Chapter Fourteen: Different Kind of Pain
Goku walked aimlessly around the bustling college. He sensed Goten's energy long ago but he didn't want to startle anyone nor embarrass his son, so he opted to blend in with the moving crowd opposed to his normal just appearing before him. When he spotted his youngest the first thing he noticed was the teenager was busy talking to a pretty brunette girl around his same age. This made the heavy hearted Goku smile if only for a second. Soon Goten's eyes shot up to meet his father's. Obvious surprise on his face. Goku never came to visit him at school and usually his mom would call first if they were going to drop off some clothes or something he had left behind. With a quick apology to the lady he was talking to Goten met his father half way on his march towards him. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and greeted Goku happily,
"Hey dad. I didn't expect to see you today. What brings you here?" Goten asked. The smile on his face slowly faded. Goten knew his father well, and even though a half smile was returned on his face Goten had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that something awful had happened. From looking at Goku you could see bags under his eyes like he hadn't slept in days and in his every movement it, suggested pure sadness. Defeat.
"Hey son…can we talk somewhere in private?" Goku said his voice breathy and he quickly avoided direct eye contact with Goten. Now he knew something was wrong. Goten nodded a look of concern. Each step they took Goten's eyes never left his fathers face. Trying to figure out the problem even before it was told to him, but he came up with nothing. When they walked a good distance away from the students Goku gently touched Goten's shoulder and transported them to a meadow, not far from their house. Goten recognized it immediately, and the fact he chose there seemed more concerning somehow.
"Okay, what's wrong Dad? Your acting funny…is the earth in danger?" Goten asked watching Goku closely. Goku shook his head and another half hearted smile crept on his face. Partially proud of how quick Goten was prepared to act were it so.
"No son the earth is fine. Though…" Goku took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. No matter how many times he said it, it wasn't any easier. He had already told Gohan and Videl and Gohan even offered to tell Goten in his stead but it was only right this way. His mouth was so dry he worried the words wouldn't come out even with all his efforts. "…it's your mother. She passed away Goten. From a brain aneurism. She's gone. From what I have been told she felt no pain…she just had to go to heaven now."
Goten felt like his heart was truly breaking. In the most literal way. Like his entire chest was being torn in two by some wild invisible beasts clawing away at him. No…a week…it had only been a week since he saw her last. She was fine. She was healthy. His brain automatically went into denial, then hope. This couldn't be real. There had to be something to be done. "Wha…what about…"
"I already spent a lot of time talking to Dende and the other's on Namek. Neither of the dragons can bring her back Goten. I tried everyway…every angle…it's out of our hands. It was a natural death so all I can think, is it was just her time…we can't fight it."
Now the entire world seemed to be spinning in front of Goten's very eyes and his body got really heavy. He felt himself dropping to the ground but Goku grabbed his son by his shoulder to prevent him from descending fully to the ground. He pulled Goten into his chest where he felt his tears start to dampen the shirt he was wearing. Goten fought against his father's grip, and screamed out in despair. Completely out of control of his actions now. This was hard. Harder then he ever imagined it would be. He had secretly desired a life outside of their little house in the woods and away from his unorthodox family for a while but now all he wanted, was to run and be in his mother's arms like when he was a kid again. With the dragonballs he had almost hoped that he would never have to experience a death like this. Sure it was wishful thinking but he didn't know he would have to face the reality of it so soon.
He felt so weak and childish for reacting this way in front of his father. The man that had felt more pain and loss then he probably knew. Though Goku didn't still his shouts or ridicule his behavior, instead every time Goten thrashed or punched his way away from him, Goku would just pull him back into the hug. Occasionally whispering words like "I know" or "Let it out." Goku himself was to tired and drained to cry anymore. He already had to take a outfit to the mortician, and make arrangements for his wife's burial after he had spoken to Gohan. The earth's warrior finally running out of that fabled strength that made him legend. Seeing his son's reactions was ripping his heart in two. If he could take the pain from them he'd bear it all in a second. Though he wasn't certain he could take much more. He had spent over half of his life with Chi Chi. She had taught him so much and he knew looking into her black eyes he was where he belonged. Sure she was a little different. She'd throw a fuss over things most people wouldn't but it was only because she wanted the best for her family. One thing that could never be questioned was her love for him.
"So…what do we do now?" Goten said finally. Stepping back from his father, but his body rebelliously continued to shake despite his firm voice and now dry eyes. He had to summon up all the strength he could for his family. He had time a lone to let out the rest of his grief.
"We are burying her next to your grandfather tomorrow at 3:00...do you think you can get out of class?" Goku answered. His somber voice the only thing reminding Goten that this was real and not some demented dream or horrible joke. Goku obviously trying to keep everything as straight forward as he could.
"Yeah…yeah." Goten said with a nod. Now the father and son pair was standing next to one another in silence. Both plagued with thoughts that would not disappear easily. The dread of tomorrow weighing on them both in different ways.
"Great…do you wanna talk about it?" Goku asked almost hopeful. The only plus side to telling Gohan the loss of Chi Chi was after the shock wore off and the tears stopped falling they had time to share fond memories of Chi Chi. He enjoyed that. It was nice to know how much she effected other peoples lives. As selfish as it sounded Goten could talk to anyone else on the planet about this, but with Goku it was just to hard.
"No. I'm okay. I…love you dad." Goten said softly then moved to willingly embrace his father this time. Goku held him back and whispered. "I love you too son. We'll get through this." Goku let him go and asked if he wanted him to take him back to his campus but Goten assured Goku he'd go where ever he needed to go on his own. As Goku wearily walked away to teleport back to his home for some peace a lone for a little while Goten voiced what had kept popping into his head.
"So we just…go on? Like everything is normal? Like nothing happened?" Goten asked. Focusing on the green of the grass underneath him and the slight breeze brushing his hair that hung close to his shoulders in the back while his bangs and top of his hair was like most saiyans a spiked mess. He knew if he looked at Goku directly again he'd cry rather he liked it or not. Goku stopped and turned to face him.
"We have to son. I wish there was more we could do…but we have to." With a weak smile Goku disappeared. He wanted to provide his son more comfort but he just couldn't. This was one death he couldn't make better by getting angry and avenging the fallen, or making a wish and there they were waiting on him. He slumped on his couch and for the first time since her death he allowed his eyes to close in an attempt to get an hour or two of sleep. The simple act provided his aching eyes a lot of comfort though all he saw with his eyes closed was her. He decided not to fight it this time and let himself bask in the beauty of his departed wife. At least he was with her then.
Meanwhile Goten decided he didn't want to go back to his tiny dorm and knew the only place he should be in that moment was with his brother. When he landed at Gohan's and Videl's place he didn't even knock. He stood in the doorway for a little while with his hand still on the door knob with his free hand shoved into his jean pocket, incase he changed his mind and left them be. What if they had just started to feel better and his grim state brought them all back down? His decision to leave was no longer an option, as Videl just walked out of the kitchen and spotted him standing there like a zombie. He saw how red her eyes and cheeks were, so he knew she had to have been crying for some time. God knew what his face looked like, seeing how his tears had been dried by the cold and harsh breeze as he flew there. Videl didn't say a word, instead she walked in a very fast speed over to Goten and gave him a tight hug. She didn't cry, more dry sobbed on his shoulder. Goten held her in return. Growing up she became just as good as a sister to him. She and Gohan had been dating ever since he was still a boy, and he grew up having her around all the time. He even found himself confiding in her at times he felt he couldn't talk to Gohan or the rest of his family. Gohan now walked out of the kitchen to look for Videl, when he spotted Goten. Goten looked up to see his older brother. His glasses were removed and his stuffy professor attire he usually wore replaced with an old pair of jeans and a baggy shirt Chi Chi had made him with his name plastered on the front. She was fond of making those for the one's she loved.
The brother's eyes met and Videl let go of Goten so that they could embrace each other. Videl hurried back to the kitchen and made a full pot of coffee. Knowing no one in that house would find any sleep that night with all that would happen tomorrow.
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Life learning under 18, (which the girls later found out that she was an android, explaining her insane strength, endurance and uncreative name) was pleasant. It was nice to be around a woman that could be both deadly and feminine at the same time. She was a little distant and cold at first, much like Vegeta but now you would easily mistake the three beautiful gals as friends. She was strict but no where near as strict as Goku and Vegeta. They stopped training every night at a reasonable hour and their favorite night time activity had become sitting on the couch in front of the television watching bad movies and having a pint of ice cream in each of their hands. Being of the saiyan and android race they fortunately could do so every night without the worry of gaining weight. So much so it would make any human girl green with envy. One day a week 18 would send Kaylynn and Naomi out to do the basic necessities, like grocery shopping or other errands. Making them fly to a different town every time to pick up what they needed. At first Kaylynn just assumed it was another one of those silly tasks master's could ask their pupils to do knowing they would have to comply, but now she was truly enjoying the variations of the cities they saw.
Some were big and booming with life much like the one Capsule Corp was in, while other's were small and less modern then the one's she was accustomed to seeing. She actually preferred the smaller towns to the big one's. Much less noisy and the people there seemed happy and not in a big rush like all the city people. Naomi reminded her that part of the reason for their separation from their true masters was so they could see all of earths beauty for themselves which was probably why 18 was insistent on those outings. Besides it was nice to not be cooped up at the island the whole time. Naomi absolutely fell in love with the island however. Sometimes when Kaylynn would wake up in the middle of the night, Naomi would be missing from her identical twin bed next to her. When Kaylynn would look around to make sure she was ok, she'd find her sitting on the sands with her feet planted in the water. Letting the waves sweep up at her sides and little fish nipping at her bare toes. Kaylynn had never seen such a true smile on her face as she'd stare at the ocean and the starry sky. You'd think she'd be sick of the ocean since their old planet was filled with more ocean and water then they could handle.
Training was continuing on as usual. Only now instead of 18 sparring with both of them at the same time, Kaylynn was sitting out and watching her sister and mentor fight it out. Naomi was very proud of this fact. She took it as a sign that they were getting a lot stronger even though it didn't feel like it. When they first arrived 18 would be able to spar and keep up with both of them attacking and now she was almost struggling to keep up with them individually. Naomi was thankful for all the nice tricks 18 had taught them. Her favorite was her way of showing them that the combination of both physical and ki attacks was much more devastating then using the two at different points in a fight. With her help Naomi and Kaylynn were able to prefect their own rush attacks that were proving to be very effective. Along with a few ki attacks 18 showed them, that they had never seen before.
18 stopped fighting in the middle of their spar and turned her head towards the sky, with a smile on her face. It took Kaylynn a second to pick up on what she was sensing. She swore that woman's radar extended far past any mortals senses.
"Looks, like your brother has stopped by for a visit. And he's brought Tien with him as well. Didn't know we were having a party." 18 said keeping her smile and placing her hand on her hip. A gesture Kaylynn found herself mimicking often. Sure enough only a minute later, Hideo and Tien landed on the island. Naomi quickly ran to embrace Hideo but stopped when she saw the saddened look on his face. She missed him terribly but it was rare that he showed signs of sorrow so she gave him his space. She couldn't help but notice Tien's expression was the same if not more intense as Hideo's.
"What's the matter with you two? You look like someone kicked your puppy." 18 jested hoping to lighten the mood but you could cut the tension with a knife. Tien calmly requested for her to run inside and get Krillin and Master Roshi and she obeyed. It was apparent something was wrong. When everyone was standing upon the sands of the tiny island Tien revealed his news on Chi Chi's death. A stunned silence filled the air. No one knowing what to say or what to do. The siblings exchanged looks. They were not ignorant on death, but on their old planet, when it was someone's time do go due to age or illness, the little blobs would simply emerge themselves in the sea and become one with it. They would just disappear. This would be their first experience in the passing of beings such as they. Chi Chi…it hurt. Kaylynn felt an uncomfortable feeling in her chest that was unexplained and random. It was a different kind of pain. Unlike getting punched or having your bones break under some immense pressure. She was accustomed to that but this…this was different and it slowly spread from her chest throughout her entire body. She did not like this feeling and if she knew it's cause she would eliminate it immediately.
"Bulma has been contacting everyone in Goku's stead. I told her we would inform you in person." Tien finished grimly. Krillin looked the most concerned of the bunch. He couldn't imagine what Goku was feeling. If he lost 18, he didn't think he would be able to recover from it. And they didn't have the years and history that Goku and Chi Chi had.
"What about the dragonballs can't they…?" Krillin started but Tien shook his head in the middle of his sentence. Krillin eyed the ground and swallowed hard. "Poor Goku…"
Tien explained that the funeral would be the next day and the time. He left Hideo behind when he decided to go home. Leaving his new pupil and friend to grieve with his family in whatever way he saw fit. While the others retired to the house the saiyan trio stayed outside. Chi Chi's final words to them ringing in Hideo's ears. She told them to come "home" whenever they wanted to despite their orders to do otherwise. Now he wished she had heeded that advice. She had treated them so kindly once she got to know them. As if they were her own children. Now she gone. Just gone. No goodbyes, no thank you's, no more hand knitted sweaters or clothing. It was hard to get a grip on. They all wished they had gotten to know her better, but her impact on their lives was still enough to cause sorrow and remorse.
"What's a funeral…?" Naomi asked weakly. Feeling ignorant. Everything was so different here.
"Um…I think it's another ritual. To mourn the passing…" Hideo sighed. Not understanding the concept fully either. What was there to do? They three discussed this. Then the gruesome topic of where exactly one went after they died. Kaylynn didn't care for the topic and returned inside. Preferring to remain ignorant in that topic. It was easier that way. No fear. Though she kept rubbing her chest trying to get rid of the discomfort. A new sickening feeling forming in her stomach.
"I mean…were so lucky." Naomi said continuing her conversation. She stared directly at the sea. Hideo raised his eyebrow. He hardly found losing the mother figure in their lives as lucky.
"We shouldn't exist Hideo." Naomi explained. This thought occurring to her and she had to voice it. "Were it not for a wish and the kindness of the leaders in other world we would still be…we were dead Hideo. Do you remember anything before living on Capitia? Being just souls?" Naomi asked. She tried to but she couldn't remember. Really they were dead almost as long as they were a live now. Did you get memories when you were just souls? Is that where Chi Chi was now? Where ever they were? Was it nice? All these thing kept popping in her head. Hideo considered this briefly.
"I don't and honestly, I wouldn't want to if I could. We are a live now and that's what matters. We will use the life we were blessed with for the good of the universe." he answered. Gripping his sisters shoulder lightly. Naomi took a little bit of comfort in this but she stayed on the shore long after he left. To absorbed in thought to want to leave. Her mind kept flashing over to Goku, and what she could do to make things better for him. Though there was nothing. What was the good of caring of having the heart he admired if she couldn't use it when he needed it the most?
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It was a beautiful day despite the events that were soon to play out. Gohan and Goten were the first to arrive at the site. They had been up the entire night prior looking through old pictures of them with Chi Chi. They found a few priceless one's. One of Gohan when he was still tiny in his little stroller. His favorite hat with the four star dragonball mounted on top of it and Chi Chi pushing him and looking happily up at Goku. Goten teased about how ridiculous Gohan looked in his little outfit, but Gohan thought he looked pretty awesome. He wore that outfit for years. There was another funny one of Videl and Chi Chi standing next to each other in a fighting stance. Then the one's of them all together were particularly moving in this time. Gohan even brought a few to put on display.
Gohan looked around and saw the casket and the grave was already dug so he knew Goku must have been there, but he couldn't find him. Krillin was the next to show up, with 18 and Maron. Closely followed by Vegeta, Bulma and Trunks. Trunks immediately walking over to Goten's side and remaining there for the rest of the ceremony. Still Goku hadn't showed up. Deciding to take action Gohan flew over to his father's house to see if something was delaying him. Or so that was is hopes. He feared that Goku had finally broken down and was refusing to show up or something like that. He opened the front door slowly and walked inside.
"Dad? Dad…people are starting to show up…are you ready?" Gohan asked cautiously. He entered his father's bedroom where he saw him sitting on the bed. He was dressed in a very nice black suit that he must have just bought because Gohan never recalled seeing it before. When he stepped closer he saw that a white tie laid in Goku's open hand. He was staring at it with a pained expression. Goku spoke but slowly and his eyes never left the white tie.
"Your mother always put them on for me." he explained. Still staring at the tie. He clenched his hand then brought his fist to his forehead. Resting it gently on his firm hand with closed eyes. Gohan hadn't felt as horrible then he did in this moment. Seeing something so simple tear down his father was painful. He gently pulled Goku to his feet and took the tie from him. Calmly moving so he could put his tie on for him, as Goku buttoned up his black jacket.
"Do you think she would have liked it?" Goku found himself asking without meaning to. His lack of sleep making it hard for him to differentiate thought from his own speech. Gohan looked at him and it was obvious now more then ever how much sleep he had lost in those passing days. The usual light and hope that shined in Goku's eyes were now dimmed by sorrow and grief. Gohan kept his composure and smiled weakly.
"She'd have loved it Dad. You look great."
Goku nodded and with his infamous instant transmission he took them both back to the sight. This was the part Goku actually dreaded the most. As soon as he arrived he could feel all the eyes of his loved one's on him. Really he wanted to be alone. He didn't know what to say and he knew he'd be hearing a lot of "I'm sorry's" or "Is there anything I can do?" There was no reason for anyone to be sorry, no one did this to her nor could it be prevented. As for the "anything I can do?" what could be done? He didn't know what to do or even what he wanted besides having Chi Chi back. All he really wanted was this day to be over and spend the next few days trying to catch up on sleep. Believe it or not he had only eaten a sandwich in the past four days so he probably should eat something as well.
The saiyan trio arrived a little bit before Goku and Gohan had come back, though they quickly felt a little out of place. Everyone, fighters and non fighters alike were dressed in elegant suits or beautiful dresses. All in black. Not knowing anything about funerals or burials, the three saiyans thought that wearing the shirts Chi Chi had knitted for them was appropriate along with a baseball cap she had bought for Hideo and a pair of red plastic hoop earrings she had gotten Kaylynn on her birthday. Naomi had managed to save one of the pearls that had been ripped off of her in the fight of the full moon and knowing the pearls had originally belonged to Chi Chi and she managed to put the single pearl on a silver chain and she wore it for the occasion. To make things worse they had no idea what do or really what was happening. No one was talking to each other and most people they saw were crying. Out of respect Hideo quickly took off his cap and folded it the best he could to put in his pocket.
Kaylynn kept eyeing the casket then the hole in the ground. Trying to process what the use of the two could be. She didn't understand. Did they bury their dead in the ground? In a way…it was kind of nice. Like she was being returned to the earth and was now a part of it. That's always what gave her comfort when someone on her old planet passed. Knowing they would just be one with ocean, and they could continue to be used in future potions one day to help people. Seemed like that was all her old people ever desired was helping others. What was bothering her though was the casket. It was open. Inside, she could see from afar was Chi Chi. Laying there with her hands folded on top of themselves just below her chest. It was almost mocking to Kaylynn. She didn't look…dead…she looked asleep. Peaceful. Like if everyone just waited long enough she would wake up and stretch then greet them all. She didn't like it, and from the looks of things, everyone was lining up to get close to the casket and her. She didn't want to. To face it….it would just be to real. She didn't like all these sudden unwanted emotions. She had prided herself on not crying thus far and she wasn't about to break it now.
Though each step closer to the casket was weighing heavier and heavier. She couldn't just leave or not go up there when everyone else was. Hideo stopped before Chi Chi and looked down on her. She was wearing a beautiful white dress, that looked both elegant and comfortable. He lightly touched the top of her folded hands and whispered "Thanks for everything…mom." he almost choked on the last word then quickly walked away. Naomi couldn't make out what Hideo had said but surprisingly enough out of the three of them she knew Hideo was the one who handled loss the least well. He almost took it personally. Like some kind of past sin was being paid for when he'd experience such a thing. Naomi lingered a little while longer then Hideo did. Admiring the strength of the amazing woman one last time. She wished she had seen her more often, but training seemed to be the only thing important at the time. Now Naomi was afraid of taking anything for granted…since the world could easily take it from you. She followed Hideo's lead and touched her hands then bowed her head before walking away.
Now Kaylynn was face to face with the very thing she wanted to avoid and she was at the tail end of the line. With Naomi walking away she was now alone.
She looked at Chi Chi's body and instantly she wanted to shake her. Wake her up. Make her move. Though she knew she couldn't. What good was becoming strong if people around you died anyway? She kept her experience brief and did a low and honorable bow in front of the casket then made her way over to her brother and sister as fast as she could. Though now a new dilemma was facing the three. Standing not far from the casket was the three that were effected the most by this tragedy. Goten, Gohan and Goku the farthest away. Some of the mourner's had stopped by them and said whatever words of comfort they could muster to say. Goku was surprised to see some faces he had never seen before there. Friends Chi Chi had made in the marketplace, who was very eager to meet the infamous husband Chi Chi apparently would talk about all the time.
Goku enjoyed this. It was good to see she had other's besides the Z fighter's group that she could find friendship in. Now Hideo was the closest to Goten. The only one of the three he thought he could say something to since he had known him so well through school and living with him. Immediately the two exchanged a quick handshake that ended with the two pulling each other in an embrace. Hideo patted Goten on the back and said "I'm here for you man. Just say the word." Hideo knew that probably sounded dumb but it seemed to fit. Goten patted him back and said "Thanks dude." Then Hideo moved on. Naomi hugged Goten as soon as she was in front of him. Their hug lasted a lot longer then the one shared with Hideo and Naomi felt Goten's arms tighten around her and she felt his breath leave his body in a low sigh. Naomi pulled back to look up at him though it was a little painful to see how distraught he looked. She gave him a smile and told him that she would be there for him anytime he needed her. Kaylynn and Goten's hug was closer to Hideo's but as she was leaving she hung onto his hand until she was to far to grip it anymore.
The three bowed in front of Gohan and shook his hand. They didn't really know him that well, but they wanted to show some kind of respect. Before they knew it they were all standing before Goku. Now all three of their hearts were stabbed with remorse. They wanted to give back to the man that had provided them so much in this dark time. Make it better somehow. To their surprise Goku smiled a tiny smile.
"I knew you guys would come." Goku said. His voice was hoarse and honestly sounded nothing like the Goku they knew. He was afraid they would feel the need to stay away since he had ordered them not to return to him. Though seeing them did lift his heart. It was kind of a reminder that there was something to keep moving on for. Goten was out of the house and would soon return to his life he had made for himself. Gohan was starting a family with his own beautiful wife and though his sons loved him and would be there for him no matter what the blatant fact was they didn't need him anymore. Though his three pupil's still did. And their support and their presence was different knowing he had people that wouldn't leave him for other worldly goals.
The three students bowed before him and Goku did a weak nod back. Knowing those three were the last of the visitors he made his way through them instead of walking around. He gripped their shoulders and patted Hideo on the back as he passed. They made their way to stand on the side lines when Naomi stopped. Overwhelmed with all the emotions she was bottling up to look strong for Goku just couldn't be contained anymore. Sometimes words just wasn't enough. She had to do something but unfortunately the only thing she could think to do was turn on her heels and run towards Goku and when she caught up to him she gave him a big hug. Hideo followed her lead and before Goku knew it all three of his young pupils were engulfing him in a tight embrace. He maneuvered himself the best he could to return the hug to all of them then after a few minutes let them go and moved to stand next to his son's who were waiting beside the empty grave. Soon to be filled with the mother and wife that everyone had come to love.
They stood and waited. Some man the three didn't recognize was saying all kinds of funny things. Something about how Chi Chi was at peace and was going to a place called "heaven" now. Looking around, people were beginning to sob again. Goku's eyes were dry but in a way that made everything all the more real and depressing. All of this became to much and Kaylynn finally let a couple of tears fall from her big violet eyes. Kaylynn looked anywhere else she could besides Goku and the now closed casket that held Chi Chi. She saw a lot of people she was coming to know as friends and were she to be true to her own feelings, family. She saw Vegeta and in that exact same moment his eyes happened to look into hers. They kept each other's gaze for only a few seconds before they quickly looked away. Kaylynn clenched her eyes tight and let out a sigh. Great. Here she was standing there like a weeping child and the one person that she never wanted to see her that way had done just that.
The only way she knew how to deal with the unwanted emotions was to bite her tongue so her mind could focus on the physical pain she was having. She knew how to deal with that pain, but this emotional kind was bothering her to no end. She quickly wiped her eyes with her sleeve and forced herself to watch the proceedings rather she liked it or not. Naomi was lacking in her sister's strength even with the unseen roller coaster that was going on in her mind. Were Hideo not next to her she would have lost it. She buried her face into her brother's shoulder and muffled her cry's in his jacket. They were now pouring dirt over her. Why was no one stopping this? It felt so wrong. She didn't understand why this was the way earth handled their dead. It was like a sick joke or something. Knowing her body would be in that spot but her soul was somewhere else. It wasn't comforting for her. If anything it was just a reminder to all those that lost her that she was gone. Hideo whispered to her but she couldn't hear him.
When she finally got composure again it was over. Now the only thing left was placing what looked like a slab of stone and if school had taught her correctly it read Chi Chi's name and some other things her blurred vision couldn't read at the time. She also noticed another stone that resembled that one was a few feet away from it. Odd. Goku didn't linger long despite everyone wanting him to stick around to ensure his well being. Only Krillin accompanied him back to his house. This time the two long best friends simply walked back to his house instead of the usual teleporting. Giving the two more time together to talk. Naomi didn't want to let him leave. She wanted to stay with him until she knew for sure he was okay. Though obviously that wouldn't be anytime soon. Not only was it a crazy idea but that wasn't even an option. Only a little over a year had passed and they weren't even supposed to see each other for another year. She set her worry for her master to be pushed aside for now. Knowing Goku would overcome this but he needed to do it, in his own way and in his own time. Soon they found themselves to be some of the few remaining, aside from their new teachers and Goten and Trunks. From a brief conversation, all the saiyans decided they would hangout together for a while and after informing their teachers they headed out. Obvious that no one wanted to stay there much longer. Trunks made the suggestion to stop at a coffee shop for a pick me up and with nothing else in mind they all found the nearest one.
The saiyans that were not raised on earth had never had or heard of the particular hot beverage but as soon as they aroma hit Hideo's nostrils he identified it with the drink Bulma had all the time. Usually late at night. To make things less awkward Trunks ordered some coffee for them in a blend he thought they would like. It was just as well. None of them had any real desire to drink the coffee but more or less just needed a place they could all be together. Goten was an obvious wreck and if Trunks knew anything about his best friend it was that he had no desire to be a lone unlike his father and he would see to it, that he got that much.
"So…"Trunks said after several moments of awkward silence. Seemed like anything and everything they could talk about was inappropriate, like they should remain sad all day or it was a sign of disrespect but Trunks was desperate to change the mood. "How's training going you guys? What have you been up to all this time?"
"Not bad. I have been learning under Tien for the past year and the sisters have been training with Android 18. No matter what it beats being at school huh?" Hideo said taking a small swig of his coffee. Not knowing if he enjoyed the bitter taste or not. It wasn't bad…just different. He noticed the canister of sugar that was placed in the middle of their table and began to careful pour some in his cup.
"Yeah, tell me about it. Goten decided to go to college after we graduated but I think I'm going to enjoy my freedom for a little while. Mom's already teaching me a lot of stuff about Capsule Corp. In a couple of weeks I'm going to be a manager of sales already." Trunks said doing his best to keep the conversation going. Goten was busy stirring his coffee slowly for the third or fourth time. Clearly having little interest in the conversation.
"Look at you big business man." Kaylynn teased with a smirk. Trunks had forgotten how much her simply gestures would do for him and how much he genuinely missed her company.
"Not really. Just a bigger paycheck and I take care of customer complaints and do whatever I can to get people to buy our stuff. Nothing special." Trunks blushed.
"What's college?" Naomi asked, deciding to contribute to the conversation. It was best to focus on the future now anyway. They all still had so much to look forward to.
"A fancy word for more school." Goten said lightly. It was nice to hear the change in his voice. Everyone let out a chuckle and the mood quickly changed. It was just like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time hanging out again. Goten was still a little down but he was laughing and smiling as the young saiyans joked and poked fun at each other. Then Trunks ventured in the topic he was meaning to bring up for a little while now. He had missed his three other planet saiyan friends. It was nice to have people your age around you that understood what you were going through. This plan their father's had concocted was unnecessary, and the only real benefit it held was perhaps that it gave him and Goten the kick they needed to get out of high school early like they had the potential to the whole time. Well, from his perspective.
"So you guys I was thinking…" Trunks began trying to form his words to be nonchalant and not desperate. "Instead of learning under Tien and 18, how about you just train with us?" Goten looked over to him in surprise. Trunks hidden agenda hadn't even been discussed with him, though seeing Naomi over the next year…he glanced over to her and her almost angelic face and he felt lightened. Her laugh and smile seeming to be the only good thing left in the world.
"Sure, I got work and Goten has class but we have virtually all the day to train after all of that each day. In truth we really have been slacking for sometime now and I can't have any of you getting better then me now can I?" Trunks said smiling then giving a sly wink to Kaylynn. He nudged Goten's arm after he had been silent for a minute or two.
"Uh yeah…it would be a nice to see you guys all the time. True our fighting styles resemble our fathers but we know a lot of techniques ourselves and we may even be able to help you reach super saiyan before next year. I don't really have much to do after class…" Goten added then stared off into the distance in deep thought. Naomi picked up on the vibe that Goten was looking for a distraction from the loss of his mother so how could she say no? What a shame. She would actually miss 18 and all her fashion and fighting advice alike. The trio exchanged looks, to try and read each others reactions.
"Eh, why the hell not? Any chance to put you on your ass." Hideo chuckled, and smirked at Trunks.
"Hah, you wish." Trunks jested back. Goten actually felt a tiny bit of excitement fill his belly. Maybe it's what he needed to feel like things actually were normal again. The girls agreed to it as well. It only made sense. With the knowledge they learned from their masters, only saiyans could show you how to become a super saiyan after all. Which of course was still the main goal. Soon the five saiyan youths raised their coffee mugs and gave a cheer to the next year of beating the hell out of each other. The next couple of days now looking to promise cheer and progress compared to the loneliness and despair it once showed.