Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Normal Friends from Strange Places ❯ A Day at Capsule Corps ( Chapter 18 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Normal Friends from Strange Places
Chapter 15
By Maria Cline

It was a calm morning at Capsule Corps. Unfortunately, that would soon change. Vegita and Gohan stood in the huge biodome wearing spandex training outfits.

"Okay, now, have you prepared yourself mentally?" Vegita asked as he crossed his arms.

Gohan nodded as he went Super Saiyan. "Yeah. Let's do it."

"Why are they training in here? Why not in the mountains?" Videl asked as she, Trey, and Bulma watched from the control tower.

"Because here we can keep the situation more in control." Bulma said as she adjusted the controls. "There are various interior sheilds on multiple levels as well as the fact that there are three super powerful warriors here just in case."

"Three?" Videl asked as she stuttered slightly. "You mean me?"

"Duh! You now have one of the most powerful weapons in the world!" Bulma pointed to Videl's bracelet. "That's makes you strong."

Videl remained silent as she stared at her bracelet. It had been two days since her battle with Diva and the gauntlet's activation. It was still so strange to her that she's now on the same level as Gohan. When she first met Gohan, she thought she was stronger than Gohan, unfortunately, that was far from the truth. Now the weapon she possessed gave her an edge that years of training couldn't provide.

"Let's watch the show." Trey suggested as he leaned forward and took off his bandana.

"Are you ready?" Bulma asked over the intercom.

"Ready!" Gohan said as he did a thumbs up.

"Okay. Activating artificial moon." Bulma said as she tapped on some buttons.

In the ceiling, a bright white circle appeared and Gohan gulped as he stared straight at it. **Remember Videl, Trey, and Mom. Control. Control.** Gohan chanted in his mind as he felt his tail bristling and his body expanding.

Trey, Videl, and Vegita powered up as Gohan grew and gold fur sprouted all over his body. Finally, a golden ape roared and looked around. "Whoa. This is weird." He growled.

"Gohan, are you okay?" Videl asked from the control room.

"Yeah... I feel like I want to smash some stuff though." Gohan replied as he looked around.

"That's your Saiyan side!" Vegita yelled as he looked up. "Now transform into that smaller Oozaru form."

Gohan nodded and closed his eyes. **I am small... I am small...** He thought as a red glow overcame him. He thought about his family and his friends. He thought about how the world needed him at his strongest. The massive golden ape shrank, but the fur didn't disappear.

Gohan opened his eyes to see that he was the same size as before but the power was greater. "Wow." Gohan muttered as he looked down to see that he was wearing only a baggy brown pair of pants with knee-high boots, his chest and arms were covered in red fur, but his hands were bare. "Is this Super Saiyan three?" He wondered.

"You... did it!" Bulma exclaimed in joy as she opened the door and the three ran in. "How do you feel?"

Gohan stared at his long red tail and said, "Okay... it's like when I first became Super Saiyan and had to hold it. Maybe I should see how long I can hold this form. Trey, Videl, wanna join me? This is a great way to train."

"Let me try." Videl said as she clenched her fist. A bright blue aura overcame her. Her bracelet transformed into a blue gauntlet and it covered her entire body. She stood there in a neon blue and black set of armor. "Wow."

The two looked at Trey. "My turn." Trey said as he split into two people and the first Trey took out a feather and tickled the second Trey's nose. The second Trey transformed into Trigun and the two held hands. A bright white glow overwhelmed them and Triforce appeared.

The three looked at each other. "Well... this is interesting." Triforce said as he flipped back his long hair.

"Hey, your hair grew!" Gohan observed.

"I think it's part of my form now." Triforce observed.

Vegita growled as he glared at the three. How could those three gain so much power in such little time? Even the Human Woman gained, by sheer luck, one of the most powerful weapons in the Universe. Why couldn't he be so lucky? He worked out every day and was injured every week just to get this powerful. And these three teenagers overpowered him by pure luck! "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to train." He grumbled as he marched away.

"What's wrong with him?" Videl asked.

"Just his aching pride. Don't take it personally." Bulma said as she took out a set of watches. "Here, I've set these watches so it can time how long you can hold that form."

"Awesome!" Gohan said as he slapped on the watch.

"Say... why don't we bet on who can last the longest?" Triforce asked, smirking slightly. "To make things interesting."

"A bet? I don't know." Gohan said as he rubbed his head. "This isn't really a competition."

"Why not? Why not compete to see who can hold his or her form the longest? Give us more of an incentive." Videl smirked.

"Okay... for training. What's the bet?" Gohan asked as he found himself eager to show he can last the longest.

"How about... who ever loses has to do whatever the winner desires or reveal any secret the winner desires." Triforce suggested. "The one who lasts the longest wins."

"Fair enough." Gohan said as he looked at his watch. "Let's do it. I do have to warn you, I once lasted two weeks as a constant Super Saiyan."

"True, but my form the sum of my personalities." Triforce said, "And I can last for weeks in one personality."

"Hey, my gauntlet is based on pure will while yours are based on your Ki and will." Videl pointed out, "I will win this."

"We'll see. For now, let's train!" Gohan said as he flew up.

*****

Mrs. Briefs grinned as she stood in front of a large class dressed in camoflage outfits. "Hello, I'm Mrs. Briefs, co-owner of Capsule Corps! Welcome to our home! And I love your matching outfits, it's so cute!"

"MA'AM! CAMOFLAGE OUTFITS ARE NOT CUTE!" Instructor Isaiso boomed, "WE ARE IN TRAINING AND WE HEARD CAPSULE CORPS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR HAVING THE BEST TRAINING EQUIPMENT IN THE WORLD."

Mrs. Briefs scowled and yelled in a louder voice, "STOP YELLING LIKE THAT, IT'S RUDE!"

The class gulped as the instructor stepped back. Mrs. Briefs smiled sweetly and asked, "Now, who here needs to use the bathroom before we start our tour?"

*****

Gohan gritted his teeth as he strained against his bonds. Videl's gauntlet had formed a full body strait-jacket around him and he was trying to get out.

Sweat came down Videl's cheek as she knelt on the ground while focusing to keep the bonds solid. It was a little exercise Gohan and Videl made up. Gohan would try to break free and Videl would keep him in.

Triforce was practicing his sword movements against a group of battle droids and watched the two. He sensed some tension between Gohan and Videl. They cared for each other and thought about each other constantly; Unfortunately neither one seemed to want to admit it.

"Give up?" Videl taunted as she put her hand to her temple.

"Nope." Gohan said as he powered up and the bonds started to stretch.

Triforce sliced through another droid and smirked. He had to get them to admit their feelings so they could take the next step. It was something Trey, Trigun, and Triforce fully agreed on.

*****

Chi Chi and Bulma sipped their tea as they wait in the lounge for the teenagers to return from their training. "I appreciate you letting us stay here while the kids are training." Chi Chi said as she poured another cup. "The mountains are great but they keep on shaking the house. I'm surprised Goldheart didn't get scared to death."

"No problem. We have tons of room here. Besides, Trunks and Goten are best friends. They like the arrangement." Bulma said. "And Goldheart is free to go where he wants as long he doesn't ruin the furniture."

"No, Goldheart's not that type of dog. He's very obedient and well trained. Goten has been teaching him so many tricks it makes my head spin." Chi Chi giggled.

"Where are Goten and Goldheart?" Bulma wondered.

"Playing as usual." Chi Chi sighed, "In one of your biodomes."

"Hmmm... let's check on them. Trunks has a little game with our pets that I don't really approve of." Bulma said as she got up and went outside.

*****

"Dun duh dun duh dun." Trunks said as he rode his 'horse' down the path. "I am the Lone Saiyan." He said as he tilted his black cowboy hat.

"How can you be a 'lone Saiyan'? You got me as a sidekick?" Goten asked as he walked beside the riding Trunks.

"Because it's a cool name." Trunks said as he patted his 'horse'. "Your dog is strong. None of the others can hold me."

"Goldheart's strong." Goten said as he patted the dog.

"What are you two doing to that poor dog?!" Chi Chi wailed and the three looked up.

"Busted." Trunks muttered as he got off Goldheart. "We were just playing, 'Lone Saiyan and Gonto.'"

"Look, dogs aren't like horses or dinosaurs!" Bulma said as she looked over the dog. "Dogs aren't strong enough."

"Goldheart is! We've been riding him all morning and he hasn't complained once!" Goten insisted as he hugged his dog. "He likes it!"

Goldheart barked once and licked Goten to show no hard feelings.

"See?"

Bulma stood up stunned. "Well... they're right. That dog is fine. How's that possible? How can he carry the weight of an eight-year-old boy?"

"Because, Goldheart's special! He's a super dog!" Goten said as he hugged Goldheart again. "He's way stronger than the average dog."

Chi Chi sighed as she pet the dog. "You're right, he is special. But, I still don't like you two using him like a horse. Play some catch or hide and seek. Okay?"

"Okay." Goten muttered as he pouted. Goldheart licked Goten and nudged his neck. "Hey! That tickles!" Goten giggled.

"Oh well... come on guys. Let's go somewhere else and play." Trunks muttered as they walked out of the biodome.

Bulma sighed as she shook her head. "Incredible... it's times like these that make me feel so normal."

"I hope they don't hurt Goldheart." Chi Chi sighed as she smiled slightly.

"You really like that dog, don't you?" Bulma asked as she smirked, "I thought you hated the thought of owing a pet."

"I did... but... Goldheart's different." Chi Chi confessed, "He's sweet."

"I bet." Bulma took out a cigarette and lit it up. "It's just that ever since you found him, you seem calmer... almost content."

"I guess he keeps me company." Chi Chi replied as she crossed her arms. "The first night he came to live at our house, he snuck into my bedroom and slept at the foot of my futon. I could've kicked him out, but it just seemed so sweet of him. Like he sensed how lonely I was."

"Chi Chi, you live in a small house with Gohan, Goten, and Trey/Trigun with Videl sleeping in the back yard and that does not include Bardock who is now training with Baba. How can you be lonely?" Bulma asked.

"I... ever since Goku left. I slept alone in my bedroom at night. Trey and Videl and even Bardock are good. They are intelligent and can take care of themselves. Goldheart... Goldheart is there for me... sounds silly right? I mean I'm starting to depend on a dog for company."

"No... not at all." Bulma patted her on the arm. "I think it's pretty sweet. Goldheart is a good dog and if he makes you happy, who's to blame? My dad loves Muffin and she keeps him company when Mom can't. I guess some pets are like that."

"Thanks." Chi Chi said as she looked down. "I appreciate it."

"What are friends for? Now, why don't we keep an eye on the kids? I think the teenagers can handle themselves." Bulma said as she put out her cigarette and the two walked out of the biodome.

*****

"That was one good workout." Gohan said as he, Videl, and Triforce walked down the hall. "Two hours and still going strong."

"Me too." Videl agreed as she flexed her armor.

"No sneezes yet." Triforce said as he absorbed his sword.

"I'm hungry, let's get something to eat." Gohan said as they went into the main kitchen.

"Again? You just ate two hours ago." Videl observed.

"Saiyans get hungry more often when they train." Triforce replied. "I'm getting hungry myself." He focused on a fridge and telekinetically got out a ham. With a newly forged knife, he sliced the ham into thin slices and mentally brought out the bread and started floating out the various vegetables.

"Show off." Videl said as she snatched various floating foods from the air and started eating.

"Hey, it's training." Gohan said as he got out a steak and let loose a small Ki blast. The bright flame erupted over the steak and it disintegrated. "Whoops."

Triforce looked at the Saiyan and then the foods fell onto the floor. "Lost my concentration." He grumbled.

"Let me." Videl focused and a giant boom and dustpan was created and the food was swept up. "Why don't we just get our food like normal Humans?"

"Okay... only for now." Gohan said as he went up to a droid. "Get a super saiyan special." He said.

"Yes, sir." It bowed as it went to work.

*****

"That was good." Gohan said as he patted his stomach and the three left the newly empty kitchen. The various droids were now going around restocking the kitchen for the next eat out.

"Yeah... those droids are handy. I don't know if I can cook." Videl confessed, "Even with my gauntlet."

"All you need is practice." Triforce said.

"And this way is the kitchen." Mrs. Briefs said as she led a group of teenagers down the hall. The two groups stopped and stared at each other.

Gohan gulped as he recognized the group. It was his class from his high school. Videl and Triforce stared as well but remained calm. They both looked very different from Videl and Trey of Orange High School and no one would suspect them to be anywhere near here.

Erasa and Sharperner's jaws dropped as they gawked at the three. Erasa recognized the demi-Saiyan immediately. "Gohan?!"

Sharpener picked up his jaw and he asked, "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU?! YOU... YOU HAVE FUR!"

"Uh..." Gohan muttered trying to think up a good reason why he's at Capsule Corps while looking like someone out of a bad sci-fi movie.

"Gohan!" Yamcha exclaimed as he stepped forward. He knew that this group was asking for trouble when they came to this place. He had decided to tag along just in case. "How's the costume feeling?"

"Costume?" Gohan repeated, stunned.

"Yeah, the costume." Yamcha repeated as he winked. "Bulma and I are good friends and she has been making costumes lately." Yamcha quickly explained, "I mean..." He went up to Triforce and pointed to his third eye. "Look at this eye... it's fake and this one over here... is plastic." Yamcha explained as he gestured to the various 'costumes' of Triforce and Videl.

"Oh..." The class muttered. It did look like a bunch of costumes and it was the most logical explanation.

"Yeah, we were testing them out for Bulma." Gohan agreed as he nodded.

"You know Bulma Briefs personally?" Erasa asked.

"She's... like the aunt I never had." Gohan said as he grinned.

"Wow... that costume looks so real." Erasa came up and stroked Gohan's fur. "The fur is so soft... what is it made out of."

Gohan blushed as his tail waved back and forth. "Umm... not sure."

"Don't touch the costume." Videl growled as came up.

"Who are you? You look kinda familiar." Erasa observed.

"You look cute in that outfit, wanna take off that mask?" Sharpener flirted.

"Now now... we have more to see." Mrs. Briefs said as she waved her hands. "Why don't we see how capsules work?" She said as she led the group away.

"Bye, Gohan! You look... hunky in that costume!" Erasa said as she giggled.

After the group left, Triforce, Gohan, and Videl sighed in relief. Triforce frowned as he felt his third eye. "Does it really look fake?" He wondered. "No... people see what they want to see. They want to think it's fake, it's fake to them."

"That was close." Videl confessed as she wiped her brow. "Why didn't someone warn me about my old class coming here to see us?"

"Who knows? So much has happened in the past week, I guess it kinda just... fell through the cracks." Gohan said and then he looked at Videl. "Why were you mad at Erasa for touching my fur?"

"Yeah... you sounded... jealous." Triforce observed as he crossed his arms.

"I..." Videl blushed as she looked down. Why did she get angry at Erasa for touching her Gohan? "I just don't like seeing Erasa touching men like that."

"She was only 'petting' him." Triforce said as he smirked.

"I know... but still..." Videl grabbed Gohan's tail. "How would you feel if I grabbed your tail like this." Gohan gasped as his eyes glazed.

"You should not have done that." Triforce giggled slightly as he turned his head.

"Why not?" Videl asked confused as she looked at her hand around Gohan's tail and at Gohan's dazed face.

"Ahhh..." Gohan drooled.

"Gohan?" Videl released his tail and the warrior shook his head.

"That... was the most amazing experience I ever had." Gohan confessed as his tail waved behind him. He blushed and said, "Sorry... it's just that Saiyan tails, especially for teenagers, are very... *ahem* sensitive."

"Sensitive?" Videl repeated as she paled and looked down at her hand. "You mean... sensitive, sensitive?"

"Yup." Triforce nodded, "Tails are like that."

"Now... I think I'm going to be sick." Videl muttered as she wiped her hand and said, "Is there anything else about you Saiyans that I should know about?"

"I don't think so." Gohan shrugged as he grinned slightly. "Sorry about not telling you sooner."

"It seems that you have the 'touch'." Triforce smirked, "I'm going to work on my sword formations, I'll leave you two alone so you can get better acquainted." He walked off, humming to himself.

Videl and Gohan watched the man walked away and Videl said, "You know, Gohan, I can never figure that man or men... or whatever!"

"Yeah... but he's a good guy... all of him." Gohan sighed, "Let's go back to training."

*****

"Impressive." Dr. Briefs said as he examined Triforce's newest sword. "Your ability to create objects out of pure energy is quite remarkable."

"Thanks." Triforce said as he worked on his moves. "I figured that if I can perfect my summoning techniques I can create weapons for Gohan and Videl if they need them. Maybe even medical supplies if necessary. Any idea on what my sword is made out of?"

"Well... I can't say for certain. It's made out of steel and aluminum base products, but with higher density. That is the reason it managed to withstand so much pressure." Dr. Briefs explained, "I believe that the only reason it's made out of these elements is because guns have the same properties... perhaps if you were to focus on making a different type of metal..." Dr. Briefs got out a small box and held up one of the bullets. "Like this... I've been studying these bullets. I've called the metal 'Saiyanite'. Its natural properties enable it to weaken the strongest Ki shields... if you can make a sword out of this metal..."

"I can make a sword that can go through anything." Triforce realized as he stared at the bullet in his fingers.

"Theoretically yes." Dr. Briefs said as he lit his pipe. "A very powerful weapon. May I ask how you feel? I mean, having one personality constantly."

Triforce frowned slightly as he sat down. "It's hard to explain... Trey and Trigun have always had voices in their minds. When I exist there are no voices, so to speak. There is a certain... pair of sensations in my mind but that is it. I am one person. I am whole. Yet it feels lonely inside my mind. One of the disadvantages of having one mind I guess." He sighed, "Speaking of split personalities, did you figure out the cause of my sneeze swaps."

"Yes. It's simple." Dr. Briefs said as he did some caculations. "I figure that when you or your mother have the potential to transform, but you need a catalyst. Sneezes are very powerful and yet short lived, perfect for a transformation trigger. When you transform, your mind compensates since neither one of you had ever been trained in shapeshifting, and the result is a split personality."

"Can I transform any other way?" Triforce asked, "I can't rely on a sneeze to transform in battle if needed."

"I suppose so... you can think of another catalyst to use but it may take some time for your transformation to become set to that catalyst. I would suggest something that would be instantaneous with a sharp sound. Like snapping your fingers." Dr. Briefs said, "I don't know how to help you in that regards but I thought you should know."

Triforce nodded and bowed. "Thank you, Dr. Briefs, you have been very helpful."

"No problem, lad. I do my best to protect the planet, I even recycle." Dr. Briefs said as he watched the man walked out of the lab. "Such an interesting warrior... oh well, back to work, Muffin."

*****

Mrs. Briefs led the group of slightly bored students through the hallways. "Capsule Corps is one of the busiest places in the world. Many companies from all across the globe come here to negotiate, trade, and even transfer workers. And so, here at Capsule Corps, we don't know who pops up next." Mrs. Briefs rattled on.

"Woman!" Vegita boomed as he marched down the hall. The other students gasped at the strange man who was only wearing a pair of biker shorts, a pair of boots, a white pair of gloves, and a towel around his sweaty neck. "Blondie! Where's my wife at?!" He snarled.

"Hello, Vegita, Bulma and Chi Chi are around here somewhere." Mrs. Briefs said as she looked around. "Students, this is Vegita Prince, Bulma's husband and personal tester of all training equipment here at Capsule Corps."

Vegita nodded once toward the group. He was used to people coming here on tours, especially during the school season. "I see."

"Wow... he looks like he's dedicated to his work." Erasa whispered and a few of the female students took pictures.

"I love to train and get stronger." Vegita explained, overhearing Erasa's comment. He looked at Mrs. Briefs again and said, "If you find her can you tell her to build me another gravity room? The brats are using mine!"

"Goten and Trunks?"

"No! The older brats!" Vegita vented.

"I'll tell Bulma if I see her." Mrs. Briefs said as she smiled. Vegita growled as he walked away leaving a confused group behind.

"And now... where were we?" Mrs. Briefs said as she looked around. "Any questions?"

"Where did that guy come from?" Nadia asked.

"Oh... from a far away country." Mrs. Briefs replied, "As I was saying, you never know who will stop by this busy place."

"Excuse me, my lady?" Bardock asked as he came up. "Have you seen Vegita?"

The students gasped as a few more took pictures. He was much taller than Vegita and he was dressed in a green tank top and tight green pants with a long staff that had a small crystal ball on top.

"Bardock!" Mrs. Briefs gushed, "You look great! Gohan and Goten are around here somewhere."

"You're Gohan's cousin aren't you?" Erasa asked, "Why are you holding that staff?"

"It's... ummm..." Bardock muttered as he stared at his staff.

"He's into role-playing." Yamcha answered for him. "You see... Bardock and the rest of his family role-play and Bardock is playing a clairvoyant alien mage who recently came back from the dead."

"Yes! I role-play all the time." Bardock fully agreed as he grinned hesitantly. **What is role playing?** He wondered.

"I think I know where Vegita is. Let me show you." Yamcha took the Saiyan by the arm and said, "I'll be right back. Don't worry, I know this place like the back of my hand."

"Okay..." Mrs. Briefs said as she waved, "Our next stop will be the designing workshop."

"Right." Yamcha nodded as he led Bardock away. He looked behind himself and whispered, "What were you thinking? Those are Gohan's classmates. They are already getting suspicious with Gohan and Trey taking some time off from school so they can train."

"I can't help it." Bardock whispered back, "Look, I'm here to see Vegita. I was hoping that his connections with Nappa and Raddiz is strong enough for me to use to locate my people."

"You're still looking for them, aren't you?" Yamcha asked a little louder when he is sure that the students weren't listening. He couldn't help but feel sympathetic for the Saiyan. True, the Saiyans did nearly destroy his world, but Goku helped saved it and he was a Saiyan. And Bardock will always be faithful to his people.

"Yes. I have to find them. My crew, my family, are gone! I can't even find Kakarot or Goku in the Next Dimension." Bardock said, frustrated.

"You will..." Yamcha patted him on the back. "You Saiyans have this crazy ability to surprise us. I mean, I thought Vegita was the last full blooded Saiyan after Goku died and you popped up."

Bardock nodded and smirked. "Yes, Saiyans can surprise many races."

Yamcha smiled back as he opened the door to the kitchen. "Vegita?" He asked when he came in the room to see Vegita eating.

"What is it? Did your students want more pictures of me?" Vegita growled at the warrior and saw Bardock. "Bardock."

Bardock bowed and said, "My lord, I need your help in locating our people. I have been working on my premonition powers for some time and I found that I can find people easier if I was focusing on something or someone who has a connection with what I am looking for. Please, you must aid me to save our people's souls!"

Vegita sighed and replied, "Fine, I'll help. Your grandson was using my gravity room and I'm having a hard time finding my wife in this mess!"

"I hope it's not too inconvenient for you." Yamcha sneered, "I mean, all you are doing is helping save your dead race from being completely obliterated." He couldn't help but feel like slapping Vegita. Ever since he met the Saiyan, Vegita had been so... callous with everyone, even Bulma and Trunks. Even after all these years, Yamcha still couldn't see what Bulma saw in Vegita.

"Thank you." Bardock said as he bowed. He nodded at Yamcha and said, "I'm sorry for bothering you and your work."

Yamcha smiled at him and shook his head. "Hey, no problem." He reached out and grabbed Bardock's hand. "Look, I may not be a Saiyan, but if you ever need to talk, you can look me up."

Bardock squeezed Yamcha's hand and nodded. "I will. Thank you."

Yamcha let go and walked back to his tour. Vegita stared at Bardock and said, "Don't tell me you're falling for that Human."

"Why not? You fell for a Human yourself." Bardock quipped, "My apologies, I wasn't thinking."

"You were around that witch and your family for a long time... it rubs off... I'll forgive you for now." Vegita waved off, "Now... let's get started."

"Okay."

*****

Triforce walked down the halls. He passed a mirror and stared at it for the longest time. **This is me.** Triforce thought as he put his hand on the mirror. **I am alone. I am whole.** Ever since his talk with Dr. Briefs he couldn't help but wonder how strange it was to have only one mind, one soul. He knew that most other people have only one mind and it's normal but why does he feel so edgy?

"Hey, Triforce." Gohan said as he came up with a towel around his neck. "You okay?"

"Just thinking." Triforce replied as he nodded at the warrior. "Taking a break?"

"Yeah... Videl's working on her gauntlet powers with increased gravity. I thought I would meditate for a while." Gohan replied as the two walked down the hallway. "I wish my class didn't show up. They... make me nervous."

"About the fact that they might accidentally find out about us? I'm not worried." Triforce commented, "People believe what they want to believe and those guys... they are not ready to learn about the truth. Besides, I can just mindwipe them into forgetting what they saw."

"Maybe... at least Videl is taking this well." Gohan pointed out as he grinned. "I think she even likes it."

"Hey, she's strong, can fly, and can now wield the most powerful weapon in the world. I think she likes the abilities that she gained." Triforce commented as he looked down. "And thankfully, she learned the responsibility needed."

"Yeah... you okay? You got something on your mind." Gohan observed.

"Yeah, I do. I was just thinking about my new state of mind." Triforce looked down at his hands. "All my life, I... Trey has been striving for unity of the mind. He didn't like the fact that every time he sneezes he changes personalities. Like Tien, Trey wanted control over his own mind and went through great extremes to gain the level of control he had."

"Yeah... I remembered Trey lying to me about the fact that he didn't have a second personality, but he does." Gohan recalled.

"Sorry... Trey was just afraid that he would lose his only friend because of his mental state." Triforce closed all three of his eyes and leaned his head back. "But when he realized how open-minded you are, Trigun showed more of his own personality. Thankfully he never landed Trey in trouble."

"But, you still feel troubled." Gohan commented as they went into a room and he closed the door.

"I don't know who I am right now. Every time I change I feel like my very soul changes as well. If I were never to change back into Trey or Trigun, does that mean that I killed them?" Triforce asked.

"I don't know." Gohan said as he and Triforce sat down, "I never thought of you as two different people. I mean, you- Trey and Trigun do act like a pair of siamese twins but some people do think like that. To be honest I feel the same way sometimes. Sometimes..." Gohan took a deep breath, "I feel like my Human half and my Saiyan half just go into war with each other, especially now. My Human half wants me to stay and not fight the Angel of Death because Goten will lose his only brother and Mom will lose another loved one. My Saiyan half wants me to fight to get stronger and to keep the tail. But there are times when I achieve perfect balance and... I want to stay that way forever. Maybe, that's you, Triforce. You are the balance of Trey and Trigun. I don't think you 'killed' either one."

Triforce stared at him and smiled, "Gohan, from the bottom of mine, Trey, and Trigun's, you are the best friend we have ever had."

"Thanks." Gohan grinned as he patted Triforce on the back. "Why don't we train back into the gravity room? I'm sure Videl won't mind."

"Okay."

*****

Bardock and Vegita stood on the floor with the staff between them. "My lord, we must think of our fallen Saiyan allies." Bardock instructed, "And find their lost souls."

"Very well..." Vegita and Bardock focused on the crystal ball.

"Dadogana martrisa... VIDEKA!" Bardock chanted as the crystal ball glowed. "Sacred crystal ball tell me where our lost comrades are!"

The ball glowed and images of floating Saiyans appeared, screaming. "There they are, but where are they?" Vegita wondered curiously.

"You will never find out." A man dressed in white armor said as he flew up in the crystal ball and the ball blanked out.

"I lost the signal!" Bardock growled as he shook the staff. "Who was that man in the armor?"

"I don't know!" Vegita said as he crossed his arms. "Whoever he was, he was powerful enough to block our signal."

"Damn it!" Bardock screamed as he stared at the staff in his hands. "Crystal ball, tell me who blocked us out." The ball glowed and then blanked out. "The ball must be overwhelmed by the power of the man in the armor."

"Maybe you can use that crystal ball to contact someone who knows him." Vegita suggested, "Someone must know."

"Perhaps Kakarot knows. He has spent a great deal of time in the Next Dimension." Bardock figured as he focused again. "Crystal ball here my plea whether you like it or not, show me my son, Kakarot."

The crystal ball glowed and a small voice came out of it. "Sorry, the soul you are seeking to contact is beyond your range, please hang up and try again."

At once, Bardock and Vegita facefaulted and Vegita cried out, "You are pathetic! I'm going to see if the gravity room is open." With that, Vegita walked out of the room.

Bardock stared at the ball and said, "I'll need someone with closer ties to Kakarot, maybe that will boost the signal. But who?" His face lit up and he ran out of the room. **Have to find Lady Chi Chi.**

*****

"I'm glad all of you are here for a check up." Dr. Briefs said as he, Seventeen, Eighteen and Krillian, carrying Marron, went to the lab. "Even androids need to be checked on every so often."

"I wanted to see how powerful Trey and Gohan had become." Eighteen said, "I heard those two will go into the Tournament."

"Possibly, if they survive the battle with the Angel of Death." Dr. Briefs said, "I'm sure they will. Now, why don't we go into the..." He trailed off when Mrs. Briefs showed up with the class following her.

"And this is the lab where my husband and founder of Capsule Corps, Dr. Briefs works." Mrs. Briefs said as she gestured to the doctor. "On his shoulder is his loyal cat, Muffin, and these are our friends, from my left there's Seventeen, Eighteen, Krillian, and the cute little girl is Marron, Eighteen and Krillian's daughter!"

"Hi." The group said in unison, unsure on what to say.

"Ummm... Mrs. Briefs?" Nadia asked, "May I ask, Seventeen and Eighteen, why did your parents give you such weird names?"

"Our father had no imagination." Seventeen replied.

"He was dull and dead." Eighteen commented as she crossed her arms.

"Is Seventeen single?" Erasa asked as she raised her hand.

"Yes." Seventeen said and then all of the female students started taking pictures.

"ENOUGH WITH THE PICTURES!" Instructor Isaiso boomed, "THIS IS A FIELD TRIP, NOT A SOCIAL GATHERING!"

Marron started to wail. "Wah!!! Bad man scream too loud!"

Eighteen glared at the man and then gently knocked the Instructor out. "Shut up." She said as she stood over the body.

The students gasped and Krillian sweatdropped. "Eighteen! Why did you knock him out?" He asked.

"He was yelling too loud. I had to shut him up. It's not like I broke any of his bones or anything." Eighteen said as the students started to applaud out of respect and fear.

"Remind me not to make that blond woman mad." Sharpener whispered to Erasa.

"Okay, since our dear Instructor is unconscious, why don't we take him to the lab where we can show you how we help out those injured at this complex." Mrs. Briefs said as Krillian picked up the larger man. "This way please."

"What just happened?" Yamcha asked as he came up to see a dazed Instructor Isaiso on Krillian's back. "Oh no... who knocked him out?"

"I did...he was making my daughter cry. No one makes my daughter cry." Eighteen said as she comforted her crying daughter.

"Great..." Yamcha moaned as he picked up the unconscious man. "Mind if I carry him, Krillian?"

"Help yourself." Krillian said as he brushed off his hands. While he could easily carry the man, he didn't want to show off in front of the students.

"Thanks." Yamcha said, "Okay, class, this way." He said as he walked away and the other students followed nervously.

"I might as well follow." Seventeen said as he followed the students.

"Teenagers..." Krillian sighed as he shook his head.

Bardock ran down the hallway and looked around. He saw Krillian, Marron, and Eighteen standing there. "Hello. Have you seen Lady Chi Chi anywhere?" Bardock asked as he bowed.

"Nope. Just got here." Krillian replied, "What's wrong?"

"I need to contact my son Kakarot about the lost Saiyans. I thought he might know something." Bardock explained, "I tried before but my signal is too weak. I need someone with strong connections to Kakarot to boost the signal and I figured that Lady Chi Chi might help out."

"I can do that." Krillian said as he rubbed his chest, "I mean, I knew Goku ever since he was twelve and we've been through a lot together. I may not be married to Goku but we share a bond, so to speak."

Bardock stared at the much smaller, but stronger man. He had seen Krillian many times in his visions back when he was just getting the hang of them. "Yes..." He put his hand on Krillian's head. "I do sense a strong bond between my son and you. Okay, let's go."

Eighteen watched Krillian and Bardock ran off.

"I wanna play with doggie." Marron said as she tugged at Eighteen's sleeve.

"Don't worry, you will. Let me scan for the others first." Eighteen said as she walked away.

Unseen by all, Kyuushi appeared and scowled at Bardock and Krillian as they walked away. "Damn it, they are getting too close..." She whispered. "Better follow them." She vanished back into the shadows.

*****

"Okay, Goldheart... since we can't play 'Lone Saiyan and Gonto', I think we better train like Gohan and the others." Goten said as he crossed his arms trying to look as serious as possible.

"How are we going to train Goldheart, he can't even channel Ki." Trunks said as he sat on top of a rock.

"Well... we'll think of something." Goten said as he posed, "Goldheart is part of our team and it's our duty to train him!"

"I think you're better off playing fetch." Bulma said as she and Chi Chi came in. "Dogs can't really channel Ki... but he is part of the team...no matter what a certain Saiyan hothead may think."

*****

In another part of the building, Vegita let out a vicious sneeze.

*****

"Anyway, I have a little surprise for all of you." Bulma got out a box and took out a pair of necklaces with a small square at the end, on the square was a small orange circle with four stars on it and above it was a 'Z'. "These are special communicators. I design these so we can talk to each other in case of extreme emergencies so we don't have to use phone calls. Not only are they communicators, but they also have a tracking signal in case one of us get captured." She gave the two boys the necklaces.

"We have to wear these?" Trunks asked, "But... necklaces are for girls!"

"They're medallions." Bulma said as she showed her own necklace. "Anyway, they are also made of the most powerful materials known so it should withstand training and your Super Saiyan forms."

"We both have one." Chi Chi said as she held up her own medallion.

"Cool!" Goten said as he put on his own medallion. He looked at Goldheart and asked, "Will Goldheart get one too?"

Bulma smiled as she reached in the box and said, "Well... dogs can't wear necklaces since they can loose them. But, that didn't stop me." She got out an orange collar with a small device on it. "Here you go." Bulma knelt down and put the collar on the dog's neck. "His collar emits a special tracking signal too and it even has a communication device just in case someone needs to use it. Besides, he needs a collar and ID."

Goldheart barked and licked Bulma. His tail wagged wildly as he lay down.

"Awww... he likes it!" Goten gushed as he hugged Goldheart, "Now you are really part of the team. Thank you so much, Bulma!"

Bulma wiped the slobber from her cheek and said, "No problem. I know how much that dog means to you. It just wouldn't be fair to leave him out of it."

Suddenly, the place shook and everyone looked around. "What was that?!" Goten asked as he held Goldheart.

"That's just your brother and his friends training." Chi Chi sighed, "I swear, Gohan is getting more and more like his father every day..."

*****

Bardock placed the staff upright on the floor and Krillian stood with the staff in front of him. "Okay... we hold the staff together and think of Kakarot while I search for him."

"Goku. You better call 'Kakarot' Goku. He doesn't go by 'Kakarot' anymore." Krillian advised.

"Fine... let's get started." Bardock focused and said, "Oh sacred crystal ball hear my plea and please make do, look for my son, Kakarot or Goku!"

Krillian focused as he thought about his past with Goku. The times they fought while they were more or less equal power. The battles they fought together. Then, he remembered the time Goku passed the Spririt bomb to him. It was warm and yet extremely powerful. Goku trusted him with the power of life, despite the fact that he wasn't sure if he was pure hearted enough to hold the bomb. "Goku..."

The crystal ball glowed and then showed Goku on his knees in front of a small purple man with a white mohawk and next to him was a tall woman with black wings and black armor and a tall man dressed like the small purple man.

"Kakarot." Bardock whispered.

"I'm guilty." Goku said on the crystal ball, "But it was either that or the world!"

"Silence, mortal!" The Angel of Death screamed, "Death is death. Great one, how shall he be punished?"

"Will you accept what must be done to you?" The god asked Goku.

"As long as it doesn't hurt my friends or family, I accept any punishment." Goku said softly as he gazed upward.

"You are a noble man, Goku." Kaioshin said as he held up a sphere. "A man pure of heart. You will not go to Hell for this tragic crime but you cannot stay here. I am sending you back to Earth, but not in your current form."

"Huh?" Goku asked as he stared at the god. "What do you mean?"

Kaioshin didn't answer. Instead he tossed the sphere at the man and it encircled him. Goku screamed as the crystal ball went blank.

"Goku!" Krillian screamed in horror. "What does that guy mean? Who are those people?"

Bardock shook as he paled. "The woman is the Angel of Death, I can feel her aura... it's very strong. The other two, I'm not sure."

"Yeah... but it means that Goku is alive on Earth in some different form!" Krillian screamed, "Oh man... this is heavy... if he's not dead, where is he?"

Bardock growled as he came up and put both hands on the staff. "I will find out! Crystal ball here my plea, where oh where could my son be!"

"Find out and you shall suffer." Kyuushi's image said as she appeared and the crystal ball blanked out.

"Damn it!" Bardock roared as he bashed his fist onto the floor and it shook. "I have to find out!"

"Calm down, Bardock..." Krillian advised, "You can't focus if you're bashing floors. Look, let's try a more... Human approach. Now, if you were Goku and you have somehow transform, where would you go?"

"That is obvious, I would go to my family." Bardock said as he relaxed, "That vision takes place only a few weeks ago. Only the day before the Saiyans vanished."

"Okay, so did anything weird happened around then?"

Bardock frowned and said, "Well... Gohan got shot.... Trey was reunited with his father... that dog, Goldheart, showed up from nowhere..."

"Goldheart... showed up from..."

The two trailed off as they looked at each other. "GOLDHEART!" They screamed in unison.

"Oh man... oh man... Goku is now Goten's dog!" Krillian realized as he held his hair.

"I can't believe it! My son's a dog!" Bardock screamed as his aura flared around him. "This... this is impossible!"

"Hey, you and Gohan change into apes, I was dead twice, and right now three teenagers are training to fight the Angel of Death. Goku being reincarnated as a dog is possible." Krillian reasoned, "Oh man! Why didn't we see it before?!"

"Because, I made it so." Kyuushi said as she appeared out of the shadows. "Greetings, mortals, I am Kyuushi, the Angel of Death."

Krillian and Bardock went into defense position. "Why did you turn my son into a dog?!" Bardock demanded as he grabbed his staff.

"For his own protection." Kyuushi said as she crossed her arms. "Goku, Kakarot, is a very powerful warrior. The strongest Saiyan I have ever seen, besides Gohan. We had to hide him from the force responsible for the Saiyans' disappearance."

"And who did that?" Bardock asked.

"I can't say until Gohan and his friends prove that they are ready." Kyuushi said, "That is why both of you must remain quiet about Goku's state. Do not tell anyone or the consequences will be disastrous."

"Not even his wife and kids?" Krillian asked as a tear came down his face for his friend's fate.

"Especially not his wife and family." Kyuushi slowly rippled away as she said, "I will be watching." She vanished from the room, leaving a pair of confused warriors behind.

Krillian gulped as he sat down. "That... she scares me."

Bardock could only nod as he sat down as well. "That force is incredible. That aura of death is so potent. Kakarot... Goku... oh my son." He moaned as he held his head.

"We shouldn't tell anyone. There's no telling what might happen if we do." Krillian said as he looked down. "And we might put Goku in danger and we can't do that."

"No... but Kakarot's a dog. He must be going through hell right now." Bardock stood up and said, "I'll check on him."

"I'll join you." Krillian said, "Besides, I need to think about this."

The two warriors walked out of the room stunned. Krillian was shocked about Goku's new form. A part of him was happy that Goku's back, but the other part of him was confused on how to deal with the fact that his best friend is now a pet.

Bardock was dismayed at his son's state. Kakarot was the most powerful Saiyan alive, he was the first Super Saiyan in a thousand years. He had defeated Freeza in combat and saved the world many times. He had even brought forth a pair of half-breeds who were far stronger than he would dream to be. Now his powerful son had been reduced to a pet who couldn't even speak.

"Bardock, you okay?" Krillian asked as they walked down to the biodome. "Look, I know you're upset about Goku but..."

"I'm fine. Saiyans don't care about their children." Bardock said coldly.

**Gee, I wonder why do I have a hard time believing that.** Krillian thought but decided not to say anything. "Okay." He looked up and started to scan out for Goten and Trunks. He knew that Goldheart or Goku would be with Goten, those two would stay with each other. "This way."

They made their way to the biodome where Goldheart was walking around with Marron on his back. "Giddyap!" Marron exclaimed.

"I can't believe Goldheart can handle her on his back." Eighteen said as she sipped some tea.

"Well... that dog is one of a kind." Chi Chi smiled at the dog.

Marron looked up and saw Krillian and Bardock standing there staring at her and Goldheart. "Daddy!"

"Hey, sweatpea." Krillian said as he came up and took Marron off Goldheart. "Hey... boy." Krillian felt slightly uncomfortable but hugged his daughter. "How can you handle carrying her, Buddy?" He asked the dog. **I don't believe it, even as a dog, Goku is still larger than me.**

"He's strong, Daddy!" Marron explained as she giggled, "He liked being a horsey for me!"

"I bet he does." Krillian patted Goldheart on the back and said, "He's like that."

Goldheart tilted his head and made a small 'wolrf' sound.

"Yeah..." Krillian nodded.

"Krillian, Bardock, are you two okay?" Chi Chi asked concerned at the two. "You look like someone died."

"I'm fine." Krillian grinned slightly, "We... we were just trying to find Goku in the Next Dimension and we can't find him."

"I'm sure you can find Goku and the other Saiyans." Bulma said, "I've known Goku longer than anyone else here, he's probably off training in some weird Next Dimension place."

"Perhaps."

Bardock stared at Goldheart and his heart pounded. His son was a pet. His race is imprisoned by some powerful being he knew nothing about. He was the weakest Saiyan alive. The only other Saiyan couldn't care less about his race. "No..." Bardock whispered as his heart pounded harder. His crystal ball started to flicker. "I..." His eyes went blank as he stared upward. Rage filled his heart as his body tensed.

"What the..." Bulma wondered as she stepped back.

"I think he's doing it." Chi Chi gasped as she recognized what was going on.

Bardock's hair went gold as a bright explosion overwhelmed him. "KAKAROT!!!" He screamed as his eyes went green and his crystal ball glowed bright red.

"Grandpa! You went gold!" Goten gushed as he came up. "You did it!"

Bardock stared down at his hands and then he looked around. "How?" He wondered as he felt great power in every cell of his being. He never felt anything like it before, even in his ape form. "Is this what it's like?"

"What was that?!" Gohan exclaimed as he, Triforce, and Videl ran in. Gohan and Videl were in normal mode while Triforce looked the same.

"Grandpa went Super Saiyan!" Goten said as he pointed to the golden warrior.

"Awesome!" Gohan applauded as he hugged his grandfather. "I wish Dad was here to see this."

"Kakarot." Bardock whispered as he stared at Goldheart. He flickered back to normal and he collapsed onto his knees.

"I don't get it! How did Bardock go Super Saiyan?! He wasn't in battle!" Bulma exclaimed, "And he's not the type who's 'born' a Super Saiyan."

"I was angry and frustrated about what was going on." Bardock explained as he sat on the ground looking down. "My people were held by a super-powerful foe that could overwhelm Freeza in a heartbeat. Lord Vegita didn't really care about his heritage.... and my son... Kakarot... I can't find him. I guess it just overwhelmed me."

"I understand..." Chi Chi said as Goldheart came up and rested his head on Bardock's knee. "I love my sons too... if I couldn't find them even after they died, I'd feel like I would go Super Saiyan too."

Bardock put his hand on his son's head. "I know... I just feel so helpless." Tears ran down his face as he wiped them away. "Damn it."

"It's okay, Grandpa, you will be a great help in the future. You can do what no other warrior can do. You can see beyond sight and Ki senses." Gohan comforted, "That will be a great help. Especially now since you can go Super Saiyan like the rest of us."

"I wasn't even trying." Bardock confessed as he chuckled.

"Neither did Goku." Krillian said, "Trust me, if Goku was here right now, he'd be proud of you."

Goldheart barked as he gently nudged Bardock on the stomach. "Yes, he would." Bardock sighed as he patted the dog.

"So, Triforce, you won the bet?" Bulma asked as she glanced at the three teenagers.

"Yes." Triforce took out some pepper and sneezed.

Trey sighed in relief as he ran his hand through his short hair. "That felt so much better. Triforce was a state of mind. I guess he can be sustained longer than the body itself."

"Why don't you stay that way?" Chi Chi asked, "You are so much more powerful as Triforce."

Trey shrugged and said, "I know but... well... I like being Trey and Trigun, less lonely that way." He glanced at Gohan and Videl. "And now... the bet..." He grinned evilly and said, "You two have to go on one dinner date and a movie before our battle with Kyuushi."

Gohan and Videl's jaws dropped and everyone else snickered.

"A date?!" Gohan and Videl exclaimed at once.

"Anything I want you two to do." Trey said as he smirked, "And I was Triforce at the time. One dinner and a movie, no other people and you don't have to get a hotel room."

"Heh heh... Gohan on a date." Krillian grinned evilly, "When's the wedding?"

"Oh! Trey! You are so clever!" Chi Chi gushed, "I'll get grandchildren! Bardock can be a great-Grandfather!"

"Mom... Krillian... you two aren't helping!" Gohan whined as he turned bright red.

"You are growing up so fast." Bulma sighed, "Why, it seems like only yesterday that you were just taller than my knee and scared to death of Turtle." She frowned and muttered, "Great, now I feel old."

"Now, now... a deal is a deal." Trey said as he winked.

"Great..." Videl sighed as she held her head as she blushed.

"And right over here is our biodome where all of our animals live." Mrs. Briefs said as she, the students, Yamcha, and Instructor Isaiso with a bandage over his head came in. Videl and Trey quickly flew up and hovered over their heads.

"Hey, guys!" Yamcha said as he looked around to see that everything looked normal. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, we were just chilling out." Bulma said as she leaned back. "Did you kids have fun?"

"It was good." Erasa said as she held up her camera. "I got some great pictures!" She blushed and giggled at the sight of the handsome mysterious husband of Bulma Briefs. "I'm so glad to see you, Gohan, and out of that weird costume."

"Me too." Gohan grinned as he scratched his head in relief that his classmates wouldn't have to be mindwiped.

"Okay, class, that's the end of our tour. Now, follow me and we can go to the gift shop and I can offer everyone some complimentary tea." Mrs. Briefs said as she gestured outside. The group followed, leaving the Z warriors alone.

"I'm glad that those guys didn't see anything." Bulma sighed in relief, "Can you imagine the chaos if they saw what really happened here?"

"I don't want to think about it." Videl said as she and Trey landed and lay back on the grass.

"Me neither." Gohan agreed as he lay back as well.

*****

It was quiet as Bardock stood in the woods watching his family enter with Goldheart in tow. "Kakarot..." He sighed as he held his head.

"You knew didn't you?" Piccolo asked as he came up.

"How?" Bardock asked, stunned.

"A certain Angel of Death told me." Piccolo replied, "Look, I understand how you feel. When I first found out, I was shocked myself. He was like a brother to me and to see him like that... it was almost like an insult to him. But, he doesn't really mind that much. He's alive and with his family-"

"And he can't talk or fly." Bardock interrupted, "It's not right. It's not fair."

"Hey, who says life is fair." Piccolo said, "Goku knows that you know... tonight, while everyone's asleep, talk to him. I know that you love him enough to go Super Saiyan over. Heh, never saw it coming."

"Okay." Bardock nodded as he watched the house.

Night fell and all was quiet. Bardock slowly came up and saw the window slightly opened. Goldheart jumped out and landed and looked up.

"Kakarot." Bardock whispered as he rubbed his son's head.

Goku nodded and then tilted his head toward the woods. Bardock only nodded and followed the dog.

After getting some distance, Goku stopped and stared up at him. Bardock could now see the intelligence in the dog's eyes. He understood that Bardock had something to say. "Kakarot... Goku... eh... I'm sorry. I wish I had been more of a father to you... I was dead of course but still..." Bardock sighed as he remembered that faithful day. "I didn't know that you would grow up to be so powerful. You were only born with a power level of two and among Saiyans, that's a disgrace. I am proud of you now, my son. Will you ever forgive me?"

Goku barked once and then put his head on Bardock's shoulder.

"I guess that mean yes." The warrior whispered as he wrapped his arms around his son. "I won't tell a soul about this... but I will find a way to fix this. I will get them back. I will find a way to bring our people back, even Hell was better than that prison they are in right now. I will get them back and I will make sure you won't be a pet any more." A single tear came out of Bardock's eye and he whispered, "I won't let you down again."

To Be Continued...