33

< What is wrong with me? > Gohan asked himself, seriously doubting his ability to function as a living, reasoning creature. < All week I’ve been avoiding her. Every time she’s tried to talk to me, I’ve walked away, coming up with some lame excuse. Why am I doing this? > Gohan said to himself, thinking about the entire week.

It seemed that Videl had finally accepted Gohan for what he was, but Gohan was still keeping his space from her. And, the frustrating part was that he didn’t even know why he was doing it. Gohan looked up at the stars, his eyes asking them for answers, as he sat up on the roof, trying to get his space from the group. Little did he know that his space wouldn’t last for very much longer.

“Mind if I join you?” a dry, feminine voice called out, causing Gohan to jump slightly. Gohan turned to see #18 standing not 3 feet away from him. Gohan scowled slightly as he saw her.

“You surprised me, you know. Your not having a ki makes it very easy for you to sneak up on us, did you know that?” Gohan asked. #18 smirked and moved to sit down next to Gohan on the roof.

“It’s one of my perks in life. It makes my day interesting. It annoys the hell out of Krillin, though.” Gohan smirked, thinking about Krillin and #18’s relationship.

“No reason, really. There’s nothing to do downstairs with the other. Marron’s asleep. Tien, Yamcha, Krillin, and Chaotzu are all playing poker, and Videl’s off somewhere reading.” Gohan gave a small start at the mention of Videl, a start that #18 noticed. She eyed him suspiciously, her ice-blue gaze penetrating his soul.

“What is up between you and Videl these days?” #18 asked, “I’ve noticed that you’re ignoring her.” Gohan sighed in disappointment.

“Yeah, well, I doubt that any of the men have noticed it. Besides, I spend a lot of time observing and I’ve observed the way you act around Videl. Every time she approaches her, you blow her off. Why is that?” Gohan shrugged.

“I don’t know, #18. I wish I did, though. I can tell that she’s accepted what I am, but…but I don’t know if she’s fully accepted it.” Gohan paused, his mind wondering why he was ignoring her when a memory popped into his mind, as if giving him the answer.

“It’s just that every time I look into her eyes when she’s trying to talk to me, all I can see is the fear and horror she held in her eyes when I killed one of the High Priests last week. She was scared of me, #18. The last thing that I want is for her to be scared of me and I’m worried that some part of her still is. I don’t want her to be afraid of me. She has nothing to be afraid of; I would never hurt her.”

“Well,” #18 said, “Did you ever think that if she is scared of you, that she’s scared of the possibility that you might hurt her accidentally?” Gohan shook his head and sighed.

“No, I didn’t. Maybe I should tell her that in the morning.” Gohan smirked. “Besides,” he continued, “I have a lot to apologize for.” #18 nodded her head.

“Yeah, you do.” There was a long pause where neither one of them spoke, both of them occupied with looking up at the night sky. Suddenly, Gohan spoke, his voice breaking #18’s reverie.

“Because, whenever he’s around, things never seem quite so bad, like they’re manageable. At least, that’s how I felt. If I was ever in a bad situation, just the presence of my dad made everything a million times better,” Gohan said, his voice solemn and quiet. #18 gave him a small smile.

“Well then, for your sake Gohan, I wish he were here too.” Gohan looked over at #18 and offered back the same small smile.

“Thanks, #18,” he said sincerely. She gave a nod of her head and looked back up at the night sky, causing Gohan to look as well. Several minutes later, #18 responded.

Naked, Bulma cuddled up against Vegeta, her cheeks flushed from their passionate bout of lovemaking. Vegeta wrapped his arms around Bulma and Bulma smiled at his tenderness; he only showed this type of affection when they were alone, so Bulma made an effort for the two of them to be alone as much as possible, which was hard considering how busy Bulma was with her job of running Capsule Corp. But, somehow, Vegeta always managed to sneak Bulma away for a little tryst or two.

Bulma sighed in satisfaction as she snuggled closer, loving the feeling of Vegeta’s arms around her. As they lay, both of them satisfied from their previous actions, the sound of Vegeta’s chuckle reached her ears. Bulma propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at him, one eyebrow raised quizzically.

“What are you chuckling at?” she asked out loud. Vegeta looked over at her quickly, his eyes flashing over to hers before he looked back at the wall.

“I was just thinking about Son Gohan,” Vegeta said, “and the news we’ve received about his new bond. I find it rather amusing that a half Saiya-jin like himself could bond.” Bulma smirked.

“Yeah, well, I saw it coming. The way that Gohan acts around Videl is so obvious. That boy is so in love, it’s not even funny.” Vegeta snorted slightly in annoyance.

“Yeah, well, I hate the news of Milena asking the Guardian of Earth for permission to take Videl. Dende cannot refuse her forever. We have to think up a plan and fast,” Vegeta growled. Bulma sighed in resignation and settled back down on the bed.

“You earthlings and your faith in Kakarot,” Vegeta spat out, “Though, I must admit, he seems to have the ability to give you all some sense of confidence.” Vegeta shifted so he could look at Bulma. “If you earthlings want him back so much, then why just not use the Dragonballs to wish him back to life?” Vegeta asked. Bulma shot Vegeta a look.

“Um, Vegeta, I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but Goku’s already been wished back once with the Dragonballs. He can’t be wished back again.” Vegeta’s face transformed into a scowl.

“I know that, woman. I wasn’t talking about the Earth’s Dragonballs. I was talking about the ones on Namek. The dragon there can bring back a person as many times as it sees fit.” Bulma sighed again at Vegeta’s words.

“Yeah,” Bulma said, “That may be true, but remember that Goku asked not to come back the last time.” Vegeta rolled his eyes.

“Well, Kakarot only said that because he thought that everybody came after him. Well, this time, it’s different. I’m sure that all you’d have to do is explain it to him that his son and his mate are the enemy’s targets and he’ll come right back,” Vegeta explained. Bulma’s eyes widened.

“Kakarot will do anything to save that blasted son of his. Including coming back from the dead.” Bulma shot up in bed and rushed off of it, turning on the light so she could find the clothes that had been carelessly discarded a couple of hours earlier. Vegeta looked at her, honestly confused.

“And just how do you plan on getting there?” he asked. Bulma looked at him, dressed in only her shirt and panties, her hands on her hips in exasperation.

“Well, you know how to do the Instant Transmission, right? Well, if I remember correctly, you spent a great deal of time around the Nameks while they were here. You should be able to easily recognize their ki and get us there instantly.” Vegeta grinned.

“Woman, that is one of the most logical reasons you have ever given me.” Vegeta got up and began dressing in the Saiya-jin armor that he trained in earlier.

“So, I take it you want to go right now,” Vegeta said as he slipped the armor over his head, securing it before moving to put on his gloves and boots.

“Nope. Now that I have this plan in my head, there’s going to be no settling me until it gets put into action. Now, come on. Let’s go and get the Dragon Radar so we can be on our way.” With that, Bulma rushed out of the room, leaving Vegeta only to stare, a look of mild amusement on his face. A small grin appeared on his face at his mate’s never-ending energy and he slowly walked out of the room, his arms crossed over his chest.

::Have you found it yet?:: Vegeta asked Bulma as he made his way down to her lab, moving stealthily through the house as he did so.

::No, not yet. But, I know it’s in one of these drawers. I just moved it yesterday,:: Bulma replied. Vegeta mentally laughed.

::Well, you better find it. I don’t want to have to go on a manual search for the Dragonballs just to wish back Kakarot,:: Vegeta said as he finally entered the lab. Bulma turned around, the Dragon Radar in one hand, a smile on her face.

“See, I found it,” Bulma said before the look on her face turned commanding, “Now, let’s go.” Vegeta walked up to Bulma and wrapped one arm around her waist.

“You’re too pushy, woman.” Bulma didn’t even respond; she found no reason to seeing how as it would be fruitless to pick a fight with her mate, especially when they had a more important mission to fulfill than seeing who could win the argument. She watched as Vegeta brought two fingers to his forehead, his face skewing into a look of concentration as he reached out with his mind.

Vegeta let his consciousness spread out over the entire universe, trying to pick up the ki of the Nameks that he knew so well. He had come to know the ki of the Nameks intimately through their stay at Capsule Corp. A being did not spend a lot of time around another being and not know what that being’s ki felt like.

Vegeta let out a tiny smirk as he felt the ki of the Eldest Namek, Mori, and several of the warrior Nameks that resided in the same village.

“Hang on,” Vegeta said as he and Bulma disappeared from the lab at Capsule Corp. To Bulma, it only seemed milliseconds later that she and Vegeta were standing in the middle of what looked like the previous Namek.

“Wow,” Bulma said, looking at the green sky and barren wastelands, “New Namek looks just like the previous Namek.” Vegeta’s eyes also scanned the landscape on Namek, taking it in with a slight look of disgust.

::What’s wrong, love? Bad memories?:: Bulma asked, noticing the uncomfortable look on his face, placing a hand lightly on her mate’s arm in comfort. Vegeta nodded simply and ignored the issue.

“Let’s just go and find the Dragonballs so we can wish back Kakarot,” Vegeta said gruffly, trying to push the memories of his time on Namek with Frieza out of his head. The two bond mates looked closer around their surroundings, immediately noticing that they were in the middle of a Namekian village and quickly gathering onlookers who recognized them immediately.

“Bulma!” one Namek exclaimed and the turquoise-haired woman turned to see the eldest Namek, Mori, approaching them with a smile on his face, “What a pleasant surprise! We were not expecting to see you here.” Bulma gave him a soft smile in return.

“Well, I wish we were here on a social call,” Bulma said, “But we have come to ask you for the Dragonballs so we can wish back Goku.” Mori’s face lit up with a look of understanding.

“Oh, you mean the young Saiya-jin who saved our people from Frieza and came to this planet not too long ago to ask for a guardian for your planet. Has something happened to Goku?” Mori asked. Bulma nodded.

“7 earth years ago, Goku died saving the earth. We were going to come here then and wish him back, but he didn’t want us to. But, a new enemy is threatening the safety of not only Earth, but the whole universe, and Goku’s help is required,” Bulma explained, “We know that on Namek, one needs a password to summon the Dragon and we need your help to summon the Dragon so we can wish Goku back to life.” Mori nodded.

“Well, you do remember that the Dragonballs here on Namek can grant three wishes. So far, you have only named one wish. What do you intend to do with the other two wishes?” Bulma blinked in shock to Mori’s question; she had never thought about the other two wishes. Bulma didn’t know how to answer, so she turned to Vegeta.

“Um, Vegeta? What else should we wish for?” she asked. The Nameks had taken no notice to Vegeta earlier, but when Bulma said his name, they suddenly became aware of his presence, their attitudes becoming hostile. They still remembered what Vegeta did to one of their villages all those years ago.

“What is he doing with you?” Mori asked Bulma, eying Vegeta suspiciously. Bulma was confused for a second, looking back and forth between Mori and Vegeta before she laughed nervously.

“Oh, Vegeta? Well, some things have changed over the years. See, Vegeta and I are mates. We’ve even had a son together.” She heard shocked gasps from the Nameks as they took in her news.

“She is right,” Vegeta said, “You do not have to worry about me. I will do nothing to harm you.” There was a collective sigh of relief from the small group of Nameks, but they still looked at Vegeta warily, as if they were afraid that he was going to attack them. Vegeta understood their attitude towards him and some part of him was satisfied, even pleased, with their fear of him.

< Well, looks like I can still intimidate others, > Vegeta said to himself. On Earth, it seemed that no one was afraid of him; not even the weakest of the Z-senshi was afraid of him.

“Anyway,” Vegeta said, “When the issue of the other two wishes comes up, we’ll deal with it then. Now, we should just worry about collecting all of the Dragonballs.” Bulma nodded in agreement.

“Yes,” she said, “You’re right Vegeta. We should be concerning ourselves with the collection of the Dragonballs.” Mori smiled, showing all his sharp teeth.

“You should have no problem finding all of the Dragonballs. They are all not far from here. Collecting them should only take you several hours to find them all. And then, I will help you make your wishes,” Mori said, giving them official permission to collect the Dragonballs. It was then that Bulma and Vegeta started out on their mission to collect all of the Dragonballs, Vegeta flying the two of them while Bulma used the Dragonball radar to locate all of the Dragonballs, dropping them back off at the village the moment they found them.

The Nameks were surprised at the rate that Vegeta and Bulma had found the Dragonballs at. It was clear that both of them were driven to awaken Porunga as soon as possible. It was only about 4 hours later that all of the Dragonballs had been brought to one spot. Bulma sighed as she looked on at all 7 of the Dragonballs.

“Well, that went without any hassle,” she said quietly to herself before turning to look at Mori, who was standing in front of the group of Nameks that had clustered nearby. “Can you summon the Dragon now?” Bulma asked.

“Yes, and please hurry up about it. I would like to go home,” Vegeta said, slightly grumpy. He hadn’t gotten any sleep and he had had a fairly rigorous day beforehand. He had really been looking forward to sleeping after his nightly “workout” with Bulma, but her idea to go to Namek and wish back Goku immediately squashed any hopes Vegeta had of getting a good night’s sleep. Even though Vegeta really didn’t need the sleep, he still liked it anyway, though he would never admit such a weakness as that. Mori nodded and stepped forward.

“Yes, I shall hurry. I can tell that the two of you are anxious to make your wish.” Mori took Bulma’s place in front of the Dragonballs and held out his hands, a look of pure concentration etched on his face, his brow furrowed and mouth down-turned with the effort. He began to speak using his native language of Namekian, a language that neither Bulma nor Vegeta understood, as he proceeded to summon the Dragon. The Dragonballs, in response, began to pulsate with power, reacting to Mori’s words.

Once Mori’s incantation was finished, a bright light exploded from the Dragonballs, searing up into the sky, marking the arrival of Porunga. There were many gasps from the crowd of onlookers; even though all of them had seen Porunga before, the sight of him was definitely one to behold. Porunga looked down at them and drew in a deep breath.

“You have awakened me from my slumber. Speak and any three of your wishes will be made true.” Bulma smirked; she had found a way to use up the three wishes.

“Mori, ask the Dragon to bring Goku to the check-in station for this planet in the spirit realm,” she said to him. Mori nodded.

“Well, we need to use up the other two wishes, right? And, I want to surprise Gohan with this. I know he can sense ki as well as the rest of you, if not better, and he would for sure sense the presence of his father the instant he arrived on Earth, thus ruining the surprise. If I wish him to the check-in station for this planet, then Goku will be brought back to life here and we can surprise Gohan. For the other wish, I just figured we could waste it on wishing us back home.”

Vegeta shrugged; he really didn’t care as long as Kakarot came back. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was looking forward to the return of Goku. It would give him something to really train for, bring back his old mission of training to become stronger than Goku so he could beat him in combat.

“Fine, wish for whatever you want,” Vegeta said, letting Bulma do whatever she wanted. She gave him a tender smile before turning back to Mori.

In the Otherworld, Son Goku was training, as always. It was the only thing he could do in the Otherworld besides eat, which he did often enough. Even though Goku knew he had no reason to train, he still did it anyway because it gave him something to do. Besides, being able to concentrate on training allowed him to take his mind off of how much he missed his family.

< I know I opted to stay in the Otherworld, but sometimes I wish I didn’t, > Goku thought to himself, allowing his longing to see his family again come to the surface. He longed to be able to take walks in the woods with Chi-Chi and Gohan, marveling at the simple, yet beautiful things in nature. But, he knew he was never going back. His friends respected him too much to go against his wishes and bring him back to life with the Dragonballs. Or, so he thought…

“Hey, Goku!” a voice called out to him. Goku paused mid-kick and looked down to see King Kai, the distinctive halo floating above his head, looking back up at him.

“I just thought that you might wanna know that your friends Bulma and Vegeta are going to wish you back to life with the Dragonballs on Namek.” Goku looked shocked and slightly angered; he thought he had asked them to let him stay dead this time. Why would they go against his wishes?

The carefree look disappeared from Goku’s face after hearing King Kai’s message and he approached the small lord of the North Quadrant.

“King Kai, can I speak to them telepathically? I want to ask them why they’re doing this.” King Kai nodded and turned around.

“Thanks, King Kai.” With that, Goku rested his hand on King Kai’s shoulder and focused on Bulma and Vegeta, as well as anyone else that was in the surrounding area.

“Hey, I thought I told you guys I didn’t want to come back,” Goku said, his telepathic message sounding in the minds of the entire group surrounding the Dragonballs.

“But, Bulma,” Goku said, “Why are you guys wishing me back to life? I thought I asked you guys to let me stay dead this time around.” Bulma suddenly found herself at a loss of words. She could hear the slightly angry tone wrapped around Goku’s words and didn’t know how to answer him. Fortunately, for her, Vegeta did instead.

“Listen Kakarot, we know you didn’t want to come back the last time because you thought it was safer that way, but Bulma thinks that your help would be greatly appreciated.” Goku’s face took on a look of confusion.

“Help? Why would you need my help? You guys down there on Earth should be able to take care of everything. Besides, my presence there would only cause trouble in the long run.”

“So,” Vegeta said, “You wouldn’t come back even if you knew that your son’s life was in danger?” Goku gasped at Vegeta’s words.

“Yes, he is. And it’s not only him. His mate is in even graver danger as well.” Those words brought Goku’s thought process to a halt.

“Just last week. You would like her, Kakarot. She reminds me of your own mate. And, she’s the daughter of that fool, Mr. Satan. I’m surprised that a weakling like him could produce such a strong offspring.” Vegeta chuckled, considering his words. “Well, strong for a human, that is.” Bulma chose that moment to enter into the conversation.

“Please, Goku. Let us wish you back. We really could use your help. Gohan can’t do this alone. Even though I haven’t been around him much lately, I understand from Krillin and the others that he’s having a hard time being the strong one, especially when the girl that he loves is in grave danger. He’s unsure of himself, Goku. He’s never had to do this alone. He’s afraid that he’s going to lose her. And, if he does, the universe is through,” Bulma told Goku. Goku didn’t speak; he couldn’t. This was way too much. How old was his son? How much time had passed? Goku didn’t know, but he was going to find out.

“How long has it been since Cell?” Goku asked. Bulma was taken aback by the question. Out of all of the questions he could have asked, he picked that one? Bulma sighed and answered it.

< 7 years. Wow. That means Gohan is 18 years old. And he has a mate. I’m surprised he even knew what bonding was. And where did he meet this girl? > Goku thought, smirking, < Well, looks like I’ll just have to come back and find out for myself. > Suddenly, a feeling of dread filled his heart. He was overjoyed that he was going back, but he would be leaving many of the friendships he had made in the Otherworld behind. Especially the one with…no, Goku wasn’t going to give that one up. If Goku was going back, then so was he. Goku sighed.

“All right, Bulma. I’ll come back,” Goku said, not able to keep the smile out of his voice. Bulma smiled as well and even Vegeta allowed a small smile to appear on his face.

“Sure, what is it?” Bulma asked. Goku smirked. < She’s never going to see this one coming, > Goku thought before speaking.

“Yup! I met him in Hell. I figured that while I was here, I would get to know my family. Lucky for me, my father was allowed to keep his body because he was a fighter and I was able to recognize him instantly. Now I know where I get my looks from,” Goku said, “Anyway, I don’t want him to have to stay here anymore. He’s paid for his crimes. I think it only right that he get to meet the rest of his family on Earth and live the life he was denied.” Bulma nodded.

“Sure thing, Goku. That should be no problem. We’ll just wish you and your dad to the check-in station for this planet, and then we’ll use the other two wishes to wish you two back,” Bulma said, drawing out the plan with her voice. Goku smiled.

“That sounds good to me,” Goku said, “Well, I guess I’ll see you guys in a few minutes, then.” With that, Goku removed his hand from King Kai’s shoulder and King Kai turned around.

“So, it looks like your going back to Earth. I wish you the best of luck, Goku, with everything,” King Kai said. Goku gave King Kai a grateful nod.

“You bet. I still have to teach you the fine arts of being a comedian,” King Kai exclaimed. Goku barely managed to hold back his laughter.

“You’ll have plenty of time for that the next time I see you, I promise.” Those were Goku’s last words to King Kai before he disappeared, Bulma’s first wish obviously just made. King Kai allowed a small smile.

“Ok Mori, change of plans. For the first wish, please bring Goku and his father to the check-in station for this planet in the spirit realm.” Mori nodded, finally ready to make the wish. He turned back to the Dragon and shouted out the wish in Namekian. Bulma froze, her breath bated, as she waited for Porunga to give his answer. She let out the breath as a sigh of relief when Porunga spoke.

“Your wish has been granted. The one you call Goku and his father are waiting at this planet’s check-in station.” Bulma smiled; finally, things were going her way.

“Ok, Mori, for the next two wishes, use one of them to bring Goku back to life and the other to bring his father back to life.” Mori smiled.

“I will grant this wish,” Porunga exclaimed, his eyes flashing red before Goku appeared before them, wearing the same orange training gi that they were used to seeing him in, a huge smile on his face.

“Hi guys!” Goku announced. Bulma looked on, tears of joy in her eyes, before she ran for Goku, rushing over to embrace her life-long friend.

“Goku!” she exclaimed before launching herself at him. Goku’s arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her into a hug.

“Yes it has, Goku.” Vegeta looked on at the scene with annoyance; he didn’t like anyone but him touching his mate, permission or no. Bulma pulled away from Goku completely as Vegeta approached, a small smirk on his face, looking up at the kind-hearted Saiya-jin.

For several moments, the two stared at each other, as if assessing the other’s strength, before Vegeta let out a small laugh.

“It’s good to see you again, Kakarot,” Vegeta said, “Maybe, in this new lifetime of yours, I’ll actually be able to beat you.” It was Goku’s turn to let out a small laugh.

“Fat chance of that one, Vegeta. But, maybe if you train hard enough, you might be able to do it.” Vegeta felt his anger flare at the low class warrior who mocked him and he was overcome with the urge to kill Goku, but he shook it off, relishing in the feeling of the challenge that Goku presented him; it had been something missing from his life and part of him was happy that it was back.

“Well, let’s just wish your father back and go home. I’m sure your mate and your brat will be happy to see you,” Vegeta said, choosing his words carefully; he specifically said “brat”, not “brats” as that would alert Goku to the presence of his second son, the one he didn’t know existed. As Gohan was going to get a surprise as his father’s revival, Goku himself was going to get a surprise at the presence of his younger son, Goten.

“Are you ready to make your third and final wish? I am losing my patience.” Mori, at the Dragon’s words, made the third and final wish, wishing for Bardock to be brought back to life. Porunga’s eyes flashed red again before Bardock appeared in front of them.

“Your final wish has been granted. I shall return to my slumber once again and wait to be summoned again.” With another bright flash of light, Porunga disappeared, the Dragonballs scattering once again. Bulma and Vegeta stared at Bardock, twin looks of amazement on their faces.

::No kidding. They’re practically twins. The only way you can tell them apart is Bardock’s tail, the scar on his cheek, and the look in his eyes,:: Vegeta said. Bardock, as well, was just as surprised as he looked down at his now mortal hands.

One moment he was in Hell, the next he was at some check-in station, and the next, he was on a strange planet with his son, a whole bunch of green people, a woman with blue hair, and a short man that greatly resembled King Vegeta; Bardock knew that the shorter man could only be Prince Vegeta, a man who was only four years of age when he was killed at the hands of Frieza.

Bardock, still dressed in his Saiya-jin armor, immediately lowered himself on to one knee in front of Vegeta, bowing his head.

“Your highness,” Bardock said respectfully. Vegeta smirked at the title he had been given, a smirk that was not lost on anyone else, including Goku. Bulma rolled her eyes.

“Oh please, don’t give this idiot an ego boost. That’s the last thing he needs,” Bulma said. Bardock lifted his head and looked at Bulma with shock; how could she speak like that about Prince Vegeta and still be living? Vegeta clenched a fist and spoke through gritted teeth.

< How is it that this woman has tamed Prince Vegeta? > Bardock asked himself as he stared back and forth between the two before it hit him.

“But, how? I thought that the ability to bond was completely eradicated out of the nobility,” Bardock said, the scientist in him struggling to find an answer as to why Vegeta was able to do it. Vegeta shrugged.

“I don’t know how it happened,” Vegeta said, “But it did.” Using a hand to indicate Bulma, he spoke again. “Bardock, this is my mate, Bulma. Bulma, this is, as you know, Bardock.” Bulma was, needless to say, shocked.

“Father, it’s the name they call me on Earth.” Goku said, trying to ease his father’s confusion. Bardock was even more confused.

“Well,” Goku said, “It’s because it’s the name I’ve grown up with. I’ve been Son Goku my entire life. It was not until many years ago that I discovered my Saiya-jin heritage.” Bardock nodded slowly, understanding.

“I see. Well, don’t expect me to use your Earth name. To me, you are Kakarot, my son,” Bardock said proudly. Goku smiled.

“Hey, that brings up a good point. How did you get here?” Goku asked. Vegeta smirked and answered, knowing that it would tick off Goku.

“Well, it’s a long story, but to make it short, your son and I summoned the Dragon on Earth and had an extra wish. With that wish, your son wished for the two of us to have the ability to do the Instant Transmission.” Goku gaped, his jaw dropping open.

“But that’s not fair!” Goku whined, “It took me a year to learn how to do it and you and Gohan learned how to do it with a stupid wish? That is so not fair!” Vegeta had to laugh at the flabbergasted look on Goku’s face; he figured that Goku would be mad when he found out how he and Gohan learned how to do the Instant Transmission so easily. He was right.

“Well, that’s just the way it happened, Kakarot. Whining about it won’t change anything. Your son and I know the Instant Transmission; just deal with it.” Goku pouted slightly, but accepted it. He still didn’t think it was very fair, but he couldn’t make them unlearn it so he was just going to have to accept it.

“Yeah, but before we go, why don’t you tell me everything that’s been going on down on Earth,” Goku said. Vegeta nodded and began explaining the entire situation with Queen Milena, the Cresilians, and how they wanted Videl and, for some unknown reason, Gohan. By the end of the explanation, the Nameks could no longer keep quiet.

“Well, I don’t know how much I can help in the strength department. As much as I hate to admit this, my strength is nothing compared to yours and what you’ve said about your son. But, I can help in making plans, especially with the details and schematics. Details are my specialty,” Bardock said, stating the truth as it was. Goku laid a hand on his father’s shoulder.

“I’m sure that if you train hard enough, you’ll be able to increase your strength significantly. After all, you are my father. I must have gotten my strength from somewhere, father.” Bardock looked over at Goku, noticing the happy, innocent smile on his son’s face. Bardock sighed.

“Yes, maybe with training, I can improve my strength so I can be more of a use to you on the battlefield,” Bardock said indifferently. Goku smiled even wider; he didn’t hear the slightly pessimistic tone in Bardock’s voice, so he took his father’s words as a hopeful admission.

“Well, now that that’s settled, let’s go home,” Goku said, his hand still on Bardock’s shoulder while his other hand moved up to his forehead, pressing the tips of two fingers against it. Vegeta smirked and wrapped an arm around Bulma’s waist, pulling her close to him as his hand also came up to press two fingers against his forehead. Goku looked around at the Nameks.

“Yes, what Goku said: thank you,” Bulma echoed before Vegeta too closed in on Gohan’s ki, being that it was the easiest one to find based on his high ki, and the two of them disappeared from the surface of New Nameksei, leaving the Namek-jins standing shocked at their sudden disappearance. Once the astonishment faded from Mori’s face, a small smile spread over the Eldest Namek-jin’s face.

“I wish them much luck in their future battle,” Mori said as the smile faded from his face, “I can sense a dark cloud that surrounds them. Their road is hard. Please, let them have the strength to fight this battle and emerge victorious.”