Afro Hito: You are right! It was never meant to hold Frieza off forever. The next generation will find power through tragedy. And it's likely the most unfavorable that I have in mind, but it will be impactful and will be done with the sanest mind I have in writing it. I've never seen it done on fanfiction but it's in my head so it will come out. We will see what happens. And hey, any review is a good review, even if it's bad! You did good. Thank you.
Drunken Hamster: Thank you. There will be lots more. We are just starting to get to the prime storyline. I have not decided how I will write Mirai Shepard in the future yet. But his story is definitely not done yet. And who said anything about seeing Shepard's original story yet? I have something, a twist that will come later. Dun Dun Dun.
Welcome back people! We finally see that Shepard has made it back to Earth in the present timeline. However, there are things that he must attend to. What will he run into in this chapter? Find out, on Dragon Ball: BtG!
Location: Earth
Age: 760
'Yes! This is fantastic. But there are drawbacks. If I'm going to be able to kill Goku with it, I need to disable him completely. The spiral should destroy his blasted Kamehameha Wave. I just have to put enough po-!' "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" The being, who had been meditating for the better part of 12 hours straight, was snapped out of his trance. In the distance, he could sense a fluctuating power. 'It doesn't feel all that strong but there's some kind of pressure weighing down on the planet. Wait. Goku? N-no. It can't be! How could he have gotten this powerful?!' Deciding that he wasn't going to get anything else done with his training, the tall turban wearing green skinned being floated into the air, taking off towards the energy he was sensing...
"YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH" Freefalling from so high was always an exhilarating feeling for Shepard. Once he had learned how to fly, his whole life changed. Not that it didn't before, but now. Flying was so second nature to him, yet he still couldn't believe it was possible.
He would let his younger self tell Korin of the wish for the Senzu's. Shooting past Korin's Tower, he caught sight of the pair, slowing down enough to give them a 2 finger to the forehead salute, then shooting down to the ground. Corkscrewing in and landing feet first, he did it with only minor tremors to the Earth. 'Ahhh never gets old. And I did it with hardly any damage. Take that 17.'
He knew that he would need to confront Piccolo first, who he could tell was observing from a distance away. It wasn't an uncomfortable distance, but he wanted to get out of the village. Bending his knees, he jumped, clearly outside of the small village to the small forest a couple of miles away. Landing, he looked up, sensing the Namekian follow. He could tell that Piccolo was trying to mask his power level. But he was far better at it in the future. Walking a distance and smelling the air, taking in the fresh scenery, Shepard could hardly believe that him and the Z fighters in the future had somehow managed to keep the Earth afloat as best as they could. With the exception of Cell and Majin Buu, the Earth wasn't really exposed to too much violence. Frieza had tried coming back to wreak havoc, but was contained out near the ocean. 'So much blood, brokenness. So many good memories, so little time left to embrace it.'
Shepard was biding his time. He figured that the lost child would find him eventually. He wasn't expecting Piccolo to be scared to confront him. He was holding back the lion's share of his power. He doubted he would even appear stronger then Goku, then again, he probably felt like Goku a bit due to his 'heritage'.
"You can come out, Junior. No ki discharge is required for this meeting. Your Special Beam Cannon will do you no good with me." Hearing footsteps behind him, Shepard slowly turned his head. He wasn't the least bit intimidated by the 7 foot plus green skinned young Namekian that approached.
"Who in the hell are you, how did you know about that technique, and am I gonna have to kill you to secure my future rule of the planet?" The 'demon' didn't know what to make of this strangely clothed figure. But he felt like Goku, and that was enough to pique his curiosity. This planet was HIS to rule. What felt strange was that this person's energy didn't fluctuate upon seeing him. Almost all would run, few would be curious about him. He knew he was different then everyone else. Feeling this person out, he felt almost too comfortable. Like he didn't need to worry about the demon.
Smiling at the tall Namekian, Shepard preceded to break the ice. "Piccolo Junior, my name is Shepard. I led you out here. Because you and I are going to have a conversation. One that is not for any prying eyes or ears. You can shut up and listen wholly at my words, or you can snarl like a caged animal, charge in and try to attack me, and I put you down in less then a second. FLAT. Make your choice." Letting forth a small sample of his ki, pushing it past Raditz's strength, the Namekian paled. Taking a step back, Piccolo was easily regretting following this man. If there was even a small chance of surviving this situation, he needed to be very, very careful.
"Fine. Sp-Speak." Shepard took that as his cue to point up in the sky at where the Lookout was.
"You know that He has been keeping an eye on you." Piccolo didn't have to look up. Exposing his teeth, growling.
"Yeah what about it? So you've been talking to that old bastard?"
"I have, and I have been talking to him about who and what he truly is. How in time, you and him will come together for the benefit of the planet. In the co-" Piccolo snapped his eyes down at Shepard, cutting him off before he could continue.
"WHOA, STOP. RIGHT. THERE. I will NEVER rejoin with that old fool. He is nothing but an idiotic pacifist. If you expect me, a demon, to-" a burst of ki from the Rogue had knocked Piccolo back several feet, shutting him up. Shepard was getting agitated. So he did the one thing he always did when someone tried to tell him what is and what wasn't, he cut through it with biting truth.
"You can cut out the 'demon' crap. I've met demons. I've fought demons. King Piccolo was well on his way to demon hood. You however, just quit... Quit now. You are but a child trying to live up to his lame father's reputation. You and Kami are connected not because you are two opposite ideals in life. You two are connected because the fuller, past version of who you once were made a choice. That is all. You are not a demon, Piccolo. You are an ALIEN. A Namekian, specifically. You like waterfalls and pastures in which to meditate peacefully. Much like your species back home does. You come from a planet called Namek. For the last 7 years since you've been born, you've been confused. And lonely. And wish for some sort of companionship, no matter how frivolous."
Shocked to his very core, Piccolo started looking down, trying to remember anything from King Piccolo's past life that would shed any light on these words. He could only remember small images, and of course. Goku. He REALLY hated that guy.
"A Na-Nam-Namekian? I'm-a-a-an alien? I can-can't remember an-anything that would tell me that! You have to be lying!" Piccolo began to charge up an energy blast in his hand. "How dare you spout such insanity to me! I'll end your pathetic life once and for all for even saying something so OUTRAGEOUS!" Before he could blink, Piccolo was pushed back by an invisible force. Flying back dozens of feet, he didn't even see the stranger move. 'Ho-how did he do that? It was like he just pushed me away with his look.'
Slamming into a bolder, he didn't see, only heard for a brief moment, the sound of metal flying. Piccolo didn't have a chance to react as some kind of weapon, the one from the stranger's back it looked like, had SLAMMED into the bolder next to his head. The head of the weapon was easily bigger then the Namekian's head. What was awkward about the weapon is that it hadn't moved at all from the spot next to him. Paling and looking back, he saw Shepard with his hand raised. Putting it down, the Rogue started walking towards the Namekian, who was still trying to get free. Shepard held his hand up again, and the hammer flew right back into it. Putting it onto his back, where a magnet grabber was located to keep the weapon secure when not needed.
"I wish I didn't have to use any kind of strength against you Piccolo. We are not enemies. If anything, I am a shepherd, and you will be guided by my hand, one way or another. Believe it, or not, the reason why your senses tell you that I feel similar to Goku isn't because we are related. It is because we are of the same species."
Eyes widening, Piccolo pulled his arm out of the boulder. He was more then a foot deep within it. Pulling his head out next, followed by his legs, Piccolo dropped to the ground. Standing up straight, he looked at the stoic 'man' who had effortlessly overpowered him.
"Wait, you-you're telling me that GOKU is an alien too?" Piccolo had always knew that something was off about the guy. Humans after most fights, upon full recovery, would only gain a very small increase in strength, because generally the human body adapted to adversity. Goku's recoveries however were insane. How could he go from losing to his father so easily to coming back after only a short time later, not only being strong enough to defeat King Piccolo, but to also kill him. Utterly ridiculous. He was interrupted in his thoughts when Shepard spoke again.
"Bingo! That is exactly what I am telling you. He is called a Saiyan. As am I." Piccolo rolled the word around in his head. "A Saiyan? Strange. Is that why he had a tail before?" Shepard nodded. "Yes. It is also why he is able to eat a tremendous amount of food. We have a far higher metabolism then Humans. I am going to tell you a piece of advice Piccolo. It may save your life."
Walking up until he was only a handful of feet away, he looked up at the tall Namekian. "A Saiyan's tail can generate tremendous power. It can also be a tremendous weakness. But you must also understand that it is only just that. A weakness. Weaknesses can be worked on. Overcome. Eventually, a Saiyan can train their tails to be as strong as any other appendage, eliminating said weakness. Be weary of grabbing a Saiyan's tail if they have trained it. It could get you hurt, or far worse."
Piccolo filed that information away, figuring he could dwell on it later. "Fine, so Goku is an alien like me. Doesn't mean a damned thing to me. He's just a different kind of alien. What are you getting at?" Piccolo was starting to get angry again, but he wouldn't let it get the better of him this time. This guy was ridiculously strong. 'He didn't even move when he sent me into that boulder. It was like his eyes were able to push me back as if I were a small child. If I'm sensing him correctly, there is an eruption of power just waiting to burst from him, and what he showed earlier was just a small tremor of it. I can't win a fight against him. Damn it.'
Turning his back on the Namekian, the Rogue started speaking again. "What I am getting at Piccolo, is that you should look at Goku with a different lens. He was sent from a planet that was destroyed by a tyrant. A tyrant whose power makes what Demon King Piccolo utilize look like fireworks that scratch a paper surface. In time, you will come to realize that being alone, and isolating yourself, will only take you so far. Specifically, I think you and Goku's son, Gohan, may get along. Believe it or not, but he's only a few years younger then you are. In age Piccolo, you are still quite young. You are still a young child in your own right." Snarling at the implied weakness, Piccolo was not happy with that description of things.
"I am NO CHILD. Do NOT ever call me that again. You don't look that old yourself. You look like you are in Goku's age range, if anything." As Piccolo took in a nearly laughing Shepard, he started getting angrier. This guy called him a CHILD? "Do I look like I am JOKING to you? I don't get where you come off thinking you can just insult me like that and get away with it."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAHAHAHA!" finally losing it, Shepard was doing all he could to stay on his feet. Bending at the knees, he started to regulate his breathing. "Whew...whoo. I really really needed that. To be fair Piccolo, that is a saiyan's genetics at play." Deciding to quote his fellow Saiyan/Rival/Brother-In-Law. "We Saiyans evolved as a warrior race. We retain our youthfulness so we can fight longer."
Piccolo's eyes angrily narrowed, caught off guard by the blunt answer. He had always been able to maintain a calm indifference to most things, but this guy was really throwing him off today. "How old are you then?"
"Almost at the end of my youthfulness." The vague answer wasn't enough but it was something.
"Come with me, but stay in the background. In the shadows, keep your ki low, down to 0 if possible. Because I need to have a conversation with Goku. As well as his wife and I have something to deliver to their child. If you play nice, I can introduce you two properly. There will be NO killing, boy." Before Piccolo could snap at being called a boy, Shepard raised his finger, pointing it at the Namekian and adding, "You will find that the quickest way to and through a demon's ice cold heart is the heart of pure innocence and kindness. Let's go."
When the Rogue had turned his back, Piccolo had considered charging his special technique that he had been working on. 'To hell with him.' As he started to charge energy in his two fingers, he found his fingers crushed.
"AGHHH, DAMN IT! AHH..."
Having felt the need to keep an eye on the Namekian, Shepard knew the 'demon' within Piccolo was already seeking revenge against him for the belligerent show of disrespect. When he felt the energy start to surge from Piccolo's fingers, he immediately negated it with his mind, using telekinesis to squeeze Piccolo's fingers until they were broken. Stopping in the path and slowly looking back at Piccolo with only his head moving, spiky black hair swaying slightly with the wind.
"Do not try that again Piccolo. I will not demean you any further if you do not deserve it. But I suggest you start listening. You and Goku need to get stronger. It is better, for the world, that you two become sparring partners, rivals even, as opposed to hated enemies." Piccolo was really at his wit's end.
"I DON'T WAN-"
"I don't fucking care." Those 4 words were enough to end the conversation as Shepard slowly turned his head back around, lifting in the air and flying towards Mount Paozu, the Namekian begrudgingly following behind albeit slowly and lower to the ground...
1 hour later
Location: Mount Paozu
"Heya, Chi Chi? I'm gonna head out, get some food for dinner. Be back soon!"
"WAIT, GOKU!" The orange clad, palm tree haired individual turned around, looking down at his wife. Their 3 year old son, Gohan, after a 4 hour study session was currently taking his afternoon nap. He would wake up to a light snack before dinner, which hopefully Goku could find a nice big fish to bring back for. "Huh, what's up Chi?"
"Goku you don't normally go out until Gohan is awake, why you going early for?" Goku really didn't want to say, but he wouldn't completely lie to his wife.
"Well, Gohan is just a growing boy, need more time to find a bigger fish ya know he he he he." Scratching behind his head, he was trying to play it cool. But he, much like whoever else was ki sensitive, had felt whatever that power was clashing with another, which felt like Piccolo. Whoever it was, had thoroughly thrashed the demon king reincarnation. It had to be someone quite strong then, right? He knew his wife wasn't ki sensitive, so it was best he head off whoever this power belonged to, that was currently heading his way, slowly, but definitely heading here. He wanted to head it off and keep his family safe.
"Don't worry Chi Chi, I'll be back soon. And I'll have a nice big fish for you to cook." Smiling and heading out the door, the feeling of foreboding having finally reached him, Goku was a bit uneasy about this.
'Man. With Gohan having been born and Chi Chi constantly on my back about always trainin, I have really gotten outta shape.' Heading out to a secluded part of the landscape, a small lush forest. He powered up.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" breathing in and out, he started to slowly warm up with a few turtle style katas. He felt the power shift slightly, heading towards him. 'Good, at least Gohan and Chi Chi will be safe.' He thought he could feel something else along with the power, but the power was just so calm, and it overrode anything near it because of its sheer presence.
Within 15 minutes of stretching, warming up and doing a few workout katas, he felt the power more then saw it. Looking up, his eyes widened. A man, slowly floating down towards him with spiky black hair and eyes, a black gi with a blue undershirt, black wrist bands, and black pants, with black shoes as well that went over his pants, and a blue sash that was tied off to end just above his knees. He was physically bigger then Goku, but that wasn't what had Goku slowly feeling like he was in over his head, it was more of the presence the man put out. It was cool, but intense. This person had been through his fair share of battles. Judging by the massive hammer head sticking out behind his back.
"Who are you? Are you fr-friend or foe?" Goku didn't know what to tell of this new stranger. Only that if he got in a fight with him, it would be very difficult to win.
The man smiled, and immediately, Goku felt like he should at least hear this guy out. "Very much a friend Goku. My name, is Shepard." Walking up to the shorter Saiyan, Shepard put his hand out. Goku, initially hesistant, shook it.
"Shepard? You were at the lookout earlier, weren't you? Did you fight Piccolo?" Shepard smiled at the enthusiasm of the young Goku. He had not faced the trials that would soon come. He still bore innocence within him. Not that he had lost it in his later years, but decades of fighting experience, knowledge, and the exhaustion of fighting enemies who only wanted to kill. Goku, when he had gotten older, had made him a more melancholy person, more so enjoying sparring with Pan for exercise, or even going to Uub's to train.
"I did come across Piccolo, but that is not important right now." Putting his arm around the younger Saiyan's shoulders, Shepard led Goku over to a lake out in a clearing not far from his house. Goku, for whatever reason, would have normally thrown this stranger off of him. Goku did not like being touched by unfamiliar people. It was just a forced habit. It took him a few years to warm up to Grandpa Gohan, Krillin and Master Roshi, amongst others. Why weren't his warning bells going off? When Chi Chi and he had..well.. that even took a little while to get used to.
"Umm, excuse me, but why are you touching me?" As he was being led to the lake, Shepard had stopped short, looking down at the younger, soon to be powerful Saiyan. "Well Goku, you are an endearing person. And to be fair, I wanted to tell you a few things. I also have some stuff for you, from your parents."
"My-My parents? I-I can't remember them. I tried to. For years. Eventually I gave up. Grandpa Gohan helped me go through some stuff, but he never showed me anything important. He insisted that he would, but then-then he died. I never found what he had kept so secret. I wished he had told me, but whatever it was, it can't be that bad, right?"
Letting go of Goku, Shepard opened up one of his capsule cases, grabbing the recording from Bardock. Holding it up, he touched the young Saiyan's shoulder. Before Goku could react, he heard Chi Chi scream.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHH, GOKU WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING! Huh? Who are you and what are you doing with my husband?" Giggling and putting his hand behind his head, Goku tried to fend off his wife's questions. "I thought you were going to catch a nice big fish Goku. Gohan is still down for his nap. Get back out there this INSTANCE AND GET US-"
Clearing his throat, Shepard looked down at Chi Chi, she looked so youthful, and young. By the time Shepard had left from the future, she was a shell of her former self, with Goku being gone for years at a time, well more then 20 years of their marriage she was without him, she had aged much more then the others. It was understandably 'weird' when people would see them together. For she looked more then old enough to be Goku's grandmother. He could relate though. Tights was older then Chi Chi and Bulma. Despite all her anti aging secrets, even she was succumbing to the Human frailties of aging. But she still looked great.
"Excuse me Chi Chi, Goku, my name is Shepard, and I have these for you to make for your husband." Handing over the Saiyan Meals, 3 of them total, he further explained. "These should be quite satisfactory to him. And even your son Gohan when he wakes."
Chi Chi's eyes widened. "H-h-How do you know ab-about G-Goh-Go-Gohan." Slowly backing away, heading towards the young child's room where he slept. Shepard held his hand up, trying to explain.
"I know many things Chi Chi. I come from a distant future. Please do not be alarmed. I have brought things for Goku that belong to him. There are things about him that both of you should be made aware of. Allow me to explain some things."
1 Hour later
The couple's minds were awash with knowledge. "My husband, is an alien from a warrior race?"
"I..I am a Saiyan. I. I-I was sent here to originally destroy everything. But I-I can't! I would never do that. I am an Earthling. I will always see myself that way."
The couple were sitting across the Rogue, tears flowing down the woman's face, Goku looking down at the table. "Shepard, was I, was I supposed to be...evil?"
Shepard had a small, but sad smile on his face while looking at the young man. Sitting back in his chair and looking straight at the two, the Rogue told it straight. "Evil is a very broad thing to be Goku. The reason why you don't have any of your memories is because when you were a small child, you were very aggressive. I would even say violent. But Gohan didn't have a real way of being able to handle you, so you had kicked him one day. In the process of him dropping you, you fell into a ravine, hitting your head on a boulder. You nearly died in the process, however, Gohan managed to pull you out of there and nurse you back to health as best as he could. Upon your recovery, you became good natured. Your whole demeanor changed. I am NOT here to bring you back to your original nature Goku, only here to release the memories that have been deeply stored within the recesses of your mind. I will be here to guide you. And I believe you should have Chi Chi by your side as well for this."
Chi Chi, still puffy eyed, slammed her hand on the table. "What about Gohan? My baby. Will something happen to him in the future? Will he change on us and become evil because of his father's natural aggressiveness? I HAVE TO KNOW!" Holding his hand up, Shepard calmed the near screaming young mother down. He had to find away to coax the idea of training as well as studying. A Gohan who trained only sometimes was incredibly powerful. 'What if he maintained a steady regime of training and studying?'
"You will wake Gohan if you start shouting. To answer your question, your son has many of your characteristics Chi Chi. Up to and including a brilliant mind for the future. The potential to be amongst the top 5 smartest in the entire Universe is not out of the realm of question. There are quadrillions of people in this Universe, maybe even quintillions. I'd say top 5 out of all of them is quite impressive, wouldn't you?" Chi Chi's eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
"My boy's gonna be that smart? Oh I definitely plan on upping his studying as he gets older. I don't want him fighting like Goku. No offense honey, but after seeing you and Piccolo...I can't picture my Baby in that kind of situation." Goku's heart sank. He really wanted to teach the boy. He didn't have much in this world to offer, but he could definitely teach the boy how to fight.
"But Chi Chi-"
"NO BUTS GOKU! GOHAN WILL BE A SCHOLAR AND THAT IS FINAL!"
"Mommy, Daddy."
Everyone stopped as they looked around to the small child who had came down the stairs, looking tired and holding a blanket. Chi Chi immediately got out of her seat, scooping the boy up. "Now now Gohan, I didn't mean to wake you. Do you want to go back upstairs to finish your nap? You have a bit of studying to do later. Come on."
"Wait Mommy, who's he?" Gohan had pointed to the stranger still sitting at the table with Goku. Standing up as well, Shepard walked around the table, looking down at the mother and son. 'Hard to believe this very boy has the potential of the Universe within him, but I can sense it. Even now, buried so deeply.'
"Hello child, my name is Shepard, you could call me a guide of the Universe. Or someone that wants to see everyone succeed. And you, young Sir, are very, very important." Chi Chi had started to turn to walk the boy back, clearly not liking the attention her son was recieving.
"That's enough Shepard, you will not be putting any delusions of fighting in my son's head." Walking back before he could speak, Chi Chi had left the room with Gohan in tow. Walking back to the table and sitting down, he looked over at Goku, who still looked crestfallen.
"That's why Grandpa never told me much. He told me that I was different. But he never told me what I was. Do you think he knew?"
Shepard looked at the young Saiyan. The news he had to tell him wasn't exactly good, but better then it could be.
"The fact is Goku, is that your Grandpa Gohan was supposed to die when you were a small boy. You became the Oozaru In one of your rampages during the full moon, and it crushed him to death. However it would seem that with your parents leaving you things behind, Gohan was able to come across some things concerning your race, enabling him to change his destiny."
"Y-you mean-"
"Exactly Goku, it would seem that fate has changed a few things. Finding out that Gohan had lived to be 100, dying peacefully in no pain. To find out you had support throughout your whole life. It makes my heart swell with happiness. After I open your mind up to your memories, this recording I've had in my hand is your Father, Bardock's, last will and testament. His hopes for you. His and Gine's dream that you would survive. The fact that Bardock, along with the King of your entire race, together held off a planet destroying energy ball, dozens of times greater then their own strength, so that they could allow for hundreds of Saiyan babies to be saved. Many were sent to worlds that the being who destroyed your home planet would never find. However you have a destiny on this planet." As Shepard continued speaking, Chi Chi had walked back in and went to the oven, pulling out a pot and pan, slamming and clanking everything everywhere. Grabbing one of the Saiyan meal's, she picked it up, throwing it on the kitchen table where Goku was. She was clearly angry.
"You can eat on that tonight Goku, I will be cooking myself and our son our meal." Shepard had enough.
Standing up again, he walked right into the kitchen. Before he could blink, a pan had hit him HARD, right in the middle of his face. As the pan had dented around his face, Chi Chi pulled it back, seeing a now angry Shepard. Proceeding to throw a karate chop to his face, she was surprised when he put up a finger, blocking it.
"Shepard don't-" a hand had shut Goku up instantly. Looking down at the trembling young woman, Shepard spoke softly.
"Chi Chi, Goku could not control who he is, or was. You will NOT take out your frustrations on him any longer. You chose him when you were a child. You seeked him out when he was a teenager, you married him, and gave him a child. That, is on YOU. And him, but you could've stayed away from the tournament. The fight between himself and Piccolo was a fight that needed to happen. If you do NOT allow your son to train at all, he will be DEAD before he turns 10." Paling, Chi Chi's knees began to buckle.
"No...n-no you have to be lying. Goku will be strong eno-" shaking his head as she spoke, it effectively cut her off.
"I'm afraid not Chi Chi. Gohan inherits the BEST of both of you. He is incredibly intelligent, and WILL make a difference with his mind, but he is also incredibly STRONG, much like his father. Even more so, because unlike Goku over here, who has an obsession with fighting because of who he is, what he is, Gohan will not. Gohan can turn that switch off, because it is in his nature to do so. However there is something else you should know. Gohan is different even more because of his potential."
Chi Chi was trying to absorb the information, but her brain was sludge. She couldn't fathom her son fighting for his life. She would die first before that happened. "I wi-w-will not allow it! I won't watch my baby be killed, please surely Goku can train and be strong enough to-" shaking his head again, Chi Chi went silent again, tears coming to her eyes. Looking up at Shepard, she asked, "Ho-how much potential does he ha-have?"
Shepard smiled at the question, because it was a step in the right direction. "Greater then Goku's. Greater then mine." Chi Chi's eyes widened at that. Goku nearly went crazy standing there.
"You mean that Gohan can be stronger then me?" Bubbling with excitement at the thought of facing an adult version of his son someday, Goku was clearly giddy at the prospect.
Shepard couldn't help but chuckle in amusement at the sheer excitement rolling off the orange wearing Saiyan.
"Allow me to show you a memory. Both of you will want to be in contact with me and whatever you do, hold on." Before he could react, Goku was touched again on the shoulder by Shepard, his mind felt like it was falling.
"WHOOOOOAAAAAAAAA-" feeling like he was slowing down, he saw Chi Chi with Shepard's hand on her shoulder.
"Woooooow, where are we? This sure doesn't look like Earth anymore?"
"You're right Goku, the sky is definitely different, where are we Shepard?" Chi Chi asked shakily.
Looking forward, Shepard had a big dose of nostalgia.
"This planet belongs to a figure in the Universe you shouldn't be aware of yet. Think of this as a preview. Look over there."
Following Shepard's finger, what the couple saw shocked them. "Th-th-That's me. Who's those other guys? The shorter guy. He has spiking hair like me. And the taller one, he looks-" freezing, he looked at Shepard, "like you."
Shepard seen Goku, Vegeta, and the younger version of himself. He was the only one without a halo, coming here after watching the initial teachings of the fusion technique. Remembering what he had to go through earlier, especially with Vegeta...
Shepard's Past
"I will have my fight with you Kakarot, unless you want these people to suffer for your unwillingness to do so." Charging up a massive blast and holding it out to the side, Shepard, who had been a witness to Vegeta's change, decided to speak.
"Don't you fucking do it Vegeta! BULMA is right up there."
"I DON'T CARE!" Letting it go, Shepard had used Instant Transmission to get in front of it. It was filled with hatred, and such stone cold anger that came from the deeper trenches of Vegeta's mind. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO, AHHHHHHHHHH!" Grabbing the blast from underneath, Shepard, enraged at Vegeta, turned Super Saiyan 2, hurling it upwards in the sky, the terrified fans below watching the massive mushroom cloud explosion erupt overhead.
"THAT'S IT YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT!" Using instant transmission, he phased in behind the insane Prince. Grabbing him by his neck, he attempted to use Instant Transmission to phase away from the audience. In doing so, they had wound up several hundred miles away, near a forest. Shepard needed life to be around, turning them both around as quickly as he could, before the Prince could fight Shepard off, Shepard filled his hand that was still on the back of the Prince's neck with a huge build up of ki. Pushing Vegeta away, he let it explode, sending the Prince hurtling several dozen miles away...
Present
Preventing Vegeta from killing those people in the crowd, allowed the Prince's attempted sacrifice at stopping Majin Buu to be good in King Yemma's eyes. Because of the atrocities that the magical monster was committing, King Yemma had made a deal with Vegeta. He had to serve punishment in Hell for his crimes, but when King Yemma needed him, if Vegeta were to come back to Earth temporarily and defend the planet against Majin Buu, then he would be allowed to keep his body and go to Otherworld, should he survive the outcome. After the deal had been completed, Goku had came in looking for the Prince, having to go down to Hell to find him. With permission from King Yemma, Goku took the Prince away after Vegeta had reunited with his long dead family to come to where Gohan was...
"That is actually a fellow Saiyan, Goku. You will meet him in a couple years. His name is Vegeta. He was the Prince of your planet, before it was destroyed. Now look up on the hill."
Chi Chi and Goku had looked up on the hill, seeing 2 figures sitting down. Similarly dressed, one looked incredibly old, holding his hands out to the other figure..
"Is. IS THAT GOHAN?" Chi Chi yelled.
"Wow he feels so strong. Hey how can I feel his power if this is a memory?" Shepard shushed them both.
"Watch, you're about to miss the best part."
Seeing the young man with short spiky hair stand up, they heard him ask, "So, how do I let my power out to become the ultimate warrior?"
"You can become a Super Saiyan right? Well try doing that. And believe in yourself. It'll happen, just make sure you let it."
"All I have to do is become a Super Saiyan, and believe."
"TRY BELIEVING SOMEPLACE ELSE!"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
The wind had picked up so much, it nearly lifted the couple off of the ground. Holding firm, Shepard had held them close, smiling at the memory and feeling the power roll over him like a tidal wave.
"YAAHHHHHHHH!
"GO-G-GOH-GOHAAAAANNNNN!"
Watching the Elder Supreme Kai fly away, seeing his younger self and the other 2, he remembered what Vegeta had said.
"ARE-ARE YO-YOU FUCKING KI-KIDDING ME! SINCE WHEN DOES HE HAVE SO MUCH PO-POWER???"
Seeing the hill that Gohan stood on crumble to dust, the bio electricity flying everywhere. Nearly snapping trees, sending tidal waves in a mass of directions. Electricity was rolling off of the watching trio as well, in sheer awe of the spectacle.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Seeing the dust slowly come down, as everything started to settle down, Shepard and his passengers looked upon the now powered up hybrid.
"This. Is AWESOME. Hey Dad, Shepard, Vegeta, are you checkin this out?"
"I sure am! That's incredible Gohan! I'm so proud of you!
"I knew you've always had it in you Kiddo, make that both of us."
"Hmph, I still think if you had trained, Majin Buu would be an afterthought already."
Shepard, with his passengers in hand, pulled them out of the memory.
"So, what did you two think?" Goku looked so excited, smiling as he thought of the many possibilities. Chi Chi however, started crying.
"I-I don't want Gohan to get hurt Goku, please I-I just want him to be a safe, happy boy. Why does he have to fight?" Seeing that she was trembling severely and could hardly stand, Shepard, being a gentleman before anything and hating seeing good women cry, did the only thing he felt he could.
Gently grabbing Chi Chi by her elbow, Shepard guided her over to the couch where she could lay down. Goku walking beside him, thinking of what to say to his wife.
"Gohan doesn't have to fight if you don't want him too, Chi Chi. I just. I just don't have a lot to offer to him other then my knowledge of fighting. Please let me teach him. I promise that he will still be able to study. I just remember what it was like to learn from Grandpa, even coming back after training with Master Roshi and showing him the Kamehameha. I was so excited to be able to show him my new skills. And he was always excited to watch."
"Chi Chi, Gohan will be smarter then both of you, but he also deserves to be stronger as well. It is not good to keep the boy cooped up in the house, studying all of the time. His power needs to be regulated. If he gets angry in the future and has NO control over his vast energy reserves, he could do SERIOUS damage, up to and including blowing up this house, or more of the surrounding area." Shepard had included.
Placing a rag on her forehead, Shepard stood up. Looking at Goku, who was clearly concerned for his wife. "Goku, she should be fine after some good rest, go ahead and eat your meal on the table. Eat all of it. Then you and I will go outside and have a quick spar." Goku, placing his hand on his chin, took on a thoughtful look.
"But that still doesn't explain how we were able to feel that power so clearly if it was only a memory. It was HUGE! I could never forget that kind of energy. And to think, it came from my own son! I'm so proud of him!"
Shepard smiled at the enthusiasm. Even now, Goku made things feel so much lighter then they were usually.
"You should be proud of him. Gohan will want to be a scholar in his later years. However, the inconsistencies between you and Chi Chi in regards to training and studying has to stop. He has the potential to be the best in both worlds. But it is up to the both of you to support him, FULLY."
Chi Chi was laying on the couch, but she could hear what was said. She was just so afraid, after seeing Goku fight Piccolo. All the blood, it all seemed so. So. So useless. But if Goku had not won, then the Earth would very well be in peril.
"Goku." Chi Chi had asked for him by the couch. Grabbing his hand and holding onto it like it was a lifeline, she looked at him, on the verge of tears.
"Just. Ju-Just promise me that Gohan will be the strongest you can make him to be. Promise me Goku that you'll protect him, NO. MATTER. WHAT! I suppose we can build a program for him to get used to, so he isn't studying all day. I swear Goku if something happens to him, you better NOT COME HOME!"
"Chi Chi, I will do everything in my power to keep Gohan safe. I promise I will." Kissing her forehead, Goku stood up and walked over to the table, preparing to eat the now cooling Saiyan meal. Starting to wolf it down, he got about 6 bites in when he stopped.
"Whoa! ITS SO DELICIOUS!" Taking 2 more bites, he started to wonder if there was a lot more there, because he sure was getting full. "Buth why m I sho ull?" Eating a couple more bites, he actually put the meal down.
"Hey what's the deal with this Shep? I normally can eat plates and plates of food, but this little thing has me stuffed already."
Shepard, chuckling at the confusion, took another Saiyan meal out and ate it down in less then 2 minutes. Looking at Goku, he answered.
"It will take you years before you can eat through one of these without stopping." Burning his now empty Saiyan meal with a touch of ki, turning it to ash. Shepard felt it was time to open up Goku's mind, before they spared.
"Now. What I am going to do is similar to what I did with you both in showing you my memories. Our memories will probably blend together so to speak initially. However, I will be going into your mind after, and pulling your buried memories to the surface. I ask that you keep an open mind."
Closing his eyes for a few moments, letting his mind go empty, Goku opened them up, looking at the Rogue.
"Alright, I'm ready." Putting his hand on Goku's forehead, they slowly began the process.
Goku's Past
Planet Vegeta
Hours before destruction
"Gine we have to do this, Frieza has Raditz now. I refuse to let that bastard have Kakarot."
"But can't he come with me to the planet I'm going to? He should be with his mother."
Shepard and Goku had appeared, nearby.
"Wow that guy looks like me! Who's he Shep?" Watching the couple, Bardock holding a pod above his head, and Gine, holding baby Kakarot, who was crying.
"Now now Kakarot, everything is gonna be alright. Calm down baby boy."
"I wish he could go with you Gine, but that prick was adamant that Kakarot has his own destiny to live out. I made sure the pod didn't have the 'Kill Trigger' as that guy suggested. I'll put the pod down just over that clearing."
Following the couple, Goku looked up, noticing the red sky. "Woooow, this was my home?"
"It was Goku. A beautiful place, filled with savages." Shepard kept walking, Goku following behind. Then Goku asked, "Is that my mom and dad? Were they savages too?"
Once again, Goku asked the right question. "Your mother was a warrior with Bardock's crew. But she was weak, he had saved her multiple times throughout their career. It took Bardock and another saiyan, by the name to Fasha, to convince your mother to stop. And she did, she never worked for Frieza again. She worked at a meat plant. Your father however, was a space pirate. You see, Saiyans crave the fight. Always have. You are no different, but your goals vastly are. Where as they fought, and killed, and pillaged, for the right to conquer, and later becoming a job for survival, you on the other hand, fight for the safety of others, their well being, and to have a good fight. Frieza, their 'boss', tyrant, destroyer of worlds, whichever you may call him, I personally call him a racist piece of shit, but anyway. Frieza is an emperor of the galaxy. His power is vastly superior compared to the saiyans, and the saiyans at first, respected his power. For a number of years, there was a working partnership. Frieza had 'customers' who wanted a specific planet. So Frieza would send out subordinates, workers, to scout these planets." Goku was starting to show disgust, but Shepard continued.
"I know you hate it Goku, but you must understand. Frieza has a power level that even now, is thousands of times greater then yours. He pressured the saiyans into accepting his demands, eventually forcing their King, Vegeta, to give up his eldest son, Prince Vegeta, in hopes of securing his people's place in the galaxy. Frieza, for all the respect, the fear the saiyans had shown him, destroyed their planet not because the saiyans were revolting, or conspiring against him, but because he feared the growing power that the saiyans were continuously showing."
Walking over to the young couple. They saw Gine place the baby in the pod. When Goku seen the baby, his eyes went huge. "THAT'S. THAT'S ME ISN'T IT? I look so small."
"Gine, I'm gonna have to get back to the Palace, that bastard has been pushing towards a revolution. No longer will the saiyans be enslaved to an Arcosian prick like Frieza. Now, Kakarot." Holding his hand to the glass.
"You are weak now, son. But in time," seeing the boy put his hand on the glass, mirroring his father. Bardock slightly smiled. "In time, I know you will make me proud. Your mother made sure to put some things to remember us by in your pod. When you are old enough, I hope you'll forgive us. But this is the only way you'll live."
Putting her face close to the glass, Gine started speaking, tears starting to trickle down. "Oh Kakarot, you look so much like your father. I guess Raditz takes after me more. He he he. I hope that I get to see you again someday when you're an adult. We have to go our separate ways now, but remember my baby boy. I. Will. Always. Love. You." Kissing the glass, Gine stepped back to the side with her husband.
"Please Bardock, promise me that he will be safe."
"He will be safe from Frieza, Gine. That is what matters now. So long Kakarot. There is a good chance we may not see each other again, but just know, you have a brother out there. We've sent the coordinates to him as well to let him know where you'll be sent too, with the directions terminating after they are seen by him. Make me proud boy!"
As the pod started heating up, Gine had put her face in Bardock's chest, tears coming down. "Pl-pl-please Bardock, promise me."
Bardock, holding his wife, looked down and as calm as he could, he promised her. "I promise that Kakarot will be safe from Frieza's rule. I can't promise his life or death Gine, no matter how much I want to."
Watching them walk away, Goku started to follow after them, but Shepard held him by the shoulder. "Remember Goku, it's only a memory. Are you ready to go?
"Yo-you said that my Dad died defending the planet right? Do you think I could see that memory too please?" Thinking about it, if Goku wanted a full picture of what his father was capable of, Shepard would oblige.
"Sure, Goku. Hang tight, this next memory will be out in the upper atmosphere. I had been staying in the background, making sure no escaped space pods were captured or destroyed. However there were still a couple hundred of them left when Frieza arrived."
Appearing in space, Goku looked around, catching sight of Planet Vegeta once again. "Woooooow now it looks like a big ball. I guess Earth would look the same hehehe."
"Hahahaha. Indeed Goku. Indeed." Grabbing Goku's shoulder, Shepard led the young Saiyan towards the commotion in space, seeing the remnants of Bardock and the King's battle against Frieza's forces. "Wow, that's incredible! They all feel so strong. But someone feels truly evil, including whatever is at that spaceship."
"That is because that is Frieza atop the ship Goku."
Using Instantaneous Movement, they appeared a hundred feet away from the argument that commenced.
"Now watch carefully Goku." Hearing Bardock cuss Frieza and his lackies out made Goku laugh, but when Frieza started charging his energy ball, all laughing ceased.
"No. No he-he can't seriously fire that on the planet. I have to-" a hand on his shoulder caused him to turn to Shepard, who was shaking his head.
"Memory, Goku." Goku tried yanking himself free, feeling compelled to stop the Tyrant, but Shepard's grip was a vice. Goku wasn't going anywhere.
"Even if you wanted to, feel the power coming from that. Do you think you could have made a difference?"
"KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" hearing that caused Goku to turn sharply towards his Father. "MEEEEEEEEEEEEE"
"How does he know the Kamehameha?" Goku asked Shepard. He didn't answer, only looking at the spectacle. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" "GALIIICCCCKKKK GUUUUUUUUUNNNNN"
"Heeey that guy looks like the other one that was on the planet with Gohan."
"MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"
"Shep how does he- "QUIET GOKU!"
The once small ball that Frieza had charged was now the size of a small sun, at least to Goku.
"Th-th-that's so powerful. There's-there's no way that those 2 can stop that. Why didn't you he-"
"FIIIIIIIRRRRREEEEEE" "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
2 massive beams of energy shot forth, colliding with the incoming ball of planet destroying energy. Goku once again tried to pull out of Shepard's grip.
"SHEP LE-LET ME GO, PL-PLEASE, I HA-HAVE-HAVE. TO. HELP. THEM!!! Goku was starting to tear up watching this. Wanting to help. But Shepard just wouldn't let go. "LET ME GO DAMN IT!"
Watching his father and the other man hold off something so massive was nothing short of heroic. The herculean effort it took was beyond mortal. Yet as the ball edged closer, Goku could hear his Father yelling in pain. Losing all hope to be able to interfere, Goku went lax in Shepard's grip.
Seeing the beams disappear, Shepard knew the pair had ran out of energy. Watching the ball start to consume them, for the 2nd time in what only seemed like days was hard for the Rogue. But for Goku...
"D-DAAAAAAAAAD! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Finally breaking free of Shepard's grip, Goku flew forward, trying to get to his now dying father.
"VE-VEGE-VEG-VEGETA? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAA HAHAH"
Before Goku could get to Bardock and the King, Shepard appeared behind Goku, putting him in a full nelson. Hardly having to struggle, Shepard calmly flew backwards with the struggling saiyan in tow.
"Damn it Shepard, I have to save. To save him. Pl-pl-please"
"HAHAHAHAHAAHAHA OUR SONS WI-W-WILL AVENGE US! WE WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH FRIEZAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa..."
Seeing his dad disintegrate before his very eyes, seeing his people be destroyed. The only thing that stopped Goku from snapping was the fact he was still stuck in the hold the older, much stronger saiyan had placed him in. As Shepard began to let go, he expected Goku to turn around in anger and punch him. When he didn't, he grabbed Goku and hurled him forward in time.
"Whoaaaaa, ahhhhhhhhh" Landing on solid ground, Goku got up again. Looking around, he saw Shepard now behind him.
"Pardon me Goku, I wanted to get you out of that memory as quick as possible. Welcome back to Earth, approximate time is hard to tell. But look there at your baby self giving Grandpa Gohan a hard time."
Turning back, he saw a toddler version of himself, looking even younger then his son Gohan, grabbing the old man's face and stretching it, as if trying to pull it off.
"Now now child, ow, my Kami you sure are-ow quite strong for a young one." The little boy had started kicking at the old man's chest. "Ow, now Goku, please stop kicking me boy, please-OW" Releasing the boy when one kick popped him right in the chin, surprising Gohan more then hurting, but nonetheless, the toddler was free, and falling into a ravine.
"NOOOOO, GOKUUUUUUU!" CRASH
Wincing, Goku looked back at Shepard. "That was me wasn't it? I don't even remember." Walking over to the ravine and looking down, they saw the toddler, blood seeping from his head. Grandpa Gohan had quickly rushed down, grabbing a couple small wooden branches that he could tie with strong vegetation.
"O-Oh-oh Goku I am so so sorry. I wish I had been strong enough to hold onto you. Oh no, what am I gonna do?" Tying the branches to some strong vegetation he always kept handy just in case, he tied it up and fashioned a small bed of sorts, placing the cover that had came within the pod over the boy, he slung the boy on his shoulders, careful not to jostle the head to much. And began walking him back up...
As the memory faded away, Goku started to realize that he had not left his house at all, 'waking up' and seeing his familiar kitchen, hand still on his forehead, that had now let go. Shepard looked at the younger saiyan.
"Let us go outside Goku, get a nice spar in or something. Reflect on your thoughts."
"Bardock, Gine, Raditz. Those were my family's names right?" Shepard eyed the younger saiyan.
"That is correct. Bardock made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as King Vegeta. Your mother is an Elder on another planet. Trust me. You will meet her someday. And Raditz." Thinking about how to break this to Goku, Shepard held firm with truth.
"Your brother works for Frieza, the very being who destroyed Planet Vegeta."
"Bu-bu-But why? Why work for someone who would just destroy your people?"
"Because Goku, he is holding out, trying to survive. Raditz was off planet when it was destroyed. I went to both him and Vegeta when they were children and told them the truth. Ya know, I still have this recording if you'd like to hear it."
Holding the device out, Goku took it without hesitation. Hitting the start button. He listened.
"Kakarot? Kakarot, if you are receiving this, then that means the stranger who visited our planet has made it to you. I will be long dead by the time you hear this. You may even be a young adult yourself now. You looked like me at birth, but the way the stranger described you, you certainly take after your mother, Gine. How to describe my wife, your mother? Guess you can say she isn't strong in physical strength, but she is powerful, in her own way. She...she loves you very much. Kakarot. What I have to tell you isn't easy but you need to hear it. I. I am not a good person, son. Pretty sure I will be goin to Hell after this. But it's for the right reasons. I have taken many lives, alongside my team. Don't EVER put Gine in the same category as me. Your mother is a SAINT, and without her, there's no doubt in my mind I would have gone crazy from this shit that we've been doing. I know that likely, your instincts as a child will take over. If you have been killing, I urge you to STOP. Immediately. We conquered much, son. But it is time to start to fight for the RIGHT reasons. I am the product of a harsh environment, a harsh life, and near slavery at this point. Frieza, the bastard, that son of a bitch, wants us dead. Gine and I had already planned on sending you to the planet you're on now. But the Stranger came and urged that we do MORE. You are NOT alone out there Kakarot."
"You may meet others of your own kind, maybe even your mother. Now what to say about your brother, Raditz. Well, Raditz was born 5 years before you. His hair is longer then his body, but maybe by the time he grows to be an adult, he will probably be able to deal with it easier. He is a typical 3rd class Saiyan warrior. His battle strength will likely be higher then yours. If you ever meet up with him, or if he comes to your planet, it will NOT be under good circumstances. Trust your instincts, son. The Saiyan within you will love fighting, but if you can temper the ruthlessness into something useable for the future, do it. Love is something I only preserve for my wife Kakarot. Just know that I hope that you are free from Frieza. And that you grow to be as strong as you can. Even low class warriors like ourselves can surpass an elite if we train hard and fight long enough. Just between us, son, I am currently stronger then our King. Ha ha! Take that Vegeta! Son, if you come across Prince Vegeta, again, trust your instincts. It is likely he will be a servant to Frieza by the time you are hearing this, and he may not be much of a prince any longer."
"Take care, Son. Remember, if you meet Gine, do not lump her in with the rest of us. She truly is the most kind hearted of us all. I better get going. I'm pretty sure the Stranger wants me for somethin else or whatever. Train hard Kakarot. And should you meet Frieza, do NOT. I repeat son, DO. NOT. SHOW. MERCY. He will kill everyone you've ever cared for, and he'll do it with a smile. He is on his way here to destroy us. He has had a hand in destroying TRILLIONS. TRILLIONS of lives, maybe more. You will be nothing he will lose sleep over Kakarot. Whatever the Stranger may tell you, listen to him. I was on the verge of going after Frieza myself, but it seems that guy has come up with a better plan, at least one that is ensures the survival of our race We may not all live, but some of us sure will, and that is acceptable to me."
"I can die today knowing that the rest of you will survive. I look forward to the day we may meet face to face. I don't know how that will come, but it will be my dream to spar with you son. I've had... I've had visions, from a previous mission, a soldier gave me this... Gift? Curse? I don't know what to call it. Whatever it may be, I have the ability to see the future. And you are destined to be GREAT. It will bring me great pride and joy to watch you kick a lotta ass over the coming years. I expect nothing less from one of the sons of the strongest 3rd class warrior in all of Saiyan existence. Make me proud, Kakarot, and LIVE. Good hunting, Son."
As the recording stopped, Shepard had nodded with acceptance. That is exactly what he wanted Bardock to tell his son. Looking at the young Saiyan, he could see Goku trembling.
"M-Mom, Dad. All this time. I. I never knew. Tell me Shepard, tell me that I will fight this Freezer guy someday. I need to know."
All Shepard could do you was wistfully smile, with a small wink. 'And I wish I could be by your side once again.'
"Don't worry Goku, you will. Trust me." Placing his hand on the younger saiyan's shoulder, Shepard looked back. It was time. He could feel his...tag along getting impatient.
"Piccolo! Come on out."
And cue the cut-off ha ha ha ha.
Not much in the way of power levels today. There will be more next chapter
Power Levels:
Shepard: Immensely suppressed (1,600 burst to Piccolo)