Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I woke up in black, pure utter complete darkness. I tried squirming but I quickly found my “arms” were non-existent to my completely reasonable horror.

This is so unfair, I did not deserve this.

“You kinda do actually.”

I “blinked” or whatever the equivalent blinking could be for this state of existence, and there the most gigantic being I ever bore witness to stared into my soul. A huge red colored dragon looks down upon me

I cannot explain enough how big this son of bitch was, he (or she…did it even have gender? Nevermind). It looked like it could be the entirety of New York City for a light breakfast, yet somehow I could tell it was solely focused on me. It was that of the eastern variety of dragons going from its design or that's what I assumed anyway.

So yeah, admittedly I felt like crapping myself. I guess there are pros to not having a body right now after all.

“You need to hold those thoughts to yourself” The divine being stated.

“Can you read my thoughts?”

“You're not exactly doing a good job hiding them.”

“Well excuse me for panicking when the giant fucking dragon is speaking to me.”

“You will speak to me with respect. Despite the several major questionable acts of your first life. You have been a good enough person to once more experience reincarnation.”

“Questionable acts?”

“You know what you did in the Home Depot.”

“I WAS EIGHT!”

“And it clear your maturity and common sense has not grown from that with this disrespectful tone towards me.”

“Jeez, it's not like I asked to be here big guy, last time I checked I’m a Christian. I should be amongst God’s chorus or something.”

“Pft some Christian you are, anyway I said you were good enough for reincarnation. Not that you could gain access to Heaven or well your Heaven anyway.”
“This is so bullshit and you know-wait so Christianity was right?”

“All beliefs are true, including ones that all about lack of belief such as Atheism.”

“How does that work?”

“Do you really wanna touch that sensitive button more than you already have?”

“No not particular”

“Good, now for the universe you will be placed in…well I hope you’re a fan of martial arts, your next stop is universe 7.”

“Like…the one with Son Goku?”

“What about it-”

“NO!”

“You know when most people are reborn in what is considered one of the most popular stories in fiction. They are typically a bit more grateful.”

“They got malicious demons, evil aliens, destructive gods, and a kid-like entity with the power to wipe everything as their king!”.

The dragon looked at me before sighing, it was clear I may have finally tested the guy’s patience. Which perhaps was not the smartest decision when the dragon’s tooth was bigger than any skyscraper I had seen in person.

“You know what kid-”

“I’m in my 20s actually”

“You’re barely even an embryo compared to me,  and I was going to be cool, give you a gaming system, maybe pick a timeline to be born as a boosted Present Cell, start fresh where most of the harsh events have been done and done but fine, we do this the fun way,”

“Are you going to be this petty?!”

“Do you ever stop yelling…I know the perfect person for you.”

His facial expression remained the same but I could tell this overgrown snake was having the biggest shit-eating grin known to mankind.

“Your insults make this all the sweeter, don’t worry I won’t leave you completely high and dry, you get some advantages…and as a trade-off, I think I’ll add a few twists to this tale however”.

Before I could throw another insult at him. This discount Shenron declared before his eyes began to glow golden. I could barely keep my eyes on him before I was forced to blink and once more my world was in pitch blackness, except this time it was surprisingly wet.

Yeah, I just had about enough of this, so when I saw the light suddenly begin to open you knew damn well that I was crawling toward it. I let out a massive cry of defiance as I finally escaped whatever prison I was in

It was blinding

When my eyes finally re-adjusted, I was in some sort of royal place. Well then, guess I can’t say I have been put in a financially struggling position just yet.

“She not crying. Is that normal?” A soft but deep voice echoes through the room.

“Hm, maybe she just needs to be stimulated my king, one moment.” A more normal yet masculine voice spoke above me before a part of a massive gloved hand picked me up from behind before I heard a smack on my ass.

No…

No no no 

I was not ready for this nonsense and I won’t stand by it, I going to give them a piece of my mind!

That is what I imagined anyway before I lifted as I briefly got a glimpse of the absolute unit of man that couldn’t be anything smaller than four or so meters before I was flipped around to get the face of my doctor.

“Seems healthy enough, she even has a whole head of hair…”

“Is something wrong doctor?”

“I don’t think she likes me” The doctor shuttered slightly as I gave the most intense death glare someone who had not even ten minutes could give. I wanted him to make it clear I wanted his head on a platter.

Which is odd, normally I’m not this vindictive, perhaps it's with my new body.

“Wait…did this guy say she?”

I look and know…on Kami, that fucking Dragon!

My Johnson was gone!

My Pecker stolen!

My blessed family jewel was robbed!

I NEEDED THAT!

I am not going to lie, I did begin crying after that from this horrid experience, the doctor tried as the bastard might couldn’t do jack to calm my completely understandable frustration.

“Allow me” The deep voice echoed again, before I knew it I was in the palm of someone so gigantic, I’m pretty sure I could crushed by his pinky finger alone, and yet, when I looked up at the bear of a man. However, his size and might I actually…kinda felt safe around him?

“Being in your pops’ arms is a much more enjoyable experience, isn’t it my little Ox Princess? Don’t worry, your father will always protect you.” My father promised me. Dude looks like he was about to break into tears.

I mentally sigh.

Hell with it. 

I gave him the closest thing to a smile I could give in my current state as I stared back at him. I could sense that I had this guy wrapped around my finger the moment we met eye to eye.

“Is…is she healthy?” a soft voice I barely catch as dad looked away from me towards its direction as he carefully moved the both of us back to the bed. A sickly yet still lively woman looked at me as her soft smile widened and she took me into her arms.

My mother

“Oh, she is an angel”

“Well she got her mother’s looks”

“Maybe, but she is already on her way to being as healthy and strong as her father.” My mother chuckled a little before snuggling me close to her.

“Welcome to the world, Chi-Chi.”

Ah, I see now.

That explains the Ox-Princess comment.

I want to cry again, not only for my situation but for my mother as well. For I already knew the fate that awaited her.

“I will always be there for, my Ox-Princess”

I’m glad I was unable to talk

Because I knew even if I could at the moment, this lovely woman wouldn’t even get the chance to see the end of this year, much less my life thanks to an illness.

And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.
---
The worst part of being a baby is most certainly the lack of control. Imagine yourself painfully going through life to get all the privileges finally of adulthood, to be able to drink, drive, and all that jazz.

Now imagine after years of growing mentally and physically, and then your ass was kicked back down to not even being able to use the bathroom by yourself.

It wasn’t all crapbaskets however. The mind is as much a plaything to the body as the reverse was, so I remain easily entertained. All I needed was to grab something with my chubby hands and I could entertain myself for vast periods.

My mature perspective of time meant that the days were not nearly as slow from my perspective as compared to my childhood in my first life…assuming that was my first life and not the only one I can actively remember.

I say I made a pretty good baby, I didn’t cry or wail unless I needed to because heaven forbid I couldn’t be given to a species that matured fast.

I would not have to deal with shit if I was a Namakian, they mature in like what? A few years and then, they have lifespans, and they can dive into the 500s before they even begin dying from natural causes. Though I suppose it was better than being a saiyan, I have always been fine with killing fiction but you know…for bad people.

A far cry from planetary genocide and fiction isn’t exactly fiction anymore.

That said…this could work in my favorite. As shitty as being a normal person in this universe can be, that doesn’t mean it is all sucky.

We got literal wish-granting orbs, and that left a lot to think about. I mean, assuming I don’t accidentally or purposely throw this story’s plot into the garbage bin, I have a major chance of getting to use them at some point.

What should I even wish for?

Complete immortality is immediately off the table. I have yet to see where wishing for that has ever, and I do mean ever, worked out for characters in the end. Looking at you, Garlic Jr. and Zamasu. Hell, as the latter proves, there is still something that kills you anyway.

This place has a confirmed afterlife anyway if I croak, then as long as I’m not a dick in this life. I should be pretty fine. I guess I could find ways to extend my lifespan if I feel the need, but otherwise, that is a non-concern, and I can find other means.

I need to train, though, otherwise, that means not keeping my body when I kneel over, if I remember correctly. That's fine; I was planning to fight anyway, as much as I’m not particularly eager to face the likes of King Piccolo, Frieza, and whoever else out there.

Hm, most of my issues in hindsight, I don’t need the Dragon Balls for most of the stuff you could desire if you look into the right place. The biggest thing I wanted to learn was to use magic. Having that would be busted as hell, and while I likely won’t be on the same level of letting Moro at it anytime soon, it would be something.

There are many techniques to learn on Earth alone; it is just a matter of getting to them, especially those out of reach.

Damn, you, Yardrat, for being far in space; teleportation would be neat to have.

“Are you sure you're up for this, dear?” My father's voice boomed, interrupting my thoughts again as he and my mother approached me. To keep the whole infant charade up, I eagerly raised my hands to be picked up. Anything was better than being stuck in a crib or playpen all day.

“Please, love it merely as a painting, and if anyone is going to be tired, It will be you standing throughout the entire thing?”

“Please, I am the mighty Ox-King who study under the greatest martial artist in the world. I may not be keeping all my training completely, but I think I will stand for a few hours, especially when heaven’s angel and the cutest baby in the world are in his hand.”

“Heh…always know what to say, don’t you?”

Soon, all three of us were again in a fancy-looking room, where I still had no clue exactly in this massive castle.

My mom held me, and, in turn, my father lowered his hand for me to sit on. He lifted us both as the painter before our family began to get to work. I occasionally moved my head trying to gain more detail of the place, but despite my eagerness to know more about my new setting and ADHD, I managed to survive as time passed despite feeling it slowing down more and more.

The fact is…I wanted to remember every bit of The Ox-Queen. I always argued with my mom, but our love for one another was unquestionable. This woman loved me with all her heart, and I could tell she wouldn’t be around even long enough to hear the first word from me.

I couldn’t even give her an “I love you” or “Thank you”.

And yet, whenever she looked back at me. I think…I think she knew what I was thinking. I don’t know if she was aware I had more than a few marbles knocking in my skull than most babies, but I think she knew my intentions.

That made the incapability to do it hurt more.

I can understand a bit more about Canon Chi-Chi's position. She was denied a complete family shortly after she was born. Then you add that Goku, regardless of his intentions and reasons, both justified and unjustified, disappeared from her life more than once.

Compared to most parents, her putting extra care into Gohan and Goten made a lot of sense. God…Kami…whatever, I haven’t even considered the two. It would feel like a natural dick move to deny their right to exist. At the same time, should I get romantically involved with a man to pop out kids that would play a part in saving the world?

Well, I swing both ways, even if I was way more into women, at least in my old life. At the very least, I could give it a try. Goku was a flawed man, but who wasn’t for what it was worth? He had many strong qualities, too.

It's not that I was precisely high picking fruit in my past life, either.

No wait time out

I am thinking way too far ahead. I need to work on the more reasonable stuff for now, and that was growing up enough to actually start making a difference.

First task: Walking

…well, it's time for another waiting for 9ish months

---

5 years later

Time sure flies when you are having fun.

At least, that was my thought process as I climbed up on one of the many support pillars before nearly reaching the ceiling. I waited eagerly for my intended foolish target to approach.

I saw the giant monster, seemingly unaware of my existence, as it walked past me. It was most certainly my time to strike.

“HIYA!” I screamed with courage and bravery as I came to smash my leg against the back of his skull before landing two quick, hard punches using the back of his neck before backflipping and getting into a fighting stance.

I looked smug from my impressive attack…only to see that it had done nothing as the monster turned with a worrisome look.

“Chi-Chi, what did you say about climbing around in the throne room?”

“Sorry, Daddy, I thought I could get you by surprise this time.” My original cocky looked morph into one of embarrassment. Typically, even though I had come to see the man as genuinely my father, “daddy’ nor “mommy”  were not a term I had ever used even in my old life as a kid, but something in my (new) old man’s eyes lit up whenever I said it so learn to use it.

When I expressed my interest in training about a year ago, Ox-King was very much against it. I can’t say I was shocked. Around the same time, Gohan began his training with Piccolo, which required the Green Man to kidnap him. Even then, he only bothers with kidnapping because of the boy’s potential.

Chi-Chi had her fair share of potential. She never bothered learning to focus on being a wife and mother, but I highly doubt that anything she had, especially at this age, could convince Ox-King that I was an exception.

However, the man had a weakness. He was a total girl dad, so I wrestled some training and lessons out of him. He hasn’t even tried sparring with me, which meant my real fighting experience was still meh. The best I could get was the occasional adequate servant.

“Heh, well, I can’t lie. You did get me this time around sneaking like that. You have taken my training very seriously.”

“You didn’t even budge.”

“Chi-Chi, my darling…you’re five.”

“Excuses, I shall become the strongest under the heavens!” I puffed my chest out with pride.

Despite my limits, I could already tell that I was stronger than I ever was in my previous life. I could probably easily kill old me with a single punch.

…Why does that sound both impressive and equally embarrassing?

“Just remember, dear, you don’t need to be the strongest to be the strongest?”

“Huh?” I tilted my head.

“You have to play with your strengths; at your age, I could already knock over my old man in terms of might.”

Oh, jeez, thanks, Dad. It makes me feel better.

“However, I almost always lost.”

“Why so?”

“Because even though I was blessed with superior strength, most men could not even dream of obtaining. I lacked any technique, and barring the occasional lucky win, I was quickly put in my place.”

“What should I do then?”

“You've already shown how amazing you are at techniques; that three-hit combo was quite impressive. However, you aimed for the back of my head despite the fact not only you’re currently physically weaker compared to me but also the fact I am wearing protective headwear.”

Oh, when you put it like that, it is rather foolish.

“So I should’ve aimed for somewhere more exposed?”

“Exactly, but stuff like that doesn’t just come with training; it also comes with experience. You have to learn some things with time, Chi-Chi.”

That's a good point…but there is still no way I’m sitting around to develop further. If I can’t build up my power directly quite yet. I need to work on my skillset, even if not purely combative.

I had one thing in mind.

“I like to go to kindergarten, Daddy,” I shouted with determination. The giant fell over from the power of my voice. I guess Chi-Chi always had strong lungs, regardless of age.

Wait, I knocked him over…does this count as a win?

Fuck it, it is to me.

“O-of course, dear. However, is there something wrong with homeschooling?” The man asked as he slowly got back up. I shook my head before smiling.

“Hardly, Daddy. I appreciate the education, but I think I need something a bit more than just that.”

“And what would that be?”

“Southern Transformation Kindergarten! I heard about it while exploring around the kingdom.” I semi-lied. The truth is that I heard about it once during my entire time here.  It was mainly my knowledge of Dragonball that came in clutch knowing about it ahead of time that made care considering the potential.

The fact that it was called Southern implied that there might be other transformation schools elsewhere, but Southern was the only one that practically promised success with Puar and Oolong. Heck, the latter was a dropout, and he still knew how to transform for at least five minutes.

Thank god I didn’t stick with only Z and onward. 

“Hm…it outside the kingdom…”

“It's pretty prestigious, not too far away, I can meet people my age, it's in a pretty safe area, and shapeshifting is hardly dangerous, at least compared to what you told me you used to do.” I threw up all my points at once.

I’m not sure how far I can abuse shapeshifting. For one, it wouldn’t change my power level, so becoming someone like Frieza or Broly would be null and void in most situations.

Still, it could have some uses. Flight is not common yet, so I can become a missile or maybe a fish if I’m stuck underwater. Heck…sneak attacks in this world can be very effective if they land even on the way stronger opponents.

Could I become a Saiyan or something? Even if I lacked the power, could I still take advantage of the genetic advantages of either species? That could be a reason why no shapeshifter is a fighter…or maybe I’m an idiot, and they don’t work like that at all.

I can’t remember everything now.

Ah, well, like I said. It could still be helpful for sneak attacks, and that is going to be something I want in my arsenal.

“Alright, alright, you came prepared with this, didn’t you?”

“I always come prepared!” I grinned ear to ear jokingly.

“Heh…just like your mother. Alright, I’ll sign you up.” My father smiled right back. Despite his rough exterior, especially in this era of his life, I could see the signs of a good man. I could see why someone like Roshi trained him.

I showed my thanks by jumping and hugging him. A gesture that he returned, wrapping his massive arms around me as softly as possible.

“I love you daddy.”

“I love you too dear.”

Chapter Text

“How you holding up Chi-Chi” Ox-King asked as we drove down the road of dirt. The car looked painfully small and lacked any roof, yet despite my father’s father’s size, it was shockingly pretty comfortable.

It helped that I was only six, not exactly the age to take up much space but I must say, nevertheless Daddy had a lot of faith that the weather was going to hold up.

“I’m doing just fine” I muttered before pausing, much like that like my previous self. What I said came off much more rude or at least dismissive than I intended to sound.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean like that. I have just been thinking”

“I know dear, you always been a thinker. Just remember, you can always come to your father if something troubles you.” The gentle giant promised before giving a boastful yet friendly laugh. I chuckled right back to him before giving him a fierce look with a smirk

“Maybe, but if I did that, there be no challenges for me, the future Ox-Queen” I punched my palm to show my toughness. It was meant to come off as more badass but I think I came off only as adorable as my old man’s response was to happily pat me on the head.

“I have no doubts about it, honey, you show the world your strength soon enough”

It can’t come soon enough.

I knew the truth about this whole surprise vacation. It wasn’t like I was in trouble, my father believed I had gotten overwhelmed near the end of my time of transformation school which couldn’t be further from the truth but alas I couldn’t blame him or the staff considering how it went down.

---

I lay peacefully on my mat during naptime, this was pretty easy work, which made sense given that this was still kindergarten. I wonder if Chi-Chi ever went to school at any point in the original story. It is not like she was given much focus. It could be a possibility. 

Eh, regardless I can calmly say the mission was successful. I was not only able to learn the technique but thanks to being a good student like Puar and not a little pervert like Oolong, I have been here long enough to hold the form as long as I need to.

Sadly, however, I came to learn when it comes to shapeshifting when it comes to sapient beings you only take their appearance rather than becoming them on any sort of genetic level which meant abusing the admittedly still versatile technique was out of the question.

For now

Yes, I meant for now, If there is anything I learned from this story is that limits were meant to be broken.  I’m sure there is a more effective method of shapeshifting that I can learn or as time-consuming as it may be, invent.

It wasn’t a complete debbie downer however, in hindsight it was obvious but I didn’t put much thought into it but shapeshifting, at least the form I was taught was not of ki but magical by nature which of course gave me the first step of learning about the magic mumbo jumbo.

Describing what it is like is weird, there is no real comparison to anything in my past life nothing quite like it exists. How would I explain in words? It is like asking a completely blind person to describe the “nothing” they experience instead of sight.

It was a positive feeling, however, that much I could tell you. It was sort of like ki where you did draw this type of energy from within yourself. However, that is where they split pathways, ki in Dragon Ball from I understood this natural energy you held that was the physical manifestation of your power. 

Magic was… a rawer more…pure energy if I could put it in words. It was still an energy of finite amount but not nearly as dependent on the physical scope as ki was, which I suppose makes sense when we consider entities like Babadi. I would not call it divine, at least not the kind of magic I currently hold but felt like your desires. Instead of having the strength to define natural law, magic was like.., using your willpower to force reality to change for you.

I explained that badly, I’m sure but that is the best when I can explain it. 

It is weird, I’ve learned more about magic than ki at this point but alas I’m not complaining. I’ll have plenty of time to learn ki if everything goes right.

They won’t, but I didn’t make it this far by not being optimistic.

Just like ki, however, just because you had magic didn’t mean you could do all sorts of techniques instantly though. Transformation school taught only that, the transformation. If I want to even relatively safely learn anything else, I needed to find another set of teachers or a mentor of some kind.

Fun.

Shame, but it's probably for the best. I need to focus on my actual strength. Overpowered abilities will only carry you so far as the likes of Moro, Buu, Cell…

Cell…Red Ribbon…Androids

Oh...time travel…

“NOOOOOOO!” I sat up straight howling out waking up all my classmates
---
I sighed abit as our car took a bumpy path.

Cell situation changed everything, it was one of the biggest fuck you in Dragon Balls, I love the saga as a reader and watcher but as a person who going to live the actual events, I’m putting in a very bad position.

Assuming the story goes as I remember, Goku is going to get a heart virus one way or another. This alone put me in a bad position as we have to consider one question. Which timeline of Dragon Ball am I in? Am I going to be in the original non-unaltered timeline in which I will have to live (or more likely die) in a world terrorized by the androids?

If not, that would help a lot but then there is still Cell, which we needed to face if we wanted to start gaining enough power to face Buu.

Dr. Gero spies on all or at least most of the major fights after Red Ribbon falls and doesn’t stop spying on any of us at least sometime before Imperfect Cell shows up and even then it is thanks to Piccolo.

I’m still not sure what kind of continuity of Dragon Ball I’m in, could be one like the manga or the English dub of the anime. What I know for certain is that Cell absolutely cannot have access to magic or if my DNA was acquired, he can’t be aware that he can use it through me.

Great, an unneeded handicap, and I’m not even overpowered. 

“And we here!” My father announced as the car finally stopped. It was a nice peaceful patch of land and grass. It also had an amazing view, you could see an almost endless ocean of massive mountains.

“What is this place called anyway Daddy?” I asked, getting out to help him unload the unrealistic amount of clutter in the back. Once more I can only blame the loose physics this universe has compared to my original one.

“Good ole Mount Paozu. I have an old friend who always wanted to move here. Never did find out if he did.”

Mount Pazou…sounds familiar.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Sweetheart?”

“You know…from the books I read. I’m not really like most princesses. You don’t make me play any political games or talk about arranged marriages and blah blah.”

“Heh, I guess I don’t. For one, our kingdom is pretty isolating for the most part so not much need for allies, and at least from our surviving history, we are pretty progressive. While we had mostly male rulers, we had a fair share of female rulers too who were valued equally. It was yours actually due to your great great great great great grandmother that turned us from just a bunch of united tribes to a proper kingdom. So we don’t see the need nor the desire to see our women as pieces to use.” My father listed before giving a deep sigh.

“I would like to imagine or at least hope that I giving you the same amount of freedom and choice as I would if you were a boy.”

“I think you doing a decent job”

“Thank you dear” My father chuckled before looking at the clouds before continuing.

“I suppose the biggest reason however is your mother. She had a more common lifestyle before becoming my beloved queen. I think…I think she would want your childhood to be closer to that than that of standard royalty.”

“She sounds amazing,” I muttered quietly

“She was Chi-Chi, she truly was,” Ox-King responded before silence consumed us both as we finished packing. The afternoon sun beaming down on us, a perfect day to contrast with the somber mood.

And I was having none of it!

“Well don’t you worry Daddy, I’m going to make sure neither of us goes anywhere. I’m going to make sure it by proving my strength.” I promised him, he turned and stared down at me for a moment before chuckling.

“I’m afraid a father must protect his children, even if they are stronger than him. It comes with being a parent”

“Hmph, we’ll see when I become unstoppable. I’m already on my way.” I smirked at him.

“Is that so…even from this?” My father challenged me before he reached out and began tickling me. I was completely defenseless as I began recoiling and laughing on the ground as I fell victim to the funny feelings.

“N-no fair” I tried talking, only to laugh more.

“Next less my darling daughter, all is far in battle” Daddy stated with a smile of no regret or mercy as he continued his assault.

If anyone was watching, I imagine it being the corniest scene they had ever seen and it probably was.

And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

---

Things died down went my father finally pulled back. Despite never being a fan of the outdoors even when I was a boy scout in my past life. There was something naturally relaxing about the area that made it easy to just rest.

“Hey Chi-Chi, we should probably get some firewood before it has a chance of it getting dark”

“Alrighty” I sat back up from my resting spot before stretching.

“I’ll go right, you go left.”

“This area is unfamiliar Chi-Chi you shouldn’t-”

“I promise to not wander far, come on Daddy. I got this.”

“Well…alright, but if something you Hollar okay.”

I silently gave a soldier salute before turning around. Once the coast was clear, I quickly transformed into a small car before driving. I had no intentions of wandering too far, only a short drive and I would imagine appearing as a machine that contained nothing but metal would look far less appetizing than a child of flesh. Plus, even if I had a transformation technique down. There was no shame in continued practice.

It sounded like a great idea, it was.

Until about ten minutes later when this figure with this massive ass fish popped in front of me. Before I knew it, I crashed run into them sending whatever was carrying said fish flying down the dirt road as I was forced out of my form falling on my butt and rubbing my head.

“Fuck!” I yelled before shaking my head as the figure got up, it appeared to be a small boy with black spikey hair my age with a monkey tail. He quickly jumped up before pulling out his staff pulled out.

“You won’t be taking my fish that easily you shapeshifting demon!”

“Demon?! I’ll give you a demon!” I screeched before lifting my sleeve and winding up my arm. Whatever logical thought I had gone out the door. I may have a mature mind, but the mind and body are more interconnected than one believes so perhaps my six-year-old brain has had influence.

Nevertheless

I was not a demon. Most demons were normally scary, mean, and ugly.

I was not ugly, I was cute.

A cute adorable girl alright?

WHO DOES THIS PUNK THINK HE IS!

I made a jumpkick attempt on this buffoon only for him to dodge. I swore under my breath as I barely had time to raise my guard to block an attack from his staff. Not to let him keep the offensive I began closing the distance between us forcing him to drop his weapon as we went blow to blow for minutes on end before I smack him hard with a head butt causing him to stumble back. 

“Not so tough are you pal-” I was about to say before the boy ran up to me with speeds I have yet to see before roundhousing kicking me across the dirt path. I groan in pain and annoyance as I swear miniature birds flied over my head. My recovery from that hit was interrupted as this strange kid I was fighting stood literally over me, his staff recovered as seen on his back.

“You bring a good fight demon, but you not stealing my fish!”

Quick Chi-Chi think.

What techniques can you deploy, there were hundreds of techniques in the manga, anime, film, shows, and even parody surely there was something that could work-

Oh

“TESTICLE ATTACK NUMBER FORTY-NINE!” I shouted.

“What a testicle-” The kid above me asks before I ram my fist directly into his crotch. He let a quick silent scream of agony before falling to the ground just as quickly as I got back up victoriously.

“HAHA SWEET VICTORY FOR THE OX-PRINCESSI” I shouted with excitement as I made a little dance, that was my first real fight and I won! Sure it was against some no-name rude spikey hair…boy…who had a…tail…a monkey tail…

Crapbaskets

---

“Here” I offered the poor guy a bag of ice as we sat together back at my campsite. It wasn’t exactly fun carrying him and the giant fish he was holding earlier all the way back but alas you could say that was karma.

“Thank you, you’re not that bad for a demon.’ Goku replied happily before quickly pressing the bag of ice between his legs.

“I’m not a demon!” I argued for the 17th time, trust me I counted.

“Then what are you?”

“A human being”

“Are you sure, you seem…softer than me?” Goku continued and not going to lie, I could feel my eye beginning to twitch but I took a deep breath before putting up a smile.

“Probably due to me being a girl,” I admitted. He seemed to accept that reasoning as he nodded silently.

“I never met a girl before, but my grandpa told me about them.”

“Really?” I asked, I already knew the answer but considering we were not even in Dragon Ball yet and the story already took a left turn, I might well try to hit the story beats in Bulma’s place.

“Mhm! Besides my Grandpa, you are the first human being much less the first girl I ever met. My grandpa said to always be on my best behavior with girls.”

“He sounds very polite.”

“But where's your tail?” The future hero of her threw another question as lean back to get a good look at my behind. If was anyone else, I ensure your heads would be rolling.

“Hm, most humans don’t have tails. Does your grandfather have one?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Then it might just be a you thing, perhaps you may even be an alien?” I teased with a smug smile.

“A-an alien? Is that a bad thing?”

“Hm no, it's not necessarily. It makes you unique, everyone has something unique about them. My daddy, for example, is the biggest guy I know. He like supergiant.”

“The biggest?”

“The biggest” I further confirmed

“Woah…Hey I never did get your name”

“It Chi-Chi, Goku,” I replied before my eyes quickly widened.

“Wow, how did you guess my name?” He asked and I quickly began internally panicking. How is it that I managed to not mess up for this long and the moment I’m with this guy I basically tripping over myself over and over.

“Uh…erm…woman’s initiation. You’re a guy, you wouldn’t get it. Don’t tell anyone I’m good with names alright!” I hastily told him, giving him a slight glare until he nodded.

“Oh, well if you and your daddy are lost. You two can stay with me and my Grandpa,”

Ah!

Grandpa Gohan is alive? No wait that does check out that now that I think about it. Goku did start his journey young but he wasn’t this young. I think he started when he was 14.

No, it was 12, and he and Chi-Chi were around the same age, considering I’m currently half that age, it means it would still be over half a decade before he encountered Bulma. Interesting, I wonder if I can get anything out of this.

God that makes me sound like an asshole, but it was true. Was there maybe a way to save the old hermit?

I think almost every universe where Goku a good guy would appreciate me saving his grandfather from dying to his rampaging grandson.

But how could I even do that, I don’t even know his exact death date. Gohan might die next month to around Goku being 10 or something.

Hell, I don’t even know how I’m going to keep in contact with Goku or if keeping contact will even be possible or even recommended.

“Chi-Chi”

On one hand, the canon risk being screwed up even more by associating with him now. However, on the other hand, it might be too late to do anything, anyway which means I might as well go full balls to the walls at this point.

“Chi-Chi”

I didn’t deserve this, that damn dragon who brought me here is going to pay a thousandfold whenever I see his ass again. I’m going to go…Superhuman or something and blow him to high hell-”

“CHI-CHI!”

“Yes, Goku what's wrong-” I snapped back to reality to turn back only to meet his frightened face looking up. I followed suit and fear began filling my veins as I took notice of the enormous carnivorous dinosaur above us, taking its time eating Goku’s fish.

“W-when did it appear?” I stammered

“It just wanders in, q-quite the fast eater. Guess he was attracted to the fish” Goku stated as the huge lizard finished its meal. It resembled what one would associate with a retro fictional drawing of a T-Rex, minus the fact had several spikes or whatever they called prodding out of its head and it had three fingers instead of two.

A Ferocisaurus I believe it is called.

Well, it could be called Fluffy the Terrible for all I care!

That thing was living, breathing, fish breathe smelly death!

Once the prehistoric monster was finished. It swallowed down the last bits of food before looking down at us with hunger and desire. I could see the actual drool and bits of blood starting to pour down from its mouth.

“What should we do?” My new friend asked, In turn, I gave them my best smile given the situation.

“It's alright, there been a technique I have been developing for such situations. One that I plan to pass down to my children and my children’s children.”

“Oh, what do you have in mind.”

“You going to have to follow my movement to the T., Got it Goku?!” I shouted, the boy nodded as he got into a fighting pose.

“I got your back Chi-Chi.”

“Excellent! Here's what we gotta do…” I followed with my own fighting pose that my father taught me as we stared at the beast in defiance. It seemed to understand as it lowered down ready to strike us.

The battle for survival had begun

Or it would have if I hadn’t suddenly grabbed Goku by the back of his shirt and legged it in the opposite direction.

“RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!”

“We running away?!” The boy from another world shouted right behind me.

“IT CALLED TACTICAL RETREATING!” I screamed back, The carnivore behind stood there in shock before realizing what happened and quickly chasing us down. Goku must still be recovering from my blow from earlier because he tripped but I quickly grabbed him as I kept running.

I want to tell you I had a step two to this plan, but alas as I ran for the literal hills with my first friend, some monkey boy in my arms from a giant dinosaur. There was only one thing I could think of.

“DADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDY!”

Chapter Text

Despite my (genius) plan, it was becoming incredibly apparent that two children with their stubby little legs were not entirely up to outrunning a giant apex predator with hundreds of millions of years to iron out the flaws with evolution.

Who would’ve guessed?

“I don’t think this plan is working Chi-Chi!” Goku screamed; any retaliation I had in mind was stumped as the massive dino’s foot almost squished us like bugs. I could smell the beast’s foul odor as it was closing in.

“Wait, I got an idea!” The little boy shouted.

“Yeah?” I yelled back. 

“POWER POLE EXTEND!” Goku shouted, aiming the staff at the ground. It exploded in size as he pointed into the ground, and we both quickly found ourselves being launched vertically hundreds of feet in the air.

Was it a bad time to mention that I was not the greatest fan of heights?

I was never bothered by being on a plane, but that differed from being hundreds of feet in the air, balancing on a thin stick with little protection.

“Heh, pretty smart, huh, right Chi-Chi?” He laughed childishly as I was quickly literally shivering through both our lives.

“Yeah, it bought us a few moments of not being dino chow. Just one small question.” I admitted before giving him a big fake smile.
:
“Sure, what's on your mind?”

“HOW DO WE GET BACK DOWN?” I screeched into his ear, causing him almost to lose his grip on the stick if I didn’t hold him in place. The effects of said words were still lost on him, though, as he merely gave the same cute smile that a child typically did when they were having fun and ignorant of the fact they were making a mess.

“That easy, power pole return!” Goku eagerly said as the staff quickly returned normal for its master at standard size.

Leaving us high in the air with no support. The realization quickly kicked into his skull as he began to panic, an action that I quickly followed suit as we descended at a rapid pace. We quickly went through the cloud for the second time as we approached the ground. 

Our predator was still waiting for us as it suddenly began to look up, likely due to our screaming. Unfortunately for him, that would end up being a notable mistake on his part as Goku fell right onto him, first cracking against the dinosaur’s skull with his head as the massive collision could be heard for miles. 

Before the beast could even get a moment to recover, I found myself ramming into his head, specifically right into his left eye, a slightly softer but still ever-painful landing for me as the amount of force still sent me bouncing off him and onto the ground.

“Ugh…” I groaned as I slowly got back up.

Wait, I’m alive.

HA! VICTORY FOR CHI-CHI!

I quickly turned around to see the carnivore stumble like a drunken Irishman before it tumbled down and collapsed. A good portion of its head and left eye are now swollen flesh bulges seemingly knocked out.

...Did we just seriously win?

“We won!” I shouted in glee, practically bouncing with joy.

“We did it, Goku! We not-” I started before realizing my male companion was across the field. I quickly ran up to him, checking his heartbeat, which, to my joy, was still beating.

Phew, the poor kid is still alive. It's likely with even more brain damage, but hey, we can’t all be perfect.

“Let's get you out of here,” I muttered, picking him up. I slowly turned back to the campout.

That being said…

“Better luck next time, you bastard!” I mocked the knocked-out T-Rex reject as I spanked my behind before I continued my walk back with an extra cargo of alien boy.

It slowly got up, shakily getting back up before it looked directly at me. The only way those angry eyes could get fiercer was if they were blood-red, but one thing was sure: This animal was no longer interested in eating us.

No, it wanted just straight up to kill us now.

“For the record, I was joking,” I lied straight from my teeth as I quickly tried backtracking on my previous statement. The animal's titanic roar of rage was my response and cue to start running for the hills.

“Kame…”

I was praying for anything to get us out of this mess as I heard it rapidly approaching. Each one feels like it belongs to a thunderous earthquake rather than an oversized reptile as it begins closing in.

“...ha…me…”

I made a high jump just before the dinosaur could lunge down with the literal jaws of death that would turn Goku and me into chow. However, I stumbled on my landing, causing me to trip and stumble as I was forced to drop my friend and fall to my knees.

“Crapbaskets,” I muttered as I looked back up, beginning to get back up and run again.

“HA!”

And then, for a brief second, me, the Ferocisaurus, and seemingly the world stopped before the light in the area brightened as if some divine power was descending from heaven.

That was when the energy beam arrived.

It traveled past me at speeds I had never seen before, faster than any car or jet I had ever seen, as the force of pure power and light rushed past above me as it consumed the upper half of the carnivore. I watched as flesh was painfully erased from existence, blood vaporizing, and bones disintegrated. Before soon, there was nothing left but the bottom half of a massive corpse that fell, this time for the last time.

I was making several choking-like noises that I didn’t even notice the soft footsteps slowly approaching me, causing me to almost jump out of my skin when I felt a hand on my shoulder as the most gentle-looking old man I had ever seen stared at me.

“Are you okay, little girl?” He asked me warmly.

I tried muttering a few words of thanks before fainting.

---

“Ugh…” I muttered, rubbing my eyes and staring at a low ceiling, which was suddenly replaced with someone right in my face.

“Hey, Chi-Chi, you’re finally awake!”

“Gak!” I shouted as I shot back up, and both our heads collided, knocking him off my bedside as we both began rubbing our heads at the same time. When my senses returned, I was ready to give a piece of my mind to this hooligan, and I realized it was my recent and only friend.

“Goku!” I yelled as I got up to help the boy, thankfully unlike the last encounter. It wasn’t anything that he couldn’t walk off quickly.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Sorry”

“Don’t worry about it.” He gives a friendly smile while laughing a little. I won’t lie; I think it was even more adorable than it was in the original. It is one thing to watch someone so friendly and forgiving, but as someone a bit more cynical than they care to admit, it is rather refreshing.

“Chi-Chi”

“Yeah, Goku?”

“Where are your balls? I checked earlier, and you didn’t have any, " he asked with genuine curiosity and sincerity.

Correction

WAS refreshing

“Girls don’t have balls, Goku,” I spoke softly. It has been six years, and I still mourn the loss of the extra bits that I took for granted in my past life.

Fuck that Dragon.

“Is everything okay, you two?” the same elderly voice from earlier said as the short, grandpa-like figure entered the tiny room. He was in slightly different-colored clothes than in the canon, but he was unmistakably the same man who had indirectly saved the Earth and the Universe on multiple occasions.

Gohan Sr, more commonly known as Grandpa Gohan.

“H-hello sir,” I stammered. How could I not? Sure, he wasn’t the strongest of Goku’s mentors, but he was the first and by far the most important, with Master Roshi himself being the only one even coming close to as influential.

“Oh, no need to be so polite, dear. Just call me Gohan.” The elderly man smiled before turning around and motioning us to follow him.

“Thank you for saving us, sir. I mean Gohan.”

“Yeah, thanks, Grampa!”

“Bah, the least these old bones can do is help children. Especially when one of those children is my grandson, if anything, I should be thanking you. It is not every day Goku makes a friend now.”

Oh buddy, if only you knew how many friends your grandkid would find.

Oh, Kami, I'm going to have to deal with Beerus.

Forget surviving up to Z because by the time we get to the actual start of this story. I’m going to die from anxiety-induced heart attacks within the next few months.

“It was nothing.” I shrugged, trying to pull up as much false confidence as I could manage in my tiny body.

“Not only that, but you helped me reunite with an old friend.” He continued with genuine gratefulness. An old friend, who the hell do I know that this man, who is probably approaching his 80s, didn’t-

Oh

“Pardon me,” I swiftly ran past him, trying not to be more rude than I already was. I swung open the door to see a massive mountain of a man who was looking in the opposite direction with a fearful expression. The average joe they are petrified despite his scared look, but for me, he was currently the most crucial person in the world.

“DADDY!” I yelled in excitement as I ran to him with tears in my eyes. Faster than the speed of light, he turns to me, his fear becoming joy.

“Chi-Chi!” he yelled excitedly, picking me up and speeding me high into the sky. Despite my knowledge of powerful beings in the universe, they could all go to hell because my father was the most powerful and safest man right at the moment.

“I’m sorry, Daddy; I didn’t mean to scare you,” I murmured.

“Don’t be; I’m just glad you’re safe,” he replied.

I am blessed to have someone still love me like this, even in a completely different universe.

---

When emotions finally died down, dinner was served, and we began eating—or rather, we humans were eating while Goku inhaled his as if he was about to die if his mouth wasn’t filled with a piece of meat, fish, or some vegetable.

“How is he not choking?” I looked in awe.

“I wish I could tell you. I’m still not exactly sure.” Gohan chuckled as he softly ate his rice, my father next to him rapidly but still politely tearing into his piece of meat on a stick, quickly making him the closest to Goku in terms of appetite if a distant second. Speaking of the kid, when he was finally done devouring enough food for a family of ten, he sighed in relief before looking at his guardian.

“Grampa, am I an alien?”

“Probably,” Gohan replied without missing a beat.

I almost fell out of my seat. How could they bluntly speak about that? Well, it is not completely shocking. It wasn’t like Goku and Gohan knew what kind of aliens the Saiyans were like, though I imagine Gohan had an idea, given Goku’s original personality and the fact he learned of his transformation into a giant monkey under a full moon.

Still

“That it? Just…probably?” I curved my head.

“Heh, well, nothing for certain, dear, but I found Goku in a crater in a rather odd pod. Aliens or not, it is clear he was sent out for a reason.”

“That's quite admirable of you to take him,” I told him genuinely, even if we go back six years from now. The legendary martial artist wasn’t in his spring chicken years to be willing to take in an initially violent child without any support…

Well, I’m just happy I got Chi-Chi in comparison, and leave it at that.

“You make it almost sound like it was a burden, ha! It was certainly an adjustment, but I wouldn’t trade my little Goku for anything,” the man claimed as he ruffled his grandson’s spikey black hair, causing him to giggle.

Damnit, alright, screw the canon.

I am saving this old man, or at least going to try!

“CAN I TRAIN WITH YOU?” I shouted eagerly, causing everyone to cover their ears. Gosh, damnit, why do I do that all the time? Is this genetic or something?

“T-train?” The older man asked as his ears finally stopped ringing.

“Yes,” I smashed my hands against the table with eagerness. This was both a perfect excuse to get stronger and also to be another set of eyes to save Son Gohan Sr. My possible children are going to see their great-grandfather, damnit!

Well, unless he dies from natural causes, but this guy was a star student of Master fucking Roshi, who was like 300-something years old; I doubt this guy is going to kneel over from age alone anytime soon.

“Chi-Chi, are you sure about this? You only got home relatively recently.” My father reminded me. It hurt because I knew he wanted me by his side, safe and sound in our kingdom, but this needed to be done. Most of Chi-Chi’s training was done offscreen, and by the time, while she was no doubt a powerhouse in her own right, she was already well behind the likes of Son Goku and Piccolo (though almost all earthlings were at this point).

I refuse to stand by the sidelines unless there is nothing I can do about it, which means getting as much strength as possible as quickly as possible.

“I gotta do this, Daddy!” I claimed, giving a fierce look of determination. From his perspective, it probably looked closer to some kid scrunching up their face to look overconfident, but the point still stands. He needed to see how much I needed this.

“I…I can’t say no to a face like that.” My dad signed with a slight smile before turning to his old friend.

“Of course, if it alright with you, Gohan?”

“That depends on her. Are you ready for some serious training, young lady? I may not go fully out because of your age, and I’m not a slave driver like my old master, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to hold back.” Gohan stared at me, still holding a benevolent presence. I could feel how serious everything around him was.

Gohan’s teaching wouldn’t be a mere set of skills, a hobby, or an occupation.

This would be a lifestyle, teachings he will pass down and expect me to live up to and even surpass even when he is not watching or has passed on.

So I gave the only answer I could give.

“No, I’m not,” I said slowly, keeping eye contact with him. His expression did not change, and I knew what I said wasn’t wrong but that I needed to continue.

“I’m loud, I panic easily, and I’m spoiled and a bit selfish, and my temper is the emotional equivalent of dynamite. I often believe I know much more than I do, and I’m probably not the easiest person to get along with.” I admitted.

“So why ask this training?”

“Because there will never be a time I will be ready. The chance to be better is not something that comes to you. You have to want it just as much as you need it. I own my kingdom, my father, and most importantly, myself, and I want to improve daily!”  I loudly claimed, thankfully at a much more managed volume.

The old master merely stared me down at the moment, but like hell, I was going to fall short now. So I kept up my determination, summoning all the confidence I held within myself to stay strong.

I won’t be a coward. If I can’t do this, then who the hell do I think I am in becoming a protector of the earth?

It was the staredown of the century—well, it was until Gohan began laughing. It wasn’t of the mocking variety or a humorous laugh one gives from a joke. It was more of a small chuckle of satisfaction before glancing at my father.

“I like this one, aware of her flaws. Unlike someone else, I knew.” He teased.

“Ah, come on, that was a lifetime ago,” OX-King replied with a slight embarrassment.

“Eh?” I tilted my head.

“Your father was quite the character, certainly had pride and ego to match his impressive strength when we first met…but I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

Huh, so my dad was a bit smug and cocky but mellowed out.

Wait, so he was the Krillin of his generation?

More you know.

“Chi-Chi”

“Yes?”

“I accept you as a student. We’ll begin at the end of this weekend, so you better get used to waking up early, young lady.”

“WOAH!” I screamed and hopped on the table with excitement. Sure, the night owl in me practically broke into tears at the thought of waking up at any time past noon, but the rest of me was filled with complete joy as everyone joined in with the cheers. 

“You hear that, Goku? We're rivals now!” I told him as I offered him a fist pump. Thankfully, it seemed he understood my intentions, as his fist met my own, not leaving me handing.

“Alright!” He shouted back.

This is where the fun begins.

---

Things died down quickly after that. In contrast to myself, Goku was the early bird, so once it got significantly dark enough, he was ready to turn. Considering our sleep schedules would soon be the same, I followed him to bed as the adults began talking about events I had little interest in.

I didn’t expect another 20 questions as we lay on our mats.

“Chi-Chi?”

“Yes, Goku?”

“What are rivals?”

Ah, so he was faking this almost as much as I am.

“I don’t know the textbook version, but basically, two people compete against each other to see who is better. There are different types of rivalry, from hateful to friendly ones, we the latter.”

“Ladder?”

“No, we the…ugh. We are the second one. We are friends and rivals. We are still friends, but we will compete against one another to grow stronger together.”

“Oh, so like me and Grampa!”

“Mmm, no, not quite. You got a different relationship; he is trying to make you stronger cause he is your teacher and family, so you two love each other.”

“Ah…can friends be family?”

“Certainly, with enough time. Some become like siblings, or if the age gap is big enough, secondary parental figures, some may even love each other in different ways like marriage.”

“Marriage?”

“Yep”

“Is that something you eat?”

“No, it's just another form of relationship, ideally when people super duper love each other but in a different way. It's not like between me and my dad or you and your grandpa. It is something you usually figure out when you’re older.

“Woah, there are a lot of forms of love.”

“Yep, but they all are fair and square, so don’t feel afraid to express your love to someone now,”

“Gotcha, I love you, Chi-Chi!” the boy exclaimed. I nearly choked on my spit, but I quickly regained my composure as I turned only to see him facing away from me. Despite that shocking statement, I couldn’t help but smile as I lay back, closing my eyes.

“Love you too, Goku.”

“...Chi-Chi?”

“Yes?”

“You can shapeshift in almost anything, right?”

“What about it?”

“Why didn’t you just turn into something that could move fast, that “car” demon form you hit me with, or become a giant monster to scare off the dino?”.

“...Goku?”

“Yeah?”

“Be quiet.”

“Y-yes Ma’am”

“Good boy.”

Chapter Text

I’m going to admit it.

I hated training for the first couple of months.

I’m sure it would change, but I was never fat in my previous life. I wasn’t particularly in shape either. I made extra sure that it wouldn’t be the case this time around; my schedule was going to ensure this next life didn’t crap out on a few miles.

But Master Gohan was the world's friendliest slave driver.

All his training was told in the nicest tone possible, but that didn’t mean it was easy. Get up at 4:30 AM, Chi-Chi, fix your form, Chi-Chi, your stance is crooked, Chi-Chi, etc. Thankfully, due to both age and mercy, we still had the weekend off, but that gave me nigh-existential dread for the coming hell that Monday brought.

It didn’t help that I was my worst enemy, today, for example.

“Alright, children, we're going to do something a little different this time around. I'm going to bring an old favorite,” the older man announced as we once more stood at the crack of dawn, small crates of water next to him.

“Today, we will all take a long path across Mount Paozu, which is nothing dangerous. It is a rather straightforward path…but it is the longest. Master Roshi’s version is a bit more complex; he even used milk instead of water! However, considering your ages, it is probably best we start simple.”

He began handing out the two crates, and damnit; I couldn’t help but notice mine only had the four when it could at least hold double the amount. Goku’s, in contrast, filled six, but still could fit at least two more.

Don’t say anything

Don’t you dare say anything, Chi-Chi!

“Why do I have only four jugs of water?” I asked.

DAMNIT!

“Ah well, I didn’t want to push you too much since you are behind Goku. I think four is a good start.”

Take the handicap

Just take the handicap!

“I’m not that far behind! Give me six! We are here to push ourselves!” I replied

Why do I do things?

“Chi-Chi, right! I’ll take all eight, Granpa! " Goku agreed and nodded his head at our mutual teacher, who was scratching his head as he looked between us reluctantly.

“If he gets all eight, I want all eight!” I huffed.

“A-are you both sure sure about this? This is more of an endurance exercise than a strength base. Lugging all of this now may seem like nothing, but we are going to be walking for quite a while-”

“YES!” We both shouted, one voice filled with stubbornness and the other with joy.

“W-Well, if you both insist.”

After our crates were filled with water, our new training began with simple jogging across the dusty path, and to be frank, it was exactly that straightforward. There were no dinosaurs, man-eating animals, or crazy thieves in sight.

It did, however, keep going.

And going

And oh heavens, guess what?

IT KEPT GOING!

We must have jogged nonstop for miles as the sun finally rose high enough to signal daytime, not that it helped. Today, of all days, it wanted to be as hot as possible, and it beamed down on us. Even Goku looked like he was getting tired from all the sounds of panting and sweating coming down from him, not that I was much better.

If I didn’t know better, I could almost swear my feet were drowning in water coming off my body. Speaking of water, the cargo I was carrying looked more delicious than it ever had in my previous life.

“You holding up there, Chi-Chi?” the Saiyan child asked as he slowed down to match my pace.

“Ju-just fine Goku,” I moaned; the truth is I wanted to kneel over and wait for my subsequent death to take me already and reincarnate my ass. Preferably in a world where getting power is more easily attainable.

Being a Kryptonian would be pretty neat; weakness to green rocks aside.

“You don’t seem fine.” The boy tilted his head

“Sometimes people just say they’re fine when they’re not. I don’t know why.”

Since I got here, I have become the boy’s equivalent of the internet. Being an isolated little boy meant he had many questions, some of which even his grandpa didn’t know, given that Gohan left major society decades before adopting Goku.

“Huh, people sure are strange, am I right?”

I resisted the urge to remind him that he was likely an alien monkey boy because I was too focused on making sure my lungs didn’t decide they had enough of my nonsense and eject themselves from my body. 

“STOP!” Gohan suddenly shouted, causing us to stand straight. He turned to us with a cheeky smile.

“We rest here for now,” The old man announced casually as if he hadn’t nearly killed two children from exhaustion.

I don’t care if I asked for it; I’m six, nearing seven. 

I dropped my crate and fell to the ground, desperately trying to reclaim my breath. This is going to be my life now, huh? No wonder people in this franchise like to show off their gains. This is hell as far as I’m concerned, HFIL be damned.

“Excellent work, you two. We take an hour of rest before we head back. We can start finding lunch. Chi-Chi, I wanted to show you something if you are willing to risk losing some hunting time.”

Despite my better judgment, I nodded. I'm too exhausted at the moment to say anything.

“I’ll take that as a yes, Goku; you’re welcome to join us…Goku?” Gohan asked, only to find out the boy had run off when he heard he could find lunch.

“That boy is something special.”

“You…have…no idea,” I muttered.

---

“Here she is,” Gohan announced as I looked down at some ravine. Below was a destroyed orb-like ship despite clearly being there for years. Nature looked like it didn’t claim it all that much yet.

Undoubtedly, that was an Attack Ball, a space pod used by the Saiyan and the rest of the Frieza force. 

“Feel free to explore; perhaps you can get a better understanding of it. I was never a tech person, though I imagine it is truly alien. You might not have it any easier, either.” The older man chuckled.

I nodded silently as I slid down and began approaching the pod. Frankly, I’m going in blind because it's not like Akira explained how these things operate. Truthfully, I was looking to see if there was anything I could read. 

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to find, which wasn’t a complete shock. In the special, Bardock doesn’t care about his son much, much less knowing his planet will blow up. In canon, he launches Goku, hoping he can retrieve him later.

Most of the content I could find was unreadable, either because it was in a language I didn’t understand or had rusted away. Double shame; I was kind of hoping that there was anything that could give me an advantage. The only thing that was even remotely a language I understood was the word “Saiyan,” or at least looked close enough to the word that I assumed it was.

I was hesitant to press anything, mainly because a self-destruction button was probably somewhere. Still, eventually, my curiosity got the better of me as I tugged a few buttons, not wanting to test my luck further.

The sound began to fill the ship. At first, it was gargled nonsense, but eventually, recognizable voices occasionally cut through.

“...Save something for once…my Kakarot…” Bardock’s voice echoed throughout the pod.

I stand in silence as if my breath might accidentally end the recording.

“...Earth…won’t show up…Frieza Force’s radar…”

A female voice takes over; it must be Gine.

“If your father…wrong…come get you immediately…see you soon.”

“Goodbye…son…”

“Don’t forget about us, Kakarot!” Goku’s mother yelled before the spaceship went dead silent. I sighed, trying to contain tears. The Saiyans were monsters; yes, that was undeniable, but they weren’t just monsters. 

Call me sensitive, but hearing a mother begging her son not to forget his original family only for that to be the case stings, especially when this is real life. It is no longer a fictional story I can watch from the sidelines.

I tried starting the recording again, but I received nothing. I cursed to myself slightly. Even if I had no control over this, Goku should’ve gotten to hear this even if he didn’t fully understand

“Chi-Chi, are you okay?” I heard Gohan’s voice filled with worry. I quickly stumbled back outside, trying to keep my neutral expression, but it was clear it was facing going by his face.

“Not good news, I’m afraid?”

“That obvious?”

“I may not have lived in quite as hectic times as the era of King Piccolo as my master had, but you don’t reach my age without facing a few hardships of your own.”

“Suppose not,” I agreed quietly as we returned. In contrast to our somber mood, Goku had returned, tearing through his latest of what must be many fishes, considering the amount of bones behind him.

“Hey guys!” He announced to us before tearing into his prey. I sat beside him, as comfortable as I could manage to get myself to.

“You okay, Chi-Chi”

“I’m alright Goku”

“Is that “alright” alright or not “alright” alright?”

Should I?

No

It is something I must do, regardless of the consequences.

I own his parents that much.

“Master Gohan and I went to the place where we found you. I found out a little about you.”

“Really?” The boy cutely tilted his head. I guess even if he was satisfied with his current life, Goku, at least at this age, held some curiosity about where he was from.

“You’re a Saiyan.”

“What a Saiyan?”

“Well uh…Master, do you have any idea?” I glance at Gohan, feigning ignorance.

“I’m afraid I’m unsure myself; I've never heard of such a tribe of people before.” The older man admitted with a shrug.

“Regardless, your family sent you away to protect you. Your parents feared some group called the Frieza Force. They would pick you up if they could, but…it seems they couldn’t make it.”

“Oh” was all Goku had to say, looking slightly down, probably unsure how to digest this information. He was younger than even the version of Goku from the beginning of Dragon Ball by a few good years, so it was to be expected.

“I don’t know what these Saiyans were like, but whether they were good or bad people didn’t matter. Your parents loved you, Goku.” I spoke with as much certainty as possible so he would understand.

“Did you get any names, Chi-Chi?” Gohan asked. Technically, I only got Goku’s Saiyan one, but was that enough when I could give at least a little more?

Of course not.

“Your Saiyan name is Kakarot, and well…your parent's names were Bardock, your father, and Gine, your mother, at least from what I gathered.”

“Bar…dock…Gi…ne?” Goku sounded out before turning to his grandpa with astonishment.

“Granpa! I got parents!”

“Yes you do, my boy, yes you do.” The older man chuckled as he watched his grandson’s excitement as he sat down on a nearby rock.

“But wait…my name is Goku, how can my name be Kakarot?”

“People can have multiple names, my child. You will always be Son Goku, my grandson, but you are also Kakarot, son of Bardock and Gine.” Gohan explained gently, and the young boy slowly nodded before turning to me.

“Thanks Chi-Chi! I never had parents before.”

“It is the least I can do,” I replied with a soft smile.

I couldn’t make your boy remember Gine.

I could make sure, though, that he knew of your love.

“Hm?” The Saiyan from Earth muttered in confusion as a drop of water began to leak from his right eye.

“Why am I crying?” He asked

“It's alright; it's just a tear for someone from a different life,” I told him as I approached Goku’s face and gently wiped away Kakarot's tear.

“Oh, I almost forgot! I saved one of these for you.” He semi-hollered as he pulled on more massive fish that hadn’t yet been reduced to the bone.

“Aw, thank you, Goku.” 

Now, I should probably cook this because eating raw fish sounds like a stupid and dangerous idea-

“Oh, I almost forgot. Ten minutes left before we head back,” Gohan announced.

Fuck it

I ate the whole thing raw.

---

“...Cha-La Head Cha-La…” I muttered to myself before returning to reality to pay attention to my friend’s dance movements.

“Fix your leg, Goku.”

“Oh right, like this?”

“Much better,” I praised as I watched him perform again.

Now that I live in an area where smartphones and technology are lacking, and for the last months, I have lived in nigh-complete isolation, most of my hobbies in my previous life, like gaming, no longer exist. There were books, but Gohan only had so many, and I didn’t want to bother my dad about it too much.

He has done so much as it is for me. 

So that meant figuring out nighttime activities the old-fashioned way. Now, my friend wasn’t dumb by any means, but trying to teach a hyperactive seven-year-old, much less a hyperactive seven-year-old Saiyan, a card game or board game like chess or checkers was like trying to teach a dog on cocaine how to shoot a gun properly.

I wish we had a simple game like Candyland, but then I would genuinely worry that Goku might at least try eating one of the pieces once.

The boy was not built for the intensity of the game known as Monopoly either.

That left more physical but still non-fighting alternatives such as dancing and occasionally singing. We sang as well as you could expect from most children, but it has passed the time.

“I think I got it.” the spikey-haired child announced as he began what I can only assume was the poor man’s version of disco, which admittedly got a giggle out of me.

“Was that good?” He turned to me

“Amazing, I promise.”

“Okay, what else is there?”

“I guess…uh…hm…there one dance I remember”

I got up and took his hand. It appeared I was the taller one between us, which wasn’t all that unusual at this age, admittedly.

“Just follow my lead, and please do not step on my feet.”

“Okay!”

We began dancing around the tiny house. We did pretty well, though it was hard to keep a straight face as my dance partner was busily laser-focused on the ground to ensure he didn’t crush any toes.

Such humor immediately shut down with a flash from behind.

“Now that's cute,” Gohan said as he lowered the camera and removed the picture as it finished developing.

“When did you get a camera?” I asked as I let Goku go and walked up to him to get a better look at the thing.

“It's not mine. According to your father, you asked for one quite a bit ago. Speaking of which, he won't be able to see you this month. According to his message, the kingdom is bustling. ”

Oh, right. It was not long before the trip that I encountered Goku and Gohan. Cameras weren’t a hobby that I had a particular interest in, but they were one of my original father’s hobbies.

I wanted to remember him in some form. 

I hope I passed from old age and don’t have all my memories.

No person should have to bury their child. 

“I understand, but if you’re getting a picture of me, it is only fair if I get to do the same to you!” I shouted as I took the camera from him before pushing him towards his grandchild. The old master quickly recovered the position switch as he stood beside his pride and joy.

“Say Cheese!” I shouted 

The two did just that, and the sound of flash was heard throughout the room. I took it out, and it came out well.

“Hey, Chi-Chi, does that device have a timer on it by chance?” Gohan asked.

“Huh, it does. Why, you ask?”

“Do I need to explain? Gotta have a picture of all of us now.”

“Yeah, come on, Chi-Chi!” Goku spoke up.

“Okay, okay! The masses have been heard.”

I quickly set up a time of one minute before rushing over to the duo, going on Gohan’s left as Goku remained on his right. Gohan sighed with contentment before making his demands.

“Alright, everyone, silly poses!” 

Gohan flashed two peace signs while his grandson shot out his tongue and pulled one of his eyelids. To be perfectly honest with you, I did my best rock and roll pose as the camera went off.

Not that I needed the picture. This was one memory I was never going to risk forgetting. 

---

“Chi-Chi”

“Chi-Chi”

“Erm…Goku...” I groaned, awakened from the sweet slumber. It could be any later than around midnight. It was hardly the worst time to wake up, but there were undoubtedly better times, too.

“I need to go use the bathroom outside. Do you need to go, too?”

“I’m good, but thank you for asking.” I gently waved him off before laying back down on my mat. I’m sure if anything needs to be released, it can wait till morning.

Wait

Outside?

“Goku!” I scrambled out of bed, snatching up the power pole from across the room for a possible confrontation, and burst out the door, only for my nightmares to be confirmed as the full moon shrined, almost mocking me with its beauty.

 I didn’t want to hurt him, but I think both he and Gohan would like me whacking him and then allowing the alternative. I almost wanted to tear through the forest physically, but I needed to save as much energy as possible.

“Hey, Chi-Chi!”  A voice yelled, causing me to stop myself. My fear turned to join as my friend was still very much his small, slightly pudgy self pulling up his pants.

“Oh, thank god, you are safe.”

“Did something happen?”

“No, it just…remember when Gohan said, the terrible monster out at night during the moon?” I chastised him. Despite the reminder, the boy in front of me scratched the back of his head in mild embarrassment with a guilty smile. 

“Oh yeah, I kinda forgot.”

“You forgot? Why I outta…no. Let's just go back,” I began before pinching my forehead and dragging him back. I couldn’t blame him all that much; it was not like Gohan told him that he was the monster. The older man never told me either, only that we had to stay indoors during a full moon.

“Are you going to tell Granpa?”

“No, I’m your friend, not a tattletale,” I replied. Gohan isn’t a fool. I wouldn’t be shocked if he knew we both ran off, especially because I was panicking as I left.  There is no need to tattle when he is going to be there waiting for us.

“At least the monster is not out during this full moon. Then Granpa would let us have it.”

“You have it, maybe; I came here to save you.”

“Aw, thanks, Chi-Chi; the monster may only come out every other full moon. I have not seen or heard him anywhere.”

“Well, maybe he is sleeping like you should-” I stopped dead in my tracks.

“Something wrong”

“Goku, my pal, my buddy, my bestie…how do you know it's a full moon?” I begged as I turned to him slowly.

“I saw earlier when I finished to pee. Did I do something wrong?”

“You don’t feel any different?”

“No, am I supposed to?”

“No…no, it's nothing… let's just get you inside, Goku…Goku?” I asked before turning around.

He just stood there, staring at me but not genuinely looking at me. It would be accurate to say it was a trance of sorts, and the true giveaway was his eyes. Instead of the innocent black pupils I was used to, they were replaced with dead pink ones. 

Then the Saiyan just snapped.

I can’t explain to you how quick the transformation was. I thought it would be slower, given this was real life, but before I knew it, his pupils disappeared, and his eyes went red; his neutral expression became that of mindless rage as his teeth got sharp and his muscles grew bigger and more defined, but most of all.

He just kept growing before he surpassed the size of any building I had seen so far in this world. 

Before I could even comprehend, the beast towering over the forest stared at their power source before unleashing the mightiest of roars. Indeed, it was impossible to ignore what was before me.

The Space Monstrosity of Mount Pazou

Oozaru

It locked its eyes on me, and my mind or feelings were no longer in control; only my instincts were, and they screamed one thing.

ESCAPE!

I tore through the wood, switching between running and jumping off the rocks and trees before me. I could hear the very destruction behind me, but I knew if I dared look back, it would be nothing but a gruesome end.

But despite my training, newfound strength and speed, or even my kicked-in adrenaline, reality spared mercies to no one, much less me. I could hear the mighty footsteps getting closer even while the creature was busy roaring. It left earthquakes that threatened to trip me up every moment its foot came down.

I saw tons of earth, rock, and dirt ripped and tore from the sky as the monkey-like monster walked through them with ease; all that mattered was me, and the only thing it wanted from me was my death.

I was going to die.

I was going to die.

I DIDN’T WANT TO DIE!

My pounding anxiety was almost suicidal as I nearly choked on it before the ape smashed down a mighty fist, and I was sent flying high through the sky and landed harshly against one of the tall trees before hitting the ground as a distinct crack from my left arm was made.

I slowly got back up, choking back any sobs, only to be interrupted by spit and blood that painted the ground below me. I touched my head with my remaining good arm, feeling the new wound hidden under my hair. The only good thing was that I could hear the monster moving away; it seemed that it no longer cared when I was out of its immediate sight.

I could only let out a sigh of brief relief when a hand touched my shoulder.

“Master Gohan…” I said without even turning my head. I needed not to know who it was.

“What happened, my child?” The elderly man’s voice spoke back, sounding even older than before, likely due to the sadness and guilt mixed with it.

“He needs to use the bathroom. I tried dragging him back before something could happen, but…” I started by letting Oozaru’s roar finish answering the question before speaking up again.

“Gohan…there gotta be something we can do?”

“His tail should be his weakness, but at this size, neither of us would be big enough to truly take advantage of it.” Gohan sighed before straightening up.”

“I will hold him off.”

“Master…he’ll kill you,” I muttered; I didn’t need to see the future to know that, and I didn’t need to say it for Gohan to know that. He would never truly harm Goku even in this state, and thus, the only strategy would be as a distraction.

“He is my grandson and my first student, Chi-Chi. Goku is my responsibility, and I would never forgive myself if he got hurt like this. Likewise, I can’t allow him to hurt anyone else.”

“Let me help-”

“No, much like Goku is family, you have become the grandaughter I never had, and I would never allow Ox-King to experience the death of his child, more with your mother’s death still fresh.”

“Please-”

“Enough!” Gohan silenced me.

“Run, head for our house, please…before I am forced to do something terrible, please, don’t tell Goku of this.” Gohan quietly begged before walking towards his destiny.

I stared at him; this was easy for him, and I could tell he would do anything to stop me, even if it meant knocking me out. I should’ve still pushed and tried everything to make him see reason.

And yet

I ran as I was told to. If I were a Saiyan, my tail would be between my legs. I didn’t stop until I collapsed to my knees in the middle of nowhere. I knew I had a promise to try to keep him alive, but for that instance, I was too scared to care

All that mattered was I was away from the fighting, the chaos, and, most importantly, imminent death.

“I…I n-need to turn back,” I told myself, yet my legs buckled underneath my weight. 

I was terrified. I have always been scared of death, even when I was blessed to have some idea of what was on the other side, and that Dragonball had its afterlife did little to stop that fear. I was just some guy in another life, and I wasn’t even some soldier or anything; I was a civilian in every definition.

Not to mention forget who I was. Right now, I was Chi-Chi.

My dad needed me alive. Who was I to cause him further pain?

My kingdom needed me alive.

Gohan needed me alive and demanded me to go.

I had every definition to run and act as a coward, just this one, which would be fair. There was no Bulma, much less a Dragon Radar. Is there anyone who could wish me back? Indeed, my father might have been aware of the legend, but he didn’t have the means to do so.

“Get up,” I said to myself.

So why? Why am I still going?

…I know why.

Because, above all else, Goku needed me to save him from doing something he couldn't take back.

I couldn’t feel brave; I couldn’t be that hero that I imagined myself as, but I could be mad because, above all else, despite my fear, I was pissed, no, I was furious. The rage bubbled inside me beyond anything I felt in either of my lives.

I was mad with that damn Dragon for putting me here.

I was mad at Gohan for holding me back and, most importantly…

I was mad at myself for not doing anything about it.

I could feel that nearly murderous emotion as if the energy was pumping directly into my veins. A faint red aura began erupting from my being as I finally stood up. A brief thought ran through my head, wondering if this was my ki, but I quickly decided it didn’t matter as I clutched the hand of my remaining good arm into a fist until it bled.

“I've got one arm left, but that's all I need,” I whispered, echoing a quote from a potential future before blitzing through the forest to return to the battlefield.

--(Makafushigi Adventure)-- 

Perhaps it was due to increased power and emotions, but I felt I was moving far faster than before as I closed in on my friend’s hulking form. He was busy swatting at something I could only guess was Gohan, and just as I arrived to fight, he successfully smacked down my master.

When I arrived at a clearing, he was already raising his foot. I couldn’t see Gohan’s form anywhere, but going by where Goku was raising one foot over a small crater, I had an idea of what would happen.

It is do or die.

“Power Pole extend!” I hollered as I pulled out the red staff with my hand, letting it move with insane speed. I aimed just right for the weapon to punch the gorilla monster right in the left eye, causing it to stumble back as I quickly recalled it. 

It scanned across the land before it, and then it once again locked eyes with me before letting out an earthshattering howl that nearly knocked me off my feet. I dug in my heels and held firm.

“BRING IT!” I hollered right back with all my might, the trees shaking from the fury in my voice. I silenced the beast as it looked at me in shock. 

I may not be courageous, but I am stubborn. More importantly, I am loyal and refuse to let this creature ruin Goku’s life, even if he could recover from it.

The shock on the Oozaru's face swiftly became that of hatred; however, as he began walking towards my location with arms raised before smashing down, I jumped just high enough not to turn to paste before landing on his fist.

I began running up his massive hair arm as he growled in annoyance and lifted the other to crush me. I tried jumping again but underestimated his reflexes, and he quickly grabbed me.

“Grk,” I grunted before he pulled me up to his face and told you, even in this intense situation. That breath of his reeked. I quickly used my shapeshifting technique into a misty form to escape his gripe before reforming on top of his hand, expanding my staff into his injured eye again.

Enraged, he flung me off high into the air, further than I had ever been. I stared at the full moon. I almost felt like I could reach out and touch the thing, but I quickly turned around to look at the great ape as moonlight gleamed behind me.

Goku stared at me before roaring with further ferocity. He raised both his hands to try to get at me, and I did the only thing that one could do.

I roared right back as I descended.

The massive Saiyan stretched his hands even further, trying to get them between me so he could probably clap and crush me to death. To both our shock, a small yellow ball of ki came from below and collided with the animal’s eyes, causing it to retract its upper limbs and grab its face to recover.

I needed to end this now. I can’t test my luck.

“His tail should be his weakness, but at this size, neither of us would be big enough to truly take advantage of it.”

As I reached him, the monster, I maneuvered myself just enough to begin sliding down his massive neck and eventually his back. I pulled out my remaining energy and began expanding further and further, more than I ever had, until I matched Goku’s height. I reached out with my working hand and grabbed Goku’s tail, clutching it with all my strength.

The results were almost immediate as the Oozaru fell to his stomach, squirming a little before going still eventually outside the occasional moan and grunts, its position not helped by me now sitting down on his back before crushing the tail with the power I didn’t know I still had. 

“Game…set…match,” I whispered.

Victory has never been more painful but has never been more delicious.

“Not bad, not bad at all!” A familiar voice shouted below. I looked down at Gohan standing, his shirt nonexistent, showing how genuinely scrawny he was underneath those clothes, but that didn’t matter.

He was alive.

“I’m in a lot of trouble, aren’t I?” I asked as I looked down at my master, who was smaller than even an average action figure from my perspective.

“You have no idea, but that being said…” He trailed off, looking down at his grandson’s restrained position.

“I think we all go through enough punishment. How about you keep holding that tail until sunrise, and we'll consider it paid for.” Gohan stated that before finding a nice patch of ground to sit down on,

“I don’t think I’m up for training today.”

“No, I think that goes for both of us,” Gohan replied before chuckling, and I couldn’t help but laugh despite the pain as we waited for the sun to return to bring forth a new day.

And to a new beginning. 

Chapter Text

“HA!”

A small blue energy orb came from my cupped hands as it sped across the lake before smashing through stacked piles of rocks, completely incinerating them. Despite the accomplishment, I could only sigh in slight disappointment before tensing up a bit at the sound of footsteps.

“And here I thought I told you to get some much needed rest,” Gohan smirked.

“S-sorry.” I looked down at the ground, somewhat ashamed.

“Sorry for what you did or that you got caught?”

“Brutally honest, probably the second,” I admitted before flinching lightly as the older man tapped on my head with an equal amount of annoyance and amusement.

“At least you’re honest, I swear, Chi-Chi. You might hide it better than Goku, but you are a bundle of energy yourself.”

“I’m just… want to get this ki thing down ya know? The best I can do is these ki orbs.”I know Chi-Chi, a respectable fighter, wasn’t a prodigy like her husband or their descendants, but I hoped I could’ve accomplished more by now. While I got a handle on channeling my energy, I still couldn’t even do something like a basic ki wave. Worst part this during an era where on Earth even doing one of these attacks took a healthy aound of energy, meaning a screw up was geniune costly for most people.

“Don’t be such a heard child. Why did it take Master Roshi over a fifty years to figure out his signature move and many decades for me to replicate the same technique half as perfectly? You have many years to surpass both of us, why not take a rest?”

“Heh…you always have a convincing argument, eh master?”

“No, just speaking from experience. Wisdom will get you almost anywhere if you play your cards right, young lady.” Chuckled the older man, an action I gladly copied as we sat down by the water. 

“You have come far, my student. You've grown in every sense of the word these last six years, especially literally.”

He wasn’t wrong. Whatever I did differently from canon affected Chi-Chi’s body, and I decided to kick in those Ox-King genes.  I was taller than Gohan by over a few inches and then some.

A far cry from her canon self, who was more or less matching Goku's height at this age.

“Yet, Goku is barely grown himself if we are talking vertically.” I playfully snickered.

“Indeed, I wonder if the Saiyans were on the smaller side.”

“Eh, give it time. I heard boys can often have big growth spurts at certain ages.”

“I suppose you’re right. When you don’t have a doctor nearby, topics like health are something you put extra caution in, especially when loved ones are concerned.”

“Speaking of Goku, are you going to show him to do ki blasts, too?”

“No, though I have doubt he can do the task now. I like his mind to focus on his transformation training. The next full moon is coming up soon.”

I nodded in understanding. To say that night was a scary one was an understatement, and to be honest, I still have nightmares about it occasionally.

Telling Goku about it wasn’t easy. Gohan insisted at first we kept the truth from him, but I was able to out-stubborn him out of the deal. To say that Goku didn’t take it well was an understatement. I didn’t calculate that while Goku might not have been traumatized by losing his grandfather, the knowledge that he was the giant monster that nearly killed both his only family and friend could be almost just as bad.

It took nearly a year to get him to come out during the night.

When he finally became open about the idea of training, the difficulties quickly showed themselves. For one, we didn’t have the means to make an artificial moon, so we had to wait for the natural one to show up.

The other issue was that we didn’t have much of the means to train him to stay self-aware beyond Gohan training his mind to be strong, to know what he was doing with me as moral support, and to grab his tail when things went south.

 The results were mixed.

Currently, Goku couldn’t talk and, thankfully, not fight to his maximum capability like Vegeta. He was able to retain some measure of sapience, such as depicting friend from foe and even obey simple commands if he not too pissed off.

In other words, the Great Ape form was still a giant aggressive monster that rampaged, but now it could somewhat direct itself and act like the world’s most oversized dog.

“He is not the only one dealing with a transformation. Have you sent a message to your father about it?”

“Nope! It a suprise.” I giggled a little.

“GRANPA! CHI-CHI! UNCLE OX IS HERE!”

“I guess that's our cue to end our little gossip session.” The older man chuckled as I helped him, and we went home. Sure enough, my still towering father carried a pair of gifts while a certain spikey-haired boy was all over him.

“Did you bring more ingredients, Uncle Ox? Did ya? Did ya?” The boy rapidly pestered the giant. Looking for any capsules.

“Now, Goku, what did I say about swarming guests?” Gohan wiggled his finger, causing the young boy to look down in shame, only for the Ox-King to laugh before shaking his head.

“No need to be so strict on him, Gohan. The boy is just waiting for some of my daughter’s cooking.”

“Well, I admit Chi-Chi here can make a fine dinner.”

“Someone has to cook something new around here. Otherwise, you all would eat the same type of grub repeatedly.” I rolled my eyes before rushing up and hugging my dad.

“Glad you got here safe, Daddy.”

“Heh, as if anything could keep me away from you, my little princess. Though I can’t say you ver little now can I?”

“Still your princess. That will never change.” I said as I tightened my hug before finally letting go. Guess we unintentionally made it a bit more personal than intended, as Gohan let out a slight cough to remind everyone of his existence before turning to his grandson.

“Goku, why don’t you get some fish? We’ll add it to the mighty feast we’ll be having tonight?” The older man asked. Goku, of course, quickly nodded before running into the woods without a second thought.

“I’ll leave you two some personal time. I better get us some firewood.” Gohan announced before disappearing into the wilderness in another direction.

“And then there was two,” I whispered before turning to my dad.

“So what have you been up to, daddy?” I ask, tilting my head as my father had the sudden urge to look down on the ground.

“Well, Chi-Chi…the castle is surrounded by fire.”

“HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?"

“It seems Fire Mountain’s namesake has decided to turn against us. The flames surround our home with our staff, and I don’t know anything that can calm the flames besides the bansho fan.”

“Used that then. If it is the only way, so be it.”

“I’m afraid it belongs to Master Roshi, and I have long since lost track of where the turtle hermit is. It was pure accident that I could find Gohan all those years ago. No doubt Master Roshi will be more difficult to find.”

“What if I find him?”

“Chi-Chi…”

“I can do it! You must stay by the village to rule, Daddy, but I can move around!” I look at him with determination. Goku was bound to run into the old pervert Roshi in one form or another, and that boy has come to stick to me like glue.

Not to mention, even though I’m not the biggest fan of ruling a kingdom as I’m not brave enough for politics. The people of Fire Mountain were still my people, and it was my duty as a princess to help where I could.

“I’ll…I’ll think about it, but the kingdom is my responsibility even more so than yours. I’ll try to find an alternative in the meantime. More importantly, what have you been up to? You have grown so much since I last saw you. I smuggled some outfits for you before the castle  became completely inaccessible.”

Outfits?

I have never been much of a clothes person, not yet, anyway. Chi-Chi herself would develop a shopping habit, but that came with adulthood, at least from what we saw onscreen.

Wait…that could only mean.

OH NO!

“Tada!” Ox-King announced as it showed off the first outfit: A blue bikini, pink gloves and boots, a green cape, and a pink helmet. My eyes were screaming in agony, looking at it each second.

Look

I love Dragonball; my respect for the series and the man who made it cannot go unsaid. The fact that I’m reborn as a “reward” had to mean something.

I’m not allowing any 12-year-old to wear that set of clothes.

Especially if that 12-year-old is me!

“No”

“Chi-Chi”

“With all due respect…No!”

“It a family heirloom!”

“The heck it is!”

“No, it's true look!” My father practically begged on his knees before he pulled out his wallet to show one of the pictures in them. Sure enough, there he was as a chubby kid my age or slightly younger, in the same outfit of the canon child Chi-Chi.

I don’t mean a male version of the outfit either.

They are in the same outfit.

What a terrible day to have eyes. 

“...ceremonial uses only.” I half pleaded, and it seemed good enough for him as he quickly stood back up, wiping away the tears.

“Deal!” The mountain of a man agreed before opening the remaining gift. What was revealed was a white and black embroidered vest, unitard, and a pair of sneakers. If I had to compare it to an existing character, it would be Chun-Li’s Alpha Series clothing if it got Jun Kazama’s color scheme.

I don’t exactly see a lot of children wearing such clothes, as my past life was an American male, but I assure you, it was undoubtedly a step up from a bloody bikini. 

“You want to try it on Chi-Chi-Chi?”

“Sure, but first…it my turn to shock you!”

“Some very vengeance on your old man, huh? Very well, show me your best suprise, sweetheart!.” My father happily took the challenge.

Not one to hold back, I unraveled my hair from the ponytail it had been in before pulling the black strands. There laid two small nubs that were protruding from my forehead as my toothy grin widened.

“I GOT HORNS, TOO!” I screamed with enthusiasm as I pointed at my tiny horns.

“HORNS?” my dad yelled in shock before collapsing on the ground. I quickly ran up to his body only to find the man foaming from the mouth with pupil-less eyes. I promptly began shaking the poor bastard, trying to bring him back to the waking world.

“DADDY!”

“Hm, Ox-King, not that I mind guests, but if you could not drop trees near my home- oh heavens,” Gohan announced his return as he looked at the crime scene.

“What happened?!”

“I only showed him that I have horns now, honest!”

“Your WHAT?”
---

It was agreed that I should find Goku while Gohan helped my father. According to him, I wasn’t supposed to have horns yet and that I was supposed to get them later.

Lovely, Chi-Chi didn’t even have horns back in the original story.

I can blame the red dragon for this.

Nevertheless, finding Goku was oddly not particularly hard, even if I still haven’t truly developed my Ki sense. I quickly learned that somehow, if I tried hard enough, I would eventually run into that kid. Maybe fate is trying to tell me something.

Or maybe I just lived in the outdoors long enough that even someone like me, who prefers the indoors, finally learned tracking, and that probably played a part in it.

“Goku!” I yelled for the umpteenth time.

“Over here!” a voice a bit further away announced, and after a bit more walking, there was the monkey boy himself with his comically oversized fish. You know, those things would probably be more frightening if they weren’t so easy to kill.

“Am I late for dinner?” He began crossing the dusty path.

“No, my dad fainted. If anything, it might quicken the pace for dinner. I doubt my father will be in a talking mood when he wakes up, so there won’t be much besides to eat.”

“Ah sweet…I mean for dinner, not so much for Uncle Ox-”

Our conservation was immediately halted. Moments after the Saiyan walked towards me, a small car drove by and rammed into him, sending the child flying into a nearby tree. My jaw dropped at the scene as I turned to the offender, spotting a teenage blue-haired girl talking to herself. Goku quickly stood back up, waiting for the car to do something, and he tilted his head.

“Chi-Chi! It's not another shapeshifter.”

“I can see that, Goku. It seems to be a car.”

“You’re still alive?” a new voice screamed in shock, causing us to pay attention as the blue-haired chick rolled down her window and peeked her head out. Yeah, that is Bulma.

“It a car…Well, I won’t let a monster car beast steal the food for me and my family!”

“Wait, Goku it not a”

I was too late, as I tried running to stop him; the little guy managed to get underneath the small vehicle and, with even less effort compared to the original story, tossed the entire hunk of metal across from him, sending it flying as it fell on the side. 

Thankfully, the girl was in one piece as she peeked her head out again.

“How dare you! You little monster!”

“Chi-Chi, this car beast has spawned a goblin! I won’t let him hurt us!” the Saiyan announced as he pulled out his staff and got into a defensive position before me.

“Goblin? Him? You little jerk!” Bulma screeched before she pulled out a pistol.

Wait huh?

“If we could just talk for a second.” I tried in vain to calm things down, but apparently, our future friend was a bit of an itchy trigger finger as she landed numerous shots onto Goku, at least three being three headshots, causing him almost to fall if I missed him.

“Goku! Alright, lady, I have had enough-”

“ACK DEMON!” The teenager screamed even louder before she began shooting me, causing at least one bullet to land right into my left eye, causing me to clutch it as I fell on the ground, clutching my face.

“ ¡ Hijo de Puta!” I howled before growling at Bulma, who quickly dropped her gun in shock and raised her hands in surrender as she was equally at awe and terrified at the survival of her victims as we got back up

“How are you two alive?”

“It was no thanks to you, pal,” I muttered as I stood back up. My male companion was doing the same as he raised his stick in defiance again.

“As if such a weak attack could defeat us…hm?” Goku took a further look at Bulma before poking her a few times with the power pole before she swap it away.

“Watch it, buddy!”

“Chi-Chi…I think this creature is a girl!”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“A-are you two monsters going to eat me?” Bulma began shaking. Feeling a bit evil, I decided to give the impression I was considering before shaking my head.

“No, we not cannibals…we also not senseless murderers. Why the hell would you shoot two children?!”

“That 'child' flung my entire car a good twenty feet, and you have horns sticking out of your forehead!” Bulma yelled back as we glared at each other, and you could almost feel the anger cause static electricity to spark between us before I caved in and gave a soft smile. This wasn't worth the anger by any means. 

Ultimately, no one was hurt, and a potential new friend outweighs a bad first impression.

“Alright, fair. I guess we do look a little bit odd. I apologize for screaming at you.”

“Well…it not unwarranted. I come from a place where we have animal people, which is a common place. I shouldn’t have made assumptions. Sorry about that…” The teenager admitted with a sigh and some clear regret in her voice.

Ah, that's too adorable.

“Friends?” I offered my hand; the girl stared at me, a bit shocked. Genuinely shocked at the act. Most people don’t casually befriend the people who shot them, so that is fair.

“But I…”

“It is in the past. What, scared to be friends with a ‘demon' heh?”

“It's just that I never had a friend—never mind.” Bulma corrected herself as she shook my hand. Not to be left out, Goku quickly got involved and offered his hand to share with our new friend. Thankfully, Bulma was more than willing to accept his friendship with another handshake before we turned to her car.

“So…” I stared at the rich girl and her wrecked car. 

“I got spares. ”

“That good and but first...How about we check you before anything to ensure nothing is broken? I’m making dinner soon, so you might as well stay the night.” I nicely offered, though there was an underline; my tone made it clear there was little room to argue.

“I-I mean I really shouldn’t intrude-” Bulma began, but her stomach quickly betrayed her as it rumbled loudly. I merely raised an eyebrow as she looked down in meek acceptance as we walked home.

The two didn’t know it yet, but the foundation of Earth’s most incredible team had been formed.

The training wheels are coming off now, and Z content might be a while away, but  I can feel it.

This literal lifelong adventure has truly begun.

“Oh, we probably shouldn’t tell my dad you shot us, by the way.” I smacked my head lightly in my forgetfulness as I turned to Bulma.

“Huh?”

“He’ll probably kill you for trying to murder his only daughter in cold blood; he is the Ox-King, after all.”

“HUH?”

---

“Thank you, old friend.” Ox-King took the massive wet blanket and removed his horned helmet as he applied the item like a washcloth to his head. Gohan merely nodded silently as he sat down next to the younger man.

“I hate lying to her like that, but I felt it was not my place to tell her the truth.”

“Thank you. No, it is my duty as her father to let her know since her mother cannot.” The massive man agreed as he watched the sunset.

It is moments like these when he misses his precious Ox-Queen the most.

“When will you tell her?”

“No time is perfect, but I want to wait until she is a little stronger. That side of her is mostly dormant for now, but there will be no hiding if she becomes aware.” Ox-King spoke, praying he was genuine and not merely delaying the inevitable. 

But can one blame him? 

To tell a child that they are the last descendant of Dabura is no easy task. 

---

…

…

…

…SCOUTER ONLINE…

“You got my back?

“Through hell and back.”

…800…850…920…1,030…

“My name is Raditz.”

“As if the prince cares for the name of a low-class warrior.”

…3,200…5,500…8,700...13,000…

“He has a power level of 10,000!”

“That surpasses even Prince Vegeta and his father!”

…26,000…43,000…56,000…64,000…

“I need to get to planet Meat! While I’m gone, you must steal a ship for Kakarot.”

“What is going on?”

“If these new visions are correct, I was right about Frieza!”

…2,100…3,400…4,600…5,200…

“We’ll see you again.”

“We’ll avenge everyone, starting with your death, Dodoria!”

…8,500…12,000…29,000…43,000…

“Sir, a Saiyan pod escaping.”

“We should tell Lord Frieza.”

…35,000…42,000…48,000…53,000

“Please, you have to believe us!”

“Fine! You all can go ahead and die!”

…61,000…69,000…73,000…82,000…

“It seems you’re finally wiping out those monkey brothers.”

…90,000…101,000…105,000…111,000…

“Two hostile intruders are approaching the ship, sire! They appear to be a pair of male and female Saiyans!”

125,000…138,000…145,000…152,000…

“I am here as you requested. Please try not to die on me too quickly, filithy saiyans.”

…161,000…173,000…

“I allowed you to see the horror of your end just as you suspected. Just like we had to.”

“THIS WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE!”

…195,000…220,000…

“KAKAROT!”

530,000

Special Chapter: Bardock and Gine: Parents of Goku.

…SIGNAL LOSS…

Chapter Text

Planet Kanassa

9 Years Ago

“Sir, the full moon is rising. Just as the vision foretold!” A fish-like humanoid warrior known as Demetrious announced with dread that, on any other night, this rare sighting would be a celebrated cultural event for a full moon that is only seen every 10 years. 

This time, it would be the signal and cause of their end.

From a distance, they could already hear the growing roars of the invaders, a group of Saiyan, as they began their dreaded transformations. This would be Kanassan's final hour as a society and species.

It will also be their finest.

“Do not go gentle men! History of all men must come to an end, let our’s be among the grandest!” Their leader shouted, his scavenged army roared in agreement as they all flew to meet what would be nothing less than a one-sided slaughter, and fate did not disappoint.

The moment the warriors landed, they met their towering foes; a single Oozaru was enough to finish the job, but their end would not be so merciful, as there were no less than six giant ape-monsters in Saiyan armor. The frontline landed on the ground, firing energy beams from their open palms in unison.

It bounced harmlessly off the monster, the strongest one in black and beige armor, as he bellowed, not even acknowledging the attack. One of the other giant apes in blue armor gladly retaliated in his leader’s place as he let out a massive mouth blast that vaporized the warriors and a portion of an already ruined city with them.

It went all downhill from there.

Most of their soldiers gradually met as they were crushed, mulched, or incinerated. Some had the misfortune of being grabbed and crushed. A few unfortunate members were eaten by one in pink armor; those who fell between her teeth were chewed to death, and their purple blood poured down her mouth.

They would be the lucky ones as she swallowed.

Demetrious saw his chance and launched his attack at one of the apes while it was distracted, which allowed him to scar the monster’s cheek. Scoring the first and only time the Kanassans draw blood from their Saiyan enemies in this conflict.

Demetrious sighed, paradoxically filled with satisfaction and disappointment, as the monster walked over to him before raising his foot, promising death. The proud warrior could only pant heavily as he closed his eyes and sent a mental message.

“I have done it…now the foot must rise and fall.”

“You have done well, my friend. I will meet you at the door.” His commander replied with his own dying words, and Demetrious stared at the animal before him as the foot lowered, too tired to even feel hatred for his killer, which left only pity.

Their fate shall be like their victims, to even greater evil soon enough. 

---

“Now that was real fun. It's not every day a saiyan gets to go all.” Tora announced happily as he and the rest of the crew began to sit down in a circle before re-adjusting the white armband around his left arm.

“Yeah, only if you remember it, and even worse, my breath smells like fish,” Fasha said as she cracked her neck.

“That's because you still haven’t mastered it,” Tora smirked, which caused the female Saiyan to flip him off, which in turn only caused him to laugh in response.

“You didn’t miss much, we crushed them with ease, Leek did a good job for a newbie,” Borgos muttered, the physically biggest and typically quietest of the group. Leek, the youngest and relatively scrawniest of the group, merely nodded his head as silent thanks. 

“Now, see Fasha? You could do the same one day, like good ole Borgos, if you practiced more.” Tora teased the sole female member once more.

“Fuck off. Leek, don’t become anything like these idiots.”

“Yes, miss!” Leek quickly replied, though his overly polite manners only caused the woman to roll her eyes.

“No need to be polite, kid, she's a teammate, not your boss.” Shugesh chuckled as he began chewing on one of the legs of his many victims as fuel for his robust body after fussing with his newly scarred cheek.

“How does it taste?”

“Pretty good. It's a shame Gine's not here; she knows how to cook better than anyone on this side of the universe.”

“Who?” Leek asked.

“The person you replaced on our squad. Good teammate, always kept morale high.” Tora replied.

“Yeah, but she was terrible at her job.” Shugesh interrupted.

“Don’t diss her like that,” Fasha growled as she faced that newest target of her aggression, but Shugesh wisely raised his free hand in surrender.

“You may be willing to overlook her flaws cause you are her battle-sister and she got you those earrings, but as her other best friend, I'm just being honest.”

“Did she die?” Leek asked, curious about the fighter he was replacing.

“What? Nah, not from lack of trying, that gentle heart of hers nearly got her killed at least seven notable times. She was pretty decently powerful for a low-class, but she didn’t have the personality for it for this kind of work.” Shugesh stated as he began gobbling on another corpse’s arm.

“She has intense energy control, too, if an enemy had their power level down. Gine could be almost like a sniper and  kill 'em with a surprise attack even if they way outside her weight class in power level three times over.” Borgos added, the others nodding in agreement. 

“Seems she left on pretty good terms, what's she up to now?” Leek questioned.

“Let ask the guy who kept saving her ass, what is your wife up to Bardock?” Tora asked, his leader sat back up before spitting the piece of wheat in his mouth, before glaring at his best friend.

“Can’t let a guy get some damn sleep…Gine is fine; she keeps up with her training. Guess even soft-hearted Saiyan need to keep the blood running.”

“You’re married?” Leek questioned, and he wouldn’t be wrong to do so. Saiyans were often so bloodthirsty that almost everything else came last, with reproduction coming a distant second. Outside the royal family, the Saiyans only got together to have a brat to ensure the species would survive. In other words, half-siblings were far more common than full-blooded ones, and step-siblings were practically non-existent. 

Combine that with their habit of dying young despite longer-than-average lifespans, and there is a reason there are currently only roughly 10,000 of them. Even in the last days of Vegeta II, their population peaked at 110,000, a far cry from the massive populations of most of those they destroyed, which tended to be around the millions or billions. 

“Yeah, what of it?” Bardock snarked.

“Nothing, just it's not something you normally hear.”

“Don’t let his attitude fool you, Bardock here is a real softie with his woman.”

“Your comments are unneeded, Tora.”

“Come on, it's not my fault you're secretly family, man. How long ago was your youngest born?”

“Kakarot was born three years ago.”

“See, Leek, how many Saiyan fathers you know would have any idea when their kids were born, much less knowing their names?”

“How many babies does that make now? Two?” Shugesh asked.

“Three”

“How many with Gine?”

“Still three asshole.”

“Aw, our whipped man of a leader managed to stay faithful, sadly, it means turning my best friend into a baby factory. I heard you were even at their births.” Fasha smirked.

Bardock grunted. That statement was true, but hardly intentional on his part. Turles was born shortly while Bardock was finishing up one of his significant recoveries and had nothing better to do; otherwise, he would’ve been elsewhere killing some poor bastards. Raditz came into Bardock’s life when the man was coming back from a mission. Frankly, he forgot Gine was pregnant till he landed on Vegeta and had to rush madly to the hospital.

His youngest and hopefully last, Kakarot, was the only one he took an extended vacation to see, and even that was because Gine had given him that look that was equally cute and pathetic in an attempt to look intimidating.

Maybe Fasha was right.

Not that Bardock would ever admit it.

“Instead of gossiping about my love life, how about you bozos?”

“I’m in no rush, mini-Shugesh can wait.” The stocky man announced, Borgos, and Leek nodding in silent agreement.

“Well, Fasha, anyone in mind to do it with?”

“Tora,” Fasha announced casually, causing the man with said name to violently cough.

“Really?!”

“You’re the second most tolerable man I've ever met, and the first is taken.”

“I thought you had a kid already, Fasha,” Borgos spoke.

“Only in the technical sense, had my eggs donated for artificial insemination. Crazy enough, though. Some elite class named Paragus accepted them to create his kid, named him Broly, I think?”

“Ah shit, an elite? Normally, Saiyans only mingle with those in the same class. What was your kid's power?”

“God forbid I know, they blasted my brat to a planet named Vampa or some nonsense. I assumed his original power level must’ve been shitty like his mom’s if they were going launch to some nowhere planet but you think they let me look at my kid at least.”

“And Paragus?”

“Labeled deceased shortly afterward, could be bullshit though. It's not like the elites ever find the need to tell us anything they don’t want to tell. I don’t even know why we invaded this dump. I’m not a scientist, but even I can tell there's nothing worthwhile on this planet.”

“That's cause it wasn’t a mission given out by the Saiyan Army or even King Vegeta. This one came directly from the top.” Bardock answered before making a hand signal, causing everyone but Leek to turn off their scouter, though the rookie quickly followed suit after watching everyone.

“F-from Frieza?” Leek answered with shock.

“Yeah, if the rumors are right. This planet has special energy, making you telepathic, mind-reading, or seeing the future. Which given couldn’t stop us, was a bunch of crap. Telepathy is the stuff of fantasy, but I shouldn’t be shocked that a paranoid bastard like Frieza would want a power like that. ”

“You don’t like Frieza. I mean, I don’t know any Saiyan that does, but…”

“Bardock was there when King Cold first introduced himself to the Saiyans. You know why our less-than-average populations are almost critical? There, your answer, heck, weren’t you one of the first who charged at him and with a power level less than 100, no less?”

“Tsk, his sheer power knocked me out before I could get close. I more or less accepted that we were forever under him, or even that eldest prick of his son, but Frieza? He's the worst, asking about the legends of the Super Saiyan and even the Super Saiyan God all the time.”

“Oh, not this again…” Tora began, but Bardock merely sighed.

“He's scared, and he's going to do something drastic. He has already been using the saiyans less and less, not much longer till he may not need us.”

“Alright, buddy, how about you return to your nap?”

“I would if you idiots could be quiet for once.”

“Yeah, Bardock, Frieza might not be our biggest supporter, but we have more than proven our worth. This was a high-priority planet. Surely even he has to cough up a promotion, and with your current power, the King will eventually admit your mid-class at least.”

“Don’t count on it, doesn’t matter how strong you get. They’ll never see Frieza? Forget it, if he was looking for some rumored superpowers, he's going to be highly disappointed. Someone is going to be disappointed they can’t read minds.”

“I wish you fools could read minds, so you could truly understand the agony you put through my people!”

The Saiyans stood immediately back up as the last remaining Kanassan stood. Though his voice was strong as ever, it was clear from his injuries that the man was hanging on by a thread and did not long for the living world.

“I am Toolo, and I have the perfect gift for a monster like you,” Toolo stated ominously before rushing at the team leader. Bardock prepared himself with a counter, but the Kanassan vanished only to reappear behind him before delivering a violent chop to the back of the neck.

Bardock blacked out for a fraction of a second before stopping and regaining his footing. He cracked his elbow back to smash the alien warrior away and fired a ki blast that lit Toolo on fire. Yet to everyone’s shock, the should-be-dead soldier remains standing and even walking a little.

“Apologies for the disappointment, but I have already used most of my lifeforce to transmute this body into sterner stuff, but I wish to explain my parting present. The one who seeks the power, Frieza, will never have it!  But I have given it to you as a gift, Bardock!  So that you could see!”

“Present? You mean…” Bardock eyed his dying opponent.

“Yes! I allowed you to see the horror of your end just as you suspected. Just like we had to.”

“Tch, what heroic nonsense.” The Saiyan warrior declared before blasting Toolo and with him, seemingly the entire Kanassan species into oblivion. His comrade quickly surrounded him as they looked down at the newly made corpse, and Shugesh chuckled.

“Well, that's a perfect example of an instant BBQ, just when you think these freaky aliens can’t get weirder, they throw this nonsensical stuff right Bardock…Bardock?”

Bardock would never answer as he quickly collapsed on the cold, hard ground.

His eyes were a pupilless white. 

---
“...”

“...stan….back…she…”

“...Gine…?”

The healing pod began to drain, and a petite woman just under 5 feet tall struggled to awaken as the liquid in the machine started to drain. Eventually, she forced herself awake as her eyes opened and waited as the pod opened, allowing her to step out.

What admitted her was a dark green-skinned, reptilian alien with orange hair styled in what could only be called a mohawk. He wore a lab coat and Frieza Soldier armor over it. He quickly handed her clothes and began looking away as she changed.

“Thank you, Malaka,” Gine said honestly.

“You can thank me by not getting yourself beaten up.. I thought your retirement from the Saiyan Army would mean fewer visits from you. Yet here I am hearing you participating in a tournament?”

“Even we non-combatant saiyans need to starve off the fighting urge.”

“That's all fine and dandy, but why are you participating in tournaments meant for high mid-class?” Malaka asked, or instead demanded, only for his patient to give a guilty shrug.

“E… excitement?”

“And I am King Cold’s great uncle.”

“You want to impress your husband, don’t you? Young Gine?” an elder man in clothes matching Malaka joked as he sat by one of the medical computers. If it weren't for his pointed ears, one could mistake him for a human earthling.

“I-I’m more than just my husband’s wife, you know,” Gine defended herself. However, it was a big reason. 

“I'm merely messing with you, my friend, I know all Saiyans desire strength, even if not only in the ways of combat. Speaking of which, let's get a gauge of your power level. If you would mind powering up, please.

“Alright…”

“2,500…3,750…4,610…5,007…”

“That can’t be right,” His reptilian assistant declared, but as he rushed over to the monitor. It was clear that those numbers were rising.

“It's over 8,000!” Malaka exclaimed, though his associate merely smiled with a bit of satisfaction. That surpassed Bardock’s power level of 7,500.

“Well, all those near-death experiences are finally getting you somewhere,” Plantorr smiled before frowning.

“I'm going to label your power level officially as 6,100. I do not care for your growing power to be officially seen by the Royal family.”

“Sounds good. Can’t wait for Bardock to come back, and we can have our rematch,” Gine stated with glee before looking at the time. Her eyes widened before breaking out in a panic.

“Oh shoot! I'll see you two later.”

“Get back here, you still need some rest.”

“Can’t hear you! Running away. See you soon!”

“I BETTER NOT SEE YOU INJURED FOR AT LEAST A WEEK!”

The female Saiyan merely gave a passing wave before she escaped, causing the reptilian doctor to huff in annoyance. He turned to his co-worker only to find the older man silently laughing.

“How can you approve of such behavior?”

“Don’t act like she doesn’t have you wrapped around her finger either.”

“I don’t get her. How can a Saiyan be so strange? How can someone be so gentle that she can nearly die in the warzone and yet find fun in nearly dying multiple times in what is a pointless tournament?”

“Perhaps it's not as strange as you think, Malaka. There is more than one way to be a warrior; You remember that tale of the Super Saiyan God? A powerful fighter empowered by a group of fellow good-natured Saiyans that tried to rise against the malicious majority.”

“Please spare me the summary, Planthorr. Even the Saiyan call it merely a childhood fairytale long before the days of King Cold.”

“Even myths and tales can have grains of truth. I remember the day Gine was born with a mere power level of 4, the weakest of her kind before Kakarot was born, and look at her now.

“Pft, next thing you’ll tell me is she’ll become a Super Saiyan God.”

“Ha! I doubt any Saiyan will achieve such power in this lifetime, but perhaps…Gine might be the first step in someone accomplishing that goal.”
---

“What is this…?”

Bardock’s eyes opened, finding himself in a seemingly endless void. Saiyans were not exactly the most religious type. If there was an afterlife, that's neat, but most didn’t exactly care if there wasn’t. After all, either way, you’re dead and you’re not going to contribute to the species anymore.

If you’re lucky, some of your comrades will hold a funeral or, more likely, drink in honor of you, and if you’re fortunate. They’ll have the decency to bury your remains, assuming that it remains…or at least incinerate it so it doesn’t become a rotting corpse or scavenger food.

Still

Hell or cessination of existence would preferred right about now because this place is fucking boring!

The entire void seemed to agree as a planet appeared in the sky. It was of a red color that almost…no, exactly like Vegeta. Bardock couldn’t help but reach out towards it, but before his hand could even move, the planet erupted, instantly becoming space dust.

“What the hell is this?”

“The future you were always worried about since the horror of King Cold. The extinction of the Saiyans and the eradication of your entire culture. The same fate you doomed ours and countless innocents!” Toolo’s voice announced to him, despite being dead.

“That's not true, these visions they nothing-”

“Are they? You already know Frieza has been gradually telling more and more Saiyans to return home and wait indefinitely for their next mission, missions that are coming by less and less, and the missions he does send you are more brutal than before, causing more casualties.”

“Frieza, he…”

“Yes, my nemesis, he is culling you, down to the last man, woman, and child, but perhaps there may still be an avenger for all of us.”

Bardock wanted to question the voice again, but his surroundings swiftly changed until he was in the stands with hundreds of people roaring and cheering around him. Ahead of him was a small Saiyan boy in some orange clothes as he stared down a girl of a similar age and got into a fighting position. The boy looked exactly like Bardock but had Gine’s eyes and lighter skin tone.

It couldn’t be anyone else but Kakarot, but why was his son here?

“Are you ready, Chi-Chi?”

“You better not hold back!” the girl exclaimed as she uncrossed her arms before taking a similar stance. Her heated glare contrasted with her friendly smile.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Show me who you really are, Goku!”

His son nodded as the arena grew silent. The two sized each other before charging one another, clashing dead center of the ring with their arms raised as they struggled to overcome one another before they broke the stalemate and backflipped away from one another. But the weirdest thing was that they began aging until they were both young adults.

“For old time’s sake?” Kakarot requested

“I would like nothing less.” This “Chi-Chi” was declared as the two began cupping their hands as a blue orb of energy began to form.

“Ka…me…”

“...ha…me..”

“HA!”

Bardock watched, still confused, as the two identical energy beam attacks collided, their action causing the world he was inhabiting to shatter, and images that ran through his mind, his son learning, training, and fighting on this odd planet.

He's glad the lil bastard got that fighting spirit, but why…why is he in this world?!

“Don’t you get it, Bardock? Your youngest son shall become a peaceful warrior, unlike his father, who was a foolish murderer to the very end, doomed to be forgotten with time. He will never know you or his family like for the longest time, and when he eventually does…he will hate you.”

“No…I refuse to let this be how things play out!”

“Determined to the very end? Very well, a force beyond us both has come into play. Let's see just how much the future you can change, saiyan.” Toolo coldly stated, outright saying he doubted such a thing would be possible.

The scarred Saiyan was about to cuss him out, only to watch a light slowly but surely consume him before everything went blank. Before he knew, he found himself on a ship with Planet Vegeta right in his sights.

“What happened?”

“You took a nasty one to the neck, that's what happened,” A familiar voice announced, causing Bardock to turn to see Leek.

“What are we doing back here? We're supposed to be going to Planet Meat.”

“You were knocked out, man, we didn’t know if you were okay, and well…”

“Spit it out, Leek.”

“Frieza announced that he’ll be arriving in a few days, and he wants all Saiyans who are not currently on a mission to return to planet Vegeta. He got some pretty big orders that he’ll need all hands on deck.”

Bardock wasn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the box; he’ll be the first to tell you that, but he didn’t need visions of the so-called future to read the room. Sure, Frieza was doing it nicer than most, but it was a classic strategy of getting all your future victims in one spot to wipe them out.

Bardock has seen this before. Hell, he's done this before.

“Get some rest, we leave in a few hours.”

“But Friez-”

“Don’t question me right now, kid,” Bardock growled at the rookie, quickly shutting the young man up. He probably didn’t deserve the attitude, but Bardock couldn’t exactly have it in him to care, not that he had a lot of empathy to begin with.

By the time they landed, it took everything Bardock not to blast off, but now was not the time to fly off the rails they had just left. He passed hellos and byes to some old squadmates like Taro. According to him, Frieza’s soldiers were asking about the Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God again, as if Bardock’s feelings already needed more cementing.

All that mattered to him was getting to Gine’s workplace at the meat distribution center. Unfortunately, all he got was Gine’s co-worker, who went on and on about how his wife nearly got herself killed in an intense fight against mid-classes.

Again.

He appreciates a decent brawl but hopes that one trait Gine doesn’t pass down in their bloodline. Turles and Raditiz seem bright enough. Hopefully, Kakarot will be wise enough not to seek death matches with someone out of his league. 

That left only his house.

“Gine I am-” The man didn’t get to finish as he opened the door, as a tiny figure acted, tackled him with the precision of a sniper, and latched herself onto him. The Saiyan looked down to see his wife staring at him, glee as their tails naturally uncurled.“You’re back!”

“Glad to see you, too.” 

“Come in, come in!” Gine exclaimed as she practically dragged him into his hope. It was a simple, small house, nothing big, and frankly, Bardock was okay with that. He didn’t need to flaunt anything, and it's not like he lives here for an extended period. The place might be under his name, but it was Gine’s where it mattered. The only odd thing was the empty nursing capsule and the odd toddler sitting on the floor playing with sticks.

“Gine, did you let him out of the capsule again?”

“He seemed so bored.”

“He a toddler Gine, they don’t do anything but sleep, eat, and shit.”

“Children are more than that, Bardock. Be kind to your son! Tell him how much you learned by exploring the world outside your pod, Kakarot.” His wife said as she looked at their son, who only looked between the two before giggling and falling on his back.“Impressive, son, I stand corrected.” Bardock snorted.

“Just you wait, soon he’ll be saying his first word.”

“He hasn’t begun to talk yet, still?”

“He might be a late bloomer, and you need some clothes. I still have your old green armor somewhere. Give me one moment. Watch your son.” Gine said as she quickly went to the bedroom before Bardock could argue against. Leaving the man of the house awkwardly with a giggling child.

He began to wish he were still knocked out.

“So...how is it going?” He looked down at his latest spawn. Kakarot stared back at him; It was apparent to his father that no thoughts were running through the kid’s head.

“I’m your dad by the way, apparently Saiyans got good memories even as babies, so you probably already knew that, but you know…nice to meet you after three years.”

This is so stupid.

To make it less stupid, Bardock picked up the boy and held him in his arms so he could have a more direct, if one-sided, conversation. The brat was tiny and could almost be mistaken for a baby rather than a toddler.

“You come from a low-class family, which is neat, I guess? Most people don’t have families here. You got two older brothers, ya know, probably a few aunts and uncles too that your dad doesn’t know, but they’re probably dead or something.”

Kakarot’s grand reply came in the form of a weird cooing noise.

“Look, kid, the road is tough, but uh, I am rooting for you. Cause I love you, or whatever mushy stuff your mom is always yapping about, so don’t disappoint either of us, kay? Get strong and try not to die young or something, Kakarot.”

“Mrrpf”

“Good, glad we agree. Let us never have this type of conversation again.” Bardock stated before putting his kid back on the ground. Just in time, his wife burst their door open again with his old clothes. Bardock didn’t wait as he quickly stripped down and put on his old green armor, and long red wristbands with matching leg bands.

He never did like the shoulder pads.

“Now talk about a classic look,” Gine said with a smile. Her husband could only give a silent smile of confidence as he cracked his neck.

“How Raditz?”

“He is on a mission with Vegeta.”

“The Prince, the planet, or the king?”

“Smartass, he with the prince. They are one of the few Saiyans that Frieza didn’t call back and to remain where they’re at.”

“You reminded him how he's supposed to act, like he doesn’t care about almost anyone or anything. If the prince is anything like his father, he will not appreciate any signs of weakness.”

“He knows Bardock, trust him.”

“Any words from our eldest?”

“Still nothing, Bardock, do you…think…”

“I doubt he's dead. Killing a Saiyan is no easy feat. People would’ve bragged about it. Turles probably just abandoned his post. Smart kid…He got out when there was still a chance.”

“Bardock?”

“I'm heading out to Planet Meat in a few hours and reuniting with my squad. I want you to steal a pod for Kakarot.” Bardock uttered, and just as expected, any positive emotions Gine felt turned a 180 as she quickly stepped between him and Kakarot.

“We agreed he wouldn’t have to go until he was at least seven! Just like his brothers!”

“I don’t…I don’t think we have a choice. Frieza is planning to destroy us all.” Bardock spoke somberly. The man’s statement caused his lover to freeze immediately as she stood up straight.

“How so?”

“He is asking about the myths again, despite them being tales, he is using us less and less, and he is calling almost every Saiyan back home. Even if he doesn’t believe in the legend himself, Frieza is petty and paranoid enough to blow us for the mere audacity of growing stronger.”

“You’re hiding something else.” Gine correctly pointed out, and Bardock could only give a half-hearted snicker before continuing.

“On Kanassa, the rumors were right. They could see the future, and one gave me the same ability as a dying “present. I need to get to planet Meat! While I’m gone, you must steal a ship for Kakarot.” Bardock admitted that the topic had left him more emotional than he cared to admit.

“What is going on?” His wife further questioned.

“If these new visions are correct, I was right about Frieza!” Bardock finished as he began his way out. He needed to get to his team quickly. If Frieza was calling them back and they chose to ignore it, then what usually would be a mere beating might be an active execution.

“I’m coming with you.”

“But Kakarot-”

“I know two people who can steal an attack ball for us. Worst comes to worst, they can send Kakarot.”

“Okay, we’ll do it your way then.”

---

“Thank you again, Plantorr.” Gine bowed her head lightly at the monitor. The old doctor merely shook his head.

“It's the least I can do, though I pray you are wrong about this.”

“As do I! We should be trying to get off this planet, too!” Malaka ranted as he understandably began panicking about his possible death.

“No, my old friend, we’ll be lucky to sneak young Kakarot by. I already had my worries when we were told to stop launching Saiyan babies, but if our friend said it's true, whatever fate awaits, we must face it honorably.”

“Or we could leave? Just saying, we launch the kid first and book it ourselves.”

“Frieza’s scanner will notice if too many pods leave at once. I am afraid this is the only way unless you wish to take Kakarot’s chance for your own.”

“Damnit!” Malaka yelled before staring at the screen with the most determination the female Saiyan has ever seen in him.

“Gine, if there is an afterlife. You owe us another one if this is true!”

“I know, thank you, my friend.”

“We grab a pod and leave it at your home. We’ll launch it if we don’t hear from you after enough time, " the older man claimed before the monitor went off, leaving Gine with herself and her fellow Saiyans.

“We’ll be landing shortly,” Bardock stated neutrally. Her husband was gone. Replace with her cold but reliable commander.

“Thank you for joining us, Leek.”

“They’re my crew too, Gine. Think nothing of it.” Leek assured her as they landed on the planet. Unsurprisingly, it was already in ruins, and Gine’s stomach churned. She never liked doing this destruction; it's not in her blood.

Innocent bodies, ruined buildings, destroyed cultures.

She’ll do everything in her power to prevent it, but she would be a hypocrite to say Frieza’s potential plan wasn’t something her people had a long time coming. 

“Looks like our crew’s work, that good…those knuckleheads might be alive yet.” Bardock, in contrast to his wife, smiled. There still might be hope to gather them together and do an assault against Frieza or something. Frankly, Bardock has no idea what he going to do but he’ll be damn if let the man they been forced to loyal for eradicate them easily. 

“I'm getting more readings on the easy, sir. It could be them taking a break like back on Kanassa,” Leek spoke up, tapping his scouter a few times. Bardock grunted and nodded in approval as the trio flew as fast as possible.

Unfortunately for them, by the time they landed back down. It was already clear they were too late. 

“What…what is..this…” Leek looked at the slaughter before him, the corpses of Borgos and Slugesh plain as few with blank eyes, Fasha did not look much better as her body was face down in the rubble.

“We…I…was too late…” Barduck muttered through his gritted teeth. He began looking around for his second in command as Gine noticed Fasha’s body stirring and quickly ran up to her. She rolled her over, and her sister, in all but blood, looked at her, with her unique purple eyes piercing in her soul before softening as she smirked.

“Bout time you show up. Missed all the fun.”

“Bardock believed Frieza would finally betray us soon, so we arrived as quickly as possible.”

“Pft no shit” Fasha chuckled before coughing violently, her still leaking blood pouring over the ground forming a red puddle. 

“Fasha…I can get to the first aid kit-”

“We both know I’m passed that damn point. Stupid Shugesh shoving me out of the way like that, ambush got him and Borgos…so much that did…”

“Fasha?”

“Gine I need…you always so damn soft…so I know I can trust you…”

“Anything”

“If you lucky fuckers make it out of this alive…I need you to head for Vampa, my tyke there…little shit needs someone who can…support him.”

“He’ll be our first stop after we get Kakarot, I swear!” Gine yelled, but despite her efforts. Her sister’s gaze became more and more hollow. She didn’t know where Vampa was, but if Fasha’s son was sent there, it must be somewhere on Frieza’s radar.

“Thank you..give em hell, sis…don’t…give them…an inch…” 

Gine screamed with rage and anguish for her comrade, but nothing she could do would be able to revive the current corpse in her arms. When sanity and cruel reality return, Gine gently lays down the female warrior.

“Rest in peace, Seripa. They won’t get away with this.” Gine spoke angrily as she carefully removed one of Fasha’s earrings before putting it on her ear.

“Seripa?” Leek asked, he had remained silent out of respect, and Gine respected that as she gave him a small smile.

“Her birth name, but she always hated it even as a kid. I don’t know the planet, but I've heard the name in passing while we're busy conquering it. I offered it as an alternative to Seripa, and she has been going by it ever since.”

“She’ll be avenged.”

“Yes…she will, let's find Bar-”

“TORA!” a masculine voice yelled from a distance away, and the two quickly rushed over to find Bardock. He, too, was holding a dying brother in arms. The dying man was already updating his superior on everything before looking at Gine and Leek.

“Hey guys, wish this was under better circumstances…” He smiled before turning back to Bardock.

“Remember what I said? You need to show him what we Saiyans can really do. He fears people like you, Bardock. Good luck, old friend. I'm sorry that I can't join you…this time…”

“Tora?”

“There would never be a reply in this lifetime.

“Fasha has been found, she too is dead,” Gine reported, light tears coming down. 

Bardock didn’t respond as he pulled off Tora’s armband and wiped the blood away from his best friend’s face. The action is causing the white piece of clothing to slowly but surely become the color of blood red, which he tied to his forehead before turning to his remaining squad.

“Borgos! Fasha! Shugesh and even Tora! That bastard Frieza took all the loyal and submission we gave him and paid us back with our blood because of a damn fantasy! I had enough, if want a super saiyan, I’ll give him one and kill his sorry ass or die trying.”

“If we want our payback in blood, then we need to return to Vegeta immediately before-” Leek started. Still, soon an energy blast burst through his chest before the youngest member of Bardock stumbled a bit, using the last of his strength to touch the newfound wound.

“LEEK!” Gine screamed as she caught the man as he fell.

“Don’t…let me…rot…” The injured Saiyan begged before passing on. The remaining duo of the Team Bardock stared down as the Elite Frieza soldiers looked at them, and they snickered in cruel amusement.

“I’m sorry, was that guy important? The leader of the gang, a reddish-horned individual, asked with sarcasm. One of his subordinates, a member of a race that of an octopus who has amethyst-colored skin with gold specs, stepped up.

“We can help you join them if you wish; it will be quick and easy. Just like how we killed the rest of your friends.” The henchman laughed with his allies joining in, or they would’ve had Gine not react with silent fury and vaporize the man’s head with a pink energy blast.

The others didn’t even get a chance to counteract as Bardock roared with rage as he powered up entirely and charged, cracking the horned member of the group with enough force that a distinct snap from his neck could be heard as his corpse fell to the ground before paying attention to the remaining troops.

“He has a power level of 10,000!” A green fish-like humanoid looked at his scouter with shock.

“No, it…it 12,000!

“That surpasses even Prince Vegeta and his father!” the more froglike member spoke up, but any further debate would be silenced as Bardock raised his hand at them before smiling.

“Is that so? Well then, have a taste for it.” He offered before unleashing a devastating energy wave that engulfed the two Frieza Units, leaving absolute nothing behind, nor anything with hundreds of miles behind them. 

Bardock quickly released a breath he didn’t know he was holding before Gine hugged him from behind. Now was not the time, but he couldn’t help but stop her. Though before any sense of actual joy could be felt, their scouters went off as another figure landed on top of one of the many cliffs in the area.

Dodoria has entered the scene.

“Well, ain’t that romantic, it almost put tears in my eyes.”The large and pink alien warrior with protruding spikes on his arms and head uttered as he began cracking his massive knuckles, he looked at the remaining survivors.

“WHY IS FRIEZA ATTACKING US? WE DID EVERYTHING HE ASKED!” Gine screamed with rage.

“I can’t believe it still needs to be spelled out. I guess Lord Frieza was right about you monkeys. It's not about what you are, if that were the case, well…you wouldn’t be in this situation at least, hell maybe Frieza would even like you. It's what you could become.”

“The saiyans were already conquerors before Frieza, and he doesn’t need the competition, much less with said competition originally being his slaves,” Bardock said, Dodoria nodding with pleasure.

“Well, guess you are the brains and brawn of your relationship. You’re a sleeping beast, and in the words of Frieza, it's better to slay it before it wakes up. I mean, look at what you did to my men? Not bad for a Low class-”

“Scum!” Vegeta finished as Bardock once again found himself in a different setting. The prince was older and stronger than before, but he looked like he had been thrown through the ringer from his wounds and damaged wounds as he towered over the young woman he saw before; she was one all-four shielding a child as the Saiyan prince delivered multiple stomps.

“Mommy…” the boy groaned, trying to move futilely to help somehow.

“Everything okay, Gohan. Mommy here.” Chi-Chi put on a brave face as she grunted from the attacks.

“Don’t you know it's bad to lie to your child?” Vegeta laughed humorlessly as he raised his foot again, only for the female fighter to chop at his other leg, causing him to stumble. Chi-Chi shakily got up a bit before leaping into the air, before grabbing the Prince’s hair with her hands and ramming her knee into his face.

“You bitch!” The Prince howled as he clutched his eye, before the girl cracked him again in the face, her expression utterly livid.

“No one touches my baby!”

“Bardock?” Gine asked him as she looked at the scene in confusion. Bardock could only clench his teeth. Did he somehow pass or share this vision with her as well?

“Who is that?”

“Chi-Chi, she Kakarot’s…friend…though going by the kid, we are a bit beyond that point.”

Chi-Chi’s assault doesn’t last long as Vegeta finally finds an opening and lands a devastating uppercut to the woman right into her gut, causing her to fall to her knees. Not waiting for another recovery, the prince of Saiyan hits the downed mother with a heavy elbow to the back of the head, causing her to hit the ground fully.

“Admirable, shame it will cost you your life!” Vegeta angrily yelled as he went to finish her, only to be rammed by the adult Kakarot, who was currently shirtless with his fair share of injuries. Still, if Kakarot was bothered by it, he didn’t show it as his face showed nothing but sheer rage that looked almost animalistic.

“ HOW DARE YOU HARM MY CHI-CHI! ”

“How are you still alive…” Vegeta tried to finish his sentence, but was quickly silenced as several heavy blows buried into his torso before he was kicked high into the air. Kakarot charged his ki a bit before taking off into the air.

“KAIO-KEN X TWO!” Kakarot roared before performing a double axe handle on the prince, causing him to crash into the ground. With it, the vision ended, and Bardock and Gine returned to their present. Both parents were filled with shock and a bit of pride. Was their son able to contend with even a Saiyan elite?

From Dodoria’s perspective, however, not even a mere tenth of a second passed as he watched the two Saiyan clutch their heads as they looked around. Smiling, he began holding his breath, and the moment Bardock was able to refocus, all he got to see was a massive ki attack engulf him and his wife before it all went black as he tried to protect her.

---
“What…” Bardock opened his eyes, staring into literal space. They made it back to the ship’s cockpit. He tried to move, but grunted in pain as his body not so kindly told him that was not an option at the moment, not helped by his ruined armor.

“Don’t move,” Gine kindly but sternly demanded from him as she treated the wounds over his body, ignoring her wounds and torn clothes.

“The others, they still...?” He questioned; he knew they were dead, but a part of him was still in denial.

“Gone…I vaporized the bodies, not enough time for a burial,” Gine stated neutrally, likely in sem-denial herself.

“We survived?”

“Looks like we're made of sturdy stuff, especially you. You took the brunt of the attack, hence why I am awake and you’re probably in agony.”

“Pft, you’re not exactly in the best shape yourself.” Bardock tried to joke, but it quickly fell flat as Gine treated him the best she could. There weren’t any healing pods on board, and even if there were, none of the models would be quick enough to heal either of them in any decent amount of time.

“This reminds me of the Saiyan-Tuffle war. I'm patching you up just like old times.” Gine somberly smiled as she finished attending to him.

“Scared little thing you were, not the gentle but fierce fighter you are now. Killed that Frieza scumbag like he was nothing.”

“I had a bad influence,” Gine remarked as she slowly reached for Bardock’s hand. He takes comfort when he squeezes it lightly. She knows it's hard for Saiyans to show affection even in private.

She’ll always be grateful that her Bardock was never one of them. 

In a kinder story, with a happier fate, they could run away, escape, and live a new life until they were strong enough for an act of revenge, but that story did not belong to either of them. Even though they disagreed with the Saiyans, they still participated willingly in their culture.

But there was still one innocent soul that could have that fate.

“Kakarot…we can still save Kakarot…” Bardock groaned as he ignored his arching body. He will be damned to give up now. His son needs him, the saiyans still need him, and he still needs to face Frieza; that traitorous bastard can’t get away from this unscathed.

His wish was granted as his eyes widened as he spotted the Saiyan’s adopted homework, but that did not get his attention. No, Frieza’s spaceship hovered ominously in the planet’s atmosphere as a few remaining Saiyan ships were still heading back.

“You got my back?” He asked his wife. Truthfully, he wanted to steal a second pod and face Frieza alone, but you don’t become a member of his squad without being loyal. He knew she wouldn’t abandon her post. 

“Through hell and back.” 

---

When they landed the ship, Bardock wanted to beeline home, but Gine couldn’t help but want to warn the others so that they would join them, at the very least, if many of them escaped immediately. Frieza wouldn’t be able to take all of them down at once and could not commit instant extinction.

“Please, you have to believe us!” Gine told multiple crowds, but those either thought the two were crazy, drunk, or trying to cover up what must have been an embarrassing loss, going by their injured state.

Despite their mistreatment by the empire multiple times, the saiyans have long since been used to their position as if it were a fact of life. They expected that Frieza would probably enforce the latest dumb law, or that there would be a mighty planet that needed genocide.

And who would dare take two injured low-class saiyans seriously anyway?

They could not see the truth, and eventually Bardock had enough.

“Fine! You all can go ahead and die!” He yelled as he stumbled out of the latest bar she tried to preach to, his wife and last surviving comrade following him out the door as they made their way home. They began their walk around to the back to find an attack ball waiting for them, lying by was an injured Malaka who was using it to stay sitting up.

“Malaka!” Gine yelped as she ran up to the doctor. Despite his injuries, Malaka looked barely bothered as he used the last of his strength with a grin.

“Planthorr is gone…save me…package…delivered.” The reptilian muttered before slumping over for the last time. Gine wanted to cry some more, but found she had run out of tears as she could only quietly sob over her last friend’s demise as her husband touched her shoulder.

“Grab Kakarot, and I’ll get the ship ready.”

And so she did as they made their way to the middle of nowhere, as their youngest cried inside the Attack Ball, taking turns as they hopped across the lands until they were nowhere on the planet. No launching spot would be perfect from being tracked, but if they planned to work, then it won’t matter.

“Stop,” Bardock commanded as they were in the middle of a desert, and he sat down in the pod.

It time.

“It's nice you know…” Bardock spoke as Gine looked up at him.

“Nice?”

“I’m not like you. I don’t regret what I've done for the most part, only who I did it for, but I think I get why you always prefer to preserve than to destroy Gine….I'm glad I can save something for once. Especially someone judged to be a lower-class warrior, like my Kakarot.”

“Bardock…”

“I've programmed this to head to a distant planet called Earth. The people on that world

have low power levels and aren't technologically advanced. It's not a very valuable planet either, and personally…I think it's the planet we envisioned. Frieza’s Force’s radar shouldn’t even bother to pick up on it at least until Kakarot is strong enough.”

Gine looks into the pod, her son crying and reaching out for her while wearing Saiyan armor. It killed her whenever she saw her children wearing that.

“If your father is wrong about this, if the visions are wrong, we can change things. Then we'll come and get you immediately. We’ll see you really soon! If not, I sent your brothers’ old inboxes to pick you up after enough time has passed, Raditz should at least know, okay? You can trust your big brothers!” Gine told the boy as her husband smiled as he placed his hand on the pod to meet Kakarot’s. A layer of glass is the only thing keeping father and son from touching.

“Remember our talk, Kakarot...Goodbye, my son.” He smiled before backing off as the pod began to switch on entirely, and after hovering for a little bit, blasted into the air and soon into space.

“WE LOVE YOU! DON’T FORGET ABOUT US KAKAROT!” Gine screamed as the ship with her son disappeared into the night, becoming yet another star in the sky.

“Come, Gine, there's not much time. We need to…” Bardock tried to finish but suddenly fell to his knees. His injuries are beginning to flare up again. His mate quickly took his side as she kept his sturdy, her tail instinctively wrapping around his to show support.

“I can do this, Bardock, I can be a distra-”

“No…it has to be me…” Bardock tried to finish before Planet Vegeta’s desert landscape was replaced with lush grasslands with identical alien trees. Water was everywhere, barely moving.

A figure stood in front of them. It was Kakarot again. They tried reaching out to him, but they could not move.

“Mother…Father… It's not too late…” Kakarot claimed, speaking directly to them for the first time.

“Too late for what?” Bardock asked.

“To be different from him.” Kakarot finished as he turned around, only to morph into the tyrant himself, Friza. He giggled at them with superiority before the ground bellowed and erupted, consuming them in magma and flame, forcing them back into reality and into a cold sweat.

“Damn these visions!” Bardock yelled to no one in particular.

“They don’t matter,” Gine stated as she stood back up.

“You’re right…” Bardock agreed as they both lasered onto Frieza’s ship in the distance. There would be no turning back now. It didn’t matter if the visions were real or fake; what they would do about it mattered.

“We are the only ones that know…or rather, the only ones that care,” Bardock muttered as Toolo echoed into his head again.

“This is a gift, Bardock, so you could see the horror of your end just like we had to. Now you will know how we felt.”  

“We’ll stop him, even if it has to be by our hands alone. That self-serving, murderous traitor is going to pay!’ The scarred Saiyan leader commanded as his hand curled into fists.

“Borgos, Shugesh, Fasha, Tora, Planthorr, Malaka…this one for you,” Gine whispers, her gentle eyes become more saiyan-like than any period of her life as she stood by Bardock’s side as they both looked at their last destination.

“It's over!” They both yelled before launching themselves into the air.

Team Bardock’s final mission has begun.

---

“Take a good look, Cui. This will be the last time you’ll see the planet,” Appule said as he continued to watch the monitor.

“Can’t say I’ll miss it, after all, it did produce that snotty prince. Are we sure we can’t rub into him about what Frieza is about to do?”

“Not if you want to keep your life, kid.” The intelligence officer snarked as they returned to work, only for Cui’s eyes to widen.

“Sir, a Saiyan pod is escaping.”

“We should tell Lord Frieza,” Appule commanded before stopping himself. If this is a false reading, they could get in serious trouble. “Can you confirm that?”

“Not sure it's fading… never mind that, we got two increasing power levels approaching the ship…Yes, we got visual! A pair of saiyans, stronger than average.”

“I must warn Lord Frieza at once!”  Appule hollered as he ran past Cui to the headquarters of the ship before saluting. The diminutive tyrant was staring down at one of the many planets he owned. Soon, it would only exist in his distant memory and the men stationed here.

“Lord Freiza! I have urgent news!”

“You may speak.”

“Two hostile intruders are approaching the ship, sire! They appear to be a pair of male and female Saiyans!”

“Give me visuals,” the emperor demanded, and Appule wisely did so immediately, clicking a few buttons. A monitor flickered to life, showing the two damaged and clearly angry warriors approaching.

“Bardock…” Dodoria looked in awe, a mistake on his end, as Frieza turned slightly to him.

“You know him?”

“I-I caught him on planet Meat, but I blew him to dust! He should be dead-” The pink warrior tried to defend himself, only to catch a death beam into his left shoulder and right waist.”

“For your sake, go there and finish the job. Unless, of course, you wish to die by my hand?”

“N-no, sir.”

---
Planet Vegata’s final defense flew faster than before as they began leaving the planet’s lower sky and into the atmosphere. Their eyes widened in shock as thousands of Frieza soldiers poured out of the ship and closed in on them.

Bardock vocally roared as eleven men tried landing an energy blast on him simultaneously, only for him to rush through the smoke and ram into one with his elbow as he rushed forward to his goal.

“COME ON YOU COWARDS!” He challenged, a bunch of them tried to take his offer, but only saw numerous sleek pink ki attack emerge from the smoke behind as they pierced through multiple members of Frieza Force before Gine became visible as she followed side by side with him before speeding ahead as she charged another ki attack.

“VILE GRENADE!” Gine screamed as she tossed the seemingly minuscule purple ki orb deep into the trenches of enemy warriors, only for it to explode massively with hellish fury as she sped through the opening.

“PLANTHORR AND MALAKA SEND THEIR REGARDS!” She announced she rammed her knee into some poor soldier’s throat as she attempted to move up.

Not to be left behind, her husband took the more physical route, dispatching any member of Frieza’s cronies with decisive physical blows. They tried to dogpile him, but he swiftly ended that as he let out an energy explosion with the palm of his hand.

“FRIEZA, COME OUT AND FACE US!” Bardock demanded, waiting for the tyrant to respond. He kicked aside another pathetic excuse of a warrior. He grabbed another by the leg and swung him around before throwing him into another group of enemies. One of them tried to sneak attack him from above. Gine quickly reduced them to ash as she rejoined her significant other. They powered up further as they raced to the ship.

They are about three-quarters of the way there before a familiar foe stands before them. However, as they looked at his current state, it was clear that he was far from the same man who nearly killed them a few hours ago.

“You look well, Dodoria!” Bardock couldn’t help but laugh.

“And you look well too, Bardock, too well. You have the guts to show up here. You should’ve stayed buried or at least had the common sense to go into hiding.”

“And miss the chance to kill you and avenge my team? Now you’re a real riot, Dodoira. A big fat joke to the very end!” Bardock hollered as he charged at Frieza’s elite.

“Handicap or not, I think I have enough power to finish you with enough time to remain in Lord Freiza’s graces.” His opponent shouted as he gladly got into battle with the Saiyan. The two struggled a bit, but eventually Bardock overwhelmed him as he kicked Dodoria away.

“This day doesn’t end until my team is avenged!

“Please, the only thing this ends is Frieza blowing up you monkeys and your planet into nothing more than a memory.”

The two disappeared in and out of existence, waiting for the right time to strike. Sadly for angry saiyan, that opening would go for Dodoria as he found his chance and rocketed into his opponent with a harsh headbutt, sending the spikey hair warrior flying through an asteroid before stopping himself.

“You are one cocky little monkey! I'm going to undo my mistake on letting you live.”

“It's a shame you won’t get the chance.” The Saiyan smirked, making Dodoria even further unhinged as he yelled in rage. Such rage was swiftly cut short. A light pink drill-like beam pierced through his injured shoulder, damaging it to the point that it was hanging by a thread.

The spiked alien powered through the pain so he could turn around, seeing a livid Gine panting as numerous corpses around her, those still alive keeping a distance, realizing they were quite literally throwing away their lives by approaching her.

“You…cheap monkeys, if Frieza hadn’t-”

“No hard feelings, we just had a luck draw after all, but I’ll be damn not to waste this chance! Bardock announced before he kneed him in the injured waist to send him flying as he charged two yellow attack energy attacks.

“THIS IS FOR TORA!”

He poured his full power into the attack, and Dodoria tried to shift out of the way. His efforts were immediately punished as a smaller but equally devastating energy attack smashed him into Bardock.

“AND THIS IS FOR FASHA!” Gine screamed, blood leaking down her forehead. The Saiyan couple roared as if they were achieving a new level of power; they began squishing their nemesis with their might.

“Lord Frieza, help…” Dodoria tried screaming, but no one would answer his wails as he was squeezed and eventually eradicated. Letting out but a silent cry before he was successfully removed from the living world.

Silence filled the area as everyone looked where Frieza’s left-handed man stood; even his killers were on pause. They stood still as if almost expecting the notorious big alien to reappear before them, and they silently nodded at each other as they continued their warpath to confront the frost demon.

“The-they killed Dodoria!” One of Frieza’s henchmen screamed in horror as he got out of their path, many others doing the same, realizing they were out of their league, and for once, they were scared of someone more than their boss for the first time in history.

But it was just that.

A moment

Once Bardock and Gine arrived at the ship, it had already begun opening as their target arrived. His confident smile did little to hide the genuine anger and power that he was radiating. It was a true testimony of the emperor’s might that while no one on the current battlefield could sense ki. They could feel him. Despite the existence of Kais and the god of destruction, Beerus exists in this reality.

Frieza might as well be the only deity that mattered at this moment as he sat on his hover pod.

“Well, isn’t this impressive, not just one but two super saiyans. I would be almost impressed if you both weren’t such notable thorns in my side, Bardock and…well, I do not believe I have your name, young lady, may I have it?” Frieza asks with false politeness.

“Gine, not that you care.” The female Saiyan snarled as she spat some blood from her mouth.

“Oh, that's a common misconception. I do care. After all, I love to know the names of my victims.”

“Enough talk! You’re dead, Frieza, you don’t realize it yet!” Bardock interrupts the conversation. He threw an energy sphere at the frost demon, only for the latter’s tail to swat it away casually. The message was clear: Frieza would humor them, but do not mistake this battle as a fight amongst equals.

“I am here as you requested. Please try not to die on me too quickly, filthy saiyans.” He laughed before raising his finger and blasting an energy bullet right into the male half of the Saiyan duo, causing him to stumble back.

“Bardock!” Gine yelled, but the emperor had not forgotten her as he fired his right into her gut, knocking her back. Realizing he had some slightly sturdy toys, Frieza began firing rapidly, watching his foes gradually be torn apart as he shot at every part of their body.

“This isn’t normally the form I use this technique, nor have I found the need to train, but I must admit. You two fools are truly doing me a favor as target practice!”

Gine held her breath as she struggled to stay awake, much less find the will to fight. She was tired and hungry, struggling to find a reason to keep going. She didn’t like these battles, regardless of whether she was the defender or the conqueror. She hated the feeling that fate was dependent on her. 

“The power comes from a need, not a desire. ” A voice echoed in the back of her mind.

“Kakarot?”

“Release everything! Remember all the pain he caused! Think of the people he hurt! Now make that your power!” 

Suddenly, nothing mattered, not the pain she had felt, not the shortness of her breath, not even her imminent death. All that mattered was rage power by her love, for her lost friends, and her sons’ future. That emotion traveled through every vein of her being, to her hands and feet, before traveling back to her, and something sparked. This caused her black hair to rise and spike slightly, and a golden aura erupted from her.

“NOW YOUR CHANCE!”

Gine didn’t need to be told twice as she burst through the smoke that Frieza’s attacks were leaving, and she ambushed him like a hungry predator. Caught completely off guard, Frieza, even with his almighty power, did him no good as the low-class saiyan smashed her fist into his skull, breaking the red scouter attached to him. Even in this state, Gine was not foolish enough to take as much advantage as possible, as she struck several more times before kicking the pod away.

She threw another vile grenade, but her opponent managed to recover fast enough to move out of its way as she rocketed towards him to deliver another attack. She quickly found her fist caught by the frost demon, glaring at her with sheer fury before pulling back his other hand as it curled into a fist and punching her away. Only afterward did he taste something funny in his mouth before realization hit him.

It was blood

His blood

Frieza’s boiling point had been met; it did not matter if this was his first form and not at full strength. All this did was reconfirm the death sentence of these savages once and for all, starting with this insolent woman.

“I believe playtime is over, I'll do you a favor and see you off to hell in an instant!” He declared, before sending a massive energy beam with his index finger to finish off this battle.

He would be less than pleased as Bardock stood between the monster and his wife, holding the beam back with his bare hands as it gradually pushed him away.

“You ape, why don’t you join your brethren in death!” Frieza spoke as he watched in amusement as his attack slowly consumed this weak fly. Yet even when overpowered, Bardock stared down the attack defiantly.

“We’ll see you really soon!”

“ You're dead…” Bardock uttered softly as his muscles began to bulk up and his hair began to spike even further up, stopping the beam from pushing further to Frieza’s confusion.

“Show him what we saiyans can really do.”

“You’re dead…” Bardock said, slightly louder than before, as his tanned skin gained a yellow hue. The contrast with his black hair gave it the appearance of having a red tint. A familiar golden aura of his wife surrounded him.

“Remember, Father… It's not too late…to be different from him.”

“YOU GOING TO PAY!”

Bardock’s fury came in full throttle as he created his own energy blast that blasted directly through Frieza’s attack. The blast rammed into Frieza to his shock before detonating a cataclysmic explosion that shook Frieza’s ship as it landed directly into the tyrant.

“It's not over…” Bardock coughed as the power left him as quickly as it came, the same for Gine as she recovered enough to stand before him. Bardock’s assessment proved as the dust cleared, a Frieza with a frown floated in the air of his power, as his hover pod was destroyed in the attack, as he began raising his pointer finger vertically.

“This will change everything. Our fates, our world’s fate, our sons'fates, and even yours, Frieza!” Bardoock announced as he stopped huffing and began charging his last attack, as his wife copied him.

“This is for everyone we saiyans killed in your name! HAVE IT!” She screamed as she threw a condensed purple beam of world-ending proportions.

“WE SETTLE THIS NOW! THIS WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE!” Bardock followed, unleashing an even stronger blue energy orb at the same target. Both members hoped and prayed that these last attacks would do something. 

Those prayers would go unanswered.

Frieza broke into laughter loudly as he began creating a mini-sunlike object that quickly grew to the size of a moon before dropping its direction towards Planet Vegeta.

“No way…” Bardock softly as he and his partner looked in silent horror as Frieza’s henchman began panicking.

“Lord Frieza please!”

“Spare us!”

The two Saiyans took what little time they had as they tried summoning another burst of energy to push it back. However, all they could do was hold it still for a few passing, admirable yet ultimately futile moments before what seemed to be the incarnation of death consumed them both thoroughly and utterly.

“Was…it all for..nothin…g?” Gine whispered as she felt her body begin to burn away, but her burning mind was whisked away to another vision, for what she suspected one final time as she found herself in a forest.

“Daddy! Come on!” a small child said, looking at the boy named Gohan she had seen earlier. This must be from a slightly earlier time. Sure enough, her fully grown son appeared in the scene as he followed the boy.

“Slow down, Gohan. We still have to look for your brothers. We can’t wait to play hide-and-seek unless we do some actual searching,” Kakarot chuckled.

“Sorry”

“No need to be sorry, squirt, we’ll find them soon. Preferably before your mother gets miffed.” Kakarot joked as he rubbed the back of his head.

“You think she can join us next time?”

“I dont see why not, your sisters are almost old enough to play the same game. We can make it a whole family thing.”

“I'm going to win next time, then!”

“Well, I’m rooting for you, little guy, " Kakarot told him as he lifted the boy into his arms and continued their search.

“I see…Kakarot…Raditz…Turles…live…” Gine smiled as she closed her eyes in silence, letting the attack finish its job. Her husband was smiling too, but for entirely different reasons. He watched Frieza push into these presumed forms of his before what appeared to be his last, as he glared at his son, whose golden aura even Bardock now could feel with his hair proudly gold. There was a third figure of red aura behind them that was too murky to see, but Bardock had his suspicion.

“I get it now…you’ll be the two who will avenge us!” Bardock thought as he felt his remaining armor torn apart, and soon, his body began to do the same.

“Thank you, my son…thank you..”

“KAKAROT!” Bardock yelled defiantly, but his words were unheard as he and Gine became the first casualties of the Saiyans. The planet-ending attack directly slammed into the world, causing continent-level eruptions before it sank into the planet’s core and exploded violently.

“HAHAHAHA! WHAT WONDERFUL FIREWORKS! HAHAHA” Freiza crackled, revealing almost child-level sadism as he enjoyed the heat coming from a mere minuscule fracture of his power and, more importantly, the death he was able to spread with it.

“ARE YOU SEEING THIS ZARBON-” Frieza tried to ask, only to find his ship torn apart from numerous ends before erupting violently and vanishing quickly alongside the planet and leaving those who weren’t strong enough to tank it or be able to breathe in space like their master to die. He was about to ask himself how when he remembered Gine’s Vile Gernade that he dodged.

It was never meant for him, but his ship.

Frieza’s happiness evaporated, and his anger turned to silent anger. He would get his victory, but that didn’t mean the Saiyans would let him enjoy it.

---

“My name is Raditz,” the boy tried to introduce himself. His prince and superior kept on ignoring him as he gorged himself on some of the inhabitants they all killed. It was probably a dumb move on his part, but he was the only person his age.

“As if the prince cares for the name of a low-class warrior.” Another Saiyan named Nappa interrupted, his form towering over both the kids as he walked away from his fellow older Saiyans to drag the boy away. It's for the kid’s good. Nappa would just beat the respect into him, which would be better than an execution by Vegeta.

“What did I say about speaking for me, Nappa?” Vegeta nonchalantly said he stood up. Realizing his mistake, Nappa quickly bowed and silently prepared for his punishment, but thankfully for him, Vegata was more focused on Raditz as he sized the boy up.

“Tell me, despite having the power level similar to a Saibaman, you won’t hold me back, right?”

“No, sir,” Raditz tried to say before a dirty gut punch broke his armor, causing the poor kid to land on the floor. This forced him to a position similar to a bow, and Vegeta smirked, lording over his subject.

“Well at least your durability isn’t complete ass. Welcome to my team, Raditz.”

---

“Turles!” A towering reddish-skinned alien announced his presence as he bowed to the tiny figure sitting on a ruined throne.

“What is it, Amond? " the now-revealing Saiyan child asked as he consumed an alien fruit, his height and muscles increasing slightly.

“Planet Vegeta has been destroyed. Our spies on Frieza’s ship showed everything before they went dark.”

“And my father and mother?”

“They were the last to defend the planet and therefore, the first to fall.”

“I see…well then, Frieza’s downfall has moved up even further on my schedule!” The Saiyan hissed, his vengeance fueling his growing power.

---

“Lord Cooler, do you see what I am seeing?”

“Yes, Salza,” Frieza's older brother agreed as he watched his foolish brother destroy a perfectly usable planet. It is hardly surprising that despite all of Frieza’s power, he, too, was a victim of fear despite gleefully abusing that emotion over others.

“It seems you’re finally wiping out those monkeys, brother.”

“My lord, a Saiyan Attack Ball just briefly passed us, a survivor likely. We could destroy it now or even take it for our own. I may be able to find it again-”

“No need.”

“What?”

“I am not going to clean my brother’s mess, and where is that pod even going?”

“Earth, sir.”

“Even less reason to follow it if I take a world. I like to have at least a reason beyond correcting my brother’s mistake.”

“Understood, Lord Cooler!”
---

Oddly enough, though, the Saiyan who would be most affected by this event was utterly unaware. Kakarot's cries have been reduced to mere sniffles. All he knew was that his parents were sending him somewhere, but they would try to retrieve him.

So he did all that he could do.

Wait

“I’m your dad by the way, apparently Saiyans got good memories even as babies, so you probably already knew that, but you know…nice to meet you after three years.”

“You come from a low-class family, which is neat, I guess? Most people don’t have families here. You got two older brothers, ya know, probably a few aunts and uncles too that your dad doesn’t know, but they’re probably dead or something.”

Look, kid, the road is tough, but uh, I am rooting for you. Cause I love you, or whatever mushy stuff your mom is always yapping about, so don’t disappoint either of us, kay? Get strong and try not to die young or something, Kakarot.”

“Da..da...” The last son of Bardock and Gine whispered as his first words.

Chapter Text

If you describe to Bulma how her day was going to go, she either laughs at you or smacks you.

She was expecting a little weirdness, admittedly, potentially some dangers here and there, but she thought she could handle herself just fine. She was 16 years old, already practically an adult.

Heck, she even collected two of these so-called Dragon Balls, and nothing was overly tiresome besides the occasional annoying hike, but as they say, no pain, no gain. It was also infinitely better than lying to her parents that she was hanging out with friends, mainly because of the lack of.

She tried in school, she genuinely did, but it was always fake. She knows she should be counting her blessings; she had it easy, she won’t deny that, but with the perfect boyfriend, she can finally get someone outside her family who loves her for who she is.

Something she deserves.

What she didn’t deserve was having her car wrecked and tossed off the road (with her still inside, no less). Nor did having a close encounter with two superpowered, presumably human entities that could survive a gunshot directly to the head. Now she found herself eating at a picnic table with a girl who had horns, a man who could be no less than 13 feet tall, who was somehow the girl’s father, and a typical old martial artist who came right out of a kung fu movie that she and her parents would watch.

Yet somehow, the little boy with a monkey tail was the weirdest one.

“Goku, remember to use your utensils.” Chi-Chi corrected her companion as she put down several more plates of ramen in front of him before handing down several more for everyone else. 

“Yes, Chi-Chi!”The boy promised before breaking out the chopsticks and eating at an even faster rate. That little guy must have devoured at least 27 bowls before Bulma even got to her second one, much less her third. Typically, the teen wouldn’t eat so much for her figure, but in her defense, it was delicious food.

“I don’t know what's more impressive, his eating or the fact that your cooking can keep up with him.”

“Practice, lots and lots of practice,” Chi-Chi told her, her eyes looking almost haunted, like a soldier who had just finished relieving some bad memories on the battlefield.

“So, Bulma was it? What brings a young girl like yourself?” The oldest man in the group asked her, causing her to pause for a moment. It was an honest question that she should’ve seen coming, but the blue-haired girl didn’t know how to word her quest without sounding insane.

Ah, well, the worst thing they can do is laugh her off.

“I'm actually on a bit of a journey, if to be honest. This is my first summer vacation when my mom and dad allowed me full independence, and I’m looking for the Dragon Balls?”

“Dragon Balls?” Goku asked while Chi-Chi slapped her face in embarrassment, from what Bulma wasn’t sure.

“Is everything okay, dear?” Ox-King tilted his head in a mix of confusion and concern, and his daughter just gave him an exhausted look.

“Nothing, I just forgot something important in the past. It's nothing but a bad case of hindsight.” Chi-Chi muttered before eying Bulma to continue. Bulma nodded before pulling out her collection so far, two orange spheres with 5-stars and 2-stars respectively.

“...Anyway, I found one of these bad boys in the cellar of my home, but no one seems to know anything about them, which led me to do some old-fashioned research. Took a while, but I found a document that states there are seven of these “mythical” Dragon Balls, and if you collect all seven, then you get your wish!”

“Hm, one moment,” Gohan stated as he went inside his home. Ox-King watches his best friend leave before taking the lead in the conversation. 

“So what are you intending to wish for, Bulma?”

Ah shit, a boyfriend would sound so lame.

Quick, Bulma, think of something that's not quite as embarrassing!

You are the smartest girl in the world, for God's sake!

“...A lifetime supply of strawberries?”

“Oh, that's a great wish! I would go for fried rice and meat, but strawberries are pretty good too!” Goku complimented. Finishing what was finally his last plate, and not a moment too soon, as Gohan returned to the table before dropping his orb on it. It was identical to its counterparts, except that this one had four stars.

“Would that be one as well, missy?”

“YES! THAT'S THE ONE I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!” Bulma yelled. It took every bit of politeness not to take it outright.

“How much do you want for it?” She asked the older gentleman quickly, but Gohan merely laughed her off before raising his hands.

“Now, now, Bulma, I don’t want any money. It wouldn’t do me much good out here anyway.”

“Surely there's something I can do for it?”

“Granpa! You can’t give it away, that's your most prized possession!” Goku interrupted, but his grandfather merely laughed before patting the boy on the head with amusement.

“It's nothing, m’boy, it's not like it can’t be recovered later. Isn’t that right, Bulma?”

“R-right, I’m able to track these things with this Dragon Rader. Once we're done, we can get it later to return to you,” Bulma promised. She is not 100% sure what happens to these “Dragon balls” after a wish is granted, but surely it can’t be that difficult.

Where are the balls going to go after use? All over the world in separate directions? 

Please.

“Then, I guess, as for payment, I'd like you to take my students with you.” Gohan offered to his grandson and friend, looking at him puzzled.

“Gohan, I’m not so sure-” Ox-King tried to interject, only to find himself interrupted by his daughter.

“I agree with him,” Chi-Chi stated, her look of embarrassment completely disappeared.

“But honey-”

“I have to find Master Roshi; he is the only one who may be able to help us.”

“I said I would think about it.”

“WE DON’T…we don’t have time to think further. People need us now.” Chi-Chi quietly finished staring defiantly at her father, and the two had an intense staredown. Bulma wouldn’t say it was them trying to intimidate one another, but as if a focused study of one another, as if studying for weakness. Eventually, the older of the two finally backed off and sighed.

“Is this truly what you want, my daughter?”

“It's not about what I want, it's what needs to be done.”

The two stood up as they stared at each other once more, as Ox-King’s voice changed to a much deeper and gruffer voice, the kind that Bulma had initially expected from what Chi-Chi told her.

“The battle will be at high noon.”

“Very well, my king.” The young girl replied before bowing down. Her father, or rather her King, gave a nod of mutual respect and then walked off the property, disappearing among the trees with ease, despite his massive height. His daughter stared as his form shrank into the distance.

“What the hell was that?!” Bulma spoke with awe, and the older man merely gave her a look of both concern and sad acceptance before speaking.

“The kingdom of Fire Mountain is far from the largest territory out there, but their intense and strong kinship with one another has allowed them to rule their lands for thousands of years. Even the worst Earth has experienced such events as the wrath of King Piccolo, the kingdom has managed to stand where most could not. It is because of that close-knit nature, however, that they don’t let anyone leave the territory. Those who wish to live must prove they can survive the outside world and return home safely.”

“S-she's going to have to face her father?! I saw that girl take a bullet. I think she’ll be fine.”

“There are beings out there that would make guns look like nothing, but I agree, in a better time like her father’s. Chi-Chi would’ve long since proven she can survive on her own, much less with two companions. However, with all his siblings gone and none with children alongside his unwillingness to remarry, leaves Chi-Chi as his first and final heir.”

“So if she dies…”

“It would not only destroy him emotionally, but when he goes, the risk of infighting for who will come after him increases tremendously. Both father and daughter are seriously considering the kingdom but have different considerations of the pros and cons…either way.”

“Chi-Chi must face her father to prove herself as both a princess and a warrior.”
----
“Goku, make sure not to waste the water in there!” Chi-Chi shouted at the bathroom door while she and the heiress of Capsule Corp were playing a game of chess. It was Bulma’s idea, funny enough, believing that if the two young martial artists were joining her, then they should get acquainted with the living space.

“Yes, Chi-Chi!” was the boy's response, satisfied with the answer. Chi-Chi returned her attention to the blue-haired teen.

“Thanks again for letting us stay here, Bulma.

“No problem, if you two are going to travel with me, might as well get used to this place…that all being said…Checkmate~” Bulma announced as her bishop got into position.

“What?!” Chi-Chi stared at the board that was back at her opponent before giving an overdramatic sigh, which caused her opponent to giggle.

“Run it back!” The princess demanded.

“After ten games?”

“I will get a win off you. Even if it takes all night!”

“You don’t know when to quit, do you?”

“It's a bit of a problem at times, actually,” Chi-Chi admitted.

“Hm, not that I don’t mind another battle of the minds, but how about we take a break. I got a few questions for you.”

“Ask away, my good lady.”

“How good are your chances tomorrow?”

“Oh, that's easy…nonexistent,” Chi-Chi responded with a smile. Bulma was beginning to wonder what, if anything, could keep the girl’s spirit down for long.

“But how else will you leave?”

“I just gotta prove myself right, once he sees how much of a go-getter I am, he’ll have no choice but to accept that I am fully capable of handling myself.”

“...Is that the actual case, or that wishful thinking?”

“For the sake of my optimism, I will not answer that.” Chi-Chi quickly replied, making it very clear she has no idea how her father will respond when she loses. Bulma merely shook her head at the sight before continuing.

“Alright, I’ll take your word for it. So you and Goku like…siblings?”

“Oh no, my father and Gohan are just good friends, though I've been spending the majority of half my life here now, so in a way, I could see why Goku comes off as my big brother.”

“...You mean little brother?”

“Oh no, I mean I might act more mature overall, but Goku has a few months over me.”

“Chi-Chi…how old are you?”

“12”

“HOW? I thought you were my age, but you're taller than even me by an inch or two. That doesn’t make any sense?”

“Counterpoint: My dad is massive. The genes got the memo to make me as vertical as possible.”

“Well…uh, actually okay, Fair enough. Was your mom tall too?”

“She is…or rather was pretty average before she…passed.” Chi-Chi finished, causing Bulma to panic internally. She did not mean to unearth bad memories, much less those of a deceased parent.

“Oh my god, I didn’t…”

“It’s fine, to be frank, it's nice to get to talk about her.”

“Does your dad not want to talk about her?”

“The opposite, he has always been open about her, but I know it hurt to talk about her, so I never really pushed him about it.”

“I mean, I get it, but you deserve to know your mom. It might be the same as meeting her, but still. Do you remember anything about her?”

“A little, her face is hard to remember from my memories, but she's there. I can remember her words of encouragement, how softspoken she often was, but she could raise her voice for the heavens to hear if you got her excited.”

“Sounds like someone I know.”

“Very funny. She used to call me her pumpernickel.”

“L-like the bread? Why?”

“She just liked how the word sounded, apparently, rather silly, but I wouldn’t mind her calling me that one more time.” The Ox Princess gave a smile before speaking.

“I was blessed with what little time I had with her. How about you? Got any relatives you wish you got to know better?”

“Severely different situation, but I wish I had the chance to bond with my sister Tights. I know there is an eleven-year difference between us, but she has always been a free spirit, even more so than most of our family is known for. Did you know she once met this alien named Jaco? I even fixed his ship!”

“No way! Don’t hold back on the details now, sista!”

Bulma happily obliged her friend’s request, and soon the next game of chess became a thing of the past, on past adventures, and soon topics like favorite stories, places to visit, and future wishes on the dragon balls became part of the discussion. By the time things began to die down and Bulma lay down on her bed, she realized something she hadn’t experienced outside her family in a long time.

She was having fun. 
---
The next day was far too nice for what was supposed to be a somber day in Bulma’s opinion. Chi-Chi and Gohan had left early in the morning because she wanted to see him perform a “kamehameha” or whatever one more time. By the time they returned, Ox-King, in what she could only call battle armor, was kneeling in the middle of the field patiently waiting. Five items wrapped in cloth were in front of him.

Not even Goku knows when he arrives, which terrified her a little, she admits. Nothing and nobody should be that big and equally silent in her opinion. It was about ten minutes before noon when the duo of student and master arrived, the former holding a gong, which he placed on the table as Chi-Chi went down to kneel across from her dad.

“I doubt I need to tell you either of this, but you must not interfere with this battle. This is Chi-Chi’s test, no matter what.” The older man stated in a resigned tone.

“This is unfair!” Goku grumbled, and frankly, his poor attitude towards the situation was shared among the group.

“He's not going to hurt her too bad, right? She is still his daughter.” Bulma asked, even in a world where she and Chi-Chi didn’t get along, it didn’t mean she wanted to watch a girl younger than her being beaten down by a human tank of a man, who was her father, no less.

Before the old master could respond, be it with words of assurance or at least acceptance, the Ox-King stirred from his position as he looked down at his challenger.

“What is your business, my subject?”

“To find the remaining dragon balls, my king. It will require me to take a journey to the west and likely other directions. My secondary, but equally challenging goal, is to find the legendary Master Roshi, so he can grant us at least temporary usage of the bansho fan to rid us of the flames that deny us the castle.”

“You want to persist in this goal despite my hesitation?”

“You misunderstand, I MUST persist despite my fears.”

“...each of the weapons before you has been within our family for generations, either made for us or given to our ancestors as gifts. Choose wisely,” was Ox-King’s sole response. Chi-Chi nodded as she looked at the five options before ultimately picking the sword that was within its sheath, which she strapped to her back, causing her father to smile surprisingly. 

“My daughter, I loved you, I have raised you, and I have showered you with gifts. Despite this, you have never taken a bit of it for granted. Using the blessings others could only dream of for self-improvement and others around you. This is not to say you are without flaws, the lines of determination and stubbornness are often blurred in our family, but you have now allowed these shortcomings to keep you from a righteous path, something even I failed to do.”

“Daddy…”

“As your father, king and eventual subject. I can see you have more than what it takes to surpass even the strongest of our kings and queens. There's little left that I can keep giving you…” Ox-King finished before rising to his full height as his face shifted to that fury.

“Besides a taste of the Hells that may await you.”

The gong was struck, and Bulma and company watched as the Ox-Princess backflipped away from her sitting position before charging the massive opponent before her. The Ox-King met the assault by using his open palm as a shield before countering with his combo, causing the two fighters to meet with mutual jabs, with Chi-Chi occasionally using her legs to make up for the difference in strength.

Their stalemate came to an end when Chi-Chi delivered a devastating kick to her father’s head, causing him to stumble a foot back before merely snapping his head back to continue his overwhelming barrage to put his daughter on the back foot.

“You got this, Chi-Chi!” Bulma screamed, and Goku quickly nodded before echoing the same sentiments.

“Don’t give him an inch! It's just like Grampa’s training!”

It seems their words of encouragement were having an effect as Chi-Chi was stopped from being pushed to the defensive and once more came into a fist-to-fist deadlock with her father before she found another opening as she landed the Ox-King’s three uppercuts into before delivering another brutal shot with her leg in the same spot which successfully knocked him down. Not that anyone would have the chance to celebrate as Ox-King again got up unbothered before taking out his axe and raising it high and lowering it with such speed that his daughter just had enough time to bounce back.

Wisely deciding that fisitcuffs were no longer the answer, the younger fighter pulled out her sword as metal clashed with metal, causing sparks to bounce off during every collision. Ox-King, this time, took advantage, with the sheer force of his axe, and was able to send Chi-Chi flying despite blocking the technique, sending her flying towards Gohan’s home. 

However, like father, like daughter, because before she could consider losing ground, the daughter of Ox-King recovered as she flipped numerous times before bouncing off the wall of the house and launching herself at her father once more. They clashed several more times, one of the attacks nicking off the princess’s left bang, which she returned the favor by nicking at her opponent’s arm before moving back to disengage.

“Woah, first blood!” Bulma yelled, Goku let out a cheer of approval, but the two went quiet when they realized that the old master next to them was not celebrating alongside them. If anything, the latter looked more tensed, if not outright afraid.

“Grampa, what's wrong?”

“Because I believe Chi-Chi has shown her limit. Now it's time for her to survive his.” Gohan responds, causing Bulma to re-analyze the fight. While both were standing, Chi-Chi was visibly panting, while Ox-King, besides some damaged clothing and cosmetic levels of bleeding from his arm, was completely unharmed. It was as if he had even begun the fight at all.

It horrifyingly clicked with Bulma that from Ox-King’s perspective, that was precisely the case.

The mighty king unleashed a battle cry that sounded like it came from no human, even a barbarian, but rather an angered beast before seemingly disappearing from existence. Realizing what was about to happen, Chi-Chi looked around with her sword while on the defensive.

“CHI-CHI, HE BEHIND YOU!” Goku screamed, but the boy’s warning was futile as his best friend turned around only to receive a massive kick across her entire body that Bulma could almost see the soul leaving the child. 

Chi-Chi let out a painful yelp as she rolled and tumbled across the grass before getting back, but to almost everyone’s shock, Ox-King cut the distance with such speed that he looked like he was teleporting as the two battled again. This time, however, there would be no mercy as every time their sparring session was broken, Ox-King delivered a decisive strike that Bulma knew would cripple almost anyone else.

Ox-King finished this farce of a fight by delivering a massive open palm attack on the female fighter before him, sending her once more flying across the ground before her back was slammed harshly against one of the trees, which acted almost like a boundary for the battle. 

A short amount of tears came pouring as Chi-Chi let out a cry of agony. Still, far from a cry of defeat, it was not she who quickly powered through what her body was going through and got back up and ran up to her father for another confrontation. Ox-King was far beyond trading jabs anymore, though. He instead landed his powerful blow into her gut, causing her to launch into the air. However, before she could fly high, she was caught by her dad in midair and slammed painfully into the ground, causing her to cough up blood.

“I HAD ENOUGH! I WON’T STAND HERE AND WATCH THIS!” Goku shouted, almost causing Bulma herself to jump from her seat. Before the boy could act on his intentions, however, an extreme wave of tiredness came over him as he collapsed to the ground until he was knocked out. 

Bulma was about to lose it then and there at the amount of children being harmed, but she saw that the offender this time was Gohan, as he held down his grandson’s tail before giving her a sullen look.

“He is not hurt, just disabled.” All Gohan said as he refocused on the fight, and the blue-haired girl had little options but to look back as well, and not a moment too soon, as she watched Chi-Chi be tossed aside like trash across the battlefield once more.

“Damnit…” The princess whispered under her breath.

“Giving up already?” Ox-King bellowed as he strolled towards her. Chi-Chi only growled at him before her mouth shifted to smile.

“Not even close.” She replied as she dropped her blade and began weaving her arms and hands in circles. Now, Bulma was sure she had completely lost it because she could see what could only be speckles of blue light appearing around the young fighter, causing her father to stop his imminent assault.

“Impossible…to master her ki like this already…” Gohan muttered to himself.

“Is this the so-called Kamehameha you guys were talking about earlier?” Bulma asked only to receive a shake of the head from Gohan.

“The Kamehameha is an energy-based technique as well, but this is different. No doubt she took my teachings to develop this technique, but this is her creation still.” 

Chi-Chi continued to weave as more energy gathered around her before forming into a ring, which condensed into an orb before clutching it with her arms and pulling back. The task was far from easy as her gritted teeth and focused eyes gave away. The act brought Ox-King back to his senses as he realized what his daughter was about to do, and he reached out to her.

Too bad for the king, though; it was already too late.

“HADOUKEN!” Chi-Chi screamed as she unleashed a devastating blue energy attack that took the form of a blue fiery orb, which Ox-King barely had enough time to bring his arms up to defend himself. The attack couldn't care less about his resistance, though, as it pushed him back more and more before Ox-King summoned all his strength to knock the energy ball down, only for it to erupt and leave an explosion that was twice as large as Gohan’s home.

“HOLY SHIT!” Bulma yelled.

“It's over,” Gohan whispered.

“She won?” 

“No,” Gohan said with certainty, and reality would soon prove he was correct, as when the smoke finally cleared, the Ox-King stood proud. He was covered in more cuts and surface wounds, and the hand he used to knock down the blue attack was severely burned, but he remained steadier than any mountain. He lumbered massively over the preteen who was struggling not to fall on her knees and collapse.

“Submit. You have failed to defeat me.” The man’s final and absolute order.

“Not on this life or the next,” Chi-Chi managed to choke out, despite being on the losing end. The smile had morph into an cocky smirk, as if she wanted her foe to get no satisfaction out of defeating her.

“Then any last words before your end?” Ox-King asked as he lifted his axe before bringing it down.

“Satisfaction!” Chi-Chi roared with defiance as she jumped forward to meet the attack head-on. 

They never met.

The axe dug itself into the ground as the child fighter landed a kick that wasn’t an eighth of her strength from before at her father’s face, not even budging his nose. The two stared down at each other for what felt like hours from Bulma’s perspective.

Then the Ox-King fell on his back.

“Daddy!” Chi-Chi limbed over and cradled the man’s head, only to find tears running down his face with a smile on his face.

“It appears you have won, Chi-Chi,” Her father answered her before sitting up and hugging the girl.

“Forgive me.”

“No…because there's nothing to forgive.” The Ox-Princess responded before hugging the massive man back.

“Always were a softie, old friend.” Gohan chuckled to himself as he let go of his grandson’s tail, allowing the boy to wake up again and look around.

“What happened?”

“Chi-Chi won my boy.” The older man said, causing the boy to cheer loudly. Bulma gave a soft smile at the scene. She went over and picked up the sword that Chi-Chi dropped and took it to the girl as her father put her down.

“Here you go.”

Chi-Chi gave her a grateful nod as she admired the blade again, and Bulma couldn’t blame her. She was a gun girl first and foremost, but an ancient sword? That was the definition of a cool personified. 

“Trunks…” Chi-Chi mutters softly to herself.

“Huh?” 

“Nothing, just having some old memories. Let go!” The princess said as she tried to walk away, only to stumble and fall.

“As in right now?! You can't even stand.”

 “I can walk it off, let's just go get damn Dragon Balls. I didn’t get my ass beat for nothing. Give me five minutes tops!”

“Chi-Chi language!” Her father scowled as he kneeled to tend to her wounds, causing the girl to grumble out a not-at-all-genuine apology before laughing, despite their grievance with her lack of self-care. Ox-King and Bulma herself couldn’t help but laugh right alongside her with Gohan and Goku joining in as well.

At last, Earth’s Legendary Dragon Team is formed.

The search for the mystical Dragon Balls begins…now.

Chapter Text

“Toothbrush”

“Have it.”

“Sword?”

“Still on my back, Daddy.”

“Zeni-”

“Daddy, I’m going to be alright,” I promised as I took and squeezed one of his fingers with as much comfort as I could provide, and I wasn’t lying. Not mostly anyway. I was going to be fine mentally, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling the absolute beating I had received about a day ago.

I think I still hear some ringing in my ears and blood in my mouth.

“I know it just… It's a dangerous world, and I don’t just meet stronger fighters like us, my daughter. Those who wield otherworldly magic, technology, I can not begin to understand, and-”

“And I’ll face it with a smile, none of them have seen the might of the Ox after all!” I grin as I flex my bicep with exaggerated fashion, causing him to snort before looking down, trying to hide his smile.

“Take this seriously, dear, please.”

“I am, I’ll be back before you know.” I finished as I separated from him, as I made way for Bulma’s car. I wasn’t the only one making goodbyes, however, as I walked over to Goku, who was hugging the hell out of Gohan. I couldn’t blame him. In this timeline, the boy hadn’t been alone for years before running into another person.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I said as the two finally separated.

“Hardly, you make sure to listen to Chi-Chi now, m’boy.”

“Yes, Granpa!”

“And you, Chi-Chi, better not do something reckless.”

“No promises,” I gleefully snickered as he gave me an exhausted look before laughing with me, before embracing me in his hug that I was more than willing to return. Gohan was more than a master or an important minor character at this point; he was a family member.

Blood ties be damned.

“I keep him safe, Gramps, promise.”

“You all stay safe…my granddaughter.” He corrected me before I found a certain camera shoved into my hands.

“And bring me some good pictures.”

“Only the best,” I replied before I could hear honking from Bulma’s car. I guess even as a friend, the teenager still has maturing to do when it comes to patience. I turned to give my shorter partner in crime a look of silent challenge before both Goku and I raced for her car. Before I landed in the shotgun seat as the boy himself landed in the back.

“Hey, watch it, you're going to dirty up my seats!” Bulma complained as I gave her a smug smile, showing no guilt as Goku continued to wave at our remaining family.

“BYE UNCLE OX! BYE GRAMPA!”

I flashed the two a peace sign before the vehicle rumbled to life, and before I knew it, we were rocketing away from the second home I had ever known in this life, as we roughly remained on the dirt road of Mount Paizou at ridiculous speeds.

I've been nearly killed multiple times in this life and my last one. It says a lot that this is the closest I felt to risking my life since the giant monkey incident.

“YOU CALL THIS DRIVING?!” I yelled.

“DON’T QUESTION MY CAPABILITIES. I'VE BEEN DRIVING SPACE SHIPS SINCE BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.” The bluenette screamed back.

“Uh, guys?” Goku interrupted, and both of us glared at him, still heated.

“WHAT?” We both announced.

“Cliff,” He finished, causing us to both turn to see nothing but a ledge. Bulma, bless her heart, futilely hit the brakes, but by the time the car was over the cliff and we all saw nothing but clouds underneath us.

There was only one thing left to say.

“Crapbaskets,” I muttered, Bulma silently nodding in agreement before all three of us screamed as we plummeted down below.

---

“So uh…agreement to not to argue with one another when behind the wheel?” Bulma spoke softly, life still flashing before her eyes as our busted but somehow functional vehicle moved quietly down the closest road we could find.

“Agreed,” Goku and I echoed at the same time.

“Motion passed, let us take a break,” the teen muttered before resting her face against the horn, trying in vain to recapture her sanity as the rest of them sat back. I sighed before pulling my newly owned blade. It was more lifelike before, but the design couldn’t be anything else. It had to be the same sword owned by Trunks in the future. Honestly, it was taking a lot from me not to fanboy/fangirl like hell, but that did leave several worrying questions.

This was yet another growing pile of changes to the story I both read and watched. Sure, not too significant with this one. I can probably just pass it down to the purple-haired kid later in my life to keep the canon relatively consistent, but this was not a twist I made my own or because of my involvement.

Guess that red overgrown lizard bitch was right about there being a twist to this story. Regardless, the blade will be useful to have to a point. I have no idea if I’m going to keep it as part of my main moveset, but I, for one, am never against having an option to give someone a piece of my mind.

“May I see it?” A hand tapped on my shoulder as I turned to the spikey-haired kid, as he eyed my blade with awe. I silently nod as I pass it to him, letting his eyes absorb all the details.

“I think it fits you,” Goku said.

“How so?”

“I don’t know, it's just done.” He admitted. I gave a small snort before taking the weapon back.

“I’ll take your word for it. You seem to have a knack for reading others.” I replied as I stared at the slowly darkening skies. The stars were finally coming out; it was odd seeing them so clearly. In my last life, I lived in a relatively rural area, and even then, the stars were not quick or strong.

It goes to show how intense light pollution can get. 

“Hey Chi-Chi?”

“Yeah, Goku?”

“Why would Grampa send us away like that? Did we do something wrong?”

“No, the opposite. What made you think that?”

“It just…I've never been sent this far away from him before.” The boy admitted before looking down. In hindsight, I should’ve realized something like this might happen that wouldn't just go away with a moment of sadness. This wasn’t the boy who had been living in the wilds by himself for years until Bulma found him. This is a version of Goku who had his grandfather up until this very moment. Back in my world, the idea of leaving your grandson with a friend and a stranger, both neither adults would look good. Gohan had the best intentions, and I knew personally things would probably work out but that didn't mean it wasn't going to sting for the little saiyan for now. 

“This is just part of the training, Goku. he wants you to be strong and grow to your full potential. Which just happens to involve growing some independence. Plus, in case you haven’t noticed. You still have me.” I smirked before pointing a thumb at my puffed-up chest, causing him to laugh.

“Yeah, that's true. I’m going to grow so strong, grampa is going to be super impressed!”

“Heh, see what he wants. Good motivation. Keep using that to motivate your strength and find even more reasons to grow strong.”

“More reasons?”

“You’ll understand as we continue this journey. Figuring out what you want to do with this life.” I gently stated before ruffling his hair.

“What do you want, Chi-Chi?”

“Me…?” I mused before looking at the sky again

That was a good question. There were short-term goals like growing strong, and the whole wanting to live. However, that was all about surviving, which, while equally important, was not the same as living. I wasn’t a saiyan. I wanted to keep getting stronger, but not for the simple reason of getting strong. Cooking was fun, but that alone didn’t really give me purpose.

There was my kingdom, but to be real with you. Ruling over my subjects was never a big goal; I just wanted to protect them as any decent person would.

“If I had to guess...nah, never mind.” I teased before chuckling. Much to the annoyance of the monkey boy.

“What? Come on, tell me!”

“It's cliche and silly.”

“I won’t laugh, I swear!” My friend whined. If I didn’t know any better, he was intentionally trying to use his adorableness against me.

“Alright, alright…” I raised a hand to quiet him down. Back in my previous life, it was nothing extreme. I was blessed enough to come from a decent middle-class life with living with two good parents, something I knew for a fact wasn’t the case for many. I had a lot of relatives, uncles, aunts, cousins, and heck, even older half-siblings. Yet, due to my introverted nature, I found it hard to connect with many of them, often isolating myself at events.

It was even worse making friends. I think I only had enough to truly call my friend on one hand, maybe two with some fingers to spare, but that was alright with me. Yet, when we grew older, I found them all growing apart from me, moving on their path in life.

I wish them all the best, I truly do, but…it didn’t make the loneliness hurt any less.

Everyone seemed to be moving, going somewhere, but me.

I have no idea what brought me into this world. Did I make something of myself? Did I live a full life, or did something happen and cut my life short?

Did…my first mom outlive her only son?

Now it's just me and my second dad, or well, that would be the case. Then came Goku, Gohan, and now even Bulma…it wasn’t the most straightforward second chance, but a second chance nevertheless.

“I want a family,” I spoke softly.

“Family?”

“Yeah, a big one preferably, lots of members.”

“Friends too?”

“Who says friends and family have to be separate categories?”

“Oh…well, if that's the case, I'll help you create a huge family!” Goku shouted, and despite my best efforts, a blush began forming on my face as I looked away. I know he meant nothing by it, but the more immature part of my 12-year-old mind and knowledge of the future cared little for that.

“Did I say something wrong?” The monkey boy tilted his head.

“No, it's fine. Just a weird thought came up.” I coughed, regaining my composure as I grinned at him, and he smiled back. I do not know how things will end up, but I know for certain that whatever labels we end up with, we will be family to the very end.

“Alright, think we need longer than five minutes.” Bulma sighed.

“Wanna set up for the night? It is getting dark.” I acknowledged only by shaking my head.

“We can certainly make a bit more progress than this today! I just need to go relieve myself for a few minutes.” The teen stated, I nodded silently, understanding what she meant, but Goku, ever so innocent, did not get the hint.

“Where are you going?”

“Just somewhere to relieve myself.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“HOW CAN YOU BE THIS THICK-HEADED?! IT’S A LADY’S WAY OF SAYING SHE NEEDS TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!”

“Oh! Why didn’t you say so that you needed to take a piss?”

The eldest of our newly grown loudly as she stomped her way out into the distance. Probably out of both the need for privacy, as well as still getting used to the fact that, in her eyes, she is babysitting two preteens with vastly different personalities.

“Was it something I said?” The boy turned to me, causing me to shrug back simply.

“She probably isn't used to us; we only met her yesterday. We didn’t exactly have the best first impression.”

“City people are weird Chi-Chi”

“That's not…Untrue,” I admitted. Bulma herself wasn’t an example of that in this situation, but I lived in the city before. There can be real wackjobs everywhere. Any further thoughts on the subject were put aside, however, as we quickly heard screaming in the distance. Considering we were quite literally in the middle of nowhere, it didn’t take a genius to know who was doing it as we ran over to see what happened.

It was a cartoonish and unsurprisingly villainous depiction of a Pterodactyl that held our companion in its claws. It has razor-sharp teeth that fill its entire jaw, and it was towering enough that it could hold Bulma in one hand. Honestly, if I were a normal person still, I would be scared to hell and back by such a creature.

But the day of normalcy for better or worse was beyond me.

“Who the hell are you two? Are you friends with her?” The beast questioned.

“We just met her. Are you her friend?” My best friend asked, making me resist the urge to facepalm. Adulthood can’t can’t soon enough for all of us.

“...wh…why yes, I am! I'm going to just need to talk to her for a moment, so if you could just wait here…” The monster tried finishing as he brought out the rope, only to falter when I brought out my sword.

“Yeah, no thanks. How about you give her up, or else I’ll turn you into dinner?” I stated before, pointing the blade at him. It seems my threat got through his head as he took a step back.

“Yo-you drive a good bargain. Here is my counteroffer offer however.” The dinosaur began…only to take off into the sky at high speed.

In hindsight, I probably should have just killed him.

“HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. I’M TOO CUTE TO BE EATEN!” Bulma screamed. 

“We can’t fly…wait, Chi-Chi the car!” Goku said and quickly nodded as we ran back to the vehicle. I was planning on waiting for at least four years of doing this, but hey, it was a life-or-death situation. It was my luck that it wasn’t much different from any of the average cars in the real world as I turned the key and sped after the poor teen.

“We're going to need a big hill as a ramp to reach her!” The saiyan yelled. I nodded as I put the"pedal to the metal as the sci-fi car turned directions to the steep natural ramp I could find before we flew off it.

“HEY YOU OVERGROWN FEATHERLESS TUCKEY!” I screeched, causing our flying target to stop and grow bug-eyed at us, approaching rapidly.

“ARE YOU TWO INSANE?!”

“PROBABLY!” I shouted back as I stood up from my seat and gave Goku the nod, which he returned in kind as he pulled out his power pole. I grab it as Goku allowed the tool to extend far beyond its default length before leaping off it with my sword ready.

“BUT I AM NO LIAR!” I screamed as I came down with my blade. It was for only the briefest moment, but I could feel the sharp object make its way through flesh and bone before it fully decapitated the beast. Any satisfaction was quickly interrupted as Bulma yelled as she fell and positioned myself for a catch as I dived past her.

Wait, where am I supposed to land so as not to stop my fall again?

Thankfully, Goku came in clutch with that answer, as I found the power pole thrown directly into the cliff nearest to us. I flipped myself around and managed to land on the indestructible weapon before reaching out and catching Bulma just in time. It took a few near stumbles of my own, but I managed to keep my balance.

“Gotcha!” I sighed as I held her princess style before I turned my head to see Goku hand manage to catch himself on a tree.

“Good save!” I told him.

“Anytime,” The boy stated before giggling. I was about to ask if Bulma was okay, but the death grip on my chest alongside her haunted look as she stared down below before looking back at me told me enough.

“You save my life…” She whispered.

“Think nothing of it,” I spoke as quietly and as comfortably as possible, only to be distracted by a very odd scent and soon something wet on my arm near her legs.

“...Please tell no one of this,” Bulma begged.

“To the grave,” I promised.

---
“Not so tough, are you now, punk?” Bulma grumbled at the last of her meat for the umpteenth time as she finished eating while Goku was in the middle of a food coma. I guess even his stomach had limits at that age. I merely smiled at the scene before picking at my food a abit. Truthfully, I wasn’t all that hungry.

“Something wrong?” A voice took me out as I found Bulma sitting next to me after moving her chair.

“I killed a person,” I admitted.

“Killed someone? Who…wait, are you talking about the pterodactyl?”

Yes, it was a dinosaur and not exactly a kind one either. It was evil, being capable of speaking full sentences and deception. It was known well enough to use tools like rope, plenty to either leave us there to die or come back for us later once he had done devouring the blue-haired meal.

And yet…it was still an intelligent being.

I have never really done something like that before. I was just some guy, not someone who knew the risk like a soldier or police officer. Not that either of those jobs made killing easier by any means, but the point was, I was a civilian.

“Chi-Chi…you and Goku saved my life. It was not the most “ideal” save, mind you, but you were a hero today.”

“I know, but I did it so easily. I thought there would be more-”

“Hesitation,” She finished, causing me to nod.

“What does that say about me?”

“Well…if you want my honest opinion, the fact that you feel bad killing someone who is that vile means I don’t think you have to worry about lacking any empathy.”

“Heh…I suppose you’re right.”

“Angrily cooking his corpse to feed everyone, however…that might be extreme.”

“I’ll try not to make a habit of it,” I teased, causing both to laugh. 

I didn’t have to like killing, but I did need to know when to commit it. This world is not forgiving; there will be beings that even someone as purehearted as Goku can’t spare. For better or worse, I have a body count that I will eventually have to make.

I always knew that, but as the saying goes, “easier said than done”.

“Say, how about we get our minds off such events. What do you want to do for fun? Another board game, perhaps I can show you some of the latest hairstyles back in the cities. I think I got some magazines lying around here/”

“Well, uh...actually…I don’t know how to do hair.” I admitted, the older girl looking at me with barely contained abstract horror.

“You what?”

“I mean, I can do some real basic stuff, my dad taught me that, but I never had anyone sit down and help me. I can’t even do makeup…” I trailed off before I could feel her hand grip my shoulder with the most determined expression.

“We're fixing that now,” Bulma told me with a warm face before pulling out numerous items from a chore that ranged from powder, combs, and other accessories that I couldn’t even begin to describe.

“Now, since this is your first time so I’ll guide you.” She spoke gently as she began combing, straightening out my strands first before handing me the brush. I have no shame to admit I had next to no experience, even barring I was a boy in a past life. My hair was short and curly in the past, a far cry from the long and straight hair I have now.

“Alrighty,” I whispered as I began combing as gently as possible.

“You're doing great.” She whispered as I kept going, It was silly, but a part of me felt a lot of enjoyment from the action, even if it was a simple as combing. I wasn’t even doing something complicated or even just using a hair iron.

“Could you get my camera?” I muttered.

“Are you sure? We're not done.” She questioned which I responded with a small laugh.

“I know, but I want to capture the moment,” I admit, and that seems to be a satisfactory reason as she quickly left the room and back with my device before setting it down. We both gave a wide smile as it went off, and a picture came out of two girls smiling came out, which I placed down as we returned to our activity.

For once, I didn’t feel the pressure of either my kingdom or the world on my shoulders.

Or worried about the countless threats, both known and unknown.

I was just a girl doing her hair for the first time with her friend, and for once?

That was enough.

Chapter Text

“So why are we doing this again?” I asked as I handed my blue-haired companion another tool as she began working on our car again. Bulma may not dress the part often, but when she goes into mechanic mode, there ain’t a soul in this world or my old one that comes at it with pure skills.

“Because I have only so many cars, and the fact that we've been in several car accidents within two days is Kami trying to tell us something, and I refuse to be the only one who knows anything about machines in case of emergencies!”

Honestly, fair point, but I can’t say I wasn’t confused out of my mind. Nothing against Bulma, but despite coming from a family that held more than a few mechanics, I knew nothing about cars, much less how to operate them. Nothing particularly against the machines, I just never found them fascinating.

‘Fair enough, how many car capsules did you bring anyway?”

“Sixty, I wanted to carry light.”

“And what else did you bring?”

“Oh, just the normal stuff, food, clothes, makeup, a few spare houses, weaponry, a shocking number of explosives…”

The richest girl in the world, everyone.

“What you should be asking is where that friend of yours. Why did Goku run off like that before either of us was ready?”

“Gohan has a strict schedule, and while he may not always seem like it. Goku can be quite focused once he gets the right motivation.”

“So why aren’t you joining him?”

“I am a night owl by nature; hell will be cold before I pass up a chance to sleep in.”

Bulma snorted a laugh at my response before returning to showing the world how to operate a car. I would’ve joined, but I quickly became distracted by a certain Saiyan, or rather, what was he carrying?

A giant turtle.

“Chi-Chi! Bulma! Look who I found!” Goku said joyfully as he plopped down his newfound companion in front of us. The creature studied both of us before turning to Bulma.

“Excuse me, you wouldn’t happen to have some water?”

“I mean, I was going to use this to wash-never mind,” Bulma answered before nodding for me to nudge the bucket of water towards the creature. I quickly did so, and we all watched in disbelief as he gulped it down almost as fast as Goku does with food. Once he was finished, he sighed in relief before looking back at us.

“Now it's time I am frank with you, kind strangers. A truth that you might be unaware of.”

“What's that?” I asked, perhaps this is another twist to the story. I mean, this would not be the first curveball since I got born here.

“I am in fact…a turtle.”

Why do I even bother sometimes?

“We can see that,” Bulma spoke, annoyance clear in her voice.

“Well, I’m not any turtle. I am a sea turtle. You see, I was collecting mushrooms for a friend of mine, and I sorta got lost along the way. I’m not too familiar with the mainland, as I live the majority of the time on a humble island.”

“H…how long have you been lost and away from the sea?” I asked.

“A year more or less.”

“HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?” Bulma yelled.

“By being cunning…and lots of luck. I only ask for some directions to the ocean.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you, bucko, but you're going the exact opposite direction the whole time. The nearest ocean is about 120km from here, last I checked, and we are  on a mission-”

“We’ll help you out,” I interrupted, causing the teenager to glare daggers at me.

“We are not!”

“Yes, we are~” I replied with a sing-along voice.

“We only have thirty days before I have to go back to school, there is no way we are wasting time helping this guy, all he has to do is turn around 180 degrees and he's golden!”

“Sorry, but friends don’t ditch friends. Isn’t that right, Goku?” I turned to the boy for support, and needless to say, he was already picking up the reptile and putting it on his back, both to support him better and likely for the added training.

Huh reminds me of him and Krillin training while wearing turtle shells on their back. Either coincidence or foreshadowing, hard to tell with Toriyama at times.

“Grrrrr Fine! Well, do it your way, but don’t come crying to miss our chance of getting our wish!” Bulma stated as she began packing everything. 

“Bulma…likelihood is considering you managed to find a dragon ball in a weird enough place to find a monkey boy and girls with horns. The chances are that helping a talking sea turtle is almost just a weird scenario, which means almost just as likely a chance of a dragon ball.”

“There…there is no logic behind that.”

“Well, it's that or you could try traveling by yourself and risk running through that,” I said, pointing out the massive tyrannosaur-ripoff in the distance that would give most skyscrapers a run for their money.

“...I hate it when you’re right, Chi-Chi.”

“I’m always right except for when I’m not.”

“THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS!”
---

“I can feel the burn!” I shouted as it was my turn to carry the reptile, and Goku giggled as he sped slightly ahead of me. Bulma was keeping up with one of her motorcycles, her face still clear about how annoyed she was about the situation.

“How much longer do we have, Bulma!”

“We should be there any minute, you better be worth our time, pal,” Bulma growled at our new friend, who began to sweat.

“I swear, although I don’t know how I feel about being treated as exercise equipment.”

“We can always leave you behind.”

“Exercise equipment is fine!”

“That's what I thought.” 

Before I could butt in with my remark, our road was suddenly blocked by what can only be described as the world’s current biggest furry. It was a massive anthropomorphic bear with clothing and a broadsword. If he didn’t look villainous enough, the fact that he had a menacing grin and was scarred and blinded in one eye certainly sealed the deal.

‘Hand over the sea turtle!” He bellowed

“Wait, you don’t want to eat us?” I questioned.

“Of course not, you humans give me heartburn. The turtle, however…mmm that is my absolute favorite.”

“Welp, I heard enough. Chi-Chi hands over the turtle,” Bulma requested.

“I mean, if you want, I can just kill this guy too,” I said casually to my internal shock. Was I already over the idea of slaughtering someone? This wasn’t even just a creature, but a fully grown, if extremely hairy, person. I accepted that killing would naturally become part of my life, but as disturbing as it was to say.

It was almost as if a tiny piece of me looked forward to it.

“Hang on, I’m not letting anyone hurt my friends.” Goku interrupted as he stood in front of us, sticking out his tongue in defiance, causing the thief to roar in annoyance.

“Friend? Don’t make me laugh. You want a meal for yourself and the girls.”

“I would never eat a friend…wait, Turtle, are you tasty?”

“NO, WE ARE POISONOUS AND TASTE HORRIBLE! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT!” The poor reptile denied.

“Is that true, Chi-Chi?”

“They taste pretty good to be honest, surprisingly a lot like chicken and maybe a bit fishy and porkish,” I replied, while Turtle looked at me with mutual horror and betrayal.

“Oh…Well, he is still my friend even if he is tasty and a liar. I won’t let you touch him!” Goku replied before staring up at the thief.

“Fine if you want to die first, be my guest. I guess a little heartburn will be worth a filling dinner!” The bear yelled as he swiped with his sword, only to find his opponent missing.

“Over here, mister!” Goku called him from behind. His opponent turned with a growl but quickly shifted into chuckling.

“Not every day I face a little speedster, I have to admit, I like your spunk. It's a shame you have to die!”

There, the bear went for another swing with his blade, only to find the boy again missing, but it wouldn’t take long for him to see the black hair kid as the monster quickly found the child standing on his massive blade before the Saiyan jumped on his nose.

“One…Two…” The Saiyan whispered as he flexed his muscles a bit.

They were pretty impressive…quite…

…

…Wait, what was I talking about again?

“THREE!”

My thought process was disrupted as a loud crunching noise that sounded as if someone had broken stone was heard before the massive goon before us began to crumble on his back, as Goku gracefully landed on his feet after he flashed a peace sign in the middle of the fall.

“and timber…” I uttered as we all clapped for him before Goku turned to me.

“Hey Chi-Chi, are we cooking this guy too?”

“...What? I’m not going to cook him. I don’t eat everyone we kill!”

“Yes, you do.”

“...Those were animals! That was hunting!”

“What about that pterodactyl yesterday?”

“That was personal, and I was hungry and angry. I have some ethics…then again, I bet we could make some excellent bear burgers out of this guy, and he did plan to eat at least one member of our group, so if anything, this is karma-”

“Alright, just for the record, WE ARE NOT EATING ANYONE!” Bulma screamed, silencing the conversation.

“Fair enough, sorry turtle. Looks like you're going to be our emergency food supply if things turn south.”

“W-what?”

“Calm down, I was just kidding.”

Mostly
---

“Here you go, Mr. Turtle! I gotta admit I never saw such a big river before,” Goku announced as we dropped our latest friend off the shores. Any remaining fear and mistrust visibly disappeared the longer he glanced at the miles and miles of water.

“Thank you! Thank you all! I will be sure to repay you all of this. I will be right back!” Turtle said before quickly disappearing into the water.

“YOU BETTER!” Our blue-haired friend yelled as Turtle seemingly disappeared into the sunset at a noticeably faster speed in response to that statement.

And so we waited

“Got any 3s?” I asked.

“Go fish,” Bulma sighed before yawning as we played what must have been our 15th card game while Goku was going back and forth between playing in the sand and water. I cursed under my breath, but before I drew a card, I turned my head to see Turtle returning with a confident old man standing on top of his shell, a dragonball near his chest as he used it as a necklace.

“Well, call me a monkey’s uncle, we weren’t conned after all,” Bulma stated as Turtle landed on the shores. The older man and (hopefully) my future mentor stepped up and scanned all three of us, and we in turn did the same.

“I am Master Roshi, the turtle hermit!” The man finally announced himself as he gave a quick wave.

“Loud…” Bulma responded, but if Roshi heard her, he didn’t make any comments about us as he continued to study us. 

“So you’re the three kids that saved my turtle, huh? Which one helped you the most, old friend?” The old master asked his animal friend, who quickly smiled at Goku.

“It would be the boy.”

“Is that so? Well, such bravery should be rewarded. Step back as I summon your gift,” Roshi told us as we followed his instructions, as he pointed his staff to the sky in dramatic fashion before yelling to the heavens..

“COME FORTH IMMORTAL PHONEIX!”

“ I can’t believe we're going to see a magical creature!” Bulma said excitedly, but that excitement would quickly leave as we waited for the phoenix. After a few seconds, it quickly became a few awkward minutes.

“Uh…sir”

“Yes, turtle?”

“The phoenix died of food poisoning, remember?”

“O-of course, yes, I remember. Memory just got a bit fuzzy for a moment.”

“Immortal my ass…” I muttered under my breath, Bulma nodding in silent agreement as Roshi turned back to us..

“I was going to use that bird to give you all three eternal life, but it seems that it's not an option at the moment. How about the next best thing…NIMBUS!” Roshi yelled again at the sky, and this time, something responded to his call.

A small, almost cute-looking golden cloud that parked right in front of us.

“Whoa…mind if I have a taste?” Goku requested.

“No, you little baboon. You’re not supposed to eat the treasured cloud! You're supposed to ride it and travel anywhere on earth in record time.”

“You know, between this and the phoenix, none of these are turtle theme,” Bulma noted.

“It's unbecoming for children to look into such details,” was Roshi's only reply as Goku continued to study the flying object before turning his attention back on the old man.

“Mind if I give it a ride?”

“Go ahead, but be warned, only those who are pure-hearted can ride the Nimbus; otherwise, you will pass through it like any other normal cloud. It's probably best if I give a demonstration.” Roshi announced as he made an effort to ride the cloud.

…and then quickly and comically faceplanted, followed by Bulma’s laughter, but Goku seemed to get the idea as he quickly jumped on top of the cloud before dancing around on it.

“I did it!”

“Well, I’ll be damned. The boy certainly is something else.” Roshi admitted as he stood up.

“Want to give it a try, Chi-Chi?”

“Thank you, but I’ll pass for now,”  I politely decline. The original Chi-Chi might have been worthy of riding that thing, but while I don’t think I was a bad person, heck, I think I was at least pretty decent, maybe even good outside the Home Depot incident but not even I was cocky enough to believe that I was even close to being “pure-hearted” by any means.

“Come on, please!” The Saiyan pleaded, and before I knew it, he was giving me the puppy eyes treatment.

No, buster, it's not working on me.

Not this time, not after the dessert incident.

I have grown resistant to your-

“Alright, fine,” I caved in as I made my way on top of the cloud. I thought I would need to grab my friend, but…it was soft but otherwise solid ground for me.

That…can’t be right.

I know my soul, I know I can’t be pure-hearted, and that's fine; there are plenty of individuals who have impure hearts that are great people.

So why can I stand on my own on this cloud?

What the hell is going on?

I know my soul.

Right?

“Let's give this a spin!” Goku yelled happily, and I quickly grabbed onto him to keep myself steady as we flew through the air. I kept my eyes closed. I wasn’t exactly scared of heights, minus roller coasters, but there was a difference between flying on an airplane and riding a cloud.

“Open your eyes, Chi-Chi, you're going to miss all the fun!”

“If I faint, you are so dead, Son Goku!” I yelped as I slowly opened my eyes to see the boundless sea and white clouds as we soared between them in the sky. It was still scary, don’t get me wrong, but paradoxically it was…euphoric as well, and I couldn’t help but smile as we flew.

“See, you got nothing to worry about!” Goku laughed as we lowered down to the waters, as the Nimbus allowed us to surf at high speed.

“I’ll give you something to be worried about. How bout you give us some loops?” I requested with a smirk as he looked at me with shock.

“You not frightened?”

“Of course I’m frightened, but I trust you,” I replied with a more honest smile. He nodded as his face hardened into a determined grin. He faced forward and had the Nimbus shoot us high in the air as we went through several loops, and for the first time as we flew.

I wasn’t scared.

I’m not 100% sure how long we flew, but eventually we landed back, and likely not a moment too soon, as it seemed Bulma and Roshi were having their discussion.

“Ah, you two are back, that's good. Now, where were we? Ah right! Can I have a cloud, please?”

“Hmm…turtle, did she help at all?”

“Not even a little”

“Why I outta…” Bulma started before calming down and gave a charming and most certainly false smile.

“Surely there is something we can work out?”

“Well, there's only one Nimbus cloud I can give, so that's out of the question. However, as a compromise, I can give you something else…if I can look at your panties.” The hermit asks, his cheeks already heating red at the thought.

“Well, if that's all you want, then I guess I’ll-”

“SHE IS SIXTEEN!” I yelled, causing the old man to back off almost immediately as he pointed his staff at her in accusing fashion.

“I might be a pervert, but I’ve got standards, plus I ain’t going to did with the feds again! Deals off!”

Whoa, this version of Roshi got standards.

Bare minimum standards, but standards nevertheless.

“Darn it, Chi-Chi, I nearly had it!” The teen yelled at me as she referred to the dragon ball in Roshi’s possession.

“IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PROTECT YOUR DIGNITY, THEN I WILL! Plus, I got a counter proposal, if we can touch that orange orb that you're using as a necklace, then we get it for keeps!” I challenged him…only for him to adjust his glasses before scratching his back with the expression that he was barely listening to me.

Is…is he not taking me seriously?

He is going to get it.

“I don’t know, can a couple of younglings keep up with me?”

“They got potential Roshi, they were able to run with me on their back with ease. The boy even uses a rough version of your fighting style.”

“Is that so? You two know turtle style. You both wouldn’t happen to know Gohan or Ox-King?”

“Of course we do! Gohan is my grampa!” Goku happily responded.

“A I am the proud daughter of the mighty Ox-King!” I joined with equal enthusiasm.

“To think my greatest and latest pupils would have started their own families. That's good, especially for young Gohan. A good man with a good taste of ladies, but always was a bit of a loner.” Roshi spoke, though mostly to himself, with a smile on his face.

Not a perverted smile but rather one of a proud teacher or even father.

“Alrighty, it's time to see what the latest generation has to offer. If I find you worthy enough in your effort to get this silly necklace from me, I might even train you two myself.”

“Really?” Goku said.

“I’ll let you try anything you want to, feel free if you think it will help.” The turtle hermit stated with confidence, and that's all I need to hear, as face broke into a grin.

“Anything?” I attempted to confirm.

“Yes”

“...Anything?”

“I just said yes!”

“Any-”

“For the last time, yes! Meet me at the grassy area over there within the hour and not a second more.” The old man huffed as he began walking anyway, and as soon as he was out of earshot, I turned to Bulma.

“You mentioned having explosives earlier, right?”

---

Roshi yawned a bit as he watched the two get into positions. This was to test his abilities as it was to test theirs. Living in isolation has left him a little rusty, and he hasn’t had a student to teach in decades. If he can’t hold off a bunch of kids with only a couple of years of training, then he is not worthy of teaching martial arts.

Their body positions were good, clearly both taking influence from Gohan with their variations. He expected the girl to be closer to her father’s style, but Ox-King, when he was under his studies, did mention having a genuine kingdom, so maybe he just had his friend take over his daughter’s training.

“Whenever you’re ready,” He spoke calmly, and that was all that needed to be said as the two children rushed at him at super sonic speed. The Goku kid took the front and tried to sweep him off his feet, but the hermit jumped in the air before raising his cane just in time to block the girl’s effort to kick him in the kidney.

Interesting

The boy wants him off his feet and takes the advantage.

The girl wanted to break something essential.

He used his cane to smack the girl away before focusing on the male half of the duo, letting the child go for quick jabs that he blocked with his singular hand, whacking him lightly a few times across the face, and seemingly disappearing out of view.

“H-huh, where did he go?” The Saiyan raised on Earth asked.

“Above you, kid.”

The children look up, finding that the hermit master was standing on top of his head the entire time before hopping down. If Goku’s blood wasn’t rushing from this battle before, then it was indeed now going by his smile widening even further as the two reset back to their fighting.

“You sure are fast, mister!”

“Heh, well, at my age you pick up a thing or-” Roshi began before the ground burst, revealing the girl with her sword out.

“Back from hell!”

Roshi cursed under his breath. He should’ve paid more attention to her. He knew she was probably waiting for an opening, but he never would’ve thought she was spending time digging a hole in the ground.

Never mind that, a fighter does not look for excuses.

They focus on looking for ways to adapt.

He angled his cane to meet his story, but it was quickly becoming clear that despite her much different build, this Chi-Chi’s girl had inherited her father’s immense physical strength and pushed him back as she used her free hand to go for the dragon ball. Her eyes on the prize left her open to Roshi's free hand turn to a fierce open palm as he smashed it against her chest to send her flying into her partner, causing them to both tumble down.

“You certainly are more creative than your father was, girl, but it's going to take more than that to get on old Roshi.” The turtle hermit crackled as Chi-Chi huffed before turning to Goku.

“Operation: Soaring Eagles is a go!” The princess howled as she pulled out an oversized army helmet and plopped it on her head.

“You know that gives you a disadvantage-”

“POWER POLE EXTEND!”

Roshi quickly found himself tapdancing like the spikey-haired kid, thrusting numerous attacks with that darn staff of his from a distance. No doubt Gohan taught him how to use it, but to be this skilled that Roshi almost had to use half his speed screamed to the old master how much of a prodigy his former pupil’s grandson was.

Chi-Chi rushed ahead and began going for quick but precise jabs; not all of them were perfect, but they did the job as the turtle hermit was forced to drop his cane to contend with her lest he reveal more strength than necessary. The amount of trust she must have had in the boy not to hit her while they were attacking him at the same time meant they either did this before in some capacity or had a great deal of faith.

Just like him and Shen in the old days.

Roshi breaks the exchange and cracks the girl across the chin, causing her to stumble back. He never cared for hitting girls, but he would not dare give a fellow fighter anything less than he thought they could handle.

He rushes ahead for another opening, but she dodges by ducking, forcing him to adjust to defend himself. But instead of expecting a fist, he sees her holding a small object.

A grenade

“ARE YOU MAD?!” He yelled at her, only for her to look at him with a smile.

“Anything goes~” The princess replied before pulling the pin, forcing the hermit to use both arms to block as he was sent flying from the explosion. He quickly caught himself as he landed on his feet, only to be forced to jump more as several more explosions went off.

The girl hadn’t just attacked him from below but turned this place into a minefield!

And her suicidal charge wasn’t over as she chased after him with a trail of more grenades following her as she raced after him, trying to land a punch or kick, and it wasn’t like Goku wasn’t standing there either as he aggressively tried to block Roshi from evading,

The boy might’ve been the overall stronger one, but it was clear who was the crazy one!

“Alright, girlie, have a taste of your own medicine,” Roshi stated as he sent a small yellow ki blast to blow the girl back and to fall on her bum… surrounded by her own still active bomb.

“I hope you know this means war-WEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeee..” Chi-Chi screamed as she was sent skyrocketing into the sky before seemingly becoming a twinkle in the sky.

“...Well, I’m sure she’ll be fine,” Roshi claimed to calm everyone’s nerves, mostly his own. Not that he would get much of a chance, as Goku rammed into him with a headbutt to the chest while he was distracted, and the two began going back and forth before Roshi instinctively grabbed the poor kid by the tail and swung him away.

“That tail of yours is an opening; you should tuck it in, youngster,” Roshi stated as he waved his finger as the boy rubbed his behind. Learning from his mistake, he started scanning for that Chi-Chi girl again, but it appears she did disappear…was that a dot in the sky?

No, it's the girl again, and she… holding a shovel.

Before the old master could even process what he was seeing fully, Chi-Chi sped towards him directly with the flying nimbus with a shovel before ramming into his face full force as they both fell and rolled across the grass. As Roshi got up, he watched as she seemed to be charging up a blue ki attack from her location.

Well, if she wants to play like that, it's only fair, he responded in kind.

“Kame…hame…” he began as he cupped his hands together, and the girl’s smile widened as her attack was sparking with life.

“ HADOUKEN! ”

“ HA!”

The blue orb attack quickly met with the opposing wave of ki of the same color as they struggled against one another. Chi-Chi pumped more ki into the attack, briefly taking the advantage, but Roshi proved his mastery of spirit energy as he quickly pushed back and then a step forward.

“Sorry, kiddo, it's over!” Roshi commented as he pushed more ki into the attack, as it soon overwhelmed the girl, before the most enormous explosion yet of the battle went off. Roshi sighed a little as he looked at the crater he had made.

“Chi-Chi!” Goku exclaimed as he ran next to Roshi, as they inspected the damage.

“It's alright, kid, she's a durable young lady, I’ll give her that,” Roshi assured him as the smoke was finally beginning to clear. Only for the two to suddenly stumble back as a wave of malicious aura erupted from the location, as it ascended into the darkening sky, with purple lightning crackling down.

“...this level of energy…not since Piccolo…” Roshi muttered in horror.
---
“...Huh?”

I looked around my surroundings, as I was engulfed in red liquid that quickly invaded my mouth. The taste was somewhat of that of blood and cherry juice as I quickly swam to the surface, coughing as I felt glorious air rush into my lungs. One moment, I felt an intense anger and was suddenly teleported to the middle of a lake.

“Where the hell am I?” I asked no one in particular as I looked around. The landscape was that of a stereotypical hell, with clouds floating in the sky. However, calling them clouds wouldn’t be quite as accurate, given their bright colors and more solid properties. That was the closest I could associate it with.

“Ooo-bo!”

“What the-” I yelp as a massive hand lifts me, their entire body was shadowed in darkness, making it impossible to describe them besides massive in height, and as they dropped me at the edge of the cliff. I still couldn’t sense ki all that well, but even someone like Bulma would be able to feel the sheer level of power of this being.

It looked down at me, studying my every moment.

“Well, thanks for the save, pal, but if you could let me go, I’ll just go-”

“ Nngh ?”

“Ah, well, uh…no offense. I don’t understand a single word you’re saying.”

“ Aughh !” Whatever the hell I was talking with began to whine loud enough that I felt like I was going deaf. Alright, whatever this thing was, I didn’t need to be on its bad side because sad can quickly become mad, and this was not going to be a fight.

“Wanna…wanna be friends?” I quickly asked, trying to calm it down. It seemed like a trick as it stopped and presumably looked down at me.

“ Nngh? ”

“Yes, friends who dance and sing or just hang out with each other, share stories, or send gifts like food to one another if they’re away? I’ll show you.”

Alright Chi-Chi

Now is not the time to pull a Bardock or Future Gohan.

What would be the best way to communicate friendship…or at least would be a funny way to go out

No wait… It's perfect.

“Bonpara parapara bonpappa!” I began singing as I danced. The creature was watching my movements as I kept chanting.

“Bonpara parapara bonpappa! Respect the beat! Right! Right! Left! Left! Now your turn!” I pointed at the being as they paused for a moment before copying my moments.

“That's the spirit! Now spin and don’t forget to smile. Don’t forget to smile!” I laughed as we mutually did the action at the same time.

“ Booo-pama! Boo-pama! ”

“Bonpara parapara bonpappa!”

“ Bon-pama! Bon-pama!”

“...AND SCENE!” I finished after several rounds as I bound at my singular audience, as they laughed loudly, as they began clapping again.

“Thank you! Thank you! I’ll be here all week,” I proudly announced before the ground beneath me began to crumble, and I quickly fell back into the lake again as everything went black.

---
Just as it came, the dark tone of the world seemingly undone itself as the sunny and clear sky retook the setting, as the last of the aura and smoke disappeared, revealing a heavily injured Chi-Chi in torn clothes and faceplanted in the ground in a pose not too different from someone who met their end at the hands of a saibaman. Realizing his fears would not come to pass, the hermit master peeked down.

“Are you alright, young lady?”

“Everything hurt…” the girl grumbled in the dirt.

“Well, I think it's time we just about call this in, you all gave a good effort, but-”

“There,” Goku said.

“Huh?” Roshi questioned, only to find the boy touching his necklace.

“I touched it right, so we win?” The boy asked innocently, and it was not like Roshi could lie now.

“I uh…guess so?”

“Hey Chi-Chi! We won!” Goku exclaimed as he looked down at his best friend in her personal crater.

“Yay…” The princess groaned.

…

…

Elsewhere, as our heroes began to enjoy their victory, another being celebrates as they dance seemingly in the middle of nowhere. They do their best to copy their new friend’s every moment after seeing their dance. It was so fun to interact with them. Usually, they could only watch their new friend and sometimes nudge them to do things, but this first interaction went great.

It completely forgot to tell her their name!

Well, it hasn’t spoken much since it first came into existence 12 years ago.

Ah well, there's always time to practice now.

“... emba … emba …”

“ Janemba! ”

Chapter Text

“Chi-Chi, do you need some help?”

“That would be much appreciated,” The girl grunted as she tried peeling herself off the ground, as the boy hopped down in the hole. Roshi couldn’t help but smile at the scene as he joined in; if the two didn’t remind him of how he and Shen used to roll, then they certainly are now.

Admittedly, he was the one being helped more often than he liked to admit.

Goku began helping the poor girl to her feet as the two of them made their way out of the hole. Honestly, she looked even less injured than Roshi would’ve thought. Definitely some cuts and bruises, but there was no doubt about it, this was Ox-King’s kid. A body almost as stubborn as the soul it contains.

The same could not be said with the girl's eyes.

In contrast with the rest of her face, which remained relatively innocent, her eyes were hollow and completely yellow besides some soulless red pupils, which tore at the hermit’s very essence. It took every bit of his being not to lash out on instinct; it was less than he was looking at the eyes of a predator or even something vile like Piccolo.

But as if he was seeing the preview of evil incarnate. An uncaring and cruel god, if he could describe it. The moments when they locked eyes felt like eternity; whatever he sensed was not only bringing up every sin he had committed or witnessed, but was outright devouring them.

“What's wrong with you, old man? Is there something about my eye?”

“I can check!” Goku volunteered.

“Wait, boy, don’t-” Roshi tried to warn him, but the small fighter was already staring into his partner’s eyes before laughing abit.

“Your eyes are all yellow and beady!”

“WHAT?!” The girl shouted before rubbing her eyes and staring back at him.

“How about now?”

“Better, but they got red rings now. Did you put on makeup like Bulma?”

“Nope,” Chi-Chi admitted before turning back to her former opponent, and Roshi was glad to see that those primal eyes were long ago, but what took their place was quite the oddity. The sclera of her eyes was a standard white, but the irises remained the same sickly yellow with blood-red rings, and the pupils now had a similar red color.

It did not provoke the fear in Roshi’s gut as before, but it was still instinctively told him she was not an earthling, much less human.

He wonders…

“Hey, kid, are you adopted like your friend?”

“Nope, why do you ask?” Chi-Chi asked as her eyes settled back to their initial black.

“Just wondering,” Roshi replied, if his student really was this girl’s father, then she was at least half-human. Just who did Ox-King get to reproduce such an interesting little troublemaker? What he saw was undeniable evil, and yet it was clear that Chi-Chi was not this same evil, not to mention that she rode the nimbus, which is a sign of a pure heart.

Quite the paradox, and that was all from Chi-Chi alone; her partner was almost just as confusing. He expected his pupil, Gohan, to be an excellent teacher, but even with the advantage the entire time, he could practically feel the young boy grow stronger throughout the fight.

There may have been room in his lifetime for a few more students once their journey was over.

“Welp, a deal a deal. What would you like?”

“Awesome!...uh, what did we want again?” The boy turned to Chi-Chi, who quickly pointed at him with a smug grin.

“Your necklace, old man! Cough it up!”

“ Alright! Alright! You two won fair and square, and yet I still feel getting the impression of being mugged.”

“Skill issue!”

---

“Yes! That makes three!” Bulma cheered as she held the latest dragon ball in her collection.

“So happy for you,” I grumbled before hissing as Goku wrapped another bandage around me as I continued to cook for the group. I knew the risks of pulling stunts such as those in the fight, so I wasn’t putting fingers at anyone but myself damn, that didn’t make the pain any less bearable.

“Sorry,” Goku yelped, but I just ruffled his hair as I always did to let him know that it was fine.

What? He has very ruffable hair, I mean, look at it.

“Do you youngsters even want these orbs anyway?” The old turtle hermit asked, causing Bulma to become far more timid suddenly.

“Well, you uh you see, they rare accessories an-”

“They’re magical objects, and when you collect all of them, you get a free wish. “ I said as I kept looking at my grill, already knowing a certain blue-haired teenager was glaring holes into my forehead.

“Chi-Chi!”

“What?”

“Now we've got a potential rival; he could try to steal our Dragon Balls.”

“Hey, Grunkle Roshi, do you want a wish?”

“No, I have no interest in these Dragon Balls, curre-Grunkle?”

“It means great uncle, you’re old and you remind me of those types of uncles in a lot of fiction that your parents tell you stay away from,” I stated nonchalantly, causing the older man to fall on his back in surprise before getting back and angrily readjusting his glasses.

“Bah! You might have Gohan’s fighting style, but you certainly have your father’s mouth back when he was your age, I thought being Gohan’s students would teach you to respect your elders!”

“At least you're getting a free dinner out of this old man, quit yer yapping.” I stuck out my tongue before laughing loudly like a gremlin. Roshi just stared at me before shaking his head and beginning to laugh as well. I suppose I would, even if I were being made fun of. I can only imagine how long he has been alone. You don’t get the title with the word “Hermit” for nothing.

“Did you really use to train Grampa Gohan and Uncle Ox?” Goku interjected.

“Why yes, boy, they were abit older than you two…I think about 15 and 25 when they approached me, respectively, if my memory isn’t failing me.”

“Wait, my dad is only ten years younger than Gohan?” I asked, knowing the two were likely Rosh’s last students or at least some of his last previous students, until the likes of Goku and Krillin, but it never really clicked with me how old my dad must actually be to be training with Gohan.

“Ha! Indeed, but I bet he doesn’t look like it, going by your question? I don’t blame you; your father comes from a bloodline that is notoriously long-lived, but that's not my story to tell.” Roshi said, but I could almost see the twinkle in his eye behind those glasses that this was at least partially payback.

“Whatever, I’ll find out eventually.”

“Did Grampa tell you that I was a Saiyan?” Goku asked another question, causing Bulma to stare at him as if he had grown a pair of horns.

“You are an alien?!”

“Uh-huh, my earth name is Goku, but my other name is Kakarot!” The boy claimed with excitement and I dare say, abit of pride as odd as it might sound. It's funny imagining a younger Goku, much less a child Goku, taking pleasure in being a Saiyan, but who can blame him? He had an origin, a tiny puzzle to his life solved.

It's going to sting when he finds out what his people were really like for the most part. 

“Hm, not particularly. Twelve or so years ago, Gohan briefly came by to talk about some kid from what he believed was a spaceship, which I guess was you, young lad, but I’m afraid I know very little of what lies beyond this little rock.” Roshi admitted.

“Aw...well, thank you anyway, mister!”

“Don’t worry about it, kid. I’m sure you'll figure out more about yourself with enough time. Is that why three are gathering these orbs?”

“Nope, we're here to help Bulma get a lifetime supply of strawberries.”

“Actually, I want a boyfr-you know what, sure let go with that.” Bulma groaned.

“Personally, I would wish for a book on magic,” I stated as it was finally time to put food on the table, as others did the same. I wasn’t lying either; it's not like a magic tutor is going to appear from nowhere. I need to take an active approach in the mystical arts, at least I can find a mentor.

“What about you, Goku?” Bulma asked the Saiyan, but Goku only looked at her blankly before chowing down and talking in between bites. If you asked me, Goku already got his wish at the moment, and that was people to fight and food to eat.

“I don’t have one, but I’ll let you know if that changes.”

“A kid that doesn’t want a wish, you really are an alien,” Bulma muttered before taking a bite out of her burger, with Roshi doing the same before stopping.

“Chi-Chi”

“Yep?”

“These are good, but these are not standard burgers. I never had anything like it.”

“Almost has a taste of fish,” Roshi commented, but I merely waved it off.

“Well,l duh, I don’t exactly have a lot of meat, so I have to improvise, silly. Unless you all want fish and turtle soup.”

“I’M OKAY WITH THIS COMPROMISE!” Turtle spoke up as it attacked its freshly killed fish.

“What in this meat anyway?” Bulma asked.

“There's still beef, but also pork, but bear…”

“Ah, that's pretty unique-wait here, did you get that bear meat?”

“...”

“Chi-Chi…you didn’t”

“Well, you know what they say…Waste not want not!” I yelled before breaking for it as she began chasing me around the table, and I began crackling. I must admit, for a girl who hasn’t done any training in her life, she does sprint pretty well.

She must be pissed.

“YOU’LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE, COPPER!”

“I DON’T INTEND TO!” The teen screamed back.

“Those two are a certain eccentric bunch,” Roshi commented, and Goku nodded as he kept eating his share.

The boy wouldn’t have it any other way.
---

“...I experienced the strange sensation of…uh…”

“Buoyancy”

“Buoyancy!” Goku repeated so happily that I couldn’t help but smile in turn. Usually, I would avoid ever trying to teach anyone anything in my last life, but I long since co-taught this boy alongside his grandfather, and I’m not letting him fall behind now!

I mean, Roshi gave him a basic education, but I’m sorry.

I don’t have my effort be put aside so some old guy teach my student how to read through bloody porn mags. Speaking of Roshi, after dinner last night, he took off pretty fast, much like in the original story. Hopefully, we left a good enough impression as I had hoped. I might’ve teased him a bit more.

I feel like I forgot to ask him something…ah, well, it was probably not important.

“What are you two even reading?” Bulma asked as she made another right turn, her eyes going back and forth in a quick scan of the road and the dragon radar.

“I am a Cat. Have you not read this yet? I found it in your car.”

“I’m more of a TV girl; books are just there for emergencies.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

“Do I have to keep reading this Chi-Chi? It's so boring.”

“We can do pre-algebra if you want to instead?” I not so subtly threatened, as the boy quickly returned his full attention to reading his book aloud. To be honest, I almost equally hated the idea of doing anything related to math. It just was never my strong suit; I'm still shocked that I got good grades on it to this day.

“Enough of the teaching lessons, I think we made our next stop!” Bulma shouted in the back as the car came to a hard stop.

How did this girl get a license?

…Actually, did she even have a license?

Questions for later.

“What a lively place.” I sarcastically remarked as we looked around. If the place didn’t look like it was so properly kept. I would’ve assumed that this was a long-disregarded town that belonged to only nature and ghosts.

“Well, SOMEONE has to be around, and we're not leaving until we find what we came for!” Bulma replied, looking for any sort of life beyond small wildlife.

“Let's start with this house!” Goku pointed to a blue home nearest to us as he began knocking.

“Well, I guess we can always look-”

I was quickly interrupted as the Saiyan went from merely knocking to punching a hole where a lock used to exist on the door before turning to the two of us with a grin.

“I got it open, guys.”

“You just can’t bust doors open! We can’t afford to be reckless around here.” Bulma scowled at him as I peeked inside before walking in. I could definitely hear breathing inside, but otherwise it was pitch darkness.

“But I could hear people inside Bulma! They’re just being quiet.”

“Maybe there's a reason for that, you dolt!”

“Can’t you both calm down?” I turned them back on, which quickly turned out to be my worst mistake so far since my fight with Roshi.

“DIE OOLONG, YOU DEMON!” A foreign voice announced his presence as I turned around just in the nick of time, as the axe became visible, and before any reaction could be made, I found eight pounds of steel ram itself into my forehead before shattering.

Typically, this is where I would brag about my excellent durability, but I was abit busy squawking and rolling around the floor in pain.

“OW! OW! OW!” I shouted nonstop before standing up with hate at the perpetrator, a balding, middle-aged, soon-to-be very deceased man. The man stared at me in shock before getting on his knees and pressing his hands.

“PLEASE FORGIVE ME OOLONG-SAMA!”

“You can repay with your life!” I screamed, barely being held back by Goku, who was sporting an equally fearful look.

“Lemme at him! Lemme at him, Goku! I just found more dinner!”

“W-wait, Chi-Chi, let's hear him out.”

“He won’t be hearing anything soon!”

“If you could just give us a moment.” Bulma politely asked the confused man.

---

“There,” A young girl about my age wearing what I believe was Native American headwear as she applied much-needed ice to my head.

“Thank you,” I mumbled.

“No problem, can you spare my daddy, please?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“CHI-CHI!” Bulma scolded.

“Alright, alright, all is forgiven.” I pouted at the man still on his knees, causing him to bow multiple times before standing up. It appears our little incident wasn’t as private as we thought, either, as I began to notice a bunch of people showing up at the doorstep.

Don’t these folks have anything better to do?

Oh right Oolong.

“Thank you both! I'm sorry, young lady, I just mistook you for Oolong-sama. With your non-human nature and all, I couldn’t be sure.”

Non-human?

“I’ll have you know that I am 100% human, pal!”

“B-but your horns-”

And now this is where I begin to see red before shoving down the sheer hatred back down my throat. I always had a temper before; it's something I inherited from my father, and I’m sure Chi-Chi’s natural temper wasn’t helping, but this felt different. It was as if I had to suppress the very essence of my being.

So what if I have horns, I’m still like everyone else for the most part.

“You're still not out of the clear yet, mister. Who the hell is this Oolong guy? ” Bulma demanded as she stared down the man who genuinely looked like he was about to have a heart attack at any moment.

“He is this terrible shapeshifting monster, and he has been demanding a hand in marriage for the young girls of this village for the last three or so days and my daughter is next in line, noon sharp!”

“Let me guess, you can’t track him because you don’t know his true form?” I interrupted.

“Exactly, and even if we were to band together, Oolong, even in his most tame form, towers over even our biggest and strongest men.”

“And what would you do if someone were to get rid of him?” Bulma, as she checked the dragon reader, before flashing me a knowing smile, which I gave in return. 

“ANYTHING!”

“Is that so? You wouldn’t happen to have an object similar to this one, right?” Bulma asked as she pulled out the four-star dragon ball. I could watch as the man’s very hope began to fade away.

“I…I don’t”

“Wait, I have a ball like that!” An older woman announced as she held the sixth dragon ball.

Hook, Line, and Sinker.

“A deal, a deal then. We got it from here. We have Oolong handle in no time and in return, we’ll receive that little orange ball, m’kay?”

“That's amazing…but how are you going to defeat him?”

“Oh buddy, oh pal of mine…leave it to me.” I snickered.

---
“I didn’t know you could shapeshift,” Bulma questioned.

“You never asked, I betcha didn’t think I was into dresses either,” I answered teasingly as I made a turl in the clothes of the girl who treated me earlier. It hasn’t actually been that long since I began shooting up like a weed, so being this height was surprisingly nostalgic. 

“Frankly, no… you've been screaming tomboy since we met.”

“Foolishness Bulma foolishness. A true queen knows she can look and slay greatly in anything.” I posed dramatically in the mirror, and before we both began laughing, I caught sight of myself.

“Alright, vanity queen, knock 'em dead,” Bulma spoke before giving a thumbs up, with Goku copying her. I happily returned the gesture before one of the townsfolk burst into the room.

“Word came around about Oolong's arrival. It's now or never!”

“Let's do this!” I announced before heading out the door. Only to quickly realize that I had no idea where my fellow shiftshaper was actually at.

“Uh, where is he?”

“He’ll show up, now look cute. We believe in you.” Bulma uttered before shutting the door with way too much speed for someone who claimed to be confident in me.

And so I waited…and waited…

“If I could walk 500 miles, then I would walk 500 more…”

God, I miss the David Tennant era Doctor Who. Simpler times back then. Is there any good sci-fi in this universe once we hit major civilization?

“I come for you, my cute little lady.”

“I beg my pardon-Oh my god!” I shouted as I looked up at the fat demon-like entity before him. He was as fat as he was towering, but perhaps what was most bizarre about him was that he was surprisingly well-groomed, all things considered.

“Yes, yes, I know my appearance may come off frightening, but I’m a real nice guy, I promise.”

“Meh, you’re  six out of ten, pal.”

“I’M A SIX? I HAVE YOU KNOW I HAVE MULTIPLE WIVES!” He shouted at me, probably hoping for some fear, but I remained stone-faced.

“Yeah…through kidnapping, come on, chop chip “Hubbie”. I tolerated your worst, so give me your best. I am not having us visit my father with a look like this.”

“Damn broad..”

“You got five seconds to take that back…5…4…”

“Alright! Alright! I’m sorry, give me a moment.” The so-called “demon” yelped before stepping back, surrounded by a puff of smoke. In his place was an objectively attractive man, I guess, who oozed what television would claim is masculinity. However, just because I wasn’t interested, it doesn’t mean no one was, to my regret, as Bulma burst from her hiding with I kid you not literal hearts in her eyes as she drooled almost like a dog.

“Hubba hubba, come to mommy!”

“YOU CRAZY WOMAN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE!” I shouted, but it quickly became apparent that both parties were now ignoring me.

“Oh, you're quite lovely-looking. What size are your breasts?”

Bulma, please, if you have self-respect…

“85cm and I’m only sixteen, loverboy!”

I’m surrounded by idiots, horny teens, and perverts.

“Back inside right now, young lady!”

“But Chi-Chi, he is the perfect man-

“Standards, damnit, think beyond the superficial. You deserve way better than this guy. He is a literal confirmed child kidnapper. I will not let my sister from another mister lower herself even if I have chained you to a wall!”

“Aw…Chi-Chi that…violent but sweet.”

“Hang on now, I’m really not that bad of a guy. Ignored this silver medalist.” Oolong interrupted.

“What…what is that supposed to imply?” I coldly retorted.

“Hey, it's alright, I can kidnap your butt tomorrow. Just cause you're not cute and hot like your friend here doesn’t mean you can’t develop a better body in a few more years.”

Did…He just implied I wasn’t cute.

Me? Princess of the Ox-Kingdom, who got her looks from the Ox-Queen, who is one of the most beautiful women that this planet has ever experienced?

Me? Who, my father the mighty Ox-King, declared was in fact cute as a button?

THIS JACKASS?!

“I see…are we going to have a problem?”

“Wha-”

“You got a bone to pick? You have come so far, why are you hopping on my dick?” I growled as I approached him. I guess he could really feel my anger as he fell on his back with a frightened expression.

“We can talk about this-”

“I’d normally slap your face off, and everyone here can watch, but I’m feeling nice, so here's some advice, listen up BIOTCH!” I grabbed him by the collar as he looked like he was about to pass out as I leaned down.

“W-what?”

“It's been five minutes,” I whispered in his ear, and right on cue, the tall man was replaced with a pig boy who was probably even smaller than Goku. You know, besides being a journey to the West parody, Oolong’s species makes a lot of sense now. A pervert who is also a literal pig? Can’t get more fitting than that.

Wait, what am I doing, lock in girl!

“How did…”

“You’re not the only one who is a shapeshifter,” I smirked as I shot back up to my initial height, towering over the little guy.

“I don’t suppose we can’t uh take this out?”

“One last thing”

“What?”

He never got to verbal response as I dug my foot deep between his legs in a swift and merciless motion, and in return for my actions, I received beautiful music to my ears as the guilty cried out for Kami. 

---
“Keep walking, wise guy!” I told the pig that I was myself, my group, and a trail of townspeople followed him. Once it was shown he was a fraud, everyone’s fear had swiftly changed to anger, and we were quite literally holding Oolong by gunpoint.

“I got the idea! It's not exactly easy to move after what you did.” Oolong groaned as he kept walking, and by walking, I mean waddling.

“Say Chi-Chi…about earlier…” Bulma began, but I shrugged.”

“Water under the bridge, I know you're a bit boy crazy. Something Jackass Mckenize here was trying to take an advantage of.”

“What even type of insult is that-” The pig began questioning, but quickly silenced with another glare as Bulma continued to talk. 

“Still between being almost dinner..twice, falling in love in an instant, and I didn’t even fight against that Roshi guy-”

“Bulma, it probably takes like a hundred, if not hundreds of years to find all these magical orbs normally. Your technology has enabled us to practically collect over half of them in just a few days from our perspective. You are just as much of a vital teammate as you are a friend.” I reassured her with a smile.

“...Thanks, Chi-Chi.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Does it ever concern you how you can go chill to pissed and vice versa at a moment's notice?”

“Meh, sounds like everyone else's problem.”

“Pft…I shouldn’t even be surprised at this point.”

“Can I fight the next guy?” Goku asked. 

“Sure, you can, and I’ll gladly cheer you on,” I replied, getting a big smile from the kid.

I did steal his moment. It was nothing major now, I think, considering it was Oolong of all people, but my knowledge of this story is going to be pointless if I change everything.

Still…is that actually a bad thing to do to a certain extent? It's not like I’m not butchering events as they are anyway.

Ugh, things are never simple, no matter what lifetime you're in.

“Here we are,” Oolong announced as we stopped at a mansion, and he stepped out of the way not a moment too soon as people stampede past him. They didn’t even wait to open the door properly, preferring to rush inside.

“Baby, you’re saved-”

“Honey, we came to get you out of here-”

“Darling, we're getting you out.”

No matter who was yelling, they were quickly silent as they examined the place. There were no cages or chains. All the girls looked like they were pampered like princesses, and I should know because I was one.

“We appreciated your concern, but you can leave us.” The first blonde girl spoke as she sat in a comfortable chair, wearing clothes that screamed expensive.

“This is way better than farm work.” Another girl, a ginger, followed the trainer on the big flatscreen television as a few other girls watched and cheered her on as she did some of the more complicated exercises.

“Alright, buddy, explain yourself,” I asked Oolong.

“I wanted an obedient girl… that's why I kept taking a new girl every day, cause these gals don’t listen. Please…you can all take them back, they're eating me out of house and home.” The pig begged as he had enough decency to look down in shame as I pinched my nose in frustration, remembering why he did this in the first place..

Never change Dragon Ball, never change. 

Chapter Text

“Let me go!” Oolong screamed as I forced another knot on him in our car under a starry night, after dinner with the villagers of the town, which was apparently called Aru Village. I decided it was best for Oolong’s health if he came with us. Even though their daughters and sisters weren’t harmed. Numerous families were still less than pleased with the hog’s existence.

“How about you sit still!” I hissed as I finished restraining the pig in the back of Bulma’s car. Realistically speaking, dragging Oolong around was not really needed, considering I was a shapeshifter myself who could fill his canon role, but I’ll be damned if I let any of Goku’s friends go unnoticed. Oolong might’ve been no Bulma or Krillin, but the guy could and has come in clutch in canon both on purpose and by accident.

The plot has already thrown numerous curveballs at me. I’m taking every damn advantage I can get, thank you very much. Another shapeshifter could come in handy, that's all I’m saying.

“What are even the points of these restrains, you know I can change forms!”

“I already ate two people, I’m not above eating a literal pig!”

“You WHAT?!”

“Settle back there, both of you! Look, buddy, you owe us big time for kidnapping multiple girls, and if it weren’t for the fact that you are an absolute sub, I'm pretty sure you would be in an even more shitty situation than you already are. Chi-Chi, stop trying to commit cannibalism!” Our blue-haired driver screeched at us.

“Hey, none of those were the same species!”

“Schemetics! If I find out he's having tomorrow’s breakfast, I will force you into vegetarianism until this journey is over!”

“Fine, fine! Everyone is a damn critic!” I groaned.

“What a sub?” Goku asked.

“WHEN YOU OLDER!” We all screamed at him, including Oolong, and guess even he could sense Goku’s innocence. It's interesting, technically speaking, that Oolong would be the youngest out of all of us at the age of nine. 

Not that you would be able to tell from his behavior and voice.

“Goku switches places with Chi-Chi. I can’t handle this yelling for the full night.”

“Okay!”

“Fine by me,” I grumbled as Goku and I crawled over and past another, but not before I stuck my tongue out at my sitcom nemesis, only to receive a smack on the back of the head.

“Behave,” Bulma further demanded.

“For the sake of everyone’s sanity, I’ll let that one go.” I managed to speak out through gritted teeth. It was like dealing with an older sister again, can’t get away with nothin’ I tell you what.

“Good.”

Normally, this is the part where things got more eventful after that little incident, but frankly, it was a smooth ride even well into the night. I suppose it only made sense, in most stories they would close to the more interesting bits, but that's not how life really was in this world or the world I came from.

There were just moments we all just…existed, I guess.

“Still awake?” Bulma asked.

“Still a night owl,” I muttered as I straightened up when the car slowed down to stop.

“It's a nice night, I don’t think I've ever seen so many stars in the sky…”

“Not really visible where you live?”

“Ha! I live in the middle of West City. The light pollution is through the roof. Needless to say, this summer is the first time in a long time since I got a good look at celestial bodies. Do you know any constellations?”

“In picture books mainly, I wouldn’t be able to point out any in the actual sky.”

“How about we change that? Come on, you too, Goku-” Bulma started before seeing both our male members of the group fast asleep. Makes sense, Goku was always more of an early bird than a night owl, and Oolong didn’t exactly have much to do with being tied up.

“Guess it's another girl’s night. Come on, kid.”

“I’m only four years younger than you know.” I retorted, and she only gave a mere shrug as we both got out of the car before making our way to sit on the car hood, where we both leaned again. The summer wind keeps us warm, and despite being in the middle of the wilderness, I couldn’t hear a thing beyond maybe an occasional cricket.

“See the brightest star?”

“That's the north star, right?”

“Mhm! Now follow my finger.” Bulma spoke, and sure enough, I was seeing the constellation beaming directly at me. Jeez, was it that obvious?

“Alrighty, where is the Big Dipper then?”

“That's easy,” Bulma chuckled before moving her finger slightly down.

“Where did you even know this stuff?”

“It's not exactly rocket science, and I’m a girl who knows tons of stuff!”

“Even a time machine?” I teased.

“Hey, spaceships are one thing, maybe, but a time machine? That's still in the world of science fiction.”

“I don’t know, I think if anyone could make one, I think it would be you.”

“You think so?”

“Haven’t let me down yet,” I replied as I lay on my back against the front window of the car.

“I’m not sure about that.”

“Still feeling the self-doubt?” I asked, and predictably, silence was Bulma’s response. Not that I was surprised. A mere prep talk doesn’t make any feelings about insecurity go away, heaven forbid, I haven’t had my moments in both lifetimes. 

“...do you fear anything, Chi-Chi?”

“Oh, definitely.”

“And what would that be?”

“Death”

Yeah, laugh it up, the guy who reincarnated in a story where there is a confirmed afterlife as an essential character? Death should be the last thing I fear. Unfortunately, death and life are never that simple. In my old life, I was religious, not like obsessively so, but it was still my faith. I was still human, heaven knows I had moments where I stayed awake at night, wondering if there really was something after death or if this is all we got.

I naturally decided to say fuck it, I’ll leave to the fullest of my abilities. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst type of deal.

But no one could’ve prepared me for this.

I don’t like to talk about it or even think about it, but my body sometimes feels “wrong”. The wrongness doesn’t come up as much thanks to both time in this body and height increase, making it at least slightly closer to my old one. Most days, this body felt no different from my own now, but some nights…it was like a straitjacket that was constantly overheating or a car where all the shifts are broken.

That's the best way I can describe it; even then, it probably wouldn’t do it justice.

But the worst part was dealing with the questions

I still have so many questions. Am I Chi-Chi with just the memories of another person from another space and time, or am I a soul who robbed another of their body? I doubt it like that, but doubt still weighs in the back of my mind, followed by plenty of others. How did I go? Did I go alone? How much do I actually remember of my former existence?

Did I live a full life?

Did my parents have to outlive their child?

…Will I ever see them or anyone I know again?

Dying again would force me to answer, assuming I don’t reincarnate again. Where will I go? Will I see my old family and abandon this one, or do I have to live my life and after within this new dimension, forever apart from those I knew?

I don’t want to ever go through it again.

It…maddening at times.

“Chi-Chi?”

“Sorry, Bulma, I zoned out.”

“Are you okay?”

“...No, I got my own demons to face, but I like to think I’ll beat them eventually.”

“How do you do it?”

“Do what exactly?”

“I saw you face down your father, that crazy Roshi guy, and outright risk yourself with Oolong. Sure, that last one turned out to be a pushover, but I never saw you back down at the risks.”

“Sometimes…the best way to deal with fear is to fight it,” I admitted.

“Smile”

“Yeah, when I’m in the zone, I’m not scared of dying at the moment, I’m thinking about how badass I am and how I WILL win despite the odds.”

“And when you lose?”

“Nothing is more defiant than to smile at the end.”

“That's probably tougher than it sounds.”

“It is…and isn’t, living out of spite would be my funny answer, but the real answer…is hope, faith, and yes to continue to cliché love too.”

“They clichés for a reason.”

“Fair…but it's not just that…I think…I think when I’m so scared of dying in battle, I ask myself: If I’m terrified of something, what kind of person would I be to force someone who didn’t deserve it to experience it if I could’ve done something to prevent it.”

“That's how you faced your dad.”

“Yeah, I’m going to be a queen, and a queen protects her subjects because it's the right thing to do. My dad is probably internally panicking about my well-being, but he knew it was both our responsibility that I go and experience the rest of the world. You just gotta do the right thing, courage isn't just a matter of not being frightened, it's being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.”

Thank you, John Pertwee.

“You know our adventure would be a lot simpler if you kept this level of maturity the whole time, ya know?”

“Not in this lifetime, it wouldn’t be as fun.” I snorted, causing her to laugh as I began laughing myself. Before I knew it, we were sharing Hetap drinks after Bulma popped a capsule that held a mini-fridge.

It was moments like these that kept me going. Dad, Goku, Gohan, and now Bulma. I’m not going to pretend my problems are gone and fixed now. Frankly, more bad days are likely…no, they are promised to come and that life. I will mourn what I lost, I probably won’t truly let go until later in life, if at all, but damnit…this life was a blessing as much as it was a curse.

Even if there is a possibility I’m not the real Chi-Chi, I am still Chi-Chi.

No matter the lifetime, neither of my families raised a quitter!

“You’re really brave, Chi-Chi.”

“Thanks, Bulma.”

“Guess it's only fair I share my fear then, huh?”

“Only if you want to,” I waved her off, but for the first time, I could see some real determination behind her eyes. Reluctant determination, but it was there nevertheless.

“No, it's fine, I can do…I can do this…”

“Start simple.”

“I’m scared of being alone.”

Well…damn, this one came out of left field.

“Your parents not around?” I faked ignorance.

“No, no, my dad and mom are great. I wouldn’t say they’re standard parents, in fact, I argue in some ways they're crazier than even your dad, but the fact is they’re the only ones that bother to be around!” Bulma began ranting, and I had no desire to stop her.

“I am objectively a genius, the heir of the biggest corporation on earth, and I still have plenty of my youth to look forward to. I have all the cards in my hand since birth, and despite that…I can’t make a single relationship outside my family!”

“So…no friends?”

“Please, at best, I can start a cordial relationship with people when we share fashion sense, but the moment I go into the world of science, it's like I'm some sort of abomination, and those who do stick around just want to take advantage of me, either through my stuff or my status! Remember how I was teaching you about the car yesterday?”

“Uh-huh, that was hard to follow.”

“But you at least tried! My dad, in contrast, has the social skills of a master. Even in his youth, he knew how to run people. That's how he even developed Capscule Corps in the first place, and that just…doesn’t come easily to me.”

“...Is that why you want a boyfriend?”

“How do you-”

“Bulma, not to kick you while you’re down, but you revealed your breast size to a stranger cause he looked hot. It's pretty easy to tell that a lifetime supply of strawberries was not the heart of your desires.”

“Look, I’m not saying I wouldn’t imagine he wasn’t an utter hunk, but I was originally going to make sure he listens and…I don’t know, make me feel good. Say the things I always wanted to hear from someone who wasn’t related to me.”

“That fair…”

“I just don’t know, Chi-Chi. I’m going to take my dad’s place one day, and I’m not sure if I’m capable of it. If I can’t even do the same thing that a lot of teenagers do, then how the hell am I going to run a room of investors?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted before continuing.

“But I will help in any way I can.”

“You would?”

“It's what sisters are for anyway?”

“Sisters?”

“Sworn sisters! Or well, besties at least. I mean, sure, we only know each other for a few days, but I think quality speaks more than quantity in this case.” I snickered.

“I thought Goku was your best friend.”

“Goku is…uh… he's something else above that.” I quickly turned my head away. Is it just me, or was it beginning to feel hot in here?

“Does someone have a crush~?” The blue-haired girl asked with an unneeded smirk.

“He's just a higher tier than best friend, alright!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll let you off the hook this time…as long as I’m the godmother.”

“Only I’m the godmother of your’s” I playfully remarked.

“Deal.”

Wait what?

“No takebacks,” Bulma swiftly stated before pulling out, I kid you not, one large bottle of scotch. Did this girl have any supervision from anyone while she was packing?

The answer was no, I assure you.

“I was going to save this for my big 18th birthday, but I think this might be the best occasion I'm going to get right? No one is promised tomorrow anyway, and we keep running into wacky, dangerous scenarios.”

“That is horribly cynical of you and very irresponsible.”

“So no on the scotch?”

“Do I look like a responsible wuss to you? hand me that, 'cause I'm about to drink you over the nonexistent table.”

Funny thing is, I was never much of a drinker, even at social events. If I ever had an addiction, it was to soft drinks, but I would be lying if I had had more than one experience of experiencing sweet bliss from good ole intoxication. A small part of my mind recognizes I probably shouldn’t do this, but boy howdy, I was having too much fun to care.

“...and that's how easy shrinking technology actually is…” Bulma rambled on about science mumble jumbo, and I assure you I tried, but between my much lower scientific intelligence and the fact that one of us randomly burst out giggling, my attention span was completely ruined.

“Chi-Chi”

“Y-yeah”

“What would you name your kid if or when you had one?”

“I…I don’t know, anything but Einstein ma-maybe..”

“Ha! Einstein, great guy, but yeah kinda rare to hear that name nowadays…I was thinking about…Boxer, if it's a boy…”

“That's nice, I think Trunks would be better though, it's way more badass pfft”

“You think so? I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Any more deep questions, Miss. Brief?”

“Do you think there are aliens out there for us?”

“Don’t you know a guy named Jaco?”

“He doesn’t count; he came to us. I’m talking about aliens out there for us to visit.”

“Pro-probaby”

“Will they be green like…like in the films?”

“They will be green, trust.”

“If they are…we should ask why they are green”

“Oh my god! You can’t just ask people why they’re green.”

“Why not?”

“It's racist.”

“Is not”

“Is so”

“Is not!

“Is so!”

“IS NOT!”

“Okay!” I agreed almost immediately, then crackled into another fit of laughter as I slid off the hood and landed headfirst on the ground, our relationship imminent. Did you know that the ground is amazing? like it allows us to walk and stuff with uh…gravity.

“We should do something reeeeeeeeallly stupid,” I stated as I began curling up into a ball.

“As a woman of science, the fact that we are traveling across an indeterminate amount of land to get a bunch of mystic orbs and stuff is pretty dumb.”

“No, that not dumb that like…good work effort…we should…we should start a band~”

“I always wanted to try the guitar…what would we all do ourselves.”

“From classic AMVs...Evanscence…Linkin Park…no…Three Day Grace…or Linkin Park”

“What are AMVs…and you already said that last one-”

“I got so far and come so far and in the end it doesn’t matter,” I began singing, or more accurately attempting to sing, before hiccupping. The urge to sleep had finally started to grow overpowering.

“Bulma”

“Yeah?”

“Do you still want to wish for a boyfriend?”

“I don’t know, probably not. I’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

“Kay…love you,” I muttered as I crawled to the nearest rock to rest my head again.

“Love you too, lil sis,” Bulma mumbled as sweet darkness took both of us.

---

“My head…” Bulma groaned as she hurled over the side of our boat, and Goku patted her on the back. I was shockingly woken up by Goku with no hangover. Bulma, however, was not quite as fortunate, which left me as a designated driver today for both land and water once we reach a dead end.

“I can’t believe you two were having fun without us, or at least me! You didn’t even make any breakfast!

“I offered you some earlier,” Goku mentioned only to cause the hog dressed as a soviet soldier to growl at him.

“Roasted wolves do not count as breakfast as ironic as it would be as a pig. I have standards and respect the nature hierarchy, unlike some people.”

“That person whom you’re implying is better than not be who I think it is.” I turned, causing him to squirm.

“Alright, alright, shutting up now.”

“Good, Bulma doesn’t need any more loud noises anyway.”

“Thank you, and if you're so bothered by your hunger, you big baby, then have one of these,” Bulma uttered as she went through her pockets before handing him a yellow orb.

“What is this?”

“You want it or not? Cause otherwise Gok-”

“W-wait, hang on now, I’ll have some!” Oolong announced before shoveling down the candy.

“How does it taste?” Goku asked.

“Hm…like Mango.”

“Ah, can I have some Bulma?”

“No, I only have one.” All Bulma could say before unleashing her breakfast on the port of our boat. In hindsight, allowing someone on a motorboat while they are having their first hangover was probably not my wisest decision.

“Where are we heading?”

“Fire Mountain”

“OH HELL NO! THAT IS THE HOME OF THE OX-KING!”

“Relax. He is my dad.”

“THAT EVEN WORSE!”

“Reminder that Bulma is no position to protect you from being bacon right now, and not only am I faster and stronger than you, but I also have your shape-shifting abilities to a greater degree. Be silent, swine.”

“She's right, she's so right…let me have sweet silence,” Bulma begged which Oolong silently nodded before sitting his butt back down. Thank god, now all we have to do is go mess around with Yamcha. It will be interesting to tell my dad what we've been up to since I left.

We even encounter Master Roshi early in our adventure.

The…same Master Roshi I was supposed to find.

The exact Master Roshi I needed to ask for help with my burning kingdom, which is so caught up in flames, that the slang name “Frypan Mountain” is an accurate description for once.

“...damnit”