Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Normal Friends from Strange Places ❯ Journey ( Chapter 22 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Normal Friends From Strange Places
Part 19
By Maria Cline

At first there was darkness; then there was light. Gohan blinked several times when he finally saw himself in a long line with small clouds in front of him. "Where are we?" Gohan wondered as he looked behind him to see Videl, Trey, and Kyuushi.

"We are in the check in line." Kyuushi explained, "We have to get checked in first. Don't worry, we'll be at the front shortly. We can talk while we wait."

"So, what happens once we get in?" Videl asked as she adjusted her bracelet.

Kyuushi looked over her list. "Well... after we check in, we will head towards the Dragon Realm where we will talk with the Guardian of the Dragons, then go to the Memorial of the Fallen Angels so you can receive your powers and memories, we will go to the Kaioshin Homeworld for some training and then we'll head back."

"Sounds simple enough." Trey said as they stepped forward. "I just thought of something. When Gohan's counterparts showed up in our world, are they reincarnations of Gorgandus too?"

Kyuushi frowned as she shook her head. "It's hard to explain to mortals but we have time. You see, when the Angels first set down the rules there was only one Universe. As the Universe progressed, multiple universes were formed from that one Universe. There are only one set of Creation Angels in the entire muliverse. But, our influence carries on in those universes. When the angels died and were reborn, the 'reincarnations' also occurred in those other universes but they can never access those powers and memories. Those Gohans are you, because they have your extension of a soul and memories based on your experiences, but they are not angels reborn. I have extensions myself thoughout the multiuniverse. They have their own body and will, but I know what they are doing right now."

"Wow..." Gohan muttered as he tried to process the information. "That's incredible. All those people... how can you keep them straight?"

Kyuushi smirked and replied, "Angels have very extensive minds. I can think on a higher plain of existence than mortals or even the lower gods. Mortals can think the same way but it takes time and practice. In fact, I think that one of our own alternates is practicing to think on the same level I am."

Trey raised an eyebrow and said, "No offense, Kyuushi, but is that why you have this tendency to talk down to other people when we're at school? Because you think on a higher level?"

"Of course." Kyuushi replied, "I do not mean to sound condescending but... I've been around for a much longer time than the very earth itself. Those elderly mortals have lived in a mere wink of an eye in my lifetime."

"How old are you?" Videl asked.

"Oh... I stopped counting at 17 million." Kyuushi replied as the group finally reached the desk.

"You are over 17 millions years old?!" Videl exclaimed as Trey, herself, and even Gohan gawked at the angel.

"What do you expect, I invented death." Kyuushi said as she looked up at giant.

"Okay, who's next?" King Yamma asked as he looked at his schedule. He looked down at the four and said, "Hey! You four aren't due to die!"

"We are not dead." Kyuushi said as she flew up and landed on his desk. Her long wings spanned outward and King Yamma gulped. "We are here on Angel business. Now, give us clearance."

"Yes, Ma'am!" King Yamma quickly gave the angel papers. "Here you go." He said in a shaky tone.

"Good." Kyuushi smirked and flew back down to the three. "Let's go."

"Wow..." Gohan muttered, "You startled him. But why?"

"I'm his mother." Kyuushi replied, "His creator so to speak."

"B-but..." Gohan gawked at the giant and then at the much smaller angel. "I don't see any resemblence!"

Kyuushi sighed as she patted Gohan on the head. "Gohan... you have always been so intelligent and yet so naive."

Trey chuckled as he followed the group down the long path. This would be one interesting trip.

*****

Bardock's heart pounded as he looked around at the desert where the gang decided to train each other. While he was a Super Saiyan psychic, he was still weaker than the other warriors. Ironically, the two warriors on the field with the most potential were also the youngest.

"Hey, mind if we join in?" A young voice asked.

The group looked up to see Luna, Pop Star, Diva, and Alice landing on the field. They recognized them immediately from the battles they created.

"What do you want?" Vegita demanded as he went Super Saiyan.

"We're here to train your team, silly!" Luna giggled as she came up. "I'm here to train you personally."

At once, everyone snickered at Vegita's expression. "WHAT?! NO WAY! FORGET IT! I PREFER MY OWN TYPE OF TRAINING!"

Luna sighed as she shook her head. "Look, I may look young but I'm over five thousand years old. So I'm your superior, and I can make you be able to teleport like Goku can... only better!"

Vegita paused as he looked at the girl. "How can you make me able to teleport better than Kakarot?"

"Techniques." Luna explained, "You can do what I can do since you have experienced high gravity for a few years. I cannot only enable you to teleport from place to place, but you can teleport things at a distance without having to touch them. Goku can't do that!"

"Oh really." Vegita said as he smirked. It would be good for his ego to do something better than Kakarot. If he can do that strange teleportation technique, he can have an edge over Kakarot when he finally came back to this dimension. "Very well... you can teach me your techniques. I have to have some edge over Kakarot."

"Always with the 'beat Kakarot'." Bardock sighed.

"I will help you." Alice said as she came up. "I am an expert in the mystical arts and the mind itself."

Pop Star giggled as she walked up to Trunks and Goten. She sang, "And I have a surprise for you. A dance that can turn two into one. Strength of unity at its strongest..."

"What are you talking about?" Goten asked confused.

"The Fusion dance..." Pop Star sang, "The fusion dance... it may look funny at a glance but nothing can beat the fusion dance..."

"This should be interesting." Trunks muttered as he sweatdropped.

"Yeah." Piccolo nodded.

*****

Videl, Trey, Gohan, and Kyuushi ran down the long path. Kyuushi held up the long map as she ran. "Now... we have to go to the airport where we will get our lift to the Dragon Realm..."

"What is this Dragon Realm?" Videl asked as she used her gauntlet to keep up the pace.

"You are aware of Shenlong and Porgunda of the Dragon Balls..." Kyuushi commented as they made their way to the helecopter port. "The Dragon Realm is the place where all Dragons from the various universes sleep."

"Really?" Gohan asked in awe.

"Where do you think Dragons go when they don't grant wishes?" Kyuushi asked, "I can't wait till you regain your former level of consciousness."

"Kyuushi, how far is this airport?" Videl asked.

"Only one day... but it will take a least a week by helicopter to the Dragon Realm and it's the fastest way." Kyuushi replied.

"Why does it take so long to go to the Dragon Realm?" Gohan asked as they avoided a cleaning car.

"Because, the Dragon Realm is at the center of the multiverse so all dragons can rest there." Kyuushi explained. "And it's at the edge of this universe. Do not worry, we will make it."

The group became silent as they ran toward the helicopter port. There was not much that could be said that had not been said already. Videl looked around herself as she watched the beautiful scenery. There were orange clouds all around her in a vast endless sky. **Is this what heaven looks like?** She wondered in awe.

Despite all that she had been through, she still couldn't help but be awed at her surroundings. She was in the afterlife, literally and she's not dead yet.

"This is so cool." Gohan sighed as he ran along side Videl. "You okay, Videl?"

"I'm fine. It's just that I never thought I would be here and still be alive." Videl confessed as she blushed. "It's amazing."

"Yeah... it is." Gohan said, "I still wonder if we will meet my dad. I mean, he has to be around here somewhere."

"Maybe he is." Videl said as she looked down. "I hope that if, or when we meet Goku, that he will like me."

"He would. You're smart, strong, and outspoken! Besides, he can get along with anyone!" Gohan said as he patted Videl's shoulder.

"Thanks." Videl smiled at Gohan's touch.

"Say, Kyuushi, why don't we visit Goku?" Trey asked as he ran beside the angel.

"Like I said, he's somewhere else. We are on a tight schedule." Kyuushi brushed them off as she ran ahead.

**She's hiding something.** Trey thought as he ran beside the angel.

**You mean the fact that she's the Angel of Death isn't her main secret?** Trigun asked.

**I mean it. Every time we talk about maybe meeting Goku here, she avoids it. Why won't she tell us where Goku is?**

**I don't know. You don't think that Lazarus had captured Goku and not tell us?!** Trigun asked stunned.

**I doubt it. Kyuushi would tell us if Lazarus has Goku. I mean, that information would only drive Gohan harder to defeat Lazarus.** Trey thought as he rubbed his chin. "Kyuushi, what would happen if Lazarus gets his hands on Goku?"

"Then, we would be doomed. Lazarus could use Goku to defeat us like I tried to defeat you by possessing Gohan. And I seriously doubt that Gohan would kill his own father." Kyuushi replied.

"Oh man, that would stink." Gohan moaned as he overheard the conversation.

"Do not worry, your father is safe." Kyuushi smirked, "But you cannot see him, not yet."

"Oh." Gohan sighed in disappointment.

**Where could Kyuushi hide Goku?** Trey wondered as he frowned.

**No idea but can you slow down just a little?** Trigun asked.

**Why? Neither one of us are tired.**

**I know...** Trigun smirked, **I just want to check out Kyuushi from the back.**

Trey tilted over and Gohan and Videl stopped. "You okay, Trey?" Gohan asked.

"I'm fine. Just lost my balance for a sec." Trey replied as he rubbed his shoulder. **I wonder where is Goku?**

*****

Chi Chi sighed as she sat outside on chair with Goku resting comfortably with his head on her lap. Goten had left to train with the others and now everything felt quiet.

"It's so quiet here." Chi Chi whispered as she stroked the dog's head. There were no sounds of training or combat in any form. There were none of Triguns's 'therapy sessions' for Gohan. There weren't even any sounds of Goten playing with his dog. While it was noisy, she missed the noises. Now the silence felt so heavy in the air.

Goku whined as he licked her hand.

"Yes, you missed them too." Chi Chi sighed as she smiled. She knew it had to be as hard for Goku as it was on herself, maybe even worse. He couldn't even tell her how he felt or let anyone else knows that he was alive. "Oh... why does it have to be this way?"

"I'm sorry."

Chi Chi looked up to see Kaioshin standing there. "Oh..." She and Goku quickly got up and bowed respectfully. "I didn't see you there. I'm sorry."

"No need." Kaioshin said as he came up and bowed, "You are a very strong woman. You have been through a great deal of pain for the sake of the planet but fate itself has not been kind." He sat next to Goku and placed his hand on the dog's head.

"Why did you do this to him?" Chi Chi asked, "Goku did so much for Earth, for the very Universe... he doesn't deserve this fate. It's like he's trapped in some prison."

"I know. But he is safe and right now, he is more of a liability than an asset." Kaioshin commented, "You saw what Kyuushi can do to Gohan. You know Gohan, can he kill his own father just to save the Universe?"

"How much longer must he stay in there?" Chi Chi pleaded, "I just want Goku back."

"When things are safer. But now you must cope." Kaioshin confessed as he smiled slightly. "I know what it was like to be alone. When Lazarus came and betrayed us all, only myself, Kibito, Rou Kaioshin, and Kyuushi were the only survivors. I had to take over the reins and it's so lonely at the top. I must go." The god got up and said, "Just stay strong and patient." He advised as he walked away and vanished.

Chi Chi and Goku stared where the god vanished. "I... just talked to the God of Everything himself." Chi Chi gasped in shock as she rubbed her hands along Goku's back. "I will be strong."

*****

After a long trip, they finally reached the airport. It was a bustling place filled with beings of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Most of the beings had halos over their heads, except for the workers.

"This way." Kyuushi said as she took Trey's hand and led them down the crowded hallway. The various dead people parted at the sight of living people who didn't work at this airport.

They reached the helicopter desk and a friendly woman with blue skin and a horn on her forehead said, "Hello, how may I help you?" She blinked as she looked at Kyuushi. "Oh my! Ms. Kyuushi! Where do you wish to go?"

"My friends and myself wish to go to the Dragon Realm." Kyuushi said as she held up her badge. "Official Angel business."

The woman nodded as she took out a laptop. "Okay! Do you need anything special?"

"I do need meals on this flight for two Humans and one Saiyan." Kyuushi replied.

"S-Saiyan?" The woman gasped in shock as she looked at Gohan, Trey, and Videl. "Which one?"

"I'm part Saiyan." Gohan said as he rose his hand.

"He is Goku's son. He is not like the Saiyans you heard of." Kyuushi said as she glared at the woman. "Do you understand?"

"Yes." The woman squeaked as she smiled and tapped on her computer. "Okay! Your flight is all ready."

"That was fast." Videl commented, "Using an airplane back on Earth takes forever to arrange."

"Ms. Kyuushi here is a very special guest." The woman replied, "She is one of the five angels of creation. How can we refuse her?"

"We must leave." Kyuushi said as she walked away, "Thank you for your help."

The group walked down the hall toward the helicopter port. Gohan frowned as he crossed his arms. "I don't get it. Why are people still nervous about Saiyans? The Saiyans have been mostly extinct for over thirty years."

"True, but here, the ones killed by the Saiyans have been here far longer than that." Kyuushi said as she shook. "Unfortunately, most of the victims still have not forgiven the Saiyans for what happened. Do not worry, no one will notice your heritage."

"Okay." Gohan muttered.

The group walked outside and saw a huge helicopter with a giant 'A' was warming up. A tall green man with a white shirt and blue pants came out with a turban under his bright halo. **That guy look like a cross between Piccolo and Krillian.** Gohan thought, amused, as the man came up.

"Hello, I'm Pikkon, your pilot." He grunted as he nodded toward the group. His eyes widened as he looked at Gohan. "Hey, you're that Gohan kid right? Goku told me all about you."

Gohan's eyes brightened as he grinned. "You knew my father?!"

"We trained together. In fact, we fought the final rounds in the Tournament of the Afterlife." Pikkon explained as he frowned. "Unfortunately, we both got disqualified when we touched the ceiling."

"Wow... that was amazing!" Gohan gushed, "Do you know that you resemble Piccolo?"

"Yeah, your father told me." Pikkon said as he nodded. "But, what are you doing here, you're not dead?"

"They are here with me." Kyuushi replied as she stepped up. "We need to go to the Dragon Realm at the center of the multiverse."

"The Dragon Realm?! Very well..." Pikkon bowed, "I cannot disobey the Angel of Death."

"Good." Kyuushi nodded as she went into the helicopter. "Come on in."

*****

Goku yawned as he watched Chi Chi do her usual cleaning. A week had passed by for the two and things had slowed down. Every day, they heard some sort of report about one of the superheroes saving lives all around the world. It was interesting seeing how the public reacted to such a team. Fan clubs popped up everywhere and each city seemed to adopt their own 'superhero' as their own. They even heard of a 'We Love the Namekian Manhunter' fan club. Although, neither Goku and Chi Chi could figure out why anyone would want Piccolo as a boyfriend.

Suddenly, a flood overcame his mind as he snapped his head up. He can feel the world around him like before he was transformed. **What's going on?** Goku thought as he stood up and felt energy flowing through his body.

A blond man in a bright white suit with bright white wings appeared in a bright light. Goku gazed upward and growled. He recognized him immediately. He can feel the very energy of life around him shift.

"Hello, boy." The man said as Chi Chi came out.

Chi Chi stared at the man as a broom fell from her fingertips. "Who are you?" Chi Chi demanded as she picked up her broom and went into a defensive position.

"I am Lazarus, the Angel of Life." Lazarus said as his wings and arms spread out warmly.

"I know who you are." Chi Chi said as she held her broom. "What do you want?"

"What do you want?" Lazarus said smoothly as he put his hands up. "You must excuse me but I must know. I love life. I treasure it. You are siding with Death herself."

"She seems nice to me." Chi Chi said as she frowned.

"I can end all conflict if given the chance." Lazarus said, "Think about it. No more fighting. No more pain. I can wipe away all aggression and fear in this universe and everyone can live in peace."

**And wipe away free will?!** Goku's voice rang inside Chi Chi's head.

Chi Chi's jaw dropped as she glanced at Goku. "What about free will? I'm sure the fighters of the world won't like it."

"So? I won't be getting rid of free will... I'll just be ridding the universe of anger and sorrow." Lazarus said as he smiled softly, "Isn't that what you want? No more anger. No more pain. You can have the family you desire so much."

Chi Chi's lips trembled as her guard lowered. She wanted a normal life. A life without pain and agony. She wanted Goku back into her life. She wanted her children to worry about normal things like schoolwork instead of power levels and fighting.

**Chi Chi, I know you wanted a normal life. I wanted one too...** Goku thought out as he came up and growled at Lazarus. **But you can't get rid of your darker emotions. It's part of you. Like Trigun and Trey are the same person, your anger is a part of you. Your anger and courage is what made me fall in love with you in the first place.**

"I can do all that for you. If you can give me Goku." Lazarus said as he held the broom in his hand.

Chi Chi looked down. **I can't give up Goku. I can't give up who I am.** "No."

"What?" Lazarus asked. "Don't you want peace?"

"Of course I want peace!" Chi Chi screamed, "I hate fighting! I hate worrying about my children every day! But... I don't want to be passive for the rest of my life! I like being angry! I won't give up Goku!"

Lazarus scowled as he grabbed Chi Chi's dress with a glowing hand. "Fine! Until you, Goku, or Gohan are willing to accept defeat, no one will see you again!"

Goku rushed up and grabbed Lazarus' pant leg only to be flung off.

Screams filled the woods as birds flew away.

*****

Gohan sighed as he watched the scenery. Videl was asleep on his shoulder. The days passed quickly on their trip. They spent their trip eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom, and talking. Gohan gently ran his hand through Videl's short hair. He wasn't sure what to do about his relationship with her. He never had a girlfriend before in his life and most of his friends weren't leading experts in relationships. Piccolo never had a girlfriend himself and his father somehow got married on accident.

He did know one thing. They were training to save the Universe and their training may involve altering their own identities. **Maybe I should hold off until after the fusion thing.** Gohan thought as he glanced at Kyuushi and Trey who were also asleep.

Suddenly, a strange feeling overwhelmed him. "Gah!" Gohan gasped startling Videl, Trey, and Kyuushi awake.

"What is it?" Trey asked.

"I don't know." Gohan said, "I just have a feeling something is wrong with Mom!"

"Don't worry." Videl said as she smiled, "Your mother is safe. She's strong and no one would disturb her."

"Hey, we're here." Pikkon said as he landed the helicopter. The group looked out of the window to see a huge cave in front of them.

"Thank you." Kyuushi said as she got out and bowed. "This way."

Trey, Videl, and Gohan followed the angel through the huge cave. There were statues of dragons everywhere. The cave was hot and yet comfortable. Torches lit up as they walked down the long corridor.

"This is the Dragons Realm. The guardian here is alert and very powerful. He is also very wise." Kyuushi explained, "Especially for a mortal."

Finally, they reached a huge valley where dragons of all shapes and sizes slept in the air. The three gasped as they saw the dragons fly over their heads in their sleep.

"Wow... are those the Dragons of the Dragon Balls?" Videl whispered.

"Yes." Kyuushi said as she looked around. "Where is he?"

Gohan's sharp Saiyan ears picked up faint snoring sounds. "I think I heard someone over there." He said as he pointed to a small tent.

Kyuushi went up to the tent and picked up the covers. Under the covers was a small boy, who looked identical to Goten, asleep with an eyemask over his eyes, snoring loudly. At once everyone facefaulted. Kyuushi got up, took out a huge gong, and rang it once as she screamed, "WAKE UP, MORTAL!"

The boy jumped up and removed his eyemask. "Huh?"

"Goten?" Gohan gasped in shock as he looked at the boy.

"That's the guardian of the Dragon Realm?" Trey asked in disbelief. "He's a kid."

"Yeah, a kid." Videl agreed stunned.

"Hey! I'm not a kid!" The boy argued as he got up and removed his blanket. He was dressed in a blue top and yellow pants with a pair of pink armbands. "I just look that way."

"Who are you?" Gohan asked stunned.

"Me?" The boy asked, "Why... I'm Goku, your dad!"

At once, everyone fell over and Gohan nearly fainted. "DAD?!" He glared at Kyuushi and said, "YOU TURNED MY FATHER INTO A KID?!"

"Whoa! I'm not really your father!" Goku said as he grinned, "I'm a future alternate version who happened to be turned into a kid by a group of super powerful Dragon Balls!"

"So... you're really not my dad?" Gohan asked relieved and yet disappointed at the same time. He wanted to see his father again but he was glad he wasn't pint size.

"Sorry." Goku said as he shrugged, "You can call me Goku if you want to."

"Well... it's an honor to meet a version of Gohan's father." Trey said as he held out his hand. Goku shook the man's hand.

"Thanks!"

"Me too." Videl said as she turned red and held out her hand.

"No problem. I know about you guys!" Goku said as he reached into a sack and got out a crystal ball. "I was watching your adventures on this crystal ball. It's so cool. So... what do you need?"

"I felt that you can help these three out. They are the destined ones and perhaps you can offer advice." Kyuushi said as she crossed her arms.

"Sure!" Goku said as he went on top of a rock and sat cross legged. "Got any questions?"

"Do you know where my version of you is?" Gohan asked as he sat on the ground.

"Yeah, but I can't say." Goku said as he frowned, "All I can say is that it would make you faint."

"Okay..." Gohan muttered as he shook his head.

"Goku... are you stuck like that? Can you make yourself look a little more... mature?" Videl asked uneasy. "No offense, but I can't take advice from a... kid."

"Oh... okay!" Goku jumped off of the rock and focused. He screamed as bright red aura overcame him. Several minutes passed as the group watched anxiously. Goku kept on screaming and tensing up.

"How long does this take?" Videl asked as she looked at her watch.

"Hey! Growing up isn't easy!" Goku said sharply as his tail became red. Slowly but surely he grew taller and his clothes morphed. His hair grew longer and his body sprouted red fur.

"Whoa..." Trey muttered as he recognized the figure in front of him. "Gohan... he can do that Ultimate Oozaru form like you."

"Ultimate Oozaru form?" Goku repeated, "Is that what you guys call it? I call it Super Saiyan Level Four."

"SUPER SAIYAN LEVEL FOUR?!" The group exclaimed as they fell over.

"That's impossible!" Gohan exclaimed, "I can barely go level two!"

"That's odd." Goku commented as he rubbed his chin. "Hmmm... maybe it works differently in your world since you are the reincarnation of the Angel of Power and Knowledge. Why don't you show me?"

"I can't... at least not without my tail." Gohan said as he pointed to his rear.

"That can be fixed." Kyuushi said as she put her hand on Gohan's shoulder and a long monkey tail sprouted out.

"Whoa... how do you do that?" Gohan said as he waved his tail around.

"Angels have the power to manipulate odds with a touch. It comes with forming the laws of the universe." Kyuushi explained, "That is how I managed to make those restraints of yours malfunction."

"Incredible. I knew you had to do something with that." Trey said as he came up.

**Remind me to take her to Vegas after we save the universe.** Trigun said as he smirked.

"Now, show me your power." Goku said excited as he sat on the rock again.

"I don't know if I can." Gohan said as he blushed slightly. "In order for me to transform, I gotta go ape as a Super-Saiyan and then transform."

"Oooh... that's not good." Goku said as he slammed his fist onto his hand. "I got it! I'll teach you! I'll teach both of you to go into your ultimate form faster!" He looked over at Kyuushi and said, "If that's okay with you."

"Not at all. I knew that you could help these three out. You could help them out better than their Goku." Kyuushi replied as she nodded.

Gohan glared at Kyuushi. "Hey! My Dad could help us!"

"True... but this Goku has over thirty years more experience and has achieved Super Saiyan 4." Kyuushi pointed out.

"Oh..."

"Come on, you two. Let's go over there and I can show you the power of mental transformation." Goku instructed as they walked into a small clear area free of dragons.

Gohan and Trey nod at each other as they followed the warrior. They couldn't help but feel strange around this man who was Goku, and yet wasn't. This man felt like Goku, yet had a different feeling around him. This Goku was stronger and more serious than their Goku. They sat down in front of him and he reverted to his child form.

"Okay, first of all, close your eyes." Goku instructed as he went into meditation position.

Gohan and Trey closed their eyes.

"Now, picture yourself in your mind's eye."

Trey focused and found himself in a vast void with Trigun standing in front of him.

"Hey, handsome." Trigun said as he crossed his arms.

"Trigun, nervous about the transformation?"

"Not in your life." Trigun waved off. "As long as I can come out once in a while and party, that's fine with me."

"Right..." Trey laughed as he shook his head.

"Now, think about how you transform and play it out in your mind." Goku said, "Gohan, picture the moon in your mind. Trey, merge with Trigun. The first time you two will transform, it may take a while."

"Right." The two said as they focused in their minds. Gohan can see a bright full moon like it was real. He wondered if he could really achieve such a transformation just by thinking of it. It would make things easier for him if he can transform without having to become a giant ape first. He felt his blood boil as he roared.

Trey looked over at Trigun and asked, "Ready?"

"Sure... why not?" Trigun said as he put his hands together with Trey's. The two focused on each other. It was no different than before, except that they are in their own mind.

Videl, Kyuushi, and Goku waited as the two started to glow.

And waited...

And waited...

After ten minutes, the two were still glowing and tensing. "How long does this take?" Videl asked the pint-size Goku.

Goku grinned as he rubbed the back of his head. "Eh... these kind of transformations take a while the first time."

"How long?"

"Ummm... for me to use that type of transformation... it took me about three hours before I could do it in my mind." Goku laughed and Kyuushi and Videl face faulted.

"We... better sit down." Kyuushi sighed as she sat on a rock.

*****

"This is much better." Eighteen said as she modeled her newest costume. Her 'Pink Ranger' outfit was okay, but the criminals kept on thinking that she was weak because she wore pink. She smirked evilly as she thought of the poor fools in intensive care right now. She may not be a murderer any more, but she still showed little mercy. Her new outfit was a black leather jacket with a black swimming suit and fishnet stockings and high heels. On her face was a simple black mask and she wore a long blond wig. "Now, the Siren can handle the streets."

"Mommy is so cool!" Marron gushed. "Can I be a superhero too?"

"Not till you can fly." Eighteen said warmly at her precious daughter.

Krillian sighed as he grinned at his wife and daughter. While Eighteen may act like a cold-hearted android to the others, she always let down her guard around her own family. The phone rang and the former monk picked it up. "Hello, Chestnut residence?"

A series of frantic barks came out of the other end. Krillian's hair stood on end as he listened. At any other time, he would think it was some silly prank but he knew better. There was only one dog he knew of that could dial a phone. "Go- Goldheart?! Is that you, buddy?" **Nearly let the cat out of the bag.** Krillian thought as he looked at Eighteen and Marron.

The dog barked once and then started whining.

"Okay... okay... calm down. Tell me what happened." Krillian said and then slapped himself on the head. While Goku could understand what he said, Goku couldn't tell him anything, especially on the phone. "Okay... scratch that. Just bark once for yes, twice for no and... whine if you don't know. Did something happen to Chi Chi?"

"*Bark.*"

"Is she dead?"

After a moment of silence, Goku barked twice.

Krillian sighed in relief and asked, "Is she hurt?"

A long whine came from the phone.

"Okay, I'll go down there right now. Should I get the others?"

"*Bark.*"

"Right, hang on. We'll be there pronto." Krillian hang up and said, "Eighteen, we gotta go to Chi Chi's house! Goldheart just called and I think Chi Chi's in trouble."

Eighteen and Marron stared at the short man and finally Eighteen asked, "How did that dog call this house?"

Krillian blinked when he just realized that a dog managed to call this place. "I don't know. But, we gotta hurry!"

*****

Goku sighed in relief as he hung up the phone. **Thank Dende for speed dialing.** He thought as he looked around. It took him forever to calm Chi Chi down and then figure out a way to call for help. Before, he could just teleport Chi Chi to the Lookout or Capsule Corps, but now he could barely make a phone call. He couldn't call the Lookout and Bulma thought he was some prank caller. Krillian was the only one who he could call and know who he was. **I just hope the others can help Chi Chi.**

*****

Krillian, Eighteen, Piccolo, Vegita, Goten, and Trunks rushed toward Chi Chi's house at super speed. Krillian managed to get Piccolo, Vegita, Goten and Trunks after calling Capsule Corps and explaining what happened. Piccolo was the first to believe as well as Goten. Vegita, Trunks, and even Eighteen were a little skeptical about the thought of a dog literally calling for help.

Finally, they reached the house and landed. There were no signs of battle or destruction. Piccolo closed his eyes as he reached out with his mind. He could sense Chi Chi and Goku and they felt fine.

"Mommy! Goldheart!" Goten screamed as he opened the door. His heart pounded as he thought of what might happen. He knew he should've been there to be with his mother. Then he heard crying from the bedroom. He flew up the stairs with everyone else following him.

"Slow down!" Piccolo ordered, "We don't know what we're dealing with here!"

Goten didn't hear the Namekian. Instead, he flung open the door and screamed at the sight.

The others walked up and saw what looked like a dress holding Goldheart and sobbing.

"Chi Chi?" Piccolo asked stunned as he walked around Goten.

The figure seemed to look up and asked in a broken voice, "Piccolo? Goten? Krillian? Guys? What are you doing here?"

"Uhh... Goldheart called us. He told me that something was wrong but he didn't say what." Krillian said sheepishly.

"You did that?" Chi Chi asked as one of the sleeves petted the dog. "Why?"

Goldheart just whined as he licked an invisible hand.

"He was worried about you." Piccolo translated. "What happened?"

Goten blinked as information finally processed in his mind. His mother had become invisible. He did what any normal kid would do. "GAHHHH!!!" He screamed as he ran out of the room.

"Goten! Wait!" Chi Chi's pleading voice cried out as the dress got up and then got back down again. "Oh... why?" She sobbed as she hugged the dog again.

Piccolo sat down next to where he believed Chi Chi was and gently patted her invisible shoulder. "It's okay. The kid is just shocked that's all. What happened to you?"

"Lazarus *sob*. He came here promising a future with no fighting and no pain. He wanted Goku in return but I won't give him up!" Chi Chi vowed as she shook an invisible fist. "But... then he turned me invisible. Only until he has Goku or Gohan, then I can be seen again."

"What made him think that you had Kakarot?" Vegita asked as he crossed his arms. "He's been dead for seven years!"

Krillian sweatdropped as he tried to think up a good reason. "Ummm... maybe he thinks that Goku contacts her on a regular basis or something. You know, he could try to get to Goku through his wife." Goldheart whined as he looked down. Krillian immediately saw pain and regret in the animal's eyes. "But I'm sure that Goku would not let this work! I know Goku and he wouldn't let the bad guy wins!"

"I know. I don't want either Goku or Gohan to give up to bring me back." Chi Chi said as a handkerchief came up and wiped where her eyes could be. "If they do, I couldn't look myself in the mirror! Even if I was visible!"

Goldheart craned his head up and licked her face.

"Look, I'll go and check up on Goten." Krillian volunteered.

"Nah, I'll go." Trunks volunteered, "I gotta knock some sense into his empty head!" He ran out of the room.

"Thank you." Chi Chi sobbed as she stared at her hands. They were visible to her but nobody else could see them. When Lazarus first struck her with that beam, she thought she was spared when she realized that she wasn't in the Next Dimension. Then Goku stared at her almost fearfully. She asked what was wrong and then, after he nudged her legs, he went inside and came out with a hand mirror in his mouth. The next thing she saw shocked her, she didn't see her own face. Everything felt like it was falling apart. Her oldest son was away in a different realm, her husband was a man trapped in a body of a dog, and her other son was scared to death of her. "Why me?"

"We'll get Bulma to work on this right away." Piccolo said as he sensed Chi Chi's worry. "We can even use the Dragon Balls."

"How? The Dragon can't reverse something like this! Lazarus is the most powerful being in the Universe! The Dragon can't overpower something like that!" Chi Chi wailed.

"We'll think of something." Krillian promised, "Just don't give up. When Kyuushi and the others get back, I'm sure she can think of something. She is the Angel of Death."

**Don't... give up...** Goku's mental voice strained in her mind. **I... still love you.** He collapsed his head onto her lap and Chi Chi was startled.

Goku had obviously wanted to let her know how much he felt despite the obvious strain. Chi Chi smiled as she stroke the dog's head. "I will wait. I know you guys will do everything he can to get me back to normal. I just hope that Goten can cope with this... transformation."

*****

Goten sat by the lake, stunned. How could this happen to his mother? She was the most important thing in his short life and now she's invisible.

"Hey, Goten." Trunks said as he came up. He punched Goten in the head and asked, "What's the deal?"

Goten moaned as he held his head. He knew that Trunks was just playing, but it still hurts a little. "What'cha mean?"

"You know, your mom being invisible. You ran off!"

Goten sighed as he looked down. "I know, I feel so bad but I was scared. I mean... she's there but I can't _see_ her. I should've been there to protect her."

"It wouldn't do squat!" Trunks insisted, "That evil angel did this and he's way more powerful than a Super Saiyan. Come on... just do it."

"Yeah... I can handle this. I mean, she's still Mommy. I just can't see her." Goten nodded as he walked back to the house determined, "Thanks, Trunks!"

"What're best friends for?" Trunks smirked as he followed him.

*****

Goten nervously looked around as he tried to sense his mom. "I can do this." Goten said as he finally went to the bedroom where he saw Goldheart laying his head on a dress that was sitting up. "Mommy?"

"Goten?" Chi Chi voice came from the futon. "I'm so glad your back."

Tears came down Goten's cheeks as he ran up and hugged where he was sure his mother is. "I'm so sorry! I should've been here instead of training! Now you're invisible and it's all my fault!"

Goldheart whined as he looked up but felt too exhausted to do anything else.

"No... it's not your fault." Chi Chi insisted as she rocked the boy in her arms. "You didn't know what was going and you had to train. Listen to me. It's not your fault. It's that mean angel who did this to me. Mommy's friends will try to fix this but until then, you have to be strong. Okay?"

"I know..." Goten muttered, "I'm just scared."

"No reason to be scared." Chi Chi whispered as she gently kissed her son. Goldheart and I will go to Capsule Corps and hopefully, Bulma will fix this."

"Good. I missed you and Goldheart." Goten said as he closed his eyes and kept on holding Chi Chi.

"We missed you too." Chi Chi said as she smiled slightly.

*****

Kyuushi sighed as she looked up from her meditation. It had been three hours since Gohan and Trey have been working at gaining their ultimate forms without doing anything physically. So far, all she was doing was meditating. Videl was playing paddleball with her gauntlet and the Chibi Goku was eating.

Suddenly, a pair of powers surged into the sky. The three looked up to see Gohan screaming louder and then his body glowed. His red fur sprouted up and his clothes vanished to make room for the brown pants. He roared as he craned his head up into the sky, "I am Saiyanman!"

Trey was also glowing and then his hair grew long and silver and his clothes changed to a white and black outfit with Yin-yang symbols. A long sword appeared by his side as he grabbed it. "I am now Triforce!" He announced.

"Woo hoo!" Goku applauded. "You finally did it!"

"Yeah... that's great!" Videl exclaimed as she ran up and kissed Gohan on the lips.

Gohan gulped as he stepped back. "Huh?" He asked startled.

"Why Videl... you kissed him... on the lips." Triforce said as he gave a faint smile.

Videl blushed as she put her hand to her lips. Why did she just do that? "Uh... I ah..."

"Videl, we better hold off... until we get our past life memories." Gohan advised as he blushed and reverted back to normal.

"That would be the wisest precaution." Kyuushi agreed as she stood up. "Now that you've had your lessons, we must leave. We still have a long journey ahead of us." She gazed at the two. She could remember her Gorgandus and Aphradite. They were both so much like Gohan and Videl only they took longer to become a couple. **How much of their souls are unchanged after all this time?** She wondered.

"Already?" Gohan whined as he sighed. He looked down at the chibi Goku. While the 'kid' wasn't really his father, he was the closest thing to his father he had.

"You better go, Gohan." Goku said as he crossed his arms. "Kyuushi's right. You three have a long journey ahead of you. I did my duty and it's time to move on."

"Oh..." Gohan looked down and said, "Okay... look, did you die in the Cell Games like my dad?"

"Yeah." Goku said as he frowned slightly showing more age than his body could ever do. "And I didn't blame my son for my death and I'm positive your dad didn't blame you as well."

"Wait, if you were dead like our Goku, how did you come back?" Triforce asked confused.

"Ummm... hard to say. What brought me back in my world won't happen in yours." Goku said as he laughed, "So I don't have a clue on what's going to happen next!" He grinned.

"Yeah..." Gohan sighed as he nodded. He did have more training to do and a villain to fight. "Let's do it! Let's save the Universe and bring Dad back to life!"

"I admire your spirit." Triforce said as he patted Gohan on the shoulder. "Let's go."

"For the universe." Videl nodded as they ran off leaving Kyuushi and Goku behind.

Kyuushi bowed to the smaller warrior and said, "Thank you for your help, Guardian."

"No problem! Gets kinda boring over here with all these sleeping dragons." Goku said as he grinned. Then he frowned and asked, "When will you tell Gohan about his father? I mean, he has a right to know that his own dog is-"

"When he is ready." Kyuushi said as she scowled. "Not a word to them."

"Who can I tell?" Goku asked as he waved his hands. "You better go. Good luck, Angel of Death."

"And good luck to you as well, Guardian of the Dragon Realm." Kyuushi said as she bowed and then left.

Goku sighed as he turned around, waved his hand, and the crystal ball on the ground glowed. He did get bored whenever he was alone, and he wasn't in the mood for training. However, he was given the power to observe his counterparts as they lived their lives. Some were identical to his own. Some were horrifying like himself and Vegita being a couple and one of them being pregnant. Then, he found the one that Gohan asked about. On the crystal ball the image showed Goldheart lying on the bed with a cotton nightgown stroking his head.

"Huh?" The boy muttered as he sat down stunned.

*****

It was hard as Chi Chi lay on the bed with Goku resting beside her. Piccolo and the others helped moved her stuff from her house to the mansion. Now she got to live here with Goten and the other warriors. She was still nervous. No one could see her and she would have to live every day without looking herself in the mirror.

Goku gazed up at the figure next to him. He still couldn't believe that Chi Chi was invisible now. Still, he knew that she was there. He could smell her and hear her very heart beat. Slowly, he tilted his head up and licked where he figured her face was. He could taste her tears. **Don't cry.** Goku thought to her.

"I can't help it." Chi Chi whispered, "How can you still love me when you can't even see me?"

Goku's head hurt as he tried to summon the strength to send another message through. He had to help her. He had to let her know. **You still... love me as a dog.** He finally said as he closed his eyes and moaned slightly at the pain in his head and his stomach.

"Goku?" Chi Chi said as Goku collapsed again. It must be agony for him to use his telepathy so much with so little energy for him to tap. Yet he was still willing to do it just to make her feel less lonely. "Oh Goku... don't try to speak any more. Just rest. Okay?" She reached over and laid her blanket over the dog's still form.

Goku kept his eyes closed as he felt a small kiss on the forehead and then he opened an eye to see the nightgown with its arms around his neck. With what little strength he had left, he leaned over and gently licked her cheek.

*****

The Guardian sighed as the crystal ball stopped glowing. A determined look entered the boy's face. "Don't worry, I will get you two back to normal." He vowed as the crystal ball vanished.

To Be Continued...