Dragonball: Bridging The Gap

by DbzNatiFan87

The Grand Zenos have had enough! With plans to destroy multiple Universes, a last desperate plan is hatched, bringing someone of our world into theirs. Will this be enough to turn the tides? Find out on Dragonball: Bridging The Gap !

24. Aftermath, Recovery, And Memoirs!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to say your response to this story has been awesome! I got a few more favorites and follows than I would have thought, and I am just ecstatic! I want to note that this chapter is HUGE! And for a filler chapter, if you don't wish to read it, I totally understand. But this is why I made some original, descriptive material. I believe by the end of this chapter, you will (hopefully) appreciate why I did this. I could have split it into 2 parts, but the next chapter has a little bit more filler. Things won't start to pick up for a few chapters. But the rest of them are all shorter. Also, this chapter is Grammarly edited, but there may still be a few superficial things that I kept in for the sake of telling this story.

The battle is over! But some pieces must be picked up. Chiaotzu has been killed, and Shepard is in a coma. What will the recovering Z Fighters do? Can they find a way to revive their fallen teammate/friend? Can they somehow help Shepard recover? And what will Raditz do now that he is revived and back on Earth? All of this, and more will be answered in this chapter of Dragon Ball: BtG!

Review(s)

Drunken Hamster: I have actually not seen Thor: Love and Thunder, so I don't know what I'm really basing the BanHammer off of in regards to movies. I'm following a slightly different philosophy. One which has been evident on Dragon Ball Super a bunch. The BanHammer will shine on Namek. Speaking of Namek, you are right! All hands on deck is an understatement! What I have planned for Namek in most cases should be impossible. But Shepard will take on that challenge. Don't forget, our older, more cynical self is likely still in Universe 7 somewhere, maybe? Lol as far as canon movies go, it's all fair game. I will use non-canon material as much as I can, but I may have to change a few things around. There's something special I want to do with our resident Saiyan on Vampa, but not for a long while yet. I got a lot of stuff cooking man. I'm writing Namek up right now and I've fallen in love with the way it's turning out! I even have thrown in a little 'wtfuckery' ! Enjoy Ham :-D!

---

Age: October 19, 762

The vast expanse of space was normally a boring sight for Vegeta, having practically lived in it his whole life. Bloodied, battered, broken, he let the void pass him by, going back into his head.

'How did I lose? How?'

For nearly an hour after he left, he stayed conscious, thoughts pouring in his head about the battle. They went there with what they thought was a clear advantage. But the day only got worse as it went on. The Saibamonster that Nappa had created less than 2 years ago, only to be used at an opportune time, was genius. It had caused the chaos necessary to make the humans fearful. And they surely would have been destroyed had that scarred human not killed it so...ruthlessly. Vegeta would give credit where it was due. But then Shepard had separated them, and that's when things begin to go wrong. Nappa had been beaten by the Namekian, which was unexpected. Nappa had been through more wars and far more battlefields than even Vegeta. His vast experience should've practically given him the easy victory. He was the damn General! But he found himself foolish to believe that. These humans, the earthbound Saiyans. Raditz.

'That damned long-haired fuck! How could the traitor have gotten so strong? I ordered him to train whenever there was free time available. And he died last year. He perished! Yet, his power level. It had to be rivaling mine. But then what of Shepard?'

That was another problem Vegeta had. Shepard. The Saiyan fought tooth and nail for his very life and came out with it. It was the first time, in perhaps a very long time, that Vegeta had failed to defeat someone in combat. Frieza, Zarbon, the Ginyu Force? They were insurmountable, at least for the longest time. Vegeta was counting on the Zenkai he would receive to put him on a level similar to Zarbon, if not greater. But Shepard?

'He dared to bleed that foul monster's blood on me. And spit all over me. That foul-mouthed inbred! I will have his head before I die. I swear it! NO ONE humiliates me like that! NO ONE!' But Shepard had, in the worst way possible. He went through the entire battle with the wild-haired Saiyan in his head, looking for clues as to how he lost, striving to overcome this embarrassing folly.

'That Kaioken technique of theirs. If the scouter was to be believed, then that bastard's power level was beyond 50,000. Then how could I have fought so evenly with-'

Vegeta froze. Realizing the implication of what he now realized was even more shattering to his pride. 'The..that...he..he was toying with me! Maybe the whole time perhaps. I'll...I'll kill..he will pay the worst kind of price...I can't believe it...but...but the..the scouter couldn't have lied. Could he just not control it at that high of a level?'

But then the drastic thought of the Times 10 came to him. That red beam of death could have destroyed him. 'It rivaled my Galick Gun! In my Great Ape form! How could he have done it? His smaller body couldn't have! But...But that hammer weapon of his. I don't understand it. Is it magical perhaps? How did a low-class piece of trash get ahold of something that powerful?'

Vegeta remembered the constant hits he had taken from that weapon. Raditz had warned him of it a year prior. But not only did he not listen, but he also didn't particularly care, at the time. He didn't fight him with it when they first started, which made the Prince believe that Shepard was confident enough in his skills with his body to fight him that way. 'It wasn't until I used the artificial moon that he brought that blasted weapon into play. The madness! Not only was he toying with me, but he didn't even bother to use his weapon against me at all until I transformed. Damn him! That weapon of his has to be destroyed somehow. But..but my energy blasts did nothing to it. Indeed the strangest weapon I have ever come across. It hurt every time I was hit with it. I don't understand it! Just how strong is it?'

Then the thoughts of the fight turned sour as he remembered when Shepard not only transformed but was able to use the Kaioken technique as a Great Ape. It made Vegeta fume inside the Space Pod, especially when his mind conjured Shepard somehow gaining control over the form and watching as his mind processed the hammer becoming massive. 'It has to be magical. There's no other way to make sense of it.'

The hammer had hurt far worse at his enormous size. No matter how many mouth beams he fired at Shepard, it was like the weapon kept absorbing his blasts. 'If he's that much of a cheat with that damn thing, I'll have to strip him of it next time.' Vegeta was building a game plan in his head for the next time he faced down that traitorous bastard. His mind created a mass of scenarios in which he could pull off his plan. If Shepard did not have the weapon, the Saiyan is just another fighter. But then somehow miraculously, he had managed to pull the tail off of that moron, who had nearly bitten his face off. The pain around his nose and cheek was a reminder of how close he'd been to a grisly death. Despite being blown back by the weapon, Vegeta had managed to take advantage of the situation. He remembered grabbing the Saiyan. He had him! And then the unthinkable happened. His hand still stung from the many pinprick-like energy spikes that Shepard managed to conjure. 'How did he not suffer any wounds himself?' Vegeta thought. Feeling the pain in his hand, he realized that it was mainly in the back of his hand and throughout a couple of his fingers. Once again that the weapon had ruined his chances of killing Shepard. Before he could return to destroy the traitor, the scarred human, and the other traitor, Kakarot had intervened. He had made short work of them, but before he could go in for the kill, Shepard had managed to save both of their lives, or at least it appeared to Vegeta anyway. And then. There was no one left. He had them dead to rights. 'I know I made mistakes, but how could I have lost? How could Shepard have recovered? I know I broke his bones!' The only thing Vegeta could think of was that the hammer must be fully magical and capable of healing Shepard. That cheating bastard! The thought made Vegeta livid!

Being blown back into his artificial moon was the last straw. Losing his Great Ape form was the last straw. Losing to that red beam that was like his Galick Gun was the last straw. Everything went blank after that. Pure rage had enveloped the Prince. Coming back into his form, he remembered that Shepard was his to destroy. He was so close! 'Another second. One more second and I could have broken him in half.' But then, another unthinkable, unforeseen wrinkle mounted onto his plans. The other humans, the namekian, the hybrid child. 'I will have to keep an eye on that infernal brat. His power level exceeded 10,000! It could have been even higher when we fought. Blast it all I must learn how to sense energy like those damn humans. How could they, a D-class species, not even a threat in the Universe, challenge the greatest warrior race in the galaxy? It had to be those traitors! It's the only thing that could make sense! How could they have learned how to sense energy? Unless they had some kind of teacher or teachers who could have trained them. They did use definable martial arts, but they were all different in various ways. But it still doesn't explain their overall strength. Could they have had some means of training in heavier places? Does Earth have spotty gravity? I felt light. The gravity is barely worth noticing. There is no way they could have attained strength far beyond their means. No way! Unless...their planet could be more advanced than I predicted. They could have some kind of way to perhaps...enhance gravity in certain places. Maybe that's what it was. Or perhaps the planet has far more magical means. Blast it all! That woman who spoke on the scouter seemed to have found a way to utilize the technology. Could this be a technology-rich planet then?'

Vegeta's mind was racked, the many possibilities of how the humans had gotten so strong assaulting his mental shields. Nonetheless, they had overpowered him, even after he had killed two of their own. He had the advantage! But then, the unimaginable happened. He was so close to killing the noseless human, who nearly cut his tail. The searing, stinging pain in his lower back from the Ki disc slicing him was a reminder of the human's ability to yet again get the better of him. The namekian saved his life. He had used his speed and gotten around the volley of useless energy blasts, attempting to kill the boy. But then that damn hammer got involved again!

'The weapon became his to use at that moment. What is going on? I was sure I had them.' And just when he thought the tide of the battle had turned, Raditz had come out of the dirt he had seemingly crawled out from. 'The Dragon Balls have to be real! How else could Raditz have returned from the dead, unless he was never dead, to begin with? No that couldn't be. His life registered zero. Something is not right. But...'

Something piqued his interest. The year prior, he had cut the communication from Raditz, but only one way. Somehow, Raditz, after being severely injured, was able to return to full strength and even beyond. It was surreal! 'But he was so much stronger than previously. He was Nappa's precious punching bag. And now I am his? Unbelievable. But, his punches were far stronger than I remember. He didn't even use any energy blasts! Was he that confident in his newfound strength?'

Raditz's fists and power echoed in Vegeta's mind even more. Raditz was now on a par of strength similar to his own, and it was unacceptable. 'I will figure this all out. I must learn how to sense energy. I will get my revenge on those earthlings, and when I am ready, I will destroy Shepard, Raditz, and Kakarot! They will know my rage before I am done with them! ALL OF THEM!'

The things that had been said by Shepard, the utter nonsense that Frieza's power level was 120 million, the Super Saiyan. All of it gave Vegeta a bad taste in his mouth. The Super Saiyan was a myth! A story passed down from long before his great grandfather, Vegeta the 1st ever existed. A hope amongst his people that a great warrior would one day rise, with ruthlessness, with unlimited power, unbeatable! Vegeta stopped believing long ago in that fantasy.

Finally satisfied with processing his thoughts of the fights, Vegeta strapped the oxygen gas mask to his face. His injuries were starting to get to him. He decided to try to do something different as he did. Closing his eyes, he entered a mindscape of meditation. Image training was something he had heard of on a far-off planet over 5 years ago. The process had been explained to him before he destroyed their civilization. With the mask over his mouth now, he began to feel lightheaded. He should arrive at Planet 79 in 2 and a half weeks. He didn't know if Nappa would be there and didn't care. He would soon be completely healed, and would then seek his revenge!...

---

2:27 PM

Location: Wukong Hospital

The hospital was abuzz with action. Less than 10 minutes ago, a group of...strange people came in. Most were fine, but there was one that looked to be completely comatose. And they were guarding him fiercely.

---

5 minutes ago

"Thank you for calling Wukong Hospital how may I help you today?" The nurse had answered the phone, looking around as people milled about their day in the unit. It was guaranteed to be another long day, with what was reported to be an alien aircraft of some kind being reported to land in East City, the secondary reports concluded that there might have been casualties, so the Hospital was on high alert, ready to accept any incomers in case this became a global threat.

The doors to the entrance opened and a cacophony of voices was being heard.

"I don't give a damn, I don't want him in here."

"Bulma it's ok. Goku's with him."

"Goku's not exactly a great judge of character. Raditz stays put. End of story Krillin."

"Bulma you're overreacting."

"Overreacting? Yamcha? Overreacting? After what the heck happened last year? Why aren't you being more cautious? He killed you last year for Kami's sake!"

"Maybe because I've trained with him since, fought against him. He's really coming around Bulma. Everything's gonna be fine. But it would probably be a good idea to find something for the brothers to do."

The brothers in question were standing outside the hospital. Raditz was annoyed at being stuck at this place, but Goku was fearful for some reason.

"Really brother? Needles? Fucking needles? You stared me down, hell you stared Vegeta down in his Great Ape form, and yet you're scared of a little bitty needle?"

"Heeey those things are scary! I wish I could be any other place right now hehehehehe but Chi Chi would kill me if I left."

"Speaking of, how can you deal with that damn...screaming banshee, with her damn frying pan thing?" Thinking about it made Raditz quiver deep down. The pain of that pan was still evident with the slight headache he had. He would do well to steer clear of the metal-throwing woman in the future.

"It's not easy. But she means well. She wants what's best for her family, even if it is a little...dull."

"Dull? I don't believe she can be that dull Kakarot."

"No no no I mean she wants Gohan to be a scholar. But I think she's coming around to him learning to fight. I'm so excited, and proud of him."

Raditz took in the proud father, watching as Goku's face brightened. 'Does having a family make Kakarot that much stronger? Even now I can sense his power level is close to my own. It is like his energy rises when he thinks about family. Interesting.'

"Guys come on!" Yamcha called out from the door.

"Uh no, I'm fine, really hehehehe. Please." Goku was about to drop to his knees and beg.

"TELL HIM TO GET HIS ORANGE-WEARING BUTT IN HERE BEFORE I PULL HIS EAR OFF AND MAKE HIM!"

Yamcha's eyes widened, almost falling out of the door comically.

"U-uhh oh, man. You better get inside. Chi Chi sounds pissed." Yamcha said before rushing back in. Goku meanwhile looked fearful, slowly stepping back.

"Kakarot? The hell? Are you seriously that scared of that damned woman?" Raditz was perplexed.

"YoudontknowChiChishecanbeangrywhenshewantssomethinggottagobacktomountpaozubyeeeee!" Goku said so fast that Raditz could barely process it as he jumped in the air and took off.

"Ka-Kakarot?" Raditz watched his younger brother fly away before he heard the doors bust open.

"GOKUUUUUUUUU! GET YOUR BUTT BACK HERE!" Chi chi yelled up in the sky, but she knew he didn't hear. Goku was long gone. Chi Chi just shook her head. "Well, he certainly will come back when he smells the food I'm making for him tonight."

"Why is he so scared of you? You don't seem like...much?" Raditz said confusingly.

Chi Chi was in the tall saiyan's face before he could even blink. "DO YOU WANT TO FIND OUT? I SWEAR YOU MEN ARE SO PIGHEADED uhhhhhhh." Raditz defended himself, feeling the power in the woman's voice, the energy behind them nearly making him fall backward. Chi Chi walked back over to the front door, clearly done with the conversation.

"Look, I suggest you come inside. The others will have questions, as do I." Chi Chi suggested before she walked back in. The Saiyan hesitantly followed forward, not realizing that a pivotal moment in his early time on Earth was about to take shape...

---

Bulma was in the main lobby, waiting for one of the few nurses at the station to tend to her. She was getting antsy. They had carted Shepard off on a gurney just moments ago, Tights following behind closely. Tights was going to call their parents and get them here to bring Axel so the father and son could maybe finally meet. But they all knew they were on a tight schedule.

"Ok everybody STOP! One of you come here now." Bulma said, having finally lost her willpower to stay quiet. One of the timid nurses came up to greet her.

"How may I help you today Miss Brief?"

"Since you were the one willing to step up and help us, I'll make sure you get a nice, healthy bonus Nurse Jennings." It was just then that a doctor that Bulma recognized instantly came through the elevator door.

"Dr. Burns! Oh, Kami thank you for being here."

"I've heard the situation, Miss Brief. This is the father I believe?"

"Yes yes it is, he seems to be in a coma. It makes no sense-oh come on guys, follow us."

Bulma waved the warriors on, turning back to her conversation with the Doctor who was responsible for helping to bring Axel into this world. He was aware of the alien situation. He was also one of the few doctors in the entire world she would trust with the birthing of a Briefs child. He was responsible for helping to bring her safely into this world, after all. And it was a bonus that he had accepted a Capsule Corp salary on top of his normal Doctor's salary.

"So we're not sure what's going on. His body seems to be healthy, but there's some kind of...disconnect."

"I'll make sure to look over the records, Miss Brief. But if it is something that is...well..magical, there might be very little I can do. We can keep him comfortable, we can make sure his body stays fed with what you've provided as far as the extra nutrients his body will need because of his physiology. This may be something that has to run its course."

"I don't believe that Phil. There has to be something we can do." Bulma said desperately.

Following behind, Raditz had caught up with the others, whispering over to Krillin. "Noseless man, this place is so primitive, how the hell do you put up with this shit?"

"I-try not to. Believe me. Where Goku go?"

"He ran! Flew up and away. When I get my hands on him..." Chi Chi interrupted.

"Ugh, well at least they got these vending machines we can get snacks out of right?" Yamcha said, chuckling to himself.

The group had walked for a few more minutes before they were brought into the room with Shepard. There were 3 nurses inside, one writing down on his medical board, another tending to his lines, and the last was typing on the computer on the adjacent side of the room.

"Nurses, you may leave. Thank you." Dr. Burns's tone of voice brokered no argument. The nurses were aware of the Doctor's...extracurricular activities as far as handling the Briefs' doctor visits. He had negotiated that the nurses would also get a bonus when the time called for it, and Bulma obliged. So they all packed their stuff, wished Bulma good luck, soaked in the giant-looking Saiyan that stumbled into the room behind them, and went on their way.

Dr. Burns begin checking Shepard's vitals. Opening his eyelids, the Doctor clinically checked the Rogue over, the decades of experience clearly showing through.

"It has to be something magical. There's no other way to suggest it." Master Roshi said from the corner of the room.

"Old man, I am quite curious. How did you live that day we first met? I was sure you were dead." Raditz asked.

"Hm hm Hm Hm Hm oooo. I'm far older than I look, son. I've been alive since before your grandfather was a twinkle in your great's eye." Raditz's eyes widened at that. 'Of course! He must have quite a lot of martial arts experience to have gotten away from my energy blast.'

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree Miss Brief. All his vitals check out, aside from the heightened levels of adrenaline running through his body. He should be awake. Perhaps a bit tired, but awake nonetheless."

The door opened all of a sudden, and with a near cry out, Tights and her parents saw all of the people in the not-so-large room. Everyone turned towards her, looking at the baby in her arms. The baby had spiking black hair everywhere, much like the father. Wearing a little red shirt with a pacifier in his mouth, the boy was a near spitting image of Shepard.

"Wh-what's going on here?" She asked, sliding in and out between everybody to get to the front. Everyone continued looking at the infant as if caught in some kind of trance. The baby was powerful.

'How can an infant nearly be as strong as I was when I first arrived here? Is this the kind of power a hybrid Saiyan has? Now that I think about it, the brat is very much the same. But this child can't even walk yet! Unbelievable!'

'Only a couple of months old and all that power. Can I say I'm jealous already?' Master Roshi thought.

'Man I have so much more training to do if I'm going to be competing with a baby in the future!' Krillin worriedly thought.

Gohan looked at the child, who looked back at him and giggled. "Aw, you remember me, little guy?" Gohan floated up, bopping Axel in the nose, making the baby laugh through his pacifier.

"It's nice to see you all, but I need to know Doctor Burns. What can we do?" Tights asked.

Gohan seemed to be caught in a trance as he walked forward, grabbing the BanHammer that was next to Shepard. The Z Fighters made sure the nurses did not try to remove the weapon. The weapon did not react violently to Gohan, who was thankful. He placed it on Shepard's chest, picking up his arm and wrapping it around the weapon.

There was no visible reaction for several moments before a small white glow began to envelop the comatose Saiyan...

---

He felt nothing. Which was odd. He was pretty sure he would survive the Times 10, but he couldn't be dead. This isn't what happened last time. He felt exhausted. No. Exhausted wasn't right. It was like his body was under such a heavy weight that he was just too weary and tired to try to move it. Before he could process it, a soft melody began to play in the background of his mind, or what he thought was his mind.

Ain't found a way to kill me yet

Eyes burn with stinging sweat

Seems every path leads me to nowhere

Wife and kids, household pet

Army green was no safe bet

The bullets scream to me from somewhere

"Energy bullets more like." Shepard recognized the song, resonating with him a tiny bit. The Alice In Chains classic reverberated through his mind as he continued to feel heaviness in his aching bones.

"Oh get up sourpuss, you're alive," the familiar voice snapped Shepard out of his stupor, his eyes looking at a sky that seemed...blank. With very few planets in the upper atmosphere, he now subtlety remembered this place. When he first received the BanHammer and was instructed by his older counterpart that this was the place inside his treasured weapon. Getting up, he saw a cliff, with a familiar man standing atop it. On his feet now, he floated over to the man. Marc awaited him as he dropped down before he looked back out across the expanse.

"Sure is beautiful ain't it?" He asked. Shepard had remembered Old Shepard's landscape. The space looked different. There was far less in the sky. A beautiful purple sky. The land went as far as the eyes could see, lit by a blue sun that sat in the sky. The grass was blue, but thick, the waters that trickled here and there in the form of small rivers to an ocean of grey. It seemed murky at first glance but with Shepard's enhanced vision, he could catch glimpses of the underwaters.

"Woooow. What is all of this? Exactly? Have you been busy Marc?"

"More or less. Being around the BanHammer, I seem to be able to transfer myself or copy myself to this place. It's a LOT better than that white void eh?"

"Yeah, I'll say...so...I screwed up didn't I?" Shepard looked down in shame but was immediately relieved at Marc's laugh.

"Hehehehehahahahaha! Man, clearing up that Ki Disorder was a bear. That Times 10 was a thing of beauty, buuut you oughta be a bit more careful next time. It's done. You're all clear."

"But...but how?" Shepard was extremely confused. From what he remembered, Delayed Onset Ki Disorder usually took days to affect someone, and when it did, it threw one's Ki completely out of sync. The only thing that could cure it was rest. So how long had Shepard been out?

"It took a bit of time. It wasn't Delayed. It was immediate. The BanHammer is truly a special weapon dude, through and through. It was with it I was able to create the necessary magic to help cure it. That doesn't mean you can go bonkers with your Ki like that again. You'll have to train it up. The Times 10 was a massive stress booster to your body on top of using the Kaioken for such a prolonged period. Perhaps it's time we crack open that special capsule our older self gave us. Maybe that can provide something useful for you."

"Did we win?" The last thing Shepard remembered was the Times 10 blasting Vegeta backward.

"The humans came in and cleaned up. And Raditz finished him off. Both Nappa and Vegeta escaped though, but Vegeta? Oh, he was in bad shape. Look man you're not gonna be happy, but... but there was a casualty."

Shepard's head snapped in Marc's general direction, taking his eyes off the beautiful sky. His eyes were wide, angry, and Marc knew why.

"Chi Chi nearly died. She was extremely lucky. Gohan and Krillin made it with their lives, though Vegeta had them dead to rights. Goku got crushed again as you remember, but was healed with a senzu bean. Yamcha as well. They both survived. Then-"

"Stop. Fucking. Beating around the bush! WHO. DIED?" Shepard said, pointing his finger at Marc's chest. If it bothered the former human, he didn't show.

"Chiaotzu. It wasn't pretty. Vegeta was just too fast, far too crafty, and then he nearly killed Tien, blasting him away. He barely survived. Barely. He flew off after the fight. We're gonna have to help him."

"We can't let him kill Vegeta...fuck...damn it, Tien. I'm so sorry...SON OF A BITCH!" Shepard yelled out his frustrations to the landscape, but he knew it wouldn't matter.

"You know as an assassin, he's trained to go for the kill. If he wants it, he'll get it."

"What about Trunks then? Something tells me he is still very much relevant. He has to be born."

"Yes. But he may not be exactly as you remember."

"What does that mean? If we get Frieza's ass on Namek then-"

"Too much has changed dude. Yes, Frieza might be on Namek, but what if he comes here? If he comes here, now, we're dead. Completely fubar."

"We gotta stick to the damn plan Marc. We train our asses off and head to Namek."

"The great Doctor Brief should have that prototype ship available for us. We will need Kami's ship too. I think Piccolo may be handling that himself. So it shouldn't be that big of a deal getting there. But someone may have to stay behind in this whole crazy endeavor. We can't leave Earth without some kind of defense."

"Chi Chi. She's perfect! I can't believe how strong she's gotten."

"Yeaaaah, I don't know if she's going to let her 5-year-old son go to a whole new planet. She seems pretty defensive of the boy."

"He has to go. Dende and his relationship are pivotal to getting the young namekian here in the future." Shepard pointed out.

"You try arguing that point with a woman strong enough to destroy a continent with her blasts. Now add the fact that it's his MOTHER we're talking about."

"If something happens to Gohan, Chi Chi might rush in and get herself killed. Chi Chi is better off not knowing what may happen." Shepard suggested.

"Then what do we do about Tien? He is sure to wanna go, considering he wants Vegeta's scalp." Marc pointed out.

"When he feels Frieza's power up close, he'll change his tune. Frieza is just the biggest threat in this current time. If you think about the power gap that we're dealing with, the Z Fighters were able to keep up with Cell until he was able to get that damn perfect form. Buu, they were able to contend with back and forth. Frieza? Without the Super Saiyan or an uncontrollable level of Kaioken, that gap can't be crossed. He was the first true villain of the series. The first that truly spelled an apocalyptic end for everyone. Tien will focus on the task at hand. It's afterward I'm worried about."

"If there even is an afterward," Marc said. They both looked out across the expanse once again. Neither spoke for several minutes, basking in the atmosphere. Shepard knew it wasn't necessarily real (for him!) but he could feel the oxygen passing through his lungs, could smell the faint trace of rubbing alcohol, and a..."

"Is that...man who is that laughing?"

"Hmhmhmhmhm there is something I forgot to tell you."

"Hmm? What's that?"

"Remember when I had you adjust your senses far out west when we first got here?"

"Uhh, yes?"

"I think we might've left a bun in Tight's oven."

"...WHAT???? You mean?"

"I think so, dude."

"I...I need to get out there. Th-this changes everything!"

"Wait wait wait wait wait, what about Namek? And Frieza?"

"WHAT ABOUT THEM? I-I have a kid. I need to be there for the kid."

"What if Tights is understanding enough to realize that Namek is necessary for our growth?"

"That doesn't mean SHIT! I'll find another way!"

"There is NO OTHER WAY!"

"...No, there has to be!"

"In all mentions of Super Saiyans, 98% of the transformations happen on Namek. Those fanfictions and what-ifs of Goku turning Super Saiyan before that are just that! A fiction! Namek is the real deal!"

"What the hell makes you so sure we can't train for it before?"

"The evolution of the Saiyans in universe 6 are fundamentally different in ways we're unaware of. They can tap into those precious S cells because they are born much naturally stronger. Universe 7 Saiyans lack many of those cells. They are only pulled out of us when we grow stronger, but it's more than that. The Super Saiyan comes out of need, not desire. You know this. You've seen Goku explain it. We can want to become a Super Saiyan all day, but unless the need arises, we can't get to that point, no matter how strong we make our base strength. As much as I hate to admit it. We need Frieza. We will fucking use him. Rather he likes it, or not. Frieza will be our bitch."

Shepard wasn't too thrilled about the prospect of leaving his child behind. But he also knew Frieza could come here eventually, and if the tyrant succeeded in achieving immortality, there was only one possible way to deal with him. A mafuba would certainly hold the evil lizard, but it wouldn't solve the problem of his organization. As long as the rumor of Frieza living continued throughout the cosmos, there would always be people under his thumb trying to gain favor. Perhaps even trying to bring the emperor back. No, Shepard hated it, but Marc was right. Namek was to be the place. It had to be. Frieza needed to die. If he somehow survived the fight on Namek and was able to retreat, he would train himself, discover the Golden Form far too soon, and that would spell massive trouble for all parties involved.

"Damn it, Marc."

"I know man, I know. But we do have a little bit of time with the Lil squirt. So I suppose now that we've talked, I can let you out now."

"You're sure I'm good to go?"

"Go to the house, grab the journal, and Ki capsule, and make sure you have Goku and Raditz with you to train. The heavier gravity will be tough, but it's extremely necessary for what's to come."

"Dammit...alright then. Thanks, Marc."

"No problem Shep, good hunting."

They bumped fists before a white light surrounded both...

---

His eyes opened slowly. His body felt far better than it did when he last remembered. Looking up, he saw bright lights. His senses felt fine, picking up everyone in the room, including someone he had long missed.

"Hey, he's awake!" Krillin said.

Tights was instantly at his side, her smile bright.

"You had everyone worried."

"Hmph."

"Except Raditz. There's...there's someone I want you to meet. Will that be a problem?"

Despite the other people in the room, Shepard only had eyes for her.

"No. No, not at all, Babe.."

"Bulma?"

"Right! Good to see you up and about Shepard. Be back in a moment."

"Tights. I'm-"

"No. It's ok hon."

"Lookin good bro."

"Heyo Krillin. Man, your head is looking shiny. Did you shine it up before the fight or something?"

"Hehehehe you wish. It's good to see you up."

Shepard looked at everyone in the room. Looking down, he was thankful he wasn't out too long for them to try to change him into scrubs. He was ready to fight!

It was at this moment Shepard felt a dormant, raw, chaotically good power level. Frozen, he looked at the door, where it opened and Tights parents came in, Panchy holding a bundle. Tears threatened to leak out of his eyes as he went to finally stand on his own feet. Tights looked at him, a tear escaping her eye. She didn't know how Shepard would take being a father, but she could already tell she needn't have worried.

"Here ya go, Shepard. What a nice big boy you two have." The Doctor happily looked on, his first grandchild already growing to be a biggin. Panchy handed off the bundle to Shepard, who despite having very little experience with babies, knew how to hold one. He felt the power that radiated off of the baby boy, giggling as he looked at his father's face for the first time. Shepard's eyes were watery but he somehow held them in.

"You're a strong one aren't you little guy? He held out his finger near the baby's face, and with reflexes faster than a normal baby, he latched on and squeezed.

"Wow! And you have a strong grip too don't ya? You're gonna be-"

As the baby had latched onto Shepard's finger, something indescribable happened with the Rogue. Frozen stiff, in his mind, was a cloudy, white fog amongst a black background. Through the massive, undefinable cloud, Shepard walked, until he saw a shadow in the fog.

"W-what is this?"

"Depends on how you raise me."

"Wha? Come out where I can see you." Shepard assumed a fighting stance. His senses were completely off in this...place? Realm? Was this a vision? Prophetic? Did he have powers like Bardock? All these questions passed through Shepard's mind as he looked on. The figure began walking towards him, the fog shuffling as it started to reveal the man before him. He stood taller than Shepard, around 6'4", and was built like a warrior. A martial artist. The man's hair was everywhere, much like Shepard's. He wore a green gi, with a white undershirt underneath. He had purple wristbands, and a purple obi, with a sash tied around his waist, hanging further below his knees than Shepard had. His eyes held the fierceness of a Saiyan, but there was something else he saw in them. Looking at the 'man' for a moment, he finally saw it. The patented smugness of the Brief family.

"So Pops, how are you planning on raising me? I could be a warrior." The man disappeared in a puff of smoke, forming next to Shepard.

"Could be a planet trader."

POOF

"How about a Galactic Patrolman?"

POOF

"Or a scholar, like Gohan."

POOF

"Or perhaps I could be a scientist like Grandpa and Aunt Bulma."

POOF

"There's so much for you to decide."

"What if...what if I stayed on Earth? Let the others go to Namek and deal with Frieza?"

POOF

"You know you can't allow that Dad." The deep voice said, sure and true.

"And why the hell can't I? I missed an untold number of months being with you. Why can't I stay?"

"Everything has already changed. Too much has. You know you'll need the Super Saiyan. You know you'll need Frieza out of the way. And more than that, you know that as a Saiyan, the Fight is where we truly live and breathe. So are you going to fucking tell me that you'll stay here on Earth, just to raise me, knowing your friends are out there in the cosmos, fighting, dying?"

Shepard didn't like the implication of what was being said. He'd rather face the consequences of not going, and being there for his child, than just up and leaving him.

"Look kid, I don't know what beef you have with me. I want to be a good dad to you. How can I do that if I'm gone for months at a time? Years?"

The 'man' walked up to Shepard, standing over him.

"If you don't go, then how will we be able to stand against Cell? Or Majin Buu? Or-"

"STOP! Who are you? Really?" There was no way this 'man' could know any of the future.

"Maybe I'm the deep part of your subconscious who is egging you on to leave me."

POOF

"Or perhaps, I'm speaking to you from the far future. Maybe it is just as simple as that. Maybe, as your son, I've watched you go far too many times, and you stopped coming back."

POOF

"Or maybe-"

POOF

"Or maybe, I NEED you to go to Namek. I NEED you to become a Super Saiyan. I NEED your reassurance that I can be strong like you, and uphold the Brief's name. Whatever you may think, is what you need to be. Just don't ever forget about us. Mom missed you deeply. Just promise her that you'll make it back to her. Even if she tells you not to. Be there for me, Dad. That's all I want. I know you'll be busy, that you'll be training. But I also know that out of the other Saiyans, you most importantly, know the difference between being there, and being absent. My name is Axel. And I hope you get to see this version of your son all grown up, and powerful."

An aura surrounded the 'man' before it turned to gold. Axel's eyes had taken on a fierce blue-green look, his hair golden, before electricity started to surround him. His hair spiked, even more, causing the bio lightning to spark out, nearly blowing Shepard back. It was then that Axel roared to the supposed blank sky, but Shepard couldn't hear any sound, as Axel's hair began to lengthen. It went down past his waist, the bio lightning surrounding the man going up and down. Bolts flickered around Shepard as he watched, in absolute awe. But then Axel let power go, going back to base before a fiery aura took hold. Axel slimmed down just a bit. His eyes, as red as rubies, pierced his soul before a bluish-white light surrounded the man. It blinded Shepard, who was forced to close his eyes and look away. The power sounded different, it felt different. This wasn't Super Saiyan any longer... as Shepard turned back, the blue light around the 'man' began to crumble, leaving behind his 'son' with sharp, pointed blue hair. The power felt far heavier than what could normally be achieved.

"D-d-Divine Ki?" The 'man' smirked before he began to slowly fade.

"Just remember Dad, I can be whatever I want to be, and with your support, I know I can get there. Thank you for having me, I know I'll do everything I can to make you proud."

His legs were gone, as Shepard finally caught wind of what was going on. "Wait! Pl-Please!" Shepard tried to reach forward, but his hand went through the facsimile of his son, who looked down at the arm, slowly and sadly smiling.

"No no no no no I'm not done. PLEASE!"

"Go to Namek, become the Super Saiyan, become a father that a son will never stop wanting to be like. Let that be your power. Goodbye, Dad."

As the last of Axel faded away, Shepard's tears disappeared, the 'man's' face lapped over with his infant son's, as the fog and the black faded away, back into his dimension...

Shepard was back in the hospital. Time had seemed to slow down. His son was giggling with his finger still in his hand. He started to tear up again, now realizing that it must have been his son who spoke to him somehow.

"A-A-Axel."

"How did you know?" Tights was curious, as were the rest of the Z Fighters.

"You could say that I had some...divine intervention." Shepard tearfully said, holding Axel out and holding him up. He tossed the baby in the air and caught him. Axel was giggling, more so than normal.

"Tights and I discussed baby names if we ever had one. She wanted Boxer, I wanted Axel. Axel is just more...fitting, ain't that right little buddy?" Shepard had never been so happy! This was what made coming back so worth it! Seeing Tights, their newborn son, nobody too injured to be forced to stay in the hospital. Except for Chiaotzu, they were extremely lucky to have made it. But there was still a lot more that needed to be done, which is why his smile started to fade. A bittersweet, melancholy feeling rose in the Rogue. He tried not to let it show to the baby, so he decided that maybe something other than standing in a hospital room would cheer him up.

"Remember the motorcycle?" Tights knew just how to change his mood, which she could sense.

"Hahahahahahaha oh God yes! That thing hurt for a little while. Yup, tough like an Axle. Axel! I liked Reese too but I'll take Axel any day, won't I little man whoop-whoop!" Tossing the little boy in the air again, Shepard caught him, the smile returning to his face.

"Saaay, Tights, can I...can I take him for a spin?"

"Oh no, not yet, sir!" Dr. Burns had seen enough.

"Allow me to check your vitals and make sure everything is working as it should, then you may do whatever you wish."

"Well, alright. Where's Goku anyway guys?"

"The wimp is too scared of needles so he up and flew away."

"Dad will be back Mom, I know it," Gohan said.

Shepard handed Axel to his mother, who sat down in the chair next to the bed with him. As he hopped back on the bed, he noticed Raditz in the corner.

"Yo Raditz, what's goin on dude?"

"Hmm? Now that you're awake, I have no real reason to be here. I'll be on my way. Do let me know when we'll be leaving." Raditz said abruptly before he walked out of the room. Bulma was put off by that, so she followed after him.

"Hey!"

Raditz ignored the woman. He was already on edge about being in a primitive hospital. He had already gotten a few odd looks about his armor, his hair, and his tail.

"Oh, you fucker." Bulma hissed, pulling out a special weapon she had been working on.

Raditz turned at hearing the venom of the blunette's words. He was glad he did because Bulma had lunged at him with a weapon made of Ki, forcing Raditz to grab her by the arm and lift her, slamming her against the wall, forcing the weapon to peter out. Before Raditz could say anything, a firm hand wrapped around his wrist, forcing it down as well as Bulma.

"Dude, don't make me hurt you. You've been doing so good."

"Then tell this blue-haired harpy that if she lunges like that at me again." Raditz ripped the weapon away from Bulma, finding the button and igniting it in front of Yamcha. "That she'll be dead before she has the chance to try." Raditz let Bulma go, who was breathing heavily. They watched as Raditz looked at the weapon for a few seconds, before he shut it off, tossing it back at Yamcha, who caught it with a glare.

"Bulma why did you attack him?"

"Ex-excuse me? You're defending him? What the hell Yamcha!" Bulma threw her hands up, confused at the changed behavior. Yamcha, in the past, had normally backed down when she got aggressive and angry. This was not the same man whom she had dated for years. He looked at her in the eyes, clearly not interested in her body or what they once had.

"I get it Bulma. What he did was horrible. But if he wasn't there today, Vegeta would have won. There's no doubt about it. You were in the wrong this time. I'm not gonna ask you to apologize, because I get it. I wanted revenge too, but if you give him time, he's not all that much different from Goku, aside from the anger problems and no real humor of any kind. You gotta give him time Bulma. That's all I'm saying."

Bulma blew a breath out of her mouth, huffing angrily at her ex-boyfriend. But, she did see his point. Raditz hadn't taken any aggressive actions against the guys. And if Goku felt he could leave here without taking him with, then he must've trusted him to some degree. The logical part of her mind finally caught up with her heart, and she realized what she had done was horribly wrong.

"I...I'm sorry Yamcha. I just...whenever I see him..."

"I know Bulma. I know. Look, let's let him blow off some steam. If his power level goes haywire, I'll do what I can until Goku and Shepard can help."

The pair walked back into the room, leaving the long-haired Saiyan to roam the halls...

---

"Blasted weak woman, how dare she try to attack me. After everything, I've done for these people. Does she dare to try to kill me with that pitiful thing? Should of went with Kakarot. I'd be bored out of my mind but at least I'd get a fight or something out of him."

Raditz continued walking through the hospital. He found it utterly distasteful. Primitive, downright trash. 'They use actual utensils to open somebody up? Do they not know how to use their own energy? Pathetic!'

"Oomph."

Raditz nearly walked into the crying woman, who was just staring out the window, tears freely flowing. Raditz wanted to go off about his business, not caring one way or another what this woman's problem was. Earthling woman had already driven him near insane. With one hitting him with a frying pan, and another trying to kill him moments ago, he had his fill. But, something stopped him. He looked at the woman. Really looked at her. Her hair was a reddish-orange. She wore a green turtleneck, and from what the Saiyan could tell, it hid incredible assets. Her curvature was striking to the Saiyan, looking down at her brown pants.

"Is there something I can help you with?" The woman sharply said, wiping her tears away and looking at him.

"Ugh? Well. No, not really. I just couldn't help but notice you were... ugh that you were crying out here by yourself. Is there something the matter?" Raditz tried to sound as cordial as he could, but his anger at the bluenette from a short while came out of him.

"I don't think you'd want to hear what's bothering me."

"Honestly? Not especially, but I almost ran into you and I wanted to...to..."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. Yes! Apologize. I'm...well I'm sorry I bothered you. I should be on my way. I have to go retrieve my brother and beat him up now." Looking for any excuse he could to get out of the fire, Raditz abruptly turned, beginning to walk the other way.

"Hold on a sec." The woman walked over, eyes wide and moving around him, looking down at his waist. "Is that a...a tail?"

"Look woman it's not what you think and even if you thought it, it's irrelevant. I must be going." Raditz gently moved the woman aside, far gentler than he would have with Bulma or Chi Chi.

Raditz began to walk away, clearly bothered by the conversation.

"Hmm, I haven't seen one of those tails in quite a long time."

Raditz stopped mid-step, turning 180 degrees instantly.

"Where? When?"

"Huh? Oh...well, back when I was a kid, this incredibly strong boy was involved in an airplane crash. He was looking for Dragon Balls of all things. Had to drag him back home to Jingle. My Mom and I saved his life. I thought he was cute back then, but he was so innocent! Ended up meeting one of my lifetime friends that I've known for so long because of him. I hope Goku is doing well."

"Go-Ku? Wait a moment. Was his hair wild and out of place, like this?" Raditz said, using his hands to mimic his younger brother's palm tree hair, making the woman laugh.

"Hm hm hm hm hm hm well it certainly wasn't as wild as yours, but yeah. I really hope he's ok. Why? Do you know him?"

Raditz could lie to her, just say no, go about his day. Go meet up with his brother, and kick each other's asses. Throw Shepard into the mix and have a three-way free for all. All 3 had received Zenkai's from their respective recoveries. Though theirs were fresher, it wouldn't be a mismatch whatsoever. That sounded fun, but so did talking with this woman. She seemed like she needed to get out, to breathe. He could tell her the truth, and then that would open up a new can of worms. He knew he was going to be leaving Earth shortly, and he didn't know if he was going to be coming back. It wouldn't do well to break the poor woman's heart. What was he supposed to do? Thinking on it for several moments, Raditz two stepped, looking down a bit. The woman looked at him sideways, giving him a half smile. In the end, Raditz couldn't resist her dark, beautiful chocolate brown eyes.

"He's...well he's my younger brother."

"WH...Really?" The woman almost shouted out but controlled herself.

"Yes. He's dense as all hell, really doesn't know when to quit, and wears that sickly orange martial art uniform. But that's him. Have no choice but to take him as is."

"Wow. Th-that's incredible. I guess I didn't know him as well as I thought. He never said anything about a brother."

"I imagine he wouldn't, considering he didn't know anything about me until a year ago or so. Hahahahaha to think, my little brother has truly lived an incredible life. I don't know whether to be jealous or happy for him."

"Jealous? It sounds like you're happy for him. You should be happy for yourself too ya know."

"Hmph, I have nothing to be happy about." Raditz looked out the window, crestfallen.

The woman sensed the change in mood but didn't move, content to let the tall man brood.

"My life...well it hasn't been one to be proud about. I've done...horrific things. Things that I should be in Hell for."

"I find it hard to believe that a brother of Goku could be so down on themselves."

"Ka...Go-Ku hit his head when he was a small child. A toddler I believe you call them."

"Hmm, well I guess that could explain a lot. But even still, you're with your brother now. Doesn't that mean something more than what you did before?" She asked. Raditz looked into her eyes, entranced. No woman had ever dared to ask him anything about his personal life. They usually always went for Vegeta, who wasn't interested. Raditz had wanted to talk to quite a few different alien women in the past, but they never gave him any real looks. Not being a conversationalist never helped either.

"I...I..guess it might. But it doesn't erase what I've done. The people I've..."

"It's ok to feel guilt ya know. It means that you have a soul. Whatever has happened to you in the past, or whatever you may have done, it can be forgiven. With time, with genuine compassion. It can be. So cheer up big man." She slapped him on the arm, not the least bit frightened of what that could mean. Raditz's first instinct was to hit back, but...not this woman. Not her.

"Maybe you're right. But it's irrelevant now. I need to focus on the bigger things."

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes yes everything will be fine, but, what about you? What had you crying out here earlier?" The question was only meant to be asked out of curiosity, but the woman looked down as tears began to build in her eyes again. Raditz wasn't so uncomfortable this time to be disrespectful about it.

"My Dad. He's...he's dying. Doctor's found a malignant tumor in his brain. He's...well he doesn't have long to live. So I'm just trying to keep him comfortable. My friend Eighter is back in Jingle Village helping my mother right now so I could be here."

"I see... I'm...well I'm uh. Sorry to hear that."

"Oh! It's..you have nothing to be sorry about. Yoko was always so adventurous. But lately, he's been bedridden. I've made peace with it."

"Hmph. Impressive."

"Impressive? I hardly find my Dad dying of cancer to be...impressive."

"No no no. I mean your resolve. Your resolve is impressive. Im sorry I...I better go..sorry to bother you, miss..?"

"Suno. And you?"

"Uh, you can call me Raditz. It was uh...nice to talk with you I guess."

"You too. Thank you for making me laugh. I really needed it right now. Don't be a stranger Raditz. If you ever make it to Jingle Village, look me up." Suno suggested.

"Uhh, sure thing." Raditz hurriedly walked away, not paying attention. His senses didn't alert him to the onlooker as he plowed into him.

"Watch it, Shepard."

"Whoa! I asked how you were doing and you just leave? What's up with that dude?"

"I needed fresh air. Ended up talking to somebody for a while."

Shepard looked over his rival's shoulder, seeing the woman that Raditz had a conversation with. She was looking at them both in amusement, holding her giggles in. Shepard vaguely recognized her. Slightly smiling at his rival, Shepard looked at him.

"Raditz you sly sly dog you. Did you get her number?"

"Num-number? I don't understand."

Shepard looked at him blankly for a few moments before he stifled his laughter.

"Digits, you know? Did you get her contact information so you could talk to her again in the future?"

Suno looked at the pair as they walked off. She didn't recognize the guy with Raditz, but she had a feeling, call it a woman's intuition, that she would see the long-haired Saiyan again...

---

"Why the hell would I do that? We're about to go to Namek and probably be utterly destroyed by Frieza. What good would it do to give that woman any info and make her wait, for probably nothing to happen?" Raditz scoffed.

"Dude, Frieza wants his ass whooped. He's gonna get it. Every bit of it. We got a few stops to make, and I'm bringing my son with me."

"That brat will just get in the way. You should leave him with your mate."

"Mate? Hahaaaaa! She's my girl. That whole mate thing doesn't fly. Mate isn't a word you use with this planet. It's more associated with lesser sentient animals. She's my girlfriend, but before we fought, I had found a nice rock to propose to her with." Shepard explained.

"What the hell is a rock going to prove? You can pick them up from anywhere and just gift them to these earth females?" Raditz looked at the Rogue with confusion.

"Sorry sorry, I meant a diamond. Diamonds are the key to a girl's heart. And food. Definitely food. Diamonds are what we use on Earth to propose to a woman we love enough to spend our lives with."

"Hmph, diamonds are plentiful. If I ever did have a mate, I would bring her a monster's head, or an arm. Something that proves I will fight for her."

"Hm hm hm hm hm sure if you want to be a caveman that works. But really, that girl over there, when we're done with this Frieza crap, you need to get to know her. She was eyeing you up and down when we walked away."

"W-was she?"

"Yeah, dude she's digging the long hair, and the badassery." It was just then that Shepard opened the door to his room, where everyone was currently talking back and forth.

"Namek is probably thousands upon thousands of miles away. Our ships may get there but they'll take centuries unless Dad has finally fixed the problem with the prototype propulsion rockets."

"We need to get there Bulma. There's a chance that there might be Namekian dragon balls. We can bring Chiaotzu back that way."

"I understand that Krillin, but I need to know exactly where it is to even begin to make any kind of calculations on a light year scale."

"King Kai, you got your ears on?"

"Hm hm hm hm hm oh don't mind me. Listening to you all bicker is highly entertaining."

"Can it man, we need to know exactly where Namek is in the universe." Shepard knew that Kami would provide his ship, but he was looking forward to the Prototype Space Pod. Doctor Brief had promised him that there would be a more advanced Gravity Generator inside, one that may be able to go beyond 100x Earth's Gravity!

"Spoilsport! Hmmm, let's see here, past the Horseshoe, past Perseus, left of Gaddison, Ah ha! Trinary star system. Coordinates are 9045XY."

"9045XY? Got it, thanks person in my head."

"Uhh, the name's King Kai."

"Yeah yeah, I'm doing calculations," Bulma said, typing away on her data pad.

"Bulma you could at least be considerate. Thank you, King Kai. Umm, by the way, what do you look like? Would you be interested in being written in my story?" Tights asked excitedly.

"Didn't you bomb the last 2 books you wrote?"

"H-how did you know about that?" Tights said all too quickly.

"I've seen you out in the cosmos, Tights Brief. Traveling with that Jaco Tirament, tiramenneopause, whatever the heck. You've seen a few planets."

"Well, yeah I guess you have. I wonder what Jaco is doing."

"Hmmm, huh? It looks like he's drinking some kind of...milk on the far eastern side of the Universe. Quite a distance away."

"I didn't me-mean exactly what he was doing, but thanks. Thank you for training my boyfriend and the others. If not for them, this planet would be doomed." Tights said with genuine sincerity.

"It was not a problem! Though if I may make a suggestion? The next time one of you dies, BRING A BUNCH OF FOOD!"

The link was cut off, Shepard imagining that King Kai was rolling his big fat ass around his little planet laughing up a storm.

"Joker."

Raditz had made eye contact with Bulma, who turned away from him. He was contemplating leaving again already.

"So we know the coordinates now? How long you think it'll take Bulma?" Krillin asked.

Bulma was finishing up her calculations, a big smile on her face.

"I have great news, good news, and horrible news, which do you want first?"

"Horrible." Everyone echoed.

"We-well, I don't know if we'll have enough room for everyone to go. But the good news is that the propulsion system we pulled off of Goku's pod he came in as a baby was easy enough to pull apart and figure out. The great news? We can be there in about a month."

Everyone jumped for joy, Krillin and Gohan holding hands and dancing happily, Chi Chi watched smiling. Master Roshi held a tear from coming out. The old master had been thinking...

"What are you all so damned happy for? Aren't you forgetting something? And speaking of..."

Raditz was cut off. The people who were Ki sensitive looked out of the window, to see Mr. Popo on a flying carpet.

"What are you guys looking aaaaAHHHHHHH!" Bulma started to scream before Tights held her hand over her sister's mouth, smiling brightly at the deity.

"I may have a ship for you all to take. If somebody will come with me to confirm."

"Bulma, you're the expert."

"You'll be fine Bulma, have faith in Mr. Popo. Is it out in the far heights?" Shepard asked.

"Indeed Shepard. That is where Kami said he had once lived, before venturing out into the world."

"So uhh, Dr. Burns, am I clear to go?" Shepard asked the doctor next to him, whose mouth would not close. He looked like a fish trying to breathe air, completely mystified at the floating genie-looking being outside the hospital window. Shepard snapped his fingers in front of the doctor's face.

"Ah...uhh. Oh..uhh yes. You have a clean bill of health."

"ALRIGHT!" Shepard's fist pumped, to the amusement of his girlfriend.

"What are your plans, Shep?" She asked as she handed Axel back off to Shepard.

"Gotta head over to our Islands for a couple of things. We're gonna get a head start on the next phase of our training."

"Next phase? Don't you think you're strong enough now?"

"Krillin, there is no such thing." Winking at the monk, he lifted Axel to his face, sticking his tongue out, making the baby laugh.

"Be careful with him Babe. He may be stronger than the average baby, but he's still just a baby. Take this with you." Tights handed him a backpack, which he quickly strapped on. Grabbing the BanHammer with one hand, and Axel in the other, he bent down, tasting Tights lips.

"Ahh. Just like cherries."

"Hehehehe you smooth talker. The backpack has his milk and a few of his toys in there. If I find out something's happened to our baby, I'll grab you by your nose and pull."

"Warning noted my beautiful dear."

"AUUUCK."

"Shut it Hedgie."

"The prototype ship should be ready in a few weeks. Sorry for keeping you waiting Mr. Popo. Oh, Kami. KAMIIIIIIIIIII." The bluenette stepped on the carpet, which took off faster than the eye could see.

"Whoa! I guess it really can travel around the world in an instant."

"You said it Gohan."

"You ready Raditz?"

"I suppose. Let's go."

"Alright, guys. We'll see you later."

Shepard stepped out of the window, followed by Raditz. Floating in the air, he turned around, with eyes only for Tights.

"Love you Tights. Be back soon."

"Love you too. Take care. Bye-bye, Axey Waxey!" The baby giggled in Shepard's arm, the father also sharing a short chuckle.

Igniting his aura, Shepard made sure that Axel was close.

"Alright, little buddy you ready to go fast?" The baby giggled more, signaling Shepard that he indeed did. They took off, heading in the direction of the Islands...

---

Mount Paozu

Goku had arrived at his home, heading inside for a fresh Gi. Grabbing an apple and eating it whole, he stepped outside. It was not warm outside, but it wasn't cold. He took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, mountain air. Looking over, a couple of hundred feet away, was his former house. Grandpa Gohan had raised him over there and taught him values and the importance of looking after yourself. Thinking back, he now remembered the night he had nearly killed his grandpa. He had gone outside to use the bathroom on the night of a full moon, not realizing the significance of it. Turning into the Great Ape was not a pleasant experience. Being as young as he was at the time, he didn't realize just how close he was to killing Grandpa Gohan. By sheer luck, the man was somehow able to cut Goku's tail off. Perhaps he had trained for the scenario. None of that mattered now. Walking towards the old house, he ran his hand along the side of it. Memories were awash in his mind. The many meals he and Gohan had shared. The life lessons he continued to instill in him even after he left with Bulma for their grand adventure. Coming back to Mount Paozu to show his skills, and seeing his grandfather's reaction. Gohan always cheered Goku on, no matter the situation. He wished more than anything that he could talk to him now. Truly talk to him.

"I miss you, Grandpa. I'll never stop remembering. Now that my memories are becoming clearer, I never understood why you always took special care in raising me. I always thought that that was just how you were. You wanted what was best for me, and I was blind to it all." He opened the door, the familiar creak bringing another wave of memories. Looking inside, not much had changed. Goku would come over and wipe the dust down, keeping the small furnishings and household as clean as he could.

"Definitely gonna have to fix you up when I get a chance hehehehe." Looking around, nothing seemed out of place, except the slat of wood in the corner. It was slightly elevated. Kneeling down, he pressed his palm against it, watching as it pressed down, before coming back up higher than it was before. "Huh? What were you hiding Grandpa?" Inside was a treasure trove of things. A small, battle armor, similar to what Vegeta had worn, but with shoulder pauldrons and thigh protectors. It was green and black, much like what he saw his father wear in the memory flash the Old Saiyan had performed on him. Closing his eyes, he remembered his father, his power, and his will to stand up to Frieza. His beautiful mother.

He pulled out more stuff, some papers with diagrams of a moon and what looked like a Great Ape's face. Some handwritten notes in his grandpa's handwriting were also evident. The dialog seemed to go back to the late 600s. Nearly a half-century of documented living from his grandfather! He wondered if he was in it! Flipping through, he read an excerpt, Goku's eyes widened as he started.

August 23, 737

What a discovery I've made! A spaceship of some sort crashed out here. Inside it, was a boy, a toddler from the looks of it. He has a tail on his back, which leads me to believe he is an alien. Came across some papers from what I believe to be his parents. The boy's name is 'Kakarot.' To use this name or not to use this name for him? He may be used to it, but then again, it is hard to tell. The notes detail a plan of survival for the boy. They were hastily written from what I could tell. These old eyes aren't nearly as good as they used to be. I will do what I can to help raise the boy. But he sure seems quite angry. I've already been punched in the face twice by him. He sure is a strong one! If I wasn't trained by the famed Turtle Hermit Roshi, I would probably be dead. I will keep this journal available to write in the future.

March 21, 738

For over 6 months I have had this little boy. And I am barely able to keep up with his ravenous appetite. He sure can eat! I've looked into the notes a bit more. His parents' names are Bardock and Gine. Bardock? Sounds like a vegetable almost, I suppose so does Kakarot. He doesn't respond much to my words. I wonder if he speaks a different language or simply doesn't care what I have to say. The letters from his parents are certainly in English. To think, people out in the Universe speak this language. Amazing! Our first sparring session was not a fun one! I beat him, but if I have to continue to go through these kinds of battles in the coming years with the boy, I may have to speak to Master Roshi about that Paradise Herb. I've heard that his Immortal Phoenix may not be the answer I need.

September 7, 738

I am deeply concerned. And I truly hope that the boy survives. He was fighting to get out of my pack, so I pulled him out of it, as he kicked and punched me in the face repeatedly. I was barely able to hold onto him until one particular kick in the face made me a bit loopy, making me release the boy involuntarily. I didn't have a chance to turn to walk along the ravine I normally trek in my scavenging for berries. And he fell and hit his head. I brought him back to my house and wrapped his head up. There was a lot of blood! I feel so bad, and I hope I didn't fail his parents in trying to raise him. If he dies, I will never know what he could have been, and that might be the most horrible thing of all.

September 19, 738

It's a miracle! It took a week and a half, but the boy has recovered...but it's strange...a lot of the anger he seemed to have just...vanished. He is giggling and happy. I don't know what to think of this, but I will accept him however he may be. I have been thinking about a couple of names for him. 'Kakarot' is a nice name, but it doesn't suit this child, not after his recovery. I have been debating naming him Gingakei, Wakusei, Uchuujin, Goku, or Ryūsei. He is an interesting boy. I will have to ponder this further.

September 24, 738

Goku. 'Aware of Emptiness.' I hope he doesn't take offense to this name. I have decided to name him Goku. He seems to enjoy it for now. His fighting style has changed since his head injury. He is not nearly as wild, and he rarely bites any longer. I may be able to teach him shades of the Turtle Style now. I was hesitant in teaching him true martial arts. Based on the notes I've read on what I now know of the term 'Saiyans,' they all had hybridized styles that have been passed down from prior generations. Bardock and Gine both were likely martial artists in their own right. Looking at the katas that are diagrammed here. I'm afraid I can't follow the style, it is too...I won't deny it, it is too sinister. To teach Goku any of this now could lead to a dangerous path. Maybe when he is older I can show him these things, when he has a better understanding. If the diagrams are to be believed, then his tail can be dangerous. I'll have to instruct him when he is a little older to stay inside on the nights of the full moon.

"Wow. I'm so glad you named me Goku, Grandpa. There's so much here." Flipping through the pages, many of Gohan's writings detailed the many adventures they had taken out in the woods. Gohan's pride at watching Goku catch a massive fish to bring back for dinner echoed in the saiyan's mind, making him tear up thinking about the good times.

May 2, 743

It happened. Goku transformed. I barely made it out alive. Incredibly thankful that it happened in the early morning hours and not when the moon first came. The form was terrifying! Easily making Goku far stronger than what I could handle. My only saving grace was that his speed was about the same as it was when he is in his smaller body. I was able to outmaneuver him and get to his tail. He shrunk instantly but was unconscious when he returned to normal size. His body was feverish, so I wrapped him up and brought him back to the house. I hope he will be ok. I am grateful I made it through this night.

"Oh, grandpa. I hope you've forgiven me. I'm so sorry I couldn't control that form." He flipped through more of the pages until one particular entry made Goku stop.

April 13, 747

It happened again. Last night, I was dead, I know I was going to be killed, but I remembered something in the notes about the form itself, and it saved my life. I had completely covered myself in mud and slowed my breathing to a crawl. When Goku is in this terrible form, he is completely out of control. But his senses are frighteningly heightened. He was much stronger than before. Trying to get behind him with my use of speed was inefficient. The blow he had delivered to me should've killed me instantly, but by the grace of Kami, it only grazed me, but it was enough to knock me far away. I was also thankful that it was raining. I was able to cover myself and hide my scent. I'll never forget those terrifying eyes as he looked down upon me, deciding if he should step on me, but he went chasing after another animal he had smelled. I was able to use the last of my energy when he turned around to blow his tail off. I'm battered, I'm hurt, but I'm alive. Thanks to the notes left behind, I get to see another day with my grandson. He is asleep now, resting off the form much as he did a few years prior. I have spoken to Roshi about the boy. Maybe perhaps to train him in due time, or to help him even try to control that form of his. I am running out of lives and I fear if he turns again, he'll be too strong and next time, I won't stand any kind of chance. If anyone, specifically, if Goku reads this someday, I want him to know that I'm sorry I never told him about this night. I didn't want him to believe that he could have killed me and sullied his time here. As he sleeps now, I think of a story to explain my injuries to Goku, because he will be concerned.

A tear hit the page as Goku read. His reading skills had improved quite a bit since having his memories restored. With help from Chi Chi, he was capable of reading Gohan's books from when he was just a toddler.

"You told me that you fell and hurt yourself. I was so..so stupid to believe that. Please forgive me, Grandpa." He didn't know if he wanted to keep reading, but not reading it would be disrespectful to Gohan's memory, so he trekked on.

September 2, 749

Goku is gone. I don't mean this in any kind of bad way. You see, a young lady came out this way yesterday. Goku had explained that the hover vehicle she had used had attacked him and thought it was trying to take our food. Explaining that such things do exist in this world, it was truly amusing to see Goku's reaction. He looked so...mystified. The lady, Bulma Brief, stopped by, asking for the 4-star dragon ball, which was gifted years ago to me by Master Roshi, as was the Power Pole and Martial Arts Gi. Now, I had heard stories of the infamous Brief family and was a bit concerned, but her heart is in the right place, even if she is a bit...flirtatious. My grandson has such good manners. I always try to teach him good values. And I hope that they continue to reverberate throughout his life. I'm not nearly as young as I used to be, but having Goku here was a nice change of pace. But now that he's gone... I suppose I can go back to what I used to do. You see, as much as I love the Power Pole weapon, I've been working to recreate it. And now that I'll have some free time, I can get to work on it once again. This weapon will be my final present to my Grandson. My masterpiece. It will work much like the Power Pole, but it will be better. That I can guarantee.

September 17, 749

It has been over 2 weeks since Goku left. It has been lonely, but rewarding. It is nice to be full for once (if this is you reading, grandson, forgive me, but your stomach is a bottomless pit!) Eating and having leftovers has become a new thing, but I have also received word that Goku has begun his instruction under my former master, along with another young man named Krillin. Master Roshi genuinely sounded happy that he had 2 very hungry students, willing to absorb all of his teachings. He truly is a remarkable master, if a bit lecherous. But I can't be upset with him. I do share a love for a beautiful woman, but the master is exceedingly desirous, far beyond me. But anyway, what I wanted to get to today. The Golden Staff. Having all of this spare time not to tend to Goku has made me devote most of my time to this prized weapon. I have made sure it has the same power as the Power Pole itself, but this weapon will be usable for Goku throughout his life. I hope when he does find it, that he treasures the weapon, and treats it much like he does the Power Pole now, which I gifted to him. If I remember correctly, Roshi received that very weapon from a great Martial Arts instructor, one who inherently is even more gifted in the Arts than my master himself! I am sure if this master is around now, that he is proud of Goku being able to utilize the weapon.

April 21, 750

Goku visited yesterday, and my word he feels stronger than ever now! I am so impressed with him. He looks like he is eating right. He has also grown an inch or so. If I remember from the writings of his parents, a saiyan's growth spurt is instantaneous, but before they achieve that, their bodies slowly prepare for it by filling out and growing. So I imagine Goku will be much like a child during his formative years. I wonder what he will look like all grown up! Time will tell if I am still here to see it. I celebrated my 92nd birthday on the 19th. I still think back to that fateful night in the rained, muddy grounds where I was within a breath of being gone from this world. Goku showed me the Kamehameha Wave. And once again I am so impressed. It looks really good! Magnificent that he could learn such a technique, and so quickly! Roshi had said that it took him a half-century to create the technique. Goku is wearing the Turtle Shell now, and it brings back great, fond and nostalgic memories of myself and Gyū Maō training. Delivering milk, swimming with the sharks, running to attain our speed, farmwork. All of this and more Gyū Maō and myself did under training. When we did it, sometimes we found it pointless. But later in life, I've learned to treasure those teachings. And I hope Goku will much the same way.

"Every day Grandpa. Every day." He ran his finger along the page. Inhaling deeply, the nostalgic smell of fried fish and fresh air pervading his lungs, bringing memories to the forefront. "I wish I could've helped more. Everything you've taught me, and I did nothing but cause you hardship. Kami, I'm so sorry." He flipped through. A lot of Gohan's writings were more studious.

May 1, 750

It is not every day that Uranai Baba visits me. 2 days ago I was asked to enter a personal tournament of hers. Fighting with Goku himself was a joy! But I could barely hold a candle to his potential. Given time, he will certainly surpass me. I loved and cherished this battle with him. But I think I am nearing the end of my fighting life. How that old buzzard Roshi continues to thrive, I can only assume it is the Paradise Herb itself that enables him to keep going. Watching Goku in action, seeing Master Roshi's other students, Krillin and Yamcha I believe. If I remember correctly, in my previous travels before I settled in Mount Paozu permanently, I came across the Rōge family in the deserts in the humid south. I recall that Yamcha looks very much like his father if I'm not mistaken. The Rōge family utilized many fang-style techniques. The Wolf Fang Fist may have even been an adaptation of the boy's father. But that's neither here nor there.

August 3, 752

A hot day in Mount Paozu requires nice cold water to drink. I have finished the Golden Staff. Testing it out, I have found that depending upon how much power you put in it could make this a truly formidable weapon, perhaps more so than the Power Pole itself. I also wanted to note that Goku visited again yesterday. It is so good to see him when he comes to visit. These visits have been getting less and less frequent. This is the first time I've seen him in nearly a year! But he looks well, he feels so strong now! The sky is truly the bottom limit for the boy. I feel he could reach the heavens someday! His mind is completely focused on martial arts, and that's wonderful, but it shouldn't always be about that. There should always be a balance of sorts. What if Goku finds somebody that he likes? Or that may like him. What if..what if he has his own child someday? I sincerely hope that he matures, and understands that as much as Martial Arts may embody your life, it doesn't embody all of it. At 94 years of age, I have lived a long, joyous life. And if I can hold on for a few more short years, I just may see Goku enter the next stage of his life.

It was getting harder for Goku to read. His eyes were puffy, but he just couldn't put the papers down. His love for his adoptive grandfather now spurred him on.

May 6, 753

I wish the Master would have told me! I have felt a terrible power closing upon Earth. For a moment I wondered if it was the Saiyans. But now that I know what a Saiyan feels like, I am sure that it is something different. I hope Goku is alright. I'm not sure if this is a threat he can handle, but I believe in him. That is what I can do for Goku. I miss him.

May 13, 753

Goku is alive and well! It brings great joy to my heart. He visited earlier today, saying that he needed to go away for special training with the deity of our planet. He estimates that he will be gone for upward of 3 years. He is truly dedicated to his training! I am proud of him. He also seemed quite saddened and when I asked, his best friend and teammate were killed, along with the crane students Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu. Roshi never told me or Gyū Maō about the great Demon King Piccolo. You see, I remember the Cranes. I remember them well. If Shen had a better moral compass, then I can only speculate that he would've been a great ally to us all. But he, and his dreadful younger brother, Taopaipai, knew no other way other than to be hateful, with pure malice in their hearts. I am glad Goku encountered, and defeated Taopaipai. Roshi has told me that he believes that Tien and Chiaotzu, should they be able to return to life with the dragon balls, will not continue their path into the Crane School. He doesn't believe they'll change their affiliation, but he believes they are now disillusioned with the Crane ideals. If they are to forge their path in the future, more power to them.

August 2, 754

Another beautiful day on Mount Paozu. The birds sing, the dinosaurs roar, and I am happily taking it all in. Nature at its finest! I miss Goku very much, and I hope that his training with the Deity is going well. I haven't spoken to Master Roshi in several months, perhaps it would do us all well to get together. Myself, Gyū Maō, and Master Roshi have fond memories together. It has been nearly a year since I've written in this. I do apologize, for there has been nothing of real import truly happening here. Nature runs its course every day. Some days, the sun shines, it's incredibly hot and humid and I must remove my jacket. Other days, when it rains, or even thunders, I sometimes like to go out in it, and relish it for what it is. Peaceful, undisturbed nature.

November 2, 755

A long empty series of months since I've written, my apologies. Something interesting happened the other day, and it shocked me I must say. A young woman, probably no older than 18, arrived out here. A beautiful young woman, someone I surely would have gone for in my youth certainly. She asked me quite a few questions, in particular about Goku. When I asked her why, she told me that he had promised to marry her when she was old enough. If I know my Goku like I believe I do, then I can only imagine that he might have confused marriage for food! Hahahahaha nonetheless, she arrived here yesterday. She was dressed much like a warrior. When I asked her name, she said it was Chi Chi. If it's the Chi Chi that I may be thinking of, then she is most certainly Gyū Maō's daughter. Going by the 'Ox-King' now, I can remember when the extremely tall man was thin, but from what Chi Chi described, he has certainly gotten much bigger over the years. I only wonder how it is even possible that a woman so lithe, could come from a man so gigantic! I suppose her mother must have been quite small as well, but I go off-topic. Chi Chi wanted to know where Goku was, and if I did see him, to let him know that she was looking for him. She also mentioned that in 4 days, she would be turning 18, and would be disappointed if Goku did not fulfill his promise to her. I didn't tell her my suspicions, figuring I would let it all play out however it may happen. I made sure to refill her supplies and she left this morning on one of those sky mobiles.

April 30, 756

Goku returned earlier today to see me, and my my, the boy is no longer a boy, but a young man! He has hit that growth spurt I remember reading about years back, and if I recall correctly, he looks very much like his father if the diagrams and few pictures are accurate. He seemed so excited to teach me his newly learned techniques, one of which made me fear he would discover my secret. I think I may be dying. I just celebrated my 98th birthday a short few days ago. But my hands feel weak sometimes. I have trouble waking up and getting my day started. Hunting for my food has been harder, trying to get around and check the traps I lay, or going fishing in the lake a short walk away. Even the walk itself is becoming bothersome. But I am happy for my grandson. I just hope he doesn't overreact when he goes to the tournament and sees an anonymous figure waiting for him. There is also something else I didn't tell him. I had sensed sinister energy not far from me, watching. If the figure is to attack me, I won't survive the encounter. This being feels far more powerful and familiar to a power I haven't felt in a few short years. If it is indeed The Demon King again, somehow back to life after Goku supposedly killed him, then I am as good as dead.

"Piccolo? Bu-But why?" Anger pulsed through the orange-wearing Saiyan momentarily before he managed to calm down.

October 21, 756

Goku stopped by today, with his new bride-to-be. My word, I am in awe that Goku went through with the proposal. I had hoped he wouldn't hurt the poor girl so gently, but if she managed to convince him to get married, then I am so happy for him. I have noticed he's not training as hard as he was, this could prove disastrous. I sensed that malicious energy again, twice in fact in the last 6 months or so. It hasn't gotten any closer, as if it is watching me. If that is the case, I have nothing to hide, at least not for whoever it may be. I wonder how Goku cannot sense this energy. Has he become oblivious to his teachings? I certainly hope not. I find myself writing less and less in this memoir of mine. Not that I don't enjoy it, but the effort of doing it is starting to become quite tiring. I don't know how much longer I can hold on, but I'm doing the best that I can.

May 25, 757

Goku has certainly become quite the handsome young man if his newborn son is anything to go by. I'm sorry I haven't written. So much has happened over the last 6 or so months. I was not aware of this pregnancy from Chi Chi, but it also wasn't my business to know. Gyū Maō stopped by today. It's a wonder how someone so big, could still be so nimble and hasn't practiced any martial arts in so long. Just simply incredible. Anyway, back on topic. I took the time to visit Goku and their new son, and boy oh me, his son is very much like his father with his strength, but the boy is also so very different. The purity I felt from the child, though so much like his father, seems to come from a natural state. Quite a remarkable child he may be someday. I foresee Goku being just as proud to watch his son grow, as I have been to watch him grow.

April 19, 758

100 years. One full century of being alive on this very planet. Seeing a great many things, traveling this beautiful planet. So much of my life has been consumed by Martial Arts. I'll always love them, but after spending nearly 35 years here in Mount Paozu, and enjoying so so much of it, I believe the greatest gift of all has been bestowed upon me. Goku and Chi Chi had been consumed with raising their young son, and I left them on their own. People need those kinds of things. However, early this morning, just after breakfast, Goku and Chi Chi stopped by, bringing their young boy, who was now nearly a year old if memory served me. They had come to tell me that they had decided on a name for their son a while back. I was shocked when he told me they named him Gohan, after me. It has been a true honor to watch that young toddler, who had fallen from the skies, become the very man I thanked so much earlier. He didn't have to do this, but I'll never forget it. I must stop writing for the day. My hands are extremely tired. Bless whoever may find this someday. And if it is you Goku, I love you, and I thank you so very much.

April 28, 758

I believe this may be it. My hands hurt very much as I write what will become my Final Entry. I have seen so much, and have been rewarded just as greatly. I don't know how much time I have left. But I wanted to make this last entry important. Goku, when you come over here next, I will have passed. I will place this entire memoir, your things from your heritage, and the Golden Staff in a secure place. It is my pride and joy, I hope it will treat you well. I want you to know, no matter what, that I am so proud to have had the chance to raise you. You have turned out to be an incredible young man. Watching you fire off that Kamehameha Wave, utilizing the Turtle Katas to the degree you have, brings me great joy. I want you to always remember Goku, no matter what, we do not learn martial arts to pick fights or to impress girls. We must master the art of peace in addition to the art of war. We achieve victory by the art of war, victory is won through strategy, and strategy is derived from the art of peace. If somebody evil ever threatens you or any other innocent people with unethical force, it is your duty to defend! Work hard, Study well. Eat and sleep plenty, that is the way of the Turtle!! Goodbye, my grandson. Goodbye to your wonderful family. The Earth has been kind to me, but I am old and weary, and it is time. One. Last. Time. I must prepare. Blessings. Gohan

By the end of the memoir, Goku was weeping. He had felt his adoptive grandfather's energy soar, higher than he could ever remember for several seconds on that dreadful morning of April 29th, before a pure, beautiful Kamehameha wave had been fired, flying through the sky, and then that was it. Goku watched it fly away into the sky before he felt it. His Grandpa's Ki had disappeared! He had run over, only to not see anyone! It was like the whole of Gohan had disappeared! Understanding Death to a finer degree now than before, Goku concluded that his body must have disappeared. Chi Chi had come over and helped console the hurting Saiyan when he needed it most, helping him gather the meager belongings of Gohan and place them in a small grave to the side labeled:

This eternal grave holds the legendary Turtle Warrior, and proud Grandfather, Gohan

658-758

Goku remembered that day quite well. One that would always live in his dreams, and even haunt them. The day had been murky, cloudy, an all-around gloomy day in the forests of Mount Paozu. Now knowing the dates they needed to complete the small gravestone, Goku made sure to gather up all the papers. A bunch of loose leaf paper that Gohan had never put together to create a journal.

"Maybe I can have Tights help me put this together. I don't wanna lose this, ever." Goku dig through the small crevice that held everything Gohan left behind. He reached down, pulling up a familiar Gi. It was smaller, faded, worn, and torn in a few places, but the Turtle Gi was evident, and it brought a smile to his face. Holding it up, he yearned for the chance to see Gohan in his youth wearing this uniform proudly. He could envision the younger man he fought in Otherworld wearing this uniform, along with the Ox King.

There was also a small turtle shell, and something covered in several layers of cloth. Grabbing the turtle shell and setting it aside, he reached for the wrapped cloth, beginning to unravel it.

"Whooooaaaa. Incredible!" It was beautiful! It shined gold, had a beautiful finish to it, and was about the size of his former Power Pole. He grabbed everything up that he could, walking back outside. Looking down, 10 feet to the right, lay the gravestone in remembrance of Gohan. Putting the stuff down, he put his hands together, bowing in deep respect.

"Thank you, Grandpa, for everything that you taught me. For being there to help me. I always enjoyed showing you my newly learned techniques when I could. I'm sorry I didn't visit more. But I will make sure to come over, just to see you when I can. From the looks of it, I'll be leaving soon, so I won't have time. But when I get back, I'll make time. I miss you, Grandpa."

It was just then that Goku felt 2 familiar kis heading towards him, making him smile.

"Hehehehehe this should be fun!"

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Big chapter! But I hope you understand why I wrote it this way. I feel like I've neglected Goku a bit as I write Shepard's story. And I apologize to you all for his lackluster performance against Vegeta. All I will tell you is that he will make a BIG come back on Namek. I'm not going to post power levels this chapter. Everyone for the most part is about the same as they were, with the exception of Shepard who is roughly around 25,000 with his fresh Zenkai. Maybe in a couple of chapters when I start reintroducing training, we will see some gains, but for right now, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

P.S. My Grandfather passed away on April 29. So it is an important date for me to remember. Making this Grandpa Gohan's death day seemed fitting. Good day to you all and see you soon!