Chapter Text
The sky was a flawless blue, and the warm sun sparkled across the ocean like a thousand diamonds. A yellow cloud can be seen zooming through the sky, and on it is a family of 4. The father, Son Goku, held his children tightly as to not let them fall.
"Almost there, everyone! Master Roshi's island isn't that far now." Goku called over the roar of the wind, a wide grin plastered on his face. “Keep your balance! This could be great practice for flying!” “I’m holding on!” Gohan shouted, eyes squinting as the wind whipped across his face.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m not falling!” Chiharu added, laughing, kicking her legs as if to push herself forward. "Really, Goku? Training talk while in the air?" Chichi scolded lightly as she wrapped her arms around her husband's waist tightly to not fall off herself. "And besides, they're too young to start flying. I already gave you permission to LIGHTLY train them as exercise, don't go overboard."
"Got it, hon. Don't worry, just giving some tips!" Goku cheerfully assured his wife while slightly looking at her over his shoulder. They continued to have a safe flight towards Roshi's Island that is way too far from civilization. Not long after, the small island finally came into view. Its palm trees swaying lazily in the gentle ocean breeze. The golden sand glimmered beneath the sun, and the distant waves lapped rhythmically against the shore.
“See? Almost there!” Goku exclaimed, adjusting his grip on the twins to give the them a little bounce as they held on. “Soon we’ll be on solid ground, and I can see if you two have improved your balance in the air!”
“Improved?” Gohan muttered, squinting at the sun and trying not to sway too much. “I just want to land safely…”
Chiharu laughed, leaning slightly forward to get a better view of the approaching island. “Come on, brother! Don’t be such a scaredy-cat. Flying is fun!”
Chichi huffed, eyes narrowing. “Fun? Tell that to me when we crash into a rock.” She remarked, even though there's not a rock in sight. Chichi tightened her grip around Goku’s waist, making sure neither of the twins bounced them off the cloud. “Honestly, I can’t believe I agreed to come along. I should’ve stayed home instead of letting you guys drag me out the house, maybe then I don't have to leave your sister with your grandpa.”
Goku chuckled. “Relax, Chi! She'll be just fine with your dad. You know how much he spoils the kids." At this, Chichi scoffed, "That's what I'm worried about. I'm afraid she'll be too spoiled by my dad and will grow up like that."
"Oh, c'mon have a little faith in him, would ya! Now, hold on tight you guys. We're landing!" Chichi and the twins held on to Goku tightly as he prepares to jump off from the cloud with his little family. "On three! One.... two.... three!" With that he jumped off nimbus with the twins in his arms and Chichi holding on to his bicep.
“Heyo! Anybody home?”, Goku called out. From inside the house, Roshi, Bulma and Krillin were chilling in the living room when they heard a very familiar voice from outside. “Is that Goku?”, Bulma asked as her face lit up along with Krillin. Chuckling, he went out the door first, followed by Roshi and Bulma. “Hey, bud! Long time no see!” Krillin cheerfully greeted. But as going for a hug, that’s when he noticed the two kids and woman Goku’s with. He realized the woman was Chichi, but who are the kids? All three confused, Krillin greeted, “Oh, hey there Chichi! I’m surprised you came along.”
“Yea, I hope you don’t mind. The kids and Goku convinced me to come and said it’s fine.” Chichi shyly said. “No, its completely fine. The more the merrier!” Bulma assured.
“Uhm.. say, what’s with the kids? You guys on some babysitting job or something?” Krillin finally asked the question that’s burning in all three heads. Goku and Chichi looked at each other, confused, looked at the kids then back to the confused gang. They chuckled lightly, “No, silly! These are our kids, Gohan and Chiharu! They’re twins.” Goku happily introduced as he settled them down to the sand.
A moment of silence passed as they were trying to process this new information. Then….
“KIDS?!? TWINS?!?!?” All three asked in unison.
“You’ve got kids now and they’re twins?! How long has it been!?” Bulma asked, shocked that the Son Goku is now a father of two.
“It’s been 5 years I suppose.” Goku replied, shrugging his shoulders.
“Hoo, boy you work fast! Five years ago, you ran off to marry this lovely princess, and now you come back with twins? I’m very proud!” Roshi praised, with a little hint of suggestive tone and his eyebrows raised. Chichi glared at him, while Goku narrowed his eyes as a warning. Roshi got the hint. Bulma and Krillin continued to stare at the twins. “It’s nice to see you all after a long time. I see not much has changed.” Chichi greeted then looked down at her twins that are clutching her’s and Goku’s pants for comfort. “Why don’t you greet your father’s friends and old mentor, kids? Go on don’t be shy.”
With a gentle push, both kids got in front of their parents, looked at the three strangers and bowed in greeting. “It’s nice to meet all of you!” Both greeted in unison then stood up straight.
“I’m Gohan, the eldest twin!” His sister pouted at him, “By like, 32 minutes! Momma said so.” She then turned to the strangers, “Hello, I’m Gohan’s twin sister, Chiharu!” Smiling, Bulma went and crouched down to their height. “It’s nice to meet the both of you! How old are you?”
“We’re four.” The twins replied while holding up four fingers.
Bulma blinked. “Four…?” she repeated, glancing back at Goku like she was trying to do the math in her head. “They’re already this coordinated at four?” Krillin leaned in a bit, inspecting them with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. “No kidding… when I was four, I could barely stand without tripping.” Roshi chuckled, stroking his beard. “Strong kids… I can already tell.” The twins smiled proudly, puffing their chests a little at the attention.
But Bulma’s eyes suddenly narrowed slightly, her gaze drifting downward— “…Wait a second.” She pointed. “Are those... tails?” There was a brief pause. Gohan instinctively reached back and grabbed his, while Chiharu’s swayed behind her freely, almost like she forgot it was even there. Goku blinked. “Huh? Oh yeah, they’ve had those since birth.”
At this, Roshi, Bulma and Krillin seemed alarmed and nervous. Bulma nervously nodded in understanding as the kids went to chase the giant turtle they discovered. She slowly stood up, crossing her arms, clearly thinking. “Goku… I’m gonna ask this just in case. Do they—” she hesitated, then continued carefully, “—do they do anything strange when there’s a full moon?” Goku tilted his head. “Full moon? Like what?” Krillin let out a nervous laugh. “Y’know… anything… big happen?” Chichi glanced between them, suspicion creeping in. “What are you all getting at?” Bulma waved her hands quickly. “N-Nothing! Just… random question! Forget it!” “Yeah! Totally random!” Krillin added a bit too quickly. It was silent for a moment as Goku looked at the suspiciously. Even Chichi is narrowing her eyes at them.
Roshi coughed into his hand. “Ahem… so! Kids! You like training?” Chichi frowned at this. The twins stopped their inspection of the giant turtle and turned to Roshi as he asked the question. They exchanged a looks before answering.
“Yeah!” Chiharu answered excitedly.
Gohan hesitated, then nodded. “…A little.”
Chichi sighed. “They’ve been training under him, but only lightly. I made that very clear.” She shot Goku a look.
Goku laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “I’ve been taking it easy! Promise!” Bulma smirked. “Uh-huh. I believe that.”
The group settled into a light conversation, laughter occasionally breaking out as Goku caught them up on bits of his life—though clearly skipping over certain… details. The twins wandered a little, kicking at the sand and whispering to each other, while Chichi kept a close eye on them. Everything felt… normal. Peaceful. Roshi is about to lead them all inside the little house to catch up some more when Goku suddenly froze. Mid-laugh, his expression shifted. His body tensed. “…Huh?”
Krillin noticed this and asked, “What is it?” Goku didn’t answer immediately. His eyes slowly lifted toward the sky. Making sure he's not feeling things. A strange pressure filled the air. Heavy. Suffocating.
“…Something’s coming.”
Chichi stiffened. “Goku?” The wind suddenly picked up. The ocean waves crashed harder against the shore. And then— A streak of light tore across the sky. Fast. Too fast.
With Goku's attention on that, Chichi called out to the twins, "Kids, come to me, right now!" The twins, ever obedient, immediately went to their mother's side as Chichi held them protectively.
Something slammed into the ground not too far from the island with a deafening BOOM, sending a shock-wave that rippled through the sand beneath their feet. The twins stumbled back.
“What was that?!” Gohan exclaimed, gripping his sister’s sleeve. Chiharu narrowed her eyes toward the distance. “An asteroid? But…that didn’t feel normal.”
Goku stepped forward, instinctively placing himself between the others and the impact site. “…Stay behind me.” Smoke rose in the distance. And from it… A figure emerged.
Tall. Broad. Wrapped in strange armor. Longest, spiky hair they've seen. A device covering one eye. And an overwhelming, oppressive energy that made even the air feel heavy. Then— “Kakarot.” The voice echoed.
Goku’s eyes widened slightly. “…Who are you?” A moment of silence before he answered,
"I am Raditz. Your older brother."
At this, everyone gasped. "BROTHER?!"
The man stepped forward, a smirk tugging at his lips. “So this is where you’ve been." He said as he observed his surroundings. Raditz took another step forward, his scouter giving a faint beep as it scanned Goku.
“…So it’s true,” he muttered, reached out to the device over his eye and clicked a button. Strange symbols began to appear. "Your power level is pathetically low.” Goku frowned, confused but annoyed.
“And why did you call me that name? Kakorat or whatever. My name is Son Goku."
Raditz observed his surroundings some more. They're on an island. There's an old man, two women and a bald short man. And two kids? With tails? "Interesting..", Raditz thought maliciously. Goku noticed his gaze at his already scared children in the arms of his wife. He stepped in front of them as cover from Raditz line of sight. Raditz then answered. He smirked.
“Not your name… your true name...” He pointed at him. “...is Kakarot.” The name hung in the air.
Goku blinked. “…You’ve got the wrong guy. Like I told you just a few seconds ago, my name’s Son Goku.”
Raditz chuckled darkly. “That’s what these Earthlings call you. But that’s not who you are.” He folded his arms. “You were born on Planet Vegeta. A Saiyan. One of the most powerful warrior races in the universe.”
Krillin stiffened. “Planet… what?” Bulma whispered, “This guy’s insane…” Roshi remained silent. Goku shook his head. “I don’t know anything about that. I grew up here.”
Raditz’s expression sharpened. “Of course you don’t. You were supposed to wipe out this planet, not live peacefully on it.” Chichi stepped forward, glaring. “Excuse me?! My husband would never do something like that!” Raditz barely glanced at her. “When you were sent here as an infant, you were given a mission. Conquer Earth. Eliminate its inhabitants.”
Goku’s fists clenched. “That’s not true. Stop spouting lies!" Raditz’s smirk returned. “Then explain this.”
He pointed at the twins. “Their tails.” Everyone went still. Gohan instinctively grabbed his tail again. Chiharu’s flicked nervously behind her. Raditz then unwrapped his own tail from his waist, showcasing it. Goku gasped at this as the others stares in shock. Raditz has the same tail as the twins. The same tail once Goku had when he was a kid.
Raditz continued, voice calm but cutting. “Saiyans are born with tails. Under the light of a full moon, that tail allows us to transform into a Great Ape… multiplying our power tenfold.”
Krillin’s face went pale. “Wait… don’t tell me—” Bulma covered her mouth slightly. “…That night… years ago…” Goku’s eyes widened faintly, something deep in his memory stirring but not fully forming.
Raditz watched him carefully. “You don’t remember, do you?” Goku shook his head. “…No.” Raditz scoffed. “Useless. You even forgot your own purpose. Did you bump your head so hard or something?"
"What's it to ya?" Goku retorted.
Raditz then noticed something, "In fact, where is your own tail?"
Goku scoffed at this, "Kami removed it, said it's for the greater good."
Raditz glared at Goku at this, "You had the thing that gives us Saiyans power to conquer removed?! How much of an idiot are you??!"
Goku did not answer but kept on glaring, his stance not relaxing. Raditz rolled his eyes, "Ugh, that doesn't matter right now, I guess."
Raditz stepped closer, voice lowering. “Our home planet was destroyed. Only a few of us remain. We conquer planets and sell them. That’s our duty. That’s what we were born to do. So, do what you were sent here for. Kill every living being in this planet, and maybe, I'll let you come with me."
Goku glared at him now. “I don’t care where I came from. I’m not helping you hurt anyone. Besides I'd rather not go with you, who's to say you're telling the truth?" Raditz’s expression darkened. “Is me pointing out your spawns tails and showcasing my own not enough? You don’t have a choice.”
Goku stepped forward. “Yeah, I do.” A brief silence. Then Raditz sighed. “…I had hoped you’d be reasonable.” His eyes shifted again, towards Chichi… …towards the twins.
“And yet…” His smirk returned. “…you’ve grown attached.”
Goku’s eyes widened. “Don’t—” Too late. He moved. Fast. Too fast.
In a blink, he was in front of Goku, punched him hard in the stomach and kicked him to the side, no longer providing cover for his family. Terrified, the other three stepped away, Krillin tried to intervene but was punched through the house's wall by Raditz.
Then, Raditz is gone again. Chichi, realizing Raditz is after them, tried carrying her children to safety. But just as she was about to call for nimbus, a presence is felt behind her. Chichi gasped as a strong arm locked around her, dropping her kids to the ground and pulling her back. The twin screamed and tried to scramble away.
“Wha—HEY—!” At the same time, his other hand shot out— Grabbing both Gohan and Chiharu effortlessly by their clothes and lifting them off the ground. “HEY!!” Chiharu snapped, struggling immediately. “Let go!!” Gohan shouted, panic rising in his voice.
“CHICHI! KIDS!” Goku lunged forward but stopped. Raditz tightened his grip slightly. “Take another step…” he said coldly, “…and they die.”
Everything and everyone went still. Goku froze. His fists trembled. Raditz smirked.
“Now then… let’s try this again.” His gaze locked onto Goku. “You were sent here to conquer this planet. That was your purpose. Your programming.” Goku’s jaw tightened. “I don’t care what you say. I’m not destroying anything.” Raditz sighed. “Then you leave me no choice.” He lifted the twins slightly. They winced. "MOMMY! DADDY!!"
Chichi growled and struggled against Raditz iron grip. “Don’t you dare hurt them!” Raditz ignored her. “You have one day, Kakarot.” His voice turned cold. “Prove your loyalty… kill at least 100 humans or your family dies.” Before anyone could react— He shot into the sky. The wind exploded outward as he vanished, leaving nothing but a violent gust and stunned silence in his wake.
“NO—!!” Goku’s shout tore through the air as he leapt forward, but there was nothing to chase. No trace left behind—just fading energy and the echo of Raditz’s threat. The island fell still.
Son Goku dropped to his knees, landed hard in the sand, fists clenched so tight his knuckles whitened. His breath came out uneven. “…He’s gone.”
Behind him, Roshi swallowed. “That… that guy just—he just took them like it was nothing… I'm sorry Goku, we couldn't do much.."
Krillin gripped his injured arm, shaken. “I couldn’t even follow his movement… that wasn’t normal, Goku. That was on a completely different level.” Bulma’s expression had gone grave, more serious than any of them had ever seen it. “Goku… that man wasn’t lying about one thing.” Goku didn’t turn.
“…He’s strong.” The word felt like an understatement.
Goku’s shoulders trembled—not from fear, but from something deeper. Rage. How could someone just take his family like that? Helplessness. Why wouldbf he do anything to help and protect them immediately when it was his duty as a husband and father? “They were right there…” he muttered, guilt eating him alive. “I couldn’t even- "
“Goku.” Krillin stepped forward carefully. “We’ll figure something out. We always do.”
“…One day.” Goku whispered. “He gave me one day…” He couldn't just... kill 100 people. But he also couldnt let that bastard hurt his family. So what the heck does he do? Bulma’s eyes widened slightly as she realized something. “Wait- Gohan still has the Dragon Ball on his hat, right?” She asked as she went running to her ship to get her bag. Goku froze. Then slowly turned. Bulma was already digging into her bag. “If that thing is still with them…” she pulled out a small device and flicked it on— beep… beep… beep… A single signal pulsed on the screen. Hope fired Goku's heart. “…Got you.” Bulma whispered triumphantly.
Goku stepped closer, eyes locking onto the radar. “That’s them… right?” Bulma nodded. “Yeah. And they’re not too far—well, not for you, anyway.” She said, but then looks at him nervously, "You're not just gonna... charge straight towards him without a plan though are you?"
Goku shook his head, "No, no, there's no time. My family needs me!" He started to reach for the radar. But before he could do so —
“…You’ll die.” The voice cut through the air like a blade. Everyone turned sharply. Standing atop a Roshi's house, cape fluttering lightly in the breeze, is Piccolo.
Krillin tensed instantly. “Piccolo?! What are you doing here?!”
Goku didn’t look surprised. “…You were watching.”
Piccolo smirked faintly. “Of course I was. An energy like that would be impossible to ignore.” He dropped down from the roof, landing lightly on the sand. “Though I have to admit…” his eyes flicked upward briefly, “…even I didn’t expect something that strong.”
Bulma frowned. “Then you felt it too?” Piccolo crossed his arms. “Felt it? I could barely believe it.” He turned his gaze back to Goku. “That Saiyan… he’s far beyond you.” A pause. “…And beyond me.”
Krillin’s eyes widened. “Wait- you’re serious?!” Piccolo didn’t even glance at him. “Completely.” Silence fell again. Goku looked down at his hands. Then slowly clenched them. “…Good.”
Everyone froze.
Piccolo’s brow furrowed slightly. “…What?”
Goku looked back up, a faint grin forming. “That just means this’ll be a real fight.” Krillin stared at him. “Goku, this isn’t the time for that!”
“I know,” Goku said, calmer now. “I’m not excited about the fight.” His expression hardened. “I’m going to win it.” That confidence lingered in the air. Piccolo studied him carefully. “…You don’t have a plan.”
“Nope.”
“…You don’t know his full strength.”
“Not really.”
“…And you still think you can beat him?” Goku met his gaze directly. “If it means I get my family back then yeah.”
A long pause. Then Piccolo let out a quiet, almost amused breath. “…You must be a fool.”
Goku scratched his cheek. “I hear that a lot.” Piccolo’s smirk faded. “…Unfortunately, brute confidence won’t be enough this time.”
Goku tilted his head slightly. “Sounds like you’ve got something in mind.” Piccolo hesitated… just for a second. Then, “I’ve developed a technique.”
Everyone leaned in slightly. “It concentrates all of my energy into a single, focused point…” Piccolo raised two fingers subtly. “…and releases it in one blast.” Krillin blinked. “That sounds… dangerous.”
“It is,” Piccolo said bluntly. “If it hits, it will kill him.” Goku’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect!” Piccolo shot him a sharp look. “Don’t interrupt.” Goku chuckled weakly. “Sorry.”
Piccolo continued. “The problem is… it takes time to charge.” The excitement in the air dropped slightly. “And while I’m preparing it…” Piccolo’s eyes narrowed, “…I can’t move.”
Bulma crossed her arms. “So you’d be completely open.”
“Exactly.”
Silence. Then— Goku spoke. “…So I keep him busy.”
Piccolo looked at him. “…Yes.”
Krillin stepped forward quickly. “Wait, hold on! That’s basically a suicide plan!” Goku shrugged lightly. “Only if I lose.” Krillin groaned. “That’s not reassuring!” Goku looked at Piccolo again. “…You really think this’ll work?” Piccolo held his gaze. “If you can hold him off long enough… yes.”
Another pause.
Then Goku nodded. “…Alright.” Just like that. No hesitation. Piccolo’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You trust me?” Goku smiled faintly. “Not really.”
That caught everyone off guard.
“But I trust that you want him gone as much as I do.” A beat. “…And that’s enough.”
For a moment- Piccolo said nothing. Then he smirked. “…Fine.”
Krillin threw his hands up. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Bulma sighed. “A temporary alliance… this is insane.” Master Roshi nodded slowly. “Perhaps… but it may be our only chance.” Goku stepped forward, resolve settling in completely now. “…Bulma. The Dragon Radar.” He said, putting his palm out for her to put the radar. She blinked, then handed it over to him, "Don't break it."
Goku took it carefully. The signal blinked. Steady. “…I’ve got you.” His voice softened—just for a moment. Then hardened again. He turned toward the horizon. “…Let’s go.” Piccolo stepped beside him. The air shifted. Enemies— standing side by side. For now. And without another word, they launched forward, straight towards Raditz.