Chi-Chi and Goku stared in shock at Annin. Both of them thought that they couldn't possibly have heard what she said right. Goku was the first to find his voice and nervously asked, "What was that second option again?"

Annin gave the saiyan a small smile and answered him. "I said that the second option is that I become Chi-Chi's new mother with you as the father Goku."

The Ox princess looked at Annin in both hope and complete shock. "You would seriously think about doing that? Why would you want to help me out?" Chi-Chi hoped that Annin was serious about the offer since it would get her out of Hell in a decade. However, Chi-Chi was plagued by doubt as to why an honest to goodness goddess would want her as a child.

Annin walked over to Chi-Chi and gently laid a hand on the specter's shoulder. "I wouldn't have mentioned it if I wasn't willing to go through with it Chi-Chi. I can see that you're a good person who wasn't able to get the help they needed because of bad information. Also, I'm not exactly being completely altruistic here." Annin sighed before she continued on. "My grandfather King Yemma has been getting on my case this past millennium because I'm his only granddaughter who hasn't gotten a husband yet."

Goku nodded his head in understanding. "So this is supposed to be a mutually beneficial deal right? You get a husband to stop your grandfather's pestering and I get Chi-Chi out of Hell. But, something doesn't make sense to me. Why would you want to marry me? I mean, even if your grandfather's nagging you I doubt you're the type of person who will jump at the first opportunity for a husband."

The goddess gave Goku an inquisitive glance and then smirked. "You're not as bad at reading people as you pretend Goku. You're right in that I don't jump at opportunity for a husband. In fact, I've already turned down a dozen suitors who wanted to marry me which is partly why my grandfather is on my case. I'm making this offer because from what I've heard and more importantly seen, you're the kind of man I was hoping my future husband would be. That's not to say I love you or you don't have flaws; I only see you as a friendly acquaintance and can already see that you have your own flaws. However, everything I see shows me a man who I can have at the very least a friendly marriage with and possibly come to love in time. Now I ask you Goku, which of the two options do you want to go for in order to insure Chi-Chi can be reincarnated in a decade?"

Everyone watched as Goku closed his eyes and considered the question. Finally, he opened his eyes and gave Annin and Chi-Chi a bright smile. "It looks like the three of us will be a family in a decade." The saiyan than turned to face Annin and gently whispered. "I hope I can be as good of a husband as you seem to think I can be."

Annin returned Goku's smile with her own. "I think you'll do just fine Goku." She then turned to Chi-Chi and said, "Do you have anything else you wish to say to Goku? If not, than it will be time for you to return to the afterlife. You still have 9 ½ years before you can be reincarnated."

Chi-Chi turned around to smile at Goku and then she bowed her head. "Thank you for going through all this trouble on my behalf Goku. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for." Chi-Chi then turned to look at Annin. "I'm ready to go back now your highness."

Just as Chi-Chi started walking towards her guard, the guard held up his hand motioning for her to stop. "If you don't mind," the guard said slightly gruffly while looking at Annin. "There is something I wish to say before we depart." The goddess nodded her head letting the guard speak.

The guard turned to face Goku. "You're a credit to our race Goku, recognized son of Bardock. Your ability to grow so powerful on such a weak world and your self-taught mastery of the Oozaru transformation make it clear that you are no 3rd class saiyan. Were I still alive I would have no choice but to elevate your bloodline to that of first class."

"There are so few of our kind left among the living; something that I'm sure allows many races to rest easier at night. Please, accept this last request of your late king: redeem our race's name so that when the last of us die the galaxy won't celebrate our extinction. Out of all the survivors, you are the most likely to redeem our race. Also, if by happenstance you meet my older son, deflate his ego. I have no doubts that brat's ego has gotten too big for his britches without me around to keep him grounded in reality."

Goku nodded his head earning a smirk from the late King Vegeta. The saiyan king turned around and then led Chi-Chi back into the steam. Goku watched for a few seconds as the duo departed, but soon lost sight of them.

Once King Vegeta and Chi-Chi were gone, Annin turned to Goku. "So Goku, were you able to get your questions resolved?"

A reflective and slightly somber look settled on Goku's face. "Yes I did Annin. Going through all of this has made me realized that no matter how hard I try, I can't help all of my friends all the time by myself. But, with the help of other friends both old and new I can insure that things turn out right in the end."

Up on the Lookout, Kami was smiling as he looked out over the edge and sensed a familiar energy coming towards the lookout. The green god blinked his eyes as he sensed a second power accompanying Goku. Kami turned his head to where Mr. Popo was watering a palm tree and called out, "It seems that Goku is returning and he has brought a distinguished guest with him."

Mr. Popo tilted his watering can so that he wasn't watering the tree anymore and looked over at Kami. "That's wonderful news Kami. Should I go and prepare some tea?"

Kami shook his head and replied, "Not at the moment. Let's get ready to meet Goku and his companion." Seconds after Kami said this, Goku and Annin flew up into sight. The duo landed near Kami. The old green god smiled at Goku and nodded his head while looking at Annin. "It's good to see you again Goku. This is an unexpected pleasure to see you here Lady Annin. Would you mind telling me why the two of you have traveled here together?"

Annin took a step closer to Kami and smiled like she was looking at a child. "Hello again kiddo, I haven't seen you since grandfather held last year's sector party. Goku's here to become Earth's god since he's managed to sort his problems out. As for me, I'm here to watch Goku's ascension as his future queen."

Both Kami's and Mr. Popo's eyes bulged hearing that Goku somehow got Annin 'the Patron Goddess of Ice Queens' to be his wife. Would the wonders that man accomplished ever end? Kami quickly regained his cool and politely nodded his head. "I understand Lady Annin. Mr. Popo, please move my belongings to one of the temple's reserve wings and prepare the main chambers for Goku and Annin." Mr. Popo nodded his head and quickly left to fulfill Kami's last orders as the god of Earth.

While Mr. Popo was leaving, Goku spoke up. "Hey Kami, how does my becoming Earth's god work?"

Kami smiled at the question. "You don't have to do anything Goku. Just relax and let the transformation happen when I start the transition of power." Kami motioned for Goku to follow him and the two walked to the center of the lookout just in front of the temple. Kami stood in front of Goku, held out his staff in his arms between the two, and tapped the ground three times. "The end of an era is upon us." Kami tapped his staff on the ground five times. "The light which has warmed has grown dim." Again the old Namek tapped his staff on the ground only now it was seven times. "A new light has risen to take the place of the old." Once again Kami tapped his staff, but nine times now. "Let a new era be declared as the light ascends to heaven over earth!"

The staff in Kami's hands suddenly turned silver and started glowing with a light gold light. Kami slammed his staff into the ground and Goku watched as the staff melted into the ground causing the Lookout to become bathed in a golden light. The wind suddenly picked up and continued to grow stronger like a hurricane was forming. For the first time that Goku could ever recall, clouds formed above the Lookout. These weren't normal white clouds or even the typical dark clouds seen during a fierce storm. These clouds were like soot with angry red patches and thousands of lightning bolts flying between the clouds.

Without warning, Goku found himself being lifted into the air by a constant gust of wind. For a split second he considered trying to fly away, but Goku squashed his instincts trusting that Kami knew what was going on. The saiyan continued to be carried further and further into the sky and watched in amazement as the clouds parted letting him climb higher. Now he could look down on the Lookout and watched as the golden light emanating from the divine residence started to swirl around. Suddenly, the glowing energy shot up like a geyser towards Goku.

The energy geyser quickly connected to the raging clouds unleashing a wave of primal magical energy. Very quickly, the clouds took on a golden color and then began to collapse in. The collapsing clouds created a blinding flash of light as a miniature yellow star formed in the sky. For several minutes the mini star hung in the sky. Slowly, ever so slowly, the star began to shrink. As it shrunk the outlines of the star took a human shape. Healthy, perfect flesh started to emerge from the blazing star's surface as it continued to shrink. A thunderous sound was heard as beams of slivery gold light shot out from Goku.

Reborn, the newly deified Goku gracefully floated down to the Lookout. Every inch of Goku's body was subtly transformed from what it had been as mortal. His muscles were more defined, his skin lost all of its old scars and appeared healthier, and his lost eye had been restored to him. The instant Goku's foot touched the Lookout, all of the plants on the floating island burst into bloom celebrating the birth of earth's new god.

Mr. Popo quickly appeared and handed Goku traditional planetary deity outfit. Goku quickly got dressed and then glanced over to Annin. The goddess was currently lying unconscious on the floor with a trickle of blood coming out of her nose.

The Afterlife Check-in Station was an utterly massive complex with a design similar to the Forbidden Palace, but on a much larger and grander scale. Kami, Annin, and Goku appeared on a viewing platform on top of a tower granting them an excellent view of the sea of souls coming in for judgment. Goku was gaping as he gazed out at all of the souls coming in. "Amazing, I never imagined that the afterlife would be like this."

A small smirk appeared on Annin's face. "It's quite a sight isn't it Goku? My grandfather's palace complex is over a 100 km long and 10 km wide." Seeing the look of utter shock on Goku's face, the goddess continued. "Why are you so surprised? Over a hundred planets are under King Yemma's supervision. If he didn't have registration booths every 100 meters the backline of souls waiting judgment would be ridiculous."

Goku nodded his head quickly coming to terms with what Annin told him. He had been told before that King Yemma was going to be his boss, but he hadn't thought about what judging the souls of so many worlds actually meant.

Kami chuckled at the new god and then glanced at Annin. "I think that we should proceed with introducing Goku to King Yemma. After all, your grandfather will want to meet his new subordinate and his new grandson-in-law." Once Annin nodded her head, Kami proceeded to walk over to a nearby pillar.

The young god glanced over at his mentor in confusion. "Uh Kami, why are you walking towards a pillar?"

Kami smiled and answered, "You've still got a lot to learn Goku. Here's your first lesson as a deity: it is considered to be extremely rude to fly around another deity's domain. That's why Annin landed as soon as she reached the edge of the Lookout. There are only two ways to properly travel around other deities' domains. First, you can walk. That option is rather impractical for us at the moment since King Yemma resides several kilometers away in the heart of this complex. Thus, we will be using the second travel method: the Tennin Gates. When a Tennin Gate is activated, it allows a deity to travel to any other gate in that Tennin Gate's network. Tennin Gates that are used for travel inside a deity's domain like King Yemma's palace are referred to as Tenshi Gates whereas the Tennin Gates between separate domains is known as Tennyo Gates."

"Uh Kami, why is this the first time I've heard of these gates? Also, why didn't we use these gates to get here?"

To Goku's surprise, Kami let out a small chuckle. "It's very simple Goku, until you became a god yourself you were unable to see, activate, or use the Tennin Gates. They're a method of transporting deities only. Thus, there really wasn't much point in me bringing them up. Also, a planetary god can always travel freely between their temple and the check-in complex of their ruler. It's a part of our power as the god of a planet. However, if we were to travel to another planet like say the planet Thanagar or to another check-in complex like say that of King Osiris whose domain starts a few light years from Earth we'd have to use the Tennin Gates. Now, watch as I use the gate."

Kami took a step closer to the wall and suddenly a glowing butterfly design appeared on the wall. The old god tapped the butterfly once causing a ripple of energy to flow from the center of the design to the edge of it. In a clear voice Kami said, "King Yemma's audience chambers." He tapped the butterfly once again and then disappeared in a light blue glow.

Annin used the gates and then Goku hesitantly tried the gates himself. Goku was surprised to find himself in a large room where a giant purple ogre in a business suit was nodding his head as a tiny blue creature talked. Both the ogre and the blue creature turned their heads to look at the newly arrived trio. King Yemma grinned and called out, "Annin! It's wonderful to see you again. How's my favorite troublesome granddaughter doing?"

Annin quickly grew in size so that she was just half a head shorter than King Yemma and gave him a hug. The duo ended their family embrace after a few moments and King Yemma then took notice of Kami and Goku. Seeing the questions in her grandfather's eyes, Annin quickly spoke up. "Grandfather, this is Kami and his successor Goku. Kami's here in order to present his successor to you. I'm here because Goku and I have agreed to marry each other."

No body was quite sure how King Yemma would take to news that his sweet and stubborn granddaughter was getting married. Kami, Goku, and King Kai watched as King Yemma's eyes rolled to the back of his head and the giant king fell to the ground. Annin blinked her eyes in shock and then cried out, "Grandfather!"

King Kai shook his head and muttered, "He goes complaining for the past millennium about you needing to settle down and he faints once that happens." Turning to look at the newcomers, King Kai politely coughed to get their attention. "Well, since the three of you have knocked out King Yemma I can't continue with my sector briefing now?" King Kai walked over to Goku and offered the saiyan a hand. "The name's King Kai, I'm your boss's boss so you can think of me as your big boss."

Goku shook King Kai's hand and replied, "I'm Goku Son, the recognized son of Bardock. It's a pleasure to meet you, but I thought that I'm not technically your underling until King Yemma confirms it."

The North Kaio snorted and quickly replied, "The moment you accepted being your planet's god and were turned into a deity you entered our system. Presenting you to the check-in deity is merely a formality and a courtesy call so that they know who they're supervising. Even if you weren't formally introduced, King Yemma would know who you are and would have met you when the next sector ball comes around."

King Kai then glanced up at Annin. "Hey Annin, how would you like me to sign your marriage papers since my schedule suddenly cleared up. The next time I'll have some free time is in nine months." King Kai turned towards Goku and offered an explanation. "Usually deity marriage contracts are handled by the check-in deities. However, Annin is a direct relative of King Yemma, which means that I have to handle the contract. It's a regulation that was put in place 800,000 years ago to insure that the contract is completely fair to both parities. Personally I find it to be a pain in the butt, but there's nothing I can do about it."

Annin closed her eyes and thought about what King Kai was saying. Part of her was screaming to wait. She had only agreed to marry Goku yesterday, why by the Kaioshin should she get married so soon! However, another part of her argued that nine months either way really wouldn't make much of a difference. Besides, what would change if she waited nine months verses getting married now? She had already agreed to the marriage and wasn't about to go back on her word. She had planed to spend most of her time at the Lookout getting to know Goku better and that wouldn't change whether they were married or not. While part of her was still uncomfortable with things changing so fast, she couldn't deny that it would be easier to just finish changing everything that trying to get used to the current status quo. "I don't mind filling out the paperwork now instead of in nine months."

Goku quickly agreed as well not seeing a reason to wait since they had an agreement. King Kai quickly led the couple into an adjacent room, sat down at a desk, and quickly pulled out a marriage form. The Kaio of the northern quadrant then pulled out his reading glasses and began to explain the contract terms. "Okay, let's get started. The first question we need to address is ruling rights. Do the two of you want your domains completely separate so that no matter what neither can decide any aspect of the other's domain? You also have the following alternatives: full joining of domains whereby both of you rule each other's domains with equal authority. Custodian joining whereby you each remain in charge of your domains, but you can allow the other to temporarily rule your domain. Which of the three options do you choose?"

Annin and Goku quietly talked about the options between themselves for a few minutes. Finally they nodded their heads coming to an agreement. Goku spoke for the both of them. "We'll go with the Custodian joining option King Kai."

King Kai nodded his head and filled out that part of the form. The blue god then turned his eyes to Annin. "Okay, this part is for Annin only as it concerns her Hera Rights. First, do you wish to hold your husband to strict monogamy requirements, nominal monogamy with any mortal lovers requiring your permission, or do you wave this and any further Hera Rights?"

"I chose nominal monogamy with any potential lovers requiring my okay." All of Annin's sisters said that it was the best choice for multi century long marriages and she was inclined to trust them.

"Okay, moving on to the next aspect of the Hera Rights. In the event that your husband becomes unfaithful you must select one of the following punishments for contract violation. First, you have the right to kill any mortal lovers. Second, you could have the right to transform any mortal lovers into creatures and give any children a task. The third option is the right send as many tasks and trials on the demigod as you wish. Finally, you have the right to lock your husband in the Blue Oyster Bar for a year of S&M nights. Which do you choose?"

"I'll go with the fourth option."

King Kai glanced at Goku and muttered, "Word of advice kid, don't screw around or you'll be screwed." King Kai then returned to the contract and said, "Alright, let's get to final aspect of the Hera Rights. In the event that a demigod is sired by your husband whether by your permission or not, you have the following rights: first, the right to declare the child your ward. In so doing, the child's mortal blood will be removed and replaced with your own making the child your biological child. Secondly, you could choose to assign the child a task which, if completed, will allow the child to ascend to a full deity. Your third option is to restrict the child so that all he or she will ever be is a demigod. Finally, you could choose to reserve the right to select one of the three earlier options for each demigod when he or she is born. Personally, I'd recommend any option but the fourth as it tends to be a major source of domestic deity quarrels."

Annin closed her eyes and thought about everything for a few minutes. Finally, she made her decision. "I choose the second option."

The blue deity flipped the page and then addressed Goku. "Okay Goku, now we come to the Abbas non Pardus, or 'Father of the Pantheon' section of the contract. Even under best circumstances a planetary deity usually can only live for 500 to 600 years. Some longer living races like the Nameks, Kami doesn't count in this regard since his splitting in two drastically shortened his life expectancy, can push a thousand, but there is still the fact that one day you'll have to give up your post and live permanently in the Afterlife. Now, selection of the next god is a tricky business with blood descendants typically getting precedence as successor. However, not setting up a clear line of succession leads to decade long headaches in our courts while the planet in question suffers. So we require that the father, that is you, to declare up front how the domain, that is Earth in this case, is to be passed along. Do you follow me so far Goku?"

Goku nodded his head. "I understand King Kai. What are the options that I have to choose from?"

King Kai quickly began to read the options to Goku. "Okay, your first option is strict Primogeniture where your firstborn by Annin inherits no matter what. Next, you have the option of semi-strict Primogeniture Type A whereby the first child of a specified gender Annin gives you inherits. Then there is Primogeniture Type B which is a little more liberal in that you can chose among the first born children that Annin and any other lovers you have to be your heir. Note that if you don't select any one child in particular, then Annin's first born will get the dominion by default. Finally you have limited and full consanguinity. Consanguinity in this situation simply means that you choose any child you deem best to hold the position. The limited caveat means that you can only choose from among Annin's children while full consanguinity will allow any demigods you father to inherit."

Goku's gut reaction was to go with full consanguinity since it made sense to go with the strongest and best able to take over. However, he didn't open his mouth since saying that almost seemed like he was planning on going after other women. That bothered Goku since it was tantamount to disrespecting Annin's position as his wife. Finally he said, "I choose the limited consanguinity option King Kai."

King Kai nodded his head and then read out a few more articles to the contract. Finally, the blue god handed the packet of papers to Annin. "Well, then it looks like everything is ready for your marriage contract. All you two need to do is sign on the marked lines and your marriage will be official." Annin signed the contract and then handed it to Goku who signed it as well. Goku handed the contract to King Kai who smiled as he accepted it.

Putting the contract down on the table, King Kai stood up and walked over to the newly married couple. "Well Annin and Goku, let me be the first to congratulate you both. May your marriage be long, loving, and full of quiet contentment; at least until the little hellions known as children come along when my wishes for you will be having a long, loving and not too much insomnia filled marriage."

When nightfall arrived at the Lookout, Goku was standing on the balcony connected to his and Annin's new quarters gazing out at the rest of the Lookout. Glancing out of the corner of his newly restored eye, Goku saw a light flickering in the window of one of the smaller pagodas. Kami was no doubt in his new chambers enjoying his retirement. The only thing on that account that Goku could say was that his predecessor deserved the chance to relax and that was grateful that Kami was stay on the Lookout to advise him.

The soft sound of footsteps caused Goku to turn his head back to his bedchamber where Annin walked in wearing a modest nightgown. Goku took a deep breath enjoying Annin's scent. For some strange reason it was richer now, as if it were somehow more right to his instincts. This was surprising to Goku since the only woman whose scent seemed right to him was Bulma. However, Annin's scent was infinitely better than Bulma's scent; none of the "wrongness" his instincts detected with Bulma's scent existed in Annin's. Unknown to Goku, Annin had altered her scent to match that of a saiyan female's scent as a private wedding present to Goku.

As if sensing something was wrong, Annin approached Goku and asked. "Is everything alright Goku?"

Goku sighed and replied. "Yes Annin, everything's fine. I'm just mentally exhausted from all that's happened these past two days. Not that there's anything wrong with what's happened; it's just that things haven't changed for me this much since I found my space pod all those years ago."

Annin closed her eyes and slowly nodded her head. "I fully understand where you're at Goku. The short time since we met to now being married has left me a bit stunned as well. I don't regret anything, but part of me is wondering what just happened."

Trying to lighten things up, Goku chuckled and said, "Look at the bright side. It's got to be a good sign for the future if we're both stunned since we're in it together."

Unable to help herself, Annin let out a small giggle and then opened her eyes. "Good point Goku, it probably is better if we're starting off on the same page." The young couple quickly burst out into full laughter for a few minutes. Once they had calmed down, Annin asked. "So Goku, do you have any plans for the future or are you still trying to wrap your mind around the fact that you are earth's new god?"

"I've got a few ideas Annin. Mostly, I want to get in touch with my friends since the last time they saw me was when the monks led me away after beating Piccolo. It wouldn't be right to just leave them wondering what's happened to me. Besides, I think it would be great if you got to know them. Besides that and making sure that everything goes as it should on earth, I want to start a training program."

"What kind of program Goku?"

"I want to turn the Turtle School and the schools of my friends into something more mainstream. Right now, I'm possibly the strongest being on the planet. However, I know that there are beings out there with far more power than I do and who don't have morals about using that power. Earth needs to be able to defend itself which means that it needs people who can fight at a level most humans think is impossible. Hopefully, I can get Krillin, Master Roshi, and the others to start teaching in the next few years. I don't think that we're in any danger yet since Earth isn't really that significant or noteworthy, but it doesn't hurt to prepare for the future."

Annin smiled and was touched about how much Goku was caring for those under his rule. She gently took a hold of his hand. "Enough of that for tonight Goku, it's time for you to get some rest. A good night's rest should help you think about these things tomorrow." Annin then led Goku into the couple's bed chambers and to the enormous god sized bed. The duo simply went to sleep that night. Neither felt comfortable about the idea of consummating their marriage nor did either of them have the energy even if they were so inclined.

Author's notes: Well folks, we no come to the end of the Dragonball section of the story. Onward to Dragonball Z land! I'll try to get another chapter out soon. However, being a senior in college means that soon for this is whenever I have the spare energy after writing school reports.