Gohan's first breath after the fusion was memorable. All in an instant, he felt as though he was born again, no longer a portion of Gokhan.

He was just Son Gohan again. Cheerful, socially awkward, homework-loving Son Gohan.

Caught off guard, Goku fell onto his butt. "Ow," he whined. Chi-Chi laughed, throwing herself into the man's lap.

"Oh, Goku!" she cried. "I missed you!"

"I missed you," Goku said, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you, Chi."

Krillin clasped a hand on Gohan's shoulder, and Vegeta gave a slight nod of acknowledgement towards the teen.

"I can't believe it's over," Gohan panted. "That was…"

"A freak show?" Krillin offered. "A mess? A clusterfuck?"

"Yes," Bulma affirmed with a small smile. She wrapped her arms around Trunks, who tried to pull away from her celebratory kiss on the cheek. "All of the above."

"I know the universe was at stake and all," Yamcha started. "But that Kamehameha battle looked really cool from up here. It was a fitting end, don't you think?"

The planet below them hung in shambles, and Piccolo stood taut in the edge of the lookout. Every fibre of his body strained with effort as he struggled to hold the Earth's core together as best he could.

"Summon the damn dragon!" he roared through gritted teeth. "I can't hold this for much longer!"

Immediately, Mr. Popo called Shenron forward. As the gigantic dragon unraveled from his hidden dimension, a discussion began about what their wishes would be, and it what order. After more threats on Piccolo's part, the Earth was restored to its state before Babidid released Buu. Exhausted, Piccolo collapsed to the ground, Gohan rushing over to help him up.

After more arguing and an impatient growl from the dragon, Shenron gave billions of people their lives back. The android siblings and Kibito popped into existence on the Guardian's lookout, and countless others reappeared across the globe.

The celebration was short-lived, however.

"I should be heading back," Goku said suddenly.

"What?" Chi-Chi shrieked. "You can't- don't leave us again!"

"I'm dead, Chi," he said softly.

Gohan watched through bleary eyes as his father touched foreheads with his mother. They closed their eyes, reveling in the warmth and love the other provided. He had never really seen his parents like this- and after today, he wouldn't ever again.

Sensing Gohan's thoughts, the Supreme Kai stepped forward, albeit hesitantly. "I believe some sort of reward is in order." Turning to Goku, the Kai lowered himself to the ground. "After all, I have a debt to pay for allowing Buu to live dormant on this planet."

"Master?" Kibito said, concerned. "What are you planning on doing?"

"Yeah, Supreme Kai," Goku said, puzzled. "What-"

"I know Gohan will take good care of this planet," the Kai interrupted. "But please… take good care of Gohan."

With a flash of dark, purple light, Shin seized up before falling on his side, suddenly lifeless.

Kibito lunged forward as everyone else gasped in horror.

And the halo above Goku's head shimmered and faded. Moments later, Shin's body faded with him as he returned to his original realm. With a stiff goodbye, Kibito disappeared as well, off to serve his master in Otherworld.

Their friends nearly tackled Gohan and Goku all at once, overjoyed at the turn of events. Even Videl stepped forward from the shadows to embrace her friend, expressing her gratitude.

"I can't believe it," Videl said, burying her face in Gohan's chest. "My friend saved the world, and I didn't even know. Nobody did."

He returned her hug gently, afraid to exacerbate her slow-healing wounds. "So you don't think I'm a freak?"

"A freak?" she shouted, pushing away from him. Hands on her hips, she continued in disbelief, "Are you kidding me? As soon as I'm back in fighting shape, you're going to teach me how to fly, Son Gohan!"

Hand behind his head, Gohan shifted nervously under her intense stare, his friends sharing a laugh at the boy's expense.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Everyone turned to see a tall, tanned man warp into view. Bardock took a step towards Gohan, a cocky grin on his face.

Though shocked beyond belief, Gohan quickly composed himself and said slyly, "I knew this little reunion was missing something."

"Yeah, some important guy just died," Bardock said nonchalantly, crossing his dark arms. "He jumped the line and asked for my return. Funny enough, King Yemma complied. Said something about righting a wrong? I'll be honest, I wasn't really paying attention."

"Does that mean-?" Goku started, looking back and forth between Gohan and Bardock.

"My visions," Gohan finished. "I wonder if they're gone."

"Hey, anyone care to explain who this third-class fool is?" Vegeta demanded, eyeing Bardock like potential prey.

"It's kind of a long story," Bulma offered, winking at Gohan.

Bardock smiled. "I think we have time."

THE END