Dragon Ball Alpha

by Jokermask18

What were things like before the time of Goku and his friends? Witness the origin of the Dragon Ball universe and all the events that occured before the adventure began. From the birth of Majin Buu to the first Super Saiyan and Roshi's youth. It's all here.

12. Moon Demon Saga

Moon Demon Saga

AN: This is it: the final chapter. I want to thank everyone for their support and readership after all this time, as well as say that I hope everyone enjoyed the reference to Chilled and "Golden Frieza" from last chapter. I added them because despite my distaste for the "Episode of Bardock", Frieza's ancestor wasn't the worst idea ever and his golden mode was perfect as a hypothetical "sixth form" beyond Cooler's transformation. I also hope everyone enjoyed the slight change I made to Gine, It's great Goku finally has a canon mother but, with all due respect to Mr. Toriyama, her role and overall character was a bit lacking. Hence, why I changed her from having no talent for fighting at all to being very strong, but lacking a killing instinct. I was also upset that she didn't resemble Raditz very much, hence the line about her haircut. With that out of the way, enjoy!

For several days, Kakarotto drifted through space, crying out for parents who would never come. His only other companion was the computerized voice of his "Attack Ball" as it fed him data on his mission as an Infiltrator. Infiltrator was a unique position in the Planet Trade Federation available only the Saiyan infants. They were sent to planets as babies to blend in with the population as best they could and use the power of the Oozaru form to slowly clear the world for sale over a period of years. They were also exempt from orders given to adult Saiyans, thus allowing him to escape Frieza's wrath.

His crying finally ceased and the young Saiyan drifted into a deep sleep. His ship's computer system fell into silence as well as they neared their assigned target: Earth. The planet's assignment was completely random and Frieza himself was only dimly aware of it's existence. It was this same remote planet that would set the stage for Kakarotto's ultimate destiny.

…

Son Gohan was reasonably certain he'd lived a full life. After he and his mentor, the legendary Master Roshi, had parted ways at the twelfth Budokai, he'd been burdened with the news that not only was the Kamesenin retiring but he was giving his final student the title of his successor. It was only after finding a strange four-starred orb that the descendent of Son Wukong found his spirit renewed and his strength restored.

However, the young man's destiny had not been in foming a new school of martial arts as he'd first thought. Son Gohan instead found himself leaving Papaya Island to travel. He had no set destination when he'd begun, but somehow he felt as if the four-starred orb he wore around his neck, the otherworldly power it contained, was guiding him where he needed to go.

Years passed and Son Gohan found himself journeying to places in need, places in the grip of tyrants and besieged by all manner of supernatural monsters. He fought and defeated them as his Master would've done and had done in centuries past. In time, his name became nearly as famous as that of the Kamesenin. He supposed that in this way, he truly had become Master Roshi's successor.

It was only when his hair had begun to gray that Son Gohan realized his life was very much incomplete. He lacked the one thing he had always been taught to treasure growing up:family. Oh, he had charmed plenty of women abroad, or at least he tried too. If the perverted habits he'd picked up from his Master didn't keep them away, his chosen profession certainly did the job. Martial arts was ultimately dangerous after all and few women wanted to be with someone who was regularly involved in life-or- death battles. Finding a woman who shared his passion was also a dead end as they were usually so dedicated to growing stronger that they viewed him more as a rival than a romantic partner.

It was after nearly thirty lonely years that Son Gohan decided to end his travels. He used his mystic ball one last time to guide him to Mount Paozu, the place where he would spend the rest of his days. The region was said to be populated by all manner of supernatural beings ever since Lord Yao, the dreaded demon who once ruled there, was banished by Kami centuries ago. Son Gohan had never seen evidence of such a thing, but he couldn't help but feel he'd been drawn to the mountain for a reason, a purpose.

One day, the aged martial artist felt compelled to hike his way through the territory. He hadn't gone far when he glimpsed something strange in the sky above. It seemed to be hurtling towards him at an extremely fast rate and he had almost no time to dodge before it crashed in front of him.

Coughng furiously from the dust kicked up, Son Gohan forced his eyes open to behold a large silver orb sitting in a newly formed crater. "What in the world? It looks like some kind of pod"

Moving closer to investigate, the aged martial artist placed a hand on the craft's metallic surface. It felt cool to the touch despite it's recent landing and Son Gohan could sense the chi of someone inside. It was small but unusual, nothing like he had sensed before. Before he could attempt to peer inside, what was apparently a hatch began slowly lifting up.

Son Gohan jumped back and slipped into a fighting stance, ready to face whatever emerged. Nothing came out for several minutes and he finally had to look inside. What he saw was the last thing he ever imagined: a baby boy. Completely nude and sporting a spiky man of dark hair, he slept as soundly in the strange craft as he would in a cradle.

"Good Lord, it's a baby in here. Who would do such a thing?" Son Gohan looked the child up and down, taking in his every feature until he caught sight of the monkey-like tail. "A tail huh? Well,that's odd. Cute little fella though."

With these thoughts in mind, the aged martial artist took the child in his arms and instinctively began to cradle him just as he had done with the Ox King's newborn daughter a few months prior. "Poor kid must've been abandoned." Son Gohan muttered "I can't imagine what he's been through. What kind of parents would do this?"

As he looked at the sleeping baby in his arms, a feeling of peace and contentment entered Son Gohan's heart. Along with this came that old familiar longing for a family, a child to call his own. It had been so long and yet this desire had only strengthened with age. Now a fatherless child had literally been dropped from the heavens. Had his prayers finally been answered?

The aged martial artist just stood there for what felt like hours, daydreaming about life with the child in his arms. Before he knew it, hours actually had passed and night had fallen over them both. "Oh my, look how late it is. I…we should be getting home shouldn't we?" His decision made and his heart gladder for it, Son Gohan exited the crater with his new child in tow. "Now, all you need is a name. I think I'll call you…Son Goku."

They were halfway home when the newly named Son Goku awoke. His dark eyes scanned an equally dark sky as though searching for something. When he couldn't find it, a scowl formed on his young face. "What's wrong little fella? Are you hungry?"

The only response Son Gohan got was an almost feral growl. Before he knew it, his new son was struggling rather violently to escape his hold. "Hey now, take it easy Goku. I'm-" the baby balled up a fist and actually punched Son Gohan hard in the face. The aged martial artist lost his grip and fell to the ground with a cry of surprise.

'He's strong. Far stronger than a baby should be.' Son Gohan thought as he rubbed his sore jaw 'can't remember the last time I was hit so hard.' The aged Martial artist climbed to his feet and saw that Son Goku was gone. He turned around to find that his new son was running- not crawling but running on all fours like an animal-back towards the place where he was found.

…

Kakarotto's programming was simple: attack, look at the full moon, destroy. It would become slightly more complex as he grew up but this was all an Infiltraitor needed at only a few months of age. When he awoke in the grip of a native and no moon in sight, his first command kicked in and he raced back to his "Attack Ball." It was around this time that the ship's hologram projector, specially installed for Infiltraitors, activated and cast an image of the full moon into the sky. Kakarotto's second command kicked in and he looked up.

…

'Some father I turned out to be.' Son Gohan thought as he raced down the path 'I lose my son within three minutes of officially claiming him!' He had tried to locate Son Goku's chi but old age seemed to have dulled his senses. It actually felt like the chi was growing.

The aged martial artist absent mindedly turned his gaze towards the sky. 'That's strange', Son Gohan thought 'the moon shouldn't be out this early.' Suddenly, he felt a higher-than-average power approaching him and it seemed rather primal. 'a wild animal,' he deduced 'probably a wolf.'

The ground shook. A loud roar was heard echoing through the mountains and Son Gohan's eyes widened as he beheld the monster for the first time: a giant, ape-like in appearance save a tail, pure red eyes and strange pointed ears. It gnashed it's great fangs and growled as it's eyes locked onto the aged martial artist.

"That's no wolf," Son Gohan muttered "it's a demon!" He recalled the stories of Lord Yao, a massive creature in his own right. Could this be the legend somehow returned?

He barely had time to ponder before the demon'ss fist came came crashing down. Son Gohan hastily dodged and lept upward to deliver a kick to it's massive chin. It stumbled back and allowed the aged Martial artist to use his Master's old "rock,paper,scissors" technique, or "Janken" as he called the game growing up.

The demon roared in rage and attempted to grab at his foe. Son Gohan merely continue to leap around the demon's head and shoulders, assaulting it with chi blasts as he went. He eventually flipped over it's massive back and landed feet first on the demon's tail, causing it to cry out in pain.

'It looks like I've found a weak spot.' Son Gohan thought as he jumped off the tail and preared to blast it. Something made him hesitate however and the demon used his tail to swat him away.

The aged martial artist got to his feet only to see the demon retreat back the way it came. Son Gohan almost felt proud until he came to a realization: "GOKU! I nearly forgot Goku!"

Son Gohan couldn't bare the thought of his new son being found by the demon. It took everything in him not to consider that he already had. "I'll never catch up to him in time unless…Flying Nimbus!"

Nimbus had belonged to Son Gohan's mentor, old Master Roshi, but he had used the mystic cloud a few times in his younger years. He only hoped it would answer his call and his former Master wouldn't mind the "loan." It was his only chance.

The Nimbus owned by Master Roshi couldn't respond, but the massive cloud it had once been a part of did and sent another of it's "children" to Earth. "You're not the Nimbus I know, I can feel it." Son Gohan stated as he mounted the mystic cloud "but if you're here to help me, I won't be picky. Follow that demon!"

…

The young Oozaru had only one thought after his transformation was complete: destroy. He had nothing else save for the dim memory of the one who had captured him before his change. This same memory spurred him to attack when met the same one on his path to the nearest civilization.

But the old Earthling was strong and quick with the ability to use his chi in combat. It would take some years before before the young Oozaru was old enough to produce chi blasts of his own from his mouth. Nevertheless, the infant Saiyan's natural instructs drove it to fight until his opponent landed a blow to his tail.

A Saiyan's tail was the key to their Oozaru form, the pinnacle of their power, and thus, very precious to them once they were old enough to understand. It was even said that Saiyan children could subconsciously will their tails to regenerate if they were ever lost, at least until they hit puberty.

A Saiyan's tail was also, ironically, their greatest weakness. It was the most sensitive part of their bodies and a firm grip on it could allow even the weakest opponent to turn the battle in their favor. Higher ranked Saiyans could outgrow this weakness the way they gained control over their Oozaru forms but as for children and lower ranked adults? Such a thing took years of rigorous and often painful training.

An infant Saiyan like Kakarotto was badly hurt by the experience and the young Oozaru was forced to do something his race considered a sin: run from a fight. He stomped back to his pod and collapsed into a field position just as the hologram projector switched off. He reverted to a sleeping humanoid baby in minutes.

…

Son Gohan was starting to panic: he'd lost sight of the demon and it's chi was growing weaker by the minute. His newly acquired Nimbus, whom he'd named Stratus to distinguish from his Master's own cloud, was beginning to wander aimlessly with no directions to follow. Both had almost given up hope when they came across the strange pod from before. "Look Stratus, I think we've found something! Land quickly."

The mystic cloud obeyed and Son Gohan was overjoyed to see his adopted son was safe. 'He's been sleeping this whole time,bless his heart. It's a miracle! Though it's rather strange how that demon passed him by. Where could it have gone and why do I get the feeling I'll see it again?'

Deciding to forget such thoughts for now, the aged Martial Artist scooped the baby in his arms and turned to Stratus. "I don't suppose you'd give me a lift home?"

…

It wasn't long before Son Gohan realized that life as a parent was far different than he'd imagined: his new son was wild and destructive, rampaging around his small home like a wild animal and eating massive amounts of food. Any attempt at discipline seemed futile and more than once had ended in Goku retaliating and actually harming the aged Martial Artist, something few normal people could do.

Son Gohan knew this was not normal infant beheavior but he had no idea what it was. Could Goku's real parents have been this feral? If not, had they caused him to act this way through some sort of abuse or conditioning? The later seemed likely and his instincts told him that it was the truth. It was for this reason that, despite the objections of the few neighbors he had, the aged Martial Artist refused to part with the wild child he'd found: someone had to show the boy love if no one else would.

Not long into Son Goku's adoption, a genuine full moon was soon to occur. It was on that night that Uranai Baba visited Mount Paozu in secret. The old fortune teller had seen the future, a future that would be put at risk if her brother's old pupil found out his new child's secrets too soon. Once again, she was forced to intervene in order to keep fate on track.

Baba floated through Son Gohan's home undetected, accompanied by a quartet of spirits she'd summoned earlier. They followed the sound of animal-like growls to his new son's room. The feral child was struggling to break out of his hand-made crib and very nearly succeeding. He caught sight of the new arrivals and growled like a rabid dog.

"Hard to believe this is the kid who'll defeat Piccolo once he's set free." Baba muttered before turning to the spirits. "Alright, you know what to do." The spirits nodded, albeit reluctantly, and moved to surround Son Goku.

The feral child was about to attack when one spirit opened it's mouth and began to sing it's song: a melody that could induce sleep in anyone, living or dead. Son Goku was no exception. Two other spirits lifted the baby up and carried him out of the house while the fourth assumed his likeness and took his place in the crib. "Stay there until we return and no funny business." Baba instructed sternly before she followed the other spirits to the deepest woods they could find. They waited for Son Goku to wake up and catch sight of the moon, making their exit just as the transformation began.

…

Son Gohan awoke the instant he felt the demon's chi approaching. A grim look of determination crossed his face as he got up and dressed quickly. He then rushed outside just as a huge shadow fell over the horizon.

The aged Martial Artist slipped into a fighting stance as the demon appeared. He could see the hint of recongnition in it's eyes as it roared a challenge. "So, back for more eh? You caught me offguard last time, after having not fought seriously in years, and I still won. Since that time, I've adopted a baby who is almost as feral as you and kept me on my toes every minute of the day. In short, I don't like your odds."

Son Gohan rushed towards the demon and they fought for the next few hours. The monstrous brute actually seemed a little stronger this time but the minute that it got struck in the tail, it retreated once more. The aged Martial Artist prepared to follow when he realized there was another monster to deal with: Son Goku. The feral child almost never slept and had more than likely destroyed his crib {again} before doing the same to the entire house!

Son Gohan rushed inside and was surprised to find his home completely intact. He received a further shock when he saw his adopted chld fast asleep, as peaceful as the day he was first found. "Well well,what have we here?" Son Gohan whispered as a smile tugged at his lips "I guess miracles do happen after all. Sweet dreams little fella."

The aged Martial Artist quietly slipped out of the room and the false Son Goku's eyes popped open. "Sweet dreams? Yeah right, I'm a nervous wreck!" It's just lucky he didn't notice I was missing a tail." The spirit muttered this to himself as he looked his disguise over, focusing on it's one glaring flaw. It was because of this that he almost failed his class at the shape-shifting academy when alive, graduating just behind a cat named Puar and dying shortly afterwords because he had attempted to mimic a handsome film to impress a date and his imperfect imitation resembled a wanted killer. The police shot to kill before he could change back. 'It could be worse' he thought suddenly 'I could've ended up like that dumb pig who got expelled before he learned to hold a shape for more than five minutes. What kind of perv steals a teacher's panties anyway?'

Brushing such thoughts aside, the disguised spirit gazed longingly out the window. "Where are they? I can only do this for so long until the old man knows something's up.'

…

It was almost dawn before the real Son Goku could be returned home. Uranai Baba impatiently waited for them to make the swap and they hurried away just as the sun rose. The shape-shifting spirit gave a sigh of relief as he lost sight of Mount Paozu, hoping he's never have to go through that again.

…

As it turns out, the spirit didn't get his wish: Baba sent all four back every full moon for the next two years, determined to keep Son Goku's transformation a secret. Sometimes she even had the young Saiyan placed further away from his adopted father's home so his neighbors could also be terrorized by what they now called "the Moon Demon." Son Gohan would then hunt it down when it next appeared and their battle would begin anew.

By the time Son Goku had turned three however, a change was needed. It wasn't because Baba felt guilty about her desception or the damage Son Goku caused once transformed. She had long grown accustomed to using questionable methods to keep the future on track. At least, that's what she told herself. The problem was with the spirits she summoned: they refused to handle a potentially dangerous child and no amount of threats, bribes, or anything in between would change their minds.

It became such a problem that Baba found herself needing advice. To this end, she visited one of the few people on Earth who was older than her: Kami. The ancient Guardian was one of the first higher deities she met during her early days of communicating with the spirits and he'd actually helped her master her abilities over the years, including how to materialize objects. She'd been amazed to find that he was at least two hundred years old by the time she was born, not counting the years that he and Piccolo Daimao were a single being, and that same being had fought against monsters she'd only heard about growing up.

Even as Baba aged and her fame and fortune grew, she continued to view Kami as something of a mentor, almost a father figure. It was he who first told her of Piccolo and helped her realize the serious threat he posed when he first appeared in her crystal ball, as well as encouraging her to have faith in her brother's destiny. However, none of that stopped her from getting angry when she'd requsted the use of the Dragon Balls and he refused.

"What do you mean I can't have a wish!? Didn't I explain the situation well enough you sickly green slug!?"

"You did indeed Baba." Kami replied patiently "but what you intend to wish for could very well be too dangerous." The old guardian wasn't looking at his friend when he spoke, his gaze fixed firmly upon events unfolding elsewhere in the world. This made the old fortune teller even more cross.

"All I want to do is wish for there to be no full moon for the next nine years. How is that dangerous? Do you like were-creatures running around!?" No response.

"The moon is actually always full Baba." Kami replied after a long moment "if I were to send Mister Popo to gather the Dragon Balls and make your wish, Shenlong could only grant it by making the moon vanish altogether. I can't imagine what sort of effect this would have on the planet's delicate ecosystem."

Baba groaned: she had already seen her brother destroy the moon in one possible future and nothing bad had come of it but when Kami had the Earth's welfare in mind, few things could sway him. "You don't know how hard it's been, moving him here and there without Gohan knowing. After what I've told you about the boy's future, why can't you help? You could bring him here for safekeeping, block his change, anything!"

"I am helping. You forget that I too have been busy these past few years. " As he spoke, Kami was focusing his attention on the Diablo Desert where a young boy and a small blue kitten could be seen trekking along. He knew this boy to be the son of a now lost desert tribe, wiped out by a plague some months ago. His mother had been Tsuki, fabled Wolf Master and protector of the region who had been teaching him to assume her role before her untimely death. He'd survived with only knowledge of the Wolf Fang Fist, her weakest and most basic move, to remember her by. Kami had visited the young man in a dream and convinced him to use the move to save his animal fried, who was also a shapeshifter, from bandits and work with him to steal from those who entered the region.

The old Guardian then turned his divine gaze towards South City, specifically the Crane School of Martial Arts. The Tsurusenin was teaching two rather unique students: another young boy with a third eye on his forehead and what appeared to be a toddler in clown makeup. The former was a Soul Spawn, a unique form of reincarnation known only to the Three-eyed people. The minute he had formed from the collective energies of two former Crane students, Kami had not only directed him to seek out his "former" master but spare the young Prince of Mifan he was eventually sent to kill, convincing the Tsuruseninin that having his old enemies' child as a student was a more proper revenge.

Baba knew what Kami had done. She had seen the desert boy and the two Crane students before in her crystal ball some time ago. She had also seen a young girl who'd inherited a family curse of turning into a new, more violent persona with each sneeze, a chubby Ronin whose family shared a connection with the same girl's own, a noseless boy who'd become a warrior monk like his father had once been, a blue haired young girl with a genius intellect whose big sister befriended a Galactic Patrolman, and the Ox King's young daughter. All of them had two things in common: a connection with the battle against Dr. Wheelo some years ago and a future connection to Son Goku. Kami had, at her request, kept tabs on each one and was subtly steering them towards the right path. It was more than generous and yet the old fortutune teller was still vexed by his recent refusal.

"May I suggest looking into your crystal ball again? Perhaps the future holds another path that will lead to what you desire?" Baba reluctantly did so and scowled a moment later: she hated when the old Guardian was right.

…

A day or so later, Baba paid a direct call on Son Gohan. She told him she had seen "the Moon Demon" in her crystal ball, rampaging in a region west of Mount Paozu and that the aged martial artist could finally destroy it if he traveled there. The old fortune teller didn't enjoy lying about her gift and the fact that Gohan had always treated her kindly made the guilt she never felt come dangerously close to flaring up.

Son Gohan, as expected, jumped at the chance. Or he would have if not for his parental responsibilities: Goku was far too young {and too wild } to be left alone and the few neighbors he had left feared the boy too much to look after him even if he could offer money. Baba made a point of casually mentioning that the boy was with him in her crystal ball and no harm had come to him in any future she had seen. Her brother's last student, bless his heart, believed her without question

Baba took her leave not long after that and Son Gohan went to collect his adopted son. He found Goku in his room on yet another rampage, though this time he was destroying things with a basic martial arts kata. The wild child had shown an almost unnatural talent for fighting in recent months, mastering moves that his witnessed quickly and easily. Son Gohan would've been proud if not for his destructive tendacies.

"Goku, you stop that right now!" The wild child turned at the sound of the raised angry voice and a feral smile crossed his face. "Old man is angry? Old man wants to fight?"

Son Gohan rolled his eyes. Ever since he learned to talk, the wild boy had done nothing but insult, threaten, and challenge him on a daily basis. Compared to most other names he's been given, "old man" was a term of endearment.

"No Goku, I don't want to fight. I just want to come with me on a trip." The boy's eyebrows rose for a moment, then his eyes narrowed dangerously. He seemed to suspect something. "Old man no take trp, he never do. You play trick, try to trap me!"

Son Gohan felt the boy's power start to rise and moved to calm him. "Now Goku, that's silly. Why would I-?" "WE FIGHT NOW!"

Goku leaped straight at his adopted father and attacked using the same kata that destroyed his room. Son Gohan was surprised at the raw power behind the assault but was able to defend against it none the less. He wondered, not for the first time, just how strong the boy would be with some actual training.

The aged martial artist spent the next few minutes blocking or avoiding hits. He knew that simply waiting for Goku to tire was a lost cause:the three year old's energy was nearly infinite during a tantrum. He had to think of something and fast!

"Now Goku, if you really want to fight, don't waste your time on me. I hold back too much. But I can lead you to a much more interesting opponent." It was a long shot but Son Gohan knew how much Goku craved combat and short of a massive feast, it seemed the only way to gain his undivided attention.

His efforts were successful as the boy stopped his assault and raised an eyebrow. "Stronger than you?" Son Gohan nodded, even though he had beaten the opponent in question many times before with only minimum difficulty. "Much stronger. His power frightens me and I don't think I can beat him alone."

Goku snickered. "Heh, Old Man is weak and scared. Needs help to fight."

"Yes," Son Gohan replied as he did his best to ignore the insult "I am very scared. Will you come with me on my journey and help?" "Not come to help, come to fight!" "Fair enough."

The aged Martial artist coaxed his adopted son into a cradleboard that he hoisted onto his back. He then called upon Stratus and gave instructions to fly them to the ravine just west outside their home. From there, if only because Baba foretold it, they would continue on foot to the Moon Demon's lair.

"No bridge." Son Gohan muttered as he gazed across the vast expanse and the jagged rocks below it "a small problem, but easily remedied." Turning to a rather large tree next to him, the aged martial artist unleashed a single chop that sent it falling across the ravine, creating a makeshift bridge.

Smiling confidently to himself, Son Gohan continued on his journey. He failed to notice the spirit that floated behind him as he walked. Goku did however and he growled at the intruder.

The spirit was unphased however and simply stuck out it's toungue, enraging the Saiyan toddler further. The taunts continued across the "bridge" with various insults, faces and rude gestures. Goku began struggling within his cradleboard. He had to get free and take revenge on his tormentor.

"Settle down Goku, we're almost across." Son Gohan said just as they reached the halfway mark. This was the spirit's cue: it morphed into a more demonic shape and made as though it aimed to attack the Saiyan toddler. Goku responded in kind and his power spiked, his superhuman strength kicking in. He tore himself free from the cradleboard and leaped at the spirit…only to plunge straight downward.

"GOKU,NO!" Son Gohan yelled in horror as he realized what had occurred. Without thinking twice, he leaped down after his adopted child. The spirit watched all this for only a minute more before he disappeared. Uranai Baba would be pleased.

"STRATUS!" Son Gohan called out loudly as he fell. The mystic cloud was under his feet a minute later, still following Goku's path downward. He tried in vain to reach his adopted son before he hit the bottom of the ravine but to no avail: his last glimpse of Goku was the wild child's head smacking against the jagged rocks before slipping into the darkness below.

"NO! Goku…my little boy." Tears began streaming down Son Gohan's face. Ill-beheaved as he was, he had loved his adopted child with all his heart. Now that heart felt as empty and dark as the casm he hovered over and was contemplated jumping into.

Suddenly he felt it: Goku's chi signature. It was weak, but strangely, much stronger than it should have been if it were there at all. Deciding to take this for the miracle it was, Son Gohan descended to the very bottom of the ravine. He found Goku looking as though he were at Death's door, bleeding from his injured head and creating a small pool around it. Yet, he was alive and the aged Martial artist intended for it to stay that way.

He first thought of trying to find Korin's Tower. Master Roshi had spoken more than once of the senzu beans' mystic properties but Son Gohan had no idea where to start. Looking down at Goku's bleeding form, his choice was made: "home Stratus, as fast as you can go. The Moon Demon is no concern right now."

Stratus obeyed and Son Gohan rushed to attend to his child. He bandaged Goku's head and laid him on his bed. The bleeding soon stopped but there was little else that could be done as he was no doctor and none would venture out this far, particularly for one who couldn't pay them.

The aged martial artist spent the next several days at his child's bedside, resigned to watching Goku's chi drop to nothing. Only it didn't: Son Gohan could actually feel his child growing stronger day by day. By the end of the week, he was nearly three times stronger than he had been and woke up almost instantly. Son Gohan rejoiced at this strange miracle until his child looked at him with blank eyes. "Who am I? How I get here?"

The aged martial artist felt a great dread rise in his stomach at these words. It was clear Goku's injury had still done it's share of damage to him. "Your name is Goku, Son Goku. Do you really not know who I am?"

Goku looked carefully at the old stranger before him, his brow furrowed in thought. "Are you…my Grandpa?" Son Gohan fell over anime-style. He then gave his boy a sad smile and said "yes,that's me: Grandpa Gohan."

After this incident, things changed on Mount Paozu. Goku had changed from a wild child who sought to destroy all around him to a happy and loving child who was the very picture of innocence. It seemed as if his near-death experience, evidenced only by the scar he now bore on the back of his head, was a blessing in disguise.

But the aged Martial Artist couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about the circumstances. Was it right to rejoice in a change brought on head trauma and to raise a child under it's influence? Shouldn't he be trying to heal Goku and restore his memory? Confused and in need of guidance, Son Gohan sought out the one person he'd always trusted: Master Roshi.

"That's quite a story Gohan, by why come to me?" The Kamesnin asked as he sat across from his old student at the kitchen table "wouldn't Ox King be a better choice? He's a father himself after all."

Son Gohan shook his head and took a long drink from his tea cup. "He's not himself these days. His wife died a few months back and he's become withdrawn and angry, thinking anyone who approaches will steal his treasure and harm his daughter. Last I saw him he was even wearing his father's old armor."

Roshi nodded solemnly. He had lost so many loved ones in his long life that it sometimes amazed him that he had not withered away from despair centuries earlier. He took an equally long drink from his own tea cup while he gathered his thoughts. "You're certain you don't know where this boy came from?"

"None." Son Gohan said with a frustrated sigh. "The pod I found him in didn't have Capsule Corp's logo or the logo of any of their competitors. Even then, I doubt they'd condone using live babies in their experiments."

"What about the Red Ribbon Army? There are rumors of their experimental super soldiers after all." Roshi pointed out "they're supposed to be either Androids or cyborgs but you never know."

Son Gohan grunted in acknowledgement of this theory though he hoped it was untrue. He knew full well that the Red Ribbon Army was growing more dangerous and might one day be too much for King Furry's troops. The aged martial artist was more than prepared to fight against them when the time came but the idea of fighting his own son made him sick.

"His origins aren't really an issue anymore to be honest. I just don't know if pretending everything if fine when my son has brain damage is the ideal parenting style, even if he is better beheaved." The aged Martial Artist sighed again and stared contemplatively into his half-empty teacup.

"It sounds like a simple enough answer:just go with it." Son Gohan raised an eyebrow at his old Master. "Hear me out," Roshi said "you told me that you believe the boy was wild because whoever had him first made him like that,right?"

"Yes, I can feel it." "Then the blow on the head freed him, wouldn't you say?" Roshi asked rhetorically "now he's free to make his own choices and you can help make sure they're the right ones."

Son Gohan hadn't thought of that. "Perhaps you're right Master. Maybe what happened has helped my boy after all."

Roshi smiled cheerfully "Of course it did. Now enough moping! Want to see my new issue of Bikini Quarterly before you go? It's their fiftieth anniversary." "Of course Master."

The next night, Urunai Baba appeared to once again set the stage for the arrival of the Moon Demon. She was alone this time but carried a special doll conjured for her by Mr. Popo on Kami's orders. It not only was Goku's exact likeness but had it's own identical chi signature despite not even being alive! That Djinn could work miracles.

The old fortune teller floated into Goku's room and looked down at the sleeping toddler. A rare smile crossed her ancient face: the kid was actually cute when he wasn't trying to maul you. She slipped her doll into the bed and picked the genuine article up as gently as she could. She'd never held a child before, not even Roshi when he was born, and had never even considered having one of her own. She had glimpsed her own future long ago and decided it was impossible.

Suddenly aware that she was becoming distracted, the old fortune teller cleared her mind of such thoughts and made her emerged from the house to find Kami waiting for her and without a word, the old Guardian teleported the three of them away to a village some miles from Mount Paozu, further than Goku had even been taken before. Kami watched Baba place the toddler on the ground and a a flicker of guilt flashed across his face. "I ask again my old friend: is this really worth it? This boy reminds me so much of myself as a child but I had no Son Gohan to care for me. Would it not be better to show him the boy's future and make sure they're prepared?"

Baba looked conflicted for a brief moment then shook her head. "It would be too risky. His transformation is dangerous and uncontrollable."

"But it is controlled, by his tail, is it not? I can remove it." Kami suggested as he moved to do just that.

"No! It will just regenerate itself over time. " "I have the power to prevent such things, you know that."

"IT'S TOO SOON!" Baba yelled before catching herself too late: Goku was now beginning to stir. The old fortune teller struggled to rein in her temper and said quetly " look,we need this boy to defeat Piccolo once that oaf from the Rice Dynasy frees him from his prison. This path, which YOU suggested I create by causing his head injury if you remember, is the best way to ensure he succeeds. I trust you remember the alternatives?"

Kami DID remember. Baba had show him several alternate futures involving the boy already and nearly every one looked bleak. Two in particular stood out but both began the same: the boy, his memory intact, grows up wild with Son Gohan's teachings only mildly surpressing his wild urges. He eventually transforms and kills his adopted parent before going on a rampage. Kami steps in to defeat the monster and eventually does so by permanently removing his tail. The boy refuses the old Guardian's offer of becoming his successor and runs off for several years. The Red Ribbon Army goes to war with the Rice Dynasty and Pilaf, it's future monarch, one day tries to tip the scales by releasing Piccolo Daimao from his prison. Kami's evil half betrays them and fights the Army only to further his own conquest. Both sides are opposed by an adult version of the boy,now calling himself Kakarotto, and the allies Kami currently prepares to encounter him. All are much stronger than they will eventually be, particularly the blue-haired girl, who makes herself a cyborg type android and outfits herself with weapons of her own design, and Ox King's daughter, who has trained under Baba's brother and even learned how to use his Max Power form in emergencies. Despite the Kamesenin's initial objections, the form doesn't look terrible on a woman after all.

Other allies join the fight, such as a repentant Piliaf and company, a man named Mark, who fought in wrestling tournaments and Budokai under the name "Mister Satan", and his teenage daughter, Videl. The later proves to have a surprising talent for using chi and learns not only flight but masters the Max Power form.

Despite all this, it is not enough and Kami is forced to step in. After extensive training in both the HyperBolic Time Chamber and Pedulum Room, the old Guardian stands ready to face his dark side the way he should have centuries before: no Mafuba or scrapgoats, just him perfectly willing to die for Earth.

The two are evenly matched until Piccolo somehow tricks Kami into becoming one again. Tenshi, the Son of Katas, though he doesn't know that or any other name, is reborn. But who is in control?

It's here that the two futures differ: one has Piccolo gaining total control over the fused body and obliterating all opposition except Kakarotto, who responds by transforming into a golden-haired warrior of unbelievable strength.

The corrupted Tenshi, despite being stronger than he was in his prime, is easily beaten and flees. Realizing that his old age still limits him, returns to the Lookout to kill Popo and get the Black Star Dragon Balls from the Lookout vault. Just as the current set was turned to powerless stones, the original Balls were restored by the rejoining of two halves. Wishes are made for not only eternal youth but immortality and a now much stronger, virtually invincible Tenshi destroys his final foe to become Earth's eternal ruler.

In the other future, Tenshi's good half manages to gain control and Earth is soon safe. But just as it was centuries ago, Piccolo still lingers in his mind and his further attempts to do good as Kami are tainted. He tries to stay in control while battling the likes of Garlic Junior and the left over Androids of Dr. Gero but he is always too quick to anger and filled with thoughts of betrayal towards Earth's warriors. It all comes to a head when he once again asks Kakarotto to become the next Kami. He accepts this time and the two retire to the Lookout for the next three years.

Baba's crystal ball skipped ahead after this and Kami saw his alternate unified salf and Kakarotto on a rampage, killing their allies and ravaging the Earth. Kakarotto was the golden-haired warrior and Piccolo was in complete control of his new unified body.

Both futures should be avoided at all costs, this Kami knew, but it didn't ease his guilt at once again using another to fix his mistakes. Arguing with Baba now however was pointless so he swallowed any further protests and joined her in hiding as the boy awoke. To his credit, he wasn't frightened of his odd new surroundings as most children would be, as Kami's original self once was, merely curious.

They watched as walked through the dimly lit streets calling for his grandfather and the old Guardian's heart ached with guilt, memories of his nights on Yunzabit Heights waiting for his lost parents flashing through his brain. Kami was prepared to damn the consequences and appear to comfort the boy when Baba held him back. From behind a cloud, the full moon had risen.

…

Goku didn't scare easy, mostly because he was too young and niave to know what he should be scared of. He did however, feel uneasy when confronted with the unfamiliar, as he was upon waking in a place that was neither his bed nor the home he shared with his Grandpa Gohan. He walked the strange road for what like hours and called the old man's name to no avail. A feeling of loneliness eventually came over him and being alone, he decided, was worse than being afraid.

"Who's out there?" A voice finally answered Goku's calls. It was old sounding like Grandpa Gohan but wasn't all that nice. Goku watched the owner of a nearby house, a gruff looking old man with a long beard and a pointed nose, came out of his home with a lantern in his shaking hand and approached him.

"Who are you boy? You don't look like anyone who lives around here." The old man's tone was ripe with suspicion and hostility but Goku was too naïve to know this. He was just happy to not be alone.

"Hi! My name's Goku. Can you help me find Grandpa Gohan?"

The old man studied Goku with narrowed yet unfocused eyes until a hint of fear shown in them. "Did you say 'Gohan?' As in that old martial arts nutjob who lives on Mount Paozu!? I know you now, you're his demon brat!"

The old man moved forward and Goku caught a whiff of something foul on his breath:alcohol. "He thinks he can dump you on me? I know all the rumors! You won't ruin me!"

The old man reached a trembling hand into his trouser pocket and pulled out a "Dinocap", a gift from cousins who lived in West City. He popped it open and preduced a shotgun in a burst of smoke. Goku merely clapped and laughed. "Yay,magic!"

The old man ignored him and leveled his weapon with a sneer. "I'll make sure you don't destroy anyone else, you little demon!" A bullet was fired. There was a blur of motion and a figure appeared in front of Goku to catch the deadly projectile in mid-air. It was a woman, plain yet pretty in her homespun clothes and shoulder-length dark hair. Her brown eyes flashed with steely determination. "That will be quite enough Yopparai!"

The old man, Yopperai blinked in confusion. He knew this was the Widow Hecatine, who lived on a struggling farm with her son, Lucif. She was stubborn, full of temper and grit, but even she couldn't stop a moving bullet with her bare hand. He knew this even in his most intoxicated state. "How'd you do that?

Hecatine ignored the surprisingly sober statement and dropped the bullet to the ground, assuming a fighting stance. "Harm this boy as your own risk!" Yopperai scoffed and took aim again with his gun.

"He ain't yours, he's a little bastard! Now, step aside." Hecatine's fist was buried in Yopperai's gut in less than a second. The old man toppled backwards with his gun falling from his grip.

"Like I said, harm the boy at your own risk." Yopperai struggled to lift his head and when he did, his eyes went wide. Hecatine realized a second too late that this wasn't because of her.

She turned to see the clouds had parted and the full moon was glowing bright. Goku was bent over in pain, grunting and growling as his eyes turned pure red. Fangs sprouted from his mouth as his muscles bulged out, shredding the red pajamas he'd worn to bed that night. The change continued as the toddler grew at an excellerated rate, sprouting hair all over his body. His face elongated and morphed into something beastial as he roared to the sky.

This caused others to emerge from their homes and gaze up and what could only be the infamous Moon Demon. Hecatine saw the horror written on their faces and knew what would come next. "No, wait, you don't under-!" Too late. More guns were fired and the transformed Goku was barraged with bulltets. All it did however, was make him angry.

The Moon Demon opened his mouth and retaliated with a powerful chi blast, an ability he had developed after first entering his third year. His attackers and several others were incinerated by the assault. Hecatine looked on in horror at the burning homes before turning her attention back to Goku. He roared in triumph and beat his chest.

"I hate to do this to you child, but innocent lives must not be sacrificed." Hecatine assumed a power-up stance and began to gather chi. Her forearm ignited with a white glow and she swiped the air with a vertical karate chop. The Moon Demon was immediately struck hard by an invisible force and toppled to the ground, crushing some houses behind him.

Hecatine cursed her poorly planned move. It was a good thing those homes had already been abandoned. Determined not to repeat the same mistake when it would count, she let the Moon Demon come to her. He roared in anger and charged like a bull, bringing his massive fist down upon her.

Hecatine rolled to one side and avoided the Moon Demon's fist. She then ran up his arm and delivered a swift roundhouse kick to his face, followed by a barrage of punches to his gut. Before she could do anything more, Hecatine senses another strong power approach. She looked up to see the immistakable Son Gohan approaching on his mystical cloud.

'Good. This body was becoming a bit much to handle.' With these thoughts in mind, Hecatine vanished in a blur, evading the Moon Demon's own punch. She reappeared hidden in the shadows and Kami stepped out of her body.

The old Guardian had never used his possession ability to participate in combat before but the night's events had left him little choice. The woman however, had a surprising amount of potential and a forceful will that caught him off guard. He could actually feel HER exerting some influence over HIM during their time together, making him fight harder than intended against the transformed Goku. That, as Popo would inform him later, had never happened to any Kami and was potentially a dangerous scenario. If he fought in someone else's body again, and he knew he would, it would require someone much weaker in both body and spirit. His power would easily make up the difference.

Baba floated over to him then, looking very irritated. 'You're lucky I was able to send Gohan a messenger! Your little stunt could have set the whole future off track!"

The Fortune Teller couldn't begrudge Kami's desire to protect Goku, in fact she was thankful for it. Her problem was with Hacatine, the woman he's chosen to possess. She had secretly trained in martial arts for the past several years and was saving up to travel to Papaya Island and enter the next Budokai. The prize money, she knew, would guarantee a better life for herself and her son.

Baba had forseen that Hecatine would indeed enter the Budokai and do very well but would be no match for reigning champ, King Chappa. Her second place prize is substantial however and she's able to move to Orange Star City for a new and better life. Lucif is so proud of his mother that he becomes a martial artist himself, eventually establishing the "Satan's Castle" dojo as an adult.

The fortune teller also saw Lucif's daughter Lili, his prize pupil and an aspiring wrestler, fall in love with a bolsterous yet ultimately good hearted man named Mark, the same one who would become "Mister Satan" in another possible future. The two eventually marry and inherit the dojo after Lucif is killed during a chance encounter with Tao Pai Pai.

The future became cloudy after that. All Baba had been able to make out was the couple taking the names "Mister and Mrs. Satan" to compete in wrestling contests and local martial arts tournaments. That, and Lili's eventual death after giving birth to Videl. Videl and her father were shown to be a great aid against the Red Ribbon Army in the future they were trying to avoid but the old fortune teller had a hunch they'd play an equally importart role in the future they were trying to shape. Not that Kami needed to know that just yet.

"I did what I had to." Kami said distractedly, his gaze focused on the sky above. He watched Son Gohan unknowingly battle his adopted child and was suddenly reminded of long ago, when his unified self battled Gohan's ancestor, Son Wukong. A closer look with his divinely advanced sight told him why.

"He's using Korin's Power Pole? I haven't seen that in years. "He's going all out tonight, said he's finally ready to end it once and for all." Kami had heard such boasts from Son Gohan for nearly three years but something in Baba's tone made him weary.

…

"Power Pole, extend!" Son Gohan felt a rush of adrenaline as the old command passed his lips. He had recently come to the conclusion that he had been careless in his dealings with the Moon Demon, allowing it to escape time and time again. How could he truly call himself a descendent of Son Wukong, or even a pupil of the great Master Roshi, when he let such a manace go unchecked?

To this end, the aged Martial Artist threw himself back into training seriously. He practiced every one of Master Roshi's old exercises and retrieved his Power Pole from storage, working with it until it once again felt like it was a part of him. It wasn't long before he felt stronger and more confident than he'd been in his prime.

This confidence was still with Son Gohan now as he bashed the Moon Demon's head with his Power Pole, only smirking when his old foe roared in outrage. This smirk turned into a look of shock when the beast's mouth began to glow and a wave of chi shot out. It was only Stratus floating higher that enabled the aged Martal Arist to avoid being hit.

'He's gotten stronger! Baba's messenger said nothing about him using chi!' Son Gohan thought worriedly before a determined look crossed his face. 'It's a good thing I have some new tricks too.'

The aged Martial Artist continued to evade the Moon Demon's chi blasts, weaving about with Stratus' help. His enemy became so angry that his chi began to slowly rise, causing a thick white aura to surround his massive body. Son Gohan saw an opportunity and assumed his own power-up stance.

The aged Martial Artist was about to access something few others could: Master Roshi's Max Power state. None of the Kamesenin's other students had been able to learn, though many had tried. Even the handful of women Roshi had trained{those lucky few who weren't frightened off by his pervertedness before learning anything useful} had displayed an interest.

Roshi had explained that he'd never really wanted to teach others the technique because it made one too slow and learning a how to access a lesser version of it as he had done would take far too long. A good Martial Artist was a proper balance of strength and speed. That, and the idea of women learning such a transformation made the somewhat old-fashioned Roshi uncomfortable.

For whatever the reason, Son Gohan made achieving Max Power a priority during his renewed training. He had succeded only recently and this was the first time he would use such a technique in combat. The only question was would it be enough?

Eventually, Son Gohan's muscles inflated into the Max Power State. He was somewhat smaller and less bulky than his Master had been, his clothes not completetely torn away by the change, but he felt no less powerful. "Let's end this!"

The Moon Demon unleashed two high power chi "fire balls" from his mouth in rapid succession. Son Gohan senses great power from both but urged Stratus to charge them head on. He quickly made a fist, which ignited with white chi, and punched the first deadly projectite that neared him. It flew backwards into it's twin and both merged into a massive ball of power that continued flying backwards into the face of it's maker.

A loud howl of pain shook the Earth as the Moon Demon began to topple backwards. Son Gohan raced forward before this could happen and swung his still elongated Power Pole like a baseball bat, striking his enemy across the face. This was followed by a lightning fast uppercut and yet another blow to the head, this time delivered with enough force to kill.

The beast fell forward, creating a tremor as it struck the ground. It lay perfectly still but Son Gohan sensed it was still alive. Not for long.

The aged Martial Artist commanded Stratus to float higher and higher until he looked down at his nemesis from above. He then powered up to perform the world's most powerful fighting technique: the Max Power Kamehameha. This would surely destroy the Moon Demon once and for all.

"Ka…me…ha…me…ha!" The signature attack of the Turtle School erupted from Son Gohan's hands and zeroed in on it's target. It would all be over soon.

Suddenly. A figure appeared in front of the unconscious Moon Demon, blocking the path of the Kamehameha. There was a great flash. When the smoke cleared, Son Gohan received a shock: not only was his foe alive but the Moon Demon's savior had stopped the Max Power Kamehameha with one hand!

"Forgive me, but this poor creature's life is too important to end just yet." Son Gohan gazed in shock at the green creature standing before him and the immense power he radiatated. His mind was flooded with memories of himself as a young man, hearing Master Roshi tell tales of his own youth. He remembered most vividly the tale of the green skinned demon who almost enslaved Earth.

"You! Y…you're Piccolo! B..but you were defeated centuries ago, how could…?"

Son Gohan stopped short, his gaze falling on his unconscious nemesis. "I see now: the Moon Demon is your servant! You called on him to wreak havoc while you escaped. Well, I'll stop you both!"

The aged Martial Artist leaped off Stratus and charged Piccolo. The Max Power state was starting to wear on him but he'd use all he had left to defeat the terrible Demon King. Piccolo responded by merely flicking him and he was sent flying, crashing into the remains of a destroyed house.

"I admire your drive my friend, but I am not Piccolo, nor is he me. Not anymore." Gasping for breath, Son Gohan pulled himself up, his muscles deflating back to normal as he did. "Yo…you won't trick me with your confusing nonsense! I know exactly who you are."

"No you don't, and neither does he really." Uranai Baba floated up from behind the Demon King and Son Gohan's jaw dropped. "Baba, what on Earth?"

"You shall have all your answers shortly." Piccolo said gently even as he watched the full moon vanish behind the clouds "for now, look upon the Moon Demon."

Son Gohan did so, abelt reluctantly, after Baba nodded in agreement. He watched his old nemesis for several long moments until he finally noticed that the beast was shrinking. Not only that, but his features were becoming more and more human. The aged Martial Artist's shock turned to horror when he saw the Moon Demon was beginning to look familiar.

By the time the transformation was complete, Son Gohan was looking at an unconscious Goku. His son, the light of life, was the very thing he'd worked so hard to destroy for so long. He fell to his knees and openly weapt as the survivors of the battle, Hecatine included, began to appear and approach the trio.

Kami cursed his error: he hadn't even thought to posses another body when he rushed to stop Gohan and he'd allowed "the Moon Demon" to be seen in human form! Even Baba had been careless. The old Guardian teleported himself and his companions away before questions could be asked.

The next few days was filled with explanations as Kami told Son Gohan everything about himself, Piccolo, and the deceptions he and Baba caused. The old fortune teller didn't even argue when he told him why they had done so. Son Gohan took it all with only mild surprise but he stii had one question: "Why is Goku like this? Where did he come from?"

"I do not know." Kami replied honestly, staring at the aged Martial Artist from across his kitchen table. "I have as much knowledge about his origins as I do to my own. I know only that he is destined to be the world's savior one day. Perhaps in time, he may even become my successor."

Son Gohan turned his head in the direction of Goku's room, where he slept soundly as Baba hovered over him in an almost maternal fashion. The aged Martial Artist felt an odd mixture of pride and sadness as he pondered his child's newly revealed destiny. "Must I really die so soon? I know there's so much I could teach him."

Kami shook his head sadly. "On that point, Baba is adamant. I know only that you have a few years left. Use them wisely and treasure them. Now, I must go. Do you have it?"

Son Gohan nodded and handed the old Guardian what he now knew to be the Four-star Dragon Ball. "Can I maybe have it back someday? It's been with me for so long, it feels like a family heirloom."

Kami didn't answer. He was too busy inspecting the mystic orb in his hand, as if looking for imperfections. After a long moment, he said "the Ball has been changed."

"What? How?" Son Gohan asked in a slightly nervous tone. He had been very careful not to dmage the Ball during his travels with it, even during fights. If the Ball had been tampered with in some otherway that upset it's creator, whose power far outstripped his own, he knew he was in deep.

"I sense another spirit attatched to it, a part of someone else's chi." Kami replied as he stared straight at the aged Martial Artist "your chi." Son Gohan's jaw dropped at this information. "But how can that…?"

"Tell me," Kami interrupted "did you ever feel that this Ball was special, even before we met?" Son Gohan paused for a moment before answering "Yes. The day I found it, it filled me with hope and confidence and ever since then, it's guided me to wherever I needed to be. I suppose that's part of the magic?"

"No, the magic of the Dragon Balls come solely from unity. They have no power as individuals." Kami said with a soft smile "the power you've experienced comes from your own spirit becoming one with the Ball."

"You mean, some of it was actually me?" The old Guardian nodded. "But how did my spirit connect with the Four-star Ball in the first place? That takes magic and you said they couldn't do that alone." Son Gohan pointed out.

Kami shrugged. "I cannot say. Perhaps there is some kind of magic within you?"

"Perhaps, but what exactly does this mean?" Son Gohan asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. Kami chuckled. "What it means, my friend, is that while I must take the Ball now, I am confident it will find it's way back to you in time."

…

Over a decade later, Son Gohan awoke feeling uneasy. He knew today was supposed to be special but he instead felt it was doomed to end in heartbreak. To calm his nerves, he went to the old trunk beside his bed and opened it for a quick inspection of it's contents. The Four-Star Ball greeted him as it always did, it's bright orange surface gleaming in the morning sun.

When Kami had taken the mystic orb some years ago, he'd supposedly gathered it together with six others and made a wish, a wish that would erase the knowledge of Goku's terrible transformation from the minds of those who witnessed it that fateful night. Son Gohan couldn't be sure this actually happened but he was no less thrilled to discover the same Ball over a week later on one of his nature walks. Just as the old Guardian had said, it had come back to him and stayed ever since.

Spurred by the memory, the old Martial Artist picked the mystic orb up and held it to the light. He then peered at it closely and attempted to sense his own chi within it. He couldn't of course. No one could sense their own chi, even if part of it was displaced. This filled him with an irrational sense of disappointment: if he couldn't feel it, how would Goku?

This thought caused the aged Martial Artist to suddenly remember why the day was special. He placed the Ball back in the chest and walked to his child's bedroom, tapping lighly on the door. "Goku, are you awake?" No response but muffled grunting.

A concerned Son Gohan opened the door and saw his adopted "grandson" was not only awake, but training. Still dressed in his pajamas, the monkey-tailed boy was going through the motions of a very advanced kata. Son Gohan recongnised it as the one he'd shown Goku some days earlier as an example of what he'd be able to do once he was older. The boy's moves were so fluid and graceful that he felt proud and jealous all at once.

"Well done my boy, well done indeed!" Goku turned and a big grin split his young face. "Hi Grandpa!" He rushed to give the aged Martial Artist a hug, earning him a warm laugh. "Do you know what today is Goku?"

"Is it Thursday?" "No, it's your Birthday." Son Gohan corrected with a smile "do you know how old you you are now?"

Goku's face scrunched up in thought. "Fourteen?" Son Gohan laughed warmly. "Close. You're twelve, and do you know what that means?"

"Does it mean I'm older than you?" Another laugh, louder and longer this time. "Not quite, but it does mean you're old enough for a special present. Get dressed and I'll show it to you after breakfast."

Goku's face brightened even more at that. "Oh boy, food! Son Gohan only gave a light chuckle at that and began making his way to the kitchen.

An hour or so later, the two set down to their usual breakfast: a six course meal for Goku and a bowl of porridge for his "Grandfather." Son Gohan watched the boy eat and thought, not for the first time, how his appetite was once considered great when he was young. What would his family and friends say if they ever met Goku?

This thought brought a new wave of sadness as the aged Martial Artist remembered Kami's edict from long ago: Goku was forbidden to meet the likes of Ox King and Master Roshi, at least until the future Baba had seen for the boy came to pass.

This was but one of many sacrifices Son Gohan had made to shape his boy into Earth's next champion. Even Stratus had to be sent back to Heaven because he would've eliminated Goku's need to receive Nimbus one day. In addition, Goku was forbidden to learn anything related to chi until he met Roshi and his overall education and experience with the outside world was to be extremely limited. Naievety, it seemed, was essential for creating a truly pure-hearted hero.

Son Gohan had accepted all these decisions, even when it meant throwing out the magazines Roshi had given him and denying Goku the pleasure of knowing exactly what girls were. So why was he having doubts now?

Pushing these thoughts out of his mind, he finished his meal and presented Goku with his gift: the Power Pole. The boy performed a few basic moves with the mystic weapon before proudly standing erect with it. Unfortunately, this somehow activated the Pole's magic and made it extend all the the way through the roof. Son Gohan laughed out loud for the second time that day but the sadness suddenly felt stronger than before. He had the strangest feeling he'd never laugh like this again.

After breakfast, it was time for sparring so they headed outside. Goku was about equal to his "Grandpa" in terms of strength and they fought evenly for many hours until the aged Martial Artist managed to grab Goku's tail. "Ow! Grandpa, you know that hurts!

"I'm sorry my boy, but you know it's important to test your endurance. Unless you learn to overcome your tail's sensitivity, your enemy will always have an advantidge over you." The aged Martial Artist then released Goku's tail from his grip and let the boy rub his aching appendage. As this happened, Son Gohan thought of how many times he himself had taken advantidge of Goku's weakness during his days as the Moon Demon. He now knew that his inability to truly finish the ape-like "monster" was the result of his subconscious knowledge of the creature's true identity, which was rather obvious in hindsight. Who knows what would've happened had his boy transformed against someone who was both powerful enough to stop him and not afraid to end his life?

Thankfully, Goku had not changed since the night his adopted parent discovered his secret. In exchange for helping to keep the future on track, Kami had revealed to the aged Martial Artist that the full moon by itself didn't cause the change, but Goku's eye contact with it. As long as the boy never actually looked at the full moon, no change occurred.

This was difficult at first, but Son Gohan managed it. When Goku grew old enough, he reinforced the idea by telling the boy a half-truth about the Moon Demon which, despite Goku's initial desire to fight the monster, proved quite effective. Once Goku got past his tail being a weakness, nothing would stop him from being Earth's next champion.

"What's wrong Grandpa?" Goku's voice brought the aged Martial Artist back to reality. "Oh nothing my my boy, just thinking. Now, the sun is setting. What say we go the river and fetch our dinner?"

Goku nodded enthusiasticly and the two were off. After coming home with a fish the size of a large adult male that Goku caught with his bare hands. The two enjoyed a feast and Son Gohan presented his "grandson" with a final gift.

"This ball has been with me for many years." The aged Martial Artist explained as Goku eyed the strange golden orb laying on the table "it has guided me to where I most needed to be and I almost feel as if a part of my spirit now resides in it." This got Goku's attention and he picked up, looking it over carefully before closing his eyes in concentration.

"I feel it Grandpa." These simple yet heartfelt words struck Son Gohan like a thunderbolt. Had his boy, his brilliant boy, actually taught himself to sense chi, or was it something more? "Well, I'm glad to hear you say that." The aged Martial Artist said a moment "now a part of me will always be with you even if I'm not around."

Goku just looked confused. "Where you goin'?" "Nowhere my boy, nowhere."

….

Watching the whole scene from above was Kami. Guilt weighed heavily upon the old Guardian's heart at the action he would soon need to undertake. He'd hoped that by telling Son Gohan how to counter Goku's transformations, they could avoid the coming tragedy but Baba was adamant in it's necessity.

This was why Kami had spent the last several days in the Pendulum Room, visiting an alien world fifteen years in the past. He'd been there to observe how a group of invaders, members of Goku's own race, wiped out the planet's peaceful inhabitants using a technique the old Guardian wished to learn. It was only after four attempts, one of which was a futile attempt to drive the invaders away, that he came back ready to do what was needed for the sake of the future.

Kami shuddered as he remembered the battle: the invaders were even stronger than he had been in his prime. Even his original unified self would have been no match for them. It was easy to see why Fate desired that one of them be made into Earth's champion rather than it's destroyer. The old Guardian also remembered how the invaders had called him a name upon seeing him, the name of a people that had apparently died out. It souded strangely familiar but the memory had started to fade now that he'd returned to the present.

Focusing on what he did remember, Kami created a ball of chi in hands and added a portion of his magic into it. This was the only way he could think of to ease the pain he was about the cause. He hurled the ball into the air and let it travel slowly, keeping an eye on it all the time. A few hours passed and it was the dead of night before it hovered over it's chosen destination: Mount Paozu.

…

Goku was dreaming strange dreams that night. He dreamed that he was flying through space and a man's voice was speaking to him, saying how much it regretted not holding him while it had the chance. The same voice was also telling him to carry out it's will and destroy someone named "Frieza."

Before Goku could ask who that was, he was awoken by the light in the sky. He had never seen anything like it and was instantly overcome by the urge to view it up close . Changing into his gi and strapping the Power Pole to his back, he climbed out the window just as the light began moving. "Hey, come back!"

Goku followed the floating ball of light deep into the forest, letting it guide him through the darkened woods. His attempts to snatch it only caused the orb to float higher into the air. Kami watched and waited until it was so high that the boy had to look up to it. He then uttered a single phrase that set years of planning into motion: "Moon Power Ball, split and mix!"

…

Son Gohan awoke knowing something was wrong. The uneasiness that he'd felt earlier that morning had returned and was weighing down upon him more than ever. It nearly crushed his spirit altogether when he found Goku's bed was empty.

The aged Martial Artist knew that attempting to locate his "Grandson's" chi was futile. So many years of neglect had weakened this particular skill to the point of non-existance. He would have to rely on the power of his own spirit, just as he had in the past.

Retrieving some old string, Son Gohan tied the Four-star Ball around his neck. He felt a wave of nostalgia as he inspected himself in the mirror but knew he had no time to savor old memories. "Guide me to him." The aged Martial Artist whispered as his spirit and the mystical energies of the Ball combined once more. He stepped into the night and didn't look back.

He eventually came to rest in the middle of the forest, where he noticed a familiar object on the ground, suddenly illuminated. "The Power Pole! Oh no! Please don't-wait, what's this strange light?"

Son Gohan looked up and actually gasped: a full moon hung in the sky before him. It was lower to the ground than the real moon should've been and his instincts told him it was an illusion of some kind. A low and very familiar growl from behind, coupled with the massive shadow that accompanied it, told him that didn't matter.

The aged Martial Artist beheld the Moon Demon for the first time in over a decade. The beast's eyes narrowed in recongnition and he roared in anger. Son Gohan looked into those same eyes and knew his death was finally upon him, as he had sensed it would be from the time he awoke. Oddly enough, his uneasiness was gone. In it's place was a sense of peace and acceptance.

"I want you to know that I don't blame you," Son Gohan said gently "I blame fate if one can cast blame on such a thing. I also know that whatever happens tonight, you will only make me proud in the days to come. To know you, to raise you, has been the greatest joy of my life. I love you Son Goku, my child."

The Moon Demon stood still, almost uncertain. Then he roared again, attempting to blast the Martial Artist with a chi wave from his mouth. Nothing happened. Kami had used his magic on the Moon Power Ball to block Goku's chi abilities when transformed. This effect would last until he lost his tail and return when it regenated.

Son Gohan, who suspected the old Guardian's hand from the start, knew this was an attempt to ease his passing if by only the slightest margin, if not a last attempt to defy fate and prevent it altogether. He appreciated the gesture if it was the former. The latter was simply impossible for Goku was now nearly his equal and thus, far superior to him when transformed. This thought was enough to make the aged Martial Artist smile before the giant fist came crashing down.

…

Goku awoke the next morning confused and disoriented. He remembered chasing the ball of light into the forest and nothing else. It was only after standing up that he realized he had been lying in a giant footprint!

"Wow, what could have done that?" Goku muttered to himself "was it some kind of dinosaur?" The monkey-tailed boy then remembered something else, a flash of memory. There was a full moon and…Grandpa Gohan!

'The Moon Monster was here last night.' Goku thought 'Grandpa must've beaten it! But where is he?'

The monkey-tailed boy looked around but saw nothing. It wasn't until he looked straight ahead that he caught sight of Son Gohan lying on his stomach in the middle of the the path. "Grandpa, why are you still asleep? We need to catch breakfast and do our chores."

When he got no answer, Goku shook his Grandpa in an attempt to stir him. No response there either. It soon dawned on the monkey-tailed boy that something was very wrong. "Grandpa, please wake up!"

Overcome with grief, Goku dropped to his knees and openly wept. "I-it's all my fault! I wan't strong enough to help you beat the Monster and he killed you! I-I'm so sorry Grandpa!"

The boy cried for what felt like hours until he sensed something very familiar, as if his grandfather was still with him. He looked up and saw the golden ball with four stars lying next to Son Gohan's body. He quickly raced towards it and scooped it up.

"Yes! The Monster didn't get your ball. Now a part of you can stay with me just like you said. And I promise that one day, I'll be strong enough to beat the monster that took you from me!"

With new resolve, Goku headed home with his prize held tightly in hand, stopping only once to pick up his discarded Power Pole. He never noticed the two figures watching him from a distance. If he did, one would have looked very familiar.

"Are you sure he'll be all right?" The spirit of Son Gohan asked Uranai Baba while never taking his eyes off his adopted "grandson." The old Fortune Teller pretended to look annoyed but her eyes were noticibly soft. "Positive. He's going to do great things very soon and I wouldn't be surprised if one day, I looked at his future and saw him becoming a legend. My only concern is you. Are you sure you don't want to cross Snake Way? North Kaio is always looking for new students and your record has more than earned you the right to train under him."

Son Gohan shook his head. "I'm done fighting. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life-uh…after-live in peace."

Baba shrugged. "Suit yourself. I think Annin is in the market for an assistant anyway. But you know, I would stop by my house one day if I were you. I've arranged it so that customers too cheap to pay my price can earn their fortune by fighting some carefully selected warriors of mine. You may want to participate one day."

Son Gohan chuckled as the two began fading away, back to the after-life. "You know what? I just might."

…

"Finally! That's two down, six more to go." Brief Bulma muttered to herself as she placed the Five-Star Dragon Ball in her travel sack and walked out of the North Valley cave she'd been exploring.

As the second-born daughter of Dr. Brief Hans and his wife Panchy, Bulma was used to a certain degree of luxury . Because her older sister Tights had chosen a semi-sucessful career as a science-fiction writer, she was the sole heir to her family's vast fortune as well as the Capsule Corperation her father and grandmother, Brief Lin, had started some years ago. The later position was supposed to bring with it a sense of maturity and responsibility but the blue-haired sixteen year old was currently concerned with the perks of her lifestyle, like the ability to attract handsome boyfriends,

Ironically, it was in this area that Bulma had suffered some setbacks. Try as she might, she had yet to date anyone who could meet her rather high standards or tolerate her temper. She had just about given up hope when she stumbled across a strange golden-yellow ball marked with two red stars while cleaning out her basement.

It was only after consulting a book of ancient legends from her family library that Bulma discovered the ball was one in a set of seven, capable of granting any wish when gathered together. She had seen enough in her lifetime to verify that the legend was true and soon began making plans to gather these "Dragon Balls" for herself. Only then would she have the perfect boyfriend she desired.

Using her inherited genius, the Capsule Corp heiress created a "Dragon Radar" that could track the Balls' unique energy signature and, prone to skipping school anyway, set off for adventure. Thus far, the trip had been uneventful and she hoped it stayed that way. Despite packing some weapons with her, Bulma believed herself to be a delicate creature and unable to handle the dangers present in the rough wilderness. She hoped she would encounter someone strong enough to be her bodyguard before long.

The Dragon Radar suddenly began beeping very rapidly. Bulma knew this meant another Dragon Ball was close and rushed to her car. Going top-speed, she would soon arrive at her next destination: Mount Paozu. Thus, the curtain rises on the grand story that is "Dragon Ball."

AN: Done and done! Thanks for all the support and patience for the past few years. I realize this might not have been the most exciting final chapter but I hope you enjoyed it and the rest of the story just the same. I was going to include a guide to what characters' names are puns on what, but I don't have the time or patience. LOL! I will however answer the following questions:

Though I forgot to mention it, several hundred years {Namek time} passed between the birth of the Namekians and their visit from the Kaioshin.

I purposefully chose not to incorporate Broly as he is overrated in my honest opinion {no offense to Broly fans.} I did however pay homage to him with Broccules and a certain rumor in "Saiyan Genocide."

Lychee married Hazel and had Kurrin, but he died of a rare blood disease and Hazel, unable to raise her son alone, sent him to the Orin Temple.

I wanted to incorporate Chichi's mom but couldn't think of a name or role for her.

The meteor that caused the Great Cataclysm on Namek was sent by Lord Slug in an effort to corrupt the Saiyan race. Tenshi's evil half was the only success.

Lastly, I'd like to say that most of my info comes from the Dragonball wiki and I'm planning a sequel to this fic called "Dragon Ball Omega", which essentially replaces both "Gt" and "Super." No fixed date yet but hopefully sometime before next year.

Until then,

J.W. Appel