Chapter 6: Stories Under the Stars

The group had stopped for the night in a quiet clearing under a canopy of stars. The capsule house was set up, and the comforting sounds of the forest surrounded them. Goku and Oolong had fallen asleep almost immediately after dinner, their snores competing for dominance.

Bulma and Kara, however, sat outside by the fire, enjoying the cooler night air. Kara gazed at the stars, her expression thoughtful.

"You're pretty quiet tonight," Bulma remarked, poking at the fire with a stick. "What's on your mind?"

Kara hesitated, her eyes softening. "I've been thinking about home. About Krypton."

Bulma leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Krypton? Is that where you're from?"

Kara nodded. "It was a beautiful world, filled with advanced technology and brilliant minds. Our people had conquered space travel, genetics, even the manipulation of matter itself. But in the end..." She paused, her voice tinged with sorrow. "None of that could save us."

Bulma set her stick aside, sensing the weight of Kara's words. "What happened?"

"Krypton's core became unstable." Kara said softly. "My parents and the rest of Krypton's scientists tried to find a solution, but there wasn't enough time. They sent my cousin and me away in separate pods, hoping we'd survive somewhere far from Krypton."

"Your cousin?" Bulma asked.

"Kal-El," Kara said, her voice brightening slightly. "He's younger than me, just a baby when we left. I was supposed to take care of him, but... something went wrong with my pod. I was trapped in the Phantom Zone for years."

"The Phantom Zone?"

"A timeless prison," Kara explained. "I was stuck there, unable to age or escape. By the time I finally broke free, Kal-El's pod had already landed. I've been searching for him ever since."

Bulma's eyes softened. "You think he's here on Earth?"

Kara nodded. "I'm almost certain. But Earth is a big planet, and I don't even know where to start. I was hoping... maybe I could use the Dragon Balls to find him." She hesitated before adding, "Would that be okay?"

Bulma smiled warmly. "Of course. I was going to wish for something silly anyway, like a prince boyfriend or something. Your wish is way more important."

Kara's expression softened, and for a moment, her stoic demeanor cracked. "Thank you, Bulma. That means a lot."

The next day, the group encountered Yamcha and Puar again. Yamcha approached cautiously, still flustered when he saw Kara and Bulma.

"W-We meet again!" Yamcha stammered, trying to maintain his composure.

Goku, oblivious to Yamcha's awkwardness, grinned. "Hey, it's the guy from the desert! Wanna fight again?"

"Uh, not now," Yamcha said quickly, avoiding eye contact with Kara and Bulma. "Actually, I came to help. I overheard you're after the Dragon Balls, and I thought I'd tag along."

Bulma rolled her eyes. "Sure, you just happened to overhear us."

"Don't question it!" Yamcha said, trying to sound confident.

Kara sighed but decided not to press further. "Fine. Just don't get in the way."

Their journey was interrupted when they were ambushed by the Pilaf Gang—Emperor Pilaf, Mai, and Shu—who stole their Dragon Balls and locked the group in a heavily fortified room within their fortress.
The Pilaf Gang surrounded the group, deploying their advanced technology to trap them in an indestructible chamber inside the fortress. Despite Kara's super strength, the walls wouldn't budge.

"Not even Kryptonian power can break this," Kara muttered, frustration evident on her face.

The room had a small, barred window that allowed moonlight to filter in. As night fell, the group saw Pilaf and his gang preparing to summon Shenron with their stolen Dragon Balls.

"I'll crush them the moment we're free," Kara growled, glaring at the thieves outside.

But her attention was drawn to Goku, who stood by the window, staring at the full moon. His tail twitched, and his breathing grew heavier.

"Goku, no! Don't look at the moon!" Kara shouted, rushing toward him.

It was too late. Goku's heart thundered, and his body began to transform. His muscles bulged, his size increased, and his face elongated into a monstrous snout. Within moments, he had become a massive Oozaru, a great ape.

The fortress shook as Goku roared, his massive fists smashing through walls. Kara and the others scrambled for safety as he destroyed their prison with ease.

Pilaf, having just summoned Shenron, was too distracted to notice. "At last, my wish—"

Before he could finish, Oolong shouted, "I wish for the most comfortable panties in the universe!"

Shenron granted his wish and vanished, leaving Pilaf screaming in frustration.

The group turned their attention back to Goku, who was rampaging uncontrollably.

"We have to stop him!" Kara shouted, dodging a swipe from Goku's massive hand.

"How?" Bulma screamed.

"His tail!" Kara yelled. "We have to cut it off!"

Puar transformed into a pair of scissors, and with Kara distracting Goku by flying around him, Yamcha took the scissors and lunged. He managed to cut through Goku's tail just as Kara pulled him away from a devastating blow.

Goku shrank back to his original size, collapsing to the ground. He was naked, his tail gone, but he was safe.

Kara sighed in relief, landing beside him. "He's back to normal."

Bulma stared at Goku, her mind racing. "What was that?"

Kara hesitated, then explained. "It's a Saiyan trait. Their tails allow them to transform into that... thing when they see a full moon. It's their most destructive form."

Bulma looked at Goku with a mix of awe and concern. "And he didn't even know?"

"No," Kara said quietly. "He's completely innocent. He doesn't realize how dangerous he can be."

As Goku slept, oblivious to the chaos he had caused, Kara's gaze softened. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel protective of him.

Later, as they regrouped, Kara confronted Oolong. "You wasted the wish!" she snapped. "I could've used it to find my cousin!"

Oolong stammered, backing away. "Hey, I panicked! It was either that or let Pilaf take over the world!"

Kara sighed, rubbing her temples. "I understand, but it's still frustrating."

Bulma placed a hand on Kara's shoulder. "We'll find another way. We'll help you find your cousin. I promise."

Kara nodded, grateful for her newfound friends despite the setback.

To be continued..