Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

People milled around the building that looked like any other business block. Yamcha had been in dozens over the years, but the knowledge that this one held his blackmailers made his skin prickle.

"This feels so weird." Puar said, holding onto Yamcha's shoulder. It had become a common perch over the past few years, a source of safety when they were out in public.

"Just stay as close as you can. I won't let anything happen to you. The only people with any real power here are the guys in green shirts. And even then they aren't even as strong as Satan."

"Pretty certain even Oolong could take one out."

Yamcha turned to See Chioatzu standing behind him. And then he got confused, "Urm, where's Tien?"

"He's making sure Master Roshi doesn't get distracted."

Yamcha looked towards the entrance and saw Oolong and Tien heading towards them, with a cheerful Roshi between them

"Je hasn't caused a ruckus already has he?"

"No, but Tien doesn't want any bad behavior. Oolong knows when to behave, but Roshi...."

On his Shoulder Puar shuddered. "Yeah. He really needs a firm hand sometimes."

Before Yamcha could greet them, a pretty Red headed Lady showed up and greeted them.

"I am Suno. Goku has probably told you about me."

"He did." Tien said, "Apparently you used to be a good person."

Yamcha decided to step in. "I think what my friend is trying to say is he wishes our meeting was under happier circumstances." He glowered at Tien, "Doing a poor job of it."

"Do not apologize for me." Tien said.

Suno interrupted them. "I know things aren't the best right now, but hopefully we will come to an understanding when you see what we are trying to do here. Mr Chestnut arrived earlier today with his wife, so we'll go join them in medical."

"Medical?"

"Just a few baseline tests." Suno explained. Height, weight and such. After that we will be showing you how to use the sensor kits that will be used to monitor your power levels for the next few days."

"And what will they do?" Chioatzu asked.

"The doctors can explain that better than me." Suno said and led the way. The offices were normal as any other, people going about their jobs.

Suno began to speak again. "Most of the people here are just regular workers. They haven't joined fully with Sunrise, being a basic work contract. Only the medical wing and upper management know what SunRise is for."

Roshi stretched his sense to see if anything was hidden. Suno was a normal human, but her ki was slightly higher than average. If a normal human sat at 4-5, then she was at 1-2. Not really much power, but it would give the average mugger a problem. The rest of the building was filled with normal humans. Except ahead of them was the familiar ki of his student.

They reached a set of doors with a scanner on it, which Suno was able to open. "Once fully inducted you will be given nearly full access to the buildings?" She said,

Roshi tilted his head at her, "Why not all?"

"We do actually have data laws to follow as a normal business practice. So you aren't the only people who'll be refused entry."

The hall beyond was tiled and sterile looking, and as they continued found themselves in hospital type rooms. They turned a corner to a room with several beds, and Kirllin sat with his arm in a cuff. 18 was close by, watching with cold eyes as the medical staff did their jobs.

"Hey guys. You okay?"

Fine boy, fine. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, we're good. Just finishing up."

Oolong saw a vile of blood, and looked up at Suno. "How are you gonna get samples from Goku?" he asked, and then got a slap to the back of the head from Chiaotzu. He turned to the other and scowled, "They already know he has a phobia you dumdum. Why'd you hit me!"

"Sorry!" Chioatzu said, "I forgot they knew"

Oolong crossed his arms, "Hope you get the biggest needle they have you-"

"We already have a plan to deal with Son Goku's phobia. With any luck it should work." Suno said, with a slightly nervous smile.

"If you would all like to take a seat, we can begin." One of the doctors said, pilot and respectfully.

The tests didn't take long. Puar was the only one to cause a fuss because to take a small skin scraping they had to shave a patch of fur, and Yamcha had to assure her it would grow back, and if they picked a spot behind her ear it wouldn't be noticable when she looked in a mirror. And the fact it would grow back quickly.

Their tiny wounds would be healed in a day or two, and their test results would be sent to them by the end of the week.

The next thing was the sensors. Small things that wrapped around the wrist, ankles and neck, as well as stick dots that went on the temples and over the heart. All standard medical gear that were easy to remove.

"These monitor heart, lungs and ki energy." The doctor explained, "The wrist bands also have utra thin wire inserts painlessly into the skin and monitors blood levels."

Roshi looked down at the device, "And how long do we wear them for?"

"We ask that you choose several days where you are both resting and training. That way we can get the most accurate information."

"What about my job?" Krillin asked.

Suno stepped in then. "We have friends who have arranged for you to be transferred to a specialist unit for a few months. You'll be working with our operatives as far as you bosses are concerned. You should receive your new orders by wednesday."

Krillin didn't like that news. The idea that people he trusted in his 'normal' life were tied up in all of this was worrisome. He looked over at 18, and he could tell she was barely keeping her temper in check.

Roshi also had strong feelings at that moment, but not anger. No, he felt a great worry. The influence of these people seemed to have spread far and wide, and until they knew the extent, there was not a lot they could do. But as they walked further into the building, he began to wonder if letting the world know the truth could be as bad as listening to them.

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Dr Hedo was incredibly confused at the sudden change in their plan. He'd thought Bulma was happy with what they were doing, but as it was they were needed at the main facility.

The projects before him were incredible, and the scientist in him was excited to get started., But after everything that had happened, the human in him was worried.

"So are we expecting an attack of some kind?" Hedo asked, and Bulma shook her head.

"No. But we've had so many attacks on the earth that I've decided to start coming up with back up plans. I have one for my family, friends and colleagues, but I have to start thinking on a large scale." Bulma said, and swiftly added colleagues to the list, realizing that many would be pissed at the fact she hadn't made plans for anyone beyond her loved one. She wondered what 18 would do if they left the planet and her brother and his family were left behind. Or a myriad of other people how they were close to but weren't a part of their main group.

"That is quite smart. "Are we concentrating on full body storage, or embryonic survival?"

Bulma looked at him confused for a moment. "Sorry, Embryonic?"

Hedo blinked and then smiled, "Oh, sorry. It's a long term, last ditch survival plan for if everything else fails. It's the mammalian version of the seed bank in the Northern wastes."

That Bulma did know. "Oh, that place that has samples of all of the earth's plant life!"

"Yes!" Hedo said, and smiled, "The embryonic version basically takes eggs, sperm and embryos to grow elsewhere in case we aren't able to take live specimens with us."

Bulma sat still for a moment before she groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Why the hell didn't I think of that! It could solve so many storage problems."

Hedo grinned and looked up at Gamma, "It's still in its infancy. Mostly because you would still need females of those animals to carry them. A cow may be modified to carry other cloned animals, but nothing but an elephant can carry an elephant. Unless you have some kind of artificial womb tech then-” Hedo looked up and blinked several times. “Oh my god now I’m an idiot. I made Cel max in one.”

Gamma smiled and leaned on the table, “Well now you got a place to start. Grow a bunny or something and go from there.”

Chapter Text

“Healthy as a horse.” ChiChi said as she read over the test results. “I've been told to be careful since I'm on the older side, but otherwise everything is fine.”

Goku grinned, “That's great news. Anything else we need to know?“

ChiChi shook her head and set about folding laundry. “No. Just general health rules. No coffee, no smoking or drinking. Keep an eye on my calories and vitamins.”

“I'll be sure to hunt a few extra fish. You craved it when you had Gohan.”

“And Goten. I must have emptied rivers with how many I ate.” ChiChi laughed. Then she looked up at the clock and sighed. “They'll be here soon.”

Goku nodded. “Yeah, I was hoping that I could go with the guys this morning, but they said they'd come here.”

And that worried him. He didn't want them in his home, but he didn't have much choice. So he bid goodbye to ChiChi and headed towards his place. The fields were swaying in the breeze and the peacefulness of the day would soon be shattered by possibly dangerous visitors.

He expects a car or something, not a quiet Android standing at his door with a box.

“Hello Goku.”

Goku stared for a moment as emotion warredd inside him. Seeing an old friend brought joy and nostalgia, but knowing why he was there brought forward betrayal.

"Hey 8." Goku said and tried to give a smile. "Let me get to the door."

8 stepped to the side and Goku let him in, wishing so many things in that moment.

"This shouldn;t take too long. Your schedule has been cleared so you don't have to go anywhere someone might see the sensors. Just go about your week as you normally would." 8 explained, "These sensors will send the information to a console in your home, which will send the information to the doctors in our labs."

"And what will they use it for?"

8 set the box in the table, "For now it's just to get a baseline reading on how your body works."

Goku watched him open the box and take several items out. He recognised some of them from stuff he had seen at Bulma's lab. 8 picked up a flat looking cuff. "If you could let me attach these to your wrists"

"Not much of a choice 8." Goku said and came to sit at the table, and 8 looked guilty.

"Believe me Goku, if there was another way we would have done it we would have." 9 gently took his wrist and wrapped the sensor around it. Then he took two small devices from the box and smiled. "These will calibrate the bands. You may feel an odd suction sensation on your inner wrist as the micro sensors set to work."

Goku did feel that, and then felt a weird, almost draining sensation. This lasted for several minutes and Gokuwatched the clock until it faded. It beeped before the devices beeped and 8 removed them. Okay, that's the sound and blood samples taken."

Goku jolt. "Blood samples. But those involve needles." Goku stood up and stared in fear. "Look 8, maybe-"

8 Laughed, "Goku, it's already done." He held up advice and ejected a small vile that was deep dark red, "See."

Goku looked at the vile and then down at his wrists, touching the bands. But there was no needle."

"We know about your phobia, and the fact that if you really decided to say no to the samples nothing would get them. So our scientists designed an ultra fine and fast wire system to get the samples."

"How?"

"You likely noticed that the sensation lasted longer than a normal blood test? That's because of the thinness of the wire system. In exchange for time you get a painless option."

"That's good, I guess."

8 took two more sensors from the box, "These ones go on your temple, The glue will feel a little cold."

It was, but Goku couldn't feel anything once it was dry. But he could smell it. Not as bad as some glues, but still there.

"Hey 8?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you do this?"

8 kept doing his job, not meeting Goju's Gaze as he worked. "I want my family to be safe, Goku. And the way things have been going, that was becoming harder to do. More and more rules and regulations are being enforced on us. Those who won't or can't submit to those regulations are being pushed out.”

Goku didn't understand and it must have shown on his face.

"It makes sense to monitor important things. Births and deaths and ownership. But with cities and towns growing larger, it's been getting murky. Free land keeps getting claimed corporate armies. Our own villages' freelands have new restrictions every year. At first it was common sense, but now it might as well be private land. And they're getting real strict on 'openly used violence'."

"That sounds smart though."

"It is when dealing with rowdy drunks and criminals. But they're going after schools and clubs." 8 lifted a small screwdriver type thing and used it to adjust a sensor on Goku's chest. "They love the big events and flashy tournaments, but it seems as though only a small few are being allowed to take part. You've seen the competitions. It's so low level that people are. The old teachers have past on or vanished, and the ones that do teach are all teaching the same thing. Easy to monitor and hand out belts and certificates. People are scared of those who still practice to develop new techniques. And the Superhero situation has been both useful and detrimental."

"Are you trying to say Gohan's efforts have been bad?" Goku's eyes narrowed.

8 shook his head, "Noty at all. He's done a lot of good, as have Goten and Trunks. But those Gammas and Cell Max have caused a lot of worry. Some people are so afraid they'll back anyone who claims to do something about it. Even if that hurts people."

Goku didn't like thinking about that. He knew it was true, but he still didn't like it.

"But why this?"

"Suno said that this would give us the most amount of help with the least amount of danger.And I trust Suno."

"This far?"

8 looked him in the eye then, "Don't judge me for following a friend a touch. Don't forget all you have done because your friends told you it was right."

Goku wanted to argue but knew he couldn't, a memory flashed in his mind of the many times Bulma told him to 'beat up the bad guys' when he was a child. Some of them had indeed been bad guys, but sometimes he wondered if all of them deserved it.
"Just keep in mind we don't want to hurt you guys. We know you're the heroes. But we also have to think about the world as not just some abstract whole. The earth is its people and cultures. And saving the world means nothing if we allow those things to be lost for stupid reasons."

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"Quit sulking and help." Chioatzu said, not happy with how long Tien was taking to help harvest the beats.

Tien said nothing, instead silently speeding up his work and trying very hard to ignore the unfamiliar pressure on his wrist.

"We'll take these to market tomorrow and then let our students know we'll be closed for the rest of the week."

Tien still didn't speak, and was taken off guard by a beet to the head.

"Will you pay attention!"

Tien turned to his friend and scowled, "I've been paying attention. Right now all I want to do is try and have a normal week without thinking about-this." he raised his hand and pointed to the tech on his wrist. "I don't even like our phones and now I have to deal with this."

Chiaotzu frowned and folded his arms. "Neither do I. But we have to put up with it for a little while. It could be a heck of a lot worse."

"How."

"We could be trapped in a lab with sharp pointy things."

"This is no time for jokes, Chioatzu."

"I'm not joking Tien. There could be a lot worse happening to us. But we're at home harvesting beets and we're going to have curry later and train tomorrow. So buck up or I'll throw another beet at you."

Tien wanted to be mad, but he deflated. "Just carry the damned vegetables."

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ChiChi wasn't being asked to wear a full sensor set, but they did take blood and ask questions.

The man in her home was soft spoken and polite and not at all what she was expecting. And when it was all done, he folded up his kit and left her to her day.

Which was empty.

Her chores were done, the day was free and she had no appointments and-

God she was happy to be pregnant. ChiChi had no idea what else she could do. She enjoyed being a wife and mother, but one of those was over, and the other, well it was a surprise, but a pleasant one. It would give her a purpose again.

But ChiChi knew she had to stop making her life about others. Gohan and Goten had taught her so much, and seeing how her friends' children had grown had made her understand that there was nothing wrong with a little freedom in their lives.

But the shadow of danger was always overhead. But she'd grown up the daughter of a warlord. She'd see wars and battle and adventure in her lifetime. Some of it was literally on her doorstep. Some of it on tv screens and crystal balls. And the battle that had happened in her home.

ChiChi could remember the simmering resentment that would enter her home. Some of it was standard childhood tantrums. But some of it had been justified. And children who had proven their skill and done as they should have still been denied what their peers got as normal.

She touched her own stomach and wondered if she would make the same mistakes again. But Gohan was grown and raising his own child. Goten was starting his final growth before adulthood, and would soon be figuring out what he wanted to do with his life.

And Goku.

There was a fear that if she got possessive or controlling he may decide to just take the child. And how could she stop him? Already he was showing that he was very capable of being a parent. But that was disingenuous. He had always been a good father. Some of his choices had been down right stupid, but ChiChi had made more than her own share of mistake.

And there was the worry of Gohan and Goten feeling resentful if she treated this child differently. Would they hate her for it? She knew Gohan found it unfair the difference in treatment that Goten got compared to him. He didn't speak of it, but she remembered the repressed looks. The silent anger that he covered to spare himself punishment for disrespect. Kami knew she wished she could go back and change it. Be less strict, be less distrustful. Maybe her marriage wouldn't have ended.

But those thoughts were for another time. She couldn't be sitting around stewing in her own emotions. With a new baby on the way things had to be done.

Chapter Text

Lolli touched the sensors with an annoyed look on her face.

“You look like you're starring in a bad sci-fi movie.”

Yamcha laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, I do look a little goofy.”

“How long will you have to wear them?”

“Just a week or so.” Yamcha said, “Go about my life as normal, train and such.”

“Why though?”

“To see if they can figure out what it is we do to use our ki. To monitor how it affects us. This handsome young face doesn’t betray my age, you know.”

Lillio giggled and leaned into his side, “That is true. No one would know what a daft old man you really are.”

“Hey. Less of the old, or I’ll-” Yamcha stopped his sentence, worried he may put his foot in it.

Lolli gave him a soft smile and said, “It's alright, I know you're just playing.”

Relief overtook Yamcha and he grinned, “You great, you know that Lolli.”

“I do actauly.” She said and lifted herself up a little to kiss his cheek. “You're very lucky to have me.”

“I know that. Are you still coming on Friday?”

She looked a little worried before she nodded, “Yes. I have to meet you friends sometime. It's just a little intimidating. They are kind of famous in certain circles. Especially Mrs Briefs.”

“Trust me, you don’t have to worry about Bulma.”

“You're sure?”

Yamcha lowered his voice, looking around the otherwise empty apartment and looked awfully goofy in his pretend ‘sneaky’ state. “Bulma’s been a bit remiss lately, so in order to keep her hubby happy she’s going to be on her best behavior.”

Lolli joined in the silliness and lowered her own voice, leaning in close and whispering. “Really? Well I guess I must go and take advantage of the good behavior.”

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Gohan watched his brother his through his pain and felt a wave of pity.

He still remembered his own rapid growth spurt. It had been hell. He had hoped that Goten would avoid it, as he had been growing at a steady rate for a few years. But apparently he had a lot more growing to do, and it worried Gohan. His Mom and Dad believed it to be normal but something felt off about it. Like this wasn't normal.

Gohan wished he could pinpoint the reason for his fear but couldn't.

He headed over to Capsule Corp with the book secure in his bag, and his notes ready to go over them with Vegeta. It was still amazing to know there was so much history behind them. It was amazing to know.

He landed at the familiar building and saw Vegeta waiting for him, annoyance etched in his face. He wore the damned sensors, just like Gohan didn't, and he looked ready to punch something.

"I bought the notes." Gohan said and Vegeta came up to him.

"Bring the book." He turned heel and walked away, and Gohan followed in silence. He was led past the labs and down to the private offices until he reached one that Gohan had never been in before. Vegeta opened it using a few codes.

Inside was a normal office, but saw boxes with labels and languages on them he didn't really recognise.

"Is that alien stuff?" Gohan asked.

"No, it's my stuff."

"Sooo, alien stuff?"

Vegeta gave him an unimpressed look and Gohan gave a small smile, "Sorry."

"Just give me the damn book brat."

Gohan handed it over, and Vegeta carefully placed it on a shelf. "So what did you decide to ask?"

"Oh, I asked for a history of interactions between the Saiyan empire and the....there wasn't actually a name for Frieza's species, just a jumble of nicknames. I've gone with FDs."

"What's that?"

"Frost Demons. Figured it was an apt description."

"What else?"

"Oh, I made scans of the pages, all backed up on a specialized hard drive. I put it on data drives for Bulma, she already knows the encryption passwords."

"Good, Anything important in there?"

Gohan opened his bag and pulled out several files, "I've compiled a list of things we should learn in order of importance. Health is first of course. Then comparative myths and history.”

Vegeta was about to ask why, but remembered the whole reason told Bulma to make the wish was to ensure they could learn more about possible powers and forms and threats hidden in their pasts. Comparing their history and their myths would help find more accuracy in wheat was true and what wasn’t.

"What about tech?"

"Oh, that one is tricky. You were right about my grandfather being a scientist, but he switched to being a combative."

"Likely did. Everyone was expected to take their turn in the military. But it could be deferred." Vegeta explained. "Some would build careers and families whilst young before heading into service, since many died before they could even have families. It was uncommon."

Gohan titled his head, "But why send away babies?"

Vegeta looked at him and his brows tightened and Goghan recognised the look. It was the look Vegeta got when he was having to admit something he didn't like. "It was as much a way to save them as to grow our reputation. Children that low level were often targeted as quick and easy targets to show battle prowess by those who were desperate to prove their childrens worth. Or they were left abandoned. These criminals taking in children they could train and mold into their own dangerous little soldier. Or they were just killed. Either by their own parents or authorities who didn’t want to spend the resources on wards of the state.”

Gohan stared at him a moment, “So it was a way to save them?”

Vegeta looked him in the eyes then, “Most were retrieved or returned in their pods not long after purging the world or clearing enough of it to make it conquerable with just a handful of troops. Only the weakest or most useless died. By that point they would have increased their levels enough that they wouldn’t at least make 3rd class.”

“And if they didn’t?”

Vegeta didn’t answer, and Gohan didn’t ask again.

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"I think an ice pack." Goten said as he came into the kitchen, aiming for the freezer.

"Oh honey, heat is best for muscle-AHHHHHHH!"

Goten jolted hard, his sore skin and muscles hurting and a moment later his father appeared in the room, and seconds after that Piccolo the postman came through the door.

"What's happened!" Goku asked, "Mom, are you okay. Is it the baby!"

"Should I call an ambulance!" the postman asked, and ChiChi turned around confused and nervous.

"Goku, take Goten to the bathroom and check his back, he seems to have cut himself. "Mr Baygel I'm so very sorry to frighten you, I wasn't expecting the blood."

She dealt with the Postman, who always responded to yelling in a house, because this far out you never knew if it was a stubbed toe or a broken hip, and for safety's sake he always checked.

Goku followed Goten to the bathroom, alarmed at the fresh smears of blood on his back. The boy's growth spurt had been hitting him back, and already Goku could see the difference. Stretch marks showed and the boy was eating more.

He remembered it himself. Curled into a ball in the middle of nowhere during his first growth, miserable and alone, and then agony and soft words of comfort on the Lookout during the second growth. Kamis hand on his back and Popo's words trying to help.

Gohan had said something earlier and now Goku wished he'd listened. Once in the bathroom he turned on the shower head to let it warm as Goten carefully took the shirt off.

Goku hissed through his teeth at the sight. Smears of blood and bleeding tears in the skin, saw the pained look on his child's face.

"Come on buddy, let's get you cleaned up."

Goten finished stripping and let his Dad help him sit on the bathing stool, before taking the shower head and carefully running the water over his back.

"Breath deep Goten, Breath deep and I'll get this done fast." Goku said and gently washed the blood away, watching as the blood welled. Up close he could see what it was.

The stretch marks had spit. His growth was so rapid his skin had torn. ChiChi came in then and had a large towel with her, and Goku turned off the water and proceeded to Wrap Goten in it. They he scooped him up bridal style and worried when Goten didn't complain or even laugh.

"What is it? A rash or-"

"His skin tore. I'm gonna go get Vegeta and that book thing. Maybe it will have some answers."

"Should I dress the wounds?" ChiChi asked.

"No, not yet."

He stroked Gotne's hair before he stood and raised a hand to his head, and a moment later he was gone.

She sat beside her current youngest and felt tears well up. "Oh sweetheart. Hold on. Dad's getting help."

Not long after Goku was back with both Gohan and Vegeta.

"Move." Vegeta said, and she did. He knelt and carefully pulled the towel away. He touched Goten's skin and his frown deepened.

"This isn't good. We should take him to Dende then consult the book."

Chapter Text

Hybridization between Saiyans and other species is considered a taboo subject.

This is mostly because the first few species that Saiyan's met were so incompatible that it led to Offspring that did not survive more than a few months after birth. In some cases the mothers involved didn't even survive the pregnancy. This led to many rules about interbreeding with non Saiyan races.

The good news is that the species they are compatible with tend to produce incredibly robust and healthy children. Though there can be occasions where genetic problems can arise it is usually due to a latent medical issue with the non-Saiyan parent that will rear its Ugly Head. If this is the case then a young hybrid showing signs of illness will be better off speaking to a doctor or medical practitioner of his non Saiyan parent’s species in the hopes of finding a way to cure or manage their condition.

One exception would be those children of a Saiyan and another hybrid. For example, a ruffle and a saiyan can interbreed without issue, but a tuffle/Arted hybrid breeding with a Saiyan may produce a genetically unstable child. It is suggested that genetic testing be used before any interspecies partners attempt to produce children.

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"So this could be something to do with his Human genetics?" Goku asked as he read the book.

"Oh god, this is my fault!" ChiChi sobbed, burying her face in her hands.

"Hey, come on, how did you know this may happen?"

Gohan shook his head. "I dont think it's the human in him. That second part speaks of hybrid parents. And isn't Mom technically a hybrid."

ChiChi looked over at her eldest, confusion in her eyes. "What?"

"Well, grandpa Is a descendant of the Ox Demon's right? I mean, he certainly isn't a normal human size."

ChiChi thought about this, then her face crumpled again, "Oh god this IS my fault."

Gohan rushed to her to try and calm her, whilst staring at the boy.

If this was the Ox Demon genetics attempting to assert themselves, it would explain the rapid growth. And it could be deadly. Ox was massive, and if Goten's body tried to achieve that kind of growth too quickly it could be dangerous.

Picking up the book he said, "Are there any treatments for the rapid growth conditions brought on by genetic dysfunction."

The page he was shown listed the types of rapid growth, and Vegeta called over to Gohan, "Which of these applies to him?"

Gohan looked down at the listed conditions and his brow furrowed. "Give me time, I need to read through these."

Vegeta left him to it and approached Kakarot and his ex-wife.

"We should have done this years ago." Kakarot said, "Why didn't we think of this?"

Vegeta shook his head, "Why would we. Gohan had no problems growing up, and Older Trunks didn't have anything wrong with him. Why would we think there could be anything wrong."

"Hey, I got something here."

ChiChi moved fast, at Gohan's side in a heartbeat. "What is it, will it save him?"

"Calm down Mom. I think I found something, but it could be dangerous."

She whimpered and Goku gripped her shoulder.

"How is it dangerous?"

"We have to let him transform into Oozaru."

There was silence for a few moments.

"I'm sorry, how will letting my baby become a giant Monkey-"

"Ape." Both Vegeta and Goku corrected.

"Help this situation."

"If we can help him achieve that form, then his body will heal its growth damage, But we may have to use directed Energy transfusion to maintain the effects as he transforms back into hum-Saiyan form."

“But how will that help?” ChiChi stressed. “Letting that happen could be dangerous to all of us!”

Gohan skimmed the writings and sumerrised it, “A Saiyan can transform even when badly injured. So Goten being unable to move shouldn’t be a problem. The idea is that as he shrinks, he retain the excess muscle required to keep his growth pains from-erm-”

“What? From what?”

“Killing him.”

ChiChi started wailing and Goku took her aside to calm her down whilst Vegeta frowned, “How long would this process take?”

Gohan shook his head, “I’d need to read up more. Do you have an idea?"

"I could create a falling moon, set it to last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. But We'd need to do this somewhere we wouldn't be noticed and far enough away from people that if Goten got loose he wouldn't be a danger to anyone."

"Even the Vast isn't big enough." Gohan said, biting his lip as he tried to think of somewhere.
Vegeta thought about it. Then he looked out towards the sky, “We need somewhere desolate and empty, right.”

“You think you know somewhere?”

“Possibly.” He looked over at ChiChi,” But your mother may have an issue.”

Gohan groaned, “Where do you want to go?”

“There are several dozen living belts within a day's travel of earth. They get seeded around the Galaxy as a safety net for things that can't be done on livable worlds.”

"And they just let people use them?"

Vegeta shrugged, "It was one of those unwritten rule type things. You'd land on them for repairs, make trades if you didn't want people seeing them. People who want a safe place to fight or try an experiment that won't blow up a living world."

Gohan thought about it. "If there is still an option, it would work." he stopped for a second, "How do they have atmosphere?"

Vegeta shrugged, "I don't know. You'd have to look up the science of it yourself. I just know they exist." she then scowled, "Only you can't because you don't have a ID."

"I need an ID for research?"

"If you want to access galactic information you do. I don't even know if mine is still valid."

"Well, find out. I don't want my Brother put at risk because you didn't do any admin."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Veget didn't go into the back labs often. He didn't avoid them, but he didn't like being there. It contained a lot of his past. What was left of Raditz pod, scouters of different generations and random items.

The pod was what he was after.

He opened it, and sat within the confines. It was oddly nostalgic. Many complained when getting stuck with the older models, but Raditz had liked them. Nappa had called him a fool, but as time wore on Vegeta learned why he'd liked them.

They weren't integrated into every monitoring system and it meant that he could get away with a lot more. Take more time on missions, hack systems without being noticed and even take unseen stops on his missions. They all did that, but they had to come up with lies to cover their asses.

Vegeta had to force himself back to the present and pulled a flexipad from the wall.

It was easy enough to use, and once logged into his old accounts, he found that his ID was still valid. He had a lot of messages, some advertisements and other dull things. Anything truly important was directed to his computer. It was mostly updates on accounts he still held new laws to be aware of.

As suspected, nothing had changed when it came to the living belts. He checked the main news feeds for any important events to avoid, but found none. Very few people came this far out. That’s probably why there was an abundance of them.

He went through the feeds to find anything that could be of use to them, but in the end all he could find was a small piece about volunteers being needed to restock the living belts. Considering it was unlikely anyone would think to come near earth, it may be a good idea to see about getting it done himself. He was a Prince, ensuring the safety of his race was important now, and that meant ensuring they had access to the same simple things other races did.

At least that's what he told himself to avoid the embarrassment of realizing he was willing to volunteer without there being a life or death situation involved. Well, technically there was but once that was dealt with-

The flexipad began to beep like crazy, and the surface fluxxed. A message flashed on the screen in English and Galactic standard.

The message was simple and clear.

FIND ME.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Trunks was at Goten side the second he heard he was sick.

Bulma hated seeing him so worried.

Trunks loved his family, loved his friends, but the bond he had with Goten? That was something else. The two had been one being more than once. When they fought together it was obvious they knew each other's moves so well they could easily anticipate and help each other.

Friends, brothers, Bulma hate to think what could happen if Trunks lost his best friend. If this were to kill Goten, they had no recourse to use the dragon balls. EVen if Sunrise agreed to let them use them, it was going to be another 10 months before they would function again, and there was a damned good chance that this would be a natural death, and therefore not something the Dragon could reverse.

Bulma hated it. Hated how weak and small she felt. She was at the mercy of the worst the universe had to offer, but something as normal as illness was leaving them terrified and lost.

"How's the ship coming along?" Boxer asked his daughter.

"Good to go. Fully Fueled and stocked for 6 months."

"That's a little much."

Bulma shrugged, "Better over prepared than under prepared."

"When will Vegeta take the boy up?"

"As soon as we know it's safe and when ChiChi stops driving herself crazy with what ifs."

Boxer huffed a laugh. They all knew ChiChi would let him go. She was a worrier, and stubborn, but she wasn't stupid. She knew that if this was her child's best option then she would do it.

"You think she'll insist on going?"

"Maybe. The last time one of her kids went off the planet she was ready to follow."

The sound of rapid footsteps brought their attention to the doorway, where Vegeta looked panicked, tail twitching in agitation.

"We may have a problem."

“Shit, what kind?”

“Nothing that’ll stop us from helping the brat, but this is far weirder.”

He showed them the flexipad, “I got a message on this, direct to me. It nearly fried the system on the pod, but I managed to trace it and-” Vegeta looked at the pad, “Bulma, has anyone other than us been in that pod?”

“No one.”

“Then why am I getting a message using code only me, nappa and Raditz knew?”

Chapter Text

The ship was nice. Vegeta had to admit that if his wife ever did decide to sell her wares but in the galaxy, quite a few people would want them. Nice to look at but not ignoring the utilities that were needed.

"We lift off at 15. Say your goodbyes now." Vegeta said and shouldered his bag. Bulla rushed up and latched onto his leg, eyes big and wide and tail wrapping tight about his ankle. His heart fluttered a little as he rested his hand on her head. "I'll be back soon enough Bulla."

She just poured up at him and nodded. She'd started clamming up when she felt strong emotions, which was so like him it was almost funny.

"Come one honey, you know Daddy will be home before you know it." VBulma said and glanced up at him, "And he better call us often or they'll be trouble."

"I'll update you daily." he said, "If I don't Kakarot's ex will castrate me when I get back."

Bulma looked over at ChiChi, who was going over a dozen different rules to Goku and Trunks. Goten was already settled on board, and thanks to a few last minute updates, they'd be at the Asteroid belt in less than 12 hours.

Bulma detached their daughter from his leg and lifted her up, "You nervous?"

"About what?"

"Are you nervous about going Oozaru again?"

He reached out and cupped Bulla's cheek a moment, "A little. And excited. It has been so long since I was in that form."

"Worried you've forgotten."

He huffed at her before he leaned in close, "Watch it Woman, or I'll scare the neighbors with a live demonstration."

She smiled and shook her head, "Stay safe My Prince."

He flushed and pulled away, "As best as I can."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Traveling by ship was something that Goku had forgotten, and Trunks had never actually done.

Watching the star field go by was fascinating, but what was more so was Vegeta's almost bored reaction to it. Trunks knew his father had spent almost all his youth out here, but it never really hit until now.

"So what are we doing once we get there?" Goku asked as he settled onto a chair.

"You and Goten will remain in the sleep quarters whilst I take Trunks outside. I'll produce a false Moon and we'll see if My son has inherited the control the royals were known for. If he has he will help me control Goten whilst he is in Oozaru form. If not then we'll see if those filtered glasses work."

The glasses. A last minute addition to the supplies that Bulma really hoped would allow them out in moonlight without changing form. They looked like clunky goggles, but if they worked they would be useful.

And if they didn't, then Vegeta had a hell of a lot of work to do. Teaching Oozaru control was not simple nor easy. He had no doubt that Kakarot and his kids could learn, but it could take weeks, maybe months. And some Saiyans never learned to control it.

"Do you think we'll see anyone out there?" Kakrot asked, looking towards the window. "Seems like everytime we leave the earth something crazy happens."

"Not this time. We go to the asteroids, we fix your brat and we go home."

Trunks hoped that's what was gonna happen. He didn't want this to be some drawn out process. The sooner they get it over with the better.

He was scared. He'd heard the stories and secretly found the few tapes available of the tournament where Goku transformed. He'd seen the flashes of fur and the sound of screaming and roaring.

And now that he was going to do it?

The fear was replaced by something more worrisome.

Excitement.

The idea of letting that part of himself out, of allowing that beast control....something deep inside of him was salivating at the idea. The same part that reveled when bone broke and blood spilled.

Trunks wondered if that was a normal response. He wanted to ask his Dad, but with Goku there he would have to wait.

Goku was in an odd mood. Trunks had seen him worried before, even afraid, but there was something in him now that Trunks didn't recognise. A near blankness in his eyes that he didn't understand. But then again, Trunks wasn't a parent. Wasn't having to watch as his child went through some awful sickness.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Goten hadn't been allowed to do much. But his Dad was asleep and Vegeta was off doing....whatever it was he did alone.

So Goten went to watch the stars.

He'd never thought he would get to see the stars so soon.

"You should be in bed."

Goten looked up and saw Trunks, who was holding mugs and had a look of concern on his face.

"I've rested enough Trunks. Besides, sitting and watching the sky is hardly taxing."

Trunks sat down and handed him the mug. "Are you nervous?"

Goten shook his head. "I'm good. I just want this over. You warned me this was gonna be bad, but boy were you making an understatement."

Trunks shook his head, "It's okay to be scared. You certainly gave the rest of us a fright."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

They sat in silence for a while, just enjoying the quiet for a while. It was one of the things the two boys were grateful for, that they could just exist together without having to speak or fight or do...anything. No expectations or demands, just two people hanging out.

"So do you think you'll have inherited your dad's control?"

Trunks just shrugged. "Dunno. If it hasn't then we'll have to hope Mom's goggles work."

Neither spoke of the idea that they wouldn't have that option. It scared them too much. Trunks had seen the goggle schematics, and they were solid. Simple filters designed to stop the radiation on the Blutz rays from reacting with the photoreceptors in their eyes. In theory it should work. But a lot of Bulma's tech works in theory. And a lot of holes got blown in the lab walls.

Eventualy the two put their mugs aweay and ate, before heading off to nap. They would need as much sleep as possible when they didn't know how much energy they would need.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Gohan finished up with his morning classes before having lunch and then heading for his staff meeting and spending the rest of the day researching his Ant project.

It was going well. The ant's ability to 'power up' was an electrical defense. Not only was it used against threats to the nest, but also to stimulate growth of food sources during times of scarcity. This was an amazing skill that could be incredibly useful if they could find the genes that were used. The problem was examining an ant in its defenses phase without killing the ant.

He heard his alarm go off to tell him that the end of day was coming, and along with it his father.

He said goodbye to his colleagues and headed home, where he found Videl trying to coral Buu and Pan into the kitchen.

"Chaos as always huh?" Gohan asked as he grabbed his daughter. "Are you causing trouble, little bug?"

Pan giggled and shook her head. "Nope. Grandpa is."

Gohan managed to keep a smile on his face and his stomach sank. "Oh dear. Well lets hope he remembers he's a good guy and starts behaving again."

Buu came in, a tray of drinks in his hand, "Buu need Pan's help. Would Pan help Buu?"

Pan leapt from her father's arms and nodded, "I'll help!"

The pink man gave them a smile and Gohan knew he was going to give evidel a chance to explain what was going on.

"Okay, how bad is it?"

"Dad spoke with the Sun Rise guys today. It...didn't go well."

Gohan groaned, "How bad?"

"That Suno lady had to step in. The social scientist kept arguing that their Dad can just retire and step back in about two weeks. Between his contracts, nosy press and the world's eyes it would take at least a year to prepare for his retirement. Suno sent the guy away but it led to Dad finding out that he's had a spy in his team for a few years."

"Who?"

"Don't know. Suno wouldn't give a name."

"Where is he now?"

"Destroying his gym."

Gohan kissed her cheek, "I'll go see if I can snap him out of it."

"Thanks Gohan."

Videl wasn't even gonna try and approach her father. He was angrier than he had been in years, and it was a little frightening. She knew he would never physically hurt her, but he may say something that neither one of them could forgive.

The gym was set up for both Humans and Saiyans. Gohan used it for meditation and Katas, and Pan would train with Videl and her grandfather in more traditional martial arts.

Hercule was shadow boxing, drenched in sweat and mad.

The anger hung around him like an aura, and Goahn was reminded that though the man did not have the same power as some of the people he knew, Hercule Satan was strong. His body was in peak condition, his skills sharp and precise. His power level was in the hundreds. Gohan wondered if he should offer to fight with him more..

"Your form is excellent." Gohan said, and Hercule ignored him, "I can see where Videl's style came from."

"She's a good student."

"You taught her well."

"Like she would have just sat there playing dollies."

He kept his movements up, turning to Kick in the air. There was an incredibly mild aura surrounding him.

"Would you like me to teach you how to direct your Aura?"

Satan didn’t look at him then, "Gonna need a translation for that."

Gohan smiled, "Teach you how to direct your energies to deflect damage. It's how I can take a punch to the face without losing teeth."

Satan seemed to think about it for a moment. "Is there much of a point, since I'm 'retiring' soon."

Gohan cringed a little. "It doesn't mean you can't keep learning. It's how we stay sharp, how we grow."

"How you grow. I-" Satan finally stopped moving, "I've stagnated. And it's how they were able to get someone in."

"Did you give us any clue as to who it was?"

"No. Just that they've been keeping an eye on my business." He seemed to deflate, "I thought I could trust my people Gohan."

"You can't be faulted for trusting. The only person at fault is the one who agreed to betray you."

Satan snorted, "Let's face it, this is a long time coming. Karma was always gonna catch up with me eventually." Gohan's face must have betrayed him because Hercule laughed, "Come on kid, The biggest liar gets lied to."

"Look, We've all been hit by this situation. We're all having to make adjustments and deal with this stuff. All I can say is that we're here for you, and just like you have helped protect us, we'll help protect you too." Gohan said.

Hercule once again wondered how someone Like Gohan could have wound up his son in law. Kind, honest and unwaveringly loyal, this kid was a better son in law than he deserved.

Chapter Text

Goku came for him just after dinner, and something felt off.

They arrived on the asteroid and Gohan saw everything was already set up. The ship was in a protected area, there was a small hut for resting from the elements and Vegeta was waiting for them.
Goku went to fetch Goten, and whilst he was gone Vegeta approached Gokah. #

"You need to speak with him. He's been too quiet. I don't like it one bit."

"We should have seen this coming. He's probably worried about losing control."

"The whole reason we are here is to help with that." Vegeta said. "Why is he so freaked out over this?"

"You know about what happened to his grandfather."

Vegeta nodded, "I thought he had gotten over that."

"Obviously he hasn't."

"Just talk with him. We have a time limit."

Gohan watched him leave and he waited for his Dad to reappear. He came back with Goten, who was at least on his feet.

"Hey bro, glad you could make it."

"And miss baby brother's first transformation? Never." Gohan wrapped an arm around Goten's shoulders, "So I take it we're gonna go hide in the shed whilst Vegeta and Trunks see if he got the control genetics?"

"Yep. The windows have heavy blinds, so once we know the goggles work, we can open them and watch Trunks." Goten explained. "If they don't then we can just keep them closed."

"Trunks, get Goten inside, I'm going to check the perimetre once more, Kakrot and his eldest can do the final ki sweep of the area."

"Okay."

Goten went with Trunks, leaving Gohan alone with his father.

Their senses picked up nothing but an incredibly distant earth and the odd spaceship.

"You can't keep blaming yourself Dad."

Goku froze up, and then he looked away from his son. "I know Gohan. But it's way easier to say than it is to do. I found him. I had to bury his broken body."

"And he forgave you. Or was that just a story Bulma likes to tell."

"It's not Gohan. I know he forgave me. I know that the situation wasn't my fault. But If I had listened, or just done as I was told then maybe-"

"He would have been with you when Bulma arrived? Stopped her from taking the dragon ball, or stopped you from going with her?"

Goku turned to him, "I don't know. All I know is that someone I loved, my only family, ended up dead because I let my fear get the better of me. I tried to find him and ended up killing him instead."

"Dad, I nearly killed people in that state. Piccolo had to blow up the moon. There have been times where I felt like my control was going to evaporate and I wouldn't be able to stop fighting." Gohan stared up at the sky then, taking in the stars and endless dark, "Hell, in my teens there were times I would get so mad that I'd wonder if I was destined to just explode from the force of everything I was feeling. WhenI thought there was a chance I might...I might hurt people. I nearly did whilst training with Piccolo."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"How did you deal with it?"

"I'm still dealing with it. You've seen how I am Dad. I-I am not comfortable with a lot of myself. I know why, and I'm working on it. But Sometimes I really want to run from it. But I also know I can't. There's too many dangers out there and just pretending they don't exist and hoping you and Vegeta can fix it is a dumb way of dealing. And I-" Gohan stopped then, looking uncomfortable.

"But what?"

"Sometimes I think That if I keep suppressing half of who I am, one day I will just implode. Either I'll wear myself down, or the other side of me will decide it doesn't want to play games anymore. That my Siayan Side is going to say 'hey, Im done pretending to be trained. Time to go apeshi-" he paused and looked at his Dad, show smiled, a soft, small version of his usual grin.

"You can swear in front of me, Gohan. I'm not gonna ground you for it."

"Yeah, no. If I get too comfortable doing that I might slip in front of Mom, and you know she will try and ground me. Plus I don't think Vegeta would appreciate the pun."

"No, he wouldn't Can't blame the guy though." Goku sighed heavily, "I'm sorry, I’m scared to hurt you guys. I've done it before, even if I didn't mean to. I don't want to do it again."

"Dad." Gohan grabbed his Dad's shoulder, "I have no doubt that you love us, and that you want us safe. And right now that means having to face some nasty stuff. But I know you can do this."

Gohan then found himself pulled into a hug. He hugged back and they stayed like that until Vegeta landed nearby.

"If you're done, I want to get started."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Goten sat down and he was more than ready for this weakness to be over with.

Trunks was twitchy, nervous now it's time to stand beneath the moon. He sat beside Goten, his tail thrashing in agitation.

"Breath man, Calm yourself."

"Kind of hard to do right now."

"Have a little faith in yourself." Goten loosed his tail, and it wrapped loosely around Trunks. The purple haired teen froze for a second, before he relaxed a little.

This felt....nice. A comfort. His Dad had told him that this kind of thing was for close family and loved ones only. And Goten. He was desperate to see his friend safe. Trunks knew the gods were mostly ignorant to their prayers, but that didn't stop praying for someone, anyone to save his friend, his Goten. The idea of losing him weighed like a brick in his gut, made his heart ache.

He sat, quietly breathing and focusing on his friend's comforting presence.

The door opened, and the two of them separated as Goku and Gohan joined them. Gohan gave them a mild look at the sight of their tail quickly moving away from each other, but said nothing.

"Your Dad's waiting for you. Are you ready?"

"Nope."

"Good luck kid."

Trunks grabbed his gogglebox and left, hearing the door shut behind him.

He took off and flew towards his Dad, who was half a mile away.

"Put your Goggles on. I am going to set this for 15 minutes. If I cannot gain control of myself within five, you can dispel the false moon with a single high powered blast. Not a stream, you use a one shot."

Trunks nodded. "Yes Sir."

Vegeta nodded, and then closed his eyes to concentrate.

He produced a small ball of energy that was silver in hue, and Trunks had his Goggles on just before his Father threw it in the air between them.

Vegeta watched its assent and could feel the prickling sensation run up his back. His eyes found the orb as it hovered above them and for a moment he wondered if nothing was going to happen.

And then he felt it. The warmth that started at the base of his tail and spread down to its up and up his spine. Along his limbs and a soft fuzziness filling his mind as his teeth and bones began to itch, and then aches, and then grow.

There are many different ways to feel when one transforms. Some felt the pain of it, a spike that went through their body's and didn't wait until they were finished growing. Some felt nothing, their bodies cutting off sensation until complete. Some felt a euphoria that made them laugh.

Vegeta roared. The seastion felt like powering up, but it just didn't stop. It felt like his body was coming undone as he felt his muscles grow and skin stretch. The tickle of fur sprouted and trained in his muscles as he grew. The tearing of his cloths and the fell of-

Oh. Oh dear.

He forgot to change into his base armor.

The first thought he had upon finishing his transformation was one of mild embarrassment.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Trunks stood in aw.

His father stood above him, at least four stories tall and an absolute beast. He breathed heavily, eyes still locked upon the false moon as he seemed to hypnotize.

The scientist Trunks was fascinated. The mass displacement of this form should have been impossible, but it would also explain why the Saiyan race insisted that its people were strong . The power consumption of such a change was massive. This couldn't just be Ki driven, there had to be something mystical that drove it. Then again, Ki itself was-

"Are you paying attention?" his father asked, voice deeper than it had ever been.

"Yes. Yes I just...Holy Heck Dad!"

A smile twisted his muzzle and Trunks swallowed. The size of his teeth, gods.

"Take off your Goggles Trunks."

He froze at the order, and suddenly he wanted to run. He wanted to be back on earth doing homework and listening to Builla babble at her toys.

He looked over at the shed and knew he couldn't. His friends were relying on him, and if Goku could get over his issues, then so could Trunks.

"O-okay." he said, but before he took them off he bragged about the small radio on his hip.

"The goggles work. I'm about to take mine off."

Trunk got confirmation that they knew, and then he put the goggles back in the box, careful not to look up as he carefully put the box out of range of his possible stomping feet.

Trunks took several deep breaths, and then looked up.

And then he began to laugh.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

The sight of Vegeta in his Ape form brought up old memories.

"Oh my god. Look at the size of him!" Goten said, voice a whisper. Then he looked towards Trunks and he watched as he stood there, appearing to be laughing.

As he watched, his friend seemed to swell. His body doubled, tripled and then multiplied in size so quickly that it was almost unbelievable. Fur sprouted and clothes tore as he ended up just a little smaller than his father.

And purple. Very very Purple.

Someone in the shed sniggered, and before any of them knew it they were giggling.

"Oh my god he looks so weird."

"I thought he might grow brown fur, I don't know why I thought he would, but I did." Gohan said, managing to get himself under control.

Goten stared at his friend, amazed that a few minutes ago he was regular Trunks, and now he was huge.

And naked. Both him and Vegeta.

"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say Vegeta didn't mean to wind up in his birthday suit?"

Goku sniggered, "Nope. Think I should take a picture?"

"What? For blackmail?" Gohan asked.

"No, for Bulma. She'll laugh her ass off at this."

"You think I'm not watching already?"

All three of them jumped, staring about the shed and trying to figure out where the voice was.

"What the hell Bulma?" Goku asked, "You gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry." Bulma said in a sing song voice that showed just how not sorry she was. "But did you really think I wasn't going to watch this?"

Goku shook his head. "I guess not. It is just you, right?"

"Just me and ChiChi."

Goku felt annoyance build in his head. "Right. Is she there with you now?"

"Now, she's helping my Mom in the kitchen, but I should probably call her here so-"

"No."

Goten glanced at Gohan in confusion. Gohan just shrugged and looked back at their Dad.

"Look, if she's gonna be watching then she has to stay quiet. Things are stressful enough here without-"

A great roar sounded, and the sound of monstrous footsteps. The ground shook and Goku looked out the window to see Trunks charging his father. "If you're seeing this, then you know that ChiChi may not handle it well. Goten doesn't need the distraction and the stress won't be good for ChiChi and the - stress for her." he said quickly.

Bulma said nothing for a moment, but then she gave a huff, "Fine. I'll say there's a problem with the feed and I call her when it's working. But I want an explanation. And I'm still watching."

"Fine, fine." The ground shook again and Goku watched as Vegeta shoved his son to the ground, roaring loudly in his face as Trunks tried to bite down on his arm.

"Listen to my voice, Trunks, focus on it. Focus on me."

Trunks roared again, and worry built, in Goten. If Trunks couldn't control this, then there was a chance that they could be stuck here for a while. They needed to be able to focus, to-

An unexpected blast thru the shed on its side, ripping the roof and walls off the base. They all sat in the wreckage goggles keeping them from seeing the sun and watching as Trunks got a lucky kick in and sent his Dad flying.

"Scatter!" Gohan yelled and they darted off in different directions.

Or at least Goten tried to. Trunks jumped several times and the ground shook, sending him flying. And in that moment his body decided it was time to have a growth spurt.

His muscles screamed, and he curled in on himself, He tried to move, but he couldn't. Dust was being blown everywhere, and he could tell by his brother and fathers yelling they could find him. He tried to power up but couldn't, and he thought, for a moment, that he was going to die.

He had no clue what happened in the next few minutes except he was suddenly moving. The surface he found himself on was firm and warm and alive and Dear god he was going to pee his pants. He just knew it.

And then nothing. He lay in pain on the warm surface, so warm it was soothing. He forced his eyes open and saw that he was lying on leather, before realizing it wasn't leath, but thick skin.

"Go...ten."

Goten looked up, and saw fluff and a massive chin. He lay still, and hoped to hell he didn't get hurt.

Then another wave of pain hit and the being hiding i'm stopped, and there was more movement and the next thing Goten knew he was feet from massive eyes and a snout.

He lay there, staring in fright and pain as huge hand came over him and Goten squeezed his eyes shut before-

A gentle but heavy finger stroked along his side. He blinked twice and looked at Trunks, whose big red eyes looked surprisingly soft.

The finger petted him again, and Goten lay still, but said as loudly as he could.

"Hey there buddy. Are you good?"

He got a nod, and another pet. Warm air flows over him everytime Trunks exhales. It was incredibly terrifying, but also oddly sweet.

"I'm gonna sit up now. Can I?"

Trunks nodded again, and Goten managed to push himself into a sitting position. He watched Trunks' finger approach him and touch him again, this time gently rubbing his back, and Goten smiled and leaned back against it.

"You big sweet lug. Aren't you supposed to be scary?"

"Shut up." Trunks said, voice deep and loud, but nearly as close to a whisper as he could make it.

Half a mile away, his Father stood, watching as his son coddled the tiny Saiyan in his palm.

"I should have seen this coming." Vegeta said. "Damned kid's control would come from a more human place."

"Hey, I'm just grateful you don't have to beat the crap out of him." Goku said, his phone in his hand.

"Why are you recording this?" Gohan asked.

"I meant it when I said I didn't want your mom seeing the bad that came with this, but seeing the good? This I want her to see."

"Really?"

"Year. Plus this is too freaking cute to miss.

That was true too.

Chapter Text

The first thing Vegeta did when he returned to human sides was go and find clothes for himself and trunks. The second thing he did was contact Baltimore to let her know everything had gone to plan so far.

Chichi was glad to hear that her son was in good hands for now and had settled into being able to wait comfortably for more news later. Bulma didn’t tell Chichi that the cameras were working again. She knew something was up from the way Goku had mentioned stress harming Chichi and she wondered if something was wrong with the other woman's health. But since arriving that morning Bulma had noticed things.

Chichi didn't drink coffee that morning. She moved more carefully and there was an aura about her. Something familiar that Bulma couldn’t quite put her finger on.

So Bulma decided to do a little scan. Nothing Invasion, just a general ki scan and bio reader. It wouldn't hurt her.

Bulma tapped a few keys on her computer and a few moments later that scan was in process and showed nothing very unusual. Elevated stress levels, which was perfectly understandable in the circumstances, but over all nothing unusual. Lungs. And heart clear, nothing up with her stomach and… and….

“Oh my god you're pregnant.” Bulma said and gaped at the other woman.

ChiChi gaped at her and attempted to deny it but after a few moments just deflated and nodded.

“How did you guess?” an annoyed look then passed over her face, “Wait how did you get you can't sense.”

Bulma panicked for a moment. “Oh come on ChiChi, we're both had half saiyan kids, you can tell.”

ChiChi folded her arms, “Pull the other one Bulma.”

“Okay, okay, I was worried about your health, so I ran a scan. Goku mentioned you’d been stressed and you’ve seemed off.” Bulma held up her hands and gave a disarming smile. “I was worried.”

ChiChi sighed, "Did you find anything bad I went to the doctor, but you tech is-"

"Better?" Bulma waved her hand as though it was nothing, "Nothing seems wrong."

This placated ChiChi.

But then Bulma began to think of the implications of this, and she frowned, "How far along are you."

ChiChi flushed near purple, "Erm...oh god this is embarrassing. When I said there has been no one else, there hasn't been. But-"

Bulma folded her arms over her chest, "But what?"

"Me and Goku, we had a bit of a drunken slip up."

There was silence in the room as Bulma let that sink in. Then a grin spread across her features. ChiChi's stomach dropped.

"So you're telling me, that you, miss proper princess oh modesty and virtue, drunkenly fell into bed with your ex?"

ChiChi groaned and buried her face in her hands, "Oh Kami, please don't. It's embarrassing enough as it is."

Bulma laughed aloud. "Oh god, this is priceless. You, YOU had a drunken one night stand. You-" she laughed harder, “Oh my God, Goku is gonna get his ass kicked.”

“No he won’t. Why would someone kick his ass?”

Bulma wiped her eye, “Oh, Vegeta and him saw Trunks feed Mai a senzu but he chewed it for her first.”

ChiChi grimaced, “Why did he need to-”

“She had a shattered jaw and was unconscious.” Bulma shook her head, “Vegeta didn’t know that and thought he was kissing her. Goku saw the bean and was ‘i ‘ve never seen that before’ and vegeta was like ‘how can you not know what a kiss is so….”

“Goku decided how far he could push the joke.” ChiChi shook her head. “That man is gonna get his face bashed in.”

“I think he wants that, ChiChi. Saiyans are weird.” Bulma “He can be such a jerk sometimes.”

“I suppose it's just harmless though.” ChiChi said, “But honestly, does Vegeta really think that?”

Bullma shrugged, “They spend a lot of time together, but I don’t think they talk about that sort of stuff.”

“Maybe. Saiyans do tend to be a little closed-lipped about that stuff.”

“Not just them. Tights said that she caught Jaco under the mistletoe once and he reacted like she’d tried to grope him. To a little peck on the cheek!”

“Well,. Maybe some species show more reserved affections.” ChiChi said, “Not. Everyone wants to flaunt it.”

“Says the unwed pregnant lady.” .”

Chi Chi huffed.

“So what are you going to do?”

“We’ll go on as we are now. Goku suggested moving in for the first few months to help, and then we split time like we do with Goten.” ChiChi said, “Goten knows, and pretty soon everyone else will. I’m Actually surprised that Gohan hasn’t noticed.”

“No offense, but that boy is as oblivious as his Dad sometimes. He is intelligent, but he has the same obsessive personality.”

ChiChi knew this. Her boy might not be obsessed with fighting like his father, but he was one minded with his work. Research and science were his passion, and he could lock himself away for weeks pouring over notes and papers. She just hoped it didn't harm his relationships like His father's obsession with fighting could. But he seemed to be balancing his home life with work. Then again, he worked from home half the week so it was easier to be home with his family.

"How did it happen?"

"What do you mean? I said it was a drun-"

"Oh come on. Even drunk stuff doesn't just happen. Did he look at you with those big dark eyes and all muscle and-"

"Nooo, shhh." ChiChi couldn't help the giggle that came from her. "We..I asked him to walk me back to my house and we were just supposed to have tea. Sober up a little. But then we got talking and, well, it just sort of happened."

Bulma was tempted to ask how it had been, but knew that was taking it too far for ChiChi. And to be honest, Bulma wasn't sure wanted to know what her oldest friend was like in the sack. She'd pondered once upon a time if she should have made a move on Goku when they were young. He'd grown handsome, and there were a few jealous gazes that followed the man as he went about with his wife. Ex wife.

"I hope you guys know what your doing. Pregnancy after 40 isn't easy. But then again, most women can't bench press a small car."

"Oh, I'm not that strong."

Bulma shook her head, "ChiChi, You flung yourself off a 50 meter drop to save your favorite picnic blanket and didn't get a single scratch. I can't walk down the stairs too fast without risking an ankle."

"If you wanted a little training you only had to ask."

Bulma was about to wave it off, but thought about it for a moment. "You know what, I may take you up on that."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"Will Pan be able to do this?" Gohan asked as he and Vegeta waited for everyone to get in place.

"Transform? I don't know. He is a quarterling, so maybe." Vegeta kept his eyes on his son, "Why do you ask?"

"Because I've been wondering how far the Saiyan genetics will dilute before the traits breed out."

"From what I recall the Transformations become impossible past the 6th generation if no new Saiyan blood is introduced. And unless Broly has offspring or there are more of us hidden out there the chances of meeting an unrelated Saiyan are slim."

"Does that upset you?"

Vegeta looked at Gohan, "Why are you asking this now?"

Gohan looked at the floor then, "Because We... We are exploring parts of ourselves we thought we could keep locked away in Vegeta. The book is giving us more information on our history and I'm worried that the knowledge that we are the last may become an issue."

Vegeta laughed."Worried I'll try and spawn a known batch of halfi=lings to increase our numbers?"

Gohan went red. "No, no. I'm just worried."

"Don't worry. I've no intention of having any other Partner than Bulma. And even if I did, There are three family genetic lines alive that I know off. Even with strict breeding regulations and careful planning we would be able to gain more than maybe 10 generations before the blood becomes too thin."

"Have you thought about this.?"

"Gohan, your Brother is a few moments from transforming, ask me these questions later."

Gohan would have preferred to keep talking. He was absolutely terrified. He'd asked dozens of different questions to make sure he could get every variation of the 'transformative medical techniques' in order to help his baby brother, and he was still terrified. But Vegeta was right, it was now or never and putting it off wasn't helping anyone.

And it wouldn't help Goten, who stood barefoot in the center of the crater Trunks had created.

Vegeta Once again summoned a false moon and once in the air, it hovered and left an odd feeling in Gohan.. His own Transformation was a misty memory of fear and anger and confusion and rage.

Goten was much like Vegeta and Trunks, except he kept himself curled up until his body had finished growing.

He sat there for several moments, huge from a ball of fur and silence. Worry turned to fear as Goten remained silent.

"Goten?" Trunks asked, reaching out to his friend.

Goten turned and bit down on the approaching hand.

"OOOWWWW." Trunks roared and yanked his hand back, and Goten threw back his head and road . Vegeta was on him in a second, and was able to pin him. Trunks shook out his hand and helped, taking a grip upon his arm and shoulder to help hold him in place.

"I'm going to recede the moon. Once it's starts to shrink, start channeling you energy into him."

Goten powered up and began focusing. Transfering power to others took concentration, especialy considering Goten and Trunks weren't at their level. Too much power could hurt him, too little and the effect of the 'treament' may not work.

He saw his father powering up and his eyes hard and focused.

Above them the light of the false moon dimmed and Gohan aimed his hands.

Both beams struck Goten just as the moons light flickered out. Bodies began to shrink and as their bodiesreduced, his glowed. His body absorbed the neergy going into it and Gohan prayed that this worked.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Goten felt like he was dying. His body was starving for energy but felt like he was drowning in it as well. He could feel his father and brothers energy as it forced its way into his body. Veget'as power was like a flame in his body and Trunk's seemed to flow in a spiral, forcing its way into him.

He was trapped in a storm of power and kind it was going to kill him, he knew it he was going drown in all this energy and-

And then it was gone.

He lay on the floor and breathed in dust and dirt, Vegeta's hand gripped his shirt and Trunks half on top of him. He thought he'd be unconscious after all that, but he felt oddly energized.

He sat up and was careful to help Trunks sit up too, his friend barely awake.

"You, you good Goten?"

"I feel alright." behind him Vegeta groaned and let go off him, and the sound of feet hitting the dirt told him that his family had landed.

"Goten?" Gohan said, "Are you okay?"

"I'm good bro. see?" Goten said and stood up. He brushed the dirt. off and stretched himself out, noticing his hair had grown out a little. "Gonna need a haircut though."

Helloked at his brother and saw shock on his face.

"Goten, you-" Gohan stepped up to him and Goten noticed that he wasn't looking up at his brother. He'd grown a few inches in the past year, but not enough to be at eye level with his brother.

He looked down at himself and at his hands, and noticed that they seemed bigger. He turned to his father and saw the confusion.

Then Trunks stood, and he had to look down.

He had to look down at Trunks, because he was now taller than Trunks.

"Oh crap."

Chapter Text

"Oh god, oh god mom is gonna freak, she's gonna completely and utterly freak!" Goten said as he panicked, voice deeper than it should be.

Gohan didn't say anything, he was too busy trying to think of what may have gone wrong, or if he had missed something. And Goku started. He was in shock, but as moments passed his face became serious.

He grabbed Goten by his shoulders and turned him to face him. "Goten, take a breath."

Goten did, then took another as he tried to steady himself.

HGis fathers hand came up and cupped his cheek. "Are you still in pain?"

Goten thought about it for a moment, "I don't think so."

Goku gave a small smile, a shadow of his normal grin, "Then that's all that matters right now. We're gonna go back to the ship and get you checked out, and then we're gonna figure out what we're gonna do from there."

Gohan felt his own heart unclench as Goten calmed down.

"I don't know about you guys, but I need a lie down and a snack." Trunks said as he glanced up at Goten. "Come on, Grandma packed Lemon cake."

This got a grin, and suddenly there was no doubt that this young man in front of them was Goten.

As they walked Goku slowed his pace to match Gohan's.

"What the heck happened?"

"I guess the process decided that the safest way to get Goten through his growth stage was to finish it in one go. I can't think of another reason why this would happen."

"ChiChi is going to throw a fit. We may need to separate them to keep both of them calm."

"Mom isn't gonna take this easily Dad. You know what she is like."

Goku rubbed his head, "I might have to ask Bulma to sedate her or something, just to keep her calm. It's not healthy for her to be freaking out right now."

Ghan folded his arms, "And why is that? You said something earlier that has a similar vein and I really, really want to know what's going on.Especially if Mom's health is at risk."

"Before I say, I need you to promise not to freak out."

"Okay." Gohan said, and swallowed, "Is she okay? Is she sick?"

"Then tell all of us on the ship, I'm not having secrets kept." Vegeta snapped and made both of them jolt.

“What? No, this is-”

“Right now anything to do with Saiyan health is to be shared and if this is what I think it is, then we may have another Saiyan to put through this at some point.”

He turned away and walked off, leaving Gohan nervous and curious.

“Dad?”

“Let's get to the ship.”

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Krillin had been transferred to a plain clothes, low level investigation unit that was working with SunRise to deal with possible fraud. It was gonna look great on his record, and his bioss had told him it could help him advance quicker. He’d gotten a handshake and good luck and then left for his new job.

Which had him sitting in an office with a cup of coffee, doing background checks on the men and women he was going to train.

The 2 dozen folders were to be whittled down to 5, who had already been carefully selected. It was up to Krillin to decide who he was willing to train.

There was a good selection of people. Mostly men, but the women listed were no slouches. They came with extensive training with Masters who Krillin knew didn't teach anymore, which meant they must have convinced them in some way. He’d have to speak with those teachers to make sure the method of convincement wasn’t anything illegal.

Then again, he’d convinced Roshi to train him by trading girly mags. He remembered how easily the Monks at the temple had been bribed with a few nude images of girls and some cigarettes swiped from the tourists and figured it would work with Roshi, and it had. Then again, the man had enough regular books filled with naughty stuff that adding pictures wasn’t much of a leap.

Krillin fought down the blush as he remembered learning to read from those books.

As he had grown into adulthood, he had never given much thought to teaching. His eyes were filled with tournaments and battles and adventure. And boy had life delivered. Becoming a cop had been a n easy way to use his skills and make good money without getting too bored with the job. Construction and farming were all well and good, but Krillin needed something more mentally stimulating. So the police force it was.

And now instead of actually helping the community he was staring into the faces of hopeful students.

“Where do you think they found these guys?” Yamcha asked.

Tien spoke up from the seat, “I recognise a couple of these guys.One graduated from my school just last year.”

Yamcha glanced up at him with surprise. “Seriously? Why would he join SunRise?”

Tien sighed heavily, “I don’t know. Maybe they thought I wasn’t teaching them enough?”

“I can see that.” Yamcha said, and got a nasty look off Tien, so he raised his hands in defense, “Hey, you said yourself some of your students were impatient about you refusing to teach them how to fly and use more advanced energy techniques. If you say no, who else are they gonna go to?”

Tien ignored him and went back to his reading, and Krillin tried not to think about the fact that that was likely how SunRise had found them.

He didn’t understand Tien’s reluctants to teach the more advanced techniques. Most of the kids who left him could fight well, and create ki blasts. But he would go further than that. He said it was to encourage people to develop their own techniques, but there was only so much someone could do before their knowledge was exhausted.

It was like giving a child a pack of paints. They could paint the sky blue and the flowers yellow, but if no one told them mixing yellow and blue gave you green, they wouldn't make grass. And without instruction, they could make a mess of the paper trying to work it out alone.

Only with paint ended up with a muddy brown patch on the paper. With ki you got a hole in the ground or worse.

And it seemed to be the same everywhere. Roshi often spoke of the fact that some of his fellow fighters refused to teach because they feared where the knowledge would end up. That one day they would turn on the tv and instead of the battlefield their ancient and hard earned abilities were being paraded around on talent shows and town square exhibitions.

Krillin could understand why they wanted to avoid that, but what would the world do for protection if all of their students were refused training? Were they supposed to rely on the people who trained at the Satan gyms or the few schools like Tiens and Hope a few of them were smart enough to self teach or had insider knowledge from family.

The face looking up at him from the file was a boy who was 17, and had been training under Master Pinepple. Decently powered and strong mental protection techniques. Middle child of a family of butchers, he’s become interested in Martial arts whilst training with his grandfather for fun. He had left home and school to train with Pinepple and was in limited contact with his parents due to ‘difference in opinion’ on his future. Worked part time at a convenience store. He went into the keep pile.

The girl in the next file was the youngest here, and she had started off training in a Satan Gym before wanting to try something more traditional and began traveling during her time off school. She had an eclectic collection of teachers and a mish mash of learning that made her very adaptable.

He put that file to the keep side, but the next few were discarded. One had a criminal record. Normally Krillin wouldn’t care, two of the people in the room had once been criminals. But this guy had Mafia tattoos and his background showed training that specialized in the more painful techniques. He’d gone out of his way to learn how to hurt. He wasn’t going to teach someone like that to be a city killer.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

ChiChi had given Goku permission to tell people about the pregnancy, and after she’d gone off to do whatever it was she planned to do now she knew Goten was safe.

Goten.

He looked different. More ChiChi in his jaw. More of Goku in his brow and cheeks. Someone he felt he knew also appeared in his eyes, but Goku wasn’t sure who. And he was taller now, nearly as tall as Gohan. He hadn’t gotten much wider but given time a protein that may change.

A man. 14 and he looked older. This was going to be tough to explain to people, but it would be doable. More doable than his current conversation.

“So Kakarot. Are you going to explain how it is that your EX wife is pregnant with a half saiyan energy?”

Goku felt his cheeks burn up and he shuffled his feet.

Gohan laughed nervously. "What do you mean? Her and Dad are divorced, she can't be pregnant with a half saiyan. Not unless....if there is another Saiyan? Did mom meet Broly or something?"

Vegeta snorted and Goten groaned Before saying, "Oh god, can I please not be here for this?"

"For what?" Gohan said, confused. "Dad?"

"There's no other Saiyan. The baby’s mine."

"You getting back together"?

"No."

"Then how is she pregnant?"

"Because we had a one night stand." Goku said, his voice stressed, "It was not planned and I know it's not something we should have done, but it happened. And now, we are going to have another child to co-parent."

Gohan just stared at him. "But, that can't be possible. You...you're you!"

Goku stared at his son, "Gohan, what is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, you're you. You don't do this sort of stuff. You and Mom never even kissed when we were growing up. You can't be having one night stands!?"

"Okay firstly, not everyone is comfortable with PDA. Secondly I grew up with Master Roshi, why would you think I wouldn't know this stuff? I might play dumb for laughs sometimes but do you actually think I don't understand what sex is?"

Goten buried his face in his hands. "I wish I didn't."

Vegeta just looked peaved, "I was under the impression you didn't even know what kissing was."

Goku looked over at the Prince, "Oh for- I hadn't seen someone feed a sensu to someone like that before, you only saw a kiss from your angle. You can beat my face later."

“If you’d beaten something else you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

Trunks gave a startled laugh at his fathers words and Goten wanted to dissappear.

Gohan was just gaping like a fish, still in shock.

Gokau took advantage of the silence. “Your mothers about three months gone. Both her and the baby are healthy.”

“That’s great news Goku.” Trunks said. “Any idea what she’s having?”
“Too early to tell yet.” Goku said, and shook his head, “I cannot believe you guys. I know I’m not the smartest but yous really thought that I-”

“Can we please not talk about this? “ Gohan said, “I love you Dad, but this is…more than I ever wanted to know. Just so long as everyone is okay then, congrats.”

“Thanks son.”

Gohan shuddered hard then, “Kami I need a drink or twelve.”

Chapter Text

Loli met them for a late lunch, which Yamcha was happy about. She'd agreed to stay at his place for a few days so her travel wouldn't be too complicated.

"She's nice." Tien said as the woman went off to help Krillin carry the drinks.

"She's great. I think we've really connected."

"Does PuAr get on with her?"

"Yeah, they get on great. And I'm introducing her to Bulma friday."

Tien smiled, "Must be serious if you're introducing her to your ex.”

Yamcha snorted and shook his head. He watched as Loli laughed with Krillin, face happy and eyes nervous.

"So, what happened with Vegeta last week. Felt like he was pretty mad."

Yamcha kept his face neutral as he answered. "Bulma fucked up royaly. I can't go into details right now, but let's just say next time you see him, don't freak out."

Tien's face went a little nervous. "She didn't cheat did she?"

"You think the planet would still be here if she did?"

"Good point."

Krillin returned with 2 drinks and Loli carried the others.

"So I told her, 'Miss I get that that sign says buy one get one free, but that doesn't mean that you just take the free one'."

"HoHoHo, I cannot believe someone would do that. Did she really think she'd get away with it?"

"No clue. But she'd been banned from six other stores in the area so I'm guessing it doesn't work as often as she'd like it to." Krillin set down the glasses.

"Ah, sharing the stories of the criminal masses huh?" Yamcha jokes.

"Just the morons whose crimes are public knowledge." Krillin said, "Honestly the entertainment value that comes from these guys is amazing. Some people have more confidence than smarts."

"Sounds like us." Tien said and Loli smiled, then leaned into Yamcha. He wrapped his arm around her.

It was nice. He hated the fact they were here because of SunRise, but he had to admit it was nice to hang out with no impending threats or celebrating a crazy battle.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"So when will you guys be back on Earth?" Bulma asked.

"Hopefully tomorrow morning." Vegeta said, and he leaned against the wall, trying to ignore the shenanigans in the other room.

"Okay, you guys have fun."

"See you tomorrow Woman."

He hung up, and Bulma smiled at the stupid 'Woman' comment. Over the years it had become as close to an endearment as she could get out of Vegeta, and he used it in many different ways. In anger, in annoyance. In affection.

"Ugh, will you quit being lovey Dovey with him and come help me with this list?"

Bulma looked over at ChiChi and grinned, "You're just jealous."

"Yes. Oh so jealous of the emotionally constipated man."

"Hey, he can be emotional;."

"Explosive anger doesn't count."

The two giggled and went back to the list. Bulma wanted to ensure ChiChi had everything she'd need. Bulla Pregnancy had been different from Trunk's in many ways. More tiring. She had to take up a training routine to help garner more energy to help her through it. Vegeta had been both impressed and soppy over it. Or as soppy as he got.

ChiChi didn't have that problem. She was already trained, and was already stronger than the average human. But this current issue with Goten made Bulma worry.

"I was going to talk to Vegeta about maybe trying for another child. But Maybe that should be put on hold."

ChiChi looked up at her with wide eyes, "What? Oh, you don't have to worry. This isn't something that's caused by the human side."

Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Huh? But Vegeta said it wasn't his Saiyan side."

"It's not. I'm from my family. The great Demon Ox KinG isn't just some title. Me and my father are descendents of a beast line." ChiChi explained, "You probably noticed how tall my father is. And the horns."

"Those aren't attached to his hat?"

ChiChi gave Bulma such a look that she had to take a moment to breathe. "Yes Bulma, they are real."

"Well, how come you don't have them?"

ChiChi smiled, "Oh, I have mild lumps where they should have been, but the horn gene isn't strong in the women of our family. There was a chance the boys could have inherited them, but I guess the tail gene won out."

"Huh, that...actually puts my mind at ease a little"

"Are you sure it will be healthy to have another thought?"

Bulma grinned. "My health is top notch ChiChi. Between my diet and medical support another pregnancy will be fine."

She hoped. She was getting up there now, and she knew her menopause was going to rear its head soon. If she did want another kid, then she had to conceive them soon.

"Age is the problem."

ChiChi smiled, "A shame we can't be like our husbands isn't it?"

Bulma nodded and sighed. That was true. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she really should look into comparative biology. Or maybe bring in someone with a biology background. When they got back to earth they really had to speak to Gohan.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Gohan wanted to go home. He knew he could just ask Dad, but he wanted to be around in case anything happened to Goten.

Goten, who looked like he'd aged 5 years in a day. His baby brother had started the day a good foot shorter than him. No they could look each other in the eyes with Gpten craning his neck.

He looked so different.

Gohan felt his throat tighten a little. The face looking back at him was an odd mix of his mother and father. There was also part of their paternal grandmother in there, and that Gine woman's features were there in the shape of his smile and the tilt of his head. ()The same tilt Goku had. Ws that something he got from his mom? The famous nervous title he would get when Goku was confused or nervous?)

But he noticed something else as well.

Trunks said something Gohan didn't catch and Goten gave him a stern look, and swept his hair back from his face, and in that moment Gohan saw the shadow of a face that had been seared into his mind when he was 4.

Raditz. For a split second, Gohan saw Raditz in his baby brother's features.

It was over as quickly as it had been there, and it left Gohan with an odd feeling. He wondered if Gokau had noticed, but then he saw Vegeta staring at his brother and knew the Prince had seen it too.

So how are we gonna play this? I thought I would take you to your Grandpa's place and then Have bulma....calm your mother down someway and then we tell her."

"Call her? What are you thinking? We should give her a shot of vodka and hope for the best?" Gohan asked.

"She can't drink, remember."

"Slip her a calmative and then tell her. Push the fact that Goten should go through danger from this point on." Trunks said, then he turned to his father. "SHe shouldn't have any more problems, right?"

"It looks as though you've reached full height. Muscle wise we'll have to wait and see but for now we'll call it over. But if you feel even a twinge You tell one of us, "Understood?" Vegeta said, and Goten nodded rapidly. "Believe me, I don't want to have to go through that again. Again. A-" Goten stopped and touched his throat. Hey, is my voice different I just noticed."

Goku nodded, "YeahI think it is. But that makes sense. Bigger body, bigger vocal chords."

Gohan wanted to say that that wasn't exactly what had happened, but Gohan doubted anyone wanted a lecture right now."

Vegeta came and sat beside Gohan, "I think it would be prudent to see about genetic testing. Your daughter may have to deal with this in the future."

"Already making plans. I have friends in the college labs who will let me use equipment and I think I should be able to ask Bulma for any notes she has."

Vegeta had no doubt his wife had the information. Sometimes he was a little worried about what she had learned, but her passion and strong suit was in engineering. She knew biology and was an incredible asset to have in any situation, her strong suit was in metal and wires, not blood and bone.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Yamcha was riding high. Loli got on with his friends pretty well, and he had a full week ahead of him with which to relax and enjoy her company.

"So what should we do when we get home? A movie? Or maybe see if Puar wants to head to that new park walkway."

"Oh, let's just stay in and cook. I am exhausted." Loli said and leaned against him, then groaned, "I still have to go to that stupid pick up spot for my OPackage."

"I can do that if you like." Yamhca said.

She shook her head and smiled, "No dear.I'll head off from here and meet you back at your apartment. Though I am expecting coffee when I get there."

"Ha, sure thing Loli. You know the way?"

"Yeah, I memorized it. Three streets that way and then take a left. There is a huge sign outside so I shouldn't be able to miss it." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, and she flushed. "I'll call you when I'm on my way, okay?"

"I'll be waiting."

They parted ways and Loli moved quickly, searching her bag for her phone. She walked the three blocks and then kept going straight. Yamcha was still heading home, and she sent a message to let her delivery boy know where she was.

She crossed the roads and ended up entering a rundown area of town, where the lights were sparse and police sparser.

She entered an office building and climbed the stairs, stopping at a door and knocking.

“Who is it?”

“Loli.” she said, and the door opened for her. As she stepped through the door she smiled at the woman who was waiting for her, a box on the table.

“Was your journey here a good one.”

“As good as it can be. This awful little city is horribly overcrowded.”

“Oh I am sorry to hear it. But with any luck you’ll be back in the north soon.”

Walking over to the desk Loli opened the box, and found inside several devices and viles. “Here’s hoping Yamcha agrees to move closer to me. His job is winding down for the season and this little blackmail situation will have to be dealt with, but for now it’s ignorable.”

The older woman nodded, “I must say, it seems a lot of effort to go through for some genetic material.”

“I can get more from Yamcha if he is willing. It’s not just genetics I require. He has inside information that will be useful to me. And at the very least, it will means someone with a possible emotional connection will be available to care for the resulting offspring.”

“Gain, why Yamcha?”

“Humans are weak, but there is something about them that seems to work well with alien genetics. Plus all tests have shown that any resulting child I have with him will be exemplary.”

“And if it isn’t?”

“Then I have something to hold over the sentimental creature. Now, will I require anything else ?”

“No. Everything needed to ensure healthy conception quickly is here.”

“Good. Return to the Ship BerryBlue. I will contact you when necessary.”

“Of course, My Lord Frieza.”

Chapter Text

Videl felt her Husband arrive shortly after she awoke, and moments later she felt Pan awaken. Her daughter was up and out the bed in a heartbeat, speeding through the house as fast as her little feet could carry her. Pan knew flying in the house wasn't allowed unless it was an emergency, and though greeting her father on his return from space would make the indiscretion forgivable, she abided by the rule. Plus Videl was grateful as it meant to listen to her little feet toddle against the floor as she raced to her father and grandpa.

Next to her Piccolo gave a small smile. Videl knew he found it cute too, even if torture wouldn't pull that truth from his lips.

Goku and her husband joined them and Gopku stopped near the door, and the moment Pan appeared around the corner he grabbed her.

"Got the Pan!"

"Hehehehe Grandpa!" Pan giggled as Goku snuggled her.

"Good morning you two. Did everything go okay?"

Gohan took a deep breath, "Goten is safe, but he's....a little different."

"He isn't covered in fur is he?"

"No, no. But we won't have to worry about his growth spurt being a problem anymore."

Videl looked over at Piccolo, who looked a little worried, "What happened?"

"The energy boost gave him the strength to bypass his growth spurt. He's effectively gotten his adult body early." Gohan explained. "We're trying to figure out the best way to tell Mom without her hitting the roof."

Videl stared at him a moment. "Oh boy. You think you should take a day?"

"I can't. Being Satan's in law only buys so much goodwill. Plus Dr Nick is getting fed up with covering my classes for me." Giohan said. Dad and Bulma had got this. They know how to deal with Mom."

"But Uncle is okay? Right?" Pan asked from her grandfather's arms.

Gohan took her from Goku, "Yeah sweety. Uncle Goten is fine. Just a little different is all. But we can deal with things differently, right?"

Pan gave a very serious face and nodded, "Right."

"I am gonna take this little one and grab this tyke and make sure she brushes her teeth. You, "Gophan pointed at his Dad, "Can explain the other Mom's situation whilst I am not here. Because I don't want to hear it again."

"h come onGohan, grow up."

“Ha. You can talk!" Gohan left with his daughter.

Piccolo folded his arms, "What other situation."

"Yeah. You see..."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"We have to fix this!" ChiChi said, her eyes brimming with tears. My Baby can't lose his teens. These are important formative years!"

Bulma let the woman cry it out. Honestly it was better than explosive anger. "I know, but what if we did wish him back and he just went through it all again? This doesn't mean he can't have his youth. We'll arrange for him to do placement learning. Like Trunks does. Between you, Gohan and Trunks, He'll be easy with his schooling."

"That's besides the point about his friends and socialization."

Bulma bit her tongue because she nearly said 'what socialization' because getting into an argument about her control issues with her kids was not something that would help the situation. Especially considering her own sins.

"We'll make it work!"

Thankfully Goku chose that moment to arrive, and ChiChi flung herself at him ,"I cursed our baby!"

Goku looked panicked but put his arms around her. "What? No, No of course not. He's fine. The history book thingy had a solution, which means that this stuff can happen. There's probably tons of non Saiyan mothers and fathers who went through. It doesn't mean they or you did anything wrong."

ChiChi pulled back and pouted, "Really?"

"Yeah. This stuff can happen. And we didn't know it could. I mean, have any of your family members gone through this?"

"No. Well, cousin Heyfer had some headache problems when his horns grew in but that was apparently normal."

"Do you think anyone blamed his dad for his headaches?"

ChiChi pulled away, "No."

"Then how can anyone blame you for this?"

Bulma felt herself calm as ChiChi calmed down.

"When will they be back?"

"This evening. We figured it would be a good idea to give you some warning, so you wouldn't stress yourself or the-" Goku glanced at Bulma, "Does she know?" he said in a whisper.

Bulma laughed into her hand, "That you too are terrible, loose moraled degeneres? Yep."

Goku glowered at her. "I don't know what's worse. Your teasing or Gohan's disbelief."

"Huh? What? Gohan didn't believe it?"

"Gohan didn't believe I understood what making a baby was."

"In his defense no one wants to think of their parents like that. especially their man child father who radiates innocents." Bulma pointed out.

"Fine, fine." Goku said, waving his hand, "I'll live with the fact that my son thinks I believe the stork brings babies."

Bulma giggled and ChiChi shook her head. "So what now?"

"Well, I think it might be a good idea if we find a way to keep you calm whilst Goten comes to see you."

"What? Sedate me?"

Silence.

"You want to sedate me!?!?!"

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"Hi Loli?" Puar said, waving as she came into the room, "Did you get your stuff alright?"

"I did. Que was a little long, but nothing too bad."

"Good. Do you want some tea?"

"I would love some."

The cat flew off and Frieza went into Yamcha's room and saw his bag, it had been emptied and things put away. He'd ask Yamcha where they were when he came back into the room. He could here the shower running so she assumed he was in there.

He put the box down and slid it under the bed before returning to the living room.

Puar was putting down the cups and smiled.

Such an odd creature. A shapeshifter unlike Frieza had seen before. Magical in nature and fiercely loyal to Yamcha. Apparently he'd found her injured and abused and taken her in, believing her to be a normal cat until a few days later she had the strength to speak. Yamcha had nearly crapped his pants and both spoke quite fondly of the memory.

She could be useful to Frieza one day. A shapeshifter who could hold the form of bove biological and inanimate objects could be incredibly good at spying or espionage.Yet another thing that Yamcha could give him.

"So what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Well, Yamcha is at work, so I'll likely wander the town and see what there is to offer."

"Want some company? I have some errands to run. I'll be in human shape so you don't have to worry about me sitting on your shoulder the whole time."

Freiza frowned, "You know it isn't right that you should have to hide your talents. You should be able to run errands with worry." He meant it. Talent should not be hidden under a bushels so the weak wouldn’t throw a tantrum.

Paur gave him a soft look, "You're right, but that's just how it is." he grabbed a biscuit off the table, then brightened, "Wait, you've never seen my human shape have you!"

"Well, no."

"I change it up every few months so the paparazzi don't think I'm Yamcha's lover." Puar transformed, and standing before Frieza was a skinny, androgynous looking fellow, in a simple blue robe. "What do you think>"

"Very cute. Did you have any inspiration?"

"I take bits and pieces from different people I see. It's nice to be able to change up my look, and it's great practice. You know the phrase, use it or lose it. Shape Shifting like any practice, you gotta keep at it to stay good."

"Oh, too true.I used to be able to jungle. Fell out of practice and now I just drop apples all over the place."

The door opened and Ymcha joined them,half dressed and not realizing that the two of them were there.

Frieza watched him move to the kitchen, admiring his form. Nice body, scaring dotted around showing off that he hadn’t been in healing tanks. Then again, most of his men were scared. If a tank wasn’t needed,it wasn’t used. Except Zarbon. There had been rumors that he purposely reopened wounds so that the tanks would heal them, scars and all.

Friza nearly left the moment alone, but he felt mischievous.

He whistled, and Yamchas jolted and spun around.

“Ack! I thought you were still out!” He said, face burning red and Frieza laughed at his embarrassment.

“Sorry Yamcha, couldn’t resist.”

Puar giggled on the other seat, reverting back to her normal form. "Serves you right for walking about half naked."

"Its my home. And being shirtless isn't half naked."

"I am not complaining." Frieza said, leaning his head against the back of the house. "I might have to encourage it in fact."

"You, "Yamcha pointed at Puar, "Quit the giggles and you," He pointed at Frieza, "Quit being naughty."

"Me?" Frieza said with wide eyes, "I'd never do anything bad."

Chapter Text

"We have a bunny!" Gamma said, watching as the embryo wiggled and squirmed in the tank. "Look at it, all healthy and stuff.!"

Hedo smiled at the tiny thing and nodded, "Yes, perfectly normal embryo. The enhanced growth is not stunting anything. So long as the creature receives enough nutrition the body grows fine. We’ll have a live birth in three days.”

“So how long until it’s old enough to have its own babies?”

“Four months. Technically 12 weeks but I am not going to be putting the poor thing through that so early. I’ll begin growing another pair that we will keep in the tank until it’s at least 6 months mature and after we extract them, we’ll let nature take its course.”

Gamma looked at the floating thing and tilted his head at it.

It was always so strange to watch these things grow. Be it biodroids or biological animals, the process was fascinating.

Hedo watched him watch the tank. "If you want to re-visit the upgrades we spoke of, we can."

Gamma blushed, and kept looking at the bunny. "I dunno. I like the idea of reproduction. Growing a little me. But I also know it could interrupt my ability to be a hero."

"It doesn't stop the Gohan."

"I suppose. But it also means learning a whole new set of social rules and I'm not sure I want to. Learning not to make humans uncomfortable was tricky enough."

Hedo nodded. He wasn't too pleased with the idea of having to build....that for his Biodroid. But he also didn't want to denie Gamma something so important to life. Maybe he could get Bulma to help.

He went to his computer and loaded up the latest found files from his Grandfather's old labs. He and Gamma had traveled across the globe finding everything they could, and had found a lot. Some of it was fascinating. Some of it made Hedo Hate his Grandfather and the Red Ribbon Army. So many dead and hurt by experiments that were fruitless. Some Gero knew were never going to work, yet he did it anyway.

His family had many signs that Hedo needed to make up for.

He was connecting to one server they had been unable to bring with them, and he noticed something. A connection to the home computers that was passing a message, and it was...weird.

He knew Bulma had said something about odd messages involving Vegeta, but Hedo assumed it was to do with the whole Goten thing. But this was definitely something Gero's leftover tech was doing.

So Hedo followed it, and for the next few houses he stared at the screen and tried to find the source.

What he found were two more labs of failed experiments.

Failed, but living experiment. Well, they were in stasis.

Hedo wasn't sure what to do, so he simply went over their specs.

2 of them were nearly androids created from dead Red Ribbon soldiers, but one was a volunteer. All seemed to be early ideas for the absorption ability that would eventually create cell.

But the message was coming from something else. Something deeper.

Hedo cracked the protections and suddenly the thing messaging became aware he was there, and was very, very happy to have been found.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Goten watched his face move in the mirror, pulling faces and tilting his head.

He felt….weird. This face was his, but it wasn’t…his his. God he had no clue how to explain it.

“You gonna keep looking at yourself or you gonna come hang out. You know it could be weeks before your Mom lets you out of her site.”

“Yeah.” Goten said, and left the bathroom. His normally loose bed clothes felt tight on him now, and it was awfully strange. He felt stretched and-

“You're not okay.”

Goten looked up and Trunks stood before him, arms folded over his chest and he looked so much like Bulma in that moment that Goten felt a little chastised.

"Talk to me man."

Goten looked down at the floor, seeing his feet stick out of his pants. Big feet. Adult feet.

"None of my stuff is gonna fit. Mom worked so hard to make my stuff this year, she even looked up modernized versions of my traditional stuff."He frowned, brows drawn together. "And I'll need new shoes. Dad took all the way to Palla to get nice dress shoes cos he had a friend who owed his favor."

"Your Dad got a lot of favors to call in." Trunks said, "I mean, I know he did a lot growing up but it feels like he knows everyone."

"Oh god yea, it's ridiculous." Goten said and then stopped, "Are you trying to distract me? You're the one who wanted me to talk!"

"And if I make you mad you'll ignore the distraction and actually tell me what's wrong instead of faking out on me."

"I don't do-"

“Yes you do, Goten. Now," Trunks sat next to him, "Talk."

Goten sighed heavily, "I'm 14 and just got an age bump so big that no one will ever mistake me for my actual age. I can't go back to school. I can't date because girls my age will think I'm a perv, and there's no way I'm gonna try and date a girl older than me. I look ready for job interviews Trunks. Or beer."

“Mischief lit up Trunks eyes then, that might actually work in our favor you know?”

“No. Because I don’t have a death with or a Mom that lets me drink when his Dad isn’t looking.”

Trunks laughed, “Fair point. Is it just the girls you're upset about? I mean, I’d be pissed too if I couldn’t date.”

“I thought you were still starry eyed for Mai.”

“We’re talking about you right now Goten.”

“Okay okay. It’s not just the girls. It’s the fact that this is going make My Mom insist that I start being a grown up. She's gonna push for me to give up everything I like in favor of being Gohan. I’m gonna have to give up an entire part of my life so My Mom doesn’t throw a fit. And its not like I can stress her out right now. Not with the baby and her age.”

Trunks gripped his shoulder, “We’ll figure something out. We’ve dealt with worse from our folks.”

They sat in silence a moment, before Goten asked, “So what is going on with you and Mai?”

Trunks looked uncomfortable then, “I do like her. She’s pretty and amazing and mature and….we have absolutely nothing in common.”

Goten tilted his head, “What do you mean?”

“I mean once she said yes to hanging out mre and sort of dating. I started to realize that…she’s a grown up. Like, a real one. She listens to my Mom’s music, she has strong views on politics and morals. She’s a great person but we both disagree on so much. She keeps saying ‘you get it when you're older’ and it feels like I’m dating a teacher. Other Trunks and her seem so happy together, but I don’t know if it will work for us. And that worries me because it seems like everyone else is just waiting for us to walk down the aisle now.”

Goten grimaced and said, “Man, that's a bummer. But you and Mai went through a real apocalypse together. By the time they met they were both adults. They had gone through the same things. I didn’t really take into account that you and Mai may not have that.”

He lay back and lifted his hands to his face, rubbing his eyes, “Why does growing up have to be so painful?”

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Vegeta watched the stars go by as he memorized the patterns, wanting to have the map of his new home system in his head. Space travel wasn’t new, but for the past decade he had gotten used to having a constant home to return to. Not any random base or ship that happened to be closest.

It had been frightening at first, to have something he could actually miss. People he would miss. But once he had allowed himself a chance to have that, he had come to realize he missed a lot. He missed the stupid shit Nappa would talk about. The ridiculously complicated plans and favor systems Raditz kept that got them what they needed when they needed it. The odd, yellow alien they called Hij who’d worked in supplies who always had a new, filthy joke. The smell of the Purple soap that was as rare as water in a desert to those in the Frieza crew whose advanced smell couldn’t stand the common green stuff that stank of ‘pleasant greenery’. The blue coded ration bars that Zarbon would trade for anything that had originated from his home world. Books and fabrics and pressed plants.

Vegeta hated thinking about it, because it reminded him that those things were gone in the madness that had settled upon them in those final years under Freiza.

Nappa over the top and ridiculous risk taking. Raditz is near obsession in finding more of their kind. Surely they couldn’t all be gone, there had to be halflings or a few hold outs left. There were always rumors of a pirate who’d left to the outer rings and a few kids on old food production worlds.
And Vegeta?

He became obsessed with it ending. He’d told himself he was looking for a way to get gainpower to overthrow Frieza, but in truth? He just wanted it over with either he would be dead or Frieza would, but it would be over.

Not even Bulma knew that. He had a feeling Kakrot knew, but there was a lot they pretended not to know after fusing. Vegeta knew this was likely one of them. Along with other things they would never, ever discuss.

The stars would become a memory he kept close as they got closer to earth, slowing as they passed the boundary of the planetary system.

The boys were playing some game to pass time and nattered about mindless things and though Vegeta knew they could be in the training room, he also knew that they needed a break. As much as he hated to admit it, The more relaxed training methods of earth had there benefits, even if they were annoying. And he knew that Goten was likely lamenting his new status and Vegeta had a difficult enough time connecting with his own kid, he wasn’t going to embarrass himself dealing with Kakarot’s youngest.

Or middle child. That revelation was one Vegeta didn’t really care about beyond the fact that it meant another powerful Hybrid in their group.

They were small in number and genetics, and even with Broly. Tarble had not spoken of plans for his own children, and it would be unlikely he and Gure were compatible.

Saiyan genetics were strong and versatile. But even if he, Kakarot and Broly went out and spawn a hundred offspring, there weren't enough to build a stable and safe population, not without strict rules on who would reproduce with who. It was not something Vgetea was interested in orchestrating. Plus the whole idea gave him a horrid, ick feeling.

But that message he had received, something about it made him fearful. There was something familiar there, something that knew him, and Vegeta had no clue what it would bring.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Dr Briefs flew the car and occasionally glanced over his shoulder at Hedo, who was typing away at his Laptop. Outside Gamma was gamboling through the air outside, enjoying the flight and acting as security.

"So, what's got you so worked up."

"If my Grandfather did what I think he did, then we're about to findone a whole heck of a lot of tech and problems."

"Should we wait for -"

"Gamma is enough. Plus I have Piccolo on speed dial."Hedo said and looked out the window, "Bring us down at that plateau."

It took several minutes of searching through the dirt to find little specs of debris, and then Dr Briefs pulled his phone from his pocket, "One moment, I think I Know this location." he said, scrolling and clicking. He raised his eyebrows when he found what he was looking for. "I knew this place seemed familiar. This was where Dr Gero's lab was when they found 17 and 18."

Hedo looked down at the ground, "And the sub lab where this time line cell was growing."

"Yes. There may be another lab here. And if there is, there could be another entrance."

Hedo's computer beeped and he opened it back up, "And there is. Get back in the car."

They did and ten minutes later they were landing again, and this time they found another entrance.

Gamma flew through the tunnel ahead of them, dealing with booby traps and dangers before coming back for them. "It's a three mile walk. Should I carry you?"

"No need lad." Breifs said and pulled another capsule. "This should be helpful."

The electric bike appeared and both he and Hedo rode it behind Gamma, who led the way into the tunnel until they reached a lab.

Inside , Gamma had placed a disruptor to stop anything dangerous from activating.

Hedo plugged in whilst Briefs and Gamma explored, careful not to switch anything on or break anything.

It was Breifs who found the first three capsules. They were labeled 13, 14 and 15 and Briefs knew what they would find inside.

"Holy smokes this place is the mother load. There's a back mental map of Dr Gero here. Total target histories of the Z Fighters and plans on how to fight them. All out of date, but the fact they exist at all is incredible!"

Breifs nodded, but didn't really pay attention. Instead he had another question. "What of the one who led us here?"

"Oh, right, he's back here."

"He?"
"
Yeah. Notes say he couldn't be mind wiped and he was too rebellious to use until Gero could find better methods. It says....oh. Oh wow."

"What is it, doctor?"

Hedo looked over at Gamma, "Be ready."

Gamma pulled his blaster loose and readied himself. Briefs suddenly wished they'd called...anyone.

"Activating door." Hedo said, and several latched undid themselves and an entire wall came free. A tank sat behind it, and inside was a person, floating in a thick liquid that kept them in stasis. Or at least his body. Obviously his mind had been very active.

"Oh that is not what I was expecting."

Chapter Text

Goku was expecting tears. Goten expected screaming. Gohan expected at least one broken window and maybe a crater.

They were not expecting compliments.

"Look at you! Oh my word, you are so handsome!" ChiChi gushed, cupping her son's face and dragging him down to her, "Oh, I was so worried you were gonna be all stretched out and bruised and -oh, look at you!" she hugged him, and Goten was more than a little confused.

Goku spoke out the side of his mouth to Gohan, "I think she's finally lost it."

"Dad!" Gohan whispered, but he glanced back over to where his brother and mother were and said, "You might be right."

"She has not lost it." ChiChi said in a sing-song voice, "She is desperately trying not to lose it by looking at the upside which THERE IS VERY LITTLE OF!"

Gohan and Goku dashed out of her reach and Goten laughed, and she turned her attention back to him, "God, just look at you."

"I've seen. It's really weird."

She pressed her forehead to his, "Oh my baby. We'll figure this out, I promise we will." she then pulled away to kiss his forehead, and pulled him close."

It felt weird. Goten was used to being able to rest his head on her shoulder, to being protected in her arms. Now it felt wrong, like something precious was now gone. He supposed it was.

Vegeta and Trunks had left them to it, and Bulla had bee lined up for her Dad the moment she sensed him. Her arms and tail were wrapped about him, and he once again indulged her clinginess.

Trunks went to grab a shower that lasted longer than 2 mins and Vegeta found Panchy in the Kitchen, setting out coffee.

"Welcome back! Did everything go okay?"

"Yes. Goten should be physically fine."

Panchy tilted her head, "Well, that good. And we'll be here to help with anything else that could pop up."

"Hmph." Vegeta answered and grabbed a nug. He added milk and sugar, and held it up for Bulla to sniff. She was a weird little thing, loving the smell of coffee. Vegeta had a feeling she'd be a caffeine addict just like her mother.

"I don't hear screaming, so I guess ChiChi took it well."

"With any luck she'll have grown some sense whilst we were up there."

Before Panchy could say anything else, Dr Briefs came in with a big grin, "Vegeta my lad, great to see you!" he took Bulla from him and handed her over to her grandmother, "You have had a moment? Great!" he grabbed Vegeta's arm and began pulling him out the room, and Vegeta let him, curiosity peaking. The last time Dr Briefs had dragged him off he had gotten to blow stuff up, and after the few days he had had he deserved to let some frustration out.

"Okay, so remember how you mentioned a message from an unknown source?"

Crap. It looked as though Vegeta wouldn't get to blow stuff up.

"Well, Hedo got another one and followed. We followed the message to an old lab location. A lab that belonged to Dr Gero."

Or maybe he would get to punch something.

"What is it More androids?"

"Yes."

Vegeta stopped, his mind racing suddenly. The idea of a possibly decent opponent was a good one, but he also knew that the last time had nearly gotten them all killed, and the winner of the tournament of survival had been an android. They had enough to worry about without another android threat.

"How dangerous are they?"

"We don't know yet. The good news is they don't appear to be much of a threat due to the 'kill Goku' programming being disabled."

"Hm. That Dr had a real grudge against that man." Vgetea said, "Why do you need me here?"

Dr Briefs looked towards the lab. "These androids were created from dead bodies. This was not an uncommon thing for Gero to do, as it was easier to perform the transition surgeries. This meant some of their human memories remained. Three of the androids are
human, and though they don't remember who they were, they do seem to be willing to behave themselves."

"The way you say that makes me think there may be a fourth? Am I correct?"

"Yes. The fourth was created from...a non human."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "Who."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Frieza hated crowds. He hated the stink of hundreds of people crushing in on him. He hated the banality of grocery shopping.

He was more than elated when Puar suggested a milkshake and a walk in the park.

The park was busy, but everyone was more spread out and didn't feel as suffocating. The chill of his drink was distracting and pleasant and when he took a sip, he had to hide the delight.

"This is a really good milkshake." he said, and took another pull on the straw. He had chosen chocolate, because he recognised it. Almost every planet had their own version of the sweet treat, and like most of this planet's food, earths was incredibly good. It seemed as though the whole planet was created just to create delicacies. Honestly it was enough to make Frieza regret wanting to destroy it. Maybe he should arrange for some of the produce to be harvested and tested for growth on other planets. The cash crop created from garlic alone could generate an amazing amount of income.

"Yeah, they do really good milkshakes for 2 zeni." Puar said as he walked along beside him, "I remember Bulma took us to this place that was super fancy, and I swear they were serving flavour powder in water. It was just so bad. And they wanted 6 zeni a piece for those things."

"Urgh, I hate that." Frieza said, spotting a bench, "Let's sit for a while. The view here is nice."

They sat, and Puar sighed, "I'll have to head home soon, I'm getting tired of holding this shape."

"Then don't. We're in public, there's cameras everywhere. There's no reason anyone would accost you."

Puar gave him a soft look, like Frieza was being oh so innocent. "With everything going on with SunRise, I really don't think it's a good idea."

Being reminded of that group was annoying. They were interlopers in his plans that could cause him a lot of trouble, but thankfully there people had yet to discover that 'Loli's ' backstory was fake. If they did, Frieza would have to leave this identity and come clean, but that would ruin his plans, and they were shaky.

"I was going to ask if you want me to stay elsewhere tonight." Puar asked.

"Why?"

"Well, I couldn't help but notice the box you bought. And I happen to know that the direction you went has a very nice lingerie store." Puar waggled his eyebrows and Freiza didn't know whether he should panic or not.

"Oh that.. erm- Oh god." he pretended to be flustered (okay, maybe he was a little) and thought fast," I thought I was being discreet!"

Puar laughed and put a hand on her shoulder, "Loli, I'm happy for you. If you guys need privacy, i can make myself scarce for you. Give you a little privacy."

"Well, only if you don't mind." Freiza said, trying to hide his blushing face. For gods sake he was acting like a fresh faced virgin.

“Nah. I can go visit friends.”

They ended up back home before 3 and Puar went to rest for a little before heading off. Whilst he did, Frieza went to the room he and Yamcha were sharing and grabbed the box. Inside were viles that looked like perfume, but held fertility drugs. He took too many of them and injected them into his thigh. The final one held a muscle manipulator that helped him hold this human-like shape. He Injected that into his back, and waited for the horrid twitchy sensation to pass.

The box also held several frivolous items, Makeup that had an instruction card, several actually pheromone perfumes. And Puar had not been entirely wrong. One bag within the box held some gauzy, lacy items that Frieza was unsure of. The underwear was silky soft and tied at the hips in pretty bows. It came with a see through vest type thing that seemed to fall to mid thigh. Underneath were long socks that appeared to be made of tissue paper. The picture that came with it was shown on a coquettish girl, and Frieza decided he'd best get all of this over with.

Yamcha was grabbing dinner with his colleagues that night, so by the time he got home Freiza should be ready.

He took the stupid little notepad that contained the stupid little rules that human women had to follow and went to the bathroom. The shower was not as nice as the one he'd insisted on in his human home, but it was nice.

His heart gave a little thu-thump at the sight of his toothbrush and shampoo on the counter. He should not be feeling anything about something so benail.

He climbed into the shower and bathed, and fiddled with the stupid little razor. Once out he used the weird round things in his hair and dried off with the blow dryer before heading to the bedroom in a Yamcha's bathrobe.

The make up was tricky. BerryBlue had been smart and given him many instruction cards, each numbered in what order of use. The make up was a little fun, until he nearly put his eye out with a pen.

Once done he set about putting on the clothes.

Chapter Text

For three days Hercule went over and over his employee files, and none of them shed any light on who the culprit might be.

Caroni was a bit of an airhead, but he was a diligent pupil and dedicated to becoming a real hero. Sure, he got distracted by a pretty face now and then, but Hercule didn't think he could be convinced to betray him.

Pirozhki was a damned fine man, and had proven himself time and again. He'd been a part of the team nearly as long as....

Piza.

She had been with him since the very start, before Pan was born. One of his closest friends and confidant. If any of his team could have learned the truth, it would have been her. Could she have been working with them after figuring out the truth? Or had she been lured into it with promises?

But promises of what? Hercule paid all his people well, they had great benefits packages and he did his damndest not to overwork them.

She was his age, and had no husband or family. She'd once said she had no time, her work family needed her. And an awful feeling filled him.

Had her loyalty to him, the saviour of the planet, caused any of them to feel like they needed to put aside their own lives for him? To put aside their wants and needs to help him. If they had discovered his secret, how could he blame them for turning on him? How could he blame any of them?

He eventually shoved the files away and got up. He needed water and a break.

He wandered to the living room, where Buu was reading with Bee at his side. He looked up and gave a smile.

"Heya bud. Are you doing well?"

"Finishing book. It's good."

Hercule looked at the title, "Murder mystery huh?"

"Yep. Good story."

Hercule went through into the kitchen before coming back, drinking the chilled water and sighing as he sat. "I have made no progress Buu. I'm wracking my brains to figure out who the mole is."

"Thought you had a spy?" Buu said, and Hercule shook his head, "No Buu, A mole is-" he looked over at his pink friend and saw the smirk on his face. "Oh you jackass." Hercule laughed hard. "Man I needed that. Today has been long."

Buu put the book down. Bee re-arranged himself so he could snuggle closer to Buu, and received pets for his effort. "Maybe you forget them. Try to rest."

"I wish I could, but someone in my camp has betrayed me. My family. They've put my baby girl and Pan at risk. I can't let that stand."

"Then Buu can try and find them for you?"

Hercule looked over at him, head tilted. "I don't want them knowing I know it was them Buu. You think you can find out without them knowing?"

"Maybe. Give Buu time."

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Vegeta stared at the image on screen with absolute shock. Words would not form.

"From what we can tell he was semi conscious during his time in the tank. He spent his time pulling apart the constraints on his mind to get through the computer's safe guards." Dr Briefs explained. "I have no idea how he retained his memories. The Cybering process is incredibly stressful on the huma- well, I guess a Saiyan brain is capable of surviving it."

It could.

But that didn't explain anything else. Could he be real? Or was his soul in hell, and this an empty android carrying memories that didn't belong to it? Was it a threat?

Or was it Raditz?

"How did he get the body?" Vegeta said, voice strained, "I thought Bulma or yourself would have taken it."

"No. Bulma took samples and scanned the site but....she felt he didn't deserve to be disposed of properly."

Anger welled up inside him then, but he shoved it down. He could rage about the hypocrites of these humans later.

The first meeting of Kakarot and his brother had been stressful and complicated. Kakarot was not a normal Saiyan, and Raditz was. Despite his inadequacies he was a survivor. He wasn't expecting his brother to team up with a Namekian of all things. So far as any of them knew at the time, Nemakians were farming, peaceful beings. They never gave a damn about them until they had learned of the dragon balls.

Upon learning just how powerful Piccolo was, Vegeta had regretted his final words to Raditz. But not enough to give up a wish to bring him back.

This could go bad so very quickly if Raditz was in a vengeful mood.

“Where is he?”

Hedo scratched the back of his head. “Well, once we let him out, he freed the other androids and said to tell you ‘You know what he’ll want after so long cooped up.”

“You didn’t try to stop them?”

“I sent Gamma, and he was able to catch up to the human androids. They went straight to a bar for a beer. He ended up losing track of Raditz.”

Vegeta racked his brain, trying to figure out what Raditz had meant.

‘You know what he’ll want after so long laid up’ before they flew off.’

What the hell did that…

Vegeta was gone in a flash, but returned a second later, “Don’t tell Kakarot yet. If I don’t contact you by 10pm, tell him, but keep this quiet.”

Then he was gone again, flying fast and mind racing.

‘You know what he’ll want after so long cooped up.’

He racked his memory for everything Raditz could mean, and it struck him.

If they had started off at Gero’s lab, then Vegeta knew where he would go. He stopped flying and pulled his phone from his pocket, and quickly searched for what he needed before figuring out what direction he needed to go and setting off.

The nearest coastline was a 30 mins flight at half speed. He went at quarter because he wanted time to think. To think about what Raditz may want. He'd known the man since they were six, had spent his teens being as close to friends as you could be with someone on Frieza's ship. The schism as they had grown older had been caused by a dozen different things, and all of them a good reason for Raditz to want to cause him harm. And Raditz may have the power to do that now.

He stretched out his senses and tried to find Raditz, knowing full well it was not going to happen. He couldn't sense 17 or 18, so why would he sense Raditz? So instead he searched for humans, or the sudden disappearance of them. Vegeta doubted that the newly discovered Saiyan would end up going on a killing spree if he didn't know the opponents he might face.

He got to the coast and began to follow it, searching for signs of...anything.

Raditz liked water. He enjoyed fish, and after a rough mission or if they had down time, Raditz would try and get somewhere with water and open air. Vegeta could see the appeal. A Lot of worlds they visited were deserts and wastelands, and those that weren't could end up that way depending on what Frieza wanted to be done with the world.

Eventually he found a rising pillar of smoke, and he could smell the scent of cooking fish. He slowed, and then landed to continue his journey on foot.

Eventually he reached a cliff edge and looked over it, to see dozens of seagulls feasting on the guts of a large fish, whilst a fire raged and said fish was half eaten. Beside the fire, leaning against a pile of sand was a figure he hadn't seen in so very long.

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Goku had noticed his Vegeta leaving, and decided to stay quiet. After two days cooped up on a ship with teenagers, he likely needed a little decompression time. Bulma wasn't complaining, so neither was he.

Goten sat next to his mother, looking weird due to the fact he was taller than her now. He still wasn't used to it.

"So what now?"

"You'll have to call the school and tell them he's ill." VBUlma said, "I can get a note from a doctor, which will buy you guys time to figure out what you want to do."

ChiChi nodded, not quite paying attention. Goku was a little worried. Normal, worried chich was loud and talkative. Quiet chichi? That was not good.

He carefully scanned her, checking for stresses that could be harmful. There were none. Her heartbeat was normal, her breathing even and the fast, fluttering noise from her belly a perfectly safe and healthy.

This quiet meant bad news, he just knew it.

And he was right. Once home ChiChi asked Goten to go to her room and find the bag Goku had given her that held clothing to donate. He should put them away in his closet for now.

And then she broke. Goku wrapped her in a hug and held her tightly, letting her get it out of her system whilst Goten was busy. She was still puffy faced when he came down stairs. She disappeared into the kitchen and Goku saw that Goten had changed into a pair of his old jeans and a blue shirt.

It was at that moment that the change really sunk in.

His son was an adult. Not a small, barely past his chest teen, but a man. He stood, a little awkward, and stared after his mother with a l;ook on his face that belonged to someone else. Someone who should be worrying about rent and shifts and whatever else normal adults think about.

A lump grew in Goku's throat then, and he went to his son and pulled him into a hug.

"I'm gonna have to put up with this for a while then, huh?" he asked, hugging back.

"Fraid so buddy." Goku said and pressed his face against his son's hair, "Or at least until we get used to this."

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They sat in silence.

Vegeta just couldn't figure out what he was supposed to say. So he walked down to the beach and sat beside the other, and neither spoke for a long while. The sun was well below the horizon when Raditz finally spoke.

"Your kids look freaking weird."

Vegeta actually laughed, not expecting the comment. "They're powerful, that's what counts."

"Yeah. That never changes." he sat up and turned to face Vegeta, sitting crossed legged. "I have that now. Actual power." He raised his hand, looking at it. "And it's not really mine. My body is...different. I don't know what that creep did to me, but I know I'm not what I was."

"How much do you know?" Vegeta asked.

"I was dead. I was in hell and then...I wasn't. It was like I was flickering in and out. One moment I had a body, the next I was a cloud, the next I was in a tank. I wound up being shoved in an admin office and left there for a lot of the time."

"Admin?"

"Yeah, the ogres had no clue what to do with me."

"Why didn't they call Yemna?"

"They didn't know what form to submit."

"You can't be serious."

"I am. The paperwork down there is ridiculous." Raditz said, "They asked around, tried to find out if it was some kind of escape attempt. "

"Was it?"

"Who knows. All I know is I woke up one day in that tank and didn't leave. Some old guy was poking and prodding me and trying to get me to obey. Didn't work too well."

"I figured as much. How were you able to get the message out?"

"After I started flickering again, after Gero got killed. Bouncing between the two places. I managed to track down Gero in hell. Didn't take much acting to convince him I was under his command. He told me how to manipulate the system and get the computer working for me."

"He's gonna be pissed when he releases you."

"He kidnapped and murdered a few hundred people to create his android Vegeta, no one's gonna care that I lied to him. Same way they didn't care that I was manipulating him. Hell doesn't care what its inhabitants do to each other so long as they don't cause the Ogres problems."

"Why contact me?"

"The computers didn't stop gathering information. I saw a lot Vegeta" Raditz sat up, "I saw you change, and I hoped that maybe you'd have enough of a change to not kill me on the spot."

"What made you think I'd kill you?"

"You made your opinion of me pretty damned clear in that last message."

Vegeta actually cringed. "I'm sorry. But in my defense I thought you'd been killed by a Nemakien. Until then I had thought they were weak."

"Me too. We were both wrong."

They lapsed into silence and Vegeta took out his phone.

"What is that for?"

“I need to let someone know you're not an immediate threat right now. Otherwise they'll send back up and I don't think you want that right now."

Raditz looked away and Vegeta sent his message. When he was done he asked, "How is my brother?"

Vegeta thought about it for a moment, "An infuriating Clown. And far more Saiyan than both of us."

Raditz looked surprised, "That's a hell of an admission.He must have impressed you."

"He's earned it. And he's likely going to be very conflicted when he learns you're alive."

"Oh, I bet he will."

Chapter Text

Goku had a feeling.

Not a bad one, but not a good one either. It was a feeling he got sometimes before something big happened. Not necessarily something bad, just something. He was getting a little tired of stuff happening. He wanted to just have a few days to relax and unwind after the stress of his son going through a medical emergency.

He got a phone call once he was home and was surprised that it was Paur, asking if they could visit. "Sure. You and Yamcha can-"

"Just me. Yamcha has a date over and I want to give them some privacy, but it's too late for me to ask for the car so..."

Goku smiled, "I can come and grab you in the city. I can pick up take out as well. I am too darn tired to cook."

Puar agreed to a time and an hour later he said goodbye to Loli through the door and met Goku at a catering place.

At first Goku didn't recognize him, but once he spoke he grinned. "Hey. That a new form?

"Yeah. But I held it a lot today, so I will properly turn back once we get to your place."

"Come to the alley, we can go from there."

The sis, and They appeared outside Goku's home. Above a wood pigeon was started, and Goku laughed, "I've been using him as an anchor point so I don't have to annoy ChiChi by just appearing out of nowhere."

Puar smiled and followed him into the house, and Goku put the food down.

The catering place was cheap and good, and Puar knew many of the fighters went there. It was a good option when you needed to feed a lot of people. Bulma hated it, calling it greasy and low quality, but no one cared when they just wanted a full belly. And that was what Goku wanted.

"So how are things with Yamcha, I hear he and that girl he's seeing are getting real serious."

Puar nodded and smiled. "Yeah. She's meeting Bulma this week, and hopefully Roshi and the guys next week. But Yamcha has been real firm about Roshi's behavior around her."

Goku looked a little sad then, "Yeah, Bulma mentioned she had to deal with some jackass. Hopefully Roshi will be smart enough to behave."

"Loli's a firecracker, if he does she'll likely put him in his place."

"Like every other woman we know, huh?" Goku said and Puar laughed.

Goku plated up and they ended up watching a rerun of the sports report, and Yamcha was on.

"He's really good at this." Goku said. "You think he'll stick at it?"

Puar shrugged and nibbled on a chicken leg, ""Maybe. He gets bored and finds other stuff to do. He liked the Bodyguard stuff, but he kept getting recognised. THe grill is doing well, but it mostly runs itself now."

"Oh yeah, I forgot he invested in one."

Puar hadn't. Like many of the careers Yamcha had tried, it had been successful, but bored the poor guy. He craved adventure, and it had meant he had a long and varied work life. It also meant he had a long, varied dating life as well. Some women were nice, but they wanted him at their beck and call. Yamcha actively avoided girls who were like Bulma. She may have been a huge part of his life, but knew they hadn’t worked and didn’t want to repeat the mistake

He’d had his heart broken more than once over the years, and broken his fair share. But Loli seemed to be someone who he could really grow with. She understood his need for training and adventure, and had taken Puar in her stride. The woman seemed just as determined as Yamcha to make this work, and Puar hoped that it worked out for them.

And speaking of making things work, “How have you been doing Goku?”

He paused his eating for a moment and poked at his noodles, “Honestly? I need a break. Not a vacation or anything. Just a couple of weeks where I can just be bored and deal with normal stuff. The past week has been hell.”

“How is Goten?”

“Healthy. But every time I look at him I feel like my throat is gonna close up. I had hoped to be able to see him through his teens, be there for him in a way I couldn’t be for Gohan.”

Puar leaned against him, “I’m sorry it didn’t work as you wanted.”

“At least it worked. I don’t want to think what may have happened if we had been forced to ask Suno for a wish.”

Puar nodded, “I think we really took them for granted. Now we don’t have them, the idea of Yamcha going into battle terrifies me.”

“Tell me about it. I’m scared of what could happen the next time something shows up.”

“I don’t think that Sunno will stop us saving our people, But I do think that we have to start being far more careful from now on. We haven’t got our back up anymore, and that’s gonna hobble us.”

“Hey, at least we have help now? I mean, training a whole bunch of people has got to be useful for the future. Right?”

Goku grinned, “Man, it’ll be so cool to see what techniques people come up with.”

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

The 3 Androids weren't up to anything bad.

The blonde was cracking jokes. And steadily making his way through beer. That couldn't really get him drunk, but he seemed to get a lot of comfort from the idea of a beer rather than the effect.

“So, when are we gonna tell Bulma?“ Hedo asked.

“When Vegeta gets back. He should be here soon.” Dr Briefs said, “I cannot believe that there are more of them.”

“I think we should do a deep hack on the red ribbon and Gero files. There could be a lot more of these guys out there.”

"Agreed, we-"

The door opened and Vegeta came in, an odd look on his face.

"Did you find him?" Hedo asked.

"Yes. He doesn't seem to be a risk. He stayed close to where I found him."

"Are yolu-"

Vegeta held up a small device, "I also made sure to get this on his person.

Dr Briefs smiled, "A tracking device? Smart move my lad."

Vegeta gave a fleeting smile and sat down, "I called Bulma on my way here, "Your taking the lead because I am not being accused of -"

"Accused of what?"

The three men and the android looked up and saw Bulma standing in the doorway, fresh faced and hair wet from the shower.

Dr Briefs gave a heavy sigh. "My dear, me and Doctor Hedo found something."

He explained, and Bulma was surprisingly quiet. No movement of twitching eyes, no anger or upset.

It terrified the three men.

A shouting and angry Bulma was callable. But this? This quiet acceptance was not something they ever wanted to witness.

Eventually she took a deep breath and turned to Hedo.

"Your suggestion of deep diving into his files is a good one, get on that please."

Hedo nodded and Gamma had him out of the room as the scientist gave an empathic, "Right away, can do, gonna get started on that bye."

Once out of the room, Bulma turned to her father, "Gero was more than a madman, he was completely without a brain. He had none, just a talent for monstrous science. And I really, really need to break something right now, so if maybe the two of you would go put a out of tea on I will-"

The two were gone so fast that Bulma was genuinely impressed, and once she had the door shut and sound barrier in place, she stood in the middle of her old lab that had become a meeting room, and proceeded to lose her shit.

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Roshi stared at his bare wrist, and his mind was in turmoil. He did not now what he should do.

His monitors had been on for a week, and he had done his first real training in a long while. He had not gone into his ultimate form, but he knew he couldn't keep it form SunRise forever eventualy they would wish to see it, to monitor it and quantify it.

Quantify the impossible.

Only it wasn't, was it.

Roshi removed his glasses and looked up at the night sky through the wide window.

The world had changed so very much in his long life. There were moments he regretted ever finding that Paradise Herb.

He looked over at the draw where it was kept, a green dried substance that many believed to be....a less than legal substance. He did indeed smoke the herb, but many believe it needed special preparation as a tea. More than once he had seen 18 eyeing , then her husband. In those moment she often felt selfish. But there were many warnings that came with the use of that herb. The fact that many could be corrupted by it. The fact it could be poison to those with even the smallest iota of evil in their hearts.

He knew his students well, l;oved them like his own, but he did not want to risk their souls and hearts with that Herb. He was damned lucky his own perversions had never led to him being corrupted by that stuff.

And speaking of Perversions, he was not looking forward to the next week. He was being sent for sensitivity training by SunRise, which annoyed and insulted him, but....

He knew it was likely necessary. For years he'd been told he needed to behave, to change his gross and perverted ways. Maybe this training would work for him?

He glanced down at his magazines, and grabbed one, "Or maybe not." he said to himself and laughed, flicking through the pages of pretty girls in various stages of undress.

Hisd eyes came to rest on a young girl that looked a lot the girl Puar turned into for him and-

Nope, he just wasn't in the mood to stare at pretty ladies.

God, he must be pre occupied by-

The door opened and in walked Vegeta, and Roshi jolted.

"What there? Why are you here!"

"Bulma wants you on the island. Grab a bag and I'll fly you there."

"Hey, just call Go-"

"NO!" Vegeta snapped, then calmed himself, "He's dealt with enough this week, and I do not want to risk anything going wrong with this...delicate situation."

Roshi felt his face harden. "What's going on?"

"I'll explain on the way."

"I can't hear anything when we travel at Supersonic, so talk as I pack. How many days am I going for."

"Pack for a week. Are we bringing the turtle?"

"I'll leave a note, and he'll make his own way."

"Vegeta looked out the window, "How, he can't fly- " he froze up and realised he was about to say something stupid about the SEA turtle and instead changed the subject, "So, Dr Briefs found something with the Hado guy.”

Chapter Text

BerryBlue was watching the monitors carefully, making sure that her Masters health was as good as it could be. Hormone levels were well regulated, his mental state was a little wobbly, but it was to be expected. Trying for offspring was a nerve wracking experience And BerryBlue knew her Emperor well.

Yamcha had been carefully screened for illnesses and genetic problems and had been found to be perfectly healthy. His contribution to the Kold blood line should help produce a strong child. He could have attempted self fertilisation, but as both father Kold and his grandfather Fridge had done it, Frieza did not wish to risk anything going wrong. After all, self fertilization was supposed to be a last resort thing to do when a partner was not found. Or in the case of his predecessors, not finding anyone who ment their high standards.

But Frieza was not going to be stupid enough to do that. After all, with the tech, power and wealth he had, finding a suitable partner hadn’t been difficult. He didn’t need to be powerful or influential. He just needed someone genetically fit for the bill. And the fact that he could be a possible source of information on his enemies was a bonus.

BerryBlue smiled as the door to the apartment opened, and turned off the cameras. She could monitor the life signs instead.

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Yamcha was having a really good day. Work had gone great,dinner had been good and he had his darling waiting for him at home.

He got through the door and let himself in, and went to the kitchen where there was a glass of wine and a note waiting for him.

"In the bedroom." it read, with a little love heart next to it.

Excitement bloomed in his chest, and Yamcha rushed off to the main bathroom where he had a toothbrush stashed under the sink. He brushed his teeth, gave himself a quick rinse down before mushing his hair and mused his hair to look artfully messy before he put his shirt back on and unbuttoned it enough to show a little clavicle.

He knew she was likely hoping to watch a movie like the first night, but he wanted to associate good memories with his, and maybe hopefully their, bedroom.

He took a sip of the wine (really good) and knocked on his door before a soft voice said "Come in."

(ADULT CONTENT AHEAD)

Yamcha did, and was about to say hello and-

Forgot what english was.

Loli sat on the bed looking shy. Her hair was in soft curls, lips soft pink and eyes big and pretty. The teddy set she wore left so very little to the imagination, a cute little bow nestled between her breasts holding it together, and Yamcha just stared for several minutes.

"Do...do you like it."

"olysokeyoupetty."

Loli giggled and blushed, "Should I take that as a yes?"

Yamcha Nodded and shut the door, and still staring, his face a burning bright red.

"You look amazing."

"Thank you. Frieza said, and tried to look coy. "I had hoped you would like it."

He nodded, then his face became serious. "Loli, you don't have to do this. Its a big step and-"

"I want to take it with you." Frieza said, and hoped Yamcha wouldn't try to talk his way out of this. "You've waited for me to be ready, and I wanted it to be nice."

"Oh Loli." Yamcha said, and came to bed. He put his glass on the table and sat on the edge, ""If you wanna do this, so do I."

"Are you sure? You get a choice in this to Yamcha. If you're not ready we can wait."

His heart fluttered in his chest, "You are perfect, you know that?"

Freiza let himself preen. "Of course I know."

Yamcha reached up and cupped Frieza's cheek, thumb rubbing in a little circle, "You are so very sweet. And the second you say to stop, it stops. Okay?"

Frieza nodded and leaned into the touch, "I know you will Yamcha."

This was it. Freiza licked his lips and leaned in, kissing Yamcha.

This was not their first kiss. Frieza was no virgin, he knew what was to come, but somehow it felt different. Maybe it was the Fertility enhancers, or maybe the fact that this was for procreation, but he felt oddly sentimental about this. Kisses and cuddles were the norm, so letting that continue as normal was simple. Yamcha's hand curved around his waist and pulled him in close, and he could feel the body heat through his shirt. solid muscle and the hint of power thrumming beneath the skin that was pleasant enough. Nothing compared to Frieza's own strength, but enough he could feel the energy.

Yamcha was being as gentlemanly as he could, keeping his hands in safe locations until Loli
Relaxed, her small hands coming up to undo the buttons on his shirt. Her fingers are soft and lukewarm. The shoulder of the teddy slipped down and he let his hand curl over that shoulder to pull her closer. She gave a little gasp and groaned, and their kiss deepened.

The other hand slipped up into red hair, and Freiza shivered at the sensation. It was all so very different to sex in his normal form. So many more sensations to feel and enjoy. The feeling of the soft fabric between him and Yamcha was interesting, and made the actual skin contact more intense than normal.

And oh did it feel intense.

Yamcha pushed him onto his back, one leg between his and sat up, letting his shirt fall from his shoulders. Solid, tan shoulders and torso muscles and scared from battle. One was huge and sat on his left peck, one that looked bad enough to kill.

Frieza touched it lightly, “A kill shot?”

“Didn’t take.” Yamcha said, and leaned back in, “I’m a lucky bastard.”

“Hmmm.” Tracing the edge of the wound, Frieza traced upwards to his neck and looped an arm around him to pull them together again. The weight of Yamcha was surprisingly exciting. Frieza felt lips at his throat and groaned, tilting his head back to allow Yamcha to keep going. His hand moved up from his waist to his ribs, thumb rubbing over them as he gave Frieza a chance to say no before pressing on, his hand coming to rest over his breast.

The sensation of his nipples tightening was a novel one, and Frieza wasn't sure if he enjoyed it, but then Yamcha rubbed his fingertips lightly over it and suddenly Frieza liked it very much. He lifted his leg and wrapped it around Yamcha's waist and dragged their groins together and Yamcha moaned against his neck.

"Oh Loli." Yamcha ground down against her and a heat bloomed in Frieza's gut. They pressed into each other, bodies writhing and heat building as Yamcha's mouth descended Frieza's chest, reaching the edge of the teddy's fabric. He looked up, eyes dark. "Can I take this off?"

Frieza nodded, and watched as Yamcha took a tail of the bow in his teeth and pulled the ribbon going aunt as it was loosened. The fabric fell aside.

"Are you okay?" he asked, pressing another little kiss to the skin in front of him.

Frieza nodded, and he cupped one breast again, tugging lightly at the nipple and watching as Frieza's breath came out in little pants. He let his mouth find the other, lips and tongue teasing.

Frieza wiggled, the sensations so delightful that his mind was going a little fuzzy. If he'd known how sensitive this form would be, he would have done a test run on his own.

Yamcha could feel the fabric of Loli's stockings against his skin when she wiggled, and he shivered as she carded her fingers through his hair. He had to force himself away from her breasts and kissed down her stomach,and managed to kick off his shoes as he went. At her belly button he playfully dipped his tongue into the di, and she huffed a laugh and lightly smacked at his head.

"Noooo, tickles."

Her chuckled into her skin and sat up so he could undo his trousers, but Freiza was a step ahead and had the button and zip undone in a heartbeat, shoving them down his hips with his under wear and-

“Wow.”

Yamcha preened, “Why thank you.”

Frieza flushed and turned his head away. He’d know what to expect, but looking at it…humans were certainly functional. Not over large, not small. Now flairs or bumps of spines or other adornments that some species had, just a simple, phallus that looked quite manageable.

Freiza reached out and touched him, and marveled at its warmth. Humans ran hot, and this part of Ymacha seemed to be burning. The human groaned hard and shuddered.

“Is that nice?”

“Hell yeah.” Yamcha said, and Frieza leaned up and latched onto his neck. Mouthing at the skin and enjoying the taste of salt and sweat. After several minutes Yamcha pulled away and gently pushed him back, and proceeded to rub Frieza’s outer thighs.His fingers tangled with the ribbon ties of the panties and he asked, “Can take these off you?”

Frieza nodded and Yamcha grabbed the little ribbons and tugged, and they came apart easily. The tightness of his thigh stockings made him double aware of his nudity, which was stupid considering he didn’t wear clothes in his day to day life. But something in Yamcha’s gaze made him shy.

“You are so beautiful Loli.” Yamcha said and leaned back in to kiss him, and the feel of his phallus against Frieza’s inner thigh was near burning. After wiggle his hips he was able to feel that heat against his own, and the old clenching sensation within him got tighter. The excitement built high and Yamcha moved from his mouth and down again, and Frieza was a little confused for a moment. Why one earth would he-

OH!

Yamcha’s mouth was on him, warm and wet and the shocking depravity of it silenced Freiza. He knew some species indulge in this, but he’s not know humans did. He’d thought them more evolved and having more dignity and-

“Oh, oh god oh god oh god.” Freiza chanted as Yamcha’s tongue moved, stimulating areas Freiza knew were there but hadn't actually used yet.

Freiza couldn’t even think. The pleasure built, sharp and tight. A hand reached up his stomach and chest and gripped lightly at his breast, fingers tugging at his nipple and sending a jolt through him. His legs wrapped around Yamcha’s head and he did his best not to crush the poor human, and Yamcha did something with his tongue and everything unraveled. Frieza gave a hard, shuddering cry as his orgasm rocked over him and Yamcha licked him through it, pulling away just before it became too sensitive.

He rested his head on her thing, chin wet and eyes sparkling, “You okay.”

“Urrrh.”

“Loli?”

“Bluhg.”

Yamcha laughed and kissed her inner thigh, giving his girl a few minutes to recuperate.

Eventually she found her voice, “Holy shit, that was intense.”

“Not too much?”

“The right kind of too much.”

Yamcha nuzzled against Frieza’s thigh and his hand came up to rubbed lightly over the wet heat, fingers stroking and he asked, “You okay with me fingering you.”

The blatant question once again took Frieza by surprise and nodded, and felt those warm fingers press into his body. The slick produced by their foreplay made it easy and the stretching went from strange to pleasant quite quickly. Eventually though it was not enough, and as lovely as it felt, Freiza came here for one thing and one thing alone.

"Yamcha, please." He said, voice throaty, "No more foreplay. I am more than ready."

Yamcha nodded and crawled back up the bed. "How do you want this?"

Freiza wandered about getting on top, but with how frazzled this encounter had him it might be better for him to accept a more passive role. "Like this." he wrapped his legs around Yamcha's waist and pulled him closed.

He nodded and resettled himself, taking himself in hand and then rubbed his tip against her, "You sure, we can still stop."

"I want this. I want you."

He leaned in, kissed her cheek and pressed forward.

The wet, taught heat enveloping his dick made his stop part way, body already too close. He'd waited a long time for this, and now he felt like he was gonna embarrass himself. But he didn't, getting himself under control. He wasn't gonna quickshot their first time.

Frieza had known this was going to feel different, but not this different. It was a burning stretch that wasn't painful, and he tightened his legs around his hips and held on, feeling his body filed.

The first few movements were slow and careful until Freiza began urging Ymacha to go faster. They clung to each other, the sensations and heat and passion and it wasn't long before they were kissing as the thrusting became erratic. Freiza didn't care, He just held on as a second peak hit him and his soft cries tipped Yamcha over the edge. She kept her legs clamped around him, groaning as he felt the seed pool deep in him.

They rode it out, panting hard until they separated, needing space and breath.

"That, that was incredible." Yamcha said and tried to get his breathing under control. "Loli, you're amazing."

Frieza smiled, stretching his back and enjoying the way Yamcha gazed at his face, all heart eyes and flushed skin. He wondered what he looked like at that moment, but it must have been good since Yamcha couldn't stop looking at him.

"I think we need to take a nap, then get up and shower, then maybe grab a snack."

Yamcha cuddled up and grinned, "Oh, that sounds great. Though a shower may need to come before the na-"

"He looked down, and his eyes widened, "Your on birth control, right."

Freiza gave him a blank look and said, "You know I am you ding dong. My pill are in the bathroom."

"Oh yeah. Sorry, used to the first times being wrapped up."

"Well, I never put much trust in those things. Too easy to break, despite the assurances." Freiza yawned, "How about a shower, a snack and then a movie that we pass out in front of?"

Yamcha's smile was gorgeous, "That sounds perfect."

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BerryBlue watched the life signs calm and then shut down the system for now, heading to the door of her office. "Yes, this had gone well.And with any luck They could leave this planet behind soon so Her Master could concentrate on the empire and soon, his child.

She wondered if he would take to parenthood well, or if she would be chosen to raise another child of the Kold Line. At her age, she couldn't keep up with a child, so maybe she would have to see about finding an assistant.

Or maybe they would luck out and the father would be interested in raising the child. It should be fine, after all, the children of the Kold Line were all of the same temperment, They could let that Yamcha fellow do the hard work and pop in from time to time to ensure the child was healthy and developing well.

She wandered down the hall, glancing out of the windows as she went. The earth was such a wasted planet. It had such potential for profit and that moron of a Saiyan prince was wasting it all by just sitting around and-

No, Berry Blue Wasn't going to entertain the thought of ridiculous apes and badly run planets. She had more important things to do.

Like preparing for the baby

Chapter Text

Goten went through his clothes to figure out what still fit and what didn't. Most of his shirts were still good, he favoured oversized things. Now they fit pretty well. But his pants were too small. They fastened, but were so tight they were indecent and cropped. Getting them off was harder than getting them on. He packed them into a box and went downstairs with them, putting them near the front door, ready to be dealt with by his mom.

His Mom, who wouldn't look at him too long because she'd get choked up. It was hard to watch, and so he went back up to his room where he sent about getting his homework done. When ChiChi bought him lunch, she smiled.

"Anything interesting?"

"Nope. Just geometry. We're wrapping up the final six chapters before we do our absorption tests. Then our teachers will tell us what we need to concentrate on studying for our exams."

ChiChi nodded, "Good. Good."

She came and sat on the spare chair. It was a folding one, bought so Trunks could have something to sit on when he came over. Though most of the time the two wound up lounging on the floor, leaning on pillows or each other.

"How did Trunks take being the shorter of you two now?"

Goten sniggered, "He hasn't said much about it. Though considering his folks, he was likely gonna end up short anyway."

ChiChi rolled her eyes, "Don't be a cheeky mister."

They lapsed into silence and it was awkward, something Goten didn't enjoy. So he tried filling it, "So, do you have any ideas on how we should try and cover this up?" I mean, I could shadow Trunks in his lab, but I don't think I could keep up with him."

"Maybe head to Fire Mountain, join one of the schools there. It won't be as advanced as your current school, but they will help you get through your exams and choose your electives for next year." ChiChi touched her finger to her lip. "Maybe you should shadow someone though. I have a cousin who works in accounting, and your maths is pretty strong."

Goten suddenly regretted his decision. "Or help more with the business side of the farm. That kind of real life skill is really transferable." He managed to keep the panic from his voice. "And would buy us time to figure out more options." That wasn't accounting, he thought in his head. Good Kami, he didn't want to be an accountant. "And it won't lead to anyone at fire Mountain asking questions either.”

To his relief his mother nodded, "You're right. No matter what we do, if people can see you, they will ask. And my cousin is married to a woman who likes to make up her own answers if she can't find the real ones. God knows what she might tell people if you show up in your current state." She came over and kissed his head, "You finish up and eat. We'll measure you up for some pants. Your father had a bunch of fabric he planned turning into blankets, but some of the plainer patterns should make decent trousers."

She left him, and he ate in silence as he tried to think of any way to deal with their current problem that wouldn't end with him bored out of his skull or trapped in a job he didn't want.

Gohan was lucky. He'd been interested in bugs his whole life, and being a scholar was something he liked. But Goten wanted something outdoorsy. Farming was good, but too samey. But heading off to find himself would give his mother a conniption.

His eyes trailed over his books, trying to see something that caught his attention. But instead he spotted the small digital camera he'd gotten at a junk store, and on a cork board behind it was several pictures he had taken. Him and his family on a picnic. Fishing with Marron and Krillin. Him and trunks on-

Oh. Oh he had an idea.

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He'd discover three more hidden labs, and one held a functioning holding pod.

"Crap. What the hell could it be?" he asked.

"Want me to go check?"

"No. Not until we know what is there. The fact that 13-15 haven't done anything bad yet doesn't mean. They could be biding their time until they strike."

"Then why let them remain active?"

"Because I'm not killing people just for being a possible problem. That way lies mass murder." Hedo said.

"Well you found them, and it is stupidly la- holy smokes you've been awake for nearly 30 hours!"

"I'm good, I can go longer."

"Nope. You're going to eat something and sleep." Gammdeclared and picked Hedo up, "Come on, rest now before your body makes you."

"Nooooo!"

"Am I interrupting something?" Bulma asked, and stared at the two with mild annoyance."

"Dr Hedo has not slept in 30 hours, nor eaten in 12."

Bulma blinked and then smiled, "Continue treating the grown man as a toddler."

"Thank you!"

"Hey!"

Bulma shook her head and made a mental note to not let her own bad habits repeat in her employees. She'd seen too many interns and fellow scientists burn out at crucial moments and when one of those scientists could make something as dangerous as cell max, then she needed to make sure he at least got the minimum amount of sleep. Plus it was funny watching grown adults grouch like grumpy toddlers. She was beginning to see why Vegeta found it amusing when she did it.

Thinking of her Husband, she grew worried. The man was dealing with a lot. Since seeing Raditz again, he had been on edge, and he was going to be sitting with SunRise soon to discuss the information he had on the PTO. Two parts of his history smashing together. She was worried that he'd end up disappearing for a few weeks.

Speaking of the past, she had spent most of the morning dealing with back patents. Amongst them was a small hook device Trunks has given to her to look over, and it was honestly a decent little doohickey. It acted as a temporary support joint for engines that were going to be very useful in the automotive industry. It wasn't a huge money maker, but it was nothing to be sniffed at. He'd had a couple of items like this, but this was the first he'd given her to look at as an official item.

It was simple, small and underwhelming, but also showed the tiny steps Trunks was taking in order to avoid -what?

Angering her? A lecture? God she needed to deal with her issues soon, because it was not just going to stunt Trunks' development as an engineer, but also their company.

So she looked it over, and checked the prototypes, and came to a decision.

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Piccolo watched the Saiyan, and wondered what he should do.

Dende had warned him that this was to be kept a secret until they were certain that there wasn't a threat.

Piccolo was more worried about how Gohan would react.

Raditz was the beginning. Had he not come to earth, they would never have known about the whole Saiyan thing. But that opened up a list of what if that could have been just as bad.

But that didn't mean that Raditz wouldn't bring up a lot of bad memories for people. Well, three of them. Maybe Krillin if he still held a grudge against being flung through a wall.

"I know you're there. You're not exactly hiding."

Piccolo stiffened. "You shouldn't be able to sense me."

Raditz turned to him, and Piccolo saw that the man was wearing a streamline version of a scouter.

"What is that?"

"Gero couldn't figure out how to make this thing a part of my body, so just made it prettier." Raditz took it, folded it in half and slipped it into his pocket, "A hell of a lot less clunky than the originals. That man could have made quite a lot of money if he wasn't obsessed with killing my brother."

"Any clue why that was?

Raditz just shrugged, "Man held a lot of grudges. Could be anything from killing a friend to breaking a glass beaker."

The Saiyan shoved his hands in his pockets, and Piccolo looked at him properly.

He still had his tail. Whether or not it was still a weakness was up in the air, but it was something to watch out for. His hair was still a massive blanket, draping down his back and making him look bigger than he was. An inch or two bigger than his brother, he was thicker in muscle as well. His eyes were still black, but Piccolo noticed there was an odd look to the left one.

"It's not the real eye. It got replaced with something else." Raditz said. "Just ask your questions. It'll save more time than having you just stare at me and guess."

"How? Last I saw you were dead in the dirt."

"I did die. I think. I certainly went to hell. But apparently There was enough life in me to anchor my soul. I'm guessing you friends left me to rot, which gave Gero a chance to grab my corpse. I'm guessing the fact that my brain isn't human meant I didn't end up an amnesiac during the process of...whatever the hell you call becoming a cyborg."

"You've not tried anything, why?"

"I don't know my limits, I have no clue what kind of upgrades I have and I don't particularly want to be dead again."

Piccolos narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean you don't know your limits?"

"I've been awake a day at most. The most I've done is fly about and kill a few fish."

"You gonna kill anyone?!"

"Who?"

"Me, for a start."

"No." Raditz folded his arms, "I may not be happy you killed me, but I'm a Saiyan. Death might not be something we crave, but we don't exactly hold a grudge. You got the better of me. Not surprised at how pissed the Princeling was. I hadn't met a namekian as strong as you until then. I thought you guys were farmers."

"Not all of us."

"Well I know that now."

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ChiChi watched as Goten stared intently at the computer screen, taking notes and every now and then heading off to check something in his room or a cupboard, She watched, both concerned and curious.

Eventually curiosity got the better of her and she asked, "What on earth are you doing?"

Goten looked up, "Oh, I got thinking earlier, about what I'm gonna do for the next year or aso. And I got an idea."

Worry bubbled up in her and ChiChi kept her face neutral. "Oh, and what have you thought of?"

"You remember how me and Trunks helped out of 17 islands, and I used it as a way to fulfill my art homework by taking those photos?"

ChiChi thought about it, and remembered the art teacher gushing over the phones and how pretty they were. "And how is that useful?"

"Well, I could get a Photography degree. There's plenty of work as you learn courses. I'll be making money and learning at the same time. Could you imagine the...award winning shots I could get thanks to my speed and flight?" Goten said. He tried not to sound too excited, and leaned away from the computer so his mom could see the well putt together and professional looking websites showing off the courses available to people. "Farmer Kobbs daughter went into photography. She did all those amazing wedding photos last year."

That peaked ChiChi's interest. "Oh, I remember. They were just so beautiful. And she makes a good living too. People always need good photographers."

A kernal of hope appeared in Goten then, "Yeah. And its not not too expensive. I already have the camera's Grandpa gave us to start with, and as I work I can save up for better equipment."

ChiChi thought on it, then leaned in to look at the computer, "How far would you have to travel?"

"This says I can start anywhere, so I was thinking wither asking 17 if I could work from his island and help out as I study, or maybe take a traveling course. Since I can fly, I'll be able to check in at home when you need me to. Though I'll have to upload my work close to my study locations. Normal people don't travel 300 miles in a day."

ChiChi scowled for money and Goten knew that using the word normal may have ruined this, but thankfully the course on 'Scientific contractual work' caught her eye and she was distracted, "Oooh, with this you could help Gohan when he goes out studying insects!"

"Yeah. It looks great on my future applications."

Inside his head Goten was chanting 'please like it please like it please like it'.

"Could you move over a second honey? I wanna read up on this. Some of these courses could be very good for you. And you are right, they'll help us keep you hidden for a l;ittle while. Such a clever idea."

Chapter Text

The temple had existed for over a thousand years. Once it had been a meeting place, where teachers and warriors met to exchange information and techniques. Neutral space where many found solace and friendship. Allies and Enemies alike would come in times of danger to either join forces or discuss plans.

Small exhibition fights began taking place, and people would come and watch. Fighters from across the globe would travel months, sometimes years to compete. And as time and tech wore on, the fights became a tournament. unofficial and mostly for fun, it grew in size and popularity.

And then it was made an official event. It brought money into the temple to keep it, and the BudoKai was born.

For 104 years it had been going, but now Gil knew it had been over since the 23rd tournament. That was the last, true tournament to take place, but even then it was beginning to lose its truth when barely a handful of the contestants were actually showing anything amazing. And even then half the crowd was talking about wires and light.

Televising The event had been a mistake. It had meant that the world could watch, it became a status symbol to get a hold of the tickets. It was how much money you had or who you knew and before anyone knew it the stands were filled with fans instead of fighters. People looking for entertainment instead of appreciating skill.

After the Cell Games and the lies that Mr Satan had told, he had come to a decision. Someone had to keep track of who the real heroes were and try to fix what had gone wrong. The problem was, Gill had no idea how to do that.

But then SunRise approached him, and they gave him a purpose and a game plan.

He'd allowed his temple to be monitored and bugged. He had given SunRise access to footage no one else was allowed.

Evidence and information and conversations that could tear the entire world apart.

And now Satan knows.

He'd come to his office that morning, dressed to blend in and looking angered.

"How'd you find out?"

"Buu. did some searching. I don't know what kind of bullcrap they're using to keep him in check, but it hasn't stopped him from learning stuff. Maybe magic or telepathy or something. But it told me what I needed to know."

Gill stood and went to his window, looking out over the grounds, "This place was de-sanctified by the authorities. Not the holymen or the councils of wisdom, but a government official. That was 120 years ago. They kept putting up the property taxes and trying to force our family to sell the land. We became a business to try and save it. It worked for a while, and people were happy to pay to come in. Training and meeting were still free, but the touristy crap kept the land ours. The local tv stations began filming before I was born. By the time I was born, the Budokai was a televised annual event. And it was even more popular than ever. But it also meant the damned land became more expensive. You know the land we sit on is considered prime real estate now. We have the business sector to the east, suburbs to the west and bigger venues are vying for the event."

"So why not let them have it. Surely this place could be reclassified? It's a damned institution-"

"That means nothing when they could get 10 times the prices in business rates. No one even believes this place is a real temple anymore. Most think it's some old rich guy's place that we did up to to look all fighty." Gill sneered. "I actually heard people saying 'fighty' about the home of the martial arts world."

Satan wished that wasn't true, but it was. He glanced out the window, and saw people lining up for tours. They were carrying cameras and drinking expensive coffee while a couple of kids complained about how bored they were. Several of the younger workers were hiding behind a tree, smoking and chatting and looking annoyed. The only person who seemed happy was an older guy, who was lighting candles at an altar and replacing dead flowers with fresh.

When Hercule had first come here, he'd been 9. There were more men in robes and training gear. Old bandage wraps and hand stitched gear. The only names in sight were the emblems of schools and teachers.

Now? Almost every fighter had a brand attached to them. Those that didn't got side eyes and sniffed at, and new rules kept coming in about regulation and rules and age ranges.

Stan shook his head and looked back at Gil, "I am trying. I really am."

Gil looked down at the ground. "I know you are."

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Tien watched the people training in the gym, eyes roaming over them. These were the chosen 25. Between himself, Roshi, Krillin and Yamcha, they had chosen these people to be the first students of....he didn't even know what to call them. Would they split into groups and go by different names?

Would he teach them the crane style, and have them wear his emblem? Or would they wear the SunRise uniform?

He didn't want to think about that. So instead he kept an eye on the people in front of him.

There was a good mix of people out there. Human, Beast and even a Demon of some sort. He wondered if they were a hybrid like many of those who he had met? Or perhaps an offshoot of one of King Piccolo's offsprin-

"Hey Tien!" Yamcha said, interrupting Tien's thoughts.

The other man clapped him on the shoulder, smiling like the world was dandy and fine.

"What made you so happy?" he asked, feeling the positive energy coming off him.

"Oh, I'm in a really good mood."

"Well, that's good I guess." Tien said, "Have you seen the others yet?"

"No. I just got here. Roshi's off at that Sensitivity thing and Krillin is still at his precinct."

"When does he change his placement?"

"This afternoon." Yamcha tilted his head and stared at one of the trainees, "Isn't that one of Gohan's friends?"

Tien looked towards the person in question, and saw a blonde haired guy in a green tank top trying to meditate.

"That is him. What was his name?"

"Sharpner. Decent fighter with real potential." Krillin said, appearing out of nowhere and making the other two jolt.

"Don't sneak up on us like that!" Yamcha squeaked.

"How do you even do that!" Tien said, blinking in surprise that Krillin had snuck up on them. He was on high alert, so he should have sensed the guy. "You know you're gonna have to show us how you got so stealthy."

"And ruin my edge? Not gonna happen." Krillin said, smiling. But it didn't reach his eyes. "I take it neither of you picked him?"

"Nope. Maybe it was Roshi."

"Maybe. I don't think he ever met the guy so maybe he saw his file and liked it."

"I didn't even know the kid was a fighter."

"At this point I wouldn't be surprised if the barista at my favourite coffee shop was a secret assassin." Yamcha said and put his hands in his pockets. "Hey, can I ask you guys something?"

"Sure."

"What's up?"

"Do you think I'm too old for marriage?"

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Frieza hadn't felt this good in a long while.

He sat watching mindless television in an empty apartment, relaxed and drinking mid priced coffee as he thought on the previous night.

It was good. He had not known what to expect from the sex, but he certainly hadn't expected it to be so....intense. Just thinking about it made him all tingly, and he couldn't wait for Yamcha to come back.

Honestly, he might have to keep the human. But BerryBlue had warned him he may end up feeling overly attached to the human, so he did his best to self regulate his emotions in regard to the man.

As he watched the vapid morning television, he wondered how long this would take. With all the preparations done, it shouldn’t take too many attempts to be inseminated. If it was lucky, Yamcha’s seed may have already taken.

It was confusing. As much as biological imperative could make a person crazy, Frieza wasn't dumb enough to think this was all chemical. Yamcha was sweet. An obnoxious hero, but he had skills and knowledge that only a criminal should have. Honestly Frieza was a little annoyed at Bulma, it seemed as though the woman had smoothed out his rough edges.

Bulma. Urgh. The more he learned of that woman the more he wondered what Vegeta saw in her. From what he had learned, Bulma had a taste for dangerous men, but didn't want to give up the traditional lifestyle. Vegeta appeared to be the perfect mix of danger and dependability, which was a shock. But then again, Frieza had discovered a lot of his old staff had moved on to family lives in the years he was dead. It seemed the lure of domesticity was a strong one.

And sitting on that couch, waiting for Yamcha, Frieza contemplated that kind of life.

And very much knew it wasn't for him. He enjoyed the power and notoriety he had accumulated over the years. He enjoyed the terror that his name inflicted. His empire may not be as big as it once was but he enjoyed it, and he would enjoy watching it grow.

And sadly Yamcha would likely refuse to join him. As much as Frieza would like to just take the man with him, he knew that it would cause more trouble than it was worth. No, the man could be a stud, and maybe a caretaker should Frieza and BerryBlue be too busy to deal with the child.

"Little help!" a muffled voice said, and Frieza sighed and got up. Outside the door was Puar, struggling with several grocery bags. Even human shaped he was having an issue.

"Why didn't you call for help downstairs?"

"I had the trolley with me, but the wheel broke." Puar said, and once the bags were down he puffed back into cat shape, brows furrowed in annoyance and pouting, "Damned thing gave out down the hall. I'll fetch it. Can you put some tea on?"

"Sure." Frieza said, and watched the cat go.

One thing he wasn't going to miss was all of the damn chores.

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“You're playing a dangerous game Goten.” Gohan said as he helped his brother read through course applications.

Goten looked over at the door, “Hey, keep it down. If you ruin this I will seriously stop talking to you. You got the career you wanted, let me at least try and have mine.”

Gohan smiled and nodded. "So why photography?"

"It's outdoorsy, I get to set most of my work hours and even if it doesn't end in some big, professional work, there's a surprising amount of protection when it comes to unpaid services."

Gohan gave his little brother a look, "Unpaid services?"

"Oh, I fell down a rabbit hole of 'bad customer etiquette' posts online. Must have spent an hour reading that drama."

"I wouldn't expect there to be that much-"

"If you get me started on this, we'll both end up an hour deep in small claims court stories and wedding disasters."

Movement on the stairs courted Gohan's attention then. A moment later his Mother came in, "So what do you think Gohan, do you think this could be a useful solution??"

"It looks good. Might have to wait for the next enrollment, but Goten can head off and get some hands-on practice until then."

"How long is it until the next enrollment?"

"It'll be two months from now. He can spend that time building a portfolio. Might have to fudge some of the dates to make it look better, but with hard work Goten should be able to do this."

ChiChi Beamed. "That's wonderful. It'll be a nice little hobby that will give him a good life skill!"

Goten managed to keep his annoyance from showing at the word 'hobby' but counted himself lucky his mother was going for this. Maybe it would end up to be a hobby, something he did for fun, but honestly? Goten could be happy with this as a career. He might not be old enough to have taken it seriously, but he knew he could try.

And it could be fun. He'd not had the same kind of outdoors experience as his father and Brother, but he could forage and fish and hunt, and knew how to keep warm and dry. He could have some real fun with this. Not too much though. His Mom got real suspicious if she thought he was enjoying a subject too much.

Chapter Text

"So, what's the plan for us?" 15 asked, twirling his hat on his finger. "Cos I don't feel like being cooped up forever."

Bulma managed to pull her gaze away from his head, and the exposed 'brain'. "We are looking into finding you a place to stay. Somewhere that not gonna bore you, but won't draw attention to yourselves."

Behind her Gamma stood guard, both worried and intrigued by these Androids.

They were built from the dead, but were a lot more advanced than 8 was. They had the telltale amnesia the other androids had. Bulma and her father had tried to figure out what had caused that, but it appeared as though most androids would lose their memories. At least those made from humans. She needed to do a comparison to figure out why Raditz hadn't.

"I gotta ask, how much do you know about Raditz?" she asked.

13 shrugged, "He was chatty the whole time we were waiting on you guys finding. Dealt with a few issues that Gero left behind, which I am grateful for. You owe him a thankyou, cos we all lost the little voice in our heads that kept chanting 'kill Son Goku, Kill Son Goku'."

"You had thoughts like that?"

"Yeah. After several issues with other androids refusing to follow orders, he started adding extra sub-routines to try and keep us on track."

Bulma's brow clenched,"I'm a little surprised he would do that."

"Well, I'm just glad we aren't stuck in those pods. The suppressors that kept us asleep were gonna fail at some point, but the damned limiters would have kept us from leaving." 15 said, then shuddered. “Still gives me nightmares thinking about it."

Bulma could understand that. Trapped, unable to move but conscious? Gods that sounded like hell. "Did he mention anything about his plans?"

"Nope. Just wanted out."

This left Bulma unsatisfied, but with no way to prove they were lying, she left them be. Gamma followed her.

"Do you think SunRise knows about this already? Or will we have to tell them."

"Damn it, I forgot about them." Bulmna snapped, "Hopefully they haven't told anyone about this if they do know. Vegeta wasn't wrong about giving Goku and his family time. They have enough problems right now without this. They needed a little time to recuperate. And having you formerly dead brother show up wasn't a good thing.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZDZ DZ DZ DZ

Suno's informants had told her about Raditz. She had decided to give Bulma 24 hours to contact her, and luckily the woman had come through, as she requested a protected video call.

"So what are we doing?" Bulma asked. her voice is hard with distrust."

"Your husband is right about giving this time. We don't know how Goku and Gohan will react to this, so I am gonna say hang back on telling them until we have to. But this also works out well for us. Raditz can give us a comparative testimony of the PTO so we can get a better idea of it." Suno said. "I have to ask, when will Vegeta be coming to us."

Bulma bit her lip before answering, "I'm trying to get him to come in this week. He has...reservations."

Suno gave a sigh, "We know. But our patiences won't last forever."

Bulma knew this. "I will speak with my husband. I suppose you want me to speak with Raditz as well?"

"Yes. That would be a good move. And what about the other projects?"

Bulma sent over several files, "Hedo has successfully used the incubator. We will be slowly advancing the experiments along the rodent line until we are certain it is safe to move onto primate experimentation. The ship is in test mode, as we are having to back-date some of the tech so it doesn't look suspicious."

Suno knew that would be a necessary evil. Just throwing out a space worthy ship in a few months would look suspicious at best, worrisome at worst. And they couldn't risk an investigation. Not at this point. "Okay. Anything else we need to know about the situation?"

"No, I don't think so. I'll have the androids moved to a private location, and any more we find will be reported to you."

"Thank you Bulma. I appreciate you keeping me updated on these developments."

Like they had a choice, Bulma thought. But she kept her mouth closed.

The communication ended and Bulma wanted nothing more than to get a drink, but knew she had a meeting in less than half an hour and showing up buzzed was a bad idea.

So instead she went to find her husband.

She found Vegeta in his 'office' with the book, and it once again seemed strange to see him hunched over a document and taking notes.

"Hey honey. You have a minute?"

He looked up at her and she noticed lines of concentration around his eyes, and wondered if he had been squinting. It might be a good idea to check his eyesight at some point.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Yes and no. Suno has said she want's Raditz's testimony about the PTO as well. I'd like it if you could take me to him later"

"Bulma, he-"

"I know, dangerous worrisome blah blah blah. I just need to speak with him, Vegeta. If he looks like he could be a danger, you can blast him."

He stood, "No. We don't know what kind of power he has yet, and I don't want to risk you."

"Vegeta-"

"No Bulma. I cannot risk him deciding to take a shot at you."

"Then we risk it. I'll take the portable shield thingy Hedo made, it's proven useful before now."

Vegeta went to say something else, but there was a beep of an incoming text on his phone. He looked at it, "I have to pick Bulla up from preschool. We will talk about this later."

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Roshi had chosen Sharpner because of his background and determination. Though not as dedicated in his youth, he had doubled down on his training once he had finished highschool. His reasoning? He had allowed his confidence to get the better of him, and he had lost his chance at something. He did not plan on making that mistake again.

He had no idea that the lad was a friend of Gohan's, and for a moment he thought about receding his choice, but one of the SunRise employees pointed out that it could be mistaken for favoritism in some way. So now he would end up being trained by them.

They were given interview lists for the next day that would last over the weekend. Roshi wasn't pleased, especially considering everything else he was having to deal with.

Bulma had conscripted him into helping Raditz. Apparently since he had worked with rehabilitating ex villains before, he was being pulled into help. But guiding Tien and Yamcha through their rough patches didn't exactly qualify him for helping a planet killer.

"Looks like we'll get 30 minutes with each person to see what we think of them and give our final thoughts on where we think he would fit training wise." Krillin said, "Man, this feels way too clinical."

"I know. My students have to go through applications, but they get time to ease into the school and figure out what they really want. I might be hard on them, but I'm not dumb enough to think I can change and discover their future in a day." Tien grumbled.

"They seem to have our schedules down pat. I'm not booked into for anything tomorrow , but I booked all weekend."

Krillin elbowed him, "Missing the missus already huh?"

"I'm introducing her to Bulma tomorrow, so I'm a little nervous."

"Why are you introducing your ex to your current girl?" Tien asked.

Krillin answered for him, "Do you think Bulma would actually let anyone close to the team without her approval? I'm expecting her to interrogate my sister."

"I'm sorry, SISTER!?!?!"

"Oh, I guess I haven't told you about her yet huh."

Yamcha let Krillin explain his family situation and Yamcha let his thoughts wander to Loli. He felt the heat rise from the memory of the previous night. And the shower after. And before he left the house that morning.

Spending the weekend away from her wouldn't be fun, but she was staying until Tuesday so they would have plenty of time together then. And he planned on making the most of it.

"So Roshi, how was your sensitivity training?"

"Don't mention it. We spent the morning doing 'introductions' and now I have to do a stupid phone call check in every night. Like I'm some kind of criminal!"

None of them said a word, and instead they just spoke about the students. The worry over the number of runaways and orphans amongst the group.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Raditz had expected another visit from Vegeta. He had not expected him to bring his wife.

The woman was…..nothing like he expected the wife of his prince to be. She was skinny, with no muscle tone or strength in her. His power level was none existent. But she held herself like someone who knew she could blow away mountains. There was no fear in her as she stepped out of the transport.

Vegeta followed, and he didn’t look happy. He likely hadn't wanted to bring his wife along, but Raditz had seen enough of her to know that she got what she wanted.

"We have to talk." she said, staring up at him with stern eyes.

Raditz glanced at Vegeta and smiled, "As the Consort Commands."

Vegeta bristled and his tail twitched. "Knock that off."

"Consort? Wait, like Queen Consort?" Bulma grinned and looked back at Vegeta, "Holy shit, Do I have subjects now? Like, for real."

"Raditz, speak nothing more on this. Bulma, we are here for a reason."

"Fine,fine. We'll talk about this later, mister." she turned back around to Raditz, "Where are you sleeping?"

"Someone's storage place. Pretty cushy. Has a bathroom and everything."

"Cushy." Bulma raised an eyebrow, "In a storage place."

Raditz looked behind her at Vegeta, "Thought you would have told her the places we had to sleep back when planet hopping."

Bulma glanced back as well, "He mentioned roughing it a little."

Raditz laughed and folded his arms over his chest, "Embarrassed about sharing a pod a few times, huh Princling?"

"Don't call me that!" Vegeta snapped, cheeks going pink and Bulma giggled, and suddenly the tense atmosphere was gone, but she knew they still had to talk.

"I can give you a little more than a storage unit with a bathroom. Call it a gesture of good faith." Bulma said, "Let's find a place to set up and we'll chat."

They did find a little nook near the coast, nestled against a copse of trees.

The house was comfortable. She'd made a few last minute adjustments, like a bed and bathroom he could comfortably fit in. The kitchen was stocked with high calorie food and the wardrobe had a couple of basic black body suits in the same fabric as Vegeta's training gear.

"So, what is it you wanted to know?"

"Do you know of any other Androids? Besides the guys you freed."

"Oh, One more. No clue where though. The location was hidden under hundreds of algorithms and passcodes. He gave me just enough to get myself out."

Bulma looked at him, "He?"

"Gero. When I was down there I managed to locate him."

"Gero's in the lab?"

"No, Gero's Dead."

"Then where-"

"Hell."

Chapter Text

Hell is many things.

It's crowded. Misery loves company and no matter how you try to distract yourself from you place in the universe, eventually the crushing truth of where you are and why hit everyone. Some let the despair wash over them, hoping that it might bring them closer to absolution, to suffer and repent and maybe move on. Others kept busy.

He met other Saiyans down there, saw communities created and dispelled if they got too big or organized. He met many other species that Frieza had enslaved and used and destroyed. He met many victims who’d done awful things to survive. The Ogres were pretty decent. So long as you didn’t try to escape or make more paperwork for them, they were happy to leave things be. Some even tried to help the residents reach a point where they could reach purgatory. A place where they were able to reach family and friends, and work out their sins in different ways. Eventually, if they were lucky they would reach the hall of Yenma a second time, and hopefully be deemed worthy enough to pass on to the next life.

Then Freiza showed up.

He had nothing, but he was still strong. But you cannot kill others in hell. Temporarily discorperate them, but not ‘kill’. So Freiza attempted more painful ways of gaining control. Torture and making afterlives a misery. It completely disrupted the economy and social structure of hell, and even though the authorities in hell gave him warning after warning, Freiza was eventually placed in an individual hellscape, to stop his causing chaos and problems.

Hell was also boring.

They don't feel the discomfort of needing food or drink or sleep, though many will nap to make the time go faster. Deals and offers and trades are used to get what people want, be it the few fruits that grow down there or the items people had one their person at death being traded. Those items eventually wind up back with a person after a while, appearing back 9 in their pockets at random times which allows the same trade and ‘rentals’ to keep the trade system going. It made life interesting.

Most spent their time brawling and talking. A few managed to build decent enough routines that you could almost call it a life. Some Ogres tried to help, as did some of the Demons. After meeting Friueza, a whole new department was created to decide if those who worked under him could be reclassified for purgatory, under the idea that if you were born and raised to follow a most, is it really your fault you became one too? It was an argument that had been revisited a million times over the years, and sometimes it led to elevation. Sometimes it led to the authorities doubling down. Other times it was quietly pushed aside in favour of more important things. Like what kind of paper they should use for the new anti littering campaign posters.

Raditz should have known something was wrong when he noticed that his halo fluttered. Many believed that Raditz was just about powerful enough to have a body. With no other explanation Raditz had agreed. He then spent a lot of his time talking with other Saiyans and the members of the Frieza force he had been on friendly terms with. As he had said,it was boring.

They watched the orbs a lot, witnessing battles and day to day life in the universe. It was both entertaining and annoying, seeing everyone enjoy life whilst they were trapped down here.

And then the first flicker happened..

Pain was what he felt first. All encompassing pain. The sound of machines and a voice, a voice calling him fascinating and incredible and ‘the key’ to victory. And then he was back in hell, a puff cloud of a soul that hid away to avoid embarrassment. But eventually Zarbon found him and proceeded to carry him around like a goddamn pet, endlessly amused at his predicament. Not so funny was when he became humanoid again whilst sitting on his lap, causing the Ginyu force to lose their shit laughing.

He asked around about what had happened, but no one knew. Afe thought he was lying. But then his Halo vanished for a whole hell day, and people began to panic. He was taken to a holding room, where he’d been stuck for a few days before they let him go, and then he flickered back to the pain, where this time he could see who had him.

And old man. Angry, determined eyes and schematics on the wall showing off his plans, but Raditz was too confused to understand what was happening. He came too in hell once again a cloud, and an old friend of his fathers had sheltered him until he’d regained human form. After that he went to the ogres. Hiding wasn’t an option, as the authorities would eventually find you. So he showed up, told them the situation and was once again made to sit in an office and wait. He chatted with the ogres and helped out with stamping and carrying in exchange for an office to occasionally nap in and snacks. It worked out pretty well until he awoke in the lab again.

He was awake and alive. He felt his heartbeat and his lungs inflate and could smell blood and metal and-

“Speak, SM1.”

His eyes focused on the man in front of him. He noticed that his vision was off, and then that one of his eyes simply didn’t work anymore. That wasn’t good, he’d either gotten to a healing tank too late or it had been removed by some primitive doctor.

"I said, speak SM1!"

"Whose S1?" he asked, voice a croak. The man huffed but came forward with a bottle of water, which he brought to Raditz's lips and allowed him to drink. Once done, he stepped away.

“You are SM1. You're my creati-”

“I am Raditz.” he said, and The man froze.

“I’m sorry, what did you just say?”

“My name is Raditz. Not SM1.”

“You…you remember your name?”

Raditz said nothing. He kept his mouth shut and didn’t open it again, no matter what the man asked. EVentually he got sick of asking and put him back to sleep. He didn’t go back top hell, instead flouted in and out of sleep. He next awoke in a cell, on a blanket that did nothing to stop the cold and an odd, hollow sensation in his chest. He checked and found no heartbeat, yet his blood flowed and he could feel a pulse in his neck. Her nodded off again and when he awoke he was starving. It was weird to feel hunger again. He was fed a colourless slop before being asked his name again, and when he said Raditz, he heard annoyed muttering and then he was gone.

He awoke back in hell in his own body, no halo and amongst many panicked ogres and demons, all of whom had no idea as to why he was alive. He was sequestered away from the resort of hell, in order to avoid other hellions from thinking Raditz had a way out. He was stuck there whilst they tried to figure out what paperwork they should submit in order to send the situation higher, but fear and confusion meant he spent what had to have been an earth year stuck in back offices.

When he awoke again he had the use of both of his eyes, but everything felt off. His body moved differently, the joints looser, the muscles both stronger but lighter. His thoughts came faster and clearer.
By now he knew he wasn't alone in the labs. There was shouting and begging and every so often he saw people dragged or wheeled past his cell. He saw most of them wheeled back out as well, silent and dead. He lost count of the number of beings who were funneled in and out.

Gero eventually introduced himself, and began questioning him. Raditz kept the answer simple but vague. Nothing that was a flat out lie, but nothing that Gero could use. He was especially amazed at the fact Raditz retained his memories. How his skin could go from bullet deflecting hard to easily bruised by a simple pinch. How his cells worked and questions about his brother.

All he knew about Kakarot was he had a brain injury and he was a lot stronger than he looked.

Gero then tried to convince him to fight his brother, and Raditz played along for a little. He watched the videos of Goku and his friends and family. Saw how powerful they had become. And the moment he had the chance, he'd run.

He hadn't made it far. Not even a mile away from the lab before he was back in hell. He found a way to create a fake halo and dodged the ogress until he appeared in his cell again. Gero was pissed, and he strapped Raditz and he'd been forced to feel his brain being messed with. It didn't hurt, but dear god it felt weird.

For months this happened, Gero tickering and tried to make him compliant, and the best he could do was put an annoying little voice in his head that repeated the order to kill. It was ignorable though. Not fun, but ignorable.

He toed the line for a bit, until Gero had a breakthrough with a couple of humans and shelved Raditz. Well, I thanked him.

Being in the tank was strange. When 'alive' he was interacting with the computer, watching the cameras and video feeds of Geros' enemies.He saw The battle with Cell, the seven years of peace, the craziness of Buu and the insane limbo of being really truly dead before being really truly alive in a way he wasn't expecting. But then again, no one had expected it. He bounced between hell and life, the ogres constantly arguing over what to do with him, other Hellions trying to find out what was going one, and then-

Gero was in hell. The man had no clue why either. He genuinely believed that his life's work, his determination to kill Son Goku, was justifiable and made him worthy of heaven.

Raditz had come up with his plan then.

He'd played the obedient droid. Made the good doctor believe that the control worked in hell because the spirit was weaker than the flesh. He got the information he had needed out of the man bit by bit. At one point Gero even got back to the world of the living himself, albeit trapped within a machine himself. Raditz had used this as a way to finally gain Gero's trust enough to not only get the passwords to the computer controlling them, he still needed outside help.

And that's when he found the internet. Thank god for the internet.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"So is Gero still in the machine?"

"No. I switched it off the moment I knew we didn't need him anymore."

Bulma folded her arms and thought about this. We need to destroy that machine as soon as we can. We can't risk him coming back."

Vegeta nodded. "Did you learn anything else whilst you were in hell?"

"Kold is still his duplicitous self. He's made a lot of deals down there, trying to get in with the authorities. Its not working though." he seemed to pause then

"What else?" Vegeta said, voice hard.

"I...I spoke with you father."

Bulma watched Vegeta freeze up then. To someone who didn't know him he would seem aloof, but she could tell this had thrown him.

"And what did he want?"

"To know if you were alive, still fighting. He was pretty damned proud when you went super."

His tail twitched, and he huffed, "Anything else."

"He ordered me to try to keep my eyes and ears open for ways to rebuild the empire and to follow you. And since I don't really have much else to do, I figured I might as well follow orders."

"My father's rule is defunct Raditz, you've no reason to follow him. Or me."

"Royals don't need to follow anything but their own souls, Vegeta. And I follow my Duty. I may not have been the most powerful or smartest, but I was never disloyal. And I aint't starting now."

Bulma looked between the two and realized that this relationship was far more complicated that it was at first look. She had always known that Vegeta's situation was complicated but this....could lead to some trouble. She didn't know what kind, but it could be troublesome.

"Okay, let's sideline that for now. Does the phrase SunRise mean anything to you?"

"I know you're working with them, but not much else. "Why."

"They want information on the PTO. They already plan to interview Vegeta, but now they want your input as well."

"Sounds doable." But how are they gonna do it without telling my brother?"

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

"Purple dress or white dress?"

"The Purple one is nice. Suit your complexion." Yamcha said and smiled.

Frieza was trying to decide between dresses and shoes, eyes narrowed as he tried to pick something pretty but not overstated. He didn't want to look too eye-catching. The whole point of this was to be easily absorbed into the group. Not to make waves. To ensure his secret until he hd what he wanted and-

"You know, you could just wear your jeans. You'll look just as good."

"I look good in all my stuff. I just want to make a good impression."

Yamcha knew his girlfriend would. She was strong willed, smart and hard to shock, he had no doubt she would fit right in.

Fieza dropped the dress and sighed, “I can’t decide,I might as well go naked.”

He stood there in the basic black underwear she bought with her and glowered at his body. “Seriously, why is this so hard?”

“It’s not the only thing.” Yancha said and when Frieza looked at him he waggled his eyebrows.

Frieza tried to give him a serious look but ended up sniggering at him. “You doofus.”

“But I’m your doofus.”

“That you are.”Frieza said and wandered over to Yamcha, hips swaying a little and a smile on his face, “Maybe help me forget about the dress for a little bit.”

“Hmm, lemme think a sec.” Yamcha said, pretending to think before scooping Frieza up and flinging him over his shoulder. “I got time.”

“Hohoho, you goofball!”

Chapter Text

“Queen Bulma. Your Royal Highness Bulma. You know that's kind of got a nice ring to it.”

“Don't get used to it.” Vegeta said as he got ready for bed. “Saiyan Kings didn't have Queens, and Saiyan Queens didn’t have Kings. They had Consorts. All the respect, none of the power.”

“Huh? Why?”

“To stop the Leader from being influenced. Consorts were purely companions and parents, they could not have a say or opinion on the running of the Planet. It was to ensure favouritism didn’t happen. I’ve got no clue if it worked, but that’s how it was supposed to happen.”

Bulma lay down and felt disappointment well up. “Well that's not fun.”

“You'd still get to lounge around your rooms or go do whatever it is you would want to fill your day with when you weren't with your spouse.” Vegeta stop a moment and tilted his head,

“What?” Bulma asked, “You know I’m not even sure that There were even weddings for that kind of thing. Just a formal declaration.”

Bulma sat up, “Wanna look it up?”

Vegeta thought about it, then nodded. He pulled his joggers back on before heading out the room, and was back a few minutes later with the book.

Bulma Raised an Eyebrow. “Did you run?”

“No.” Vegeta said, but the light blush on his ears betrayed his excitement. It was cute seeing him so enthusiastic for something that wasn’t fighting, food or…..something else.

"Show me- How do I even ask this without having to read the whole history of it?"

"I don't know. Ask about royal spouses and see what it does."

The book did, giving them a list of Royalty and their lovers. Bulma smiled as she was sure some of the names only ever had one partner. They giggled at the ones that have dozens of names attached.

As they got further down, she saw Vegeta's father partnered with four separate people. And those people gave Bulma Pause.

"Vegeta?"

"Yes."

"Why are there only guys around your Dad?"

"Because he didn't like women."

Bulma blinked at him a few times. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Bulma, I get that earth still has its hang ups on this stuff, but the man is dead and gone and you don't have to worry about your reputation."

"Hey!" Bulma snapped, though there was a tiny part of her business orientated mind that was worried about public perception. She pushed it aside. She wasn't going to be some thick headed troglodyte about this.and instead asked a different question. "What are those little lines pointing to that 'additional information' thing?"

"Do you want to head off on a tangent or find out if you're a queen or not?"

"Queen first please."

He smiled, and leaned back at the head of the bed, Bulma snuggling up to him. "Show me....an abbreviated explanation of how Royal romance was conducted."

The page changed again.

After several minutes of reading, Bulma grumbled, "Sounds more like a Harem position than a Queen Consort situation."

"Well, you're the only member of it." Vegeta said and pressed a kiss to her head. "Life of luxury, only having to show up and look pretty. Getting to ...." he stopped talking and scolded. "Shit, I think I'm your consort."

Bulma threw her head back and laughed. "Oh god, now I'm picturing you in silks and see through lingerie." she managed to stop giggling, and tilted her head at Vegeta, mischief in her eyes.

He recognised that look. "Don't even think about it, woman."

"Okay, okay. No silk.” she said, but in her mind she was thinking of something lacy instead. Or maybe something with velvet, something soft like his tail fur.

"Let's go back to the other thing. I wanna see what that cluster is."

Vegeta went back, and he looked at the image in question. He looked at his father, and the list and pictures of his partners.

"I think I remember that guy." Vegeta said and pointed to the last name. "Used to spend hours in the library."

The grouping of names and pictures were tiny, and Bulma was the one to ask for more knowledge on it.

The page changed, and both were confused.

"Genetic manipulation and the necessary augments of infants."

Bulma got a bad feeling in her gut.

"The experimentation with genetic manipulation was not well liked, but considered necessary as the reproduction rules became harsher and the number of young being born with abnormally low power levels. To counter this, a decision was made to use gene splicing to encourage better levels. Take the ki strength of one person, add the muscle density of another. This was done in hopes of breeding a Saiyan strong enough to ensure victory over Frieza.

The First born child of the last King was the only successful use of multiple paternal genetics being used in one embryo."

Veget stopped speaking. His hands shook and he handed the book to Bulma. "I don't want to tear it. Keep talking."

Bulma looked down at it. "For the purposes of Lineage, the child Prince had 51% of the King's DNA. This was to ensure none could attest to his claim to the throne. The rest of the chosen DNA was chosen to enhance all of his natural skills. The genetics of-"

"Go on."

"The genetics of 8 Saiyans were used in his creation. The King's Sperm Cells were used to create a proto-egg, which was used in place of female Eggs. As such, Prince Vegeta the 4th (In This Line, not of his Name) was born of No mother."

Bulma looked over at her husband, sure his shoulders tightened and he could feel the ......emotion coming off him.

And then it was gone. like a gust of wind, it flew from his body and he flopped back onto the bed.

She put the book into the bedside table, before carefully crawling over to him.

"Honey, it's okay. This means nothing."

"I suppose." he looked up at her, "I'm tired of this revelation stuff.”

"Comeon, we’ll get a drink and try to relax. We can look into more in the morning.

Bulma knew that he she was more likely to wake up and see the bed beside the empty because he's gone to freak out somewhere, but right now she could comfort him as best she could.

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Night came and went and morning bought a nervous houseguest.

"I'm nervous." Frieza said, holding Yamcha's hand.

This was no lie. He was worried that Vegeta or the brats would sus out his real identity the moment they met him, and he would have to flee.

"Don't be. Bulma's a really nice girl once you get to know her, and Vegeta...well, he's not such a bulldog when he's at home."

"I'll take your word for it."

They continued walking up the drive and the house was just as huge and garrish as he remembered. Everything was obviously expensive, but in an understated way that both showed off whilst seeming unobtrusive. Either Bulma had excellent taste in neutral extravagance, or they had hired a very good designer.

A blonde woman that Frieza knew to be Bulma's Mother answered the door and invited them in. She led them through to the living area, where the youngest sat on the couch reading and Bulma herself was drinking coffee.

"Yamcha, hey!" she said, "And this must be Loli." she said and stood, walking up and offering her hand. Frieza took it, keeping his handshake weak and limp.

"It's nice to meet you." Frieza said, and "Thank you for inviting me ."

"Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted to meet my old friend's new girl."

Frieza smiled, keeping himself pleasant and hoped that this wouldn't go badly.

"So is Vegeta here?" Yamcha asked.

"Oh, he's off doing some research today."

"Oh, is he an academic?" Frieza asked, keeping the amusement out of his voice. The idea of Vegeta squirreling away in a library instead of a training centre was amusing.

"No, no. He's just recently taken an interest in history."

"Well, it must be fascinating."

Frieza made a mental note to send someone to find out what the Saiyan was studying. Anything that pulled him away from training must be serious.

"So brunch will be ready soon, But we'll be taking it on the upper veranda today."

"Huh? Why?" Yamcha asked.

"To avoid any unwanted camera's. We can't do much about our friends who rise with the Sun, but we can avoid the cameras of the Paparazzi."

"I thought they were too scared to come near here after Vegeta kicked that guy over the north wall."

"So did I,but Yamcha the Allstars latest love interest on camera would be a heck of a pay day."

"Oh come on, how slow is the news that a has like me is considered a hot topic."

Frieza laughed, "Well, considering it's either boring as a paper towel or on the verge of destruction, it makes sense people would be bored between chaos."

Bulma smiled, "Oh, you get it, Loli."

Frieza smiled and the three of them made their way through the house. The upper Veranda was up high on the building, and Bulma pressed a button that closed up the roof, but opened up a section that allowed them a nice view of the animal sanctuary area.

“Oh you really have quite the menagerie.”

“Yeah, mostly rescues. That big guy over there was kept in an illegal zoo. Hand reared and no hunting skills.”

“Aren’t you worried about having him around the children?”

“Even if our kids weren’t trained in ki manipulation, he’s a huge softey. He sulks if you scold him. We get more trouble from the chickens.”

Yamcha smiled, “You still got that Cockerel Vegeta accidentally hatched?”

“Yeah. Little guy runs the coop now.”

“Erm….Vegeta hatched a chicken?”

“Long story.”

DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ DZ

Gero folded his arms and stared at the screening bubble. It wasn't showing much today, flickers of battler and political meetings, the occasional important moment in day to day lives. A child of power being born. A future dictator is giving her first taste of power. A being with an eye colour mutation that would change the direction of his species' evolution.

He sat and watched and didn't hear the man coming up behind him.

"I heard that one of your creations has managed to get themselves out of here."

"I know. But I have no clue how I did it, so if you could kindly is-"

"I think I can help you do the same."

Gero turned around and saw the man behind him, one he vaguely recognised as one of Frieza's old goons. Blue Skin, green hair and an effeminate look about him.

"And why would you do that?"

The man smiled and tilted his head. "Because I want a 2nd chance, and I think that you could be the one to give it to me."