I do not own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, or Dragon Ball Super. I only own the original characters that I create.

Okay, now what you have all been waiting for! Yes, that's right I'm finally going to write a chapter with a little bit of spice to it! Hope you enjoy!


The Mask

Chapter 5

As the days grew shorter, and the nights grew longer, winter was fastly approaching. However, today was a nice and cool day, compared to the now usual cold and harsh windy days. The sun shined bright in the sky with the clouds that looked like pieces of tearing cotton balls traveling across the vast blue sky. Cute and innocent laughter filled the air with the sound of crunching leaves. Jumping into a pile after pile, Goten squealed with glee as he leaped into another pile of leaves raked by Gohan and . Smiling affectionately at his younger brother, Gohan chuckled to himself and leaned on the handle of the rake to watch his brother play. They both wore long sleeved shirts and pants with matching black shoes. What was the occasion? They were about to leave to a small get-to-together at a fancy restaurant located in West City. The party was thrown by Bulma and her family and she invited everyone to come. However, some were a bit unpleased with the idea...

Within the walls of the house, there were grunts of frustration and scolding. Chichi was trying to get Bardock to change into a matching outfit that was similar to Goku's, but he didn't want to exchange his armor for thin clothing. He was hiding something underneath the armor, but what? Finally having enough of his childish antics, Chichi practically yelled, "Take the gosh darn armor off, and put this on! You're just like Goku." Chichi then thrust a large black long sleeve shirt and gray vest in Bardock's chest plate. Bardock glared at her and threw at her, "No, I'm comfortable already. I don't see why I have to dress up for a small gathering." Chichi shot back a nasty glare and threw her hands in the air for dramatic effect while she turned to the amazed Goku, "Goku! I just about had it with him! Here-" She threw the clothing at Goku and stomped out the room, "You do it! I'm going to the kitchen!" And began to let out a string of swears as she made her way downstairs. Goku raised his eyebrows and let out a short air-laugh, "Sorry, she can be a bit... Impatient," Goku defended Chichi with a nervous laugh. Bardock merely narrowed his eyes and sighed, "It's fine. It's not that I don't want to wear it. I just feel safe in my armor." Goku raised an eyebrow while letting the other furrow, "Why? I wear my gi, but I wear civilian clothes sometimes." Bardock let out an exasperated sigh and sat on the bed while hunching over and hanging his head. He ran his fingers through his black hair.

Goku set the clothes on the dresser and sat next to Bardock while leaning into him. He studied his troubled expression first then asked, "Is there a reason why you don't want to take your armor off? These clothes aren't that bad. Come on just wear them. We'll be like twins." Goku's voice was gentle and light with a smile. Bardock looked up and sighed again, "Because of the mask, I have scars. Strange scars," he explained while drawing the outlines on his armor to give Goku a mental picture. Goku looked at him curiously, "What... kind of scars? What do you mean by strange scars?" Bardock then stood up and began to remove the armor. His heart thumped in his chest once the armor was fully removed to reveal the hideous scars that littered his chest and back. Goku stared in horror as he saw claw marks and what looked like the aftermath of whips as well. Bardock then stood there, motionless with a blank expression, "It is hideous, I know... That's why I wear my armor..." His voice was low and quiet. Bardock then walked over to the dresser and picked up the vest and shirt while saying, "But, I'll wear these clothes... if you like." Goku then gave him a sympathetic smile and nodded, "It's fine if you don't want to, but Chichi will be upset if you don't," Goku trailed off looking at the scars he tried to avoid. Bardock scratched his chest and felt the fabric of the long sleeve, "I'll wear it. For you." He turned back and smiled at Goku.

Bardock quickly changed into the outfits and looked almost identical to Goku. The only differences were his scar, battle-worn eyes, and his blood red bandanna. He turned in the mirror and looked the rolled up sleeves of the long sleeve shirt that had a gray vest draped over it. His pants were like Goku's, black and slim with black shoes. He frowned and began to feel strange. Bardock never took off his armor, which made him feel naked wearing these clothes. He turned around as if to present himself to Goku who smiled and nodded in approvement. Standing up, Goku patted Bardock on his shoulder and said, "You look great! Now, let's go downstairs... The others are waiting on us. 'Specially Chichi."

As they walked down the stairs Goku began to go over basic manners and greetings with Bardock. Since he grew up on Planet Vegeta and was under the mask's spell for so long, he didn't know proper etiquette or greetings. Once the reached the foot of the steps, Chichi gasped in delight, "You two look amazing! Now, we're all ready to go," Chichi said with a smile on her lips that were painted in scarlet red. She wore a red dress and black heels and had her hair curled up in a bun. Gohan smiled, "We'll be there a bit late, though," he said while he held Goten in his arms. Goku smiled and kissed Chichi on her cheek, "You look beautiful, Chichi," He reached for her hand, "Okay, let's get going everyone." Bardock nodded and held the door open for everyone to exit, "Will we be flying, or walking," He asked once he closed the door behind Gohan. Goku looked back and thought for a moment, "We'll be flying. It's much faster." Then Chichi but in and said, "Please, go slow. Not only is it cold, but I don't feel like messing up my hair tonight. I want to look decent." She was then lifted in the arms of Goku who chuckled, "Don't worry. I'll go slow." Then they flew off.

While flying, Bardock closed his eyes and spread out his arms and legs to feel the nice cold breeze that blew against him. A smile of satisfaction crossed his lips as he glided with ease. Approaching the city, Bardock could see the hustle and bustle of West City. People crowded the streets and cars were in non-moving lines on the streets. Lights danced across the city and even shined in the sky. Goku then stopped, "Okay, let's walk from here." Then descended to the ground without anyone noticing. They then began walking and Bardock was confused walking in the crowded streets. He came close to punching a punk kid in the nose just for bumping into him and shooting a dirty look. Bardock then scoffed and folded his arms over his chest, "I hate cities. Too many people. Which reminds me-" He looked at Goku and Chichi, "How many will be at the gathering." Chichi then thought for a moment and answered him, "I'd say ten... maybe 13 people, why," She asked. Bardock sighed then said, "I don't do well with crowds our parties. I don't even like people in general." Goku chuckled, and Gohan laughed while saying, "It won't be terrible I promise. They won't bother you a whole bunch, they're nice people." And flashed Bardock a smile.

Finally arriving at the extravagant restaurant, they were greeted by a young teenage man who smiled, greeted them with a smile, and held the door open. Once they entered they were hit by a breeze of warm air, and the sound of violins playing. Chichi gasped at the beautifully decorated restaurant and Goten cooed at the shiny chandeliers. Goku whistled in admiration with Gohan. Bardock only raised an eyebrow as he looked at the silverware. How many forks and spoon does one need? He shook his head, not even wanting to know why. He just wanted to get this over with so they can go home, and so that he can go to sleep. Bardock and the rest directed their attention to a beautiful woman with blue hair in a white dress and black heels. She smiled at Chichi and the others, "Hey everyone! Glad you could make it! Everyone's here and are already eating. Follow me." She then waved her hand and led them to a large dining area filled with people. Bardock was instantly annoyed.

Chichi then looked to Goku and smiled, "This so wonderful!" Goku then began to drool from the lovely scent of food, "Yeah, I bet the food tastes great!" He then kissed Chichi on her cheek and left to join the rest to eat with Gohan and Goten following behind him. Bulma then walked up to Bardock and squinted at him, "Well, who are you? You look just like Goku. A relative?" She raised an eyebrow. Bardock's eye twitched in agitation. Chichi then giggled, "He's Goku's godfather," Chich informed Bulma who stepped back in shock. She looked at Bardock then to Goku and Goten who were eating up a storm, "Impossible, you look too much like Goku to be his godfather! You have to be his uncle or dad," She exclaimed. Bardock then calmed himself and told her, "Low-class Saiyan warriors share a similar appearance. Kakarrot and I just so happen to share appearances. So does his father." Bulma then nodded in realization, but still didn't buy it. She knew he was lying, or so she thought. Chichi then clapped her hands and locked arms with Bulma, "That's enough talk! Let's join the others!" She then locked arms with a stiff Bardock who was practically drug to the long table.

Halfway into the party, Bardock leaned against his palm out of boredom. He wanted to hurry up and leave, there was no sense in lingering at a party. Bardock had already been greeted by Goku's annoying friends. Just by hearing them, he knew he wouldn't like them. Bardock even met Prince Vegeta who only glared daggers at him. He did the same and they never spoke to each other. Bardock let out a sigh and a light tap came to his shoulder. He turned around to see one of Goku's friend, Krillin was his name. Giving Bardock a nervous smile, "Uh, hey there. I was wondering if you'd like to join us. You seem pretty lonely over here and I thought I'd come talk to ya'." Bardock couldn't be rude, the ex-monk was only trying to be nice. He sighed and stood from the table, "No, I think I'm going to get some fresh air. Tell Kakarrot would you? Don't want him worrying about my disappearance." He then left the dining room and began to wonder around the restaurant. It was a strange restaurant that was built like a tower. He wandered from floor to floor until he reached the roof.

Bardock opened the door that led to the roof and his ears were almost instantly drowned in the horns of the cars below. He sighed, looking at the cloud of hot breath that met with the cold air to make fog. He dug his hands into his pockets and walked to the ledge and looked at the city below. He sighed then looked up briefly. He froze. His heart seemed to have skipped a beat. He looked up again to see a tall man on the other building's roof across the street. He was sporting a mask... A mask similar to Bardock. Instead of it being a full mask, it covered only his eyes that glowed a bright pink. It looked like a masquerade mask. His hair was drawn back in a ponytail. A singular bang fell on the front of the mask while the rest of his spiky hair was drawn in the ponytail. His armor was similar but had shoulder spikes. His mouth moved, "Bardock," He said. Bardock blinked, and he was gone.