Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Authors: Feraligreater328 and StevenBodner

A/N: It does my heart good to read so many reviews of you all enjoying what I'm putting out. I can't believe you guys are vibing so hard with an arc where the main villain hasn't even shown up yet. Let's keep that energy going, because I plan to really start going crazy soon enough~

Chapter 183: The Fusion Dance

On Planet Cooler...

And so, there was Son Goku, sitting in a booth of the diner owned by longtime friends. Across him, was the Emperor of the Universe. Cooler didn't seem too bothered about conversation. He was picking up condiment bottles, looking them over, typing things into his communication device. He grabbed a bottle of sauce that Genoa and Munster had developed together and twisted off the cap, tapping a bit onto his fingertip and touching it to his tongue. Cooler smiled and nodded, snapping a picture of the bottle.

Gooda nervously walked up to the table, setting down the drinks. "A sweet tea for M-Mr. Goku and, uh, a black coffee for you... my Liege..."

Cooler picked up his cup and gave it a sniff. He turned a cold glare on Gooda and Goku felt his hackles raised for just a moment. But then, Cooler smiled and nodded. "Thank you very much, young lady. It smells divine."

Gooda flinched, but then nodded. "Yes sir. Uh... your monte cristo and Mr. Goku's cheeseburger will be out shortly. That was medium rare, right, Mr. Goku?"

Goku nodded. "Yup."

Gooda scurried off and Goku turned, watching as Cooler snapped a picture of his coffee and took another sip.

Goku cocked his head. "What are you doing?"

Cooler sighed, as if put out. "It's very dumb. My subordinates got me onto it. They call it... food blogging. Essentially, I take pictures of food I eat at restaurants that I try and share it in a larger group chat."

Goku nodded. "Oh yeah?"

Cooler nodded back, taking another sip of the ebony nectar and smiling. "Yes. Me, Salza, Neiz, Dore, Captain Ginyu, General Rilldo, Caaaaaaaaa...ouple others."

The emperor casually studied Goku's face, relieved that the Saiyan hadn't noticed his near slip of the tongue. But only because he was trying to wrap his head around Cooler in general.

Looking at this guy, Goku could tell that there was something there. Something deeper. But he couldn't quite finger it. He sipped his sweet tea. "So, you're the emperor now? I figured, after King Cold, the people of this planet would never allow one of you guys to just swoop in and take over again..."

Cooler shrugged. "There were some people who were resistant at first, but I have a knack for winning people over, I suppose."

Goku raised an eyebrow. "That same knack Frieza had?"

Cooler shook his head. "No. Frieza's methods don't build the size of a kingdom, they build a collection of empty planets. He was a realtor, I am a team leader. There is a functional difference."

Goku frowned. "And this team wants to be led?"

Cooler sipped his coffee. "I provide food, shelter, medicine, and all-around care. People under me are able to live a life free of strife. They are able to enrich themselves, to build wealth without fear of reprisal from a king who is simply bored and looking for something to do."

Without either man noticing, Gooda had returned and set down two plates. He studied her for just a moment, looking closely at her face as she regarded Cooler. He saw nervousness, for sure. She was nervous to be near Cooler, but she wasn't outright fearful. And Cooler wasn't putting off any malice as he examined his plate and snapped a picture. Goku looked down at his own burger and then up again as Cooler took a bite and his smile deepened.

Goku stifled a small laugh and nodded. He quickly decided that, based on first impressions, he actually liked this guy. Goku took a bite of his burger and Cooler watched him in turn, for a short moment.

Cooler swallowed a bite of monte cristo and added a dash of the diner's special sauce to the next. "So. Son Goku, what brings you to my planet? Given the familiarity, am I to assume this was merely a social call to the owners of this fine operation?"

Goku sighed, eating a small fistful of fries. "I wish. No, this about Majin Buu."

Cooler didn't flinch. "Oh, yes, I thought I was detecting some anomalous power source from the North. That's Majin Buu, eh? I read a book about that creature in my father's, now my, library."

Goku nodded. "Must be a scary feeling, huh? I'm at a loss for how to deal with that thing..."

Cooler briefly turned his gaze to the north, feeling in that direction. He wordlessly shrugged and turned his attention back to his sandwich. Goku continued. "So, the reason I'm here is actually to try and get to Hera..."

Cooler's brows raised. "Hera, eh? I've been there before. It's quite the austere place. What purpose could you have there?"

Goku frowned, looking confused. "Yeah, I don't get it. But according to Dabura, there's a portal there that leads directly to the Supreme Kai's world."

Cooler hummed. "You're on speaking terms with the Supreme Kai? Interesting. From what I've heard from Herans whose tongues I've managed to loosen, he has not been seen much since the last rampage of the eponymous Buu. But, given the circumstances, I suppose it's only natural he'd be dealing with your group."

Goku nodded. "Yeah. It's been a busy couple of days. I can't believe that there's just a portal to the afterlife just on some random planet like that."

Cooler smirked, enjoying a small laugh. "Even in the face of mortal peril, you still find the time to express wonder at the bizarre inanities of the universe. I appreciate that."

Goku still looked confused. Cooler gave an indulgent smile. "I can explain it to you if you would like."

The Saiyan's eyes widened. "Explain what?"

Cooler smiled. "I can explain how our universe is structured."

Goku chuckled. "I mean, I know about Earth. King Kai rules over some kinda galaxy. Uh... Namek ...and Yardrat...and this place... maybe a few others..."

Cooler sighed with good humor. "I suppose I must educate you."

And then, using his telekinesis, Cooler summoned over a basket of various condiments and began to construct a crude diagram. "Let us start at the center..."

The emperor grabbed the salt and pepper shakers. "First, we have the Core. The Core is a realm of two parts. The peppershaker, on the bottom, represents the Demon World and Hell. The saltshaker, on top, represents Heaven and the Realm of the Gods."

He grabbed a packet of ketchup and a packet of mustard. "The ketchup and mustard represent the Core Universe. It contains two planets: Hera and Hades. This planet, which is currently christened Planet Cooler, is Hades. We work with those of the Demon Realm on occasion. Hera is where the People of Hera come from, and they directly serve the Gods."

Cooler telekinetically lifted paper packets of sugar, artificial sweetener, salt, and pepper and scattered them across the table. "Then we have the four galaxies. North, your galaxy, represented by the sugar, has 28 planets with life on them... mainly due to my deceased brother being a tantrum-throwing brat. South, my original stomping ground, represented by sweetener, has 46 planets with life. West, represented by salt, where that wretch Turles played his games, is estimated to have roughly 30 planets with life but we aren't quite sure yet. East, which is pepper, has exactly 36 planets with life on them. That is what makes up our universe, which I believe is called Universe #7 on the godly level if my sources are to be believed..."

Goku was nodding with genuine interest. "Huh. That's crazy. How do you know so much about this?"

Cooler chuckled. "Like I said, I've spoken to a few Herans over some rather adult drinks. They are more than willing to share information and gripes once you find a way through their walls they've built. But, then again, that's true of basically everyone in the universe, no?"

Goku nodded and took another bite of his burger. "True."

For a while after that, the two of them sat there and ate. Cooler finished his fries with relish and quickly typed a message in his group chat, advising all his inner circle of a nice diner in one of the former slum districts. Then, the emperor tented his hands and spoke. "How may I help you, Son Goku? I heard the tail-end of the conversation when I entered the diner. What can I do for you?"

Goku sighed, his plate clean, and crossed his arms. "I need a ship and directions on how to get to Hera. Think you can help?"

Cooler nodded and pressed on the image of a teal-blue face on his contact screen. "Give me just a moment to speak with General Rilldo. It will be arranged."

Back on the Earth...

"Am I evil?"

It was a simple question, but it gave Dabura such a start that he nearly toppled over. Ranch was sitting there, her hands clasped in her lap looking as if she were just before another bout of ugly sobs.

Dabura collected himself and cleared his throat. "You're asking me if you're evil?"

Ranch nodded wordlessly. Dabura sighed, staring out into the distance. "That's a loaded question, wouldn't you say?"

Again, she was silent. Dabura scratched the back of his head and sat silently for a while. The two of them both sat next to one another, the vague sounds of training echoing out in the background. Finally, Dabura spoke. "No, Ranch. You are not evil."

This caused Ranch to explode. "HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!"

Dabura flinched. Ranch stood, gripping her fists tight, tears flowing down her cheeks. "I killed so many people, Dabura! And I remember them all! They were scared of me! Terrified! And I killed them all, Dabura with no shame!"

She sobbed, stomping her foot on the ground. "I'm evil! Pure evil! A nasty, evil monster! I-"

Dabura placed a gentle hand on Ranch's shoulder. She looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. Dabura sighed and gently forced her to sit. "Tell me, girl, are you aware of how Babidi's magic works?"

Ranch cried. "What?!"

Dabura motioned his hand, urging Ranch to be calm. She took a shuddering breath and shook her head. "I don't know. He makes people evil because they're evil on the inside, right?"

The Demon King shook his head. "Incorrect. Babidi's magic is a reflection of Babidi himself. It is a magic that inherently involves taking advantage of and using others for his own benefit."

Ranch sniffled. "What does that mean?"

Dabura stroked her hair. "Babidi finds people with faults in their ego that allow them to be easily manipulated. Spopovich and Yamu were envious because of their lack of strength. Pui Pui was apathetic because life had become quite boring for him. Yakon's long life had made him incredibly gluttonous..."

Dabura looked away, speaking under his breath. "Guilt is also a powerful motivator..."

Ranch stared at Dabura. For just that brief flicker, he looked very sad indeed. He turned back to her and continued. "Babidi saw the despair you were feeling and preyed upon it, Ranch. You're not evil, you were upset. Babidi used his magic to overtake you and then he kept you in his thrall by using that feeling against you. He turned you into a vicious, vengeful monster just as he turned me into a loyal sycophant."

Ranch spoke in a hoarse whisper. "But, even still...I killed all those people, Dabura. That's unforgivable..."

Dabura closed his eyes. "Forgiveness, my girl, is a relative thing. Forgiveness is what the people around you are willing to offer. You're lucky to be young. Your sins seem to have already been forgiven by everyone up here. And they have a set of Dragon Balls that are free to use, unguarded beyond the need to search for them. You have made a mistake, you should be expected to learn from that mistake, but..."

He gently stroked the side of her face, cupping her chin in his palm with a smile. "... I expect that total forgiveness of your sins is no more than a year away."

Ranch nodded, but she still didn't look at ease. She gripped her fists in her lap and spoke with a strong conviction in her voice. "I want to do my part to save the Earth. Even if it means fighting Buu."

Her voice was strong and clear, but Dabura could tell she fought hard to keep her voice from wavering at the very end of that sentence. He crossed his arms. "The idea of fighting Majin Buu seemed to make you just as sad as it makes me."

Ranch nodded again. "It does make me sad, but..."

She sat there for the longest time, searching around for some way to end that sentence. She shook her head and changed the subject. "When I was fighting Trunks and Goten, I managed to pull off the Hell Blitz you have me on my right hand."

Dabura smiled wide. "Oh, did you? Congratulations. Being able to utilize the marking I gave you with such little experience is a reflection of astonishing talent~"

Ranch blushed, holding out her hand. "May I have another one? It's a powerful attack and, ya know, I might need it..."

Dabura nodded. "But, of course."

Quickly, Dabura sliced his index finger open with one of his fangs. Then he gently took Ranch's hand and began to trace a temporary tattoo of complex demonic runes onto her flesh. Dabura spoke as he worked. "Hell Blitz is one of the least complicated of my magics. If I were to give you access to a spell such as Glorious Current or the Evil Blast, we would be sitting here for a much longer session."

Ranch nodded. "How often do you have to redo your marks?"

Dabura shook his head. "Never. Mine are permanent. Carved into my flesh, in a way. The process for that involves quite a bit of pain, especially considering how many spells and skills I have mastered, but the end result is such power that only the Tertian Oculus could exceed you."

Ranch looked up to him. "You're pretty strong, huh Dabura?"

Dabura smiled. "Stronger than you could fathom."

Ranch nodded. She closed her eyes, thinking hard. She felt Dabura's finger tracing hot blood over her skin and, finally, Ranch came to a decision. "I want the permanent mark."

Dabura flinched. "You wish for the permanent mark of the Hell Blitz? Forgive the inane question, but you did hear me when I described how painful the process is, correct?"

Ranch gritted her teeth. "I'll just think of all those people while you're doing it. Pain means nothing compared to how much it must hurt to be killed."

Dabura was silent for a moment, in awe of the girl's resolve. He smiled and nodded. "Respectable."

And then, without hesitation, Dabura plunged one of his claws into the cut on his finger, coating it in blood like a pen nib being dipped in ink. He then plunged the sharpened nail directly into Ranch's flesh and began to drag it through, embedding the demonic runes into her. Ranch hissed at the pain, but sat there and took it on the chin. Dabura nodded. "Quite painful indeed, no?"

Ranch nodded back. "Y-Yeah..."

As Dabura continued his work, however, Ranch's mind flickered to another one of the Demon King's powers. "Hey, Dabura...?"

Dabura didn't look up from his work. "Yes?"

Ranch winced as Dabura made a particularly long stroke, she was surprised that she wasn't bleeding. She spoke through gritted teeth. "When you get done with this... I have one more of your spells I'd like..."

The next day, down on the Earth below...

"Snrrr... snrrr... snrrr..."

Majin Buu laid on the rocky ground, a massive bubble inflating and deflating from his usually unseen nostrils. A stream of drool ran from the corner of the Majin's mouth until, all of a sudden, the bubble popped.

Buu sat up and yawned, stretching his shoulders and rolling his neck. He stood up and scratched his massive butt with a second, deeper yawn. "Buu sleep. And now..."

He looked up and viewed the blue sky. When he went to sleep, the sky was dark. Now it was blue again. "Dabura say... destroy on blue sky... sleep on black sky... then..."

The gears turned slowly in Buu's head. His train of thought crashed into the side of several mountains before, suddenly, a massive smile spread on his face. "BUU GET TO DESTROY AND KILL AGAIN~!"

Jumping for joy, Buu took to the sky and began to search around for his latest targets.

It didn't take him long to find such a target.

As he flew, Majin Buu scanned the ground and eventually his gaze fell upon a lovely sight. It was a young human boy, all alone. He had a stick, so he might try to fight Buu. Play time was always funner when they tried to play back~

Buu hooted with delight and rained down with a thud as he landed. "Hey, human! Buu here now! You ready to play with Buu~?!"

The boy with the stick came to a stop, he stick tapping one last time against the ground. The boy flinched, but it was merely shock rather than fear. "Wh-Who's there?!"

This caught Buu off guard. That was never a reaction he had gotten before. The Majin put his arms up all scary and spoke in a playfully growly voice. "Buu is here! Buu gonna play with you lots and lots!"

The boy simply stood there and, as Buu stood too, hoping for a reaction, he noticed something weird. The boy's eyes were closed. Buu watched as the boy shifted from foot-to-foot. He grumped. "Why you no say nothing?!"

Finally, speaking in an embarrassed tone, the boy responded in an almost whisper. "I'm sorry, sir. You might need to find something else to play with. I'm blind and... not the best at games..."

Buu flinched, even more confused. "Blind? What that mean?"

The boy cocked his head at his unknown, would-be aggressor. His voice lightened up a little. "Oh, well... blind means that I can't see. My eyes don't work..."

Buu's jaw dropped, his arms dropping right alongside them. "Eyes no work? But... if eyes no work, then how you play with Buu? Buu games not so fun if people Buu play with no scream when playing..."

The boy lowered his head. "I'm sorry. I wish I could be better and entertain you. My grandmother sent me out to the next town over to pick up milk because she gets annoyed with me too, walking around and tapping my stick and all..."

He smiled. "She told me that I should go out and get the milk because it would matter less if 'the monster' got me. She's such a kidder~"

Buu frowned. "She sound mean like Babidi was mean..."

The boy shook his head. "N-No! She's not mean! She took care of me when my parents decided they didn't want to. I'm happy to go get milk for her, even if she teases me when I do~"

The Majin studied the boy for a long while. He gave a short nod to himself. "Boy! What is name?!"

The boy flinched, but then a small smile spread on his face. "My name is Tohmi. And you said your name is Buu, right?"

Buu nodded. "Uh-huh. Uh-huh."

Tohmi chuckled. "Well, it was nice to meet you Buu. I hope that we'll run into each other again someday~"

As Tohmi started to tap his stick, continuing his march toward milk, Buu reached down and grabbed him by the shoulder. Now, now there was fear on his face. "Wh-What are you doing?!"

Buu responded bluntly. "Buu fix eyes."

Tohmi stammered. "Wh-What are you t-talking about?! Please d-don't r-rob-"

Buu clapped his hand over Tohmi's face, and a warm, golden glow began to radiate from his palm. Tohmi struggled at first, but eventually he began to relax. Buu hummed a small song, one that he didn't really know and yet somehow recalled, under his breath until he finally removed his hand and smiled. "Open eyes, boy!"

Tohmi was perplexed. "Open my eyes?! Wh-Why would I do that?! What did you just do?!"

Buu responded. "No questions! Open eyes!"

Reluctantly, Tohmi did so. And what he saw, what he actually saw for the first time in his 9 years of life, was enough to take his breath away. The boy didn't know colors, he would have no concept of them, but his newly acquired vision was flooded with the blueness of sky, the greenness of grass, the brownness of rock, and the overwhelming pinkness of the person holding him. Tohmi gasped, tears welling in his eyes. "Wh-What... did... you..."

Buu had what he wanted. Whenever these humans started crying, that meant that big fun was about to occur. Buu sat Tohmi down and then stuck his thumbs into his ear holes. The Majin waggled his hands and stuck out his tongue, crying out. "NOW BUU PLAY WITH YOU UNTIL-"

Tohmi rushed forward and wrapped his arms around Buu's wait, positively ugly crying as he sobbed. "OH MY GOD! THANK YOU SO MUCH BUU! YOU'RE A REAL FRIEND!"

This gave Buu pause. He had raised his fist to bash Tohmi's head in, but it had frozen mid-air. Buu cocked his head, utterly perplexed. "Friend...? Me and you... friends?"

Tohmi sniffled, wiping his snotty nose on his sleeve and nodding. "Y-Yes, we're friends! You healed my eyes! My god! You... you're such a good person, Buu!"

Buu lowered his fist. "Buu...a good person...?"

Tohmi nodded again, sniffling and adopting a massive smile. "The best~"

Buu didn't know what to do. His head always existed in two states, either eerily quiet or packed with screaming static. But now, now there was a single voice speaking. One that was his and not his simultaneously. It spoke the same words Tohmi had just moments ago. The single voice in Buu's head spoke again, changing from one person to four people, all of the voice both his and not his. "A good person."

Another voice, one he hated snapped. "Lowly wretch!"

And then the voice at the core of it all screamed. "DYAGAGAGAGAGA!"

Tohmi cried out. "Buu! Are you okay?!"

Buu jerked his head up. He looked around and discovered that, somehow, he had fallen to his knees. He groaned, placing his face in his hands as steam began to curl from the holes on his head.

Tohmi placed his palm on Buu's stomach. "... Buu?"

Majin Buu stood and turned away from the boy. "Buu go get you milk!"

Tohmi gasped. "Wha-"

And then Buu took off, flying as fast as he could toward the nearest human settlement. Behind him, he heard Tohmi cry out. "YOU CAN FLY?!"

In a small, nearby village...

The local milkman thumped his fist against his aching back with a groan. He was getting too old to be slinging crates of milk bottles like this. Before long, he'd have to retire. That was, of course, if that pink monster didn't kill him and everyone else on the planet first.

The milkman sighed and turned back toward his truck. "Why did I even show up to work today?"

And then Majin Buu, looking sincerely out-of-sorts, crashed to the ground in front of the milkman and flipped his antenna forward. "YOU TURN INTO MILK!"

The milkman screamed in panic. "NO! WAIT! PLEASE! AGHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Back with Tohmi...

Buu sat on the edge of the cliff next to Tohmi, biting on the coin he was handed and hoping there would be chocolate in the middle. The Majin stuck out his tongue. "Blagh! Money taste bad!"

Buu tossed the coin over the horizon and Tohmi chuckled, clutching what he believed to be an innocent carton of milk to his chest. "You're so funny, Buu~"

The Majin turned to him. "You think Buu funny?"

Tohmi grinned. "Yeah. I'm so glad I came out to buy milk today. I think you might be my best friend~"

Buu nodded. "Best friend. You be Buu best friend... like Dabura and Ranch?"

Tohmi chuckled. "If you call those people your best friends, then I'm certain I'd call them my best friends as well~"

Buu smiled and nodded, standing up. "Okay~ Buu remember Tohmi and, when Dabura and Ranch come back, Buu bring them to meet you~"

Tohmi frowned. "Does that mean you're leaving?"

Majin Buu nodded. "Uh-huh! Buu gotta go play before sky get dark again! Buu can't miss playtime!"

And, with that, Buu took off.

Once more, Tohmi called after him. "THANK YOU AGAIN, BUU! THANK YOU SO MUCH!"

Some miles away...

Majin Buu smiled as he came upon a city, thinking with a devilish grin about all the fun he could have with it. The monster prepared to rush into the city, to kill and destroy for hours and hours.

Then he thought about Dabura and Ranch and Tohmi. How could he have them all together with no place to gather? Buu didn't mind napping outside, but Dabura was fancy and Ranch and Tohmi were small things. Buu needed time to think of how to solve this problem.

So the Majin fired a massive Ki blast and all of the unsuspecting people in the city screamed in agony as they were burned alive. Buu turned his back on the explosion and smiled. "Buu think... BUU HAVE TO BUILD A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE CAN LIVE TOMORROW!"

Back up on the Lookout...

Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, Android 18, and a reluctant Vegeta all sat on the sidelines and watched on as the Ginyu Force went about teaching the Fusion Dance to all the children willing to learn. 17's kids didn't fight, so they had gracefully bowed out of the proceedings. And, after giving an honest effort, Turles' children had also decided to drop out, though Oatmilk was still sticking around to grief her apparent cousin.

A bead of sweat ran down Oatmilk's face. "Man, Mum was right. You guys are ridiculous."

Burter turned and hissed. "Yeah?! Well, Bonyu's a-"

Jeice reeled him in. "Calm down, Burter."

The remaining kids were hard at work, giving the exact movements of the Fusion Dance their best effort. Trunks, Goten, Chika, Koriocha, and Bulla were all pouring with sweat, none of them having expected something this goofy to be so strenuous. Marron cheerfully ran up to them, holding towels and bottles of water in her little arms.

Bulla snarled in frustration, taking a towel with a thankful nod. "I agree with Oatmilk. This is as stupid as Daddy said it would be! You jokers are a waste of time!"

Guldo sighed. That girl, Vegeta's daughter, had absolute zero aptitude for the Fusion Dance. She was putting in effort, but something about it was just not clicking with her. It probably wouldn't be long before she dropped out too.

But Guldo wasn't about to sass the little brat in front of Vegeta. He didn't want to die.

He raised his hand. "5-minute break, everyone. Let's catch our breath."

On the sidelines, Yamcha nodded. His only previous experience with the Ginyu Force was a brief fight on King Kai's planet, but he was grateful that they were being patient with the children. He was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt on this.

Guldo was speaking in an easy tone, doing his best to gently instruct the children. "You need to keep empathy in mind, little ones. Fusion is a synchronization of body and soul. It's an empathetic conversation between you and your partner. That's why it didn't work with the majority of the Cold Force or the Frieza Force. You must be able to sync on your energy levels, on your movements, on your understanding of one another. You are your partner's shadow in everything!"

Trunks frowned. "I mean, that's all well and good. But..."

Goten finished. "... How do we know this technique is even all that strong? All you've done is say that it's strong and drill us on it."

Koriocha toweled off her face. "Yeah! Where's the proof?"

Chika was more polite, sitting with her hands in her laps and watching her big brother's goofy friends. The four of them looked taken aback, but then they turned to each other and shrugged. Guldo tugged on Recoome's boot. Burter pulled Jeice by the shoulder. The kids and the adults both watched as Recoome and Guldo took to one side of the chamber and Burter and Jeice went to the other.

Jeice sighed. "You want a demonstration? Fine."

Burter smirked. "Let's do it~"

This time, Piccolo spoke up. "Hold on! Didn't you just tell us that your heights need to be similar to fuse?! Why are the short ones partnered with the tall ones?"

Recoome chuckled. "That's a rule if you're a newb at this. If you have a ton of practice, and you really know what you're doing, you can fuse with anything that has mastered the technique~"

Guldo nodded in agreement. "The height restriction was a pragmatic choice for dealing with Buu."

The four Ginyus nodded at one another and then began. "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU..."

Recoome and Guldo held their arms straight in the opposite directions, inching closer to one another as they rotated them toward each other. "...SION!"

Jeice and Burter both lifted their right and left legs respectively, crossing them over their standing leg and jerking their arms in the opposite directions with their index fingers extended. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The two pairs both bent to the side, flinging their arms over their heads and touching their index fingers to those of their Fusion partner. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, to the shock of the onlookers, the four aliens began to glow with a bright light. Their bodies slid into one other and then, in a flash, four became two.

Standing there now was not Burter and Jeice, nor Recoome and Guldo. We're the blue and red once stood was now a magenta-skinned person, slightly taller than Jeice with a mullet of bright blue hair and shining red eyes. His skin was covered in the same warts that graced Burter's flesh and he flashed a toothy fanged grin, speaking in a double-echoed voice. "BURCE! REPORTING FOR DUTY!"

On the other side of the room, green and yellow had fused into an almost dijon-colored flesh. He was taller than Guldo, but much shorter than Recoome, though he mainly had Guldo's face, just with the addition of a nose in the center where there formerly was nothing. A shag of orange hair covered his scalp, with two bulbous eyes sticking out from the sides. He was tubby, but stout. A short mound of muscle with giant fists and feet. He also spoke in a double-echoed voice. "AND HERE'S REGURDO!"

The two Ginyu Force Fusions leapt to one another, striking their own unique poses. Their yellow and teal Metamoran vests and baggy white pants rusted as they landed in place, the sashes around their wastes flowing in the breeze. The kids all stared in awe. Even Bulla, though she tried to feign disinterest. The adults were nowhere near overwhelmed by the power they were feeling, but Vegeta looked curious at the very least.

Krillin walked in with his head cocked. "Man, you guys are about as strong as that Ginyu guy was."

Vegeta sneered. "Why the hell didn't you do this on Namek?"

The two fusions looked at one another and shrugged. Burce spoke first. "I guess that one reason would be that Guldo died. We don't need him to do the technique, but our heads weren't really in the game for it."

Regurdo nodded. "Also, no offense, but we handed you guys your asses in our first fight. None of us ever expected you to show up and kill us all, so we never really thought we needed it."

A vein bulged on Vegeta's forehead and he sat back with a huff. Krillin cracked his neck. "So, why are we forcing this technique on the kids again? If you goofballs can do this, then why can't we?"

Regurdo quickly separated into Guldo and Recoome and Guldo grumbled. "I've already explained this! And, again, no offense, but a lot of you don't really have the... uh... flexibility for this. You're all old."

The adults all flinched. Guldo continued. "Brittle."

They cringed. Guldo dealt the finishing blow. "Old dogs have trouble learning new tricks like this."

They all fell onto their backs, most of them realizing that they were either close to 40 years old or exceeding it. Yamcha swiped his hand over his face. "Vegeta? Is it too late to ask you to kill this guy?"

Vegeta sat up straight and summoned a Ki blast. "NOPE!"

Guldo screamed in panic. Piccolo shoved Vegeta back to the ground and shook his head. "I can understand the merit of the various insults you just delivered. It's not impossible for the older fighters here to learn this technique, it would just eat up time we don't have."

Guldo stammered, wiping his forehead. "Y-Yeah..."

He pressed his fingers together. "And, uh, sorry. I really wasn't trying to insult anybody..."

Jeice quickly spoke up. "There's upsides to all of this, though. These little ankle-biters you lot raised as real quick on the uptake. And they're all real close, having spent their entire lives getting to know each other, so they have to try less hard to sync up!"

Burter chuckled. "They cherish each other. That's important. I know it's probably getting annoying to hear, but a close bond is possibly the most important ingredient in all this~"

Recoome planted his fists on his hips. "They just need to learn how to sync up everything at once. And the dance, of course. And both of those things are just practice. I bet we'll have this all figured out in a couple days!"

Guldo nodded. "And then, once you master the dance, you'll be able to do it with anyone else who's mastered it. All five of us have fused with one another at different points, based on the situation."

"Th-That sounds neat... Room for one more, maybe...?"

Everyone immediately turned their attention toward the entrance to the chamber. Standing there, her eyes on the floor and a blush on her cheeks, was Ranch. She had her hands clasped in front, nervously working them over one another. She didn't step an inch further into the room. "... I... I know I have a lot to apologize for. And I do... I apologize for everything. The death, the destruction, beating up Oatmilk... and Watacress... and Trunks... and Goten... and Chika..."

Her voiced hitched a bit. She fought it back and bravely continued. "I... I want to help... to stop Buu... So, if you'll... if you'll have me, then... may I please try to make up for everything I did by-"

Ranch felt a small cannonball crash into her and then something wrapped around her tight. She lifted her head just enough to see that it was Chika, her broken horn shining in the shining sun.

Immediately, the tears flowed from Ranch's eyes. "Chika, I'm so-"

Chika shook her head, squeezing Ranch even tighter. "I don't want a sorry. And I don't want you to cry. I just want my cool big cousin back."

She looked up, tears streaming just as furiously down her cheeks. Chika gave Ranch one more squeeze. "I have her back, right?"

Ranch was overcome, she couldn't form the words. She gave a nod and a hard grunt. In less than a second, the other kids were all on top of her. Koriocha reached her first, tackling both Ranch and Chika to the ground in a big hug. Kori tried to offer Ranch her hat back, but Ranch shook her head. And then Trunks and Goten joined the pile up as well, both of them relieved that Ranch was okay. Finally, Bulla and Marron leapt atop the pile of crying kids and pulled Ranch close.

Oatmilk beamed, enjoying a happy little chuckle. "My Earth cousins are a buncha goofballs too~"

The Ginyu Force all smiled wide at the affectionate display between the kids. Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin shared a laugh. Vegeta and Android 18 both smiled, but neither could look at the girl for too long without guilt flaring up inside.

Out of everyone in the chamber, only Piccolo took notice of a new addition. Ranch's hand raised in the air and his sharp eyes locked onto a new set of bandages wrapped over her formerly uninjured hands. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly closed it. A broad, joyous smile was spread on Ranch's lips. She was laughing as all her friends pulled her to-and-fro.

He would ask her later. For now, Piccolo was content with just letting Ranch enjoy her reunion.

Piccolo turned to the Ginyu Force. "Would it be too late to add Ranch into the training regiment as well? When she has proper motivation, she's one of the strongest kids we have."

Jeice snickered. "Are you kidding, mate?"

Piccolo flinched. Guldo smiled wide. "I wish you all would really listen to me when I talk. Look at her. With the genuine bond that girl shares with the rest of these kids, this should be easy for her~"

And so, Son Ranch was officially added to the training to learn the Fusion Dance.

And in the merriment of her return, no one, not even Piccolo, noticed the second bandage layered over the rear portion of her tongue.

On the Sacred World of the Kais...

Shin smirked as he used his telekinesis to form the hewn rocks into different shapes. "Ready Gohan? Remember, you're not allowed to step outside the circle."

Gohan looked down at the circle carved around his feet, not a lot of wiggle room to be sure. He looked up and saw the image of Future Trunks standing next to Shin, sword at the ready. Gohan nodded with a confident smirk. "BRING IT!"

Nearby, under a tree...

Videl landed with a thud on the ground near Kibito's feet, groaning in pain and not even trying to get up. Gine gasped. "V-Videl! I didn't hurt you, did I?!"

The girl hissed as she stood up. "M-Maybe my pride, if nothing else. I know you're an alien and all, but I can't believe that I'm losing to a middle-aged kindergarten teacher..."

Shakily, Videl got to her feet and let loose a great big sigh. Kibito's eyes briefly flickered up from his book at her. She snapped at him. "What?!"

He didn't say a word, simply looking away. Videl grumbled under her breath and turned away from the austere Glind. With another groan, she spoke. "I think I might call a 5-minute break to go to the bathroom. That last punch to the gut actually made me pee a little and I don't wanna have to request that jerkoff make me new pants."

Gine chuckled. "Okay, that's fine. Take your time, dear."

Videl limped off, trying her best to hide that limp as she crested the hill that led to Shin's house. Once the girl was gone, Gine calmly sat and rubbed her knuckles. "Girl took to Ki control fairly easily. Starting to hurt to punch her..."

Kibito, to Gine's surprise, agreed. "A prodigal talent, certainly."

Gine smiled. "A genuine compliment. Wow~"

Kibito closed his eyes, shutting his book and setting it aside. "You must understand, I am not trying to be rude. I have very little experience dealing with mortals like this. I... apologize that my manner has been less than pleasant. This has been a stressful course of events."

Gine nodded. "Fair. I mean, you did die not long ago. Right?"

Kibito gave a small chuckle. "That I did. You should have seen the face King Yemma made when I marched up to his desk."

Gine snickered. "I've died twice. So, believe it or not, he knows me by name now~"

The two of them looked at one another, both older folk in their own ways and they shared the deep laugh of folk who know old age.

Kibito sighed. "I respect you all, you know. In my isolation, due to my position, I have forgotten that inherent equality that comes with the value of life. I have become the type of pig-headed god that I always encouraged those under me to avoid becoming..."

Gine nodded. "You don't seem like a mean fellow deep down. Maybe a bit stiff, you talk like a guy who enjoys rules and laws, but not purposefully mean."

Kibito responded. "And you seem to be someone who radiates inherent kindness, even though I can tell from your aura that you are in pain."

Gine was silent. Kibito continued. "You don't know me that well, so perhaps you won't feel the need to be as self-conscious. That servant of Babidi's, Gohan called him a grandfather... and you a grandmother..."

She nodded. "He does call us that."

Kibito's eyes shifted to the ground. "Are you... okay?"

Gine sadly chuckled, ripping up a fistful of grass and letting it blow away in the end. "Of course I'm not. How could I be?"

Kibito nodded, but did not speak. He just let Gine talk. And, after a shaky breath in, she continued and concluded. "But I've been hurt before. It'll heal, it'll pass, and... eventually I'll see him again and I guess we'll just see what happens in the moment..."

The unsurety, the despair, the genuine, sullen sadness. All of it poured forth from Gine with in just a couple of sentences. She began to shake in place, her back to Kibito and the deity did not wish to disturb that in any untoward way.

Kibito stood and turned his attention to the skies. "You Saiyans have an interesting ability to learn things on the fly. And yet, at the same time, you, pardon my boldness, do not seem to be suited for fighting..."

Gine didn't respond, but Kibito saw out of the corner of his eye that she was listening. He held up his hands. "This is a violation of the rules, but we have done a lot of that today. If you would have me as a teacher, I would like to teach you a certain technique..."

The Saiyan grandmother quickly composed herself, turning toward Kibito with a curious look on her face. "A certain technique...?"

Kibito nodded, looking toward Gine with a stern expression. "I would like to teach you the skill of Godly Healing Hands. After observing you, I believe you have the temperament to handle that skill appropriately."

Gine glanced down at Kibito's hands, and then her own, and then she looked back up at the deity. "If you will have me as a student, I will learn."

In the core galaxy...

Goku, sitting in the latest model interstellar transport, personally built by General Rilldo at Cooler's request, was grimacing as Planet Hera grew larger and larger in his view. He groaned and gripped his fists. "Even if I don't know anyone there, I should be able to sense some energy signatures by now..."

A bead of sweat ran down the side of Goku's face. "This ain't good..."

On Planet Hera...

All was quiet on Planet Hera. No voices, no laughter, no life. The lonely echo of crackling fires and crumbling buildings filled the atmosphere.

Every man, woman, and child was dead. The fortifications were in ruins. The spring was polluted with blood.

And their killer stood tall in front of his goal. The Revenant Bojack stood before the portal to the Sacred World of the Kais, his blank eyes burning with stupid rage. He let out a screaming howl of anger, plunging into the portal with a bloody Ressho raised tall.