(Guest: Good story so far, would you consider having Goku and Gohan grow their tails back? I feel that the saiyans tails has been a very underrated aspect of them, considering it's what made them stand out before the Super Saiyan was thought of. Maybe before becoming a Super Saiyan, Goku with his tail can learn to control the Oozaru form or channel it through Saiyan Wrath state/IkarI like Broly did in the Dragon Ball Super Broly movie.)
That's an interesting suggestion, but I'm not sure what would motivate them to do this.
Goku floated back to the ground gasping for breath. Gohan was also struggling to breath. They'd put all their energy into those Kamehameha's, and they were exhausted. Piccolo on the other hand knew he had just enough energy for one more Special Beam Cannon. A part of him wondered if he should just kill them both right there and then, but he also knew there'd be no sport in beating them now. If he was going to kill Goku he wanted it to happen when they were both at their best. Also, he was a little concerned by all the power Gohan showed when angered and had a feeling it was best he didn't push his luck. Goku was safe from Piccolo's wrath, for now. He instead decided to give credit where it was due.
"Good work Goku, you made sure he was distracted enough so I could finish him," said Piccolo. "As much as I hate to say it, we make a pretty good team."
"Yeah, it's kinda funny when you think about it that way," laughed Goku.
Piccolo then looked at Gohan.
"You've also got quite a strong kid there. He might be the one I have to worry about the next time I try to take over the world," said Piccolo.
"If you touch my parents you'll regret it," said Gohan.
"If you say so," said Piccolo.
Suddenly they heard a cough. Raditz was still alive, but only just. He would die soon.
"How? How could I be defeated by such weaklings?" coughed Raditz.
Piccolo walked over to the dying Saiyan.
"You underestimated your opponent and got cocky. That's a mistake you won't live to regret," said Piccolo.
"You also underestimated the power of teamwork. Even worst enemies can be a powerful team when they work together," said Goku joining them.
"Goku, it's already sickening enough that I had to team up with you. Don't push your luck or I might end you right now," said Piccolo.
"You say that, but we both know that would be pointless," said Goku.
"Hmph, fair enough. If I killed you right now you wouldn't be dead for very long," said Piccolo.
"What are you talking about? You're acting as if death has no meaning on this planet," said Raditz.
"It does, but even if you had managed to kill Goku I predict his friends would've made sure he was brought back to life within a week," said Piccolo.
"What, but how?" asked Raditz.
"On this planet we have something called the Dragon Balls. When all seven of them are gathered together, they have the ability to grant any wish, which includes reviving the dead," stated Piccolo. "So even if you had killed Goku your efforts would've been in vain."
"No, it's your efforts that will be in vain," said Raditz. "You see this device on my face, it's also a transmitter and my Saiyan comrades have heard everything you just said."
"What?" asked Goku.
"There are more of you?" asked Gohan.
"Yes two more. And now that I've been defeated there's no doubt in my mind that they'll come and destroy every living thing on this planet. And if you think I'm strong you won't stand a chance against them, because… they're much stronger than me," said Raditz.
"Stronger? But it took everything we had just to defeat you," said Piccolo.
"Exactly, this victory means nothing. In one year, you'll all be dead," stated Raditz.
"One year?" asked Gohan.
"That's how long it will take them to get here. And when they do, you're finished. I just hope they revive me with those Dragon Balls so I can help them eliminate you and everyone on this planet," laughed Raditz.
Enraged that Raditz had had the last laugh, Piccolo decided to end him right then and there. With one more attack Raditz was dead.
"Well, now what do we do?" asked Goku.
"Isn't it obvious. We train harder than we've ever trained before. It's the only way we can get strong enough to beat them," stated Piccolo.
"You're going to keep fighting with us?" asked Goku.
"Aren't you Dad's enemy?" asked Gohan.
"Right now, it doesn't look like I have any choice but to help fight these invaders. I can't rule a world if all life as been eliminated," said Piccolo. "Besides, we're going to need as much power as possible to defeat them, especially if they're stronger than this guy."
"But how can we possibly get strong enough to defeat them in just one year?" asked Goku.
"How am I supposed to know? Go ask Kami. Maybe he can help you," grunted Piccolo, picking up his cape and turban and putting them on.
Piccolo's super powerful ears then heard something flying towards them. He looked to the sky, as did Goku and Gohan. A small aircraft was flying towards them, and they could all sense that Bulma, Master Roshi and Krillin were on board.
"Well Goku, I guess our alliance continues for the next year. I'll be to busy training to worry about taking over the planet. So, for the next year the planet is safe, even from me," said Piccolo.
"Wait," said Goku. "Why don't you come with us? Maybe we can figure out a way to get stronger together."
"No thanks," said Piccolo. "Teaming up with you was sickening enough. There's no way I'm going to train with you for the next year. I'll follow my own path and find my own way to get stronger."
At that moment, the aircraft landed and everyone on board stepped out. Everyone was overjoyed to see they were ok. Bulma was particularly happy to see that her son and husband were still alive.
"MUM," yelled Gohan running into his mother's arms.
"Oh Gohan, I'm so glad you're ok," said Bulma embracing her son.
Piccolo didn't care for all this mushy stuff, so he decided to leave.
"I'll let you tell them about the upcoming battle. I'll see you in a year," said Piccolo, before using his unusual abilities to regrow the arm he had lost in battle.
Piccolo took off to start his training, leaving Goku alone with his friends and family.
"Upcoming battle? Goku what's he talking about?" asked Krillin.
"This battle isn't over," said Goku.
"What do you mean?" asked Bulma.
"Turns out this guy has comrades," said Goku pointing at Raditz. "And he used that device on his face to tell them what happened. He also told them about the Dragon Balls."
"I'm guessing they're going to come so they can have their own wish," stated Master Roshi.
"Yeah, but that's not the worst part," said Gohan.
"Apparently, they're way stronger than him," stated Goku.
"What? Stronger?" asked Krillin terrified. "How on earth are we going to beat them?"
"I don't know," said Goku. "I'm going to go see Kami to see if he can help us. Maybe he'll have a way we can get strong enough."
"Doesn't look like we have any other options," said Master Roshi.
"Bulma, I'm sorry, but I'll be going away for a while," said Goku. "It won't be forever, but I'll be gone for at least a year. That's when they'll be arriving."
"That's ok Goku. Do what you need to do to protect the Earth," said Bulma.
Bulma had always known that Goku might have to go away one day, so he could train to get strong enough to protect Earth, she just wasn't expecting this day to come so soon.
"Take care of Gohan," said Goku.
"What? No, Dad, I wanna come with you," pleaded Gohan.
"Gohan what I'm about to do might be very dangerous and I need you to stay here and protect your mother," said Goku.
"But Dad, I want to help you defend the Earth and the only way I'm going to get strong enough to do that is if I come with you," said Gohan. "Besides, there are plenty of people on this planet who can protect Mum."
"I don't know son. Your Mum might get angry if you miss too much school," said Goku, remembering the agreement they had.
Bulma however felt differently.
"Goku, I think there are more important things to worry about then school right now," stated Bulma.
"You do?" asked Goku.
Although Goku never went to school, Bulma had been able to convince him the importance of Gohan having a proper education.
"Goku there are two super powered maniacs flying towards the planet hoping to kill us all. Do you really think I care about Gohan's education when there might not even be a planet for him to have an education?" asked Bulma.
"Well, when you put it that way," said Goku.
"Besides, as you already said, Gohan's already skipped a grade, so it'll hardly matter if he misses a year, because he can just pick up where he left off," stated Bulma.
"So, you're ok with him going away for a year to train?" asked Goku.
"Yes, but before he does, I want you to promise me something," said Bulma.
"What?" asked Goku.
"Look after our son, bring him back safely and promise me you'll do everything you can to protect him," stated Bulma.
"Bulma I promise you, I'll protect our son," said Goku.
"Ok Goku, I'll see you in a year," said Bulma.
Goku turned to his son.
"You ready to go?" asked Goku.
"Yeah, let's get in as much training as we possibly can," said Gohan.
"Alright," said Goku. "NIMBUS."
The magic cloud appeared before them. Goku and Gohan hopped abord and took off towards Kami's lookout.
"Be safe," said Bulma as she watched Goku and Gohan disappear into the horizon.
The journey to Kami's lookout was a quick one. Gohan had heard of Kami's Lookout from his father, but he'd never actually been. Despite knowing about the lookout, Gohan was still surprised when they got there.
"Woah you weren't kidding, it really does float," stated Gohan, as they approached the lookout.
"Yup, I spent three years training here as a kid," said Goku.
"Is it true that Kami and Piccolo are two halves of one being and that if one of them dies so does the other?" asked Gohan.
"Yup," said Goku.
"Well, that would explain why you haven't killed Piccolo," said Gohan.
"There's more to it than that son. If Kami dies, the Dragon Balls will disappear. Meaning that despite how dangerous he is, it's important that Piccolo stays alive," stated Goku.
"Yeah, we can't let something as important as the Dragon Balls disappear," stated Gohan, as they descended on the top of the lookout.
When they arrived, they saw that Kami was already there waiting for them. Standing next to him was a man with very dark skin who was also wearing a turban.
"Kami, Mr Popo," said Goku, as he and Gohan jumped of the Nimbus.
"Hello Goku, we've been expecting you," said Kami.
"Then you must know why we're here?" asked Gohan.
"Indeed, I do. I watched your entire fight with that man from the lookout. I know that he's stronger than anyone we've ever seen before. I also know that he has comrades who will be arriving here in one year and who are even stronger than he was," stated Kami.
"Then will you train us, so we can be strong enough to fight the others?" asked Goku.
Kami gave a disappointed sigh before saying, "I'm sorry Goku, but I've taught you all that I can. I don't think there's anything else I could teach you that would help you become strong enough to fight the next two Saiyan's who will be arriving."
"But we gotta do something," said Goku. "We can't just let them come here and take over the planet."
"And we won't. While there's nothing more I can teach you, there might be someone who can," stated Kami.
"There is?" asked Goku. "Who?"
"Come with me and I'll tell you along the way," said Kami. "Normally, this would only be allowed if you were dead and had passed onto the next world, but hopefully they'll make an exception."
"Is it ok if I come?" asked Gohan.
"Yes, I already know that you've come to train with your father, so hopefully they'll let you both through," said Kami.
"Alright, let's go Gohan," said Goku.
"Goku," said the man known as Mr Popo.
"Yeah?"
"The journey you're about to go on is going to be more dangerous than anything you've done before. Please be careful," stated Mr Popo.
"I will Mr Popo don't worry about me," said Goku.
Using his magic, Kami transported Goku and Gohan to another realm of existence. They found themselves transported to the outside of an on oddly shaped building. The place they were at looked unlike anything they had ever seen before. There didn't appear to be any solid ground. There was one long thin path surrounded by what looked like a never-ending field of yellow clouds. The path contained what looked like a long line of smaller white clouds that were moving in an orderly fashion.
"Um Kami where are we?" asked Goku.
"The check in station," answered Kami.
"Check in station?" asked Gohan.
"This is where you go when you die," stated Kami.
"What are those?" asked Goku, pointing at the inhabitants of the path.
"The souls of deceased Earthlings," said Kami.
"Is that what we would look like if we were dead?" asked Gohan.
"Unlikely, you would've likely been granted your bodies upon dying, especially if you died protecting the Earth," said Kami.
"What're we doing here?" asked Goku.
"The first thing we must do is talk to the man in charge. An ogre by the name of King Yemma. He's the one you need to get permission from to cross Snake Way. If the permission is granted and you make the journey, you may just be able to get training from King Kai," stated Kami.
"Who's King Kai?" asked Gohan.
"The only person who can give you the training you need to fight the Saiyan's," stated Kami.
They followed Kami inside to find a ginormous man with red skin and a big black beard dressed in a purple suit sitting at a massive desk.
"King Yemma," said Kami.
The man looked at Kami, he was surprised to see him here.
"Kami? What are you doing here?" grunted King Yemma.
"I am here in the hope that you will grant these two warriors' permission to cross Snake Way so they may receive training from King Kai himself," requested Kami.
"Names?" asked King Yemma picking up a large notebook.
"I'm Goku."
"Gohan."
King Yemma flipped through the pages.
"I see no record of either of you dying," stated King Yemma.
"They haven't. I've brought them here, because there is a great threat heading towards the planet and the only way they'll get strong enough to defeat this threat is if they receive training from King Kai, which is why we humbly ask for your permission to allow them to cross Snake Way," said Kami.
"Hmm," said King Yemma looking through his records. "Well, Goku definitely has a service record letting him attempt to reach King Kai. And the one you call Gohan appears to have a lot of potential when it comes to being a warrior. But are you sure they're ready for such a journey?"
"Yes, I'm sure," said Kami.
"We'll do whatever it takes to defend the Earth," said Gohan.
"Gohan don't be rude," said Kami, remembering that King Yemma was easily angered.
"I like your spirit, but I warn you boy this will not be an easy journey, it'll test both your strength and your spirit," said King Yemma.
"I have nothing to worry about, especially if I have my dad by my side," said Gohan.
"Is that so?" asked King Yemma. "Very well, you may try to make the journey across Snake Way if you really want to."
"Really? Thanks," said Goku happily.
"I'll arrange for a guide for the two of you, now go wait outside," said King Yemma pointing to his right.
"Thanks," said Goku.
He and Gohan were about to head outside, but King Yemma had one more thing he needed to tell them.
"Before you go, I feel I should warn you that you need to be very careful while crossing Snake Way. If you fall off there's no coming back," stated King Yemma.
"Goku, Gohan, don't let Snake Way wear on your mind," said Kami.
"Alright. Well hopefully we'll see you in about a year," said Goku, as he and Gohan left the office and waved to Kami and King Yemma.
"Good luck Goku," thought Kami. "This is the best chance we have of defeating the Saiyan's."
Gohan and Goku were driven to Snake Way by a much smaller and scrawnier ogre. The trip had been long enough that both Goku and Gohan had been able to have a small nap by the time they got there.
"Well, here we are," said the ogre, as Goku and Gohan stirred.
They opened their eyes and saw a large stone snake head starring at them.
"This is Snake Way, the road to King Kai's place," stated the ogre. "I don't know why they put that big ugly snake head there it always gives me the goosebumps."
Goku and Gohan jumped onto the snake head and looked towards the horizon. The road seemed to stretch forever.
"How long is it?" asked Goku.
"They say it's over ten thousand miles, but no one really knows for sure," said the ogre.
"TEN THOUSAND MILES," said a shocked Goku and Gohan.
"Has anyone made it to the end?" asked Goku.
"Just one person, King Yemma. But he made that tremendous journey many, many centuries ago," stated the ogre.
"If I'd known it was gonna be this long, I would've packed a lunch or something," said Goku.
"Agreed, I'm getting hungry just thinking about how long it will take us to get to the end," said Gohan.
"Believe me you have a lot more things to worry about then food," said the ogre. "Just make sure you don't fall off Snake Way, because should you fall off there is no coming back."
"Yeah, we heard," said Goku.
"Well, I guess you're both ready to get started. I'm sure you'll be fine especially since you are making this trip together," said the Ogre. "Now if you'll excuse me, I should really be getting back to the check in station."
"Wait before you go do you know a lady named Baba?" asked Goku.
"Oh, the old fortune teller, yes of course," said the ogre.
"Great, could you give her a message for me?" asked Goku. "I want her to tell Master Roshi and the others where we are going, and we'll be back in one year. Tell her I'll owe her one."
The ogre wrote it all down in a notebook so he wouldn't forget.
"Ok I've got it," he said.
"Well, we better get started," said Goku. "You ready Gohan?
"Yeah, let's get to the end of Snake Way as quickly as possible," said Gohan.
"Thanks for all your help we really appreciate it," said Goku to the ogre before looking ahead. "Well, here we go."
Goku and Gohan took off and flew down Snake Way at top speed. Before long they had disappeared into the horizon.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I was able to have a little more fun with this, as it allowed for a little more creativity in dialogue. Please let me know what you think. All feedback is appreciated immensely, especially if it helps me improve the story. See you next time. And thanks again.