1,203Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty
Written by: Feraligreater328
Edited by: StevenBodner
Chapter 92: Son Goku's Son
On the Lookout...
Goku sat off to the side, a placid smile on his face. The Saiyan from Earth watched as Dende and Mr. Popo got to know one another. It took the attendant a minute, but Mr. Popo soon easily adapted to his new charge. He and Dende got along quite easily as Mr. Popo gave the tour of the Lookout and showed Dende his palace and chambers. And now, Popo was showing him to use his ki to observe all of the people below.
Goku sighed. He wanted to hurry up and get back home, but he knew this might be his only chance to talk to Tien between now and the big day. So, he waited around for the three-eyed warrior to finish his time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
Piccolo had already gone off. He had said he needed time to adjust to the power Kami/Sumari had granted him. Goku could feel the pure energy pulsating within Piccolo. The Super Namekian had become something much greater than before. Maybe even enough to match Cell depending on how things shook out. However, the Super Namekian did swear to Goku that he would be there in a few days for the big day.
As Goku sat there, Dende and Mr. Popo suddenly recoiled back in shock. Two energy signatures rocketed up in front of them and touched down on the Lookout. Goku sat up from his lounging spot in Mr. Popo's garden and smiled. "Oh! Hey Krillin! Hey Vegeta! You guys both feel like you've been training~"
Krillin smiled and waved. "Hey Goku!"
Vegeta was more subdued. "Kakarot."
Krillin's smiled quickly turned to a look of surprise as he turned and saw a familiar face he was not expecting. "D-Dende?! What are you doing here?!"
Dende smiled and laughed. "Hey Krillin! It's been a while. It's nice to see you're doing well."
Dende turned to the Prince. "Hello...Vegeta."
Vegeta glared out of the corner of his eye. "Smaller Namekian."
Krillin waved Vegeta off. "Don't worry about him. He's that way with everyone. What brings you to Earth, bud?"
Dende smiled. "I am the new Guardian of Earth, replacing my fellow Namekian kin, Sumari, in the roll..."
Krillin cocked his head. "Sumar...?"
And then, he flinched in horror. "KAMI IS GONE?! WH-WHAT ABOUT PICCOLO?! WHAT ABOUT THE DRAGON BALLS?!"
Another voice joined the conversation. "Piccolo can't be gone. I sense his energy."
Everyone turned to see Tien and Chiaotzu emerging from what would now be Dende's Palace. Following behind them was Yamcha, surprisingly well-balanced on one leg. And then behind him was Android 17. Goku let loose an impressed wolf-whistle. "Man, guys! What a difference a year makes, huh?"
Chiaotzu smiled wide. "Yeah! Having 17 around to really push us was great! We managed to get even stronger just by throwing ourselves at him until we could push him back!"
Goku smirked and then turned to Android 17. "I can't feel your power, but you look pretty confident. How ya feeling?"
Android 17 was a bit taken aback. This was the first time he had ever really had a chance to speak to Goku face-to-face. He looked his former target up and down and sighed. "Man. You would've rocked our shit, huh?"
Goku shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe. Like I said, you look like you're feeling pretty confident. You must be strong~"
17 scratched his head. "Well, I dunno about confident. But...I am determined. That disgusting, insect freak hurt my sister really badly, so I'm gonna step on him."
Goku nodded. "That's the spirit."
He offered his hand. 17 flinched again, but then he smiled and squeezed it tight. "You're not too bad a guy, Goku."
Krillin stepped up and spoke. "17! They fixed 18!"
17 gasped. "Wh-What?!"
Krillin smiled, looking utterly relieved. "The Bulma from the future came and told me while me and Vegeta were taking a break from training! They managed to repair the Infinite Energy Engine and fix the damage that Cell did to 18's heart! She's going to be okay, 17!"
17 was at a loss for words. Slowly, he turned to his former training partners. "I-I..."
Yamcha smiled and shot him a thumbs-up. "Go check on your sister, man! We'll catch up and train some more later!"
17 adopted a gentle smile. He nodded and immediately took to the air, rocketing over the side of the Lookout. Goku ran to the edge and called after him. "17! You and your sister and the big guy are all invited to the party at my house in a few days!"
The raven-haired Android didn't slow in momentum in the slightest, but he shot Goku a thumbs-up. Goku smiled. "Perfect. Now then, Tien..."
Vegeta shouted. "Okay! Stop! We've danced around the subject enough! That decrepit Namekian is gone! That means the Dragon Balls are gone, right?!"
Tien frowned and crossed his arms. "I hate to agree with Vegeta, but he has a point. Would you kindly explain what's going on? Not to be rude towards our new Guardian, but Kami was kind of irreplaceable considering what's happening in a few days."
Goku smiled. "It'll be fine guys, don't worry."
Vegeta sneered. "You keep saying that without providing context..."
Tien shook his head. "Vague speech aside, this young fellow doesn't inspire the most confidence as a Guardian. And there's a big issue here..."
Mr. Popo interjected. "To be fair, not all Guardians were warriors like Kami was. Some were seers who predicted great disasters. Some were advisors to powerful rulers or even were powerful rulers themselves. And some were even artists that contributed to the culture of the Earth. Young Dende is not out of place among his predecessors~"
Chiaotzu cocked his head. "So, what was the Guardian before Kami?"
Mr. Popo flinched and cleared his throat. "L-Lord Mara was a barbarian that climbed up here to kill God for causing thunderstorms that plagued her people..."
The attendant smiled. "But she was a big-hearted woman with an even bigger sword~"
Tien shouted. "That isn't the point, guys! Cell has already killed millions, if not tens of millions, of people! And he's easily the strongest being that we've ever faced! Was this really the best time for Kami to leave us?! We could have used his wisdom and guidance and-"
Vegeta cut him off. "Don't beat around the bush! That old bastard was what gave us Dragon Balls! What do we do now that he's gone?!"
Goku calmly motioned to both Vegeta and Tien. "Guys! Guys! It's fine. Dende can get the Dragon Balls back up-and-running. Right, Dende?"
Dende smiled and nodded. "Of course. I have been preparing to provide assistance to my comrades on Earth for many years now. Being able to maintain the Dragon Balls was a priority~"
Krillin laughed. "Heck yeah! Nice job, Dende! I knew there was nothing to worry about."
Tien and Vegeta both seemed to calm down as well, at this reassurance. Goku smiled. "And that's not all! Dende has other special powers too~! He's been training just for us! You guys should be thanking him!"
Tien nodded. "O-Of course. Please forgive me, Lord Dende."
Dende blushed. "A-A strong warrior like you does not need to call me Lord. Dende is just fine. B-But..."
He smiled. "I have been developing my hidden potential that Grand Elder Guru unlocked. My basic healing powers have evolved beyond just superficial healing and stamina recovery! I can now undo old injuries, fix illness, restore lost limbs, and even heal some spiritual damage! And I went to Talus for some combat experience. I'm still no good in a fight...but I can make barriers now~"
Goku smirked. "Hear that? He can restore lost limbs and heal spiritual damage. Ain't that cool, Yamcha? Vegeta?"
Yamcha flinched. Vegeta scowled. Dende smiled and held out his hands. "If I may, I would like to attempt to heal the injuries of yours that Goku told me about."
Vegeta stepped forward, ripping the bandages from his hands and showing the grizzly display underneath. "I'm willing to try anything, at this point. None of the Frieza Force or Cold Force technology that Bulma appropriated will fix this. Not even the Healing Chamber."
Dende held his hands over Vegeta's. "M-My word. Such vile damage. Wh-What happened to you? Who did this?"
Vegeta sneered. "I did. Now shut up and fix it."
Dende flinched, but then he remembered Krillin's explanation for Vegeta's personality. He nodded and began to work his magic. Dende's energy engulfed Vegeta's hands, the warmth feeling pleasing against a body part that had done nothing but ache and burn for the past days for Vegeta. Dende closed his eyes and focused and, after a moment, the hideous burns and scars began to fade away. Vegeta's intense frown slowly faded into a look of pure awe. After a few minutes, Dende stopped and sighed. "Okay. That should be good, for now."
Vegeta gripped his hands. "I can barely feel anything in my palms."
Dende nodded. "I-Indeed. For now, that is all I can do. I will need you to come back once a month for the next few months for me to provide the full, healing effect..."
Expecting another snide retort, Dende braced himself. However, Vegeta simply stared down at his hands. He glared over at the little Guardian. "Thank you...Dende."
Dende was silent for a moment, but then he smiled and nodded. After that, he marched up to Yamcha. "Okay! You're next! Remove your pants, please~!"
Yamcha flinched. "M-My pants. But..."
He whispered. "I'm not wearing any underwear..."
Dende smiled, unaffected. "That's good. I would have needed you to remove those too."
Yamcha flinched, blushing. "B-But..."
Vegeta snapped. "No one gives a damn about your inferior genitals! Now quit wasting the boy's time!"
Yamcha glared at Vegeta and then grumbled as he sat and removed his pants. Once they were displaced, Dende gently removed the bandages from Yamcha's leg stump and then went to work. It took even more time that it took Dende to fix Vegeta's hands, but soon enough the results were apparent. Dende smiled as he finished, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "And...there~"
Yamcha was amazed, covering his privates with one hand and staring in awe as, for the first time in forever, he was able to stand on his own two feet. Yamcha smiled and laughed. "Oh, hell yeah! Finally, Yamcha is back in the game!"
The former bandit put his pants back on and then gratefully accepted the congratulations of his comrades. Yamcha light-heartedly laugh. "Yeah, it sucks though. Just got done with a full year if training. How am I supposed to make my new leg catch up with the rest of me before the Cell Games...?"
And then, like the devil himself, Vegeta appeared. He seized Yamcha by the collar and began to drag him towards Dende's Palace. "I can think of a way. You're coming with us."
The Prince shouted over his shoulder. "Hurry up, baldy! I have no time for your inane thumb twiddling!"
Krillin flinched and nodded. "R-Right! Coming Vegeta!"
Watching as Vegeta and Krillin marched off, the protesting Yamcha begging not to be dragged back into the chamber, Goku smiled and called out. "Hey! Just remember what's up in a few days! You all have to show up at my house! We're throwing a birthday party for Gohan and the twins!"
Vegeta blew Goku off. "Take that up with Bulma. I'm busy!"
Krillin smiled and waved. "I'll be there Goku, don't worry~"
Yamcha cried out for assistance. "I don't want to go back into that hellhole again! Someone help me!"
Once they were gone, Goku turned to his remaining friends. "Tien, Chiaotzu, Dende, Mr. Popo...you guys are all going to come, right?"
Tien smiled and nodded. "I would be honored."
Chiaotzu smiled. "Of course!"
Dende laughed. "I wouldn't miss a celebration of Gohan's for the world! I'll work extra hard to get the Dragon Balls in working order before then~!"
Mr. Popo smiled. "A gathering of comrades would be a nice experience. When is it?"
Goku sighed. "It's the day before the Cell Games. So, in addition to being a birthday party...Chi-Chi and I would like all of our friends to be there. So, it's nice to know that you guys are all willing to come."
And then, pressing his fingers to his forehead, Goku began to vanish. "Hate to just run off, but I have to go. Chi-Chi wants me, Gohan, and Goten to go and run some errands for her."
At Mt. Paozu...
In an instant, Goku appeared in front of his house and found Gohan and Future Goten waiting for him. He waved to his sons. "Hey guys! Sup?"
Gohan pointed to the house. "Mom and Aunt Launch told me and Goten to wait out here. They said we aren't allowed to see what they're doing in there."
Goku cocked his head. "What're they doing?"
Future Goten was terse, his voice quiet. "Birthday presents. We aren't...allowed to see them."
Goku nodded. "Ah, I see. Well, where are Raditz and Ranch? Did they wanna come along?"
Gohan shook his head. "They said no. They're trying to get the last harvest done so that Grandpa Bardock and Grandma Gine can finish up the last of the deliveries before the party."
Goku nodded. "Okay then. Well, I guess it's just the three of us. You guys have Chi-Chi's list?"
Future Goten held it up. "She called ahead to place the orders on most of it. So, we should be able to just pick it up and leave."
Goku chuckled. "Well, we don't have to leave right away. Chazke Village is a nice place. We might wanna hang around a while~"
Goku took to the air. "Now then, let's get going guys!"
Watching Goku speed off, Gohan couldn't help but laugh. He followed along behind his father with a skip in his step. Bringing up the rear, Future Goten followed along. Unlike his younger-older brother, he was far dourer.
Future Goten stared at Goku's back with sadness in his eyes, and then he glanced away. From the middle of the pack, Gohan observed his older-younger brother and sighed. He slowed down and flew next to him. "Are you okay...?"
Future Goten flinched. "I-I'm fine. You don't have to w-worry about me...Gohan..."
Gohan was silent for a moment, but then he adopted a gentle smile. "I know you have some issues that you're dealing with, but it'll be fine. I promise."
Future Goten looked at Gohan and the boy smiled. "A day spent out with Dad like this, with no real distractions, should put you at ease with him. I promise~"
Future Goten looked from Gohan and then back to Goku. He sighed and closed his eyes. "I-If you say so..."
At Chazke Village...
It was a peaceful flight to Chazke Village for the three Saiyans. Goku and Gohan touched down with a skip in their step, practically sprinting into town. Future Goten was less enthusiastic, walking forward with his hands in his pockets.
As he stepped through the village gate, however, Future Goten came upon a welcoming sight. The people of Chazke Village were all in great spirits and the town was lively. Future Goten looked around in awe at a sight his hadn't seen in his entire life. People were simply just living their lives without a care in the world. The air was clean and easy to breath. It was a marvel to behold in the eyes of the future teen.
"GOKU~!"
Future Goten turned and saw a woman approaching his father. A brunette in a green dress with a chef's hat and a quirky look in her eyes. She smiled. "So, how's Chi-Chi? How's the family? It's been a few weeks; we were startin' to worry about you~"
Goku chuckled. "Hey Kooky. We're fine. Just been livin' and workin', ya know? We're here for our normal shoppin' plus some stuff for a party we're throwin'. Chi-Chi called, right?"
Future Goten glanced from his father and the woman over to Gohan. Gohan was speaking to a younger girl that looked like Kooky. She smiled at him. "Gohan! Your mama let you dye your hair?! How'd you convince her to let you do that?!"
Gohan chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's not quite like that. It's a Saiyan thing..."
He smiled. "So, how are the lessons going for you? You're still in the 6th year stuff, right?"
Lime pouted. "Yes, Gohan. Not all of us are super geniuses, ya know."
Gohan shook his head. "Nonsense, Lime. You're plenty smart."
Lime smiled and giggled. "Thanks~ So, other than school, how have things been? You look a lot stronger. Been training with your Dad?"
Gohan nodded. "Yeah! We trained for a full year the other day! It was fun. I got to hang out with my Grandpa and my cousin from the future."
Lime was not phased in the slightest by what Gohan just said. "Neat."
She cocked her head. "So, is your Dad going to beat up that Cell guy?"
Gohan nodded and pumped his fists. "Definitely."
Future Goten was thrown for a loop. He watched his father and his brother talk openly to these people about things that they would normally never bring up in public. And not only were these two women hearing all of this without a problem, the other people in the town seemed perfectly fine with Goku and Gohan admitting that they were aliens, that time travel existed, and that they were strong enough to fight Cell.
Future Goten backed away with a confused look on his face. "What the hell is this place?"
As he backed up, though, the future teen bumped into someone. He turned and saw, to his shock, that he had run into a sour-faced old man wearing a pair of worker's overalls. "You, boy, help me out with wood choppin'!"
Future Goten flinched. "H-Huh?!"
The old man turned and began to march towards a thicket of trees. Future Goten was at a loss for words. Goku called over to him. "Hey, Goten! Are you gonna go and help out Mr. Lao?"
Kooky called over to him. "Thank you very much! I'm sorry if my Dad is a bit of a grump! His back's been actin' up lately!"
Future Goten looked at the kind smiles on Goku and Kooky's faces and he sighed. It would appear as if his decision had been made for him. Turning on his heel, the young man followed and caught up with Mr. Lao, following the old grump into the woods.
In the woods next to Chazke Village...
Future Goten and Mr. Lao arrived at a stump with two axes wedged into it and quickly got to work. Future Goten pulled one of the wood choppers from the stump and tried to offer it to Mr. Lao, but the old man waved him off. "Bah."
And then, to Future Goten's surprise, Mr. Lao took a log and split it in twain with a single, forceful chop. Future Goten flinched. "Wh-Whoa, old man. That was a pretty solid strike."
Mr. Lao shot Future Goten the side-eye. "Pah. Impressed by such a basic strike. Are you sure you're Goku's boy...?"
Future Goten was taken aback. But then, he adopted an angry look and grabbed three logs on his own. He split them into pieces effortless and stacked them up. "No. I guess I'm not that impressed, actually..."
The two of them continued to chop wood in silence, Future Goten was starting to get a solid pile up and turned to see Mr. Lao's progress, only to be shocked that the old man's stack was even bigger than his. Mr. Lao raised his hand and brought it down, splitting a piece of wood. But, as he finished the strike, pain erupted in the old man's back and he cringed. One of his chopped wood pieces went flying into the air and Future Goten called out to him. "Hey! Old man! Look..."
Mr. Lao's hand shot up into the air and grabbed the piece of wood before it could clock him in the head. Future Goten cleared his throat. "...out."
Mr. Lao turned to Future Goten, seeing that he stopped. "Well? Keep choppin'! Come on now! Village needs this wood to cook their meals! Keep up the pace!"
Future Goten took a deep breath, trying to keep from losing his cool. "O-Okay. Fine. But you need to take a break if your back is bothering you that badly."
Mr. Lao rolled his eyes and waved Future Goten off. "Yeah yeah yeah..."
And so, Future Goten got back to work as Mr. Lao sat down and loaded his pipe full of tobacco. The old man sat and rested his back, having a smoke as Future Goten continued to work. He leered at Future Goten while he worked and Future Goten kept stealing glances back at him while he worked. Wanting to break the awkward silence, Future Goten eventually spoke up. "So, old-timer...you seem to be pretty proficient at martial arts. And here I thought that Master Roshi was the only older fella in the world that could move like that..."
Mr. Lao shook his head. "Meh. Young people today have no bearing for martial arts. Their mindsets are so narrow..."
He cocked his head. "Then again, Goku is your pop. So, I imagine it must be hard for anyone but a fella like Roshi to leave much of an impact..."
Future Goten adopted a stiff posture. He sighed. "Y-Yeah..."
Mr. Lao took notice of this. He closed his eyes and dumped the ashes from his pipe. "So, you're Goku's boy from the future. Is that right?"
Future Goten glanced back at Mr. Lao, breaking a piece of wood in two. "You all are way too comfortable just saying things like that..."
Mr. Lao shrugged. "You look just like him. And Goku hasn't changed how he looked since he was a baby. So..."
Future Goten cocked his head. "But still, you're so non-chalant about the concept of Time Travel..."
The old man chuckled. "What? Is time travel meant to be surprising with ol' Goku involved? That boy with his ox-like, mountain-crushing strength, his faster-than-sound agility, and his ability to adapt and copy any technique or style he sees? The boy that won the heart of a warlord princess like Chi-Chi? The boy that destroyed the Red Ribbon Army, killed that demon King Piccolo and ran off those evil Saiyan fellas? Time travel is supposed to surprise me when he's involved?"
Future Goten flinched. "Y-You know about all of that?!"
Mr. Lao groaned. "My boy, do you think everyone that lives on this planet is dumber than dirt? From the moment that Goku crashed down in his little spaceship and Gohan found him I've been aware of what's been goin' on. I've known him his whole life. I was one of the first people to meet that son of his when he and Chi-Chi came back to Mt. Paozu. Everyone in this village knows that the only reason Earth is still floatin' in space is because of that Goku livin' here."
Future Goten blinked a few times. "I... I see..."
He cleared his throat and turned back to the wood, going back to chopping without any sort of prodding. Mr. Lao continued to leer at him. "Only thing I see as confusin' is that a boy like you, son of Goku, always has his shoulders saggin'. You inherited Goku's strength, right? So how come you have trouble even liftin' yourself up..."
Future Goten flinched. He shook his head with a miserable look on his face. "L-Look, sir. I'm sorry. I just...can I just finish chopping the wood, and-"
Mr. Lao's voice softened a bit. "He's dead in your future, huh?"
Future Goten fell silent. Mr. Lao blew out smoke. "Chi-Chi and my daughter, Kooky, are real good friends. They talk and sometimes I hear things. She mentioned that they were warned by people from the future that Goku was gonna get sick. You're the person that warned 'em, right...?"
Future Goten spoke in a hushed tone. "N-Not exactly...but..."
Mr. Lao continued. "So, you're from a time where you never got to know Goku that well, if at all. So, I'd imagine you've heard all sorts of story involvin' him and his exploits."
Future Goten seized up. Mr. Lao looked at the boy with a combination of sternness and just a bit of pity. "Hearin' from all of his friends and such how great a person Goku is must have been hard, I imagine. Like hearin' the exploits of a real-life superhero. Must feel like a lot to live up to, huh...?"
Future Goten swallowed a lump in his throat. "Y-You could say that, I guess. B-Between him and my brother...it's suffocating to try and live up to them. They're both great people, and I know that. It's just...they are really great people and, I suppose, I'm just not. I come from a time where monsters that my Dad would have stopped were allowed to run free. And, unlike him, I was just never good enough to do anything about them. I'm...not like my Dad. I don't crush armies or kill demons or stop invaders. I just...try and fail. That's all I do. I'm not this perfect warrior that everyone said he was..."
He gripped his fists. "And every says he'll forgive me for failing, when he wouldn't. But I don't see how he could just do that when-"
Mr. Lao snorted and laughed out loud. Future Goten gasped and turned to look at him. "Wh-What are you laughing about?! What's so funny?!"
The old man shook his head. "Forgive me, young man. I ain't laughing at your pain..."
Future Goten felt really vulnerable. He blushed and gritted his teeth. "Then what are you laughing at?!"
Mr. Lao smiled. "I'm laughin' at the thought of someone callin' Goku perfect~"
Future Goten flinched. "H-Huh...?"
A bead of sweat ran down the future teen's face. Mr. Lao chuckled. "Oh my word. People calling that lazy bum perfect. He blows off his responsibilities to train and play, he abandons his farm work to his poor brother and father, and he can be so thick-headed and people are callin' him perfect in the future..."
Mr. Lao wiped a tear. "I guess everyone gets rose-colored glasses from their doctor when a loved one dies. I wonder if my daughter and granddaughter'll have such flowery things to say about me when my time comes..."
Future Goten was stunned. "L-Lazy bum...?"
And then, to both Mr. Lao and Future Goten's surprise, Future Goten actually got angry. He threw his fist to the side and knocked over a tree. "H-How dare you talk about him like that?! First you talked about how many times he saved the Earth and now you're talking shit about him behind his back?!"
Mr. Lao didn't flinch. "I ain't said nothin' I wouldn't say to his face. And, more importantly, Goku himself would be the first person to tell you 'bout all his faults."
A vein popped out of Future Goten's head. Mr. Lao sighed. "That's your problem, boy. You're lookin' at Goku like he's this untouchable paragon of virtue and righteousness. He ain't. He's a person. He has his flaws, he has his ugly moments, and he even makes a mistake every now and again, as out-there as that might sound..."
Future Goten's angry look deepened. But then, his face drooped and his fists unclenched. He fell to the ground and sat, his legs crossing in front. "I... what am I...what have..."
Mr. Lao shook his head and dumped out his pipe, putting it back into his overall pocket. "It ain't healthy to look at people like they can do no wrong. Goku might be this super-powered alien space warrior, but he's still only human..."
Future Goten bowed his head, trying to process what he was hearing. Throughout his life, his entire childhood and beyond, he had only heard these amazing tales of inspiration and awe in regards to his father. Miss Bulma, his mother, and even Gohan only ever had the best to say of him. And... he had never so much as bothered to question it. He had allowed all of the "Goku Stories" he had heard in his life to build up this image of Son Goku to the point he saw him as untouchable.
And now, faced with this critique of what he thought was the perfect person, Future Goten was coming to realize that, despite being told he was Goku's son, he had never seen Goku as a father prior to this point. Just a story, a legend. And meeting that legend in person having to explain what had happened in the future...
Future Goten buried his face in his hands. "I don't know what to do. It's...it's so hard to talk to him and explain everything. I... I'm afraid of disappointing him, Mr. Lao. I'm afraid that if we really talk and I really talk to him about everything that's happened, he'll think less of me. He'll hate me..."
Mr. Lao sighed and tapped his fist against his back. "You think Goku would just hate you like that...?"
Future Goten shook his head. "H-Honestly...I don't know. And that scares me, sir. Not knowing how he'd react if I got close scares me..."
Mr. Lao nodded. "I see. Well then..."
Future Goten looked up and the old man cleared his throat. "You yelled at me for talkin' shit about Goku behind his back, so let me balance that out. Let me tell you about the day my son-in-law died."
Future Goten flinched. "Wh-What...?"
Mr. Lao sighed. "It was just a couple years after Lime was born. She and Gohan were both no older than two-years old..."
He motioned with his hand. "It's a shame how people die sometimes. A rainy day and one slip and so many lives are changed forever. My daughter was lost without her husband. And with Lime having just been born..."
Mr. Lao adopted a genuine smile. "And then Goku and Chi-Chi were the first people to show up on our doorstep. Chi-Chi helped Kooky while she was in mourning, Goku got off his butt and helped with the chorin', and Gohan and Lime became fast friends..."
Future Goten nodded along, listen to every word. Mr. Lao sighed. "So, I can guarantee you one thing, my boy. Goku ain't the type to hold grudges or to hate someone for somethin' they couldn't help. He can be a lazy bum, and incredibly selfish at his worst moments...but he's also genuinely got a heart of gold. He wouldn't hate a perfect stranger, let alone his own kin."
Future Goten lowered his head, deep in thought. "I-I see..."
Mr. Lao stood up and reached into his pocket, throwing Future Goten a zeni coin. "Just some food for thought. Thanks for helpin' me chop the wood."
Back in Chazke Village...
Some time had passed and Goku, Gohan, and Future Goten all met back up at the small restaurant in the center of Chazke Village. As they were each delivered a plate of stewed beef and rice, Future Goten sat in silence. He watched as his father and brother gave thanks and then voraciously tucked into their meals. His sat there, steam rising from it. He wasn't sure whether he was hungry or not.
At the table next to the Saiyans, two people were talking back and forth. "Didja hear about that new bandit group goin' 'round raidin' and ransackin' every village on the mountainside?"
The other nodded. "I did. Heard a rumor they was takin' whole villages hostage to work in some sorta minin' operation..."
This discussion made Future Goten uncomfortable and he visibly tensed up, looking angry. Goku chewed his food and nodded, closing his eyes. "Guess I should go for a walk through the woods once we take the groceries home..."
Gohan put his spoon down, his plate empty. "Can I come, Dad?"
Goku nodded and smiled. "Sure. The more the merrier~"
He turned to his older-younger son. "You can come too, Goten."
Future Goten looked to his father and then fell silent. Goku sighed, putting his spoon down as well. "Are you feeling any better?"
Future Goten flinched, but less so than normal. Goku sighed. "I know you were upset a couple of days ago. So, I've been trying to let you relax and take it easy and stuff. But, if that's not working for you, I'm willing to help however I can, son."
Future Goten swallowed a massive lump in his throat. He thought back to his conversation earlier with Mr. Lao and breathed out through his nose. He couldn't make himself look directly at Goku, but he started to speak. "Dad..."
The sound of tires squealing and engines revving cut Future Goten off. He, Goku, and Gohan all stood from their seats with a start as a massive commotion began outside. They heard a voice call out. "Okay scum! Listen up! You're all now property of the Wicked Crane Syndicate! So, come along quietly!"
Moving quickly, Goku, Gohan, and Future Goten ran out of the restaurant and came upon a disturbing sight. People were being rounded up from all directions and forced into the back of massive, black trucks. Their assailants were all burly men dressed in a style of clothing similar to Tien and Chiaotzu, except in all black. Gohan gripped his fists. "Dad, we should stop these guys!"
Gohan turned to look towards Goku, but Goku was already gone. He approached one of the thugs, who was forcing an elderly couple into the vehicle, from behind. "Hey! Let those people go!"
The thug turned to face Goku and laughed. "Who the hell do you think you are, you moron?!"
He grabbed Goku by the shirt. "Get your ass in the-"
Goku poked the guy in the chest with one finger and sent him flying into the side of the truck hard enough that it dented. The two elderly folks within ran out, seeing their chance to escape. Goku's Super Saiyan power flared. He looked angry. "I said let these people go! Right now!"
One of the other thugs yelped. "What the hell is this guy?!"
Another sneered. "Whatever he is, I bet he's not sword proof!"
He drew a sword and then all of his comrades did as well. They all shouted. "Charge!"
Surrounded from all sides, Goku didn't look concerned in the slightest. And, as his attackers go within arm's reach, he made it a point to personally introduce each of them to the ground with a punch or a kick.
The crowd of thugs seemed to think, despite Goku's skill, that they would overwhelm him eventually. However, they were soon caught by surprise as Gohan and Future Goten charged in. The two younger Saiyans plowed into the various goons and sent them crash to the wayside like they were nothing.
Seeing this, another thug pulled out a machine gun. "Who the hell do you punks think you are?!"
He started firing, but Future Goten was ready. He held out his hands and expertly grabbed all of the bullets out of the air. The thug yelped and Future Goten dropped the bullets and went Super Saiyan. "We're the ones who are going to put a stop to you!"
A thug attempted to hit Gohan with a crowbar, but Gohan blocked the weapon. It bent around his wrist like a wristwatch and he punched the thug in the gut. The burly man fell to the ground and Gohan pulled the crowbar away. "You won't be hurting these people anymore!"
"HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"
Gohan turned and saw, to his horror, that one of the thugs was emerging from Mr. Lao's house. An unconscious Kooky was slung over his shoulder and a struggling, terrified Lime was held under his arm. She cried out. "Grandpa! Anybody! Help me!"
Gohan charged in a fury. "Lime!"
Goku turned his attention in the direction Gohan was flying and gasped. In the backs of several of the trucks were various Chazke Villagers, all of them bound and gagged and trapped. The thug carrying Lime threw both her and her mother into the truck with a sinister chuckle, only to get tackled from behind by Gohan. Both Gohan and the thug launched into the truck and the door to the truck closed right behind them.
Standing from their beating, several of the thugs saw that they had captured quite a few villagers and called for an immediate retreat. "Let's get the hell out of here! We have enough new slaves for the mine!"
As the thugs ran, another person emerged from Mr. Lao's house. It was Mr. Lao. The old man's head was bleeding and he looked to be struggling to stand. He had been beaten pretty badly and it was clear that his back was giving him hell. "You bastards! Get back here with my daughter and granddaughter!"
Watching as Mr. Lao began to charge, Goku and Future Goten both nodded to one another and started to follow. However, a new foe then entered the battle. Faster than the eye could follow, he slammed into Mr. Lao, kicking the old man to the ground. And then, he zipped right in front of Goku and Future Goten. Future Goten flinched. "What the hell?!"
Goku looked surprised. "You?!"
Mercenary Tao wickedly smirked in the faces of his foes and fanned his hands in front of his face. "Eat this, you blond buffoons! DEADLY SOLAR FLARE!"
Goku and Future Goten didn't even have the time to shut their eyes. The searingly bright, white light flooded into their open sockets and the two Saiyans were immediately blinded. Both of them cried out in pain, not even noticing that Mercenary Tao had dropped five grenades at their feet. The explosions set off and Goku and Future Goten were both blown back. Mercenary Tao laughed at the misfortune of his foes. "You fools should learn to...uh..."
He saw the righteously angry look on Goku's face and his words caught in his throat. And then, sweat dripping down his face and without another word, Mercenary Tao leapt on top of one of the trucks and called out. "We're done here! Back to the mines!"
And so, the trucks drove off from the once peaceful Chazke Village: a significant portion of the population taken hostage and Goku, Future Goten, and Mr. Lao all left lying on the ground.
In the back of one of the trucks...
Several thugs laid on the floor of the truck, beaten totally senseless. As another thug was smashed across the face by the fist of an angered Gohan, his partner called out. "All right! That's enough, you brats!"
Gohan and the terrified Lime both turned to see a thug holding a bound and gagged Kooky at gunpoint. He snarled. "Here's what's gonna happen! You're gonna stop all this rebellion and put your hands behind your backs like good, obedient brats! You understand me?!"
Gohan looked ready to charge, but then he looked to Lime. Lime looked very worried for her mother. Gohan looked back to the thug and Kooky and saw him press the gun to her cheek. Gohan sighed and, for the time being, he threw his hands into the air and surrendered.
Sometime later, in Chazke Village...
Night had fallen in Chazke Village and the entire community was still reeling from the commotion earlier that day. Ever since he had been bandaged up, Mr. Lao had disappeared. Goku and Future Goten, meanwhile, were both still rendered utterly blind by Mercenary Tao's Deadly Solar Flare.
Goku groaned and harshly rubbed his hands over his eyes. "H-How many people was it?"
One of the villagers spoke up. "Fifteen altogether, Mr. Goku..."
Goku groaned. "Dammit..."
Future Goten hissed in pain as he pressed his hand to his eyes. "They took Mr. Lao's daughter and granddaughter. And Gohan too..."
Another one of the villagers spoke, desperation in her voice. "Wh-What do we do?! King Furry and the Royal Army are stretched so thin due to that Cell monster! And those thugs haven't even sent a ransom yet!"
Another villager spoke up. "We aren't going to get a ransom. Those bastards are after slaves, not money..."
"Well then what are we sittin' around for?"
Everyone turned and saw that Mr. Lao had entered the room. The old man was hunched over, his back still visibly throbbing. He was dressed in a purple and yellow gi and had a determined look in his eye. "We don't have the time to be standin' around and twidlin' our thumbs! Kooky and Lime and the others need our help! We gotta get movin'!"
One of the villagers stepped up to the elderly gent. "Mr. Lao, please rest! You can barely stand; you should-"
Mr. Lao pushed the guy away. "No! I can't just sit around and do nothin'! My back be damned! All of our friends and neighbors that were taken are sufferin'! Someone has got to go and do somethin'!"
Everyone fell silent, their fear apparent. Future Goten, meanwhile, stood right up. He pushed past the villagers and walked toward Mr. Lao's energy signature. Plowing through a table, the blind future teen spoke to the old man. "I couldn't agree more! We gotta go do something! All of those people need our help!"
One of the villagers started to speak. "But, young man, your eyes are-"
Mr. Lao smiled, cutting the person off. "Well said, son. Let's get the lead out."
Mr. Lao turned and Future Goten followed. Mr. Lao looked over his shoulder. "You comin', Goku?"
Goku stood up, his hand pressed over his face. "You guys go and find the mine. I'll catch up. I gotta go and grab a couple of things. Follow Mr. Lao's lead, Goten."
Future Goten flinched, but then he nodded. "Y-Yes, Dad..."
And then, in an instant, Goku vanished from sight. Mr. Lao nodded. He turned to Future Goten. "You ready to go?"
Future Goten nodded. "Gohan is in danger! I need to go save him, no matter what!"
Mr. Lao and Future Goten both took off, running towards the town gate. As they left, all the other villagers could do is watch. Seeing Future Goten and Mr. Lao getting farther away, one of the townsfolk called out. "Keep Mr. Lao safe, youngin'! And bring our friends home, please!"
Mt. Paozu, Evil Crane Syndicate Crystal Mine...
Gohan, Lime, Kooky, and the rest of the captured villagers were led deeper into the mine by their captors. All of them had had their hands roped behind their backs and their mouths taped shut. Lime looked terrified, Kooky was bravely attempting to comfort her daughter, and Gohan just looked annoyed. Up ahead, the young half-Saiyan could hear a shrill voice speak to another, slightly warbled voice.
The lot of them were pushed through a threshold and forced to line up in front of the two, shouting villains. Mercenary Tao was stood on one side, his face a ghostly white. "I'm telling you, brother, we should move our operations elsewhere! This mountain is definitely not safe!"
The other person, a frail and thin older man, sneered. "We can't leave! The materials we need to gather in order to buy a spaceship and flee this doomed planet are in this mine! We're so close, Tao! We need to keep pushing these worthless slaves until we have enough money!"
Mercenary Tao cringed. "Y-You don't understand...you don't know what I saw in that village..."
The older man waved Tao off. "Bah!"
He turned to the prisoners and adopted a wicked grin. "Welcome, slaves, to your new life! I am Master Shen, your new benefactor. You will be expected to work yourselves to the bone for me benefit. And, should you be alive once we have enough to buy a spaceship from Capsule Corporation, will shall accompany me into space to serve me for the rest of your lives~!"
Master Shen hobbled forward and began to examine his new workers. He made his way to Lime and grabbed her by one of her hair braids. Lime looked terrified, but Gohan immediately stepped forward and shoved Shen back with his shoulder. All of the thugs in the room immediately pointed their guns at Gohan. Shen snarled. "Tao! Teach that brat some manners!"
Already annoyed, Tao shot forward and prepared to strike. But then, he came to a very sudden halt. Shen scowled. "Tao! What are you doing?!"
Mercenary Tao was trembling, frozen directly in place. His mechanical eyes were locked onto Gohan, staring right into the boy's eyes. He shook his head. "N-No...it can't be..."
Tao and Gohan's eyes stayed locked. The thugs in the room all lowered their guns. One of them whispered to another. "I-Is that kid scaring Tao...?"
Master Shen sneered. He turned to his men. "Quit standing around and take the slaves to be collared and shackled! We need to get them to work now! NOW!"
The thugs immediately sprang into action. They grabbed Gohan, Lime, and the others and quickly lead them away. Once the group of new slaves was gone, Master Shen turned towards his brother. "Tao! Are your cybernetics malfunctioning?! Why did you freeze up in front of that kid?!"
Mercenary Tao turned to his brother, his face pouring with sweat. "Brother...we need to get out the newer, stronger body. Now..."
Outside the mine...
Mr. Lao and Future Goten both arrived outside of the Crystal Mine. They were both already out of sorts and the fighting hadn't even begun yet. Mr. Lao was out of breath and could barely stand. Future Goten's lack of vision was continuing to disorient him. The two of them looked towards one another. "So... you wanna save your brother because he's 'in danger', eh?"
Future Goten closed his eyes and sighed. Mr. Lao chuckled. "Liar. We both know that kid ain't in danger. He could solve all of this on his own if he felt like it..."
Future Goten shook his head. "I'm no liar. I know Gohan. He's definitely strong, but he's also entirely selfless. He'll put himself in harm's way to protect people that can't protect themselves, even if it gets himself hurt in the process. And... while none of these pathetic thugs are all that strong, one of them did manage to cripple both me and my Dad with a single trick..."
Future Goten opened his eyes and rubbed his hand over them. "Who knows what else they might have up their sleeve..."
Mr. Lao chuckled. "I really do like you, my boy. You think ahead. And you're just a selfless as your brother is."
Future Goten flinched. "Y-You really think so?"
Mr. Lao nodded and stood. "Indeed."
He hobbled over to a nearby pile of mining equipment and grabbed two worn pickaxes. The old man broke the heads off of the two of them. He tossed one of the handles toward Future Goten and the blinded half-Saiyan caught it. Mr. Lao smirked. "You know your way around a staff?"
Future Goten smirked back. "I know a trick or two."
And so, Mr. Lao and Future Goten sneaked into the mine. Silent as shadow, the two of them took out the various guards around the entrance area. The old man rushed at the back of a thug, kicking him in the back of the neck and sending him crashing to the ground. The thug's partner saw this and tried to call for help, but Future Goten was right there to deliver a lightning quick staff-strike combination that knocked the ne'er-do-well out cold. Mr. Lao chuckled. "You know a trick or two, huh?"
Future Goten smiled. "Maybe three~"
The two of them continued on. Future Goten continued his staff strikes and Mr. Lao, in spite of his back, showed just how proficient he was in Wing Chun style martial arts. He deflected punch after punch with grace and agility, tossing and throwing various burly assailants into the surrounding rocks and machinery and knocking them out cold. Future Goten cracked his staff over a thug's head, breaking it in half and tossing the broken tool aside. "You have some solid moves, Mr. Lao."
Mr. Lao chuckled and shot the victory sign, sitting down onto an unconscious brute's back. "I didn't become a two-time World Martial Arts Champ by being a novice."
Future Goten sat down. "Two-time champ, eh? Impressive."
He sighed. "So, what do we do now?"
Mr. Lao put his finger to his lips. "We keep quiet and wait for that father of yours. We're going to need his help to take out all of these punks without harming any of the people held prisoner within."
Future Goten nodded. "Well, hopefully he'll be here soon."
Mr. Lao smirked. "Well, knowing that Goku..."
In an instant, Goku appeared in front of Mr. Lao and Future Goten. Future Goten flinched back. "Oh, hey Dad. You're-"
Two hands pressed to Future Goten's eyes and he felt a warm energy wash over his face. After a moment, Future Goten blinked a few times and his sight returned, revealing a small, smiling Namekian in front of him. Dende smiled at Future Goten. "It is very nice to meet you, Brother of Gohan."
Goku smiled. "Hey, Dende, would you mind healing up Mr. Lao's back while you're at it?"
Dende nodded. "Of course!"
He walked over to Mr. Lao and pressed his hands to the old man's back. Mr. Lao was pensive at first, but then his face softened. Once Dende was done, Mr. Lao jumped to his feet and clicked his heels together. "Whoopee! I haven't felt this good in years!"
This commotion immediately caught the attention of a couple of approaching Crane Syndicate members. They both raised their guns and shouted. "What the hell?!"
Mr. Lao blushed and chuckled. "Whoops. That was a dumb thing to do, huh?"
Goku shrugged and punched his fist into his palm. "Doesn't matter! We were going to make a ruckus anyway~!"
Future Goten sighed and cracked his neck. "I'm with ya. Let's crush these guys!"
Mr. Lao took a fighting stance. The two thugs began to fire their weapons, but they were both shocked as the bullets seemed to collide with thin air. Dende took the lead in front of the three warriors, maintaining a defensive barrier in front of the four of them. "I came down here from my work in restoring the Dragon Balls to save Gohan! Now let's get to it!"
The four of them charged towards the thugs, the bullets from their weapons doing nothing to halt the advance. One of the thugs shrieked in terror, the other called behind him. "Sounds the alarm! We have intruders!"
Deep within the mine...
The alarms deep within the mine began to shriek and Lime and Kooky both flinched in shock. The thugs leading the group of prisoners looked up at the blaring sirens with consternation. "I-Intruders?! We have intruders?!"
Gohan took a deep breath and, with a single forceful pull, snapped the ropes holding his wrists behind him. Before either of the guards could react, Gohan leapt forward and kicked the two Crane Syndicate members. The two thugs were sent flying and crashing into the wall and Gohan landed, pulling the tape off of his mouth. He turned and walked over to Lime, pulling the tape from her face and starting to untie her hands. "Let's get the heck out of here!"
Once her hands were free, Lime turned and hugged Gohan tight. "I knew we could count on you."
Gohan smiled. "What are friends for? Now..."
He reached down and grabbed a sharp stone, handing it to Lime. "Let's cut everyone else loose and get out of here."
Lime nodded. "Right~"
On the other end of the mine...
Goku, Future Goten, and Mr. Lao were tearing through the thugs like they were nothing. As they beat the hell out of any enemy that came into their sight, Dende pointed his fingers to various prisoners and fired his weak energy beams. These wouldn't be strong enough to deal lasting damage to any foe, but they were strong enough to sever chains holding people in place. Mr. Lao shouted to the newly freed slaves. "Run towards the exit! There won't be any guards to stop you! Get out of here!"
The people were eager to obey, running from their former servitude into the sweet air of freedom. The ongoing riot proceeded deeper and deeper into the mine until, busting through a set of steel doors, Goku, Future Goten, Mr. Lao, and Dende came into the inner sanctum of Master Shen.
On the other side of the sanctum, the doors busted open and Gohan came running through with Lime, Kooky, and the other villagers. Lime gasped and ran across the room. "Grandpa!"
Kooky shouted and ran as well. "Dad!"
Mr. Lao smiled wide and ran to his family. "Kooky! Lime!"
The three of them met in the middle and embraced into a tight hug. Goku and Future Goten approached as well, smiling at the heartwarming reunion and then smiling towards one another. Future Goten blushed and scratched his cheek.
After leading the other residents of Chazke Village in the direction of the exit, Gohan turned and smiled at the familiar green face behind him. He opened his arms wide and Dende flew into them. The two of them hugged and chuckled, happy to see each other after so long. Gohan shouted out. "Dende! My Dad told me you became our new Guardian! It's good to see you!"
Dende smiled and wrapped his arms tight around his friend. "It's good to see you, too! We have so much catching up to do!"
"YOU CAN CATCH UP IN HELL, YOU LITTLE BASTARDS!"
Everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice and saw Master Shen standing there, a look of utter disdain on his face. "We were so close to having our ticket off of this doomed rock! And you people had to go and louse it up! How dare you ruin our operation?!"
Goku cocked his head. "The Crane Hermit...? Didn't Tien run you off at the 23rd Tournament?"
Master Shen's scowl worsened. "How dare you bring that traitor up?! Die, you fool!"
Shen slammed his fist against a button on the wall. A hangar door behind him opened and dozens of Skull Robo's sprang to life. The red-eyed robots all poured out and filled up the room, surrounding the warriors. Finally, one more Skull Robo came stomping out. This one, however, had a special part attached to it. In place of a skull-like head was the head of Mercenary Tao. Tao sneered. "Goku! I knew it was you when I saw your face! You and what I'm assuming are those two rotten kids of yours!"
Goku smirked. "Oh, hey Tao. You're looking a lot bigger these days. You been training?"
Tao snarled. "Don't get cheeky with me, you little brat! This cybernetic body might not be a martial arts feat of any sort, but it will spell your death! I shall finally get my revenge for the embarrassment you caused me!"
Mercenary Tao and the Skull Robo's charged at the warriors. Goku chuckled and flared out his Super Saiyan power, crashing into Tao with a kick and sending him flying back into the hangar he came out of. As Goku gave chase, Gohan and Future Goten got to work. With their Super Saiyan strength, the two of them tore through the Skull Robo's like they were nothing.
Mr. Lao pushed Kooky and Lime back, turning to Dende. "Guardian of Earth, would you kindly watch over my family?"
Dende smiled and threw up a forcefield. "It's my job! I'll keep them safe~"
Mr. Lao chuckled. "Well said, young man."
And then, his glare focused on Master Shen and he charged towards the Crane Hermit. Lao launched a kick at Master Shen and the wicked martial artist blocked it. The force of Lao's strike was enough to take Shen off of his feet and send him crashing into a wall. Shen got to his feet and snarled. Lao took a fighting stance. "You will pay for terrorizing the innocent people of this mountain!"
In the Skull Robo Hangar...
Goku and Mercenary Tao faced off against one another. Tao swung a set of kuzuri claws that emerged from his robotic arm at Goku, but Goku was able to snap them like twigs with a single kick. Tao flinched in shock and, without missing a beat, held out his palm and shot flames at Goku. Goku responded by punching through the flames and hitting Tao square in the chest, making his bulky body smash into a wall.
Tao sneered. "You bastard..."
The last time he had seen Goku, the boy was new to his adult body. His arms and legs, while not lanky, were much thinner than the chiseled marble limbs striking at Tao now. Tao lunged at Goku. "How dare you become this strong?!"
Goku kicked Tao in the face and sent him crashing to the ground. "If you would just try to get stronger the honest way, even for just a little bit, you could be this strong! The fact that you're pure evil isn't even the worst thing about you, Tao. The worst thing about you is that you never try to improve!"
Tao snapped and swung his prehensile tail at Goku, wrapping it around the Saiyan's forearm. "DIE!"
A high-voltage electric shock surged across Tao's tail, but Goku didn't even flinch. He simply yanked his arm as hard as he could and ripped Tao's tail clean off. The assassin sneered. "You think that you're that much better than me?!"
He charged at Goku and tried to throw a punch, but Goku responded with a half-hearted deflect. The sheer force of Goku's deflecting strike was enough to make Tao's mechanical forearm rupture and shatter apart. Tao yelped and then Goku hooked his leg around the back of Tao's head and slammed him to the floor. "I don't think I'm better than anyone, Tao. But I'm definitely stronger than you. I was hoping that over a decade of time would have made you better, but you've only become worse."
Tao fired beams from his eyes with a roar, but Goku simply slapped them away with a single hand. "You were a revered martial artist at one point. Seeing you become so reliant on technology is just sad, man."
And then, Goku's face became angry. "Now, you're welcome to live your life however you please. I don't care. But this mountain is my home! And I will not have you bringing your evil here!"
He charged in and slapped Tao across the face to emphasize each word of warning. "LEAVE! And! Never! Ever! Come! Back!"
The mercenary crashed to the ground, gasping in shock as his face throbbed. Goku stood over Tao. "Now, did you learn your-"
Mercenary Tao sat back up and fan his remaining hand over his face. "DEADLY SOLAR FLARE!"
The same attack from before flashed right in Goku's face. Tao smirked and then held up his hand, making all five of his fingertips pop off. "DODON RAY!"
The beams began to fire out of Tao's fingers. But, reaching out, Goku's fingers plugged up the holes. The beams of energy stalled in Tao's robotic arm and it, just like its twin, exploded into pieces. Tao fell back, screaming his head off, and Goku's fist shot forward to deliver a devastating uppercut. Tao groaned. "H-How...?"
He looked up and gasped in shock at what he saw. Goku was standing there, a smirk on his face, and a pair of Master Roshi's sunglasses covering his eyes. "Hehe! I made a couple of stops before we came here!"
Tao got to his feet. "You...you little..."
And then, to Tao's surprise, Master Shen came flying into the hangar with such force that it knocked the hulking, cyborg behemoth to the ground. Goku turned and looked towards the hangar entrance, seeing Mr. Lao standing there with a confident grin. "Come on, Goku! Let's get while the gettin's good!"
Goku nodded and ran towards the exit. "Right!"
As Goku and Lao ran, however, Master Shen pushed himself up. He was bloodied and beaten, embarrassed by Mr. Lao. He reached into his robes and pulled out a remote control. "You bastards...if...if I have to die...then everyone dies with me!"
And then, in the ultimate act of cowardice, Shen pressed the button on the remote that made the mine begin its self-destruct procedure.
In the mine...
Goku, Gohan, Future Goten, Dende, Mr. Lao, Kooky, and Lime all managed to regroup just in time for the mine to start exploding and crumbling all around them. Surrounded by the destroyed rubble of dozens of Skull Robo's and with debris falling at a rapid rate, any normal group of people would be doomed. But, any group with Goku in it would be anything but ordinary. Motioning for everyone to grab onto him, the Saiyan from Earth pressed his fingers to his forehead and they entire lot of them disappeared in an instant.
From their spot in their hangar, Master Shen and Mercenary Tao could only watch on in jaw-dropped shock as the rubble from the explosion sealed them both inside their metal box prison.
Back in Chazke Village...
The return to Chazke Village was one of much fanfare. As everyone returned to the village, the other villager cheered and cried out in happiness and celebration. As they all began partying, however, Goku, Gohan, and Future Goten all grabbed their share of the grocery shopping and made their way towards the village gate.
Lime and Gohan both shared a laugh, hugging one another and wishing each other the best. Lime promised she would bring Gohan a really cool surprise for his birthday a few days later.
Kooky thanked Goku again and again and again, hugging him tight and calling him a true hero. Goku shrugged and sighed, insisting that he just did what he thought was right and nothing more than that.
And finally, Future Goten and Mr. Lao shared one last smile towards one another. No words should have been necessary between the two of them, but Future Goten spoke two very important words anyway. "Thank you."
Mr. Lao chuckled. "Don't mention it, boy."
And so, Goku, Gohan, Future Goten, and Dende all turned and began their flight back towards Goku's house.
In the air...
Dende turned towards Goku with a smile. "Well, I'm glad I was able to help. But I really should be getting back to the Dragon Balls. I still have a lot of work to do before they're functional again."
Goku nodded and smiled. "Sure thing. Thanks for taking a break to fix our eyes, Dende. I appreciate it. We owe you one."
Dende shook his head. "Oh no no no! You certainly do not. I am the Guardian of this Earth. It is my job to assist you in defending it~"
Goku sighed. "Right right..."
He motioned to Gohan. "He, Gohan, would you mind flying Dende back to the Lookout? He's still new to the Earth and I don't want him getting lost."
Gohan nodded, looking genuinely excited. "Of course! Would you mind taking my share of the groceries?"
Goku held out his hand and Gohan tossed him the bag. And then, motioning towards Dende, the two of them went flying off towards the Lookout. Once they were safely gone, Goku slowed down his flight speed and hovered next to Goku. "So, what were you going to say earlier?"
Future Goten flinched. "P-Pardon?"
Goku crossed his arms over his chest. "You were going to say something to me in the restaurant before you got interrupted. What was it?"
Future Goten nodded. "O-Oh...right..."
He cleared his throat, feeling the question forming a lump in it again. Future Goten reflected on everything he had seen and heard over the course of the day. Everything he had seen Goku do and everything he had heard from Mr. Lao. The boy sighed. "I was going to ask if you could ever forgive me for what I allowed to happen in the future. But...I feel like I know the answer now..."
He turned to Goku, a sad smile on his face. "Y-You're going to say that there's nothing to forgive..."
Goku smiled and nodded. "Of course, I am. Cuz it's the truth. You haven't done anything wrong, son. And, even if you did...it doesn't matter..."
Future Goten chuckled. "You can really just say that, huh? That even if I did something wrong you would forgive me...?"
Goku chuckled. "Well, duh. You're my son. How could I ever stay mad at you? I like fighting and stuff, sure...but Chi-Chi, Gohan, Chika, the Goten at home, all of my friends, and you too...you guys are my life. I couldn't be happy without all of you around, because you all mean the world to me~"
Goku flew close and wrapped his arm around Future Goten's shoulder. "Especially you and your siblings. You three are my kids; you're the world that I try to defend whenever danger pops up~"
Future Goten could feel tears welling in his eyes. He stopped flying and Goku did at well. There was a brief moment of pause, and then Future Goten wrapped his arms tight around Goku's neck. "I love you, Dad. And I'm so sorry I didn't try to spend more time with you while I was here in the past..."
Goku closed his eyes and hugged Future Goten back. "Quit apologizing for everything. We still have time. Even if it's just for a few day...I wouldn't miss time with you for anything, son..."
After a long, long hug, the two of them continued flying. Goku chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "So, Eighter told me that you heard all sorts of stories about me in the future. S-Sorry if I don't live up to everything everyone had to say..."
Future Goten wiped the tears from his eyes with a chuckle. "Are you kidding me? Of course, you don't live up to those stories. Y-You better in person than anyone could have described. I'm...so glad I got to finally meet you, Dad~"
And so, the two Saiyans flew back to their home together, the massive full moon shining in the night sky. Although they did not have much more time left until the Cell Games, they two of them were ready to make every second they had together count.
