A/N: Well, well... here we all are, once again. Life has happened, but I'm hoping it will make me a better writer. When I started this, I was a blissfully married college student. Now I'm a single mother, and, for some reason... happier? I hope it will affect my writing, and make it easier to write Goten.

Supreme Kai: So, you're back after all this time. Will you finish what you started? You're not going to make Goten sadistic, too, are you?

Me: (smiles at Supreme Kai) I'm sorry I fought with you before. You were right. Things went the way they went for a reason. Just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. I will finish this story, because it's time to put right what I had done wrong.

Supreme Kai: … You've found God, haven't you?

Me: (merely smiles serenely)

Bliss

Blue leaves whispered ever so softly as the faint breeze gently caressed the surface of the planet. A young girl pushed a strand of purple hair out of her face as she plucked yet another ripe green fruit from the vine in front of her. She frowned as she searched the vine for more fruit, even as she balanced the one she had just plucked on top of the over-filled basket. Finding no more, she sighed. "Well, I guess this will have to do. Goten's just gonna have to be fine with it," she muttered to herself as she hefted the heavy basket out of the vineyard. Pulling it behind her, she backed up to a cart Dende had fashioned for her just for this purpose, and, with great effort, lifted it in. This task done, she stretched out her sore shoulder muscles, and, taking the handles of the cart, began to run. There weren't many hills on the planet of Namek, but Nail and Goten seemed to find the only ones, and insisted on training there. She wanted to build up plenty of momentum for when she got to it. Plus, after an entire morning of meditation, it felt good to get some exercise.

Pel smiled to herself as she ran. It seemed like forever ago that she and Goten came to this planet, and they already thought of it as home. None of the Namekians treated them any differently because they were human, and they were all friendly to them. Not that Namekians never had a bad day... Nail was typically a little grumpy, and while Dende was usually optimistic, he did get frustrated from time to time, usually when Pel's mind wandered during meditation (which it did often). But Pel and Goten knew they could turn to any Namekian, anywhere on the planet, for help, directions, or just someone to talk to, and never be turned away. In turn, they did all they could to contribute to their community... Pel, for instance, managed the vineyards and gardens in her village, and Goten would often be called upon to help build or repair huts when they needed it.

Goten. Pel's thoughts were never very far from her brother... well, not her brother. Dende had told her once that he wasn't actually related to her, that Goten was the son of her mother's friends, and had alluded that one day, that information would be important to her. Little did he know that, while Goten merely shrugged off the news of their lack of blood relation as unimportant, Pel would come to obsess over it. Such was the way with little girls. While Goten dreamed of one day becoming as strong as his father, Pel dreamed of one day making Goten notice just how nice and pretty she really was...

Pel veered course to narrowly avoid a bump in the path as she kept going. She had begun the practice of bringing Goten food shortly after he had started training with Nail... that boy was so hungry after all that training! And, as the only other human on the planet, she alone could understand hunger better than any of the Namekians, who survived on just water, could. And so, here she was, bringing a cart full of food to the boy of her daydreams...

Pel daydreamed until she arrived atop the flat hill. When she finally laid eyes on them, they were just two dots in the air. She would have missed them entirely, were it not for the noise of them fighting. In the still breeze, even a human could hear sounds from a mile away. Pel sat down, and began munching on a piece of fruit. There was no telling when the two would pause their fighting, but she knew Goten... the smell of food would bring him down before too long.

Up in the air, Goten's eyes were on Nail. Or at least, on where Nail had been a split second ago. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on sensing Nail's energy, as he had been taught. The day was clear and there was nothing to hide behind, but Goten knew Nail didn't need to hide to keep from being seen. At least, not yet. But...

Suddenly, Goten brought up a hand and blocked the attack just before it connected, replying with a swift kick of his own. The two exchanged blows faster than the eye could see, and soon both fighters seemed invisible as they put everything they had into the battle.

Nail focused all of his energy into the fight. He hadn't yet let on to Goten, but he himself had been gaining strength lately because of their training exercises. Normally, that was considered to be a good thing for a warrior... but not necessarily if one was the master. The fact that he'd had to push himself harder and faster than ever before could only mean one thing.

He was nearing the end of what he could teach Goten.

It wouldn't be too long before Goten could best him in battle. That worried him... not because he doubted the good in his young pupil's heart, but because the boy was so young. It wasn't good for one so young to best his master... it made him cocky, and it led to mistakes should he ever meet a stronger, more powerful opponent. He only hoped he could get stronger more quickly than Goten, for the boy's sake. He had never met the boy's father, but apparently the man had been a powerful warrior. Nail didn't doubt it... the boy was very powerful, and had greatly surprised him at the beginning of his training by learning how to fly in a mere two days.

In fact, it was only the appearance of the girl Pel that gave Nail the advantage he needed to win the battle. When Goten looked down, smelling the food she brought, no doubt, Nail kicked him hard in the back of the head, sending the boy plummeting down toward the ground.

"OUCH! THAT HURT!" Goten cried out as he slowed his descent just in time to avoid hitting the ground with a thud. He landed lightly on his feet as he held his head with both hands, feeling the back of it for the bump he knew was coming. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Pel and the cart of food behind her. "Yay! Food's here!" he shouted, running over towards the cart.

"Hello to you, too, Goten," Pel muttered, rolling her eyes. As much as she liked being the one to make him this happy, she really wished he would notice her for more than what she brought.

Goten had completely stuffed one of the fruits into his mouth before pausing to glance her way. "Shhrrhy Puuh," he said, mouth full of food. When he had chewed and swallowed, he grinned at her. "It's always nice to see you," he said, causing her to smile and blush at his words. Goten grabbed another piece of fruit. "Especially when you bring food," he said impishly, stuffing it into his mouth.

Pel glared at him. "You're impossible," she complained, rolling her eyes.

Just then Nail landed nearby, approaching the two children. "Goten," he said, causing the boy to stop eating and turn around quickly. Seeing that he had the boy's attention, he continued. "You let yourself become distracted. If I were a real opponent, it would have been your downfall," he warned.

Goten's face soured. "It already was," he said, rubbing the back of his head where he had been kicked. "Sorry, Master," he added.

Nail nodded, and glanced at Pel. The girl smiled up at him, and handed him a canteen of cold water she had collected. He smiled back, taking the canteen. "Thank you, Pel," he responded, drinking deeply. The battle had drained him more than he had thought. When he had slaked his thirst, he handed the canteen back to the girl. "And how goes your training, young one?" he asked her as Goten stuffed his face with fruit.

Pel sighed. "I'm trying very hard, Master Nail, but I don't think I'll ever be really good at healing, not like Master Dende. I mean, I'm good at memorizing stuff, but it's the energy thing, I just can't seem to focus it," she admitted, discouraged. "I don't see how Goten does it," she said.

Goten glanced her way, shrugging. Nail raised an eyebrow. "What comes easily for Goten may be difficult for you, child, but what comes easily for you is also difficult for him. Today's lesson, for example, is one that I seem to be teaching him every time you bring him food. And yet, every time, he seems to forget it," he said, glancing at his student, who pretended not to notice.

That made Pel laugh. "I guess so," she said, feeling a little better. "At least Master Dende is pleased with my gardening. He said the crops never looked as good since Namekians first settled here," she said, pleased with herself.

"Well, they sure taste good," Goten said, finishing the last one. "That should do for a little while, anyway," he said, stretching.

Suddenly, the air all around them electrified for an instant, and two strangely-clad figures appeared before them. One was tall, broad shouldered, with dark pink skin and white hair that hung down to his shoulders. The other was short, with light purple skin and a shock of white hair down the middle of his head. Both seemed to emanate an authority that made even the children hold their breath.

"Wha- who-" Nail began, but the large stranger held up his hand.

"Greetings," the smaller one said, his voice soft and serene. "I am the Supreme Kai, and this is my assistant, Kibito," he said, gesturing to the larger alien, who merely stood silently, arms folded. "There is a matter we wish to discuss with you, Master Nail," he continued.

Nail's eyes had turned to saucers the moment the stranger had introduced himself. When he came to himself, he dropped humbly to one knee. Glancing at each other, Goten and Pel copied him, dropping to one knee as well. Nail stuttered when he spoke. "S-Supreme Kai. I... I had only heard rumors of your existence, but did not think it was possible," he said, his voice filled with awe. "What brings you to our humble planet?" he asked, amazed the being would even be in the presence of mortals.

The Supreme Kai smiled. "The Namekians have served as guardians and guides in this part of the galaxy almost since the beginning of your species' existence," he said proudly. His expression sobered. "However, it was not for this reason that we have been watching you so closely these past years," he said, and turned his gaze on the two children. "We have been greatly interested in your student, Goten," he said, causing the boy to look up.

"Me? What do you mean?" the boy asked, standing up. He didn't understand what all the kneeling was about, anyway.

"Goten... you must address him as Supreme Kai," Nail chided, still on one knee.

"It is alright," the Supreme Kai said, regarding Goten. "The truth is, Goten, we have been watching you from the moment you were born. Your guardians could not have realized it, but you have a very special destiny ahead of you. Your father was once one of the primary protectors of the Earth, even though he was originally sent there to destroy it. But your destiny is even greater, Goten, for you are destined to protect the entire universe from destruction," he said softly.

Goten's eyes got wide. "The whole universe?" he asked in awe.

"Supreme Kai," Nail asked humbly, "what does this mean? How could the entire universe be in danger of destruction?" he asked, hoping not to anger the being.

The Supreme Kai frowned. "There is one who, even now, is growing stronger... an evil power who will obliterate the very stars, and leave only blackness and death in its wake. I tell you this only because there is hope that this will not come to pass... but only if Goten leaves you, and comes to train with me," he explained.

It was Goten who spoke first. "Leave? But... what about Pel?" he protested, as Pel stood and clamped onto his arm tightly at even the thought of being separated from him.

Tears welled in the little girl's eyes. "Please, Supreme Kai... don't take Goten. He's all the family I have left," she said. She had never been away from Goten before, never even for a whole day. They still slept in the same room, as they had every day of their lives since Goten was born. She couldn't imagine life without him right there.

Goten nodded in agreement. "Besides, we promised our mom we wouldn't separate. I promised I'd take care of her, and I can't break my promise," he said fiercely.

The Supreme Kai sighed. He had known this would be difficult for them. "Goten... I know you wish to keep your promise, and also that you care very much for Pel. But imagine what would happen if you did not come with me? The entire universe would be destroyed, to the point where new life could not even begin anew. Even this planet, and all who live on it, including you and Pel, would die. Is that what your mother would have wanted?" he asked softly.

Goten was silent for a long moment. Then he removed his arm from Pel's . At her shocked expression, he smiled sadly. "He's right, Pel. If I let the whole universe get destroyed, that means I'm not protecting you, and I promised to protect you. The only way I can keep you and everyone else safe is if I do what he asks," he said, his lip quivering.

Tears ran down Pel's face. "But, can't I come, too?" she asked, her gaze pleading with the Supreme Kai.

It was Nail who answered. "No," he said softly, still on one knee. He gazed at Goten. "I know my student. Pel, if you go with him, he will never be able to devote his entire being to his training. He needs to put everything he has into this, or all life everywhere is doomed," he said, one glance at the Supreme Kai confirming his suspicions. He looked back at Goten. "Remember your training, and what you learned today. Do not let yourself get distracted... or you might lose the very thing you wish to save," he warned.

Goten bowed to Nail in response, and turned back to Pel. "It'll be okay, Pel. I won't really be gone. I'll be right here with you, just like Mom's with us when we think about her. Don't be sad," he said, managing a smile. "Will you promise me that? That you'll be happy? When I beat this thing, I'll come back for you, and I want to find you happy, okay?" he asked.

Pel was still crying, but managed a teary smile. "Okay, Goten. I love you. Don't forget to come back for me," she said, wishing once again that he understood how she truly felt about him.

Goten hugged her. "Don't worry, I won't, Pel. You have my word," he said, and then, releasing her, turned to the Supreme Kai. "Okay," he said bravely. "I'm ready."

"Very well," the Supreme Kai said, and Kibito, stepping near him, held out his hand. Goten took it - and disappeared, along with the two strangers.

Pel sobbed quietly as Nail stood. "Goodbye, Goten," she whispered, wiping her tear-streaked face.

A/N: Well, I hope you all liked it! I will do my best to complete this story... it's my oldest, and the one I've put the most work into it, so I'd really like to finish it. If you're one of my older readers, feel free to go back and re-read the first part of the story... I know I had to! If there's ever anything I forget in future chapters, feel free to let me know about it! And thank you guys for reading. To all my new readers, I started this fic long ago, but hope to finish it soon. Don't worry, though... there is much more to come before it's over!