Archive of Our Own

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.

Chapter Text

The wind howled past as the Flying Nimbus cut through the sky, a streak of gold racing toward the horizon. Far below, the ocean shimmered—but Goku didn’t notice any of it. His grip on the Dragon Radar tightened.

They’re waiting… 

Beside him, cutting through the air with effortless speed, flew Piccolo. His arms were at his sides, posture rigid, eyes forward but his attention was unmistakably locked on Goku.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Only the wind filled the silence. Then— “…You’re slower than I remember.”

Goku glanced sideways, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite everything. “Heh. You’re not exactly struggling to keep up yourself.”

Piccolo scoffed. “Don’t compare us. I’m not the one chasing an enemy I can’t defeat.” Goku’s expression dimmed slightly, but he didn’t look away. “Yeah… I know he’s strong.”

“Strong?” Piccolo repeated, almost amused. “That’s an understatement. His power dwarfs yours."

“Ours.” Goku’s eyes narrowed just a bit. “Then we just have to work together.”

Piccolo gave him a sharp look. “You’re surprisingly calm for someone whose family was just taken.”

For a split second, Goku’s hand tightened around the radar again. “…I’m not calm.” The Nimbus dipped slightly as his focus wavered. “I’m just not gonna waste time panicking.”

A pause.

“…Panicking won’t help them.” Piccolo studied him in silence for a moment longer. “Hmph. You really are different from the others.”

Goku chuckled faintly. “Yeah, I get that a lot.” The wind picked up again. After a moment, Piccolo spoke again. “That man… Raditz.” Goku’s gaze sharpened slightly. “He called you ‘Kakarot.’”

“…Yeah.”

“And you didn’t deny being a Saiyan.”

Goku scratched his cheek lightly. “Well… it’s not like I understand it myself. Everything he said... it’s all new to me.”

Piccolo’s eyes narrowed. “Yet you didn’t hesitate to reject it.” Goku’s answer came instantly. “Of course I did.” Piccolo raised a brow. “Why?” Goku finally turned to look directly at him. “Because that’s not who I am.”

The words were simple—but firm. “I don’t care where I came from. I grew up here. This is my home.”

A brief silence followed.

Piccolo looked forward again. “…Foolish.” Goku grinned slightly. “Maybe.” Then his expression softened. “But I’ve got people here. Friends… family…” His voice dropped just a little. “…My kids.” The air between them shifted. Piccolo didn’t respond immediately.

Instead, he said, “You’re letting your emotions cloud your judgment.” Goku shook his head. “No. They’re what’s keeping me focused.”

Piccolo scoffed again, but there was less bite to it this time. “…You’re an odd one, Son.”

Goku laughed lightly. “You’re just figuring that out now?”

Another stretch of silence passed.

Then Piccolo spoke again, more serious now. “That technique I mentioned…” Goku perked up slightly. “Yeah?” “It’s the only way we win.” Piccolo raised two fingers subtly, his energy faintly beginning to gather. “It concentrates all of my power into a single point. If it hits… it will pierce through him completely.” Goku’s eyes lit up. “Sounds perfect!” Piccolo shot him a look. “Don’t be an idiot. It’s not that simple.”

Goku blinked and turned his head towards Piccolo, confused. “Huh?” “It takes time to charge. And while I’m preparing it…” Piccolo’s gaze hardened, “…I’ll be completely vulnerable.”

Goku nodded slowly, understanding settling in. “…So I keep him busy.”

“Yes.”

A beat passed. 

“And if you fail…” Piccolo added coldly, “…we both die.”

Goku grinned. “You already said that earlier. Then I won’t fail.”

Piccolo frowned slightly at that confidence. “…You’re either incredibly brave… or incredibly stupid.”

Goku laughed. “Why not both?” For just a moment— Piccolo almost smirked. Almost. Then, Goku glanced down at the radar again. “…We’re getting close.” The blinking dot pulsed steadily. Piccolo’s expression sharpened instantly. “Good.” The air grew heavier. Even from this distance, a faint, oppressive energy could already be felt. Raditz. Goku’s face hardened.

“…Hang on, guys,” he murmured under his breath. Piccolo heard it—but said nothing. Instead, he spoke one last time. “Son.” Goku glanced at him.

“If you hesitate… even for a second…” His eyes narrowed. “…your family dies.” Goku didn’t flinch. He can't have that happen. He won't allow it. “…I won’t hesitate.”

The Nimbus surged forward, faster now. The signal grew stronger. The enemy closer. The sky stretched endlessly above them—vast, empty, as it became quiet, far too quiet. Only the rushing wind filled the silence as their brief conversation passed. Below, the ocean had long since disappeared, replaced by harsh land—dry, cracked, and lifeless. Jagged rock formations clawed upward from the earth like the bones of something long dead. This was no place for life. Which meant…

“This is where he is…” Goku muttered under his breath. The Dragon Radar in his hand pulsed steadily. Beep… beep… beep… Each signal felt louder than the last. Closer. Beside him, Piccolo’s cape snapped violently in the wind, though his expression remained as cold and focused as ever.

“You feel it, don’t you?” Piccolo said without looking at him. Goku nodded slowly. “…Yeah.” That pressure. It wasn’t just strength—it was suffocating. Like the air itself didn’t want to exist near it. Goku’s grip tightened around the radar. Hold on… I’m almost there… 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEANWHILE…

The wasteland stretched endlessly in all directions, bathed in a dull, gray light. No trees. No water. No sound. Only wind. And him. Raditz stood atop a jagged cliff, arms crossed, his long hair swaying behind him like a dark banner. His scouter flickered faintly, scanning the horizon out of idle curiosity.

Behind him— Three figures. Chichi sat on the rough ground, the twins pulled close to her sides, her arms wrapped tightly around them. Her body was tense, every muscle coiled and ready despite knowing the overwhelming gap between them and their captor.

Still, she didn’t let go. Gohan clutched her sleeve, eyes wide, darting nervously between Raditz and the empty horizon. “…Mom…” he whispered. “I know,” Chichi murmured softly, brushing his hair back. “It’s okay… just stay close to me.”

Chiharu, however, was different. Her fists were clenched. Her gaze locked onto Raditz’s back with a burning intensity far beyond her years.

“…He’s coming,” she said quietly.

Raditz’s ear twitched slightly. A smirk tugged at his lips. “Oh, I know.” He didn’t turn. “I can already feel him.”

Chichi’s eyes narrowed. “Then you should be worried.” Raditz chuckled. “Worried?” He slowly glanced over his shoulder, his scouter giving a soft beep. “His power level hasn’t changed much since earlier.” He turned fully now. “…If anything, it’s still disappointing.”

Chiharu stepped forward before Chichi could stop her. “Chiharu-”

“Then you don’t know him.”

A pause.

Raditz raised an eyebrow. “…You speak with a lot of confidence.” Gohan reached out to his sister and tugged at her sleeve. “Chiharu, don’t-” But she didn’t back down. “He’s going to beat you.”

Silence.

Then, Raditz laughed, loud and amused. Don't this weaklings know what they're ug against? “That’s what Kakarot used to sound like,” he said. "Look what happened. His whole family, in my hands." The name lingered in the air. Chichi’s grip tightened slightly. She glared hard at Raditz.

“…Don’t call him that.” Raditz’s smirk returned. “Why not? It’s his real name.”

“He’s not that person,” Chichi snapped. Raditz tilted his head slightly. “…You’re wrong.” His voice dropped. “He’s forgotten what he is.” A gust of wind swept through the wasteland. “But I’ll remind him.” He threatened as he slowly walks toward his captives. Chichi protectively put her kids behind her as they whined.

At this, Raditz scoffed. Then roughly grabbed her by the neck, and slowly raised her from the ground she was sitting on. The twins cried out to their mother as she struggled against the monster's grip, gasping for air. "MOMMY! NO!!!”

“LET HER GO! MY DAD IS GONNA KILL YOU!" Gohan shouted at Raditz, terrified and helpless.

Chiharu however got even more angry and charged towards Raditz. "LET MY MOMMY GO YOU MONSTER!!" She yelled as she kicked Raditz ankles, hard. Raditz winced, however, her kick wasn't strong enough for him to let go of his hold around Chichi's neck. "You little BRAT!" Annoyed, Raditz kicked her away, causing her to fly away a few meters from them, rolling across the ground before stopping.

"CHIHARU NO!!" Gohan cried out as he ran to his hurt twin sister. Seeing her kids in this state made Chichi feel so helpless. She could almost feel herself passing out, running out of breath. When suddenly, Raditz threw her to the ground hard, causing her to bounce off a little, and wheeze. She's left injured and struggling to breath.

Chichi tried standing up as Raditz walked towards her babies. "Stop... don't... gah.. h-hurt them–", she tried calling out, but it was useless.

Raditz reached the crying kids, Chiharu almost unconscious, and picked them both up. He flew towards the crater where his space pod is located, opened it, put the kids in it to lock them away, then went back to Chichi, who's still gasping for air.

The twins helplessly banged on the window of the space pod, begging for release.

"Don't worry, your babies are safe now. I have other plans for you. I'll use you to bait Kakarot. If he made a cute lil family with you, I'm sure you matter as much to him as his kids. Maybe even more. So, I'll use you as today's leverage against my stubborn, idiot of a brother." He said and ended it with a chilling chuckle and walked a few meters away from where she's still wincing from the pain she's feeling and gasping for air.

She silently prays Goku will get here as soon as possible.

Back in the sky, the land below had grown darker. Sharper. Closer. Goku leaned forward slightly on the Nimbus, eyes locked ahead.

“…He’s not moving.” Piccolo’s gaze narrowed. “Good.” The Dragon Radar’s signal pulsed faster now.

Beep—beep—beep— 

Goku’s heart matched its rhythm. They're getting closer. Then, Piccolo stopped mid-air. Goku blinked, pulling Nimbus to a halt as well. “…What is it?” Piccolo didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his eyes narrowed, focusing ahead. “…He’s waiting.”

Goku felt it too now. That energy. No longer distant. No longer faint. It pressed down on them from all directions. Heavy. Unavoidable. Like stepping into the territory of a predator. Piccolo’s voice cut through the tension. “…Listen carefully, Goku.” Goku glanced at him. “If you lose focus, even for a second…” Piccolo’s eyes hardened. "...there might be severe consequences.” Goku didn’t look away as he replied. “…I know. You already told me that for like the third time now.”

A beat.

“…And my family might be harmed in the process.” Silence. The wind howled between them. Then, Goku smiled. Not in that carefree way of his, but steady and reassuring. “I won’t let that happen.” Piccolo studied him for a moment longer.

Then, “…Hmph.” He turned forward again. “Let’s see if your confidence is justified.” Goku nodded. “…Yeah.”

Below them, the jagged cliffs came into full view. And standing at the center of it all, a single figure. Waiting. Watching. Raditz. The air grew heavier with every second. The distance between them closed— Until finally— Goku stepped off the Nimbus. His feet touched the ground with a soft crunch of gravel. The wind swept past him, carrying dust and tension alike. Piccolo landed beside him. Raditz didn’t move. Didn’t flinch. Didn’t even blink.

“…You came.” Goku stepped forward. Each step steady. Each breath controlled. “…Yeah.” His eyes burned with focus. “I’m here.”

A pause.

The world felt like it held its breath. Raditz smirked. “…Good.”

His scouter flickered. “Now let’s see if you’ve remembered what you are… Kakarot.” Goku’s expression hardened. “My name…” A small gust of wind passed between them. “…is Son Goku.” Silence. Then he noticed a figure a few meters behind Raditz. It was Chichi, struggling to stand up. Goku growled.

“What did you do to my wife?! And where are the kids??!” Goku yelled, now furious.

Raditz didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he smiled menacingly.

“…Your wife?” he echoed, almost amused.

His head tilted slightly, just enough to glance over his shoulder at the crumpled form of Chichi, still struggling to push herself up from the ground, her breaths uneven and shallow. “I barely touched her.” he claimed in a smug way. 

The words landed like a spark to dry tinder.

“And you don’t need to worry about your brats. They’re somewhere… safe.”

For a brief moment…

Nothing happened.

No movement.

No sound.

Then—

BOOM.

A violent surge of energy exploded outward from Son Goku, blasting dust, pebbles, and jagged chunks of stone into the air. The ground beneath him cracked in branching fractures, spreading outward like a spiderweb as his aura flared bright and wild, flickering erratically.

His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened.

“…You’re gonna regret that,” Goku said. His voice was low. Quiet. But it carried something heavier than anger.

Raditz’s scouter shrieked softly. “…Your power level… it’s climbing.”

Goku didn’t respond.

He vanished.

Raditz’s eyes sharpened.

Just in time—

BAM!

Goku’s fist slammed into his jaw with a thunderous crack, snapping his head violently to the side. The force carried through his entire body, sending him skidding across the rocky ground, boots carving deep gouges into the earth.

But Goku didn’t stop. He was already moving again. Closing the distance instantly.

A punch to the gut—

A knee to the ribs—

An elbow aimed at the neck—

Each strike flowed into the next with seamless precision, faster than before, sharper than before. There was no hesitation now. No holding back. Every movement carried weight—purpose—intent.

Raditz raised his arms, blocking one blow, then another—but Goku’s assault didn’t relent. He pressed forward, forcing Raditz backward step by step, each impact echoing across the wasteland like rolling thunder.

“…Tch—!" Raditz grunted as a kick slammed into his side, pushing him off balance.

“So you can fight,” he muttered, irritation creeping into his voice.

Goku didn’t answer. Didn’t even acknowledge it. He pivoted sharply, spinning into a wide roundhouse kick aimed at Raditz’s head.

Raditz ducked at the last second-

But Goku had already anticipated it.

His leg dropped mid-swing, planting firmly into the ground as he twisted his body and drove his fist upward—

THUD!

The uppercut connected cleanly, snapping Raditz’s head back.

For a split second—

Raditz left the ground.

And Goku moved with him.

He leapt upward, following through, grabbing Raditz mid-air and slamming him downward into the earth.

CRASH!!

The impact created a small crater, dust and debris erupting outward in a violent burst.

The ground trembled.

Silence lingered just for a moment.

Then, the rubble shifted and exploded outward. Raditz burst free from the debris, hovering just above the ground, his expression no longer amused but sharpened. “…You’re starting to annoy me.”

His aura flared.

Wild.

Violent.

He vanished.

Goku’s eyes widened.

A fraction too late—

WHAM!

A brutal strike slammed into his side, launching him across the battlefield. His body skipped against the ground once—twice—before carving a long trench through the dirt and rock, finally coming to a stop in a cloud of dust.

From a distance, Piccolo watched silently.

Unmoving.

Two fingers raised to his forehead.

Energy spiraling—tightening—compressing into something far more dangerous than a simple blast.

Goku pushed himself up slowly, one hand pressed against the ground as he coughed, a thin line of blood trailing from the corner of his mouth.

“…Heh…”

He wiped it away with the back of his hand, then looked up. “You hit pretty hard.” Raditz scoffed, descending slowly. “You’re still smiling?” Goku rose fully now, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the pain. “Yeah.”

His stance lowered.

Eyes steady.

“Because I’m not done.”

Raditz’s scouter flickered again.

“…Ridiculous.”

He shot forward like a missile. Goku met him halfway.

Their fists collided—

BOOOOM!!

A massive shockwave tore through the surrounding cliffs, splitting stone and sending chunks of rock tumbling from above. The air itself seemed to ripple under the force of their clash.

They moved again.

Faster.

Blow after blow after blow—

A relentless exchange.

Goku ducked under a strike, countering with a quick jab to Raditz’s ribs, then pivoted into a kick aimed at his shoulder. Raditz caught the leg—twisting sharply—but Goku flipped with the motion, freeing himself mid-air and landing behind him.

No pause.

No breathing room.

Raditz spun.

Goku blocked.

Elbow.

Counter.

Knee.

Impact after impact echoed across the battlefield, each one stronger than the last. Dust rose in thick clouds around them, obscuring their movements until only flashes of motion could be seen through the haze.

From the ground, Chichi forced herself up onto her elbows, vision blurry, chest still heaving painfully. “…Goku…” she whispered.

Her eyes shifted weakly toward the distant crater, towards where she knew her twins are. “…The kids…” So she weakly got on her feet, and slowly walked towards the crater to get her kids, hoping none of them notice her. Hoping Raditz wouldn’t stop her or Goku to be distracted by her.

Back in the chaos—

Raditz broke through Goku’s guard with a heavy punch to the gut.

THUD!

Air exploded from Goku’s lungs.

But instead of falling, he stepped forward.

Goku reappeared behind him.

And in one swift motion...

He grabbed it.

Raditz’s tail.

Everything stopped.

Raditz’s body locked instantly.

His eyes snapped wide open.

“—W-WHAT?!”

His entire frame stiffened, muscles seizing as a sudden, overwhelming weakness overtook him. His arms dropped slightly, his aura flickering violently.

Goku tightened his grip.

“…Got you.”

Raditz’s scouter crackled as his power plummeted.

“…I-impossible…!”

From a distance, Piccolo’s eyes widened slightly.

“…So that’s his weakness…”

Goku held firm, breathing hard but steady.

“It’s over,” he said. “You can’t move like this.”

Raditz trembled in his grip, teeth clenched, body shaking as he struggled against the hold—but it was useless.

“…Y-you…” Raditz gasped. “You… actually figured it out…”

Goku’s grip didn’t loosen.

“I've known this since I was a kid. Now, let my family go.”

A pause.

Raditz’s expression shifted.

Then—

“…You really are a fool, Kakarot.”

Goku’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“…What?”

Raditz let out a strained chuckle. “You think… this is victory?” His voice weakened—convincing. 

“…Listen to me… If you let me go… I’ll leave this planet…” Goku froze. Just for a second. “…What?” Piccolo’s voice cut through the air instantly— “Don’t listen to him!”

Raditz continued, breathing ragged. “I swear it… I’ll leave… I’ll never come back…” Goku’s grip tightened slightly. “…You expect me to believe that?” Raditz lowered his gaze. “…I’m your brother…”

Silence.

The wind howled faintly across the broken battlefield. “…Saiyans value pride above all else…” Raditz continued weakly. “If I give you my word…” Goku hesitated. Just a fraction.

Piccolo’s voice sharpened—

“He’s lying, you idiot! Keep holding him!”

Raditz’s breathing hitched, as if struggling. “…Please… Kakarot…”

That name again.

Something flickered in Goku’s expression.

A memory.

A doubt.

A hesitation.

He has a feeling he's going to regret this. 

“…Tch…” Slowly, Goku loosened his grip. “…You better be telling the truth.”

But the moment his fingers released, everything changed. Raditz’s eyes snapped open—

Sharp.

Cold.

Triumphant.

“FOOL!!”

His tail lashed free instantly as his strength returned in full. Before Goku could react—

WHAM!!

A brutal knee slammed into his stomach. Goku’s eyes widened as the air was knocked from his lungs.

Raditz followed immediately. A punch to the face. A kick to the chest. Each blow landing with crushing force.

Goku was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground, bouncing once before skidding to a stop.

Chichi noticed this then turned back to the fight“…G-Goku!” her weak voice echoed in the distance.

Raditz landed smoothly, rolling his neck slightly. “…Pathetic,” he sneered.

Goku groaned, forcing himself up again, his body trembling slightly now. “…Yeah…” he coughed. “…That one’s on me…” Raditz smirked. “You never learn.”

Behind them, Piccolo’s energy continued to build—denser now, sharper, nearing its peak.

This is the last chance…

Goku staggered forward again.

Slower now.

But determined.

“…Not done yet…”

Raditz’s expression hardened.

“Then die trying.”

He rushed forward.

Faster than before.

Stronger.

Goku barely managed to block the first hit. The second broke through. The third sent him reeling. But, he endured. Piccolo signaled him with a nod.

Now…

Just as Raditz turned to Piccolo, feeling a strong energy from him. With a sudden burst of movement, Goku lunged forward and grabbed Raditz again.

This time, by both arms.

Locking him in place.

Raditz’s eyes widened. “—What?!”

Goku’s grip tightened, every muscle straining, veins visible along his arms as he forced Raditz into position.

“PICCOLO—NOW!!”

In front of them, Piccolo’s attack had reached its peak.

The spiraling energy screamed at his fingertips, warping the air around it. 

Raditz struggled violently.

“You think this will work again?!”

He tried to pull free—

But Goku held on tighter.

“No… more… chances…”

Piccolo’s voice rang out.

“MOVE, GOKU!”

The beam fired.

“MAKANKŌSAPPŌ!!!”

A blinding lance of energy tore across the battlefield—

Goku’s eyes widened.

Raditz twisted as hard as he could.

Forcing one arm free at the last possible second.

“FOOL!!”

The beam struck—

SHHHHHK!!

Piercing straight through Goku—

While grazing Raditz’s arm. He managed to escape Goku’s grip!

“GHH—!”

Raditz was thrown back violently, crashing into the ground, clutching his burned arm as smoke rose from the wound.

Goku stood for just a moment...

Before collapsing.

The wind returned.

Low.

Cold.

Relentless.

And once again, silence swallowed the battlefield.

Until a shout interrupted this silence.

“GOKU!!” Chichi yelled worriedly, having seen what was done to her husband.

Chapter Text

The wind did not howl. It dragged. It moved across the battlefield like something alive, brushing over broken stone, slipping through fractured cliffs, and curling around the deep scars carved into the earth. The land itself had been torn apart, reshaped by forces far beyond what it was meant to endure. Craters overlapped one another like wounds that had never been given time to heal, their edges jagged and uneven, still faintly glowing from the residual heat of energy attacks that had struck only moments ago.

Dust drifted lazily through the air, refusing to settle.

Even the sky seemed dimmer now—its blue dulled beneath a thin haze of smoke and lingering ki, as though the world itself had taken a breath… and forgotten how to release it.

At the center of it all, lying motionless, was Son Goku.

His body lay twisted against the cracked ground, his orange gi torn and darkened by dirt, ash, and blood. A clean, devastating hole pierced straight through his chest—its edges scorched black, faint wisps of smoke still rising into the air. The ground beneath him had been stained, the red spreading slowly outward, seeping into the dust as if the earth itself were drinking in the cost of the battle.

For a long moment...

He did not move.

The wind passed over him, tugging weakly at his clothes, stirring strands of his hair—yet he remained still, almost unnaturally so. The vibrant energy that had once radiated from him, that had shaken the ground and filled the air with life, had faded into something barely detectable.

A flicker.

Faint.

Fragile.

Then...

A breath. Shallow and uneven, barely there.

“…Goku…?” The voice was small. Too small for the emptiness around it.

Chichi stumbled forward, her steps uneven as she crossed the uneven terrain. Every movement sent loose stones shifting beneath her feet, threatening to throw her off balance—but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t. The world had narrowed to a single point—to the figure lying in the center of the destruction.

Her breathing was ragged, her chest tight, her vision blurred by tears she hadn’t realized were already falling. Each step felt slower than the last, as though the distance between them stretched endlessly, refusing to close.

But eventually, she reached him.

She dropped to her knees beside him, the impact sending a soft tremor through the ground beneath them. Dust rose gently around her, catching the faint light filtering through the haze above.

Her hands hovered over him.

Shaking.

Afraid.

“…Goku…” she whispered again.

Her fingers curled into his gi, gripping tightly, as if anchoring him—refusing to let him slip away.

“…Wake up…”

For a moment, he didn't respond. Then, a faint shift.  His eyelids fluttered. Slowly.

“…Chi… Chi…?”

The sound was barely audible, carried weakly on a breath that seemed too fragile to exist.

Her eyes widened instantly.

“I’m here! I’m right here!” she cried, leaning closer, her voice trembling between relief and terror. “Don’t move- please don’t move- you’re hurt... just stay with me-”

Goku let out the faintest sound, a breath that might have been a laugh. “…Heh…” It came out broken. “…That… really got me…” Her face crumpled. “Don’t joke!” she snapped, though her voice broke halfway through. “You’re bleeding- you’re—you’re—”

The words wouldn’t come.

They lodged in her throat, heavy and suffocating.

“…You’re dying…”

The world seemed to pause around them.

Even the wind softened as if listening.

Goku didn’t respond immediately. His gaze drifted slightly, unfocused, as though he were looking beyond her—past the battlefield, past the sky, toward something only he could see. The edges of his vision blurred, the sounds around him growing distant and muffled, like echoes fading into nothing.

He already knew.

There was no denying it.

“…The kids…” he murmured weakly.

Chichi nodded quickly, her grip tightening as though holding him together.

“They’re okay.. they’re safe- they need you, Goku!” she said desperately. “You have to stay- you can’t leave they… you can’t-”

He tried to move.

His hand twitched weakly against the ground, lifting only slightly before falling back. “…Can’t… feel… anything…” he whispered.

Her breath caught sharply.

“No… no, don’t say that…” she said, shaking her head rapidly. “Just stay awake, okay? Just-just talk to me-”

But his breathing had already begun to slow.

Each inhale was shallower.

Each exhale longer.

A short distance away, standing among the broken remnants of the battlefield, was Raditz.

His silhouette cut sharply against the fractured landscape, his posture uneven but unbroken. One arm hung limp at his side, the armor around it scorched and cracked from the grazing blow of the Makankōsappō. Thin trails of smoke still rose from the wound, curling into the air before disappearing into the haze.

He exhaled slowly.

Then reached up, adjusting his scouter.

The device flickered violently, its cracked lens struggling to maintain focus as it scanned the battlefield. Numbers flashed erratically across its display before stabilizing.

“…Power level…” he muttered.

His gaze shifted toward Goku.

“…Dropping.”

A pause.

“…Fast." A smirk formed—small, but unmistakable. “So… this is how it ends…" He turned to Piccolo as he said, “Kakarot, defeated by his very own ally.”

Behind him, Piccolo stood in silence.

The wind tugged gently at his cape, causing it to ripple slowly behind him, the fabric catching the faint light filtering through the smoke-filled sky. His stance remained steady, but there was tension beneath it—subtle, controlled, but undeniably present.

His breathing was heavier now.

The strain of the Makankōsappō still lingered in his body, his energy reserves drained far more than he would have preferred. Yet his focus remained sharp, his gaze locked firmly on Raditz.

“…You’re still standing,” Piccolo said.

Raditz let out a quiet scoff.

“Barely.”

Then—

“…But it’s enough.”

The silence between them stretched, thick with unspoken intent. The battlefield, though quiet, felt ready to erupt again at any moment—violence simmering just beneath the surface.

Then—

“…Hey…”

Both turned.

Goku.

Still conscious. Still fighting.

His chest rose unevenly, each breath sounding more strained than the last. His body trembled faintly, muscles barely responding as he forced himself to remain present. Every second demanded more from him than the one before, as though the very act of staying alive had become a battle he was steadily losing.

“…Hey… Piccolo…” he muttered.

Piccolo frowned slightly. “…Don’t move.”

Goku gave the faintest smile. “…Yeah… figured…”

His gaze shifted again—toward Raditz. “…You’re not… getting away…”

Raditz’s smirk returned. “You can’t even stand.” Goku’s eyes softened. “…Don’t need to…”

A pause.

“…Just… need time…” Time.

The word hung there.

And Piccolo understood.

Raditz stepped forward.

His boots crushed against loose stone, the sound echoing faintly in the otherwise quiet wasteland. He raised his hand, energy beginning to gather at his palm—faint at first, then growing brighter, more concentrated, the light casting harsh shadows across his face.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.” he said.

Chichi moved instantly, placing herself in front of Goku despite her trembling body. “Don’t you dare!” she shouted.

Raditz paused.

Amused.

“…Still trying, huh?"

Her glare didn’t waver. “…I’ll kill you.”

For a moment, the world held its breath.

Then...

BEEP.

Raditz froze.

His scouter lit up violently.

“…What?"

He tapped it.

Then, a voice echoed through his ears, only he can hear. Raditz froze. “…Raditz.”

Raditz’s entire body stiffened.

The air around him seemed to tighten, as if even the battlefield itself recognized the presence behind that voice. His smirk faded instantly, replaced by something far more rigid—controlled, but unmistakably tense.

“…Prince Vegeta…” he said under his breath.

A few meters away, Piccolo narrowed his eyes slightly, watching closely. He couldn’t hear the voice—but he could see the shift. The sudden change in Raditz’s posture, the way his expression hardened, the way his attention had been completely seized.

Something was happening.

Something important.

On the other end of the transmission...

Far beyond the planet’s atmosphere...

Inside a small, dimly lit space pod drifting through the void...

Sat Vegeta.

The faint glow of the control panels reflected off his armor, casting sharp highlights across his face. His arms were crossed, posture relaxed—but his eyes were focused, calculating, watching the data streaming across his scouter display.

Beside him, another pod drifted in parallel, housing Nappa.

Vegeta’s lips curled slightly. “…I’ve been watching,” he said.

Back on Earth

Raditz swallowed. “…You… you’ve been monitoring me?” he asked.

His voice, though controlled, carried a hint of unease—something rarely heard from him.

A brief pause.

Then, a quiet, almost amused exhale. “Of course,” Vegeta replied.

The tone was casual.

Too casual.

“As soon as you engaged that transmission earlier… I tuned in.”

Raditz’s gaze shifted slightly, almost instinctively glancing toward Goku’s fallen body. “…Then you saw everything,” he said. “Every moment,” Vegeta confirmed.

A pause.

“…Your failure included.”

Raditz’s jaw tightened.

The wind swept across the battlefield again, lifting dust into the air as the weight of the conversation settled into the silence. The tension was no longer just between fighters—it stretched far beyond, connecting this broken world to something much larger… much more dangerous.

Vegeta leaned back slightly in his pod, eyes narrowing as he reviewed the data once more.

“…So,” he continued, his voice lowering just slightly, “Kakarot is dead.”

Raditz hesitated. “…Yes.”

A beat.

“…He died stopping me.” A faint scoff echoed through the scouter.

“How pathetic.”

Raditz flinched—barely.

“But…” Vegeta continued, his tone shifting—not softer, but sharper, more interested, “that attack…”

A pause.

“…the one that pierced him.”

His eyes flicked toward another reading. “…That Namekian.”

Back on Earth, Piccolo’s eyes narrowed further, as if he could somehow feel the weight of being observed—even without hearing a single word.

“…His power spiked beyond expectation,” Vegeta said.

Raditz nodded slowly. “…He’s dangerous.”

Another pause.

Then...

A low chuckle.

“Good.”

The word lingered.

“It seems this planet isn’t entirely worthless after all,” Vegeta continued. “Two Saiyans… and a Namekian capable of that level of power…”

A faint smirk formed.

“…Perhaps this will be more entertaining than I thought.”

Raditz frowned slightly.

“…What do you mean?”

The silence that followed was unsettling.

Then, Vegeta spoke again.

Clear and decisive.

“…Nappa and I will be coming.”

The words seemed to freeze the air itself. Raditz’s eyes widened slightly. “…Coming… here?”

“Yes.”

No hesitation.

No doubt.

“We’ll arrive in one year.”

The wind surged again, sweeping across the battlefield as if reacting to the declaration. Dust spiraled upward, the sky above dimming further as the weight of those words settled into the very atmosphere.

“…One year…” Raditz repeated.

Vegeta’s gaze hardened.

“In that time, you will recover.”

A pause.

“…Or die. It makes no difference to me.”

Raditz clenched his fist.

“But understand this,” Vegeta continued, his voice lowering—sharpening into something far more dangerous.

“When we arrive…”

A faint hum of energy echoed through the transmission.

“…we will finish what Kakarot failed to start.”

Raditz’s breath caught slightly.

“This planet will be ours,” Vegeta said.

“…and anyone who stands in our way…”

A pause.

Cold.

Final.

“…will be wiped out.”

Vegeta was about to end the call when Piccolo’s voice was suddenly heard, “Goku will come back.”

Confused, Raditz turned his attention to him. “What do you mean? He’s dead, isn't he? He’s never coming back.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Piccolo glared at him. He paused before continuing. “We’ll revive him with the Dragon balls, and by then, he’d surely come back and defeat you.” Chichi listened, looked at Piccolo then at Raditz, thinking it’s bad that Piccolo is giving that information to an enemy.

Piccolo, unknowingly gave information to more than just Raditz, continued. “With these Dragon Balls, maybe we can also wish for Goku to be stronger, so there’s sure chance he’d defeat.”

Silence.

Then, Raditz responded.

“These Dragon Balls, it can grant wishes, you say?”

“Piccolo don’t answer-”

“Yes. Any wish in fact, as long as it’s in the range of the dragon’s power.”

Vegeta’s scouter blinked rapidly, the faint red glow illuminating the sharp contours of his face. His eyes narrowed, the tiniest flicker of a smile threatening at the corner of his lips—not out of amusement, but calculation. Every word Raditz had relayed, every bit of information Piccolo had foolishly revealed, pressed into his mind like a hammer striking steel.

Dragon Balls…

The name alone sent a ripple through his thoughts. A power like that—capable of granting any wish—was more than just a tool. It was a weapon. A key. A way to tip the scales of the universe itself.

“Interesting…” Vegeta murmured, voice low and almost imperceptible, yet brimming with lethal intent. “So this Earth… they have these… Dragon Balls.” He turned his gaze upward toward the distant, tiny figure of Raditz on the planet below, the scouter’s data confirming every pulse of energy. “And these… Namekian creatures are willing to use them to revive the dead… and make them stronger. Incredible.”

Raditz, still listening, tilted his head slightly. “I… I didn’t think you’d be interested.”

Vegeta’s laugh was a low, dangerous sound, like metal scraping stone. “Interested? I’m beyond interest, Raditz. This is opportunity. This is power beyond imagining. If Kakarot returns with strength fueled by these… Dragon Balls… it will only prove how little he understands the universe’s true

hierarchy.”

A pause. His fingers tightened slightly around the scouter, the tension in his jaw visible even through the shadow of his hair. “And if I were to arrive… in one year, with Nappa… we could take them. All of them. Make the Dragon Balls ours. If Goku—or whatever he will become—tries to oppose us, it will not matter. Nothing can stop us.”

Raditz’s smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a flicker of unease. “So… you intend to use them?”

“Yes.” Vegeta’s voice hardened, unyielding. “To grant the ultimate wish: immortality, power, domination. The Saiyan race deserves nothing less. And this planet… this insignificant orb… will serve as the first step.”

The wind on Raditz’s scouter crackled faintly, but he said nothing. Even he could sense the weight in Vegeta’s words—cold, precise, unstoppable.

Vegeta continued, voice dropping, each word like steel. “Your failure today… your hesitation… only gives me more reason to arrive sooner. To finish what was left unfinished. To show the universe the true might of the Saiyans. And by the time I arrive, Raditz…”

Raditz stiffened slightly, the faint scar across his arm still throbbing from Piccolo’s Makankōsappō. “Yes… Prince Vegeta?”

“Listen carefully,” Vegeta said, his tone icy. “I have been monitoring you. Every movement. Every energy fluctuation. Do not assume that I consider you my ally. That… is no longer the case.”

Raditz’s eyes flicked downward, scanning the barren land below—the figures of Piccolo, the battered Goku, and the helpless family he had just pulled from danger. “…I see. Then what is your interest in me?”

Vegeta’s laugh was low, devoid of humor. “My interest is not in you. Not anymore. You are… a factor. An unpredictable element that may either help or hinder my plans. Nappa and I will arrive on Earth in one year. We intend to finish what your brother failed to do… to claim the Dragon Balls for ourselves, and to establish Saiyan dominance over this planet.”

Raditz’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent, listening. Vegeta’s words carried weight—not orders, but warnings, laden with lethal intent.

“Do not presume,” Vegeta continued, “that your newfound… choices, will spare you from my judgment. You have wandered from the path of Saiyan conquest, and that… displeases me. But your presence here will only delay my plans… temporarily.”

A pause. Raditz felt the scouter vibrating faintly against his temple. Vegeta’s final words cut like a blade: “One year. Nappa and I will arrive. By then, whether you align with us or against us… it will not matter. The Dragon Balls will be mine.”

The line went dead.

Raditz exhaled sharply, eyes narrowing. For a moment, the barren wind seemed quieter, the jagged rocks looming like shadows of the violence yet to come. He turned slightly toward Piccolo and Goku, weighing the implications of the conversation. Vegeta didn’t claim him as an ally, didn’t order him to obey. He was free… at least for now. But the words rang like a death knell: You are a variable. One year. The Saiyans are coming.

“…They’re coming.”

A long silence followed.

“…And they’re stronger than me.”

The air grew heavier.

Colder.

The weight of his words settled over the battlefield like a shadow.

“Who?” Piccolo suspiciously asked.

“Other Saiyans… two of them to be specific.”

Chichi gasped at this. “TWO MORE SAIYANS?!”

“How do you know? And how are we sure you’re not bluffing, trying to scare us?”

“They’ve been listening in on our conversation.. and during the fight.”

Piccolo processed this, then felt a slap on his arm. “I told you don’t give him more information! Now these two Saiyans are probably not only after the planet but also the Dragon Balls! But nooooo, you kept yapping!” Chichi scolded.

Piccolo ignored her then asked, “…How long?”

Raditz checked his scouter again, making sure Vegeta could not hear them.

“…One year.”

Vegeta's voice echoed through his mind.

“…One year… and this planet dies.”

Goku’s breathing faltered. “…One year…” His lips curved faintly. “…That’s enough…”

Piccolo looked down at him. “…You’re dying.”

“…Yeah…”

“And you’re still thinking about what comes next.”

Goku chuckled weakly. “…Someone’s gotta…”

The wind slowed.

The world quieted.

Everything seemed to narrow—to focus—on a single moment.

“…Chichi…” Goku weakly reached out to his terrified wife. 

“I’m here…” Chichi replied, holding her husband's hand tightly.

“…Take care of them…”

Her grip tightened.

“No… you’re not leaving…”

Goku smiled faintly.

“…Heh…” His gaze drifted upward. “…Guess I’ll be… waiting…”

His breath slowed.

Then... it stopped.

Silence fill the area.

“…Goku…?”

Nothing. He did not reply. Could not reply. 

“…Goku?”

Her voice broke.

“GOKU!!!”

Her cry echoed across the wasteland, carried far beyond the battlefield, swallowed only by distance and the endless sky. The sound lingered in the air long after it was made, as though the world itself refused to let it fade. Even the wind seemed to hesitate, its movement slowing as if in quiet acknowledgment of what had been lost.

Raditz looked down at the fallen Saiyan, his expression unreadable now.

“…Kakarot…”

A pause.

“…You were a fool.”

But his voice lacked its earlier certainty.

Piccolo turned slightly, his gaze shifting toward the horizon. “…One year…” he muttered. His fists clenched. “…Fine.” A new resolve settled over him.

“…Then we’ll be ready.”

Far beyond the planet’s atmosphere, where the silence of space stretched endlessly in every direction, two figures drifted through the darkness. Their pods cut through the void with silent precision, their trajectories locked onto a distant blue world—unaware, unprepared.

Inside—

Two Saiyans.

And slowly approaching.

Chapter Text

The battlefield did not recover.

It lingered—broken, silent, and heavy with what had been lost.

Dust drifted slowly across the ruined ground, carried by a tired wind that no longer roared, only whispered. Cracks stretched in every direction, deep and jagged, marking where the fight had torn the earth apart. Jagged boulders and shattered stone jutted up like gravestones, reminders of the battle that had burned brighter than anything this world had ever known. The air was thick with smoke, dust, and faint residual ki—almost tangible, crawling across skin like the memory of a wound.

At the center of it all lay Son Goku.

His body was still.

The warmth that once clung to him was slipping away, leaving only a hollow absence, a quiet void that tugged at everything around him. His orange gi was scorched and tattered, darkened by dirt, ash, and blood. The scorched crater in his chest looked impossibly deep, edges smoking faintly as if the earth itself mourned him.

Chichi fell to her knees beside him.

Her hands gripped his torn gi, fingers trembling as though letting go would make everything real. She pressed her forehead against his chest, inhaling the faint scent of scorched fabric and iron. “…No… no, no, no…”

A soft shiver ran through her. Her fingers ran along his chest, tracing the blackened wound. “…Goku…” Her lips quivered. “…Get up…”

Nothing.

Her body trembled violently, yet she didn’t move. She lifted her head and looked into his face, her tears glinting in the dim haze. “…You always come back,” she whispered. “…Always. So get up.”

She shook him gently, almost violently, as her voice cracked. “Don’t leave me! Don’t leave them! Don’t—”

The wind lifted again, brushing over broken rock and cracked earth, stirring her hair like a silent witness to her grief.

Raditz’s figure appeared a short distance away. One arm hung limply at his side, scorched and burned by Piccolo’s earlier blast. Thin trails of smoke curled from the wound, dissipating quickly in the dusty wind. He watched, unmoving, silent, unreadable.

“…Kakarot…” he muttered, a whisper that felt heavier than it should.

Chichi’s head snapped up. “…Don’t. You don’t get to say his name.”

Her fists clenched, knuckles white as she stepped forward, every inch of her radiating fury. “You don’t get to stand there and act like this wasn’t your fault! You attacked him, you attacked our children, and now you pretend like you had nothing to do with this?!”

Raditz’s lips pressed into a thin line. “…I didn’t kill him.”

“That’s enough!” she screamed, voice breaking as she gestured wildly. “You came here, you hurt my family, and you say this isn’t your fault?!”

“It really was not my fault. He grabbed me, planning on killing me with that blast greenie over there was making.”

“And why do you think he HAD to do it? Huh?! You abduct us, threaten us and the planet and think he’d just stand by?!? How stupid are you?!”

Piccolo’s arms crossed, his eyes narrowing at her outburst. “…Chichi—”

“No!” she snapped as she turned to look at Piccolo, hurt and anger clear in her eyes. “You did this too! You… you fired that attack! Knowing he was there! Do you understand? Knowing that it could—” Her words choked off, replaced by trembling sobs. “…He’s gone, Piccolo! He’s gone!”

Piccolo’s jaw tightened. “He already knew the risks when I told him my plan. He did what he did knowing there’s a chance he’d get hit by my attack all to save you and the kids.” He tried to reason.

“…If I hadn’t—”

“…If you hadn’t…” Her voice rose, shaking, raw. “…He’d still be alive? He’d still be breathing?!”

Piccolo flinched at the truth in her words. He said nothing.

A metallic hiss split the air.

Piccolo’s head turned instinctively. “The pod.”

Chichi froze, panic sharpening every line in her face. “The kids—”

Before she could react, Piccolo was already moving. He tore through the damaged pod, metal groaning under his grip, steam hissing as the breach opened. Inside, the twins clung together, small bodies trembling, eyes wide as the devastation around them mirrored the fear inside.

“…Come on,” Piccolo said quietly, extending a hand. “We need to go.” Both kids took his hand and he floated them back up.

Chichi weakly walked not even a few meters away from where her husband’s body lies as Piccolo floated out the crater, the twins in his arms. He softly set them down. Seeing the kids terrified face made Chichi tear up as she opened her arms for her babies.

Gohan ran first, launching himself into his mother’s arms the instant he saw her. Chichi held him tightly, as if her grip could tether him to reality.

Chiharu followed, clinging to her mother’s sleeve, eyes darting nervously to the ground, to the horizon, to the still form of their father.

And then… they saw him.

The stillness of Goku’s body struck them both like ice water.

“…Dad?” Gohan whispered, disbelief making his voice tremble.

Chichi’s hands tightened around him. “…Yes… he’s here…”

“…He’s not moving!” Gohan cried, pulling back to touch his father’s chest.

“…Wake up! Dad, c’mon! You said we’d train! You promised!”

Chiharu’s hand hovered over her father’s chest. “…Why isn’t he…?” Chichi swallowed hard, unable to answer. “…He… he’s gone,” she said quietly. Gohan’s voice broke. “…No! That’s not true! He’ll wake up—he always wakes up!”

Chiharu didn’t fight him. She only stared, mouth trembling. “…He said he’d come back…”

Raditz’s silhouette remained unmoving in the background. He noticed a ship flying towards their direction and decided it’s time to leave.

 “…One year,” he said quietly. “…Prepare yourselves.”

And with that, he turned and left, boots kicking up dust as he vanished into the horizon, leaving the battlefield empty of anything but grief and the whisper of the wind.

The silence shattered with the distant hum of an approaching aircraft.

A metallic screech rang across the broken land as Bulma’s plane descended, landing roughly among the cracks and boulders. The hatch opened, and one by one, familiar faces emerged—Krillin, Bulma, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu—eyes wide, hearts sinking.

Krillin ran first, skidding to a stop before Goku’s body. “…No way…” His hands hovered over his friend, then rested helplessly against him. “…This isn’t funny… this isn’t real…”

Bulma stepped forward, hand flying to her mouth. “…Goku…”

Yamcha clenched his fists. “…We’re too late…”

Tien and Chiaotzu shared a glance, silent, the weight of loss pressing in around them.

Krillin’s hands shook as he touched Goku’s shoulder. “…Come on, man… wake up…”

Nothing.

Chichi’s face was pale, lips quivering as she glared at Raditz before finally lowering her gaze. “…He’s gone,” she said flatly, exhaustion and grief bleeding into her words.

A faint light began to glow around Goku’s body. Krillin stepped back. “…What the—?” Bulma gasped, moving closer. “…It’s… it’s fading!”

Chichi lunged forward, hand reaching, but passed through air where Goku had been. “…GOKU!” Her scream echoed across the empty battlefield.

The light grew brighter, swirling, until it enveloped him completely.

Then—he was gone.

Completely.

Nothing remained.

Chichi collapsed to her knees, arms outstretched, trembling. “…He was right here…”

Gohan and Chiharu clung to her, crying, sobbing, their small forms shaking under the weight of a father they would not see again for a long time.

Krillin’s face was pale, eyes wide. “…Where did he go?”

Piccolo finally spoke, voice low but carrying weight. “…Kami took him. There’s only one reason—training. We have time to prepare.”

Chichi didn’t respond. There was nothing to say. The world had narrowed to the absence of Goku, and that hollow space between them was all that remained.

The battlefield was silent, heavy with absence. Goku’s light had vanished, leaving only the lingering scent of scorched earth and dust. Chichi’s hands rested limply on the ground where he had been, tears still streaking her face. The twins clung to her, small bodies trembling as though holding themselves together required every ounce of strength they had.

Piccolo stepped forward, crouching slightly to meet the children’s eyes. “…We can’t stay here,” he said softly, voice steady but carrying a quiet urgency. He gestured toward the horizon, where the jagged earth stretched endlessly. “This place is too dangerous. The Saiyans could return… sooner than we expect.”

Chichi blinked, lifting her face to meet his. “…And leave him behind? Leave Goku gone like this?” Her voice shook, a mix of grief, anger, and helplessness. “How do you expect me to—”

“You don’t have a choice,” Piccolo interrupted gently but firmly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “He’s gone for now. There’s nothing we can do here. We need to protect the kids… and prepare for what comes next.”

Chichi’s fists clenched. “…Protect them? And what about him? What about my husband?!” She slammed her hand against a boulder, sending shards of stone tumbling to the cracked ground. “…This isn’t fair!”

Piccolo’s eyes narrowed slightly, the wind tugging at his cape as he looked over the battlefield. “…Life isn’t fair, Chichi. Not for us, not for Goku, and certainly not for Earth. But right now, our priority is survival… and strategy.”

From a distance, the others—Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu—had gathered near the landing site of Bulma’s ship. Yamcha’s fists were clenched at his sides, eyes darting over the broken terrain. “So… what now?” he muttered, voice low. “We can’t just sit here.”

Krillin knelt where Goku had been, scanning the area with a mixture of desperation and calculation. “…We need a plan,” he said. “…We need to know where the Dragon Balls are, how fast the Saiyans could get here, and… and if there’s a way to bring Goku back safely.”

Bulma stepped forward, brushing dirt from her jacket. “…I can track the Dragon Balls. I’ve got the technology… we can start putting together a search grid.” Her voice carried authority, but her hands shook slightly. “…But we need time… and if the Saiyans arrive sooner…”

Chichi’s gaze drifted over the battlefield, her fists still trembling. “…We don’t have a year. Raditz… he said one year… but how do we know he’s not lying?”

Piccolo’s eyes darkened. “He’s not lying. Raditz warned us… for a reason. That means we need to prepare. Train. Strengthen ourselves. Gohan… Chiharu… you two need to start learning to defend yourselves, even if it’s just basic control over your ki.”

The twins’ eyes widened. “…Train?” Gohan whispered.

Piccolo nodded, kneeling slightly. “You’re stronger than you realize. Goku’s blood runs in you. But strength alone isn’t enough. Control, strategy, and teamwork… that’s what will save you.”

Chichi shook her head, her voice rising, teetering between fear and anger. “You expect me to just let you take them and train them while he’s gone? While Goku…!” She stopped, choking back tears. “I can’t… I can’t lose them too!”

Piccolo placed a firm hand on her shoulder again. “You won’t. That’s why we do this. If we wait, we lose everything. If we act… we might still have a chance.”

Krillin stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. “Piccolo’s right. Goku… he’d want us to do everything we can to protect the planet, even if he isn’t here to guide us. That’s what he would do.”

Chichi’s chest heaved. “…I… I know… I know you’re right…” Her voice trembled, and she sank to her knees beside the twins, pulling them close. “…I just… I need him…”

A gust of wind swept across the battlefield, carrying dust and the faint remnants of energy from Goku’s last battle. It tugged at their clothes, at their hair, as though the earth itself mourned him.

Piccolo looked toward the horizon, scanning the distance. “Raditz is gone, but he’s not our enemy yet. Not fully. But his warning… the Saiyans… they will come. And we need to be ready for them. Every one of us.”

Yamcha rubbed his jaw, his gaze scanning the shattered ground. “So… train, gather the Dragon Balls, get stronger. That’s it?”

Piccolo’s eyes hardened. “That’s everything. And it starts now.”

Bulma stepped forward again. “The Dragon Balls. We can’t wait. If the Saiyans arrive first… it’s over.”

Chichi held the twins tightly, rocking them slightly as they cried into her chest. The wind tugged at her hair, carrying the faint scent of scorched earth and dust. Her gaze drifted over the empty battlefield, where Goku’s light had vanished completely. Every instinct in her screamed despair—but beneath it, something else began to stir.

She lifted her head, eyes hardening. “…No,” she whispered to herself, voice trembling but resolute. “I… I can’t let them face this alone. Not Gohan, not Chiharu. Not anyone.”

The twins looked up at her, tears still streaking their cheeks, small hands clinging to her clothes. “…Mom?” Gohan asked softly.

Chichi’s lips pressed into a thin line. “…Yes,” she said firmly. “…I’ll fight. I’ll protect you. I’ll make sure no one harms you while I can stop them.”

Piccolo tilted his head slightly, surprised. “…Chichi… you’re serious?”

“I’m serious,” she said, standing abruptly, dust and small stones falling from her knees. Her fists clenched, knuckles white. “…I may not have trained like Goku, but I know enough to defend my family. I’ll train harder… faster. I’ll make sure when the Saiyans come, I’m standing between them and my children.”

Krillin stepped closer, uncertainty written across his face. “…Chichi, it’s dangerous… these Saiyans… they’re not like anything we’ve faced before.”

“I don’t care!” she snapped, her voice cracking with emotion, half rage, half grief. “…Goku’s gone. Someone has to fight. If I don’t… my kids will be next. And I can’t… I won’t let that happen.”

“But mom, we want to train too! We want to be able to defend earth when those aliens come.” Chiharu said, determined. Gohan on the other hand seemed hesitant

Chichi’s gaze softened slightly, brushing a strand of hair from Chiharu’s face. “…You will help,” she said, voice firm. “But not by fighting them directly. You’ll train, you’ll get stronger, but when the time comes, you stay behind. You understand? I won’t let you throw your lives away.”

Gohan’s lips trembled as he processed her words. “…I… I understand… but I still want to train, Mom.”

Chichi smiled faintly, brushing his hair back. “That’s right. You’ll train. You’ll grow stronger. But you’ll grow stronger to survive, to protect each other, and to help me, not to face those monsters yet. That’s my job.”

Piccolo stepped closer, watching the scene with a hint of approval. “She’s right. Fighting them now would be suicide. But training… you’ll learn control, discipline, and power. And when the time comes, you’ll have a chance to survive.”

Chiharu nodded vigorously, eyes wide with determination. “…We’ll train! We’ll get stronger! And we’ll listen!”

Chichi rose to her feet, patting dust off from her clothes. She glanced over the ruined battlefield, fists clenched tightly. “I’ll train too. I’ll make sure I’m strong enough to take them on. You won’t have to face them until you’re ready, and even then, I’ll be there.”

Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu exchanged glances, each realizing the weight behind her words. Her resolve was unlike anything they had seen—a fire fueled by love and loss.

Piccolo’s eyes narrowed, but there was a flicker of respect beneath the tension. “…If you’re going to do this, you need training. Fast. You need control over your energy, tactics, and endurance. And you need allies, people who can fight alongside you. You’re strong… but strength alone won’t be enough.”

Chichi clenched her fists, the dust crunching beneath her boots as she took a firm stance. “Then I’ll train. Every day. Every hour. I’ll become a warrior if that’s what it takes. No Saiyan will touch my kids while I’m alive.”

Bulma stepped forward, admiration and concern mingling in her voice. “If you’re serious about this, we’ll help. Training, equipment, everything we’ve got. But you have to promise me… you’ll be careful. Don’t throw yourself at them blindly.”

Chichi gave a faint, determined nod. “…I’ll be careful… but I won’t stand down. Not for anyone.”

Piccolo glanced over at the twins, then at Chichi. “…Then we start tomorrow. First things first: control your energy. Learn to fight smart. If we do this right, we might just have a chance to protect the kids… and honor Goku’s sacrifice.”

Chichi’s gaze hardened further, eyes glinting in the dusty light. “…I’ll make sure of it. I’ll train, I’ll fight… and when the Saiyans come… I’ll be ready. We all will be.”

The wind swept across the battlefield again, tugging at their clothes, lifting dust into the air like a silent witness. Chichi stood taller now, a new aura of determination surrounding her. Even in the shadow of loss, a warrior was awakening. And she would not let her family face the coming storm alone.

On the other side of the veil of reality, Goku’s consciousness awoke in a place that was neither earth nor sky. He was standing before Kami, the Guardian of Earth, who regarded him with a calm, commanding presence.

“Son Goku,” Kami began, voice reverberating with authority, “…I have brought you here to continue your training. You are not yet ready to face the power that approaches Earth.”

“Kami? What..? I’m alive?”

“No, you’ve died. But your friends and family are planning on reviving you in a year’s time. That is when two more Saiyans will arrive on Earth to wreck havoc.”

“Two? Are you kidding me?? I could barely defeat my own Saiyan brother!” Goku said, frustrated. He then blinked, still shaken from his injuries and the horrors of the battlefield. “…I… I can’t believe this… Chichi… the kids…” His voice trailed off, heavy with sorrow.

Kami’s eyes softened slightly. “They are safe, thanks to you. You must set aside your worries for now. There is only one path forward. You will train under King Kai. But first… you must take the journey to him. It will test your body, your mind, and your patience in ways nothing on Earth ever has.”

Before Goku could respond, the world stretched beneath him, and he found himself at the edge of an impossibly long, winding path.

Snake Way.

The path twisted and turned, suspended over an endless void. Its surface shimmered faintly, uneven and treacherous, like the skin of a giant serpent curling infinitely through the clouds. The sky above was impossibly blue, and the horizon stretched beyond the eye’s reach, daring him to take the first step.

“…Snake Way…” Goku muttered. “This… looks bad. And long. Too long. Why does it look neverending?”

Kami’s voice echoed. “Do not falter, Goku. Step by step. Time flows differently here. Your strength, your focus, your will… will be tested. One misstep, and all is lost.”

Goku gritted his teeth, clenching his fists. “…I don’t have time to standby and be lazy. I’ll make it. I have to.” He began walking. Each step was deliberate, measured. The path swayed slightly beneath him, testing his balance. Gusts of wind tried to throw him off, and the higher he climbed, the thinner the air became. Every muscle screamed, every breath burned, yet he pushed forward.

Back on Earth, Piccolo, Chichi, and the others prepared for what would come. Plans were made, training schedules drawn, and the resolve to survive and fight hardening in their hearts. Chichi, in particular, vowed silently to master her own strength, so that when the Saiyans arrived, she would be ready—not just as a mother, but as a warrior.

And far above the Earth, in the cold silence of space, two Saiyan pods hurtled toward the blue planet, carrying Nappa and Vegeta. Their arrival in one year would test the resolve, the strength, and the courage of every defender of Earth.

The clock had begun. And the war for the planet’s fate was only just beginning.

Chapter Text

12 Months Before the Saiyans Arrive

The sun rose slowly over the mountains, painting the training grounds in hues of gold and orange. Chichi adjusted her gi, tightening the belt around her waist. She glanced at Piccolo, who hovered a few meters above the ground, arms crossed, eyes sharp and unyielding.

“Alright, Chichi,” Piccolo said, voice as stern as ever. “If you want to survive against the Saiyans, you’ll need more than stubbornness. You’ll need control, technique, and endurance. And you’ll need to keep your kids safe.”

Chichi squared her shoulders. “…Then let’s start.”

The twins, Gohan and Chiharu, ran ahead, giggling as they tried to mimic Piccolo’s rigid movements.

“Hey! Watch your stance!” Piccolo barked at them. “You’re going to fall on your faces if you keep moving like that!”

Chiharu stumbled over her own feet, landing in a heap with a loud thump. Gohan laughed, helping her up. Chichi couldn’t help but smile through her worry, brushing dirt from her son’s clothes.

“You two, pay attention,” she said, voice firm but gentle. “We’re going to train so no one ever hurts you like Raditz did.”

The twins turned serious, and nodded. Piccolo’s eyes softened slightly at their dedication. “…Good. Let’s begin.”

The session was rigorous, but interspersed with laughter. The twins’ curiosity about their father was endless. Between exercises, they peppered Chichi with questions.

“Mom… did Dad really fight a whole army? I remember Krillin telling us that story.” Gohan asked, eyes wide. "Dad sounded so cool!" Chiharu commented, clearly as impressed as her brother.  Chichi nodded with a smile, sighing. “…Yes. And he protected everyone. That’s why we train. So we can protect each other too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far above Earth, Goku’s grueling journey had begun. On the winding coils of Snake Way, every step tested his balance, every gust of wind threatened to throw him into the abyss.

“Why did Kami make this path so long?” Goku muttered, sweat dripping from his brow. “It’s endless… but I have to keep going.”

Days and nights blurred. Goku leaped from coil to coil, dodged falling rocks, and battled exhaustion. Thoughts of Chichi, the twins, and his friends spurred him onward. “…I’ll be ready. I’ll make it to King Kai. I have to.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chichi stood in the open field, fists clenched, watching her children struggle to control small bursts of ki. The twins—Gohan and Chiharu—focused with furrowed brows, sparks of energy dancing from their palms as Piccolo supervised.

“Faster!” Chichi shouted, landing a punch that sent a small shock-wave over the ground. “Control it! Don’t let it control you!”

Gohan stumbled backward, hair falling into his eyes. “Mom! I—”

“You’re blocking with your energy too soon!” she snapped. “Again!”

Chiharu grinned despite the frustration. “I think I’m getting it this time, Mom!”

Piccolo, kneeling to watch, allowed himself a rare smile. “…Not bad. They’re learning fast. Faster than I expected.”

Chichi’s voice softened slightly. “…Good. You two are going to need every ounce of strength you have. Just in case these Saiyans get to you..”

They all wished and prayed things won’t get to that point.

8 Months Before the Saiyans Arrive

Far from Earth, Raditz floated silently in the void, the stars stretching endlessly around him. His right arm throbbed from Piccolo’s earlier blast, a faint scar forming even in the cold emptiness of space.

He clenched his fists, eyes narrowed, thinking. “…Kakarot… you died for them,” he muttered to himself, voice low, almost bitter. “And now… Earth will face the others. Vegeta… Nappa… will come. If I don’t act… they’ll be destroyed.”

Raditz’s tail swished behind him, tense and rigid. He had always been a lone warrior, a Saiyan who relied on strength and instinct. But something gnawed at him—a strange respect for his brother, and perhaps… even for these mortals.

“…Do I team up with them?” he asked the void. “…The ones I call weak? Or do I train by myself, let them fend for themselves, and hope they survive?”

He pictured Chichi, tears streaking her dirt-covered face as she clutched the twins, Piccolo’s stern eyes, Gohan’s wide innocence, Chiharu’s trembling hands…

He remembered his mother, the thing she made him promise while she's in tears.

"You're a big brother, Raditz. Promise me you and Kakarot will work together to survive. Promise me you won't betray or abandon each other, for you are brothers. If you do as promised, I... can rest easily, knowing my boys are safe..."

A sigh escaped him, rare and almost human. “…I can’t let this planet die just because of pride,” he muttered. “…I’ll do it my way… but I’ll do it. For Kakarot.”

Days passed in harsh training in the middle of nowhere, his decision was made. He would approach gang and offer a truce, though he had no intention of letting his pride be underestimated.

A Few Days Later

The Earth training grounds were bustling. Chichi had the twins sparring under Piccolo’s watchful gaze while she drilled ki control exercises herself. Krillin and Yamcha practiced alongside her, occasionally teasing one another, and the atmosphere was surprisingly light despite the looming threat of the Saiyans.

A faint ripple in the air caught Piccolo’s attention first. He stiffened, scanning the horizon.

“…I don’t like this,” he muttered. “Someone’s approaching.”

A figure emerged from the distant mountains—Raditz. His posture was neutral, arms relaxed, but his sharp gaze betrayed the ever-present tension.

Chichi froze mid-ki strike, eyes narrowing. “…Raditz…” Her voice was a mixture of anger, disbelief, and caution.

Krillin stepped forward instinctively. “He’s alone.”

Raditz stopped a few meters away, hands leveled with his chest, keeping his distance. “I don’t intend to fight,” he said flatly, voice low but steady. “I’m… offering a truce.”

Chichi’s fists clenched, dust falling from her sleeves. “A truce? After everything you did? After you attacked Goku, after you endangered my family?!”

Raditz’s expression remained unreadable. “…I don’t have much time. Vegeta and Nappa will arrive, and if we don’t prepare together… Earth won’t survive.”

Piccolo’s eyes narrowed, scanning for deception. “…Why should we trust you?”

Raditz looked toward the ground, briefly. “Because I made a choice. I could have left you to die, let the Saiyans take the planet, and kept training alone. But I… won’t. Not this time.”

Chichi’s voice shook, barely contained rage and fear laced through it. “And what's stopping you from betraying us the second they arrive?”

Raditz’s gaze hardened. “You don’t. But right now, I need allies if I’m going to have any chance at surviving the Saiyans. And you… need me if you want any chance of seeing your families alive.”

Gohan peeked from behind Chichi, whispering to her, “…Mom… can we… trust him?”

Chichi crouched down to her twins' level, brushing hair from their faces. “Of course not! He killed your father and he’s the reason why you two have been exposed to violence at such a young age."

Then she stood up and faced Raditz, "So you can go back to the hole you came from and die for all I care!” She said as she turned to walk away with the twins who stared at Raditz a little longer before following. Yamcha and Krillin still on guard with Piccolo.

Piccolo’s jaw tightened and hesitantly said, “…We can monitor him. If he betrays us, we’ll deal with it. But if he fights with us… we might just survive.”

At this, Chichi and the twins turned back around, shocked at what Piccolo decided. “Are you serious, Piccolo?? He’s the reason why we’re in this mess in the first place! Why are you trusting him?!”

“I don’t trust him, that’s why I said we will monitor him! It’s a condition that he should take if he’s really so desperate into teaming up with us.”

“Well I don’t trust him either! Not one bit! So get him away from here or so HELP ME KAMI I’M KICKING HIS ASS MYSELF! I’D TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO KICK HIS ASS BECAUSE I COULDN’T THE LAST TIME I SAW HIS HAIRY SELF- Hey- HEY, where are you taking me?!”

Piccolo grabbed her by the arm while she was yelling at him and took them to a spot in the forest where they can be seen but not heard.

“Can you pipe down? Calm down. This is only a truce. And we need all the help we can get. Remember his warning? These two aliens are stronger than HIM. And HE was stronger than even Son and I combined! So I am taking this opportunity to get as much allies as we can. You want to live to see the next year of your life don’t you?” Piccolo reasoned. At this Chichi went quiet and began thinking.

They do need as much allies as they can, that much is true. But how can she trust someone who’s the reason for her husband’s death and for traumatizing her kids? That’s when Piccolo spoke again, “You don’t need to trust him. Trust me. Trust that I will keep an eye on him, and that I won’t let him do anything to you or the kids.”

That left Chichi speechless. He’s actually willing to protect them? If you’d have told Chichi years ago that the strong, terrifying Piccolo Jr. would be willing to protect them from an alien that came from outer space because your husband couldn’t for he is dead, he would holler at your face, call you crazy and never speak to you again.

Chichi gave her self a moment to think about it. Piccolo CAN protect them, hes strong enough. So, she hesitantly answered, “Fine. But I’m keeping my eyes on him as well.”

“Great. That’s settled then.” With that, both of them went back to the group.

“It’s decided, saiyan. You can train with us. It’s a truce.”

“But I have my eyes on you, so do anything suspicious and your ass is mine. So from now on, if you want to stay, follow our rules.” Chichi added, narrowing her eyes at him.

Raditz’s shoulders relaxed fractionally. “…Fine. I’ll follow your lead… for now.”

Chichi stepped forward, her fists trembling at her sides as she tightened them, nails digging into her palms,  “Again… one wrong move, and it’s over. You understand?”

Raditz didn’t respond immediately. His jaw tightened, and for a brief moment, his gaze shifted away from her. He said nothing, but the silence spoke enough.He inclined his head slightly. “…Understood.”

The tension lingered, but for the first time since his arrival, the fighters had a potential ally—albeit a dangerous, unpredictable one.

6 Months Before the Saiyans Arrive

Snake Way ended not with triumph but with exhaustion.

Goku didn’t land heroically. There was no dramatic stance, no burst of energy.

Just—

“—WHOA?!”

His body slammed face-first into King Kai’s planet. For a moment, he didn’t move. “Okay-" his voice came out muffled against the grass. “…that hurt way more than I expected…” He tried to push himself up.

Nothing.

His arms trembled, gave out, and he collapsed again with a dull thud.

“…Why is this place so heavy?” he muttered, turning his head slightly. Even that small motion felt like effort.

A voice answered him.

“Because it is.”

Goku squinted upward.

“…King Kai?” he said, blinking slowly. “Did I… make it?”

King Kai stood a few feet away, watching him with mild curiosity. “You did,” he said. “Eventually.” 

“…Hey, I ran the whole way,” Goku protested weakly. “That’s gotta count for something…”

“It does,” King Kai replied. “It tells me you’re stubborn.”

Goku let out a small laugh—then winced as even that shook his body. “…Ten times gravity, isn’t it?” he guessed. King Kai raised a brow. “You can feel that already?” “…Yeah…” Goku exhaled. “…Feels like my body’s being pushed into the ground…”

There was a pause.

Then slowly, Goku planted his palms again. “…But that’s fine,” he said quietly. His arms shook harder this time.

His elbows bent—

Almost gave out—

Then held.

“…If this is what it takes…” he muttered, teeth clenched. He pushed. Slow. Painful. His body rising inch by inch until—

He was kneeling.

Breathing hard.

Sweat already forming.

“…Heh…” he smiled faintly. “…Guess I just need to get used to it…”

King Kai watched him more carefully now.

“…Most people don’t smile at that point.” Goku chuckled weakly. “…Most people probably didn’t leave their kids behind to come here…” That lingered.

For just a second—

Something heavier than gravity passed through the air.

“…Then don’t waste the time you have,” King Kai said.

Goku nodded. “…I won’t.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Earth, the days didn’t feel like days anymore. They blurred into each other—measured not by time, but by effort. By bruises. By how long someone could keep standing.

“Again.”

Piccolo’s voice wasn’t loud.

It didn’t need to be.

Gohan moved first this time.

Trying to remember.

Trying to anticipate.

Chiharu followed, her movements sharper than before, less playful now.

They attacked together.

For a moment—

They almost looked coordinated.

Almost.

Piccolo shifted slightly. Just enough.

Gohan missed.

Chiharu overcommitted.

And just like that...

They were down again.

This time, neither of them complained.

Gohan stayed on his hands and knees for a second longer than usual, breathing unevenly. “I saw it…” he said quietly. Piccolo glanced at him. “Saw what?” “Where you were going to move,” Gohan replied, lifting his head. “I just… couldn’t react in time.” Piccolo didn’t respond right away. “That’s progress,” he said finally. Chiharu flopped onto her back beside them. “…Feels like losing.” “It is,” Piccolo said. “But it’s a better kind of losing.”

Not far away, Chichi moved alone.

Often alone.

She didn’t spar.

Didn’t call attention to herself.

Most of the time, no one even noticed when she stepped away. Her feet shifted carefully against the ground, stance low, controlled. Her hands hovered in front of her, fingers slightly curled.

The energy between her palms flickered, but she didn’t release it. “Tch… Too much,” she whispered, closing her fingers slightly.

The ki compressed.

Tightened.

Her breathing slowed to match it.

In.

Out.

In—

The energy thinned.

Sharpened.

Then—

It destabilized.

The force burst outward, scattering dirt and pebbles in a wide arc. Chichi didn’t react immediately.

She just stood there, watching the aftermath. “…Still wasting energy…” she murmured. Her hands lowered slowly. “…I can’t afford that.”

For a moment, her gaze drifted—toward Gohan.

Toward Chiharu.

Toward the life she was trying to protect.

Then her hands rose again.

“…Again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Training with Raditz was… different. But it worked.

Yamcha wiped sweat from his face, chest rising rapidly. “…You ever think about… not hitting so hard?” he asked between breaths. Raditz stared at him.

“No…?”

“…Yeah, didn’t think so.”

They faced each other again—but this time, Yamcha didn’t rush.

He watched.

Waited.

Raditz moved—

And Yamcha reacted.

Not fast enough though.

The impact still sent him sliding back, but he caught himself this time, boots digging into the ground.“…Okay…” Yamcha muttered. “That’s new…” Raditz noticed. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t dismiss it either. “Again,” Raditz said. And another round of rough sparring starts.

5 Months Before the Saiyans Arrive

The Dragon Radar beeped steadily in Bulma’s hand. They only need to find 2 more dragon balls left. Just this one, is by far the hardest to get. Since its constantly moving.

“It’s moving again,” she groaned, more tired than frustrated this time.

Yamcha didn’t even react right away. He just stared at the sky for a second. “Of course it is…”

Bulma adjusted the radar, squinting. “It keeps changing direction."

“…Maybe it’s alive,” Yamcha muttered.

Silence.

“Don’t say that.” Bulma replied with a wince.

They moved carefully through the brush this time.

The sound came first.

Rustling.

Bulma raised a hand. “There.” The bushes shook— And a monkey burst out, chattering loudly. Yamcha closed his eyes. “I knew it…” Bulma’s eye twitched. “Wait…” The monkey turned. The Dragon Ball glinted in the sunlight. Tied to its tail.

There was a moment of silence.

Then—

“…I’m going to lose my mind,” Bulma said calmly. The monkey screeched and ran. Bulma snapped instantly. “NO YOU DON’T—!” She took off after it. Yamcha sighed—but followed anyway.

“I miss when our problems were normal…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at the training grounds, things felt… steadier. Not easier, but more understood. Chichi stood beside Piccolo again, arms crossed. This time, neither of them spoke for a while. They just watched. Watched the others move. Fight. Improve.

“They’re changing,” Chichi said quietly.

“…They have to,” Piccolo replied.

Her gaze shifted slightly to Raditz. “…And him?”

Piccolo followed her line of sight.

“He hasn’t left. No suspicious behavior. Just… determination somehow. Doesn’t look like he’s planning on ditching us anytime soon either.”

“Lovely...” Chichi replied with a sarcastic tone. Piccolo slightly turned to her direction. “I’ve also been noticing he’s been spending some time with the kids. Surprised you are not so alarmed.”

“I’m more surprised they’re interacting with him in the first place. For Kami’s sake, he used us to bait Goku.”

“Maybe…. they’re both giving him a chance? Just like how you did with me?”

Chichi didn’t respond. But she didn’t argue at that either. She just cannot trust him so easily.

Raditz sat still for once. Observing. As usual, they’re in a forest just not far from Chichi’s home, a stream can be seen from where they’re training. Piccolo sparring with Tien and Chiaotzu. Yamcha off to the side on a tree trunk, taking a nap. Chichi on a small hill, seemingly doing something else away from prying eyes.

Then suddenly, Chiharu started circled around him, arms crossed, eyes observing. He stayed still, an eyebrow raised. She slowed down on her circling and said, “…You don’t talk much,” she said.

“…There’s not much to say.”

“There is,” she insisted. “You just don’t say it.” Raditz scoffed, "Like what?"

"Like... what are... Saiyans like? Where did you come from? Are there more Saiyans? Are they powerful? Do they train too? What are the habits of a normal Saiyan? Do they look the same? Or are there Saiyan varieties? Do you have a ruler of some sort or do you just do whatever?"

Raditz eyes widened at the questions the little girl has. She still kept on going with her questions until he raised a hand to shut her up, and she did. "Y’know what kid, that's a conversation for another time. I'm not in a mood for chit chat."

Chiharu pouted, "Well you could've just said that in the first place yknow."

Raditz didn’t answer. Gohan approached them and sat beside him, knees pulled in slightly. “Are you… going to stay? Y'know after we beat the other Saiyans?” he asked.

The question lingered. Raditz looked at him. Really looked at him. “…I haven’t decided,” he said.

It wasn’t harsh.

Just honest.

Then, an engine could be heard coming from a distance. One of those strange floating vehicles he’s seen the blue haired woman use one too many times arrived and parked just near them. Out came a giant man, carrying a small package. A small sound came from it.

Soft.

Curious.

“…Ba…”

They turned.

Gyumao approached, holding Chisora. “Look who I brought with me! She’s missing her mama and siblings!” He cheerfully greeted.

The mood shifted instantly. Chichi’s expression softening as she starts approaching the visitors. “Hey, dad. Hi baby~.” She greeted back, giving her dad a peck on the cheek and greeted her baby, who is nestled safely on a carrier, with a  sweet smile.

Gohan and Chiharu lit up. “Give her here!” she excitedly said as she stretched her arms to grab the baby. Chichi unbuckled Chisora from the carrier, picked her up and gave her safely to the big sister.

The baby giggled as she was passed over.

Raditz watched carefully this time. “Another one?”

“Yea! She’s our little sister. Her name is Chisora and she is already 1 year old! Her birthday was a few weeks ago.” Gohan did the introduction as Chiharu brought the baby for Raditz to meet.

Chichi stood by watching carefully, a little hesitant for her baby to be near… him… but she trusts her daughter.

Just as Chiharu reached Raditz’ side, Chisora reached out—

Grabbed Raditz’ hair.

He didn’t react right away.

“…She’s strong,” he said after a moment.

Gohan laughed. “She’s a baby!”

“…Still strong.” At this, Chisora seemed to understand what he said and smiled at him, all 3 teeth showing.

And for just a second—

Raditz didn’t pull away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far away, Goku fell again. Hard. He lay there for a moment, staring at the sky. “…Man…” he breathed. “…This is rough…” King Kai walked over. “You’re improving.” “…Doesn’t feel like it.” “That’s because you’re feeling the difference.” Goku slowly pushed himself up again.

This time, faster than before.

Still struggling.

But less than he first arrived. 

“Yeah…” he said. “…I guess that means it’s working.”

He stood. Wobbly. But standing. “…I’m not stopping,” he added.

King Kai smiled slightly. “Good.”

2 Months Before the Saiyans Arrive

For once, the training stopped. Not completely—but enough. Enough that the air didn’t feel so heavy. Enough that no one was shouting, or collapsing, or pushing past their limits. Just… enough.

The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in soft gold and orange when Chichi stepped out of the house.

“Alright,” she called. “That’s enough for today.” Yamcha blinked. “…Wait, what?” Krillin looked just as confused. “No ‘again’? No ‘harder’?” Even Piccolo glanced over, slightly suspicious.

Chichi crossed her arms. “It’s their birthday.”

There was a pause.

Then—

“Oh.”

“…Right.”

“…Yeah…”

“Mhm. I’ve been inside the house the whole time while you distracted the kids by training so I can cook up food and bake their cake. So, yea. And Yamcha, call Bulma to come here. Tien, Krillin, help me get this table outside.” With that, she went back in the house.

The tension didn’t disappear instantly.

But it softened.

A huge, round table had been set outside. Simple. Nothing extravagant, but carefully done.

A cake sat at the edge—slightly uneven, clearly homemade, but decorated with as much care as Chichi could manage. Piccolo, Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Gyumao with Baby Chisora in his arms gathered around, waiting for the birthday celebrants.

Chiharu’s eyes lit up the moment she saw it as she came out the house along with Gohan, both fresh out the shower.

“Is that for us?” she asked, almost like she didn’t want to assume. Chichi smiled faintly. “Who else would it be for?” Gohan stepped closer, quieter, but just as amazed. “It looks really good, Mom!” 

“Don’t stare at it too long,” Yamcha grinned. “Or I might eat it first.” Laughter erupted.

“Don’t you dare,” Chichi shot back immediately. “We haven’t sang to them yet."  Krillin laughed. “Y’know, he would, too.” Another laughter.

Even Raditz was there.

Standing a little further back.

Arms crossed.

Watching.

Not quite part of it.

Not quite apart from it either.

Gyumao greeted his grandchildren, his booming voice breaking through the calm.

“MY GRANDCHILDREN!” he roared, making little Chisora giggle. “Happy 5^th birthday! Your gifts are already in the kitchen! Open it later.”

“Thanks so much, Granpa!!” The twins said as they ran up to him to hug him.

Chichi clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention, “Alright! Gather up everyone and let’s sing the birthday celebrants a happy birthday song!”

Everyone gathered around, the twins standing by the cake, as Chichi lit up the candles on it. And then, except Piccolo—

They sang.

“Happy birthday to you.”

The voices weren’t perfect. Some off-key. Some too loud. Some too quiet. But it didn’t matter.

“Happy birthday to you.”

Gohan’s shoulders slowly relaxed. Chiharu beamed, swaying slightly side to side.

“Happy birthday dear Gohan and Chiharu…”

Chichi’s voice was steady, her eyes softened as she watched them.

For just this moment, they weren’t preparing for war. They were just her children, her babies that have turned 5 years old today.

“Happy birthday to you!” The song ended with claps from everyone, even Piccolo.

At the edge of it all, Raditz stood still. Silent. Watching. His brow furrowed slightly.

“They sing… for this?” he muttered under his breath. It wasn’t mocking. Just… unfamiliar. Chisora, in Gyumao’s arms, giggled and clapped her tiny hands along with the rhythm—completely off-beat. Raditz’s gaze shifted to her. Then back to the twins. Then to the group.

Something about it… didn’t make sense to him. And yet, he didn’t look away.

As everyone gathered, something unusual settled in. Not silence, but… stillness. A kind of peace that hadn’t existed in months. Even Piccolo stayed. Off to the side, but present.

Chichi smiled at the twins and pointed to the cake, five small flames flickered against the evening light. “Go on. Make a wish,” she said softly. The twins looked at each other. For a moment, they didn’t blow them out.

“You go first,” Gohan said. Chiharu shook her head. “…No, together.”

He nodded.

They closed their eyes.

Gohan’s hands clenched slightly at his sides.

I want Dad to come back…
I want everyone to be okay…

Chiharu’s expression softened, more emotional than usual.

I want us to win…
I don’t want anyone to disappear…

Their thoughts aligned.

Different words.

Same meaning.

“I wish…” They both whispered at the same time. “…that we win against the Saiyans…”

“…and that we can celebrate next year…” They hesitated. Then said it together. “…with Dad here.”

The candles flickered as they blow at the same time.

Then went out.

For a moment...

No one spoke. Not immediately. Because everyone heard it. Everyone understood. Then everyone clapped. The twins smiled at everyone. 

Chichi turned her head away slightly, her expression tightening just a bit before she forced a smile, eyes glistening with unshed tears, not wanting to cry on her babies’ special day.

“Alright,” she said gently. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

The mood shifted again but not back to normal. Just lighter. Yamcha took a bite. “Okay, this is actually really good.” Chichi blinked. “…‘Actually’?” Yamcha choked at this, “I mean—! I didn’t mean—” Krillin laughed. “Too late, man.”

Gohan sat close to Chichi, quieter now. “Mom,” he said softly.

“Yeah?”

“…We’re going to win, right?”

Chichi paused.

Just for a second.

Then she placed a hand on his head.

“We will,” she said.

Her voice didn’t shake. But her grip tightened slightly.

A little further away, Raditz watched the scene. The laughter. The small arguments. The way they stayed close to each other without thinking. His gaze shifted—to the twins. Then to the baby. Then to Chichi. Then away.

“…Tch…” he muttered under his breath.

But he didn’t leave.

Chichi noticed Raditz is just staying away, seemingly not planning to eat. Heck even Piccolo is eating and he did not even NEED to eat. And the Saiyan is just… over there. She rolled her eyes.

Unexpectedly, she grabbed a huge plate and started gathering tons of food. The twins noticed this, wondered what she’s gonna do with it. As she gathered enough to not spill, she stood up and walked towards where Raditz is standing.

The twins eyes widened at their mother’s actions, Chiharu smiling a bit. This also gathered everyone else’s attentions. As she got closer, Raditz noticed her and raised an eyebrow. Chichi extended a plate of food to him, “Here, eat up. You’re Goku’s brother, and knowing him, I assume you also have a bottomless pit for a stomach. Must be a Saiyan thing, is it.”

Silence, Raditz seemed hesitant.

“Unless I’m wrong and it’s really just a Goku thing to eat food almost nonstop.” She added as she extended the plate of food to him some more. A few more minutes of him not taking the food and just staring at it and at her in disbelief, she got annoyed. “Are you gonna take it or what?”

“O-Oh… ahem…” he reached out and accepted the food from her, “Uhm.. thanks.”

“Mhm, now don’t be shy or scared, if you need more or want more food, it’s on the table.” With that, she got back to her seat beside the twins, who were grinning. Raditz stared at her some more before digging in, noting how good the food is and how lucky Goku is for him to be able to eat this cooking everyday until he died.

As the night deepened, the group slowly settled. Some sitting. Some lying back, looking at the stars. For the first time in a long time— No one trained. No one prepared. They just… existed. Together.

And above them, The sky remained quiet. 

For now.

3 Weeks before  Saiyans Arrive

Time no longer felt distant.

It felt close.

Too close.

Even the quiet moments carried weight now.

Chichi stood in the same place as always, but she wasn’t the same. Her movements were sharper. Cleaner. More certain. 

The energy between her hands formed. 

She didn’t rush it.

Didn’t force it.

She guided it. 

“Stay…” she whispered.

The ki obeyed. She stepped forward, and released it. The beam went through a boulder. Then, she whispered a word, and in a split second, the boulder exploded in pieces, immediately disappearing in a cloud of dust. Chichi lowered her hand slowly.

“…That’s enough,” she said.

Not with relief.

With certainty.

A little further down the field, Gohan tried again. He stepped forward, mimicking Piccolo’s stance as closely as he could. His breathing was slower now, more controlled—but there was still a hint of hesitation in the way he moved.

“Don’t copy me,” Piccolo said without looking at him.

Gohan paused mid-step. “…Huh?”

“Understand it,” Piccolo continued. “Then make it yours.”

Gohan frowned slightly, trying to process that. He shifted his footing again—less precise this time, but more natural.

Piccolo glanced at him briefly.

“…Better,” he said. It wasn’t praise. But it was enough. Gohan’s shoulders straightened just a little.

Not far from them, Chiharu was sparring with Tien.

“Okay—don’t go easy on me!” she said, bouncing lightly on her feet.

Tien gave a small, nervous laugh. “…I feel like that’s a trap.”

“It’s not!”

“…That makes it sound even more like a trap.”

She lunged first—fast. Faster than before. Tien barely blocked in time, sliding back slightly from the impact.

“Whoa- okay, you’ve definitely gotten stronger!” he admitted. Chiharu grinned. “Told you!” She moved again, this time less reckless, more controlled. Tien noticed. And adjusted.

“You’re thinking more,” he said, ducking under her next strike.

“I have to,” she replied. “I can’t just rely on power.”

Tien smiled faintly. “Yeah. None of us can.”

Closer to the trees, Yamcha sat on the ground, catching his breath. For once, he wasn’t immediately jumping back into training. He just… sat there. “You’re slowing down,” a voice said.

Yamcha glanced up. Raditz stood nearby, arms crossed.

“Or I’m learning when to stop,” Yamcha replied. Raditz scoffed. “Stopping gets you killed.”

“Overdoing it gets you killed too,” Yamcha shot back. “Guess we’re both right.” Raditz didn’t respond. But he didn’t walk away either.

After a moment, Yamcha leaned back on his hands, staring up at the sky.

“You ever think about it?” he asked.

“About what?”

“What happens if we actually win.”

Raditz’s expression didn’t change.

“You survive.”

“Yeah,” Yamcha said. “But then what?”

That lingered.

Raditz’s gaze shifted slightly. “You keep living,” he said. “Huh,” Yamcha muttered. “Never thought that’d sound like the hard part.”

Nearby, no one joked as much anymore. Even Yamcha was quieter, but managed to assure everyone, “We’re ready,” he said. Krillin glanced at him. “You sure about that?” Yamcha hesitated. Then exhaled. “…No,” he admitted. “But we’re more ready than we were.”

Raditz stood nearby. Listening. Not interrupting. 

The twins sat together again. The sunset looked the same. But it didn’t feel the same.

“I think Dad’s close,” Gohan said. “Yeah,” Chiharu nodded. “…I can feel it.” They sat in silence after that. Not sad. Just waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far away, Goku stood without shaking. Without falling. Without struggling. “Heh…” he smiled. “Guess I got used to it.” King Kai looked at him. “You did more than that.” Goku clenched his fists. Energy steady. Focused. “…I’m ready.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on Earth, Piccolo stood at the edge of the cliff. The wind shifted. His eyes narrowed. “They’re coming.”

Chichi stepped beside him. She didn’t tense. Didn’t hesitate.

“Good,” she said.

Her voice was calm. But her eyes—

Were ready.

Chapter Text

The sky above the open field was unusually still. No wind. No movement. Just quiet anticipation.

Bulma adjusted the Dragon Radar in her hand, glancing down at it one last time before looking up at the seven glowing orbs arranged carefully across the grass. Each Dragon Ball shimmered faintly, their light reflecting in her eyes as she exhaled.

“…That’s all of them,” she said, lowering the device.

Nearby, Master Roshi stood with his hands resting behind his back, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with something more solemn. Gyumao stood not far from him, with Chichi holding Chisora gently against her shoulder as the baby blinked sleepily, unaware of the weight of the moment. 

Gohan and Chiharu stood side by side. Their eyes were fixed on the Dragon Balls. “This will bring Dad back,” Gohan said softly, as if saying it too loudly might somehow break it.

Chiharu nodded, though her fingers curled slightly at her sides. “…It has to.”

Bulma stepped forward, taking a breath before raising her voice.

“Alright—here goes nothing!”

She clenched her fists slightly and called out:

“Eternal Dragon, Shenron! I summon you! Grant my wish!”

For a brief moment, nothing happened.

Then the sky darkened.

Clouds gathered unnaturally fast, swirling overhead as thunder rumbled through the air. The Dragon Balls began to glow brighter, their light intensifying until it became almost blinding.

A bolt of lightning split the sky, and from it, Shenron emerged. The twins looked at it, mesmerized. Baby Chisora’s sleepiness disappeared and was equally as surprised by the dragon’s presence. Most babies would probably cry, she didn’t. Instead, she giggled and clapped her hands making Chichi amused at her reaction.

The massive dragon coiled through the air, his glowing red eyes gazing down upon them as his deep voice echoed across the land.

“I am Shenron. State your wish… and I shall grant it.”

The twins held their breath.

Bulma didn’t hesitate.

“Bring Son Goku back to life!”

The air seemed to pause.

Shenron’s eyes flashed red.

“Your wish… has been granted.”

A burst of light surged outward from the Dragon Balls, washing over the field in a brilliant glow before fading just as quickly as it had come.

For a moment—

Everything was still again.

Then Shenron disappeared, the Dragon Balls scattering into the sky as they turned to stone.

Silence followed.

Gohan stepped forward slightly, his eyes wide as he looked around. “Did it work?” he asked quietly.

Chichi adjusted her hold on her baby, a small smile forming. “Yeah,” she said. “It worked.”

Chiharu let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, her shoulders relaxing just a little. “He’s back.”

But even as relief settled in—

There was still distance between them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goku blinked.

For a split second, he simply stood there, the familiar weight of King Kai’s planet pressing against him as his mind caught up with what had just happened.

Then—

“…Huh?”

He looked down at his hands. Flexed his fingers. “…I’m… alive?”

King Kai let out a small chuckle, stepping forward with his arms folded. “Looks like your friends came through for you.” Goku’s face broke into a wide grin. “They did it!”

He laughed, the sound light and relieved, before turning toward King Kai.

“Guess this means I gotta head back.”

King Kai nodded, though his expression carried a hint of seriousness now. “You don’t have much time. Those Saiyans are already on their way.”

Goku’s smile softened slightly, determination settling in its place.

“Yeah. I can feel it.” He took a step back, then bowed his head slightly.

“Thanks, King Kai. For everything—the training, the techniques… all of it.”

King Kai waved a hand dismissively, though he smiled. “Just make sure you actually use it properly.”

Goku laughed. “I will.”

For a brief moment, he stood there.

Then—

He turned.

And ran.

This time, it was different.

Goku’s feet struck the endless road of Snake Way with confidence, his pace steady and powerful as he moved forward without hesitation. The long, winding path stretched endlessly ahead, disappearing into the clouds—but unlike before, it didn’t feel impossible.

Not anymore.

The gravity that once slowed him no longer held the same weight.

His body moved faster.

Lighter.

Stronger.

Wind rushed past him as he pushed forward, his expression focused but calm. “Man… this is way easier than before,” he muttered with a small grin. He didn’t stop. Didn’t hesitate. Didn’t look back. The memory of his first journey lingered faintly—the exhaustion, the doubt, the endless distance that had once seemed overwhelming.

Now—

It was just a path.

And he was running it.

Fast.

For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted.

To home.

To Chichi.

To the kids.

He could almost hear them. “…Hang on,” he said under his breath, his pace quickening slightly.

The wind roared louder around him as his speed increased, his form steady as he raced across the endless path.

“I’m on my way.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The air changed long before they arrived.

It wasn’t the wind.
It wasn’t the sky.

It was something deeper—something primal.

The kind of pressure that made your chest tighten for no reason. The kind that made your instincts scream run, even when your feet refused to move.

Piccolo felt it first.

He stood at the edge of the cliff, arms crossed, cape shifting slightly in the rising wind. His sharp eyes locked onto the horizon, unblinking.

“…They’re close.”

Krillin stiffened behind him. “H-how close is ‘close’?”

Piccolo didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened.

“Close enough that if you’re scared,” he said quietly, “now’s the time to admit it.”

Krillin let out a nervous laugh that didn’t quite land. “Yeah. That obvious, huh?”

“Terrified,” Yamcha muttered, crossing his arms. “But hey, wouldn’t be the first time.”

Tien stood still, silent—but the slight tension in his shoulders gave him away. He wasn’t afraid of fighting.

He was afraid of losing.

Chichi said nothing.

She stood a few steps behind them, feet firmly planted against the ground. Her breathing was slow. Controlled. But her fists—tight at her sides—told a different story.

She is wearing a new outfit, but inspired by the one she wore at the 23^rd Martial Arts Tournament years ago. The style is almost exactly the same except her hair is on a ponytail and the skirt shortened to look like a mini skirt. She’s also wearing black leggings underneath.

Her eyes never left the sky.

"Goku… get here soon.."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far away—

At Kame House, the ocean had gone still. Too still.

Gohan stood near the edge, his small hands clenched into fists. “I don’t like this…”

Chiharu shook her head, hugging herself. “…It feels like something bad already happened.”

Bulma tried to focus on the radar, but her hands trembled. “The readings are going crazy… it’s like two massive power sources just—just dropped into the atmosphere…”

Master Roshi didn’t joke. Didn’t smile.

“…They’ve arrived.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on the battlefield—

The sky split.

Two streaks of light tore through the clouds, screaming as they descended. The air itself warped around them, bending under the sheer force of their energy.

“Brace yourselves!” Piccolo barked.

The impact came like a bomb.

The earth exploded upward, a violent shock wave ripping across the land. Rocks shattered. Trees bent. The fighters were forced back, sliding against the ground as dust swallowed everything in sight.

For a moment—

Nothing could be seen. Nothing could be heard.

Then…

Footsteps.

Heavy. Slow. Confident.

Out of the dust, two silhouettes emerged.

Nappa stepped forward first, rolling his shoulders, a grin stretching across his face like he was enjoying a casual stroll. “Heh… this is it?”

Behind him, Vegeta walked with measured steps, his expression unreadable. His and Nappa’s eyes scanned the area. Emotionless

“…So this is Earth. Tch. Way too bright to my liking.”

Vegeta and Nappa then turned their attention to the small crowd gathered in front of them. They scanned through each individual.

“I’m guessing you all are Kakarot’s allies.” Nappa said, already knowing the answer.

Krillin swallowed hard. His legs felt like they might give out. “…Y-Yeah… that’s us…”

Vegeta didn’t even acknowledge him.

“…Pathetic.”

“Four humans, 3 male 1 female. Interesting.” Nappa said pointing at them. “The Namekian that killed Kakarot, I assume. A… white as hell creature? What even are you?”

Offended, Chiaotzu was about to answer when Nappa interrupted him, “Doesn’t matter, you wont exist in the next few minutes anyway.” He spat, then continued to scan until his eyes landed on a familiar figure.

“Aaah! Raditz! The traitor. You on their side now? HAH! Good luck. According to my scouter, they all are weak. They would not last 5 minutes with me. “

Raditz glared at him. As for his outfit, he long since discarded his broken Saiyan armor but kept the top. For the bottoms, he wears black baggy pants and boots similar to Goku’s, courtesy of Chichi.

Yamcha frowned, irritation flashing through his fear. “Oh yeah? You wanna say that again when we wipe the floor with you?”

Nappa laughed loudly, slapping his knee. “HAHA! I like this one! He’s got spirit! I’d be happy to crush that, though.”

Tien stepped forward slightly. “Don’t underestimate us.”

Vegeta’s gaze shifted—finally landing on someone who mattered.

“…Raditz.”

The name cut through the air.

Everyone glanced toward him.

Raditz stood still. Completely still.

No smirk. No arrogance. Just calm. Somehow.

Nappa tilted his head, amused. “Wow… look at you. Standing with them.”

“…Disgusting,” Vegeta added flatly.

Krillin glanced at Raditz nervously. “Hey… you good?”

Raditz didn’t look away from Vegeta. “…I made my choice.”

Nappa scoffed. “Choice? You call this a choice?” He gestured lazily at the Z-Fighters. “They’re weak. Fragile. Temporary.”

Vegeta’s voice dropped, colder now. “You’re no longer a Saiyan warrior.”

Silence.

The wind picked up slightly, carrying dust between them.

Raditz’s fists clenched—just slightly. For a second, it looked like something might break. Like he might snap back. Argue. But instead—

He exhaled. “…Good.”

That made Vegeta pause.

Raditz lifted his chin, eyes unwavering.

“I was never on your side to begin with.”

The words landed hard. Not loud. Not dramatic. But final. Krillin blinked. “…Whoa…” Yamcha smirked faintly. “Heh… didn’t expect that one.”

Chichi didn’t smile. But something in her expression softened... just a little.

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed. “…Then you’ll die with them.” Nappa cracked his knuckles. “Alright, enough talking. Let’s see what these Earthlings can actually do.” He reached behind him and pulled out several small pods.

Krillin frowned. “…Uh… what are those?” Piccolo’s expression darkened immediately. “…Everyone, stay sharp.”

Nappa crouched and slammed the first pod into the ground.

Then another.

And another.

Six in total.

The earth trembled beneath them. Cracks spread outward as something beneath the surface moved.

Krillin took a step back. “…You’ve gotta be kidding me…” Yamcha shifted into a fighting stance. “They’re just plants, right? How bad could—” The ground erupted.

Green claws burst through the soil. Twisted bodies clawed their way out, shrieking, their eyes glowing with feral hunger.

“I call these, Saibamen!” Nappa introduced proudly.

Each one crouched low, twitching, ready. Piccolo’s voice was low. “Their energy… it’s not normal.” Tien’s eyes widened slightly. “How strong are they?” Raditz answered, calm but serious. “…About as strong as I was.”

That hit harder than anything Vegeta had said. Krillin’s stomach dropped. “You’re joking…” Nappa grinned wide. “Oh, this is gonna be fun.” Vegeta crossed his arms, completely uninterested. “Don’t disappoint me.”

The Saibamen hissed.

The wind stopped.

And for a single, suffocating moment—

No one moved.

Then one of them lunged.

And the battle began.

The first Saibaman moved like a blur. One second it was crouched, the next, it was already mid-air, claws aimed straight for Krillin’s face.

“KRILLIN—!” Yamcha shouted.

Krillin barely reacted in time, ducking as the claws sliced through the air above him. He rolled back, heart slamming against his ribs. “T-That’s not a plant!!”

“They’re fighters,” Piccolo snapped. “Focus!”

Another Saibaman lunged—this time at Tien.

Tien didn’t move back.

He stepped forward.

His arm shot out, catching the creature mid-strike, stopping it cold. The ground cracked beneath his feet from the force. The Saibaman shrieked, thrashing wildly.

“…You’re not faster than me,” Tien said calmly.

Then he drove his fist straight through it.

The Saibaman fell to its knees before falling flat on its face, unmoving. 

Krillin blinked. “…Whoa…”

Yamcha grinned. “Alright! That’s one down!”

Nappa chuckled, clearly entertained. “Not bad… not bad at all…”

But Vegeta’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“…It hesitated.”

Without warning, he raised his hand. A flash of energy shot out. The Saibaman Tien had just fought—what little remained of it—was obliterated completely. Everyone froze.

Krillin stared. “…What the—?!”

Tien’s eyes flicked toward Vegeta. “…You killed your own—”

Vegeta scoffed.

“A warrior who hesitates is useless.”

Silence.

Even Nappa smirked, stepping back slightly. “Heh… guess you guys better not mess up.”

The remaining five Saibamen crouched lower, their movements twitchier now—more aggressive. Like they understood.

Lose… and die.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kami’s Lookout

High above the chaos—

Kami stood at the edge of the Lookout, his staff in hand, gaze fixed downward.

Mr. Popo stood silently behind him.

“…They’ve begun,” Kami murmured.

Popo nodded. “And Goku has not arrived yet?.”

Kami’s expression tightened. “…No. But I’m sure he’s on his way.” Far below, he could feel them—each energy.

Flickering.
Clashing.
Straining.

And then—

A sharp drop.

Kami’s eyes widened slightly. “…One Saibaman… destroyed.” Popo tilted his head. “By the Earthlings?” “…No.” Kami’s grip on his staff tightened. “…By their own ally.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

“Alright…” Yamcha stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. “Let’s even the odds.”

One Saibaman locked onto him instantly, hissing.

“Come on then,” Yamcha smirked, though his eyes were sharp now. Focused.

“Let’s dance.” It lunged. Yamcha vanished. He reappeared behind it, driving a kick into its back, sending it skidding across the ground. Before it could recover, he was already on it—fists flying, each strike clean, controlled.

“Take—this—!”

A final punch sent the Saibaman crashing into a rock formation—

And Yamcha raised his hand. “Wolf Fang—!” He paused. For just a second. A breath. A heartbeat. Then— “FIST!!”

The attack landed clean.

The Saibaman exploded.

Dust filled the air.

When it cleared—

Yamcha stood there, slightly hunched, breathing hard… but smiling. “…Heh. Guess I’ve still got it.” Krillin’s face lit up. “YAMCHA!! That was amazing!!” Even Tien gave a small nod. “Good work.” Yamcha scratched the back of his head, grin growing. “Aw, come on, it wasn’t—”

The ground shifted.

Behind him.

No one noticed at first.

Except—

Krillin’s smile dropped instantly. “…Yamcha…?” Yamcha blinked and turned around to where the others are looking. “…Huh?” The Saibaman was still alive. Barely. Broken. But alive. And smiling. “…Oh—”

It grabbed him.

Tightly.

Too tightly.

Yamcha’s eyes widened. “W-Wait—!”

“YAMCHA!! GET OFF HIM!!” Krillin screamed, already running—

Too late.

The Saibaman’s body swelled—

Then—

Explosion.

A blinding flash tore across the battlefield.

The shockwave hit like a hammer, throwing everyone back. The ground split open, debris scattering in every direction.

Silence followed.

“No…” Krillin’s voice trembled as he staggered forward. The smoke cleared slowly. And there— Yamcha lay motionless in a crater. His body still. Eyes closed. Gone. “…Yamcha…” Krillin dropped to his knees. “…No… no no no—GET UP!!”

His voice cracked, hands shaking as he reached out—but stopped just before touching him, like he already knew.

Tien stood frozen. “…It… it won…” His fists clenched violently. “…It WON…!” Chichi turned away, her breath hitching. “…No…” Even Piccolo’s expression darkened.

“…That’s their tactic,” he said lowly. “They don’t care if they die… as long as they take you with them.”

Raditz’s jaw tightened. “…Figures.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At Roshi’s House

Bulma felt a weird tug at her heart. She clutched her chest and turned to look at the others. Their attention is in the direction of where she supposed is the fight taking place, eyes all wide. Confused she asked, “Guys? What happened? Did something went wrong? I just got this weird feeling..”

The twins looked at her sympathetically. Roshi could not even look at her but bowed his head. “It’s Yamcha… he-” He couldn’t say it. This alarmed Bulma. “Huh? What about Yamcha? Master Roshi, tell me! What happened?!”

No one could say anything to her. Bulma is starting to panic. Then Master Roshi spoke. “I’m so sorry, Yamcha… he’s gone..”

Silence.

Bulma can’t believe what she heard. “Gone? What do you mean gone?” She looked to the twins for an explanation. All she got from them was a look of sympathy that confirmed what she does not want to believe. Yamcha is dead. Killed. Murdered in probably cold blood. This made her sick, tears immediately poured out of her eyes as she sobbed.

“NO! No no no, this can’t be happening.. Tell me this is not real and y'all are just messing with me! H-He… he trained.. for a-a year straight-GODDAMNIT HOW CAN HE JUST BE TAKEN OUT LIKE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN HOUR SINCE THE FIGHT STARTED HASN’T IT?! OH MY..”

She mourned her boyfriend. He promised her he’d be fine and he’d return to her safely. They still have problems they haven’t solved, problems they needed to talk about and focus on, to fix things. Bulma needed to sit, and she did. Her hands covering her face as she sobbed her heart out. The twins by each of her side offering words of comfort.

“I’m so sorry for your loss, Ms. Bulma..” Gohan comforted.

“We can revive him with the dragon balls after this is done! He can still come back to you.” Chiharu said, in an attempt to calm Bulma down.

This brought Bulma some comfort, but it did not stop her tears.

Master Roshi kept monitoring the others ki while the twins comforted Bulma. Hoping and praying Goku would get there soon, before any more casualties happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nappa laughed. Loud. Cruel. “HAHAHAHA!! Now THAT was entertaining!” Krillin snapped his head up, tears streaming down his face. “YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY?!”

Vegeta didn’t even blink. “If you’re weak enough to fall for it… you deserve to die.”

Something in Krillin broke. “…I’ll kill you.” His energy flared violently. “I’LL KILL ALL OF YOU!!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kami’s Lookout

Kami’s eyes shut tightly. “Another one…”

A long silence followed.

Popo spoke softly. “Their hearts are wavering.” Kami nodded. “Grief clouds judgment.” Below them, he could feel it clearly now—

Krillin’s rage.
Tien’s guilt.
The rising desperation.

“And the Saiyans…” Kami whispered. Popo finished the thought. “…Are only getting started.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

Four Saibamen remained.

And now—

The fear was real.

Krillin rose slowly, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. His body trembled—but his eyes burned now. “…No more holding back.” Tien stepped beside him. “…We end this. Now.” Raditz moved forward slightly, his voice calm—but firm. “They’ll try that again. Don’t give them the chance.”

Piccolo nodded. “…Destroy them completely.” Chichi clenched her fists, stepping into position despite the tremor in her legs. “…For Yamcha.” The remaining Saibamen hissed—lower, more cautious now. Even they could feel it.

The shift.

The anger.

The intent to kill.

The wind picked up again.

Dust swirled between both sides.

And without another word—

They charged.

The battlefield didn’t move right away.

No one rushed forward.
No one spoke.

Yamcha’s body lay still in the crater, smoke still rising faintly from the scorched earth around him.

And for a moment—

The war stopped.

“…He’s gone.” Krillin’s voice was barely a whisper, like saying it any louder would make it more real. Tien didn’t answer. He couldn’t.

His eyes stayed locked on the crater, his fists clenched so tightly his arms trembled. The veins along his forearms pulsed as his breathing grew heavier, uneven.

“…He shouldn’t have died like that.” Piccolo’s voice cut in, sharp and grounded. “No one should die like that. But this isn’t a fair fight.” Krillin wiped his face harshly, dragging his sleeve across his eyes. “…Then we make it one.” Raditz stepped forward slightly, his gaze fixed on the remaining Saibamen. “They’ll try it again,” he said quietly. “That self-destruct wasn’t desperation. It was strategy.”

Chichi inhaled slowly, forcing her breathing to steady. “…Then we don’t give them the chance.” Her voice shook at the edges—but it didn’t break.

Behind them, the four remaining Saibamen crouched low, their glowing eyes shifting between targets. Their bodies twitched, claws flexing against the dirt.

They were waiting.

Learning.

Adapting.

Nappa grinned wider. “What’s wrong? Already tired?” Krillin shot him a glare. “…Shut up.” Vegeta, however, said nothing. But his eyes… They were watching closely now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

The ocean no longer felt calm. Even the waves seemed restless, crashing harder against the shore as if reacting to something unseen. Gohan stood near the edge, his fists clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms. “…It’s getting worse.”

Chiharu stood beside him, her breathing uneven, eyes wide as she stared at nothing in particular—just feeling.

Chisora stirred in Gyumao’s arms, restless, letting out a soft, uneasy sound. Chiharu stepped forward suddenly. “We have to go.” Gohan turned to her immediately. “Yeah—we can help!”

“No.”

Roshi’s voice stopped them both cold.They turned. His gaze was firm. Unmoving. “You made a promise.” Gohan hesitated. “…But—!” 

“Your mother trusted you,” Roshi continued, more firmly now. “Both of you. She knew what this fight would be.”

Chiharu’s hands clenched at her sides. “People are dying.”

Roshi didn’t deny it. “I know.”

Silence fell heavy between them.

Gohan’s voice came out smaller now. “What if… they lose?” Roshi closed his eyes briefly. “…Then we carry on what they protected.” That didn’t make it easier. It made it worse.

Chiharu looked back toward the horizon, her jaw tightening. “…I hate this.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

“Now!” Piccolo shouted. The Z-Fighters moved as one. Krillin darted left, drawing the attention of two Saibamen as he fired rapid energy blasts, forcing them back.

Tien surged forward toward another, his strikes sharp and precise, each blow landing with controlled force. The Saibaman countered with wild, erratic movements, claws slicing through the air as it tried to overwhelm him.

Raditz intercepted the fourth.

Their clash was immediate—fast, brutal. Raditz blocked a claw strike, twisted, and drove his knee into the creature’s torso before blasting it point-blank. The explosion sent it flying—but not destroyed.

“…Tough,” he muttered.

Chichi moved alongside Piccolo, her attacks precise, supporting where needed—never overextending, never reckless. She fired a concentrated blast that forced one Saibaman off Krillin, giving him space to breathe.

“Thanks!” Krillin called, not taking his eyes off the fight.

“Don’t mention it!” she shot back, already moving again.

Tien’s fight intensified. The Saibaman he faced lunged repeatedly, faster now, adapting to his rhythm. One claw grazed his arm, drawing blood. Tien didn’t react. He stepped in—closer. Too close. His fist drove forward with everything he had.

The Saibaman exploded.

Two left.

But—

“TIEN—BEHIND YOU!”

He turned too late.

Another Saibaman lunged from his blind spot—

And then—

A small figure intercepted it.

“Chiaotzu?!”

Chiaotzu wrapped himself around the creature, holding it tight.

“Chiaotzu, NO—!”

Chiaotzu looked at him. And smiled. “…I won’t let it hurt you.”

Tien’s eyes widened. “…WAIT—!”

The explosion tore through the battlefield.

A violent shockwave blasted outward, forcing everyone back. Dust and smoke swallowed everything again.

“…Chiaotzu…”

Tien’s voice came out hollow.

When the smoke cleared—

Nothing remained.

Not of the Saibaman.

Not of Chiaotzu.

Just scorched earth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

Chiharu gasped sharply, stumbling back a step.

“…Another one…”

Gohan grabbed his chest. “That… that was Chiaotzu!” Bulma looked up quickly. “What? He’s gone too?!” Gohan shook his head, struggling to explain. “It’s like… they’re just… disappearing…” Roshi’s expression darkened further.

“They’re falling,” he said quietly.

Chiharu turned toward him, anger flashing through her fear. “Then why are we just standing here?!” Her voice cracked but it didn’t lose its force. “…Why aren’t we doing anything?!”

Roshi didn’t respond immediately.

Because there was no easy answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

Tien stood alone.

Completely still.

His arms hung at his sides. “…Chiaotzu…” His voice was barely audible.

Then—

His energy flared.

Violent. Explosive. Unstable.

Krillin turned sharply. “Tien—don’t—!”

Too late.

Tien raised his hands, energy gathering rapidly. “…I won’t waste this.” His voice shook—but his resolve didn’t. “This ends now!!”

The last Saibaman lunged—

And Tien unleashed everything.

The explosion consumed the battlefield in light.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The light faded slowly.

What remained…

Was silence.

Smoke curled upward from scorched earth, drifting lazily as if the battlefield itself had grown tired. The last Saibaman was gone. Its presence—erased completely.

But the cost—

Stood right there in the center.

“…Tien.”

Krillin’s voice came out small, almost afraid to say his name. Tien stood for a moment longer, his arms still raised from the attack. His body trembled—violently now. The energy he had released wasn’t controlled. It wasn’t measured. It was everything.

Too much.

His arms dropped slowly to his sides.

His breathing staggered.

“…I… got it…”

Then—

His legs gave out.

“T-TIEN!” Krillin rushed forward, catching him before he hit the ground. “Hey—hey! Stay with me!” Tien’s eyes were half-lidded, unfocused. His chest barely rose. “…Chiaotzu…” he whispered. “…didn’t waste it…”

Krillin shook his head, panic rising fast. “Don’t talk like that! You’re fine—you hear me? You’re gonna be fine!”

Tien didn’t answer. His body went still. Completely still.

“…No.” Krillin’s grip tightened. “…No, no, no, NO—!”

Piccolo looked away.

Chichi closed her eyes briefly, her chest tightening as she forced herself to stay standing.

Raditz exhaled slowly, his gaze hardening—not at Tien…

But at the Saiyans.

A slow clap echoed across the battlefield.

“…Well,” Nappa grinned, stepping forward, “that was fun.”

Each step he took felt heavier than the last.

Raw, overwhelming power rolled off him in waves, pressing down on everyone at once. The ground beneath his feet cracked slightly with every step.

Krillin froze. “…He’s… he’s coming…”

Yamcha.
Chiaotzu.
Tien.

Gone.

And now—

This.

Piccolo stepped forward,

“Get back.”

Krillin hesitated. “…Piccolo—”

“That wasn’t a suggestion.” Chichi moved too, stepping beside him. “I’m not staying back.”

Piccolo didn’t argue.

Didn’t look at her.

“…Then don’t fall behind.”

Raditz stepped up on Piccolo’s other side, his stance calm—but ready.

“…He’s stronger than all of them combined,” he said quietly.

Krillin swallowed hard. “…Yeah… I can feel that…”

Behind them, Vegeta remained still, arms crossed, watching like it was all just entertainment.

“…Try not to die too quickly,” he muttered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

The air felt heavier now. Like something had shifted permanently. Gohan dropped to his knees. “…Tien…”

Chiharu stood frozen, her eyes wide, unfocused. “…They’re losing…”

Bulma stepped back, shaking her head. “No… no, they’re strong—they can handle it…”

But her voice didn’t believe it.

Not anymore.

Chisora began to cry softly in Gyumao’s arms, small hands clenching as if she could feel the fear around her without understanding it.

Master Roshi stood still.

Too still.

“Now the real fight begins,” he said quietly. Chiharu turned to him sharply. “…What do you mean?” Roshi didn’t look at her. “Those creatures were just a test.” Gohan’s eyes widened slowly. “Then… that means…” 

“The ones who brought them…” Roshi continued, his voice heavy, “…are far worse.”

Silence.

Then—

Chiharu took a step forward again. “…I don’t care,” she said, her voice shaking but firm. “I’m not just going to stand here while everyone—”

A hand stopped her. She looked up to the owner of the hand. "Grandpa..."

“You gave your word,” he said gently, but firmly.

Chiharu clenched her fists. “…And what if that word gets them killed?”

Gyumao didn’t answer.

There was no comforting answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

Nappa stopped a few meters away.

Up close, he felt even bigger.

Even heavier.

Like a wall that couldn’t be broken.

He glanced down at the fallen bodies, unimpressed. “…That all you’ve got?” Krillin’s hands shook. But he stepped forward anyway. “We’re not done.” Nappa smirked. “Good. I was hoping you’d say that.”

And then—

He vanished.

“WHERE—?!”

Too late.

He reappeared behind Krillin— But a blast intercepted him.

Piccolo.

The explosion forced Nappa back slightly, smoke rising between them. “You’re not touching him,” Piccolo said. Nappa grinned wider. “…Finally. Someone with guts.” He lunged again—this time straight at Piccolo. Their clash shook the ground. Fist met arm.

Shock waves burst outward with every movement, cracking stone and tearing through the surrounding terrain. Piccolo gritted his teeth, barely holding his ground as Nappa’s strength pushed against him.

“He’s too strong—!” Krillin shouted.

“Then don’t let him fight alone!” Chichi snapped.

She moved instantly—fast, precise—sliding into Nappa’s blind spot and releasing a focused blast straight at his side.

It hit.

For a second—

It worked.

Nappa staggered half a step.

Then—

He laughed.

“…That tickled.”

He swung blindly backward. Chichi barely blocked, the force sending her skidding across the ground, tearing a line through the dirt as she struggled to stop herself.

Raditz moved in next.

Fast. Brutal.

He drove a punch into Nappa’s side—then another, then a knee to the gut, chaining attacks without pause. For a brief moment, Nappa was forced back.

“…Hmph,” Nappa grunted. “You’ve improved.”

Raditz didn’t respond.

He just attacked again.

But Nappa caught his arm this time. “…Not enough.” He slammed Raditz into the ground. Hard. The impact cracked the earth beneath him. “RADITZ!” Krillin shouted.

Piccolo charged again, firing rapid blasts to force Nappa back before he could follow up.

The battlefield descended into chaos.

Dust.
Energy.
Shouting.

And underneath it all—

The growing realization—

They were outmatched.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

Gohan suddenly stood up.

“…Someone’s coming.”

Everyone turned to him.

Bulma blinked. “What? What do you mean?”

Chiharu’s eyes widened.

“…That feeling…”

It was different.

Not heavy like the others.
Not crushing.

But strong.

Familiar.

Warm.

“…Dad…” Gohan whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The battlefield was falling apart. Not just the ground—

But them.

Krillin was breathing hard now, dodging more than attacking. His movements had lost their rhythm. His confidence—shattered alongside the others.

Raditz pushed himself back up from the crater, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth as he exhaled sharply. His vision blurred for just a second, just long enough to remind him—

You’re not winning this.

Nappa stood untouched. Laughing.

“Is this it?!” he roared. “THIS is the mighty force that beat Raditz?!”

Chichi clenched her fists, forcing herself forward again despite the tremor in her legs. She launched another precise blast—faster this time, sharper.

It hit.

But again—

Nothing.

Nappa turned his head slowly, cracking his neck. “…You’re starting to annoy me.”

Before anyone could react…

He vanished.

“Chichi—!” Krillin shouted.

Too late.

Nappa appeared right in front of her—his arm already pulled back, energy surging into his palm.

Chichi’s eyes widened. Her body moved. But not fast enough. This was it. She knew it. And for a split second, her thoughts weren’t of the fight.

Not of fear for herself.

But of her children.

"Gohan…
Chiharu…
Chisora…"

Her breath caught. "I’m sorry—"

“MOVE!”

A green blur intercepted. The blast fired. And this time, it landed. Directly.

But not on her.

The explosion swallowed Piccolo whole. 

“PICCOLO!!” Krillin screamed.

The force of it sent Chichi flying backward, hitting the ground hard as dust and smoke filled the air again.

“NO-!”

Her voice came out faint. Shaking. When the smoke cleared—

Piccolo stood there.

Barely.

His body was scorched, pieces of his clothing torn away, burns visible across his arms and chest. But he was still standing. Still between her…

And Nappa.

“…Why…” Chichi whispered.

Piccolo didn’t turn around.

Didn’t look at her.

“…Because you’re needed.”

Her breath hitched. “…What?”

Piccolo exhaled slowly, his body trembling now.

“Y-You’ve been holding something.. b-back.”

Chichi’s eyes widened. “How… do you—”

“I can feel it,” he said. “…That energy. That focus. It’s not like the others.”

Nappa scoffed. “Are you done talking?”

Piccolo ignored him. “…Don’t waste it.”

His knees buckled slightly—but he forced himself to stay upright. “Make it count.”

Then, Nappa moved again.

Fast.

Too fast.

This time, Piccolo couldn’t react.

The strike went clean through him.

A brutal, final blow.

“…Tch.” Nappa pulled his arm back, unimpressed. “Finally.”

Piccolo staggered.

For a second…

He stayed standing.

Then—

He fell.

“…No…”

Krillin’s voice broke completely.

“NO—!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

Gohan dropped to his knees, again. This time, with Chiharu..

“…Piccolo…” His voice cracked.

Chiharu covered her mouth, tears already falling. “He…”

She couldn’t finish. Bulma stepped back, shaking her head violently. “No—no, he was strong—he can’t just—”

Roshi closed his eyes. “…He chose to.”

Gohan looked up sharply. “…What?”

Roshi’s voice was quiet. “He stepped in front of death.”

Silence.

Then Chiharu whispered—

“For who…?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

Chichi didn’t move.

Didn’t breathe.

Didn’t think.

She just stared at Piccolo’s body.

At the space where he stood.

At the man who had just…

Saved her.

“…Why…” Her voice trembled, then steadied. “Why would you- ” No answer came.

Only wind.

Something inside her shifted.

Not rage.

Not yet.

Something deeper.

Something she had been building for a year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flashback — Mt. Paozu, Months Ago

Chichi stood alone. 

No audience.
No teacher.

Her stance was low, grounded. Her breathing slow, controlled as she gathered energy—not explosively, but carefully. Compressing it. Refining it.

Again and again.

Each attempt ending in failure.

Too unstable.
Too weak.
Too scattered.

“…Focus…” she whispered to herself. “I don’t need power… I need precision.” Her hands trembled as she shaped the energy—smaller, denser. Sharper. “…Not to destroy everything…”

Her eyes hardened. “…Just what needs to be destroyed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

Chichi stood. 

Slowly. Trembling.

Her head lowered, hair shadowing her eyes as it has gone loose during the fight.

The air around her… changed.

Krillin noticed first. “Chichi…?”

Her breathing was steady now.

Too steady.

Raditz, still recovering, looked up and froze. “…That energy…”

It wasn’t wild.

It wasn’t explosive.

Nappa frowned slightly. “…What is this?”

Chichi lifted her hands, slowly and carefuly.

A small sphere of energy formed between her palms.

But it didn’t flicker.

Didn’t surge.

It condensed.

Growing smaller.

Brighter.

Sharper.

“…You…” her voice came out quiet. Too quiet. “…have done enough damage.” The ground beneath her feet cracked—not from force, but from pressure. “…I won't let you continue to do so..."

Nappa smirked. “Big words for someone about to die." He mocked as he made his way towards her, steps heavy, fists clenched. Nobody else moved. 

She moved.

The moment he stepped enough near her...

She released it.

A single beam.

Thin.

Blinding.

Precise.

It cut through the air—

And through Nappa.

Like he wasn’t even there.

This made Nappa took a few steps back.

Silence followed.

For a second—

Nothing happened.

Nappa blinked.

“…What… was that…?”

Then...

She whispered.

“Null.”

In one split second after that, his body… exploded.

The energy detonated from within.

A violent, contained explosion tore through him—no escape, no resistance—just pure, focused destruction.

When it ended—

There was nothing left.

No body.

No trace.

Just scorched air.

Krillin stared. “She… she…”

Raditz exhaled slowly. “She erased him…”

Chichi stood there, unmoving. The glow faded from her hands.

Her breathing hitched once.

Then again.

And suddenly—

The weight hit her all at once.

Her legs gave out.

She dropped to her knees.

“Piccolo…” Her voice broke. “You said not to waste it…”

Tears fell freely now. “…I didn’t.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far above

A presence stopped mid-flight.

“That energy-” Goku’s eyes widened. “Chichi…?”

Then—

His expression hardened.

“…I need to get there. Now.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silence fell again.

Heavy. Suffocating.

Vegeta hadn’t moved since Nappa… disappeared.

Not a step.
Not a word.

Just standing there... arms crossed, eyes fixed on the empty space where his partner had been.

Then—

“…He’s gone.”

His voice was quiet.

Too quiet.

Krillin swallowed hard. “…Y-yeah… that’s kinda the point—”

“Silence.”

The word alone felt like a whip.

Krillin froze instantly.

Vegeta slowly uncrossed his arms. “…Nappa was many things,” he said, stepping forward at last. “Loud. Arrogant. Wasteful.” Each step pressed down on the battlefield like invisible weight.

“…But he was still a Saiyan.”

His eyes shifted.

Locked onto her.

Chichi.

“And you…”

That pressure spiked.

Sharp now. Focused.

“…you killed him.”

Chichi didn’t move.

She was still on her knees, breathing unevenly, her body barely recovering from the technique she had just used. But she lifted her head anyway and met his gaze.

“…He would’ve killed us all.”

Vegeta’s expression didn’t change.

“Of course he would have.”

Another step.

“…That was the point.”

Krillin clenched his fists. “You’re seriously mad about that?!” Vegeta didn’t even look at him. “I’m not mad.”

A pause.

Then—

“I’m… curious.”

The ground beneath his feet cracked as his aura flickered to life—low, controlled, but terrifyingly dense.

“…What exactly are you? You could not possibly be just… a human.”

Raditz forced himself upright, stepping forward despite the pain screaming through his body. “She’s not your enemy.”

That got Vegeta’s attention. Slowly—he turned. “Raditz…”

There was no warmth in his voice.

No familiarity.

Only disappointment.

“You’ve become soft.”

Raditz didn’t flinch this time. “And you’ve stayed the same.”

A faint smirk touched Vegeta’s lips. “Careful.”

Then—

He vanished.

“RADITZ—!” Chichi tried warning him weakly.

Too late.

The impact came from above.

Vegeta drove him straight into the ground, faster than anyone could react. The force exploded outward, dust erupting in a massive wave as the earth cratered beneath them.

Raditz coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth as his vision blurred.

“…Tch…”

Vegeta hovered above him.

“…Pathetic.”

Before he could strike again—

“HEY!”

Krillin charged, unleashing a flurry of blasts in desperation. Vegeta didn’t dodge. Didn’t block.

The explosions hit.

Smoke filled the air.

Then cleared.

He stood there.

Untouched.

“…You people,” he muttered. “…don’t understand the gap between us.” He raised a hand. Energy gathered instantly. But before he could fire, a sudden force knocked his arm aside. He turned to see what that force was.

Chichi.

She was standing now.

Barely—but standing.

“…Don’t ignore me.”

Her voice was quieter than before.

But sharper.

More dangerous.

Vegeta looked at her again. Really looked this time. “…You shouldn’t be able to stand.”

Chichi wiped the corner of her mouth, steadying her breath. “And you shouldn’t underestimate humans.”

A pause.

Then—

Vegeta smiled. Ex... excitedly?

“Like I said, you’re not human. No human can do what you just did.”

His aura flared violently this time, wind exploding outward from him as the ground cracked deeper beneath his feet.

“And I’d love to find out what exactly you are..”

“Tch. You’re delusional..” Chichi claimed through gritted teeth. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roshi’s Island

Gohan staggered slightly. “…It’s him…” Chiharu’s hands trembled. “He feels… worse than the other one…” Bulma shook her head, backing away. “Worse?! That’s not possible—!” Master Roshi’s face had gone completely serious now. “That’s the leader.”

Gyumao tightened his hold on Chisora, who had started crying again.

“Then… the others don’t stand a chance…”

Chiharu clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white.

“…Stop saying that.”

But her voice shook.

Because deep down—

She felt it too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the Battlefield

The air cracked.

That’s the only way to describe it.

The moment Vegeta moved—

Everything else felt slower.

He appeared in front of Chichi instantly, fist already swinging.

She blocked, but the impact still sent her skidding backward, tearing through the ground as she struggled to stay upright.

Too fast.

Too strong.

Not like Nappa.

Not even close.

Krillin jumped in again. “Solar Flare!!”

A blinding flash exploded across the battlefield.

Vegeta hissed, throwing an arm over his eyes.

“…Tch—!”

“NOW!” Krillin shouted.

Raditz forced himself up again, rushing forward with everything he had left. He landed a solid hit—then another—driving Vegeta back for a brief moment.

For a brief moment. Then..

Vegeta adapted.

He caught Raditz mid-strike.

“…Predictable.”

And drove his knee into his gut.

Raditz choked, his body going limp for a second before Vegeta tossed him aside like nothing.

Chichi moved again—faster than before. Not stronger, but sharper. Every step she took was measured now, deliberate. She didn’t rush in. Didn’t waste movement. She circled Vegeta slowly, her feet gliding across broken earth, eyes locked onto him with unwavering focus.

Her body was screaming at her to stop.

Her muscles trembled.

Her vision blurred at the edges.

But she forced her breathing to steady—slow, controlled, rebuilding what little energy she had left.

Not yet…

I can still fight…

Vegeta noticed immediately.

Of course he did.

“You’re thinking,” he said, his voice almost… amused.

Chichi didn’t respond.

Didn’t dare break her rhythm.

Didn’t dare waste breath.

A faint smirk tugged at Vegeta’s lips.

“Good.”

And then—

He moved.

Faster than before.

A blur of motion that shattered the ground beneath his feet as he lunged straight for her—no hesitation this time, no curiosity.

This wasn’t a test anymore.

This was an execution.

Chichi reacted instantly, bringing her arms up as energy sparked between her palms. It flickered violently—uneven, unstable, struggling to take shape.

She pushed harder.

"Come on… just a little more- "

But her body betrayed her.

The energy wavered.

Collapsed.

Her arms trembled.

Too slow.

Too weak.

Vegeta saw it.

Everything.

The exhaustion.

The instability.

The end.

“…So you’re at your limit already, ah?,” he asked, coldly.

And in that moment—

Chichi understood.

There would be no recovery.

No second wind.

No miracle technique to save her.

Her breath caught in her throat as Vegeta’s hand came down, energy erupting from his palm—bright, blinding, unstoppable. She couldn’t move. Her legs refused. Her body had nothing left to give.

So this is it…

For a split second—

A quiet, fragile hope that they, her family,  would be okay.

Her eyes closed.

Not in defeat—

But in acceptance.

“There was no one left to step in.”

The energy surged downward. The air screamed. The ground cracked beneath the force. And just before the blast could consume her, something changed.

A shift in the air.

A pressure.

Familiar.

Warm.

Fast.

Vegeta’s eyes flicked upward—

Just slightly.

“…Hm?”

The light hadn’t landed yet.

But it was coming.

Chapter Text

A sudden pressure swept across the battlefield.

Then, a streak of light split the sky. It hit the ground with a soft impact—controlled, precise—and the wind rippled outward in a wide circle.

Goku.

He stood there, head lowered, fists clenched, his aura flickering like a restrained flame. For a moment, he didn’t move, didn’t speak. He just… looked. At the craters, at the destruction, at the absence of the friends who should’ve been there.

His chest tightened.

“…I’m late…” he whispered. Then his eyes found her.

“Chichi!”

He was at her side in an instant, catching her just before her knees finally gave out. Her body leaned into him, too exhausted to resist, her breathing shallow against his chest.

“Hey—hey, I’ve got you,” Goku said quickly, his voice softer than it had been in a long time. His hand steadied her back, the other brushing her hair away from her face.

Chichi forced her eyes open, barely focusing on him. “…Goku…?” she whispered, disbelief and relief mixing weakly in her voice.

“I’m here,” he said, swallowing hard. “You did good… you did more than enough.”

She shook her head slightly, stubborn even now. “No… they’re still- ”

“You don’t have to fight anymore,” Goku cut in gently, but firmly. “That’s my job now.” Her fingers weakly gripped his gi, like she didn’t want to let go.

“Don’t… lose…” she murmured. At this, Goku’s expression softened. “…I won’t.” He promised.

“Goku!”

Krillin’s voice broke through the moment as he stumbled toward them, injured but still standing. His eyes widened when he saw Chichi’s condition.

“…She’s done,” he said quietly. “She won’t last if she stays out here.”

Goku nodded immediately.

“Take her,” he said, carefully shifting Chichi into Krillin’s arms. His movements were gentle—careful in a way that didn’t match the battlefield around them.

Krillin adjusted his grip, holding her securely. “…I’ll get her somewhere safe.”

Chichi’s eyes fluttered again, barely conscious now. “…Goku…” He met her gaze one last time and reached out to squeeze her hand for comfort. “…Rest,” he said softly.

Krillin didn’t waste another second. He turned and rushed off, carrying her away from the battlefield, disappearing into the smoke and distance. Goku watched until she was gone.

Then—

He stood up.

And everything about him changed.

A familiar energy brushed against his senses.

Goku turned and froze.

Standing a few meters away, surrounded by flickering ki, was a figure he never expected to see again.

Tall.

Wild-haired.

Armored.

Alive.

“…Raditz?” His voice came out quieter than he intended.

Raditz met his gaze, steady—no smirk, no arrogance. Just something real. “…Yeah,” he said.

Goku took a step forward, disbelief written all over his face.

“I thought you were- we- you…” He stopped, shaking his head slightly, trying to make sense of it. “…You’re alive? Piccolo left you alive?”

Raditz exhaled slowly. “Yeah, you could say that." He admitted. Then, after a pause— “…I’m not here for them anymore.”

Goku blinked. “What?” Raditz’s fists tightened at his sides, his aura flickering stronger. “I’m not fighting for Vegeta. Not for Saiyans. Not for conquest,” he said, voice low but firm. “…I’m fighting for Earth.”

Silence.

Goku stared at him.

Trying to read him.

Trying to understand.

“…You’re serious,” he said finally. Raditz nodded once.

“You’re my little brother, Kakarot,” he said, the name lacking its old bite. “I’m not letting him take everything from you.”

Something in Goku’s chest shifted. He doesn't fully trust Raditz just yet, but just the thought of his brother, his own blood, on their side, eases him up a bit. Somehow. 

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You’ve changed.”

Raditz scoffed lightly. “Don’t make it a big deal.”

Goku let out a quiet breath. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Raditz didn’t respond, but he didn’t look away either.

A slow clap echoed across the battlefield.

“…How touching.”

Both brothers turned.

Vegeta stood at a distance, arms crossed, his expression cold—calculating. His eyes flicked between Goku and Raditz, unimpressed… but curious. “A Saiyan Brother reunion,” he said. “One’s a traitor… and one’s a fool raised like a human.”

Raditz’s jaw tightened.

“Say that again—”

“Raditz.”

Goku’s voice stopped him.

Calm.

Controlled.

“I’ve got this.”

Raditz hesitated… then stepped back slightly, though his eyes never left Vegeta. “…Don’t take too long,” he muttered. “I’ll be watching.”

Goku stepped forward, stopping a few meters from Vegeta. The air between them tightened instantly. Vegeta smirked. “So… this is the Saiyan who tried to defeat Raditz a year ago?” he said. “You don’t look like much.”

Goku didn’t react. “You’re Vegeta,” he said. “The one calling the shots.” 

“Hm.” Vegeta’s smirk widened. “It’s Prince Vegeta to you, Third Class.”

A pause.

Then his gaze sharpened.

“You’ve embarrassed our race enough,” he continued coldly. “Living here. Protecting these weaklings. Fighting your own kind.” Goku’s fists clenched. “They’re not weak,” he said quietly. “And they’re not ‘these people.’”

Vegeta tilted his head. “…Oh?”

“They’re my friends,” Goku said. “My home.” The ground beneath them cracked slightly as his energy began to rise. “And you hurt them.”

Silence.

Then—

Vegeta laughed.

A low, amused laugh that echoed across the battlefield.

“You really believe that matters?” he said. “Saiyans are born to conquer. To destroy. That’s what we are.” Goku’s eyes hardened.

“…Not me.”

That answer lingered for just a second.

Vegeta’s smile faded.

“…Then you’re nothing,” he said coldly.

And in that moment—

The fight began.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile at Kami Island

It happened.

A sudden ripple in the air, different from before. Stronger. Faster. Familiar.

Everyone froze.

Chisora looked up sharply. “Wait.” Roshi’s head tilted slightly. “…That energy…” Gohan’s eyes widened. “Dad…?” Bulma stepped forward slowly, her breath catching. “…No way.. are you guys sure?”

The pressure grew.

Not heavy.

Not suffocating.

Warm.

Bright.

Like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

And then—

A distant shockwave rolled across the ocean, subtle but undeniable. The water rippled outward, the air trembling just slightly as something landed far away.

Bulma gasped.

“He made it…” Roshi smiled faintly.

“He did!” Gohan’s face lit up, hope flooding back all at once. “Dad’s here!” Chiharu nodded quickly, a smile breaking through her earlier fear. “We’re okay… we’re gonna be okay…” But Roshi didn’t relax.

Not completely.

His gaze remained fixed on the horizon.

“…No,” he said quietly.

“They still have a long way to go.”

The wind picked up slightly, rustling the trees around Kame House.

Far away—

The real battle was just beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The battlefield was littered with broken earth, scorched craters, and the distant echoes of the fallen. Dust swirled around Goku as he steadied himself, muscles trembling, his chest heaving from the sheer exertion of the fights that had come before.

Across from him, Vegeta stood tall and unshaken, arms crossed, his gaze as sharp and unrelenting as a blade. Between them, Raditz hovered at the edge of the fray, his energy taut, ready to intervene if things got out of control—but for now, silent, watching.

Vegeta tilted his head, letting a slow, mocking smirk spread across his face. “You’ve grown strong… human-style strong,” he said, his voice cold, cutting through the charged air. “But that won’t save you. You’re still nothing before Saiyan power.”

Goku’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching. “I’ve got more than just Saiyan power,” he said quietly, but the calm belied the fury rising inside him. “I fight for more than pride. I fight for the people I care about. And I’m not afraid of you.”

Vegeta’s laugh was low, almost amused. “Noble words for a weakling!” He launched forward, moving faster than the eye could track.

The ground beneath him shattered as he struck Goku with a flurry of blows, each one precise, each one designed to test the limits of Goku’s defenses. Goku stumbled backward, arms shaking as he blocked, dodged, countered—but the relentless power of Vegeta drove him back.

“Vegeta... you haven’t changed, of course,” Raditz gritted out as he observed.

“Why are you relying on raw strength…?” Goku asked mid-punch.

Vegeta’s eyes gleamed, sharp as a predator’s. “Strength is all that matters,” he hissed. “You’ve trained a year, and yet—look at you! Scraping, barely holding on!”

Goku’s breath hitched, chest heaving, as he steadied himself. He felt the energy rising within him—the desperate, raw, unyielding force he had learned from King Kai: the Kaioken. His fists clenched tighter, and he called upon the technique, his aura flaring red like fire erupting from his skin.

“Kaioken!”

The sudden surge of energy shocked the battlefield. Goku darted forward, his attacks suddenly faster, stronger. He landed blows that pushed Vegeta back, scratching his armor, drawing lines of blood and bruises. Vegeta staggered slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes—but only for a moment. His grin returned, cruel and sharp.

“You dare… use that?!” Vegeta spat, his aura flaring. He lunged at Goku with renewed ferocity, each strike a blur of calculated devastation. Goku gritted his teeth, blocking, countering, and ducking—but the Saiyan prince’s power was overwhelming. Blow after blow forced him to retreat, muscles screaming in agony, energy draining faster than he could sustain.

Goku gasped for air, sweat stinging his eyes. “He’s… stronger than I thought…” he muttered, and a grim smile spread across his face. “But I’m not done.”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed, sensing the tenacity beneath the exhaustion. “Persistent,” he hissed, and then—he struck with a speed that made Goku barely dodge. The attack sent him skidding across the rocky terrain, skimming past craters, and slamming into the ground with a bone-jarring thud.

Goku groaned, struggling to push himself up. Vegeta hovered above him, energy flaring like a storm. “End it,” Vegeta said coldly, “or I’ll end you myself.”

Goku gritted his teeth and pushed past the pain, aura burning brighter, Kaioken amplifying every fiber of his being. He darted forward, landing a flurry of punches and kicks, catching Vegeta off guard just enough to leave a deep cut along his chest. Vegeta snarled, staggered slightly, and his grin wavered for the first time.

“You… dare wound a prince…” Vegeta hissed, voice trembling with fury. “I will not be beaten by the likes of you!”

Then, in desperation, Vegeta’s eyes flicked to the sky. He snarled. He had been pushed, injured, and humiliated. His pride as the Saiyan prince burned hot, an uncontrollable fire inside him.

“This ends now,” he growled, scanning the sky. A large, makeshift moon appeared—energy condensed from his own aura, casting an eerie silver light across the battlefield.

Raditz’s eyes widened. “No… he’s going to…”

In an instant, Vegeta’s body began to swell, his muscles tearing through his armor. His tail lashed behind him as he rose to Oozaru form, towering over Goku, eyes glowing crimson, teeth bared.

The ground shook beneath the Saiyan beast’s steps. Rocks cracked. Craters formed with every stomp. The air itself seemed to flee from his presence.

A makeshift moon had been created from the reflected energy in the surrounding debris—the last resort of the Saiyan prince.

His pupils narrowed, teeth bared, and an inhuman roar tore from his throat. His body surged in size, fur sprouting, muscles expanding. Arms smashed the ground with catastrophic force. The giant beast released a loud roar.

The sky darkened with the light of Vegeta’s makeshift moon, and Goku’s heart skipped.

The roar that erupted was familiar. Too familiar.

Vegeta’s Great Ape form towered above the battlefield, crushing everything beneath him with a terrifying ease. The ground quaked. Goku staggered back, his bloodied body trembling—but then, a flash of memory struck him like a lightning bolt.

A moon. A monstrous shadow. A body thrown through the air. Screams. Chaos.

And a small, fragile figure—Grandpa Gohan—falling, screaming.

No… it can’t be…

But the truth crashed over him like an avalanche. He remembered the night he had transformed into an Oozaru for the first time. He remembered the fear in Grandpa Gohan’s eyes. The way the ground had shattered beneath his own massive hands. The roar that had torn through the mountains. The terror.

The realization hit him, freezing his blood: I… I killed him.

His breath hitched—sharp, uneven.

“…No… no… I didn’t…”

But the memory didn’t lie.

The weight of it crushed him harder than anything Vegeta could throw.

“…I was the monster…”

For a split second—

He froze.

Guilt, horror, and shame coiled inside him, tightening around his chest. The memory was a weight, an anchor, a fire that burned and blinded. His fists clenched, teeth grinding. Every blow from Vegeta’s massive hands, every crack in the ground, brought it back.

And yet… he had to move. Couldn’t let the past destroy the present. Couldn’t let anyone else die because of him—not Raditz, not the Earth, not his friends.

Pain lanced through every muscle, every joint. His body screamed. But somewhere deep inside, a spark flared—I have to fight. I have to stop him. I have to survive.

Goku’s eyes, wide with terror and determination, met Vegeta’s glowing gaze. His aura flared red with Kaioken, trembling but alive, fueled by regret and the desperate need to protect.

This time… he wasn’t just fighting for survival. He was fighting to atone.

Rocks shattered, craters deepened, and Goku struggled to evade strikes that would have torn ordinary warriors to shreds.

Raditz watched from the sidelines, tense, muscles coiled. His jaw tightened. "This is why I stayed back. This is why I had to be ready."

Vegeta’s Great Ape form smashed through the ground, sending gaping fissures toward Goku. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remember: he was not that Oozaru anymore. He was Goku. Human, Saiyan, warrior. Protector.

A massive claw descended, and Goku barely deflected it with a Kaioken-infused punch, sparks flying from the impact. The sheer force slammed him back, throwing him across the cratered battlefield. Rocks and dust erupted like volcanic fury.

“You… can’t win!” Vegeta’s booming voice echoed like thunder. “You were never meant to fight me in this form!”

Goku coughed, blood trickling from his lip. His hands clenched, trembling. “…I… won’t… run.”

Vegeta roared again, swinging wildly, crushing boulders and trees beneath his massive fists. The memories of that night—the terror, the grief, the guilt—coiled tightly in Goku’s chest. Every swing of Vegeta’s claw was a hammer on his soul, but he forced himself to move. To fight. To survive.

Vegeta’s massive eye locked onto him.

“…You recognize it, don’t you?” the beast growled.

“This form… this power…”

His grin widened, monstrous.

“It’s who you really are!!”

Raditz’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding: “Kakarot! Move—get out of his reach! This is insane!”

“I know!” Goku shouted, rolling aside to avoid another swipe. His mind burned, memories flashing faster than the speed of thought. “I… I have to… fight!”

Raditz’s eyes narrowed. He stepped forward cautiously, calculating, waiting for the perfect moment. Vegeta’s tail whipped in the air, cracking the ground. Goku tumbled under a massive foot, barely avoiding being crushed.

The wind from the Oozaru’s movements tore at his clothes, his hair whipping violently in all directions.

Goku’s voice whispered, almost to himself, “I… I won’t let it happen again… not them… not anyone…”

The Great Ape raised a massive fist, aiming to crush him completely. Time slowed. Goku’s heart hammered—his entire body screamed with exhaustion and fear.

Raditz’ gaze hardened. He had anticipated this. “Kakarot!” he shouted, leaping forward with precision. “I’ve got this!”

The Oozaru swiped with a massive claw, aimed directly at Goku, who barely rolled out of the way. Raditz leapt onto the back of the beast, energy crackling in his hands, slicing through the thick fur and focusing on Vegeta’s massive tail.

Raditz didn’t hesitate.

One clean motion—

A flash of energy.

A slice that cut through the chaos itself.

The tail fell.

And the roar that followed shook the heavens.

Vegeta staggered, the transformation weakening instantly, fur receding, muscles shrinking. The monstrous roar became a shuddering scream as the Great Ape began to collapse, shrinking rapidly back to his humanoid form. Clothes tattered, hair wild, breathing ragged, Vegeta fell to his knees, utterly bewildered, stripped of the uncontrollable power that had made him nearly invincible.

Goku collapsed to the ground, chest heaving, staring at Raditz in disbelief. “…You… you did it,” he gasped, astonishment and relief washing over him. Raditz met his gaze, smirking faintly.

“…Yeah,” Raditz said simply. “Had to. You’d be dead if I didn’t.”

Goku’s lips twitched into a small, grateful smile. With a weak laugh, he said “Big brother… you’re really on our side now.”

Raditz’ jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. “Yeah..,” he said, still watching Vegeta warily. “Don’t get used to me saving your ass though.” They both chuckled at that.

Vegeta groaned, sitting up slowly, glaring daggers at both Saiyans. “You… you will regret this…” he spat, blood streaked along his face, fury mingled with humiliation.

Goku, still catching his breath, stood taller, fists glowing with residual Kaioken energy. “Not today,” he said firmly, determination burning in his eyes. Behind him, the battlefield was quiet for a brief moment, the wind carrying dust and tension, and for the first time, the impossible felt possible.

The battlefield lay scarred, shattered rock and dust swirling in the wake of the battle. Vegeta, though returned to his normal form, was battered—his armor cracked, bruises streaked across his body, and blood trickling from cuts along his face. His breathing was ragged, his fists trembling slightly, but the fire in his eyes was unbroken. Even weakened, the Saiyan prince was still dangerous.

Goku, still flushed with Kaioken strain, wiped blood from his mouth. He swayed slightly, muscles trembling from exhaustion, energy near its limit. Raditz hovered nearby, tense, his body coiled like a spring, ready to intervene.

Vegeta spat onto the ground, his voice hoarse but sharp. “You think this is over? Weakling… you’ve only prolonged the inevitable.” He lunged forward with surprising speed, fists aiming at Goku with precision. Each blow landed, sending shocks of pain coursing through Goku’s body.

Goku grunted, blocking and rolling out of the way, but one strike sent him skidding across the fractured ground. Dust and small rocks pelted him as he tried to regain his stance. “…Still… not giving up,” he muttered, teeth gritted.

Raditz finally decided enough was enough.

His eyes narrowed, energy flaring around him like a storm ready to break. He stepped in front of Goku, fists glowing, a calculated calm replacing the tension in his body. “Alright, ‘Your highness’,” he said, voice cold. “Time to see what happens when you mess with the wrong Saiyans.”

Vegeta’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second as Raditz dashed forward, closing the distance in a blink. Blow after blow rained down, precise, controlled, leaving Vegeta staggering backward.

Each strike cracked armor, bruised muscles, and tested the limits of his stamina. For the first time, Vegeta’s movements were purely defensive, forced back by the relentless onslaught of Raditz’s attack.

“You… traitor…” Vegeta hissed through gritted teeth, struggling to raise an arm in defense. “I… will… destroy you!”

But Raditz didn’t slow. Each strike carried years of training, each kick and punch a reminder of the Saiyan pride he once shared—and now wielded against his former prince. Vegeta stumbled, slammed into the ground with a heavy thud, and scrambled back as Raditz closed in, aura flaring red and gold, eyes burning with determination.

Goku tried to push himself forward, leaning on his hands to stand. “Raditz… wait—” he gasped, voice hoarse but firm. “Don’t… don’t finish him. The fight’s over… he’s retreating!”

Raditz froze mid-strike, one fist inches from Vegeta’s jaw, eyebrows furrowed. “What? He can still fight—he’s not dead yet!” he protested, glaring at Goku.

Goku struggled to rise, aura flickering faintly around him, and managed a shaky but firm hand gesture. “Raditz… trust me. The fight is over if he’s leaving. You’ve won. Let him go. If he flees… we win. Don’t follow him.”

Raditz’ gaze lingered on Vegeta, who was slowly dragging himself toward his space pod, breathing heavily, aura still crackling with anger and pride. Finally, with a low growl, Raditz lowered his fists. “…Fine,” he muttered, voice begrudging but controlled. “This isn’t over… A Saiyan doesn’t quit easily.”

Vegeta paused at the threshold of his pod, smirking despite the blood on his face and bruises covering his body. “You’ve won… this time,” he said, voice carrying across the battlefield. “But don’t think for a second that this is the end. I’ll be back. Stronger. And next time, you won’t survive.”

The space pod closes up, but Vegeta’s eyes lingered on Raditz for a moment longer.

“…A Saiyan who turns on his own blood…”

He snarled despite he pain. “You disgust me.”

With that, the pod ignited, lifting into the sky with a trail of fire. Dust swirled around the scorched battlefield as it disappeared into the horizon. Goku sank to his knees, muscles trembling, chest heaving. Raditz landed beside him, stance relaxed now, but eyes still wary.

“You did good,” Goku whispered, voice rough but filled with gratitude.

“…Couldn’t have done it without you.”

Raditz glanced away for a second.

“…Tch. You almost got yourself killed… again.”

Goku chuckled weakly. “…Guess I had backup.”

A pause.

Raditz didn’t respond immediately.

But he didn’t deny it either.

He let a small smirk tug at his lips, a flicker of pride in his eyes. “…Just doing what had to be done. Don’t expect me to say it again.”

Goku managed a tired laugh, leaning back on the cracked earth. “…Yeah, yeah. I know.”

Behind them, the wind carried the faint tremors of the battle across the horizon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Roshi’s Island

The group felt it. Chiharu’s hands shook, eyes wide. “He… he made it,” she whispered.

Gohan leaned against Chiharu, still tense. “Dad… he’s… he’s alive,” he said quietly. Chiharu nodded, her expression a mix of awe and relief. They hugged each other in relief.

Master Roshi, standing quietly, adjusted his sunglasses and muttered, “It seems the fight is over.”

Bulma cried in relief, “It’s over? Oh! Thank Kami, Thank Goku! It’s over!!”

Gyumao cheered, making Baby Chisora clap her hands, not fully knowing what was going on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far across the battlefield, Goku sat back, injuries aching, but a faint, tired smile on his face. Raditz remained alert, standing beside him as a silent protector, a bond between brothers forged in the heat of battle, watching the horizon for the inevitable return of Vegeta—but for now… victory, hard-earned and fragile, belonged to them.

Chapter Text

The sky felt heavier the closer they flew. Bulma didn’t like it. Not one bit.

Her hands tightened around the controls as the small ship cut through the air, its engines humming steadily—but even that familiar sound couldn’t drown out the pressure building in her chest.

“…We’re getting close,” she muttered, more to steady herself than to inform the others.

Behind her, no one responded.

Master Roshi sat quietly, his usual relaxed posture gone. His hands rested on his knees, fingers curled slightly as if he were holding himself in place. His eyes were open, fixed forward—not seeing, but feeling.

Near him, Ox-King stood like a statue.

Too still.

Too silent.

For a man as large as him, as loud as him—this quiet felt unnatural. His massive hands were clenched at his sides, his jaw tight, eyes locked on the horizon.

“Chichi…” he muttered under his breath. This is the first time he let Chichi fight a strong enemy, and he’s afraid he’s lose her like…

"Chizuka.. I’m sorry… I tried getting Chichi to stay out of fights but I just can’t stop her. She’s as determined as her mother after all. Which scares me… no offense."

He then sighed, wishing this plane could go faster so he could get to his daughter immediately.

On the other side of the ship—

Gohan and Chiharu.

They sat close together, shoulders touching, both staring ahead. They hadn’t spoken in a while now. Whatever they were feeling—it was shared. Heavy. Unspoken.

And in Chiharu’s arms—

Chisora.

The baby stirred slightly, small fingers curling against her sleeve. A quiet whimper escaped her, soft—but uneasy. Like even she could feel it.

Gohan swallowed.

“Dad’s there… and R-Raditz.. But I can’t sense the enemy nearby..,” he whispered. Chiharu didn’t answer. But her grip tightened just a little.

Something caught Bulma’s attention, from  down below, “Wait.” she leaned forward suddenly, squinting through the front glass. “There—do you see that?”, pointing to a figure limping and looking like they’re trying to fly.

Roshi stood slowly, stepping closer. At first, it was just movement against the ground.

Then—

A figure.

Running.

Stumbling.

Carrying something. Or someone

Bulma’s eyes widened. “No way…”

She pushed the controls without hesitation, the ship descending rapidly, wind roaring past as the ground rushed up to meet them. “Hold on!”

The landing was rough—but none of them cared. The door slid open before the ship had even fully settled. “Hey! Over here!!” Krillin yelled, voice strained and exhausted.  They rushed out.

Krillin staggered toward them, barely able to stay upright, his breaths ragged, uneven—like each one was being dragged out of him.

And in his arms—

“Chichi—!”

Ox-King moved faster than anyone thought possible.

The ground shook beneath his steps as he reached them in seconds, dropping to his knees as Krillin collapsed forward into him.

“My daughter—!”

His voice cracked.

Actually cracked.

Carefully—far more carefully than someone his size should’ve been able to—he took Chichi from Krillin’s arms.

She was limp.

Unmoving.

Her clothes torn, scorched in places, her skin marked faintly with burns that didn’t look like normal injuries—they looked deeper. Like something had torn through her energy itself.

“Chichi… Chichi, wake up…” Gyumao’s voice trembled, his large hands hovering helplessly, afraid to hurt her more. Gohan was at her side instantly.

“Mom—!”

He dropped to his knees, grabbing her hand, holding it tightly like it might slip away if he didn’t. “She’s okay…she’s okay-she’s just tired…right?!” His voice shook, desperate, searching for anyone to confirm it.

Chiharu knelt on the other side, still holding Chisora, who had started to fuss quietly now, trying to reach for her mother—small, uneasy sounds escaping her.

Chiharu looked at their mother. Studied her. “…She’s breathing,” she said softly. Bulma exhaled shakily, crouching beside them, forcing herself to focus. “What happened?” she asked, looking at Krillin.

Krillin sat on the ground, still trying to catch his breath, his entire body trembling. “She… she fought him…” he said, voice weak. “Who?” Roshi asked quietly. Krillin looked up. “…Nappa.”

Silence fell.

Heavy.

Unbelieving.

“And?” Bulma pressed. Krillin swallowed. “…She killed him.” No one spoke. Even the wind seemed to pause. Gohan’s eyes widened, his grip tightening around Chichi’s hand. “Mom did that…?” he whispered. Krillin nodded slowly.

”A-And she had to fight Vegeta right after Raditz was knocked down..” Everyone gasped. “The Ringleader??!” Roshi asked in disbelief. “Yea… it nearly killed her too,” Krillin answered, his voice cracking. “She pushed everything she had… and more…”

Gyumao lowered his head slightly, his shoulders trembling—not from rage.

From fear.

“Stubborn girl…” he muttered, but there was no anger in it. Only pain.

Bulma stood up abruptly. “Okay—no time to sit here,” she said, her voice snapping back into urgency. “The fight’s still going on, right?”

Krillin shook his head weakly. “No.. I think it’s done. I can’t feel Vegeta’s ki with them anymore. He might've escaped. Or they killed him…” At this, Chiharu scoffed, “Tch. If he did escape then he’s a coward.”

That was all Gohan needed to hear. His head snapped up. “Dad…” Bulma pointed toward the ship. “Get her inside. Now. We’re going to them.”

Together, carefully, they lifted Chichi—Gyumao refusing to let anyone else carry her this time. Gohan stayed close, still holding her hand, while Chiharu followed, cradling Chisora, who had begun to cry softly now.

Krillin was helped in after them.

The doors shut.

The ship lifted once more.

As they rose into the sky, the ground below faded. 

Gohan pressed his hand against the window.

“Dad’s ki.. it’s weaker than I’ve ever felt before..” he whispered.

Chiharu stepped beside him. She didn’t say anything. But her eyes were fixed on the same place. Bulma reassured them, “Don’t worry, we’re getting close to them.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The battlefield had gone quiet.

Not completely.

The wind still moved. Dust still drifted through the air. Small pieces of broken earth shifted and settled after the destruction.

But compared to before—

It was nothing.

Goku sat where he had collapsed, one knee raised slightly, one hand braced against the ground to keep himself upright. His breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling with slow, heavy effort.

Every part of his body hurt.

But he was alive.

A few steps away, Raditz stood, watching the sky where Vegeta’s pod had disappeared. His arms were crossed, but his posture wasn’t relaxed.

“…You really let him go,” he said after a moment.

Goku let out a weak breath, almost a quiet laugh. “Yeah.”

Raditz glanced at him from the corner of his eye.

“…You’re too soft." There wasn’t much bite in it. Goku tilted his head back slightly, staring up at the sky “Maybe,” he admitted. “But… he was done.”

A pause.

“If someone’s running away, I don’t see the point in chasing them.” He continued. Raditz scoffed lightly. “That’s not how Saiyans think.”

Goku turned his head slightly, looking at him. “Yeah, well” he said. “I’m no ordinary Saiyan.”

Silence settled again.

Longer this time.

Heavier.

Raditz shifted his weight slightly, uncrossing his arms.

“You hesitated,” he said. Goku’s expression didn’t change. “When he transformed.”

Another pause.

“…You froze.”

Goku’s fingers tightened slightly against the dirt. “…Yeah.”

No denial.

No excuse.

The wind picked up just a little.

Carrying dust between them.

“I remembered something…,” Goku said after a moment. His voice was quieter now.  “…From when I was a kid.” Raditz didn’t interrupt. Didn’t question. He just listened.

“…There was a full moon,” Goku continued slowly. “And… I turned into that thing.” His gaze drifted. Not to the sky. Not to the battlefield. Somewhere further back. “I didn’t remember it before. Not clearly.” His hand clenched slightly. “But when Vegeta transformed…”

A pause.

“…It came back.”

Raditz’s expression shifted—just slightly. Understanding.

“I destroyed everything,” Goku said. His voice tightened. “The house… the mountain…”

Another pause.

“…Him.”

The word hung there.

Unfinished.

But clear.

Raditz didn’t speak right away.

His gaze lowered slightly.

“Who?” he asked quietly.

Goku hesitated to reply, but he did anyway, “My Grandpa Gohan.. he took care of me ever since I was a baby, when he found me alone in the forest. Well, that’s what he told me.”

Silence followed.

But it wasn’t empty.

It was… heavy.

“You didn’t know,” Raditz said after a moment.

Goku let out a small, humorless breath.

“…Does that really change anything?”

Raditz didn’t answer immediately.

His eyes shifted slightly—toward the ground, toward the scars in the earth left behind by the battle.

“Probably not but…” he said finally.

Goku blinked, glancing at him.

Raditz met his gaze. “We were born like that. It’s in our genetics.” Raditz continued, his voice quieter than usual. “Saiyans don’t control it the first time.” His jaw tightened slightly. “Most don’t even survive it.”

Goku frowned slightly.

“Vegeta did.”

Raditz huffed faintly.

“Barely.”

Another pause.

But this one felt… different.

Less tense.

“…You still fought,” Raditz added after a moment. “Even after remembering.”

Goku looked down at his hands.

Bruised.

Shaking.

“I had to,” he said. “…I’m not letting something like that happen again.”

Raditz studied him for a second.

Then—

A small, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Yeah,” he said. “I noticed.”

The wind shifted again.

Carrying something new this time.

Goku’s head lifted slightly.

Raditz’s eyes narrowed.

Both of them felt it before they see it.

Faint but getting closer.

An aircraft with the Capsule Corp. logo is flying their way. Most likely containing their friends and family. Goku smiled. “They’re coming,” He said.

Raditz crossed his arms again, glancing toward the horizon. “…Took them long enough.”

Goku let out a small breath.

“Yeah,” he said. “They’re safe.”

And for the first time since the battle ended, they let their guard down. Raditz collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, right beside his brother. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ship hadn’t fully settled before the door slid open. Wind rushed in. Dust followed.

And then—

“Dad!”

Gohan was already gone.

He bolted past everyone, feet barely touching the ground as he ran across the fractured battlefield. The distance between them closed in seconds, his chest tightening with every step.

Goku looked up at the sound. For a brief moment—just a second—his expression didn’t change. Like his body was too exhausted to react. “Gohan…?”

Then the impact came.

Gohan crashed into him, arms wrapping tightly around his torso, gripping onto him like he might disappear if he let go.

“You’re alive—!” his voice broke, raw and unfiltered.

Goku let out a strained breath from the force, a small, pained grunt escaping him but his arms came up anyway, returning the embrace despite the pain screaming through his body.

“Heh… yeah…” he murmured, voice rough, softer than the battlefield deserved. “I’m here.”

His hand rested on Gohan’s back, steady. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Move idiot.”

Chiharu’s voice came right after but it lacked its usual sharpness.

She slowed as she approached, steps uneven for just a moment before she stopped in front of him. Her eyes scanned him quickly—taking in everything. The blood. The bruises. The way he was barely holding himself up.

“…You look like crap,” she muttered. But her voice wavered slightly. Goku gave a small, tired smile. “Yeah. Feels like it too.”

She clicked her tongue, looking away for half a second before stepping closer anyway. “…Took you long enough,” she added under her breath.

A small cry broke through the moment.

Chisora.

Still in her arms.

Still unsettled.

Goku blinked, his attention shifting instantly. The tension in his shoulders eased just slightly as he reached out, movements slower now, careful. “Hey… hey, it’s okay…”

His fingers brushed gently against her cheek. The reaction was immediate. Her cries softened.

Tiny fingers reached out—

And wrapped around his.

Goku let out a quiet breath, something softer slipping through the exhaustion. “Guess she remembers me…”

Behind them, heavier footsteps approached. Goku looked up. Gyumao stood there, towering as always—but something about him felt… smaller. Not in size. In weight.

“You made it,” he said.

Goku nodded once. “…Yeah.”

A pause followed.

“Chichi’s inside,” Gyumao added, his voice lower now That was enough. Goku’s expression shifted instantly. “Is she okay?”

“Alive,” Krillin answered as he walked closer, still catching his breath. “But unconscious. She used everything she had.”

Goku exhaled slowly, tension easing from his chest as he rest his back against a boulder behind him. “…That sounds like her,” he said quietly.

The group began to gather around them now. Not rushed. Not chaotic. Just drawn together. Relief settling in slowly, unevenly.

Then Goku spoke again. “…You should’ve seen it, guys ,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “When Vegeta transformed into this giant ape… I thought it was over.”

Goku’s expression darkened slightly at that. Then shook his head lightly and glanced towards Raditz briefly before continuing. “And then—outta nowhere—”

He paused.

Still sounding like he couldn’t believe it. “—Raditz just jumped in and cut off his tail. Before Vegeta could crush me to bits”

That got a reaction.

Bulma blinked. “…Wait—hold on—he WHAT?”

Gohan pulled back slightly, eyes widening as he looked at Raditz. “…You did that?”

Even Roshi’s brows lifted slightly, interest sharpening behind his calm demeanor. “A precise move,” he noted All eyes shifted to Raditz.

He stood a short distance away, arms crossed now, expression unreadable—but not avoiding their gazes either. “…He left an opening,” Raditz said simply. “I took it.”

Chiharu narrowed her eyes slightly. “You’re saying you just casually jumped onto a Giant Ape and sliced its tail off?” Raditz scoffed. “…Don’t exaggerate it.” But he didn’t deny it.

Krillin let out a small laugh—half disbelief, half relief. “Man… if you didn’t do that, Goku would’ve been flattened…”

Goku rubbed the back of his neck weakly. “Yeah… I kinda owe you for that one.” Raditz glanced at him briefly. “Don’t make it a habit.” But there was no bite to it.

A quiet pause followed.

The kind that came after everything finally settled.

Goku glanced back at the ship.

Just for a second.

Then forward again.

His family.

His friends.

All here.

And for the first time since he arrived—

He allowed himself to breathe.

Goku tried to step up on his own.

He didn’t make it.

His leg gave out halfway, his body dipping forward as a sharp breath slipped past his teeth. “…Tch—”

A large hand caught him before he could fall. “Stop. You’ve exerted yourself enough.” Gyumao’s voice was low, firm—not angry, just certain. Goku glanced up, managing a weak grin. “Heh… yeah… guess I kinda pushed it a bit…”

“Kind of???” Krillin tried to joke from behind, Goku chuckled lightly.

Gyumao didn’t humor that. He simply adjusted his grip, one arm steadying Goku’s back as he guided him inside with careful, controlled movements—far gentler than his size suggested.

Gohan stayed glued to Goku’s side the entire time, one hand gripping his arm tightly like letting go wasn’t an option.

Chiharu followed close behind, Chisora pressed against her shoulder. The baby had quieted, but every now and then a small, uneasy sound slipped out.

Raditz stepped in last, silent as ever, keeping his distance without actually leaving.

The ramp shut behind them, sealing the wind out.

The hum of the ship settled in.

Gyumao lowered Goku down carefully—

Right beside Chichi. Not anywhere else, just beside her. Like there wasn’t any other place hh'd rather be.

“…Thanks,” Goku murmured. Gyumao gave a small nod, stepping back just enough to give him space. Goku turned immediately. “Chichi…” His voice softened, almost instinctively.

He shifted closer despite the strain, one hand bracing himself while the other reached for hers. It hovered for just a second like he was afraid of what he’d feel.

Then gently closed around it.

Warm.

Still there.

He let out a quiet breath.

“You really went all out, huh…” His eyes moved over her—taking in the burns, the torn fabric, the way her breathing came slow and shallow. His grip tightened slightly. “You always do…”

Gohan dropped beside her on the other side, grabbing onto her arm. “Mom…” he whispered, voice smaller now, fragile in a way it hadn’t been before.

Chiharu knelt nearby, adjusting Chisora as the baby reached out weakly, tiny fingers stretching toward Chichi without understanding why she wasn’t responding.

“She’s still out,” Chiharu said quietly. Goku nodded faintly, his thumb brushing lightly over Chichi’s hand. “Yeah… but I’m sure she’ll wake up soon.”

Across the ship, Bulma moved quickly. Too quickly. Checking Chichi, grabbing supplies, glancing at Goku, then back again—keeping herself busy, keeping her hands moving.

“…She’s stable,” Bulma said, more to herself than anyone else. “She’s just completely drained… I can bandage your wounds until we get you guys to the best hospital.” Her voice wavered—but she kept going, getting her first aid kit at a cabinet by the controls of the air craft.

Krillin leaned back against the wall, exhaling hard as he finally let himself stop moving. For a moment, no one spoke. Just the hum of the ship. The quiet breathing. The soft, uneven sounds from Chisora.

Then...

“…We can’t leave them out there.” Krillin’s voice cut through the silence. Everything stilled. Bulma’s hands stopped where they were, mid-rummaging thought the kit. Not dropping. Not shaking. Just still.

“…Yeah,” she said quietly. She didn’t look at him. Didn’t need to. She already knew. Krillin swallowed, glancing down before continuing. “…Their bodies… they’re still on the field.”

Bulma’s grip tightened slightly against the console. Her head lowered. “…I know.” The words came out steady. Too steady.

A pause.

Then—

“They felt Yamcha fall...”

Quieter now.

More real.

Her shoulders tensed.

“They told me...”

Another pause, longer. 

Her voice dipped, barely above a whisper.

“I just didn’t want to think about it yet…”

Silence pressed in around them.

Heavier now.

Goku’s hand stilled briefly against Chichi’s before tightening again, grounding himself.

Krillin pushed off the wall. “We should bring them back,” he said. “We can’t just leave them like that.” Gyumao nodded immediately. “Of course. We must preserve their bodies until we can revive them.” Roshi stepped forward, adjusting his glasses slightly. “It is only right.”

At the the mention of revival, Goku realized…

“They can’t be revived…”

Everyone turned to him in shock. Bulma with a questioning face asked, “What? What do you mean they can’t be revived? We have the Dragon Balls!”

“Yes, but Piccolo died, remember? He died protecting Chichi. Him and Kami are connected so if Piccolo is dead, so is Kami. Which made the Dragon Balls useless now.”

At Goku’s reminder and explanation, Bulma lost all hope in getting her boyfriend back. The news saddened the rest.

Krillin teared up but didn’t let the tears escape his eyes. No use crying. “We’ll gather their bodies anyway. It’s the least we could do.” Krillin said as he walks towards the ramp.

Gohan looked up and started to stand up.

“I’ll help—”

“No.”

Goku’s voice stopped him.

Quiet—but firm.

Gohan froze, looking at him.

Goku met his eyes. “Stay here,” he said. “With your mom.”

A small pause.

“She needs you. All of us. With her.”

Gohan hesitated.

Then nodded.

“Okay…”

Chiharu didn’t argue either. She just shifted a little closer to Chichi, holding Chisora more securely.

“I’ll go help them retrieve their bodies.” Raditz offered to which Goku nodded.

Krillin turned toward the ramp. “…Let’s go.” Gyumao followed without hesitation. Roshi and Raditz right behind him.

The ramp opened again, letting the wind slip back in—cool, carrying dust and the faint scent of smoke.

Krillin paused for just a second before stepping out, glancing back at them. “…We’ll bring them back.”

Then he stepped outside.

Gyumao, Raditz, and Roshi followed.

The ramp stayed open.

Inside, no one moved.

Gohan stayed at Chichi’s side, still holding onto her.

Chiharu gently rocked Chisora as the baby fussed again, soft cries filling the quiet.

And Goku sat beside Chichi, still holding her hand, his thumb brushing over it slowly, again and again.

“You better wake up soon,” he murmured.

A faint, tired smile tugged at his lips.

“…I’ve got a lot to tell you.”

A few minutes later, the ramp closed behind them, sealing out the wind and dust. The hum of the engines filled the small cabin as the aircraft lifted into the sky, carrying the weight of the battlefield in its hold. Krillin, Gyumao, Roshi, and Raditz had returned with the bodies—carefully gathered, arranged with as much dignity as the small space allowed. The air felt heavy, oppressive, the silence between the passengers thick.

Bulma stood beside Yamcha’s body, her hands trembling as she brushed his hair back from his face. Her lips quivered, eyes glistening with tears she hadn’t let fall until now. “Yamcha…” she whispered, voice breaking. “You were supposed to make it… you always made it…”

Krillin leaned against the wall nearby, jaw tight, gripping his own hands. Gyumao’s massive presence hovered close, not pressing, but there, grounding. Roshi shifted slightly, his usual calm replaced by quiet solemnity. Even Raditz’s gaze softened, unspoken acknowledgment of the loss flickering in his eyes.

Gohan sat beside Chichi, still holding her hand, feeling the sorrow radiating through the ship. Chiharu kept Chisora close, cradling her quietly, though the baby’s small cries slipped through from time to time.

Bulma pressed her forehead against Yamcha’s shoulder, letting the tears fall freely now. “I… I just… I can’t believe this…” Her words were a choked whisper, barely audible over the hum of the ship.

Goku, seated beside Chichi, tightened his hand around hers instinctively, grounding himself even as the weight of what they carried pressed down. “He… he fought hard,” he murmured softly. “All of them… they fought hard.”

Bulma’s voice wavered again, softer this time, almost to herself, “It’s not fair… it’s just not fair…”

Krillin finally spoke, voice low but firm. “We’ll get them to safety. We’ll honor them.” He glanced at Goku, who nodded faintly, still holding Chichi’s hand.

Bulma wiped quickly at her face, turning away as she forced herself back into motion. She went and started the air craft’s engine, heading straight for West City.

The ship cut through the sky, the sprawling lights of West City slowly coming into view. Bulma’s hands gripped the controls tighter, knuckles white. “Almost there,” she whispered. “The best hospital… we’ll get you guys help.”

Gyumao adjusted his hold on one of the heavier bodies, ensuring it wouldn’t shift. “Stay steady,” he said quietly.

Goku exhaled slowly, his eyes flicking to Chichi. Even as exhaustion gnawed at him, a small, tired relief softened his features. The city ahead was a promise of care, of hope, of recovery—even if the cost had been unbearably high.

And for now, that hope was enough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took a few more minutes to get to West City’s best hospital and another 3 hours until all the injured fighters are settled and bandaged in one room. During this, Bulma went back to Capsule Corp with the bodies and there, had her parents preserve them in machines.

The hospital room was quiet, almost eerily so, except for the soft hum of medical monitors and the occasional hiss of oxygen regulators. Four beds lined the walls.

Goku lay on the first bed, bandages wrapped tightly around his torso, arms, and legs. His breathing was steady now, though uneven, chest rising and falling with the effort of someone still recovering from total exhaustion. His eyes fluttered open occasionally, scanning the ceiling, then settling on Chichi beside him.

Chichi’s bed was just next to his, her small form pale and still, eyes closed, chest rising faintly under carefully applied bandages. The burns and bruises that marred her skin were severe, but every measure had been taken to stabilize her. Goku’s hand hovered near hers, brushing it lightly, careful not to disturb her, as if contact alone could reassure them both.

Raditz rested a few feet away, bandages wrapped around his arms and torso, his posture unusually still. Even with his Saiyan resilience, the battle had taken its toll. The prideful, strong warrior was quiet now, reflecting in a way he rarely allowed outside the battlefield.

Krillin’s bed was nearest the door, legs slightly elevated, bandages around his shoulders and chest. His head tilted toward the group, eyes tired but alert, fingers twitching as if itching to move, to do something useful—even while confined to a hospital bed. Roshi stood next to him, quiet like the others.

Goku’s hand hovered over Chichi’s, brushing lightly against hers, grounding himself. Gohan and Chiharu waited are right by their parents, sitting on a couch beside their grandpa. Chiharu cradling Chisora quietly, the baby occasionally fussing.

Bulma went in the room, a sullen look on her face. She leaned back against the wall, letting herself exhale, though the weight in her chest didn’t lift.

“The… bodies are safe,” She said quietly, voice low. “My parents… they preserved them at Capsule Corp. We can’t… we can’t bring them back with what we have here, but at least they’re… protected.”

Krillin nodded, eyes on the floor. “…They’re preserved. That’s something.” Her voice was small, almost brittle. “But it doesn’t… bring them back. Not yet. Not ever… not without a miracle.”

Goku’s hand stayed on Chichi’s, tightening ever so slightly. “Yeah…” His voice was soft, heavy. “…That’s the problem.”

Gyumao sighed and leaned back, arms crossed, letting out a low hum. “Kami’s death… it killed the Dragon Balls too. There is no magic fix here. No wishing. Not for them.”

Roshi adjusted his glasses, sighing. “Then we must think… logically. Strategically. What can be done? How can we fight against fate when it has already struck?”

Raditz, standing a little apart from the group, crossed his arms, expression neutral but sharp. “…Magic isn’t an option. We don’t get second chances from that source anymore. We survive with what we can do ourselves.”

Krillin clenched his hands. “There has to be a way… some kind of power, some kind of… method we haven’t thought of.” His voice cracked slightly. “…We can’t just leave it at that. We can’t just accept it.”

A calm, deep voice suddenly broke the heavy silence. “…You are correct to seek a solution,” it said, carrying the weight of centuries.

All heads turned toward the open window.

Standing there, on a flying carpet, serene and commanding, was Mr. Popo. His eyes scanned the room with quiet authority.

Bulma blinked. “Mr. Popo? How… how did you get here?”

“On a flying carpet, obviously. Don’t you see that?” Krillin answered sarcastically. Bulma turned and glared at him, causing him to cower and avoid her gaze. Mr. Popo then continued.

“I have come because your friends’ lives—and the future of this planet—depend on what you do next,” he said, stepping inside. His gaze settled on Goku, Chichi, Krillin, and Raditz. “You believe the Dragon Balls on Earth can restore those who have fallen?”

Gyumao’s jaw tightened. “Well… we did but Kami is gone. The Dragon Balls no longer work.”

“Exactly,” Mr. Popo confirmed. “When Kami, or a guardian of the Earth dies, the Dragon Balls of this planet lose their power. Wishes for the dead cannot be granted here.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “But there is another place. Another planet, far from here. Its Dragon Balls are independent of Earth, independent of Kami. They can grant any wish, including restoring life.”

Krillin’s eyes widened. “…Another planet? Really?”

Raditz leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “…And how do we get there? We don’t have a spaceship lying around.”

Mr. Popo’s dark eyes were steady. “There’s old ship that remains, Kami preserved it himself, saying it belonged to a Namekian hundreds of years ago. It is stored safely in his lookout. It can carry you there.”

“Really? How convenient. We’ll use that then.” Bulma finalized.

Gyumao exhaled slowly. “…That at least makes sense. A vessel capable of interplanetary travel. But… who goes? Who stays?”

Goku, sitting heavily in his bed, let out a quiet, strained breath. “…We’ll need a team… people who can survive the trip and handle whatever happens on Namek.”

Krillin nodded, still tense. “Goku, me, Bulma… maybe Raditz too?” Raditz’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened slightly. “…I go. No question.”

Chiharu shifted uncomfortably beside the doorway, Chisora nestled against her shoulder. Her voice was soft at first, but carried a determination that made everyone turn.

“…We want to go too,” she said, as she stood up on the couch. Her gaze flicked to Goku, then to Mr. Popo. “We can help. We should help.”

Goku’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing slightly. “What? No. Absolutely not.” His tone was sharp and firm, leaving no room for argument. “You’re staying here. Both of you. You’re not going out into space, and you’re not risking your lives on some dangerous planet.”

At this, Mr. Popo tried to intervene, “Well, actually-” but was interrupted by the small girl.

Chiharu’s brow furrowed, lips pressed tight. “But we can fight. We can help revive them! Especially Piccolo… he saved Mom. We owe him!”

Goku’s fists clenched slightly at his sides, jaw tight. His voice dropped, deepening with the weight of authority and fear for their safety. “I don’t care what you owe. I appreciate what Piccolo did but I’m not letting you put yourselves in danger. You’re my kids. You stay. Understood?”

Chiharu’s eyes flicked to Gohan, who shifted on his seat on the couch. “Gohan, what about you? You’re not staying out of this either, are you?”

Gohan hesitated, looking at his father. His hands curled into fists on his lap. “…I want to help. I want to save them too.”

Goku exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “No. You stay here. With your mom. With your sister. Both of you. I won’t forgive myself if something happens to you on that planet before we even reach the Dragon Balls.”

Chiharu’s lips pressed tighter. “We’re not afraid. We can handle it. We want to help. We have to help!”

“We felt helpless during your battle with the Saiyans. We want to do more this time. Please, let us do that Dad!” Gohan began trying to convince his father.

Goku’s eyes softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. “…I’m serious. I mean it. You don’t go. Not now. Not ever.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Then Chiharu’s voice came again, quieter but unwavering. “…We’ll do it anyway. We can’t just sit here. We have to try. For Piccolo… for everyone. Please, Dad.”

Gohan’s voice joined hers, firm despite the nervous tremor. “…We owe it to them. We have to help.”

Goku’s fists unclenched slowly, his body tensing with frustration and pride all at once. He sighed heavily, the fight between his strict protective instinct and their resolve written clearly across his face. “…You two are stubborn as ever,” he muttered, shaking his head. "Just like their mother."

“…Fine. But if either of you steps foot on that planet, you follow my rules. You stay together. You don’t fight unless absolutely necessary. You don’t take risks I wouldn’t take. Got it?”

Chiharu and Gohan exchanged a glance, nodding determinedly. “…Got it,” they said in unison.

Krillin’s frown deepened, eyes darting between Goku and the twins. “…Wow… I did not see that coming. I mean, I know he’s protective, but…” He whispered to Bulma and Roshi who were standing beside him, disbelief clear in his expression.

Bulma’s shoulders stiffened, lips pressed together. “…This is… stricter than I imagined. He’s… he’s really serious about keeping them safe.”

Roshi adjusted his glasses, shaking his head slightly, muttering under his breath. “…Huh. Never thought I’d see Goku put his foot down like this. Kids better listen.”

Mr. Popo’s eyes swept over them, calm but piercing. “Very well. But as I was trying to say earlier, you don’t even have to worry. Namek is one of the peaceful planets in this universe. No danger, whatsoever.”

Goku exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “…I still don’t like it,” he muttered, but a small part of him respected their resolve. “…But if you’re going, you stick to my rules. No exceptions.”

Bulma shifted uncomfortably, eyes flicking between the twins and Goku. “We’ll need to plan carefully, then. Every step. Every precaution. We can’t afford mistakes.”

Goku gave a slow nod, eyes drifting back to Chichi’s pale form, hand brushing hers once more. “…We get them back. All of them. Together. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Three days had passed.

The hospital room was quiet, almost oppressively so. The soft hum of medical machines filled the silence, punctuated only by the occasional sigh or shuffle of someone moving. Every breath felt heavier than the last.

The injured fighters are almost fully healed, though still bandaged. They can now walk around. Krillin is sitting on his bed, Raditz is asleep, and Goku… well. They’re all slowly healing. All except Chichi, who remained unconscious. Unmoving.

Goku sat beside Chichi’s bed, his hands wrapped around hers, brushing it lightly every few moments. Her breathing was shallow but steady. The bandages around her torso, arms, and legs were carefully applied, burns treated as best the doctors could manage. Yet she remained unconscious, her dark hair falling across the pillow, her face pale under the fluorescent lights.

Gohan stood at her side, hand clasped loosely over hers, eyes wide and glistening. His small frame trembled slightly every time Chichi moved in her sleep, even the faintest shift causing him to flinch.

Chiharu hovered nearby, cradling Chisora against her chest. The baby fussed occasionally, reaching out with tiny fingers as if sensing the unease in the room. Chiharu’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she reassured her sister. “…It’s okay, Chisora. Mom’s just tired. She’s going to be okay.”

Goku’s eyes never left Chichi’s face. He ran a hand through his hair, tension visible in every line of his body. “…Three days,” he muttered, voice low, heavy with frustration. “Three days, and she’s still out cold. She’s strong… she always fights back. So why…?”

Krillin, sitting nearby against his own hospital bed, adjusted his bandages and rubbed the back of his neck. “Goku… she’s stable. That’s what the doctors say. She’s been through hell. The burns, the energy drain from the fight… she’s exhausted. Time is the only thing that’ll bring her back right now.”

Goku exhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a moment. “Time, huh…” He let his hand hover over hers again, brushing it gently, almost as if contact alone could transfer strength. “…She doesn’t need time. She needs to wake up now.”

Gohan’s small voice trembled as he spoke. “Mom… please wake up…” His other hand gripped the edge of the bed, knuckles white. “I… I can’t take it if you don’t…”

Chiharu shifted Chisora closer to her shoulder. “I know,” she murmured softly. “…We all want her to wake. But yelling won’t help. She’s still recovering. She’s alive, that’s what matters.”

Goku leaned back slightly, running both hands over his face in frustration. “…We don’t have time for this waiting. Not when we’ve got Namek to think about. We can’t waste another day. We have to be ready.”

Goku then turns to Krillin and asks, “Krillin, how’s the ship and the supplies we need?”

Krillin’s gaze softened, and he answered. “Supplies are packed. We’ve got food, water, medical kits… everything for a journey that could last a week or more. As for the ship, Bulma and her dad are still fixing and making renovations on it. They’re making sure there won’t be any malfunctions on the way to Namek. That’d be horrible… a malfunction in space. Anyway when she wakes, we can leave or when you’re ready.

Goku’s eyes opened again, sharp and focused, his hand still brushing over Chichi’s. “…Good. I don’t care how tired I am… we can’t afford to mess this up. Not again. Not this time.”

Gohan’s small hand clenched over hers again, a quiet, desperate plea. “…Mom… please… wake up…” His voice broke slightly, and for the first time, a small tear slid down his cheek.

Chiharu whispered to herself, softly rocking Chisora. “Hang on, Mom… we’re right here. Just wake up…”

Krillin looked between Goku and the children, feeling the tension thick in the room. “We’ll be ready the second she opens her eyes. You don’t have to worry about anything else, Goku. She’s in good hands, ours.”

Goku nodded slowly, brushing his thumb across Chichi’s hand again. “…Once she wakes, we get everyone back. We leave for Namek. We get the Dragon Balls. And we bring them all home. No excuses. No one left behind.”

The room fell quiet again. Time dragged in slow, uneven beats, every second stretching longer than the last. Three days of worry, three days of uncertainty, three days of holding on to hope that seemed thinner with each passing hour.

Goku’s eyes lingered on Chichi’s pale face. “…Hang in there… just a little longer… I promise, I’ll get us all through this…”

Outside the room, the city hummed with life, unaware of the fragile threads of hope tied up in that small hospital room. Inside, the small family clung to each other in their own way, grounded by love, worry, and the stubborn certainty that no matter what came next, they would face it together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At Capsule Corp., at Dr. Briefs’ workshop, Kami’s ship sat on the launch platform, gleaming under the afternoon sun. Its smooth, organic design made it look almost alive. Bulma crouched near the hull, wrench in hand, eyes narrowed as she tapped at a panel of blinking lights.

“Okay, Dad,” she said, voice sharp but focused. “We’ve got the basics down. The platform opens when anyone that has their voice registered to the ship say "Piccolo" and it closes when they say "Piccolo” again. That’s our entry. No mistakes this time. Not like last year’s… thing.”

Dr. Briefs, wearing oversized goggles and a lab coat slightly too big for him, was fiddling with wires and a small control box. He paused, rubbing his chin. “…Hm… what if we add a coffee machine? You know, for long trips. Can’t have our heroes go without caffeine.”

Bulma blinked at him. “…Dad. We’re talking interstellar travel, possibly hostile alien planets, and you want a coffee machine?”

Dr. Briefs shrugged, completely serious. “Hey, motivation is key. You don’t conquer Namek on an empty stomach.” He began sketching a tiny espresso cup on the console.

Bulma groaned and leaned back against the hull. “You’re impossible. Fine… maybe later. Let’s just make sure the engine won’t explode first or something.”

As she worked, she noticed a small lever under the ship. “Oh, here we go. Dad, did you wire this lever to the emergency eject system and the horn?” Dr. Briefs beamed. “Of course! Safety first…and it’s fun. Imagine if someone pressed it accidentally—honk honk—warning signal!”

Bulma rolled her eyes so hard it was audible. “We do not have time for this. We need food, medical kits, fuel calculations, not a clown horn on the escape hatch.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Briefs was already fiddling with a retractable umbrella attachment near the cockpit. “Rain protection. You never know when you’ll need it in space.” Bulma flopped onto the ship’s wing, exasperated. “Dad. Space is… literally… vacuum. There’s no rain.”

“Exactly why you need it!” he said proudly.

“Surprise atmospheric anomaly protection! Multi-purpose! Also, it’ll double as a shade.” Bulma groaned, grabbing a screwdriver like a weapon. “I swear, if this umbrella deploys while we’re in orbit, I’m flipping a lever myself.”

Despite the chaos, the core renovations were progressing. Panels were reinforced, the interior checked, engines tuned, and the Piccolo-activated platform mechanism tested again and again until it worked flawlessly.

The ship was almost ready for their journey… with a few questionable extras courtesy of Dr. Briefs. Bulma wiped sweat from her brow and muttered,

“…One day, I’ll have my father build a ship in silence. One day.” Dr. Briefs waved cheerfully, already disappearing to tinker with something that looked suspiciously like a popcorn maker. “Next mission, popcorn in zero-G!” Bulma buried her face in her hands. “…Why do I even try?”

A few hours later...

Bulma had just leaned back on her chair, muttering to herself, when a sudden glint caught her eye. She looked up to see her father standing on a ladder, holding a shiny sphere covered in tiny mirrored tiles.

“Dad… what now?” she groaned, shielding her eyes.

“Behold!” Dr. Briefs declared proudly. “The ultimate morale booster: a retractable disco ball! Imagine cruising through space, engines humming, and suddenly—BAM!—a shower of glittering light reflecting off the hull. Perfect for celebrations…or confusing any alien pursuers!”

Bulma’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking. You cannot be serious.”

“Dead serious!” he said, tapping the top of the ball. “It’s motorized, adjustable angles, mood lighting… optional strobe mode. You’ll thank me when the crew is stressed halfway to Namek.”

Bulma pinched the bridge of her nose. “Dad… it’s a spaceship. Not a nightclub. We need functional panels, life support, and fuel efficiency. Not a disco ball! For crying out loud, what if it blinds the pilot in a critical moment?!”

Dr. Briefs waved her off. “Nonsense! Safety first, fun second, but fun is essential! Imagine Goku’s face when the lights hit just right during hyperspace entry!”

Bulma sighed and shook her head, muttering under her breath. “…I really should’ve just left him in his lab with his popcorn maker and espresso machine…”

Ignoring her, Dr. Briefs began securing the disco ball to the ceiling of the cockpit with a flourish, testing its rotation and shine. The mirrored reflections danced across the consoles and walls in a mesmerizing, if utterly impractical, light show.

Bulma finally threw up her hands. “No, I said you cannot add that! That’s final!”

Dr. Briefs sighed dramatically. “You are no fun at all..” He left, walking away with a sad expression.

Bulma groaned again, muttering as she returned to the wiring, “Sometimes I wonder which of us is supposedly the parent.”

Meanwhile, the Piccolo-activated platform had been tested one more time. Bulma watched as Dr. Briefs called out, “Piccolo!” —the platform slid down smoothly. “Piccolo!” —it rose again, closing with a satisfying thunk. All practical systems were finally functioning.

Bulma just stared, a mix of disbelief and resignation on her face. “…This is going to be a very long trip.”

Dr. Briefs winked. “Not if you’re planning on having fun, kiddo!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~https://github.com/Noctilune/ShatteredPrism/releases

Another 2 days passed…

The hospital room was calm, almost peaceful, though the weight of worry hung quietly in the air. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, painting stripes across the beds and floor. The sounds of distant hallways and muted conversations barely intruded.

Gohan sat cross-legged on his bed, nose buried in a thick book. Every so often, he glanced toward his mother’s bed, where Chichi lay unconscious, her pale face framed by dark hair. His small hands fidgeted slightly with the pages as he read aloud softly to himself.

Chiharu, sitting on the other bed, was coloring in a picture book. Keeping herself distracted from the fact that her mom is not awake yet. “Maybe if I distract myself long enough, she’d wake up.”  She thought, hoping her mother would open her eyes already.

Krillin was on the floor near the foot of Chichi’s bed, doing push-ups with his makeshift bandages on, muttering under his breath about keeping his strength up. Every few reps, he paused to glance at Chichi, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes.

Raditz, surprisingly gentle, held Chisora by the arms, making her stand up on his lap as hey sits up on his bed. Chiharu gave her to him as she started to color. The little girl squealed when he made a goofy face, and he responded by pretending to be a roaring tiger, his long hair swishing. Chisora giggled, reaching out to poke him, forming an unlikely, quiet bond between the warrior and the baby.

Goku, sitting in a chair next to Chichi’s bed, brushed her dark hair back from her face. His expression was tense but patient, every line of his body showing the restless energy of someone unused to sitting still. “…Come on, Chichi… wake up already,” he muttered softly, running his hand along her arm.

The room felt alive with small movements, quiet care, and subtle love—each person trying in their own way to hold on, to wait for her to return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But beyond the senses, beyond the hospital walls, Chichi’s consciousness floated in a black void. She drifted, untethered, weightless, surrounded by nothingness that seemed infinite.

Then, a voice broke the silence. Harsh, sharp, and utterly familiar. She could hear it faintly at first—a voice, sharp and cold, slicing through the emptiness.

"No human could do what you did.”

“You can’t be human."

The voice, familiar yet foreign, vibrated through her chest. She knew it. She didn’t. It carried authority, a challenge, a truth she didn’t want to face.

Vegeta’s voice. His words cut deep, leaving a trail of unease behind them.

A light appeared, far off, brilliant and pure. It wasn’t like the sun—it was colder, sharper, and alive, pulsating with an energy she instinctively recognized. She drifted toward it, unable to resist the pull.

The void dissolved.

Chichi’s senses flooded with color, sound, and life. She was no longer in darkness but in a place that shimmered with energy. Crystalline trees stretched into the sky, floating rocks hovered lazily, and streams of glowing energy arced like rivers across the horizon. Every movement, every pulse, hummed with life. She could feel the energy here, thick and intoxicating, as though the very air carried strength.

Figures moved in the distance. They trained with fluid grace, their bodies weaving through bursts of energy with a rhythm that seemed almost natural, almost like breathing.

One figure caught her attention. A woman, Chocolate brown hair that’s up in a ponytail, pale skin, slender body. Strong yet gentle, with sharp, compassionate eyes and a presence that drew Chichi in. She guided others with a firm but tender hand, correcting a stance here, offering encouragement there.

Chichi’s heart tugged at her without explanation. She knew she should approach, but fear and wonder held her back. There was something undeniably familiar in the figure’s gestures, the way she held herself, the way her aura shimmered.

Flashes came—quick, fragmented. A lullaby hummed over crystalline streams. A protective arm shielding a smaller figure from harm. Sparks of energy dancing in the air, bending to will without strain.

Chichi felt it in her chest—the echo of these moments lived in her. Her strength. Her resilience. The instincts she had always taken for granted. They weren’t human.

She wanted answers, but the void and the dream were mercilessly elusive. She reached out, only to feel her fingers pass through the air, grasping nothing yet sensing everything.

A pulse of energy shot from the woman’s hand, and the world tilted. The ground—if it could even be called that—rearranged itself, forming patterns of light and crystal. Chichi’s chest ached with a longing she didn’t understand.

“Who… are you?” she whispered, voice swallowed by the glow.

Unexpectedly, the woman paused and looked toward her, eyes softening for the briefest moment, and then vanished into the streams of energy.

Chichi floated alone once more, heart pounding, mind racing. Something had been revealed, yet hidden. A connection, impossible to ignore, yet shrouded in mystery.

And deep down, somewhere past fear and confusion, a small spark of recognition flickered—this figure, this energy, this presence… it is a part of me.

She drifted further, chasing the light, chasing the answers, chasing a truth she could not yet name.

A bright light suddenly shone before her again, piercing through the darkness, and pulled her forward.

She tumbled through it and landed on another unfamiliar soil. The sky shimmered with strange, golden clouds, and the air hummed with energy that felt almost alive. As she lifted her gaze, she saw the same woman arguing fiercely with a tall, imposing figure—the tension between them crackled like static.

“…You don’t understand!” the woman shouted, her voice trembling with both fear and fury. “I will not suppress what I am! I will not hide!”

The other person, stern and commanding, raised a hand, as if trying to stop her. “Chizuka… we both know your powers are dangerous. You must control them, for everyone’s sake! For the planet’s safety!”

Chizuka..?? My mom???

The woman, now known as Chizuka, clenched her fists, and the air around her began to ripple. Her voice rose, echoing against unseen walls, “ Father, I can learn how to control this if you’d just let me! I am not afraid! I will not be controlled!”

The next moment, a blinding surge of energy burst from her body. The ground beneath her cracked. Rocks levitated. Waves of light radiated outward, shaking the room.. Chichi’s chest tightened watching it, there was no malice in this force, only raw, unbridled emotion. The power was overwhelming, yet undeniably… alive.

Chichi couldn’t move closer, but every detail was etched into her mind—the way the woman’s eyes burned with defiance, the trembling hands of the other figure, the way the energy bent the very space around her. A strange recognition stirred deep in Chichi’s gut, though she didn’t yet understand why. It thrummed against her chest, calling to something deep within.

The vision fractured then, the edges of the scene dissolving into starlight, pulling her back toward the void. But the echoes of Chizuka’s scream and the fierce energy lingered in her chest. It was as if a part of her had awakened, sensing that this woman—this fire, this defiance, this power—was somehow… connected to her.

A warmth stirred in Chichi’s chest, soft at first, then growing, insistent. Her eyes fluttered. The void, the golden skies, the woman’s presence—they all began to fade, replaced by the familiar weight of her own body.

Her fingers twitched. Her eyelids lifted fractionally. A breath, shallow and uneven, escaped her lips. Heart hammering, she felt herself tethered back to the world she had left behind. The lingering echo of power, of recognition, thrummed in her bones, as if something had been unlocked—something vital and undeniable.

Slowly, the darkness retreated. Shapes, colors, and textures reformed around her. The rhythmic beeping of monitors, the soft hum of hospital machinery, and the faint murmur of distant voices filled her senses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chichi’s eyes finally opened fully. Blinking against the pale sunlight filtering through the blinds, she took in the room. Gohan’s nose was buried in his book.

Chiharu’s small hands hovered over crayons, paused mid-stroke; Krillin’s expression was a mixture of tension and relief.

Goku’s fingers still brushed against her hair as he leaned close, waiting. Even Raditz and Chisora’s quiet play across the room seemed to anchor her back to reality.

The hospital, once distant and mundane, now felt vivid and alive in a new way. She could still feel the pulse of that other place deep inside her, faint but insistent, a spark that refused to be ignored.

Chichi’s lips quivered as she whispered, barely audible, “H-Hey.. you guys.”

Goku’s face lit up instantly. “Chichi!” he exclaimed, his voice breaking with relief. He moved closer, careful, supportive, but his energy practically radiated joy. “You’re awake! You’re okay!”

Gohan leaned over her bed, wide-eyed, clutching his book like a talisman. “Mom!” he whispered in wonder, relief flooding his small frame. Chiharu, too, froze for a moment, then squealed in delight, her coloring forgotten as she rushed to sit closer.

Krillin dropped his makeshift push-ups, shaking his head in disbelief and muttering under his breath. “Finally…”

Chichi tried to sit up, but Goku gently guided her back down. She took a shaky breath, closing her eyes for a moment to let the strange, powerful visions settle into something she could begin to understand. That other world—the woman, the energy, the fire—was still there, inside her, a part of who she was now.

The hospital room felt quiet again, but to Chichi, everything had changed. She had glimpsed something vast, something beyond her human understanding, and yet intimately familiar. Her strength, her instinct, her resilience, they had always been hers, and now she knew, beyond doubt, that they were extraordinary.

Outside the window, sunlight continued to spill in, warm and golden. Yet inside Chichi, a deeper light lingered—the pulse of something she had only begun to recognize.

She opened her eyes again, meeting Goku’s gaze. “I… I’m okay,” she said, voice stronger this time, almost certain. “Really.”

And in that quiet affirmation, the room exhaled with her, relief and love settling around her like a soft, protective embrace.

Chichi’s hands rested on the crisp hospital sheets, but a faint warmth pulsed through her palms—different from any normal circulation. She flexed her fingers, and the air around them seemed to shimmer just slightly, like sunlight hitting a prism. Her breath caught. That other place—the crystalline skies, the energy, the woman—was still with her, quietly humming inside.

Goku noticed first, tilting his head slightly. “Chichi… did you feel that?” he asked softly, concern mixing with curiosity.

Chichi blinked, trying to make sense of it. “I… I think so,” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. Her chest tightened in an odd, thrilling way, and she could feel the room itself—the faint hum of the monitors, the soft creak of the floor—as if it were… responding to her.

Her eyes widened when a small ripple of light arced from her fingertips across the bed, tracing a brief, glittering path along the blanket. She gasped, startled, and the light vanished just as quickly, leaving nothing but a faint warmth in her skin.

Gohan leaned closer, eyes wide. “Mom… are you doing that?” he asked, awe creeping into his tone.

Raditz, who had been gently bouncing Chisora on his lap, froze mid-motion, his long hair swaying. His onyx eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, studying Chichi intently. “That energy… it’s strong,” he said, his voice low but firm. “She’s… different. More than human right now.”

Chichi closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm the surge inside her. It was a rhythm she almost remembered—like a heartbeat, but larger, deeper, infinite. She felt the spark of Chizuka’s defiance, her mother’s presence, the raw pulse of that other world, lingering in her chest. Every breath drew it closer, sharper, undeniable.

A faint hum filled the room, almost imperceptible, but enough to make the hairs on the back of her neck rise. A few papers on the nearby table shivered, as if touched by an unseen breeze. Chichi opened her eyes, staring at them. It wasn’t a trick of the light—it was her. The energy was here, in the real world, tethered to her body, ready to wake.

Goku straightened slightly, careful but alert. “Easy there,” he said to Chichi, his hands instinctively hovering near hers as if ready to catch her—or stop something—from spiraling out of control. Yet his gaze softened briefly as he saw the faint glow reflecting in her eyes. Goku’s hand rested on her shoulder. “Take it slow,” he said, voice calm but steady. “Whatever’s happening… we’ll handle it together.”

Chisora giggled softly from Raditz’s lap, reaching out a tiny hand, as if sensing the strange energy too. This had Chichi’s attention. Raditz ruffled her hair with a rare, gentle smile. “She’s alright,” he murmured as Chichi’s eyes glimmer at the sight of her baby girl.

Chichi nodded, swallowing the mixture of awe and fear rising in her chest. The pulse inside her was steady now, insistent. It was hers. And it would not be ignored.

Outside, the sunlight still spilled in through the blinds, ordinary and serene. But inside Chichi, the world had shifted. Something fundamental had changed. The spark of recognition—the one that had called her to that other place—was alive, awake, and already reaching into everything around her.

She has also come to a decision. Once all of this is over, she has a few questions to ask to her father, regarding her mother’s past.

Chapter Text

The hospital room felt quieter now, calmer than it had been in the past few days, though the tension lingered. Chichi’s eyes were open, alert. She decided she won’t talk about her.. dream.. just yet. That would be a talk for another time. So she asks, “So, how long was I out?”

Goku answered for her, “You’ve been out for 5 days Chichi. 5 days since our fight with the Saiyans.” At this, Chichi’s eyes widened, “5 days? Almost a week??”

“Well, the move you did on Nappa exhausted you more than we realized, Chichi. How did you even do that?” Krillin asked, intrigued.

Chichi’s fingers tightened slightly around the crisp hospital sheets. “…I… I don’t remember much,” she admitted quietly, her voice tinged with fatigue. “Just… flashes. But nothing clear.”

Krillin, leaning on the edge of the bed, gave a small, reassuring smile. “That’s normal. You were completely drained. Between the energy blasts, the fight with Nappa then Vegeta, and the injuries… your body just needed rest. Five days was the bare minimum to recover enough to wake up safely.”

Gohan, still perched on his bed clutching his book, added softly, “I stayed with you as much as I could… read to you, made sure you were comfortable. I… I was scared, Mom.” His voice trembled slightly. “I didn’t want anything to happen while you were asleep.”

Chichi reached out a tentative hand toward him. “You… stayed with me?” she murmured, a small warmth blooming in her chest.

“Every day,” Gohan said, eyes wide. “Even when I had to sleep, I kept one eye open. You… you’re my mom. I couldn’t leave you alone.”

Raditz, still sitting with Chisora on his lap, nodded slowly. “We all did what we could to keep things stable while you were out. The burns are healed, your energy is recovering, and… well, the rest of us were a mess too. It was a rough few days.”

Goku leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together. “…He’s right. We’ve all been working to keep everything together. The fight left us… scattered." There was silence for a moment before Goku continued. "Y’know, Cheech, during my fight with Vegeta, he transformed into a giant monkey and was ready to crush me to pieces.  Raditz over there had to save my butt.” He said, trying not to choke up at the reminder of a fact. A fact about the death of his Grandfather, because that’s a story for another time.

Raditz chuckled at Goku’s reminder. “Can it, Kakarot? I told you not make a big deal about that.”

“But it is a big deal! He cut off Vegeta’s tail, which caused him to de-transform and THEN he beat him up some more. That sent him running straight back to space!” Goku said cheerfully.

Chichi laughed at Goku who looks like a child recalling a very cool event, “So, I’m guessing Vegeta is no more?”

“Yea, he won’t be coming back any time soon. But there’s a possibility so there’s that to worry about in the future.” Goku shrugged. “Hopefully, it won’t be soon.”

“I hope so too.” Then she remembered something, “So, the others.. their… bodies.. what happened to it…?”

Silence.

Nobody could answer for a few seconds, Raditz took that opportunity as he stood up and walked towards Chichi, Chisora in his arms, “We retrieved their bodies after the fight. They’re in the care of Ms. Brief's parents now, in a preservation tank.” He says as he hands over Chisora to Chichi, who started giggling at the sight of her mother and immediately latched on to her. Chichi gratefully accepts, softly holding her baby girl in her arms.

“Preservation tank? Why do they need preserving? They should be held a proper funeral since they can’t be revived now, right? The Dragon balls died with Kami, who died when... Pi-Piccolo died.” At that reminder, she held her daughter closer, seeking comfort and trying not to burst into tears at what Piccolo did for her. 

“You’re right, but we found a way to get them back, Chichi.” Krillin informed. “Mr. Popo told of us Kami’s origins, Planet Namek. If Kami himself can make these Dragon balls then maybe this planet also has their version of the Dragon balls. We can use those.”

“Another planet? And it’s a maybe? Also, who knows if the inhabitants of that planet will allow us to use their Dragon balls if ever it does exist in that planet.” Chichi said skeptically.

“Sure, but we’re willing to take our chances. We can’t just leave it at that. They don’t deserve to die that way.” Goku reasoned, determination clear in his eyes.

Chichi stared at Goku for a while as she went silent. She agreed, they don't deserve that. Then she looked at her lap to her hands. Her husband has a point. But the possibility of the journey to Planet Namek becoming useless is eating her. Maybe she’s overthinking this. Then she nodded, “Fine then, Planet Namek it is. But who’s going and how will you get there? Do you even have important supplies prepared??”

Raditz answered, “Supplies are being prepared by Ms. Briefs and her parents. Our mode of transportation is the ship that Mr. Popo claimed the Kami used when he got to Earth. Apparently, he preserved it all these years so that’s convenient for us. Ms. Briefs and her father are currently fixing and renovating it at Capsule Corp. as we speak. As for who’s going, that would be Ms. Briefs herself as she will be the pilot, me, Baldy, Kakar-”

“Wh- It’s Krillin! I’m pretty sure it’s not such a hard name to pronounce, big guy!” Krillin frowned and protested, crossing his arms, slightly glaring at the giant of a man beside him. Raditz looked down at Krillin, indifference is shown in his face, “Yeah ok. Krillin, Kakarot and uh…” he hesitated, looked at Goku then the twins. Chichi looked at him and Goku, confused.

Goku noticed, then sighed. The twins became nervous, knowing what their father is about to do. He sat on Chichi’s bed and held her free hand gently. “And uh… the twins will be joining us.”

A pause.

Chichi processed their information. The twins held their breaths. Then-

“WHAT?!”

A yell from Chichi, “Are you kidding me, Son Goku??? How could you agree to this?! I didn’t even let them fight the Saiyans and now you’re telling me they’ll venture to outer space to go to another planet??! We don’t even know how safe this planet is!!”

As Chichi is yelling, the baby she was holding was covering her eyes, her yells too loud for her liking. Raditz took the baby out of her arms, she let him as she continued to yell at her husband and kids.

“We don’t know how far it is! For all we know, it could be in another galaxy! Heck, what if the ship will malfunction on the way there! And you two, there is no way I’ll let you guys go with them!! You are staying here and that’s final!”

“But Mom-” the twins started to protest but Goku held out a hand at them, signaling to stop.

“Hon, I didn’t agree to this either but they’re persistent. They claimed they owe Piccolo because he saved your life during the fight. And as for Planet Namek’s danger level, Mr. Popo told us the planet is a peaceful planet. So there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. The distance of the planet from here is another problem, we still don’t know but we’ll know after Bulma’s done with her research about the planet.” Goku reassured his wife, who started to calm down at the mention of Piccolo’s sacrifice.

Chichi’s expression faltered slightly at that, the anger in her eyes softening just a fraction. “…Piccolo…” she murmured, the weight of his sacrifice still settling heavily in her chest. Her grip on the bedsheets loosened, but only for a moment.

Then her gaze snapped right back to Goku—still firm, still unyielding.

“…That still doesn’t change the fact that they’re children, Goku. Five year olds that are going to space? To an unknown planet? They don’t need to be doing that. They should be here, doing normal kids stuff. They should be focusing on their education!” Her voice dropped, quieter now, but far more dangerous. “I don’t care how ‘peaceful’ this Namek place is supposed to be. We just survived a battle where people died. Where I almost died.”

The room went still.

Gohan shrank slightly where he stood, clutching his book tighter. The twins stood frozen, not daring to speak. Even Krillin looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.

Goku held her gaze, calm but steady. “…I know.”

That alone made Chichi pause.

He rarely said it like that—without argument, without deflection. That made her pause, to which Goku continued. “They’re strong, Chichi,” he continued gently. “Stronger than we were at their age. And they’re not wrong… Piccolo did save you. He gave his life for you. For us.” His voice softened further. “…They want to help bring him back."

Chichi’s eyes flickered, conflict rising behind them.

Chiharu stepped forward hesitantly, her small hands clenched at her sides. “Mom… we’re not trying to be reckless,” she said, voice wavering but determined. “We just… we don’t want to sit here and do nothing. Like we were doing during your battle with the Saiyans. We feel so helpless then. So we won’t let this opportunity to help go this time. Not when there’s a chance to fix this.”

Her twin nodded quickly. “We’ll listen. We’ll stay close. We won’t do anything stupid, we promise.”

Raditz, now gently rocking Chisora against his shoulder, spoke up again, his tone firm, but not unkind. “They won’t be alone. I’ll be there. Kakarot will be there. Krillin too. And Ms. Briefs seems to be not the type to let anything go wrong with that ship.”

Krillin gave a small nod. “…We’ll keep an eye on them. The whole time. No heroics, no unnecessary risks.”

Chichi looked between all of them—Goku, the twins, Gohan, Raditz—each face carrying the same stubborn resolve she knew all too well.

Her shoulders slowly sank back against the pillow.

“You’ve all already decided, haven’t you?” she said quietly.

No one answered.

That was answer enough.

She closed her eyes for a moment, exhaling slowly, trying to steady the storm of emotions inside her—fear, anger, pride… and something else she couldn’t quite name. When she opened them again, her gaze settled on the twins. “…If you’re going,” she said carefully, addressing the twins, “then you follow every instruction you’re given. No wandering off. No showing off. No fighting unless absolutely necessary. You stay close to your father, Krillin or Raditz at all times. Do you understand me?”

The twins lit up instantly. “Yes, Mom!”

Chichi raised a finger slightly, stopping their excitement in its tracks. “…And the second things look dangerous, you come back. I don’t care about Dragon Balls or planets or anything else. You come back to me. That’s not a suggestion.”

“…We promise,” they said in unison, much softer this time.

Goku smiled faintly, relief flickering across his face. “…Thanks, Chichi.”

She shot him a look. “…Don’t thank me yet. I’m still not happy about this.”

Krillin let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Man… I thought that was gonna go way worse.”

Raditz huffed quietly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “You clearly don’t know her well enough.”

“I do know her! That’s why I said that!” Krillin shot back.

For the first time since waking up, a small, genuine smile tugged at Chichi’s lips. But it didn’t last long. Goku asked her a question which had her thinking, “Aren’t you coming with us though, Chichi?”

She gave it a thought before answering, “As much as I want to, I can’t. Chisora needs a parent with her, and you’re already going Goku. I can’t leave her and I don’t want to leave her. I can trust you guys with the twins, right?”

“Of course!”

“Sure.”

“You can count on me, Cheech.”

“Well, that’s enough for me. I’ll just wait for you guys to return to me. Safely.”

Everyone nodded. Even though Chichi ended up agreeing, she still can’t help but feel a bit uneasy. Like something is about to happen while they’re there. She just shrugged it as her overthinking again.

To distract herself, Chichi turned to Raditz, “Now give me back my baby, I missed her so much!” she said as she opened her arms to take Chisora. Raditz handed her over, and Chichi blew on the baby’s stomach, making her giggle and the others laugh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Capsule Corp.

The hangar buzzed with activity. Tools clinked, machinery hummed, and in the center of it all stood the ship—sleek, rounded, and unmistakably alien in design, now patched together with unmistakable Capsule Corp. modifications.

Bulma stood at a large console, arms crossed, eyes scanning line after line of data flickering across the screen.

“Alright, let’s go over this again,” she muttered, tapping a few keys.

A projection lit up in front of her—a distant, green-tinted planet rotating slowly in space.

“Planet Namek…” she murmured. “Based on the signal Mr. Popo picked up and the coordinates from Kami’s old ship…”

She zoomed the image in. Vast oceans. Scattered landmasses. Strange, bulbous trees dotting the terrain.

“…Low urban development, minimal artificial structures… looks mostly rural.” She tilted her head. “Either that, or their tech is way different from ours.”

A few more inputs.

“Atmosphere composition…” she read, eyes narrowing slightly. “…Oxygen present. Good. Gravity—” she paused, then smirked a little. “—shouldn’t be too different from Earth. Lucky.” She leaned back in her chair, exhaling. “Distance, though…” Her fingers resumed moving quickly across the console. Numbers updated rapidly. “Yeah. That’s the problem.”

A new calculation finalized, flashing on screen. Bulma stared at it. “…Even with this ship’s original specs, we’re looking at weeks. Maybe a month.” She clicked her tongue. “No way I’m letting it take that long.” Behind her, a voice piped up casually. “Then we simply make it faster!”

Bulma didn’t even turn around.

“…Dad.”

Dr. Briefs stood a few feet away, holding a wrench in one hand and what looked suspiciously like a remote control in the other. His lab coat was slightly singed.

“I’ve made a few improvements,” he added cheerfully.

Bulma slowly turned, eyes narrowing. “…Define ‘improvements.’”

Before he could answer, a loud WHRRRR echoed through the hangar.

Bulma’s eyes widened slightly. “…What did you just activate?”

“Oh! Just a minor feature!” Dr. Briefs pressed a button on the remote.

Inside the ship, lights flickered on—

—and suddenly, a mirrored disco ball descended from the ceiling.

Music blasted.

Bulma stared.

“…Dad.”

Colored lights began spinning across the interior of the ship.

“…Why,” she said slowly, dangerously, “is there a disco system in a spacecraft meant for interplanetary travel?”

Dr. Briefs adjusted his glasses. “Morale is very important during long trips!”

Bulma dragged a hand down her face.

“I TOLD you we’re not adding that a few days ago, didn’t I? No way, I’m removing that.” 

“Aww.”

She turned back to the console, muttering under her breath as she typed. “Okay. Focus. Supplies.”

A checklist appeared on screen:

1. Food rations
2. Water recycling system
3. Medical kits
4. Spare parts
5. Communication devices
6. Environmental suits

She tapped her chin. “…Food’s easy. Capsules will handle that.”

“Water system’s installed…”

“Medical—yeah, I’ll stock extra. Knowing Goku, they’ll need it.”

She paused. “Training space…” Her eyes flicked toward the ship. A slow grin spread across her face. “Ohhh, that’s right…” She quickly pulled up another system panel.

“Gravity control functions still intact… if I can stabilize it…” she mumbled fingers flying across the keyboard, “…they can train mid-flight.” She smirked. “They’re gonna love that.”

A loud CLUNK echoed from inside the ship. Bulma froze. “That didn’t sound good.” Another noise—this time a sharp BZTT followed by a puff of smoke rising from the ship’s rear hatch. Bulma bolted upright. “You have got to be kidding me.”

She rushed toward the ship, yanking open a panel and immediately being greeted by a burst of sparks. “AH—!” She jerked back, then grabbed a pair of gloves nearby. “Okay, okay, calm down…” Dr. Briefs peeked over her shoulder. “Oh! That might be the auxiliary power converter.”

“Might be?!” Bulma snapped. “Dad, what did you touch?!”

“I may have… rerouted a few circuits to support the… disco feature.”

Bulma slowly turned her head.

“…You rewired a spaceship… for a disco ball.” 

“It seemed efficient at the time.”

Bulma took a deep breath.

Another spark shot out.

“Unbelievable.”

She dove back into the panel, tools already in hand. “Alright. New plan,” she muttered. “I’m rechecking every single system myself.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three days had passed since Chichi had woken up, and things were quiet. They spent the last 3 days just catching up, with Goku mainly telling stories about his training with King Kai, and what he was able to achieve.

“Alright! You’re all cleared,” the nurse said with a smile, handing over the last of the discharge papers. “Just take it easy for a few more days and as soon as you leave, please sign these documents at the front counter. There, you will pay your hospital bills.”

Chichi nodded politely. “Thank you.” The nurse then bowed and left the room.

Goku stretched the moment they stepped out into the hallway, letting out a relieved sigh. “Man… fresh air’s gonna feel so good.”

“You say that like you weren’t sneaking outside half the time,” Chichi muttered.

Goku froze.

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Nearby, Gohan clutched his small bag, while Chiharu is putting her stuff in her bag, both looking noticeably lighter now. The twins lingered close together, their earlier tension replaced with a quieter anticipation.

Raditz stood a step behind them, arms crossed, eyes scanning the hallway as if making sure everything was… settled. Eventually, they’re all ready to leave.

They got out of their room, went to the front counter and paid their bills.

As they walked outside, Gyumao can be seen, waiting for them with his air car. He waved, “Hey! I’m so glad you guys are fine now. Chichi! My dear girl..” He hugged Chichi so tightly. Any other normal person could not breath from The Ox King’s bear hugs but his own daughter got used to it. Gyumao then went on to hug Goku and the twins, patted Raditz’ and Krillin’s shoulder, took Chisora from Goku’s arms to strap her in her car seat.

Krillin adjusted the strap on his bag. “Well… guess this is where I split off.”

Goku turned. “You heading back to Master Roshi’s?”

“Yeah,” Krillin nodded. “I should let him know what our plans are. Properly this time.”

His expression softened slightly. Chichi looked at him questioningly, “He still doesn’t know our plans?” Krillin shrugged, “Well, I figured no one got to tell him. So I’m going to make sure he knows.”

“Ah, ok. Makes sense.” Chichi gave a small nod. Krillin smiled again, lighter now. “Don’t worry, I’ll catch up with you guys before you leave.”

Goku rubbed the back of his head. “Uh… about that…” Krillin blinked. “Huh?”

“…We’re leaving tomorrow.”

A pause.

“Tomorrow?!” Krillin straightened. “That soon?! Do we even know if the ship is ready by tomorrow." Raditz spoke before Goku could. “The longer we wait, the colder the trail gets. If these Namekian Dragon Balls exist, we might not be the only ones who's looking for it.” Krillin frowned slightly, then exhaled. “Yeah. Guess that makes sense.” He looked between them all again, this time a bit more serious. “Then… I’ll meet you there. Capsule Corp.” Goku grinned. “We’ll be waiting.”

Krillin nodded, then turned to Raditz.

A brief pause.

Raditz nodded back.

He stepped back, lifting a hand. “Later, guys.”

"See ya!” Goku waved.

With that, Krillin turned and flew away, disappearing in a streak of light.

“Let’s go,” Chichi said. 

The ride home was quiet.

Every step along the path felt heavier than usual—not because it had changed, but because they had.

Tomorrow, they would leave it behind.

The house welcomed them with stillness.

Chichi stepped in first, her eyes scanning everything instinctively. Nothing had changed. Good.

“…Alright,” she said, already moving. “We don’t have time to waste.” Goku leaned casually against the wall. “We’ve got the whole day—”

“We have one day,” Chichi corrected sharply. “And you all are not going into space unprepared.”

“…Right.”

Gohan immediately set his things down. “What should we bring?”

“Clothes first,” Chichi said, moving toward the storage. “Durable. Enough for weeks.”

“The ship will have supplies,” Raditz added from the doorway, “but relying entirely on it would be foolish.”

Chichi nodded. “Exactly.”

She began pulling things out—folding, sorting, organizing with practiced efficiency. “Medical supplies too,” she added. “We don’t know what you’ll run into.” Chiharu gave it a thought, “I thought Ms. Bulma is already preparing it herself?”

“Well, just to make sure, I will give you guys your own medical supplies. I’m not taking any chances.” Chichi insisted. Gohan nodded, already helping. The twins moved to gather their own belongings, quieter but focused. Goku watched for a moment… then smiled faintly. “Feels like we’re getting ready for a trip.” Chichi didn’t even look at him. “This is not a vacation."

“Heh… yeah.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time passed.

The house slowly filled with small piles of supplies—clothes, capsules, essentials—everything carefully checked and rechecked. At some point, Raditz pushed himself off the wall. “We’re missing things.” Chichi paused. “What?”

“Basic travel provisions,” he said. “You’ve prepared well, but not for an unfamiliar world.”

She frowned slightly. “…Like what?”

“Tools. A compact toolkit maybe. I can’t just rely on Ms. Briefs just in case there’s any malfunctions on the ship on the way there. Backup supplies. Things not easily replicated or stored. Maybe some more capsules to store food in or stuff.” He glanced toward the door. “I’ll get them.” Goku blinked. “You know where to go?” Raditz scoffed lightly. “I’ve been on this planet long enough to figure out where your cities are.”

“Fair.”

Chichi hesitated for a moment… then nodded. “Fine. But don’t take too long. And while you’re out can you check on the ship at Bulma’s please? Who knows maybe it’s not yet ready.”

“I will.”

“Thank you!”

With that, Raditz stepped outside and flew to west city.

The city buzzed with life. People moved through the streets, voices overlapping, vehicles passing by—normalcy in its purest form. Raditz stood still for a moment, taking it in. “Strange place,” he muttered.

Not hostile.

Kind of chaotic in a way that it reminds him of his old home. He felt nostalgic. 

He moved through the streets with purpose, though his eyes occasionally flicked around, observing everything.

Shops. Vendors. Technology.

Earth was… different.

Weaker, maybe.

But not insignificant.

He stopped in front of a small supply shop, scanning the items displayed outside. “This should do.”

As he reached for the door—

CRASH!

A body slammed into him.

Hard.

Raditz barely moved.

The other person, however, stumbled back with a yelp.

“Oof-! Hey, watch where you’re—”

The person froze.

Raditz looked down.

A blonde woman stared up at him, green eyes wide, expression sharp—equal parts irritation and suspicion.

“…You’re huge,” she said bluntly.

Raditz blinked once. “And you ran into me.”

“Yeah, well maybe don’t stand in the middle of the—” She cut herself off, squinting at him.

Her eyes flicked downward then lingered.

"…Is that a tail?"

She looked back up at him, suspicion sharpening.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” 

“…No.”

She tilted her head, studying him like he was some kind of curiosity. “Huh.”

A pause.

Then—

Her expression suddenly shifted. Nose scrunching. And then-

AACHOO!

Raditz stepped back, surprised. And in the blink of an eye, the woman in front of him... transformed? Not much has changed, except her demeanor, hair and eye color. Her hair changed from blonde to blue and green eyes to very dark blue.

Her posture relaxed, eyes softening, demeanor completely changing.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she said quickly, bowing her head slightly. “Did I bump into you? I wasn’t paying attention at all!”

Raditz stared. “…What.”

She looked up at him, scanning him. “Oh my, you’re huge! I mean uhm… Are you alright? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She said with an apologetic smile.

She just said that a minute ago…

“…No.”

“That’s good!” she said brightly.

Raditz narrowed his eyes slightly.

“You were just yelling at me.”

She blinked.

“Was I?”

“…Yes.”

A pause.

Then she laughed nervously. “Oh dear… I must’ve been distracted!”

Raditz continued staring. “…This planet gets stranger by the minute.” She giggled softly. “Well, welcome to Earth!”

Another pause.

“I’m Launch, by the way.” she introduced herself, bowing a little.

Raditz hesitated for just a fraction of a second. “Raditz.”

“Well, Raditz,” Launch smiled, “try not to get run over while you’re here.” He huffed faintly. “…I’ll manage.”

She waved lightly before stepping past him, humming to herself as she walked off down the street.

Raditz watched her go for a moment. “…Odd woman.”

Then, without another word, he turned and entered the shop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sleep became optional for Bulma Briefs.

Bulma moved between consoles and circuitry, running diagnostics, recalibrating systems, and undoing… certain creative additions.

“Engine output—stable.”

“Navigation—recalibrated.”

“Life support—good.”

She tightened a final bolt, wiping sweat from her brow.

“Auxiliary systems—”

She paused.

A small hum filled the air. Bulma’s eyes flicked upward. “…Please don’t—”

The disco ball dropped again.

Music started.

Bulma stared at it in silence.

Then—

“Dad.”

From somewhere across the hangar, her father answered sweetly, “Yes, dear?”

“I said I was removing this.”

“Oh! I reinstalled it. Improved version!” Bulma closed her eyes. “…I’m going to launch this thing into space with you still inside it.”

“Oh, don’t be dramatic!”

Bulma sighed, but despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips. But then she regained her composure. “NO! I am removing this whether you like it or not! We don't need it in outer space!” 

She turned back toward the vessel, gaze sharpening with determination.

The ship stood ready—finally stable, finally functional.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The bell above the shop door chimed softly as Raditz stepped out, a small capsule case now secured at his side.

Inside were the essentials—tools, compact supplies, items chosen with careful precision. He glanced down at it briefly. “This should suffice.”

Without another word, he crouched slightly, and shot into the sky. The city shrank beneath him in seconds. Wind rushed past as he adjusted his direction, eyes narrowing slightly as he locked onto the energy signature he had been told to look for.

Capsule Corp.

It didn’t take long.

The massive dome structure came into view, standing out even among the clustered buildings of West City. Bright. Loud. Impossible to miss. Raditz descended without hesitation, landing just outside the compound with a soft thud. “…So this is where your ‘genius’ lives,” he muttered.

He stepped forward.

The moment he entered the hangar—

WHRRRRRR

A loud mechanical hum filled the air.

Raditz stopped.

His eyes slowly lifted.

In the center of the massive space stood the ship. Sleek. Rounded. Alien in origin—but covered in modifications that screamed Earth ingenuity. Wires. Panels. Fresh plating.

And—

Raditz narrowed his eyes.

“What is that…?”

A mirrored sphere hung from the ceiling inside the ship.

Before he could process it—

“DON’T TOUCH THAT—!”

CLICK.

Too late.

The ship lit up.

Music blasted through the hangar.

Lights—colored, flashing, completely unnecessary—began spinning wildly across the interior.

Raditz stood there.

Still.

Silent.

“…What.”

From across the room, Bulma sprinted toward him.

“I WAS JUST ABOUT TO REMOVE THAT—!” she shouted, skidding to a stop near the control panel. “Why would you press a random button?!”

Raditz didn’t move. “You installed it,” he said flatly.

“I did not but that’s not the point!”

The music continued blaring.

A disco ball slowly descended from the ceiling, casting spinning lights across Raditz’s armor. He looked up at it. “…Explain.”

Bulma slammed her hand onto the console, cutting the music instantly. The lights died with a final flicker.

Silence.

“My dad…,” she said, exhaling.

Raditz nodded once.

“…I see.”

A pause.

“No, I don’t.”

Bulma groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “It’s not supposed to be there, okay? He keeps reinstalling it!” Raditz glanced back at the ship. “Your technology is inefficient.”

Bulma snapped her head toward him. “Excuse me?!”

“It contains unnecessary features,” he continued, completely unfazed. “If this were a Saiyan vessel, it would prioritize function over—” he gestured vaguely toward where the disco ball had been, “—whatever that is.”

Bulma crossed her arms, glaring. “Oh, I’m sorry, Prince of Space, but this ship is the only reason you’re getting off this planet.” Raditz met her glare evenly. “…Noted.”

A beat.

Then—

“…Is it functional?”

Bulma blinked. "Yes.”

“All systems?” he pressed.

She hesitated for just a fraction of a second.

“…Mostly.”

Raditz’s eyes narrowed. “Define ‘mostly.’”

Bulma pointed a thumb toward the ship. “We had a small issue with the auxiliary power system. It’s fixed now.”

“…Because?”

“Because someone,” she muttered, “decided to reroute power to non-essential systems.”

Raditz didn’t need to ask. “…Your father.”

“Yep.”

He exhaled slowly, arms crossing. “And you’re confident this won’t happen again.”

Bulma straightened, lifting her chin slightly. “I’ve been running tests for three days straight. Engines are stable, navigation’s calibrated, life support is perfect—” She smirked before continuing,  “—and I even improved the gravity system.” Raditz paused. “…Gravity system?” Bulma’s grin widened. “Yeah. In one of the rooms, there's adjustable gravity. You can train during the trip.”

A brief silence.

“…That,” Raditz admitted, “is useful.”

Bulma blinked, caught slightly off guard by the approval. “Well, yeah. Obviously.” Raditz stepped closer to the ship, eyes scanning it more carefully now. “And the travel time?”

Bulma turned back to her console, pulling up a display. “Based on current calculations… a few weeks. Maybe a month.” Raditz frowned slightly. “Too long.”

“Hey, I’m working with what we’ve got,” Bulma shot back. “Unless you’ve got a faster spaceship lying around?”

“…No.”

“Exactly.”

A pause.

Then Raditz gave a small nod.

“It will do.”

Bulma huffed. “High praise.”

Raditz turned slightly, gaze lingering on the ship.

Tomorrow.

A new planet.

Unknown variables.

Unknown threats.

He adjusted the capsule case at his side.

“Be ready,” he said. Bulma glanced at him. “I always am.” He didn’t respond. Instead, he stepped back, preparing to leave. “I’ll tell Kakarot the ship is acceptable.” Bulma rolled her eyes. “Wow. I’m honored.”

Raditz shot into the air without another word.

The hangar fell quiet again.

Bulma stared up at the ship, hands on her hips. “…‘Acceptable,’ huh?” She smirked slightly. “Just wait till you see it in action.”

Chapter Text

Night settled quietly over the Son household.

For the first time in days, everything was… still. No discussions, no planning, no urgency pressing against the walls—just the soft hum of crickets outside and the slow rhythm of breathing within the house.

The twins slept in their room, sprawled across their beds, exhaustion finally claiming them after a full day of preparation. Their bags were packed, decisions already made. Tomorrow, they would leave Earth.

In the master bedroom, Goku lay on his back with one arm tucked behind his head, while Chichi rested beside him on her side, facing away. Her breathing was steady on the surface, but something about it didn’t feel fully at ease.

Goku glanced at her once. “…Big day tomorrow,” he murmured softly, but there was no response. A faint smile tugged at his lips anyway. “…Guess you’re already asleep.” He wrapped his arms around his wife.

His eyes closed soon after, a snore following.

Down the hall, in a smaller room, Chisora slept soundly in her crib, completely undisturbed by the weight of the world outside her room.

And in the guest room, Raditz lay awake. His eyes remained open, fixed on the ceiling in silence. “…Another planet,” he muttered under his breath. Then, after a long pause, he slowly closed his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chichi’s "Dream"

Darkness came first.

Then—voices.

Not distant this time. Close. Sharp. Real.

“You don’t understand what you’re dealing with!”

A woman’s voice—fierce, strained, trembling with something deeper than anger.

Chichi stood still, her body unresponsive, as the scene formed around her. A forest. Wind rushing violently through the trees. Everything felt unstable, like reality itself was struggling to hold its shape. Though as she looked around, the place seemed familiar. She scanned some more, and sees a very familiar castle.

"Is that… Fire Kingdom?"

Ahead stood three figures.

The same man that was in her last dream.

Beside him is an unfamiliar woman.

And finally-

Her mother.

Her presence was unmistakable now—strong, familiar in a way that made Chichi’s chest tighten. Her hair whipped wildly around her face as faint energy flickered around her body, unstable and volatile, like it could explode at any moment.

“You think you can control it?!” the new woman’s voice snapped.

The man’s silhouette was rigid and unmoving, yet his presence felt heavier than anything else in the space, pressing down on everything around them.

“I’m not trying to control it!” the woman shot back. “I’m trying to stop it!”

The ground beneath them trembled slightly, and Chichi’s breath caught. That feeling again—that pull. Like something inside her was responding to what she was seeing.

“You should’ve never had her,” the man said coldly.

Silence followed.

Then the air shifted.

“…Take that back,” the woman’s voice dropped low—dangerous, controlled in a way that made everything around her tense.

Chichi felt it immediately. That energy. It surged, not outward, but inward, as if being forcibly contained, barely held together by will alone.

“You don’t even know what she is,” the man continued. “If it awakens—”

“ENOUGH!”

The scream tore through the space, and this time it wasn’t just sound. It was power.

A violent burst of energy exploded outward. The ground cracked beneath it, trees bent violently, and the air itself distorted under the force.

And Chichi felt it hit her.

Her body seized instantly. Pain shot through her chest, her breath catching as if something had crushed the air out of her lungs—

“—Chichi!”

Her eyes snapped open.

She gasped sharply, air rushing back into her lungs as her body jolted upward violently. The room was shaking—but not from anything outside.

From her.

“Chichi—hey, hey!” Goku’s hands were on her shoulders immediately, steady but firm. “Calm down!”

Her breathing came out uneven and sharp, her body trembling as faint traces of energy flickered around her before fading completely.

Footsteps rushed in almost immediately. The twins burst through the door first, panic on their faces. “Mom?!”

Raditz followed right behind them, eyes already scanning the room with sharp focus. “What happened?”

Chichi didn’t answer right away. Her hands clenched tightly into the sheets as her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

“…I’m fine,” she said finally, too quickly.

Goku frowned. “You weren’t fine,” he said quietly. “That wasn’t normal.”

“I said I’m fine,” she repeated, softer this time—but firmer.

A tense pause followed.

Raditz’s gaze lingered on her. “That was an energy,” he said flatly. “And it came from you.”

Chichi’s eyes flicked toward him—then away. “…I don’t know what it was.”

The twins exchanged uneasy glances. “Mom…” one started. “I’m fine,” she said again. But this time, it sounded less like a statement—and more like a hope.

Silence settled over the room again, heavy and uncomfortable.

Goku slowly removed his hands from her shoulders, but he didn’t look away. “…Everyone go back to bed,” he said.

The twins hesitated. “…Dad-”

“I said go on,” he repeated gently.

Reluctantly, they left. Raditz lingered for a moment longer, eyes narrowing slightly. “…This isn’t over,” he said quietly—not as a threat, but as certainty. Then he turned and left as well.

The door closed.

Leaving only Goku and Chichi.

“You wanna tell me what that was?” Goku asked softly.

Chichi looked down at her hands. They were still trembling slightly. “Not yet...”

Goku didn’t respond immediately. “You’re hiding something.” He said. Not accusing. Just knowing.

“I know…”

Another silence stretched between them.

Then Goku stood up.

Chichi’s eyes followed him. 

He didn’t look at her right away. “I’m not going tomorrow.” Her eyes widened. “…What?”

“I’m staying,” he said simply. “With you.”

“No.”

The word came out faster than she expected—sharper too.

Goku finally turned to face her.

“You have to go,” Chichi said quickly. “Goku, this is bigger than me. The others—”

“They’ll manage.”

“They need you. I need you to go with the kids-”

“They’ve got each other. And Raditz and Krillin.”

“That’s not the same!”

“It’s enough.”

Silence.

Chichi stared at him. “…This is because of what just happened.”

“…Yeah.”

Her expression tightened. “You can’t just decide that.”

“I just did.”

The firmness in his voice stopped her. He stepped closer. “You almost got hurt in your sleep,” he said quietly. “I’m not leaving you like that.”

Chichi looked away. “It was just a nightmare.”

“No,” he said. “…It wasn’t. You and I both know it wasn’t just a nightmare. It’s something else and you’re not telling me about it.” She didn’t respond. Because she knew he was right.

Another long silence passed.

“…I’ll tell you,” Chichi said finally. "I just... don't want to worry the kids." Goku’s expression softened slightly. “After they leave?” She nodded. “Everything.”

“Everything?”

“Everything…”

Goku studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “…Okay.” He sat back down beside her without another word and wrapped an arm around her, offering comfort.

Chichi slowly lay back down, staring at the ceiling. Her heart still hadn’t settled. The echo of that voice lingered in her mind.

You don’t even know what she is.

Her hand moved slowly to rest over her chest. “…Mom…” The word left her lips barely above a whisper.

And beside her, Goku stayed awake.

Watching.

Waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning arrived quietly, but it didn’t feel restful.

The light that slipped through the windows of the Son household was soft and pale, yet it carried none of the comfort of an ordinary dawn. It felt like a pause—like the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Inside the house, no one had truly slept properly.

Chichi was already awake.

She sat at the edge of the bed, shoulders slightly hunched, hands resting loosely in her lap. Her eyes were open, but unfocused—like her mind was still stuck somewhere else entirely.

The dream lingered.

Not in images now.

In feeling.

That pressure. That voice. That moment where everything had snapped inward and hit her back through her own body.

Her fingers curled slightly.

“Mom…” she whispered again under her breath, but this time it didn’t bring any relief.

Only more weight.

Beside her, Goku had not left the room.

He was still there, sitting against the wall near the bed, arms resting loosely over his knees. He hadn’t slept either—not really.

His eyes lifted when she moved. “…You okay?” he asked quietly.

Chichi hesitated. That pause said more than her answer ever could. “…No,” she admitted softly.

Goku didn’t push her further. He just nodded once, like he expected that answer.

Down the hall, movement had already started.

The twins were awake early, unusually quiet as they packed and repacked their things. Not because they were unprepared—but because they were trying to stay busy enough not to think about leaving and not knowing what comes after.

Every zipper sounded too loud.

Every small movement felt too final.

Chisora stirred in her crib room briefly, letting out a small sound before settling again. Still asleep. Still untouched by the heaviness that filled the house.

Raditz was already up.

Of course he was.

He stood outside for a moment, arms crossed, looking out toward the horizon as if measuring something only he could see.

“…Tch,” he muttered quietly.

Not frustration.

Not impatience.

Just awareness.

Something had shifted.

And he didn’t like not knowing what it was.

Breakfast was simple. No one really talked. Even Goku didn’t try to lighten the mood today. He just sat there, eating slowly, occasionally glancing at Chichi—not in worry anymore, but in confirmation. Like he was making sure she was still there.

Chichi barely touched her food.

When they finished, the house finally moved into motion.

Capsules were checked again.

Bags were double-checked again.

Nothing was missing—but everyone still acted like something might be.

Outside, the morning air was clearer now. The world looked normal. Too normal. And yet nobody said it out loud—but everyone felt it. Today wasn’t just a departure.

A vehicle waited outside the house.

Gyumao stood beside it, arms crossed, already ready. The engine rumbled softly as he glanced over the group. He went over and helped them secure their packages in the trunk. As soon as that’s done, he said,

“Alright,” he said gruffly. “Let’s move. Capsule Corp’s not getting any closer.”

No one argued.

They climbed in.

Chisora was settled once again in her car seat. The twins followed, then Raditz, then Chichi, slower than the others.

Goku paused at the entrance for a moment longer before sitting beside her.

Gyumao took the driver’s seat.

The door closed.

The engine deepened.

And the vehicle lifted into motion.

The ride toward Capsule Corp was quieter than the house had been. No one tried to fill it. Even Gyumao didn’t joke. The city slowly came into view ahead of them—Capsule Corp standing in the distance like a clean, silent promise. The ship already visible beyond the grounds, prepared and waiting

Capsule Corp stood ahead of them like a quiet monument to departure. The ship waited in the open grounds, already prepped—metal gleaming under the morning light, doors open, systems humming softly as if it had been expecting them. Around it, Capsule Corp staff moved in the background, checking final readings, stepping aside as the group arrived.

The vehicle slowed.

Then stopped.

For a moment, no one moved.

The engine cut off, and the sudden silence felt heavier than the ride itself.

Gyumao was the first to step out, stretching his shoulders once before looking toward the ship.

“So that’s it,” he muttered.

One by one, they disembarked.

The twins stepped down carefully, looking up at the ship with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. This was it for them—no more preparation, no more planning. Just forward motion.

Raditz stepped out next, slower, sharper. His eyes immediately scanned the ship, the perimeter, the staff, everything. He wasn’t admiring it. He was assessing it.

Chichi followed after them. Her movements were steady, but her eyes lingered on the ship a little longer than necessary. She then went on to open the trunk and unloaded their packages.

Goku stepped out last.

He didn’t look at the ship first.

He looked at her.

That alone changed the air.

Gyumao noticed it too. His brows drew slightly together, but he said nothing yet. He then got Chisora, who snoozed during the ride, out of her car seat.

The group gathered near the ramp. Bulma and Krillin were there waiting. Raditz, Goku. And Gyumao then loaded their packages and bags in the ship.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Just wind.

Then Goku finally exhaled.

“There’s something I need to say,” he began.

The twins turned first.

Raditz’s gaze sharpened immediately.

Gyumao straightened slightly.

Krillin and Bulma looked at him, confused

Chichi already knew.

But she still watched him like she needed to hear it out loud.

Goku’s expression was calm—but firm in a way that left no room for misunderstanding.

“I’m not going.”

Silence hit instantly.

Not confusion at first.

Just stillness.

Then the twins reacted almost at the same time.

“What?!” They both blurted.

Raditz’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Explain.”

Bulma then asked with her hands on her hips, frowning “…You what?”

The air tightened immediately.

Goku didn’t flinch.

“I’m staying here,” he said simply. “With Chichi.”

That shifted everything.

Raditz stepped forward half a pace. “You’re abandoning the mission?”

“I’m not abandoning anything,” Goku said evenly. “You’ll all still go. Y’all are ready.”

“That’s not the point,” Raditz snapped. “You’re the strongest one we’ve got.”

“Y’all ain’t helpless,” Goku replied.

The twins looked between them, unsettled now. “Dad… you were supposed to come with us…” Gohan said, disappointed about the news. Goku turned slightly toward them. “I know.” That was all he said. And somehow, that made it worse. Krillin exhaled slowly through his nose, “…Goku,” he said, “you’re making a hell of a decision right now.”

Goku nodded once. “I know.”

Chichi finally stepped forward.

Not rushing him.

Not stopping him.

Just standing beside him.

“I already tried convincing him to just go with you guys, trust me. There’s just no changing his mind now.” she said quietly. The twins looked at her immediately. Raditz’s gaze flicked between them, realizing something had already been decided before this moment. Gyumao’s eyes narrowed slightly. “…So this is settled then,” he said.

Goku nodded again. “Yes. Besides, you guys don’t even have to worry. Nothing is going to happen while y’all are there. You’re just gonna find the Dragon Balls and wish for our friends back. Then you head back home. You don’t need me. And I trust that you, Raditz, Bulma and Krillin will be able to keep an eye on our kids.”

Silence.

Raditz clicked his tongue, clearly frustrated. “Tch. Emotional decisions. Typical.” Goku didn’t respond to that. He didn’t need to. The twins looked conflicted now—hurt, but also unable to argue against it fully.

Because deep down, they could feel it too.

This wasn’t cowardice.

It was priority.

Goku continued, “I hope you guys understand. I can’t just leave Chichi here. Not after what happened last night.”

This alarmed Bulma, “Wait, what happened last night?”

“The kids or Raditz can tell you if they want.” Goku said, not wanting to recall last night’s events himself.

Chichi looked at Goku for a moment longer, then turned slightly toward the others.

“You all still have a mission,” she said calmly.

Her voice wasn’t loud.

But it grounded the moment.

Raditz stared at her for a second longer, then looked away first. “Fine.” The twins hesitated, then slowly nodded. Bulma scratched the side of her neck. “…Guess I’m driving the rest of you into space drama without him then,” she muttered, though there was no real humor in it.

No one laughed.

But the tension eased just slightly.

The ship hummed behind them.

The ramp was still open.

Waiting.

Chichi finally turned back to Goku.

No protest now.

Just understanding.

“…You’re really staying,” she said softly. Goku smiled faintly. “Yeah.”

A pause.

Then quieter—

“I told you last night.” Chichi nodded once. “I know.”

Another silence.

Not heavy this time.

Just real.

Raditz turned slightly toward the ship again. “We’re wasting time.” The twins nodded reluctantly.

Krillin stepped toward the platform first. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s move.”

One by one, they began boarding.

The twins went first, looking back once.

Raditz followed, still tense, still watching.

Bulma stepped on the platform last of the group, pausing only briefly. She was about to call out the code for the platform to rise and ultimately close the ship’s entrance.

But then—

A voice called out from behind them.

“Bulma.”

Everyone paused.

Bulma blinked and turned her head slightly. “…Huh?”

Footsteps approached across the Capsule Corp grounds—steady, casual, completely out of sync with the heavy atmosphere hanging over the group.

Dr. Briefs appeared at the edge of the gathering, hands tucked into his coat pockets like he was just stepping out for tea instead of interrupting a space departure.

“Bulma,” he repeated, a bit gentler this time. “You have a visitor.”

Bulma frowned. “…Now?”

He gave a small shrug. “She said it was important.”

The ramp to the ship stayed open behind them. The engines hummed steadily. But the air around the group tightened slightly anyway.

“Who is it?” Bulma asked.

Dr. Briefs turned his head toward the main building. “Launch.”

A beat of silence followed.

Krillin blinked. “…Wait, Launch is here?”

Bulma exhaled sharply. “Of course she is.”

Raditz frowned, recognizing that name as the woman he met in the city.

From the walkway, a familiar figure stepped into view.

Blonde hair.

Hands on her hips.

Expression already halfway between annoyed and suspicious.

Launch stopped when she saw the group assembled.

“…Okay,” she said slowly, eyes sweeping across them. “Nobody told me this was a whole space situation.”

Her gaze landed on Bulma. “So it’s true then? Some aliens got here, killed Yamcha… Chiaotzu… T-Tien.. and Piccolo. And that’s another thing because since when were you guys buddy-buddy with that freak? And now you’re actually going out there? To outer space? And I wasn’t told any of this, mind you!”

Bulma crossed her arms. “Yes, Launch. We are. That’s kind of why everything looks like this. And I’m sorry we didn’t have the chance to tell you.. things just… happen so quickly. Plus most of us were hospitalized after the fight.”

Launch squinted. “…You just casually said that like it’s normal.”

“It’s not normal,” Krillin muttered.

That was when Raditz stepped slightly forward.

Just enough.

Just wrong timing.

Launch’s eyes flicked to him instantly.

Silence.

A very specific kind of silence.

“You again,” Launch said flatly.

Raditz narrowed his eyes. “You.”

Krillin immediately looked between them. “What?”

Bulma sighed. “Don’t start—”

Launch pointed at Raditz. “This the guy who looked at me like I was a malfunctioning appliance last time."

Raditz scoffed. “You bumped into me, yelled at me, sneezed then turned into someone else. With a completely different personality.”

Launch tilted her head. “So?”

“That was weird!”

“And you with a tail wrapped around your waist isn’t, space boy?”

“Like what you call me- “space boy”. I’m not native to this planet! What’s your excuse?”

“Has it ever occurred to you that I was cursed with this kind of condition?”

A pause.

Raditz stared at her. “…Tch.” Launch stared back. “You still do that thing where you look constipated when you think, huh?” Raditz’s eye twitched.

Krillin made a choking sound trying not to laugh.

Bulma pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why is this happening now—”

Goku, from behind, quietly muttered to Chichi, “They’ve met before?” Chichi didn’t even look at him as she continued to stare at Launch then Raditz. “…Apparently.”

Gyumao just sighed deeply like a man watching fate lose control in real time.

Launch finally turned back to Bulma, tone snapping back to serious.

“So I heard from Dr. Briefs you’re going to another planet, something called Namek.”

Bulma nodded. “Yes.”

Launch studied her for a moment longer.

Then she exhaled. “…Yeah. That tracks.”

A beat.

“…Just wanted to make sure you weren’t all dying in some ridiculous Capsule Corp. experiment again.”

Bulma pointed at the ship behind her. “That’s not helping your case.” Launch shrugged. “I’m just saying. You people have a history.” Raditz, still mildly irritated, muttered, “…I don’t like her.” Launch immediately turned her head. “Good. The feeling is mutual, tall brooding space alien.”

Krillin wheezed. Bulma quickly stepped between them. “Okay! Great! Confirmed everyone is alive… mostly… and still arguing, still insane—can we move on?” Launch gave one last look at the ship. “…So you’re really doing it.” Bulma softened slightly. “Yeah.” Launch nodded once. “…Alright.” Then she stepped back. “I’ll leave you idiots to it. Goodluck out there.” She paused, then added without looking back.

“Don’t die.”

And just like that, she turned and walked off. Raditz watched her go. “…Finally.” Krillin exhaled. “That was somehow more stressful than the Saiyan invasion.” Bulma sighed. The platform still waiting to rise. The ship still hummed. And the departure—finally—could continue. The moment Launch disappeared from view, the air settled again.

Heavier this time.

Final.

The ship’s low hum filled the space behind them, steady and patient—like it had been waiting for them to stop delaying the inevitable. Bulma let out a slow breath and turned toward the ramp. “…Alright,” she said. “That’s it. We’re done stalling.” Krillin nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag. “Yeah… let’s go.” Raditz didn’t say anything. The twins looked at their parents.

Gohan called out, “…Dad.”

Goku looked up at him immediately.

There was no rush in his response. No urgency.

Just certainty.

“We’ll be fine,” Gohan said, trying to sound steadier than he felt.

Goku smiled faintly. “I know.”

A small pause.

“Take care of your sister.”

Gohan nodded once. “I will.”

Beside him, his twin added quietly, “We’ll come back fast.”

Chichi’s expression softened—just slightly. “I know,” she said.

That was enough.

Krillin then said, offering Goku a quick grin. “Try not to worry too much, alright?”

Goku let out a quiet chuckle. “No promises.”

Raditz crossed his arms as his eyes locked onto Goku.

A beat passed.

“…Don’t fall behind while we’re gone,” he said flatly. Goku smirked slightly. “Heh. You wish.” Raditz scoffed at this, with a small smile.

Bulma looked between Goku and Chichi, reading everything without needing it explained.

“…Last call,” she said.

Neither of them moved.

They didn’t need to.

The answer had already been given.

Bulma exhaled through her nose, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

“…Yeah,” she murmured. “Thought so.”

Another pause.

“…We’ll be back,” she said.

Not dramatic.

Just certain.

She then looked up, and called out the password, “Piccolo!”

The platform began to rise.

Slow.

Mechanical.

Final.

Goku and Chichi stood side by side, unmoving.

Watching.

Gyumao waved, as did Chisora, who was surprisingly quiet this entire time.

They waited.

Until the opening narrowed.

Until the light inside disappeared.

Until the entrance sealed shut with a heavy thunk.

Silence followed.

Then—

A low, rising hum.

The ground beneath them trembled faintly as the ship powered up.

Wind pushed outward in short bursts, brushing past them.

Chichi’s hair shifted slightly with it.

Goku didn’t move.

Gyumao covered Chisora’s eyes from the dust.

The ship lifted.

Slowly at first.

Then higher.

And higher—

Hovering for just a brief moment above Capsule Corp.

Before it shot upward.

Gone in seconds.

Leaving nothing behind but open sky.

And quiet.

Real quiet.

No engines.

No voices.

No movement.

Just them left.

Gyumao stood a short distance away, watching the sky where the ship had vanished.

“…Hmph,” he grunted softly.

Chisora muttered a small, “Buh-bye..”

Chichi’s gaze lingered a moment longer before lowering.

“…They’ll be okay,” she said.

Goku nodded. “Yeah.”

A pause.

The wind settled.

Everything felt… still again.

Goku’s eyes shifted to her.

“…Now,” he muttered to Chichi, Gyumao not hearing a thing.

“We talk.”

The weight of that settled immediately.

Chichi didn’t respond right away.

Her hand moved, resting over her chest.

That same place.

That same feeling.

The echo of the dream.

She closed her eyes briefly.

Then opened them.

“…Yeah.”

No more delays.

No more holding back.

She tells him everything once they get home.

Which reminds her, she needs to ask her father questions regarding her own mother’s past. Because she apparently knows nothing about it.

Chapter Text

The ship moved steadily through space, its engines humming in a low, constant rhythm that gradually became part of the silence. At first, it had felt exciting. Now it just felt… real.

Krillin shifted in his seat again, gripping the armrest as the ship made a subtle adjustment. “…Okay, I’m still not used to that.”

Bulma didn’t look up. “You’re in space, Krillin. Your body will adjust.”

“…My body disagrees.”

A small breath of amusement escaped Chiharu. She sat nearby, relaxed, watching him with a calm expression. “You’ll settle into it.”

“I don’t want to settle into it,” Krillin muttered. “…I want the ground.”

“That’s because you’re used to control,” she said gently. “This just feels unfamiliar.”

Krillin exhaled, shoulders dropping slightly. “Yeah. Guess so.”

Her tone didn’t fix everything—but it helped. Just enough. 

“So how long until we reach Namek?” Krillin asked curiously. Bulma looked at a screen in front of her. “Uhm, 3 weeks to 34 days, give or take.” Krillin shot up in his seat at this, “A month??? Why so long?”

“We’re working with what we have, Krillin. Just be grateful we won’t reach there in 4000+ years or something.” Bulma said as Krillin sighed, leaning back into his seat.

Nearby, Gohan stood by the window, staring out into the endless stretch of stars. Earth was gone now. Not small. Gone.It hasn’t even been hours since their departure.

His reflection faintly stared back at him in the glass. “…We’ll be back,” he said quietly. Chiharu heard him. She didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stood and walked over, stopping beside him.

Close.

Comfortable.

“Yeah,” she said softly. Gohan nodded once. They stood there in silence, looking out at the same endless view.

“Feels weird,” she added after a moment. “Yeah,” Gohan replied.

A pause.

Then—

“Your dad?” Krillin asked for confirmation.

“Mhm. Dad staying behind like that,” Chiharu said, her voice low. “That’s not like him.”

There was no accusation in it. Just concern.

Krillin leaned back slightly. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Bulma’s hands slowed for just a second over the controls, but she didn’t turn. “Hey, so what was up with your mom last night? Goku said you guys or Raditz will tell us.”

Raditz stood off to the side, arms crossed, tail swaying lazily. He sighed.

“The night before the departure, something happened to Chichi.” he said. “She… let out a scream, like she’s was in pain and her ki shot through the roof. One would think she was just having a nightmare but, this felt different.”

The ship went quiet almost instantly.

Gohan’s stance loosened first, his attention shifting from Raditz to the older Saiyan fully now.

Chiharu’s eyes followed too, her calm expression tightening just slightly—not alarmed, but attentive in that way she always got when something emotional surfaced.

Krillin lowered his guard completely. “Wait, what?”

Bulma glanced over her shoulder from the console, frowning. “Really?”

Raditz didn’t respond immediately. His arms stayed crossed, but his gaze had gone distant, like he was replaying it exactly. “…Yes,” he said finally. “It wasn’t subtle.”

Krillin stepped forward a little. “What did you feel?”

Raditz exhaled through his nose. “Pressure,” he said. “Not external. Internal. Like the air itself turned heavy in a single moment.” His tail stopped its idle movement. “And then it expanded outward.”

Chiharu’s expression shifted slightly.

Not fear.

Recognition.

“Like she couldn’t hold it back,” she said quietly. Raditz glanced at her. “Yes.”

Krillin scratched his cheek. “…Okay, but she woke up fine after that, right? So maybe it really was just a nightmare?”

Raditz shook his head once. “That’s what I thought at first.”

A pause.

Then his tone lowered slightly.

“But I’ve seen enough ki flare-ups to know the difference between sleep disturbance and something reacting to a trigger.”

Bulma’s brows tightened. “Trigger?”

Raditz didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his eyes flicked briefly toward the window, toward the endless stars outside. “Something in her reacted,” he said. “Not randomly. Not like fatigue.”

Krillin’s voice softened. “To what?”

Silence.

Even Bulma stopped typing.

Raditz’s jaw tightened slightly. “That’s the problem,” he said. “I don’t know.”

That landed heavier than anything else he’d said so far. Krillin let out a slow breath. “…That’s not comforting.” 

“It’s honest,” Raditz replied flatly.

Gohan looked down for a moment, thinking.

Then quietly—

“She said she didn’t know what it was,” he murmured.  Chiharu nodded slowly. “She wasn’t lying,” she said. Raditz looked between them both. “Maybe not,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean she’s aware of everything that’s happening to her.”

That made Gohan’s expression tighten again. “You think something is inside her?” he asked carefully.

Raditz didn’t answer right away.

Then—

“I think something is connected to her,” he said.

A beat.

Krillin blinked. “Connected how?”

Raditz’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“Enough that when it reacts,” he said, “she feels it first.”

Silence dropped again.

This time, even Bulma looked unsettled . “…That’s… not something I can fix with a wrench,” she muttered. Chiharu didn’t move for a moment. Then she stepped slightly closer to Gohan again, like anchoring herself in the conversation. “If it reacts again,” she said softly, “we’ll notice faster this time.”

Gohan looked at her. “And then what?”

She didn’t hesitate.

“Then we don’t ignore it.”

That simplicity hit harder than fear ever could. Raditz gave a short, quiet scoff. “Good,” he said. “At least someone is thinking ahead.”

Krillin raised a hand slightly. “Hey, I’m thinking ahead… emotionally!”

No one responded.

He lowered it.

“…Okay, yeah, fair.”

Gohan looked back toward the window again, quieter now.

“Do you think Dad knows more than he’s saying?” he asked.

That question changed the air again.

Chiharu didn’t answer immediately.

Neither did Raditz.

Finally, Raditz spoke.

“Kakarot knows what he sees,” he said. “And right now, he’s choosing to focus on what’s in front of him.”

Gohan’s expression tightened slightly. “That doesn’t feel like enough.”

Chiharu glanced at him. Then softly—

“It’s what he does when he trusts us,” she said. Gohan looked at her. She continued gently, not defending, just explaining. “He believes we can handle it without him watching over everything.”

A pause.

“Even if we’re not sure we can.”

That honesty made Gohan go quiet.

Krillin exhaled again. “…That’s… kind of a lot to process before training.”

Bulma finally turned fully toward them, arms crossed.

“Alright,” she said firmly. “Here’s what we are going to do with that information.”

Everyone looked at her. “We’re not guessing. We’re not panicking. And we’re definitely not spiraling mid-flight.”

She pointed at the training space. “We train. We stay sharp. And if anything weird happens again—Raditz yells first, then we deal with it.”

Raditz glanced at her. “Acceptable protocol.”

Bulma nodded. “Glad we agree.”

Chiharu gave a small, almost relieved breath.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “That helps.”

Gohan nodded once. “…Yeah.”

But his eyes lingered a little longer on the empty space ahead. Like he was trying to understand something that wasn’t fully visible yet. And somewhere in the back of his mind— That moment in the room. That pressure. That voice that didn’t belong still hadn’t gone away.

“If something does happen when we’re not there,” Raditz said in a sure manner, “Kakarot will handle it.”

Krillin raised an eyebrow. “You sound pretty sure.” Raditz didn’t look at him. “I am.”

A brief pause.

“He’s not weak.” Gohan’s expression steadied slightly at that. “No,” he added. “He’s not.”

But Chiharu’s gaze lowered just a bit.

“Still doesn’t stop me from worrying about mom.”

Silence settled again—heavier this time.

“Whatever that was,” he said, “it’s seems to be waking up.”

No one argued. Bulma clapped her hands once, breaking the mood. “Alright. Enough of that.”

She tapped the console, bringing up the star map. A green planet pulsed faintly on the screen.

“Namek. That’s the focus right now.”

Krillin leaned forward. “Right. Dragon Balls, wish everyone back, and we’re done.” “That’s the plan,” Bulma said. Raditz scoffed. “Plans don’t mean much out there.”

“Good thing I don’t rely on just one,” Bulma shot back. Chiharu pushed herself off the wall, stretching slightly. “Sitting around won’t help either.” Krillin looked at her. “What are you thinking?” She glanced at Gohan for a brief second. No words. None needed. “We train,” she said. Krillin blinked. “In here?” Bulma turned immediately. “You break anything and I’m throwing you out. Plus there’s a gravity room I built in this ship. Go use that.”

Chiharu gave a small smile. “We’ll keep it controlled.” Raditz smirked faintly. “Fine.”

“It’s just down that hall, the 5^th door to your right.” Bulma informed, pointing to the direction of the hall. Gohan stepped forward. “I’ll go.”

“Thanks, Ms. Bulma.” Chiharu said as she followed her brother. Raditz soon following. Krillin pointed at him instantly. “Yep. That tracks.”

They then reached the gravity room Bulma said. It’s quite spacious, and the only thing in there is the machine not too far from the door. Raditz walked towards it and observed. He clicked a few buttons, then once he figured it out, he adjusted the gravity to x10 Earth’s gravity. At this, Gohan, Chiharu and Krillin all felt the weight change. They struggle to stand up straight. Krillin’s knees buckled, Gohan quickly adapted to the change of gravity, along with Chiharu. Raditz seemed unfazed.

Then, he walked to the middle of the room. Raditz uncrossed his arms and stepped forward.

“Let’s start this. Show me.” He said, nodding to Gohan.

Gohan nodded back and steadied his stance, focusing his breathing.

Chiharu moved to the side, watching quietly.

Not just watching—

Understanding.

They moved.

Fast.

Controlled.

Raditz struck first. Gohan blocked, adjusted, pushed back—measured, not reckless. “Better,” Raditz muttered. Gohan stepped in again, sharper now.

More confident.

Krillin watched, a small grin forming. “…He’s gotten strong.” Chiharu nodded slightly. “He always was.”

There was quiet pride in her voice.

Gohan slid back after another exchange, catching his balance.

Raditz’s smirk returned. “Out there, you won’t get second chances.”

Gohan didn’t answer.

He didn’t need to.

From the side, Chiharu spoke calmly. “Don’t rush.” Gohan glanced at her. “I’m not.”

A small pause.

Then she tilted her head slightly. “You are.” Krillin snorted. “…Yeah, that sounds about right.” Gohan exhaled, then adjusted—slower, sharper, more precise. Chiharu watched him for a moment longer. Then her gaze drifted back to the window where countless stars can be seen passing by. Her expression softened. “Hang in there, Mom…” she whispered under her breath. Too quiet for anyone else to hear. The ship continued forward through space, carrying them further from home—and closer to whatever was waiting for them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride back felt different than the ride there.

Quieter.

Not in sound—but in energy.

Gyumao kept his eyes forward as the air car moved steadily above the city, the distant Capsule Corp grounds already fading behind them. Chichi sat beside Goku, Chisora safely in her arms, the baby half-asleep and warm against her chest. Goku leaned back casually, but his gaze kept drifting toward Chichi like he was checking something he couldn’t quite see.

Gyumao finally spoke first. “I’ll drop you off at home,” he said gruffly. “Then I need to get back to the kingdom.”

Chichi looked up slightly. “Already?”

He nodded once. “My kingdom doesn’t run itself.”

A pause.

Then his voice softened just a fraction. “But I’ll come by again once I have the time. Yknow, to visit and say what’s up.”

Goku grinned. “Thanks, Gyumao.”

“Hmph,” he replied.

Chichi gave a small, tired smile.

The rest of the ride passed in a familiar rhythm of wind and distance, until the Son house finally came into view.

Simple. Quiet. Unchanged.

Gyumao landed the air car gently outside.

For a moment, no one moved.

Then Chichi shifted, carefully adjusting Chisora in her arms. Goku stepped out first, stretching slightly.

“Feels weird being back already,” he said.

“It has been a year. So much has happened since Raditz arrived.,” Chichi muttered. Goku blinked. “True.”

Gyumao stepped out last, stretching his shoulders before looking at the house one more time.

“This place always feels too small for how much happens in it,” he said.

Chichi glanced at him. “That’s because too much happens in it.”

“Hmph,” he grunted again, then turned slightly away. “Alright. I’m heading back.” Chichi shifted Chisora slightly. “Be safe.”

Gyumao paused for half a second at that. “You too,” he said, then turned back to his vehicle.

A moment later, the air car lifted off, rising smoothly into the sky before disappearing over the horizon.

Silence settled again.

Just the house.

Just them.

Goku scratched his cheek. “So. Home.”

Chichi adjusted Chisora again. “Don’t just stand there. Help me.”

Goku straightened immediately. “Right.”

Inside, the house felt the same—but heavier in a way that wasn’t physical.

Chichi moved with quiet purpose, setting Chisora down gently in her crib room. The baby stirred slightly, making a small sound before settling again. Chichi stood there for a moment longer than necessary, watching her breathe.

Goku leaned against the doorway. “She’s been sleeping a lot today.”

“She’s a baby,” Chichi said softly.

“Yeah.”

A pause.

Chichi reached down, adjusting the blanket over Chisora one more time. “Sweet dreams, baby girl.” she whispered, giving Chisora a kiss on the forehead.

Then she stepped away.

The door clicked softly as it closed behind them.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then Chichi exhaled. “Alright. Chores.”

Goku perked up slightly. “Chores?”

“Yes,” she said, already walking toward the kitchen. “The house won’t clean itself.”

Goku followed. “It kind of feels like it should.”

“It doesn’t.”

“…Right.”

The next hour passed in small, familiar motions.

Chichi folding laundry with precise efficiency.

Goku attempting to help and immediately making it less efficient.

Chichi fixing what he did without saying much.

Goku still helping anyway.

At some point, Chichi paused, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

“You’re quieter than usual.”

Goku blinked. “Am I?”

“Yes.”

He scratched the back of his head. “…Just thinking.”

That made her pause slightly. Thinking?, She thought to herself as she let out a breath, amused.

She folded another shirt, slower this time. “About last night?”

Goku didn’t answer immediately. “Yeah.” The room settled. Even the small domestic sounds felt softer now. Chichi set the folded clothes aside and leaned lightly against the table. “…It wasn’t just a nightmare,” she said quietly. Goku nodded once. “I know.”

A pause.

Then Chichi looked at her hands. “…I saw her,” she said. That made Goku still completely. “Who?” It took a few seconds before Chichi responded, “My mother..”

“Your mom?” he asked carefully. Chichi nodded. Goku straightened slightly. “In the dream?" “Yes.”

Another pause stretched between them.

Chichi’s voice lowered further. “She was arguing with someone. And… there was this pressure. Like the air was breaking.” Goku listened without interrupting.

Chichi swallowed slightly. “And when she screamed—everything shattered.”

Silence.

Then Goku spoke quietly. “That lines up with what Raditz felt.” Chichi closed her eyes briefly. “…So I wasn’t imagining it.”

“No,” Goku said. “You weren’t.”

A long pause followed.

Chichi then added, “This happened first back at the hospital, right before I woke up. At first I was just floating around, everything is pitch black around me. Then suddenly I was teleported to an unfamiliar place. It wasn’t Earth, I’m sure of it. It was… a strange place,” she says quietly, “with crystal-like trees stretching up into the sky, rocks just floating in the air like they didn’t care about gravity, and streams of glowing energy moving across everything like rivers.”

Goku thought about it for a moment, “Not Earth? You think it’s another planet?”

“I’m leaning towards believing it’s another planet, yes. Then as I looked around some more, I noticed there were figures in the distance training, moving so smoothly it looked natural, like it was just part of them.” Goku stayed quiet, watching her face instead of interrupting. “There was this woman… chocolate brown hair tied up, pale skin. She felt… gentle, but strong. Like someone who leads others without even trying. I couldn’t stop looking at her.” Goku’s expression tightened just slightly. “You felt drawn to her?” Chichi nodded faintly. “Yeah. I don’t know why, but she felt familiar. Like I should know her.” He didn’t like that answer—but he didn’t say it out loud. He just listened.

“Then I started seeing flashes… like memories that weren’t mine. A lullaby, someone protecting a child, energy moving like it was alive." Goku leaned forward a little. These don’t feel like it could be one of Chichi’s memories… He thought to himself. “I felt… like those things were part of me. Like I’d lived them before, even though I know I haven’t.” His brow furrowed. “…That’s weird.”

“It is,” she admitted. “And then I tried to reach her… but I couldn’t touch anything. It was like I wasn’t really there. She used her energy and everything around us changed—like the ground and space itself was reacting to her. And I remember feeling… something in my chest. Like I was connected to her somehow.” Goku went still at that. “…Connected how?” “I don’t know,” Chichi said honestly. “I just feel like I do and  it felt real.”

She hesitated, then continued. “She looked at me for a second… and then she was gone.”

Goku exhaled slowly through his nose. Not dismissive. Just thinking. “…Okay.”

“And then I fell somewhere else.”

He looked up slightly. “Different place again?”

“Yeah.”

“The sky was different—golden clouds, the air itself felt charged, like it was alive.” Goku scratched the back of his neck. “…That sounds kinda pretty.” Chichi gave a small, tired breath that almost counted as a laugh. “Yes… but it wasn’t peaceful. I saw her again… but this time she was arguing with an older man. He called her Chizuka.” That name made Goku pause completely. “Chizuka,” he repeated, thinking of what significance could the name hold.

Chichi nodded. “I didn’t understand at first. I thought—there’s no way… that’s my mom.” Goku’s eyes stayed fixed on her now. “She was upset. Really upset. She said she wouldn’t hide what she was, that she wouldn’t be controlled.”

Goku’s voice dropped slightly. “…That sounds like you.”

Chichi blinked at him. Then raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged a little. “Stubborn when it matters.”

Despite everything, that softened her a bit.

“But the man—he said her powers were dangerous. That she needed to control them.”

Goku’s expression shifted. Less casual now. More focused. “And she didn’t agree?” 

“No,” Chichi said. “She said she wouldn’t be controlled.”

Goku let out a slow breath. “…That’s a strong reaction.”

“She didn’t feel evil,” Chichi added quickly. “None of it did. It just… felt intense. Like emotion turned into power.” Goku nodded once. “Yeah… I get that.” Chichi looked at him. “You do?” He thought for a moment. “Yeah. Sometimes people don’t explode because they’re angry. They just… can’t hold it in anymore.” That made her quiet. Then she continued.

“And then her power just… burst out,” she continued. “It shook everything. The ground, the air… everything reacted to her.” Goku frowned slightly. “…And you felt that too.” “Yes,” she said softly. “Like I was part of it somehow.”

That line made him still again.

He looked at her for a long moment, then spoke quietly. “…Chichi. Do you think that was just a dream?” She didn’t answer right away. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “It didn’t feel like one dream. It felt like… being pulled through moments.”

Silence settled between them for a moment.

Then Goku leaned back slightly, arms resting loosely over his knees. “Then we figure it out,” he said simply. Chichi blinked. “That’s it?” He gave a small, calm smile. “What else am I gonna do? Ignore it?”

That made her look away for a second. She continued, quieter now. “And then everything started fading. But I could still feel her. Like something in me had woken up.”

Goku’s gaze sharpened slightly again, but his voice stayed steady. “Woken up how?” Chichi placed a hand over her chest. “Like this,” she whispered. And Goku didn’t joke. Didn’t dismiss it. He just reached over and gently rested his hand over hers. “Okay,” he said quietly. “Then we pay attention to it.”

A pause.

“But you’re not alone in it.”

Chichi’s breath hitched slightly at that, but she didn’t pull away.

“And then I woke up in the hospital,” she finished.

Goku stayed like that for a moment longer, then slowly nodded.

“Yeah,” he said. “That sounds like something we need to keep an eye on.”

Then, softer—

“But you’re still you.”

And for the first time since she started speaking, Chichi’s shoulders eased just a little. She closed her eyes to take a breather.

Then Chichi opened her eyes again, more focused now. “…I don’t understand why I’m seeing it,” she said. “Or why it feels like I’m inside it instead of just dreaming it.” Goku stepped a little closer, leaning against the counter beside her. “Maybe it’s not just a memory,” he said.

Chichi looked at him immediately. “Then what is it?”

Goku hesitated.

For once, no simple answer came.

“…I don’t know,” he admitted.

That honesty hung in the air for a moment.

Then Chichi let out a slow breath. “That’s not comforting.”

Goku gave a small, almost apologetic smile. “Yeah. I know.”

A pause.

Then quieter—

“But I’m here,” he added.

Chichi looked at him for a moment longer. Then nodded once. “I know.”

Another silence followed… but this one wasn’t heavy.

“I’m going to talk to my dad about this soon. When I have gathered my thoughts and ready to ask him questions…” She decided after a few minutes of silence.

“Want me to be with you by then?”

“No, it’s ok. I feel like this is something I should do alone.”

Goku nodded at that.

After a moment, Chichi pushed off the table. “Finish the laundry,” she said. Goku blinked. “…Wait, what-?” 

“You said you wanted to help.”

“I am helping!”

“You’re slowing me down.”

Goku sighed. “…That’s not fair.”

Chichi walked past him patting his shoulder, then heading towards the hallway. “It is.”

Goku followed immediately. “It’s not!”

From the hallway, faintly, Chichi’s voice called back, “It is!”

And for the first time since the ship left—

The house felt almost normal again. 

But something in Goku wants to continue their conversation. This time, about his side. About his own heritage. Maybe they’ll talk about it later tonight. For now, he’s gonna finish this laundry. He’s such an obedient husband.

Goku stood in the laundry room a little longer than he needed to after Chichi disappeared down the hall. The sound of her footsteps faded into the quiet of the house, replaced by the soft rustle of fabric and the distant hum of the afternoon wind outside. Clean, simple noises. Familiar ones. The kind that usually made everything feel normal.

But his thoughts didn’t settle.

He picked up a folded shirt, smoothed it out unnecessarily, then set it aside.

Chichi’s words still lingered. Goku exhaled through his nose and shook his head slightly, like he was trying to physically clear the thought away.

“That’s gonna be a problem,” he muttered under his breath.

He finished the last of the laundry quicker than usual after that—not because he was focused, but because he needed something to do with his hands. Something that wasn’t thinking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far beyond the reach of Capsule Corp’s departing ship, where stars stretched into endless ink and silence ruled the void, a different vessel cut through space.

It didn’t glide like Bulma’s craft.

It tore.

A sleek, rebuilt Saiyan pod-class ship drifted through the emptiness with harsh, controlled precision. Its exterior was no longer standard Saiyan issue. Panels had been reinforced with unfamiliar alloys, layered over with crude but effective modifications—like someone had ripped the original design apart and rebuilt it from memory, anger, and necessity.

Inside, the lighting was dim.

Sparse.

Functional.

Vegeta stood at the center of the control room with his arms folded behind his back. His armor was scuffed, repaired in places, but still unmistakably his. His gaze remained locked forward, where a star map flickered in fragmented clusters.

“…Still alive,” he muttered.

His voice was low.

Not surprised.

Not relieved.

Simply confirming.

Behind him, the ship’s system chimed softly as it updated long-range readings. A series of distant energy traces blinked across the display—faint signatures scattered across space like breadcrumbs.

One in particular pulsed stronger than the rest.

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Hmph.”

A small sound of amusement—if it could even be called that. “So they made it off-world.”

He shifted his stance slightly, tail flicking once behind him.

A distorted voice crackled through the ship’s outdated communicator. Not fully clear. Not fully stable.

“—signal interference—trajectory unclear—”

Vegeta didn’t react immediately. He simply raised one hand and cut the transmission off. “Useless,” he said flatly.

Silence returned.

He stepped closer to the map, studying the cluster of moving lights.

One group—organized. Structured.

Another—smaller, scattered.

And one faint trace that kept fading in and out entirely, like it refused to be tracked properly.

“…Still hiding your strength,” he murmured under his breath.

A pause.

Then, almost dismissively—

“Of course you are.”

He leaned back slightly, arms still crossed. The ship adjusted course on its own, responding to a pre-programmed route layered over manual override. Not Earth-bound anymore. That chapter had already ended. Now it was following something else. Vegeta’s eyes shifted toward the side console where a partially damaged navigation log flickered. The ship hadn’t been given to him. It had been taken. Salvaged from a drifting wreck after his escape. One of the larger deep-space models—meant for long-range travel and planetary scouting. He had torn out the original systems, discarded anything unnecessary, and rebuilt it piece by piece using whatever he deemed useful.

Weak materials were replaced.

Useless systems removed.

Anything that slowed him down was gone.

It wasn’t elegant.

But it worked.

And that was enough.

The ship’s AI—if it could even be called that anymore—spoke again, voice clipped and mechanical.

“Destination: unregistered system. Probability of hostile encounter: increasing.” Vegeta smirked faintly. “Good.”

He finally turned away from the map, walking toward the exit of the control room.

“If there’s nothing there,” he said coldly, “then I wasted my time.”

A pause.

Then, quieter—but sharper—

“But I don’t think that’s the case.”

He stepped out, the doors sliding shut behind him with a heavy metallic hiss.

The ship continued forward alone.

Far ahead, unseen by him, countless threads of fate were already beginning to tighten across the universe.

And Vegeta—whether he knew it or not—was moving directly into them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time Goku stepped out of the laundry room, the house had already shifted into evening quiet.

Chichi had moved through the hallway earlier with Chisora settled for her nap. The house felt softer now, dimmer at the edges. The kind of stillness that only came when a baby was finally asleep and no one wanted to disturb it.

Goku walked slowly toward the bedroom.

He paused at the door.

For a second, he just listened.

Inside—nothing dramatic. No energy spikes. No tension.

Just breathing.

He opened the door quietly.

Chichi was already in bed.

Not asleep.

Awake.

Lying on her side facing away from him, one hand resting lightly near her chest. The lamp beside the bed was turned low, casting a warm glow that softened everything it touched. But it didn’t soften her expression.

She wasn’t restless.

She was thinking.

Goku stepped inside and closed the door gently behind him.

“…You didn’t sleep,” he said quietly.

Chichi didn’t turn right away. “Neither did you.”

He gave a small, almost sheepish sound. “Yeah… fair.”

He walked around to his side of the bed, sitting down carefully like he didn’t want to disturb the air too much.

A moment passed.

Then—

“I’ve been thinking,” Goku said.

That made Chichi’s eyes shift slightly, though she still didn’t turn fully toward him.

“That’s usually dangerous,” she murmured.

Goku let out a soft breath of amusement. “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

Silence again.

Then his tone changed—just a little.

More serious.

“…About what you said earlier.”

Chichi’s fingers tightened faintly against the bed sheet. Goku noticed. Of course he did. He looked down at his hands for a second before continuing. “About your mom,” he said. “And… that place you saw.”

Chichi finally turned her head slightly toward him now. Just enough to see his profile.

“I’m listening,” she said quietly. “We’re now tryna figure out what exactly your mom’s heritage was so…”

Goku hesitated.

That alone was unusual.

Then he leaned back a little, staring up at the ceiling.

“…You ever think about what I am?” he asked. The question didn’t come out heavy. But it landed heavy anyway. Chichi blinked once. “You’re Goku,” she said slowly, like that was the obvious answer.

He gave a small smile, but it didn’t fully form.

“Yeah,” he said. “But I mean before that.”

Silence stretched.

Chichi turned fully onto her side now, facing him.

Goku didn’t look at her yet.

He just kept talking.

“I was sent here when I was a baby,” he said. “Well, that’s what Raditz said when we met…”

That got her attention fully now.

Chichi didn’t interrupt.

“I didn’t really think about it as much growing up,” he continued. “It was just… life. Grandpa Gohan raised me. Earth was home.”

A pause.

Then, quieter—

“But I’m not from here.”

Chichi’s expression didn’t change immediately. But her eyes softened slightly, like she was trying to understand where this was going. Goku finally looked at her. “…I’m not human,” he said simply.

The room went still.

Not tense.

Just still.

As a way to ease what she thinks Goku’s worried about, she said, “Well if it makes you feel any better, I might also not be human. So I guess that makes two of us?”

Goku scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“I thought maybe… it might bother you,” he admitted. “Now that all this other stuff is coming up. Your mom. Whatever she is. Whatever you are starting to be.”

He hesitated again, then added more quietly—

“Maybe you don’t want more ‘not human’ stuff in your life.”

That one hit softer.

More vulnerable than anything else he had said. Chichi realized she’s right, Goku is worried she would end things with him. That all this other world stuff is getting to her and that she doesn’t want to deal with more. But she didn’t respond immediately. She just looked at him. Not shocked. Not afraid. Just thinking. Looking at his vulnerable expression that nobody else can see, or had the privilege to see.

Then she slowly shifted closer, propping herself up slightly on her elbow.

“Goku,” she said.

He glanced at her.

She studied him for a moment longer before speaking again.

“Do you think I’ve ever looked at you and thought you were less… because you’re not human?”

He blinked. “…No?” he answered honestly. She nodded once. “Then why would that change now?”

That question made him pause. He opened his mouth slightly, then closed it again.

Chichi continued as she put a hand on his chest and rubs it gently, voice calm but firm in that gentle way of hers. “You being from somewhere else doesn’t change who you are here,” she said. “With me. With the kids. With everyone.”

Goku looked at her quietly. Chichi’s gaze didn’t waver. “And if I’m being honest,” she added, softer now, “it makes sense. It answered so many questions. Your inhuman strength, your bottomless pit for a stomach, your tail. Heck, I think even you not growing a single body hair or your head hair not growing or changing a bit is a Saiyan thing .”

That made something in his expression ease slightly.

But he still didn’t fully relax.

“…Still,” he said, “your dream… and whatever that place is… it feels like it connects to something bigger. Something I don’t understand.”

Chichi was quiet for a moment. Then she shifted a little closer, until their shoulders were almost touching. “Then we figure it out,” she said, repeating his earlier words back at him.

A faint breath of amusement left him. “That’s my line.”

“It’s a good line,” she replied.

A pause.

Then Goku’s voice lowered a little.

“I just don’t want you thinking you’re alone in whatever’s happening to you,” he said. “Because I know what it’s like to not know where you came from.”

That got her attention again.

Chichi turned her head slightly.

Goku stared at the ceiling again as he spoke.

“I never really asked questions about it,” he admitted. “About where I came from. Why I was sent here. I just… lived.”

A small pause.

Then—

“Until I found out I killed my grandpa.”

This made Chichi’s eyes widened.

The words landed heavier than anything he had said so far.

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

Just honest.

Goku didn’t look at her when he said it. He stared at the ceiling hands behind his head.

His voice stayed steady, but there was a quiet strain underneath it now, like something long buried had finally been touched.

“…It wasn’t on purpose,” he added quickly, almost instinctively. “I didn’t even know what I was—what I could do.”

Silence filled the room.

Chichi didn’t interrupt.

Goku swallowed slightly.

“I just remember waking up, and he was gone,” he said. “And recently… I found out it was because of me. And I found out when Vegeta himself transformed into the very same thing that killed my Grandpa. The same thing I transformed into that night.”

A pause.

His fingers flexed once against the bed sheet.

“I think that’s why I didn’t want to think about where I came from,” he admitted more softly. “Because sometimes… it doesn’t feel like it leads to anything good.” He finally turned his head slightly toward her now. “…But I’m still here,” he said. “So maybe it’s not just that.”

Chichi’s expression softened in a way that wasn’t pity. Just understanding. She reached for his hand slowly and held it.

Firm.

Present.

“You were a child,” she said quietly. “You didn’t choose that.” Goku didn’t respond immediately.

Then, after a moment—

“…Yeah,” he said. “I know that now.”

A pause.

Then quieter—

“It just took a long time to believe it.”

Chichi stayed quiet for a moment after Goku said it—like she was holding onto those words carefully, making sure they didn’t slip away.

Then her gaze lowered slightly. “Goku,” she said softly. He turned to look at her, before she continued, “It wasn’t your fault.” Goku stared at her for a minute, then looked up at the ceiling again, with his hands on his stomach as if to settle the guilt and sick feeling he got right now.

There was silence before he answered, “But it literally was… if I have known I could do that, I would’ve never looked at a full moon. Maybe Grandpa Gohan would still be here.”

Chichi stared at him with pity in her eyes for a moment before putting her hand on his. “No, it wasn’t. You have no way of knowing. You did not know what you were capable of.”

“And another thing, this happened once before. But we both ended up being safe but I did not remember there being an attack, Grandpa just said a giant beast went past us but he took care of it while I was asleep. I found giant footprints outside our house and it was the same footprint I found Granpda in… crushed and bloody. So it’s either he had no idea that I can do that or he knows that I have the ability to transform into a giant monkey on a full moon and he was keeping it from me.”

Conflicted, he looked at Chichi again, seemingly looking for an answer for his next question, “And if he did know, then what stopped him from telling me? If I knew, I probably would’ve done something to prevent it, right Chi?”

Chichi squeezed her poor conflicted husband’s hand, took a deep breath before answering. “He probably doesn’t want to burden you or scare you with that knowledge. Goku, you were very young at the time. He must’ve felt like he needs to protect you as much as he can. And yes, had you known you probably would’ve done something to prevent it but, who’s to say it won’t happen anyway eventually?”

This put Goku into silence, as he sighed and looked at the ceiling again. “You might be right. I just wished I know.”

“Either way, it wasn’t your fault. And I’m pretty sure your Grandpa doesn’t blame you one bit.” Goku smiled at her statement.

Another few moments of silence passed, before Chichi realized something. She sat up and leaned on the headboard, hands on her lap.

“Goku…” He looked at her immediately. “Yeah?” Her fingers tightened in her lap. “What about the kids?”

That made him pause.

Chichi exhaled slowly, continuing before the hesitation swallowed her. “I mean… Chiharu and Gohan are already dealing with all of this Namek stuff, Raditz, space, fighting…” She shook her head slightly. “And now this? Me… maybe not being human. You being a Saiyan. All of it.”

Her voice softened even more.

“What does that even make them?”

Goku’s expression changed—subtle, but focused. Not defensive. Just listening more carefully now.

Chichi looked at him again.

“And if we have more kids later…” she added, quieter, “what are they going to inherit from all of this?” That question lingered in the air longer than the others. Goku didn’t answer right away.

He leaned back slightly, thinking—not as a fighter this time, but as someone trying to picture something he’d never really had to define before.

“…I don’t know,” he admitted honestly.

Chichi’s eyes flickered slightly, but she didn’t interrupt.

Goku continued slowly.

“I never really thought about it like that,” he said. “Not in terms of… what it makes them.”

He glanced toward the half open door, where the door to Chisora’s room is, just across from theirs. Then back to Chichi. “I just thought they’d be strong because they’re our kids.”

Chichi gave a small, uncertain breath. “That’s not really an answer, Goku.”

“I know,” he said immediately, without defensiveness. “But it’s the only one I’ve got right now.”

A pause.

Then he added more quietly, “Do you think it changes them?”

Chichi hesitated. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “That’s what scares me.”

Her voice steadied slightly as she continued. “If whatever I saw is real… if I really am connected to something… then it’s not just about me anymore.” She pressed a hand lightly to her chest again. “It means it could be passed on. Or already is. Or already was.”

Goku’s brow tightened slightly at that.

Chichi looked down again.

“I don’t want them growing up feeling like something is wrong with them,” she said softly. “Or like they have to figure out what they are before they even get to live.”

That hit a little deeper.

Goku was quiet for a moment, then spoke carefully.

“Gohan already worries too much,” he said. “Chiharu too… she just hides it better.”

Chichi let out a faint, tired breath at that. “Yeah.” Goku shifted slightly closer to her. “But they’re still them,” he said. “No matter what we are. Saiyan. Whatever you are. It doesn’t erase who they already are.”

Chichi looked at him.

Goku continued, voice steady but simple.

“Gohan’s kind. Chiharu understands people in a way I don’t even get sometimes.”

A small pause.

“That’s not something that comes from a label.”

Chichi’s expression softened a little at that.

“But what if it pushes them toward things they’re not ready for?” she asked quietly. “Like fighting. Power. Responsibility they didn’t choose?”

Goku didn’t hesitate this time. “Then we’ll stop them.” he said plainly.

Chichi blinked. “Just like that?”

He nodded once. “Yeah.”

A pause.

Then, a little softer—

“…Or we guide them. Same way we always do. As their parents.” Chichi studied him for a moment, then shook her head slightly, almost amused despite herself. “You make it sound simple.”

Goku gave a small shrug. “It’s not simple. I just think worrying about it won’t help them right now.”

That made her quiet again. After a moment, she looked down at her hands. “I guess I just don’t want their lives to become something like what I saw,” she admitted. “Secrets. Power they don’t understand. Things waking up inside them.”

Her voice dropped even more. “I don’t want them to have to survive their own bloodline.”

That phrase lingered.

Goku went still.

Then he reached out and gently took her hand again.

“Then we make sure they don’t have to,” he said simply. Chichi looked at him.

He continued, calm but firm. “We learn what this is. We deal with it. And whatever it is…” his grip tightened slightly, grounding, “…it stops with us getting ahead of it. Not them.”

A pause.

Then, softer—

“They’re kids, Chichi. Not problems we pass forward.”

That made her eyes soften noticeably. She let out a slow breath, leaning back slightly. “You really think it’s that easy?” she asked quietly. Goku gave her a faint, familiar half-smile. “No,” he said honestly. “But I think it’s our job to try anyway.”

And for a moment, the weight didn’t disappear—

But it didn’t feel like it was only hers anymore.

The room settled again after that.

Not heavy.

Just real.

Chichi shifted slightly, settling back into bed but keeping her hand in his. “Tomorrow,” she said quietly, “we focus on Chisora. On the house. On normal things.”

Goku nodded. “Yeah.”

A pause.

Then he added, a little softer—
“And tonight?”

Chichi glanced at him. He hesitated, then said it anyway. “We just exist.” That earned him a small, tired smile from her. “Deal,” she said.

The lamp stayed low.
The house stayed quiet.

For a moment, neither of them moved—just the steady awareness of each other in the dim light, like the world outside the room had finally stopped asking for anything from them.

Chichi’s grip on his hand tightened slightly. Not urgent. Just certain.

Goku looked at her for a long second, like he was still deciding whether words were even needed.

Then he leaned in.

Slowly, gently—no hesitation, no doubt.

Their lips met in a quiet kiss, soft and lingering, like something that had been there all day waiting for permission to exist.

Chichi exhaled against him, eyes easing shut as the tension in her shoulders finally loosened.

When they pulled back, it was only slightly—close enough that neither of them had to reach far to find the other again.

Goku rested his forehead lightly against hers.

“…Still you,” he murmured. Chichi let out a quiet breath that almost turned into a laugh. “Still you too.”

A pause.

Chichi’s fingers stayed laced with his, like letting go would mean returning to everything they’d been holding back all day—the dreams, the uncertainty, the weight of what they didn’t understand.

Goku shifted closer instead of away.

This time, Chichi didn’t stop him.

Their kiss came slow at first—soft, familiar, but deeper than before. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t uncertain. It was the kind of closeness that didn’t need to be explained, like they were both finally letting go of something they’d been carrying alone.

The space between them disappeared completely after that, the world outside the room fading into something distant and unimportant.

The lamp’s glow softened against the walls.

Their hands didn’t let go.

And the night stretched on quietly around them—warm, private, and unspoken—until even time felt like it had decided to stop asking questions.

Chapter Text

Morning came gently over the Son household.

Light filtered in through the windows in soft gold, settling across the wooden floors and creeping slowly up the walls like it didn’t want to wake anyone too quickly. The world outside was quiet—just the distant rustle of trees and the faint chirping of birds greeting the day.

Inside, it felt… normal.

Almost.

Chichi stood in the kitchen, sleeves rolled just past her elbows, hands moving through familiar motions without needing to think, a soft expression on her face as she worked. Rice steamed softly in the pot. Miso soup simmered low, the scent warm and comforting. The rhythm of it all—cut, stir, pour—was steady. Grounding.

She should’ve felt better after last night.

They talked. Really talked. Things that had been sitting unspoken for years finally laid out between them without fear, without distance. Heck, they even did it after so long of being apart. She’s still sore from that by the way… it seems Goku really missed her. And so did she of course. Surely all this would make her feel better right?

And yet—

Her hand paused slightly over the cutting board.

There it was again.

Not the same as before. Not overwhelming. Not enough to steal her breath or shake her body awake.

Just… a faint pulse.

Like something brushing the edge of her awareness.

Chichi exhaled slowly and resumed cutting, more deliberate now. “Not now,” she murmured under her breath, more instinct than decision. The knife tapped lightly against the board, the sound just a little sharper than before.

From the other room, she could hear soft footsteps.

Barely there.

Small.

Before she even turned, she already knew.

Chisora appeared in the doorway, rubbing one eye with the back of her hand, the other still half-lidded with sleep. Her hair was slightly tousled, strands sticking out in different directions from a restless night.

“Mama…” she mumbled. Chichi’s expression softened immediately. “Hey,” she said gently, setting the knife aside and crouching down just as the 1-year old made her slow, wobbly way forward. “You’re up early.” Chisora didn’t answer. She simply walked into Chichi’s arms, pressing her face into her shoulder like that was explanation enough.

Chichi let out a quiet breath, holding her close, one hand instinctively coming up to smooth down her hair. Warm. Safe. Real.

“Did you sleep okay?” she asked softly.

A small nod against her shoulder.

But something about it felt… delayed.

Not wrong.

Just not quite in rhythm.

Chichi pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.

Chisora blinked up at her, eyes still heavy—but focused. Too focused for someone who had just woken up.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then—

Chisora’s gaze shifted.

Not toward the kitchen.

Not toward the hallway.

But slightly… past Chichi.

Like she was looking at something that wasn’t there.

Chichi’s brow knit faintly. “Chisora?” The child didn’t respond right away. Her small fingers tightened slightly in the fabric of Chichi’s sleeve.

And then—

The faintest flicker.

The overhead light in the kitchen dimmed for half a second before returning to normal.

So subtle it could’ve been nothing. A wiring issue? A coincidence? 

Except—

Chichi felt it.

That same pulse from before.

Only this time, it didn’t brush past her.

It lined up with something.

Her breath stilled.

Chisora blinked once, slowly, then turned her face back into Chichi’s shoulder like nothing had happened. “…Hungy,” she mumbled, voice small and completely ordinary. Chichi didn’t answer immediately. Her arms tightened around her daughter just a little. “…Yeah,” she said after a second, her voice calm despite the quiet tension settling underneath it.

Behind her, the rice continued to steam.

The soup simmered.

The morning carried on like it always did.

But something had shifted.

And this time—

Chichi knew she hadn’t imagined it.

Chichi lingered there for just a second longer, holding Chisora a little closer than usual before finally pulling back.

“C’mon,” she said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from the child’s face. “Let’s get you fed.” Chisora gave a small, sleepy nod. Chichi adjusted her on her hip and stood, turning back toward the stove. Everything was still where she left it—the rice warm, the soup gently simmering, the quiet hum of a normal morning settling back into place like nothing had happened. But she felt it now. That thin thread of awareness beneath everything.

She moved carefully, setting Chisora down at the table and placing a small bowl in front of her. The routine came easily—portioning rice, cooling it just enough, pouring a bit of soup to the side. “Blow on it first,” Chichi reminded gently, sliding the bowl closer. Chisora nodded again, more awake now, tiny hands gripping the spoon as she obediently leaned in and blew softly over the rice.

Normal.

Everything looked normal.

Chichi turned back to the stove, reaching for another bowl.

Behind her, the soft clink of spoon against ceramic filled the room.

Then—

It stopped.

Chichi’s hand paused mid-motion. “…Chisora?” she called, not turning just yet. No answer.

She turned this time.

Chisora wasn’t eating.

She sat still, spoon hovering just above the bowl, eyes unfocused—not wide, not scared… just distant.

Like she was listening.

A faint chill ran down Chichi’s spine. “Chisora,” she said again, more firmly now. The child blinked. Just like that, the moment broke. She looked down at her bowl, then back up at Chichi like nothing had happened. “…Hot,” she mumbled, as if explaining the pause.

Chichi stared at her for a second longer than necessary.

Then forced herself to move again.

“Right,” she said quietly. “That’s why we blow on it, remember?” Chisora nodded and resumed eating.

The clinking returned.

Steady.

Ordinary.

Chichi exhaled slowly and turned back to the counter—but her movements had changed. More deliberate. More aware. Like she was listening for something she couldn’t hear.

Footsteps approached from the hallway.

Heavier. Familiar.

A yawn followed.

“Smells good!” Goku’s voice came before he did, still thick with sleep.

Chichi didn’t turn right away this time—but something in her shoulders eased just slightly at the sound of him.

He stepped into the kitchen a moment later, scratching the back of his head, hair even messier than usual. His eyes flicked first to Chisora at the table. “Oh, you’re already up?” he said, a little surprised. Chisora looked up at him and gave a small smile. “Morning,” she mumbled around a mouthful of rice. Goku smiled faintly while patting her head gently. “Morning.”

His attention shifted to Chichi then. And that’s when the smile faded—just a little. Because he noticed. The way she was standing, the way her movements didn’t quite match the calm of the room. “…Hey,” he said, more awake now. Chichi finally turned to him. For a moment, she didn’t say anything. She just looked at him. Then— “It happened again,” she said, quietly.

No buildup. No hesitation.

Goku straightened slightly. “The dream?”

She shook her head once. “No.”

That got his full attention.

Chichi glanced toward Chisora, who was still eating—slow, quiet, unaware of the shift in the room.

Then she stepped a little closer to Goku, lowering her voice.

“This time I was awake.”

That landed heavier.

Goku’s expression sharpened instantly. “What happened?” he asked. Chichi hesitated—not because she didn’t know how to explain it, but because saying it out loud made it real in a way she wasn’t sure she was ready for. “I felt it again,” she said. “That same… pulse.” Goku didn’t interrupt. “And Chisora…” Chichi’s eyes flicked toward their daughter again. “She reacted to something before anything even happened.” Goku followed her gaze. Chisora sat there, perfectly normal, focused on her food. “What do you mean?” he asked quietly. Chichi’s voice dropped just a little more. “She was looking at something,” she said. “Not at me. Not at anything in the room.”

A pause.

“Like something was there.”

Goku’s brow tightened slightly.

“And then the light flickered,” Chichi added. That made him look back at her immediately. “Flickered?” he repeated. Chichi nodded once. “Just for a second. But I felt it at the same time.”

Silence settled between them.

Not long.

But enough.

Goku exhaled slowly through his nose, eyes shifting briefly as he thought. “…You think it’s connected to your dream?” he asked. Chichi didn’t answer right away. Her gaze lingered on Chisora. On the way her daughter quietly ate, completely at ease again. “…I don’t know,” she admitted. Then, softer— “But it didn’t feel like before.”

Goku waited. Chichi’s fingers curled slightly at her side. “It didn’t feel like something passing through,” she said. Her voice dropped, just enough to carry the weight of it. “…It felt like something lining up.” Goku went still. Chichi finally looked back at him. And there was no panic in her expression.  “Goku,” she said quietly, “I don’t think this is just happening to me anymore.” That was when his expression changed fully.

Not fear.

Not confusion.

Focus.

His gaze shifted back to Chisora.

Then to the kitchen.

Then back to Chichi.

“…Alright,” he said, as he put a comforting arm around his wife.

“Then we don’t treat it like it is.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week and a half after departure…

The gravity room hummed with a steady, low vibration that pressed against the skin like a constant reminder that nothing about this journey was normal anymore.

Gohan rolled his shoulders once, feeling the adjusted weight settle properly into his stance. Ten times gravity still wasn’t comfortable—but it was manageable now. Familiar, even. That realization alone felt strange.

Across from him, Raditz stood with his arms folded, watching him without a single word of encouragement or complaint. Just observation. Constant, unblinking evaluation.

“Again,” Raditz said flatly.

Gohan nodded, exhaled slowly, and moved.

This time, he didn’t hesitate.

His body shifted forward with cleaner timing, his strike cutting through the air with noticeably better control than before. It still wasn’t perfect—but it was sharper. Intentional. Raditz caught it easily—two fingers again—but this time, his arm shifted back half a centimeter from the impact. Krillin, sitting near the control panel, leaned forward like he’d just witnessed something historic. “Okay, no, I refuse to believe that was casual,” he muttered. “He’s like… adjusting mid-air now. Bulma didn’t even look up from her diagnostics. “That’s called improvement, Krillin.” “That’s called terrifying,” Krillin corrected immediately. Bulma just rolled her eyes.

From the side of the room, Chiharu let out a small breath—not quite a laugh, but close. She’d been watching quietly the entire time, arms relaxed, eyes tracking every movement like she was reading a pattern only she could see. “You’re overthinking your footwork again,” she said suddenly. Gohan blinked mid-breath. “I am not.” “You are,” she repeated calmly. Krillin pointed between them. “She just said it like she’s been coaching him for ten years.” Chiharu didn’t even look at him. “I haven’t. He just repeats his mistakes and I happen to notice it.” Gohan groaned. “That’s not fair.” Raditz exhaled through his nose. “It is accurate, though.”

Gohan turned slightly. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am,” Raditz said. “I’m teaching you how to survive. That’s the side I’m on.”

That shut Gohan up for a second. Bulma finally looked up from her console. “I love that we’ve normalized emotional damage as training feedback.” Krillin raised a hand. “Can I get less of it, personally?” he suggested, having dealt with Raditz “encouragements disguised as insults” when they train.

“No,” everyone said at once.

Krillin slowly lowered his hand, nodding his head slowly. “Okay. Understandable.”

Gohan rolled his shoulders again, trying not to smile too much. Even with the tension, it felt… strangely grounding. Like his body understood what his mind didn’t. He tried again, delivering a series of punches and kicks at Raditz. Cleaner this time. Raditz blocked it again, but his eyes narrowed slightly. “…Better,” he said. Gohan blinked. “That’s it?” “That’s it,” Raditz confirmed.

Chiharu tilted her head slightly. “That’s praise, by the way.” Gohan looked at her. “That was praise?” Krillin nodded solemnly. “From him? That’s basically a standing ovation.”

Raditz shot him a look.

Krillin immediately looked away. “I mean hypothetically.”

Gohan exhaled, half-laughing despite himself, then dropped his stance slightly as the training cycle paused.

The room’s gravity normalized gradually, the weight lifting off their bodies in a slow, almost relieving wave. Krillin stretched immediately. “Okay, I officially prefer Earth gravity. Ten times gravity can stay here.”

Bulma tapped a few buttons, turning off the gravity room. “You say that like gravity has opinions.”

“It does,” Krillin insisted. “And it hates me.”

Chiharu stepped closer to Gohan as he wiped sweat from his forehead. “You’re thinking too much before you move,” she said again, softer this time. Gohan glanced at her. “You keep saying that.”

“Because you keep doing it. And who would tell you your mistakes for you to learn from but me or Uncle Raditz?”

He gave a small, tired smile. “Fair.”

They started walking toward the exit with the others. The corridor outside felt noticeably lighter after the gravity chamber. Gohan rolled his neck slightly, still adjusting. “So…” Krillin started, walking backward slightly so he could face them. “How long until Namek again? Because I feel like I’ve aged three years in that room.”

Bulma sighed. “We’ve only been in space for like, 1 and a half weeks, so I’m guessing we’re stuck here for another 2 weeks, maybe less.”

Krillin froze mid-step. “2 weeks more of this?!”

“You don’t have to train every second,” Bulma said, rolling her eyes.

Raditz scoffed lightly. “He will anyway. He panics when he rests.”

“I do NOT—” Krillin stopped. “…Okay I do, but still.”

Chiharu shook her head, amused, before glancing at Gohan. “You okay?”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”

“That’s your second problem,” she said lightly.

“What’s the first?”

“You don’t stop at one.”

Krillin laughed. “She got you there.” Gohan sighed. “You’re enjoying this too much.” he said to his sister.

“I am,” she admitted simply. That actually made him laugh a little. It was small, but real.

They reached the main cabin again.

The atmosphere shifted instantly—less physical strain, more quiet anticipation. The ship’s hum filled the space like background thought.

For a while, no one spoke.

Then Gohan’s voice came softer than before. “Do you think Mom's okay?”

Krillin opened his mouth first. “I mean... she's Chichi. She's probably constantly scolding Goku for something stupid he did or something.”

“Not what I meant,” Gohan cut in gently. 

Silence followed.

Chiharu leaned back against the wall slightly. Then, after a pause—

“She's fine. And Dad too.” she said. Not hopeful. Certain. Gohan looked at her. “You sure?” She nodded once. “If they weren't we'd probably feel it.” That made him quiet again.

Raditz crossed his arms. “Kakarot's not the type to stay where he doesn’t need to be.”

Gohan frowned slightly. “That still doesn’t explain why he stayed.”

“It does,” Raditz replied. “And it's to watch over your mother. Remember, we still don't know what's going on with her, and whatever's going on with her could affect the both of you. Your little sister included.”

Krillin raised a hand. “Okay, when you put it like that, that's kinda worrying. Considering how strong these kids are at their age with their parents being Chichi AND Goku makes me scared of what inherited power they could possibly get from them. We're lucky they're not on the side of evil, ya feel me?”

Bulma pointed at him without looking. “You're not helping.”

Krillin lowered his hand again. “My bad...”

Gohan leaned back into his seat slowly, staring toward the window where stars drifted endlessly.

Chiharu stayed standing nearby, arms loosely crossed now, watching him rather than the stars.

“You’re still worried,” she said.

“I always am,” he admitted.

She didn’t argue.

Instead, she shifted slightly closer—just enough that he wasn’t alone in the space. “Then worry less about things you can’t change right now. You’re like Mom in that aspect.” she said. Gohan let out a slow breath. “That’s easier said than done.”

“I know.”

That honesty landed better than comfort would’ve.

A little later, Raditz moved away from the group without announcement.

No one stopped him.

Not because they didn’t notice—

But because they knew him well enough not to.

He walked down the corridor until the noise faded completely behind him. The ship felt different in quieter spaces. Less alive. More honest. He stopped near a viewport. Outside—endless black, punctured by distant light.

No planets.

No sound.

Just distance.

He crossed his arms again, staring outward. “Still moving,” he muttered. His tail flicked once behind him. Which reminded him that he should probably help the twins train their tails some more. They weren’t really focusing on training it while they were preparing for the Saiyans’ arrival. Raditz shifted his weight, gaze drifting back toward the corridor he’d just come from. He’d seen it more than once during their time on Earth—noticed it even when no one else paid attention.

The way their tails moved.

Or didn’t. 

Too loose.

Too reactive.

Untamed.

And currently, it’s wrapped around their waists most of the time.

“They’re neglecting it,” he muttered. Not out of laziness. Out of habit. Earth habits. Saiyans didn’t ignore their tails, they used them. Balanced with them. Fought with them. Stabilized their entire center of gravity through them. It wasn’t an extra limb—it was a core part of their movement. And right now? The twins treated theirs like accessories. His tail gave another slow flick, more deliberate this time. “…Wasteful.” He pushed himself off the wall and started back toward the main cabin, boots quiet against the metal floor. By the time he stepped in, the atmosphere hadn’t changed much. Krillin was still halfway through a snack, clearly committed to it now. Bulma was pretending not to monitor everything at once. Gohan stood near the viewport again. Chiharu beside him.

Raditz didn’t bother easing into it.

“You two,” he said.

Both of them looked over immediately.

Gohan blinked. “Yeah?”

Chiharu tilted her head slightly. “What is it?”

Raditz’s gaze dropped briefly—just enough to make his point clear.

“Your tails.”

There was a short pause.

Gohan instinctively reached back slightly, like he’d suddenly become aware of it again.

Chiharu didn’t move but her attention sharpened.

“What about them?” she asked.

Raditz crossed his arms. “You’re not using them,” he said plainly.

Krillin glanced over, mid-bite. “Using them? For what? Balance or something?”

Raditz didn’t even look at him. “For everything.”

Gohan frowned slightly. “We do use them—”

“No,” Raditz cut in. “You react with them. And recently, it’s just wrapped around your waist most of the time.”

That shut him up.

Chiharu glanced at Gohan briefly, then back at Raditz. “What’s the difference?” Raditz’s tail moved once behind him—slow, deliberate. “Control,” he said. He uncrossed his arms and stepped forward slightly. “Your tails move when your bodies move,” he continued. “Mine moves before I do.”

There was a brief silence as that registered. Krillin lowered his snack slightly. “…That sounds creepy when you say it like that.” Bulma snorted quietly. “It’s actually kind of impressive.” Raditz ignored both of them.

He gestured slightly toward the gravity room.

“Let's fix it.”

Gohan blinked. “Right now?”

“Yes.”

Chiharu didn’t hesitate this time. “Okay,” she said, already stepping forward.

Gohan glanced at her, then sighed lightly before following. “Guess they're doing tail training now.” Krillin leaned back in his seat. “You know, I never thought I’d be grateful I don’t have one.” Bulma glanced at him. “Give it five minutes, you’ll complain about that too.” 

“I complain about everything,” Krillin said proudly.

Inside the gravity room, the door slid shut behind them with a low, heavy sound. Raditz stood in front of them, posture straight, eyes sharp.

“First,” he said, “you stop ignoring it.”

Gohan shifted slightly. “We’re not ignoring—”

Raditz’s gaze flicked to him.

Gohan stopped. “Okay, maybe a little.”

Chiharu’s lips curved faintly. Raditz continued. “Your tail is part of your center,” he said. “Right now, it’s dead weight.”

That got a reaction. Gohan frowned. “Dead weight?”

“Unless you control it,” Raditz said. “Then it’s an advantage.” He stepped closer.

“Balance,” he said. “Stability. Reaction speed. Awareness.”

His tail moved again—small, precise, almost predictive. “You should be able to feel movement through it before it reaches your body.” Chiharu’s eyes followed the motion carefully. “Like an extension of instinct,” she murmured. Raditz gave a slight nod. “Yes.”

Gohan glanced back at his own tail again, flexing it slightly like he was testing something he’d never really thought about before. “Okay,” he said slowly. “So how do we start?” Raditz’s expression didn’t change. “We break your current habits,” he said. Krillin’s voice crackled faintly over the intercom from outside, “Hey, just checking—are we doing tail push-ups or something in there?”

Bulma’s voice followed immediately, “Don’t distract them!”

A pause.

Then Krillin again—“I’m still asking later.”

Chiharu let out a small breath that was almost a laugh.

Gohan shook his head slightly. “We’re never living this down.”

Raditz didn’t react.

“Focus,” he said. He pressed a few buttons…

And the gravity began to rise.

The shift in gravity hit fast—but not unfamiliar. Gohan’s knees bent instinctively this time, body adjusting with less struggle than before. Beside him, Chiharu steadied herself with a small exhale, her stance already correcting before the full weight settled.

Raditz watched them both for half a second. “…Better,” he said, almost absentmindedly.

Gohan huffed lightly. “You say that like you’re surprised.”

“I am,” Raditz replied flatly.

Chiharu snorted under her breath. The gravity stabilized. “Ten times,” Raditz said. “You’ll learn faster if your body can’t afford to be careless.”

Krillin’s voice immediately crackled through the intercom, “Cool, cool, love that for them, hate that for me-” A sharp click cut him off. The twins giggled but one stern from their uncle look got them to stop. “Right ahem..” Chiharu muttered, just loud enough. Gohan let out a breath through his nose, already trying to focus. “Okay. So… tails.”

Raditz stepped forward, stopping just close enough to be within striking distance. “Unwrap them.”

There was a pause.

Gohan blinked. “Right now?”

Raditz didn’t answer.

“Okay, yeah, that’s a yes,” Gohan muttered, reaching back and uncoiling his tail from around his waist. It dropped behind him, immediately feeling… different. Exposed, almost.

Chiharu followed without comment, her own tail loosening and settling behind her with a slow, controlled motion.

Raditz’s eyes flicked between them. “Good,” he said. “Now stand.”

Gohan frowned. “We are standing.”

“Not like that.”

Before Gohan could ask what that meant, Raditz moved. He fell back, the twins eyes widened with question. Before he could even land on his butt, his tail caught him, then he pushed himself up. Now, he’s sitting on his tail, legs and arms crossed. The twins stared in awe. “You must be able to at least do this with your tails. Shows it’s not a weakness.” He then stood back up on his own feet, rolling his shoulders as if preparing himself.

“Now, for a combat scenario…” Before the twins could even begin to think about his next move, he lunged forward, fast. Straight to Gohan, a hand reaching out.

Not an attack—just a sharp, sudden step forward with a light shove to Gohan’s shoulder. Gohan stumbled. Not far, but enough. And his tail? Lagged.

A split second behind the rest of him. Raditz was able to grab his tail, immobilizing Gohan, who yelped in pain and went on his knees. “And you’re dead. Enemies don’t hesitate unless they plan to play you like you’re their toy.” He let go of his tail but his expression didn’t change. “That,” he said, “is your problem. If I were someone else, I would take the chance and grab it, rendering you immobilized. And then? Possibly killed.”

Gohan straightened, a little more alert now. “It just didn’t keep up.

“It didn’t anticipate,” Raditz corrected.

Chiharu’s gaze sharpened slightly. Raditz turned to her. Then did the same. A quick shift. A sudden feint—not even touching her this time.

Chiharu reacted—

But her tail snapped a fraction late, flicking outward after her body had already moved. She stilled. “I felt that,” she said quietly. “Too late,” Raditz replied.

There was no criticism in his tone.

Just fact.

Gohan rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, so… what, we just… think faster?” “No,” Raditz said. He stepped back, giving them space. “You stop thinking about it at all.”

Krillin’s voice suddenly crackled back in, “Wow! Incredible advice! Very helpful! I’m cured!” Bulma again, “KRILLIN—”

Click.

Silence.

Chiharu actually laughed this time, brief but real.

Gohan shook his head. “He’s gonna keep doing that, isn’t he?”

“Yes,” Raditz said.

“…Great.”

Raditz gestured slightly.

“Again.”

This time, both of them focused—not on their stance, not on their hands, but on their tails.

Gohan flexed his slightly, trying to feel it the same way he felt his arms, his legs. It was… weird. Like realizing you had an extra limb you’d never properly learned to use.

Chiharu closed her eyes for half a second. Then opened them again. “Don’t wait for him,” she said quietly. Gohan glanced at her. “I’m not—”

Raditz moved again.

Both of them reacted.

Gohan shifted left,

Chiharu stepped back.

And this time, their tails moved sooner.

Not perfect. Still behind. But closer.

Raditz stopped. “…Again,” he said. Gohan exhaled. “You’re really not gonna give us a break, huh?”

“No.”

Chiharu tilted her head slightly. “You can complain while improving,” she said. “I am improving my complaining,” Gohan shot back. “That’s your strongest skill,” she replied.

Raditz ignored them completely.

But his tail flicked once.

Sharper this time.

They went again.

And again.

Each movement shaving off hesitation. Each reaction pulling their awareness just a little further outward—beyond their core, beyond what they were used to controlling. At some point, Gohan stopped talking entirely. At some point, Chiharu did too. The room filled with movement instead—footsteps, breath, the low hum of gravity pressing down around them.

Then,

A shift.

Subtle.

Raditz stepped in.

Faster than before.

Gohan reacted, and this time, his tail moved first. Just barely. A flick—small, instinctive— But early. Raditz’s hand stopped mid-motion. There was a pause. Gohan blinked, not even fully realizing what he’d done. “…Did I-” “…Yes,” Raditz said. Gohan straightened slightly. “Wait, seriously?” Chiharu’s eyes moved to his tail, then back to his face. “You didn’t think about it!” “I didn’t think about anything,” Gohan admitted.

“Exactly.”

There was a beat.

Then—

Krillin’s voice blasted through the intercom again,

“DID HIS TAIL JUST LEVEL UP?!”

This time, the intercom didn’t cut.

Because Bulma was laughing too hard to reach it.

Gohan groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “We'll never be able to train in peace again.”

Chiharu looked like she might actually smile.

Raditz turned away slightly.

“Again,” he said. But there was the faintest shift in his tone now. And behind him, his tail moved once more.

Slow.

Deliberate.

Approving.

For a moment, everything settled. Not quiet, not completely… but calmer. The kind of brief stillness that came after noise, after movement, after something almost light slipping into a space that hadn’t allowed it before.

Bulma exhaled, still smiling faintly to herself as she leaned back against the console. One hand rested near the intercom controls, the other idly tapping against a panel she hadn’t meant to touch. The system flickered once beneath her fingers—subtle, easy to miss.

At the same time, Krillin, still half-laughing, half-recovering, leaned too hard against the opposite wall, his elbow knocking into a secondary control strip. It wasn’t labeled clearly. Of course it wasn’t.

Two inputs.

One after the other.

Harmless on their own.

Somewhere deep in the ship’s system, something registered.

A soft internal chime echoed, quiet enough that none of them caught it over the lingering noise.

High audio levels detected.
Multiple control inputs.
Crew activity elevated.

A pause.

Then—

Morale threshold met.

Click.

It was small.

Barely audible.

But this time, it didn’t fade into nothing.

A low mechanical whirr followed, vibrating faintly through the walls.

Bulma frowned slightly, looking around while her hand still resting on the panel. “…Wait-did something just—”

Above them, a seam in the ceiling split open.

Krillin looked up first, his brows pulling together. “Uh…” he murmured as he points upwards. Bulma following the direction his pointing at.

A metallic fixture began to descend, lowering itself on a thin rod. At first, it was just a shape—unfamiliar, out of place. Then it caught the light. And shattered it. Reflections scattered across the room in sharp, fractured glints, spinning lazily across the walls, the floor, their faces. Krillin squinted upward, “…Is that a—”

The answer hit all at once.

Music exploded through the ship.

Loud. Sudden. Overwhelming.

Bright, rhythmic beats flooded the space as colored lights burst to life, sweeping in rapid patterns across every surface. Reds, blues, greens- flashing, spinning, impossible to ignore.

In the Gravity Room, the twins covered their ears and Raditz stood alarmed and eyes wide. Gohan yelped, covering his ears. “WHAT IS HAPPENING?!”

Krillin stumbled back, nearly tripping over himself as the lights hit him full-on. “WHY IS THERE A DISCO BALL IN THE SHIP?!” The three Saiyans rushed out the gravity room and into the control room to check on the other two. As they entered, multicolored lights and loud music greeted them. That put a halt in their steps as they stared, bewildered.

Raditz didn’t move.

Didn’t flinch.

But his gaze lifted slightly, tracking the rotating object above them, his expression flattening into something unreadable. Then his eyes landed on Bulma, she looked back at him. Then he muttered flatly to himself, “…This is a war vessel.”

Bulma didn’t respond, for she cannot hear what he said through the loud ass music.

And she had gone completely still.

Slowly, very slowly, she lifted her head upwards again, eyes locking onto the spinning mirrored sphere above them.

“…No,” she said under her breath.

The music got louder.

As if responding.

As if encouraged. Then, cutting cleanly through the chaos, a cheerful automated voice chimed in, “Morale system activated! Keep the energy high!” Bulma’s eye twitched. A vein practically popped. “I AM GOING TO DISOWN HIM...” She yelled, frustration clear in her voice and fists balled. Krillin grabbed onto the nearest surface as another wave of lights spun violently across the room. “TURN IT OFF—TURN IT OFF—!”

“I’M TRYING—!” Bulma snapped, already lunging for the main console. Her hands flew across the controls, flipping switches, overriding inputs—nothing responded the way it should. “WHY IS IT LOCKED—?!”

Above them, the disco ball kept spinning.

Unaffected.

Unapologetic.

Unstoppable.

And somewhere, buried deep in the system logs…

in very small, very neat text…

a line quietly blinked.

Dr. Briefs Morale Enhancement System: Successfully Activated.

Chapter Text

Another 2 and a half weeks later…

The stars did not feel still.

Out here, between systems, space was supposed to be quiet. But something moved through it anyway. Not fast enough to be noticed at first.

A shadow without shape, passing through the cold between worlds like it belonged there more than anything else did. No trail. No disturbance. No warning. Only the faint, lingering sense that somewhere far behind it, silence had been rearranged.

Inside the vessel, no one spoke. Not because there was nothing to say, but because speaking felt unnecessary. As though the act itself would acknowledge something better left unacknowledged.

The ship’s interior was pristine. Carefully maintained in a way that suggested absolute control rather than comfort. Every surface reflected faint light from the navigation displays. Every hum of machinery was measured, intentional.

Even the air felt regulated.

At the center of it all, one figure rested in a hovering seat.

Unbothered in a way that didn’t match the weight of everything around him.

One elbow rested lightly on the armrest. The other hand hung loosely, fingers occasionally shifting—small, idle motions that suggested patience rather than restlessness.

Outside the viewport, a planet slowly came into view.

It did not look like a battlefield.

It did not look like something already marked for invasion.

It looked untouched.

Which, in a way, made it more interesting.

The figure’s gaze lingered on it before speaking.

“…So that’s Namek,” he said at last.

His voice was calm. Light. Almost conversational.

As if confirming a destination on a map rather than arriving at a world. Behind him, a subordinate stepped forward carefully. The movement was precise, controlled, but still hesitant in a way that betrayed awareness of who they were speaking to.

“The readings are stable, Lord Frieza,” they reported. “Atmospheric composition is compatible. Lifeforms confirmed. Namekian population matches intercepted intelligence.”

A pause.

Then—

“And the Dragon Balls?” The question came without emphasis. Yet the bridge seemed to tighten around it anyway. The subordinate hesitated only once. “Confirmed,” they said. “Multiple units. Scattered across the planet surface. Energy signatures consistent with prior records.”

Silence followed immediately.

Frieza’s eyes remained on the planet. “…How convenient.,” he murmured softly. A faint smile touched his expression, but it did not reach anything warm. It sat there instead like something practiced. Controlled. Familiar.

Behind him, another officer adjusted a console. “Initial strike teams have already begun planetary engagement,” they added carefully. “Resistance is minimal.”

At that, Frieza’s fingers shifted slightly against the armrest. “…Minimal resistance,” he repeated, almost tasting the words.

No one corrected him.

The ship continued its slow descent through space.

Below, Namek grew larger in the viewport. Its oceans shimmered faintly under distant light. Its continents stretched wide and untouched. From this height, it still looked peaceful enough to be ignored.

That illusion would not last long. Frieza leaned back slightly. “…Let them believe they have time,” he said quietly.

No one responded.

Because no response was required.

The ship’s systems aligned.

Coordinates locked.

The descent path finalized.

And then—

Silence deepened.

Not absence of sound.

But absence of doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days later…

Morning didn’t come the same way in space.

There was no sunrise. No gradual light creeping through windows or soft sounds easing the world awake. Just the constant hum of the ship and the quiet awareness that time had passed whether you felt it or not.

By the time the planet came into view—

Everyone felt it.

Bulma leaned forward in her seat, eyes locked on the main screen. “There,” she said, her voice sharper than usual. “That’s it. That’s Namek.”

The image filled the display slowly as the ship adjusted its trajectory.

Green but not like Earth.

Not forests, not fields—just an endless stretch of deep, saturated green broken by dark water and strange, uneven landmasses. The sky above it wasn’t blue either. Even from orbit, it looked… heavier. Dimmer. Like the light didn’t quite settle right.

Krillin squinted. “…Okay, I’m gonna say it,” he muttered. “That place looks kinda creepy.”

“It’s an alien planet,” Bulma replied without looking away. “What did you expect, palm trees and beaches?”

“I mean... yeah? A little?” Krillin said. “This looks like it breathes.”

Chiharu didn’t respond right away.

She was staring at the screen.

Not the whole planet—just a specific point on its surface, like something had already caught her attention before they’d even landed. “…It’s quiet,” she said. Gohan glanced at her. “Quiet?” She nodded slightly. “Not like space. Different.” A pause. “…Like something’s waiting.” Krillin immediately leaned back. “Okay, nope. Don’t like that. Don’t say things like that right before we land.” Raditz, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, didn’t comment—but his gaze had narrowed slightly.

He felt it too. There's just something about this planet that makes him uneasy, despite Mr. Popo's assurance that the planet is relatively peaceful with non-hostile inhabitants. Bulma’s fingers moved quickly across the controls. “Alright, listen up,” she said. “We’re going down in a few minutes. We don’t know what’s waiting for us down there, so we stick together until we get a lay of the land. No wandering off, no unnecessary fights, we must stick together at all-”

Krillin raised a hand. “Define unnecessary.”

“Anything that gets us killed,” Bulma shot back immediately.

“…Okay, that feels like a broad category.”

“Good. Stay in it.”

Gohan exhaled slowly, eyes still on the screen as the planet grew larger. “This is it…” he murmured.

A month of training.

A month of waiting.

Of getting stronger, trying not to think too much about what they might find when they finally got here.

Beside him, Chiharu crossed her arms loosely. “…You ready?” she asked. Gohan hesitated. Then nodded. “Yeah.”

It wasn't completely true, but I guess it's enough to make his sister believe him.

The ship began its descent.

The shift was immediate—the subtle pull of gravity changing, the faint vibration building along the hull as they entered the atmosphere. Outside, the green surface stretched endlessly, broken by jagged terrain and still, reflective waters that didn’t ripple the way oceans should.

Krillin gripped the side of his seat. “I hate this part. I really hate this part.”

“You hate every part,” Bulma said.

“I have range,” Krillin defended.

Chiharu let out a quiet breath that almost sounded like a laugh.

Raditz didn’t move.

But his tail flicked once behind him.

Slow.

Deliberate.

Anticipating.

The ship descended.

Cloud layers passed.

Then ocean.

Then land.

Namek filled the viewport as they dropped lower, wide green continents stretching endlessly beneath them.

And then—

Landing thrusters fired.

The ship settled with a heavy, controlled impact.

A low vibration ran through the floor.

Silence followed.

“…We’re down,” Bulma said.

For a second, nobody moved. Then Krillin exhaled. “Okay. That was actually smooth. No explosions. No weird alien stuff. I like this place already.” Gohan smiled faintly. “Yeah… it’s peaceful, like Mr. Popo said.” Chiharu stepped toward the hatch first. “Let’s not jinx it.”

The hatch hissed open as the platform of the ship’s entrance descended.

Fresh air poured in.

One by one, they stepped outside.

Grass-like fields stretched in every direction. Soft wind moved across them. The sky was clear, almost unnaturally so.

Krillin stretched immediately. “Okay yeah, I take it back—this is definitely a vacation planet.” Gohan looked around slowly. “It’s really quiet…”

Chiharu nodded once. “Too quiet.”

Raditz stepped out last.

And stopped.

Completely.

The shift was instant. His posture locked. His tail froze mid-motion. His eyes narrowed slightly—not at the landscape—but far beyond it.

“…No,” he said quietly.

Gohan blinked. “What?”

Raditz didn’t answer.

He was listening.

Not to sound.

To something deeper.

Something that didn’t belong here.

The air around him seemed heavier.

Chiharu noticed first. “Un-Uncle Raditz…?”

His expression tightened.

Not fear.

Recognition without context anyone else could share.

“…That ki,” he said.

Krillin blinked. “Ki? What ki?”

Bulma glanced up from her scanner. “I’m not picking up anything major nearby—” Raditz cut in immediately. “You wouldn’t.”

Silence snapped in.

Gohan frowned. “What do you mean?”

Raditz finally shifted his gaze slightly toward them.

“…Something strong is here,” he said.

That was all he gave them.

No name.

No explanation.

Nothing they could understand.

Krillin rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, cool. Vague and terrifying. Love that.” He said sarcastically.

Chiharu stepped slightly closer to Gohan. “How strong?”

Raditz paused.

Then, quieter—

“…Far beyond you.”

That landed harder than anything else he could’ve said.

Gohan’s expression tightened. “We should be able to sense it, though.”

“You will,” Raditz said. “When it wants you to.”

Bulma slowly lowered her scanner. “That’s not comforting.”

Krillin took a small step back. “Nope. Nope, I don’t like that sentence at all.”

The wind shifted slightly across the field.

Completely unaware of the tension standing in it.

Raditz didn’t move. His eyes stayed fixed on the distance. “We’re not alone,” he said again.

But this time—

It wasn’t an introduction.

It was a warning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far beyond the world of the living, in the quiet realm of Other World, a small blue planet drifted under a calm sky.

At its center, King Kai sat still.

For once, he wasn’t joking.

He wasn’t laughing.

He was watching.

“They made it.”

His antennae twitched slightly as his focus deepened.

A faint ripple passed through his senses—distance collapsing inward as he tuned directly into a faraway cluster of ki signatures.

Gohan. Krillin. Bulma. Chiharu.

And—

“Raditz is with them.”

King Kai’s expression tightened slightly.

That wasn’t the issue.

The issue was where they were.

He leaned forward.

“Wait.”

Silence.

His eyes widened just a fraction. “That’s not—”

He focused harder. The energy signatures clarified. The atmosphere around them. The planetary frequency. The life pattern stretching endlessly beneath them.

A long pause.

Then—

“WHAT?!”

He shot upright so fast his whole little planet seemed to wobble.

He froze. Dead still.

A different sensation brushed across his awareness. His face slowly changed. “…Oh no.” His voice dropped completely.

“That’s not just them.”

He focused again.

Harder this time.

The ki signatures on Namek shifted slightly in his perception—like something else was there, deeper in the background. Not part of the group. Not natural to the planet.

Something vast.

Something cold.

King Kai’s eyes widened.

“…Frieza.”

Silence.

The word didn’t echo.

It sank.

His expression tightened instantly. “No way… no way he’s there. What is he even doing there?!” He clenched his fists. “This is bad. This is REALLY bad.”

A beat.

Then his tone shifted completely.

Focused. Urgent.

He vanished from his platform.

The wind moved gently across endless green fields.

For a brief moment, everything felt almost normal.

Almost safe.

Then—

“HEY!! LISTEN UP!!”

The voice exploded into all of their minds at once.

Krillin jerked. “WH_WHAT WAS THAT?! HNNNN I SWEAR IF THIS IS SOME TYPA ENEMY WE CAN’T FIGHT OFF- ”

“KRILLIN, I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!” King Kai snapped instantly.

Silence.

“…Thank you,” he continued quickly. “Listen carefully. I’m sorry for introducing myself like this, but I’m King Kai. I trained Goku during the 1-year preparation for the Saiyans. I’m communicating with you guys via mind link right now.”

All of them straightened.

Even Raditz.

King Kai’s tone sharpened immediately.

“I’ve just confirmed your location. You are on Namek already.”

Krillin blinked. “Yeah… we figured that part out when we landed.”

“No,” King Kai said sharply. “You don’t understand. You are not the only one that’s on Namek.”

A pause.

Then—

“There is another presence there with you.”

Silence.

Bulma frowned. “The Namekians? We kinda figured that out already too since, yknow, this is their planet.”

King Kai didn’t answer that.

Instead—

“…Frieza is on that planet.”

The air changed instantly.

Not fear yet.

Not full comprehension.

Raditz froze at this. The confirmation of his suspicion on who that familiar ki he felt was left his fingers cold.

Krillin blinked. “Frieza… who’s that?”

No immediate answer.

Then King Kai’s voice lowered—serious now in a way none of them had heard before.

“Ugh, I should've warned you guys about him immediately. Someone you do NOT want to encounter. And I bet Raditz can confirm that.”

Raditz’s expression tightened slightly, but he stayed silent. The others turned to look at him, alarmed and confused.  King Kai continued fast. “Listen carefully. DO NOT engage with him. DO NOT approach him. DO NOT draw attention in ANY way. DO NOT even BREATHE while he’s in proximity of you!”

Gohan frowned. “So we just ignore him?”

“YES,” King Kai snapped immediately. “YOU DO.”

A beat.

Then firmer. “This is not a suggestion. You are not ready to deal with him. Not even close.”

Silence.

The wind across Namek suddenly felt louder.

Krillin swallowed. “…Okay, I officially don’t like this planet anymore.”

Bulma muttered, “We just got here…”

Chiharu, ever so curious, decided to ask, “What’s so crazy about him? Why can’t we- ”

“Because you won’t survive it. You won’t survive him.” King Kai didn’t raise his voice that time. He didn’t need to. The words dropped heavily into all of them, cutting clean through whatever curiosity had been building.

Silence followed.

Even Chiharu didn’t continue her question.

Gohan’s brows pulled together, more focused now. “How strong is he?” he asked carefully. There was a pause. “Strong enough…” King Kai said slowly, “…that even the Saiyans you fought before wouldn’t matter.”

Krillin’s face went pale. “You mean… stronger than Vegeta?!”

“Yes.”

No hesitation.

Bulma let out a strained laugh. “Oh, that’s great. That’s just fantastic. Love that for us.”

No one responded.

Because now they understood enough how dire the situation is, or is gonna get. 

Raditz exhaled quietly through his nose, his gaze lowering slightly. His tail gave a slow, restrained flick behind him.

“I knew it,” he muttered. Gohan turned to him immediately. “This Frieza guy is the ki that you felt, Uncle Raditz?” Raditz didn’t answer right away.

Then, quietly, he answered, “…Yeah.”

That was all it took.

Krillin groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Of course you did. Of course there’s a guy out here that you recognize and we don’t. That’s always a bad sign.” Bulma crossed her arms tightly. “Okay, nope. New rule. We find the Dragon Balls, we make the wish, and we leave. No detours, no sightseeing, no mysterious evil space emperors.”

“Agreed,” Krillin said immediately. Gohan nodded, more serious now. “We stay low. We move carefully.” Chiharu glanced between them, her expression calm—but thoughtful. “So we’re not fighting,” she said softly. “No,” Gohan replied. “Not unless we absolutely have to.” Krillin added.

King Kai cut in again, sharper this time. “Not even then.” They all stilled. “I mean it,” he continued. “If you encounter him, you run. You hide. You do whatever you have to do to stay alive. Your mission is the Dragon Balls, nothing else. So please, whatever you do, don’t make your existence known to him! Stay safe. I’ll try to have Goku get there as fast as he could.”

Another pause.

Then, quieter—

“I’ll… keep watching from here.”

The connection lingered for a moment longer.

Then—

It was gone.

The silence that followed felt different now.

Heavier.

More real.

Krillin let out a slow breath. “…Okay. So. We’re in the same planet as someone or something we’re not even allowed to look at. Cool. Cool, cool, cool.”

Bulma shot him a look. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m coping,” he shot back.

Gohan stepped forward slightly, grounding the moment. “We stick to the plan,” he said. “We find the Dragon Balls as fast as we can. No unnecessary risks.”

Chiharu nodded gently. “And we stay together.”

Raditz finally lifted his head again, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked out across the vast green horizon.

“…Not too close together,” he added.

They glanced at him.

His tone didn’t change.

“If he senses a cluster like ours, it’ll draw attention faster.” Bulma grimaced. “Great. So now we’re splitting up on a planet with a space nightmare.” “Not splitting,” Gohan said quickly. “Just… spreading out enough.” Krillin sighed. “I hate that that makes sense.” A faint gust of wind moved across the fields, rippling through the tall grass around them. For a brief moment, nothing moved.

Then—

Raditz’s eyes shifted slightly. “…He’s still far,” he said quietly. No one asked how he knew. “But he’s moving.” That was enough. Gohan took a steady breath. “Then we move faster.” Bulma adjusted her capsule case, already thinking ahead. “Alright. First step- locate the nearest village. The Dragon Balls have to be with the Namekians.” Krillin nodded, trying to steady himself. “Right. Talk to the locals. Ask nicely. Definitely no panicking.”

“You’re already panicking,” Bulma muttered.

“A little,” he admitted.

Chiharu gave a small, reassuring smile. “We’ll be okay.” Gohan glanced at her, then nodded once. “We will.” Raditz didn’t say anything.

He just looked out across the horizon again.

Somewhere far beyond what they could see—

That same cold, distant presence lingered.

Not searching yet.

Not rushing.

Just… moving.

And somehow—

That made it worse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, back on Earth…

Goku hasn’t felt so relaxed as he did the past few weeks since his Saiyan brother arrived on Earth. Albeit, he still worries for his two kids that are out somewhere on space without his supervision. What parent wouldn’t? Chichi, who also still worries, assures him (and herself)  again and again that they’re safe, since they’re with his brother and his friends. They can trust them.

This past few weeks, him and Chichi have been… reconnecting, as one might say. He himself cannot believe he could miss someone so much. His wife really changed him for the better, he mused to himself. He also has been spending time with his youngest child, whose 1^st birthday he missed. He felt guilty for that, as well as for missing the twin’s 5^th birthday. But, of course, his wife said they did not blame him one bit, and that it’s fine. That comforted him a little bit but it did not stop his guilt.

Today, Goku is deep in the woods to stretch for a bit and hunt for food as the day starts when it hit. Not a sound. Not a presence.

A pull.

Sharp and sudden, like something had reached straight into his mind and grabbed hold.

“GOKU!”

He stiffened instantly. “King Kai?”

There was no greeting. No joke. No buildup.

Just tension.

“Listen to me—right now.” That made Goku’s posture straightened. “…What happened?” he asked.

A pause.

Then—

“It’s Namek.” Goku’s eyes sharpened. “They made it?”

“Yes- but that’s not the problem!”

That was new. King Kai never sounded like that unless something was already wrong. Goku’s chest tightened slightly. “…What is it?” Silence stretched for just a second too long. Then King Kai said it. “They’re not alone…” Goku frowned. “What do you mean? The Namekians?”

“No,” King Kai said immediately. “Not them.”

Something in his tone shifted. “There is someone else on that planet.”

Goku felt it then.

Not physically—but instinctively.

“…Who?”

Another pause.

Then—

“Frieza.”

The name meant nothing, but the way King Kai said it sent chills down his spine. Goku’s brows furrowed. “…Who’s that supposed to be?” King Kai exhaled sharply. “Someone you never want your friends to meet. Someone you never want anyone to meet. ”Goku went still. “That doesn’t tell me anything,” he said, more serious now. “He’s a tyrant!” King Kai said. “A galactic one. He conquers planets. Wipes out entire races. Commands an army larger than anything you can imagine.” Goku’s expression hardened slightly. “…So he’s strong.”

A beat.

King Kai didn’t soften it. “He’s stronger than Vegeta.” That landed. Hard. Goku’s eyes widened just a fraction. “Stronger than—”

“Yes,” King Kai cut in. “Much stronger.He conquers planets, has has a whole army on his command, he doesn’t hesitate to kill “pests” in his own words. And he’s on Namek doing Gods knows what! I have no idea! And it seems he’s been there for days now. He already destroyed 5 villages. Possibly more as we speak!”

Silence.

Then—

“He’s on Namek?” Goku asked quietly.

“…Right now.” King Kai answered, tense.

And that’s when it clicked.

Fully.

Goku’s breath hitched—just slightly.

“My kids are there,” he said.

King Kai didn’t answer.

Didn’t need to.

Goku’s voice rose instantly. “Raditz is there too... Bulma- Krillin- ”

His fists clenched.

“You’re telling me they’re on the same planet as that?!”

“…Yes.”

That was it.

Goku turned sharply, already moving.

“I’m going,” he said immediately.

“Good,” King Kai replied just as fast. “Go now. Don’t wait. The longer you take, the worse this gets.” Goku didn’t argue.

Didn’t hesitate.

But he stopped.

Just short of taking off.

“Wait,” he said.

King Kai blinked. “What now?!”

“I have to tell Chichi.” There was a pause. “…Make it fast,” King Kai said.

With that, he shot through the sky, on the way home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inside the house, everything was calm.

Too calm.

The quiet hum of morning. The soft clink of dishes. The normal rhythm of a life that didn’t know it was about to be shaken. Chichi stood at the counter, focused, steady.

Until—

“Chichi.”

She froze.

Not because of the call—

But because of the way he said her name.

Why does he sound like he's on the verge of a panic attack?

She turned slowly.

“…Goku?”

He was already tense.

That alone made her heart drop. “What is it?” she asked, stepping closer.

Goku didn’t waste time. “It’s Namek.” Her expression tightened instantly. “Did something happen? Are they okay?”

“They made it,” he said quickly.

A breath of relief—

Gone just as fast when he continued.

“But there’s someone else there. King Kai warned me through his mind link.” That pulled her in completely. “Who?” Goku’s voice lowered. “Frieza.” The name meant nothing to her, like it meant nothing to him earlier.  “…What is that?” she asked. Goku shook his head slightly. “Someone bad. Worse than Vegeta.” That was enough to make her stomach drop. “…And he’s there with them?” she asked, quieter now Goku nodded once.

Chichi didn’t even think.

“Then go.” No hesitation, she told him. “Go get them." Goku blinked slightly. “…I am. I-I will.” he said.

Then he added with an urgent tone in his voice,  “Now.” She stepped forward immediately. “Wait I’m coming with you-” she began to add but he interrupted her.  Goku shook his head. “No.” The word hit harder than expected. “…No?” she repeated.

“You need to stay here,” he said.

“Goku, our kids are out there-”

“I know!” he snapped then caught himself.

Silence.

He steadied his voice. “I know,” he repeated, quieter, as he put his hands on her shoulders as a way to calm her and himself. “That’s why I have to go.”

“And I don’t?” she shot back.

“You don’t have to go there,” he said. “You’re needed here…”

That stopped her.

Her brows pulled together. “…What does that even mean?” Goku stepped closer. “Chisora.” The name alone shifted the air. Chichi went still. “If that thing you felt… if it happens again,” he said, “she’s gonna need you. Right here. And I'm also gonna need you here, where you and our youngest are safe." Chichi’s hands tightened slightly at her sides. “That’s not—” she started.

But stopped. Because she knew. She knew he wasn’t wrong. And that made it worse.

“So I just stay here? Knowing my kids are in the same planet as someone who you said is stronger than Vegeta? The same Vegeta that WE fought but failed to defeat entirely?” she asked, her voice getting higher in pitch as she talked, panic clear.

“Yeah,” Goku said softly. “You stay here. You keep her safe.”

“And you? Goku, how do you expect me to just stay still!” she asked.

He didn’t hesitate. “I’ll bring them back. You stay with our daughter. She might need you, Chi. I promise, I’ll bring them both back safely. Just trust me.”

A heavy silence filled the space between them.

Chichi looked away for a second, jaw tightening.

Then back at him.

“…You better,” she said. Goku gave a small nod. “I will.” He replied then kissed her forehead.

He turned to leave—

Then paused at the doorway.

“Take care of her,” he added.

Chichi exhaled slowly.

“I always do.”

Goku smiled faintly at that, then turned to leave.

But Chichi then realized something.

“Wait!”

Chichi’s voice stopped him just before the door.

He glanced back.

Her expression had shifted—still tense, still worried—but now sharper. Thinking.

“How are you even getting there?” she asked. “The ship they used is already gone.”

Goku paused.

“Oh, I didn’t tell you?” he muttered, half to himself. “Tell me what?”

Then he looked back at her.

“I think I know a way.”

Chichi crossed her arms slightly. “You think? Goku, this isn’t the time to ‘think’- this is the time to know.”

He scratched the back of his head briefly—then straightened a little. “Bulma’s dad,” he said. “He’s got the old Saiyan pod I came to Earth in.” Chichi blinked. “…That thing still exists?”

“Yeah,” Goku nodded. “I have no idea how they got their hands on it but they kept it. Studied it too, I think.”

Her brows furrowed. “And you’re planning to just… what? Fly that all the way to Namek?”

A small pause.

Then Goku grinned—just a little.

“Not as-is.”

That made her more nervous, not less. “Explain.”

“They can fix it up,” he said. “ Upgrade it. Make it faster. Or maybe they already did.”

He hesitated—then added,

“And I can train on the way.”

Chichi stared at him. “You’re going to train,” she repeated slowly, “while flying through space to a planet where a tyrant is roaming around and is a threat to our children.” Goku winced slightly. “When you say it like that—" “Because that’s exactly what it sounds like,” she shot back.

A beat.

Then quieter—

“How long?”

Goku’s expression shifted again. More serious. “Longer than I want.”

That answer hit. Chichi looked down for a moment, thinking fast, calculating, hating every second of it. “So even if you leave now,” she said, “you won’t get there immediately.” Goku shook his head. “No.”

Silence stretched.

Then she looked back at him, something steadier settling in her expression—fear still there, but controlled now. “…Then you don’t waste a second.” Goku nodded. “I won’t.”

He turned again…

Hand on the door—

“…Goku.”

He glanced back one last time.

Her voice was quieter now. “Come back safely.”

Not “be careful.”