Goku and Chi-Chi were currently alone, eating lunch together. However, from nearby, he could feel his friends' gaping gazes behind his head. Not that he blamed them anyway. Normally the Saiyan would eat an army's worth of food. But as of now, he only ate one plate. A fish with a bowl of rice and salad on the side. Of course, he could never forget his terrible table manners. So it came as a shock of them that he was generally eating without causing quite a ruckus.
He hid a smirk from the cup that contained the hot, bitter drink of Coffee. He merely ate a Senzu Bean while he was in the changing room. He didn't want to show his bad eating habits to Chi-Chi as of yet, so he should be stuffed for a few hours.
But looking at the clock, there was at least an hour and a half before his match with Piccolo. He clenched his teeth as he shoved a spoonful of rice in his mouth. No doubt, Piccolo will use that Great Namekian transformation. He could feel Piccolo's confidence, and he did not doubt that it involved the transformation itself.
Of course, the confidence was false, because he could make out the fear on Piccolo. It satisfied him that he managed to scare off his former rival.
When he finished his meal, he patiently waited for Chi-Chi to finish her own.
Having a little time for themselves, Goku took Chi-Chi for a bit of walk around the temple. Both fighters were holding hands, as Chi-Chi cling onto him. He felt deja-vu as he remembered how childishly uncomfortable he was with Chi-Chi's clinging. Although in his defense, he had no experience with women. So being with Chi-Chi was a whole new experience.
"What about our wedding date? When should we get married?" Asked Chi-Chi.
Goku hummed, thinking thoughtfully. "I would say right after the tournament-" there was a glint in his eyes, "-but we need to put it off for a little while. A month at least."
Chi-Chi looked at her Fiancée. "Why put off that long? We could get married after the Tournament."
Goku smiled. She was just as impatient as he remembered. "Did you not hear me when I proposed to you Chi-Chi? I have nothing but grandpa's old dirty hut, far away from civilization." Both lovers stopped, and Goku looked at Chi-Chi fondly, cupping her cheek and rubbing it with his thumb. Chi-Chi leaned towards it, sighing happily. "You are next in line to take your father's throne, and it would be reasonable for us to live in the castle, but I can't picture myself ruling a kingdom."
"Just like I can't imagine becoming the God of Destruction of our Universe."
Chi-Chi chuckled softly. "I guess we have something in common." She cupped the opposite cheek of her husband-to-be. "I don't want to be queen. I wanted to live my life normally with my future husband."
Goku chuckled, "And I promise to give you that."
Then he frowned and looked down at his shoes, his hair covering his eyes.
Chi-Chi frowned. "What's wrong, Goku?"
Goku looked pursed his lips, then look up at the sky. It was almost time. In ten minutes, Majunior and Hero are supposed to fight. And in fifteen minutes, he will be facing Piccolo. He didn't have enough time to explain, but it will be enough to show her.
"Chi," his hot breath hitting her face. "There isn't enough time left for me to explain, but I can't live like this if I keep you in the dark."
Chi-Chi was puzzled. "What?"
Goku didn't respond right away; instead, he bit his lip.
"Chi, when you found out about my heritage, you didn't leave me, you remained by my side till the day you died… But that was because we came to an understanding and got to know each other better. We loved each other so much that we couldn't bear to lose one another. But as of now, you don't know who I am, and I am scared to see how you would react when you find out I am not the man you wanted to be promised to."
"Chi, I don't have time to explain." He finally said, "But what I'm going to show you, is something, not even my friends know about." He looked at her worried eyes. "I can't make you promise to stay with me. If you want to leave me-." He closed his eyes, not wanting to express the sadness "-I will respect your wishes."
Chi-Chi was both concerned and confused. What was he talking about? "Goku, you're scaring me. What's going on? What are you talking about?"
Goku said nothing. Instead, he gently placed his thumb on her forehead.
It was then that Chi-Chi's mind was filled with images. Not just pictures, but emotions as well. But these images, they seemed more like, memories.
She saw herself, angry, attacking Goku at the arena, who looked less muscular and confused as he dodged her attacks. He felt Goku's confusion. Then in changed to him proposing to her in front of everyone.
The memory shifted into Goku fighting Majunior, who was humongous and revealed that he was the reincarnation of Demon King Piccolo, Piccolo Jr. Goku fought with everything he had, despite his injuries. And in the end, Goku came victorious. While he had the chance, Goku refused to kill Piccolo.
Then the scenery changed to the castle, her father's castle catching on fire, and her and Goku flying on the golden cloud, Nimbus, towards something called, "Mount Five Element", where she witnesses Goku fight the Guardian Annin, to eventually, Goku almost risking his life when he entered the Furnace of Eight Divisions.
The dark memories changed into happier ones, where she saw herself wearing her mother's wedding dress, with Goku on his groom outfit. Both had gotten married and began their lives.
What she saw next was her, holding her firstborn son, who was named after Goku's grandpa, Gohan. The family was happy. While not perfect, happy. Then it changed to when Gohan was four years old, and Goku was taking him to visit his friends.
What was meant to be a pleasant reunion, became a race against time. She wanted to gasp when a man with long spiky hair, wearing that strange outfit, call Goku "Kakarot." Then the man, Raditz he called himself, became angry about "Kakarot' failing to exterminate earth and became even more hostile when he Goku confirmed that he bumped his head when he was a boy.
There were suddenly flashes of Goku as a baby being found in some pod, next to a space pod by Grandpa Gohan. But baby Goku was nothing like the Goku she knew. Goku was feral, refused any love and kindness from Gohan as he attacked him in any way he could. She could hear Master Roshi words as these flashes occurred
"Long ago, your Grandpa Gohan was walking through the woods when he came across a crater that had been recently made in the ground. When he went to examine it more closely, he found what appeared to be some type of spaceship. And next to it, there you were, lying in a little round pod. Gohan tried to take care of you, but you were wild, downright uncontrollable, and unusually powerful for a baby. You wanted to do nothing with Gohan's kindness."
The memory played Goku falling in a deep ravine, and then the background changed into a bedroom, where Gohan was attempting to heal Goku.
"Then, one day, there was a terrible accident. You fell into a deep ravine and badly injured your head. Your grandfather was afraid he had lost you, but somehow miraculously, you survived."
Then it changed to Goku, no longer acting like a feral animal, but rather a happy, carefree boy. "Any other child would've died, but you recovered, and from that day on, you became a happy, loving boy."
"I...I came from Outerspace?"
Goku...was an alien?!
Then, Raditz took her baby boy and threatened Goku to kill if he ever wanted to see their son again. It was then that Piccolo came and joined forces with Goku to stop Goku's older brother. Then, to her horror, she witnesses her Goku sacrifice himself and die with his older brother behind him.
Goku returns from the dead, and this time, he fights two aliens. Goku witnesses the great ape transformation and realizes that he was the monster that killed his grandfather. The shorter one kills the big-bulky one and eventually joins forces with Goku.
The scene changes to Goku, on a different planet, facing an evil alien who calls himself Frieza. All of Goku's friends were dead, and suddenly Goku turns gold and defeats the evil emperor of the universe.
Then, it changes to years later, to Goku, who was back on earth after being gone a year, speaking to a Lavander-hair young man, warning Goku of an imminent threat and how he would die from a heart virus, before giving him some medicine. To her horror, she saw Goku suffering the symptoms of the heart virus.
Another threat pops up, and this time, it's an android who calls himself Cell. He threatens to destroy the world if not defeated.
Goku fought with all he could but was unable to defeat him, and gave up. But in his place, he put their son in danger. Gohan refused to fight and wanted to spare Cell by attempting to change his views. Cell refused to listen, and eventually destroyed the head of an android who calls himself Android 16. She witnesses as her provoked son unleashed an incredible power that led Cell on his knees. Cell threaten to blow up the world, but Goku teleported them, far away from Earth, killing him in the process.
She shed a tear as her heart clenched at the sight of her son, balling his eyes, pleading for his father to return. Sadly, Goku's sacrifice went vain, as Cell returned, even more potent than before. Gohan fought again; only this time, he defeated him with the help of Z-fighters.
The memories go on, to where Goku meets their other son, Goten. To the universe, getting threaten to be destroyed by a pink alien called Majin Buu, Goku coming back to life and defeating Majin Buu with the help of the world. To her eldest getting married and creating a family. To Goku and Vegeta training under the God of destruction.
But, what she witnessed was her Fiancée, being able to master the ultimate power of the gods. "Ultra Instinct." All the gods respected him, followed him, and mentored him. What was suppose to be a temporally boast, became a permanent form. He became a god.
G-Goku was Immortal?
Everyone surrounding Goku, grew older, grayer, and weaker, whereas he remained the same.
But what clench her heart was this memory shown to her. Her family, everyone looking down as she was on her deathbed. Old and fragile. Goku was by her side, holding her hand as he cried, begging her to stay.
"Chi-Chi," He sobbed.
"G-Go...Ku….E-Eve...eyone… I-it is time…"
Goku sobbed harder. Gohan looked away, Goten crying by her side. Her grandchildren were begging her to stay, bawling just like Goku. Her daughter-in-laws cried, but attempted to remain strong to comfort their family.
"Chi-Chi! Please don't go. I'm not ready to say goodbye…" His voice cracks. "I would never be ready for you to leave."
Chi-Chi, saw her future counterpart struggle to smile as she held on tightly to her husband. "G-Goku...I-I can't….stay….Please...protect everyone... W-we... will see each other again…. Soon. I-I love you...and every...thing we...b-built to-together..."
Goku choked a sob, and tighten his grip nodding. "I-I promise. And I swear with every fiber of my immortal heart that I love you too." At that moment, Chi-Chi's grip loosen, just as she closed her eyes. Goku's eyes went wide, and shook her body, helplessly begging her to open her eyes.
"CHI-CHI!" Came Goku's sorrowful cries as he held her warm body.
Soon, it was Goku, his family and friends staring at one gravestone. Her gravestone. Then slowly, one by one, everyone was disappearing, and in turn, more gravestones took their place. Goku was staring at a graveyard alone.
Then it was him griefing, as the sun and moon passed multiple times. Days became weeks. Weeks became months. Months became years. Years became decades. Decades became centuries.
The last memory was Goku getting on the time machine, going back in time. Her time.
Coming back to reality, Chi-Chi realized she was crying. She choked a sob when she saw that devastating, almost pleading look on his face. He was crying, as Goku pulled back and held himself. Unable to stand and watch, she hugged him, comforting him the best she could. Goku, hugged her tightly, as if she would fade if he let go.
The dam broke. After too long, burying his emotions and hiding them from everyone, including himself, it all washed up like a massive Tsunami. He burst out crying, earning some bit of relief as his body shook violently and tightened his hold on Chi-Chi. He released a lot of salty water from his eyes, resulting in wetting Chi-Chi's militant outfit.
Chi-Chi didn't care, though, as what mattered to her right now was this broken man who feigned strength for too long. This man was the future counterpart of her to be husband. The death of her and everyone else took a toll on him until he couldn't take it anymore.
"I-I've made so many mistakes," He sobbed. "Which is why I came here." He chocked. "To fix everything I've done, prevent incidents from happening, and find a way to become mortal again."
She felt terrible for him. But that leaves a question.
Where was Goku? The original Goku of this timeline?
That will have to wait. Because right now, the only thing that mattered was comforting the shell of a former mortal and man.
"Do you understand the plan?" Asked Goku tiredly. He was emotionally and mentally drained, but won't allow that stop him from finishing what he must do.
Chi-Chi nodded, equally drained as Goku.
They both cried, shared their sadness and his pain. When they finished, they were a mess and emotionally drained. But both felt better. Chi-Chi managed to ask her desired question, and was saddened to know what happened to this timeline's Goku, but understood that he was never truly gone. She would be by his side, no matter what. When Goku gave her the chance to leave him, she smacked him, not caring if she hurt him or not. It was funny to see his stunned face, but at least Goku understood the message, loud and clear.
She was not leaving him.
And as of now, they were watching Hero and Piccolo's battle. Goku's friends were eyeing him, and really, she can't blame them. Goku changed of wardrobe in the middle of the tournament and was currently wearing a white and gold gi with a furry belt around his waist.
"This is a special training gi." He said. "Only gods can wear them. No ordinary mortal could wear this; otherwise, they perish by the power it holds. I rarely put this on, but with what I'm about to do, it should prevent me from exposing my natural figure."
Goku, despite being severe, knew how to throw some humor. Although the question was, how was he going to do it? When she asked, Goku merely hed a finger on his lip and said: "it's a secret."
"That man." She rolled her eyes as she tightened her hold on his muscular arm. She smiled dreamily though, "Still, I can't wait until we marry. Never did it occur to me I would share a bed with a powerful god. A good looking one at that. If anyone told me this a few days ago, I would smack them and said they've gone crazy."
In the arena, Hero out down a bottle in front of him. Majunior just happened to realized what was happening. Hero cried, "Evil Containment Wave!"
The entire arena was engulfed in a green light. Everyone covered their eyes and held on tightly as heavy winds attempted to suck them in. The only one who remained unbothered was Goku. He remained firm on his ground, glaring at the arena. There were black clouds in the sky, back in the past he would've been worried. But, he already knew what was going to be done in a few seconds.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Z-Fighters were dumbstruck that this man knew such technique.
Just as Goku had remembered, Piccolo had reflected the technique and ripped off his former master from his human disguise, trapping him in that bottle. Hero woke up in a matter of seconds and looked around, confused. Majunior grabbed the bottle just as it started to rain.
Piccolo returned to the waiting room and smirked at Goku, who was glaring at him.
"Give it to me Majunior," Goku demanded, voice low and dangerous, that scared his friends, including Chi-Chi and Piccolo.
Majunior quickly regained his composure and smirked innocently. "What? You mean this?" He pointed at the bottle. Before Goku could say anything, Piccolo opened his mouth and swallowed it. Goku's face went enraged, and there was a sicking crunch that scared everyone when they saw that Goku punched a hole on the wall.
"Majunior," Goku voice was still as low and dangerous, "I promise you that in our match, I will show you true pain."
Piccolo had sweat pouring from his body. While he would never admit it, Goku was giving him the chills. What the hell was going on with this guy? It didn't matter apparently, because Piccolo left the waiting room, laughing coldly although he didn't realize that he wasn't the only one thinking the same thing.
"Man, what's going on with Goku?" Whimpered Krillin as Yamcha shrugged, equally scared.
"That's a good question. What happened to you, Goku?"
"Goku!" Said Saiyan god didn't turn around. He didn't need to. Krillin, Yamcha, and Chi-Chi turned around and saw Master Roshi, along with the rest of the Z-fighters. Tien, Chaotzu (who came back from the medical care much quicker than Goku expected) Bulma, Launch, Oolong, Puar, and Turtle.
They raised an eyebrow at Goku's new wardrobe change but didn't comment.
"Do you know what is going on?" Asked Roshi.
Goku was silent for a moment. He did know, but should he tell them? He still wants to keep his god status and whole time travel a secret, he said Chi-Chi too. While his soon-to-be wife understood and respected his wishes, she pointed out that he needed to tell them at one point. Of course, he didn't need to rush himself. He wasn't ready, so he'll keep them in the dark for now. But what he can tell them, however…
"Majunior is Piccolo." He bluntly said.
"WHAT!?"
Goku winced as the sheer volume. "Yeah..."
"Piccolo! As in Demon King Piccolo?!" Screeched Bulma, making not only the Saiyan, but everyone covers their ears and wince in pain. "B-but how?! We saw you kill him!"
Goku glances at her direction. "I did kill him. Demon King Piccolo is dead." He looks away at their looks of disbelief. "Majunior is King Piccolo's son, his reincarnation."
Had the situation not been severe, he would've burst out laughing at their gaping faces. He closed his eyes and let out a long-suffering sigh. He looked up in the sky.
Goku was opened his mouth to explain before clamping it shut, as a small detail suddenly came to his head. "Dnmmit, I forgot that no one knows what a Namekian is or how they are produced.." Goku hissed silently, "If I don't want to expose myself, I need to keep that information a secret for now."
"I don't know how and when, but what I am certain that Piccolo is Demon King Piccolo's son."
Everyone nodded, still looking wary.
"So he's…." Master Roshi trailed off.
Goku nodded. "Kami explained to me that Piccolo was not a mindless minion of his, but his heir. Now Piccolo came here to find and kill me to avenge his sire. Afterward, he plans on finishing his father's plans for world domination."
"But who was that other guy that s sucked in!?" Tien asked. "Because I know as hell that he looked a lot like Piccolo."
Goku glanced at his direction. "That was Kami."
"KAMI?!"
"Kami," Goku confirmed, nodding.
"B-But wh-" Started asking Krillin when Goku cut him off.
"Because a long time ago, Kami and King Piccolo were once one being. However, when Kami was chosen to become Earth's guardian, he was required to remove all the evil inside him. As a result, Kami split into two beings. One good, the other evil."
Goku finally turned around. "I know this is both terrifying and confusing, but all I ask now is that you allow me to do this." He glanced at the wet arena, that was still getting a soak. "I know what I must do, and I will free Kami. Piccolo is confidante that he will be able to defeat me, but he isn't the only one who has become stronger."
Chi-Chi gave a small snort at that, which Goku was the only one to catch. After all, what are the chances of a god, who is stronger, being defeated by a mortal?
"Shouldn't be surprised, after all, she already knows that I upstaged Piccolo a long time ago. Nothing he will do will cause harm to me."
They heard a heavy snort. "If you think you can defeat me, you are sorely mistaken."
Everyone looked at the entry and saw Piccolo. He was smirking with his arms crossed. The Z-fighters glared, whereas Goku looked unamused. "Do you really think you have a chance of defeating me, Piccolo?" He gained everyone's attention. "Or have you forgotten the small pinch of display I have done earlier today?"
Piccolo surprisingly flinched as he looked weary at Goku. The Z-fighters looked at Goku, clearly confused.
"So it was your doing." He muttered."Well, it doesn't matter. A fluke like that won't scare me off." He glared. "I will have my revenge. I have yet to show my true power, and maybe then you will beg on my knees to spare your life."
"I doubt it." Muttered Goku, rolling his eyes.
Both fighters glared at each other before Piccolo left. Goku's glare never left Piccolo's departing form. He ignored the questions his friends were shouting at him as Chi-Chi attempted to calm him down by rubbing his shoulders.
They remained like this as the sun begins to peek out of the dark clouds
"Ladies and gentlemen! Your patience is about to be rewarded! The final match of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament begins now!" There was cheering from the crowds. "Welcome the contestants, Goku and Majunior!"
Both Piccolo and Goku walk to their positions, both rivals glaring in the distance. There was cheering, and Goku saw the Z-fighters cheering for him. It was humorous when he witness blond Launch smacking Oolong twice while she cheers. Goku glance behind him and saw his friends and Chi-Chi. His friends were shooting him confident faces, Chi-Chi following their lead, along with determination.
He smiled in her direction, and she caught it. Chi-Chi was blushing pink, grinning as well.
Both fighters stood in the middle, facing each other. Piccolo smirked and chuckled as he removes his cape. "You should feel honored."
Goku raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Piccolo throws his cape away. "Because I am your executioner!"
There was heavy silence as both fighters glared at each other intensely. Goku's friends sweat in fear of their friend, whereas Chi-Chi remained the same.
"I know you can do it, Goku. Show the world what a god is capable of doing."
There were slow drumbeats, causing a tense moment to become more. There was low cheering, and Bulma was among them as Launch continued smacking poor Oolong in excitement. Both rivals never eased their glares, and their bodies tensed. The drumbeats are increasing speed.
"Ready?! On my mark! Get set! BEGIN!"
The drumbeats came to a stop, and the gong rang.
Piccolo wasted no time and attacked. Goku dodged without moving an inch, his body reacting on its own, mind shut down, result of Ultra-Instincts. Piccolo's physical attacks were fast, calculated, and, most importantly, vicious. Goku had goosebumps as he remembered how he struggled in his mortal stage, all those years ago, how he was lost on how to beat Piccolo without killing his master. And how he almost lost his life.
Piccolo was getting more frustrated within every passing moment. He will admit, he must give the kid more credit.
Goku was getting bored with the dodging and suddenly disappeared. Piccolo stiffened and looked around. He was suddenly tapped on his shoulder. He turned around and was met with a fist to his face. He flew but didn't fly off the arena. He grunted in pain when he landed on his back. He tried to sit up; only someone suddenly grabbed him and threw him in the sky.
Piccolo yelped, not expecting that. He was then screaming in pain when he felt pain in different parts of his body. Goku flew through Piccolo multiple times at a quick paste, hitting him for what it was worth. His speed was ridiculous that he was invisible to the mortal eye. The crowd was shocked at such speed.
Finally, Goku stopped once Piccolo was lying on his back in the air. Before the Namekian could react, Goku clasped his hands together and smacked him in the stomach. Piccolo had a rough landing on the arena, creating a large crater.
While everyone was gasping, whispering, and pointing at him, Goku landed gracefully and stared down at his rival, who was struggling to stand up. He couldn't help but smile.
"A long time ago, it was me who was in your spot Piccolo. Now, the roles have switched."
Piccolo managed to get out of the crater and stood up. He glared at Goku, who was looking natural. He growled as a drop of purple blood spill from his mouth. He wiped it off and flew to the sky. Everyone gasped in surprise while Goku looked amused.
"So now you open your wings, Majunior? How disappointing, I have thought you would last longer."
Piccolo growled at the insult.
Goku didn't care, as he too flew toward Piccolo. Punches and kicks were thrown at each other. Piccolo received the majority of the hits, as he spends most of his time attempting to block Goku's fast attacks.
Goku smirks and tsks, knowing full well that in the air, no one will hear him. "Piccolo, I warned you, you are no match for me."
Piccolo scowled at Goku, who remained untouched. Suddenly, Goku, with high speed, at least to the human eye, elbows Piccolo in the face; the unfortunate Namekian was unable to block. Then, he attacks with a powerful barrage of kicks and punches, ending with a hefty blow on Piccolo's stomach. Goku made sure that he held back good enough not to kill the Namekian. Piccolo gasped for air and fell on the ground, temporarily unable to move. Goku jumps high up in the air and sternly glares at Piccolo's fallen form.
"I need to calm down and hold back as much power as I can. I don't want to end Piccolo and Kami's life here, especially since I know Piccolo can change his ways."
"KAAAAAAA-!"
The Z-fighters eyes widen as they looked up
"MEEEEEEH-!"
Goku cups his hands, and slowly pulls out his ki.
"HAAAAAAAAA-!"
An orb of Ki begins to form on Goku's hands, and the Z-fighters shouted at everyone to getaway. The people listened and ran away from terror, screaming while doing so, the Announcer hiding behind the Z-fighters. Piccolo, still unable to move, screamed in horror.
"MEEEEEEEEEEEH-!"
Goku releases the energy at Piccolo, who's scream became louder
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
The beam of energy hit its mark, and destroyed the arena below Goku. Piccolo screams of pain were heard over the destruction. Everyone, who was on the ground, shielded their eyes and screamed in fear as the wind threatened to blow them away.
When the light show was over, everyone looked up. They were greeted with a destroyed arena, with a gigantic crater. Goku landed gracefully and looked at the crater. While Piccolo seemed to have been defeated, he knew better.
"I managed to hold back my power far enough to match my teen's power level. Piccolo should be waiting for me to lower my guard."
"Damn it! He's too strong! I need to end this now!"
Piccolo, whose eyes remained closed, was covered in bruises and blood, and his gi was in worst condition with all the rips it had. Goku, however, remained the same as he did before the match started. He could hear his friends cheering, but he raised his arm, and they went silent.
"It's not over."
And sure enough, Piccolo shot open his eyes and a beam from his Antennas and shot it towards Goku's shoulders. But Goku swatted the offending attack without much of a struggle. Piccolo cursed as he got off the crater.
Both rivals glared down at each other sternly as Piccolo was breathing heavily. Neither moving nor talking. They just stood there, the Z-fighters watching the scene intensely.
Suddenly, in front of everyone's eyes, Goku's eyes suddenly widen as a silver aura engulfed his entire body. His hair became spikier and went as silver as his aura. His black onyx orbs went silver as well. Soon, a string of curses were shouted in the arena as everyone was gaping at Goku's sudden change and the foul words that came out of his mouth.
"Damn it to HFIL! I lost track of time!" Goku cursed, and his stern glare was focused on Piccolo, who was gaping. "It doesn't matter! What happened, happened. The only thing I can do now is ending this!"
"T-This can't be!" Piccolo sweated,
"W-what just happened!?" Gulped Krillin.
The Z-fighters were stunned at Goku's sudden new look. They were confused, but apparently, the only one who knew the answer over what just happened was the glowing man in the arena.
"I've had enough!" Piccolo growled before a menacing smirk made its way into his face. "It is time to end this!"
Piccolo began glowing, and his body began to shake.
"He's glowing." Tien sweated, "This isn't good.
The Z-fighters were also scared, but did nothing but watched what happened. Chi-Chi, while she was worried, knew that Goku could handle it. He was a god, and gods aren't to be underestimated.
Of course, not that anyone knew he was a god.
Piccolo started screaming, and soon after, his body began to grow. The Z-fighters were gaping as Piccolo became humongous, to the size of the temple itself. Goku didn't seem intimidated. Instead, he sternly glared as Piccolo laughed, thinking he had the advantage.
"Hahaha! You look so small from up here." He taunted.
Goku looked down. He caught everyone off guard when he started chuckling. His chuckles turned into full-blown laughter. For a moment, everyone thought he lost it. Goku stopped laughing and was glaring at Piccolo.
"How rich." He sneered. "You think that increasing your size; you'll be able to defeat me?" He then shot a quick glare over at his friends, all who looked puzzled. He turned his attention back to the giant Namekian. "Do you think that you are the only one who can achieve a power similar to that?"
Goku licked his lips and fangs, "Since you are showing your power, I might as well show you my surprise."
At that moment, Goku's furry belt unwrapped itself from his waist, and the Z-fighters finched and paled when they saw what it was.
A tail.
Not just any tail. This tail brought many unpleasant memories. Memories of a monster. One that came out on a full moon if a certain boy looked at the moon. Goku wasn't done, though. He cupped his hands, and a bright light formed as Goku concentrated on the stabilizing power.
The Z-fighters watched with batted breath as Goku threw the ball into the air, shouting, "Mix and combine!" The orb disappeared in the sky, and suddenly there was a bright glow, and in mere seconds, a full moon stood in place.
The Z-Fighters blanched as Oolong squealed like a little pig and cried out, "This is a nightmare! Goku's created a full moon. We're all going to die!" While Oolong was crying for his sow, Goku glared at the false moon he had created, and his body recoiled.
In less than a minute, Goku's body began shaking. Then, his body began to grow as he transformed. His entire body became furry, sharp like fangs started to grow as his eyes turn bloodshed red. Goku grew to the size to where he was staring down at the humongous Namekian. Piccolo, who was looking up at him in shock, slowly stepped back. The great ape has awoken; however, it was different from what the Z-fighters remembered. Its fur wasn't brown. Instead, it was a glowing silver, and it wasn't thrashing wildly about like all the other times Goku transformed. Instead, Goku was calmly standing with his arms across his chest. His clothes also stayed intact. If anything, they changed with him.
In deep, almost beast-like voice came out of the Oozaru's mouth. "You are not the only one who can change form, Piccolo!" Screamed the beast as Piccolo looked nervous. "Now, it is time to end this!"
Goku charged at Piccolo, and both giants fell onto the arena. Goku grabbed both of Piccolo's hands to prevent him from doing anything and was crushing his chest with his large foot. Piccolo's screams mingled with Goku's roars.
Piccolo was choking on blood, and suddenly, a small object came flying out of his mouth. Goku released Piccolo and, without crushing it, grabbed it. It was the bottle that contained Kami. Releasing Piccolo, allowing his rival to catch his breath and recover, he waked to his friends, as a result, created small tremors that represented an earthquake while doing so.
The Z-fighters were screaming, thinking that Goku was going to attack them. But to their surprise, Chi-Chi walked up as Goku stopped in front of her. He knelt and opened his large hand to show the bottle, which was surprisingly still in one piece. Chi-Chi took it and quickly went back to her lover's friends.
Gokou turned back and saw that Piccolo has yet to stand. He slowly made his way towards the defeated Namekian. Piccolo was losing consciousness, everything hurt, and it was even more painful to move. He didn't bother to fight and closed his eyes, accepting defeat and his upcoming death.
Goku did nothing but stared down at his defeated rival's fallen form. He smiled, or somewhat smiled as much as he could in the beast's form, and his large hand covered Piccolo's face. But he didn't kill him as everyone expected; instead, his hand glowed, and Piccolo shrunk. Piccolo finally lost consciousness, but not before hearing the Saiyan's voice in his head; "Piccolo, I will not kill you, but doesn't mean that you are allowed to cause death and destruction. I'm giving you a second chance because I know you have good inside you. You aren't your father, Demon King Piccolo; you are Piccolo Jr…. Wisely choose your path."
The moment Goku was declared the winner, Goku raised his large hand and shot a beam at the false moon. In moments, the moon was destroyed, leaving nothing behind. Goku remained silent as his Oozaru form began to shrink, and the evidence of being a beast was gone.
He was back to his base form. The moment he was, his friends ran up to him, laughing and hugging him. Goku smiled despite himself. "They would've found out anyway, and I just hoped that they wouldn't find out so soon."
"Goku, that was amazing!"
Goku laughed as Chi-Chi launched herself in his arms. He held her close. Chi-Chi then handed him the bottle, and he took it. He looked down on it, and opened the bottled, in moments, Kami was on the ground.
The Earth's Guardian opened his eyes, and sat up, looking confused.
"Good morning, Kami. I hope you weren't too cramped in there." Teased the Saiyan, catching Kami's attention.
"G-Goku!" He looked around. "W-What happened? Where's Piccolo?!"
Kami followed Goku's finger and saw a battered Piccolo, unconscious. Kami sighed and stood up. Before he could do anything, he felt his pupil's hand grasp his shoulder.
"Don't. You don't have to do this, Kami." He said softly.
"I must end this. This is my mistake, and I will fix it by killing Piccolo."
"If you kill him, you will die too." He stated firmly, glaring sternly. "And don't attempt to use the Dragon Balls either, I know what happens when you die."
Kami sighed and looked at the silver fighter. Just looking at Goku in his base form, he can confirm his suspicions.
Goku was a god.
But the question was how. Although, apparently, it seemed his former pupil read his mind because he answered mentally so that his friends don't hear him.
"Kami, your suspicions have been confirmed, I am a god, and from the future. I've achieved this power far in the future. The Goku of this timeline won't be seen ever again. I came back to have a second chance with my family and prevent as much bloodshed. My reasons are selfish, but I can no longer stay in my timeline with guilt and pain eating me away. All I ask is that you tell no one of my status."
Goku smiled when he saw Kami hesitant a bit before nodding. "I know that you think that killing Piccolo might do good, but I believe Piccolo can change."
"And he has. Piccolo changed for the better and fought to protect the earth and universe until his final breath. Give him the chance Kami."
Kami thought about this. If indeed Goku was from the future and said that Piccolo could change… He looks at his pupil, still uncertain.
"I understand that you're still skeptical Kami, but please, let me share some memories of mine."
Before Kami could comprehend, his mind was instantly filled with memories. Glimpses of memories involving Piccolo's redemption and sacrifices to protect earth. When it came to an end, Kami looked at his pupil once more, only this time he was looking certain with a small smile. "Very well, I'll give you this chance and take your word for it. But all I ask is that you keep an eye on him."
Goku nodded. "You have my word."
He looked at Yajirobe, "May I have a Senzu Yajirobe?"
"Huh?" Asked the fat samurai, "Uh, sure?"
Taking the bean, Goku surprised his friends by giving it to Piccolo. They freaked out when Piccolo shot open his eyes after he healed. He stood up, but before he could do anything, Goku grip his shoulder, making Piccolo yelp in pain at the unexpected pressure.
"Remember my words, Piccolo. Do not waste this change," He narrowed his eyes at the scared Namekian. "Or else. Am I clear?"
When Piccolo nodded hastily, Goku released him, and Piccolo high tailed away.
Goku ignored the Z-fighter's shocked faces and looked at Kami, nodding in confirmation. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he behaves."
Kami nodded, smiling. "You know, Goku, I was planning on asking you, but it seems you already know?"
Goku chuckled. "I do, and I will politely turn it down. I don't wish to be the Guardian of Earth, for that position is not for me." The Z-Fighters looked at each other confused. What were they talking about?
Kami nodded again, "Very well, I understand, but if you change your mind, I will be waiting."
Goku nodded at his old master and watched his retreating form. Once he could no longer see his master, he narrowed his eyes and looked at his friends. He crossed his arms on his chest, and the Z-fighters felt a shiver on their spines, as they were intimated by the look Goku was giving them. What did they do now?
Chi-Chi, however, understood and stepped back a few feet away. This wasn't her place.
"I hope you still remember my great ape transformation out there," Goku said, enjoying watching them flinch and blanch. "Now what I want to know was why none of you told me that I was the monster that would come out when I looked at the full moon. Or the fact that I was the monster that murdered my grandpa?"
The dangerous tone in his voice was painfully obvious.
"W-well, you see….um..." The Z-fighters stuttered, attempting to find an excuse.
Goku harshly glared, clearly not amused, making them flinch. "I don't want excuses. What I want to know is, why wasn't I told? Because..." Goku lost his voice, looking hurt at his friends, "I met someone who attempted to kill me, and it was because of him that made me realize my transformation." He looked at his friends, who looked ashamed. "I will not lie, it hurt me to know that it was because of a mad man that I learned the truth, rather than my friends who could support me and help me go through this."
"We're sorry, Goku," Bulma said. "It was my idea in the first place."
"But the rest followed you, so you are not the only one to blame."
"Yes, but still. You're right; we should've told you about you being the monster. We could've helped you, but we hurt by keeping quiet. We're sorry."
Hearing his friends apologize caused a joyful feeling to form in the pit of his stomach, but he remained cold. He sighed. "I forgave you a long time ago." He waved at them, smiling when he saw their relieved faces. "But that doesn't mean I will forget. There are scars much deeper than others. And some of them aren't physical."
The Z-fighters flinched, but understood. It was their responsibility, so there are consequences. Finally, Krillin and was checking out Goku's silver aura, hair, and eyes.
"Hey Goku, I got to ask, what happened over there? You turned silver all of a sudden, and you were..." He blushed, "Shouting a lot of words I didn't know would come out of your mouth."
Goku's eyes widen before closing his eyes, restraining himself from cursing again.
"FUCK! What am I suppose to do now?!"
"Uh...I honestly don't know, Krillin." He lied smoothly. "I don't know why I turned silver, and for what I cursed, its because I had implied that Piccolo would drop on the ground. But he lasted longer than I had expected.."
There were a few eyebrows raised, but no one wanted to provoke Goku after what happened a few minutes ago, so they kept their mouth shuts.
Not wanted to do anything else, Goku turned and walked towards Chi-Chi, who was waiting patiently for him. "Now, if you excuse me, I have a wedding to plan."
Goku was smiling the entire way, with Chi-Chi sitting on his lap and happily snuggling on his chest. They were currently riding on Nimbus back to Fire mountain.
"So, the castle will catch on fire?"
"Yes. However, don't you worry, I know what I must do. But before I can do anything, we must wait for the mountain to catch on fire. So we can go at least greet your father and make a few plans for our new life together on the way."
Chi-Chi smiled warmly as she continued snuggling on Goku's muscular chest. "I can't wait."
Goku smiled, cupping her cheek. "Neither can I," He captured her lips, and both happily kissed as Nimbus continued its merry way towards Fire mountain.
A/N: Longest chapter so far! Thank goodness!
Anyway, I'm going to skip the episode The End, The Beginning, mostly because I have no idea what to write for that episode. Another thing is that we're not starting the Raditz Saga yet. I want to focus more on Goku's and Chi-Chi's marriage, their honeymoon, having Gohan, and so on.
Dbz fan: I'm glad that you are interested in wanting to keep the Saiyans, especially Raditz alive, but you will have to wait and see.
EDIT: Thank you Jackski for pointing out the mistake