Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Normal Friends from Strange Places ❯ Decisions ( Chapter 21 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Normal Friends from Strange Places
Part 18
By Maria Cline

The sun slowly set as three figures sat outside staring at the setting sun.

"Those three have been like that ever since they found out about their past lives." Chi Chi muttered, worried, "I don't know how they are handling it."

"I don't know how to handle this either." Suno whispered as she shook. "My husband could be working with an evil entity and my daughter is a chosen reincanated angel of emotion. This is overwhelming."

"I don't blame you. I've been exposed to this sort of thing for a good part of my life and there are still some things that I can't deal with but I have to." Chi Chi sighed as she crossed her arms.

"I wish I was as strong as you." Suno said as she wept.

Chi Chi patted her shoulder and then hugged her. "It's okay. I'm sure our kids will be fine."

*****

Videl stared at the beautiful sunset and she looked down. "I... don't know what to do." She confessed, "I was the Angel of Emotion? How can that be?"

"I don't know." Trey replied, "I am just as shocked as you are. On the other hand, it makes sense. We are more powerful than our parents, even Gohan is stronger than Goku and we all show signs of what we could be in our past lives. I was the Angel of Balance and Unity."

**And we have to be balanced to handle each other.** Trigun quipped.

"Why me?" Gohan muttered, "I'm a Saiyan or at least half-Saiyan. How can an angel be reborn as a demi-Saiyan? I'm no angel."

"You seem pretty angelic to me." Videl said as she leaned next to Gohan. "What should we do?"

"No idea." Gohan replied, "I just don't know what to do about this."

"We need to think, but not together." Trey said as he stood up. "Why don't we spend the next twenty-four hours apart? We can clear our heads and decide for ourselves on whether or not to go to the Next Dimension."

"But shouldn't we decide as a team?" Gohan asked, "I mean, we gotta do this together."

"Gohan, this is a major life-altering decision." Videl said, "We can't rush into this. I'm with Trey, we can spend the next day apart and if we by chance meet each other, we don't talk about it."

"Okay. This is a major personal decision. We'll meet back here tomorrow and whatever decision you make, I'll support it." Gohan said.

"Right." Videl said shakingly.

"Right." Trey nodded as well.

*****

After everyone parted, Gohan left with Goten, Chi Chi, and Goldheart. Trey left with his parents and Videl left with her mother and uncle.

Gohan sighed as he sat in his back yard under the stars. Goldheart whimpered as he came up and lay his head on Gohan's knee. "Hey there, boy." Gohan said as he scratched the dog's ear. "Can you believe what happened to me? Wow... I helped defeat the Angel of Death and it turns out that not only was I the Angel of Power and Knowledge but that Dad's sacrifice was more than it seemed." A tear came down Gohan's cheek. "This is weird and believe me, I had seen weird."

Goldheart sighed and thought, **I guess it's a lucky thing you don't know that I'm your dad yet.** It was strange for him to believe that he had met the Angel of Death and that there was a different reason for him to stay dead after the Cell Games.

"I don't know what to do." Gohan confessed, "If I go through with this, I may lose my identity and Gohan will be gone forever. But if I don't, I won't stand a chance against Lazarus. I... I can't decide. I don't want to disappoint anyone."

Goldheart whined louder as he nudged Gohan's chest.

"But you won't be disappointed in me, right?" Gohan chuckled as he rubbed the dog's head. "I don't think you can ever think poorly of anyone. Kinda like my dad. You know, after this is over, I'm going to Namek and get Dad back with the Namekian Dragon Balls. He's needed here. Goten needs a father and Bardock would love to meet his son. Whatever happens, I will get Dad back."

Goldheart gazed up and licked Gohan on the face. **Don't worry, son. I'm right here.**

"I know you will." Chi Chi said as she came up from behind him. "It's getting cold out. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Gohan lied, "Kinda. I don't know what to do. I'm so confused."

"It's confusing for all of us." Chi Chi said as she sat beside her son.

"I wish Dad was here. He always had the right advice." Gohan said as he looked down. "What do you think I should do?"

"Personally, I wouldn't want you to risk your very soul for the universe, but I'm selfish." Chi Chi smiled as she reached up and patted Goldheart. "But I can't tell you what you have to do. You are an adult and this is your life. You have a right to decide for yourself. If your father was here, he would want you to listen to your instincts, to your heart."

"I don't know what to do." Gohan said, "But I will try."

Chi Chi went up and kissed Gohan on the cheek. "Gohan, whatever you decide and no matter how scared I will be for you, I will support you in your decision."

Gohan hugged Chi Chi and whispered, "Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome. Now, why don't we go in and get some dinner. You must be hungry." Chi Chi said as she let go.

"Yeah, I'm starving." Gohan said as he got up.

The two went into the house and Goldheart trotted after them. **I will support whatever decision you make too, son.**

*****

Trey sat in his room. It had been a long time since he had slept here. He immediately noticed how far back his callendar was set. "Has it been so long?" Trey wondered as he stood up and his form separated into two people.

The second Trey snapped his fingers Trigun appeared. "Hey." He said as he sat beside Trey, "So, what will we do about the decision?"

"I don't know." Trey confessed as he sat down and stared at his alter ego. "I do know that this concerns both of us. There's no telling what might happen to us if we regain our past life's memories."

"Yeah, and that disturbs me. Look at us, we have a personality conflict that would rival Piccolo's!" Trigun exclaimed, "We could end up fusing forever. You know, be one mind for the rest of our lives."

"And that scares you?" Trey asked as Trigun paced.

"Duh! I like being the 'bad boy'. I like just watching the show sometimes and let you take over." Trigun pouted as he crossed his arms.

"If we don't, Lazarus would take over the universe." Trey said, "And he might even kill Kai Shi."

"Yeah... I know." Trigun sighed, "The first girl we both really like and she turns out to be the Angel of Death! I mean... she's way up there on the ladder."

"We are the reincarnation of the Angel of Balance." Trey reminded.

"Yeah. Which makes things weirder for us." Trigun replied, "I'm just as confused about this as you are. But, I say that we chance it. What is the worst that could happen? We could get another personality added on."

"And I say we gotta be careful. There's no telling what would happen." Trey argued, "We need to think."

"Right."

"Yup."

*****

"I'm so glad you can stay here for tonight." Suno said as she gave Videl a cup of hot chocolate. "I'm sorry about what happened."

"My father's agent is an evil supervillain and I am a reincarnated angel. That's a lot to absorb." Videl confessed as she held her mug. "I'm scared. I don't want to lose more of myself."

"I know." Suno smiled as she hugged her. "I don't want to lose you too. I wish I know what to say or do to make this better but all I can do is support your decision."

"I know." Videl sighed as she hugged back. "Mom? Can I ask you a personal question? Do you still love Dad?"

Suno sighed as she let go and sat in her chair. "I will always love your father. He was special to me, but after the Cell Games, he changed. I couldn't handle what he became and that's why I left."

"Do you think that Lazarus had anything to do with Dad's behavior?" Videl guessed hopefullly.

"I don't know, but I don't think that even this Angel of Life could alter your father like that." Suno said, "But, I do know that your father is in danger. What happened between you two that would hurt you so much?"

"He hired a replacement." Videl growled. "He... tried to replace me."

"Oh... Videl, I'm so sorry." Suno whispered as she cried, "I can't believe he would do something like that."

"He did. I hate him. He didn't trust his own daughter with anything any more. I can't handle that." Videl said as she shook her head. "I need to think about this alone."

"Okay. But, if you need me, call me? I am your mother."

"Okay."

*****

It was late at night and Gohan lay on his back still thinking about his choice. He had to decide tomorrow on whether or not he should go to the Next Dimension. The young warrior turned his head to the empty futon beside him. He missed Trey or Trigun. Those two have been a great help to him. They had helped him control his fear of guns and had given him advice about things that his other friends can't give him.

"Gohan?" Goten asked as he looked over at Gohan. "Can I ask you something?" He sounded uncomfortable for some reason.

"Sure." Gohan replied, concerned.

"Well... I... I was thinking about going to Trunks' house so I can train with him for a while, for the attacks since that evil angel is here but... I don't know. With you gone and me gone, Mommy will be all alone." Goten confessed, "I don't know how to ask her if I can go."

Gohan frowned at the boy and then smiled. "Well... I don't know if I will be going or not."

"But... you gotta go! I don't want this Lazarus monster taking over the Universe!"

"I know... but the problem is that I may change and I probably couldn't change back." Gohan explained as he smiled sadly. "I don't know what will happen."

"Oh..." Goten shook and said, "Then I can't go! If you go and don't come back, Goldheart and I will be the only things Mommy has left!"

"I know." Gohan sighed as he gazed up. He couldn't leave his mother alone again. The last time he did, Chi Chi nearly went hysterical and came very close to going off to space after him. He didn't want to think about what would happen if he went off to the Next Dimension and his mother tried to follow him.

"Gohan, what do you think Daddy would do?"

Gohan smiled as he thought of his father. If he did go, there's a good chance that he might see his father again. And if he defeated Lazarus, he could bring back his father for good. "He would go for it. He's the type that would sacrifice everything just for us. Goten, tell Mom about what you are thinking about doing. Ask for her consent. It might not be so bad, you are very fast and Mom has Goldheart to keep her company."

Goten grinned as he put his hands behind his head. "I can do that. But what about you? Will you go?"

"I may have to." Gohan said as he gazed at the ceiling. "Kyuushi was very hard to defeat and Lazarus has to be stopped. He also has all those Saiyans imprisoned and I can't let them suffer. I won't make any more mistakes this time; this battle I will have to give it everything I have."

"Gohan, can I ask you for a favor?" Goten asked, "If you get those past memories, don't forget about me, okay?"

Gohan reached over and ruffled Goten's hair. "Hey, I will never forget about you. You're my favorite brother."

"I'm your only brother." Goten giggled.

"My point exactly." Gohan laughed as he lay back down into his futon. **I better talk to the others tomorrow... I need to verify my decision.**

*****

Trey inhaled the cold mountain air as he sat cross-legged on a small cliff. After he had breakfast he had left to think about what he should do.

"Hey, Trey." Choutsu said as he flew down and landed next to him.

"Choutsu!" Trey exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"

"I thought we could talk." Choutsu replied seriously.

Trey nodded at the much smaller man. Despite the obvious height and power difference, Choutsu had tutored him for most of his life. He had taught him mental tricks and had helped him with his personality conflicts. "Yeah, thanks. Choutsu, I'm not sure what to do. I mean I have three personalities already and I don't know if I can handle another one."

"Yeah... but you have a duty to Earth and the Universe." Choutsu reminded, "When I was your age, I had a responsibility toward Earth and I sacrificed everything, even my life just to save Earth."

"But that time it was futile." Trey recalled, "Your sacrifice didn't... do much."

"I know, but that didn't stop me." Choutsu said, "But you're different. You're destined for this. You were once the Angel of Balance and... you can't be scared of what might happen."

"I know." Trey replied as he nodded. "Besides, so much has been done already and Kai Shi... Kyuushi needs me. This Lazarus guy must be stopped before any more souls are stolen."

*****

Videl wandered the streets as she looked around. She had just left her mother's and had somehow ended up in Satan City. The young girl sighed as she stared upwards at a Hercule billboard, who had his arm around the fake Videl's shoulder. It gave her the shivers to think of her own father working for an evil angel.

She adjusted her sunglasses as she walked down the street. Her disguise consisted of a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a huge jacket. She wanted help or advice but who could she talk to?

Suddenly, she bumped into a door and looked up to see a sign. 'Pilaf's Ice Cream Store'. "Maybe I can drown my sorrows in a milkshake."

Empress looked up from her counter and said, "Hello, Videl, no time no see."

Videl blinked as she removed her glasses. "How did you know it was me?"

"Just a hunch." The woman replied as she smiled, "How are you? I haven't seen or heard from your or your friends for over a month."

"I've... been busy. Sorry." Videl replied as she sat on a stool.

"I understand. All those supervillainesses attacks would make a crimefighter like you busy." Empress replied as she poured a glass of milk. "Here you go. What's wrong?"

"You wouldn't understand." Videl muttered as she accepted the glass. "I have to make a major decision today and it involves my father and the world as we know it."

"I see... I have a kooky father myself, maybe I can help you out."

Videl stared at the woman. If she was old enough she would go to a bar to talk to the bartender but Empress would have to do. "I found out why the supervillainesses have been attacking and... I have to do some special training outside town to maybe defeat this danger that's approaching. But the special training I have to do may destroy who I am."

"I see..." Empress said nodding, "And does your father approve?"

"My father doesn't give a damn about me. He actually replaced me."

"Okay..." Empress said as she rubbed her temples. "I don't know a thing about what is going on but I do know this. My father wanted me to continue the family business of trying to take over the world. At first I went along but as time went by, I realized that my life is my choice. I went into business for myself and my father accepted it. You must decide for yourself if you can risk sacrificing your own identity for the sake of the world."

"I don't know. I've been through a lot in the past two months and... I changed so much I don't know how much more I can take."

"All people change. That is normal." Empress said, "Especially for someone like yourself. Personally, you seem the same to me; you're strong, capable, and you do care for others."

"Yeah... but I just don't know about who I am anymore."

"Are you a hero?" Empress asked, "Because I hear that true heroes would do what is right, regardless of what others think."

"Okay..." Videl smiled as she stood up. "I know what to do. How much do I owe you?"

"On the house." Empress replied, "Good luck on your training mission."

"Thanks... and can you please not tell anyone about this? I don't want anyone to know."

"Don't worry, I don't think anyone would believe me." Empress said as the girl ran off.

*****

It was quiet as the three warriors gathered on the island. Trey, Videl, and Gohan looked at each other and grinned.

"You made up your minds?" Gohan asked.

"It's our duty to protect Earth." Trey said, "Besides, like Trigun said, we can handle another personality."

"And I do have to save my father from that evil angel and... I don't think I could live with myself if I let you two go off without me." Videl smirked as she held up her gauntlet. "You can't survive without me."

"What about you?" Trey asked concerned.

"I'm going. I can't stand by and let some evil angel take over the universe. Besides, I can't let my dad's sacrifice be for nothing!" Gohan said as he posed, "I will do all I can for the universe, for my dead race, and for my father! We won't fail!"

"I'm glad you decided. I knew you are true warriors." Kyuushi said as she came forward and smiled.

"Thanks... but can we have another day to prepare? I mean, we gotta say goodbye, pack, and make sure Satan City is safe." Gohan said as he looked at the others.

"It will be a long journey, a month, maybe more. Very well... one more day to prepare. Meet me at the Lookout when you are ready. I will know." Kyuushi said as she flew up and vanished.

"Man... I hope I won't become that creepy when I regain those memories." Gohan muttered.

"Well... she is the Angel of Death, I guess it's her nature to be that creepy." Trey reasoned, "I'm sure that when we regain our old memories, we won't change that much. Hopefully."

*****

Chi Chi wiped her eyes as she double-checked Gohan's luggage. "Okay, I packed several sets of clothes, soap... over a month's supply of food... I guess that food might be scarce in that afterworld for the living." Chi Chi muttered as she double-checked everything. "And your books, can't forget about them."

"Mom, I'm sorry." Gohan said as he watched his mother.

"Don't be." Chi Chi said as she paused and looked up at Gohan. "I know that you have to do this. You can't deny your destiny." She rubbed her hand along Gohan's cheek. "You've grown so much, too much sometimes, and I'm sorry if I pushed you. It's not like you are five any more and Trey and Videl will be with you."

"I know. But what about you? Goten is leaving to train with Trunks... I'll be away in the Next Dimension. You'll be all alone." Gohan said worried.

"I have Goldheart." Chi Chi said as she shook. She wanted to tell Gohan that he wouldn't see Goku in the Next Dimension because he was alive right now as Goldheart, yet she can't. Gohan had so much to worry about right now and the stress and guilt of his father being a dog could be too much. "I'll be fine. You need to go and save the universe."

"I know... but... with Saiyanman, Trigun, and Videl gone, there will be no one to help out in Satan City." Gohan said, "Kyuushi said that we would be gone for a month or more. I gotta go and find some replacements."

"Okay." Chi Chi said as she gazed down at Goldheart and patted his head. "I gotta go... get dinner ready." Chi Chi ran off and Gohan sighed as he knelt down next to Goldheart.

"Oh man..." Gohan sighed as he patted the dog. "I wish I didn't have to do this. Mom always worries about me. I've never been in the Next Dimension and... I'm scared that I may leave her forever."

Goku gazed at his son and whined softly.

"But I have to go. So much is at stake. Videl's father, the world, the universe, and... Dad... he sacrificed his chance at life just so I could have a chance to defeat Lazarus." Gohan's eyes teared up. "Goten is going to go too and I don't know how Mom can handle being alone."

Goku sat up, barked loudly, and nudged Gohan's shoulder.

"Oh..." Gohan laughed as he patted the dog. "You will be there with her, won't you? Sorry. Ever since you appeared out of nowhere, you just have this effect around you. You make us happy even when things just seem dismal. Maybe someone up there... sent you here just to keep Mom company while me and Goten are gone." Gohan rubbed his eyes and continued, "Look, I know that you may do it anyway but can you keep an eye on Mom? Keep her company, comfort her if she seems sad, don't be afraid if she throws her temper tantrums... can you just be there for her while Goten and me are gone?"

The dog stared at him with confident green eyes and then leaned next to him. He barked once and then closed his eyes.

"Good." Gohan smiled as he rubbed the dog's head.

"Yeah... that dog is like that." Piccolo agreed as he came up. "Hey, Gohan."

"Hey." Gohan looked down as he stood up. The two warriors stood by each other for the longest time. They had known each other for a good part of their lives. Their vast experiences with each other had changed the both of them forever. "Piccolo? What was it like when you fused with Kami?"

"Huh?"

"I figured that maybe regaining my past memories would be like when you fused with Kami." Gohan rationalized. "So maybe you can help me figure out what to expect."

Piccolo frowned as he crossed his arms. "Kinda hard to explain. When I fused with Kami I felt an overwhelming power rush, then memories and emotions came into my mind. I remembered things before I was even born. I felt and understand how the heavens work. Then after everything settled down, I felt like myself only... different. I can't really describe it but I can tell you this. If you were once the Angel of Power and Knowledge, then you may not change that much. Because all that will happen is that you will regain memories of a past life, be more powerful, and maybe stop the poses."

Gohan glared at his mentor. "What's wrong with my poses?"

Piccolo shook his head and explain, "Warriors don't pose."

"I'm a superhero, superheroes pose to look fearsome." Gohan explained, "Oh! Can you do me a major favor and... fight crime in Satan City for a while? I mean, you already got the cape and turban..."

"You want me to be a superhero?" Piccolo asked as he stumbled back.

"Yeah... you can wear a mask... and maybe wear a symbol on your chest..." Gohan said as he held his hands up like a director does.

"No way!" Piccolo boomed as he crossed his arms. His super sensitive hearing picked up what seemed to be snickering. He glared down to see Goku with both front paws over his nose while fighting every urge to laugh. "Ha ha..." He muttered.

"Please? You don't have to do it all the time... the others will help out." Gohan pleaded.

"No!"

"Come on..."

"NO!"

"Just for a few nights... you don't even have to pose if you don't want to."

"NO! NO WAY! I WON'T DO IT!" Piccolo said as he stomped his foot.

*****

Piccolo sighed as he sat in the chair with the other warriors. "I can't believe I'm doing this." He glared at Yamcha and asked, "How did you get roped into this?"

"I thought it might be interesting." Yamcha replied, "I may not be a Super Saiyan but I can handle myself against any thug. What about you? No offense, but I don't see you as the superhero type."

"Gohan convinced me... with his most effective attack." Piccolo explained slowly.

"You mean... the super cute 'please you gotta do it' look attack?" Yamcha guessed.

"Yeah."

"Ouch."

"Tell me about it."

"Okay, gentlemen, time for your fitting!" Bulma said as she came up with measuring tape around her neck.

*****

Videl stood outside of the mansion. Her heart raced as she tried to sense her father inside.

"Looking for Hercule, Ms. Videl?" A smooth voice asked.

Videl turned around to see Adam Lazarus standing there smiling at her. "He's not here. He's on a tour with Linda, your stand in."

"I see." Videl said coldly as she crossed her arms.

"Ah... you haven't changed a bit, even after thousands of years." Adam said as he traced his finger along her jaw. "I am not evil. I am doing only what is best for the Universe. I love life; I helped created the very aspect of life. In most religions that would make me the god, not the servant. Do you want to be a god, like you were meant to be? Or die again?"

"How does killing your fellow angels and the very gods you serve is best for the Universe?" Videl asked.

"Imagine a universe with no war, no pain, no anger, your father can be your father again, the angels can remake the universe into Utopia, we can enforce the law directly." Adam said softly. "I could kill you now but that would only make Gorgandus and Yinyo mad and I want you and the others to rule beside me."

Videl stared out and then she glared at him. "You mean, dictatorship."

"Please; only mortals can be dictators, angels are meant to be gods. Think about it after you regain what you loss." Adam said as he walked away.

Videl shivered as she rubbed her arms. **Why does looking at him make me feel so... strange?**

*****

"Are you sure you got everything?" Lunch asked as Trey packed everything.

"I'm fine, Mom, I'm not going off into outer space, just... to a different plain of existence." Trey explained as he smiled. "I'll be fine."

"I know..." Lunch said as she looked down. "I'm your mother, I'm supposed to be worried to death about you."

Tien watched his son pack for his long trip. He could remember the time he had trained in the Next Dimension, however, he had been sent there unwillingly. The warrior couldn't help but feel proud of his son, or sons, as the case may be. It was only two days ago that the boy had managed to defeat the Angel of Death herself. Tien had never done anything like that and lived. This warrior could make a real difference in battle.

"Hey, Trey." Tien said as he finally came up with a small bundle in his hands. "Are you ready?"

"Just about. I just have to pack a few things and make sure Satan City is taken care of." Trey replied as he closed his suitcase. "I'll try to get in contact once I get there but I doubt it."

"I understand." Tien said as he held out the bundle. "I thought you may need this on the trip."

Trey opened the bundle and saw a leather jacket with a yin yang symbol on the back. "Wow..." Trey commented as he put it on.

"It's made out of special titanium material and it's weighed for extra training." Tien explained as he looked down.

Trey looked in the mirror, it felt like real leather and yet stronger. "Cool." Trey nodded, "This is great."

**Not bad... I like it.** Trigun commented.

"Thanks, Dad." Trey said as he smiled, "I'll... try to reach King Kai when I get there. Maybe even train under Goku himself."

"Hopefully." Tien said as he nodded. "Goku was an excellent fighter and you would learn some techniques from him."

"Dad... I know that Goten and Trunks are way stronger than you but... they still need training, they need to learn techniques. Could you try to teach them what you know?"

"I will. Incredible... my son or sons... the reincarnated Angel of Balance and Unity." Tien sighed as he gazed at his son.

"Yeah... it feels kinda weird myself." Trey replied as he shrugged, "I better get going. Can't keep destiny waiting."

"Yeah."

*****

Gohan waited with his backpack on as he stood on top of the Lookout. He looked around to see that he, Dende, and Mr. Popo were the only ones at the place. "Wonder where everyone's at?" Gohan muttered and then he sensed Trey and Videl coming.

"Hey, Gohan." Trey said as he landed wearing his backpack. "You all set?"

"Yeah." Gohan replied as he held up his suitcase. "Is that a new jacket?"

"Yeah. Dad got it for me." Trey explained as he took off his backpack and showed it to him. "Pretty cool huh?"

"Yeah... glad you and your dad are finally getting along." Gohan said as he grinned and then saw Videl who was looking down. "Aw man, Videl, I'm so sorry. I..." Gohan felt embarrassed. He and Trey had gotten along great with their fathers but Videl was virtually disowned by her's.

"That's okay." Videl waved her hand and smiled slightly. "I'm fine. I need this trip to think things over."

"I'm sure once this Lazarus is taken care of, we can deal with Hercule." Gohan said optimistically.

"I will deal with Dad. It's my problem." Videl insisted.

"I understand." Trey said as he looked in his backpack. "Are you guys ready?"

"I am but have you seen Mom and the others?" Gohan asked, confused, "I thought they were going to meet us."

"They will be here." Dende said as he came forward, "They have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surpise?" Gohan asked excited as he looked around. He loved surprises as long as they don't endanger lives.

"Right here." Chi Chi said as she, Goldheart, Bulma, and Lunch came up. Chi Chi had a small bundle in her arms and handed it to Gohan. "Here, I thought this might be more appropriate to wear while you're training." Gohan unwrapped the bundle and took out a orange jumpsuit with a blue undershirt with matching arm bands and black boots.

"Mom... it's..." Gohan whispered as he held it to his chest with tears in his eyes.

"I made it myself." Chi Chi confessed as she stroked the vest. "I thought that maybe it would help you remember when... you know."

"Mom... I don't know...what to say." Gohan said as he fingered the fabric. "Wow... thanks... Dad would love to see me in that outfit!"

Chi Chi sighed as she gazed down at Goldheart. She put her hand on his head and said, "I know. Why don't you put it on right now? Videl?" Chi Chi asked as she turned her head toward the woman, "Can you put up a screen?"

"Yeah." Videl said as she gazed at Gohan. She aimed her gauntlet at him and a blue tube surrounded him.

After a few minutes, Gohan said, "Okay, I'm ready."

The group watched in anticipation as the tube vanished. Gohan stood there wearing his orange outfit. He felt his heart beat with pride as he wore his father's colors for the first time since he was a mere boy.

"You... look just like Goku." Trey gasped in astonishment. "Incredible. Your dad would be most please when he sees you in that."

"I can't wait to meet your father." Videl nodded as she crossed her arms.

"You may not have the chance." Kyuushi said as she came up with a katana in her hand. "Goku... is in a different place than where are we going. Do not worry, your father is proud of all of you."

Gohan frowned. Why couldn't he see his father? He gazed at the angel and then at his mother. Something about them told him that they were hiding something. He didn't know what but he would have to wait.

"Ummm... Kyuu- Kai Shi, where did you get that sword?" Trey asked as he looked at the katana.

"I bought it from Yajarobie." Kyuushi replied, "He is like most mortals, he can be bought. I gave him some gold and a new sword."

"Why do you want that sword?" Trey asked confused, "That's just an ordinary blade."

Kyuushi smirked as she held it up and a small spark trickled down the edge. "A weapon is only as good as it's wielder. You will understand once we get this sword's sister."

"Sister?" Videl repeated.

"You will understand." Kyuushi said as she put the sword away. "Is everyone ready yet?"

"Wait a second." Bulma said as she took out a microphone clicked on it. "I have another surprise. Ladies and gentlemen! I bring you... the Team of Justice!"

Music blared from the speakers as spotlights lit up the lookout.

A column of smoke appeared and Piccolo came out wearing his usual outfit but with a small blue face mask over his eyes. "I am... the Namekian Hunter!"

Then, another figure jumped out of the smoke. He was tall with a huge wolf's pelt covering his head and upper chest with red stripes on his cheeks and leather Indian pants. "I am... the Wolf!" He announced as he held up his hands in his classical 'fist of the wolf pose'.

Another figure appeared, he was much shorter than the Wolf and was wearing a blue spandex suit with an atom symbol on it. The only thing showing was the lower part of his face and his black hair. "I am... Atom Man!"

A tall feminine figure stepped forward. She was dressed in a bright pink and white jacket, bright pink pants, a pink headband in her blond hair, a pink and white mask. She sighed as she crossed her arms in a monotone voice. "I am the Pink Ranger."

A dark figure rose up, he was covered in a long green robe with a staff in his hand. He whispered as he held his staff up, "I am... the Seer."

A pair of figures came up. They were dressed in Chinese robes and giant masks. One was only as tall as the much taller one's knee. "We are the Dragon Duo!" The two exclaimed.

Trey's jaw dropped as he recognized the two.

A small boy dressed in Gohan's old Saiyanman costume only with a white bandana and matching sunglasses came up and did the Saiyanman pose. "I am... Saiyanboy, Saiyanman's little brother!"

"All right, Goten!" Gohan applauded, "He did those poses right!"

"Unfortunately." Videl chuckled.

"Those two are so identical sometimes, it's frightening." Trey muttered.

The group waited as they watched the 'stage'. Bulma tapped her foot and yelled, "Come out you two! Or no dinner for a week!"

There were some grumbles and finally a pair of dark figures came up. The taller man was dressed in a full black mask that showed no opening with a gold crown on his forehead. He was dressed in a long black bodysuit with gray tunic and black gloves with matching black boots.

The smaller figure was dressed in the exact same way.

"I am... the Dark King." The man grumbled as he crossed his arms.

"And I'm the Dark Prince." The boy said.

"All together now..." Bulma cued and the warriors went into position.

"And we are the Team of Justice." They said in unison, some of the warriors sounded less enthusiastic than others.

"Wow... a superhero group." Videl said as she nodded, "I'm impressed."

"Dad... Choutsu..." Trey said in astonishment as the 'Dragon Duo' took off their masks.

"I thought we could pitch in." Tien said as he blushed.

"You know, the costumes are great and some of the entrances are okay." Gohan said and then he looked at Goten. "I do love your entrance. You nailed those poses great! But... you need more enthusiasm when you do your entrances. You sound like you would rather die than do this."

"I've been dead before. This is worst." Eighteen said as she gestured to her headband.

"Well... I like this." Yamcha said as he took off his hood. "I mean, it's like Halloween, only without candy."

"I'm only doing this for Gohan's sake." Piccolo grunted as he crossed his arms.

"I kinda like this." Trunks muttered as he tugged at his outfit.

Kyuushi sighed as she stared at the group. "Mortals." She looked up and asked, "Are you ready to leave?"

"Just a minute." Gohan said as he came up and hugged Goten. "You take care of yourself and Earth while we're gone. Okay?"

"I will." Goten promised as he hugged back. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Gohan whispered back as he ruffled the boy's hair.

"You come back before the Tournament." Krillian advised as he removed his 'Atom Man' mask.

"We'll do our best!" Gohan said as he winked.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Kyuushi crossed her arms and said, "It's time. Just stand close to me."

"Okay." Gohan said as he, Trey, and Videl stood next to the angel. "Bye, guys!"

"Take care." Trey prayed as he looked at his father.

Videl looked at the group and felt her throat tightened. She had to get stronger for her father's sake. "Please, help my father." She whispered to Piccolo.

Darkness surrounded the four and when the darkness vanished, the four were gone.

"I hope he brushes his teeth." Chi Chi muttered as she patted Goldheart's head.

"Do you think they will come back?" Goten asked nervously.

"They will. Heroes always come back." Chi Chi said, "Trust me on this they always come back no matter how long it will take." **I just hope they will be the same.** She prayed.

To Be Continued...