goku was an exemption. He's busy scarfing down a large meal of meat and rice. Dende turned his view towards Vegeta. He was surprisingly eating his meal slowly. Dende gathered aging had taken a toll on Vegeta's metabolism.
The Namekian enjoyed checking up on his friends from the Lookout. A part of him wished he were there with them. But alas, he was the guardian of Earth; he couldn't just leave the Lookout whenever he pleased. Dende sighed. Even so, he still needed some interaction. Dende concentrated on a specific ki. Dende's vision led him to someone who reminded him of his home planet. He was a fellow Namekian, having green skin and pointed ears, but was taller than him. He wore a white turban and cape with a purple gi. This Namekian was sitting on a rock in a lush forest, deep in meditation.
Hey, Piccolo! Dende communicated telepathically.
Ah, Dende, his fellow Namekian responded. How's life on the Lookout?
Oh, I'm doing fine.
Good, Piccolo answered. Not to be rude, but I want you to stop communicating with me right now. You've interrupted my image training.
Actually, Dende started, I have something I want to ask you. Or more specifically, I have something I want to ask Kami.
Kami? said Piccolo. Well that's interesting. Very well then, spit it out.
Well, I was wondering if you could-
A strange ki interrupted Dende as it crashed down into the planet. It filled his mind with a brief sense of dread and disappeared as briefly as it entered.
"Piccolo," Dende said startled, now communicating with him out loud. "Did you sense that?"
"I-I did," said Piccolo. Dende could hear the panic in his voice. "I could barely sense a thing, not even its power!"
"Piccolo." Dende said, trying to calm himself.
"What is it?"
"I want you to check it out. We must know how much of a threat this is. If things go wrong, I will contact Goku for assistance, got it?"
"Grrrhhh, right. It shouldn't be far from where I am now."Piccolo flew off to where he had sensed the ki earlier. He thought to himself, I'm still a little worried. I hope its nothing too bad. At least I won't be the one to interrupt Goku's dinner. Piccolo continued to coast through the sky.
"Damn it," said Dende. There's so much I don't know? Where did that energy come from, and why is it here? Dende let out a sigh. I guess all I have to do now is just watch Piccolo and his findings. Little did Dende know this