Author's Note: Hello all! Thank you for your patience as I upload this chapter at the very last second on the very last day of March! We're cutting it close this time, but for now, I claim victory over my completely mismanaged schedule and lack of proper structure over my life!

But I digress. I'm trying not to waste too much time setting up the next arc here, so we are hitting the ground running. Got a whole heck of a lot of talking in this chapter, as the fallout of the invasion comes into focus and future threats. Looking forward to feedback!

Before I let you go, though, I'd like to (once again) express how grateful I am to all of you. Now I'm not really a numbers guy for this fic, but I can't help but be amazed that we have already broken 100 reviews. For context, I compared it to my other work, and it took my first story its entire length to reach 100. In my second, it was around 17 chapters, but this time it only took 8. That's incredible to me. I know I'm a broken record but especially coming out of last month this really hit home for me and reinforced what I already know.

You guys are the best.

Okay, that's it, thank you again, and please enjoy.

"We're coming in now, boss."

Launch's voice from her wristwatch had Bulma standing up and out of her chair, rushing to the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched the elevator's number climb up till it arrived on the top floor. The doors opened for Launch, her blond hair nearly flattened by Tien's wide body as she carried him on his back.

"There wasn't enough room in the elevator, so Vegeta and Krillin are bringing the others through the top," Launch said, lugging the unconscious man with her. "Where can I put him?"

"Through here," Bulma said, rushing through a door out of the main lab. "There are enough beds for everyone."

The three entered the room with haste and laid out Tien in one of the many beds. Getting a better look at him, Bulma could see that the fighting had taken a serious toll on him. He had two extra arms sprouting from his back, but one was clearly bent at an awkward angle. Cuts and bruises marked his body, and his face held a grimace as he moaned in dull pain.

"Krillin said he used up too much energy and rest should help with that," Launch said, her concern easy to hear.

"I still have a senzu I could give him," Bulma said quickly. "It's my last one here, but it'll help with the pain."

"No, you need to save it fo-"

Launch was cut off as the door slid open again, as Krillin carrying Gohan and Piccolo walked in.

"Could use some help here."

Launch moved and took Piccolo off the small monk, hoisting the namekian easily over one of the beds. Krillin moved with her and placed Gohan in the empty one with care.

"Bulma, do you have that senzu you showed us earlier when you gave us the communicators?" Krillin said quickly.

"I do," she answered. "Do Gohan or Piccolo need-"

That is when Vegeta walked in with Yamcha and Yajirobi. Bulma's face went white as she beheld her friends, but it was the wolf's state that truly horrified her. His blood had dried on the trip over, but it was the amount that stained his gi and body that took her breath away. Parts of his skin, mostly around his arms, held a grayish color that had her moving towards him even before the prince could set him down.

"What is this?" Bulma asked, pointing to the splotches coating his forearms.

"I'll explain later," Krillin answered, walking over to the bed with Vegeta as he placed Yamcha on it with a thump. "Just get the senzu."

She nodded and was out the door as fast as she could move.

"Is he going to be alright?" Launch asked.

"He pushed himself too far and his ki levels are dangerously low. We need to get him a senzu or an influx of energy before he can recover," Krillin said, studying his friend carefully.

"Still a burden even when the fighting is over," Vegeta said with a scoff, walking over to another bed and gently placing Yajirobi down. "The human should know his limits."

"We'd be dead if he hadn't pushed past them, but I can say the same about you as well."

"Humph."

Bulma reentered the room with a senzu in hand. Moving quickly to Yamcha's side, she fed him the bean, making sure he could swallow properly. The effect was immediate as the grey marks faded away as the tension his body was carrying released itself.

"What was that, Krillin?" Bulma said, her voice stern. "I've seen you guys beaten up before, but that was something else."

"He used up too much ki stopping that blast and fighting Cooler," Krillin said slowly. "When something doesn't have enough energy to keep itself going, it turns to ash."

"What? Then… he could have…" Bulma said, shaking a little. She placed a hand on her ex's shoulder and went quiet for a moment before turning toward Vegeta. "You saved him."

"He was in my way." The prince said, clicking his tongue and looking away.

"… thank you, Vegeta."

He flinched at her voice, turning back to her to see her eyes complexly focused on him. The look he was so craving just days ago filled his view as she kept her gaze locked on his and she smiled. A simple gesture that the prince had never received before. Heat built up from his throat and grabbed him by the head as a dull thud beat out from his chest. Growling in pure frustration, Vegeta turned away as if someone had struck him.

"I'll go to Korin's to see if he has any more senzus for the others," Krillin said, breaking up the moment. "But we have a problem, a big one."

"What is it?"

"That stranger, the one who we saved after he tried fighting Cooler. He disappeared, and I can't seem to sense him at all."

"What? Why?"

"Not sure. Gohan was monitoring him for a bit and said that he was healed but still unconscious."

"He must have woken up and moved outside your range, but that makes little sense. From the sound of it, he seemed dead set on fighting. Why would he leave?"

"I'm not sure, but I have a lot of questions for him and you're better at sensing ki than the rest of us," the monk said. "He could keep his energy signature low again, so keep that in mind. Yamcha should wake up soon, get him to help you in the search, too."

"I can help too," Launch said, thumping her chest. "Better than just sitting around here waiting for you to get back."

"Thanks. The sooner we can find him, the better. There's also this," Krillin said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small jar with a symbol on it.

"What is this?" Bulma said, taking the container with one hand.

"It's the jar Tien used to save the world."

"Wait… this has an insane amount of ki in it! Krillin, this is a bomb! What do you expect me to do with this!?"

"… don't drop it?"

"You are unbelievable," Bulma said, carefully putting the jar on a table with a wary eye.

"Sorry, not sure what else to do with it right now," Krillin said quickly. "I need to move, Vegeta. What are you doing to do?"

The prince perked up at the question, only to see that all eyes were on him. "Why do you care, human?"

Always a fight. Krillin thought with a sigh. "I'm going to a place near the lookout to pick up some senzu. You can come with me or not, your choice."

The prince clicked his tongue and narrowed his eyes, but before he could speak his mind, he was interrupted.

"You could stay here." Both Krillin and Vegeta looked at Bulma in surprise. "There's enough room."

"You sure that's a good idea, boss?" Launch said flatly.

"He helped the save the world and Yamcha. Figure that's a good enough reason to provide a place to crash," Bulma replied. "What do you say Vegeta?"

Krillin looked over at Vegeta, curious about his reaction, only to see pure bewilderment turn to anger. "I don't need your pity, woman. I am the prin-"

"We know already," Bulma cut him off with a sigh. "Maybe you should get it through your thick skull that people would actually like you a little if you stopped saying that."

She turned back over to Yamcha, giving the offer no more thought. Vegeta felt his anger only grow, a vein throbbing across his forehead. He turned away in fury, his energy leaking out as he stomped away and through the door leading to the way out. The others could hear him take off as he left capsule corp entirely.

"What was that about?" Bulma asked.

"I'm not sure," Krillin answered. "Are you serious about letting him stay here?"

"I am," Bulma said flatly. "There's nothing he can do I can't handle."

"Well, it's your house, I guess," Krillin shrugged. "I'll catch up with him when I can, but I need to get to Korin's."

"You should hurry," Launch added. "We've got some medical supplies here, but we aren't a hospital."

"Okay, I'll call back when I can, but don't forget to find this Trunks guy," Krillin said as he walked to the exit. "I have a bad feeling about all this."

It was a beautiful day by the beach.

A rare moment of calm as the gentle push and pull of the ocean's tide was the only sound surrounding them. Sitting on a nearby log just overlooking the beach gave him the time needed to clean himself off. He was still using the towel he had been handed to wash away the bitter ocean water from his clothes. His training had been progressing, but he was still making mistakes big enough to fall into the ocean despite his ability to fly. Would he ever get better? Become strong enough to make a difference?

It was a question he was embarrassed to have, so he asked a different one.

"Hey Gohan?" Trunks asked. "You knew my father pretty well, right?"

Wearing an orange gi with shortened hair and body built over years of training, the man known as Gohan had been staring out at the ocean in silence. Yet his student's question seemed to shake him out of his thoughts. With a single measured nod, the student got his answer, but he wanted more.

"Well, my mom doesn't say much about him and I can't remember him from when I was a baby. Do you think you could tell me a little about what he was like?"

Gohan let slip a small smile as he continued his careful stare out deeper into the blue of the sea. "He was tough, extremely powerful, arrogant, and very proud."

"Oh," Trunks looks a little dejected before smiling himself. "That's pretty close to what mom says about him."

"Were you hoping for something different?"

"… I don't know," the student sighed. "I just, I wish I got to meet him. Talk to him, even a little."

"It's easy to get caught up in wishes," Gohan had said. "Unfortunately, we have to make the best of what our reality is."

"I know, I know," the student sighed. "Maybe it's better this way. Mom told me the story of how he almost blew up the planet once."

"Haha, well, he certainly tried," Gohan laughed. "If it helps, then you should know he wasn't all bad. He did fight for the planet in the end."

"He still died," the student said darkly. "They all did."

Gohan turned and could easily see the pain his student held. Placing a warm hand on the teen's shoulder, Gohan shared a smile. "They would have liked you."

"You think so?"

"I know so. They were a fun group of guys. Think you would have gotten along really well."

"… what were they like?"

"Well, you've heard plenty of stories about my dad already," Gohan said, leaning back in his seat. "Usually, I'd only see them during a fight, but I remember them pretty well. Yamcha was always easygoing, a bit of a flirt too, according to your mom. Tien was focused on just his training. Mostly, nothing else seemed to interest him. I only met Chiaotzu a few times. He seemed fun, but mostly followed Tien's lead. Piccolo or… heh Mr. Piccolo seemed tough on the outside, but he was just a big softie. Always kept to himself, though. Then there was Krillin-"

Gohan trailed off for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts.

"Krillin tried. He always tried."

"He tried?" The student said in surprise. "What does that mean?"

"When we went up against your father and on Namek, we were always fighting something far stronger than us. So, it was easy to see how frightened he was while we fought. Even so, he was always there. Doing everything he could and giving all that he had," Gohan said, returning his gaze out to the sea.

Trunks looked at his master in silence. Despite saying that this reality was one they had to accept, sometimes his teacher did this, slip away to lose himself in memories long gone. Silently, he joined Gohan in the peace of the quiet, staring out into the ocean. Only for a hard slap on his back to shake his focus out of him.

"That's enough reflecting for now," Gohan said, standing up and stretching for a moment. "Let's see if we can get some more training in before dark? Sound good?"

The student smiled and got up as well, ready to follow his master, but as he did, his surroundings changed. The beach they had been resting on faded away, suddenly replaced by a ruined city landscape. Something had hallowed buildings out as if scraped by claws, cars nonchalantly ripped in two, bodies littered the ground, dry and fresh blood weaving together into a pool of loss. Yet the worst of it, the element that caused the student to scream out in grief and agony, was that horrible sound of falling rain.

"GOHAN!"

His own scream jolted Trunks awake. He sat up wildly panting, his heart pounding in his chest and a few stray tears in his eyes. Gasping for air and sweat pouring down his face.

The nightmare… it's just the nightmare again. Shouldn't have slept, can't let myself do that. They could have killed me in my sleep.

A shaking hand rested on the side of his face as he tried to gain control of his breathing. Once he had an important question took hold.

Wait… where… where am I?

Looking around, it became very clear to Trunks that he was no longer in the North Mountains or anywhere he recognized. He had been laying in a bed with no characteristics. White blanket, white mattress, one pillow. He had been laid flat in a simple room with a single door and no windows. Aside from the bed and a small light beaming down from the low ceiling, there was a simple chair placed next to his bed. Even the walls were grey and lifeless, leaving him with very little to use in understanding what had happened. Completely confused, his hand went to his chest, remembering that was where he had been struck. Only to find no wound.

That's right, I made the trip here. The last thing I remember was getting attacked by that Cooler alien, then nothing. How did I get here and where is my sword? Is the battle over already?

Before he could dwell on the situation any further, the only door in the room opened. Walking in with a practiced and precise stride was a woman dressed in a full military uniform with many medals decorating her chest. She held in her hand a folder nearly full to bursting with unique documents. She only spoke after her steely gaze washed over Trunks, studying him carefully.

"So, you're awake."

"Where am I?" Trunks said, easily matching the gaze.

"A secure facility," the woman said, taking a seat in the chair aside his bed. "One of our finest picked you up during the battle in the North Mountains."

"Picked up?" Trunks said. "By who? Who are you?"

"I am General Bara of the King's Army," the woman said, taking Trunks out of his head. "And I am very interested in what you have to say."

"The King's army? Then do you know what happened in the fight?"

"Very little. That is something we hope you can clear us on," the woman said, leaning forward. "Seismic activity in the North Mountains, or what's left of it, stopped around an hour ago."

An hour? Is that how long I've been out? Trunks thought to himself quickly. But if the shaking has stopped, then that must mean the battle is over at least. Since the planet hasn't been destroyed, that must mean that Goku arrived to help.

"Tell me," Bara said, taking Trunks out of his head. "Who are you and what were you doing in the North Mountains?"

"I… I can't tell you that."

"Can't or won't?" Bara said sternly. "You can't say what you were doing there, who you are, or any of your abilities that sound impossible on paper? Or you won't?"

Trunks remained silent.

"Then I'll go first."

Opening her folder, Bara flicked to a page and cast her steel gaze over its contents. "This report said you were sighted conversing with the invaders and fighting off its soldiers for a time. You were defeated, but several individuals came to your aid. If you can't tell us anything about yourself, then share what you can about them."

Again Trunks said nothing.

"Look, we're tired of fumbling in the dark here. We've got questions, you've got answers, and I have all the time in the world."

"You can't keep me here."

"True. If this report is accurate, then you possess the ability to kill me, break out, and destroy this entire facility before flying away."

"I wouldn't!"

"Why not?" Bara said flatly. "You could do it easily. What's stopping you?"

"That's…" Trunks grimaced but returned to silence.

"Stonewalling us will not help you, kid."

"Then perhaps I can be of help," Both Trunks and Bara turned toward the room's only door in time to see it open again as the King walked in.

"Your majesty," Bara said, standing at attention. "I have things under control, sir. It isn't safe here."

"None of that, Bara," the old dog said, waving down his general. "I know your heart is in the right place, but it's clear that the two of you have reached an impasse."

The King?

Taking the seat Bara had been sitting in, the King scooted up towards the side of the bed. "There we are. First off, how are you feeling, my boy?"

"Ah, f-fine I guess."

"Good to hear. Normally for a good chat, I'd offer you a drink, but you might be a little young for that!" King said with a laugh.

"I-I am sorry sir, but I can't stay here," Trunks said, getting up from the bed. "I need to leave."

"Back to the North Mountains, I presume. You may leave anytime you wish, young man. We won't keep you here, but there is something I'd like to ask you before you go," The King said before his tone shifted. "Does the name Krillin mean anything to you?"

Trunks could not suppress the surprise he felt, something which the King was quick to notice.

"So, you know him."

"I… yes, but how do you?"

"He is the hero, and the one responsible for the miracle of East City."

"… the miracle?" Trunks said, his surprise replaced with confusion.

"You don't know about the miracle?" Bara started with a raised eyebrow.

"I… I must have missed it."

The King and his general shared a quick glance before refocusing on the purple-haired teen.

"Would you perhaps be interested in an exchange of information, my boy?" King said, sitting forward in his seat. "A question for a question? You can refuse to answer if you'd like, but I hope this will prove that we are interested in working together."

Trunks paused, unsure how to proceed, before slowly nodding.

"Excellent," King smiled and gestured to Trunks. "Please, I insist you go first."

"What… what is the miracle?"

"A little over two years ago on November 3rd, precisely at 11:43 in the morning, East City was obliterated without warning. 54,392 men, women, and children were killed and wiped off the face of the Earth without a trace. A little more than a month later, they came back. They have no recollection of their death or seem to have been altered in any way. The world deemed it a miracle."

That must have been the day Goku fought my father, and the people coming back must have been because of the dragonballs. They don't seem to know about the specifics, so I shouldn't say anything. Trunks thought to himself. But I don't remember Gohan ever mentioning anything about an East City… but more important.

"Why did you call Krillin a hero?" Trunks asked

"That's a question I'll happily answer, once I ask you my own," King said with a nod. "Was Krillin at the battle in the North Mountains?"

"I have a feeling you already know the answer to that."

"Indulge me, please."

"… he was."

"I see," King nodded. "Back to your question. I have spoken with Krillin several times. He was caught on tape once, fighting the invaders who destroyed East City. Yet he asked his information to be withheld from the public. With no other alternative, I named him a hero without a description, and that is how he is known to the world."

"If he asked you to not share his name, why are you telling me?" Trunks asked before realizing he had used up his question.

"54,392 people were killed, and yet he knew they would return two weeks before they did. But we don't how," King said quickly. "He knew that a battle in the North Mountains would take place, but we don't know why. I cannot deny that we owe Krillin more than we can repay, but we need to know these things. We want to understand what is happening in our home. This leads me to my question, young man. Do you know how he could restore East City back to life?"

"… I," Trunks fumbled. "I… can't say."

Bara glared and opened her mouth to say something cutting, only to be stopped by a swift gesture from the King.

"I said you could refuse to answer, so please do not worry yourself. However, there is someone I'd like you to meet before you leave us."

"I suppose that's alright."

"Thank you, this way, if you please."

Trunks rose from his bed and followed the King out, trying to ignore the daggers in Bara's stare. Walking out the door, Trunks noticed two guards posted across his room. They saluted the King and eyed him carefully.

"At ease, soldiers," King said, walking down the long corridor.

Trunks would go through this process several times as the three of them made their way through the facility, which was fully staffed. Men and women both stared at Trunks as he followed the King and Bara through the halls, looking around at the stares focused on him. Trunks realized his presence was no secret here.

"This facility is completely secure, and I trust every member with my life," King said without breaking his stride. "You're safe here."

You aren't. Trunks thought to himself as he studied the walls. They would cut through this place like paper.

Eventually, the trio came upon a new door that slid open to reveal a new room filled with medical devices. Two doctors turned toward them in surprise.

"Your majesty we weren't expecti-" one doctor started and only stopped as they noticed Trunks.

"It's alright, he's with me," King said assuredly. "I was hoping we could see him."

"Of course, your majesty, should… should we give you the room?"

"Yes, thank you."

The doctors nodded and silently left as they gave Trunks one more passing glance. It was only after they left did Trunks notice the bed the two had been standing in front of, as well as the body covered up by a white sheet.

"Who-" Trunks began as Bara stepped forward while removing her service cap and holding it over her heart.

"This is Sergeant Soi," King whispered. "He, along with six others, were under my orders to observe the battle in the North Mountains and report their findings."

"He was in the mountains?" Trunks said in shock. "Then the one who brought me here-"

"Was Soi," Bara added. "We found him with you up just a few yards from the original pickup point. He passed on during the ride here… he was the only one on the team who made it home. His heart just couldn't take the stress."

Trunks went quiet. Soi's body was covered by the sheet laying perfectly still. He watched Bara hang her head low at the foot of the bed. Her voice came out slowly.

"He was a soldier; he was a good soldier. We're not sure exactly what he saw in the battle, but he was clearly terrified. We in the King's army don't scare easy, so whatever was happening in the North Mountains must have been beyond belief," Bara said, her tone still steady. "Despite that, Soi found you and walked miles out of the mountains to meet up with us. If the reports I've read about Krillin's abilities and yours are even half true, that may not seem like much, but to us, that's incredible."

"I… I' am sorry," said Trunks. "But… why were you? Why was he there?"

"Because we were warned not to," King said firmly. "Because the hero had informed us that there would be an invasion and told us to avoid the North Mountains, but gave no reason of why. We were told to sit by and do nothing, and we can no longer afford that."

Trunks said nothing as King walked past him to the side of Soi's bed. The old dog took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, his sorrow and exhaustion obvious in the motion.

"Let me be clear, young man. I am the one at fault here. Soi and his team were under my orders, and they performed them to the letter. I was hoping we could gain an understanding of what was happening in our world. To find an explanation I could give to the people of Earth to ease their worries and fears because that fear has been boiling into anger for far too long. Instead, seven good men and women are dead, and we have nothing to show for it."

"Nothing," Bara said, putting her service cap back on and turning to face Trunks. "Except for you."

"I… have a good reason I can't tell you anything."

"I'm certain you do. However, please understand that this pattern of silence is doing far more harm than good," King said bluntly. "The rules that have governed our world have been turned on its head. The first invasion took from us thousands of loved ones and we grieved them all. Only for their return to be answered with a deafening silence. I have done my best, but I cannot explain why death has no hold over East City, Krillin's abilities, or this new threat we have endured. That is what Earth desperately needs, an explanation. These events have created a rift that far too many have filled with confusion, fear, and hatred. Now a new invasion has rocked Earth. We are addressing public perception the best we can, but sources are already addressing the planet-wide tremors as another indicator of an invasion. Feeding panic. These quakes have done significant damage to our citizens and their homes. We do not know how many are hurt or injured, but we are currently looking at a death toll of 84. We were warned about this, but there was no way we could know the severity of this conflict. What is normal for you is catastrophic for us."

Trunks flinched.

"The people of Earth cannot afford to be overlooked in matters that concern Earth," King continued. "We must have a seat at the table when lives are at stake. Young man, we just want an opportunity to avoid disaster."

"Avoid… disaster," Trunks said slowly, the sound of falling rain filling his mind.

"Please, if you cannot tell us about your relationship with Krillin, your abilities, or your background, then just answer me this," King said, almost pleading. "Are we safe now?"

"….no. No, you're not."

"Then you know about another invasion?" Bara said, surprised Trunks had finally said something useful. "Another attack from aliens?"

"Not aliens," Trunks continued, his voice shaking a bit. "Something far worse."

"Again."

The monitor froze in place before rewinding itself. From a bird's-eye view, its display showed the battle of the North Mountain slowed down to the second. The withered old man watched in silence, his eyes studying every move, every attack, every moment. Eventually, the play back ended, leaving the old man watching the screen that had paused itself as Krillin and Vegeta left for the upper atmosphere.

"Again."

The video restarted and again the soft glow from the monitor showed the elder the battle from the start.

"… computer."

"Yes, doctor?"

"Our projections for Son Goku's allies are off."

"Yes doctor, their fighting capabilities accede our estimates by 156%."

"How is this possible?"

"Theory: The unknown training on the lookout seems to have been key to their increased battle power."

"That is reasonable. Their battle power grew a considerable amount before the prince's arrival. Yet, this time… their growth is far more potent. Progress update."

"Yes doctor," the computer hummed before it started its list. "Android 13 60% complete currently paused, Android 14 98% complete, Android 15 67% complete currently paused, Android 19 46% complete currently paused."

"How long until 14's completion?"

"Estimation: 4 hours."

"Then we could strike. After all these years, we could hurt Son Goku today," the old man said, his voice devolving into a growl. "… taking their current power level into account, what are our odds of 14's success in killing all of Goku's allies?"

"Odds of success: 13%."

"I see. Estimate time of 15's completion."

"Estimation: Two months."

"Odds of success with 14 and 15."

"With the assumption that training would continue, Odds of success: 35%."

"Still not enough?" Gero spat through clenched teeth. "Estimation of 13's completion."

"Estimation: Four months."

"Add 13 to the odds."

"Odds of success: 88%."

"Four months," the old man heaved. "Four more months and yet the risk of failure is still there? Son Goku could return by then, strengthening them even further."

Suddenly, the man's eyes widened as his mind raced. "Computer, estimate time of Android 20's completion. Include 19's as it is necessary for my operation."

"Yes doctor," the computer answered before pausing only for a moment. "Estimation: Three years. Though the process may take longer based on your recovery."

"The original plan before we learned Son Goku was off-world only Android 19 and myself as Android 20 would have attacked… what would our chances of success be if we were only to fight Son Goku's allies with their new projection data?"

"Chance of success: 4%"

The old man said nothing before refocusing on his monitor just as the video ended. "… again."

Silence took over the lab as the man tried to focus on the battle. Yet as the video played, he panted as his body shook from barely contained rage. He only made it halfway through the replay before he slammed his hands against the table.

"It's not POSSIBLE!"

Curling his hands into fists, he slammed them down again, the force rattling the many papers and plans he had laid out. He began panting before a deep scream split out from him as he fell into a frenzy. Swinging wildly, he smashed through nearby vials of liquids, smaller machines, anything he could get his hands on. Research and devices that had taken years of study were soon sent flying against the walls or crunched across the hard ground. The cave echoed the sounds of breaking glass and crunching metal as the man's warpath raged on.

"I do not make mistakes!" He screamed at no one picking up a test tube and hurling it across the lab.

"I am GERO!" the man sputtered as his vision devolved into red. "I AM DR. GERO!"

"Androids?"

"Yes," Trunks nodded to the King. "In three years on the morning of May 12th at 10:00 AM, a horribly destructive duo will show up on an island nine miles southwest of South City. They have dreadful power even by my standards… their monsters. That's the best way I know to describe them. Once this pair surfaces, the Earth and everything you know will be gone for good."

"… that is… quite a hard pill to swallow," King said, trying to get a hold of his emotions.

"You know this for certain?" Bara asked. "Do you expect us to believe you just have this information on hand? That you can tell us the future and we won't question it?"

"… I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that," Trunks said slowly.

"We understand," King said with a nod. "However, if your warning is to be trusted, then surely three years is enough time to prevent this crisis from even happening. What not go directly to the source?"

"I'm not sure where to look," Trunks admitted. "An old scientist from the red ribbon army will build these androids. No doubt he's constructing them even as we speak. If I knew where his lab was, I would go after him first. The android's creator is a man named Dr. Gero."

"Gero?" King said quickly.

"Yes, do you know him?

"… no," the old dog replied. "Forgive me, the name sounded familiar, but I must have been mistaken. This information is it something you intend to pass onto Krillin?"

"I… not Krillin per se," Trunks admitted. "But I need to find out where he is. This warning needs to be shared, but it still might not be enough."

"The androids are that great of a threat?" Bara asked. "You make it sound like we're even in more danger than from the invasion."

"… you are," Trunks said gravely.

A hard silence enveloped the three and was broken by a hard cough from the King.

"If your aim is to locate Krillin, then your best chance will be back at the North Mountains. We have no way of contacting him from here."

"Okay," Trunks said before bowing. "Thank you for caring for me and again… I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, young man. For sharing what you can." King said, looking over to Bara. "Can you escort him out from here, Bara?"

"Of course, your majesty," the general nodded before sharping turning to Trunks. "This way."

The two exited the room, leaving the King. As soon as the door closed behind them, the old dog reached into a pocket and removed an old phone. Entering the only number the phone was used for the King put it up to his ear.

"Your majesty," a voice from the other end spoke up. "What is your status?"

"We can speak freely here, Z," the old dog said quickly. "I have several things to share with you. Are you secure?

"Yes sir, the past two days have been uneventful for me," the agent said on the other end. "I've experienced some light tremors here; can I assume that is from the North Mountain conflict?"

"Yes, but the battle seems to have ended as far as we can tell. Mr. B was present in the fighting, that much we know. That there wasn't more destruction tells us he and his allies were victorious. However, your light tremors were much worse in other parts of the globe."

"How bad?"

"84 and counting, no doubt we'll be hitting the hundreds soon enough. Emergency teams were prepped and ready, but the damage is still beyond what we thought. I'll have to prepare a statement soon. You should also know, the team we sent to investigate, none survived."

"Soi?"

"He made it home, but the strain was too much."

"I see. Your statement to the public… what will you say?"

"There is nothing I can say that will be accepted as the whole truth," King said sadly. "I fear I have lost the trust of the people."

King sighed deeply before remembering where he was and what he had to do. "I'll send you a complete debrief of Soi's investigation, but there are two things that you need to know now. First, Soi found someone in the fighting and brought him to us."

"Found someone? Who?"

"A young man with abilities similar to Mr. B. He avoided most of our questions, and I did not intend to force them out of him. Doubtful we could have even if we tried. He was brought to us unconscious and was not forthcoming with what he knew. We have pictures and the cameras recorded our conversation. You'll be able to see those soon enough. You'll note that he's wearing a jacket belonging to the capsule corporation."

"Then he has a connection to Mr. B and his allies."

"That was our theory as well. Yet he's not one of our suspects and seemed to even be confused by how much interaction we have had with Mr. B. It's clear he does not know him personally, but through another source."

"Could there be another party at play here?"

"Perhaps, but if there is, then they are not well informed. The most perplexing thing about the young man was that he seemed to be unaware of the miracle and what it represented."

"Unaware? He hadn't heard of it before?"

"It seems so. It's as if knows nothing of the last year."

"Bizarre, do we have eyes on him?"

"We placed a small tracking device on his person as he slept. I do not think he suspects us and he's headed back to the North Mountains for now, looking for Mr. B. Should he find him, then so will we."

"Good," Z said firmly. "Perhaps now that the fighting is done, we can get some proper answers."

"Unfortunately, our mystery guest seemed to show that we are not out of the woods yet."

"More invaders?"

"No, something new. Unsure how to proceed with it or if it's even true. The boy spoke of manmade androids attacking the planet in three years. Apparently, they are even stronger than the invaders and if not stopped, they will bring Earth to ruin."

"That… is very hard to believe. What do you think of it?"

"The boy seemed shaken, and I believe he believes his tale, but I am struggling with taking him at face value. Especially after he was so reluctant to give up any more information… which is why I withheld some of my own."

"What do you mean?"

"Our guest mentioned that the creator of these monsters is a former member of the now-defunct red ribbon army, one Dr. Gero."

"Gero, that is not a name I thought we would hear again."

"Indeed, it adds some validity to the story, certainly. I'll have some people dig up what we know about the man. The records we have of the red ribbon army may shed some new light on this new threat. Perhaps for the first time, we can get ahead of whatever conflict is coming, if it's true at all."

"Is this something you would share with our hero?"

"… I… am uncertain. There is something you must know before Soi passed. He had a confirmed sighting of the demon king."

"He's alive!?" Z said, losing his tight control over his emotions. "What was he doing!?"

"That is less clear, but if Mr. B was indeed in the North Mountains, then it stands to reason that he would be aware of the demon king's presence."

"To what end?"

"As always, there is more to this than we know, but this only strengthens my doubts. We must move quickly and gather more information. Anything new from the house?"

"No," the agent answered on the other end. "Other than the woman who keeps to herself, none of our other suspects have made an appearance."

"Any more you can tell me about the woman?"

"The records I could find say her name is Chichi, and the house belongs to her. She's the daughter of this Ox-King, but curiously, I couldn't find much else. It's clear she's a wife and mother, but I could not find much information on her spouse or child. Just their names, Goku and Gohan."

"Gohan? Are you certain?"

"Yes, he seems to be mainly home-schooled, as there are no records of formal education. Why?"

"As our guest slept, he seemed to be wading through a nightmare. He screamed the name Gohan more than once."

"Another connection."

"This spouse, Goku, do you have anything else on him?"

"No sir, he must be the son-in-law the tailor mentioned, but other than a name, I couldn't find much. The house itself is very remote. You'd have to travel for miles to reach even the edge of civilization."

"Perhaps they are hiding something."

"If they are, then I can't see it from here."

"Curious, have you found any evidence that this Chichi has similar capabilities to Mr. B and our guest?"

"No, sir. I haven't been here long, but not from what I've observed."

"Hmmm, what are your thoughts? What do you think we should do?"

"The trail led me here for a reason, and the connections keep stacking up. This family obviously has a relationship with Mr. B, but it's not clear exactly what. I won't be able to tell you more until I approach."

"You'd be giving up a lot if you do."

"You're the one who said we needed to move quickly, and the longer we do nothing, the more people may get hurt."

"… I will think on this. Do not make any moves. I will return with my decision soon. For now, continue to observe and keep your distance."

"Understood. Anything else?"

"Yes, be careful," The King said slowly. "We've lost too many good people today."

"… yes sir."

The call ended there. Pocketing the phone, King looked back to the bed where Soi lay. He reached out and rested his hand on the soldier's head.

"You were a credit to the uniform… I am sorry I failed you," the old dog said, his voice weary and tired. "Thank you for your service. Rest well."

"Korin."

The cat's ears perked up at the sound of his name. Turning toward the voice, he smiled as he watched Krillin land on his tower.

"Glad you're in one piece, could sense the fighting even all the way out here," the cat said, walking up to the monk. "Here for some senzu, I take it?"

"Yes," Krillin nodded. "Everyone's alive but hurt. Anything you can spare would help."

"Anything I can spare he says," Korin laughed while handing over a small bag. "The warning you gave me when you returned was enough time to prepare, and the beans grew well. There's enough for everyone there."

"Thank you," Krillin said, taking the bag. "Was worried you wouldn't have any."

"Then you worried for nothing Krillin, you've done your part well. The fighting is done; you can relax a little."

"Fighting might be done, but there's someone out there who has the power of a super saiyan and I don't know where he is."

"A super saiyan? Like Gohan? I sensed an enormous source of unfamiliar ki during the fight, but I assumed that was part of Cooler's army."

"No, a young kid. I think he was trying to help us but got knocked out early on. I told Bulma to keep an eye out, but I'm not sure what his objective is and it's weighing on me."

"If he wants to find you, then he will. Running yourself ragged will help no one right now," Korin said firmly. "Let yourself relax, even for a moment."

The monk nodded and let out a long breath he had been holding during his flight. "Sorry, it's… it's a little surreal for me."

"Of course, it is," Korin said warmly. "You've been at this since you got back from Namek, after all."

"Feels longer," Krillin softly chuckled. "… we, we almost didn't make it."

"Yet you did, you all did."

"Yeah," Krillin said with a smile full and wide. "We won."

Korin patted the monk's side with genuine care. "Tell me, will you join the side of you remaining on the lookout or remain split as you are?"

"How, how did you know?" Krillin said with surprise.

"Well, I am your neighbor in a sense," the cat replied with a grin only a feline can wear. "Easy enough to see you leaving, yet sense your presence lingers just above my head."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"When would I have the chance? You've been rather busy the last year, and it's not as if you visit that often. Not certain why you reduced your power by so much, but no doubt you have your reasons."

"I do," Krillin sighed. "… does Yajirobi know?"

"I do not believe so," Korin admitted. "He's not as perceptive as I, and you went to some lengths to conceal your situation from your friends. Though you still haven't answered my question."

Krillin paused. "… not sure. I've been so focused on getting through this fight that I didn't really think about what happens next. I have responsibilities on the lookout, but I can still stay with everyone else at the same time. This balance works for me."

"That's a decision you will have to make."

"You're right, but I can take my time with it." The monk admitted with a smile. "I finally have more time."

The cat nodded before his eye's ears perked up and his gaze lingered on the view from his tower. "Now here's someone I didn't plan on speaking to."

"Hmm? What are you-" Krillin started before his senses joined Korin's.

As he landed on the tower's surface, the prince of all saiyans scanned his surrounding curiously, a glare already adorning his face.

"Vegeta?" Krillin said with surprise. "I thought you left."

"I want access to your Pendulum Room human," Vegeta growled. "If nothing else, you've devised a good way to train."

"Aren't you pleasant," Korin said, approaching his second guest. "You must be the saiyan prince Vegeta. Thought you'd be taller."

"You're one to talk creature," Vegeta said, his glare deepening. "I've been told you're the one who supplies the beans that heal."

"I am. My name is Korin and I am the master of this tower. I've also heard a great deal about you, from Yajirobi."

Vegeta raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not one to mince words, prince, I don't like you," the cat said sternly. "You killed Yajirobi and many others when you first arrived here, and I firmly believed it was a mistake to let you go when Krillin had the chance to kill you. I even encouraged Tien to finish you off if he ever encountered you again. Yet Yajirobi returned from Namek with a story about you saving his life. Since then, he's seemed to hold you in some esteem, though I couldn't tell you why."

"Maybe this isn't the best conversation to have now," Krillin said, worried this would cause a fight.

"Quiet human," Vegeta snapped. "Continue creature."

"… I don't like you prince, but I did sense you fighting with the others and for that, I owe you a debt for doing your part for Earth," Korin said, pointing to the bag that Krillin held. "There is a senzu in there for you, do with it what you like."

Vegeta paused before shooting a look over to Krillin. "Hand me a bean."

A little confused but thinking better of it, the monk opened up the bag and tossed one of the many senzu to Vegeta. Wordlessly, the prince looked back to the cat and crushed the senzu in his hand.

"Vegeta!" Krillin shouted. "Why did you-"

Korin raised a hand toward the monk before facing off with the saiyan. "I said you were free to do whatever you liked with the senzu."

"They are a crutch," Vegeta said sharply. "… perhaps… useful when a situation demands it, but relying on them would make me dependent. And I do not plan on depending on any of you."

"Seems like you and Goku are similar in this regard. He also dislikes relying on them."

"I am nothing like that low-class."

"There are certainly worse people I could compare you to," the cat said slowly. "But you are correct. You differ from Son Goku. From what I heard about you from Yajirobi, you both crave strength through your own means. A trait you share with some of the more stubborn martial artists I've met over the years. Yet, I have encountered no one as lost as you, prince."

"Lost!?" Vegeta said, his voice rising. "I am not lost! Do not presume you know me, creature!"

"Then let me ask you," Korin said calmly. "Where will you go from here? What will you do now that the fighting has finished?"

Krillin could see the anger in Vegeta raise at the question and even prepared himself to step if he made a move against the cat. However, no sound came out of the prince and as the moments ticked by, nothing happened. The anger was still present, but the monk watched Vegeta's attention flicker from Korin to him.

"Fight me."

"What?" Krillin asked.

"Cooler is dead, and your precious planet is safe. No more delays human. Fight me."

"I'm not doing this now, Vegeta. I have to get these senzus to the others and that Trunks guy is still out there. There's too much to do."

"I can bring the senzu," Korin said with ease. "Everyone is at the capsule corp, correct? I'll take a nimbus and be there in no time. And yes, I know I need to enter from the top. As for your mysterious super saiyan, perhaps your fight will draw them out."

"I… I don't understand," Krillin said, with obvious confusion. "Why are you doing this Korin?"

"I think this will be good for you," the cat said simply. "For both of you."

Still confused, but realizing that there didn't seem to be any simple way of getting out of the situation, Krillin let out a long sigh. Slowly he reached into the bag of senzu and picked out a single bean before putting it in his pocket, in clear view of Vegeta.

"Fine, you helped us so… fine." With an icy gaze, the monk matched the prince's heated glare. "You get your fight."