Since the last chapter was shorter, here's another weekly chapter

OnTheTidesOfEvermore: i have never seen that alternate spelling before. That being said, Vegito.

MiharuTousaka: yeah, I was running a bit behind for the chapter. This one rounds off the arc however

ArguableReader: Super is going to be a thing, yes

Guest: yee

Cargo

Cargo slowly blinked his eyes open as the light faded.

And he did not recognize the person who was now standing in front of him.

The stranger took a few moments to test his new limbs. Looking at him- them? Him. Felt uncanny. While some of the features looked familiar to either Goku or Vegeta, they've shifted and combined to where he was recognizable as neither.

His mannerisms were completely off too. Everything from his stance to his facial expressions were entirely unfamiliar.

He smirked in a way that was too arrogant for Goku, but laughed too jovial for Vegeta.

"Let's see, what do you call a Vegeta and a Kakarot…Vegito should do," he- Vegito apparently, decided.

And that only made him wonder more how much of Goku had been lost in their fusion. Because sure, he'd respond to Kakarot, but he never called himself that.

The stranger, now deemed Vegito, raised two fingers to his forehead. Before departing he glanced down again, and with a smile that almost halfway looked like Goku's he said "Bye!"

And then he vanished.

And they were alone there again.

…

"Should- should we follow him..?" He asked Dende. Because he really didn't want to but it also felt really weird to just, not? Like, that felt like something they were supposed to witness..or something.

Dende frowned. He seemed to be thinking it over. He glanced at Mr. Satan before seeming to think it over again.

Eventually, he glanced back at Mr. Satan and pointed at him, "Stay." He said, or really borderline demanded, before nodding at Cargo.

He lifted his own hand to his forehead and focused best he could on Vegito's energy. It felt, blinding, and it was almost painful to focus on. Still, he managed it and before Mr. Satan had the chance to question them, they too were gone.

…

They landed a good distance away, which was more than close enough for Cargo's taste. He could have doubled the distance away and still want to go further.

But they could see the fight from here, which he supposed was good enough.

Except…the fact that there was a fight at all seemed ridiculous to Cargo. Buu was absolutely terrifying of course, but Vegito's energy had been blinding. It should have been an absurdly quick fight.

Except, the longer the fight went on, the more he started to realize what was going on. And he felt, angry.

Cargo didn't get angry often. He just didn't engage in things that would cause anger. Why would he? It didn't make sense to him.

But this? This was- was- how dare he. After everything that's happened. How dare he.

As he watched he felt his anger grow, until it grew into what he imagined rage must feel like. Until finally- he let go of Dende's hand.

He let go and immediately focused back on the blinding energy and IT'd himself much closer.

"What is Wrong with you?!" He demanded. He'd already drawn Vegito's attention the moment he appeared, but that had solidified it.

"This isn't just some- some fight! It isn't a normal fight for you to have fun with! Everyone else is Gone. Your friends. Your wives. Your children. Everyone, Don't you care?"

His face stung as he spoke- ranted- whatever. He didn't care. He didn't even let Vegito respond.

"Oh, but it's not a problem, right? Because you're so much stronger. Well so was Gohan. Except that didn't matter. She still lost. And at least Gohan knew the limits of The Ultimate. You know nothing about this fusion. You don't know how long it lasts. Or if it can be forced to come undone. You don't know if it's a one-time deal or if there's a cool down or anything!"

"You- you-" There was more he wanted to say. He was sure of it. But as he floated there catching his breath, he found that words would no longer cooperate.

And the worst part was that he didn't even know if his words meant anything. He didn't- he didn't know. He didn't know how to read Vegito at all.

He knew Goku. Goku was nice. He was the one who brought him to Yardrat. Who let him learn the Instant Transmission. Goku definitely would have cared.

But he didn't know Vegeta. He'd never even once interacted with him. He'd rarely even been around him. He was scary, and not so nice. He did terrible things on Namek. He had heard that he was the one who let Cell reach his perfect form- because he wanted a better fight.

But that couldn't be allowed to happen here. but he had no idea, no idea how much his words could get through. If they could at all. He didn't know how much of Goku had been lost, or if the fusion messed with their personalities enough that they'd both be lost and something new or-

Something moved.

Something moved and suddenly he couldn't see and he was being moved and he couldn't breathe and-

Everything stopped.

He blinked his eyes back open. He wasn't sure when he'd closed them.

He looked up and found he was being held in Vegito's arms and he was much closer to the ground than before.

"You're right, I'm sorry," he said and it truly did not sound like either. "It will be over soon. But next time, don't come so close to the fight."

Vegito then righted him, made sure he was steady, patted him on the head, and vanished once again.

And Cargo felt, dazed. And, fuzzy. He felt like he still wanted to be angry, but he didn't know why. He got acknowledgment, and an apology. That was supposed to be it, right? He was supposed to feel better now.

So why didn't he? He kinda did. He definitely didn't feel angry anymore. But he still felt like he was supposed to be.

It felt weird.

He didn't like it.

He didn't like feeling angry at all actually.

He wasn't entirely sure how, but he eventually found himself next to Dende again. This time it was Dende holding onto him.

Cargo wasn't quite sure how long the fight lasted after that.

All he knew was that eventually, Vegito was standing in front of them again. He and Dende were discussing what to do next. It was decided that they'd wait for a bit to see kid Buu reappeared. He didn't.

A while later the earrings started to glow and Goku and Vegeta were standing separately again. Dende estimated it lasted around an hour. They decided to wait again to see if Buu would reappear now that Vegito was gone. He still didn't.

It felt, anticlimactic. After everything. But Cargo couldn't complain, not really. He was just glad it was over.

"So, I guess we should gather the Dragon Balls to wish everyone back?" Dende supposed.

"Oh! But we should probably use Namek's Dragon Balls for that," Goku said.

"Why?"

Goku pointed at Vegeta as an example, "Earth's dragon still can't wish people back more than once, right? So we'd need to use the Namekian Dragon Balls anyway, we might as well just use those ones."

"Oh, yeah. That's a good point. Ok then."

Goku raised a hand for instant transmission and Vegeta reluctantly placed a hand on his shoulder.

Goku held his other hand out for him to take.

Cargo blinked. It felt odd that Goku held out his hand for him and not Dende, but it'd be rude to deny it so with only slight hesitance he took it.

And then they were on Namek.

The elders looked surprised but greeted them warmly. Cargo wished he could have had the same enthusiasm. He usually did.

They explained the situation and the elders had no problem allowing them to use the dragon balls.

"Oh! But wait, Porunga only lets you bring back one person at a time. We won't be able to bring everyone back," Dende exclaimed.

"Oh are you kidding me!" Vegeta almost- no did shout, "After all this and you can't even-"

Cargo decided not to listen.

Who had already died and needed to be brought back? There was Vegeta, Krillin, Piccolo, Raditz- that was already more than three people. Well, they didn't have to bring back Vegeta-

What was he thinking? That was awful. Awful of him to think. He shook the thought away.

"Oh, that's not a concern," Elder Moori reassured, "after what happened with Frieza, we ensured that should the unthinkable happen again, we have precautions against it. So yes, you may return groups of people with a single wish."

Cargo sighed in relief. Relief that that wouldn't be a concern at all.

"Well, you could have said that sooner," Vegeta snapped.

You know we don't have to bring you back.

Cargo did not say that out loud.

He kinda wanted to. But he didn't.

Elder Moori said it would take a bit for them to collect the Dragon Balls for them, and he denied Goku's offers of help. Stating that they were guests and shouldn't have to go out of their way.

Even though they'd come to use their most sacred objects.

But Cargo wasn't going to complain about having time to rest. Even though he kinda just wanted to go home.

Oh. That was strange. When did he stop thinking of Namek as home? That was-

Cargo wasn't sure how he felt about that.

It was probably just because he was tired.

"Hey, Cargo?"

Cargo looked up to find Goku looking at him.

"Can I talk to you?" He asked with an odd smile.

So, he let Goku lead him away from the group. Of course, anyone except for Vegeta could still hear them, but Cargo didn't want to break the illusion of privacy.

"Hey, I really am sorry about earlier. Fighting against Buu. I don't know what happened. I felt super serious about it before the fusion, but then, I don't know."

Cargo shifted on his feet. "It's, fine. It was probably mostly Vegeta's fault anyway."

"That would be the easy answer, wouldn't it? But, part of me really wanted to fight Buu too. Part of me wishes the circumstances were different so we could have had a real fight. So, I can't just blame Vegeta for how we acted. So, I'm apologizing."

Cargo glanced up, startled. Or, concerned maybe? Confused? He was really sure what he was feeling.

His hands fidgeted with the hem of his vest. "It's, fine," he said. Even though he didn't really think that. But it was. Probably. He liked Goku. So, it would be fine. Maybe not right now, but soon. Maybe after he got some rest.

Soon enough, the Dragon Balls were collected. Dende was the one who actively made the wishes since Goku couldn't speak Namekian.

Porunga was amazing. Cargo had only ever seen him on Earth. But here on Namek, he trusty looked like he belonged.

The first wish was to bring back everyone that Buu had killed. It was kinda surreal to see the halo around Vegeta's head vanish.

The second wish was to fix what Buu had destroyed. There had been cities left in shambles after Buu's rampages after all.

Which left a third wish that, Cargo didn't really know what it'd be used for.

Dende double-checked that Goku didn't have a different wish before speaking up.

"I, I had no idea that Buu had been sealed within the earth. I've been guardian for years and never noticed. I didn't even know when Babidi had shown up and was trying to wake him. Not until it was too late. I, I can't let that happen again. I want to be able to know when Earth is in danger and how to better protect it."

"I cannot make you omnipotent."

"That's not what I'm asking. I just, want to be able to perform my job. I want to be able to properly sense when there is a danger on earth, as well as being better at finding ways to fix it."

A beat passed, and then-

"Very well. Your wish will be granted."

And then, with three wishes accounted for, Porunga vanished with a light just as bright as that he appeared.

With that, all that was left was to give thanks and farewells as they made their way back to earth. Vegeta even refrained from saying anything rude, which seemed like a miracle in of itself to Cargo.

And then, they were finally free to go home and rest. After a quick pit stop to grab Mr. Satan as well. It'd be rude to leave him in the middle of nowhere after all.

…

I woke up with a start.

I woke up and after realizing that I was back in the body that I better recognized, it was all I could do to breathe, for several minutes.

Once I wasn't on the verge of hyperventilating, I was able to take stock of my surroundings. Laying crumpled beside me was some kind of cloth that looked familiar in a way I couldn't quite place.

My outfit- I'd need a new outfit. It was soaking in now-dried blood and there was a large hole over my stomach.

The skin underneath- was completely unscathed.

Ultimately, I knew that was for the better. It'd be worse if every time I looked down there was a massive scar. But it was still surreal and, uncomfortable. That something so- so- awful, could happen. And there was just, no trace.

I forced my breathing to return to normal. Again.

I paused as I was getting up and a short, spiteful laugh escaped. Because sitting so close was the Senzu Bean. That figured really. Why not.

I picked it up and was half tempted to just burn it away out of spite. But that'd be a waste, and I didn't see any blood on it or anything so I just put it away. I'd probably still wash it off later though.

I switched the button that returned me to my normal clothes. No need to be smelling like iron all day. There was the blood dried on my skin but- not much I can do about that at the moment.

And I made sure- made sure that I'd be able to act mostly normal again before I began the trip back to the lookout, the flight there only serving to clear my head more. I was feeling a fair bit better by the time I made it back. It probably wouldn't last but I'd be fine as long as I was around others.

So, with that in mind, I landed back on the tiles of the Lookout.

The first person to notice me was not who I expected.

"You're ok!" Mr. Satan rushed towards me, as if to make sure that I was, in fact, ok.

"Uh- yeah.." it wasn't that I was particularly surprised he was here, I knew he'd be involved after all, but, I dunno I guess I didn't expect him to be that concerned about me?

Of course, now that I was noticed, many more people came up to ensure my unharm.

And- I get that they were worried about me. And it was kinda nice to know they were worried about me- in a weird way that made me feel selfish for some reason. But it was also kinda tiring, and I kinda just wanted things to go back to normal.

So when things died down again, I was glad. Even if Piccolo was still hovering a bit closer than usual.

I couldn't help but notice that the innocent Buu was nowhere to be seen. I couldn't say I was particularly surprised. And, as my hand wandered back to my shirt, I couldn't say I felt particularly bad about it.

I was glad that things were starting to get back to normal and quiet-

"THAT'S BULLSHIT!"

I startled back at the shout that dragged my attention to the opposite end of the Lookout.

It was Seventeen. Or Lapis? I don't- I know he said he still preferred Seventeen most of the time but-

That was hardly the current concern anyway. The concern was obviously whatever he was currently yelling about. Yelling at Dende about.

"I- I'm sorry. I didn't realize. It- it must have been because he's an Android and technically doesn't have a soul-"

Seventeen laughed- a bitter and spiteful sound, "Oh please. Sixteen has more soul than Anyone here!"

Dende looked helpless as he tried to respond, "I- I'm sorry. I really am. But, if Porunga couldn't bring him back, I really don't think Shenlong can. We can try summoning him still of course-"

I wouldn't work. I knew that. And I didn't know what to do. Because I should do something, right? Seventeen- or Lapis- was so nice before. I should do something to help- or at least say something. But I had no idea what I could-

My fretting was cut short by Bulma walking up to Seventeen. He flinched when she placed a hand on his shoulder, and he didn't really seem to like her under normal circumstances but at that moment his glare probably could have melted icebergs.

Still, she didn't flinch away, only removing her hand to reach into her pocket.

She brought out a case and opened it, bringing out some kind of computer chip. "This is Sixteen's memory chip," she explained, "I managed to grab it before Buu got to me. As long as this is undamaged I should be able to fix him up. Good as new."

And for several seconds, Seventeen's glare did not waver, until he eventually spoke again, "Fine then. Doctor."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing off the edge of the Lookout.

"He, probably didn't mean that as a threat," Krillin tried to defend, even though it had kinda sounded like a threat.

I shifted on my feet. Part of me still wanted to do or say something- but now that he had flown off somewhere I had no way of finding him.

Bulma sighed after a few moments. "So! Do you think Seventeen would be more or less upset if I suggested making backups of Sixteen's memories after this?" She half-joked.

And after a few minutes, things slowly began to shift back to normal again. I was starting to hope people would disperse soon- I was getting tired.

"Oh! Hey Gohan!" I glanced up at Goku, "I got something for you!" He said before disappearing with instant transmission. When he showed back up a couple of minutes later, he was a Super Sayain.

"Catch!" He grinned before tossing something at me. By instinct I caught it-

And my arm was immediately dragged down toward the flooring.

The object he had thrown was a sword. And it was heavy. I couldn't even remember the last time something had felt heavy to me.

I had to hold it with both hands and go Super Sayain to even begin to lift it.

But more than that- it had carved through the tiles below like butter.

Something between a chuckle and a giggle escaped from my lips.

"What have you done?" I heard Piccolo ask as I lifted the sword higher.

"Well, Gohan wanted a new sword, right?"

"Do you have any idea how long it took to get rid of the last one?"

"Well, you're the one who kept making new ones for 'em."

I gave the sword a test swing and- yep. Definitely too heavy for casual use- even as a Super Sayain. That seriously strained my shoulder attempting.

"You know…I bet this would be the perfect sword for The Ultimate," I decided with a grin.

"You don't need it," Piccolo insisted, "when has a sword ever done you good?"

"It looks cool so obviously I do need it." I pointed the sword at him and refused to acknowledge as it progressively leaned downward.

Piccolo's hand rubbed at his temple but it didn't matter. No amount of protests could sway me from my prize. That being cool sword.

…

Vegeta

Vegeta was thoroughly annoyed- borderline pissed.

As he watched everyone else have their happy little reunion, he was still focused on one detail. On tiny, insignificant, easily missed detail.

He wasn't even sure if Kakarot had noticed it. He didn't give a damn if he did.

Oh, he could just ignore it, sure. But that would be an even greater blow to his pride to simply ignore such a loss.

So, his solution was simple.

Once he was certain that no one was paying attention, he walked up to Bulma. In doing so he removed her purse from her and from it took her wallet.

He then removed however much Zeni and place it in her hand.

He then dropped the items and walked away.

It took a few moments for a response to be formed.

"Wait! Vegeta! Which bet did I win!?"

He did not elaborate.

…

Finally, things had started to settle down and people started to disperse back to their homes. Bulma said that she'd work on a sheath for the sword- after she fixed up Sixteen.

I, lingered on the lookout for a bit. Wanting a touch of alone-ish time before going back home.

So, Piccolo and I stood at the edge, looking across the sky.

There wasn't much to say really. At least not at that moment. There probably would be later, but for now- not really.

After a while, it got to the point where d begin to get dark by the time I got back so it was probably best if I headed off.

I raised my arm to leave-

At which Piccolo grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer.

I blinked in surprise. After all, the few times I'd ever managed to get a hug from him it was entirely by force.

"I'm ok," I lied, even as I shrunk into his cloak.

"I know," he said anyway.

And for the first time in a while, I felt small. It'd been a while since I'd felt small. And protected.

"I thought, since I was so much stronger-"

"It's not something we could have seen coming. But now that we know, we can better prepare for the possibility in the future."

I nodded. There wasn't anything I could have said.

Eventually, the hug subsided and we stood separate again.

"You are not allowed to die before me," he decided.

"Well, that'd be hard. Wasn't Kami like 300 or something?"

"Then you'd better collect the dragon balls and wish for eternal life."

I gave a breath of a laugh, "Yeah right. And outlive the sun? Eternal youth maybe."

"You're not allowed to die either," I said back.

"Noted."

…

It was definitely dark by the time I got back.

Chichi fretted over me more than usual. I suppose that was understandable.

Still, she was more touchy and clingy as she made sure I'd had enough to eat, even though I still wasn't really hungry. Like she was afraid I'd disappear into thin air.

Eventually though, I managed to escape to my own room. I was so tired to it was a relief to finally be able to collapse into bed.

…

…

…

I couldn't sleep.

I wanted to. I really did.

But the longer I stayed alone in the dark the more the clawing anxiety tore at my chest as my stomach burned even though there was no wound there-

It was nothing. I knew that. I knew I was fine. I did.

It didn't help.

But it's not like there was anything I could do about it. Between staring at the ceiling or scrolling through my phone there weren't many options. It was really more of a debate of which would let me sleep faster- if at all which was looking more and more doubtful.

I was about to give in and open my phone when my door opened.

"Gohan?" I looked up to see the shadowed form of Goten as he whispered by my door. "I can't sleep."

I blinked. Then I scooted over and pulled the blankets over. "Alright. C'mhere buddy."

And as Goten curled in at my side, I found myself dozing off as well.

…

That had happened a few more times. And if I noticed that it usually happened when I was feeling more anxious, I didn't mention it.

Elder Kai who? Never heard of him. Anyway check out this awesome new sword.