Hello all! Happy Thanksgiving to you. Just one more chapter until we get the Meeting you've been waiting for. We are closing in towards the start of Dbz. This has been a fun journey so far, but now the fun can truly begin. Today we see Mirai Shepard making final preparations for his younger self, setting the table so to speak. What final shenanigans will take place before 'He' arrives? Find out on this installment, of Dragon Ball: BtG!!

Drunken Hamster: Thank you for your review and enjoying the fight. I really enjoyed writing that one. Piccolo has been bullied enough, but his trails aren't over just yet! I enjoy writing Piccolo. He's gruff, but he's also honorable and intelligent. Goku gives me a hard time because I'm not 'special' so it's hard for me to really write him that way. Ergo the reason I am restoring his memories, making him a little bit smarter. He's still a carefree, cheery guy, but I also don't want him thinking that giving Cell a senzu bean in the future is a smart, logical idea. I have a big fight sequence coming in a couple chapters that I think you'll really appreciate. So please do keep reading my friend!

Age: September 760

Location: Earth

Mount Paozu

It had been nearly 9 hours since the spar between Shepard, Piccolo and Goku. Upon looking at the nearly destroyed house, Shepard was glad that his wife had made sure he had packed necessary items that could help Ki Proof a home. The reflective nature of the material that Goku's home was now built with would better protect it internally and externally. Fixing up Gohan's room was a serious choir. However, with Goku's help, as well as Piccolo testing the inner layers of the walls, they were deemed fit to hold. Piccolo had accepted a cold glass of water and within a couple of hours of moving material, he felt like his legs and arms were on fire. Remembering Shepard's words earlier when they had started, Piccolo snarled.

9 hours ago

Grumbling as he walked towards the home, Piccolo felt like just leaving. 'It's not my fault they have a snot nosed brat that can't control his damned power!'

"But it is your fault that he reacted in the fashion that he did." Startled, Piccolo turned around, angrily looking down at the older Saiyan.

"Stay out of my damn head, Shepard. How the hell can you read my thoughts anyway?" Shepard, looking thoughtful, decided to entertain the Namekian.

"Much like you would in meditation, but you need far more outward focus before you are ready to pick up on random thoughts from others. As far as your situation goes." Walking up to Piccolo, Shepard put his hand near his mouth, whispering, "You think too loudly." Nearly mistepping, the Namekian crossed his arms. Still angry, he looked down at Shepard, expecting more of an explanation, but Shepard put his hands up, walking by Piccolo.

"However you wish to see this as, Namekian, take my word for it, it'll be more like a training exercise of a different nature. Testing muscles you rarely use. You always meditate and do kata's, and spar with duplicates of yourself. It is time you learn to actually do work."

Present

'Hard to believe the old geezer knows what he is talking about!'

Piccolo, over the course of the last 9 hours, had done more work then he could ever remember doing. His arms were sore from moving the structural materials needed to strengthen Goku's house. His legs were tired from holding up many of the pieces of furniture that Chi Chi wanted in certain places of the house. His back was straining and sore. Piccolo had felt like he had put in an honest days work. What troubled his conflicted mind, more then anything, was that he found he somewhat enjoyed working. In some fashion, Piccolo could see himself building something of his own, near his favorite waterfall, perhaps. 'Who knew that helping to build my enem...rival's home back up would make me too tired to want to fight!'

Goku had pulled out many of the items he had put in the capsule Shepard had given him. Along with Chi Chi's help, they were able to fix the kitchen, the dining area, and they added an extension, making their small, comfortable bedroom nearly twice as big. Shepard had taken time, punching (tapping) a hole in one side of the house, allowing for highly graded resistant material that he had brought to help connect the gravity room he had brought for the Son Family to the main house, the walkway easily stretching 100 feet long. Over the course of the decades in Shepard's time, the Son's rarely did gravity training, Goten being the only one who had still used it, only occasionally. The settings were set to 1-5 times gravity right now, the minimal setting. Shepard had insisted that Goku wait a couple of years before trying it out seriously. He wanted Goku to wait until he had done King Kai's training. Goku, albeit reluctantly, agreed to this. Shepard, of course didn't tell Goku about the God or his training, only suggesting that it would be easier to use the gravity room in only a couple of years.

Knowing that the young saiyan was set to die in just around 14 months time, Shepard wanted Goku to do more outside training. He would also explain his reasonings to his younger self. He couldn't have Goku become too powerful too early, not without risking a majority share of his plans. Certain things needed to happen, even though Shepard was altering much, much of what he was changing was tangible if Goku could stay on a similar, but not so similar path.

As Shepard had observed, when he was not explaining or pointing where fixings needed to be, he had already noticed subtle changes with Goku. 'He seems more concerned with Chi Chi, making sure she isn't stressing herself so much. As I was placing a part of the new wall to the structure leading towards the Son Gravity Room, I noticed Goku grab one of Gohan's books that the boy was already done with, just flipping through a few pages. Bardock was a genius, a scientist. Could some of those aspects come through in Goku now that his mind isn't so fogged with lost memories? He was already incredibly bright when it came to fighting, but what if he took the time to strategize every now and again? His personality and the way he thinks, he is already fated to be ONE of the strongest. Could he perhaps become even stronger?'

Shepard had shuddered at the thought. Fighting Goku in his future already was Hell, and he knew he would have to bring everything he had because Goku was going to bring the fight nonstop.

Thinking about that fight in hindsight, Shepard began to help Gohan set up his dresser, and his new bookshelf. Loading up all of the books, he would read some of the titles in funny voices, eliciting laughs from the little boy. Shepard had another capsule he had been debating on giving the Son's. Seeing the little boy laugh, brought a bit of sadness to the Rogue. 'This laugh can NOT be lost.'

When Chi Chi had come in, she couldn't help but smile at the fatherly nature that Shepard possessed. In the span of less than a day, Shepard had not only come in, bulldozed his way through her logic, nearly gotten her killed when Gohan had exploded in rage, but also tirelessly helped them rebuild their home. With his strength, Shepard was able lift the durable materials, sometimes doing so with his mind for a demonstration to Goku, and put them into place, securing the bigger, more solidly built home. After a while, Chi Chi sent the Rogue out to the kitchen.

Deciding that what he had could only benefit the Son's in the future, Shepard walked out of Gohan's bedroom, heading towards the newly built kitchen, where seated at the table, was Goku and Piccolo. Piccolo, eyes closed with a thin lipped scowl, and Goku, cheery and smiling, were awaiting the Rogue.

"Heya Shep! I'm starvin! You have any more of those Saiyan Meal thingies?" Goku, waving at Shepard, asked.

Thinking back to something he had done on Planet Vegeta, a light went off in Shepard's head. 'Perfect timing!'

"Actually Goku, I have something else in mind." Pulling out the all blue capsule that he had used in Gine and Bardock's home, Shepard popped it open across the big kitchen table. Goku's eyes nearly bugged out of his mind.

"WOOOOOWWW LOOK AT ALL THIS FOOD!" Before Goku could dig in, Shepard slapped his hand away. "Ow ow ow owww Shepard what was that for? I'm soooo hungry." Rubbing his stomach and pouting; Goku tried to puppy eye Shepard, but the Rogue was firm. Piccolo had looked shocked at just how much food was covering the table.

"Who the hell eats all of...what is all of this from anyway?" Piccolo asked, not knowing if he wanted to hear the answer.

"When I showed Goku some of my memories on Planet Vegeta, I only showed him the aftermath. I actually spent quite a bit of time in Gine's home. I had to assure her that I was not a threat, and that I had your best interests at heart. She tried to attack me but I stopped the attack fairly easily. She made this food initially for me Goku, but rather then eat when I already had plenty of food in stock, I decided to save it. The food itself is only a couple of days old, however it was made roughly 23 years ago. But within this capsule none of it aged."

Noticing the steam come off of the many plates of meat, many of the things that looked like rice balls, as well as the cooked greens and what looked like some form of fish, Goku's mouth starting drooling.

"You are to honor this food Goku, for it was one of the last meals your mother could make before..." Shepard noticed the change in Goku almost instantaneously. Taking a slow look at the many plates, Goku then looked at Shepard.

"Thank you for doing this Shepard, she seemed like such a good person. I can't wait to try this food. GOHAN! CHI CHI!" Yelling for his family, Goku heard the shuffling of the two, rushing towards the supposed commotion.

"Goku what's going...on?" Chi Chi, carrying Gohan, asked, clearly stunned at seeing a bunch of food that she didn't make sitting on the table. "What is all of this? I don't recognize the meat." Chi Chi asked the Rogue.

"This food is native to Goku's home planet. Made specifically by your mother in law, Gine." Shepard said, shocking the young mother. Before she could ask, Shepard also said, "I placed it within a capsule that essentially doesn't allow whatever is in there to age. The food was made for me only a couple of days ago, so it is still quite fresh." Nodding her understanding, Chi Chi looked at her husband.

"Well aren't you gonna eat Goku?" Chi Chi asked, surprised that Goku had not dug into feast.

"Actually Chi Chi, Gohan, sit down and try it with me please. I...I wanted to share my Mom's last meal with you guys."

"Mommy is something wrong with Daddy?" Gohan whispered into his stunned mother's ear. Chi Chi didn't know what to say. Once food was put on the table, Goku was always extremely ravenous, often making Chi Chi fix her and Gohan's plate before she gave Goku the rest, which was generally 95% of whatever she had made.

"I-I don't know Gohan. What IS wrong with you Goku? It's not like you to share FOOD of all things?" Holding his hands up and feigning innocence, Goku started snickering before he looked at the food then back at his wife.

"Aww come on Chi, my Mother made all of this. It just wouldn't feel right if I can't share it with you guys." Shepard chuckled at hearing this. Goku was already changing, if only just a bit. Being more courteous of his family could open up a whole new area of growth for the young saiyan.

Piccolo had been sitting there patiently, before grabbing one of the many plates of fish.

"If you don't mind." Looking at Shepard as he did it, Piccolo still had reservations about the man.

"By all means Piccolo, after you are done eating I will take you to the Lookout. I still have a thing or 2 left to do before I am done with my work, so Kami can babysit you for a while." Hearing giggling coming from the little boy, Piccolo shot a look over at the 3 year old. As the 3 year old continued to giggle, Piccolo's eyes narrowed, clearly getting agitated.

"But Mr. Piccolo is not a baby Old Man." Still snickering in his hand, Gohan didn't see the Namekian face vault. Shepard almost did, but he supposed he was getting used to the innocence of youth from the little boy, instead sharing a laugh with Gohan. Goku and Chi Chi soon followed in the laughing before Piccolo jumped up, nearly exploding.

"I'M LEAVING. Thank you for the food but I am done with-"

"Calm yourself Piccolo. You can't seriously let a 3 year old's innocent opinion ruffle you into anger. This is what I mean about growing. Inside as well as out. Finish your fish and water, and we will go." Grumbling, Piccolo begrudgingly sat back down, taking the chopsticks and sticking them into his fish.

Nearly an hour later, the group of 5 had finished their meal. Goku was stuffed, thoroughly enjoying his mother's cooking. It was much like his wife's in a way. It was clearly obvious that Gine was used to making a large amount of food in one sitting.

It was getting dark outside when Shepard and Piccolo went to leave the Son's sturdier, bigger home, attached with a Gravity Room at the end of a connected walkway which connected to the house. Turning around at the entrance, Shepard pulled out a capsule, this one being green. Chi Chi had put Gohan to bed and had joined her husband in sending The Rogue off.

"I have one final capsule for you both. My wife insisted I bring it just in case. I am glad I did." Giving it to Chi Chi, Shepard beckoned for her to pop it. When the smoke cleared, Chi Chi nearly fainted. Goku whistled, eyeing all the piled up zenny. Piccolo was indifferent, not wanting or needing currency of any kind.

"Wow Shep there's so much here. How much is here anyway?" Scratching his head and looking at the money, Goku noticed his wife starting to tear up. "What's wrong Chi Chi?" Going over and hugging his wife, Goku was rubbing her back, trying to soothe her.

"Th-there's just so-so much m-money here! I had given up on e-ever being able to support your food habits, or Gohan's studies. Th-Thank you s-so much for this Sh-Shepard. Thank you." Crying, Chi Chi, getting out of Goku's hug, came over and hugged Shepard as hard as she could. She was truly happy now. It wasn't the money necessarily, but the very idea of being a poor princess had always hurt Chi Chi. She wanted to be able to support Gohan in anyway she could.

Hugging her lightly so he didn't squeeze her into a sandwich sized Ox Princess, Shepard had a smile on his face. Tights had kept the money in reserve, in the event that something ever happened to Capsule Corp, but it had flourished. Tights had made the suggestion that Shepard take some of the money to give to various people who would need it for the future. He still had some of it left, but the Sons got a good chunk of it, if only because Shepard wanted to guarantee that Gohan would be set in some way.

"I'm not quite sure of the exact amount. But I also grabbed this especially for your son." Pulling out a stone that fit comfortably in his hand, Shepard handed the stone to Goku. Goku knew instantly what it was.

"Ohhhh so that's why Mr. Popo came here a few months back. Thanks Shep. I'll make sure when it's orange and glowing again I'll give it to Gohan." Shepard took one last look at the Son Husband and Wife. He was not expecting to come back here. He had made sure he dropped off all the necessary items to the young family. Turning back and walking to the Namekian, Shepard noticed Piccolo was a bit on edge.

"You said that I could go in my own time. Why do I have to go now?" The Namekian asked, clearly agitated into being forced into doing something else he didn't want to do. Walking past him, Shepard kept walking towards the forest.

"Because I know you very well Piccolo, you would have held off meeting with him until it was far too late. The sooner you meet with Kami, the sooner you can begin to find peace." Shepard said, calling back to the Namekian. Deciding to go the old fashioned way, Shepard lifted off of the ground, Piccolo following behind. Nothing more was said between the 2 as they flew towards their destination.

Kami's Lookout

On the massive half dome shaped Lookout, the Guardian and the Genie had been overlooking their visitor's actions. Kami was especially surprised that Piccolo was willing to follow Shepard around.

"Mr. Popo I can only hope that someone like Shepard will be an extremely valuable asset in the coming years. What he has done with Piccolo is nothing short of miraculous." Sensing that Piccolo and Shepard were on their way here, Mr.Popo walked back toward the hub after agreeing with Kami. Grabbing 2 cups, he entered the Guardian's throne room, where the satchel with the Glacier Water lay next to the chair.

A few minutes later, Mr. Popo had come back out. Satchel in hand along with the 2 cups.

"I have the water ready for you Kami, should I go ahead and prepare the drinks?" The genie asked.

"No not yet Mr. Popo, let's see what our visitors have come here for. I will let you know when it is time."

Nearly 45 minutes later, Shepard, with Piccolo slightly behind him, shot up the long tower, passing Korin and Yajirobe. Not having time for pleasantries, Shepard ignored the pair, as did Piccolo. Upon reaching the clouds, Shepard could see the dome. Coming up and over, he landed on the Lookout floor with a tap, Piccolo landing behind him seconds later. Walking towards Kami and Mr. Popo, who had been awaiting the pair from the looks of it, Shepard smiled, holding his hand out.

"An honor Kami." Kami looked down at the offered hand, slowly smiling and holding his hand out in return.

"An honor to you as well." Kami didn't miss his other half's scoff. "Piccolo, always a delight to see you."

"CAN IT YOU OLD-" before Piccolo could finish, he felt a tightening around his neck, feeling it only tighten more as he began clawing at it. He looked ahead, noticing that Shepard in front of him had held up his point finger and thumb in a squeezing motion for him to see. Moving his head and looking back at him in silent anger, Shepard was clearly not approving of the Namekian's words.

"You do not have to bow to Kami, Piccolo. I made that clear, but you WILL show respect. One more unnecessary outburst and I will seal you in a medical beaker, so everyone can see your shame, is that understood?" Kami and Mr. Popo looked on in stunned silence. Kami in all of his years had never seen any form of Piccolo, King or Jr, look so terrified. Kami felt bad for the young Namekian.

'My word, he looks every bit of the young Namekian child he still is.'

"Is this really necessary Shepard? Perhaps you are going a bit too far?" Kami asked, still unbelieving in the fact that he was defending his other half.

Shepard looked back, lacing the Guardian with a surprised look. Still holding Piccolo's neck in the...Ki Choke that he improvised on the fly, he answered the Guardian with level calm.

"Equal resistance requires more then equal force Kami. Piccolo WILL learn, one way or another. If I have to spoon feed him all the knowledge he will need to change his destiny then I will do that. As for the both of you," releasing Piccolo from the improvised hold, the Namekian fell unceremoniously to the ground, taking in gulps of air and holding his neck, eyes wide and scared near shitless. "I leave the 2 of you with the hope that I can continue my work down below before He comes. I need to have things in place so that when He arrives, he won't be so lost."

'Like I was when I first came here.'

Looking down at the still near breathless Piccolo, who had somehow gotten to his hands and knees, still breathing heavily. Shepard had one final piece of advice to give to the young Namekian. Bending down and looking eye level with Piccolo, who looked up wide eyed and scared at the Rogue.

"And Piccolo, I sincerely hope you will come around. The simple fact is, is that Gohan will need you, more then you can ever believe. I am sorry for what I had to do to you, but Kami is NOT your enemy. He is YOUR key, to finding balance." Looking over to the still stunned pair, Shepard smiled, noticing the satchel in Mr. Popo's hand, as well as the 2 glass cups.

"Besides, you may even thank me someday for this Piccolo. So long, my green friend. And good luck." Winking, Shepard got back to his full height, looking again to the pair.

"He will be here in just under 36 hours time. I have to head back down. Thank you Kami." WOOSH

Upon seeing The Rogue vanish, Kami looked down at Piccolo, who was just starting to get to his trembling feet.

"Relax Piccolo, he is hundreds of miles away right now. Why don't you follow me? I have something for you that you may enjoy." Kami suggested. Piccolo, finally starting to recover from nearly having his neck snapped so casually, nodded his head.

"So what is it you have for me? I-I really don't want to be here any longer then necessary unless you have a history lesson for me as to why you would split yourself like you did." Piccolo all but forced out of his mouth. He felt really uncomfortable. Noticing the Genie had taken what looked like a decent sized jug of water out of a brown satchel, he observed Mr. Popo filling 2 glasses. Handing both to Kami, the Guardian walked to his younger other half, holding out one of the glasses.

"It is time you know my whole truth Piccolo."

Southern Mountains

WOOSH

Appearing above a series of islands roughly 250 miles away from Master Roshi's island, Shepard looked down, regarding the 8 small(ish) islands.

'How I found this place was just so messed up. But when I went to Capsule Corp after finally teaching myself how to fly, it made it all so worth it in the end.'

In his past, so very long ago, actually only a couple months in the future, after he recovered from his Fall, Shepard had found these small islands while flying. One in particular stood out, with the highest peak of the 8. It overlooked the rest of the islands and the vast ocean. Turning around, one could see the massive mountains not too far off in the distance. Not knowing exactly how to proceed back then, Shepard had initially built a shack to house himself and when he would go flying to hunt for animals and fruits and various other things, he had a 2nd smaller shack to house his food. The first few months were extremely difficult. He was lucky he had recovered after his fall from the sky well before December, when he would go to Capsule Corp...

Shrugging off the memory, Shepard pulled a house capsule out of his left pocket. He had been saving this specifically for his younger self. It wasn't modeled quite like his house in the future, but it was a MUCH better start then what he had to start with himself. Shepard had a Ki Proof glass made so he could really open up his house and let light in if he or the family wanted it. Inside, the 4 story tall capsule house had everything Shepard would or could ever need. Much of it was neutral colored, allowing for change if his younger self so desired it. It had 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, an impressive kitchen with a fridge that stood close to 7 feet tall and 6 feet wide, nearly going 5 feet deep. It had state of the art fixtures and Ki Proofed material made furnishings. It also housed a standard, but state of the art gravity room, locked to only go to 5 times until his younger self, with his handprint, could generate enough Ki to unlock the computer to allow for higher settings. Inside the gravity room but in a room in the northeast corner not affected by the extremities of the room, was a pair of Healing Pods, much like the ones he had given Bulma and Doctor Brief. Not to mention a nice homey game room with a great stereo system in the big basement.

Shepard was quite aware that his younger self, along with Tights, if his dumbass stayed on course, and the Family would be idealistic and want to change things. Which was fine, but Shepard knew this location offered a beautiful sunset, adequate room to train on the island or the other 7, which were only hundreds of feet apart. Not to mention the potential for the fruit farms that Tights and Shepard had created together, making some of the biggest and juiciest oranges on the planet. Goku would often times want one when he would come over. They were not easy to maintain, but Shepard was diligent in keeping it going strong, giving the responsibility to his son Axel a couple years before he started getting a serious itch to train to improve before going Back.

The one thing that Shepard was incredibly thankful for Bulma creating was the technology to detect foreign wavelengths and in her later years, she with Bra's help had perfected the technology that could detect androids. Or more importantly, anything related to Dr. Gero's mechanical signature. The obsessed prick was able to copy his fighting style and techniques, having made his ability to be an X factor greatly diminishing. Upon destroying the entire base in the mountain, Shepard made sure to go down to the sub level to deep fry Cell, who had been able to acquire his DNA through the micro bugs that Gero had created.

Checking the watch on his wrist, Shepard noted that the barrier was still in full effect, and had detected 2 different attempts to puncture said barrier. When the bugs would attempt to come in contact, they would be grabbed and pulled into the invisible barrier, where they would be disintegrated. The process took seconds. So when his younger self arrived, Shepard needed to be quick. The problem was not getting to him or not knowing where he would fall. It would be listening to him scream and complain in pain and shock when he fell on top of securing and protecting him from ALL of Gero's machinations.

When he had fallen through, Shepard had hit the ground, full force on his back. With not being very strong at the time, in fact weaker then even Yamcha, he broke nearly every bone in his back, leaving a sizable crater that he had somehow managed to pull himself out of.

Looking back on the memory with fondness, Shepard threw the house out finally, sending out a massive puff of smoke. Much of the Kachi Katchin that he had brought was not put into this gravity room. The Rogue couldn't make everything easier for his younger self. The boy would actually have to go and get stuff made from the hardened material and bring it here. Deciding that he would come back a little later and finish tidying it up, Shepard looked out across the distance, past the mountains. It had been nearly 12 hours since Shepard had left the Double Deuce Night Club. He figured Mark, who he could sense was still at the establishment, was moving a bit more, indicating that he could be leaving soon.

The struggle when dealing with Hercule Satan a.k.a. Mark, was that he ended up being a true hero. Shepard did not want to destroy that part of Mark, he needed to somehow enhance who Hercule could be. Perhaps if he could clue Mark in on certain details, such as Ki, or flying, it could potentially make him an ally on the people's side of things. Shepard loved his privacy, and was more then gracious when Hercule had taken the credit for beating Cell and Majin Buu. The truth of the matter was that in some way, if Hercule had not been involved, then it was likely that the Universe would be a vastly different place. Chuckling to himself, Shepard thought about the irony of it all, before vanishing.

Using Instantaneous Movement, he appeared in Orange City once again, overlooking the night club. Shepard wasn't exactly sure when the burly human would be getting out. It was nearly 3am in the morning, so Shepard figured Mark had been here just a shade over 12 hours.

'If Mark can get strong enough and be more positive in teaching his daughter, perhaps she and him won't have the barrier that seemed to manifest after Videl met Gohan. She was very bitter and angry for quite a while towards Hercule for lying the way he did. Perhaps if I had approached her sooner and explained the situation. But it's too late to dwell on.'

Working on a set of notes he had been preparing for the Wrestler, Shepard's ears picked up on the night club towards the opening, finally seeing Mark walking out. Floating above as he slowly followed the man, Shepard could tell that Mark had been through the ringer today.

Shepard's intentions were to initially go into the Night club, start a fight with Mark himself and 'pretend' to wrestle him until they got outside, where he would then use Instantaneous Movement to transport the both to an undisclosed location, but upon feeling Gohan's eruption of energy, he had to go to a backup plan. 'I refuse to allow his daughter to be beaten by Spopovich, in ANY way. My younger self would be enraged. When I watched it, I know I wasn't pleased one bit.'

Seeing the burly human walking and muttering to himself, from Shepard's ears it sounded like Mark was talking about something to do with bills. Figuring he would stay just high enough to be out of sight but low enough that he could keep a good eye on him, Shepard followed Mark until he had approached a domed building, an apartment complex from the looks of it. After Mark went in, Shepard landed on the roof. He continued to think about how he was going to convince Mark that he should quit his job and start training again. Shepard knew Hercule Satan wouldn't rise anywhere near the Z Fighters level of strength, but if he just knew about ki...

'That's it! It probably will take him a couple years, but the Pendulum Room on the Lookout could most certainly help him overcome his fears. Now it's just a matter of convincing him that-' Hearing Mark down on the ground coming out of the building, Shepard heard an elderly woman speaking.

"Don't you worry your little heart over the expenses Mark, you've always paid me when I needed it. That is more then enough. Oh she's such a precious little girl." Fingering one of the little girl's curls out of the her eyes, the little girl in question was knocked out on her fathers shoulders. The elderly woman looked up at the huge man with the little girl in her arms. She had known Mark since he was his own daughters age, having watched him when his parents would be out.

"Miss Mary I promise I'll get ya the rest of it tomorrow. I can't thank ya enough for doin this for me. Do ya want me to come and fix that dining table for ya?" Mark asked. Working the late hours that he did, he didn't trust too many people with his 3 year old daughter. He had known Mary for as long as he could remember, and would always trust her. So when he had gotten the job at the night club, knowing he would be working later hours, he made sure to take care of Mary and paid her extra for keeping Videl so late.

"Next time you have off dear, that will be fine. I'll make sure to bake those double chocolate chip cookies you both love so much. Just call and let me know ok sweety?" Pinching the huge man's cheek, Mary smiled.

"Oh that would be fantastic Miss Mary, thank ya. I'm sure Sweet Pea will love em just like her daddy." Grabbing the bag that he had brought for Videl, he began to walk home.

"I'll see ya tomorrow Miss Mary." Mark called back. As he started down the street, he began to think about 'home.' It was a dome duplex style housing set up, having a young guy around his age for a neighbor. He knew the guy was some kind of business man. When he would get up early in the mornings with his daughter to make breakfast for her, he would often see the guy going out to the street, pulling out a capsule and popping out a car.

'Must be nice to have all that fuckin luxury.' Mark thought as he kept walking. Carrying his daughter and the heavy bag was not a chore, it was just the day was so long, and Mark desperately wanted sleep.

15 minutes later, Mark arrived at his home. Setting the bag down and opening the door, he walked in, kicking it closed behind him. It was a 2 bedroom complex, with the necessary living room and kitchen and bathroom, along with a small playroom for his daughter. He often slept on the big couch in the living room, letting Videl often choose between her room or his stomach. Tonight, she was going to her bed. Mark went to her room, laying her down gently so not to wake her. He looked down at her, smiling.

'Oh Miguel, if ya could see her now.' His mood had faded a bit, thinking back to his wife. Putting the covers over the little girl, Mark smiled again, before he turned and walked out of her room, cracking the door. He was a light sleeper, and when his daughter would wake up screaming from a scary nightmare, he was up within moments most times, coming to comfort the little girl when she needed it.

WOOSH

Walking to the kitchen, not turning the light on, Mark opened the fridge, grabbing a beer out. Cracking it open and taking a big chug, he nearly spit his beer out when the light flashed on. Turning around instantly ready to fight, he was absolutely stunned when he looked in the chair. In one of his chairs, a hammer, a big fucking hammer, sat in it, and in the other, it's apparent owner. Mark didn't know who the hell this guy was. Swallowing his beer down, he was about to yell, before remembering his daughter in the other room only a handful of feet away. So he silently threatened.

"Who in the fuck are ya and what do ya think you're doin in my house?" Mark was livid. Whoever this man was had ruined any chance of him going to sleep this morning, not to mention he had broken in and was closer to his daughter then he was. Mark was starting to fume as he watched the man casually hold his hand out. Confusion turned to sheer shock and terror when he watched one of his beers float out of his fridge. Jumping back with his eyes bugged out, Mark held his hands up, ready to flee or fight, he didn't know.

"L-l-lo-loo-look wh-what-" Watching the visitor wave his hand, he heard his fridge door shut.

"Calm down Mark, I'm not here to fight." Shepard said, somewhat amused at the man's reaction. Pulling the hammer out of Mark's chair and setting it next to him, as softly as he could so he didn't cause a tremor and wake the little girl up. Opening the beer and taking a good swig, Shepard approved of the taste. It kind of reminded him of a beer he once used to have back home.

'Ahh Rolling Rock, good times.' Finishing the rest of the beer, Shepard set it down, holding his hand out toward the chair for Mark to sit in.

"Sit down, if you will Mark. We are going to have a talk." Shepard commanded. Mark, still trembling, grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the top of the fridge and slowly made his way to the offered seat, oddly feeling like he was the guest now.

'Who in the hell does this guy think he is? I swear if he even thinks of mentioning Videl I will fuck him up.'

Shepard decided not to tell Mark that he could hear his uncontrolled and angry thoughts, putting on an air of indifference. Sitting down across from him, Mark opened the bottle of whiskey, taking a swig of it.

"No matter how much whiskey you drink, it is not going to make disappear what you just seen with your very eyes. Nor will it change your perception of this." Holding his hand out across the table, palm out, Shepard summoned a small ball of green energy, no bigger then a baseball. Hearing Mark gulp, he saw the terrified human ready to tip the bottle again, before Shepard with his other hand, held it out, taking the bottle out of the human's hand with his mind. Bringing it to his own mouth, he grabbed it with his hand and took a sip.

"Hmmm, not quite rotgut but not quite fine. I guess it'll suffice." Shepard said, still holding the small ball of energy.

"Th-this has to be so-so-some kinda trick." Mark stammered. He was clearly not expecting to nearly shit himself in his own kitchen, looking at a crazy guy holding out a ball of light, taking his whiskey. "And don't talk about my whiskey." Attempting to snatch the bottle out of the stranger's hand, he wasn't expecting the stranger to take it and hurl it out the open kitchen window.

CLANK SMASH

Hearing the glass shatter outside, Mark got angry.

"Wh-What th-the? Are...you..do ya have some kinda death wish?" Mark was slowly getting to the point of not caring how strong this guy apparently was.

"Hmmm, is your daughter awake? I would feel horrible if she woke and seen you shaking like you are now. I need a camera." Pretending to get up to walk to Videl's bedroom, he was prepared (and hoping) for Mark to jump out of his chair and get in front of him.

"That's it scum! Get the hell out of my house or I'll put your head through my wall and then some! NOW!" Grabbing the strangers gi, Mark had it. He was angry that his whiskey was gone, angry that this bastard had broken into his house at 4 in the morning and robbed him of his sleep. Interacting with his daughter? That was his limit. Preparing to throw the stranger over his shoulder, Mark was not prepared for the stranger to not only block the attempt, but start to walk past him like he wasn't there. Balling up his fist, Mark swung it at the man.

Catching it with his finger, Shepard chuckled.

"DO YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY YOU SON OF A BITCH?" Mark yelled. "I SAID GET OUT, I WON'T LET YA NEAR MY DAUGHTER NOW SCRAM!"

Pushing as hard as he could, Mark tried getting the Rogue to the door, but it was far tougher then he thought. 'Wh-What the hell is he made of?' Deciding he had found the Wrestler's limit, Shepard decided to ask a question that he was intrigued about.

"So if I was the assassin who killed your master, and I had your daughter by the scruff of her shirt, threatening her life, would you fight me?"

Caught off guard by the question, Mark was still angry but now very confused. But he didn't have to think for more then a couple seconds.

"Yer damn right I would. I WON'T LET YOU NEAR HER!" Mark answered, determined to get the stranger away. Still pushing as hard as he could towards the door, Mark had looked past the stranger and had seen that he hadn't made any progress. "DAMN YOU, LEAVE HER ALONE!"

"Daddy?"

All sound and commotion ceased when that one word was spoken. Snapping around to see that his daughter was awake and standing in the small hallway leading to her room, Mark silently pleaded with the stranger to stay away. When the stranger didn't move, Mark backed away, getting on a knee and scooping Videl up.

"He-Hey Sweetpea what are ya doin up? Uhh I guess you heard my friend an I out here wrestling around hahahahaha." Walking back towards the little girl's room, Mark was thankful the stranger had not moved from the hallway.

"Who is the big man Daddy?" Videl asked, yawning as she was put back in her nice big bed that was all her own.

"Aww well ya see Sweet Pea your daddy had friends before you were born. That was just one of them. But I haven't seen him since before ya came into the picture so I didn't know if he had changed or not."

"I heard you saying bad words Daddy." Videl, innocently closing her eyes and turning over in her sleep.

"We-well yer Daddy and his friends tend to joke quite a lot. Go ahead and get back to sleep my little Sweet Pea." Sitting there for a minute and watching his daughter sleep, Mark had almost forgotten about the stranger who was still in the hallway. Looking up, he had seen the man now standing outside Videl's bedroom door, motioning for him. Looking back, he gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead.

WOOSH

Angered once again, Mark held it in until he got out of the bedroom. Cracking the door, he turned around to confront the stranger...only to see that he was not there.

"Wh-What the hell? Where'd he go?" Walking back to the kitchen, he seen that the visitor was completely gone. Sitting down at the table, he almost failed to see the small notebook sitting where the stranger was, along with a green Hoi Poi capsule. "What kinda joker?" Stopping mid sentence to grab the capsule and notebook, he became completely sober when he started reading the notes within. Flipping through it, at the end, a piece of paper fell out. Grabbing it up, Mark read.

To Mark Satan, the future Champion of the World

I know that this letter may come as a shock to you as you read Mark, but I want you to realize that tonight was a test. "A test. Fuck him. Threatening my daughter like that. Let em come back here an I'll feed him a delicious knuckle sandwich." He continued reading.

In this test, I want to see how far I can push your buttons. Writing this letter before I arrive to your house, I suspect that any kind of threat to your daughter may be the necessary step I must take in testing your limitations. Know that I apologize ahead of time for any kind of threat I may give off. I do not want you to think that I was attempting to take yours or Videl's lives. And yes, I will explain before you start thinking. Yes I know who your daughter is, or can be. But also know that it is in YOUR best interest to begin your's as well as her training again. To explain, I am without a doubt, Trillions, yes you are reading that right. Trillions of times stronger then the assassin who killed your Master Satan. And the fact that I have a feeling that you will want to fight me if I show any kind of threat towards a loved one, will show that you, Sir, are a good man. You have in your heart what it takes to be a True Champion of the world, Mark Satan, or should I say, Hercule.

'Ho-how in the hell does he know about that nickname?' Mark paled, realizing how fortunate he was that the stranger was not hell bent on ending his or his child's life. Turning the letter around, he saw there was more.

You should not fear those who are stronger then you my friend. It is time you get over your fears. To do this, I believe I will have to summon a ball of Ki. Ki is NOT a TRICK. Read that correctly Mark. It is NOT a trick. Nor is it some kind of flashy light show. Ki can KILL. If you were a witness to the battle between Goku and Junior, which I'm sure you were, you saw that their attacks were incredibly damaging. This is what Ki can do. The assassin who killed your master and injured you severely used Ki. Let me make one thing PERFECTLY clear. EVERYONE has Ki. Everyone. That includes you. That includes your daughter, who has more potential then even you do Sir. I tell you this now, to save you the possibility of NOT seeing your daughter get beaten to death before she is an adult by an opponent of yours who will want revenge for defeat at your very own hands. This was due to lack of knowledge in Ki. And before you think that I am crazy, allow me to say that I am from the Future. A future in which Videl was in fact nearly killed by a previous opponent of yours. If you love your daughter like I know you do, she will be FIRST in your obligations. ALWAYS. Stay away from the leeches and supposed people who will be there for you. You can be a part of a greater family of people. These people are Ki Practitioners. To put it clearly, your very daughter will fall in love with one in the coming years. He will be far stronger then you, and I know for a fact that THAT is something you would want for Videl. But you don't have to be kept in the dark. OPEN YOUR EYES HERCULE. Within the Hoi Poi capsule that will come with the letter and notebook, is exactly 5 million Zenny. This is a Gift, from a Ki Practitioner. Also there are a series of coordinates and addresses within the notebook. One in particular. 439 East District. Mount Paozu. This is Goku, the current World Martial Arts Tournament Champion. I would say when you are truly ready, take yourself and your daughter up there. It truly is a beautiful place. Train yourself, learn how to use Ki, follow the notebook. Go and challenge Goku. Get over your fears of facing someone so much stronger then you. Goku is stronger then Mercenary Tao. Remember your nature and remember that if you want to save Videl, learn how to use Ki and do NOT be fearful of defeat. There will come a time when your daughter will be in the hardest fight of her life, and the difference between her success, or her death, lies in YOUR hands, Mark Hercule Satan. If you must know my name, it is Shepard. You will know of me in the coming years. Good Luck Sir, I hope you will take my warnings seriously.

Sincerely,

Shepard

Mark had many emotions go through him as he read the letter. Surprise at the mention of Ki. 'I suppose after seein that green light thing I shouldn't be so skeptical.' Pure anger at the thought of his Sweet Pea being hurt, but also hope as well that he could help save her. Grabbing the capsule, he squeezed it.

"I guess I'm done workin at the strip joint." Knowing he had to make a phone call first before he could go to bed, he picked up the landline.

"Yeah Nancy, put me on the line with Jimmy."

Southern Islands

Using Instantaneous Movement to get back to his Island, Shepard looked at the house that he had popped a bit earlier. Deciding to go inside to the main living room and sit on the couch. He was happy. He felt like he had accomplished quite a bit today, some of which not quite going how he planned; but nonetheless, he felt like he was done. Shepard would sleep, wake up, shower and eat, do a series of katas and then meditate until...He came.

'Alot of things are going to change. With Yamcha hopefully becoming stronger, Hercule and Videl knowing of Ki and how to use it much earlier. Bulma and the Doctor having access to alien technology, and having Kachi Katchin 35 years earlier. Piccolo and Goku having a healthy rivalry instead of a bitter hatred for one another, Gohan potentially training. WHEWWW. I'm tired.'

Sitting back, Shepard did not realize that he had passed out.

"Why'd you do it?"

Opening his eyes, Shepard didn't know how long he had been asleep for. Hearing the question, Shepard looked around, seeing only a white void similar to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. 'Wait a sec.' Taking a second look, he could just make out a figure in the distance. Walking towards the stranger, Shepard's emotion's slowly started going into overdrive as he could start to make out features.

Approaching within 20 feet, the figure he was looking at was familiar, but very odd to look at. The man looked to be in his 70s, with a simple white shirt and brown khaki's. Hair a salt and peppering grey and short. The man was a couple inches shorter then he was, muscles long since leaving the man's body with age. But what stood out the most were the eyes. He had not seen those brown eyes since he himself had them, so many decades ago.

"Marc?" Looking wide eyed at the aging human, Shepard continued to observe.

"In the flesh. Been a long long time Shepard. So. Are you gonna answer my question?" Marc asked, piercing through to Shepard's soul. Shepard in turn did not know what Marc was talking about.

"Can you be more specific? I've done a lot of shit over the decades, so being that broad won't help me to help you." Shepard was starting to get confused. Marc had been there in the background the whole time, but had not surfaced in a very long time.

"You shut me out when Kid Buu blew up Earth. I understood that. You an I Shepard? We're one and the same. I felt exactly how you did when it happened. It broke us. But I never. NEVER. Would have guessed you to be a genocidal planet destroyer. What happened to you, Frieza?"

Shepard about blew his top at that comparison. "FRIEZA? You DARE COMPARE ME TO HIM?" Walking up to the frail human and staring him down, Shepard hoped that his own forceful breath of air would knock the old man down, but not only did it not, Marc stepped forward, meeting him face to face.

"Your damn right I do. Frieza destroyed because he felt like it. You say you were being noble. Didn't want them to suffer. Why don't I believe that bullshit? You did it for a demonstration to Trunks. Nothing more! How the hell could you justify erasing a planet?" Arguing face to face with yourself was a very hard concept. But Shepard wouldn't back down.

"If you felt what I had, if you could understand what I've seen, you would know why I did it. Yes I led Trunks to that planet. Vegeta had told me about it before. How it was nothing more then a scant rock with barely any slaves that had been beaten to the point of brokenness. I felt their suffering Marc. Vegeta had outright destroyed the planet. What I did was cleaner." Shepard tried to justify his reasonings, but as he explained, even he started to have second thoughts about it. He looked at Marc, who gave him a look he knew all too well. Disappointment.

Shaking his head, Marc looked at his counterpart. The other side of the coin so to speak. "I can tell even now that you are regretful in your actions. We could have found a better way. And now I've noticed you decided to enact that plan. How much time until the younger Shepard gets here?" Marc asked, concerned that he had pulled his alternate in this space for too long.

Shepard looked at his watch, surprised that it still functioned. "Hmmm when I sat on the couch it was just after 4:30am, Thursday morning September 15. He was due to arrive in just over 36 hours. It seems you've had me in here nearly 12 hours Sparky. Ready to let me out? I still have to tidy the house up a bit." Shepard had only planned to sleep 4-6 hours. 'Of all times he decides to pull me in this fucking place.' Internally, Shepard was seething. This cut into his kata work and exercise.

"Why don't you spark up one before He gets here. When you lit that stuff up on that one planet, Frieza 420 I believe, it woke me up again. When we agreed that it was best if I stay dormant after what happened with Majin Buu, I obviously let you have too much fun." Marc suggested, but Shepard shook his head.

"Out of the question, I need to be at my best when I go see Whis. And if Beerus wants to wake so I can slap the living shit out of him that's fine too. Lazy prick." Shepard said, scoffing at the thought of the God. Marc however, countered back.

"You clearly are NOT thinking clearly. Yes you are probably stronger then Beerus now but you know as well as I that if we go against Whis-"

"It doesn't matter. He left US with nothing. NOTHING MARC! His hands aren't any cleaner in this."

"Just fucking smoke will ya. One stupid little blunt is all I'm asking for. I'm not at full strength and seeing behind the fog you left behind has gotten hard over the years. Good luck Shepard. I'll send you back now." Marc saw the surprised look on his alternate's face.

"Marc, wait." Shepard was pleading. But the old human turned around, walking back into the white void, slowly disappearing.

"Stop getting lost in the mix Shepard." Marc called back one last time over his shoulder.

"YAHHHHHH! Uhh, uhh!" Snapping awake, Shepard quickly got his bearings. Checking his watch, he saw that the barrier was still in place and that no new attempts had been made on his DNA. He also saw that it was nearly 5pm. Getting up quickly, Shepard started getting ready.

Within the hour, Shepard had gotten a shower, ate one of the Saiyan meals he had now stored in one of the several pantries in the kitchen, and began a series of katas.

By 8pm, Shepard had finished his warm ups and dropped down in an Indian style sitting, ready to get into a full meditation. He was planning an all night session, going well into the morning. By noon he expected to be done, fully in tune and of sound mind and body. But before he did all of this, he decided to follow his Alternate's advice. Grabbing one of the capsules stored with the space marijuana, he popped one. The smell that jarred his senses nearly put him on his ass.

"Ooo FUCK. Well why not the Arcosian Ice? Fuck the Colds." Pulling out a good amount for a blunt's worth, Shepard was lucky his wife had made sure he had a few different kind of wraps. "Hot Damn I love Tights Brief!" Smiling as he pulled out the blueberry flavored wrap, he proceeded to break out the marijuana and roll up...

2 hours later

'Wasn't I supposed to be meditating?'

"Now you can. That, is some very good shit my friend."

"What the?" Snapping his eyes open, Shepard did not realize he had spaced out. Noticing it was already 10pm, he got his mind focused, ready to begin the hours long meditation. If all ended well. He would be done no later then 3pm the next day, just over 2 hours until His arrival. Closing his eyes, Shepard dug deeply into his own mind...

"You see, now you're finally starting to understand. I can't stand what Whis did either. But we didn't exactly give any alternative ideas did we, or I, I should say."

Shepard had found the white void again, along with a stoned Marc sitting on his ass, legs out. Sitting down with him, they had talked about the whole Plan. Marc liked most of what he heard, but pointed a few small problems.

"You've grown far too hard over the decades Shep. I should've woke sooner. I'm surprised I didn't wake during Beerus' arrival." Marc said, clearly curious why he missed so much time. In one sense, Marc was Shepard's Conscious. In another, Shepard was Marc's Dream. When Marc was fully awake, Shepard was at his fullest peak. He could think with clarity, and true compassion. If Marc had been fully awake within Shepard during his fight with Xeno Trunks, Shepard would have NEVER erased that planet. Suffice to say, this hours long session between the two is what they both needed, in order to fully sync back into one fully able bodied Human Turned Saiyan. Shepard, for the last 3 plus decades, had tried to rely on most of what he could remember through his past, failing miserably sometimes. Now, as he dwelled on it more, he thought he could've found a new solution, where as only hours ago he was content with the erasure of FP 319.

"I thought that their suffering had no end. Maybe. Maybe I could've found a new planet for them. But I didn't want Frieza to go looking in unknown places and come across the saiyan children and Elders." Shepard throughout the session was slowly accessing the last 30 plus years of his life. Feeling Marc truly within his conscious again, it had opened up many buried feelings and thoughts of the past, even before.

"I get it Shep. I do, but now, WE can see the plan through. It can work if WE work together. You've already done 75 percent of the work. It's time for me to help you finish what you started."

As they both stood up, Shepard was quick on his feet, where as Marc, as old and frail as he was, was much slower to get to his. Waving off Shepard's attempt at help, Marc snickered.

"Oh don't mind me Shep, these bag of bones have slept long enough. I got one final push in me, what do ya say?"

"Agreed Marc." Smiling and looking down at his old former self, Shepard was now more then ready to take on what lay ahead. His mind clear, all that was left was the Rejoining.

"By the way, I suppose there is a one small thing you should be aware of." Marc said snidely. Narrowing his eyes, Shepard didn't ask, knowing Marc would answer.

"We've been in here longer then you were intending. If your watch is right, we have exactly 6 minutes left until-"

"WHAAAAAAAAAATTT?" Shepard screamed. "ARE YOU FU-?" Slapping his hand onto the saiyan's mouth, Marc waited for his alternate to calm down.

"Relax, everything is going according to plan. You said so yourself." Releasing his grip on Shepard's mouth, Marc started laughing at the Saiyan's face, while Shepard gawked at the Human's.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I gotta hurry man!"

"Yes, yes you do." Holding out his hand, the still snickering Marc looked up at the Rogue, who looked at the hand in question.

"It's Time," was all Marc said.

Shepard held his hand out.

"For us to wreck shit."

When they connected, a white light filled throughout the void...

Eyes snapping open, Shepard looked at his watch. He had 3 minutes left.

"FUUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKK!" His power felt greater then ever now, and he was extremely lucky this house had been built to Divine Ki standards.

"Dude calm down. Instantaneous Movement? Did ya forgot Larry?"

"Fuck off." Shepard said to no one, clearly agitated that he had let so much time slip. But as his inner conscious had reminded him, he could be at the location within moments. Hearing the chuckling from his former self, Shepard set his sights out in the distance, feeling for the unfamiliar vibrations he had only felt once before in his life. With 2 minutes left, he felt it. 'Gotta jet!' WOOSH

10 miles south of Olive Village

WOOSH

Appearing thousands of feet in the air with Instantaneous Movement, Shepard checked his watch. 'Under 2 minutes left. Let's see let's see let's see...THERE!' 30 feet to his right, he saw what appeared to be shimmering sparkles starting to phase in the air, leaving behind a smell of divine power. 'This is definitely it. 1 minute.'

As Shepard continued to marvel at the phenomenon, he couldn't help but feel a tingle of excitement. He had fought tooth and nail to get as much as he could prepared for Himself. He was glad that Tights had a second Capsule Tech Watch. Shepard would attach it to his younger self as soon as he could. 'You better fuck Doctor Gero up' The Rogue thought. The only thing that was left to do was wait. 'This is going to be epic!'

3...

2...

1...

And that's that! The final solo Mirai Shepard chapter (for now he he he!)! I hope you guys an gals like. No power levels this chapter.The thing is, Hercule is not going to be a major fighting character, but I want to develop him. Give him a little bit of growth, of self re-discovery if you will. Thank you all. Next chapter is the meeting you've been waiting for!