Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or have any rights to it.
Note: I've said it before; don't ask me to explain the backgrounds of the characters. Watch the videos on youtube or something.
Bulma was surprised when she saw three figures headed towards her. She knew that one had to be Trunks, but was curious about the other two. They couldn't be androids since all three figures were flying side by side instead of two chasing one, as would be the case with the androids. Disregarding all else, Trunks would never lead the androids towards her, even if his own life were in danger.
A minute or so later, Trunks touched down with Tarble and Gure in tow. To Bulma's surprise, he was smiling.
"Trunks? Who are those two?" Moments after asking, she saw Tarble's saiyan armor and tail. "He's…a saiyan!"
"Yes mom. He's dad's younger brother." Trunks smiled as he watched his mother's look of shock.
"Hello Mrs. Bulma," said Tarble curtly. "My name is Tarble, and I assume you're my brother's wife."
"I am," replied Bulma as she recovered from her the shock. "It's nice to meet you. You're certainly better behaved than your brother."
They all shared a laugh.
"So who's this?" asked Bulma as she turned her eyes to Gure.
"My name Gure." She bowed. "I am Tarble's wife."
Trunks couldn't help but laugh as he watched his mother's eyes grow as wide as dinner plates. "I was shocked too mom. But I guess anything's possible with saiyans."
"Why don't we all go inside," said Bulma. "It's not safe to be outside too long. I'm sure Trunks has told you about the androids."
"He has,' replied Tarble. "However, they won't be the only threat on this planet for long."
Once inside, Bulma brought out some snacks. Once everyone was settled down, Tarble and Gure explained their crisis with Abo and Cado, as well as the fact that they couldn't go home.
"My gosh! That sounds awful, and you said they're as strong as Freeza?"
"Don't worry mom," said Trunks. "I can take them. They're not nearly as strong as the androids…though it wont be easy."
"I will help you fight them," said Tarble. "And since I'm not going anywhere, I'll also do my best against the androids."
Trunks shook his head. "I know you can fight, and nobody will think badly of you if you don't fight, but these androids are really strong. They're stronger than me, even though I'm a super saiyan. Sorry to say, but you won't make much of a difference against them."
Tarble sighed. "I guess not."
"Let's not talk about this now," said Bulma. "Why don't we choose a happier topic? I'll bet Tarble has some stories to share from his time in space."
As the group continued to talk, a small, hooded figure peered at them through the window. Good, while they talk about the good old days, I'll get my hands on that music box. The Hirudegarn will be free!
Scaling the walls of the building, he found his way into Trunks' room. He snatched the music box from the desk and took it outside.
"This incantation will use up a considerable amount of energy, but it will be worth it if I can set Tapion free again." Placing the music box on the ground, he extended his hands towards it, and started chanting.
A green colored smoke materialized around his hands and made its way towards the music box. It took a few minutes before the smoke had completely left his hands; it was now surrounding the music box, lifting it into the air.
The man grinned. I should leave now. When the box explodes, it will cause quite a commotion. It would be unwise to be risk being caught. Using the last of his ki, the hooded figure lifted into the sky and took off.
A few minutes later, the box exploded.
Everyone in the Capsule Corp. kitchen jumped as they heard what sounded like glass shattering. Getting up from their seats, they all rushed out into the yard.
Trunks' eyes widened when he saw his old friend Tapion sprawled out on the lawn. "Tapion! What happened?"
Opening his eyes, Tapion smiled. "Trunks…you've grown." He then passed out. When he woke up, he was in a bed, with everyone else staring down at him with worried looks.
"So what happened?" asked Bulma. "I thought the music box kept you sealed."
"It did…I don't know how I was set free again. Hoy must have gotten stronger. He must've used a powerful spell to break through the box"
"We'll have to find him," replied Trunks.
"But how?" asked Bulma. "He could be anywhere on the planet."
"We'll go to Kami's lookout," replied Trunks.
Bulma gave Trunks an incredulous look. "We don't even know if it's still intact. The androids could've destroyed it."
"We'll never know unless we go look," replied Trunks.
"I fell okay now," said Tapion. "We can leave right now."
Trunks nodded. "Right, let's go."
"I'm not really sure what's going on,' said Tarble, "but I'll come too in case I could be of any help."
"All right," replied Trunks. "We can all get caught up on the way."
"Be careful," said Gure.
As the three warriors headed towards the lookout, a space pod entered the Earth's atmosphere.
"Wake up Bardock, we have arrived," came a computerized voice.
Opening his eyes, Bardock cleared his throat. Good…it's about time I found the Earth. I just hope I'm not too late.
The pod created a small crater as it collided with the desert ground. The pod hatch opened after the dust settled.
Stepping out into the desert, Bardock tapped the button on his scouter to see if there were any strong power levels in the area. Nope…nothing nearby…I'll have to expand my search to include a wider radius. I just hope those things haven't killed my grandson yet.
Bardock growled in frustration when his scouter didn't turn up any results.
"Damn it! This is an older model. I can't scan the entire planet with it!" Lifting off into the air, he flew off to another area. I'll have to systematically scan the planet until I find someone.
Tapion and Tarble were both on the same page just as Korin Tower came into view. The beautiful tower was a welcome sight amidst the otherwise bland landscape.
"Thank god," said Trunks in a relieved tone. "That's Korin Tower. It lies directly below Kami's lookout. It looks intact, which means the chances of the lookout surviving are almost guaranteed."
"That's good," replied Tapion. "We don't have a moment to spare. If Hirudegarn gets free, he'll be unstoppable."
"This Hirudegarn, how strong would he be in relation to the androids?" Tarble was worried about fighting an unknown enemy. A major difference between him and the average saiyan was the fact that he would always gauge his enemy's strength before jumping into a battle.
Trunks face darkened. "I've yet to sense an upper limit to it. When he last appeared, he wasn't even trying, yet he was at least ten times as strong as each android. For all I know, he could be a thousand times their strength."
"Which is all the more reason why we can't allow Hoy to unleash him," added Tapion.
"That's right. I just wish we had Master Gohan with us."
"By the way, where is Gohan?"
"I'm not sure Tapion. I don't think the androids killed him, but he mysteriously disappeared three years ago. I haven't heard from him since."
"Sounds strange," replied Tapion,
They reached the tower and flew vertically, getting higher and higher.
"Be on the lookout for the top,' said Trunks. "You wouldn't want to hit you head."
After a few more minutes the top came into view. When they got there, they saw the cat, Korin waiting for them.
"Hello, you must be Trunks," said Korin. "I've been watching all of what's been going on. The situation seems grim."
"It is," replied Trunks. "You probably don't know the half of it."
"Good point. Please let me read your mind so I can get on the same page." The all nodded, indicating their consent. After a few minutes, Korin's hair stood up. "Wow! You weren't kidding." Stroking his beard, he went into thought. "You should definitely head up to the lookout. I think you'll find a pleasant surprise waiting for you. If only Gohan had come up here before his disappearance."
"Alright, thanks Korin." Trunks smiled, and was about to leave, when he remembered something. "By the way, do you have senzu beans?"
"I do." Walking towards a table, he picked up a sac and handed it to Trunks. "Here, there are ten beans inside. Use them wisely, I haven't been able to grow many of these recently."
"Thanks Korin." With their business finished, Trunks, Tarble, and Tapion proceeded up to the lookout.
It took a few more minutes before the floating palace came into view.
This update came sooner than expected. Hopefully, you'll all be in for a surprise in my next update.