Welp. some of you will certainly be happy things are moving forward. I'm happy that I get to set up the next semi overarching plotline

thewittywhy: Hey! Great to see you again
Child Trauma to go around, as is proper
SIGohan makes a joke and the result is just the highschool group staring in horrified deadpan

JCINNABAR: Ah! All the thanks, and sames to yous

OnTheTidesOfEvermore: I believe it's more supposed to be a combination of 'Vegeta' and 'Kakarotto' which is the Japanese pronounciation. Technically the English manga spelling is Vegirot, which is a more accurate combination than either

arkon3321: I do plan on using that episode, though we got a lil bit to go through until we get there

samuel lilithson: very true

MiharuTousaka: (we might be nearing that day)

Guest: no worries lol. And Goku returned the earrings to Supreme Kai when he retrieved the sword

Maga: Yeah that must be it

ArguableReader: BOG is a yes, but the Broly movie is still undecided..
And I'm afraid those are, what could have beens that can now never be

Piccolo

Piccolo meditated up on the Lookout. After all that's happened he was glad for the silence.

He felt two power signatures appear and immediately straightened himself as he recognized them.

"Supreme Kai! To what do I owe the pleasure?" He greeted.

The Kai may have not been the most active throughout the Buu situation, but if he hadn't been there at all then they wouldn't have had any chance. And if that weren't the case, he was still a deity who deserved the utmost respect.

It was not the same as Goku being so casual around King Kai. Or admittedly, himself as well originally. The Supreme Kai was in much higher standing, overseeing all the other Kai's.

That being said, Goku was lucky that King Kai liked him enough to tolerate his behavior.

But that didn't matter, as Supreme Kai was the one standing in front of him now.

"Hello, I am sorry for the disturbance, however, I didn't want to interrupt your group's well-deserved celebration. However, there has been one thing that's been bothering me."

"What, is it?"

"Yes well. You see, in the final battle against Buu, Goku had returned to my planet saying that your planet's guardian had overheard a conversation about my Potara Earrings."

"I- see," he said, not adding anything as of yet.

"Apparently, they have the ability to fuse two wearers, assuming they are worn on opposite ears. I did not know this, my training was, cut short due to Buu's original rampage. That being said, according to Goku, your planet's guardian stated that you inherited this knowledge from your fusion with Kami. There in lies my confusion however, as he would have been much younger than I, with far less access to information, so I do not understand how he came to know this."

Piccolo suppressed a sigh, great duo that the Kai was so thorough in his explanation. He was also glad that that was the explanation Dende went with, even if he was somewhat surprised he had known enough to do so. He could work with that.

So, even as the remnants of Kami's consciousness protested against the idea of lying to a Kai, he crafted his response.

"I'm not sure. Many details of Kami's older memories have faded. Especially those he had before he split with my father. He hadn't even remembered he was Namekian- let alone why he came to earth in the first place. Because of this, I only had a vague idea about fusion with those earrings- I wasn't even completely sure it was possible."

"I see. That is, unfortunate. If you remember more, do inform me."

"Of course."

"Until then, I will be doing my own research. Hopefully, should the need to use them ever arise again, I will know more of their limitations."

The Supreme Kai gave his farewells, and Piccolo sighed after he left.

That went about as well as it possibly could have. He'd have to be careful not to contradict anything he'd said in the future, but if all goes well then they'd have access to a far more powerful tool in the future.

It was far better of a solution than having to explain Gohan's foresight, which he still did not quite understand. He was fairly certain there was more to it than she'd previously explained, but with how frayed the knowledge already was- having explained it more as ever fading memories than something she had foreseen or could repeatedly use, it likely didn't make a difference what the origin of the knowledge was.

Especially considering they were likely nearing the end of her foreknowledge. She had stated that she was only truly aware of one more event, and then it was mostly vague ideas of a few things that were supposed to happen, but not nearly enough details to do anything about it.

And frankly, he was almost glad for it. From what he could tell, it seemed like an unnecessary stressor to Gohan's life, especially with how, inconsistent the knowledge could be.

Gohan didn't seem too concerned about what she'd seen next, but, she hadn't been concerned about Buu either and that didn't exactly work out as planned.

But frankly, he had no desire to pry. Future knowledge was a dangerous thing to have, and he didn't want his judgment clouded whenever something came up.

…

Going back to school after, everything, was…interesting.

It just felt fundamentally wrong to do something so normal just three days later.

But, what else was there to do?

There's only so much laying in bed, and vague exercise one could do.

Piccolo and I tested The Ultimate once. It was almost as dissociative as the first time I used it. My memories of it were clouded like it was a vague dream, and Piccolo described my reactions as "aware but empty."

So. Not great.

And I had no idea what was wrong with it.

But, obsessing over it probably wouldn't help.

So. Back to school.

I felt, out of place walking back into school. It almost felt like everyone was looking at me, despite how irrational I knew that was.

But hey, walking through a school without acknowledging anyone or missing a step was a skill I'd picked up, a long time ago, so it wasn't visibly affecting me at least.

At least as long as I was walking. Sitting in class was a different story. I was glad I was sitting in the back so I didn't have to worry about feeling like anyone was watching me from behind.

Yet, it also felt more like people were watching me somehow. I kept catching what I thought looked like quick glances, but if I turned my head everyone was facing forward.

I glanced over at Chico, but she hardly seemed to notice. She seemed to be permanently glaring, her gaze shifting around the class herself.

Ok…

Glancing down at Videl, Erasa, and Sharpener, they were the only ones that seemed normal. Well, Videl had her back to me so I couldn't really tell, but Erasa was taking notes and Shapener looked spaced out, half doodling on the corner of his paper, half looking foreword.

It was only during a passing period that I got an explanation, not a direct one, but through a question asked.

It was a vaguely nerdy kid, who I didn't really know but definitely sat close enough that I should have known his name. Booker? Maybe? Not sure.

"Hey, hey Gohan?" He asked, " Is it just me or do you kinda look like that person that wizard guy was looking for?"

"Huh?" I blinked, for a moment just, not comprehending the question.

By the time I realized he was asking about Babidi- and that he had broadcasted my face looking for me which I had completely forgotten about-

I was cut off by laughing. Before I even had the chance to come up with an explanation, Sharpener was turning in his seat.

"Please, have you seen Gohan's diet? It's half soda and chips! No way dude could keep up the physique that guy had."

I blinked for a moment.

Erasa gave half a laugh, "Aw, now be nice Sharpener. Though Gohan's so sweet I can't imagine how he'd ever get targeted by some freaky wizard guy."

Oh. I get it. That was-

"Heh, I guess you're right," Booker(?) agreed, "guess you got a pretty unfortunate doppelgänger there don't you Gohan?"

"Uh, yeah. Guess so…"

Booker(?) Moved on pretty quick after that, and the atmosphere of the classroom relaxed a fair bit. Though most of the murmuring still seemed to be about me.

I just, sat quietly. Being glad when the next class began.

It's almost funny, how quickly I regressed the second I was in a vaguely uncomfortable school environment.

It was probably because I was still recovering from the Buu thing.

…

"Did you guys pre-prepare explanations…?" I asked after a bit, as we were walking up to the roof for lunch.

It was hard not to notice the glances I received on the way. Just because one class had been covered didn't stop all the other ones from gossiping.

"Yeah man. Figured you had enough to deal with," Sharpener shrugged, then his shoulders stiffened, "uh- I mean-"

"Man's fine, when used colloquially," I waved him off, "dude too, while we're at it. I don't know anyone who actually associates dude with gender though."

"Oh- right, ok," Sharpener accepted, before looking somewhat confused.

Then he started to fall behind as he typed, erased, then typed again into his phone. This happened a few times before he gave up and looked up again, "Hey uh, what does col- collick- uh, that word mean?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry. Like, used casually, in conversation or whatever."

"Oh, thanks. How do you spell it?"

"Uh- C-o-l-l- uh, -i? That is a great question actually I have no idea."

"C-o-l-l-o-q-u-i-a-l," Chico waved her phone as she read off it.

"Wha- I tried that! I kept spelling it wrong though and only other words came up!"

Chico held her phone closer and pointed to the microphone button.

Sharpener muttered to himself as he put his phone away.

Lunch was, well it existed. Erasa seemed determined to keep the conversation as normal as possible but it was hard for me to keep focused as I more picked at my food than ate.

But, I guess it was still kinda nice to be out of the house.

"Oh hey Gohan," Videl stopped me before we could head back inside, leaving us the last two on the roof for the moment.

"Dad wanted me to give you this," she pulled out her wallet before taking out a card and holding it out to me.

A credit card.

"Since most of our money is from you defeating Cell, he figured you should have access to it whenever."

"Oh, that's-"

"He said you're not allowed to say no, and I think he'd probably cry if you denied it."

…

Hesitantly and begrudgingly, I took the card. I mean- it's not like I'd use it much anyway, if at all-

"And be sure you actually use it sometimes. It'll make him feel better. Also, let me see your phone." She held out her hand.

I blinked at the demand. I then shrugged and opened my phone, making sure I closed out of whatever apps before handing it over. A minute later she handed it back.

"There. That's his number. He said to call if you ever need anything. Now c'mon, we're going to be late for class."

…

Chico

Chico sighed. She really hasn't been as sociable as she should have been. Especially now that she knows that they do actually just want to be friends with Goh.

Videl was still too abrasive for her liking but it's not like she's been much better towards her.

"Hey," she got the attention of the other two as they were walking down the stairs, "uh, thanks for earlier. I think Goh's had a hard few days, and she's not really good at showing it but I know she appreciates it. So, uh, yeah. Thanks."

"It's no issue," Sharpener shrugged, "a hell of a lot easier than the actual fighting she does."

"Oh but I felt so bad for calling her a he, I wanted to apologize-" Erasa fretted.

"Don't, it just makes it more awkward. Trust me."

"If you're sure…"

"Yeah. Just, a necessary evil around other people."

…

Krillin

You know, after the whole Buu fiasco, Krillin had a hard time sitting still. So, he decided to do something he'd been planning on doing for a while now. Finding a job.

And what better job than a police officer? It'd be great, he could protect people and not worry about seriously getting hurt.

They weren't struggling for money, especially with the twenty million Eighteen, acquired somehow despite losing the Budokai. But it'd be nice to be able to treat her to things, especially since they were planning on using a lot of that to buy their own place. Living with Roshi was nice, but Marron would need more space as she got older, and he was sure Eighteen would more comfortable with more free space too.

Unfortunately, even though Satan City seemed the most convenient, it was closest to Kame House and Goku's if he ever wanted to visit, the guys there didn't seem to take him too seriously. They were a few decades late for any comments about his height to bother him, but it was a shame that it probably wouldn't work out.

"Hey, I recognize you…" he heard someone say.

Krillin turned back to the young lady he passed. A teenager he guessed, she looked familiar-

"Oh! You're Gohan's classmate, aren't you? Mr. Satan's kid?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"Hey! Nice to see you again. Gohan was teaching you some things, hasn't he?"

She froze, before wilting a bit, "was, being the keyword there. Gohan said, he wouldn't anymore during the tournament. And after everything that's happened, I didn't want to ask."

"Huh? Why'd he do that?"

"When he first started teaching me, Gohan made me promise I'd step down if he told me to, and I, didn't."

"Ah. Well, that makes sense."

Krillin found a bench to sit on and motioned her to sit next to him.

"When Gohan was a kid, his friends wanted to learn how to fly, yknow? What kid wouldn't? But the best way to learn how to control your Ki is through learning martial arts, but Gohan never wanted to teach them, he was too afraid of them getting hurt. As a result, only, I think two of them ever actually learned."

"Oh. So I guess me getting so hurt only confirmed that…"

"I'd assume so. But if that's what happened, I doubt you'll be changing his mind. Gohan's always been such a stubborn kid. Serious too, with such interesting little quirks and reactions. It was pretty hard to get a read on him back then."

"You're calling the person who put a Digimon design on their silly superhero outfit serious?"

Krillin laughed, "like I said, he had interesting little quirks sometimes. Like, he'd almost never talk to anyone besides his friends his age, family, Piccolo, or me unless he had to or someone else spoke to him first, yet he also went out of his way to bring Raditz, his uncle, back to life, which, let's just say we didn't have the best first meeting with him, and that Gohan specifically should have had every reason to want him to stay dead. And then Raditz was added to that limited list of people he'd talk to, despite him seeming to hate him at first."

"Or, you know Vegeta?"

"I know of him."

"Right well, Vegeta wasn't exactly, pleasant to be around. He was a pretty dangerous man back in the day, he still is technically, but he's simmered down over the years. Yet despite that, Gohan would openly antagonize him. Which, I guess would technically add him to the "people he'd talk to" list, but in a bad way. I'm honestly surprised we got off Namek alive at all."

Krillin laughed at the memory. Although terrifying at the moment, it was pretty funny to think back on. A genocidal Sayain capable of destroyed planets being sassed back to by a little kid.

"It didn't matter how much Vegeta would snap back, or even hit back, Gohan would still turn back around and say something that I'm sure would have gotten us killed in other circumstances. They still argue, but it's really calmed down over the years, which I'm pretty sure started when Gohan became the stronger one between them."

Another memory occurred to him, "or one time- when we were in the hospital-" Krillin paused. Thinking over the memory again. It was such an innocent memory. Remembered only because it was funny, because it was cute.

But suddenly it felt very strange.

And not in the same way that Gohan often felt strange as a child. But, something else, something- he wasn't sure how to describe it.

"Mister?"

Krillin startled back to reality.

"Oh, sorry. Got a bit distracted there," he laughed, "man, have we been talking this whole time without me introducing myself? Sorry about that, my name's Krillin," he held a hand out to her to shake.

"Videl."

"Right well, just because Gohan isn't going to teach you, doesn't mean we should let that talent of yours go to waste. If you have the time, I could show you a thing or two. I might not be as strong as Gohan, but I have more overall experience, especially on the tournament scene. Gohan's strong, but his abilities tend to focus on the offense. Which works when you're stronger than everyone else, but for those of us not as high up, it's best to have a few other things under our belt."

"Wait, seriously? You'd do that?"

"Sure, like I said, it'd be a shame to let your talent go to waste."

"That's- yeah! Yes I- yes! Thank you!" Videl let t to her feet to shake his hand.

"Hey, it's not that big a deal. I can't really promise anything beyond a few tricks anyway, I've never taught anyone before, y'know?"

"I'd appreciate anything, I promise!"

Krillin smiled as she suddenly looked much happier. It was nice seeing a kid so excited, he was glad he was at least able to help someone today.

"Hey, why were you at the station anyway?"

"Oh, heh, I was kinda hoping for a job, I figured it'd be fun. But I don't think they'll be calling me back," he smiled.

"Why? Never mind. Follow me," she said and without even glancing back she turned and walked right back in.

Krillin half-jogged to catch up.

Everyone in there greeted her by name.

"Hey, this guy submit an application?" She asked, pointing her thumb back at him.

The guy at the desk looked back at him. Krillin immediately stood as straight as possible.

"Uh, yeah. He did, why?"

"Great. Make a note saying he has my recommendation."

"Uh- really Videl?"

"Yeah. I've seen him in action I can vouch for him. He'll do great for your team." And Krillin wondered how much she was stretching the truth there, because at best she saw him at the tournament? Maybe when Buu showed up at the lookout but everything happened so quick he doubted it.

"Well, if you're sure…" The guy took his paper out of a drawer and attached a sticky note to it.

And, that was that.

As they were leaving, Videl smirked down at him, "try not to make the other guys look too bad out there," she joked.

And Krillin laughed, not willing to admit that he doubted a single recommendation would affect too much.

And yet, he got a call back that night.

And it was great! Obviously they'd have to go over the details a whole lot more later, especially in terms of training and whatnot, but, man that could not have gone better!

And yet, when he was laying in bed that night, he found himself thinking about that long-forgotten memory yet again.

…

"Oh? And what are you scared of tough guy?"

"Oh you know, grey aliens, creepy green bugs, and pink bubblegum."

...

Already knowing it was pointless, I opened the bottle.

Empty.

And no amount of shaking, turning over, or staring inside would change that fact.

I resisted the urge to throw it across the room in frustration.

Great great great this is perfect and great what wonderful timing for this.

My desk creaked under my hands.

I lifted them away from it.

There was nothing. Nothing I could do. I was out of time. I had to- I had to do something soon.

How soon was the question.

I was still in school. Any changes would be noticed. Was there any way I could stall out until the end of the semester? How long would it take them to wear off? Surely it'd take some time.

I can't- I can't deal with this right now.

I considered just staying home. Claiming to be sick or something. The day hadn't even started yet and I was already exhausted and just, done.

But then what? What would I do? Wallow in bed all day?

It didn't sound entirely unappealing, but I didn't-

I didn't want to.

I didn't want to stay here and I didn't want to go to school and I didn't want to go anywhere else-

I don't know what I wanted.

But doing something started with leaving my room.

So I did.

I went through the motions of getting ready. My eyes lingered on the four star ball for a few seconds too long as I passed it.

How long would it take to find them? Could I do it in a weekend?

Would Goku let me take the four star?

I'm sure he would- it's not like he's ever had issues before when they needed to be used. But then I'd have to explain why, and I don't, I don't know if I could do that.

"Hey Gohan?"

"What?" I snapped, and immediately regretted it because it was Goku and it was like, illegal to be angry at him, especially when he didn't even do anything.

"Sorry, I- bad morning."

"Oh, ok…are you ok?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just, it's nothing. What did you want?"

"Oh, I was just gonna ask if you remembered that time we were in the time chamber and- ah, never mind, I don't want you to be late for school."

I glanced at the clock.

I wasn't going to be late.

"Ok, see you later then."

I went to school.

…

Bulma

Bulma sighed. Well. This has been a stressful week.

Not only has she had to repair one of her closest helpers practically from scratch- she's also had a very angry shadow looming over her throughout.

It was almost comical how Android Seventeen had spent the last seven years avoiding anything Capsule Corp, and now he was here more often than he wasn't.

She was glad he still wasn't eager to actually enter her lab space since she wasn't exactly keen on promoting the fact that she had a copy of Sixteen's blueprints to him.

She was pretty sure if Seventeen ever learned she had a copy of his blueprints- well best not think about that.

Regardless, as long as he was content with loitering in the hallways, she only had to worry about dealing with his judgment when she exited the lab.

She knew he was just worried. Really she did. It was also just so nerve-racking. She wanted to snap at him every time his eyes would narrow when she'd leave the room. Just because he could stay up and brood for days on end didn't mean she could stay and work that long.

If he'd like to try and rebuild a person from scratch she'd love to let him.

It didn't help that the entire time he'd glare at anyone wearing a white coat and the few times he would speak it would just be so monotone. Or monotone and vaguely threatening. Or monotone and explicitly threatening.

And she could understand why he was so on edge. Really she could- even outside of Sixteen being, out of commission, she got that he didn't exactly have great experiences with scientists in his past, but so did Eighteen and she didn't act like this. Sure she never visited but she wasn't hostile either.

More than that she knew Eighteen. She was Krillin's wife. Sure, Bulma wouldn't say they were the closest of friends but they were at least acquaintances.

Meanwhile, she hardly knew anything about Seventeen.

She knew he was Eighteen's brother. That he considered Sixteen his brother. He at least somewhat considered Krillin a sibling. She knew he had a job, she wasn't sure what it was. She didn't know if he had any other friends or family. He didn't mention anyone while they were all on the Lookout so Bulma somewhat doubted it.

He was pretty attentive toward Marron. And he was definitely less monotone around his siblings, or maybe just people he liked. That list was limited from what Bulma could tell, for all she knew it was only his siblings and Marron.

She also realized she probably wasn't the best judge of his character since he did not seem to like her and there was only so much she could gather when he never completely lowered his guard when she was close enough to notice. For all she knew he was completely different with other people.

But regardless of that, Sixteen was the more pressing issue. She could scavenge some parts, but for the most part, she was working from the ground up.

Some parts were easier to get than others. It was especially difficult to source the synthetic skin that covered most of his body, but she managed.

There was only so quickly she could work on her own, but frankly, she didn't trust anyone else to this. Her father would give his input but that was about it.

And a week later, they had progressed enough that they could begin testing Sixteen's mechanics, meaning they had to turn him on, and while she already tested the chip to ensure it wasn't damaged, this was truly the test to make sure it worked. After all, everything could be perfectly in place and something could still not work and ruin everything.

And unlike with any other project, she couldn't just scrap it and start over. If anything happened to this memory chip, that was it.

She did already scan it and made a copy but she wasn't fond of the idea of informing Seventeen of this. She wasn't sure if he'd take it as good safeguarding, or as if she was commodifying his life.

Sixteen opened his eyes and Bulma's heart leapt. This was good, a very good start.

His head turned towards her, he could see her.

"Android Sixteen, can you sit up for me?" She asked.

And he did. He could hear her and move autonomously!

"Sixteen, do you recognize me?"

He blinked, once, twice, "Yes. You are Bulma Briefs. Childhood friend of Son Goku. Daughter of Doctor Brief. Heiress of Capsule Corporation."

Bulma's heart sank. It was all surface level information. And outdated at that, that couldn't be right- what happened?

Sixteen smiled, "My mistake. CEO of Capsule Corporation."

Bulma's head shot up.

That-!

She scooped Scratch off of her father's shoulder's, "and this?"

Sixteen's eyes softened with a familiar fondness, "Scratch, of course," he said as he took the cat from her hands.

"You gave me a real scare there. I don't know what would have happened if that didn't work."

"Apologies. I could not resist."

She shook her head, "Anyway! Can you stand up, just to make sure everything's working."

He handed Scratch back to her father and did as was requested.

"That's great, now if you notice anything feeling off you be sure to tell me, alright?"

Sixteen agreed, but aside from some minor adjustments, he seemed to be functional. There still needs to be many checks and tests before she could really be sure, but for now, he seemed stable enough.

So, Bulma made sure to close out of any documents and shut down her computer, and then walked out into the hallway.

"Hey, Seventeen. You wanna come in? I'd say Sixteen could come out to the hall, but I'd rather have him close since there's still more testing to-"

Well that got rid of his lab aversion real quick. Honestly, she didn't get him.

But, she found she didn't mind since walking back in, she saw what almost looked like him being glad. That being said, even Sixteen looked surprised he was here.

She ushered her father out of the room in order to give them a few moments alone.

Besides, that'd give her a break. She'd rather stay close in case something happened, but it's not like she was leaving the building and if anything did happen, she was sure Seventeen would raise hell about it.

After a good meal, three cups of coffee, and checking up on Trunks, she returned.

"Hey, I called Eighteen to let her know Sixteen's back up, so you can hang around if you want, but I do have to run a few tests to make sure everything's in order."

Seventeen hummed in a way that still sounded monotone, but not tinged with murderous intent and almost hinted towards an actual consideration.

She didn't really expect him to stay, and his turning his back certainly did not imply that he would.

But before he even began to leave, he tilted his head in consideration.

"Say, can I borrow that radar of yours?"

"You mean the dragon radar? Uh, sure why?"

"Not sure yet."

"What? What do you mean you're not sure?"

"You already said yes. Are you changing your mind?"

"I said yes because I assumed you had some idea for it!"

"I have an idea. I'm just not quite sure how I'm going to go about it yet."

Bulma could only stare for a moment. Honestly, he wants the radar and doesn't even want to say what for? And after she's spent this whole week working to repair Sixteen too.

"I don't have any nefarious purposes, if that's what you're concerned about," he had the nerve to finally develop a tone in his voice, a mischievous one at that.

"That's not what- oh never mind." She opened her drawer. As messy as the rest of her lab always was, the dragon radar always remained in its place, for obvious reasons. She does technically have "spares" but this was the only one fully constructed. She can't have random radars out there unaccounted for, after all.

The second it was in her hand, it was no longer in her hand. She looked up to see Seventeen already pressing the top button, figuring out how it worked. Which considering even Goku could figure it out as a kid, she was sure he'd have no issue.

"You could at least tell me what your idea is."

Something akin to a smirk grew on his face.

"Well, I just figured out how I'm gonna repay an old debt."

He paused just before leaving.

"And, uh, thanks."

Fun fact: Erasa and Sharpener cn gaslight gatekeep girlboss their way out of anything and no any disagreement shall not be accepted