Hello, another chapter hot off the presses. Thank you all for your reviews, favorites, an follows. Glad to see you guys are enjoying the ride so far and hope you keep reading until the end.

Now, onward to the chapter.

Chapter 6: Bitter Goodbye

Krillin hung up the phone as he took in what he was just told. He felt numb, like his insides had been hallowed out. He still couldn't believed what he just been told.

"Hey Krillin, what's wrong, buddy?" Oolong asked as he looked at one of his dirty magazines. "You looked like someone died."

Krillin shuddered at Oolong's choice of words. "I...I just go a phone call from Bulma. It's about Goku."

"Goku?" Oolong repeated. "Is he feeling better? He didn't look good the other day."

Krillin shook his head. "Goku is very, very sick. He...he has that new virus that has been going around. The one that attacks the heart."

"Oh, that doesn't sound good," Oolong said, getting more worried.

Turtle lifted his head. "But he should be fine, right? This is Goku."

Krillin remained silent, not sure what to say. It was Goku. He survived so many things and always beat the odds…..yet he had a really bad feeling.

Turtle stared worriedly at the former monk. "Krillin?"

Master Roshi was quiet as he listened to the current conversation. His head was down and he was unusually forlorn. "Krillin. Goku is dying, isn't he?"

Krillin nearly jumped by the bluntness of the question. No, it wasn't a question. By the tone of his master's voice, it was a statement of fact.

"Master Roshi!?" Turtle exclaimed in shock.

"Don't say stuff like that!" Oolong yelled.

Master Roshi ignored Oolong and Turtle; his focus remained squarely on Krillin.

Krillin shifted under his master's gaze. Even with sunglasses, it was like he was seeing through his soul. "It…it doesn't look good. Bulma still thinks that there's a chance, given that Goku isn't human and she and her father will be working on a cure...but... The virus has proved fatal in all cases."

Oolong paled when he heard this. "But how did Goku get such a nasty virus? I mean, he lives in the middle of nowhere."

Krillin sighed, running a hand through his shaved head. "I don't know. The virus is random with no known pattern. I mean…until the other day I didn't even know Goku could get sick. The guy never even had a running nose."

Master Roshi stood up from his seat and walked towards the window in the living room. He watched the seagulls flying over the sea. "I thought as much. Since the day of Bulma's party, I saw the shadow of death on Goku's face. I hoped I was wrong but…I feel his life force slipping away."

"Don't be so negative! This is Goku! He can pull through this!" Oolong yelled as he stood up. "I mean, he escaped from an exploding planet for god's sake and beat a galactic tyrant not once, but twice!"

Turtled nodded in agreement. "That's right. We shouldn't give up hope on him yet."

"I want to believe that," Master Roshi said somberly. "I truly want to believe that Goku will make it through this, but..."

"Maybe we should visit them," Krillin suggested, trying to break the somber mood.

Master Roshi silently nodded.

It wasn't until the next day that the group from Kame House made the trip to Mount Paozu. They figured that the Sons needed a day to digest everything that has happened.

It was early afternoon when they arrived and they were somewhat surprise to see that Yamcha was also there along with Puar.

"Hey," Yamcha greeted in a subdue voice.

"Hey, Yamcha. Didn't expect to see you again so soon," Krillin said before his face fell. "Too bad it couldn't be under better circumstances."

Yamcha nodded. "Yeah, I got the call from Bulma. It sounds really serious."

"But Goku's strong. I'm sure he will be just fine," Puar said optimistically, although it sounded forced.

Krillin looked around. "I sensed Piccolo and Gohan, but I can't find them."

"Piccolo took Gohan to train or something several hours ago. I think he's trying to get his mind off of things for awhile," Yamcha said.

"Hmm, that sounds like Piccolo. It can't be easy for the boy, seeing his father in such a state," Master Roshi said before looking at Yamcha. "Has Tien and Chiaotzu been by? And where's Ox-King?"

Yamcha shook his head. "Bulma still can't find them, but they should be able to sense what's going on. They could come by later. Ox-King was here, but left to pick up dinner since Chi-Chi can't cook right now."

Oolong shook his head. "What a time for those two to disappear off the face of the Earth."

There was a long paused among the group of friends.

"Well, I guess there's no point delaying it any longer," Krillin said as he led the others to the door. He knocked and waited patiently for Chi-Chi.

After several minutes, Chi-Chi answered the door. She looked terrible. Her hair was a mess and bags were under her eyes, suggesting that she hadn't slept in days. It was like she aged ten years since the last time they saw her.

"Chi-Chi..." Krillin whispered slowly. He wasn't sure how he should address her.

"Krillin, sorry," Chi-Chi said as she opened the door wider. "I'm a little slow this afternoon."

"Chi-Chi, when was the last time you slept?" Yamcha asked in concern.

The young woman rubbed her face tiredly. "I haven't slept all night. I had to take care of Goku." Her eyes became watery. "He was in so much pain throughout the night. He screamed and cried for minutes on end and his rest only lasted an hour or less before it started again. And...those spams are getting worse."

Yamcha went to the grieving woman and hugged her. "It's okay. We're here. Why don't you go lay down for a little while? We can look after Goku."

Chi-Chi's head shot up. "But I can't!"

"Chi-Chi, you need your rest," Master Roshi said in a kindly voice. "You can't help Goku if you wear yourself out. You have to focus on your own health, not just for Goku's sake but also Gohan's."

Chi-Chi looked towards the wise master and slowly nodded. "Yes...I know you're right. But what if Goku needs me or he has another episode?"

"We can handle it," Krillin assured. "We may not look like it, but we know how to deal with sick people. Goku will be in good hands."

She looked between Goku's friends and finally relented. She was so tired and was practically dead on her feet. She didn't have the energy to argue.

"Thank you," she whispered.

She was lead to the sofa by Yamcha while the others made their way to Goku's room.

When they entered, they saw Goku panting and grasping his chest like he was ready to pull his heart out. Despite being asleep, they could see the anguish in his features, showing that he wasn't resting peacefully.

"I didn't think he would look this bad," Oolong said in a soft voice.

He thought he looked ill at the party, but he was nothing like this.

"Yeah..." Krillin said as he approached his friend's bedside. "I've never seen him look so…fragile."

Fragile. He never dreamed that he would use that word to described Goku. He was always strong, standing tall against all odds. Even when he was being beating by Frieza, he remained tall and confidence. To see him flat on his back, struggling to just breath was just...surreal. Even when he was laid up in the hospital it was nothing compared to this. It was like he could die at any minute.

Without another word, they took a seat around Goku's bedside and sat in silence. Yamcha joined them a few minutes later and chose to stand by the door with Puar floating close to Goku's bed.

Twenty minutes barely passed before Goku winced and started to scream.

"Goku!" Puar shouted in terror.

"Goku, hang in there!" Krillin yelled, grabbing Goku's hand. He winced when Goku squeezed it. Even like this, he was still so strong.

Master Roshi put a hand to his former student's forehead and frowned. "He's too hot. We need to cool him down." It was like he was touching an oven.

Yamcha ran towards the nearby table where the bucket of water was and dumped a cloth in it. Once it was soaked, he went towards his friend's bedside and began to wipe his brow, doing his best to make Goku comfortable.

"Puar, turn into a fan," Yamcha ordered.

"Right!" Puar exclaimed before she transformed, and hovered above Goku's head, doing her part to get his temperature down.

"Oolong, go refill that bucket with cold water," Yamcha continued to order.

For once, Oolong didn't argue. He immediately ran out of the room with the bucket.

Goku started to get frantic and kicked the cover off of himself. He was grabbing his chest so hard that bruises were likely forming.

"Goku, please calm down!" Krillin pleaded as he held the sicken man in place. He was stun by just how hot Goku felt despite their best attempts to keep him cool.

It took over thirty minutes before Goku's fit finally began to past and his fever was brought under control. He was still shivering in agony and his breaths were fast and shallow, but he wasn't screaming anymore.

"That...that was scary..." Oolong stuttered in exhausting. How did Chi-Chi do this by herself?

Puar nodded as she turned back to normal. "But...it past."

"For now," Master Roshi said somberly.

Goku suddenly gasped and everyone was afraid that he was going to have another episode. After several tense seconds, Goku slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was unfocused and pain-filled, but he was awake.

"Goku..." Krillin called softly.

Goku looked towards his old friend. "Kri...Krillin...?"

Krillin forced a smile. "Hey buddy, welcome back. You had us scared there for a moment."

Goku took in his surroundings and saw Master Roshi and the others. "You...you're all here."

"We came as soon as we heard you were sick," Yamcha spoke in a smoothing voice.

Master Roshi approached the bed and looked down as his former pupil. "How are you feeling, boy?"

Goku took several deep breaths and closed his eyes briefly. "Not...too good... My chest hurts..."

"That's to be expected. You have a virus that is attacking your heart," Master Roshi said. By the look on Goku's face he didn't know that.

"Is...that...what's wrong...with me...?" Goku asked.

"Yes," Master Roshi answered with a small nod.

Goku huffed and he gathered more energy to talk. "How...long will I be...sick?"

A silence filled the room and no one could look at Goku.

"Just focus on getting well," Yamcha answered for everyone once he was able to face his friend. He forced a smile on his face. "This virus is strong, but you're stronger. You can beat it."

Goku said nothing as he gasped for air. His friends' refusal to answer his question told him everything he needed to know.

Master Roshi gently put a hand on Goku's head. The younger man took comfort in his master's cool palm. "Rest now. You need your strength."

Without another word, Goku followed his master's order and fell back to sleep.

Gohan lay silently in bed as another one of his father's screams vibrated through the house. In the last week he has gotten used to his dad's cries of anguish. The spams were lasting longer and becoming more violent. It wasn't uncommon for his dad to scream none stop for over an hour before screaming again only a few minutes later. He was also beginning to cough up and vomit blood. He also wasn't conscious as much. In fact, his dad hasn't woken up in nearly three days.

Tears ran down his eyes as he heard his mother struggle to care for his father. It wasn't fair. What did his dad do to deserve this? He was suffering so much and they were nothing they could do to help him. They could barely keep him comfortable as the virus tore his heart apart and his fever caused haunting dreams whenever he could rest. It was like the gods decided to give his father the most painful death imaginable.

Yes, he had finally accepted the truth. His father was dying.

Despite Bulma's insistence that she could find a cure, he knew it would come too late. His dad was barely hanging on as it was. Each breath he took and each beat of his dying heart was torture for him. Death would be a mercy.

How could this happen? His dad was a Super Saiyan, a warrior of legend. How could he lose to a virus? He should be stronger.

And once he died, it would be for good this time. The Dragon Balls of either Earth or Namek wouldn't be able to save him. He has already been wished back by the Earth's dragon and he remembered Denda telling him long ago that the Namekian Dragon Balls couldn't bring back a person who died of natural causes.

They also couldn't use the Dragon Balls to wish away the disease as Krillin had suggested. Piccolo had confirmed this with Kami himself. As sad as Kami was about his father, there was nothing he could do. When it came to the course of nature, the Eternal Dragon couldn't interfere.

The only way to stop his father's death was to wish for eternal life for him. That, however, would be sentencing him to an eternity of pain since that wouldn't cure the virus. Even if Bulma did eventually find a cure, it could take years. Years of his father suffering in anguish. No one wanted that. They would rather see him dead if given the choice.

Finally, after nearly an hour, his father stopped screaming. The silence was blissful to his ears, although he could hear his mother's soft sobs.

Gohan climbed out of bed and headed towards his parent's room. He kept his footsteps soft, not wanting to disturb either of his parents.

When he reached the room, his father was still. Thankfully, it looked like he was granted a rare moment to rest. His mother was practically washing him with the cloth. There was nothing else she could do to give him comfort.

"Mom..." Gohan whispered.

Chi-Chi nearly jumped at the sudden sound. "Gohan...what are you doing up?"

Gohan lowered his head. "I couldn't sleep."

Chi-Chi turned towards her husband. "I guess you couldn't."

Gohan walked to his father's bedside and stared at the pale, withering man that was once his strong, invincible father.

In the week since the virus had fully grabbed hold, his father had lost weight, dark circles had formed under his eyes, and his healthy peached-skin was now a lifeless gray tone. It was hard just look at him even in this semi-peaceful state.

"How much longer?" Gohan asked. He knew his mother had accepted before him that his father wasn't going to make it.

Chi-Chi shook her head. "I don't know. He lasted longer than all the other cases. Everyone else died within the first week of catching the virus."

"That's because daddy's strong," Gohan answered with a note of pride. "Even when it's hopeless, he won't surrender to death without a fight."

She smiled sadly and stroked his husband's hair. "Yes he is."

Both mother and son were silence as they watched Goku sleep. It was the most peaceful they had seen him in days.

"Was he dreaming again?" Gohan whispered.

Chi-Chi frowned. "He…he doesn't talk in his sleep anymore. He's too weak for that. But…I can tell when he dreams of them."

'Them' was his mother way of saying that he dreamed of the androids. At least, that was what dad called them during one of his fits. Those nightmares were the ones that came the most frequently, even more than Namek.

"We're low on food," Chi-Chi suddenly said, getting Gohan off his current train of thought. "I need to go shopping tomorrow. Maybe I can get father or Master Roshi and the others to look after him."

Gohan shook his head. "I can go out. You're needed here."

"Gohan..." Chi-Chi started.

"You have to take care of dad and I can get back faster than you if something happens," Gohan insisted.

Chi-Chi smiled. "You're just like your father. No changing your mind once you made it up."

Gohan couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, but hurry back. I don't want you out too late," Chi-Chi said as she went back to wiping her husband.

Bulma groaned in frustration as she discarding another formula. Why was this so freaking hard? For a genius like her, it shouldn't be this difficult to find a cure for one lousy virus. Sure, other doctors across the globe weren't successful either, but none of them were as smart as her. They also didn't have as much to lose. Goku was dying.

She almost wanted to cry as that through crossed her mind. She thought...hoped...that Goku would be strong enough to fight the virus on his own. The fact that he was still alive was a testament to his strength, but all that did was prolong his suffering. This was a battle Goku couldn't win without help.

But nothing she researched did anything against the virus. Even her father could find nothing along with all of their research facilities. The biggest, most advance company in the world couldn't find an answer to one lousy virus.

Dammit, the one time Goku needed them to save him and they completely failed. Goku had done so much for all of them and she couldn't repay him for any of it. There had to be something she missed. Some formula, some pattern that she overlooked. She just couldn't give up!

"Woman!" a guff voice yelled, shattering her out of her thoughts.

"Vegeta, dammit, don't scare me like that!" Bulma yelled in annoyance.

Vegeta stood at the door with his arms crossed and his mood was even more sour than usual. Since she told him about Goku's illness, he had all but disappeared. He locked himself in that gravity chamber until he nearly killed himself.

He was furious that Goku had the nerve become deathly ill just as he became a Super Saiyan. She knew he had become one by the security cameras in the gravity room that he somehow didn't destroyed. She was planning of warning Goku about this development at the party, but then his illness happened. Now...it didn't mattered.

"I thought you would want to go to Kakarot's house," Vegeta said, knocking her out of her thoughts again.

Bulma rubbed her head. "No time. I'm still working on a cure."

For the briefest of seconds, she swore she saw a look of pity crossed his face.

"There's no point now," Vegeta said. His voice was unusually soft and lacked any of the sarcasm it usually holds. "Kakarot's final hour is rapidly approaching."

Bulma stood in place as she took this news. "No...there must be more time."

Vegeta shook his head. "You can deny it, but Kakarot's life force is all but gone. I doubt he will make to the end of the day. If you're his friend, you'll be by his side."

Bulma opened and closed her mouth several times. For once, she was lost for words. So, her time had truly run out. There would be no last minute miracle or revelation. There would be no happy ending.

This was truly the end.

"I will get Trunks ready," Bulma mumbled numbly as she stood up. Suddenly she felt her entire world fall apart.

Within an hour, they were at Mount Paozu and Bulma was surprise to see that all of Goku's friends were there including Tien, Chiaotzu, and even Yajirobe.

"When did you hear?" Bulma asked once she approached the trio.

"We've know for some time that something was wrong with Goku," Tien answered in a quiet tone. He refused to lift his head. "We didn't think much of it until we suddenly felt his energy all but fade. We came here and…Piccolo told us everything."

"We're sorry we didn't come sooner," Chiaotzu said. "If we've known how bad it was..." He hung his head in shame.

Yajirobe sighed, looking completely unlike his usual lazy, laid-back self. He actually looked ready to cry. "Korin sent me. He felt Goku's essence dwindling for the last couple of days... He wanted me to come and see him." He shook his head. "After all that guy survived...I didn't think he would go out like this."

Tien shook his head. "None of us did."

Bulma wiped his eyes. "Did…did you see him?"

"No," Chiaotzu answered for both Tien and him. "We wanted to respect the space of the family. And…neither of us wants to see Goku like this. It's….hard enough just feeling him."

She understood. She wasn't a warrior, but she understood. She saw Goku once during his illness and that was enough for her. The mental image of him lying screaming in bed would forever be with her. She knew Goku wouldn't want to be remembered that way.

She wasn't sure how Chi-Chi or Gohan could do it. To see someone you hold dear fall away in such a tragic way. Dammit, she was about to cry.

Bulma looked around at the somber group. "So, everyone is here."

"All except Gohan," Krillin spoke. He looked on the verge of tears. She wasn't sure how he was holding it together, given how emotional he was, especially when it came to Goku. "Master Roshi and Ox-King are with Chi-Chi. Gohan went to get supplies and he isn't back yet."

"If he doesn't hurry, he's going to miss his father," Puar said softly. She wiped some tears from her eyes.

Yamcha looked to see Vegeta heading towards a large rock that was near the river to Goku's house.

"I'm surprise that you came," Yamcha said.

There was a lot he didn't like about the Saiyan Prince, but…he respected him coming to see Goku off. He also respected that he didn't bring his usual attitude.

Vegeta stopped walking, but didn't turn to look at Yamcha. "Don't get the wrong idea, human. I just came to see for myself that he's dead."

"You could had done that without coming," Yamcha pointed out.

If this were any other time, he would have teased Vegeta for being sympathetic. Despite his attempts to hide it, he actually came to respect Goku, not just as a Saiyan survivor, but also as a fellow warrior, even an equal. It was odd thing to considered since Goku and Vegeta were mortal enemies who wanted to kill each other just a couple of years ago.

Then again, the same was true of Piccolo, and him to a lesser extent. At one point, most of the people here wanted to fight, beat, or even kill Goku for one reason or another. Now, looked at them. They were all here ready to cry over the passing of a man who they hated at one point.

As he looked at Vegeta, he knew the other man didn't see Goku as a friend. At least, not in the same way they did. In another time, perhaps even the proud Saiyan Prince could have been won over by Goku's charm.

But….it wasn't meant to be. At least not in this world.

Vegeta said nothing to Yamcha as he walked to the rock and sat down. He faced towards the river, away from the rest of the group.

There, everyone fell silence as the vigil officially started.

Insider, Chi-Chi sat quietly by her husband's bedside with her hands in a praying position. He hasn't had an episode since early this morning, but she knew it was because he didn't have the strength to fight the virus anymore. There was no saving him. Any minute now, he would leave her side forever.

Despite her crushing grief, she was grateful that her husband's final moments appeared to be peaceful. There was no pain, no nightmares, just a calm peace. She didn't think she could take seeing him dying in agony. Not after all he already suffered. She wanted him to retain some of his dignity.

The rays from the setting sun hit his face, given him a faint halo over his head.

Ox-King sat by his daughter's side, trying to hold back his own tears as he stared by his son-in-law's prone form.

Seeing such a strong, healthy young man cut down in his prime was always a tragedy. The fact that he was leaving behind a wife and a young son made it even worse. For the rest of his life, Gohan would have to grow up without his father and his daughter would be a widow and not even thirty. This wasn't fair to either of them.

He wiped his eyes on his arm. It was like history was repeating itself. He remember sitting at his wife's bedside as she took her final breaths. He had prayed his Chi-Chi would never experience such anguish. He supposed not all prayers were answered.

Roshi stood by in silent next to the Ox-King, watching his student fight for every breath.

Of all the ways he thought Goku would die, this wasn't one of them. He never pictured Goku living to an old age. The way he lived his life and carried himself told him he would probably die young. Although, he always imagined Goku dying in battle protecting them or just fighting a powerful foe. He never dreamed of seeing Goku lying suffering in bed.

He glanced at Ox-King and Chi-Chi and felt grateful that he was invited to sit by them. Normally, only family was allowed during this time. He was here because, according to Chi-Chi, he was the closest thing Goku had to a father. It was only right for him to see Goku off. It was his honor.

Goku suddenly shifted, catching everyone's attention. With more effort than it should, he managed to force his eyes opened. They were distance and faded, almost like he was blind.

"Goku!" Chi-Chi exclaimed in shock and happiness. She got to talk to her husband one more time.

Roshi couldn't help being amazed. Even so closed to death, Goku was still fighting and somehow, he managed to crawl his way back to consciousness. What an amazing will he had.

Goku struggled with each breath and it was clear that he wasn't long for this world. "Chi..Chi..."

Chi-Chi quickly hushed him. "It's okay, sweetie. We're here. Everyone is here to see you off. You...you don't have to fight anymore. Gohan and me will be okay." Tears sparkling in her eyes as she spoke. She was trying desperately to believe her own words. But she had to do this. She couldn't stand to see him suffering anymore. "You...you can go and rest now. We'll all be alright."

Goku closed his eyes before he slowly opened them again. "Go...Go..Gohan... He...isn't...here..."

"He should be here any minute now," Ox-King said in a hushed voice. "Just hang in there a little longer and you can see him."

Goku took several struggling breaths. He gritted his teeth as pain once again seized his chest.

"Goku..." Chi-Chi whispered, trying to do something, anything, to ease the pain.

Goku wheezed for several seconds. "Sorry...sorry...that I wasn't stronger... I..."

"Nonsense, you put up a speculator fight," Master Roshi said as he placed a hand on his former student's shoulder. "The enemy you fought was just stronger than you, that's all. There's nothing for you to be ashamed of. Victory and defeat are all apart of life."

Goku coughed and grimaced as he closed his eyes for the final time. "Tell...Gohan that...I'm sorry for missing him... And...and..." His face relaxed and his breaths steadily slowed. "...and...that I had to...leave everything….to him…" he managed to whimper before he went completely limp.

"Goku..." Chi-Chi whispered as she watched her husband's chest still and he exhaled for the last time. Then, there was no movement at all. "...Goku..." She sobbed over his now peaceful form. He was truly gone.

She leaned towards her husband and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. She absently brushed his hair, like one would do a child. He was still so warm and looked like he was just sleeping. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend that he was still alive. That he would reach up and grab her hand.

Ox-King put a heavy hand on his daughter's shoulders as he allowed the tears to leave his eyes. Despite his faults, he couldn't ask for a better son-in-law.

Master Roshi put his head down as he gave a final, silent goodbye to his best pupil. That was the problem with having eternal life. He had to watch the youth die around him. He was thankful he was wearing his sunglasses. He didn't want anyone to see his tears.

The door suddenly slammed opened behind them, startling Ox-King and Master Roshi. Chi-Chi was too numb to notice anything.

"Father!" Gohan exclaimed. He was breathing hard and staring at his father's body with anxious eyes.

Chi-Chi finally took notice of her son. "I'm sorry Gohan... I'm so sorry..."

Gohan continued to stare at his dad and realized that he couldn't feel him anymore. There wasn't a trace of life left in him.

"Da...daddy..." he whispered as he walked towards the bed almost like a zombie.

Ox-King and Master Roshi moved out of his way. They both gave the young boy looks of profound sadness and sympathy.

When Gohan got to his father's bedside he reached under the covers and grabbed his dad's limp hand. He squeezed it, faintly hoping his dad would respond. There was nothing.

"Daddy..." he whispered again. He began to breakdown into tears. He felt the entire room become unbearably hot as his vision fuzzed.

He was too late. He was too late to even say goodbye. He should've been here sooner. Now, it was too late. It was too late to say anything.

He couldn't tell his dad how much he loved him, would miss him, and how much he learned from him. He couldn't hear his father's voice one last time that wasn't him screaming in anguish. He couldn't say anything.

Without a word, Chi-Chi swept Gohan into her arms and hugged him tightly. Gohan returned the desperate embrace and cried into her chest.

At that moment, he didn't care if it wasn't manly to cry. He didn't care if Piccolo came in at that very moment to scold him. He allowed his emotions to pour out and held nothing back.

Together Chi-Chi and him sobbed loudly for their lost loved one as Ox-King and Roshi looked on helplessly, both shredding several tears.

Outside, a similar scene was taking place as Krillin announced Goku's passing.

Everyone could only stand in stun disbelief as they too felt Goku's presence leave this world. Trunks was crying louder than ever as if he too felt what had happened.

Piccolo lowered his head once the shock had finally past. "Goku...may you rest in peace….my friend."

Krillin sobbed relentlessly. "After all he's done for us...for this world...we couldn't do anything for him... Not a single damn thing!" He fell to his knees and slammed his fists into the ground in rage.

He wanted to hurt something! Yell at something! Do something to ease this unbearable pain. His best friend was dead and he stood there and did nothing. When he died, Goku avenged him not once, but twice, yet here was as helpless as ever. Why the hell couldn't they save him!?

Natural cause!? How the hell was dying from a virus natural!? Damn those Dragons! Damn all of them for doing nothing! They brought his useless life back, but couldn't do the same for Goku! Damn them!

Yamcha cried into his arm unable to accept that Goku was truly dead. To him, Goku always remained that little boy he knew and admired. He was too young, too full of life, to die like this.

Why didn't the gods take him? He had no family, no girlfriend, no superpowers that would let him fight creatures like Frieza. His life wasn't worth as much. Goku had a wife and child for god's sake! He had his entire life! Why the hell was he the one taking!?

"Yamcha..." Puar whispered, sensing her dear friend's distress.

Without another word, she flew to him and hugged him. Yamcha did the same, hugging Puar like she was a stuff toy as they both cried.

Tien and Chiaotzu cried silently among themselves, while Yajirobe stared numbly at the ground, unable to think or feel.

Bulma broke down into tears as she hugged Trunks. She sobbed even more when she heard Gohan and Chi-Chi crying from inside the house. She didn't even want to imagine their pain. If she hurt this badly, their lost must be agonizing.

"I'm sorry...Goku," she whispered. If only she could found a cure, if only she could have saved him. What was the point of all her genius if she couldn't even save one of her friends?

Vegeta could only stare into the river, not believing what he was hearing and feeling. He knew that Kakarot's end was approaching, but the finality of everything struck him like one of Frieza's Death Beams.

He was the last pureblooded Saiyan left in the universe. He would never include his worthless brother as one of them. At least Kakarot kept his warrior spirit despite growing soft from living on this planet.

The full impact that he was the last of a dead race made his blood run cold. Not only did Kakarot's death all but made the Saiyan race extinct, but he died from a mere disease.

A Saiyan should only fall in battle. Not wither away in their bed. Kakarot should have died at his hand. At the hands of a Super Saiyan! At the very least, he would have given him a proper end. The type of end he deserved as the one who surpassed him for a time.

"Damn you, Kakarot..." Vegeta sneered. Tears build at the edge of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He refused to shred a tear from that low-class scum.

They all stood there well into the sunset, mourning the lost of their falling friend, comrade, and savior. It was like a part of the world died along with Goku.

From the Lookout, Kami hung his head and closed his eyes.

"Kami..." Mr. Popo whispered.

Kami shook his head. "Goku has pass onto the next life."

Mr. Popo lowered his head and allowed his tears to fall.

Kami slowly opened his eyes, allowing several tears to fell.

As guardian, he felt people die everyday of both natural and unnatural causes. He felt for those people, but didn't mourn them. Death, after all, was a part of life and everyone eventually died one day even the gods. Son Goku was no exception.

But...his death still hurt more deeply than any other. He personally knew Goku. He helped train the boy and watched him grow to a fine young man.

Even long before Goku came to the Lookout, he knew of him and what he was. Since he first came to Earth he watched over him. First as a possible threat, then as an interest, then as a hero, and until the end as a savior. Despite being a being from another world who was sent to destroy them, Goku was the most human person he had ever met.

He deserved a far better end than this, but it wasn't his place to decide how someone died. At least he died surrounded by his friends and family instead of at the feet of someone who despise him. Or worse, dying alone somewhere.

"Goku...be at peace, my friend. And...thank you for protecting this world for as long as you have. You would have made a far better guardian than I could ever be," Kami whispered his goodbye.

On top of Korin's Tower, Korin felt it too. The old master grieved in silence for his former pupil as he stared down at the lowered world. He watched dispassionately as the evening sun gave way to night.

Despite how far apart they were, they were all united in their grief. Nothing would be the same again. What no one could have known was that with Goku's death came the coming of a dark and terrible age.

One that Goku himself saw during his last days.

*Sigh*, this was a hard chapter to write. Not only did I have to write about one of my favorite characters dying, this chapter hit a little too close to home. Three months from today, my granddad passed. His death had many similarities to Goku, despite me writing this chapter before he died. So, I couldn't help sharing in everyone's pain and knowing the grief they're going through. And, things are not going to get brighter from here.

Well, until next chapter.