The Z-Fighters were using their abilities to clean up the mess left behind by the fight to the best of their abilities. They had either used their ki blasts carefully to sooth sidewalks or get rid of debris, or moved things around to keep things somewhat neat.
"Think this is about all we can do," Yamcha said. "The damage is way to intense to fix ourselves."
"Yeah, I do feel a bit sorry for the people living in this city," Goku said. "There were probably a few that didn't make it out alive."
"Can't believe that even happened," Krillin said. "Those pirates came out of nowhere. Who exactly were they and what did they want?"
"Bojack and his crew were just looking to cause some trouble, and maybe find some treasured goods in the process," Cabba said. "From what The Supreme Kai of Time told me, they come from a time where right after Gohan defeated Cell, Bojack escaped from a seal that was broken when Cell destroyed the planet housing the North Kai of Universe Seven."
"So they're definitely not from this timeline," Gohan said. "Does that mean Bojack could come back if the seal is broken in this timeline?"
"Possibly," Cabba said. "Better keep an eye on your North Kai's planet."
"Alright, that's good to know, the only thing to do now is to fix all the damage caused by Bojack and his crew," Gohan said. "We might need the Dragon Balls for that."
"Good idea, it can fix the damage faster and revive anyone who was probably killed when the buildings were destroyed," Goku said.
"Before any of that, we still have something else to address," Seventeen said, then gestured over to Zangya. "What do we do about her?"
"I say we kill her," Eighteen chimed in, much to everyone's appalment.
"Eighteen that's kind of harsh," Gohan said. "Besides dad and I just risked our lives trying to save her!"
"Why would you even do that anyway?" Eighteen asked. "She's a space pirate, she helped cause all this damage, why save someone like that in the first place?"
"She was betrayed by her leader, I kind of felt bad for her," Gohan said. "Besides, it wouldn't be the first time we saved someone who basically destroyed things for a living, I mean dad convinced Krillin to spare Vegeta's life many years ago, that's why he's living on Earth with us."
"Not your best example," Seventeen said. "Vegeta isn't exactly that great of a guy."
"Not in this timeline yet, but he gets better in the future, just ask Cabba" Gohan said.
"I can vouch for Master Vegeta," Cabba said. "I don't know too much about his past however, I have the resources but I would feel guilty looking through his personal life without him knowing. But I did hear he used to be a pretty bad person, he showed he was capable of being ruthless during my match with him in the Universe 6 vs Universe 7 Tournament, but I also know that he's much kinder now, he clearly went through some kind of change."
"I just wish I knew what it was that caused him to change, I hope I didn't mess anything up," Gohan said, then turned to his future daughter. "Have any ideas Pan?"
"I think so," Pan said. "Bulla heard from Trunks and her mom that Vegeta started to change a little after the Cell Games, when Grandpa Goku died sacrificing himself and also seeing his future Trunks die during the battle. Then later after the big fight against Majin Buu, they said something changed in Vegeta after that, like he became more appreciative of his friends and family."
Gohan seemed a bit concerned hearing that, "That might be tough then. Cell and Buu were both destroyed and Vegeta hasn't changed much, I mean he seems a little less grumpy lately but I'm worried that something will spark in him and make him go back to being the ruthless warrior he once was."
Cabba turned to Goku, "Say, what do you make of this Goku? I mean you spared Master Vegeta, so you must have seen some good in him."
"Papa told me you spared Vegeta in an attempt to teach him how to be merciful, do you think that worked?" Pan asked.
Goku scratched his head in confusion, "Uh, I didn't spare Vegeta because I thought he could turn good, and I didn't do it to teach him mercy, I only wanted him alive so I can fight him again."
Pan and Cabba exchanged a glance, turning back to Goku with the same confused expression, "Huh?"
"Vegeta was the strongest person that I fought at the time, I wanted to fight him again, so I told Krillin to spare his life so I can get that rematch," Goku said. "It was risky sure, but he was beaten up pretty badly so I figured by the time he healed up, I would to and we can fight each other again."
"It was risky!" Seventeen said. "Suppose he went around destroying planets! Or he just decided to blow up the Earth!"
"I doubt he would to that, he has too much honor to do something that cheap," Goku insisted. "At least everything turned out fine, I even got a good fight with Frieza out of it."
Eighteen shook her head in shame, "You really are something else Goku. I'm surprised you're even alive right now."
"Well of course I'm alive, we have the Dragon Balls after all," Goku said. "Speaking of which, we should get started on our Dragon Ball Quest."
"Luminate our path then, great savior," Seventeen said in a mocking tone.
"Alright here's the plan," Goku said. "Gohan, you go help that girl, I'm gonna head on over to Capsule Corp and borrow the Dragon Radar from Bulma. Everyone else can help Gohan."
"I'd be more than happy to help Gohan with that girl," Yamcha said, slicking his hair back. "In any way I can."
"Yamcha, I don't think now's the best time to pick up girls," Gohan said.
"Oh Gohan, you sweet, naïve boy," Yamcha said, patting the young warrior on the head, much to his mild annoyance. "When you get older, you'll soon discover that it's always the best time to pick up girls."
Eighteen rolled her eyes in annoyance, "This guy I swear."
"Aw, jealous Eigheen?" Yamcha asked, smirking at The Android. "You know I'm always available if you're ever interested."
"In your dreams," Eighteen said, then turned her attention to Gohan. "Look I'm gonna help your father look for the Dragon Balls."
"Oh, wanna join the fun Eighteen?" Goku asked.
"Yeah I wouldn't call spending an extended amount of time with you fun, but I'll take a wacky adventure searching for magic orbs with you over being near that puffy hair bitch," Eighteen said, gesturing to to Zangya, who was dusting herself off, muttering some things.
"Uh, makes sense, I think," Goku said.
"Don't think, you'll hurt your brain," Eighteen said, then turned to Gohan. "I'll be back later."
"Alright, be careful out there," Gohan said.
"Come on, I doubt there's anything on Earth that can pose a threat to me," Eighteen said, flying off with Goku.
"Bye son! Bye everyone!" Goku said, flying off with Eighteen.
"Well that's being taken care of, now for that girl over there," Gohan said. "Let's go check on her, and no asking her out!"
"Lame," Yamcha said.
"Kind of hoping I could myself," Krillin added.
"Please that girl's way out of your league baldy," Seventeen said, much to Krillin's annoyance.
"Be nice Seventeen, Krillin's a really nice guy, he could get a girl if he wanted to," Gohan said. "Let's just focus on the task at hand."
"We'll stand by just in case she tries something funny," Piccolo said.
"Let us know if you need assistance, we'll be there in a flash," Tien assured.
"Thanks, but I think we got it under control," Gohan said, walking over with everyone else.
"Thanks Piccolo, you too Tien," Gohan turned his attention to Cabba and Pan, "You're both ok with this right?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Cabba said. "As long as she doesn't do anything dangerous we'll leave this part to you."
"Just try to be careful around her," Pan said. "Though I doubt she'll get past you."
Gohan did an 'ok' symbol with his hands as he walked toward Zangya, the Hera taking note of her oncoming visitors. She quickly stood and got into a defensive position.
"Back off, I'll take you all on at once if I have to!" Zangya warned.
"Hey, take it easy, no one wants to fight," Gohan said, cautiously approaching with his hands in the air. "We just want to talk this out."
"What's there to talk about?" Zangya asked, still maintaining her defensive position.
"Well you can start with what you were trying to tell us before," Gohan said. "How you got here and all."
"I told you all I knew, some duo in red gave me this opportunity," Zangya said.
"She must mean Mira and Towa," Cabba concluded. "The Supreme Kai of Time has been after them for quite some time."
"Who are they exactly?" Gohan asked.
"They're two creatures from the Demon Realm, located somewhere in Hell," Cabba stated. "Their goal is to travel to different parts of the many timelines to steal energy from fighters."
"Towa is the sister of the Demon King Dabura, Mira is her creation and she's been trying to make him super powerful," Pan added.
"Towa steals the energy from the warriors and transfers their abilities onto Mira to make him the ultimate fighting weapon," Cabba explained.
"She won't stop until Mira is the strongest warrior in all the timelines," Pan finished.
"So, this guy Mira, he's almost like Cell and Majin Buu then," Gohan said.
"In a way, yes," Pan said. "Cell was a warrior who used the abilities of other fighters, Buu required their energy to gain power, so he is a Cell and Buu type of hybrid."
"Mira does have cells of creatures like Saiyans, along with Namekians, Earthlings, even whatever race Frieza and Frost are," Cabba said.
"I think they're called Arcosians," Pan said.
"I thought so too, until Supreme Kai of Time said they weren't and that she doesn't know how that misunderstanding came to be," Cabba said. "But they get the point about Mira and Towa."
"Yeah, two beings affecting the timeline stream, just like Fu," Gohan said.
"Well it make sense, they're Fu's parents," Cabba explained, to Gohan's surprise.
"Wait, his parents?" Gohan asked.
"Didn't you say that that Towa girl created Mira?" Seventeen asked. "Wouldn't that make her like his mother or something?"
"Uh...well not really," Cabba said. "I mean, does a creation really count?"
"Well it could, I mean when Doctor Myuu created Baby, he did speak like if it was his own child," Pan said. "So a creation can almost be like a child."
"Um, mind if we move on before this topic gets too weird?" Gohan said. "How often do those two affect the timelines?"
"Pretty often, they might come by here soon, especially to find the boy who helped take down their son," Cabba said.
"Great, so now I'm gonna have two demon tribe warriors on my tail," Gohan said, then looked to his own tail. "No pun intended."
"Oh I forgot you even had a tail," Pan said. "Is it still giving you trouble?"
"Not anymore, thanks to some special training I've received from Zamasu," Gohan said. "He couldn't remove it but he at least helped me get used to it, so it won't hurt if you grab it."
"Real bummer too, that was one of my favorite things about Gohan having a tail," Seventeen said, to Gohan's mild annoyance.
"Is he really trustworthy Gohan?" Piccolo asked. "I know you said this Zamasu isn't evil but I still have an uneasy feeling about him."
"Hey you trust Seventeen and Eighteen despite them being evil in another timeline, don't you?" Gohan asked.
Piccolo shrugged in acceptance, "You make a good point, granted it took me a while to actually trust them."
"Hey they're good in more timelines than they're evil," Pan said. "That's a plus."
"I have no idea what you're all going on about, but if you're done then I'm going to make my exit," Zangya said, about to step away when Tien and Yamcha stepped in front.
"You're not going anywhere just yet," Tien warned.
"Yeah, we're not gonna let you wreck any more cities," Yamcha said.
"Yeah, you're coming with us," Cabba said, walking over with Pan. "Me and my partner are taking you back to the Time Nest!"
"Like hell I'm going," Zangya said, getting into a defensive mode. "You two would be smart to stay the hell back!"
"Don't make this difficult, it won't end well for you," Cabba warned.
"Yeah, you're outnumbered," Pan pointed out.
"You're choice lady, you go with them quietly," Seventeen began, then aimed his palm at Zangya, charging up some energy. "Or we kill you on the spot."
Zangya focused her defense toward Seventeen, ready to take him out if she needed to. The problem was she was completely surrounded, even if she took out Seventeen there was everyone else to worry about.
"Please, we don't want anymore unneeded fighting," Gohan said. "If you try escaping, we're gonna have to use force, you have nowhere to run, but if you stay then maybe we can actually help you out. We're not your enemies right now, just people willing to lend a hand."
Zangya hated to admit it, but she did agree with Gohan, if she tried escaping they would track her down. "Fine, I won't escape."
"Of course you won't," A new voice said. Everyone turned their attention to the Supreme Kai of Time. "You have no way after all."
"Supreme Kai of Time!" Cabba said, bowing to the Goddess. "We've stopped the Space Pirates."
"Yes, you did a great job too, I commend both of you," Supreme Kai of Time said.
"Don't forget us, we helped," Seventeen added. "Technically those two didn't show up until the end."
"Well from the looks of things, if Cabba and Pan hadn't arrived, you'd all probably be dead," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Bojack was much stronger than he normally is, thanks to Mira and Towa. That and it looks like a few cheap shots were too much for all of you."
"Hey next time keep your crap under control and none of this would happen," Seventeen said.
"Remember, I can make you all disappear in a snap of my fingers!" Supreme Kai of Time warned. "Be happy I haven't done so, this timeline is already chaotic."
"And we really appreciate that," Gohan assured.
"You better," Supreme Kai of Time said. She then turned to Krillin, "I still think you should try talking to Eighteen soon Krillin, it might work out."
"Huh?" Krillin said. "What might work out."
"The proper future," Supreme Kai of Time explained, generating more confusion.
"More like ensuring something that never made sense," Seventeen muttered. Even Gohan looked a little displeased by Supreme Kai of Time's words.
Supreme Kai of Time then opened a portal, before turning to the young half-Saiyan boy. "Gohan, I want to see you later on, I'll be sending someone to get you."
"Huh? What do you need with me?" Gohan asked.
"You'll see soon enough," Supreme Kai of Time said, then walked through the portal with Cabba and Pan leading Zangya through as well, not before bidding their farewell to the young boy.
"See you later Gohan," Cabba said.
"Bye Gohan," Pan said.
The portal closed, leaving Gohan confused by the Kai's message. "What could she want with me? Is she gonna make me a Time Patroller too?"
"Hey at least you get to spend extra time with your daughter," Seventeen joked.
"I still can't believe that girl is suppose to be Gohan's daughter," Yamcha said. "But I can see the resemblance."
"Yeah, especially the eyes," Krillin said. "Reminds me of Goku's too."
"Speaking of Goku, how long do you think it'll take for him to gather the Dragon Balls?" Seventeen asked.
"Not too long, especially with Bulma's radar," Gohan said. "And with Eighteen making sure he stays on track."
"Oh yeah, my sister's specialty, keeping someone in line," Seventeen said, looking off into the distance. "I'd worry that my sister would drive Goku crazy, but I have a feeling it could be the other way around."
"You two haven't felt a need to act on your programming lately, have you?" Tien asked.
"Don't worry, my free will trumps over some silly programming," Seventeen assured. "Besides Goku's a cool guy, I would never off him, and Eighteen wouldn't either. She won't admit it but she's fond of Goku as well."
"Good, that's settled, but there's one other thing I'd like to know," Yamcha said, then turned to Gohan. "So, who's the girl you're supposed to be with that produced such an adorable kid?"
Gohan blushed at Yamcha's sudden question, "Uh...just some girl."
"Something tells me you know, and I intend to find out," Yamcha said. "After all, I gotta make sure my little dude's all hooked with his lady. If anything we can fnd her sooner than later, put the moves on her now."
"You know I'm eleven right?" Gohan asked.
"Honestly you look more like a teen," Yamcha said. "Weird since when Goku was an actual teenager he still looked like a kid."
"Maybe he's an early bloomer," Krillin said. "Maybe some Saiyans even differently and Gohan peaked at an early age, lucky him."
"Still, I'm not ready to put 'moves' on a girl," Gohan said. Of course this wasn't true, he and Eighteen do have a relationship, they just keep it a secret from the others.
"Alright Yamcha, we know you're trying to help but maybe lay off Gohan for a bit, he really isn't ready for that, he needs to get past his dorky phase," Seventeen suggested. He's one of the few that know of Gohan's crush on Eighteen, even if he's somewhat oblivious to just how serious their relationship is.
"Thanks Seventeen," Gohan said, then realizing something. "Also, I'm not dorky!"
"Either way, if there isn't much left to do here, we should get you back home, your mom's probably worried," Seventeen said.
"Oh yeah, I haven't seen her in a while," Gohan said. "Alright, let's swing by then."
The two ascended into the air, bidding their farewell to the other X-Fighters.
"We'll take it from here," Krillin said. "See you later Gohan."
"Also let us know what that chick wanted with you," Yamcha said.
"That 'chick' is a Goddess of Time, address her with a little more class will you?" Piccolo condescendingly said. He turned his attention to Gohan. "But to Yamcha's point, we would appreciate being kept in the loop, whatever this girl wants it might be important."
"I'll keep you up to speed," Gohan assured, then flew off with Seventeen.
"Amazing what Gohan goes through at such a young age, just like his dad," Yamcha said.
"Difference is that Gohan tends to think a bit more rationally," Tien said. "Also unlike Goku, he doesn't seem quick to get into a fight. He does prefer a more pacifist approach."
"Gohan has always been like that, he's smart and level headed, that's good, but on occasion he can be too soft, nearly cost him his life just now," Piccolo said.
"Hey you can't blame Gohan for saving that girl, she needed help," Krillin said. "Even Goku risked himself to save her."
"He still let his guard down, he seems more concerned with others around him rather than the fight itself," Piccolo said. "Anyone in a fight should be expected to take care of themselves and not expect someone else to watch over them. I know Gohan is a caring boy but he also needs to protect his own well being, if he can't keep himself safe, he won't be able to keep anyone safe."
Piccolo looked to the distance as Gohan and Seventeen flew off, hoping that whatever the Supreme Kai of Time needed, it would be something the young boy could handle. But he had faith in Gohan, as he should.
Gohan and Seventeen weren't alone however, as sometime after they flew off, they were joined by Zamasu, the God keeping the two company for the moment.
"Hey, Master Zamasu, did you get a good look at the battle?" Gohan asked.
"Yes, I did, I must say I am impressed with your strength and skill," Zamasu praised. However that's where the praise ended, "But you still had a moment of lost focus, when you were so worried about saving that girl you neglected the enemy before you. If those other two hadn't arrived, that battle might have ended up differently."
"Yeah, good point," Gohan said. "I should have been more careful."
"Hey you can't completely fault Gohan, someone had to keep that girl safe," Seventeen said. "Even if she probably didn't deserve it."
"I do find it rather curious that you would help her given that she attempted to eradicate you and your friends," Zamasu said. "I know you're good natured but you can't be that naive."
"I felt sorry for her, she was betrayed by her friend," Gohan said. "It just felt like the proper thing to do."
"Well, it worked out at least, I know where you still need training, but I at least see what you were able to improve on," Zamasu said. "So you intend to go find your mother for the time being?"
"Yeah, wanna come over?" Gohan asked. "She probably wouldn't mind meeting you, she might even make you a nice meal."
"Perhaps another time, I do need to check back with Lord Shin, I have a quadrant to look over, I cannot neglect my duties," Zamasu said. "Maybe another time."
"Oh, alright," Gohan said.
"Also, I know that Kai wanted to meet with you later, but you have no idea what she could want, correct?" Zamasu asked.
"Not at all," Gohan said. "I'm surprised she even wants to see me, she was pretty mad at me the last time we met, even now she still looks at me like I'm a burden."
"She just needs to get to know you better, some Gods do look down upon mortals, sometimes for good reason," Zamasu said. "But you are one of the better mortals, so in time she'll come to appreciate that."
"Thank you sir," Gohan said. "I'll see you hopefully soon."
"Take as long as you need, a summon from a God should be taken in the highest regard," Zamasu said, flying upwards. "Until we meet again Son Gohan!"
"Bye Master!" Gohan called out. "Well I'm glad he got to see me fight, looks like need a bit more training though."
"What exactly does he teach you?" Seventeen asked. "I mean he can't be that strong if his future version got beat by us."
"There's more to fighting than power, Zamasu teaches me more mind training and how to hone my skills," Gohan said. "He even knows ways to bring down someone with more power than him, plus he does have some God Energy that a mortal can't get. He says the purity of a God can triumph over all, so maybe since the future Zamasu wasn't pure, he lost some of what made him a Godly being."
"Sounds like a bunch of bull, if you're gonna train with someone, maybe find someone with a higher power," Seventeen said.
"You're missing the point Seventeen, it's not just power, I mean strength is important but you also gotta know how to use it," Gohan said.
"It's not that technical, more power means blowing away anyone who stands against you," Seventeen said. "I know I can beat Zamasu, including the one training you, I see no way of him outmatching me."
"Well I don't want you trying, I'm trying to keep Zamasu on our good side so he doesn't end up stealing dad's body," Gohan said.
"Or yours once he sees how strong you are," Seventeen warned.
"Can you please stop saying things like that!?" Gohan said, freaking out a bit. "That's just gonna make me more nervous!"
"Oh grow a pair," Seventeen said, flying faster to the house, Gohan following, still dreading the thought of anyone getting their body snatched. What Seventeen fails to realize is that he too could be in danger should Zamasu deem him worthy enough.
They arrived at the Son Family home, Gohan knocking on the door and awaiting an answer, which came in the form of his mother Chi-Chi.
"Gohan! You're home!" Chi-Chi gleefully exclaimed, bringing her son in for a hug. "I'm so glad you're safe!"
"Yes, I'm fine mom," Gohan said, slightly embarrassed by his mother's doting, even more so from the sounds of Seventeen's snickering.
Fortunately Chi-Chi released her hug, opting to check her son's head, "Is everything else alright? You're not hurt are you? Your clothes are a bit town, were you in a fight?"
"Yeah, some Space Pirates showed up and caused trouble, so me and the others fought them off," Gohan said.
"Well I'm glad you're alright, I hope they weren't too much trouble," Chi-Chi said.
"Thanks to my training I was able to end it pretty quickly by the time I got there," Gohan said. "Aside from a lucky shot someone got because I was trying to save this girl."
"A girl?" Chi-Chi asked. "Is she pretty?"
"She's older than me mom," Gohan said. "And she was one of the pirates, her team betrayed her."
"Well aren't you the little gentleman?" Chi-Chi said. "So kindhearted too, helping out your enemies, just like your father did when he spared Piccolo."
"Oh right, I keep forgetting that Piccolo was this Demon King," Seventeen said. "He seems so chill nowadays, I find it hard to believe he was a bad guy."
"To be fair, it was his father that was evil," Chi-Chi said. "But Piccolo still intended to succeed his father. I'll never forgive Demon King Piccolo for trying to have my father killed."
"Wait, King Piccolo tried killing grandpa?" Gohan asked.
"Yes, or rather he got a bunch of soldiers to," Chi-Chi explained. "Thankfully Goku showed up when he did and saved me and my father."
"Wow, I had no idea," Gohan said. "Mom, what were you like as a child? You always talk about dad when he was younger, but not a lot about you."
"Oh it's nothing interesting Gohan, I was just a normal girl living with only my father on Fry Pan Mountain," Chi-Chi said. "That is, until the mountain caught fire and all our valuables were lost." Chi-Chi thought for a moment. "Then they got destroyed when Roshi tried putting out the fire with his Kamehameha."
"How the hell was that suppose to put out a fire?" Seventeen asked.
"Beats me, I remember trying to find Master Roshi because he had this big feather thing that could create rain, but he threw it out when he spilt a drink on it," Chi-Chi said.
"Are you freaking kidding me?" Seventeen asked. "Why throw out something like that, it sounds really valuable, could have made some serious zeni off it."
"It's fine, even though I lost some stuff that day, I gained something greater, the chance to meet the boy who would grow up to become my husband," Chi-Chi said. "It was so much fun riding that Nimbus cloud together, Goku was such a curious boy. Funny thing is, he didn't even know I was a girl at first, he was so uninformed of such things."
"Dad used to feel around to find out right?" Gohan asked, feeling a bit weird.
"Yes, unfortunately he did, a lot, myself included," Chi-Chi said. "I mean I was a bit mad at first, but when I realized he was just genuinely curious I felt less angry, it was cute in a way."
"I hardly find that cute, thankfully he seems to have outgrown that, if he tried something like that with my sister, there's no telling what hell she would unleash," Seventeen said.
"To be fair, Goku used to check boys too," Chi-Chi said.
"Alright, that's enough of that," Seventeen said. "Still it sounds like you had an interesting life despite you saying otherwise. But you only talk about your father, what about your mother?"
"My mother died when I was very young, so it was only me and my father," Chi-Chi explained.
"Oh, sorry to hear," Seventeen said, feeling a rare sense of remorse. "Probably shouldn't have asked then."
"It's fine, you didn't know," Chi-Chi said. "Though that has me curious, what happened to your parents? You never talk about them either?"
"I don't even know, they're probably dead," Seventeen said. "My sister and I have been on our own for as long as we can remember. That's fine, I mean we did pretty well, until that creep Gero captured us and used us for his experiments. I still can't believe he had a wife, and that Sixteen was modeled after his son."
"You haven't looked at Sixteen the same way again since," Gohan said. "You're not mad at him are you? I mean it's not his fault you and Eighteen got turned into Androids...or rather Cyborgs."
"I'm not mad, it's just a little weird for me," Seventeen said. "Sixteen's a cool dude, really saved our asses back on the Prison Planet."
"That reminds me," Gohan turned to his mother. "Later on I have to visit the woman who freed us from that world, she needed to speak to me."
"Oh, you saw her again today?" Chi-Chi asked.
"Yes, apparently the Space Pirates that showed up were from another timeline, in fact she wasn't alone, that Saiyan Boy I met in the future along with the girl who claimed to be my daughter was also there," Gohan explained.
"Aw, I would have liked to see her," Chi-Chi said. "Think you can get her to come by sometime? I'd love a chance to see what my future granddaughter is like."
"Well she's kind of like dad in a way, buy she takes after her mother, and you to an extent," Gohan said.
"That's my girl, us women of the Ox family are strong women," Chi-Chi proudly stated. "Well if you have to see her later then that's fine, just try not to do anything too dangerous. Let me know if you have to be away again."
"Sure thing mom," Gohan said.
"Also, have you been keeping up with your studies?" Chi-Chi asked. "I don't want you slacking off your schoolwork."
"Don't worry, I always make time," Gohan said. "I still want to be a Great Scholar."
"That's my boy," Chi-Chi said, rubbing Gohan's hair. "One day you can achieve your goal, and hopefully put all this fighting behind you."
"Mom, I can't promise that," Gohan said. "I can never not protect my friends and family."
"I still say your dad's friends could at least get a bit stronger, it doesn't speak to well of them when they have to rely on an eleven year old boy to save them," Chi-Chi said. Suddenly some growling was heard, but not from a wild beast, but rather from Gohan's stomach, somewhat embarrassing the boy.
"Hehe, guess I'm hungry," Gohan said, patting his stomach, hoping it would settle.
"Don't worry, I always have food ready for my boys," Chi-Chi said. "Speaking of which, where's Goku? Is he back at that Kai world still?"
"No, he went with Eighteen to collect the Dragon Balls so they can fix the damage caused by the Space Pirates," Gohan explained.
"Oh, alright then," Chi-Chi said. "Well then, let's get you to the kitchen and get some food in you."
Gohan did just that, making his way toward a nice meal with Seventeen following, wondering what his sister was up to.
Elsewhere a few miles down from Ginger Town, Goku had located a second Dragon Ball tucked away under a giant rock formation. Nearby was Eighteen waiting for Goku to grab the ball, and Videl, whom Eighteen went to grab after the battle in the city had ended. The first Dragon Ball, the Six Star Ball, was actually at Capsule Corp, Bulma had found one and meant to collect more just for the sake of having a wish handy, but her busy schedule had distracted her. Fortunately she allowed Goku to use it, knowing he had a good reason for needing them.
"Alright, that's the second one so far, just five more to go," Goku said, proudly holding up the One Star Ball.
"One of them is back home right?" Eighteen asked. "The Four Star Ball?"
"Oh yeah, Grandpa's Prized Memento," Goku said, then began checking the Dragon Radar. "Alright, according to the radar, the next Dragon Ball is about 200 miles south of here."
"Man this is so cool!" Videl said. "I can't believe I'm hunting for the Legendary Dragon Balls, I thought they were a myth!"
"Oh they're real, as you can see for yourself," Goku said, tossing the ball to Videl. "You can hold on to that one if you want."
"This looks so cool, a one star ball, for the one star among martial artist," Videl boasted. "Now I kind of want a wish of my own."
"I think Dende made the balls strong enough to handle two wishes, so you can get a wish if you want," Goku said.
"What would your wish be?" Eighteen asked.
Videl was about to answer, but she felt stumped, "Honestly, I'm not sure. I mean I could wish to be super strong, but that seems like cheating. It won't seem as satisfying to be the best if I got it handed to me."
"Spoken like a true martial artist," Goku said. "Working toward your goals is a lot better than taking the easy route. Say how is your training with Eighteen going anyway?"
"It's going great, I'm so much stronger than I was," Videl said. "Soon I'll be the strongest human on the planet!"
"I think she was considering training under you soon," Eighteen said. "Take her to new heights as she wanted."
"Me train her?" Goku asked, thinking about it. "It would be fun to train someone, and I can tell that Videl still has tons of potential to get better."
"You really think so?" Videl asked. "Think I can surpass even your son?"
"Wow, that's quite a goal," Goku said. "We'll see what we can do, alright kiddo?"
"Wow! Thanks Goku!" Videl said. "Come on, let's get the rest of those Dragon Balls!"
She marched off on her own, taking to the skies and flying toward South.
"Wait up Videl! You don't have the Radar!" Goku called out, chuckling to himself. "She's so excitable, I really admire her determination."
"Yeah, she's kind of cool to be around, like the sweet but dorky little sister," Eighteen said. "So tell me, do you really think she has potential to get far?"
"Well I'm not sure how far she'll get, I mean she can train all she wants but in the end, she's still only human," Goku said. "But whatever her limit is, we'll help her reach it, and then see if we can break past them."
"Should be interesting," Eighteen said. "Let's hurry before she gets lost."
"Right," Goku said, taking to the skies.
A couple of hours passed by, many had made use of the time. The Z-Fighters had gone back home, Bulma continued progress on her inventions, Vegeta had come back, not bothering to tell anyone why he's been gone for so long.
The Prince had his reasons, for he knew that Frieza was still out there, and he vowed to find and defeat the space tyrant once and for all. Not to mention, he had the strangest feeling that the impostor in Goku's body was still around as well, feeling the faintest of his ki.
Goku, Videl and Eighteen made progress on finding the Dragon Balls, even if they would have been done by now if Videl could fly faster. Plus they occasionally took some time to rest and Goku used that time to educate Videl on his style of martial arts and even describe some of his prior battles. Fortunately they only had one more Dragon Ball to go, and it wouldn't take too long to find before they had to go back home and grab the Four Star Ball.
Meanwhile Gohan had finally received his visitor, as the young boy was studying up in his room, his mother called out to him. "Gohan! Your friend Trunks is here!"
"Trunks?" Gohan wondered. He put his book down and went to the front door where he did indeed spot Trunks, only a bit different. He had a black trench coat on, a little unusual for the young boy to see.
"Hey Gohan, happy to see you," Trunks said. "I'm here to take you to the Supreme Kai of Time."
"It's time already huh?" Gohan asked. "Alright. So am I going alone?"
"For now, yes," Trunks said. "She has no interest in Seventeen and Eighteen right now."
"That's fine, I have no interest in her either," Seventeen said from the living room, the cyborg male currently channel surfing.
Trunks scratched his head at the sight, "It's so weird seeing him acting like a normal person...then again the Seventeen and Eighteen I knew did act like teenagers from time to time, even while destroying all of civilization."
"You know I can hear you right?" Seventeen said. "Don't you have a special Godly appointment to take Gohan to?"
"Uh right," Trunks said, then turned his attention to Gohan. "Let's get going."
"Be careful Gohan, try not to do anything too dangerous," Chi-Chi said.
"I'll be fine mom," Gohan said, following Trunks through a portal. Despite her son's insistence, Chi-Chi couldn't help but worry, she is a mother after all.
Gohan had stepped into a world unlike any he's seen, a huge area with space pods, shops, and a whole gathering of different people.
"Welcome to Conton City," Trunks said. "The Supreme Kai of Time is waiting upstairs."
"This place is amazing," Gohan said, following Trunks upstairs. "There are so many people here."
"Yeah, warriors of all different races come to test their metal," Trunks said. "And to try and preserve the timelines."
"If only my dad can see this place," Gohan said.
"One version of your dad has," Trunks explained. "I'll tell you about it later, let's hurry."
The two made their way through a path leading to the Time Nest, where some familiar faces awaited.
"Gohan! Over here!" Cabba waved, alongside Pan. The two standing next to the Supreme Kai of Time, the young looking Kai seeming to have company in the form of an own sitting right next to her. Curiously he spotted Zangya nearby, the Hera girl just leaning against a wall. This surprised Gohan, he figured she would have been sent back to her time or at least imprisoned somewhere.
"Hi Cabba, Hi Pan," Gohan greeted, Pan going in for a hug.
"I'm glad we can be properly reacquainted," Pan said, releasing her hug. "It's been a number of months, so much has changed."
"Yeah, it has," Gohan said, looking around. "So, Supreme Kai of Time, what did you-"
"Tooo Kiiii!" The owl cawed, catching Gohan by surprise.
"Uh, nice bird you have there," Gohan said.
"This is an owl, and my friend Toki Toki," Supreme Kai of Time said.
"Well it's nice to meet you Toki Toki," Gohan said. "My name is Gohan."
"Tooo kiii!" The owl cawed again, this time with a bit more enthusiasm.
"Wow, I think Toki Toki likes you," Pan said. "Took a while for that bird to like me."
"Really? You're such a nice young girl, anyone should like you," Gohan said.
"Aw, you're the best Gohan," Pan said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"It's nothing," Gohan said, sheepishly rubbing his head. He turned his attention back to the Kai, "So...about me being here, is there anything you wanted to tell me?"
"Yes, I have a request for you," Supreme Kai of Time said. "I need you to go on a Time Patrol Mission for me."
Gohan had expected this could happen, but to hear her actually ask him still surprised the boy a bit. "You want me to do Time Patrol stuff?"
"Yes, think of it as you paying me back for allowing your misdeeds," Supreme Kai of Time said.
"Did I really do anything that bad?" Gohan asked. "I mean all I did was-"
"Mess with time? Yes I know that," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Just do this one favor for me, it's the least you can do. Besides it affects you personally."
"Huh? How so?" Gohan asked.
"There's a disturbance far into the past, well before you are even born," Supreme Kai of Time said, pulling out a scroll. "This will take you about 18 years or so into your past, go through here and correct anything that's unusual. I'll be here to guide you, so don't worry about being alone on this."
"Am I going by myself then?" Gohan asked.
"Yes, I would send Cabba and Pan with you but I have another lead for them to follow," Supreme Kai of Time said. "I may have located Towa and Mira, they're somewhere in Universe 3."
"What could they want there?" Cabba asked.
"I'm not sure, but you're going to find out," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Trunks, you manage their progress."
"Yes Supreme Kai of Time, as you wish," Trunks said, bowing to his boss.
"I'm going to grab the scrolls, wait here a moment," Supreme Kai of Time said, making her way to the scroll section nearby.
"Nervous Gohan?" Cabba asked.
"Uh, a little," Gohan said. "I have no idea what I'm getting myself into."
"If things get too bad, Chronoa send someone else to help," Pan said. "There are tons of Time Patrollers here after all."
"Maybe even our potential new rookie," Trunks said, gesturing to Zangya.
"I was wondering about her, what's gonna happen?" Gohan asked.
"We were gonna send her back to her time and just erase everything, but we felt some sympathy when we found out she was betrayed," Trunks said.
"So we figured we could try to get her on our side and she can be a Time Patroller with us," Cabba said. "It might mean another timeline but Supreme Kai of Time is working on that. She might just erase it completely but keep Zangya, it's tough but possible."
"She was against it originally though, thankfully she's very reasonable," Pan said. "As long as Zangya doesn't do anything stupid, she'll be nice and safe here."
"That's great to hear," Gohan said. He turned his attention back to the girl, who seemed to be eyeing him, like if she was mad about something. "Uh, I'll be right back."
"Sure thing, just be careful, she's not too friendly," Trunks said.
Gohan approached Zangya, the Hera girl looking down at him with a look of displeasure, "What do you want kid?"
"I just wanted to check up on you," Gohan said. "I'm glad you're being given a chance to redeem yourself."
"Redeem what? Not like I feel any remorse for what I did," Zangya said. "I do what I have to do, regardless of who's in my way. I don't feel pity or sorrow for the destruction I caused on Earth, I just wish I had more power to eradicate you lot."
"Wow, harsh," Gohan said, feeling a bit nervous. "But I guess it's normal, it does take a while to adjust, give it time and I think you'll like it here. I mean my friends over there aren't as likely to betray you as your boss was."
"Do not talk about that scumbag!" Zangya shouted. "All those years of service and that's how he repays me. I just wish I could have crushed him myself."
"Well this is a Time Nest, maybe you'll have a mission where you fight another version of him," Gohan said.
"Oh I'd actually love to do that, maybe go to every timeline in existence and destroy each one until he doesn't exist anywhere," Zangya said.
"That's the spirit...I think," Gohan said. "But still, I know you don't want friends right now, but if you change your mind, I'll gladly offer my hand in friendship."
"Oh shove off with that," Zangya said. "I don't need anymore friends. Now get out of my sight."
Gohan figured it'd be best to leave her be, not wanting to aggravate her any further. By this point the Supreme Kai of Time had the scrolls ready.
"Good luck on your missions, and be careful out there," Supreme Kai of Time said, handing the scrolls to Cabba and Gohan.
In a Flash, Cabba and Pan were taken to their mission area while Gohan was taken to his. It was a weird ride for Gohan, but he finally arrived in the middle of a grassy field, looking around in confusion.
"Huh? Did it work?" Gohan wondered.
"Waaah!" He heard a girl shout. He quickly took to the direction and saw that a girl with blue hair was face to face with a giant bear. "Ah! Someone help! There's a huge bear!"
"That girl, she looks familiar," Gohan said. "No time to wonder, I gotta-"
"Power Pole Extend!" Came the voice of a boy nearby. Suddenly the bear was whacked out cold by an oncoming red staff. Just like that the fight was over and the boy in question, who sported a hairstyle very familiar to Gohan checked on the bear. "Wow, big fella. Looks like we found dinner."
"Ew I am not eating that!" the girl shouted. "What took you so long Goku! I was almost bear food!'
"Sorry Bulma, you said not to follow you when you had to pee," Goku said.
"Well, stay closer next time!" Bulma shouted. "I almost soiled myself just now."
"Well now that you're safe, let's get going, we have another Dragon Ball to find," Goku said, walking off with Bulma.
"That's...my dad? And Bulma?" Gohan looked amazed. "Wow, this just got interesting."