Chapter 30: Wrath of the Single Life

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Another Friday… Another day of doing my due diligence to not jump Goku's bones when he looked, talked to, or hit me a certain way while sparring. It helped that we were concentrating on meditation today.

Or rather I was the one concentrating, and he was trying to coach me through it.

Some way's behind me Goku stood, arms folded and silent as he watched me. Ki swirled slowly around my feet, sand pushed out from under me.

I breathed deeply, trying to focus my energy into what it had been that night…

"Midori, don't just focus on the memory. Use it as a guide. Try to take yourself past that memory. Remember what happened and what it felt like, and then take yourself to the next level."

I was trying, I really was…

That feeling in the pit of my stomach again… the rage, the wanting and anguish… it was all there, but—

I pushed against my swelling ki, forcing it out with gritted teeth and fists clenched. My hair was blowing vertically. I opened my eyes.

The color of my ki was still the same white-grey.

I then let go with a heaving sigh, my hair and baggy pants settling back into place.

"What's up, Dori?" Goku asked curiously.

I'm sure had I been in front a mirror, my troubled expression would be clear. I shook my head and called back "This isn't it." Then turning to face him, I lifted my hands up as if to show my lack of anything tangible.

Goku strolled to my side, hands on his waist, with an easy-going smile. "Hey, no worries, it always takes time."

I smiled weakly at the disturbed sand around my feet. "I suppose…" Looking up to him I continued to reply, "It's not like you all made it to Super Saiyan in a day."

Goku brightened up a bit. "Is that what you think it was? The transformation?"

With risen brows and a slow blink while folding my arms, I answered, "I have no idea…" and shrugged. "I'm just afraid I won't be able to replicate that type of energy again unless I'm… you know…" I threw him a pointed look.

"Crying?"

"No…"

"Oh! You mean big and furry!" Goku then laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek with a finger. "Boy, we'd have to be real careful."

"Not to mention waiting until there was a full moon."

Unless Vegeta felt like producing one of those fake moons for me…

Goku hummed in thought just as a familiar ki signature approached. I looked up to see my nephew peaking over the tree tops before he made landing on the beach beside us.

He seemed eager to relay something. "GUESS WHAT?! GOHAN AND VIDEL JUST FOUND THIS GUY—HE'S GOT A MUSIC BOX—THERE'S THIS HERO TRAPPED INSIDE—"

I looked to Goku with a furrowed brow, though amused as Trunks kept on going. "A what now?" I murmured to my friend with a smirk. "Did you hear that?"

"Sounds exciting!" Goku answered, grinning.

"LISTEN TO ME~" He was waving his arms in the air.

I nearly rolled my eyes. "OH~ my goodness!" I leaned in with dramatically widened eyes. "Let's just go back and see what you're talking about!"

Goku held a hand out for me to take. "They're at Capsule Corp. I can sense them, and someone else." He then smiled as I grabbed his hand, and Trunks mine. "Alrighty!"

In an instant we were in one of the tech rooms near the rear of Capsule Corporation. Gohan and Videl were present, book bags to the side. School must've just finished up. Bulma was parked in front of a computer, while the music box in question was at the center of the room in a scanning device.

And there beside it was the very obvious stranger Trunks had mentioned.

My head turned sharply at his otherworldly appearance; pink skin, catfish-like whiskers and unique garments not native to any culture on this planet.

"Who are you and where are you from?" I questioned clearly, with a stern eye.

The short man, elderly, seemed slightly offput at my blunt inquiry. "I'm from Earth, of course! Like the rest of you!" He then bowed. "Hoi is my name. I come in need of assistance. A great threat looms over Earth and can only be prevented upon the release of the great hero, Tapion!"

From Earth? Release a hero we'd never heard of, or else? If this wasn't the most obvious scam… Maybe I didn't know the whole story, but his energy just didn't feel right… Neither did the calculating look he was giving the music box before I interrupted his musing.

I turned to Gohan with an arched eyebrow. "You inviting aliens into our home now?"

To which Gohan answered with an incredulous "You're an alien, too! And Dad! And—Vegeta! Piccolo!"

"Aliens you know," I shot back as Goku laughed quietly from beside me. "Not suspicious strangers!"

Gohan's eyes narrowed as he pouted. "How can you think he's suspicious just by looking at him, Midori?"

I knew where he was headed with that, and even Bulma mumbled a quiet "Gods…" at our exchange.

Videl sighed loudly. "He's suspicious because he says we've got to use a wish from the dragon to set this Tapion guy free!"

"Oh yeah?" Goku asked in surprise.

And how did he know about Shenron?

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Waving a hand in dismissal, I chose to make a brief leave. "I'll let you all sort this out. I'm gonna go clear my head."

And I was entirely too sandy for the sterile environment of the lab, anyway. I was only lucky Bulma hadn't turned around to see me.

As I exited into the back yard, I overheard Trunks asking Goku if Goten could join them, to which Goku happily obliged. Taking a quick glance back to the saiyan allowed me to catch his gaze just before the door was shut.

Sigh…

Maybe Gohan was right and I was being a bit judgey… Maybe I was just grouchy from having to pretend I didn't—

I cut myself off mid-thought, lifting both hands as if to tell myself "STOP!"

'Just don't think about Goku that way…'

I then took a deep breath in and out and unclenched my teeth. After another moment of regarding the afternoon sun and freshly cut grass, I began smacking and shaking the sand off my pants and Tee.

I got lost in my head while doing so and soon realized I was simply standing there, by the door, staring at the city in the background.

'I just need to focus on somebody else… Find somebody else…'

After all, I'd had a couple promising relations in the last seven years I'd been on Earth… But alas, they weren't meant to be, and either way I'd been secretly enamored with a married man, despite him been dead at the time.

And now he was alive and well…

I rubbed my temples with a groan before lifting into the air and floating around to the housing side of Capsule Corp, to the balcony, where I could enter without anyone noticing.

Through the living room and up to my bedroom I went. It wasn't until another ten minutes had passed that I made my way (leisurely) back to the laboratory where everyone was gathered, my training clothes swapped for a black halter top and stretchy, grey lounge capris.

Upon entering, I noticed not only Goten, but Krillin, Master Roshi, and Oolong. Goku must've felt like sharing the news with his friends, but it seemed even they had their reservations.

Krillin had his arms folded at Roshi's side. "You don't trust him, yet you bring him here?"

As I stepped off of the demonstration level and down to the tech area, I offered a brief yet friendly wave to the newcomers, meanwhile Videl replied "Good or bad, Krillin, we have to know what's in that box."

Hoi's answer to the round of common sense was "Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant at this point." He seemed agitated, compared to earlier. "Evil is at your doorstep, and unless you find a way to release Tapion, all of mankind will be laid to waste!"

My brow scrunched at his overly foreboding tone, but I turned to the machine once it made the notifying sound that it was about to finish its analysis.

Gohan and Goku leaned closer to inspect it through the glass cover, and I did the same just opposite of them, Videl and the kids squeezing in between us to gander as well.

But Bulma didn't seem so satisfied. "Hmm… Nope, the scans are inconclusive." she said while swiveling around in her chair to look at the machine. "Whatever's in that box won't be revealed until you open it."

Hmm…

The glass casing retracted then, and Goku was the first to grab the mysterious music box.

More curious than before, I leaned forward a bit as he went to turn the handle that apparently nobody else could (hence the need for Shenron).

I could appreciate its appearance more than before… Though delicate in design, it was worn like an antique, pale with gold embellishing. It also didn't budge at the light effort, and suddenly Goku's knees were bent and teeth bared as he seemed to strain a great deal on the small object. Any normal handle would've snapped off in half a second, but in the end the music box was steadfast to Earth's most powerful saiyan.

"Interesting," I murmured, and he and I looked up to each other in unison.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, like he was lost for words, but eventually said "It's no use… it won't budge."

As I stood straight my eyes lingered on his for a moment, and vice versa. Was it just me, or did something seem strange about him…?

Only for a moment, and only to me, it seemed.

Krillin approached with his hands casually behind his head. "Guys, this isn't working. If Goku can't open it, that thing's gonna stay shut!"

Absent-mindedly fingering the necklace I wore, I questioned in monotone, "So we just drop everything we're doing and go searching, then?"

Hoi stepped forward from his seated position. "Searching?"

"For balls!" Goku filled in excitedly, then turning to everyone else. "The seven dragon balls, huh?!"

Gohan stepped forward. "Right."

So, it seemed we were off. The upside was that there were so many of us gathered that it would be a breeze, especially with the new technology Bulma had prepared for such an occasion.

Everyone was gathered around the Capsule Corp. heiress, who produced a small storage container holding devices meant to be worn like a wristwatch.

"Here," she said while passing out four between Goku, Videl, Krillin, and Trunks. "I've designed these so you'll be able to track the coordinates from the dragon radar. They're still a work in progress, though. I may just turn them into mini dragon radars!"

Goku snapped on the wrist device and the square screen lit up, similar to the grid he was used to on the regular radar. "What now?"

"Just give me a second and I'll start reading the coordinates out to you." Bulma then proceeded to hook the dragon radar up to one of her super computers. "I'll be able to see a full map in a moment and each of you will get one to two sets of coordinates."

Goku blinked, looking for a button to press. "Uhhh…"

"Here…" came Midori's smooth voice as she moved to his side, gently taking his hand in hers.

She was showing him how to operate it; a small, circular pullout-button on the side (like a real watch), but he found himself not really paying attention as she entered the coordinates that Bulma was reading off.

Goku simply watched her as she worked, the delicate lines of concentration on her face showing as she turned the miniature knob with her nails. He always liked her eyes, no matter what kind of face she was making; firm, angry, happy, playful, or even sad. They were… nice.

As was that smile of hers, showing her top teeth in approval of her work as she stood back.

The watch was dully beeping, pulling him out of his secret inspection of Midori.

"Oh, I see now!" Goku noted in pleasant surprise. The numbers shown on the screen, as well as a slowly blinking arrow pointed in the direction they were to take. "Well, I'm ready."

The boys paired up, as did Gohan and Videl.

Krillin called over to Master Roshi and Oolong, "Hey, you guys comin'?"

The old man waved a hand from where he sat, then stood, making his way towards the computers. "I'll sit this one out… and keep the girls company, instead!"

As Roshi started laughing, Goku looked with wide eyes to where Midori and Bulma were, Bulma folding her arms sternly while Midori rolled her eyes, pushing herself up from the desk she'd sat on.

"That's my cue to leave…" the female saiyan mumbled as she walked around the group.

Goku watched her retreating, suddenly blurting out "Come with me, Dori!"

She stopped in her tracks, blinking at him.

Goku then rubbed the back of his head a bit sheepishly. "I'm not a hundred percent sure how to operate this thing, anyway, hehe."

Which wasn't a lie.

"Alright, if you insist." She smirked a bit, then pointing to the newcomer. "And you?"

Suddenly everyone was in a rush to get outside and Goku laughed knowingly at his family and friends.

"He can come with us!" Goku declared, moving towards the pink man.

Hoi looked up at him. "What mode of transporta—ah?!"

Goku had scooped him up like a child, under the arms. "Me!" Goku laughed lightheartedly at the sudden deer-in-headlights he'd made of Hoi.

A few seconds later everyone was out on the grass, bidding each other good luck, and after that they took off.

"Hang on~!" Goku exclaimed as he and Midori lifted into the air and away from Capsule Corporation.

They were to travel due south of their starting point for some time before narrowing in on the exact coordinates.

A loud, happy sigh came from Midori as they made their way over West City, causing Goku to look over as she spun once, the air blowing her hair around.

'She's enjoying herself.' Goku thought with a smile, watching her pull ahead of him. 'Maybe she just needed a break from training.'

He'd been toughening her up for a week, to put it mildly, sparring at Super Saiyan three for most of their time together. And since Goku finally had a full scope of her base powers, he'd decided they should move onto meditation.

There wasn't any looming threat (as of that morning at least) for Midori to feel a sense of urgency and need to gain such a power. Not like when he'd become the first (second?) Super Saiyan of their generation, or Gohan. And Vegeta? Well, he was a case of his own.

Needless to say, Goku still had some figuring out to do with Midori on how she controlled her energy on a mental and emotional level.

Hoi commented "I never thought I'd find help on Earth…" taking in the passing scenery beneath them.

This caused Goku to look down in surprise. "Wait, are you saying you're from another planet?"

Hadn't he said…?

"N-no!" Hoi stuttered, then smiling awkwardly. "Of course not! Why, I'm as earthly as they come!"

"So he says…"

Goku's head whipped up, and he saw Midori looking over her shoulder at him.

He chuckled, keeping an eye on her. "Oh come on, maybe he's been here for a really long time? Like Kami had!"

Midori rolled around so she was flying on her back for a moment. Hands in her hair to keep it from getting in her eyes, she then shook her head at him with a smirk.

Goku's response was a mirthful look, before turning to face the sparkling waters of the bay they were about to fly over.

But even such a lovely sight couldn't keep his eyes from wandering back to Midori. He didn't know why, but the more time they spent together, the more he felt something within himself. It was a feeling in his chest, comparable only to a moment of needing to say something desperately, but not knowing what. Or, anticipation of something she might say to him.

What he needed or wanted to say, he had no clue. But it was there, and he acknowledged it, as well as the general contentment he got while in her presence.

'Maybe I should tell her what the Supreme Kai said…'

Part of him was happy that they were building on some kind of bond, but at times the memory of her kissing him was persistent, and then came that feeling…

Goku blinked, his serious expression easing up as he started to make sense of his thoughts and feelings.

But the wrist radar was starting to beep louder, and it drew him away from his forming line of thought.

"Goku, hold on."

He stopped on her light command, still holding Hoi from under his arms.

She floated over to him to inspect the device. "We're getting within range now…" She then glanced up at him. "Why don't you just let me wear it?"

Goku found himself somewhat amused as he thought to use her own words against her. "If you insist…"

Midori looked up at him with those almond-shaped eyes of hers, and a stretching, sly grin revealed her top teeth. "I do…"

They remained eye-locked, and with one quick flick of a clasp, the watch was snatched from his wrist and slapped onto her own.

"Thank you…"

"Y-yeah!" Goku replied, not sure if he wanted to laugh or stop to catch his breath.

That's when a slightly uncomfortable sounding "Would you mind easing your grip?" came from Hoi. "My ribs are going to bruise!"

Goku flinched in surprise. "Oh geez, sorry!"

"This way," Midori spoke up, nodding to the side, "let's go."

Goku followed her lead, and just a few short minutes later, they were above a smaller island city. He could hear the beeping grow even louder, to the point it was more like an alarm.

They were hovering over a zoo.

"Weee… are directly above it!" Midori stated with a smile. "The coordinates are a match."

So, they both lowered towards what looked like a big cat enclosure behind a very tall fence.

"Look out below~" Goku called to a few bystanders who moved without another word.

He snickered at their sudden scurry, before his boots and Midori's flip flops touched the pavement lightly. Hoi was allowed to stand on his own a moment later.

'So it's around here somewhere…' Goku thought while scanning the area.

Midori eased into the railing, making a pleasantly surprised sound. Goku followed her line of sight, hands going to the bar as well. Just in front of them, behind the fence, was a lion playing with non-other than a dragon ball.

His face lit up. "There! The three-star ball!"

Hoi was just tall enough to rest his arms on the railing and look over them. "So how do you propose we get it?"

"Like this!" Goku exclaimed, and in true gymnast fashion, he used the rail to lift his entire body into the air and flip over the twenty-foot fence like nothing.

A whimsical sigh left him as he dropped to a knee in front of the dragon ball that had rolled his way. It just so happened that the ball wasn't the only thing coming his way, because when he looked up the whole pride was pouncing.

He blinked in surprised. 'Oh—' They were upon him, all teeth and claws, like he was a two-legged snack. 'Can't lose the ball!'

Goku pushed and swatted the lions aside with ease, and through the snarls and big-cat yelps, a light, airy laughter caught his ear.

It was Midori, of course, and she called his name in amusement as he leapt back over the fence to them.

He happily presented the dragon ball to her, then remembering Hoi, showed it to him as well. "Done!" Though something did feel a little hot, he ignored it for a moment. "All they wanted was something to play with!"

"Like you?" Midori giggled, gesturing to his head.

As if on cue, he felt a subtle chewing on his head and looked up to see a male lion hanging on by its mouth. "Hah," he laughed, "must'a missed one!"

Hoi looked at him as if something weren't right, but Goku simply shrugged from under the lion.

…

…

Back on the front lawn of Capsule Corporation, Goku added the dragon ball they'd collected to its six siblings.

He rubbed his hands together as they began flashing, but another hand slapping onto his shoulder caused him to jump.

"Wait a minute!" Midori looked concerned.

Bulma leaned to the side. "What's wrong?"

The taller female raised a finger to Goku in remembrance. "You said you would use this single wish to erase the Earthling's memories of Majin Buu."

Goku straightened up, and a round of recollective sounds came from the group.

"Are we really going to keep him cooped up in old Satan's mansion for another year, just so we can open a music box?"

He realized it would be harder and harder to hide Buu, the longer they waited. So, while his older son made a mild noise of frustration, Goku placed his hands on his hips, exhaling deeply.

They had a decision to make.

Videl crossed her arms. "She makes a good point. He's not the easiest house guest to have around…"

But Hoi made it apparent that he didn't care about their predicament, growling, "It matters not who you're trying to hide! If you do not release Tapion, you will soon rue the day!"

Midori's head jerked to the side like a bird of prey before she took a quick step forward. "We'll what now?!"

Thankfully Goku had put his arm out across her abdomen as soon as she'd moved, and gently pushed to keep her from moving any farther.

She then turned to him, speaking lowly. "Let me light his ass up."

He side-eyed her. "Uhh…"

"And then we can just blow the damn box open!"

Oh boy…

Goku turned fully to her, with large eyes and an incredulous smile. "Dori, easy!"

He also happened to hear Gohan mumble "See? That's what I've had to deal with for seven years…"

"Bah!" Hoi spat angrily. "Unless you've got a princess to speak the spell, the only method of release is the Eternal Dragon!"

A sudden hush fell over the crowd.

'Princess…?' Goku's hands went to his hips as he looked at her curiously.

She whispered a barely audible (and terse) "No."

It was Videl that asked aloud "Isn't Midori a princess?"

To which Midori rolled her eyes, then facing the teen. "I sure am!" she called with a fake smile before deadpanning. "Give me the box..."

She received it from Hoi a moment later.

Goku folded his arms and gave a satisfactory nod. "Now we can save the wish and still get the job done!"

"What am I supposed to say to it?" she asked while examining it.

"You will speak the words of the princess that helped to seal him away… 'Tapion, I release you from your eternal slumber!'"

Beside Goku, Trunks mumbled "Sounds like a movie I've seen before…"

Midori's head lifted somewhat his way. "So long as we all agree that we're responsible for whatever comes out of this box…" Her low-lidded eyes then flitted around the group. "At least earth's strongest warriors have gathered for this momentous occasion…"

Heh…

Goku chuckled at her sarcasm, but Gohan's fists rose anxiously.

"Come on, Midori, let's do it!"

"Yeah!" The two boys exclaimed in unison.

She shook her head, as if to rid herself of inhibition, and declared, "Tapion…" somewhat unsure, "I release you from your eternal slumber!"

Goku found himself with hitched breath as they waited in silence.

…Nothing was happening… that is, until Midori gently murmured "It's time to come back…" with her scrutinous gaze searching the enchanted antique.

Goku watched Midori's transition from grave to shocked as the handle began turning on its own, and a haunting tune emitted from it; not like any music box song he'd ever heard.

Krillin shrugged. "It's an improvement."

Midori then quickly looked to Goku, and he smiled back reassuringly.

Bulma raised a hand to her chin with a pleasantly appraising eye. "It's so beautiful…"

Videl commented, "There's something a bit sad about it, though…"

It was definitely unique… sounding as if someone was playing some type of flute… not the music that came from turning gears and little metal configurations inside the average music box.

Goten and Trunks inched forward from Goku's side, with twin exclamations of "He's coming!"

And in response the lid cracked open and smoke sprayed out, startling Midori.

"Okay—" she nearly threw it on the ground. "I'm done!" she proclaimed, quickly tip-toeing back between Goku and Gohan.

He went to say something to her, but Gohan had beat him to it, a hand on her back.

"You did it, Midori!"

She quirked an eyebrow and grunted in response just before the smoke began swirling around them like a mild tornado.

'Whoa!' Goku's jaw dropped as the paranormal continued, smoke streaking upwards to the center of their group, above the music box.

It was taking shape… The shape of a man!

"Dad, you're seeing this too, right?" Gohan asked in wonder.

Goku could only murmur "Amazing…" as Tapion's form took more detail. 'And an incredible ki…'

Midori took a cautious step forward. "It's him… He's playing the music…"

Yes… The fair complected man that was materializing before them was indeed playing some type of instrument… Not a flute however, and his ears were elven and hair a brightly colored mohawk. His garment and the sword strapped to his back matched the description of a warrior hero.

And just when they thought the show was over, the music box burst into pieces, and light energy shot forth, causing the group to recoil from the brightness and wind surge.

And then there was quiet… Tapion's floating form touching the grass noiselessly.

Wow…

Goku blinked, mouth still agape. "Hoi was telling the truth… his hero does exist!"

Midori made a small noise from beside him. "And here I thought you believed him from the start…"

Through his amazement, Goku managed a slightly lopsided smile. "Just… trying to give the benefit of the doubt."

Tapion lowered his instrument, slowly raising his head to reveal vibrantly green eyes. He was calm, but as Hoi approached in a casual manner, chuckling over his job well done, the length of Tapion's sword was suddenly filling the distance between himself and the petite man.

"Stay back!" He commanded, his previously serene features tense with anger. "Was it you who revived me?!"

"You're most welcome." Hoi responded, totally unfazed by the hostility. "Nice to have some leg room after a thousand years, huh?"

"You old fool! SEND ME BACK!"

"Not an option… now that the music box has been destroyed…" Hoi stated, somewhat laughing at the end.

Why?

Tapion was far from grateful at his release, so why was Hoi in such a good mood?

Hmm…

Goku walked forward with a smile on his face and an amicable hand forward. "Hi there! You must be Tapion. My name is Goku! We had a hard time getting you out!"

To his hospitality, Tapion turned his back. "Do you have any idea what you've done?" His voice was very grave as he added "I don't know that I can stop him this time."

Stop him?

"Whaddyou mean?" Goku asked in confusion.

But Tapion took his leave without answering the question, leaving them all a bit off kilter.

…Except for Trunks, who hurried forward, pausing as Tapion jumped over a railing and continued on to other parts of the property.

"I wanna be just like him!"

Goku blinked, crossing his arms, as Midori mumbled "Child, please…" and Bulma reminded her son that they didn't know anything about the newcomer other than his trouble saying "thank you".

But that didn't stop both Trunks and Goten from chasing after the solemn savior, despite Bulma calling after them to stop.

Midori sighed. "They'll be fine. I don't really sense a malevolent spirit in that one."

Goku nodded. "Agreed."

But something was off, something that Videl voiced quietly to Gohan in the background. "Hoi is hiding something…"

They'd have to find out and see, but… Tapion…

Goku scratched the back of his head. "He looked kinda troubled…"

Midori then slinked around to his front, a tiny smirk on her face. "Evil is on our doorstep, remember?"

Goku hummed in thought, eyes lifting to the clouds.

A few hours later bade the sun farewell and brought the ravenous hunger of several saiyans, including myself. So there I was, manning the grill that evening on the balcony where my friends mingled and ate, a whole refrigerator worth of shish kabobs being cooked up.

On a stool to my left sat a small radio (and my drink), playing music at a moderate level. I hummed softly to a particularly smooth song that was playing, quietly singing the chorus at times with subtle movement of my hips and the metal grill tongs.

I~ I~ I'll do almost anything, that you want me to~ do~

Yeah, but I can't go for that, no~ (no) no can do…

I flipped a couple kabobs while singing under my breath "I can't go for that, no~ no can do…"

With lips parted to repeat the same line, I then exhaled a sigh instead, glancing at Goku who was to my right, suddenly very close. "I could hear you chewing a mile away, you know?"

A bit of a chortle came out through his full mouth before he swallowed such a large amount that I could see it going down his throat. "You're a good cook!"

I took the compliment with a bit of unintentional coyness. "Thanks…" I replied, pushing some hair behind my right ear before looking back up at him. "It was actually Paragus that taught me how to cook. I got to Earth and Panchy showed me all these new flavors and herbs to experiment with, and here we are."

Goku grabbed another shish kabob straight off the grill, biting off a large cut of steak, then replied while chewing "Not sutch a bah guy afer all, den!"

We laughed lightly together as I rearranged the kabobs, passing one off to Oolong and replacing the two empty spots with raw ones.

Reaching over to my beer, I then eyed Goku seriously. "Speaking of bad… What do you think's going on with Hoi?" I then took a sip.

"Eh… I'm not sure…"

I looked him dead in the eye with a disbelieving expression. "He is shady and you know it."

How did he end up finding Gohan in the first place? Needing the dragon balls (originally) to free a man that didn't even want freeing?

Goku merely continued to eat, but when his eyes shifted from side-to-side he asked, "Has anyone seen the old man?"

I must've been the only one besides Videl to have my suspicions, because the answers we got back? Sigh…

Oolong answered, "Maybe someone sat on him?" while a very tipsy Roshi piped up "He's probably off on a hot date! Short is in, you know!"

Gohan quickly moved in front of Videl to block the pervy old man from stumbling any closer with his reachy hand, no doubt unconsciously searching for breasts. Goku thought it was funny. I on the other hand, not so much.

From the table to my right, Bulma actually stood from her seat. "Fantastic! Dating advice from a lecher!"

And despite the well-deserved insult, Roshi laughed merrily, sauntering towards her instead while singing "That's my Bulma, she can warm my heart!"

It was the leaning towards her chest with his face and that free hand of his that earned him a good smacking from Bulma.

A few laughs, some surprised, some hearty, broke out from the action.

I shook my head, gaze inching over from the commotion to Goku's face. 'I guess I won't make too much of a stink over Hoi if the others aren't as alarmed…'

That's when Goku bumped my arm with his elbow, looking from the grill up to me.

"Oh—" I had raised a hand to grab another kabob, but instead saw small hands reaching up from under the grill to nab skewers. The sight caused a sniff of laughter to escape me. 'Those two…'

What looked like Trunks' hand accidentally touched the hot grill top and immediately recoiled in pain. I wasn't sure what they were up to, but both Goku and I pushed some skewers forward for them, and a few seconds later they could be seen sneaking around the tables and chairs and back into the house to who-knows-where.

That's when Krillin spoke out, "Hey, speaking of dates!" and looked right at me. "Midori, you find anyone yet?"

I gave a hard sigh to the grill as Bulma answered a loud "NO, and I'm going to have to set her up on a blind date if this keeps up!"

I called back politely "Please don't!" with enlarged eyes.

Gohan stepped forward to refresh his plate, smiling warmly. "C'mon, Midori, you deserve someone to share your life with. We all want you to be happy!"

I smirked the tiniest, reaching over Goku (who remained silent) to tap Gohan's arm. "Thank you." I then addressed the group. "Thank you all. It'll happen when it's meant to happen, okay?"

After a swig of her drink, Bulma commented "I'm still bummed it didn't work out with that one guy. What was his name? The forest ranger!"

"Bulma…" I called warningly, issuing a wave of a hand from her in response.

My love life… ugh… not something I wished to have over a group discussion…

…

It was nearly nine 'o' clock… and instead of walking back out to the balcony after using the bathroom, I was sitting on a couch in the living room, alone, in the dark. With my knees curled up to my chest and my head leaning on my hand, I needed a moment before going back out.

'How do I do this?' I thought while rubbing my eyes. 'Carry on around Goku like nothing…'

The conversation before, in retrospect, had been… surprisingly hard… entertaining the idea of finding a new man when the man I wanted was just beside me… often beside me, since his return from the dead…

My brow furrowed as my eyes wandered to the slightly illuminated floor from outside. 'You'd think it would be causing him trouble at home… Or maybe Yamcha is still in the picture…'

But… Goku wasn't letting on to any trouble in his marriage…

'I should talk to Gohan about it, soon…'

"Dori, there you are!"

I froze as the man of my musings strolled up to where I sat. I could just make out his friendly grin. "Why're you hidin' in the dark?"

I blinked slowly. "Just… a lot on my mind…"

His hands went to his hips, eyebrows rising. "Uh-oh… I know that tone. You must be sad about something."

My lips pouted a bit at his analysis, and I turned my head to face him more fully. "How do you know how I sound when I'm sad?"

I saw his shoulders raise in the dark. "Vegeta's memories, I guess. I think about you sometimes and I remember things that I know I shouldn't."

Sitting a bit straighter, my lips parted in hesitation before I asked somewhat meekly, "Can you tell me? About… fusion and… sharing memories with my brother?"

"Sure!" His arms crossed, head tilting. I could see his thoughtful expression with my adjusting eyesight. "Well, gosh, when we were fused it just felt like… me! I knew that I was a fused being, but I was just Vegeto, and that was that."

I nodded, with a mild "Mhm."

"So ever since then, I just… have extra memories! Certain things people say trigger them, like when you told me the turkey story."

I fought a smile, rolling my eyes. "Right…"

"Or when you mention Vegeta… there's this image of him I have in my head when he was kid…"

I waited eagerly for him to continue.

"There's this woman named Celaria and she looks just like you, Dori!"

"My mother…" I breathed out in amazement. "Please, go on!"

My brother hardly ever talked about her…

"Yeah, and when you were still in her belly, he would come and feel the kicks and put his ear up to her stomach. And sometimes he'd light up his hands with a little ki and press on her stomach just so you could feel his energy!" Goku let out a small, good-natured laugh. "He'd talk to you and tell you how greatness awaited you. He even picked out your name, even though he thought you were gonna be a boy!"

"Kais…" I didn't dare stop the heartfelt smile that came. "Thank you for that… I doubt Vegeta would be so forthcoming with a story like that."

And it was probably why I was so sensitive to his energy, my whole life. Like he'd once said… we'd driven each other to survive from across the universe, without even knowing it…

After a moment of silence, Goku suddenly exclaimed "Hey, wait a minute!"

I looked back up to Goku in expectancy.

"You guys have a brother!"

"I know," I answered lightly, blinking at his frazzled posture. I then admitted "Vegeta told me when I first came to Earth, but he didn't seem to want to find him, so I just kind of… put it on the back burner…"

"Huh…" Goku didn't seem too surprised either, past the initial shock of what seemed to be a newly surfaced memory for him. "Well, I don't blame you guys. My brother was something else… but I wish I could've seen him on our side."

I smirked, coming to a stand. "I've had similar thoughts." I then made my way back towards the balcony.

"Um—" His hand caught my arm just as I was between him and the edge of the couch. "I uhh…"

He was the one that seemed meek then. Standing closer to the light, I could see the uncertainty in his eyes…

'This isn't like him…' I attempted to gauge his change in demeanor, asking quietly "What is it, Goku?"

He looked up at me, with a more serious gaze. "Well, I was wondering…"

A subtle anxiety was forming at what he might ask. I eventually whispered "What…?"

He seemed incredibly sheepish then, a hand behind his head while his teeth shown in an awkward grin. "I was just wondering why you aren't married yet!"

I let out a shocked breath from the buildup, and then proceeded to look everywhere but him. "U-uhh…"

Kaaaiis, just take me away!

I looked back to him, our close proximity very prominent in my forethought, and I swallowed the thickness in my throat. "Since I've been on Earth… I've only gotten close to two men… Both attempts at any kind of relationship were short-lived; just not meant to be…" I then waved a hand arbitrarily, adding, "In hindsight, that is… Like Christian, the forest ranger…"

A soft "Oh…" was Goku's response, and nothing more.

It was the following quiet that got to my nerves, begging to be filled with anything.

So I elaborated, as steadily as possible. "He was a serious guy, with a mischievous streak… I'm not so sure he was human, though. He liked to make a game out of me guessing what planet he might be from." I managed a smirk while remembering the young man of the wooded island. "But he could sense that my heart just wasn't in it, so he moved on before things got serious…"

Goku seemed more at ease when I glimpsed his face. "Hmm… sorry about that." he said evenly. "What about the other guy?"

My lips straightened, eyes becoming dodgy again. "I'd rather not get into the other one… We just weren't compatible."

"Why? Was he not a nice guy?"

I regarded the other couch in the living room with a weary eye. "Don't worry about it, Goku. I'm still young and there's plenty of men on this planet, marriage or no marriage." I then side-stepped around him, with no intention of heading to the balcony after all that. "I'll be by the pool if anyone needs me."

And I needed it, too. Escaping Goku and dunking into the deep end soon after (in swimming trunks and a bikini top) couldn't have been more needed as I allowed myself to sink to the bottom, taking a wide-footed stance to hold myself steady.

I just needed one—one moment to myself, away from that man and everyone's sudden interest in my nonexistent love life!

My arms curled in somewhat, fists clenching.

'Uuuugh, damn you Goku and that handsome face, that gentle voice, and wholesome personality!'

And DAMN those pecks popping out of his shirt! And those arms! And those abs, too!

AND other parts of his body that I'd seen him to be well-endowed!

And while I was mentally ranting—DAMN his ability to surpass us so easily! Not that that was my first complaint! BECAUSE I'M NOT MY BROTHER!

My bent arms rose above my head, and the liquid-muffled "AAAAHHHH!" that came from my mouth was accompanied by a burst of energy and millions of bubbles obscuring my vision.

Arms abruptly down, I then relaxed my body, allowing myself to rise back to the surface.

The semi therapeutic action was mentally rejuvenating, causing me to let out a long, high-pitched breath. I looked around then, at the pool furniture that was dripping wet.

"Oops."

Oh well.

I leaned back on the water, floating easily on my back as I watched the stars and moon above, glad that the roof was previously retracted.

All sound was stifled by the water my ears were submerged in, and it was relaxing…

When Videl received an urgent call from Satan City authorities, the two "Saiyamen" were off to take care of business, but not before Gohan paused, one foot up on the railing, in full super hero garb.

"Hey dad, did you wanna tag along?"

Goku's eyebrows rose high as he smiled. "No, son," he laughed, "I'm good."

Aaand they were off…

He had other things preoccupying his mind, anyway… Like Midori… and why the thought of her with other men made him so uncomfortable.

When he thought nobody was looking, Goku slumped down in his chair, a hard sigh leaving his lips as he searched the starry night sky. With blinking eyes and lips slightly parted, he sat in a stupor at his own feelings. His right elbow remained on the arm of the chair, hand holding his beer mug higher than his head.

Only when a surge of energy caused the liquid in his mug to slosh and the tables and chairs to rattle, did Goku abruptly sit up.

The mild conversation came to a halt as well, before Bulma commented in annoyance, "Ugh, Vegeta's back at it with the training simulations! And here he'd told me he was taking a mini vacation to reflect and relax."

It definitely wasn't Vegeta… as interesting as that tidbit of information was.

Krillin looked around. "Actually, I'm pretty sure that was Midori… Coming from the other side of the building. Think she's okay? We never know when this evil is gonna show up, right?" He questioned a bit sarcastically.

Hmm…

Goku stood without warning. "I'll go check on her."

There was a casually agreeing murmur of the small group, but as Goku moved to perform instant transmission, what he didn't notice were the keen eyes of Master Roshi watching him from behind dark shades.

Goku's feet tapped down on wet concrete, and when he lowered his hand, there she was on her back with her arms behind her head and legs comfortably crossed… while floating in the pool.

"Huh…" Goku looked left and right. There wasn't a single person beyond the two of them.

"Goku…" she called weakly, drawing his attention back to her, where he saw a slightly pained expression. "What do you want?"

As she moved from a laying-floating position to standing near the shallow end, Goku approached silently.

He sort of… didn't know what to say to her in that moment… She was striking with the moonlight atop her, and artificial pool lights beneath her. Wet tendrils of hair framed her face, while light-reflecting water droplets decorated her toned upper arms, dripping down her chest, over a delicate silver necklace and into her cleavage.

So Goku pointed at her, with realization showing in his gesture as he said, "Hey, your boobs are floating!"

Upon the dropping of her jaw, Goku realized that maybe he shouldn't have made that comment, because his entire body was then splashed in retaliation by not her arms, but her stealthy tail that flung up from the depths.

"What's with you and my boobs? Pervert…" he heard her mutter before exclaiming "Of course they're floating! I'm in a god-damned pool!"

As Goku wiped the chlorinated water from his eyes, she continued to inquire, "Now can you please tell me why you've been on my heels all afternoon? Like we haven't spent enough time together in the last month training?"

Goku's head tilted at her assertion. "It's not like I'm over here every day!"

His response only seemed to tire her out, the female saiyan sinking until her nose was submerged and bubbles arose in front of furrowed eyebrows.

She then stood, wading to the wall with a beckoning finger.

Goku pointed to himself with widening eyes. "Get in?"

"No," she replied, "just sit."

He did so, cross-legged, hands on his ankles and leaning towards her, where she stood with her arms folded over the edge of the pool.

Just inches from his feet, Midori rested her chin upon her arms, gaze downcast.

'I can feel it again…' Goku thought with a delicate frown. 'She's… so sad…'

Why?

She inhaled a breath, before softly saying, "I think… we need to set up some boundaries."

Goku found himself repeating in confusion, "Boundaries…?"

And that feeling in his chest was returning… He knew what she was suggesting, and it was setting something off; some weird anxiety.

"Yes, Goku…" she responded in quiet frustration, finally looking up at him. "You just got a second chance to be with your wife and sons, and yet you choose to spend every other day with me… Even knowing how I feel about you. You know that doesn't look good."

He heard her words, but his mind was racing. 'How she feels about me… still?'

She'd kissed him… and maybe still wanted to? He was afraid to ask.

'How do I feel about her…?'

That was where his emotions jumbled his thoughts, and he could no longer make sense of what was going on within himself.

"And your friends have probably noticed, too…" she added while his brain struggled to get through the sudden fuzz.

Goku blinked, brow scrunched. 'She's right…'

He could remember himself and Chi-Chi as young newlyweds, and how she explained to him that he couldn't do, say, or even think certain things with or about other women. It would be the worst betrayal. Many people he cared about would get hurt, and the neighbors would talk.

And she'd already started complaining, too… Like the days Goku would come home in the middle of the night because he'd forget about the time differences between the west and east. It wasn't proper to stay out so late with another woman…

Goku finally sat up straight. "I guess I need to start listening to Chi-Chi… but…"

As Midori looked up at him with so obvious of a weakened spirit, something clicked for Goku, and he found a truth within himself that he needed to share.

"I don't like the idea of not being able to see you whenever I want." He even scratched the back of his head with a small laugh. "I mean, ever since fusion with Vegeta, I look at you and it just feels like you've been by my side for the last seven years. It feels right to just… be here with you…"

And with that confession a weight was lifted from his chest. He smiled again, shrugging as his eyebrows turned upwards a tad.

She seemed to be a bit lighter as well, bottom lip momentarily poking out in thought. "So you feel a strong… familial connection to me?"

Goku blinked. "familial? Is that like family?"

Midori's eyes closed, though a smile crept across her face as she bowed her head. "Yes, Goku!" she replied in amusement.

Glad to see her smiling again, he responded happily, "Then, yeah!"

Right? That's how he felt, right? It made sense… right?

"I'll make a deal with you, Goku…" Midori started, with a hand out in offering. "Come train with me on the days of the full moon. And since Gohan is about to be on summer break, he can join us in case things get a little… out of hand."

To her pointed stare, Goku crossed his arms with eyebrows risen. "You're gonna try to turn into a great ape again!" He then glanced up with a disappointed demeanor. "Man… but we just had a full moon! I'll have to wait a long time for the next one!"

What a bummer…

Their attention was then drawn to the east.

"Your son's exerting himself…" Midori softly pointed out. "Wonder why..."

Goku also wondered if Gohan might be engaging whatever Hoi warned them about, but after a few more seconds, all was calm. "Hmm… he seems fine now…"

"Tapion… He isn't in West City anymore," Midori said, drawing Goku back in. "I've been keeping a feel on his energy and he's been pretty stationary about a block off the property. But now…"

Goku nodded. "I see…" he responded seriously. "Are you gonna do anything about it?"

"Psh, no." Midori then smirked, seemingly back to her old self as she leaned back with one hand still gripping the edge. "I'm staying right in this pool, and taking a page out of my brother's book."

Goku's eyes widened. "Ahehe, relaxing no matter what?"

She chuckled, a few front teeth briefly showing. "For tonight, yes."

The two drifted into another silence, smiles gentle before she looked away from him and towards the stars above.

Goku tilted his head ever so slightly, watching his friend. Pretty soon he'd have to go home and wouldn't be able to see her until the day of the next full moon.

A thought came to him then.

"What are you gonna do until we can train again?"

"Train by myself," she answered quickly, seemingly distracted. "Why?

"I was just thinking…" he began twiddling his thumbs, knowing she might snap at him for what he was about to say. "Maybe you should try to find a, uh… boyfriend…?"

The thought again was uncomfortable, but it would be in both of their best interests at that point.

And she didn't snap at him, but sent a narrow-eyed, incredulous look his way. "You're a special kind of selfish, Goku, you know that?"

"Huh?" He didn't understand. "Why?"

Her lip curled in distaste. "You're telling me to hurry up and find a man, so we can train together more often without it seeming suspicious."

Goku was silent for a moment, then answered simply, "Well, yeah, that's pretty much it."

Roshi, Krillin, and Oolong entered the scene then, multiple packs of wine coolers in hand.

Krillin then exclaimed (with rosy cheeks) "Aw man, there you guys are!"

As the trio teetered by them and towards the chairs, Goku was the only one to raise a hand in greeting, as Midori was too preoccupied rubbing her forehead.

"Alright," Midori announced, "I'm gonna go, alone, and I'm gonna check on this Tapion guy. See what he's up to."

Goku caught on to the emphasized "alone" as she bent her knees slightly before leaping clear out of the water and splashing down lightly in a puddle beside him.

And while his eyes traveled up her dripping backside, Krillin hollered from the opposite side of the pool:

"WHY DON'T YOU ASK TAPION OUT ON A DATE?!"

Goku let out a surprised laugh in time with Midori's head falling back in exasperation.

While splashing his feet on the deep side of the pool, Oolong drunkenly added "WE ALL KNOW SHE LIKES THE STOIC TYPES! HE'S PERFECT!"

Goku couldn't help but wonder, 'Then why'd she kiss me?' as his gaze shifted from her deadpanned face to his alcohol-emboldened buddies.

Midori walked their way, towards a chair that had a towel. "You've got jokes, I see…" she responded smoothly. "Good to see you can still be funny after ransacking Capsule Corp. of its booze."

He could see the tiny smirk on the side of her face from where he sat, and was again reminded that there had been another man in her life.

'I wonder who it was…'

Suddenly images rushed into his head. Midori, Vegeta, eating, training, conversing. He could hear their voices in his head. Piccolo—the namek—Piccolo—Toma—the lookout—training—

One conversation was clear, though…

"Piccolo taught me the after-image technique today. I plan on showing him the synchronizing technique in exchange."

"You've been spending a lot of time with the namekian. Surely he's not a better sparring partner than myself!"

"I'm not just training when I go to the lookout… I enjoy spending time with Piccolo."

Goku could see her sly look in his head and feel Vegeta's mortification.

"UGH, DON'T TELL ME YOU AND THE NAMEK?! IN—COURTSHIP?! NO!"

Goku's face was then a perfect match of what the prince's had been. "PICCOLO?!" He exclaimed as if scandalized, drawing in all eyes. "PICCOLO WAS YOUR BOYFRIEND?!"

Midori rolled her eyes at him while drying off. "I wouldn't go nearly that far."

Roshi, who'd previously nodded off before Goku's outburst, laughed while recalling those times. "I remember that! If I were Piccolo, I would've asked Shenron for a pair of dragon balls! Ehehehe!"

With Roshi's crude joke going over Goku's head, the saiyan plopped back down in pure shock, slack-jawed. "Piccolo?" He whispered in disbelief. "Why Piccolo?"

To his reaction, Midori's sarcastic response was "Why don't you say his name again? So he can hear you this time."

'How could Dori be with Piccolo?' Goku wondered, feeling like he was in some alternate universe. He wound up on his back, one hand on his stomach, the other on his forehead as he was struck with awe at the thought. 'And how could Piccolo be with anyone? I can't believe it!'

His genuine stupor was seen as antics by the others, which incited more mirth in the men and annoyance in Midori.

She huffed. "You know, I don't know whether to be insulted for me or him, because last time I checked, Piccolo is a very strong, smart, loyal and sexy man!"

Goku's jaw fell about as much as his eyebrows rose whilst staring upwards. His heel then slipped off the edge, causing his leg to fall into the pool.

"It's not his fault that he doesn't have…" She trailed off awkwardly, to which Oolong picked up with "the full package?"

The what?

His friends sure were amused with whatever that meant, but Goku was just plain confused.

Pushing himself back up just as Midori was walking by him, he caught her stern look. Distracted as he was by her gaze, he had no time to dodge her still sopping wet tail—

Splap!

—as it slapped him across his forehead, forcing him backwards and eliciting a yelp.

No more words were exchanged between the two as the others carried on in drunken merriment. Goku could only rub his forehead as he twisted around to watch her leave.

In front of my bathroom mirror I groaned loudly, both hands dragging down the front of my face. "Why am I in love with hiiim?!" I complained into my palms.

I paused after that, dull eyes staring back at me over my fingertips. I'd never admitted it out loud. No wait—I sort of had to my son, but still.

…Kais… I did need a man… that wasn't Goku…

'Otherwise I'll never get over him…' I thought while making my way over to my bed.

Crawling over to my window, I unlocked it and pushed it open enough for me to crouch out of and fly.

Making my way towards the street to orient myself, I sighed while thinking about Tapion.

He was good-looking. Seemingly powerful. And a bit of mystery never hurt.

I soon touched down in front of the ruin of what was once a Capsule Corp. office. It looked as though someone had demolished half it, then never finished the job, when in reality it was a casualty of Majin Buu and Goku's fight over the bay the prior month. Probably an explosion caused by the disturbance of something highly flammable, combined with electrical issues from the output of energy from Goku's Super Saiyan Three transformation.

It was a wonder Capsule Corporation didn't end up the same with all the shortages and tremors experienced in the area.

CRASH

I flinched at the unexpected commotion coming from the newly wrecked wreckage.

"What the hell?" I blurted at the sight of a gigantic, beastly arm protruding from the side of the building.

Time to act.

I lept over concrete and metal grates to the where the visible entrance was, and also where a VERY huge creature was.

Tapion was there, too, running for something across the room. Wasting no time, I raised a hand to the skeletal face of the creature and fired several rounds, all blasts going straight through it and into what looked like—a portal? It was hanging out of a portal?

Well!

Suddenly the same melody of Tapion's instrument cut through the growls of the monster, and I saw him playing his ocarina, the creature creeping forward with fangs bared, and claws closing in on the man.

But Tapion played with no inhibition, so I stayed put, eyes narrowed in caution.

"What is this…?" I whispered to myself in confusion.

The monster seemed to be held back by some mystical force, struggling to grasp at Tapion despite the shadow of its enormous hand casting darkness over him. And just when it seemed Tapion would be snatched up, the hand retracted as if in pain.

I moved closer, lips falling apart in amazement. I'd never seen anything like it.

With each measured step forward that Tapion took while playing, the beast trembled, until a incandescent light outlined the man's body and seemed to suck the gigantic apparition straight into him.

I was left across the room with a rounded gaze and loss for words as he lowered his instrument, visibly fatigued.

"Don't…" Tapion uttered, nearly wheezing as he backed into the wall for support. "You can't help me… Just stay away!"

A stark contrast from the man that had just seamlessly magicked away an enemy.

My eyes then narrowed as I remembered his words earlier that day, about him not being able to "stop him this time".

Hands in the pockets of my capris from earlier, I walked over to him anyway. "I think you'd be surprised by what we could do for you." I offered upon arrival at his side. "You just did something I've never seen before, but I'd bet there's all manner of things we can do on this planet that you've never seen."

To his wary glare I then shrugged, continuing.

"Look, you happened to be revived on Earth, amongst the most powerful and capable people this galaxy has to offer." I folded my arms. "We can help you, but you're going to have to start explaining some things… Otherwise I can't be sure you're the answer Hoi promised, or the problem, after what I just saw."

He was silent for a moment, head down as he asked "Who are you?"

"For starters, the princess that spoke the magic words." I answered with somewhat of a smirk. "But I protect this planet along with a handful of others."

Tapion stood erect, laying his grave emerald eyes on me. "You were manipulated. Hoi is an evil warlock who released me because he knew that I would be vulnerable."

I scratched one of my eyelids while sighing. "Yes, I assumed he was using us, but nobody seems to give a damn today…"

He turned fully to me, concern evident. "What kind of protectors would overlook such a threat?"

I couldn't help a lopsided smile when he asked me that. "The kind that have seen it all, I suppose?" With one hand on my hip, I shrugged. "Idunno, I guess we're all just really fatigued from the challenges we've had to face recently."

Tapion regarded the ground with a subtle shake of his head. He was easily readable as man lost in dark memories at that moment. "You've never seen anything like this… Tell the boy to stay away…" he finally murmured before turning his back to me.

Trunks… I'd felt him to have snuck this way a few times already…

Watching Tapion with some concern of my own, I said, "If you feel like you can't keep whatever that was at bay any longer, just make your way across the property to the main building. We'll be waiting."

I then acquiesced to his unspoken need for solitude and made my way back to Capsule Corporation.

…

As I hurried past the kitchen, I then made a hard stop, backing up a few steps to the doorway. "Hey," I called to my brother's back, "there's trouble brewing. I think this threat we were warned about is a bigger deal than we first thought. I saw it for myself."

Vegeta turned his head to the side, revealing narrowed eyes for a moment, before he turned back to whatever he was handling on the counter. "You handle it."

Wha—?

As he finally turned to me and made his exit with two wine glasses and one of our more expensive bottles, I held two hands up in disbelief, which then jutted all the way up when he left without an utterance of concern.

We really were on vacation in this place!

Thankfully Gohan appeared, with Videl in tow. They seemed more apprehensive about something.

"Midori, have you seen my dad?!"

With my mouth having already been open to address him, my face then screwed up into annoyance. "Your father's been gettin' on my damn nerves, I don't wanna talk about him."

Gohan stood a little straighter at my snapping words. "Uh, okay."

"Listen. I went to Tapion. Just left him. We've got a real problem on our hands."

Gohan's expression turned serious. "A very large, severed problem?"

I turned my head slightly. "Yes… you've seen the beast as well?"

Videl stepped forward. "A gigantic pair of legs was more like it."

Gohan added "It couldn't be hit with regular attacks until certain weak points were exposed... Like, right after it attacked."

I blinked slowly. "Hmm… what I saw was the upper half of a creature… it was hanging out of some rip in the dimension…"

"Was Hoi there as well?"

I wiggled my nose around while trying to recall. "No. Just Tapion. Has Hoi done something?"

Gohan folded his arms. "He was there after I took the monster down, skirting around in the darkness and escaping before we could catch him… But Tapion happened to be there, too. After I blasted the creature, we could hear the melody of his ocarina… and the monster just… disappeared after that…"

Huh.

"I experienced something very similar to that… except the upper half was attacking Tapion…" I shifted my weight around while sighing. "And then he played that instrument of his and seemed to suck the monster into himself… sealing it away, or something."

Gohan was quiet for a few seconds before asking "Do you think Tapion is one of the bad guys?"

"No," I answered easily, "but Hoi has done nothing, in my opinion, to clear himself of suspicion—since you met him..." I added with a finger pointed at the teen, then leaning to follow his avoiding gaze.

Gohan was making an uncomfortable face at the floor while sighing, as both Videl and I eyed him with an unspoken "Well?"

I then softened up, lowering my finger. "I offered Tapion help. He was pretty wary of me, though. But I have a feeling he'll be knocking on our door sooner than later."

Gohan nodded to my words, Videl humming in thought.

"And I'd actually appreciate it if you stayed another day or so." I added with a smirk.

Gohan rubbed the back of his neck, a smile creeping up as he glanced to the ceiling. "Sure," he replied, with a look that let me know that he knew I wasn't mad at him.

It was then that I noticed his headwrap and glasses were missing from his costume.

"You know we still have your helmet, right?" I questioned with an arched eyebrow.

"Oh yeah!" He brightened up. "I keep forgetting! Thanks!"

So, as the two headed back towards the labs, I shuffled towards the living quarters… Only to be met by Goku, who smiled casually upon my entrance.

Ugh…

He was holding a picture frame while seated on one end of the larger couch, and it wasn't until I neared him did I notice Goten lying beside him, softly snoring.

I smiled warmly then, opting to approach instead of pass by. "Why are you still here?" I asked quietly, reaching down slightly to caress the back of Goten's head. "He's all tuckered out…"

It was getting on the late side.

"Yeah, I was just waiting for Gohan to get back. I already dropped the others off to Kame House. Things got a little wild after you left," he said, somewhat laughing.

A sniff of laughter left me as I pushed Goten's legs over so I could sit. "I'm sure… But I asked Gohan to stay, so you don't have to wait up."

To his blinking, I then grabbed the picture frame out of his hands and smiled in fondness.

It was me and Vegeta, with him in the forefront, about five years back. We were sitting at a table eating. My brother had just turned to look over to his right at his name being called, and so his expression was still calm. In the background, I was starting to laugh (I think Trunks had reached up and snatched something from his father's plate at that exact moment), with my eyes squinted and grin wide as my elbow rested on the table and hand cradling the side of my face.

"I like that picture." Goku commented, reaching over to tilt it back his way somewhat. "You guys look happy."

I snorted in response. "Happy?" I repeated in amusement while pointing at Vegeta's face. "I guess, since he's not glaring."

We laughed in unison, both of us mindful not to disturb Goten.

I then tilted my head, studying myself closer. "You know, before this picture, I used to think I looked too boyish to be attractive."

"Why?" Goku immediately asked before I could get anymore out.

"Well," I started while glancing at him, "back then I was pretty depressed, and I wasn't taking very good care of myself, mentally or physically. It took me a while to realize this and start believing in my own worth… past my own physical strength, that is…" I trailed off with images of olden in my head, briefly fanning myself with the frame.

Gods knew I still had some issues when it came to Broly… That I hadn't realized until recently, either.

Goku moved to lean onto his left hand, behind Goten, which put him much closer to me than before.

I dared to turn to him, slowly, meeting his gentle smile and demeanor.

Ugh… how easy it would be to just grab him and—

"I never thought that about you." His smile then stretched. "Though you did look different… Maybe a little scrappy, hehe."

It was hard to stay mad at Goku…

I let out a breath of laughter, leaning back from him. "Alright…" I placed the photograph on the lamp table beside me, then laid a hand on Goten's back. "You should go and get him back home." I softly told him.

"Yeah…" Goku murmured in reply, eyes still on me, smile waning.

It was odd… he seemed as if he didn't want to leave… dare I say, leave my side… Although he did mention his familial affection for me earlier… Maybe that was it…

Sigh… Goku…

…

… …

That night was filled with tossing and turning, with small respites of REM sleep fantasy where I gave and received everything I wanted from the saiyan of my dreams. No kiss taken for granted, no inch of skin left untouched. Just him, and me, and pure, sweet, dreamy pleasure.

But it was morning once again, and those types of dreams were nothing new to me, so they lost their charm after immersing myself into the usual day-to-day.

The teens had slept in the living room, staying up late together, despite there being more than enough guest rooms.

Guess it went to show that they were still at a very chaste stage of their relationship. It was cute.

When breakfast time came, around nine, I opted for a heartier meal rather than oatmeal, alongside a little coffee; enough caffeine to wake me up, but not affect my nerves, given our current predicament.

Tapion, and an M.I.A. Hoi.

I was barely done with my egg, sausage, toast and fruit platter before Trunks ripped out of the kitchen with a plate of food for our so-called hero down the street.

I eyed the kitchen exit silently as Gohan, Videl, and Bulma conversed lightly, Tapion on my mind.

'If he really is on our side, he needs to let us help him…'

I still didn't quite understand the situation. Were these beasts following him now that he was awake? If it were true, I could only imagine that Hoi was the one directing them…

And why the hell were those things in half? Weird…

For the majority of the day I chose to meditate on it, atop Capsule Corporation, churning through my own energy.

I was still trying to capture that feeling from that night… but to no avail…

Hours passed, Trunks came and went, I even spent part of the evening doing Tai Chi in the yard. By the time nightfall came again, I was refreshed and lounging, brushing my tail whilst at a loss for what to do.

Vegeta was as low as lowkey could be these days, Bulma was casually handling business while entertaining our guests, and Trunks was out to see Tapion again.

"I should go over there… it's been twenty-four hours…" I mumbled, running my tail through my hands to feel the silky, conditioned fur.

—!

I then sat up straight on the couch, having felt a subtle surge of energy nearby… Near Tapion… and Trunks…

Out onto the balcony I went, looking towards the north end of the property.

Fire.

"Okay."

That was all I needed to see to instantly transmit myself to my nephew, who looked up at me in surprise.

"Midori!"

I eyed the spreading flames near us, then turned to Tapion (who had his instrument drawn), demanding, "What's going on here?"

Trunks' head dropped as he shuffled away from me. "I was just leaving."

I arched a brow at his downtrodden demeanor. He must've finally given up on getting close to his hero.

The flames were spreading…

"Actually…" Tapion started up, bringing our attention to him. He was smiling for the first time since arriving. "I'm hungry… and… if it's all the same, I could use some help."

He was watching me with that last line, and for a moment I got caught up in Tapion's handsome features.

I clasped my hands in front of me. "O-of course!" But I was starting to feel an uncomfortable heat on my back. "You mind putting that out first?" I thumbed behind me with a smile, eyes widening when the wind from outside caused the flames to lick towards my tail.

…

I could barely get a word in with Tapion that night, as Trunks had monopolized his time with Capsule Corporation's best; food, money, appliances, his toys… Really, just being a show off.

But Tapion humored my nephew with the calm and understanding disposition of the older brother figure I knew Trunks wanted deep down.

Bulma had mentioned it to me earlier, how Trunks envied Goten for having an older brother. It was obvious to me that Trunks was unconsciously projecting onto Tapion now.

And it wasn't until nearly midnight, when I was making my way back up to my bedroom was I able to get a moment with the fabled hero.

Tapion was closing Trunks' room door, with respect to the sleeping boy, when I approached his side in a silky black nightgown that I may have worn on purpose.

"Good evening." I greeted smoothly, catching his involuntary glances towards my generously exposed chest. To that I leaned forward a smidgen, bringing my hands together again in front of me, atop the book I'd been reading. "I believe you were in need of assistance. I'd rather not have any repeats of yesterday or earlier happen while you're in our home…" I said with a meaningful look and tiny smirk.

Before Tapion could respond, Bulma exited her room from a few doors down, a small throw wrapped around her shoulders. "What are you two up to?" She asked tiredly.

Tapion turned to her. "Your princess has offered to help. She said if anyone could, it'd be you lot."

A smirk returned to me as Bulma eyed me and my choice of pajama (she wore a full, comfy, two-piece, contrasting my form-fitting, revealing slip-on). She then briefly looked at me with a bit of knowing amusement before addressing Tapion.

"Well, she's probably right. Why don't you sit down with us and tell us your story? I'll even make some tea."

He seemed uneasy about something, but nodded nonetheless, allowing me to guide him towards one of the drawing rooms.

While Bulma went off to prepare tea for us, I tried to get him to open up; a few soft words of encouragement here, making my assets more noticeable there… but he wouldn't even look at me.

'I'm starting to feel stupid,' I thought while relaxing my upper arms from squeezing my cleavage together. 'Do I even want this man?'

Kais…

I sighed while uncrossing my legs, pulling down the gown that I'd allowed to ride up. "You seem more troubled than before. Why don't you tell me about it?"

His elbows were on his knees, chin atop his clasped hands. "You were right to be concerned about an event happening while I'm in your home… Having me here… is dangerous." Tapion then looked up to me, eyes still strikingly green in the dimly-lit room. "I don't want to bring this evil onto you and your people, Princess Midori."

I smiled a bit. 'Oh… he remembered my name.' I continued to confess, "I'm… not exactly a princess. Well—not to any Earthlings."

He showed some confusion, so I clarified:

"My people, aside from my brother—the prince, and Goku, have become extinct. The prince and Goku have had mixed-race children with humans, but the saiyan race has been long gone."

He regarded my words with a brooding hum, eyes downcast, then back on mine. "I'm sorry to hear that… But your royal blood still runs true, so you were able to help free me with the words that should've been spoken by my people's princess."

Now we were getting somewhere…

And thankfully Bulma had arrived at that moment with a tray of three tea cups. Once we were settled with our chamomile, she gently coaxed "Whenever you're ready, Tapion."

"Yes…" he murmured, eyes raising to the ceiling as his mind surely went back in time. "But, to explain my troubles, I must first start with his story…"

So we sat and listened to attentively to Tapion's story of Hoi and his faction of racist wizards, "cleansing" the cosmos with their dark magic.

"On Konats, they revived an evil long thought destroyed by my ancestors… Hirudegarn."

Tapion detailed the massacre of his people to us, how the summoning of the ancient evil succeeded in stamping out half of his race…

"It wasn't until we stumbled upon an enchanted sword that we realized we even had a chance…"

A small gasp left Bulma's lips, and she leaned forward from my side. "Oh my gosh, is that it?"

The sword he was equipped with, leaning against the couch…

Tapion gave a hum of affirmation whilst brandishing the weapon for us. "A wizard found it in the temple. Along with the blade, two ocarinas were discovered. My brother and I used them in hopes of distracting the beast. They must've been enchanted as well, for neither one of us knew how to play…"

I nodded silently after a drink of tea, inhaling the warm, soothing vapors.

He described how the playing of the ocarinas by his brother and him allowed for the wizard to cleave the beast in half. And, despite this, Hirudegarn had lived.

To keep it from becoming whole again, the wizard confined the upper half within Tapion, and lower half within Tapion's younger brother…

'I'm beginning to see the entire picture now… as horrible as it is.'

As an extra precaution, it was decided that Tapion and his kid brother, Minosha, would be sealed within two separate music boxes. The wizard conducted the sealing spell, with aid from their princess; probably why only a princess could release him…

And there they would remain… until Hoi and his people had been brought to justice…

And here we all were, one thousand years later, apparently.

"Nothing's changed…" Tapion muttered, the weight of his past audible in his deadened tone. "I'm still a prisoner outside, looking in…"

My eyes had strayed to the attracting colors of the fish tank beside Tapion, but I refocused on him after a moment. "If Gohan fought the lower half of the monster… should I assume that your brother…"

"I have no idea. He's probably dead."

Bulma pulled the shawl a bit tighter around her shoulders. "Hoi won't get away with this."

"Well, so long as I stay awake, he can't free the upper half."

As a surprised "Huh?" left Bulma, my brow furrowed, and I leaned back a bit while asking "Are you serious?"

No wonder hell had started to break loose in the last twenty-four hours! The man was probably falling asleep out there!

Tapion was back to leaning over his knees, hands interlocked. "Yes… I never thought I'd say this, but I miss that music box…"

Bulma watched him incredulously. "So, you haven't slept since it was destroyed?"

He nodded gravely.

I shared a look with Bulma and she immediately stood, smiling optimistically. "I'll build you a new one! Better yet, I'll build you a whole bedroom!"

I smirked—"So you can stretch your legs out without getting splinters…"—then winked at Tapion.

He looked from me to Bulma in shock. "But the music box was specially designed!"

"I know," Bulma replied, "the remains are in my lab. I can reproduce the same material!"

Tapion shot to his feet at the news. "That's fantastic!" He then reached over me to grab her hands. "I don't know what to say!"

The Capsule Corp. heiress merely smiled. "We'll call it even, if you spend some time with Trunks."

The terms of agreement caused the hero to smirk. "Deal."

"…Ahem," I softly vocalized from beneath their arms.

Tapion took a quick step backwards. "My apologies."

"It's quite alright…" I replied suavely, standing. "I suppose while Bulma works, you'll need help staying awake, correct?"

From beside me, I caught Bulma trying not to smile.

I then leaned into the stoic hero a bit. "Tell me Tapion, did Konats have caffeinated drinks?"

Bulma raised a finger while tip-toeing around the coffee table. "I'll get started in the lab."

Tapion quickly looked from me to Bulma's retreating form, then back to me with a distracted "I… don't quite understa—"

I snapped my fingers in his face, abruptly snagging his wandering gaze again before I gently informed him: "Bulma happens to be engaged to the prince… He's not…" I trailed off, teetering my head a bit in thought, then adding "Well, let's just say you don't want to give him a reason to introduce himself."

"I see…" Tapion murmured, standing more erect.

I sighed quietly, signaling for him to follow, an unsavory look on my face once he was fully behind me.

Here I was, a little jealous of the attention Bulma was garnering from a man I barely knew and didn't even want.

'I really need to get my priorities straightened out…' I thought while leading Tapion back to the kitchen for coffee.

…

Late night came and went, with both Tapoion and me energized by black coffee and sugar. While in the bio-dome he demonstrated his talent with the legendary sword, and I did manage to impress him with a few energy techniques. But alas, at four-o-clock in the morning I could no longer hold out, so I made Tapion promise me that he would do whatever he needed to do to stay awake while I got a few hours of sleep.

He could manage keeping himself up until breakfast time, right?

A bit later than breakfast, it seemed, because I rolled out of bed at nearly eleven-o-clock (instead of eight) and Capsule Corp. was still in one piece.

Trunks had apparently woken up before dawn and kept the hero company until about ten.

"Aw, I missed the unveiling of the bedroom?" I asked in disappointment while plating the large breakfast sub I'd crafted.

Trunks rubbed his eyes after finishing a glass of juice. "Yeah, it looks like a giant version of the music box, but with some pretty sweet accommodations inside."

I smirked a bit as I sat down. "Good for him. Now we just have to find Hoi and get rid of him and that lower half…"

BOOM!

The whole kitchen rattled at the nearby explosion and I snapped forward from my leisurely position.

Trunks then spoke what both of us must have thought in that moment: "Tapion!"

My nephew leaped out of his chair, as did I from mine, but I immediately stopped, turning to my sandwich.

'A saiyan's gotta eat!' I rationalized to myself, opening up wide to bite off nearly half the sub before taking off with an overly stuffed mouth.

By the time I'd reached the confused and panicked voices, I was in the main laboratory, which was half of its former glory. Only scraps of Bulma's giant music box were left, while an entire wall of the lab (plus a bunch of equipment) was blown out.

And our guest was nowhere in sight.

I stepped out onto the grass cautiously as Trunks called for Tapion, Bulma nervously asking me where he might be. Aside from the rubble, there was no sign of blood or shreds of clothing about.

My eyes squinted. "I can't sense him…" I noted with a troubled look towards my family.

Trunks shot past me without a word, out onto the yard, and I sighed whilst scanning the lab for a specific unit.

'There.' I moved quickly towards a storage unit on one of the undisturbed walls, ripping the sliding door off its rigging (since there was no electricity working in the area). With a searching finger gliding over labels, I finally found my cubby for saiyan armor; the black, light set.

"What are you doing?" Bulma called as I stripped off my robe.

"Gearing up," I called back in just my undergarments, "because we're settling this. Today."

Once the suit, gloves, and boots were on, and the light armor was over my head, I concentrated on feeling out Goku's energy.

"Goku. Can you hear me?"

"Oh, hey, Dori! What's up?"

I couldn't help a trace of a smirk as he greeted me the way he usually did King Kai.

"You all need to get over here ASAP. Something's happened."

In place of a response, I received silence for a few seconds, causing me to turn my head with furrowed eyebrows.

Okay…

It wasn't until I turned around did Goku and his sons appear, all matching in orange and blue.

"Ah." I briefly smiled. "That was quick."

Gohan was the first to react to the scenery, with shock in his traveling gaze as he commented "This place has seen better days."

"We can't find Tapion." I informed them gravely.

Goku looked to me before regarding some of the smoking debris. "Wherever he is, let's hope he's in better shape than this room."

As the Saiyan reached down to inspect a large metal gear, and Goten wandered off a bit, we all heard a rustling and looked towards the corner of the wrecked wall.

A hand grasped the edge, and a foot stepped out from behind it, followed by Tapion's falling body.

'Kais…' I watched uneasily as Gohan and Trunks caught the battered hero. 'What happened to him?'

Goku and Bulma inquired exactly that a second later, to which Tapion haggardly replied, "It tried to escape, but I stopped it in time…" He then raised his head to address us all. "We've got another problem though. The lower half is free and it's attacking the city!"

One of my fists clenched. "Great…"

"The closer the halves are to each other, the stronger each becomes…" His voice then came out much more strained. "I don't know how much more I can fight it—" An audible pulse then came from Tapion, an agonized scream following.

Everybody was immediately around him, Gohan and Trunks completely holding his limp body up.

"It's trying to get out," I warned while keeping hands on Bulma's shoulders to make sure she stayed back some.

But Bulma insisted "He needs medical attention! Somebody start up the jet!"

"NooOOO!" Tapion wailed. "I CAN'T HOLD IT—IT'S TOO LATE! KILL US NOW, BEFORE IT ESCAPES."

There was a round of gasps, and when I looked over to Goku, he caught my troubled gaze with a similar unease.

I turned back to Tapion, who had been brought to his knees, nearly whimpering; a hero, reduced to this…

With a deep breath, I raised my hand to Tapion's bowed head.

Trunk's blue eyes widened in true terror then. "NO!" He quickly moved to shield his fallen hero, shouting "I WON'T LET YOU!"

Bulma shouted back at him to move aside as I lowered my hand a smidgen in annoyance. I'd had a feeling that it would come to this.

But Goku remained silent, and even Gohan, despite still holding Tapion up, had moved over somewhat.

And, as I clenched my teeth, faint but still noticeable explosions could be heard in the distance. I knew I couldn't have been the only one to realize that we had mere seconds left before any control over the situation might be taken from us.

"KILL MEEE!"

My eyes widened in alarm, startled attention back on Tapion.

"DON'T TOUCH HIM!"

I whipped around at Hoi's voice, unconsciously pulling my hand back. "What?!"

Just then a portal opened in the sky outdoors, and a monstrous foot came jutting out of it to stomp where Tapion had been a half-second before.

Thankfully Bulma was in range of the shield I brought up at just the right time, and with the men all present to handle the situation, I then turned to her. "Okay, let's go!"

Gaping, she could only nod her head as I wrapped an arm around her waist and transmitted us to where her parents were.

But… where were they?

"DOC?" I called loudly.

"Is it safe to come out?" came his slightly muffled voice.

I then realized they were behind the couch.

"It'll be safe when I get you all out of the main building."

And we had to move quickly, as the dome shaped headquarters continued to quake with whatever was happening outside.

"NOW, BEAR WITNESS—TO THE TRUE POWER OF HIRUDEGARN!"

With the monster in its whole state, and Tapion's ocarina no longer effective against it, it was clear they were going to have to fight.

So Goku did a back flip across the lawn to put distance between himself and the gradually rousing behemoth. In a quick second he squinted at Hirudegarn to spot any weak points before calling out "Follow me!" to his nearby sons.

But, upon leaping into the air, Goku found that the newly reborn Hirudegarn was a bit more aware than he first thought, as it was ready to swing and jab its tail at the saiyan, then altogether vanishing like smoke in the wind.

"Huh?!" Goku was left reeling awkwardly as he kicked hard at the air.

Suddenly there was a great shade upon him and Goten, and when Goku looked up, he saw Hirudegarn bearing down on them.

WAM

Blocking was futile; the momentum of Hirudegarm falling put so much strength behind its aimed fist, that Goku was slammed into the concrete, body bouncing a bit.

"DADDY!"

His younger son's cry barely registered to him as he attempted push himself up onto all fours. "Whoa…"

Gohan was by his side then. "Dad, are you okay?"

Goku shook his head roughly and blinked a few times. "Yeah," he grunted, using one hand to flip forward and land in an upright position.

Steely gaze back on the beast, Goku then raised a fist to it. "Look, I don't care what you are," he started, energy rising, "this ends NOW!"

Super Saiyan Two energy burst from him, and his sons powered up thereafter.

But try as they might, the three saiyans couldn't land a single blow to Hirudegarn, who continued to wisp out of reach.

'If I can't get close to it—' Goku cupped his hands, quickly firing a Kamehameha, but even the powered beam was too slow to hit its target.

All he succeeded in doing was hitting a tall building across town. And just like that—

"UGH!" Goku was through a roof and covered in concrete before he could even realize that Hirudegarn had hit him from behind.

'Damn-it…' He could feel his head spinning a bit as he tried to push rubble off himself.

Surprisingly, the debris was incredibly light… and that's when he realized he was receiving help… and then he saw his guardian angel; the most beautiful sight in the world, bathed in glimmering, heavenly light.

…Or… maybe it was just Midori standing under the skylight he'd created, with visible dust floating by. Either way, it brought a dopey smile to his face.

'An angel in black…' a small voice in the back of his mind noted as he took in her saiyan armor.

She returned the smile, albeit an awkward one. "Got hit in the head I see." She then looked over at something with a confident smirk. "Don't worry, we'll take it from here."

That's when he saw something jump up from his peripheral; Vegeta.

Midori helped Goku get to his feet, and from where they were, they could hear the prince's angry words.

"HEY—YOU! OVER HERE!"

Accompanied by the blast to the fiend's wrist (close to the hand that was squeezing Gohan), Vegeta's words actually held Hirudegarn's attention.

"I WAS ENJOYING MY FIRST DAY OFF IN OVER A MONTH. UNTIL SOME FLAT-FOOTED, MUTATED BEHEMOUTH STEPPED ON MY HOUSE." His tone then lowered, but by no means was less threatening. "You're gonna regret this, you freak, all the way to the GRAVE!" He dramatically finished, bursting to Super Saiyan level.

Midori powered up as well, causing Goku's bangs to whip around, before she flew off alongside her brother.

And they were quite the spectacle, fighting side-by-side, but not so much together. He could tell that they were making it work simply because they knew each other—and each other's fighting style—so well.

Vegeta had the strength to fend off the giant's growingly predictable blows, while Midori had the speed to land hits at the opportune moments. The downside was that it was starting to get angry.

Goku hobbled back out onto the grass, just as Vegeta hurled a concentrated blast at their foe, but in the afterglow of the attack the siblings missed the giant's disappearance.

Goku blinked his eyes to focus. "Oh no!"

It was behind them, whipping Vegeta into town with its lengthy tail, and turning to breath fire on Midori as she charged, one crying out after the other.

The saiyan then ran towards Midori, whose body had hit the grass and slid towards him.

He noticed her reddened skin as she bared her teeth in agony, eyes squeezed shut while curling into a fetal position.

"That shit—" she ground out in clear pain, "—broke through my shield…"

The sound of a flame thrower then stopped the hand that was reaching out to her, and Goku jerked around to see the dangerous flames sailing towards a building where Vegeta's energy signal was… as well as other humans…

"Gotta help him..!"

But even using instant transmission, he was too late, just witnessing the prince collapse to the floor.

"Vegeta!"

WAM

Before Goku could blink, it felt like his entire body was being crushed; hands of the beast smooshing the life out of him, muffling his agonized screams.

And suddenly, he was falling, like an insect that had been sufficiently incapacitated by the clap of death.

'How…?' Goku could only think as he fell over ten stories, too stunned to do anything other than weakly moan.

But his back connected with something… a little firm… as opposed to the torn city streets below, and the clouded sky above him shifted to the scenery closer to Capsule Corporation.

"Ugh… Dori…"

She lowered him to his knees on the grass, and he realized (as her arms pulled out from under his) that she'd caught him from behind.

"Time to regroup, Goku."

A spark of familiar ki seemed to snap him back to reality, and he squinted his eyes to see Gotenks challenging Hirudegarn.

"Excuse me." Midori muttered before transmitting to the boy's side.

Together, instead of attacking the giant head on, they zigged and zagged, confusing it. Combined with Gotenks' taunts, they lead it away from the busy downtown district just outside of Capsule Corporation's property and into the more open city park…

…where it ran head-first into a landmark tower, toppling it over (as well as itself).

With its back fully exposed, Gotenks took full advantage and fired a barrage of high-powered ki blasts.

'I think I'm good now…' Goku rotated his arms and neck a bit to make sure, then flew towards them, Gohan approaching from his left.

"Huh?" he murmured to himself after getting a good look at Hirudegarn.

The beast was no longer animated, but unnaturally so; stiff like a rock. Its color had also drained, leaving it a pale, earthy brown.

Gohan commented to him, "I can still sense something, dad…" while floating nearby.

Meanwhile Gotenks hovered near its head, knocking on the hardened carapace. "Hmm… how did that happen?" He then grinned, nose turning up. "Must've hit him harder than I thought!"

"Gotenks!" Midori snapped from the other side.

"Finish the attack!" Goku added with urgency in his voice.

They had to make haste with an enemy that was capable of swatting them around like flies.

It seemed not enough haste was made, however, because after a charged shot from the fused mini warrior, the "corpse" of Hirudegarn began to glow and expand down the midline of its back.

There was something foreboding about it—the morphing mass.

Goku's brow lowered as the others gaped, and Midori gasped.

"Ohhh my god, there's something coming out of it…" She commented with noticeable dread in her voice.

Wings… sprouting… a new body bursting out soon after…

'Like a butterfly… but a locust… with horns…' Goku thought with a slight grimace. 'A horned locust walking on two legs…'

And as the new Hirudegarn stood from its shedded body, mighty roar vibrating across the city, the saiyans pulled back, on guard.

'I wish I could sense its power level!' Goku brooded. 'It just feels like a mass of evil…'

A chorus of terrified screams from unlucky city goers signaled Hirudegarn's movement, which was much faster than Goku expected, as it was now capable of flight.

Midori's hands went up. "Gotenks, togeth—AGH!"

Its gigantic arm swung on the two, the long reach catching them by surprise and knocking Gotenks right out of fusion—and Midori into Goku.

"Ugh!"

The force of her body hitting his was like a punch from the beast itself, and the two hit the base of a building a second later.

Luckily, they didn't go through it. But, after Goku caught his breath and shook glass out of his hair, he saw that Midori was limp across his lap, face down on the sidewalk.

For a split second an anxious pressure built in his chest. "Dori?"

But upon tilting her head to see her face, the slight fluttering of her eyes let him know she would be alright.

'…If I can stop this thing…'

Because, as things stood, nobody was alright. Everyone he cared about was currently down for the count.

He turned her body over while getting onto one knee, cradling her in his arms, expression pained. 'How do I stop this thing?!'

As he glanced up his frustration was near a peak, never having fought something of such stature and agility… with strength to match.

But when he looked down at his friend, and something small and glimmering caught his eye, his features softened.

It was the necklace she'd been wearing lately, chain broken and hanging out of her high collar. He carefully plucked it from her, studying the heart-shaped pendant for a moment. With a deep breath he then closed his fist around it in conviction, and tucked it into his belt.

"Here…" Goku murmured, propping her up against an intact portion of the wall. "Hopefully a building won't come crashing down on you…"

Finally standing, he cast one last sympathetic look upon her bowed head and cracked armor. Then he faced the demon down the block with a glare.

"I can't turn Super Saiyan Three yet if I don't know how to get at this thing… Otherwise I'll just burn myself out… I have to find a way!'

Goku then blasted into the sky, level with the creature, the closer sight of it causing him to grit his teeth and inhale deeply. "YOU HAVE A WEAKNESS!" he challenged, unmoved by its demonic eyes settling on him. "EVERYTHING DOES."

Without further ado he charged Hirudegarn, banking away from the stream of fire breath, flying between its legs and aiming towards its back.

"Huh?!"

It was gone.

"Ugh!" It hit him in the back, but not hard enough to knock him out of the air.

Goku spun around in alarm. He was smacked with its tail—it vanished. Rammed by its knee—vanished. And before he could get his wits about him—

"ROOOOAR"

Goku turned to where it'd teleported, shooting at its face and missing as it vanished, again.

"NO!"

But the force of a hundred buildings was already bearing down on him; the hand of the beast that smacked him down to the streets like the insect he must've appeared to be.

CRASH—BOOM

All Goku could register for a while was the noise… Sooo much noise… Buildings falling all around him from the impact…

'Can't… breathe...!'

So much smoke and dust…

His limbs were shaking as he coughed, eyes finally cracking open to a pained squint, but he began pushing himself up despite his giant bruise of a body, and no longer being a super Saiyan.

Luckily a cavity had been formed around him in the destruction of buildings.

He grunted while getting onto all fours. "It's as—it's as if we're fighting an illusion...!"

He managed to push aside some of the tented concrete slabs as more explosions and screams caught his ear, but his body was working against his will to fight, head swimming, legs like jelly, balance at the mercy of the wind.

"Must… find a way… before it destroys the entire… planet…!" He swayed while attempting to walk down the street, and even his voice grew weaker "…all the… people…"

The road beneath his feet was suddenly closing in on his face, and everything went black. There was laughter… malevolent laughter… but even that faded to nothingness.

…

… …

"Goku…"

All he could muster was a groan.

"WAKE UP, KAKAROT!"

His arms suddenly jerked up, as if to catch some oncoming thing, eyes popping open. He was on his back.

Goku then blinked. "You guys…" he swallowed the lump in his throat. "Hey…"

"Oh, get up already, will you?" Vegeta seemed especially annoyed with him for some reason.

Midori, kneeling beside him, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We both gave you a little bit of energy. We know that if we could manage to outmaneuver it, we still wouldn't have the stopping power to put it down, sooo…"

"Don't make me regret it, Kakarot." Vegeta warned, folding his arms.

Goku sat up on his own, sore, but much better than before. "Huh…" He flexed his hands. "I do feel better…"

Both he and Midori then stood, and he smiled at her, before turning to Vegeta. "Thanks a lot," he said with returning conviction, "I won't let this go to waste. I think I know a way to bury this guy for good, too."

Midori's lighter expression then turned dark. "Well, you better hurry, because while you were out, Tapion actually managed to seal it within himself again… But failed to hold it."

Goku's serious gaze moved from her to the screams he heard down the road. He then took a step around the siblings, a concerned glint in his eye.

Hirudegarn had just stomped out Hoi, who'd been cleverly avoiding them through the whole mess.

"It's time, Kakarot…" Vegeta verbally prodded.

Goku's fists raised to waist level. "Right."

Midori lifted a hand. "Remember you can hit it only the moment after it attacks!"

The saiyan from Earth nodded and lifted to the sky, level with Hirudegarn again, but kept the several blocks of distance between them.

His arms tensed—he inhaled a sharp breath.

"Haaaaaa—" His energy was climbing, and when it got to a certain point… "—AAAAAHHHH—"

Golden blames burst forth, muscles bulging and ki sparking as Goku's screams edged on bleeding.

His hair was weighty on his back, and with one final push Goku reached level three, energy flow immediately ceasing and shoulders relaxing.

Hirudegarn had already spotted him.

Goku knew what to do. He may not have fought an opponent like Hirudegarn in his lifetime, but he had been tested in the same manner, more than once… So, in order to answer the question of humanity's survival, he was going to have to pull out an old move…

…And with the power Goku had achieved in his lifetime… it was going to be one hell of a 'super' move.

"Fight me, if you're ready to die…" Goku taunted, indifferent to whether the monster heard him or not. The challenge was there, in his demeanor.

The devil tail on Hirudegarn snapped, and its giant, yellow body glided across a trail of wreckage to where Goku was, with just as much speed as before… But, the gigantic, clawed hand that aimed to maim… missed.

And, much to Goku's surprise, that precise moment of Hirudegarn's failed assault was met with Trunks—leaping high behind the creature—swinging Tapion's sword down and cutting its tail clean off.

The boy jumped again, but Goku stopped him, calling out "No, Trunks! This monster's mine to handle—alone!"

"FATHER!" Came Gohan's ragged voice from a nearby street corner. "IT HAS A WEAKNESS!"

"I KNOW!" Goku called back, then facing down the stunned creature once more. 'I can only beat him during the instant he becomes solid—as he attacks!'

He then advanced, and when Hirudegarn swiped at him again, its gargantuan hand did brush close enough to make contact with Goku's cheek.

But the Super Saiyan Three remained floating, turning after a moment to smirk at his adversary. "That won't work." His hands then shot up to stop the over-sized fist from punching him. "You call that a punch?! You'll have to do better than that!"

The taunting seemed to be working, as Goku was able to push the fist away while it roared in clear frustration. In a near tantrum.

"Don't quit now," Goku called up to it, "we just started!"

The next punch was out of pure rage, and even though Goku used a knee and both arms to block, an exclamation of pain still made its way out.

But his tactics were working.

Goku landed on the ground, energy simmering beneath his skin. "I'M STILL STANDING!"

That's when the monster made the mistake of striking at Goku while he was on the road, its knelt stature leaving it wide open for him to leap clear over the grounded fist and towards its demon-like face.

With his arm cocked back, Goku then drew on everything he had—everything he believed in—and swung his fist forward.

"DRAGON FIIIIIIIIST!"

Pure fire exploded from the Super Saiyan Three, cycloning straight into Hirudegarn and penetrating its abdomen—

BOOM!

The fire twisted and turned around and through the giant's body, reminiscent to a snake—like the Eternal Dragon himself—alit with the flames of vengeance—was squeezing the life out of his target.

Hirudegarn's cries were undoubtedly agonized, and without warning the creature was erased by the pure, searing energy that was enveloping it.

... ...

…The evil was vanquished… and standing in the middle of the leveled battlefield was Goku, long blond locks flowing as his titanic attack dissipated into glittering ki, fist still raised to the returning blue sky.

Through his breathlessness he managed a small grin, and chuckled.

Sunbeams peaked through the parting overcast, and sparkling, residual ki floated up and away.

A gentle, husky voice from nearby then commented "The beauty after the beast…"

Goku sighed, arm lowering as he turned to Midori, who was gazing up to the heavens. He opened his mouth to say something, but Goten latched himself to his side a moment later, Trunks running up, and Gohan hobbling over as well. Even Tapion approached with an appreciative smile. Everyone was happy, with the exception of Vegeta in the background, who was appraising his destroyed home with an angry eye.

"YAY, DAD! YOU'RE INVINCIBLE!"

"GOKU, THAT WAS SO AWESOME!"

"Dad, what was that move?"

"Thank you, Goku…"

After powering down completely, Earth's hero wrapped a strong arm around the shoulders of his younger son and grinned. "I wouldn't say I'm invincible."

Midori moved closer to the group, gracing them with a genuinely happy smile that was evident in her eyes as well. "But I think we can all agree that you, Son Goku, are truly magnificent. I've never seen anything like that before."

His eyes grew round as his free hand went to rub the back of his head, and his cheeks heated up. "Oh, that old move? Aw, shucks! Hehe."

Gohan folded his arms over his chest, his head tilting to the side. "Call me crazy, but it almost looked like Shenron was attacking that thing."

Trunks added "I saw it, too!"

Goku smirked a bit, then rubbing his nose with a finger. "I'll tell you about it sometime."

"Hey, everybody~!" a familiar voice then called from across the Capsule Corporation property. It was Bulma.

"Mom!"

As everyone around him moved to greet her, Goku then remembered something important. "Oh—Dori!"

She stopped mid-step, looking at him inquisitively.

"I saved this for you…" Goku said, hand feeling around the inside of his belt. "Here!"

Midori moved closer to him. "What's that?" she asked softly as he held his closed fist out to her.

As she lifted a hand, he grabbed it midmotion and laid the necklace onto the palm, his hand over hers as he spoke. "I noticed you wearing it this weekend… and I know jewelry costs a lotta money, so…"

Upon the reveal of the glinting silver and diamond-encrusted heart pendant, Midori's jaw dropped and Goku's own heart seemed to work a bit harder.

"Oh thank you…! Bulma gave me this last year…"

Midori went on to explain its significance, but Goku was too busy thinking about how the piece of finely crafted jewelry held no contest with her… Battle worn and all, she was the real treasure.

That afternoon, Earth's strongest warriors were gathered amongst the ruin of Capsule Corporation's headquarters, but with a solid sense of peace nonetheless.

Sure, our home was wrecked, but with all the money the Briefs had? Would spending a couple months on a family-owned, small island resort really hurt us?

Well, business might hurt a little, but we'd be fine.

I smiled calmly as Bulma walked back down with Tapion from inside a prototype of a spaceship she'd made some time ago. We were going to let him use it to get back to his home world.

Halfway down the ramp, Tapion stopped, brandishing his sword. "Trunks! Here." He easily tossed the sword to the boy, who stumbled a bit upon catching it.

My nephew's smile was gaping. "For keeps?!"

"Yeah," Tapion said, smiling, "it's yours, brother. I think it always has been."

"Wow, thank you!"

The boys then proceeded to ogle over the legendary blade, and while they did so, Tapion called to the rest of us: "Goodbye everyone! And thanks again!"

We bade the hero a farewell, each in our own way, as he walked back, the door closing behind him.

When the ship's engines kicked into gear, and the vessel began to rise, Trunks strapped the sword to his back, and I was struck with déjà vu.

"Ohh… wow…" I murmured, fingertips brushing my bottom lip.

Goku turned to me. "Hmm? What's up?"

I glanced to him with a small smile. "Nothing… It's just funny how some things work out…"

"Yeah, that's true!" he replied, arms casually interlocked behind his head.

I stole another glimpse of the relaxed saiyan beside me, willing normalcy to my fast-beating heart.

Goku… No matter how much I tried to ignore how I felt about him, he never ceased to stir my wonder and adoration…

'And today was no exception…'

/

A/N: Look at me, I got a chapter out in less than 10 months!. So I had to play with the cannon for this noncannon movie a bit. At the very end I realized that they still have to use the 1 wish for Buu, but now half of West City is dead? lmao oh well I guess. And as for Bulma lending Tapion the time Machine? I don't think that would fly with later cannon, so a spare spaceship it was. And if you're a die-hard DBZ fan like me and know the lines word-for-word for every Funi dub, then you might've noticed that I changed some lines, mostly because the original movie remasters have the Japanese subtitles, and what they were saying in the subtitles matched the narrative more than some of the funi dub, like Goku saying emotional stress or whatever was Hirudegarn's weakness? Nah, not quite. That, and "dragon fire" lmao. We all know what it is.

ABOUT the previous men in Midori's life... PICCOLO: in short, she pretty much stole a few kisses to the point where he was like "look lady, even if I was feelin you, I don't have the mammalian parts. Now can you please stop assaulting me". Now, THE RANGER: I feel like you all should be able to guess who "Christian" is, but ya boi eventually finds his dream girl, and while Midori was fiening for a dead guy anyway... they went their separate ways. Though, they had a lotta fun in the woods ;) And I like to imagine Christian's twin sister's name is Christina *eyes emoji*.