Chapter Thirteen: Adapting

How long had it been since they had been away? Two…three days? Gods how it felt much longer. Decades really. All the people they had come in contact with was either at school or off doing there own thing. The saiyans had sparred and trained with each other everyday, all day. Though it felt like something was missing. It felt like it wasn't enough. They had found a small valley a good distance away from civilization to set up the capsule house. What amazing technology allowed such a small thing to hold a two story house they would never know. When you went inside you would think the place had been abandoned. Everything was spotless except the bedrooms. Hideo claimed one for himself and was enjoying the space while the girls shared a room. They didn't mind. They enjoyed each other's company despite their many differences. They were still sisters. That bond couldn't be broken over something like petty differences. Hideo's dirty clothes littered his bedroom and sometimes the hall outside his room when he was undressing on his way to the bedroom anxious to rid himself of the sweaty clothes. That was until Naomi chewed him out for it.

The kitchen which one would predict would be the most used room inside the little house was always pristine seeing as the kids had no idea on how to cook and they were subsisting on the little microwaveable dinners and snack stuff Bulma had given them. Considering their shared hunger it would last much longer. Kaylynn stared out the tiny window. In the dining room which was directly outside the kitchen. Watching the birds sing and fly around an oak tree in sight. Not long ago she felt like a trapped bird that had been set free. She actually slept till noon that day! She never thought that a possibility in her time on earth. They were loving the new freedoms in there options. After training they stayed up late with their eyes glued on the TV set watching anything and everything that popped up on the screen. Half the time falling asleep on the couch with the TV still on and popcorn spread across all of their sleeping forms as if it had exploded from the bowl all over them. Hideo was overjoyed with not getting his face smashed in everyday. Naomi liked having time to shower and fix her hair in a timely fashion. She was enjoying the new outfits she had received and for the first time she actually felt like a lady and it was nice. She was a fighter born and bred but that didn't mean she HAD to wear a martial arts uniform everyday did it? Kaylynn had even helped her with her makeup which in turn she was taught by Bulma who Kaylynn imagined was born with mascara in one hand and foundation in the other.

Though now the novelty of their freedom had already worn off. Naomi couldn't help but wonder how much she could have learned were she learning under Goku and not on her own. While Kaylynn was staring out the window, Naomi was watching the ticking clock as if it would go faster magically and their two years would be up. Hideo had his eyes fixed on the TV but wasn't watching it. Hid head buzzing with the same thoughts his sisters were thinking. Shame he missed boot camp so much already,

"I can't help but feel our master's made an error in this case." Hideo said finally speaking what everyone else was thinking. "How are we supposed to reach super saiyan with just sparring each other and without the aid of the gravity room? They want the impossible." Hideo's annoyance was evident. His face forming a scowl that could rival Vegeta's. Sure they could get stronger but not at the level they were before? No way. This was dumb. He considered re enrolling into school himself just to have a change of pace.

"Non sense. They wouldn't have us do this were it not for a purpose." Kaylynn mumbled. Loyal to the end to her saiyan elders. Though she could only imagine how Vegeta was laughing at her right now for not already figuring out what they wanted them to do. She absent mindedly clasped the medallion that never left her person. She'd pass whatever ridiculous test this was and see herself his equal if it killed her.

"Yeah right. I doubt it I'm just glad we have our stuff with us I'm surprised the bastard didn't send us out in the wilderness with only the clothes on our back and a pocket knife or something stupid." Hideo retorted. Of course "the bastard" was usually Vegeta. He still thought his mentor was harder on him then the girls though everyone else denied it. Then a horrible thought entered his head and he gasped. How in the hell could he have forgotten that!

"SHIT!" Hideo yelled out randomly making his sisters jerk in surprise. Kaylynn automatically jumping from her seat and taking her fighting stance. "I forgot the damned bag Mom gave us." he sighed. Now Naomi was on the same level of worried as Hideo. If Mom really meant…THEIR mom the one who had raised them that wasn't good. Like the invisibility potion they had made for them, their parents had also made them a variety of various and powerful potions. Some of which they had no idea when they would ever need them but they insisted on them keeping them and to protect them with all their might. Now Hideo went and left it at Capsule Corp where they could fall in the wrong hands or more then likely be thrown away without realizing the use they had.

"I told you to grab them before we left!" Naomi huffed. The guy was trustworthy but dreadfully forgetful. Something that was proving to be more and more of an inconvenience. Hideo shrugged.

"Get off my back Nay. My whole world was changing that day, it could have happened to anyone." Hideo shot back defensively.

"But it didn't happen to anyone. It happened to you, so now you have to be the one to go back and get them." Kaylynn added crossing her arms to show she was dead serious. Hideo gulped recalling Vegeta's warning. "Oh and I will have you know if any of you decide to run back to the nest like wounded birds, it will not be well received." Well there was his ass kicking he missed so much. Maybe he could sneak in without being noticed…

"Wait…guys I have an idea." Naomi said with her hand resting on her chin. She to was recalling past memories but a much different one. Goku and Vegeta weren't the only veteran fighters on the earth. That girl…18, she had told Kaylynn and Naomi that if they ever got tired of training under Goku and Vegeta that she'd show 'em a thing or two…Of course! "Instead of just staying here beating the hell out of each other why don't we just ask some of the earth's warriors in the meantime to teach us some stuff! When we fight under Goku and Vegeta two years from now they won't be expecting us to throw their old companions attacks at them!"

"Hmph, earth warriors? They are hardly Goku and Vegeta." Kaylynn said with a roll of her eyes.

"Yeah, but like Naomi said it's a lot better then us just beating each other up. Honestly." Hideo said already knowing who he would seek in advice. He already had mad respect for this guy and he thought he might be able to learn a little more then just fighting techniques from this man. "So uh…whose going back to Capsule Corp with me?"

Just like that the living room was abandoned leaving Hideo alone and shaking a bit in the absolute horror that awaited him.

"FINE! But just for that I'm keeping the house!" he called out to his sisters who were upstairs already packing up. Thankful that despite the extra clothing and gifts they had received they still had little to pack around. They decided the best solution was to take 18's proposal and see what they could learn from her and Hideo wanted to learn from Tien. Sure Piccolo was just as good of an option and Gohan was living proof that they guy could train champions, but Hideo honestly felt like he could even find friendship from the three eyed man. The girls flew towards Tien's house to see if he knew where they could find 18, while Hideo unfortunately flew in the direction of Capsule Corp. His fear of the saiyan prince's wrath got the better of him and after fumbling with his cell phone for fifteen minutes he finally figured out how to call Bulma. Asking her to meet him outside the place so he might be able to make there and out safely.

When he landed he pushed his power level down as far as he possibly could without becoming physically weak himself. Luckily like he asked Bulma was standing there waiting for him. She ran elegantly over to him which was impressive considering she was wearing heels.

"This is the only thing I found left in your guy's bedroom." Bulma said smiling. Hideo sighed in relief when he saw that it was the black back pack he had stored all of his parents potions inside. Just knowing it was safe made him feel better and at least he avoided his sisters wrath.

"Thank you Bulma, I find you are my savior yet again." Hideo said and gently took the backpack away from Bulma, slinging it over his shoulder. Bulma giggled.

"As usual. I don't know what you saiyans would do without me. So how are you guys doing? Everything okay so far? Do you need some more Zeni?" Bulma asked her series of questions so fast it made Hideo's head spin. One at a time he answered.

"We are well thank you. Miss this place like crazy but we decided to call upon the rest of earth's warriors for some training and guidance, and we don't need anymore money Bulma but I appreciate the support. If we run out we can just kill or trap our food, which is all we really need."

Bulma cringed at the mention of the barbaric method. Goku had insisted on that way when they had first met seeing how that was the only way the boy knew how to eat.

"Non sense. Seriously, it's no problem, just wait right here and I will run and grab my purse. Who knows when I will see you again, so I want you to have everything you need until then." Bulma said and before Hideo could argue she darted off back inside leaving Hideo alone. His eyes focused on the little bird bath nearby. It was kind of cool to see them splash around in there. Suddenly the proof in Hideo's training was shown when he managed to dodge a fierce punch from Vegeta. He had picked up the princes power level (which was also suppressed) at the last second before his fist had made contact. Bits of pavement and earth flew in the air from the impact of the missed attack and Hideo was blown back by the mere force from it. Thankful that his fist missed his skull, looking at the damage it had caused. Vegeta's warning from before was very much fulfilled.

"What are you doing here brat?! My orders were for you to stay away for two years! Are so you soft you had to return after a few short days?" Vegeta yelled still knelt on the ground feet away from Hideo.

"No Master Vegeta I am sorry, but I had to return to retrieve my forgotten belongings, I am sorry." Hideo pleaded hoping it was enough for the man but in his time learning under him he knew it was not.

"Then it should have remained forgotten." Vegeta said as he calmly raised his hand to summon one of his powerful ki attacks. Since he was so close Hideo didn't have enough time to dodge so instead he slung his backpack off his back then held it to his chest. Turning his back to the attack so that the potions inside would remain intact. A scream roared from him once Vegeta's attack made contact. He held on to the backpack none the less. He truly would lose his life over these things. After how much his people had told him how important they were and that he needed to keep them safe. Hideo didn't break promises. When he looked up Vegeta was standing over him in his usual stance and with his arms crossed.

"Tell me boy, what is in your possession that was worth risking your safety for?" Vegeta asked seeing how Hideo opted to take his attack full blast over risking any damage to his belongings. Hideo smirked through the pain.

"Just a reminder from home." Hideo answered. Unsure as to why he didn't reveal the full truth to Vegeta, but hoped that was a good enough answer. Vegeta scowled.

"You lot are a sentimental bunch aren't you? Never the less be gone from my sight in the next thirty seconds or find yourself in even worse shape then you are now. Return here one more time and you will find me less forgiving." Vegeta said watching Hideo struggle to his feet then fly off. The boy was lucky he had only made it to twenty five seconds or else he would have gladly held true to his word. Bulma then cheerfully came back outside with her purse in hand. Noticing Vegeta standing there, then the massive hole in the yard and last that Hideo was no where in sight. She sighed then returned inside. It didn't take a genius to realize what had just transpired.

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The sisters were informed by Tien that 18 could be found on a small island that could only be described as in the middle of the ocean. After searching and searching they knew they had found the right place. The description Tien had given them was almost perfect and honestly hard to get confused with any other island. It was a wooden house that was painted a pale pink color. In red the words "Kame House" were written on the front. The roof color matched the writing and on the roof was a odd what Kaylynn assumed to be was a lightning rod in the shape of a rooster. It was a very small island indeed. Only about four or five palm trees surrounded the sand and grass along with a few beach chairs shattered on the sides. They landed but were wary. Who knew actually what to expect once on the island. Naomi looked around and didn't see anyone. They must all be inside the little house.

"Should we knock?" Naomi asked knowing it was the only polite thing to do. Kaylynn shrugged. Looking around she was already disappointed. With such limited space how could they possibly learn that much in their time there? Before any other thoughts could be formed the door of the little house opened, but instead of 18 or her husband Krillin emerging it was…an old man. Kaylynn narrowed her eyes. A really old man. With a with beard and mustache. Orange rimmed sunglasses hiding his eyes and he was wearing a tropical shirt and white shorts. For them being complete strangers he was very inviting.

"Why hello there you pretty ladies!" he exclaimed in hoarse voice. Promptly moving closer to the saiyan girls. A new scowl lining Kaylynn's face. She did not like strangers nor was she up for making new friends. She looked over to her sister who as always looked optimistic and curious. "What brings you two, to my little island?"

"Hello there, my name is Naomi and this is my sister Kaylynn. We were hoping to talk to 18 if she is home." Naomi said politely smiling at the man. Thankfully for them both 18 and Krillin came out of the door next. Both of them seemed happy to see the girls.

"Naomi, Kaylynn. What brings you guys here?" Krillin asked.

"We wanted to take your wife up on her offer." Kaylynn replied with a grin. Quickly returned by 18. She walked closer to them.

"Is that so? The boys get a little dull for ya?" 18 asked. Naomi took the time to admire the woman in front of her. She seemed so strong yet she looked just as beautiful that day as she had at their birthday party. She wished she could master that art. Fighting and beauty mixed didn't seem like an achievable goal.

"Not exactly." Naomi shrugged then went on to explain the situation to the three of them. Afterwards Krillin laughed and looked up at the clear blue sky in reminiscence.

"That sounds like Goku. Trust me, it may not make any sense right now but he knows what he is doing." Krillin said picking up on Naomi's somber voice in her explanation.

"Yes, it sounds a lot like when I told Goku to go out and explore the world in his youth just before the world material arts tournament. Sometimes the best way to learn is on your own." Master Roshi piped up though his sunglasses hid it his eyes would travel from Naomi to Kaylynn's chest then to their backsides. All extremely admirable even with Kaylynn's tail whipping back and forth from time to time. Kaylynn looked at the old man in astonishment.

"You mean to tell me you are the one that trained Goku in martial arts and combat?" Kaylynn said in obvious disbelief.

"You betcha missy! Taught him everything I know." Master Roshi said proudly but before he could continue with his boasting 18 interrupted.

"The answer is yes you two. If you were hoping to train under me for a little while I welcome the challenge. It will be fun." 18 said with a smile.

"Now you wait just a minute. I will remind you I am the owner of this island and still Krillin's master, so before any arrangements are made I am going to see if they are truly worthy." Master Roshi snapped back. Moving to stand right in front of the two girls with his arms folded behind his back. A very serious look seen on his face.

"You want a fight?" Kaylynn asked unable to withhold a chuckle at the end of her question. She was certain that a mere flick of her wrist would break the old man's brittle bones.

"I require only one thing." Master Roshi stated turning his head from Kaylynn to Naomi. "Just give me one kiss from both of ya! Yeah baby, right on the lips." he exclaimed and 18 gave him a good smack on the back of his head. Telling the saiyan girls to ignore him, and his lecherous ways. Learning from 18 was actually a wonderful change of pace. They got to meet her and Krillin's daughter Maron, who was an adorable little blonde girl that was about fourteen years old. She was wicked smart too. In down time Maron would educate the girls on whatever topic was being discussed at her school, which to the aliens was always brand new information.

18 was stern and demanded perfection but nothing like Vegeta was. She taught them several ways to conserve energy and how to use and opponents energy against them. Along with a variety of very useful ki attacks. Not only that but 18 took it upon herself to give the girls a makeover or go shopping every other week. For some reason Naomi's constant braid irritated her. When Naomi explained that saiyans hairstyles were always the same since birth and that the braid was the only way she could tame her hair 18 considered that a challenge. Especially when she would cut it and then the next day it would grow back the exact same way. After a few failed attempts Naomi found a style that she loved. It was still braided but only a few strands that started from one side of her head to the other. The rest of her hair falling down past her shoulders and the ends of her hair were still kind of jagged and spikey but it worked.

Kaylynn's hair remained the same only 18 showed her a few ways to style it with a bit of hairspray and her bangs were now styled in a sweeping fashion over her forehead and ending just abover her left eye it was a small almost unnoticeable change but at least now her spikey shoulder length hair was a little more consistent instead of all over the place. With a few makeup lessons and new clothes Naomi finally felt like a beautiful woman that she was, with 18's advice it was easy to maintain as well even in fighting. They still spoke to Hideo sometimes on the phone, but they decided to stay separated.

Tien had been happy to and honored by Hideo's request to learn under him and the two men bonded in no time. They weren't sure what all their brother was learning but in a way they didn't want to know. It would just be more of a surprise when they met up after a year to challenge each other. It wasn't so much a sibling rivalry then just curiosity but if they learned anything from their full moon fiasco was that Tien was fierce, and very resourceful. Whatever Hideo would bring to the table they would have to be ready for it.

Earth was quickly becoming the best thing that had ever happened to the trio and everyday was a new adventure.

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The first year came and went without his students learning after him. He found himself missing each of them, but they were still making him proud. They did exactly what he had hoped they would do when he sent them away. They were learning fighting styles and techniques from other worthy fighters, and Goku honestly didn't know what to expect from them now. That was one of the snags in the plan for the trio to replace Vegeta and himself as earth's protectors. Goku truly wanted them to defeat him in battle one day. How could they do that if the two elder saiyan knew all their moves and got stronger with them during all their training sessions? Now, it was an even playing field. Goku didn't mind not training as often anymore. Goten had done exceptionally well in school (since he had less of a distraction around him) and just a couple of weeks ago he moved into a dorm to start his first year of college. Of course he was proud and Chi Chi was ecstatic to say the least, since her youngest son graduated a year early. Of course Trunks followed Goten's lead being the genius he was, like his mother.

It was amazing how much could change in just a year. He of all people knew that. He and Chi Chi were enjoying the time to themselves. It was nice. It reminded him of their lives as newly weds before Gohan came along. Not that he regretted any of his children but he remembered all the fun him and Chi Chi had when they were young. He'd pick her a bouquet of wildflowers everyday and they'd stay up all night talking. When she'd hold his hand when they were in town he'd feel like he was on top of the world. Were it not for the giant bear carcass on his back he would pick her another bouquet to see if she remembered how often he used to do that for her. He decided he'd surprise her after dinner with a fresh one. He kicked open the door gently cause his hands were full and dropped his load by the door. Proud of himself for his hunting skills. He was certain he had scared away all of the bears in their little forest home but he found this one and decided to jump at the chance for bear burgers again. Yum.

"Hey Chi Chi, I brought home some supper! I bet you can't remember the last time we had bear huh? At least it's a break from fish." Goku called out to his wife cheerfully. Slapping some dirt off his hands. He didn't hear a reply so he went to check the bathroom figuring she was in the shower before dinner like she normally did. As he stepped his foot found a small object on the floor. He looked down to see he had accidentally kicked an apple that was just lying there. As his eyes examined the floor he saw that there was a small trail of apples leading to the kitchen. That was odd. He remembered Chi Chi leaving about an hour before he went hunting to pick some apples but she must have dropped them in a hurry or they fell off the counter. He bent down and one by one picked up the mess. Trying to spare his wife of any unnecessary cleaning. When he walked into the kitchen, he found Chi Chi laying on the white tile. Goku raised an eyebrow. Picking apples must have really worn her out today if she was willing to nap in the floor. He knew as the years progressed she had less and less energy. Goku opened his mouth to say something, and then he froze. Something was wrong. Very wrong. He noticed the basket of apples was still gripped in her hand, and her eyes were open…staring at nothing. Unmoving, unblinking. Goku felt tingles go up and down his spine as he stepped to her.

"Chi Chi…?" he asked and no response. He watched her close. She wasn't moving…she wasn't breathing! He dropped down to her and cradled her in his arms as he started to shake her. "Chi Chi…Chi Chi…CHI CHI!" he bellowed starting feeling panic and shaking all over. His mind instantly wondering who could have done this to her but as he looked at her body there was no sign of a struggle and not a single scratch or wound showed on her pale skin. Her black eyes looked up blankly at him. Faded and glossed over. He didn't know what to do! He didn't know how to fix it. With fumbling fingers he reached into his pouch and pulled out a senzu bean. He desperately placed it in her mouth only for it to fall out repeatedly from her lips to the floor. Goku felt hot tears forming in his eyes and he brought her head to chest and he buried his face in her hair.

"Chi Chi no! Chi Chi please. Please get up. Just get up. Please." Goku pleaded. The tears falling from his eyes and down his chin. Dampening her hair. He didn't know how something could go so wrong. She was fine…she was fine when he left! Happy, laughing with him. With all the death that had happened in the past he didn't know if the Dragonballs would work if she was…

No. He couldn't just give up. No. Maybe someone else could help her. Maybe there was still a chance. With Chi Chi still cradled in his arms he instant transmissioned to a hospital. Appearing before doctors, nurses and patients alike. Not caring to hide his powers or explain to the horrified people how he appeared from thin air before them in a time like this.

"Please my wife!" Goku yelled to anyone who would listen holding out his arms. "You have to help her right now. Please!"

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Bulma was just finishing up some paper work in her study. None of the fun stuff, like new designs for capsules or spaceships. Just boring budget stuff, mostly for taxes. Good thing she had made that pot of coffee or else she'd have fallen asleep at her desk. Again. The rhythmic patted of rain beating down on the roof didn't help her sleepiness either. The sound always made her tired. With a sigh she stacked up all her papers. Then she heard the house phone ring. Confused she looked up at the clock. It was ten o'clock at night. Who in the world would need to talk to her this late? She had told her clients repeatedly not to call after six but it looked like one of them needed another loud reminder from her. When she answered she immediately regretted her snappy tone since she heard Goku's familiar voice. Only she could already tell something was off.

"Hey Goku, why are you calling so late? Is everything okay…what?!…my god…don't worry we will be over there right away, just hang on okay?" Buma said frantically then hung up the phone. Oh no, not now. Not her. She ran to the gravity room but for once Vegeta wasn't in there. She groaned then ran to their bedroom next, luckily there he stood, changing from a shower and sliding on a black muscle shirt. He looked at his wife's odd behavior and raised an eyebrow.

"What's the matter Bulma?" he asked in his normal gruff voice of course only she could tell there was some concern in it.

"Goku's at the hospital in town! Something's wrong with Chi Chi! He thinks she might be…" Bulma said between breathes. She was trying not to panic, that way if the worst had happened she had to be strong for Goku. Though she couldn't bring herself to say that finalized word. To her surprise Vegeta was very supportive and nodded, immediately going to the closet and throwing on his black jacket and handing Bulma's white one to her. She grabbed Vegeta's hand and they ran out the front doors. All the capsule ships were in the garage but she didn't feel like fooling with it and Vegeta could fly much faster then any of them anyway. She hopped on Vegeta's back and he grabbed her legs just underneath her knees to hold on to her then took off. Harsh ice wind and rain drops hitting them mercilessly as they went but Bulma didn't care. She was still in shock over what she had heard over the phone. Could this really be happening? Of course death was inevitable and she knew it would happen one day. It would happen to them all one day, but it didn't make it any easier.

They landed just outside the hospital and Bulma ran as fast as she could inside the building. Just then she realized she was still wearing her house slippers and not proper shoes so she almost tripped on a few occasions. Once inside both her and Vegeta's head shot to the left and the right down the long hall to try and spot Goku. Letting Vegeta lead, she ran after him knowing Vegeta probably picked up a sign of Goku's power level and ran towards it. They almost crashed into several nurses and doctors on their way at their speed. When the turned the corner they found Goku sitting on a bench just beside the medical station. He was staring at the ground and rocked back and forth a little.

Bulma automatically crouched down to eye level with Goku but his coal black eyes didn't move to the floor. Vegeta stood next to Goku on the opposite side and leaned against the wall. His eyes moving from Bulma to Goku.

"Hey Goku…" Bulma said softly. Taking her hand and rubbing the top of his knee. "Have you heard anything? Talked to a doctor?"

"No. They won't let me see her. She's in that room." Goku said weakly nodding to a room just a little distance from them. She had never seen Goku look so defeated. His face forming a scowl but his eyes still threatened the falling of tears. Bulma nodded and slowly rose. Deciding she would be the one to try and figure something out she held her breath hoping for the best. "I'm going to go talk to her doctor ok Goku?"

He didn't so much as nod. A part of him didn't want to know. So he could pretend everything was normal for a bit longer. When she got up to walk the long walk to the patient room that was harboring Chi Chi, Vegeta's eyes flashed over to Goku. Time seemed to slow down to an extreme that it was painful. Vegeta had plenty of up's and downs with the man, though he couldn't imagine how the warrior was feeling in this moment. He wanted to say something but quickly dismissed it. What does one say in such dark times?

Goku's eyes then turned up to meet Vegeta's. The saiyans of legend kept eye contact for a few minutes. Expressionless faces and silent tongues. Though it was amazing how much his mere presence provided Goku. He knew Vegeta better then even he would care to admit. If Goku asked him to he'd stand by his side all night. It meant a lot to him. Vegeta's eyes then turned to the door that Bulma had went into as soon as Goku's returned to staring at floor. Through the windowed door he saw Bulma double over as if she was in pain and grip at the wall for support. She was covering her mouth to stifle the sobs that could not be controlled. Vegeta closed his eyes. So it was certain.

Bulma straightened herself up the best she could. Taking the Kleenex the doctor had kindly handed to her. She dabbed her face and straightened her dress. She had been weak so many times in her life she had to be strong now. Not for her but for the man eagerly awaiting her return in just the other room. Almost mindlessly she walked back to Goku and sat next to him. Taking in a deep breath to try and calm her nerves. When his pure eyes looked up at her she almost lost it. In that moment all the images of the past flashed before her. When she had first met Goku. All alone in the woods, even then he was always carefree and good spirited. If only then she could have seen the man that boy would be. Earth's savior. The image of young Goku laughing carelessly changed to the harden expression of Goku in that moment. His eyes pleading to her to give him some good news. She gripped his knee.

"Goku…Chi Chi, she had a brain aneurysm…it was quick. It was painless…"

"I don't know what that means." Goku said for the first time in his life truly cursing his ignorance in so many different topics in this world. His voice sounding utterly defeated. Whatever it was he had the sense to know it wasn't good and that she was gone.

"It um…it's when a vessel ruptures in your brain. It's undetectable normally…it can happen at anytime…she didn't even feel it…" Bulma explained. Somehow saying the words out loud made things all the more real. Though she kept her voice steady, her entire body was shaking. Goku stood. Not saying a word or looking at either of them and walked towards the exit. Not knowing where to go, or what to do but he had to get out of there. He had to. Bulma rose as well though her knee's were weak from all that had happened.

"Goku I don't think you should be alone, come back with us-" she moved to chase after him but a firm hand from her husband stopped her.

"Let him go Bulma." Vegeta advised watching Goku walk aimlessly out the double doors. Bulma was prepared to argue.

"He just lost his wife! We don't even know if we can bring her back, he needs us!" Bulma said realizing what Goku had already considered. The dragonballs could revive her but would it still work since the entire earth had been brought back? Would the namekian dragonballs work if not? This had never happened in their group before. Not a nature death.

"He needs time to grieve and make arrangements. Rather it be to restore his wife or to bury her. Either way he must make that decision alone. He will find us if he needs us. Best we can do right now is leave him be." Vegeta said in a firm voice suggesting for her to trust him on this but Bulma wanted nothing more then to run after Goku and wrap her arms around him. Swearing everything would be okay when she had no idea that it would be. They went outside soon after and it was still pouring out. How fitting. They were still damp from earlier but now it was certain the would be drenched. Bulma felt powerless. She wanted to do something anything. Then Gohan and Goten entered her mind. Those poor boys…

"I can't imagine…" Bulma said softly. Not to anyone or anything in particular. It still seemed so early. Now Goku had to return to an empty house and contemplate this tragedy. "Losing your spouse…so randomly…so sudden."

"Kakarot has faced many challenges in his life, but this one will be the toughest yet. Even he can break." Vegeta said in a low voice that was rarely heard from the saiyan prince.

"You don't have to make it sound like a fight Vegeta!" Bulma scolded. She loved her husband but his line if thinking seemed to be one tracked. "He just lost his wife after how many years together, it's not the same as losing a battle."

"But it is. In many ways."

"What do you mean?"

"There is something you have to understand Bulma…when you reach the level of power that Kakarot and myself have achieved, you begin to feel like nothing can be taken from you. That nothing can stop you or hold you back anymore, but when something happens that is completely out of your control…nothing makes you feel more weak." Vegeta said staring up into the sky. Bulma gasped when she thought she saw a teardrop fall from his eyes. No…must be the rain.

A/N: Sorry guys. I hope you don't hate me for this. Thanks again for all the support, and for reading.