Off in the depths of space in Universe Seven, Freiza and Goku Black were engaged in an intense sparring session on an isolated planet, the space tyrant and the Saiyan imposter doing their daily training session.
Since his resurrection and swift defeat, Frieza had been training out in space, preparing for the day he could get his revenge against Goku. His training partner Black strived to reach the ultimate in combat perfection.
Their training was observed by Zamasu, the God sipping the tea served to him by Frieza's soldiers.
"You're both doing quite well, of course one of you is simply me in another body so it's to be expected," Zamasu said.
"It's not enough though," Frieza said, dusting himself off a bit. "I need much more improvement if I'm going to defeat those Saiyans."
"Your power has risen tremendously if I do say so myself," Black said. "At this point you might be far beyond what they're capable of, why seek more power?"
"I want to make sure I absolutely crush my foes, and rebuild my empire to it's peak," Frieza said. "What of you, why are you seeking so much power? Is there something beyond this plan of yours?"
"I am a god, and a God should be the most powerful being in existence," Black explained. "My Zero Mortals Plan will trancend all timelines, when I am done, the mortal population will be no more."
"While I'm not one to care about mortal life, I do hold some concern, without mortals, controlling my Empire might be a bit difficult, in fact I'll hardly have an empire to rule over," Frieza said.
"Apologies, but I am not particularly concerned about the state of your empire," Black said. "Honestly, you are one of the very reasons I despise mortals, thinking you can rule like a God."
"Well I do know Lord Beerus, who knows, perhaps when this is all over, maybe I can be the next God of Destruction," Frieza said. "Now that's what I call power! Deciding the fate of worlds."
"Just what we need," Black said, glaring at Frieza. "Yet another mortal wishing to be at the level of the Gods."
"You say that, yet you use a mortal's body, a mortal I can't stand," Frieza said. "Is it perhaps because you are envious of mortals? That you wish you had our potential? What a sad excuse for a God, then again I suppose all Supreme Kais are."
Black held out an energy blade near Frieza's neck, "Watch your tongue, I could end you on the spot."
"Maybe when we first met, but by now I have reached your level, I dare say I may have even surpassed you," Frieza taunted, paying no mind to the blade. "The only reason you can still move after our spars is because you have your other self healing you after every session, you can barely put a dent on me." Frieza aimed his finger, charging up a Death Beam. "Honestly, with how detrimental your plan may be to my own goals, it may be wise of me to end you right now."
Black and Frieza stared each other down, neither one backing down from one another. Zamasu placed own his tea to make his way over to the two. "That's enough, you two know you can't afford to kill one another, not yet anyway. We each have a common enemy to destroy, and that enemy has allies with Time Travel capabilities. One of them knew who we were almost right away, and who knows what else they might know. It is imperative that we get stronger and use our own numbers advantage. Once the enemy is dealt with, and the multi-timeline threat is null and void, then you two may resolve your quarrel in whichever way you choose."
Frieza and Black continued to stare each other down, then each relented on their energy, choosing to end their quarrel for the moment.
"So be it," Frieza said. "Just know that once this is over, there's no guarantee of your survival."
"Funny I was about to say the same to you," Black commented. "Now until then, let us resume our spar."
"Very well, hopefully there won't be any accidental deaths," Frieza coyly said.
"Yes, wouldn't that be a shame," Black said, getting back into a stance, the two resuming their spar.
In the Time Nest the morning after their mission, Cabba and Pan had returned, ready to work again.
Cabba had first explained what happened the day prior, especially the enemy he had encountered. "I honestly have no idea where Metal Cooler came from, one second we were hot on Mira's trail, the next he was gone and a bunch of creatures started attacking us."
"Yeah it was so strange," Pan said. "Wasn't Cooler defeated on Prison Planet several months back?"
"Anyone from any timeline can show up, so you have to be ready for that," Supreme Kai of time said.
"Wait, so even if we defeated an enemy, they can just show up from another timeline!?" Pan asked. "That's kind of unfair."
"That's the trouble of Time Travel, that's one of the reasons we try not to let mortals tamper with it, it can create more enemies than needed," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Now granted, I don't think Towa and Mira would mess with the timeline that much, it does take quite a bit of magic to alter the timeline, and the more they do it, especially in the same area, the more likely they'll get noticed, right now they're trying to be sneaky."
"Not to mention if the villain doesn't work out the first time, they're not likely to use them again," Trunks said. "The only reason they seemed to try to use Cooler again is because he still had his Metal Form, and even then that wasn't the worst that Metal Cooler could have done."
"Yeah, you only had to fight one, not his army," Supreme Kai of Time said.
"We DID fight an army though!" Pan said.
"Well compared to Metal Cooler's army, that army was pretty tame," Supreme Kai of time said. "Fortunately for you, it seems like Towa and Mira couldn't get the entire army."
"You gotta be kidding? So by your logic, we're not strong enough to fight that guy's army?" Pan asked.
"Everyone has their limits Pan," Supreme Kai of Time said. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Pan stood up, stretching her arm, "Well then, I need to surpass my limits. Just like my Papa and Grandpa Goku would."
"I have to surpass my limits as well, like Master Vegeta," Cabba said.
"I kind of envy you though Cabba," Pan said. "You can reach the level of Goku and Vegeta in your timeline, but I don't think I'll reach the level they have from my timeline."
"What makes you say that?" Cabba asked.
"Your Goku and Vegeta can go Super Saiyan Blue, mine go Super Saiyan 4," Pan explained. "You can train to be Blue but to be 4, you need a tail, which I wasn't born with. Since my Papa, Grandpa and Vegeta were born with tails, they can go Super Saiyan 4, so I can't reach that form."
"Maybe not, but you can still go Blue yourself," Cabba said.
"I personally know the Gods of Destruction and their Angels, especially Beerus and Whis from your Universe, I can see if they're willing to help you reach that level," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Of course you also have the option of doing the Super Saiyan God ritual but that power would only be temporary unless you really make it yours like your grandfather did."
"Temporary won't work for me," Pan said. "I'll figure out the God Transformation, then go Blue. I'll get stronger son, just you wait and see."
"I look forward to that, we'll reach it together," Cabba said.
Trunks made his entrance into the room, "Supreme Kai of Time, I have a message for you."
"From who?" The Kai asked as Trunks gave her a radio. She then held it to her ears, awaiting a response. "Yes?"
"Supreme Kai, it's Android 18," the person replied.
"Eighteen? How did you get this radio?" The Kai asked.
"Trunks stopped by to tell us about Gohan since a night's gone by and he still wasn't home," Eighteen said. "How long is this mission suppose to last?"
"Until he gets it done," The Kai explained. "Gohan has to find whatever's disrupting the timeline an put a stop to it, but it's taking longer than anticipated."
"Is he out matched?" Eighteen asked.
"Not exactly, he handled himself just fine, but there were some complications," Supreme Kai said. "Usually when the mission is complete, the time scroll loses it's evil aura, but it's still resonating unfortunately."
"How often does this happen?" Eighteen asked.
"Not very often, I mean most patrollers solve the issue fairly quick, but other times it can last a while," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Don't worry though, if this takes too long or his life in endangered I'll pull him out."
"See that you keep him safe, I'll be keeping tabs on all of you," Eighteen said, then disconnected.
"Sometimes it's weird to hear her sound so caring of others," Trunks said.
"I know it would sound weird for you Trunks, that is the oddity of Time Travel," Supreme Kai of Time said. "Now then, I should check on Gohan, maybe I can see if I can find anything, even if I have to scroll through time."
"Should we go help him?" Cabba asked.
"Not yet, in fact maybe you and Pan can return to your own timelines for a while, you were in quite an intense battle yesterday, you could use a little break," Supreme Kai said.
"Hey we're good and ready to keep fighting," Pan insisted.
"I appreciate that, but it isn't necessary right now," Supreme Kai said. "Go back to your timelines for a bit, you could use the break. If things get really bad then I'll call you over but right now I think Gohan's gonna be fine."
"For Eighteen's sake, I hope so," Cabba said. "If something happens to him, you might have a very angry android on your tail."
"I can handle an 'angry android'," Supreme Kai of Time said. "You two go on now, I need to check on Gohan's progress."
"I'll get you both home," Trunks said, gesturing the two to join him. "Let's go."
Cabba nodded and turned back to the Kai he served, "I'll be ready the moment you need me again."
"Same here," Pan said. "Please, keep my Papa safe."
"I won't let anything bad happen to any of my Time Patrollers, even the temporary ones," Supreme Kai said.
"Come on you two," Trunks said, leading the two away to the proper time portal to their respective timelines as the Supreme Kai of Time went back to check on the timeline Gohan went to. She started navigating through it, hoping to find the time anomaly.
"Strange, there isn't much activity where Gohan is, it's almost like whoever's doing this is waiting, but what for?" the Kai wondered. She then focused her energy on the portal, "I don't want to risk pulling him out just yet but maybe I can speed things along."
She uses her abilities to shift the timeline a bit, trying to bring out the disruption and bring Gohan closer to the trouble.
The travel to Mount Frypan wasn't as bad as Gohan and the Mystical Trio thought, mainly since Yamcha, who was oddly kind, gave them a car for them to use and drive out of the desert. Of course he had his own ulterior motives, which Gohan and Oolong were suspicious of.
The drive was pretty long though, it was Oolong at the wheel and Goku in the passenger seat. Gohan sat with Bulma in the back, keeping her company in the back seat. She was still out cold from bumping her head, and Gohan still felt weird around her, first from having seen her without clothes the previous night, plus his awkward landing just a moment ago.
He shouldn't be thinking much about this, he had to remember that Bulma is a friend of his father's, and would grow up to be the mother of Trunks and the 'wife' of Vegeta.
Suddenly something weird began happening, the world started shifting around him, the skies started acting strange, like if the clouds were moving faster. "H-hey what's going on?"
"There's always something weird going on," Oolong said.
Gohan started feeling really worried, wondering if Towa was behind this. Fortunately it seemed to come to an end, the road was once again clear.
"What was that all about?" Gohan asked, then noticed Bulma stirring.
"Where are we?" Bulma asked, looking around. "Huh? When did we get this groovy new car?"
"Yamcha gave it to us," Goku said. "Guess he was a nicer guy than we thought."
"Aw, I missed Yamcha again?" Bulma asked. "Just my luck, I never get a chance to speak to that cutie."
"What is your obsession with that guy?" Oolong said. "That low life would sooner steal all your valuables than give you the time of day."
"You're just jealous because he's a handsome hunk and you're just some annoying little porker," Bulma said.
"Is this how you treat everyone that does favors for you?" Oolong said. "Wow you'd make one lousy girlfriend."
"Watch it or I'll activate that PP Candy you ate!" Bulma warned.
"Bulma, maybe you should take it easy on Oolong, I know you like Yamcha but he did try to rob us," Gohan said. "It's only logical that Oolong is a bit untrusting of him."
"Finally, someone who agrees with me," Oolong said. "Look I'll give it to the guy, the car didn't explode like I thought it would but I still think he had an ulterior motive."
"Let's not worry about it now," Goku said. "Let's just hurry to Mount Frypan."
"I'd rather not hurry to a place that's always on fire," Oolong said. "I don't want to turn into bacon."
"Oh please, like that's real," Bulma said. "Like a mountain can really be on fire."
"Oh you'll see for yourself soon," Oolong said, the group unaware that they were being followed by Yamcha. Well Gohan was aware, he sensed his presence, but did nothing yet, not sure if that would be disrupting the timeline or not.
Unbeknownst to all of them, another group was nearby, the twins Oren and Kamin, both ready to make their move.
As the group got closer, Fire Mountain had started coming into view. It did seem to impress them, Bulma not believing her sight.
"That's so cool!" Goku said. "I can't wait until we get closer, maybe we'll see-"
"Watch out!" Gohan shouted, a bit too late as an energy blast came flying at the car, knocking it over, causing it to topple. Gohan held Bulma tight, keeping her safe as Oolong was hurt in the blast.
Gohan quickly pulled Bulma out of the car as Goku also popped out, looking to see what had happened. From the distance, Yamcha had stopped his car and stayed a nice distance from the wreckage.
Goku angrily stood up, glaring in his attacker's direction. "Alright what's the big idea!?"
Oren came into view, both of them staring down at Goku, with Gohan standing nearby, worried for his father.
"Who is that?" Bulma asked. "Gohan, is this who you were talking about before?"
Gohan grunted in frustration, he was hoping to avoid this type of confrontation. What really concerned him was that only Oren was here, now he had to wonder where his sister was.
"Sorry, I just really needed to get your attention," Oren said. "So you're Goku, interesting seeing you like this."
"Huh? How do you know who I am?" Goku asked.
"That's not important right now," Oren said. "What's important is whether or not you'll survive this encounter."
"I don't know what you're talking about but it sounds like you want to fight," Goku said, pulling out his power pole. "If that's what you want then consider me ready, I'll take you on!"
"Goku wait!" Gohan called. "He's too strong for you!"
"We'll see," Goku said, running to attack Oren, delivering a massive kick, knocking him back. Unseen to them, Oren flashed a quick smile as he flew back, with Goku chasing after him.
"Oh no, this isn't good. I gotta go and save-" Suddenly Goan heard a girl screaming, much to his confusion. "Who could that be?"
"It came from over there!" Bulma said, pointing in the direction of the scream.
"I'll go see who it is, stay here with Oolong and make sure he's alright!" Gohan said, running to the sound of the scream.
"Uh, sure," Bulma said, looking toward Oolong's direction. The pig boy was out cold, but as far as Bulma could tell, he didn't look that hurt. "I think he'll be fine." she started running toward Gohan's direction. "I'm more interested in what Gohan's up to."
Gohan flew to where he heard the sound and saw the other twin Kamin, but she seemed to have her eyes locked on someone else. It was a little girl, she had a pink helmet with a blade on it and was wearing a long cape. She also seemed to be wearing a type of bikini armor. Somehow this girl looked familiar to Gohan, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it, but what mattered was that this girl needed help.
"Hey! Get away from that girl!" Gohan shouted, getting the attention of both Kamin and the girl, who looked curiously at Gohan.
"Ah, Gohan, so you've made it," Kamin said. "I was hoping you'd come."
"Is that why you were terrorizing that girl? To get my attention!?" Gohan asked.
"Quite the perceptive one, aren't you?" Kamin asked. "I'm glad you're here, I really didn't want to hurt this girl, at least not yet, not until my friend had a chance to play with you."
"Friend? What friend!?" Gohan asked. Suddenly he felt a loud thud behind him. He turned around and saw a large creature with a type of pinkish armor and a blue bulb on his head and chest.
"Gohan, meet Hatchiyack," Kamin said. "Another of the Tuffles' greatest creations."
Before Gohan could react, Hatchiyack hit the boy with a massive uppercut, knocking him into the air. Gohan managed to stop himself mid flight but Hatchiyack flew in with greater speed, punching Gohan hard in the stomach and then whacked him away.
Gohan shook it off and flew in to kick Hatchiyack a few times, but the monster had hit a strong haymaker and then kneed Gohan in the face. Gohan sent a blast at the machine warrior but he deflected and sent ne back, hitting Gohan harder, leaving the boy disoriented enough for Hatchiyack to get in an extra punch.
"Nice work Hatchiyack," Kamin said. "Finish this boy off for me, I have my own mission to attend to." The evil Tuffle woman turned her attention to the trembling girl besie her. "Sorry kid, nothing personal," she aimed her palm, "But I'm afraid I'm gonna have to do away with you."
"Ah...AAAHHHH! Daddy help!" the girl tossed her blade at Kamin but it was easily deflected. She tried zapping her with her helmet but Kamin was barely phazed by it.
"Is that all you have? Ox Princess Chi-Chi?" Kamin asked.
Little Chi-Chi's eyes widened, "How do you even know me? If you know me then you know my daddy! He's big and scary and he'll flatten you!"
"I'd like to see him try," Kamin said.
Gohan was engaged in more combat against Hatchiyack but he was too distracted in his worry for the girl that Kamin was going after. "Hey! Get away from her!" Gohan sent a beam to knock Kamin away, but this left him open for a punch to the back from Hatchiyack.
"Stupid kid, worry about your own life," Kamin said, before turning back to Chi-Chi. "Though if things go according to plan, he might not even have had a life at all."
"Get back!" Chi-Chi tried zapping again but it did nothing. Kamin then grabbed her by the neck, lifting the struggling girl off the ground.
"You're really annoying," Kamin started to squeze tighter, Chi-Chi's throat feeling crushed. "But you're still weak compared to me."
Chi-Chi kept struggling but was starting to fade as Kamin crushed tighter, soon she was unable to move.
"No!" Gohan tried to fly in and save the girl but Hatchiyack grabbed him from behind and started crushing him in his arms.
"Don't worry about using too much energy Hatchiyack," Kamin said, generating some energy in her hand. "Soon it'll be all over for the both of them."
Suddenly Kamin felt something hit her, like a bullet of sorts. She turned to see that Bulma was there, having whipped out a sub-machine gun. "Let her go!" She started unleashing the bullets at Kamin, careful not to hit Chi-Chi. This did nothing though, Kamin just stood there as the bullets bounced off her body.
"Interesting, you're Bulma aren't you?" Kamin said, dropping Chi-Chi, the girl finally able to take a breath again. Kamin walked slowly towards Bulma as the young teen girl kept firing until she ran out of ammo.
"No!" Bulma quickly reached to see if she had more bullets but Kamin had rushed over to grab her by her neck.
"Why bother, not like that's doing you any good," Kamin tossed Bulma over to Chi-Chi, the little girl quickly checking on the teenager.
"Hey, are you ok Miss?" Chi-Chi asked.
Kamin aimed her hand, "Maybe I can just kill you both right now and be done with it, might do away with Trunks too."
Gohan broke free of Hatchiyack and flew over to kick Kamin away. He turned his attention to Chi-Chi, "Hey, take my friend and go! It's not safe here!"
"Don't let them escape!" Kamin ordered, Hatchiyack flying to the two girls. Gohan blocked and punched Hatchiyack hard, knocking him back enough for Gohan to rush in and continue his assault getting several clean blows on the Tuffle Machine.
"I don't know who that boy is, but he sure is brave," Chi-Chi said, blushing a lot. "Strong too."
Bulma sat up, turning her attention to Chi-Chi, "Hey kid, are you doing alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, were you the one who saved me?" Chi-Chi asked.
"Not like I did much, I just distracted that girl," Bulma said.
"More like you pissed me off," Kamin said, floating over to the two. "I'm going to end the both of you."
"Why are you doing this!? Who are you anyway?" Bulma asked.
"It's not your concern, I just need you both dead!" Kamin aimed her palm, so Bulma quickly grabbed Chi-Chi and dodged out of the way. Kamin aimed again but Gohan had sent a blast to distract her, then quickly blocked a strike from Hatchiyack and kicked him away.
"I gotta end this fast!" Gohan said, powering into Super Saiyan.
"What in the world!?" Bulma shouted, seeing his hair transform.
"Aw, I like him better with black hair, never cared for blonde," Chi-Chi said, much to Bulma's disbelief.
"Normally I'd love to talk about boys kid, but right now isn't the time," Bulma said.
"Right, he did want us to run," Chi-Chi said. "Let's hurry before that other girl recovers."
"Too late!" Kamin shouted, flying over to kick Bulma down, then glared at Chi-Chi. "You know I tried being nice, I figured I'd give you a more fitting death but now I'm just gonna make it really hurt!"
Chi-Chi tried punching Kamin but she instead grabbed her arm and kneed Chi-Chi hard in the stomach, leaving the girl bent over in pain. She stomped on Chi-Chi's head, adding pressure to crush her.
Gohan tried to help her but Hatchiyack grabbed him by the tail before he could fly off and flew down to slam him hard on the ground.
Gohan stood up, glaring up at Hatchiyack. He wants to help the girls but if he doesn't get rid of this monster, he won't be able to help anyone. He had to hurry to save the girls from Kamin and save potentially Goku from Oren.
Hatchiyach started powering up his Revenge Cannon as he counted down. Gohan quickly started charging his Kamehameha. In an instant, both fighters entered a Beam Struggle, Hatchiyack's Revenge Cannon against Gohan's Kamehameha.
"Come on Hatchiyack! you Got this!" Kamin shouted.
Bulma got up from the floor, noting that Kamin was distracted. Quickly she whacked her from behind with her gun. Kamin turned around and back-handed Bulma.
"No! Bulma!" Gohan shouted, then started to lose his grip. He can't afford to take his eyes off Hatchiyack, otherwise if he dies, no one can protect the girls. He quickly powered up to Super Saiyan 2, sending more power into his attack, Hatchiyack struggling a bit, until it recieved it's own boost and put more strength into his blast.
"You can do it!" Chi-Chi cheered, then received more pressure from Kamin.
Gohan struggled more and more, then quickly powered into Super Saiyan 3, finally overpowering the revenge Cannon. Before the blast could hit Hatchiyack, it quickly dodged out of the way, sending an even stronger blast toward Gohan.
The boy quickly used Instant Transmission to teleport beside Hatchiyack and sent a powerful Masenko attack, catching Hatchiyack by surprised and completely overwhelming him. With the monster defeated, Gohan quickly powered down.
"What!? Impossible! He shouldn't be able to defeat Hatchiyack!" Kamin shouted.
"I've been in a lot of fights these last couple of days, like any Saiyan, I can grow stronger with each fight!" Gohan said, then flew over to punch Kamin back. He took a moment to catch his breath, Hatchiyack was stronger than he expected and he used a lot of energy but he wasn't too tired to continue.
In the distance, Goku and Oren are still fighting, the Tuffle boy toying with the Saiyan Child. Goku got in a few good punches, knocking Oren around a bit.
"Come on, I thought you were stronger than that!" Goku said. "Or is your magic your only source of power?"
"Magic? That's interesting," Oren said, throwing a punch that Goku parried, allowing him to elbow Oren in the gut.
"How else did you blow up our car then?" Goku asked.
"Right, you don't know about Ki yet, you were suppose to learn later," Oren said.
"Huh? What are you even talking about?" Goku asked.
"Doesn't matter, I'm done with you," Oren said. In a flash he flew in and punched Goku hard, knocking the boy out with one blow. He aimed his palm at the downed Saiyan. "Farewell, Son Goku."
"Hey!" He heard from nearby. Oren turned to see Yamcha with Puar beside hm. "I don't know or what you are, but I can't let you kill that kid, I still need him alive."
"Huh, you're Yamcha aren't you?" Oren said. "I'd say you're much weaker than normal, but honestly it doesn't feel that different than my timeline."
"What the hell are you even talking about?" Yamcha asked. "Look never mind, you need to back away or I'll take you down myself."
"I welcome you to try," Oren taunted.
"Yamcha, be careful, he looks dangerous," Puar said.
"He's nothing compared to me and my Wolf Fang Fist," Yamcha said, getting into stance. He quickly rushed at Oren, ready to unleash his signature attack when Oren kicked him back hard, knocking him against a tree.
"How foolish," Oren said, turning his attention to a frightened Puar, "I could destroy you, but you're not worth the energy, neither is your friend there."
"What kind of monster are you?" Puar asked.
"One too advanced for your minds to comprehend," Oren said, turning back to Goku, about to finish him when he heard a loud disturbance. "What in the world?"
He quickly flew off, leaving Goku and Yamcha down while Puar shivered in fear, grateful to be alive, if for the moment.
Oren flew over and saw that Gohan had finished off Hatchiyack and had knocked away his sister. He was checking on the two girls.
"Are you two alright?" Gohan asked.
"I'm fine, but wow kid, you're much stronger than I thought," Bulma said.
"You were so amazing, I've never seen a boy your age so strong!" Chi-Chi said.
"Thanks, I'm happy you're safe, I don't know why they targeted you though," Gohan said. "Well I should get you home where you'll hopefully be safe."
"I can't go home yet, I need to find Master Roshi and get his Bansho Fan," Chi-Chi said.
"Wait, you know Master Roshi?" Gohan asked.
"My daddy knew him, he was one of Master Roshi's students," Chi-Chi explained.
"Huh, that's interesting," Gohan said, little curious by this tidbit. Gohan was certain he knew everyone that Roshi trained, unless. "Uh, what's your name anyway?"
"Ah! Asking a girl's name before giving your own? Didn't your mother teach you any manners!?" Chi-Chi asked.
Gohan sheepishly rubbed his head, "Right, sorry, I guess I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Gohan."
"Gohan? That's a nice name," Chi-Chi said. "I'm Chi-Chi, daughter of the Ox-King, we live on Mount Frypan, or Fire Mountain as some tourists call it. Though the fire's too out of control, which is why we need the fan."
Gohan took a moment to register what he was told, this girl was in fact his mother as a child. It made sense, looking at her she did resemble his mother quite a lot, same eyes, same bangs, he couldn't believe it, this was the child version of his mother.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Chi-Chi asked. "Oh! Are you in love with me!"
Gohan's eyes widened, resisting the urge to scream out loud. "N-no! That's not it! I mean, I just met you so I can't feel that way about you! I mean I'm sure you're very charming and any other boy would be lucky to have you but-"
"Uh, maybe you two forgot, BUT IT'S NOT SAFE HERE RIGHT NOW!" Bulma shouted, startling the two.
"Sorry, you're right," Gohan said. "I should check on Goku, I hope he's still alive.
"He is," Oren said from nearby. "But soon you won't be."
"Gohan!" Surpreme Kai of Time said in his head. "Be quick! If you defeat Oren and Kamin once and for all, I can pull you out and fix everything!"
"R-right," Gohan stood up, ready to attack when Towa showed up. "Huh!? Where'd you come from!?"
"Towa!? Oren said. "What's the meaning of this!"
"Let's not stop the fun just yet," Towa said, creating a portal. "Let's play this game a little while longer." She knocked both Bulma and Chi-Chi into the portal.
"No! Bulma! Mo-I mean Chi-Chi!" Gohan shouted.
Suddenly Oren and Kamin double kicked his back, knocking him to the floor as they went through the portal, after the two girls.
"Look on the bright side kid," Towa said. "The Supreme Kai can turn this into an alternate timeline, so it won't affect yours, but it does weaken her a bit, making it that much easier to strike." Towa disappeared. "Better hurry though, you don't want anything happening to those girls, now do you?"
Gohan stood up, trying to catch his breath, "Dammit, gotta save them!"
He leapt through the portal as it closed behind him, unaware of what he was heading towards.
In his timeline, Eighteen sat on the roof of the house, looking to the skies. She was joined by her brother moments later, the boy looking in the same direction.
"Worried about Gohan?" Seventeen asked.
"It's been so long, I'm just worried something may have happened to him," Eighteen said.
"Man, between you and his mother, there's so much worry," Seventeen said. "Gohan's a tough kid, he'll be fine."
"You're way too optimistic," Eighteen said. "He's off in another timeline, what if it's dangerous?"
"If it gets too bad they can send Pan and Cabba to save him," Seventeen said. "If it gets worse, then we'll go pull him out."
Eighteen sighed, "I really hope you're right for once."
"I am, believe me sis," Seventeen said. "Also, what do you mean 'For once'?"
For the first time in a while, Eighteen was able to smile, taking some pleasure in messing with her brother, but still worried for the boy she's come to love, hoping he'll be safe.