CHAPTER 35 – Going Home...
King Yama watched Vegeta leave, and then dropped back in his chair. He wiped his brow and mumbled to himself, "What a mess." The ogre caught sight of Sen and Reese and straightened his posture. Clearing his throat he began issuing orders, "Reese, get the Cable Guys back to fix the screen. And where's Baba? I need her here with her crystal ball." Reese shrugged and looked at Sen.
"I'll go get her." Sen quickly dashed out the side entrance. She didn't want to think what had just transpired in there. She definitely needed a diversion before she got worked up. She murmured to herself as she opened the door to the lavatory, "Reward huh? What his highness deserves is a good kick in the--yikes!" She found the unclothed Baba lounging in the sink full of sacred water. Her eyes were closed but she was humming to herself; her stubby toes twitching to the beat.
One of Baba's eyes opened, "How about closing the door? You're letting in a draft." Sen obeyed the old woman and allowed the door to close behind her. "Didn't anyone teach you to knock?"
Looking up at the ceiling, Sen explained herself, "Sorry Baba, King Yama wants to see you and it's urgent."
"Humph, what's new?" Baba grabbed the flask next to her and submerged it between her legs. "There's just no peace for an old fortune teller." She capped the bottle under the water, then held it between her teeth while she climbed out. Dangling from the now empty sink, she dropped to the floor. "Woo! This stuff is fantastic! I haven't felt this good in years."
"Come on, Baba. Can you hurry it up?"
Baba stretched her back by reaching for the ceiling and then pushed her hips forward. "Aaahhh. Why, did I miss something?" Reluctantly, the old woman grabbed her clothes and began to dress.
"Oh, not much—just that—Majin Buu transformed again! Gohan is back on Earth and Vegeta thinks Gohan can't beat the monster on his own."
"Gohan, huh? What do you think, Sen?"
She glanced down. Baba was dressed and putting on her shoes. Sen sighed, "I don't know what to think. They both are emitting extraordinary ki levels but until they go into full battle, I won't know who's the stronger. But if Vegeta is right and Gohan is not warrior material, then it will not be strength that will determine the victor."
The old woman stood up and effortlessly hopped on her ball, "Has Yama decided if he will intervene?" Baba now hovered in front of Sen, ready to go.
Sen grimly looked at Baba, "Baba, he's got a problem."
"What?—Oh wait a sec." Baba turned her ball around, laid down on it and struggled to reach for her flask on the floor. Suddenly, the thing floated up in her hand and she sat up facing Sen; staring at it. "Did I just-?"
Sen shook her head and put down her hand that was responsible for the levitation. Then she turned and opened the door, "Vegeta has asked for restitution for his efforts."
"WHAT? What sort of restitution?!" Baba followed Sen through the door.
Outside, they found Reese waiting, nervously rubbing his hands together. "Come on ladies, King Yama is pretty upset." He headed for the entrance way and the two followed single file.
Sen turned her head slightly and spoke through the side of her mouth, "I don't know. I missed the details. I heard only that he wants restored what is rightfully his."
"Ohh, How could he? That boy needs a-" Distracted, Baba saw a cable worker run behind the big screen then returned her attention to the warrior in front of her.
Sen finished Baba's comment for her. "A kick in the ass!" The warrior demonstrated by snap kicking the air in front of her.
Baba puckered her brow, "I was going to say: a good talking to."
Reese was looking towards the front entrance. Glancing over his shoulder, "Don't look now, but I think he heard you."
Vegeta was leaning against the archway with his arms folded, staring at Sen. Knowing that he had her attention, he responded by exposing one of his hands with the middle finger extended.
Reese's eyes opened in surprise, "Ooh, I-I think he just-"
Glaring at Reese, Baba quickly cut him off, "Err, acknowledged your concern. Now come on, Sen. The King doesn't look too happy." Sen obeyed and the Prince went back to watching Snake Way for his son.
Facing the monitor, King Yama was leaning forward in his chair restlessly watching the now blank screen. He noticed them, sat back and turned his chair to his desk. The giant impatiently tapped his desk blotter, "Baba, I must see what's going on."
Baba's demeanor changed to one of authority and she floated to the top of Yama's desk. Sen followed, leaving Reese behind. She heard him say to himself, "Gosh, I wish I could do that." Reese made his way to his station at the foot of Yama's desk and waited for orders.
Baba didn't waste anytime starting up her ball. At first all they could see was smoke. "What's wrong with this thing?" Baba nudged it a couple of times until she realized that the smoke was surrounding Gohan. When it dissipated, there he was, standing there in a cross block stance, protecting his face. He looked up then collapsed down on one knee and hand. His breathing was labored. Gohan closed his eyes and rested his head a moment. Baba could tell the Saiyan was spent when he looked up again.
They heard Majin Buu speaking while walking towards Gohan. "I really didn't think the Special Beam Cannon packed that much of a punch. But maybe it's just that much stronger now that it's coming from me." Gohan dropped his head and closed his eyes again. The pink monster knelt down in front of him and continued to badger Gohan, "What do you think of that? Are you even awake? Hmm." Sniggering the monster continued, "You're letting them down again-" Suddenly, Gohan jerked up and attempted to shut Buu up by blowing his head off with a ki blast. To everyone's surprise, the creature easily dodged it with a backwards summersault. Then Buu retaliated by stretching his arm forward, as if it were made of rubber. Grabbing Gohan's face, he pushed him through rock after rock. Then the monster yelled, "I possess the greatest powers of the Universe! And I'll use them all to kill you!"
Baba cringed at the sight of Gohan crashing through boulders. Yama's jaw was locked and his face knitted. Sen closed her eyes and attempted to measure Gohan's ki. "His strength is faltering."
Immediately all eyes were upon her and Yama asked hopefully, "Who-who's strength?"
Sen's eyes jerked opened and she frowned at the King. "Gohan's."
"That's it then. Baba! Get ready."
Baba ended the transmission and nervously hopped back on her ball. "Isn't there another way? I-I mean who's going to protect me?"
"Be quiet Baba. Sen, do you think you could be of help to Gohan?"
"I won't know until I try."
"That's the spirit! Alright, you better get going."
"Right, I'll go get Vegeta."
"No Sen, Vegeta will wait here."
"IS THIS SOME KIND OF JOKE?!" They all turned their heads to see Vegeta standing in the archway looking like he was ready to explode.
"You will wait your turn, Vegeta!"
Vegeta struggled to keep his composure. "You fool! By the time you get around to me it will be over!" Letting out a frustrated growl, he turned his back on them and shot upwards and out of sight.
Sen looked over at Baba who was nervously kneading her hands. "Hey, its ok, Baba. I've become stronger than I ever imagined. I won't let anything happen to you."
Yama began to shoo them from his desk. "Hurry up now. Gohan needs you."
Baba nodded to the King and headed for the front entrance. Sen pulled up along side of Baba and smiled at her, hoping to ease the old woman's apprehension. After clearing the palace, they headed for Snake Way.
Oddly, Sen was not anxious at all. In fact, she looked forward to testing out her new found strength. She supposed it was only right to give Vegeta the credit. Maybe she should have taken the time to thank him. Then she thought better. She couldn't imagine he'd want such recognition. The warrior's thoughts were interrupted. Floating in their path was the Prince himself.
Devilishly, Vegeta smirked at Sen, disregarding the startled Baba. "Leaving without saying good-bye?"
Instinctively, Sen moved in front of Baba and readied for a confrontation. "Funny. Considering the dire circumstances, I assumed formal protocol was waived. Now, if you will excuse us-"
"Dame onna." (Not possible, woman.)
"Do itta!" (Move out of the way!)
Vegeta stiffened and rotated so that his left side faced Sen. He raised his left hand, palm out, and readied to fire.
Baba gasped, "What are you doing Vegeta? This is not about you. You are risking the fate of us all."
"On the contrary, old woman, I am insuring it. You will take me in her stead."
"I-I can't, not without Yama's permission. Please Vegeta."
Sen's eyes remained on Vegeta as she waited for him to make his move. She felt his ki rise but only his fingers flexed slightly.
"Teller! You know what the outcome will be. Go to Yama-- NOW!" Baba jerked and moved backwards.
"Baba! Stay put. He's bluffing. He has too much to lose."
The corner of Vegeta's lips curled upwards and he quietly breathed, "Exactly."
"Augh." Suddenly, Sen felt surrounded by Vegeta's energy. She tried to flare out her own to ward it off but his was too strong. Vegeta's faced her as his other hand came up quickly and mirrored his other extended arm. It looked like he was clutching two invisible balls.
"I will not standby and allow the destruction of our kind." He had fooled her with an attack stance. But instead of attacking Sen, he'd trapped her using the same technique they had used on Cell. Though she tried earnestly, she was unable to break free.
Baba moved back further. Even ki blind, the old teller could sense the power struggle that went on between them. "Oh for Heaven's sakes! Gohan needs help now and we still have to get back to Earth. It's not a jump, skip and a hop you know!"
Vegeta finally looked over at Baba, his menacing eyes threatening her, "Baba! Go tell Yama, there's been a change in plans. Sen has had a change of heart. She would prefer a warmer climate!" His gaze returned to Sen and with a gleam in his eye, he added, "One good turn deserves another."
"Huh? Oh dear! This can't be happening!" After doing an about face, Baba called over her shoulder, "Hold tight, Sen, King Yama will straighten him out," then sped back to the palace. There was no way the Lord of the Afterworlds would tolerate such blatant disregard of authority.
Sen frantically looked around for an escape. She noticed they were moving away from Snake Way, allowing a clear shot to the yellow-orange clouds below. She squeezed her eyes shut. 'Damn selfish, pigheaded, Saiyan—that's it!' Her eyes shot open.
Vegeta began to feel a drain on his ki. Sen was absorbing his energy to weaken his hold. He laughed as he went Super Saiyan, reinforcing the energy that surrounded Sen. "Take all you want, onna. Where you are heading, you will need it."
"You bastard! You'll never get away with it! Let me go! Let me pound some humiliation into that arrogant ass of yours." Sen hoped she could coax him to fight. It might give her a chance to make a run for it. The idea soon dissolved when it was apparent Vegeta's hold did not lessen. "What?! The Prince of Saiyans is passing up a fight?!"
The Prince was pleased with the half-Saiyan's determination. Looking back, he had found their brief fellowship was not altogether unpleasant. He wondered if he would ever see her again. Living with Earthlings, he has come to believe that all things were possible. When she started to shake from the intake of power, it was then he decided it was time. "It would be good of you to wish your Prince luck, though it shall not be needed."
Sen spat in disgust; her saliva merely evaporated in the ki barrier. It was useless. Sen could never absorb enough of Vegeta's ki to overpower him. He seemed to have an unlimited reservoir. Before the energy overcame Sen's strained body, she stopped absorbing it. The warrior didn't want to lose consciousness. "What are you waiting for, get this over with. Gohan's ki is fading."
"Gohan's disposition is no longer your concern."
"Or yours, if you don't get going."
Vegeta frowned, "Shinjimae--" (Go to HFIL-) Then he did something unexpected. His face softened, and the Prince smiled, bowing slightly to Sen, he added, "mai enzeru shoukan." (my angel of redemption.)" Swinging his arms upwards, he slammed them down; sending Sen rocketing down through the gates of HFIL.
Baba hovered above the red carpet in front of Yama's desk. She had told him what Vegeta was up to and had added in her two cents for free. The King remained silent for some time. Finally, he took in long breath of air and sighed. He glanced down to his side and quietly asked Reese to go and tell Vegeta to make ready.
"What is going on here? Is this some kind of joke?" The incredulous Baba eyed the King. Did he not hear anything she'd told him?
Yama straightened his posture to appear more formal. His hands were clasped tightly together on his desk. He watched for the Prince. "No far from it. We're going to send the best fighter we have here to help them fight Buu." Then he glanced at Baba. "I want you to escort him there Baba. I will take care of the rest."
The old teller's heart would not rest unless she made a formal objection. "For the record you should know that this is a bad idea." She heard footsteps and glanced over her shoulder at the individual walking up to the desk then looked back at Yama and added, "But if you think it will save the universe."
Vegeta acted shamelessly, strutting with his right hand resting on his hip. "Hahaha. The mighty King Yama comes grabbling to me. Well the deal stays, regardless of the outcome and I don't plan to blow myself up for him again." He had him, he had them all.
"You're what we have. You two must leave immediately if you are to make a difference. Now GO."
No more games, this was it. Baba bowed her head to the King. "Very well sir..." Dread overcame the old woman and she shook with fear. She knew that Sen would have protected her from what dangers awaited them on Earth. Nothing could be expected from the arrogant Saiyan Prince. Desperately she pleaded with the ogre. "But does it have to be me?!"
"Baba, I won't take no for an answer!"
Looking down at her hands and nervously tapping her fingers together, Baba made her plea once more. She whimpered, "I'm just saying Majin Buu is really big and strong and look at me. I'm just a wiry old woman floating on a ball."
"ENOUGH!"
"Back to Earth then." Vegeta bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes as to accept his hard earned destiny. "So be it." When he raised his face again it bore a smile. There was never a doubt in his mind he would achieve his goal. After all, he had become extremely good at reaching them. But, there was one he would have liked to have boasted his triumph over the Afterworlds. 'Kakarot, pity you won't be there to greet me.'
It was apparent to Vegeta that Baba's flying abilities were limited. Though he led the way down Snake Way, the old woman was in charge of their momentum. To Vegeta, their progress was just shy of a crawl. However, he remained silent and his thoughts turned to what lay ahead. So much was at stake. This time, his glory would not be dimmed by the low-class Earth Saiyan.
'Kakarot.' A feeling of discontent rushed over Vegeta. It will be a long time before the void that Kakarot left in his troubled soul would be filled. The warrior wondered if Bulma and Trunks will be enough. Only time will tell, because regardless of the outcome, the Prince of all Saiyans' next battle, will determine the fate of them all.
One Last Breath, Song by Creed
Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe
It seems I found the road to nowhere
And I'm trying to escape
I yelled back when I heard thunder
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say
Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
maybe six feet
Ain't so far down
I'm looking down now that it's over
Reflecting on all of my mistakes
I thought I found the road to somewhere
Somewhere in His grace
I cried out 'Heaven save me'
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say
(Chorus – Repeat)
I'm so far down...
Sad eyes follow me
But I still believe there's something left for me
So please come stay with me
Cause I still believe there's something left for you and me
For you and me
For you and me
Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking...
(Chorus – Repeat)
Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe
THE END
You can continue the story in the Fusion Saga: Episode #253 Union of Rivals. My epic/saga ends with Vegeta and Baba making the journey back to Earth from the Afterworlds (the above last scene is found in Episode #252 Ready to Fuse)
Be sure to read Intangible Idea. It picks my story up again after Kid Buu is defeated. (Sen is included.)
Thank you all for reading. I'm very proud of my story and nothing but respect and honor for my fellow Dragonball Z fans for which I have chosen to share my story with.
Anata walchiban! (You're the best!)
Until next time on Dragon-Ball-Z!!
King Yama watched Vegeta leave, and then dropped back in his chair. He wiped his brow and mumbled to himself, "What a mess." The ogre caught sight of Sen and Reese and straightened his posture. Clearing his throat he began issuing orders, "Reese, get the Cable Guys back to fix the screen. And where's Baba? I need her here with her crystal ball." Reese shrugged and looked at Sen.
"I'll go get her." Sen quickly dashed out the side entrance. She didn't want to think what had just transpired in there. She definitely needed a diversion before she got worked up. She murmured to herself as she opened the door to the lavatory, "Reward huh? What his highness deserves is a good kick in the--yikes!" She found the unclothed Baba lounging in the sink full of sacred water. Her eyes were closed but she was humming to herself; her stubby toes twitching to the beat.
One of Baba's eyes opened, "How about closing the door? You're letting in a draft." Sen obeyed the old woman and allowed the door to close behind her. "Didn't anyone teach you to knock?"
Looking up at the ceiling, Sen explained herself, "Sorry Baba, King Yama wants to see you and it's urgent."
"Humph, what's new?" Baba grabbed the flask next to her and submerged it between her legs. "There's just no peace for an old fortune teller." She capped the bottle under the water, then held it between her teeth while she climbed out. Dangling from the now empty sink, she dropped to the floor. "Woo! This stuff is fantastic! I haven't felt this good in years."
"Come on, Baba. Can you hurry it up?"
Baba stretched her back by reaching for the ceiling and then pushed her hips forward. "Aaahhh. Why, did I miss something?" Reluctantly, the old woman grabbed her clothes and began to dress.
"Oh, not much—just that—Majin Buu transformed again! Gohan is back on Earth and Vegeta thinks Gohan can't beat the monster on his own."
"Gohan, huh? What do you think, Sen?"
She glanced down. Baba was dressed and putting on her shoes. Sen sighed, "I don't know what to think. They both are emitting extraordinary ki levels but until they go into full battle, I won't know who's the stronger. But if Vegeta is right and Gohan is not warrior material, then it will not be strength that will determine the victor."
The old woman stood up and effortlessly hopped on her ball, "Has Yama decided if he will intervene?" Baba now hovered in front of Sen, ready to go.
Sen grimly looked at Baba, "Baba, he's got a problem."
"What?—Oh wait a sec." Baba turned her ball around, laid down on it and struggled to reach for her flask on the floor. Suddenly, the thing floated up in her hand and she sat up facing Sen; staring at it. "Did I just-?"
Sen shook her head and put down her hand that was responsible for the levitation. Then she turned and opened the door, "Vegeta has asked for restitution for his efforts."
"WHAT? What sort of restitution?!" Baba followed Sen through the door.
Outside, they found Reese waiting, nervously rubbing his hands together. "Come on ladies, King Yama is pretty upset." He headed for the entrance way and the two followed single file.
Sen turned her head slightly and spoke through the side of her mouth, "I don't know. I missed the details. I heard only that he wants restored what is rightfully his."
"Ohh, How could he? That boy needs a-" Distracted, Baba saw a cable worker run behind the big screen then returned her attention to the warrior in front of her.
Sen finished Baba's comment for her. "A kick in the ass!" The warrior demonstrated by snap kicking the air in front of her.
Baba puckered her brow, "I was going to say: a good talking to."
Reese was looking towards the front entrance. Glancing over his shoulder, "Don't look now, but I think he heard you."
Vegeta was leaning against the archway with his arms folded, staring at Sen. Knowing that he had her attention, he responded by exposing one of his hands with the middle finger extended.
Reese's eyes opened in surprise, "Ooh, I-I think he just-"
Glaring at Reese, Baba quickly cut him off, "Err, acknowledged your concern. Now come on, Sen. The King doesn't look too happy." Sen obeyed and the Prince went back to watching Snake Way for his son.
Facing the monitor, King Yama was leaning forward in his chair restlessly watching the now blank screen. He noticed them, sat back and turned his chair to his desk. The giant impatiently tapped his desk blotter, "Baba, I must see what's going on."
Baba's demeanor changed to one of authority and she floated to the top of Yama's desk. Sen followed, leaving Reese behind. She heard him say to himself, "Gosh, I wish I could do that." Reese made his way to his station at the foot of Yama's desk and waited for orders.
Baba didn't waste anytime starting up her ball. At first all they could see was smoke. "What's wrong with this thing?" Baba nudged it a couple of times until she realized that the smoke was surrounding Gohan. When it dissipated, there he was, standing there in a cross block stance, protecting his face. He looked up then collapsed down on one knee and hand. His breathing was labored. Gohan closed his eyes and rested his head a moment. Baba could tell the Saiyan was spent when he looked up again.
They heard Majin Buu speaking while walking towards Gohan. "I really didn't think the Special Beam Cannon packed that much of a punch. But maybe it's just that much stronger now that it's coming from me." Gohan dropped his head and closed his eyes again. The pink monster knelt down in front of him and continued to badger Gohan, "What do you think of that? Are you even awake? Hmm." Sniggering the monster continued, "You're letting them down again-" Suddenly, Gohan jerked up and attempted to shut Buu up by blowing his head off with a ki blast. To everyone's surprise, the creature easily dodged it with a backwards summersault. Then Buu retaliated by stretching his arm forward, as if it were made of rubber. Grabbing Gohan's face, he pushed him through rock after rock. Then the monster yelled, "I possess the greatest powers of the Universe! And I'll use them all to kill you!"
Baba cringed at the sight of Gohan crashing through boulders. Yama's jaw was locked and his face knitted. Sen closed her eyes and attempted to measure Gohan's ki. "His strength is faltering."
Immediately all eyes were upon her and Yama asked hopefully, "Who-who's strength?"
Sen's eyes jerked opened and she frowned at the King. "Gohan's."
"That's it then. Baba! Get ready."
Baba ended the transmission and nervously hopped back on her ball. "Isn't there another way? I-I mean who's going to protect me?"
"Be quiet Baba. Sen, do you think you could be of help to Gohan?"
"I won't know until I try."
"That's the spirit! Alright, you better get going."
"Right, I'll go get Vegeta."
"No Sen, Vegeta will wait here."
"IS THIS SOME KIND OF JOKE?!" They all turned their heads to see Vegeta standing in the archway looking like he was ready to explode.
"You will wait your turn, Vegeta!"
Vegeta struggled to keep his composure. "You fool! By the time you get around to me it will be over!" Letting out a frustrated growl, he turned his back on them and shot upwards and out of sight.
Sen looked over at Baba who was nervously kneading her hands. "Hey, its ok, Baba. I've become stronger than I ever imagined. I won't let anything happen to you."
Yama began to shoo them from his desk. "Hurry up now. Gohan needs you."
Baba nodded to the King and headed for the front entrance. Sen pulled up along side of Baba and smiled at her, hoping to ease the old woman's apprehension. After clearing the palace, they headed for Snake Way.
Oddly, Sen was not anxious at all. In fact, she looked forward to testing out her new found strength. She supposed it was only right to give Vegeta the credit. Maybe she should have taken the time to thank him. Then she thought better. She couldn't imagine he'd want such recognition. The warrior's thoughts were interrupted. Floating in their path was the Prince himself.
Devilishly, Vegeta smirked at Sen, disregarding the startled Baba. "Leaving without saying good-bye?"
Instinctively, Sen moved in front of Baba and readied for a confrontation. "Funny. Considering the dire circumstances, I assumed formal protocol was waived. Now, if you will excuse us-"
"Dame onna." (Not possible, woman.)
"Do itta!" (Move out of the way!)
Vegeta stiffened and rotated so that his left side faced Sen. He raised his left hand, palm out, and readied to fire.
Baba gasped, "What are you doing Vegeta? This is not about you. You are risking the fate of us all."
"On the contrary, old woman, I am insuring it. You will take me in her stead."
"I-I can't, not without Yama's permission. Please Vegeta."
Sen's eyes remained on Vegeta as she waited for him to make his move. She felt his ki rise but only his fingers flexed slightly.
"Teller! You know what the outcome will be. Go to Yama-- NOW!" Baba jerked and moved backwards.
"Baba! Stay put. He's bluffing. He has too much to lose."
The corner of Vegeta's lips curled upwards and he quietly breathed, "Exactly."
"Augh." Suddenly, Sen felt surrounded by Vegeta's energy. She tried to flare out her own to ward it off but his was too strong. Vegeta's faced her as his other hand came up quickly and mirrored his other extended arm. It looked like he was clutching two invisible balls.
"I will not standby and allow the destruction of our kind." He had fooled her with an attack stance. But instead of attacking Sen, he'd trapped her using the same technique they had used on Cell. Though she tried earnestly, she was unable to break free.
Baba moved back further. Even ki blind, the old teller could sense the power struggle that went on between them. "Oh for Heaven's sakes! Gohan needs help now and we still have to get back to Earth. It's not a jump, skip and a hop you know!"
Vegeta finally looked over at Baba, his menacing eyes threatening her, "Baba! Go tell Yama, there's been a change in plans. Sen has had a change of heart. She would prefer a warmer climate!" His gaze returned to Sen and with a gleam in his eye, he added, "One good turn deserves another."
"Huh? Oh dear! This can't be happening!" After doing an about face, Baba called over her shoulder, "Hold tight, Sen, King Yama will straighten him out," then sped back to the palace. There was no way the Lord of the Afterworlds would tolerate such blatant disregard of authority.
Sen frantically looked around for an escape. She noticed they were moving away from Snake Way, allowing a clear shot to the yellow-orange clouds below. She squeezed her eyes shut. 'Damn selfish, pigheaded, Saiyan—that's it!' Her eyes shot open.
Vegeta began to feel a drain on his ki. Sen was absorbing his energy to weaken his hold. He laughed as he went Super Saiyan, reinforcing the energy that surrounded Sen. "Take all you want, onna. Where you are heading, you will need it."
"You bastard! You'll never get away with it! Let me go! Let me pound some humiliation into that arrogant ass of yours." Sen hoped she could coax him to fight. It might give her a chance to make a run for it. The idea soon dissolved when it was apparent Vegeta's hold did not lessen. "What?! The Prince of Saiyans is passing up a fight?!"
The Prince was pleased with the half-Saiyan's determination. Looking back, he had found their brief fellowship was not altogether unpleasant. He wondered if he would ever see her again. Living with Earthlings, he has come to believe that all things were possible. When she started to shake from the intake of power, it was then he decided it was time. "It would be good of you to wish your Prince luck, though it shall not be needed."
Sen spat in disgust; her saliva merely evaporated in the ki barrier. It was useless. Sen could never absorb enough of Vegeta's ki to overpower him. He seemed to have an unlimited reservoir. Before the energy overcame Sen's strained body, she stopped absorbing it. The warrior didn't want to lose consciousness. "What are you waiting for, get this over with. Gohan's ki is fading."
"Gohan's disposition is no longer your concern."
"Or yours, if you don't get going."
Vegeta frowned, "Shinjimae--" (Go to HFIL-) Then he did something unexpected. His face softened, and the Prince smiled, bowing slightly to Sen, he added, "mai enzeru shoukan." (my angel of redemption.)" Swinging his arms upwards, he slammed them down; sending Sen rocketing down through the gates of HFIL.
Baba hovered above the red carpet in front of Yama's desk. She had told him what Vegeta was up to and had added in her two cents for free. The King remained silent for some time. Finally, he took in long breath of air and sighed. He glanced down to his side and quietly asked Reese to go and tell Vegeta to make ready.
"What is going on here? Is this some kind of joke?" The incredulous Baba eyed the King. Did he not hear anything she'd told him?
Yama straightened his posture to appear more formal. His hands were clasped tightly together on his desk. He watched for the Prince. "No far from it. We're going to send the best fighter we have here to help them fight Buu." Then he glanced at Baba. "I want you to escort him there Baba. I will take care of the rest."
The old teller's heart would not rest unless she made a formal objection. "For the record you should know that this is a bad idea." She heard footsteps and glanced over her shoulder at the individual walking up to the desk then looked back at Yama and added, "But if you think it will save the universe."
Vegeta acted shamelessly, strutting with his right hand resting on his hip. "Hahaha. The mighty King Yama comes grabbling to me. Well the deal stays, regardless of the outcome and I don't plan to blow myself up for him again." He had him, he had them all.
"You're what we have. You two must leave immediately if you are to make a difference. Now GO."
No more games, this was it. Baba bowed her head to the King. "Very well sir..." Dread overcame the old woman and she shook with fear. She knew that Sen would have protected her from what dangers awaited them on Earth. Nothing could be expected from the arrogant Saiyan Prince. Desperately she pleaded with the ogre. "But does it have to be me?!"
"Baba, I won't take no for an answer!"
Looking down at her hands and nervously tapping her fingers together, Baba made her plea once more. She whimpered, "I'm just saying Majin Buu is really big and strong and look at me. I'm just a wiry old woman floating on a ball."
"ENOUGH!"
"Back to Earth then." Vegeta bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes as to accept his hard earned destiny. "So be it." When he raised his face again it bore a smile. There was never a doubt in his mind he would achieve his goal. After all, he had become extremely good at reaching them. But, there was one he would have liked to have boasted his triumph over the Afterworlds. 'Kakarot, pity you won't be there to greet me.'
It was apparent to Vegeta that Baba's flying abilities were limited. Though he led the way down Snake Way, the old woman was in charge of their momentum. To Vegeta, their progress was just shy of a crawl. However, he remained silent and his thoughts turned to what lay ahead. So much was at stake. This time, his glory would not be dimmed by the low-class Earth Saiyan.
'Kakarot.' A feeling of discontent rushed over Vegeta. It will be a long time before the void that Kakarot left in his troubled soul would be filled. The warrior wondered if Bulma and Trunks will be enough. Only time will tell, because regardless of the outcome, the Prince of all Saiyans' next battle, will determine the fate of them all.
One Last Breath, Song by Creed
Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe
It seems I found the road to nowhere
And I'm trying to escape
I yelled back when I heard thunder
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say
Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
maybe six feet
Ain't so far down
I'm looking down now that it's over
Reflecting on all of my mistakes
I thought I found the road to somewhere
Somewhere in His grace
I cried out 'Heaven save me'
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say
(Chorus – Repeat)
I'm so far down...
Sad eyes follow me
But I still believe there's something left for me
So please come stay with me
Cause I still believe there's something left for you and me
For you and me
For you and me
Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking...
(Chorus – Repeat)
Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding on to all I think is safe
THE END
You can continue the story in the Fusion Saga: Episode #253 Union of Rivals. My epic/saga ends with Vegeta and Baba making the journey back to Earth from the Afterworlds (the above last scene is found in Episode #252 Ready to Fuse)
Be sure to read Intangible Idea. It picks my story up again after Kid Buu is defeated. (Sen is included.)
Thank you all for reading. I'm very proud of my story and nothing but respect and honor for my fellow Dragonball Z fans for which I have chosen to share my story with.
Anata walchiban! (You're the best!)
Until next time on Dragon-Ball-Z!!